Daily Devotional For Saturday, September 20, 2025
Good day Southside. Here is a great passage for all of us to reflect upon today. It is Psalm 19:7-8, “The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. (8) The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes” (NASB). So, let’s break this verse down by the nouns:
- Law – This is the Hebrew word [תּוֹרָה, torah]. Some view this as being limited to the Old Testament Law. It is not. The “torah” is a comprehensive term for God’s will. This word literally means “instruction, direction and teaching.” The Torah or law is less about do’s and don’ts and more about blessing, protection and prevention.
- Testimony – This is the Hebrew word [עֵד֥וּת, edut]. This is God’s will attested or proven by the truth of God. We see this same idea in the New Testament in 1 John 5:9; it is also the word used for a covenant declaration as in Exodus 25:16 and Deuteronomy 9:9.
- Precepts – This is the Hebrew word [פִּקּ֘וּדֵ֤י, piqqudeh]. This indicates the precision by which God judges us. This is supposed to create both fear and awe in us.
- Commandments – This is the Hebrew word [מִצְוַ֥ת, mitzwat]. This word means “that which is appointed.” These represent more than the Old Testament Law. They include God’s commands through the other books such as the Psalms, Proverbs, and all the prophets. These we can trust because they are perfect.
- “Perfect” is the Hebrew word [תַּמִּים, tamim]. This means the law of God is blameless, without blemish and without error. The result is the law of God restores and refreshes the soul and the heart of a person. Because we were spiritual dead due to our sins, God’s law gives life spiritually to the spiritually dead. This is why the law is “spiritual food.” Jesus said the same thing in Matthew 4:4. Just as the Scriptures were bread and meat to Jesus, they are also for us.
As languages change and new words are created to express thoughts, principles, ideas, and etc, this at times will require newer translations. But even as these newer translations come, the truth of God must stay the same. Otherwise, it will not be able to help others in the future be saved. If we heed God’s word then we are blessed and if we do not, we pay the price. This is the point of Deuteronomy 30:15-20. God’s word is pure (Psalm 119:140).
Since this is not our home, we are strangers here and need a guide to help us know how to navigate these treacherous waters (Psalm 119:19). The Scriptures give us wisdom and insight that we otherwise lack (2 Timothy 3:15). This is why we should not ignore or forget them (Deuteronomy 4:9-10). Above the word “simple” is used. Do not misread or misinterpret the use of this word. “Simple” is the Hebrew word [פֶּתִי, peti]. This word does not mean fool or foolish, but uninstructed. This is Paul’s point in Romans 7:7, “Well then, am I suggesting that the law of God is sinful? Of course not! In fact, it was the law that showed me my sin” (NLT).
Assignment: If you believe all of this about the Word of God, show it in a non-boastful way. For example, at work or in a restaurant, place the Bible on your desk or on the table. When someone sees it and makes a comment about it, just say, “God’s word is important to me.” Practice publicly being an advocate for the word of God.
Scripture To Meditate On: 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living, (17) so that the person who serves God may be fully qualified and equipped to do every kind of good deed” (GNT).
Prayer To Pray: “Dear Lord, Your word is life. It is powerful. It has authority over my life. Please give me a love for it to hide Your word in my heart so that I know what to do at the right time. Give me an all-consuming love for your word. Since it was spiritual food for Jesus, I want to eat it, digest and apply the truths of it. Help me to be an advocate for Your word. I love You Jesus. In Jesus’ name, Amen!”
I love you Southside! – Pastor Kelly