Monday, August 27, 2012

FOLLOWING THROUGH


We live in a world which makes it very easy for us to “chameleonize” our lives.  It’s acceptable and we’re even expected to be inconsistent and uncommitted and masked.  And when we don’t get our way or we disagree, it’s understood that we become combative and opposite.  And this spills over into our relationship with God.  Sometimes we simply don’t follow through with what He says to do in His Word.  Dare I use the word “disobey”?  The downside of disobedience, whether it’s through passivity or rebellion, is that we consequently don’t receive all that God wants to give us – such as His counsel, provision, inner strength, motivation, His affirmation, the warmth of His love, joy, peace, patience, etc.  So I say let’s get DREAMIE!  And I don’t mean sleepy.  I’m thinking just the opposite.

Here’s what I mean:
57 You are my portion, O Lord; I have promised to obey your words.
58 I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.
59 I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes.
60 I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.
61 Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law.
62 At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws.
63 I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts.
64 The earth is filled with your love, O Lord; teach me your decrees.
Psalm 119:57-64

Verses 57-58 express our desire to be obedient and to experience God’s promises fulfilled in our lives.  The following verses express what we can do about it.

Let’s use “DREAMIE” as an acronym based on these verses in order to follow through with God’s Word in our lives.

D – Dictate your feelings.
v. 62 At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws.
Who feels like getting up at midnight to give thanks to the Lord for His righteous laws?  The point is that we command our feelings to give thanks and obey God’s Word even when our feelings don’t feel like it – any time of the day.

R – Relate to other obedient Christians.
v. 63 I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts.
Build friendships as a support team with those who are committed to following Jesus and growing more in their relationship with Him.

E – Evaluate your ways.
v. 59a I have considered my ways...

A – Activate the process of spiritual transformation by making appropriate choices.
v. 59b … and (I) have turned my steps to your statutes.

M – Meditate on God’s truth.
v. 61 Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law.
Put God’s Word in your mind and heart in order to remember it when the heat is on.

I – Intake God’s Word by being teachable.
v. 64 The earth is filled with your love, O Lord; teach me your decrees.
Keep learning God’s truths.

E – Expedite the transformation of your life by acting promptly.
v. 60 I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.

Get DREAMIE!

1 comment:

  1. What a wonderful way to remember how to grow spiritually and live healthy fulfilled lives towards our Godly purpose. Although I rarely sleep for any length of time...I'm sure I can experience a little REM (Relate, Evaluate & Meditate)moments with the assurance that God will help me become an authentic and faithful "DREAMIE." Thank you Father for your mercy, patience and love as I go back to face the pains so that I can go forward in your will for me.

    ReplyDelete