Day 175 or June 24. What you believe is what you do. Our thoughts today are rooted in Psalm
119 verse 11. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
First the big picture surrounding this verse. A number of the Bible writers used different
ways to aid memory for those who were unable to read and had to rely on the scribes and
rabbis to know what the Bible said. A favourite method was to take each letter of the Hebrew
alphabet and use each one in turn to record a particular theme. The writer of Psalm 119
wanted to extol the virtues of the Word of God, and he used this acrostic method. However,
the writer had so much to say that each letter had eight thoughts linked to it, and that
is why Psalm 119 consists of twenty-two portions of eight verses each, making a total of 176
verses. I remember writing each one as a punishment, but now I read them to thank God for His Word.
And now our action step for today. When I was at school we were often given lines
to write out as punishment for bad behaviour. At least I was. Too often. I clearly recall
being told to write out a psalm from the Bible, but not just any old psalm—Psalm 119. I
thought I had got off lightly until I turned to the Bible. Despite that, it is still one
of my favourite psalms. The whole point that our chosen verse for today teaches is that
we need God's Word in us if we are to act godly. Talk to someone for any length of time,
and you will often discover what is close to their heart. If they are filled with enthusiasm
for a good or bad thing, their words will betray their passion. I have to ask myself
regularly if I have given enough hints each day to reveal my passion. If being a Christian
were illegal, would I be convicted based on the evidence of my life today? A glass full
of water when shaken oozes water. A box full of talcum powder when knocked puffs out powder.
When you are shaken or knocked, what do you produce?