8 May 2006

Text: Psalm 119:57-64


CHOOSING THE LORD AS "OUR PORTION"
"You are my portion, O LORD;
I have said that I would keep Your words."    Psalm 119:57

1. Involves the following:-
a) A personal choice

b) A definite choice

2. Reflection on the Rationale for choosing the Lord
a) Deep and careful thought
"I thought about my ways"    Psalm 119:59a

b) Turning to the Lord
"And turned my feet to Your testimonies"    Psalm 119:59b

c) Encounters with the wicked
"The cords of the wicked have bound me..."    Psalm 119:61

d) No procrastination
"I made haste, and did not delay…"    Psalm 119:60

3. Ramifications of choosing to follow the Lord
a) The keeping of the Lord's word
"I have said that I would keep Your words…"    Psalm 119:57b

b) Hastening to keep God's word
"I made haste… to keep Your word…"    Psalm 119:60b

c) Remembering God's word
"But I have not forgotten Your word…"    Psalm 119:61b

d) Always thankful
"At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You,
Because of Your righteous judgment"    Psalm 119:62

e) Choosing one's companions
"I am a companion of all who fear You,
And of those who keep Your precepts"    Psalm 119:63

4. Commitment to keep learning all the time
"The earth, O LORD, is full of Your mercy;
Teach me Your statutes."    Psalm 119:64

a) The mercy of the Lord is deep and profound

b) The mercy of the Lord covers the entire earth

c) Humble plea to the Lord to be taught God's statutes