What If God’s Word Became Your A To Z

Communion can’t be an afterthought if Jesus isn’t an afterthought. We start by looking at Acts 2 and the everyday practices that marked the early church: devotion to teaching, fellowship, prayer, and the breaking of bread. That pattern isn’t just history to admire. For us, weekly communion becomes a concrete way to re-center our hearts on the body broken and the blood shed, reminding us why we gather and what kind of people we’re called to be.

From there, we turn to Psalm 119, a beautiful and intense meditation on the Word of God. We talk about Scripture memory and motivation, including the difference between cramming verses to “pass a test” and treasuring God’s Word enough to carry it through real life. If you can sing every lyric to your favorite song, you can memorize more than you think. The deeper question is what you love, what you repeat, and what you’re letting shape your instincts.

As we read through Psalm 119, we keep hearing the same life-giving themes: God’s statutes as counsel, God’s promises as comfort, God’s commands as a path toward purity, wisdom, and freedom. The psalmist faces sorrow, pressure, enemies, and temptation, yet keeps returning to the conviction that Scripture sustains him. If you’re looking for Christian spiritual growth, a stronger Bible study habit, or a clearer picture of why the Lord’s Supper matters, this one is for you. Subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review telling us what verse you want to hide in your heart this week.

Transcript

Acts 2 And Shared Life

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So before we read Psalm 119, I was thinking back to something that I thought was important in Acts 2, 42 through 47. It says they devoted themselves to the apostles' teachings and to fellowship and to the breaking of bread into prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles, and all the believers were gathered together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and they ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praised God, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people, and the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. I thought that that was important because the early church did something that was significant. And one of those things is they took communion together every time they met. They had meals, they ate together, but but they broke bread. And if you ask me, I think it's one of the most important things we do on a Sunday morning. For a couple reasons, but but one of them being it refocuses us on the reason why we're here. And that matters. That that communion we take, the reminder of the body

Communion As Weekly Reorientation

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being broken and the blood being shed, reorients us and it and it puts us back into the right frame of mind. There's a reason why the scriptures tell us not to take it in a poor manner. And I've heard people say this that you know, if you take it too often, it becomes, you know, you do it all the time, it just becomes normal and and you take away the meaning of it. I don't agree with that. And I can prove that to you because I'm married. Imagine if the only time I ever talked to my wife was once a month. We'd have a really bad relationship, right? Imagine if we only spoke to each other once a quarter. It this becomes what we make of it. So every time we come together, and again, we're looking at what the early church did, they spent together, they broke bread, they took communion, they reminded themselves of the sacrifice. That's why we do this, and that's why I think we should do it, because it puts us in the proper mindset. And I say that because they not only broke bread together regularly, but

The "Too Often" Objection

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they spent time in the apostles' teachings, in the scriptures, what we would call the Bible. Uh, come to know as the Bible, they spent time together regularly, breaking communion, fellowshipping, and in God's word. And I love what happens at the end of it. It says, as they did all of these things and they took care of each other, God was adding to their number daily those who are being saved. They dedicated themselves to communion, the breaking of bread, the reminder of the Lord's Supper, and they dedicated themselves to the teachings. And so this is why we're going to read through Psalm 119. Psalm 119 is 176 verses. When I was in college, one of my final exams was to memorize and be able to write from memory all 176 verses. I think I got to 130. And then I forgot the other 46. Because my my professor was like strict, like one word off. Like he didn't want a synonym for a word, he wanted the word. But but the problem is at the time I took that as I just want to pass this test. So I did everything I can to memorize the word of God so I could pass a test. And then by next semester, I couldn't have done it. And and so I've been thinking, I was thinking about this at the concert the other night. We have

Why Psalm 119 Matters

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people from all walks of life who can sing the words of their favorite songs with little to no effort. Me included. I knew every single word. So that tells me that you and I are a hundred percent able to memorize things. We remember what's important. Now there's some connection to music and and the things that happen in our lives. The psalmist who writes Psalm 119, we we don't know who he is. There's not a name. It's it's a beautiful piece of literature. It's 22 stanzas, eight verses each. It follows the the Hebrew alphabet. If you look in your Bible, that's the that's how it's labeled at the top. Um, and it's a beautiful piece of literature. And it's it's someone who is deeply in love, not just with God, but with his laws and his statutes. And we'd be careful because it's really easy to think, oh, laws and rules. And no, we're we're talking about a Jewish culture that had the Torah,

We Memorize What We Love

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and the Torah was their guide of how to live life. It was more than just simple rules to follow, it gave them everything they needed to follow God in the way they should have been. They memorized it, they they taught their children from a very young age to repeat it, to understand it, to put it into their hearts. And so when the psalmist writes 119, he he's reflecting on the things that he's gone through in his life, the trials, the difficult times, the the good times, the struggles, the the moments that he's he's been tempted to sin. And through all of it, he comes to the same conclusion, God, it is your word, your statutes, your guide that sustain me. It's the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet and the last letter. So in our English understanding, it's literally A to Z. The psalmist writes 22 sections, and in it he reflects not only on his life, but just how important the word of God is. And it only seems fitting that after the last couple months, as as we've talked about the importance of Jesus, as we wrestled through James, which the sermon last week was fantastic. John Cooper did an amazing job. It was funny because I asked him to do that, and the first thing he texted me is, Why are you having me talk about rich oppressors?

Psalm 119 A To Z Structure

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And I was like, It's nothing personal. It's just James. But the reality is, is for you and I to truly see transformation in our lives, we have to love and be devoted to the scriptures. We have to prioritize it above everything else. It it sustains us. If you've ever had any kind of conversation with Cody, you realize that he can quote scripture like no one I've ever met in my life. And what's your secret? You just spend time in it, right? That's right. You just spend time in the Word. The more you do it, the more important it becomes. So as we read through all these hundred seventy-six verses, as I go stanza by stanza, I ask, and you have a prayerful heart. A heart that's seeking, a heart that desires to know God, and and and we're gonna have moments of where we stop and we pause and we reflect and and and listen, I just want to let you know if you have

Devotion To Scripture For Change

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lunch plans, I'm not rushing this. I'm not trying to be mean. But that food is nothing compared to this food. This is what sustains us. Psalm 119. Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart. They do no wrong but follow his ways. You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. Oh, that my ways were steadfast and obeying your decrees. Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all of your commands. I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. I will obey your decrees, do not utterly forsake me. How can a young person stay on the path of purity by living according to your word? I seek you with all of my heart, do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my

Psalm 119 Blessing And Purity

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heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, Lord. Teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one who rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and I consider your ways. I delight in your decrees. I will not neglect your word. Be good to your servant while I live, that I may obey your word. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. I'm a stranger on earth. Do not hide your commands from me. My soul is consumed with longing, uh longing for your laws at all times. You rebuke the arrogant who are accursed, those who astray from your commands. Remove from me their scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes. The rulers sit together and slander me. Your servant will meditate on your decrees. Your statues are my delight. They are my counselors.

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Your Majesty to be still in there, but your stay in your holiness word of God speak.

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Preserve my life according to your word. I gave an account of my ways, and you answered me. Teach me your decrees. Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds. My soul is weary with sorrow. Strengthen me according to your word. Keep me from deceitful ways. Be gracious to me and teach me your law. I have chosen the way of faithfulness. I have set my heart on your laws. I hold fast to your statutes, Lord. Do not let me be put to shame. I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding. Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end. Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all of my heart. Direct in me the path of your commands, for there I find delight. Turn my heart toward

Hope And Strength In Sorrow

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your statutes, and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things, preserve my life according to your word. Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared. Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good. How I long for your precepts. In your righteousness preserve my life. May your unfailing love come to me, Lord, your salvation according to your promise. Then I can answer anyone who taunts me, for I trust in your word. Never take your word of truth from my mouth, for I put my hope in your laws. I will always obey your law for ever and ever. I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. I will speak of your statutes before kings, and will not be put to shame. For I delight in your commands, because I love them. I reach out for your commands, which I love, that I may meditate on your decrees. Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. My comfort and my suffering is this your promise preserves my life. The arrogant mock me unmercifully, but I do not turn from your law. I remember, Lord, your ancient laws, and I find comfort in them. Indignation grips me because of the wicked who have forsaken your law. Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge. In the night, Lord, I remember your name, that I may keep your law. This has been my practice. I obey your precepts, and I'm not sure. I have promised to obey your words. I have sought your face with all of my heart. Be gracious to me according to your promise. I have considered my ways, and I have turned my steps to your statutes. I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands. Though the wicked bind me with robes, I will not forget your law. In midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws. I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts. The earth is filled with your love, Lord. Teach me your decrees. Do good to your servant, according to your word, Lord. Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust in your commands. Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I obey your word. You are good, and what you do is good. Teach me your decrees. Though the arrogant has smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all of my heart. Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law. It was good for me to be afflicted, so that I might not uh so that I might learn your decrees. The law from your mouth is more precious than me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold. Your hands made me. They formed me. Give me understanding to learn your commands. May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I put my hope in your word. I know, Lord, that your laws are

Affliction That Deepens Faith

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righteous, and that is faithfulness you have affli and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me. May your unfailing love be my comfort according to your promise to your servant. Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight. May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me with cause, but I will meditate on your precepts. May those who fear you turn to me, those who understand your statutes, may I wholeheartedly follow your decrees, that I may not be put to shame? My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word. My eyes fail, looking to your promise. I say, When will you comfort me? Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke, I do not forget your decrees. How long must your servant wait? When will you punish my persecutors? The arrogant, now they dig pits to trap me, contrary to your law. All your commands are trustworthy. Help me, for I am being persecuted without cause. They almost wiped me from the earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts. In your unfailing love, preserve my life, that I may be obey the statutes of your mouth. Your word, Lord, is eternal. It stands stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations. You establish the earth and it endures. Your law endures to this day, for all things serve you. If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life. Save me, for I am yours. I have sought out your precepts. The wicked are waiting to destroy me, but I will ponder your statutes. To all perfection I see a limit, but your commands are battle.

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Promised good me. He will my she employ me as long as life my chains are come, have been set free. My God, my savior has ransomed me and like a flood his mercy rings an ending amazing grace.

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Oh, how I love your law. I meditate it on it all day long. Your commands are always with me. And it makes me wiser than my enemies. I have more insight than all of my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. I have kept my feet from every evil path, so that I might obey your word. I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth. I gain understanding from your precepts. Therefore, I hate every wrong path. Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it that I will follow your righteous laws. I have suffered much. Preserve my life, Lord, according to your word. Accept, Lord, the willing praise of my mouth and teach

Wisdom From Loving God's Law

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me your laws. Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law. The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts. Your statutes are my heritage forever. They are the joy of my heart. My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end. I hate double-minded people, but I love your law. You are my refuge and my shield. I have put my hope in your word. Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God. Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live. Do not let my hopes be dashed. Uphold me, and I will be delivered. I will always have regard for your decrees. You reject all who stray from your decrees, for their delusions come to nothing. All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross, before I love, therefore I love your statutes. My flesh trembles in fear of you, and I stand in awe of your laws.

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And the light unto my pear. And the light unto my peace.

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I have done what is righteous and just. Do not leave me to my oppressors. Ensure your servant's well-being. Do not let the arrogant oppress me. My eyes fail, looking for your salvation, looking for your righteous promise. Deal with your servant according to your love and teach me your decrees. I am your servant. Give me discernment that I may understand your statutes. It is time for you to act, Lord, your laws being broken, because I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold, because I consider all of your precepts right, I hate every wrong path. Your statutes are wonderful, therefore I obey them. The unfolding of your words give light. Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name. Direct my footsteps according to your word, let no sin rule over me. Redeem me from human oppression, that I may obey your precepts.

Tears And Zeal For Obedience

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Make your face shine on your servant and teach me your decrees. Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed. You are righteous, Lord, and your laws are right. The statues you have laid down are righteous, they are fully trustworthy. My zeal wears me out, for my enemies ignore your words. Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them. Though I am lowly and despised, I do not forget your precepts. Your righteousness is everlasting in your law. It's true. Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands give me delight. Your statues are always righteous. Give me understanding that I may live. I call with all of my heart, answer me, Lord, and I will obey your decrees. I call out to you, save me, and I will keep your statutes. I rise before dawn and I cry for help. I have put my hope in your word. My eyes stay open through the watches of the night that I may meditate on your promises. Hear my voice in accordance with your love. Preserve my life, Lord, according to your laws. Those who devise wicked schemes are near, but they are far from your law. Yet you are near, Lord, and all of your commands are true. Long ago I learned from your statutes that you established them to last forever.

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And with Thanksgiving, I'll be away.

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Look on my suffering and deliver me, for I have not forgotten your law. Defend my cause and redeem me. Preserve my life according to your promise. Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek out your decrees. Your compassion, Lord, is great. Preserve my life according to your laws. Many are the foes who persecute me, but I have not turned from your statutes. I look on the faithless with loathing, for they do not obey your word. See now I love your precepts. Preserve my life, Lord, in accordance with your love. All your words are true. All your righteous laws are eternal. Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart trembles at your word. I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil. I hate and detest falsehood because but I love your law. Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws. Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. I wait for your salvation,

Enduring Persecution With Promise

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Lord, and I follow your commands. I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly. I obey your precepts and your statutes, for all the ways, all my ways are known to you. May my cry come before you, Lord. Give me understanding according to your word. May my supplication come before you. Deliver me according to your promise. May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees. May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous. May my hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. I long for your salvation, Lord, and your law gives me delight. Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me. I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands. We take communion every Sunday because it puts us back in the right mindset, remembering the sacrifice. And this is a beautiful thing. The word of God is meant to be consumed every day, not just in church on Sunday mornings. The psalmist writes, God, let it sustain me. I love your word. Your promises. They hold me, they build me, they give me life. And this is someone who doesn't even understand that salvation is coming through Jesus just yet. You and I live on the other side of that. We should love God's word so much that we prioritize it over everything else. It's eternal.

Closing Communion And Daily Word

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It's life-changing. It's it's it's it teaches us how to live, to love, to seek unity, to serve, to be the church, to be men and women devoted to the mission. It's not just about reading more of your Bible, but it's about letting it change you and mold you and convict you and push you closer and closer to the God who gave it to you. I have strayed like a lost sheep.