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Abigail's
Newsletter |
September 29, 1999 |
| Do you find God's law a delight? Do you make
time to meditate on His precepts and understand His statutes? Sometimes it is difficult to
rejoice in the requirements of God, in His ways which are so different from the world
around us. I have trouble finding time to read the Bible, let alone quiet time to meditate
on the words, and study God's decrees. Then applying them to my life is another level -
which is very difficult to do, especially if I have not taken time to read and meditate
first. As Christians we are set apart from this world,
but we are still here in this world, and tempted by the draw of worldly things. As a
couple and as a family we can easily get pulled into worldly values and the world's view
of right and wrong. |
God's love and comfort is always given to those
who ask for it. As Christians we know of God's love, beyond the giving of the law, but
also in the giving of His Son. God is very gracious and giving, but He is also Just. He
cannot overlook our sins, but only by the cleansing blood of Jesus can we be seen
blameless before God. And just as the psalmist wants his heart to be blameless before God
(v. 80) so we should thank God for his provision to see us blameless. My prayer to God is for my heart to desire to know God's laws as well
as his grace. To be drawn to Him in everything I do. And to show His love to everyone -
including those closest to me, my husband and children. May God's love permeate your life
and family. |
"73Your hands made me and
formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands.
74May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in
your word.
75I know, O Lord, that your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness you have
afflicted me.
76May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your
servant.
77Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight.
78May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause; but I will
meditate on your precepts.
79May those who fear you turn to me, those who understand your statutes.
80May my heart be blameless toward your decrees, that I may not be put to
shame." Psalm 119:73-80 (NIV) |
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October 8, 1999 |
| When facing difficult times with little hope,
where do you turn? Where does the world look? We should hope in God's word, and put our
trust in Him. Even when David was hunted and persecuted, he still followed God's precepts
(v 87) and knew that God is to be trusted. It is not always easy to trust God when life's
difficulties can be overwhelming. But God is bigger than all our hardships, and His wisdom
is greater than all the earth. When we know how much
God loves us, and that God wants what is best for us, and He has the power to bring it
about, we should not have any trouble trusting God. His love is so great for us that he
laid down the life of His only son. By this love we are God's children, by the sacrifice
of Jesus, and our acceptance of this free gift. |
And He spoke a word, and all the earth and the
heavens were created. That is power. There is nothing He cannot do. But God allows us
freedom to choose our paths, and determine our own fate. God knows so much more than we can know. He created everything, and
knows it well. He knows our deepest innermost thoughts and feelings, things which we may
not even admit to ourselves! He knows what has been, what is today, and what will be in
the future. God is not limited by our understanding. This is a God to be trusted. He loves
us, He has all the power, and the knowledge and wisdom. He is a mighty and awesome God.
Praise God! And put your trust in Him, for yourself, your marriage, and your family. |
"81My soul faints with longing
for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word.
82My eyes fail, looking for your promise; I say, 'When will you comfort me?'
83Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke, I do not forget your decrees.
84How long must your servant wait? When will you punish my persecutors?
85The arrogant dig pitfalls for me, contrary to your law.
86All your commands are trustworthy; help me, for men persecute me without
cause.
87They almost wiped me from the earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts.
88Preserve my life according to your love, and I will obey the statutes of your
mouth." Psalm 119:81-88 (NIV) |
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October 13, 1999 |
| Do you read your Bible daily? Do you know all
of God's commands? But God's commands are limitless (v 96), and we can never know them
all, just as we can never know all of God. He is so far above us, so much more than we can
even imagine. But the Bible shares with us His word, and precepts. A precept is a moral directive, command or rule for action or
conduct. Also a precept is a law. And God's laws are just, as God is just. He provides so
much help for daily living in how to act, and procedures to follow which are pleasing to
Him, in the laws of the Bible. And Jesus even helped by summarizing the two most
important: first to love God with all our being, and second to love others as ourselves. |
God's laws are infinite, and also eternal (v
89). His laws do not change according to the world, or the ideas of the day. They are
constant laws for then, now and all time. Some people try to change the rules as often as
they change their mind. But God's rules do not change, and are not subject to change by
us. God created us, and created the rules. He allows us the freedom to live by the rules,
or not, but the laws do not change. The psalmist
shares how God's precepts have saved his life (v 93). And only by God, and his gift of
salvation through Jesus, can our lives be saved. If we follow His laws, they save us from
hurting ourselves and others. And Jesus saves us from death, the ultimate separation from
God. |
"89Your word, O Lord, is
eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.
90Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the
earth, and it endures.
91Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you.
92If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.
93I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life.
94Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts.
95The wicked are waiting to destroy me, but I will ponder your statues.
96To all perfection I see a limit; but your commands are boundless."
Psalm 119:89-96 (NIV) |
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October 20,
1999 |
Does your husband make you feel
special? Do you make him feel special? Does your husband feel loved and wanted by you? The
Song of Solomon opens a window into the intimate emotions and feelings shared between
lovers. He makes her feel special among any other maidens (v. 2) and she shares that he is
the special man in her life (v. 3).
Find out what makes your husband feel special,
and let him know, in word and deed, that you appreciate him and his efforts. Build him up
with words of encouragement, and acts of service. Leave him notes of love, and surprise
him with hugs, kisses and smiles. |
Let your husband know that he is special to
you. He is your only husband, and that you would marry him again, if he asked! Think about
all the things he does for you and your family. Thank God for your husband, and all of his
wonderful qualities. Praise your husband in front of others. Let your children know how
you feel, and how important he is in your family. As
wife (and mother) you set the mood for the home. Choose today to set a mood of
thankfulness, gratefulness and happiness. Take a stand and act, don't react. Let your
husband know how special he is, how special God made him. |
"1I am a rose
of Sharon, a lily of the valleys.
2Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the maidens.
3Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my lover among the young
men. I delight to sit in his shade and his fruit is sweet to my taste.
4He has taken me to the banquet hall, and his banner over me is love.
5Strengthen me with raisins, refresh me with apples, for I am faint with love.
6His left arm is under my head, and his right arm embraces me.
7Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the
field: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires."
Song of Songs 2:1-7 (NIV) |
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October 29,
1999 |
| As our shepherd, God directs us in the ways of
righteousness. There are many ways to fall astray. The world pulls in so many directions,
away from God's path and plan for our lives. Especially today, many of Satan's deceptions
are commonplace: horoscopes, psychics, and other spiritual and magical deceptions. Don't
fall for Satan's lies and falsehoods, promising knowledge of the future, which is reserved
for God. Keep your eyes on the shepherd, with his rod
and staff to protect against the evil animals (Satan and his demons) trying to eat the
sheep. The staff also helps to direct your path. |
Even though we may be surrounded on all sides
by worldly ideas, persuasions, and appealing lies made from Satan's deceptions, God is
within us. As our Lord and Savior, Jesus is watching over us, working through us,
providing rest, and supplying all our needs. We get in trouble when we think our wants our
needs. Rest in the promises of God, that he has
prepared a place for us, not of this world, but in heaven, for all believers. So that we
may dwell with God in eternity (v6). God provides richly, when we follow His leading, and
stay in His flock. A flock which is not led by other men (and women) but His flock,
following His voice. |
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not
want.
2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still
waters.
3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his
name's sake.
4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no
evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou
anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will
dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." Psalm 23 (KJV) |
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