The Bible (Psalm19:7-11)

The Bible is completely different than any other book, it is alive, it has life in it, it has spiritual power, and it is infused with the presence and power of God.

Psalm 19:7 "The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul." It is perfect because it is God's book, not a human book. It revives, refreshes, restores, invigorates the soul. Nothing else can do what this book does, no hobby, vacation, get a way, shopping spree, tv show, or book can do what this book does. Psalm 19:7b "The statues of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple." Do you need wisdom on.... Decisions? Marriage? Parenting? Relationships? Finances? Ministry? Future? The Bible is the source, it gives us wisdom for all life's complexities.

Psalm 19:8 "The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart." If anything, want more wisdom, for that is joy. Joy does not come from things that give short term highs. Real joy wells up from within, it is deep and lasting and comes from God. Psalm 19:8b "The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes." The Bible gives us perspective on life. Augustine said: "The Holy Scripture are our letters from home." His word is radiant and gives light to our eyes.

Psalm 19: 9 "The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever." Reading through the Bible usually evokes a response of fear and reverance. It endures forever. In our world today there are so many words, some are timely and some are timeless the Bible is both. Read Isaiah 40:8. Psalm 19:9b "The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous." In every field of learning, some things we are sure of and other not so sure. The Bible does not change, it is a sure foundation to stand upon. Abraham Lincoln once said "I believe the Bible is the best gift that God has ever given to man. All the good from the Savior of the world is communicated to us through this Book. I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go."

Psalm 19:10 "They are more precious than gold, than pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb." The Lord hits on two things we seem to value in our world today; food and money. Think of all the time and energy we spend on these two things. A wise man or wise woman values this Book and the words that are in it more than money and prizes it more than food.

Psalm 19:11 "By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward." In this verse we are warned of danger; of spiritual, emotional, and relational dangers. He tells us to keep his commands, to not hurt ourselves by not following the commands that he has laid out before us. We are warned. However, if we do keep his commands and follow in obedience we will be rewarded. God's hand of favor, blessing, joy, and peace will follow us whereever we go if we obey.

The Bible is a priceless treasure. Take time every day to get alone with God and meet in his word. If you want to be close to God, walk with God, and be one of his intimates you need to do this. Make it a priority above all else.

Discussion Questions:
1. In what ways has God used his word to refresh, restore, or revive your soul?
2. Are you looking for other things to refresh, restore, or revive your soul right now? (kids, marriage, shopping, vacation, etc.)
3. Knowing that the Bible is "trustworthy, and makes wise the simple" where is the first place you go for wisdom? Is it the Bible? Or something/someone else?
4. What does "Fear of the Lord" mean to you? Do you believe you have a healthy fear of the Lord?
5. Do you value the word of God more than "pure gold" or "honey from the comb"?
6. If someone where to look at your life what would they say you prize?