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Reading: Psalm 119
ב Beth
(Verses 9-16)
How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
By living according to your word.
I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
Praise be to you, LORD;
teach me your decrees.
With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.
I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word (NIV).*
On an icy resurrection morning stroll — photo by David Kitz
Reflection
In the age of the internet and one-click-away pornographic websites, the opening question in today’s reading from Psalm 119 has never been more salient. How can a young person stay on the path of purity?
Why would a young man want to keep his way pure? Why not chase every skirt in town? Why not have some fun? Why not eat, drink and be merry? We only pass through this life once. Why not live it up?
But if the God of the universe has called men and women into relationship with Him, then purity and holiness are at the very core of that relationship. If we are called to be with God—to dwell in harmony with Him—then we must embrace holiness. To embrace God is to embrace holiness. Those filthy sin spots have got to go. If we are to walk with God, we must willingly walk away from mind and soul-fouling sin.
The writer of the Book of Hebrews urges on the young faith runners with these words: Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:1-2, NIV).
In a world awash in pornography, we all need fixed eyes—eyes fixed on Jesus—eyes that see the cross— eyes that see the blood-drenched cross. Purity comes at a price. It cost the heavenly Father the life of His very own Son. A young man named Jesus—in flesh like my own—in skin like my own—poured out his life’s blood to make me pure. Fix your eyes on Him!
Response: LORD, I want to live my life according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Amen.
Your Turn: Do you struggle with impure thoughts? Are you neglecting God’s word?
* New International Version, Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica
The first volume of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer by award-winning author David Kitz is now available. For a closer look at this 262-page daily devotional book click here.
I love the Psalms 
Impurity is a specific man trap set at every corner by satan. Like many I have had my struggles in avoiding these traps. In this my trust is wholly on Him, His Word and His Spirit…filling our minds and hearts with these will shine His Way before us each day. Praise God for His provisions for men to seek holiness.
It’s an ongoing battle, but you are right, Alan. Victory is possible through the Word and the Spirit.
Remember GIGO? “garbage in, garbage out” in relationship to computers? Our brain is the ultimate computer and gigo holds true for it as well. I need to keep my finger on the delete button at all times, so I can instantly remove any unwelcome files that satan tries to install.
Yes, my brain box needs a regular cleansing and the Word works best for that.
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
Have a blessed weekend, Vincent!
Likewise my friend!!
May we mortify sin, lest sin mortify us. May we fix our eyes upon Him!
Well said, Jim!
Amen