December 16, 2024

Weekly Recap…Psalm 18:30

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As for God, His way is blameless.
The Word of the Lord is tested [it is perfect, it is faultless];
He is a Shield to all who take refuge in Him.
Psalm 18:30

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Here on the Seeking Him devotional blog, we have completed a short series looking at the importance and magnitude of God’s Holy Word.  This week our devotional writers have greatly encouraged us as they shared their belief and trust that God is our Shield, protecting us and providing refuge for us in these devotions.  Please click on each link to read each complete devotional; here are a few excerpts from their thoughts….

In Take Heed, Clella reminded us that we need to know and heed to God and His promises…

“…Because God’s way is perfect, and His word is flawless, and He has promised to protect His children, we need to take heed.  Yes, like David, we have enemies—whether in the physical or in the spiritual—who try to “entangle us with cords of death” (Psalms 18:4-5).  But if we take heed of God and His Word, He will ”avenge us, and save us from our enemies” (Psalms 18:47-48).  When we are faithfully in God’s Word, then we will know God and experience His deliverance….”

In Daddy’s Protection, Tina gave us the example of God’s love has protected us….

“Remember, as a child, how our dad was our hero?  How he could not do any wrong in our eyes?  Well, God wants us to love and trust Him like that…As we grew older our dads made mistakes, because they are human. They maybe did not show up at a ballgame, dance recital or have time to listen.  But I know Who does—God our Father.  He has time to listen to all of our issues.  He is always there….”

In God’s Pure Word, Ann shared the blessings and benefits of God’s Word…

“There are benefits and value to God’s Law and Word.

The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
Psalm 19:8

The ‘precepts of the Lord’ are definite rules concerning righteous living that are a joy to the godly.  The ‘commands of the Lord’ are the authoritative source of guiding light for the faithful who seek His way…”

In There is Refuge in God’s Word, Ahmee pointed us to some important reminders of the refuge and warnings that God’s words can be for us…

“I know our verse (Psalm 18:30) is most likely referring to physical refuge—as in keeping you safe from bodily harm.  But when I read it the first refuge I thought of was emotional refuge.  Life can be rough and it has this way of wearing you down, if you let it.  God’s Word does have a way of warning us about certain situations. However, whether we listen, or not, is up to us.  I think Proverbs is a really great book that lets us know “If this…then that”.  We can find refuge in the Lord’s words by avoiding these situations….”

Daddy Protection

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As for God, His way is blameless.
The Word of the Lord is tested;
He is a Shield to all who take refuge in Him.
Psalm 18:30

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Remember, as a child, how our dad was our hero?  How he could not do any wrong in our eyes?  Well, God wants us to love and trust Him like that.  To love Him with a purity and honesty that surpasses anything we could ever comprehend.

As we grew older our dads made mistakes, because they are human. They maybe did not show up at a ballgame, dance recital or have time to listen.  But I know Who does—God our Father.  He has time to listen to all of our issues.  He is always there…all we need to do is call out to Him because He will give us the ultimate peace.

There are a few moments when we experience pure joy.  For some it is when their children are born; for others it is receiving the long-awaited proposal; for others it is when we accept the love and forgiveness of our Heavenly Father.  You feel alive, changed, clean, and whole.  Just as the shepherds watching the sheep on the night Jesus was born; they witnessed the joy of the celebration of heavenly hosts.  Then they were able to see Jesus while he was just hours old. Can you imagine their pure joy?

Mary was able to have the celebration of her first-born child, even though she was not at home.  God was so good to her to have others there to witness Jesus’ birth and all could feel the love of the Father that night, those who were expecting and able to see.  This is what we felt when we first believed.

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If you have not pursued Jesus as your personal Savior, reach out to Him.  It is as simple as saying this simple prayer, “Father, I am a sinner. Forgive me for my sins. Thank You for loving me and accepting me into Your family. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

God’s Pure Word

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As for God, His way is perfect:
The LORD’s Word is flawless;
He shields all who take refuge in Him.
Psalm 18:30

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There are benefits and value to God’s Law and Word.

The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
Psalm 19:8

The ‘precepts of the Lord’ are definite rules concerning righteous living that are a joy to the godly.  The ‘commands of the Lord’ are the authoritative source of guiding light for the faithful who seek His way. Therefore as we follow His precepts and commands contained in the Word we are assured of the tree of life.

 And if anyone takes words away from this Book of prophecy,
God will take away from him his share in the Tree of Life
and in the Holy City which are described in this Book.
Revelation 22:19

We may not ever have a careless attitude toward this Book…or any part of God’s Holy Scripture.  Such an attitude is manifested if we choose to believe only certain parts of God’s revelation and reject other parts that we do not like.  As at the beginning of the human pilgrimage on earth, failure to take God’s Word with absolute seriousness is a matter of life and death (Genesis 3:3-4).

Dear ones, every word of God is flawless.

Every word of God is flawless
He is a Shield to those who take refuge in Him.
Proverbs 30:5

His words are truth and they are right.

I have not spoken in secret from somewhere in a land of darkness,
I have not said to Jacobs descendants ‘seek Me in vain’.
I, the Lord, speak the truth; I declare what is right.
Isaiah 45:19

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Dear Lord, we give You all the praise and honor for You are the great I AM, the all-seeing, all-knowing God who is present everywhere.  We give You all the praise and honor because there is none who is like unto Thee.  We bless You, Lord.  Father, we pray in the mighty name of Jesus for the zeal to study Your Word and take all the precepts and commands therein and do them all to the glory of Your name. Whatsoever You have spoken since You are a true God, let it be true to our lives also in Jesus’ name. Be glorified and magnified at all times.  We also pray for forgiveness for we have previously taken Your Word not to its entirety.  We have chosen what is the best for our ears;  please forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  Create in us a clean heart, dear Lord.  Blessed be Your holy name and all this we ask in the name of Jesus, AMEN!

There Is Refuge in God’s Word

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As for God, His way is perfect:
The Lord’s Word is flawless;
He shields all who take refuge in Him.
Psalm 18:30

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I was once told (or maybe I heard, or read it, somewhere) that God’s rules are not to deprive us of things, but are to keep us from the potential hurt we could cause.  For instance,

Don’t use foul or abusive language.
Let everything you say be good and helpful,
so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
Ephesians 4:29

God has instructed us to not use foul or abusive language because He knows the damage it can do.  Words are very powerful.  They are enough to scar a person for life.  And once they are out, there is no taking them back.  Apologizes can be said, but the memory of your words will be there.

I know our verse (Psalm 18:30) is most likely referring to physical refuge—as in keeping you safe from bodily harm.  But when I read it the first refuge I thought of was emotional refuge.  Life can be rough and it has this way of wearing you down if you let it.  God’s Word does have a way of warning us about certain situations. However, whether we listen, or not, is up to us.  I think Proverbs is a really great book that lets us know “If this…then that”.  We can find refuge in the Lord’s words by avoiding these situations.

Here are a few examples from Proverbs 10 and 11:

  • 10:2 – Tainted wealth has no lasting value, but right living can save your life.
  • Verse 4 – Lazy people are soon poor; hard workers get rich.
  • Verse 10 – People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed.
  • 11:2 – Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
  • Verse 17 – Your kindness will reward you, but your cruelty will destroy you.
  • Verse 24 – Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything.
  • Verse 28 – Trust in your money and down you go! But the godly flourish like leaves in spring.

These are just a few words of wisdom that God has placed into His flawless Word.  And the Bible is full of them.  God tells us what our attitudes should be like at work and how we should behave towards other believers and how we should treat our enemies…and on and on and on. We have been given a handbook for life. I know people say life doesn’t come with a handbook, but the Bible sure seems like one to me! And, even if you can’t find the answer there, prayer can guide you.

God’s Word is a refuge.
It helps to keep us safe, so I say it’s worth getting very familiar with.

Take Heed

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As for God, His way is perfect:
The Lord’s Word is flawless;
He shields all who take refuge in Him.
Psalm 18:30 NIV

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Here we have David, in the midst of singing praises to God for delivering him from his enemies.  I believe David stated the most important reason for that victory—!

God’s way, as the following Scriptures state, is His very own method and style.  God’s way of doing something has no comparison.

LORD, there is no one like You!
For You are great, and Your name is full of power.
Jeremiah 10:6 NLT

Among the gods there is none like You, Lord;
no deeds can compare with Yours.
Psalm 86:8

He is the Rock, His works are perfect,
and all His ways are just.
A faithful God who does no wrong,
upright and just is He.
Deuteronomy 32:4

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
“And My ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so My ways are higher than your ways
and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8-9

God’s Word is flawless, unbroken, unimpaired, and whole.  It is beneficial to us.  This is in sharp contrast to the lies of the enemy.

God is not man, that He should lie, or a son of man,
that He should change His mind.
Has He said, and will He not do it?
Or has He spoken, and will He not fulfill it?
Numbers 23:19

All Scripture is breathed out by God
and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction,
and for training in righteousness,
that the man of God may be competent,
equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17

God is our Shield.  Just as a king is trusted as the protector of his people, so we who put our faith in God are to trust Him as our Protector.

But You, Lord, are a Shield around me,
my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
Psalm 3:3

Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in You.
Psalm 84:12

But let all who take refuge in You be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread Your protection over them,
that those who love Your name may rejoice in You.
Psalm 5:11

Because God’s way is perfect, and His word is flawless, and He has promised to protect His children, we need to take heed.  Yes, like David, we have enemies—whether in the physical or in the spiritual—who try to “entangle us with cords of death” (Psalms 18:4-5).  But if we take heed of God and His Word, He will ”avenge us, and save us from our enemies” (Psalms 18:47-48).  When we are faithfully in God’s Word, then we will know God and experience His deliverance.

It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Matthew 4:4

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!
Psalms 119:1-4

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Dear God, our Father and Protector, we come before You with humble and grateful hearts.  There is no way that is more perfect than Your Ways.  There is no word that is more flawless than Your Words.  We are Your children, and You desire nothing more than for us to trust You wholeheartedly so that You can be our Protector.  Help us by Your Holy Spirit to “take heed” of Your Word for us, so that we will know You better and follow You more closely.  We want to be joyful daughters of integrity “…who obey Your laws, and search for You with all our hearts.”  Thank You for Your Word and Your Holy Spirit, so that we can know You better.  In Jesus’ Precious Name, we pray, Amen.

He Has Made Me Glad

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As for God, His way is blameless.
The Word of the Lord is tested [it is perfect, it is faultless];
He is a Shield to all who take refuge in Him.
Psalm 18:30

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Hillsong
written by Miriam Webster

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I will bless the Lord forever
And I will trust Him at all times
He has delivered me from all sin
And He has set my feet upon a rock

And I will not be moved
And I’ll say of the Lord

You are my Shield, my Strength
My Portion, Deliverer
My Shelter, Strong Tower
My very present Help in time of need

Whom have I in Heaven but You
There’s none I desire beside You
You have made me glad
And I’ll say of the Lord

This Week…Psalm 119:105

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Your Word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.
Psalm 119:105

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This week, here on the Seeking Him devotional blog, we have been reminded of God’s promise that His Word brings light for our feet along life’s path.  Our devotional writers have shared their understanding with us in the devotions that they have written.  Please click on each link to read their complete devotional; but here are a few excerpts from their thoughts….

In The Word is Our Light, Ann reminded us that the True Light will help us with the darkness the world brings….

In John 1:9 the Bible says the Word of God is the True Light.  It is the Sword of the Spirit with which you pierce your way through the darkness of life.  If the True Light dwells richly in you then fear, defeat, failure, and all other results of darkness won’t have any place in you.  You won’t fear because the True Light will show you that God has not given you the spirit of fear.

In Guidance, Tina shared the example of the Father of Faith—Abraham—and how God guided him….

But, that aside, how can someone travel through life without knowing God?  God designed us for fellowship with Him.  Not for us to be separated from His perfect love. God chose a people to be called his own, a people to be set apart.  As God searched, He found Abram.  God calls Abram to leave his family…

In His Word – Our Light, Our Lamp, Cynda brings our attention to a couple of important points about our steps along God’s path….

The Word of God can make our steps clear.  The Bible should be used to help us walk the way God wants us to walk and live the way He wants us to live.  When we choose not to use His Word, our path becomes unclear.  We aren’t sure if our next step will be on a firm foundation or down a dangerous alley…

Your Word is a Lamp

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Your Word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
Psalm 119:105

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Here is a simple chorus to help us memorize this Scripture.

His Word – Our Light, Our Lamp

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Your Word is a lamp to guide my feet
and a light for my path.
Psalm 119:105 NLT

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The simplicity of this verse astounds me.  So easy to say!  Yet often, it is very difficult to do.  According to Bible.org, the “Word” /(imrah) denotes anything God has spoken, commanded or promised—His thoughts, His commands, His promises give guidance and instruction for our lives.  The Word of God can make our steps clear.

The Bible should be used to help us walk the way God wants us to walk and live the way He wants us to live.  When we choose not to use His Word, our path becomes unclear.  We aren’t sure if our next step will be on a firm foundation or down a dangerous alley.

For a command is a lamp, teaching is a light,
and corrective discipline is the way to life.
Proverbs 6:23 HSCB

His Word shows us not only where to step but where NOT to step.  It doesn’t always light the whole path but it does provides direction for the next step or two.

I was pondering this verse during my morning walk.  As I started to pay attention to the path, I noticed it wasn’t always clear. Sometimes it was cluttered with leaves, making it hard to determine where the edges were. Other parts were shaded by tall trees blocking the sun.  And sometimes the path wasn’t clear because I had forgotten to remove my sunglasses.

My spiritual path is like that as well.  Sometimes it is cluttered with the junk I allow in my life.  Other times it is shaded by worldly views or my opinion. Often I cannot see it clearly simply because I have forgotten to spend enough time in His Word.   Then I begin to wonder things like:

  • Why do I neglect to consult His Word throughout the day?
  • Why do I only seek His guidance sometimes?
  • Am I too busy?
  • Do I trust my judgment more than His?

I don’t know; it could be all of the above.  But I do know that, when I neglect His Word, my steps falter.  The more time I spend in His Word, the more I study His Word, the more it will become an ingrained part of me.  Job 29:3 tells us “He lit up the way before me and I walked safely through the darkness.”  My path will be smoother because He will be directing my steps. And surely there won’t be nearly as many wrong turns, dark alleys, or so much time spent going in circles.  I know I need His Light but sometimes I forget to turn it on.  How about you?  Is your path well-lit?

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Let’s use Psalm 43:3 HCSB as our prayer:

Send Your light and Your truth; let them lead me.
Let them bring me to Your holy mountain, to Your dwelling place.
– Amen, it is so!

The Word is Our Light

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Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Psalm 119:105

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Life is filled with choices that can either make you or break you.  At different stages of life you are presented with a variety of choices.  And to make such decisions without errors you need proper guidance—which only God’s Word can provide.

In John 1:9 the Bible says the Word of God is the True Light.  It is the Sword of the Spirit with which you pierce your way through the darkness of life.  If the True Light dwells richly in you then fear, defeat, failure, and all other results of darkness won’t have any place in you.  You won’t fear because the True Light will show you that God has not given you the spirit of fear.  You won’t be defeated because you will see that greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.  You won’t be sick because you will discover that by His stripes you were healed.  The Word of God will reveal to you what God sees you to be.

The unfolding of your words gives light it gives understanding to the simple.
Psalm 119:130

It’s your responsibility to invest the Word of God in yourself by studying it regularly. If you can feed your mind with it and store it in your spirit, the Word of God will produce great results in you and you will glow with the glory of God.  You will have a clear direction in life and others will acknowledge that you are different.

We can live victoriously if we keep the Word of God in our hearts.  If there is any darkness in your family, academics, or business just take hold of the light of God’s Word and pierce through the darkness in the name of Jesus.

The Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our paths.

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Dear Lord, thank You for who You are to us.  Your love for us is so great…we bless You, dear Lord.  Thank You for the portion of Scripture this week that we need to walk in the understanding that it is only by Your Word we are given guidance. Thank You that You direct our paths in Jesus’ name.  We pray that You do not leave us alone;  guide and protect us always in Jesus’ name, I pray.  Amen!