Dear Family,
Last week we talked about the Shema and God’s message to “Listen-up!” Why is God’s Word so important? You can find 176 reasons why in the longest chapter in the Bible, Psalm 119. All 176 verses of Psalm 119 emphasizes the value of reading, knowing, and meditating on God’s Word.
Did you know? In the original Hebrew language, Psalm 119 was an acrostic poem divided in the 22 Hebrew consonants. So the first letter of verses 1-8 each began with ‘aleph, verses 9-16 began with beth… and so forth, making it easy for Hebrew children to memorize.
Phil challenges folks to memorize the entire Psalm 119 for a nice reward. Are you interested? So far, Phil has no takers. However, if anyone is interested, Michael, has a head-start, I taught him Psalm 119:105 when he was just four- years old.
Psalm 119:105 is a favorite passage. When this passage was written, a lamp was very important to help one along paths in the evening. In biblical days, they had no street lights or electricity. The lamp helped folks on their journey one step at a time.
That’s how God’s Word benefits our lives too. Whatever challenges or trials you are facing; God’s Word can light your path. Spending time in God’s Word each day and committing verses to memory, will give you a treasure of wisdom coming from the creator of the universe.
For example, Phil is still dealing with serious pain seven weeks out from his back surgery. We would have fallen into depression, despair, or discouragement had it not been for the comfort and support of God’s Word plus family and friends praying for us.
Tip: Teach Psalm 119:105 to your child, watch the above video to learn motions to help make learning fun.
Challenge: Memorize Psalm 119:105 and Deuteronomy 6:4-7, begin storing the treasure of God’s Word in your heart.