Truth

"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you fee"
-John 8:32, NLT-

I am living a lie. It may not be obvious but I am. With all those imagination and fantasies that I have inside my head, those are already tantamount to a life living a lie. I may be physically present but my mind is somewhere in time, a time my wild imagination has created with people and a certain person I have already idealized. Yet, that's the reason why I am in "bondage." Because I let the devil take his stronghold.
I need to rely on Jesus, the truth Himself. I need to ask Him to help me gradually change the way my mind and imagination work.

Lord Jesus, help me. Help me with my thoughts. Help me to live in the truth and it is right now, my circumstances now, everything that happens and I have NOW. Help me not to meditate and ponder on things based on lie and deception coming from the enemy. I know I am on the right track because I am being under attacked by him. Thank You, Father. I need Your help badly specially in the area of my thought life. Thank You Lord for this day, amen.

Crave: Psalm 119: 89-96 NLT

1.How is God’s Word “eternal,” as described in these verses?
2.In verse 95, how did the psalmist respond to those who threatened to attack him? Why do you think he responded that way?
3.What steps will you take to put this truth into action today?

1. God's Word stands firm in heaven. Firm means consistent, unwavering, rooted, always there. Constant, will never change.

2. He quietly waited on God and depended on Him. The key word here is "quietly." Meaning he was at peace, nothing worried him for he knew that Someone up there, Someone so strong, reliable and constant was up there seeing everything, watching him and protecting him.

3. I am plague with negative emotions again. Negative thinking and unhealthy imagination. I will look into God's Word and I'll let Him do the talking now. I will just quietly let Him take the hold of my heart and mind. I will just wait on Him quietly. Whatever happens, by His grace, I will hold on to Him. I will keep His words inside my heart.

In Reflection:

"If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy, I would have died in my misery."
-Psalm 119: 92, NLT-

I can fully relate with the psalmist now. Right now, I am bombarded by negative emotions again. Hate, bitterness, jealousy, sense of inadequacy and envy are slowly creeping into my heart. Yet, thank God, He is in my life, He has never let me down and has never let me go so deep in my self-created misery. The enemy indeed knows where and when to target me. Yet, God is with me. I could never imagine my life without Him or else it is already tantamount to death. Death of my physical body and most specially my spirit. I thank Him for His word that gives me encouragement now.

Crave: Psalm 119: 81-88

1.Despite his feelings, what did the psalmist choose to do?
2.How can trusting what God says help us through a time of waiting?
3.What specific Bible verses can you hold on to as you wait for God’s next move?

1. The psalmist, despite his seemingly negative feelings still chose to wait on God and hope in His Word.

2. It helps us to wait eagerly, patiently and with all our heart for we know that He is alive, He knows, He listens and He understands. He also has His own ways far beyond what our minds can conceive He can do. In my case, it helps me to just hold on to Him, to call on Him and to pray. To tell Him everything that I have in mind and my feelings. I am assured that He listens and He knows.

3. I think I need to have a review, big time. I cannot remember the numbers of the passages but here are some: Every good and perfect gift comes from Him; Two is better than one; He makes all things beautiful in His time; Everything works for good to those who love Him; He gives me hope and a future and many others. And then I am still bothered from time to time. Whew!


In Reflection:
"I am worn out waiting for your rescue, but I have put my hope in your word."
-Psalm 119:81-

This message is just so timely for me. This is what I need now. I was not feeling good a while ago, my emotions were fooling me and lying to me again until I was given this message. There's no other option for me but to just pray, open my heart to God and just trust Him and trust Him with all my heart. I will listen to my heart but I will think and depend on God's Word more. I will acknowledge how I feel but will not live by it alone. Everything will be just according to God's laws and promises to me.
I will put my hope in His Word.

I will put my hope in You, Father God.

Crave: Psalm 119:73-80 NLT

1.As the psalmist lived his life, many eyes were on him. How can you relate with him? How do you feel about the truth that people are watching you?
2.Where did the psalmist get his confidence to live for God even under the scrutiny of the world?
3.Why can we be confident on choosing to remain on God’s side even amidst opposition (Romans 8:31, 2 Corinthians 4:16)?


1. As a professing Christian, I know that many people though subtlety watch me from afar. They watch and check on my actions, my speech and how I relate to others. I am not careful most of the time and sadly that recklessness brings shame to God's name. I will from now on really call on to God to help me obey Him and follow Him so that I will not again stumble and become a stumbling block as well.

2. He got his confidence from the God, Himself and His Word. He knew that God through His word showed him his unfailing love and gave him enough hope and confidence to live in this world.

3. Because God is for us, (Romans 8:31), and our spirits are being renewed day by day though our bodies are falling apart, (2 Cor. 4:16). God sustains us. He is the main source of our life, of our hope. He who created everything, who knows everything, the One who started it all and would soon end it all. The all-powerful and mighty One. Who could not be confident in these?

In Reflection:

"You made me; You created me. Now give me the sense to follow Your commands."
-Psalm 119:73,NLT-

The Lord knows everything about me.. He is my Creator. He knows what can make me happy and what ticks me off. He knows everything and I could hide nothing from Him. I have always wanted to obey Him and fully at that but it is hard. I still need Him even if it is obeying Him. I have realized that I still badly need Him in every aspect of my life. In all. There's nothing I can do without Him. Good thing is that he knows, He admonishes and He understands.

"I know, O Lord, that your regulations are fair; You disciplined me because I needed it."
-Psalm 119:75, NLT-

Lord, You cannot be mocked. You cannot be outwitted. You are all-knowing and Your ways are just. Lord, You have made me suffer in some areas of my life because You are teaching me my lessons. You discipline me so that I will not do those things ever again. It is so shameful to have this disease but this is just a reminder that I must and should only use my eyes and all other parts of my body for Your service, for Your glory and for the spreading of Your love. I thank You for this discipline. Thanks a lot for helping me find a way out. Thank You, Lord. Amen.

Crave: Psalm 119: 65-72 NLT

1.From this passage, where did the psalmist run to when he was facing affliction? How did this benefit him?
2.How has God helped you through His Word when you faced tough situations before?
3.What are you currently facing? How do you think can God’s Word help you at this time?


1. He ran to God. His afflictions helped him know his mistakes and they helped him become a better person.

2. He gave encouragement and taught me the things that I needed to do to make it through.

3. Right now, I am facing unexplainable things that happen in my body. God I think is just teaching me to use all the parts of my body for His glory and not to serve myself.

In Reflection:

This verse struck me most:

" My suffering was good for me for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.
-Psalm 119:71, NLT-

I am having something unexplainable in my left eye now. It is like a swelling that just came from nowhere. Yesterday it was not here until I did some "stupid" things again using my eyes. Now, I am having this weird swelling. It actually scares me but I guess, this is God's way to admonish and discipline me as regards that hidden sin in my life that actually uses my eyes just to do it. Lord, I do not know. This is Your warning for me. Lord, I am scared. Forgive me. You know I don't have the money to go to the doctor just to have my check-up. You're the only One who can help me and take away this something in my left eye. Lord, help me to overcome that hidden sin in my life. Help me to use all the parts of my body to glorify You and to serve You. You have never intended each part of my body to be used selfishly and an instrument of the enemy. Father, I lift up to You this struggle. This is just all about my sinful nature. Thank You for because of this my eyes are opened again to do the right thing. You discipline me. You just want me to do what is right and lovely to Your eyes. Father, thank You for this lessons learned.Amen.

Crave: Psalm 119: 57-64 NLT

1.How did the psalmist decide to respond to God’s Word? Why is it important to obey God’s commands immediately? What does “obeying God’s Word later” imply? Why?
2.How have you been obeying God’s Word so far?

1. He decided to respond hastily. Meaning quickly and right away. He did not delay. It is important to obey God this way so that we can live our lives according to how God wants us to live it. To obey God's word "later" is to not obey at all. It means we delay God's blessings in our lives and worst, it damages our relationship with God. It moves us so far away from Him which is tantamount to gradual spiritual death.


2. By reading His word, by thinking about the actions that I make. I still have many gray areas and I am still on the process on letting God work in my life all for His glory. I want to serve Him better so that I can obey Him in that aspect of my life.

Lord, I will obey. I want to serve You and Lord, I will join the ushering ministry so that I will learn to be more humble and to be closer to people. Then, I can use my musical gift again. Lord, heal me. Heal my voice. Help me to become more like Your servant and may I always serve You well and obey You.

Crave: Psalm 119: 49-56 NIV

1.What did the psalmist do to God in verse 49? What promise has God given you that you can claim?
2.The psalmist took comfort in God’s “ancient laws.” What experience did you have with God seeing you through past circumstances?
3.How does remembering God’s promises in His Word help you persevere through tough times?

1. He asked that God would remember His promises to him from His word for those promises gave him hope. God has promised me many beautiful things that He would do in my life. I could claim each one of those. Every good and perfect gift comes from Him, He would give me a home and that He would give me hope and future. Many wonderful and lovely promises that God is working in my life right now.

2. Many. He has taken me out of self-made "graves", He has taken me out of the dark and He has been so protective that He even made ways just for me to stop all my stupidities. It was Him who orchestrated things so that I would be out of those circumstances and far away from those people who would not do me any good at all. He has lovingly admonished me and gave ways for me to just be beside Him.

3. Those promises give me hope enough for me to just move forward and enough strength for me to just go on specially when I am under the enemy's attack. I hold on to His promises for the very hope they give makes me avoid doing mistakes that would just eventually destroy my life. God has been good to me. He has been so loving and patient with me.

Crave: Psalm 119: 41-48 NIV

1.Why do you think was the psalmist so confident about God’s Word?
2.Why can we trust and put our hope in the Word of God?
3.How much do you trust the Bible? Why do you trust God’s Word?

1. The psalmist was confident because he knew that he could depend on God's word in everything that he did. He knew that God's word was so powerful it could change someone's lie for the better. He was aware that His word was powerful. He knew that. And that we must recognize everyday.

2. Because His words are powerful. It is from God, Himself. It's from God, simply as that. And we all know that in only in God we can trust wholeheartedly and completely.

3. I trust it with all my heart and with all my life. There is no other better blueprint for our lives than the Bible. No other piece of advice nor any other self-help book could equal God's word from the Bible. They do help but not as much as when we are being touched and stirred and changed by the Bible. It is our main source of life and healing.
I trust God's word because simply they come from God.

Thank You Father for we know that we can trust and depend on Your Word. Thank You so much that we have the Bible and we can freely read and study it as much as we want to.

Crave: Psalm 119: 33-40 NIV

1.Whose help is the psalmist asking? What was he asking God to do for him?
2.What common hindrances or challenges stop people from living according to God’s Word?
3.How can God help you follow His Word today?

1. The psalmist was asking for God's help. He was seeking His guidance in his life. He was asking that God may give him understanding and yes, guidance so he can live his life in a meaningful manner led by Him.

2. Distractions. I think it depends on the person being "distracted". Like in my case, I am distracted by things about my relationship with other people and the opposite sex, things that I think are important etc., etc. I am also bothered by unfounded worries and concerns that would prove senseless in the end specially if I only had trusted God fully and faithfully. Those things indeed stop me from living according to His Word.

3. By reading and following His Word. By seeking His guidance and His wisdom. By reading on and digging deeply into the Bible.

In Your Words, Father, I gain insight and understanding. Help me Lord in all my ways. Thank You, Father. Amen.

Crave: Psalm 119: 25-32 NIV

1.What was the psalmist asking God to do in verses 25, 28, and 31?
2.In what area or concern in your life do you need God to intervene?
3.What promises in God’s Word can you claim for your current situation?

1. To preserve his life according to His Word (v.25), to strengthen him according to His Word (v.28) and to not let him be put to shame (v.31).

2. In the area of having a lifetime partner. To remain sexually pure and to be the godly woman God wants me to be. To keep my vow of purity until I am married and given to that person God commanded to take care of me. Also, the purity of my heart when dealing with others. May I not have and arrogant and proud heart. I need God's intervention in these areas.

3. His promise that everything will be beautiful in His time, that every good and perfect gift comes only from Him and that He will give me a home. Not now but soon. And I claim and will stand on His promises.

Lord, this message is really timely for me. Thank You very much for Your reminders and admonition. Amen.

Crave: Psalm 119:17-24 NIV

1.When you hear the word “law,” how does it make you feel?
2.How does verse 18 help you change your perspective or impression on God’s law?
3.For you, how is God’s law a delight?


1. It has a power-like connotation for me. Somehow, it sounds a bit restricting and so serious. Somethings high and quite beyond your reach. It comes strongly for me.It makes me feel quite intimidated.

2. That God's laws give joy to us rather uptight restriction. We can find happiness and contentment from His laws. His laws are so different from the way us, humans, define them. His laws have more power, power to enlighten us and set us free.

3. When it gives me direction. When it shows me the right path to take, the right decisions to make. God's laws actually give me peace and quietness only the good Lord can give.

God's Laws are my counselors. They give me direction and the right path to take. They light my way.

Crave: Psalm 119:9-16 NIV

1. To live a pure life, what is the secret according to these verses?
2. How did the psalmist hide God’s Word in his heart (v. 15,16)?
3. How does this apply to you today?


1. According to verse 9, it's all about living according to God's Word. To live according to what the Bible says. Simple as that but not so simple actually.

2. The psalmist meditated on God's Word and in fact was delighted and happy upon entering God's presence. Reading and studying God's Word was not a mundane and boring task for him but actually a joyful and wonderful moment communing and interacting with God.

3. I felt last night how beneficial it is for me to just read and study God's Word day and night. I was able to sleep well without my mind wandering somewhere else, without me thinking of those bad and malicious thoughts about others and I woke up so good. It was indeed a good time and I look forward to doing this lovely routine everyday. God's Word enlightens everyone and teaches us on what are we to do with the life that we have.

I will always remember this verse:

" Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time" Ecclesiastes 3:11a, NLT

I was so blessed by the testimony of Ms. May and her husband. They had been waiting for her to get pregnant for how many years already and even tried everything just to conceive but to no avail. Maybe they also had their own struggles and pains and maybe impatience was their constant companion during those times. And now, she's pregnant just when they learned to let go and just opened themselves to whatever God asked them to do. And He gave them what they have always wanted. God indeed has His own timing and He will make everything beautiful in its own time. Now is the time for me to be more faithful and patient and just wait on Him with joy and peace in my heart. And I will make the most out of my time until the day that He will finally answer my prayers and will give me what He has promised.

Crave: Psalm 119: 1-8 NIV

1.Why do you think did the psalmist desire to walk in God’s decrees?
2.In verse 4, how should we respond to God’s precepts?
3.How much do you desire to walk in God’s Word? What steps do you think can help you live out what God says?

1. So that he would know what to do with his life and he would not be put to shame, committing mistakes that would cost him everything good even his life, itself.

2. We have to respond to it with full and right obedience. Obedience that is not half-done but done with all our heart and soul.

3. I desire it with all my heart but I stumble most of the time. I think I should live my life according to what His Words say. To live my life in full and all faithfulness.

The steps that I can undertake are just like these, spending time to read and think through everything that God has been leading me to read about His Word. To spend more time with His Word and to invest more of my time with Christian friends and others who can uplift my faith. I must remember that God works in my life. I am becoming impatient again, thinking that God has been stalling the things I have always wanted in my life. I must remember what the pastor in Victory said yesterday that during those times when God seems to be quiet and unresponsive, those are times that He gives me chances to become more faithful and just honest-to-goodness faithful to Him. I must remember to just keep on walking in His Word, to live by them and to remember them always. Sadly, sometimes my so-called "unbeliever" friends are the ones who remind me to become more faithful to God and to do the right thing.

Lord, help me to obey You and to walk according to what Your Word says. Thank you for this time, thank you for this moment. Amen.