FWD: Morning Manna (July 18); BP: Ps. 19; RBTTY: Acts 21:1-17; Ps. 20-22

 
Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net

 

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-----Original Message-----
From: "Apostle Tom" <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Tue, 17 Jul 2007 17:06:47 -0500
To: pressingon@hotmail.com
Subject: Morning Manna (July 18); BP: Ps. 19; RBTTY: Acts 21:1-17; Ps. 20-22
 
 
July 18 “Right Rejoicing”  
“The Statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the  
heart. . .”  
Psalm 19:8a  
In building Christlikeness in us, the Spirit uses these to keep us  
“straight and level.”  
Anyone who’s ever tried renovating an old house knows how frustrating  
it is when he finds the walls “out of square” and the floors un-level. This  
may have been the result of shoddy workmanship or the twisting of the house  
because of faulty foundations or settling soil. Regardless, what initially  
looked to be a simple job turns out to be a total nightmare.  
 
And, so it is with rebuilding a life. A newborn baby is a delightful  
creature, bringing great joy to his parents and grandparents. For the first  
few years we laugh at his loveable ways and rejoice at his first words or  
steps.  
 
But, soon the tiny tyke can become a “terrible terror,” throwing temper  
tantrums and always demanding his own way. Although we patiently try to  
correct his behavior and teaching him right-from-wrong, the time comes when  
we must “turn him loose” and entrust him to the Lord.  
 
That’s why it’s important for us to teach our children at an early age  
that “the Statutes (Heb. ‘piqquwd’—‘mandate, commandment, precept, etc.’) of  
the Lord are right (Heb. ‘yashar’—‘straight, equitable, upright, just,  
etc.’).” If a level, firm foundation is essential to a solid, square house,  
so is God’s Word essential to a Godly life. Without it, we are like the man  
building his house upon the sands of the seashore; it may stand for a  
while—but soon the storms beat against it, causing it to crumble (Mt.  
7:24-27).  
 
Down through the years the Ten Commandments (Ex. 20:1-17) have been  
likened to 10 oppressive laws given by God to make us miserable. However,  
our Lord never intended for them to be viewed so—for they were given to aid  
us in our relationship to Him (first four—vv.1-11) and others (last  
six—vv.12-17).  
 
This doesn’t mean we should view them as little more than  
“suggestions,” for our failure to keep them is perilous indeed. However, it  
does mean our embracing them “rejoices (Heb. ‘samach’—‘to brighten up, cheer  
up, be gleesome, make merry, etc.’) the heart” because, as David said, “I  
delight to do Your will, O my God; yea, Your law is within my heart” (Ps.  
40:8). Hallelujah!!  
 
Oh, dear Pilgrim, we need not wonder if our ways are pleasing to the  
Lord when His Statutes are our “plumb, square and level.” Likewise, we need  
not engage in senseless debate with others who doubt the validity or  
relevance of His Word—for we know “His Statutes are right” and “in the  
keeping of them there is great reward” (Ps. 19:11b). Glory!! What better  
time than right now to look into the “Mirror of God’s Word” to see “what  
manner of person we are” (James 1:23-24). Then may we allow Christ, the  
Master Builder, to make us into a “vessel of honor. . .fit for His use. .  
.prepared unto every good work” (II Tim. 2:21). Amen and amen.  
 
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