Saturday, August 12, 2017

 
 
 
Devotional for Saturday, August 12, 2017
“Being Passionate for God’s Word”
 
are you passionate about his word
 
by Dona Hake
 
When one is passionate they exhibit a strong or extravagant fondness, enthusiasm, or desire for a specific thing. I want to share  a portion of Psalm 119 in which the psalmist expresses his passion about God’s commands in his life.
 
Psalm 119:130-142 The Voice

“When Your words are unveiled, light shines forth;
they bring understanding to the simple.
My desire for Your commands
left me waiting, open-mouthed and panting.
Acknowledge me and show me Your grace
as is Your habit toward all those who love Your name.
Guide my steps in the ways of Your word,
and do not let any sin control me.
Rescue me from the torment of my human oppressors
so that I may live according Your decrees.
Let Your face shine upon Your servant,
and help me to learn what You require.

My eyes shed rivers of tears
whenever people fail to keep Your teaching.
You are good and just, O Eternal One,
and Your rulings are right.
You have set out Your decrees in justice,
and they can be trusted.
I AM OVERWHELMED BY MY PASSION
because my enemies have forgotten Your words.”
 
 
Do you have such a passion in your heart today for God’s Word? Have you ever thought how you would live without it? I remember the movie about the precious saint Corrie Ten Boom entitled “The Hiding Place.” Oh what a love for the Lord and His Word she and her sister had.   When they were going into the concentration camp they were bound and determined  to take in their little Bible into that place of fear and darkness.  How precious it was as they clung to their most precious possession.   It meant everything to them for their life was sustained by the living Word of their Lord.   They prayed that they would be able to get it passed the guards without it being noticed.  The Lord was faithful to provide a distraction which created the miraculous way to protect their Bible   It was amazing to see them pray before they hid it under her coat, and  the beautiful little Bible made its way past the darkness and evil of that place.   You see, she and her sister were passionate about their loving God and His Word. They well understood that all they needed would come from His love and provision.
 
God desires that we be so passionate and loving about His Word.    Let us look to His Word with  longing in our heart for it is our Bread of life…the Bread that truly sustains and strengthens us to do His will.  Today let us be reminded to cling to His precious Word no matter what this life brings our way.