WORDS TO LIVE BY

by Tammy Phillips
June 19, 2020

All His precepts [are} sure. They stand fast forever and ever…Psalm 111:7 & 8 NKJV

Precepts are like the maxims of Christian life.  They are the “take-aways” from God’s word on how to live a Godly life.  Precepts are directions on moral conduct that regulate our thoughts and behaviors.  They are prescriptions on how to live right.  They are guiding principles rather than legal restrictions.  Precepts are appointments of God, practical rules, where the inner man is directed and is responsible for choosing the right way.

The Hebrew word for “sure” in Psalms 111:7 is ‘aman.  The list below provides its extensive meaning and insight:

All His precepts:

• Prop Up
• Sustain
• Support
• Establish
• Build Up
• Uphold
• Make Unshakable

All His precepts are:

• Faithful
• Stable
• True
• Trustworthy
• Verified

My favorite interpretation of the word sure is “to carry like a child.”   So, all of His very thoughts and words carry us through life, as we take hold of His hand.  ‘Aman also means:  to take the right hand; to turn right; choose to the right; go to the right.
The precepts of the LORD are right, making the heart glad; (Psalm 19:8 CSB)

• His precepts lead us to His right hand.
• His precepts turn us right.
• His precepts help us go right.
• His precepts lead us the right way.
• His precepts help us choose the right way.
• His precepts direct us in His righteousness.

Let Your hand become my help, For I have chosen Your precepts. – Psalm 119:173 NKJV

The LORD’S precepts are believable.  They can be built upon and leaned upon. As we trust and do, His word, His precepts guide us through life.  Ultimately, they lead us directly to him.

The Psalmist in 119 says of the LORD’s PRECEPTS:

KEEP DILIGENTLY: 
You have commanded [us] to keep Your precepts diligently. (Psalm 119:4 NKJV)

MEDITATE:  
Meditate on Your precepts and contemplate Your ways. (Psalm 119:15 NKJV)

UNDERSTAND:
Make me understand the way of Your precepts;

LONG FOR: 
Behold, I long for Your precepts; Revive me in Your righteousness. (Psalm 119:40 NKJV)

SEEK:       
And I will walk at liberty, For I seek Your precepts. (Psalm 119:45 NKJV)

DO NOT FORSAKE:        
They almost made an end of me on earth, But I did not forsake Your precepts. (Psalm 119:87 NKJV)

SOUGHT & SAVED BY: 
I [am] Yours, save me; For I have sought Your precepts. (Psalm 119:94 NKJV)

KEEP:    
Redeem me from the oppression of man, That I may keep Your precepts. (Psalm 119:134 NKJV)

GET UNDERSTANDING: 
Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore, I hate every false way. (Psalm 119:104 NKJV)

DO NOT STRAY: 
The wicked have laid a snare for me, Yet I have not strayed from Your precepts. (Psalm 119:110 NKJV)

LOVE: 
Consider how I love Your precepts; Revive me, O LORD, according to Your lovingkindness. (Psalm 119:159 NKJV)

I enCOURAGE you in ALL of His precepts.  They are sure and last forever. You can count on His Word.  May each appointment of the Lord build you up and sustain you.  May they carry you through life as you hold tightly to His right hand.  They all hang on Love.

I will never forget Your precepts, For by them You have given me life. – Psalm 119:93 NKJV