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Psalm 119:33-42

Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes,
and I will observe it to the end.

Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
and observe it with my whole heart.

Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.

Turn my heart to your decrees, and not to selfish gain.

Turn my eyes from looking at vanities; give me life in your ways.

Confirm to your servant your promise, which is for those who fear you.

Turn away the disgrace that I dread, for your ordinances are good.

See, I have longed for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life.

Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord,
your salvation according to your promise.

Then I shall have an answer for those who taunt me,
for I trust in your word.

Our group read this psalm and then considered the question:

“Who taught you about God, and what did you learn?”

Jamillah began the conversation: 

“For me, ‘teach me oh Lord the way of thy statutes’ this tells me to abide, to learn the statues so that we can live life. My parents first taught me by taking me to church and to bible study, learning the then commandments. You have a lot of bible scholars, but also some people who try to take a verse and just put their own thoughts on it to press on you. I think what they taught me most was how to really read the Bible, how to discern the ways that God speaks to us through His Word.”

Mrs. P considered her own situation, “I know I’m an old lady, but my mother was the minister. We were brought up in Holiness, and that was a women’s movement. Women were the preachers and the teachers. So it was my Mother that taught people, and my mother who taught me. The Church and Family were one and the same for me. And we’re still all together.

Arthur added his recollections as well: “You know, we were made to go to Church because it’s where my Momma was. But, I learned that we have to live the way that Jesus wants us to live. I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that there are rules in the everlasting life. It’s isn’t love and do what you want. It’s that when you align yourself with the things that you want to do but the things that God tell your are the ways that your life should be lived in the world.”

What have you learned about God, and who are the teachers in your own life?

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