Rising Point for Christ "The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes" (Ps. 19:8). Obedience to the Word is the hallmark of a true believer. It isn't popular these days to speak of God's Word as a book of commandments. Commands imply law and we're accustomed to grace. But the fact is, both the Old and New Testaments contain many commandments that all God's people are to obey. The apostle John said, "By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, 'I have come to know Him,' and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected" (1 John 2:3-5). John equated the commandments of God with the Word of God. Jesus Himself said, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments" (John 14:15) and "He who has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me; and he who loves Me s

  Rising Point for Christ "The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart" (Ps. 19:8). Knowing your life is on the right track is a source of great joy. What brings you joy? Your answer will reveal much about your priorities and the direction your life is heading spiritually. The psalmist wrote, "How blessed [happy] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers" (Ps. 1:1-3). That psalmist knew that true joy and happiness come from knowing God and abiding in His Word. That was David's confidence when he wrote, "The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart" (Ps. 19:8). "Precepts" in that verse spe

Rising Point for Christ "The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple" (Ps. 19:7). God’s Word imparts wisdom and knowledge beyond the realm of mere human understanding. David's characterization of God's Word as "the testimony of the Lord" (Ps. 19:7) speaks of its role as God's witness to who He is and what He requires of us. In addition, it's a "sure" witness. That means it's unwavering, immovable, unmistakable, reliable, and trustworthy. Peter made the same point when, after recounting his incredible experience with Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration (2 Pet. 1:16-18), he said, "but we have a testimony more sure than that—the prophetic word" (v. 19, literal translation). The testimony of God's written Word is a surer and more convincing confirmation of God's truth than even apostolic experiences with Christ Himself! Perhaps that's why our Lord prevented the two disciples on the Emmaus Road from rec

  "The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul" (Ps. 19:7). God can transform you through His Word into the person He wants you to be. Many today doubt the power of Scripture in dealing with the deeper aspects of the human heart and mind. The Bible may be helpful for certain superficial or "spiritual" problems, they say, but it's too simplistic and inadequate for the more complex psychological issues of modern man. The truth is, however, the best psychology can do is modify external behaviour. It cannot redeem and transform the soul. Only God can do that through the power of His Word. That's the truth behind Psalm 19:7, which calls Scripture "the law of the Lord," thus emphasizing its didactic nature. It is the sum of God's instruction to man, whether for creed (what we believe), character (what we are), or conduct (what we do). The law of the Lord is "perfect." That represents a common Hebrew word that speaks of wholeness, com