The New Life

Today's Reading: Psalm 119:89-176, Leviticus 26, Isaiah 35, Ephesians 4:17-32

Psalm 119:89-176 - 93 I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life.

A few years ago I decided that I wanted to learn to meditate upon Scripture. Part of the rationale was that I had never been dedicated enough to spend time each day in God's Word. So, I figured if I meditate on one verse of Scripture a day from Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, I would spend at least 176 days in a row in the Word.

Those 176 days changed my life. I grew like I had never grown before in my Christian life. As I read these words today, I was drawn to verse 93. As I remember God's precepts, I remember how He has used His Word to change me. The Word of God has literally given me life. I am grateful for God and the way that He continually works in our lives if we will allow Him to.

Leviticus 26 - When I was in grade school I learned about "If/Then" statements. If I do _________ then _________. The sentences usually talked about the consequences of behavior. That is what God does with the people of Israel in Leviticus 26. The entire book has been leading up to this chapter. The law has been laid out. Now the people find out the consequences (good and bad) of following God's precepts. When we go God's way, things go better for us. He desires the best for His children. I wonder why we don't desire the best for us.

Isaiah 35 - Isaiah 35 is a prophecy that speaks to a day when God's blessing will be poured out upon His children. Many believe that this is a prophecy concerning the millennial reign of Christ, or possibly eternity in heaven. Either way the future is bright for those who follow Christ.

Ephesians 4:17-32 - 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

The Lord did not make an error when He allowed verse 32 to end this wonderful teaching on how to live the Christian life. Paul has been talking about the old life and the new life. The new life is characterized by loving others more than we love ourselves, which can be a tough thing to do. It is an impossible thing to do without extending kindness and forgiveness. Because of Christ's forgiveness we can show forgiveness to others.