Psalms 119

Psalms 119

 I really like this psalm. Enough, that I wrote a booklet of devotions using that chapter.

A few months ago, I realized that if I listen to it on my Bible app while I am walking, it takes me about 7/8 of a mile. Neat, huh?! So, my goal is to walk to those words once a week. I don’t always do so, but then a goal is just that, whether we reach it or not.

 Here is the introduction that is in the front of my devotional booklet.

 This chapter in Psalms is so long, many people don't want to read it. I challenge you to not only read it, but learn to look forward to reading it time and again!

There are eight different words used for the Scriptures in this psalm. The psalm is an acrostic poem with twenty-two stanzas. Each verse of each section begins with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Most verses use one of these eight words in reference to the Scriptures. Verses; 3, 37, 90, 122, 132 do not. But, six other verses; 16, 43, 48, 160, 168, 172 each contain two mentions of those words.

 My booklet is not meant to be a complete study of Psalms 119. I am not qualified to do so. My goal was to write a devotion for each of the twenty-two sections. Each section has many wonderful thoughts. I focused on one thought for each section. I have written these short devotions, not as an in-depth Bible study, but so you can read them on-the-go and spark your interest to study this wonderful chapter more on your own. I thank all who came before me to write studies on this book and chapter for me to learn from!

Throughout the book are prayers using the verses in the devotion. It is a blessing to be able to read God's Word and to pray those words to Him!

So, I want to urge you to read Psalm 119!!!   Whether you get my book or not is not important. I encourage you to open your Bible to that psalm and let God speak to your heart!

Just in case you do want it, here is the link.  https://www.amazon.com/Psalm-119-Devotional-Study-Guide/dp/1537236512/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

I won't even promise

Wow, I really need to post to this blog more often! Sorry I have been remiss. Whew! Life just gets in the way, but then that is what I am supposed to be writing about, isn't it. Life. I won't even promise I will be better. But, I did think of something to write today, so see the next post for that thought!

Psalm 119:10-11

As I worked on these verses this month, I focused on the first one for I already knew the second one. We have taught Psalm 119:11 during the years to our Sunday school classes, both for hearing and deaf children. It has been neat explaining it to them and seeing them learn it. Hopefully, those children (adults, now) still have it in their heart and other verses, also, by obeying the meaning of that verse.

As, I studied the first verse and meditated on it, I couldn’t help but think of the song, COME, THOU FOUNT OF EVERY BLESSING by Ro­bert Ro­bin­son, written in 1758. In the 4^th verse, he says’

“O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.”

When I first heard this song, I was going through a tough patch in my Christian life. I was disappointed with people who claimed to serve God, but didn’t do as I thought we had been taught. I loved God, but felt like I could have left the church. When we’d sing this song, each time, I sing this verse as a heart-felt prayer. It still has a special place in my heart and soul, because God did keep me from wandering.

We must completely depend on God, not on ourselves, to keep us on the right way as we follow God’s Word, not to keep our salvation, for that is secure. But, so we not only can live joyfully in the presence of God one day in Heaven, but also here on earth … and to be a witness to other people.

If you are not familiar with this song, here it a link to it. http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/c/o/comethou.htm

Notes from the Defender’s Bible by Dr. Henry M. Morris - http://www.icr.org/index.php?module=home&action=search&f_search_type=bible

PSALM 119:10

not wander.  With less self-confidence than before his cleansing through the Word the young man realizes his deep dependence on the Lord, on prayer, and on the Word, calling out for strength not to “wander” away from God’s written will.

PSALM 119:11

hid in mine heart.  How vitally important it is to memorize Scripture, hiding God’s Word in both heart and mind, if we are to have daily victory over sin in our lives. Here the “young man” uses the eighth and final word for the Scriptures in this psalm, Hebrew  again translated simply by “Word,” thus emphasizing not just a concept or thought but the very words of God.

My 3 devotional booklets.

I have written 3 devotional Books. Today, I want to talk about the one on Psalm 119. When I was younger and would read the Psalms, a chapter a day, I was overwhelmed when I got to this psalm. It was sooooo long! But, it has become one of my most favorite chapters in the Bible.
I did a study on the psalm using several books, and came up with this book of devotions.

The devotional booklet can be purchased at: Psalm 119 Devotional

Book Sale and signing

Come if you can!

Number 36 best seller! :)

Thank you to all who made the last four days exciting! All the likes and shares and support were amazing! 63 people downloaded the free eBook. That makes this author so happy!
At the last of the event, Satilla Secrets was listed as #36 in the 100 best sellers for Christian Historical Fiction free eBooks.
I guess that means I can count it as a 'best seller' now, Ha!
After you read the book, if you have time and want to, please leave a review on my Amazon page.
God bless you and have a great day

Books by Belinda Jo Adams

FREE eBook 3 more days!

Celebrating a year having Satilla Secrets in publication. From April 17-20, you can get the eBook FREE!! Don't miss this chance to get this eBook FREE!!

Satilla Secrets

Many secrets were kept during the years as our ancestors settled this land. Satilla Secrets tells of one kept by the Smith family as they settled in the southeast area of Georgia. Read how they
survive in the untamed land of outlaws and Indian attacks and help bring a longed-for town into a reality. Included in the back of the book is a timeline of that period of Pierce County history.

Making Our Words Sweeter

MEMORY VERSE CHALLENGE  # 2 -

1 Corinthians 2:5  "That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God."

I have read this verse during the month and then read the verses around it. I haven’t focused on any one thought or received a touching devotion. Until today. And now two thoughts are bouncing around in my head.

# 1 - I am a no-nonsense person when it comes to talking to someone, especially on the phone.  I say what I want to say and the conversation is over! That is my tendency, anyway. I keep trying to change that and learn to use ‘small talk and pleasantries’ to …I guess to extend the conversation and get to know people better. Many times I fall short.

# 2 - I remember when preachers used to preach ‘hell fire and brimstone’ sermons, at least on Sunday mornings. They told people of their great sin and a Saviour who could forgive that sin. I also remember, almost to the moment, when the sermons changed to be more teaching than preaching.  I miss the hard preaching. I not only learned from it, but felt God leading me more. We also saw lots of people walking the aisles at church and getting saved, then living for God!

I wonder if Paul was being like that, preaching hard, expounding their sin, then decided he needed to use a sweeter tone to his approach. They say a little sweetness added to your words go along way. Just wondering here, for as I said, God didn’t give me a devotion from it this time.

So, back to the verse of the month. As we trust God to lead us in what to say to people, we can have the faith that the words that are used are not from our own wisdom, but the power of God will bless them to bring about His will.

 Belinda Jo

Memory Verse Challenge

This month I had a challenge to memorize and meditate on a Bible verse. My husband and I both learned it.

It is Psalm 27:1 "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"

To me, this is a special verse, because God is the light that leads me to my salvation through Him. He then leads me each day and gives me strength to take one step at a time throughout my life until I meet Him. With that guidance and assurance there is nothing I should fear!

Here it is with a photo I put it on.
The body of water is Banks Lake close to Valdosta, Georgia.

Memory Verse Challenge

I joined a special group of people and we have decided to memorize a new verse of the Bible each month. Click on the above link to join it!

Christian Ladies' Network

I am a member of a Christian Ladies' Network. Working together by praying for and encouraging each other in our daily walks for the Master.

This week we started a challenge for memorizing a verse each month. I needed that so I joined.

Here is a link to the site if you want to join it.
Christian Ladies Network Bible Memory Challenge

Christmas trims are gone

Well, the Christmas items are put away. Today is January 20. Only about a month past Christmas day! I started decorating for the holidays the day after Thanksgiving. But before I could get it done, I became sick. I was so sick, I could not enjoy the special time of year that I enjoy so much. Then, while I was still recuperating, I decided that maybe I'd just leave everything up until after next Christmas, then I would not have to worry about my sickness to interfere.

But, alas, I could not stand the clutter. Since I have felt so good the past week or so, I took advantage of this summer-like day to organize the items so maybe it will be a quicker job done next year. And, maybe I will do it earlier since I seem to get sick in November.  September or October would be nice!

And, of course, I hope we can all keep the Christmas spirit in our hearts all year long.

Christmas trims are gone

Carols still sing in my heart

Hope it lasts all year

By BJA December 2014

Everyday Is Christmas

 Everyday is Christmas

Because of Jesus’ birth.

Joy stirred many hearts

When He came to earth.

Everyday is Christmas

For salvation He brings.

The love He shares

Makes our hearts sing.

 Everyday is Christmas

If we really care

For others around us and

The good news share.

Everyday is Christmas

With Jesus in our heart.

Having sweet fellowship

Only He can impart.

Everyday is Christmas

Let the whole world know.

By living our lives

So He will show.

By Belinda Jo Adams 12/ 1993