Wednesday... This is very interesting.

Here is how Psalm 128 starts. It says in verse 1 (GNT), "Happy are those who obey the Lord, who live by his commands." Three words that don't seem to work together, happy, obey and commands. They don't seem to go together but they do.

Now the key here is, who is it that I am to obey and what are his commands? There are some that we obey who don't bring us joy but we can know without a doubt that the Lord loves us. He really does and that fact makes all of the difference.

The Amplified Bible says, "Blessed [happy and sheltered by God's favor] is everyone who fears the Lord [and worships Him with obedience], who walks in His ways and lives according to His commandments." But there is something inside of us that doesn't want to be obedient that wants our own way and that doesn't lead to a good and happy life.

Look at Psalm 1:1&2, "Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked [following their advice and example], nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit [down to rest] in the seat of scoffers (ridiculers). But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law, [His precepts and teachings] he [habitually] meditates day and night." That word, habitually is a very good one.

Romans 13:8 (NLT) says, "Owe nothing to anyone - except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God's law." And then 2 Timothy 3:16, "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us when we are wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right."

Back to Psalm 128:1 (NIV), "Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him." The New Living Translation says, "How joyful are those who fear the Lord - all who follow his ways!" Yes, yes! #todaysbeginning

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Friday... We have this hope of expectancy.

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