Daily Archives: September 21, 2022

A Three-Time Winner

21 Wednesday Sep 2022

Posted by in Psalms

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This past Saturday I got some unexpected news. Volume II of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the 2022 Word Award for the best book in the devotional category.
2022-09-18The win was unexpected because last year Volume I of the Psalms 365 series won the same award. Volume I also won a second more prestigious award—2021 Best Book of the Year. I did not expect lightening to strike for a third time in the same place, especially since there were several other excellent authors shortlisted for the prize this year.

Psalms Vol 2 Front PrintNeedless to say, I am very grateful to The Word Guild and the judges for their decision. To God be the glory. Great things He has done!

I am particularly grateful for the readers who have reached out to me to express their thanks for this daily devotional series. Positive feedback is what fuels me and other authors. A brief word of encouragement or a glowing book review has the power to affirm a writer’s gift and calling.

If you appreciate an author’s work, show it. Your feedback can provide the spark they need to continue in their craft and grow in their skills.

As for this Psalms 365 series, there is something very special about daily drawing close to God and letting His word enlighten your day.

Enlighten—I like that word. It describes what the Psalms can do for us. It was the psalmist who penned these eternal words: Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path (Psalm 119:105, NIV).

May the Good Shepherd enlighten the road ahead for you today and always.

To purchase or for a closer look at the full Psalms 365 series click here.

The Limits of Perfection

21 Wednesday Sep 2022

Posted by in Psalm 119

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Reading: Psalm 119:89-96
ל Lamedh
Your word, LORD, is eternal;
it stands firm in the heavens.
Your faithfulness continues through all generations;
you established the earth, and it endures.
Your laws endure to this day,
for all things serve you.
If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
 I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have preserved my life.
Save me, for I am yours;
I have sought out your precepts.
The wicked are waiting to destroy me,
but I will ponder your statutes.
To all perfection I see a limit,
but your commands are boundless (NIV).*

assorted seashell on sand

Photo by Sidou Bouguarn on Pexels.com

Reflection
One of my hobbies is art. I enjoy drawing. In recent years I have rediscovered my childhood love for pencil crayons. When creating any piece of art, I find there is a delicate balance that needs to be reached. Anything I do can be improved. Early on in the process there is a lot of improving or refining needed, but eventually you reach a point where further tinkering becomes pointless. I aim for perfection, but perfection always seems illusive. At some point I need to say, “I’m done. This piece is finished.”

In today’s reading the psalmist reached that same conclusion. To all perfection I see a limit, but your commands are boundless.

We will never reach the limits of God’s holy word. There is always more to be discovered, to comprehend and apply. It is as the psalmist declares, “Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.”

St. Paul expresses the same thought. Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! (Romans 11:33). Eternity gives us insufficient time to explore the wisdom of God. But let’s begin the quest; let’s take up the challenge. All of Psalm 119 can be viewed as a grand challenge to discover the wisdom and beauty of God’s word, His commands and precepts.

Let’s continue the journey. This glorious art—the divine art of God’s word—is without beginning or end.

Response: Father God, I love your word. I want to dig deeper in it and know you better thereby. You are a totally awesome God, far beyond my comprehension, but not beyond my appreciation. Amen.

Your Turn: Have you taken up the challenge of studying God’s word?

* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

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Please pray for the people of Ukraine!

Volume I of Psalms 365: Develop a Life of Worship and Prayer won the Best Book of the Year Award from The Word Guild and Volume II has won the Best Devotional of the Year Award. For those who love God’s word, this three-book series is an ideal way to daily meet with the Lord. To purchase or for a closer look click here.