Several months ago I was asked to speak to a group of kids who are going to be gathering at the fairgrounds on Sunday June 9th around 7:30 or so. These kids would be from all over Independence County and would be gathering there from all different churches. I was asked to share a scripture, say a prayer and a word of encouragement. The event is called “Glow in the Word”. The idea is simple, allow the kids to come enjoy the fair rides and food for a discounted price ($15-$20 depending on if you want food or not) and gather them together around 8:30 for a quick devotional message. How amazing is that? What a great opportunity to represent Jesus and our church here at NHCOC!

Since I have the privilege to serve as Youth Minister I’m excited to be able to bring kids from NHCOC to this event. After our church picnic we plan on headed down our hill to the fairgrounds to have a good time and experience “Glow in the Word”.

This got me to thinking about this passage from Psalm 119:9-16. It says this:

How can a young man keep his way pure?

By keeping it according to Your word.

With all my heart I have sought You;

Do not let me wander from Your commandments.

Your word I have treasured in my heart,

That I may not sin against You.

Blessed are You, O LORD;

Teach me Your statutes.

With my lips I have told of

All the ordinances of Your mouth.

I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies,

As much as in all riches.

I will meditate on Your precepts

And regard Your ways.

I shall delight in Your statutes;

I shall not forget Your word.

This section of the 119th Psalm begins with a question we all have probably asked. How can a young person remain pure, innocent, or faithful? Or maybe, How can I face temptation and overcome it? The answer is found in the text, “keeping it according to Your word”. When a person works to live according to the standards and expectations found in the Word of God then that person has great potential to know what to do to when faced with temptation. But did you notice the way that the Word of God is described in these verses?

Notice these 5 key words: Commandments, statutes, ordinances, testimonies, precepts, and ways. What do these words mean?

  1. The word “commandments” emphasizes the authority of what God says. He has the right to give orders and make demands.
  2. The word “statutes” is a noun that comes from the root verb for “engrave” or “inscribe” the thought is that God’s written word has been outlined with authority as it was literally written in stone.
  3. The word “testimonies” is related to the word for witness. To obey testimonies is to listen to the witnesses and understand the covenant that was made between Israel and the Lord.
  4. The word “precepts” is drawn from someone who oversees and is responsible to look closely into a situation and takes action. Therefore, one should look intently at the Word of God and listen to the instructions with great detail.
  5. The word “ways” means that one should look at the path and direction God’s word is leading and get in line with it, not turning off to the left or right.

One who wants to overcome temptation and keep their way pure would be wise to learn and understand the Word of God with every one of these key words in mind.

I’m gonna share this with the kids who are “Glow in the Word” on Sunday evening at the fairgrounds. I hope it’s encouraging.

For the Lord,

Alex Mills