How much of the Bible do I have to know? Isn't Bible knowledge something for ministers and theologians to handle? Aren't people who constantly quote Scripture being extreme and fanatical? These questions are sometimes asked, and many times thought about, but not spoken. We can get a professional view of the church and of the Bible that allows others to handle it for us. History will show us that, where there has not been the influence of the Bible, there has been a lot of moral decay and unhappiness in society. Also, when the Bible has been handled by the "professionals" of the religious / political institutions, tyranny and abuse has often taken place. It is only when the average person gets involved with Scripture, that society has a chance to be lifted to a higher level of morality, prosperity, and meaningful accomplishment. Of course, people can interpret things differently and mistakes will be made. But humans were designed to know and enjoy God. Their lives are imbalanced if they are not pursuing God on a personal level. Psalm 119 is dedicated to the intimate pursuit of God through His Word. This lesson offers suggestions of what you may find for your life, when you involve yourself in His Word.

A Bountiful Life - Psalm 119:17 (KJV, NKJV, NASB, ESV)
If all you do in life is survive, you really haven't lived at all. God designed us to have joy and purpose in life that transcends mere animal survival. God's Word is the source of abundant living. Consider Ecclesiastes 1:1-18; 3:1-15; 7:13-14; 12:1,13-14; Psalm 1:1-3; Luke 12:15-32; Matthew 4:4; 16:24-26; John 10:9-10; 17:1-3.

An Illuminated Life, full of Wonder - Psalm 119:18
As children should explore the natural world, so we, as children of God should be exploring God's wonderful world. This, of course includes the natural world, but also much more! Our minds and hearts can enjoy a life of amazement when we search God's Word for His treasures. Consider Psalm 8:1-9; 19:1-11; 81:10; 119:105,130; Proverbs 2:1-11; Isaiah 55:1-2,6-13; Jeremiah 33:3; Matthew 5:6,8; 7:7-11; Romans 11:33-36; I Peter 2:2.

A Separated Life - Psalm 119:19
Putting it bluntly, becoming intimate with God will make you strange - strange to a world that does not know or love God. God Himself is a stranger to this world - like a traveler, just passing through. As we feed on God's Word, we, then become strangers with Him. This world is not our home. God is our home. We are family to those who are family with God. Consider Psalm 90:1; 119:9-16; Jeremiah 14:8; Psalm 39:12; John 1:10-12; 6:66-69; 15:18-24; Galatians 1:3-4; 6:14; Philippians 3:18-20; I John 2:15-17; 3:1,11-16; 4;1-6; 5:1-5,19-20.

(To be continued)

A Life of Godly Sorrow and Spiritual Desire - Psalm 119:20

A Humble, Obedient and Blessed Life - Psalm 119:21

A Life that Attracts Criticism and Opposition from the World - Psalm 119:22-23

A Life Full of Delights and Good Counsel - Psalm 119:24