Breath of God

This is a beautiful section of Psalm 119, it's a prayer. God made us with His very own hands. Each of us are unique and have special gifts and talents. Throughout all of history there's no one exactly like us.  His mind must be so amazing!  I can barely figure out what to cook each night.  He comes up with new designs everyday, every minute.  Sometimes when I photograph flowers, I look at the result and think, "Yup.  It's a flower... again."  But then I find that one shot that stands out, the one that makes me think, "Wow." 

I wonder if He feels like that, when we do something incredibly right.

Luke 15:7
7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.
NKJV

When we are of one mind in Christ we are a beautiful chorus- each with a different part in the melody, a different gift. And... well, when we aren't, we're a clashing, clanging cymbal (1 Corinthians 13:1). Stuff happens. God loves us anyway and is always there to restore and guide us.  I confess, sometimes I'm the one that clashes... hate when that happens.

Psalms 119:73-80

Before I read the Bible, I ask the Holy Spirit to speak to me through His Word.  The Holy Spirit came first to the disciples in the upper room through Jesus breath.  He came to give us comfort, wisdom and understanding (John 20:22, John 14:26).  Life came to Adam when God breathed in him (Genesis 2:7).  His breath is very powerful, I believe it's inside us, surrounding us.  His Holy Spirit.
73 With your very own hands you formed me;

now breathe your wisdom over me so I can understand you.

74 When they see me waiting, expecting your Word,

those who fear you will take heart and be glad.

75 I can see now, God, that your decisions are right;

your testing has taught me what's true and right.

76 Oh, love me — and right now! — hold me tight!

just the way you promised.

When I became a Christian I began to live.  To really live.  All the emptiness and anger was turned to joy.   Even though I still have painful and angry moments, He restores my soul to know His joy again.  I try and be very careful who I listen too.  One time I received a "prayer rug" in the mail.  It was printed on paper and if I would just send in $25, all my prayers would be answered...  God doesn't need money.  There's no requirement for a paper rug in the Bible.  He wants us to come as we are.  With God's Word I can tell the truth from a lie.
77 Now comfort me so I can live, really live;

your revelation is the tune I dance to.

78 Let the fast-talking tricksters be exposed as frauds;

they tried to sell me a bill of goods,

but I kept my mind fixed on your counsel.

In these verses, he's seeking to be such a good example that people want to be like him, to get his advice.  Not because of his outward appearance- because of his inner-strength and wisdom.  I've known Christians like that.  People who are different than others, they have a peace about them.  It's not fake at all.  There's an inner glow and I feel very comfortable around them.  When I did my Nursing Home photo shoot last Friday, the Activities Director started to sing, "Amazing Grace" with the residents.  I was delighted.  I had to close my eyes and listen with my heart, to sing along without clashing with her voice.  When we were done, we both smiled at each other- eyes sparkling, we'd just worshiped God and allowed Him to minister to people.  We became instant friends, she's a great lady.
79 Let those who fear you turn to me

for evidence of your wise guidance.

80 And let me live whole and holy, soul and body,

so I can always walk with my head held high.

THE MESSAGE

We are almost half way through Psalm 119!  I will design an award when we're done so we can celebrate- the longest chapter in the Bible.  And it is good!!!