September 20th
SEPTEMBER 20th
Psalm 119:1-8 Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart— they do no wrong but follow his ways. You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.
A couple of things to consider here. One is that it speaks of those whose ways are blameless, who do no wrong, etc. How many times do we automatically not even attempt to be blameless because we don’t think it is possible? When we have that attitude, we are defeated before we even start. That is exactly where the enemy wants us. But God doesn’t leave us the way we are, He brings progress! Via the Holy Spirit, we make progress. That is what sanctification is all about, being transformed into the image of God that we were created to be a reflection of in life.
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
He does it in us! The Holy Spirit sanctifies us. All we have to do is surrender.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
He doesn’t just forgive us, He purifies us from ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS. There are so many verses that we don’t really pay attention to ALL of the words in the verse and we miss the whole meaning. We latch on to that one about forgiveness and we stop there and miss the purification part. We have to surrender and ask Him to do it.
The other thing about that passage in Psalm 119 above is that we must consider (think about, focus on) his Word and learn it and then we will not be put to shame (because we will have wisdom and make the right decisions, surrendering to sanctification) and we will obey.
I like this particular passage in the NLT version as well:
Psalm 119:1-8 Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me!
Lord thank you that there is hope for me! Thank you for your forgiveness but also thank you for not stopping at forgiveness but also purifying me. Help me to stay surrendered to you Holy Spirit so that you can do your transformation work in me. Help me change the way I think!