God's Word must be much more than a hobby. Make it your business. Read / Listen Listen to passage & devotional: Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 114 Q. But can those converted to God obey these commandments perfectly? A. No. In this life even the holiest have only a small beginning of this obedience. Nevertheless, with all seriousness of purpose, they do begin to live according to all, not only some, of God’s commandments. Summary Psalm 119 is a celebration of God's Word, and this opening strophe expresses this multiple ways. All of the italicised words below are different ways of describing God's Word: Blessed are those... who walk according to the law of the Lord (v1); Blessed are those who keep his statutes (v2); they do no wrong but follow his ways... precepts that are to be fully obeyed (v3-4); Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees... when I consider all your commands (v5-6); I learn your righteous laws. I will obey your decrees (v7-8). Even as massive as what Psalm 119 is, it boils down to a theme that remains consistent throughout the Psalms, which is best expressed in the second verse of the first Psalm: Blessed is the man... whose delight is in the law of the Lord, who mediates on his law day and night. Another way to translate that would be, Happy is the man who makes God's Word his primary occupation. Dig Deeper I really like the way the Catechism phrases this answer. The question is significant: as people who've been made perfect in Christ, are we now expected to obey the commandments perfectly? Yesterday, Psalm 143 reminded us that nobody (besides Jesus) is able to live perfectly righteously, but today we read that our weakness and inability is not to be used as an excuse. "Nevertheless," the answer continues, "with all seriousness of purpose, Christians begin to live according to all, not only some, of God's commandments." Are you pursuing righteousness with all seriousness of purpose? In other words, do you you "seek the Lord with all your heart (v2)" with the same intensity that you take to honing your athletic abilities, hunting skills, or growing your business? Most of us aren't, so it shouldn't be a surprise that most of us don't experience the blessedness (happiness) given to those who steadfastly obey God's decrees. Learn to delight in God's Word the way the psalmists do. Make it your business, and see how God will reward you with blessedness in this life and the life to come. AAA Prayer (About) ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: Our Father, who commands us to walk according to His law; ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray that your ways will be steadfast in obeying God's decrees; ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year, a chapter a day - John 13

In Romans 4:2, Paul drives home that it was faith, not works, that declares one legally right before devastating nature and condemnation of sin before a completely Holy God (see yesterday’s passage Eph. 2: 1–10). is for you; ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year, a chapter a day - Ephesians 1

It's Friday, but don't grow weary of doing good! Read / Listen Listen to passage & devotional: Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 111 Q. What does God require of you in this commandment? A. That I do whatever I can for my neighbor’s good, that I treat others as I would like them to treat me, and that I work faithfully so that I may share with those in need. Summary In his letter to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul instructs and encourages new Christians who had converted from pagan beliefs to faith in Jesus Christ. The encouragement from today’s passage is to not grow weary in your willingness to do good for others. While your actions, no matter how good, cannot bring about self-justification; your good works reflect the love of God. As opportunities afford themselves to do good unto others, take them! And as you look for these opportunities, be mindful of ways that you can do good for other believers. When Paul wrote to the Galatians on doing good to others, he included that this is “especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Dig Deeper As believers we are called to bless everyone, both Christians and non-Christians, with our good works. These actions demonstrate your belonging to and devotion for Christ. In this regard, the words of the well-known hymn ring true: they will know we are Christians by our love. Our good works demonstrate that we belong to Jesus. This however does not mean that God’s people never tire or grow weary. There will absolutely be times in life where doing the right thing will feel tiresome. This is especially true in situations where what you know to be right does not lead to immediately noticeable benefits. Despite the ways the world works to discourage believers and may cause you to grow weary, we are called to persevere. As Paul reminds the Galatians, if you continue in faith, you too will reap the spiritual fruit which God promises. AAA Prayer (About) ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: Our Father, who will not be mocked (v7) ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: You're likely reading this on a Friday, so pray that God gives you the strength to finish the week well, so that you will not grow weary of doing good; ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year, a chapter a day - John 5

their sinful language; ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year, a chapter a day - 2

is pleasing to yours; ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year, a chapter a day - 2

Psalm 89:34-37(NIV) A maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite. 1  I will sing of the LORD’s great love forever with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. 2   Listen to passage & devotional: Belgic Confession of Faith, Article 27: The Holy Catholic Church We Today: 2 Corinthians 5

1 Thessalonians 5:12-15 (NIV) 12  Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who

easy to feel pessimistic about the Church, but be encouraged by God's powerful, yet gentle whisper. 1 Listen to passage & devotional: Belgic Confession of Faith, Article 27: The Holy Catholic Church We Today: 2 Corinthians 7

You might be surprised to hear the real reason Christ appeared. 1 John 3:7-10 (ESV) 7  Little children Listen to passage & devotional: Belgic Confession of Faith, Article 24: The Sanctification of Sinners Today: Luke 20

In Mark 1:15, he proclaims that we are to repent and believe the good news. every part of your life; ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year, a chapter a day - 2 of your life; ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: Read the New Testament in a year, a chapter a day - 2 Peter 2