Welcome, beloved! It’s our second Wonderful Wednesday, with more gold-and-white Chrismons that point to Christ, and more encouragement to go deeper in His Word this year.
Even one simple truth can reset our thinking and restart our spiritual engines. Ready to dive into this month’s WONDERFUL verse?
Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. Psalm 119:18
Open my eyes… Psalm 119:18
How often have we stumbled around, trying to find our own way? Now, at the start of a new year, we’re saying to the Lord, “open Thou mine eyes” (KJ21) so we can follow His leading, and “lighten thou mine eyes” (WYC) so we can be done with darkness, and “uncover my eyes” (LEB) so we can see what’s right in front of us: Him.
Because this is what we all long for…
…that I may see… Psalm 119:18
We not only want our eyes opened; we want the ability to see more clearly. To recognize God’s truth and reject the enemy’s lies. To focus on what matters. To not merely see, but “behold” (ASV). Oh, the power and majesty in that word!
With our eyes open wide, and our minds and hearts fully engaged, we can “examine” (CEB) His truth at length, “contemplate” (CSB) what it means in our lives, and “discover” (CEV) what He has for us this year and all the years to come.
And here’s what we’re going to find…
…wonderful things… Psalm 119:18
Truth that fills us with awe and overwhelms us with amazement. “Wondrous things” (ASV) that steal our breath (ASV). “Marvels” (WYC) beyond our imagining. “Great things” (NLV) only a great God could do.
This is the cry of our hearts: “Open my eyes to see the miracles” (EXB). They’re stirring inside us and unfolding all around us and waiting for us in His Word.
…in your law. Psalm 119:18
The word law can make us leery. We may see it as the opposite of grace, or a long list of rules, or something to be broken.
But here, God’s law means His “teachings” (ERV), His “Instruction” (CEB), the wisdom found in His “Torah” (TLV). In Psalm 119, by far the longest of all the psalms, each verse praises God’s Word, using many different names for it, including His commandments, His way, His testimonies, His precepts, His decrees, His truth, and yes, His law – all celebrating the wonderfulness of His divine revelation.
I fell in love with the Bible even before I fell in love with the One who wrote it. The beauty of the language captivated me. The timeless power of the stories thrilled my writer’s heart. In the end, it was His tender voice, leaping off the page, speaking directly to my soul, that demanded a response.
When we say yes to God, when we say yes to His Word and all the truth it contains, our lives are forever changed (and believe me, mine needed changing!). And He’s not done with us, beloved. The more we reflect on His Word, the more His Word is reflected in us.
What a blessing it is to open His Word with you today!
Suppose we memorize this wonderful verse? It’s only a dozen words. “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” Psalm 119:18. Easy, right? Say it once more. You got it!
Now, get ready for 22 minutes of joy, enthusiasm, biblical teaching, and Lizzie on a roll, sharing the wondrous story of one of the Jesus Girls from the New Testament, a woman named Tabitha. Watch it right here, right now, recorded LIVE on our first Wonderful Wednesday in January.
Next week on Facebook, it’s our first Wonderful Wednesday Giveaway, with three new books from Sheila Walsh, Annie Downs, and Candace Payne.
So, about the Chrismons. Since many of you asked about where to buy them or how to make them, I found a few helpful resources, including a book, Chrismons Basic Series, some wooden Chrismons, and a description of all the Chrismon designs with instructions you can download. Next Christmas, you’ll be ready!
Can you think of something WONDERFUL you discovered in God’s Word this week? Leave a comment. I’d love to read it and rejoice with you!
Your grateful sister,
Liz
Liz,
Two things…first, I have surrendered to lead a mission team this June to the Amazon. This will be my 6th trip since losing my husband to cancer very quickly five years ago this month. God has shown me where He wants my focus to be. So please pray with me for the courage to lead well, the wisdom to prepare my team well, and for the joy that will come as hearts are changed.
Second, I am actually working my way through Psalm 119 right now. I write a verse each day. Today was 113! I am learning to treasure His law. What a blessing it is to open His Word.
Praying for your health and your ministry. God is good and so, so generous!
Love you,
Jane
Jane, you are courageous and obedient! What a treasure you are reaping as you follow where God leads. May His grace sustain and strengthen you.
Dear sister in Christ, open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Jesus psalm 119:18…. I see my friend change from going down wrong path too now her eyes are open to the lord!!! Wow what difference!!! Night and day!! I to am on fire for the lord, I tell everyone about God and it feels so good!!!
Celebrating with you, Holly!
My eyes were opened when I sawthat MOSES was the meekest man in the world! Studying what biblical meekness is and what it isn’t….I was made so uncomfortable my stomach churned. I pray that I will be shown how to become meek …strength under Gods control. Thanks for your ministry.
Angela Vincent
Angela, a study of biblical meekness would definitely be life changing. Brave you!
Hi Jane.
May I ask where in the Amazon are you going? I spent about 8 weeks in Brazil on a mission trip in 1978. 6-7 weeks out in part of the jungle outside of Manaus.
Tom
We have been serving in a village called Sao Jose on the Solimoies but at the mouth of the Puruus. The people are indigenous – Ticuna tribe.
This trip will take us to a new village near Manacaparu, our jumping off point after flying into Manaas.
THRILLED to hear how God has been leading you in such creative and courageous endeavors. Honored to pray, Jane!
I’ve been feasting this morning in Romans 11. My heart is full! The words that jumped off the page were…”God was willing to take you who were, by nature, branches from a wild olive tree and graft you into His own good tree…” (v 24) How completely wonderful to receive the blessing God has promised to Abraham and his children, sharing in the rich nourishment of God’s special olive tree. (v. 17) I agree with you, dear sister, that a lifetime will not be enough to plumb the depths of the riches that are ours to enjoy in Christ. Keep up the good work! xo
My wonderful things in Your law…is Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will e able to test and approve what God’s will is — His good, pleasing and perfect will.
Such a powerful verse, Cheryl. Not conformed, but transformed. May it be so for us all, Lord!
Years ago the words “open the eyes of my heart, Lord” went over and over in my head as I walked the halls of a women’s conference. I was feeling alone in a building with thousands of women. God answered my prayer with the next speaker who taught me that I am enough. If I am enough for God, I am enough for anyone. This brought me so much peace that I cried tears of joy.
Thank you for your blogs and your books.
Dorothy
God bless the speaker who brought that encouraging truth, Dorothy!
Thank you for this, Liz :). From my time in the Word this week: Job, in the midst of trying to find God, looking North, South, East, West, he cannot find or “perceive” Him (Job 23). So much unknown, yet in his pain (all parts of it), he declares Job 23:10-12. “Yet HE KNOWS the way I have taken; when He has tested me, I WILL EMERGE as pure gold. My feet [oh, his poor feet] have followed IN HIS TRACKS; I have kept HIS WAY and not turned aside. I have not departed from THE COMMANDS FROM HIS LIPS. I have treasured THE WORDS FROM HIS MOUTH more than my daily food.” An encouraging example of faith in the midst of questions and darkness. The Lord is so good. Grace to you.
Job is a book like no other. Whenever I’m feeling sorry for myself, I consider what Job went through and my attitude quickly changes. Job 1:21 is especially humbling: “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” Thanks for sharing what you’ve learned, Susan!
Something wonderful that I experienced this past week is; God continues to heal my heart through a separation and divorce from my ex husband seven years ago .My ex and I have been able to communicate about our kids without alot of bitterness and hurt since the divorce.This all changed on January 1st when our daughter was in the hospital giving birth to get first child and my ex and his wife asked if the could come to our house to chat while waiting for the arrival of our new grandson Josiah. My husband now and I agreed it would be ok .Well how amazing God heals in time. We were able to talk and Have conversations with no bitterness in the midst of it all. God is soooo God.
What a glory of a story, Judy! Praising God for your new grandson and for healed hearts!
“I call to God Most High,
to God who fulfills his purpose for me” Psalm 57:2.
Why do I strive so hard? God will fulfill his purpose for me. Period. It doesn’t say when I do enough or when I perform properly. This word of promise is incredibly freeing … permission to rest in His grace and in the truth that He will never fail!
Wow, Julie. A beautiful truth, and yes…so freeing!
After hearing your sermonette this morning I’ve decided that my word for this year will be wonderful! I have followed you for years Liz and I’m so blessed by you and your tremendous ministry. May God continue to bless and expand your ministry. In Christian Love, Carol
Delighted to hear we’re going to have a “Wonderful” year together, Carol!
Oh give thanks unto the Lord for He is good and His mercy endures forever! How thankful I am for your guidance !! It brings me to a beautiful place of reflection! Thank you
One of my favorite verses, Karen. It appears six times in Scripture! Much joy to you in 2019 and always!
I was studying Isaiah 55:10-11
“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I DESIRE and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
So I thought of John 1….
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made.”
Ok… revelation time. I was made THROUGH the Word of God…. God just told me that His word accomplishes WHAT HE DESIRES…
GOD DESIRES ME ❤️❤️❤️
Yes, yes, YES, Victoria! A beautiful pairing, those verses, and an eye-opening truth.
ps.16:8
“I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.”
I’m a fairly new widow and I’ve picked this verse for my theme in the new year as I make decisions about my life going forward. It’s comforting knowing I’m not really alone even if I feel like it.
Truly a comforting word for all of us, and especially for you in this new season of your life, Cheryl. Bless you for sharing. Praying for you right now!
Beautiful verse I read this week.
“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV
Oh yes, Ginnie, that verse is definitely a beauty! God goes with us, will not fail us, and will never leave us. Those promises are what makes it possible for us to be strong, courageous, and fearless. Thank you, Lord.
I have been repeating Psalm 91:4 as a prayer for my premature grand niece in NICU. Ariel was born 5 weeks early by an emergency C-section. I pictured her covered in the “feathers” and “finding refuge” Breathing tube, feeding tube, 2 antibiotic tubes, a blood transfusion – all in the 1st week of her life! Received first picture of her outside the incubator with her eyes open last night. My heart swelled with thanksgiving and hope to see the precious face. Today’s message to recognize God’s truth and reject the enemies’ lies is what I will add to my prayers and search for the great things only God can do. Thank you Liz!
So grateful to hear that Ariel is doing well! I can only imagine how anxious your family must have been. And yet, God is faithful, as His Word tells us: “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Psalm 91:4 You chose well, Peggy!
I hate to disrupt all of the wonderful but I want to warn everyone not to click on the how to make chrismons link on the linked page. The linked page itself is fine but that other link is a horrible pornographic page. The website must have a broken link. I need eye bleach.
Oh, NO! Judith, I tried all the links offered and did not hit the page you mentioned (thank goodness). But I so appreciate your word of warning. Many apologies, my sister.
Thank you for sharing this sparkle of Christmas joy now that the craziness/overwhelm of the obligations of the season are behind us and I can finally take a breath! I love it that, in this verse, God is not calling US to go go go or work or do- but to ‘behold’ his wonder! Yes, Lord!
So right, Nicole. Working and doing are not what this verse is about. Just beholding!
I am so enjoying this Bible study we had moved to the country and just got the internet installed and when I saw your Bible study this year. Happy dance. Thank you
May your new home be filled with blessings and peace, Anita!
Good morning Liz 🙂 I wanted to share something WONDERFUL I discovered this week in God’s Word and that was God sings over us!!! His Word says in Zephaniah 3:17 that “The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” How awesome is that? I came across this devotional that I wanted to share by Fran Andrews~~~Did you know that God sings over you?
“The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17)
That’s kind of hard to take in sometimes but when we do, it will send your Spirit soaring.
THE LORD – the one and only God of the universe.
YOUR GOD – He’s personal. He has a plan for you and HE is with you at all times.
HE IS MIGHTY TO SAVE – The Lord, Your God is Mighty and he wants to be your Savior.
HE WILL TAKE GREAT DELIGHT IN YOU – no matter what you have done… no matter where you are in your walk with Him, He delights in you especially when you endeavor to be in an intimate relationship with Him.
HE WILL QUIET YOU WITH HIS LOVE – If you listen carefully, you can hear Him say, “SSSSHHHHH, it’s OK, you and I will get through this and if it is your heart’s desire, I will be glorified in all you do. SSSHHHH, I love you and I surround you with my peace, if you choose to accept it.
HE WILL REJOICE OVER YOU WITH SINGING – Can you think of anything more wonderful and more humbling? The Lord, Your God, who is Mighty, sings over you. No matter what is happening in your life, no matter your trials and mountains to climb, God is with you every step of the way and He is rejoicing in you and who He made you to be. He is so happy, He sings!
I forgot this recently. I was going through a difficult time in my life and I was not in His word as I knew I should be. Going through the motions of reading a short, daily devotion and racing through prayer at the beginning of the day, most of the time running late, was the norm.
One morning, I read the devotion, Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young, and the topic was Listen to the Love Song with Zephaniah 3:17 as the verse referenced. As I read it, I felt the Lord’s presence calling me back to Him; to the intimate relationship He so desires of us. I cried out to audibly hear His love song, saying I needed to be surrounded and enveloped by it. But no audible song came. I went on to read the verse of the day from the You Version online Bible, and guess what it was… Zephaniah 3:17 and He sang His song of love once again. It wasn’t audible, but He had heard my prayer and answered it.
Am I back on track? I’m working on it with a spirit renewed and refreshed.
Do you hear the love song? Have a blessed day Liz!!!
YES, I hear His love song, Rischa! One of my favorite verses. Humbling and comforting all at once.
Dear Liz:
I am so amazed at the wonderful Spirit of God.
After memorizing Psalm 119 a few years ago, and using verse 18 as a prayer to open my eyes to see “WONDERFUL”things out of His word, for the first time today I saw the word WONDERFUL, that word filled my heart for the first time since I prayed that so often.
He wants me to see WONDERFUL things in His word.
I give Him praise and things for His wonderful word.
Thank you Liz
love and blessings Jannie
Such a commitment, memorizing Psalm 119, Jannie! 176 verses, all in first person, and spoken directly to the Lord. Wow. “Wonderful” is right!
What a beautiful verse in Psalm this is! I love the Word! It is so life giving every day!
I read this verse this week in a bible study (Quest by Beth Moore).
“He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.” Isaiah 33:6
Thank you for bringing us more treasures in the Word every Wednesday!
Bless you!
Every time I am in God’s word I discover how much He loves me.
God is so faithful.
Carol
I just came home after respiratory, occupational therapy and physical therapy. I was reading my daily devotional. The verse, Be still and know that I am God leaped off the page. One of the things they instructed me to do was to be still. I’m learning how to be still for my healing. God brought me through a very tough time. I was reduced to pleading to him for my next breath. He spared me and now I’m learning to be still and let Him lead me. God is good!