Psalm 119

At today's service, there will be a reading of Psalm 119. Here is the full NIV text for your review.

' Aleph

1 [a] Blessed are they whose ways are blameless,
who walk according to the law of the LORD.
2 Blessed are they who keep his statutes
and seek him with all their heart.

3 They do nothing wrong;
they walk in his ways.

4 You have laid down precepts
that are to be fully obeyed.

5 Oh, that my ways were steadfast
in obeying your decrees!

6 Then I would not be put to shame
when I consider all your commands.

7 I will praise you with an upright heart
as I learn your righteous laws.

8 I will obey your decrees;
do not utterly forsake me.

b Beth

9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.
10 I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.

11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.

12 Praise be to you, O LORD;
teach me your decrees.

13 With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.

14 I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.

15 I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.

16 I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.

g Gimel

17 Do good to your servant, and I will live;
I will obey your word.
18 Open my eyes that I may see
wonderful things in your law.

19 I am a stranger on earth;
do not hide your commands from me.

20 My soul is consumed with longing
for your laws at all times.

21 You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed
and who stray from your commands.

22 Remove from me scorn and contempt,
for I keep your statutes.

23 Though rulers sit together and slander me,
your servant will meditate on your decrees.

24 Your statutes are my delight;
they are my counselors.

d Daleth

25 I am laid low in the dust;
preserve my life according to your word.
26 I recounted my ways and you answered me;
teach me your decrees.

27 Let me understand the teaching of your precepts;
then I will meditate on your wonders.

28 My soul is weary with sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word.

29 Keep me from deceitful ways;
be gracious to me through your law.

30 I have chosen the way of truth;
I have set my heart on your laws.

31 I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD;
do not let me be put to shame.

32 I run in the path of your commands,
for you have set my heart free.

h He

33 Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees;
then I will keep them to the end.
34 Give me understanding, and I will keep your law
and obey it with all my heart.

35 Direct me in the path of your commands,
for there I find delight.

36 Turn my heart toward your statutes
and not toward selfish gain.

37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
preserve my life according to your word. [b]

38 Fulfill your promise to your servant,
so that you may be feared.

39 Take away the disgrace I dread,
for your laws are good.

40 How I long for your precepts!
Preserve my life in your righteousness.

w Waw

41 May your unfailing love come to me, O LORD,
your salvation according to your promise;
42 then I will answer the one who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.

43 Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth,
for I have put my hope in your laws.

44 I will always obey your law,
for ever and ever.

45 I will walk about in freedom,
for I have sought out your precepts.

46 I will speak of your statutes before kings
and will not be put to shame,

47 for I delight in your commands
because I love them.

48 I lift up my hands to [c] your commands, which I love,
and I meditate on your decrees.

z Zayin

49 Remember your word to your servant,
for you have given me hope.
50 My comfort in my suffering is this:
Your promise preserves my life.

51 The arrogant mock me without restraint,
but I do not turn from your law.

52 I remember your ancient laws, O LORD,
and I find comfort in them.

53 Indignation grips me because of the wicked,
who have forsaken your law.

54 Your decrees are the theme of my song
wherever I lodge.

55 In the night I remember your name, O LORD,
and I will keep your law.

56 This has been my practice:
I obey your precepts.

x Heth

57 You are my portion, O LORD;
I have promised to obey your words.
58 I have sought your face with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise.

59 I have considered my ways
and have turned my steps to your statutes.

60 I will hasten and not delay
to obey your commands.

61 Though the wicked bind me with ropes,
I will not forget your law.

62 At midnight I rise to give you thanks
for your righteous laws.

63 I am a friend to all who fear you,
to all who follow your precepts.

64 The earth is filled with your love, O LORD;
teach me your decrees.

X Teth

65 Do good to your servant
according to your word, O LORD.
66 Teach me knowledge and good judgment,
for I believe in your commands.

67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I obey your word.

68 You are good, and what you do is good;
teach me your decrees.

69 Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies,
I keep your precepts with all my heart.

70 Their hearts are callous and unfeeling,
but I delight in your law.

71 It was good for me to be afflicted
so that I might learn your decrees.

72 The law from your mouth is more precious to me
than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.

y Yodh

73 Your hands made me and formed me;
give me understanding to learn your commands.
74 May those who fear you rejoice when they see me,
for I have put my hope in your word.

75 I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous,
and in faithfulness you have afflicted me.

76 May your unfailing love be my comfort,
according to your promise to your servant.

77 Let your compassion come to me that I may live,
for your law is my delight.

78 May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause;
but I will meditate on your precepts.

79 May those who fear you turn to me,
those who understand your statutes.

80 May my heart be blameless toward your decrees,
that I may not be put to shame.

k Kaph

81 My soul faints with longing for your salvation,
but I have put my hope in your word.
82 My eyes fail, looking for your promise;
I say, "When will you comfort me?"

83 Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke,
I do not forget your decrees.

84 How long must your servant wait?
When will you punish my persecutors?

85 The arrogant dig pitfalls for me,
contrary to your law.

86 All your commands are trustworthy;
help me, for men persecute me without cause.

87 They almost wiped me from the earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.

88 Preserve my life according to your love,
and I will obey the statutes of your mouth.

l Lamedh

89 Your word, O LORD, is eternal;
it stands firm in the heavens.
90 Your faithfulness continues through all generations;
you established the earth, and it endures.

91 Your laws endure to this day,
for all things serve you.

92 If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.

93 I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have preserved my life.

94 Save me, for I am yours;
I have sought out your precepts.

95 The wicked are waiting to destroy me,
but I will ponder your statutes.

96 To all perfection I see a limit;
but your commands are boundless.

m Mem

97 Oh, how I love your law!
I meditate on it all day long.
98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,
for they are ever with me.

99 I have more insight than all my teachers,
for I meditate on your statutes.

100 I have more understanding than the elders,
for I obey your precepts.

101 I have kept my feet from every evil path
so that I might obey your word.

102 I have not departed from your laws,
for you yourself have taught me.

103 How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!

104 I gain understanding from your precepts;
therefore I hate every wrong path.

n Nun

105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light for my path.
106 I have taken an oath and confirmed it,
that I will follow your righteous laws.

107 I have suffered much;
preserve my life, O LORD, according to your word.

108 Accept, O LORD, the willing praise of my mouth,
and teach me your laws.

109 Though I constantly take my life in my hands,
I will not forget your law.

110 The wicked have set a snare for me,
but I have not strayed from your precepts.

111 Your statutes are my heritage forever;
they are the joy of my heart.

112 My heart is set on keeping your decrees
to the very end.

s Samekh

113 I hate double-minded men,
but I love your law.
114 You are my refuge and my shield;
I have put my hope in your word.

115 Away from me, you evildoers,
that I may keep the commands of my God!

116 Sustain me according to your promise, and I will live;
do not let my hopes be dashed.

117 Uphold me, and I will be delivered;
I will always have regard for your decrees.

118 You reject all who stray from your decrees,
for their deceitfulness is in vain.

119 All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross;
therefore I love your statutes.

120 My flesh trembles in fear of you;
I stand in awe of your laws.

v Ayin

121 I have done what is righteous and just;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Ensure your servant's well-being;
let not the arrogant oppress me.

123 My eyes fail, looking for your salvation,
looking for your righteous promise.

124 Deal with your servant according to your love
and teach me your decrees.

125 I am your servant; give me discernment
that I may understand your statutes.

126 It is time for you to act, O LORD;
your law is being broken.

127 Because I love your commands
more than gold, more than pure gold,

128 and because I consider all your precepts right,
I hate every wrong path.

p Pe

129 Your statutes are wonderful;
therefore I obey them.
130 The unfolding of your words gives light;
it gives understanding to the simple.

131 I open my mouth and pant,
longing for your commands.

132 Turn to me and have mercy on me,
as you always do to those who love your name.

133 Direct my footsteps according to your word;
let no sin rule over me.

134 Redeem me from the oppression of men,
that I may obey your precepts.

135 Make your face shine upon your servant
and teach me your decrees.

136 Streams of tears flow from my eyes,
for your law is not obeyed.

c Tsadhe

137 Righteous are you, O LORD,
and your laws are right.
138 The statutes you have laid down are righteous;
they are fully trustworthy.

139 My zeal wears me out,
for my enemies ignore your words.

140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested,
and your servant loves them.

141 Though I am lowly and despised,
I do not forget your precepts.

142 Your righteousness is everlasting
and your law is true.

143 Trouble and distress have come upon me,
but your commands are my delight.

144 Your statutes are forever right;
give me understanding that I may live.

q Qoph

145 I call with all my heart; answer me, O LORD,
and I will obey your decrees.
146 I call out to you; save me
and I will keep your statutes.

147 I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I have put my hope in your word.

148 My eyes stay open through the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promises.

149 Hear my voice in accordance with your love;
preserve my life, O LORD, according to your laws.

150 Those who devise wicked schemes are near,
but they are far from your law.

151 Yet you are near, O LORD,
and all your commands are true.

152 Long ago I learned from your statutes
that you established them to last forever.

r Resh

153 Look upon my suffering and deliver me,
for I have not forgotten your law.
154 Defend my cause and redeem me;
preserve my life according to your promise.

155 Salvation is far from the wicked,
for they do not seek out your decrees.

156 Your compassion is great, O LORD;
preserve my life according to your laws.

157 Many are the foes who persecute me,
but I have not turned from your statutes.

158 I look on the faithless with loathing,
for they do not obey your word.

159 See how I love your precepts;
preserve my life, O LORD, according to your love.

160 All your words are true;
all your righteous laws are eternal.

S Sin and Shin

161 Rulers persecute me without cause,
but my heart trembles at your word.
162 I rejoice in your promise
like one who finds great spoil.

163 I hate and abhor falsehood
but I love your law.

164 Seven times a day I praise you
for your righteous laws.

165 Great peace have they who love your law,
and nothing can make them stumble.

166 I wait for your salvation, O LORD,
and I follow your commands.

167 I obey your statutes,
for I love them greatly.

168 I obey your precepts and your statutes,
for all my ways are known to you.

t Taw

169 May my cry come before you, O LORD;
give me understanding according to your word.
170 May my supplication come before you;
deliver me according to your promise.

171 May my lips overflow with praise,
for you teach me your decrees.

172 May my tongue sing of your word,
for all your commands are righteous.

173 May your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.

174 I long for your salvation, O LORD,
and your law is my delight.

175 Let me live that I may praise you,
and may your laws sustain me.

176 I have strayed like a lost sheep.
Seek your servant,
for I have not forgotten your commands.

What about those "Wise Men"?

The Wichita Eagle has up an interesting article on the "Wise Men" or "Maji" who visited Jesus, dispelling many of the myths and assumptions we make about who they were and what they represented. It goes back to the original text and looks at what Matthew really tells us about them.

These three kings of Orient are, in fact, not kings at all. "Magi" comes from the Greek word "magoi," meaning sorcerers or astrologers -- the scientists of their day.

Scientific theories attempting to explain the Star of Bethlehem have historically included a supernova, a comet or, most often, a planetary alignment of Jupiter, Saturn and Mars.

"These were men who searched the sky for signs," said the Rev. John Paul Heil, a professor of the New Testament who recently left Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis to teach at Catholic University of America in Washington.

"They were learned people who would advise kings as to what was going on in the heavens."

In later centuries, the magi themselves began to be depicted as kings.

It is a good reminder that even today we need to go back to the scriptures to get our facts about what happened in the first century. This is why we study the Bible in quizzing - so that we may know the ultimate source of truth rather than the traditions of humans.

What is your resolution?

DID YOU KNOW: The 12 Days of Christmas

These days, we tend to think of the "Twelve Days of Christmas" as simply a Christmas song with overly annoying refrain ("and a partridge in a pair tree..."). But in fact many ancient and modern Christians celebrate the time period between December 25 and January 6 (The Feast of the Epiphany) as an extension of the holiday. Some consider it to be representative of the trip of the Wise Men (who did not visit Jesus in the manger, but some time later) and others simply a time of joy. During this time, "some celebrants give gifts each of the twelve days, feast and otherwise celebrate. Lighting a candle for each day, and of course, singing the appropriate verses of the song each day are a part of modern-day American celebrations. Some still celebrate Twelfth Night as the biggest night for parties and gift-giving. Epiphany morning is then the traditional time to take down the Christmas tree and decorations."
(Source Wikipedia and The Catholic Encyclopedia)

REMINDER: No Quiz Practice Tonight

Just a reminder that there is no Quiz Team practice tonight.

Please be studying Acts 16 for when we resume practices next week on January 3.

And keep in mind that Midwinter Quiz (one of the two overnight quiz meets of the year) is coming up on January 19-20, when we will be quizzing on Acts 1 thru 18.

It makes you think...

(Click on the image for a larger view of the comic)

Merry Christmas!

A very Merry Christmas from all of us here at The Quizzers Pad to quizzers, parents, and everyone else out there. May your celebration of the Savior's birth be joyous and filled with a profound knowledge of the real reason for the season.

Tonight: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Just a reminder that tonight at 11 PM will be the annual Calvary Church Christmas Candlelight Service. Choir, handbells, and flame as we celebrate the birth of our Savior.

George Sarris and ChristMiVeSt

George Sarris (quiz team father) had up on his blog a report from ChristMiVeSt - an outreach performance which attempted to bring the ideas of Christmas and Christ out in creative way using voice acting, mime, puppets, and many more styles of performance. It sounds like the event was a great success. Click on over for the full report, and some GREAT pictures (much better than any I would have captured!)

The Day is Almost Here

IMPORTANT SCHEDULE NOTE

PLEASE NOTE: There is NO quiz team practice next Wednesday, December 27. The church will be closed.

However, that does not mean studying stops. After all, some of you will have a lot of extra time on your hands since school will be on vacation!

For December 27: Please be studying Acts 6 thru 10 with special emphasis on chapter 7

For January 3 (when practices resume): Please study Acts 16

AND DO NOT FORGET: January 19-20 is Midwinter in Hershey, PA this year. (We will probably stay thru Sunday, January 21

Beautiful photo

I just came across this picture on Flickr and thought the Quiz Team might enjoy the beauty of it.

WHERE AM I: ACTS 15

It's all how you say it

Pictures from the Christmas Party

Whether you were there with us, or if you were not able to make it, click on the image below to see the full list of pictures taken at the Quiz Team Christmas Party.

Thank you Jim and Marjie!

Let us all take a moment to thank Coach Jim and his wife Marjie for organizing the Quiz Team Party last night. It was a great night of food, fellowship, and fun. From the first meatball to the last brownie, it was a great event. Thanks so much!

Christmas Party is Tonight!

The Christmas Party begins tonight at 6 PM in fellowship hall at church. Potluck dinner and the Gift Game.

If you want to take part in the game and have not yet bought a gift between $5 nd $10 and wrapped it yet, here are some ideas of quick thing to pick up last-minute:

• Nerf toys (guns, balls, etc.)
• Tool sets
• Gift cards
• Christian CDs
• Candy

Acts Chapter 15 Study Guide is up and ready

Our last Study Guide before Christmas is up, and Acts Chapter 15 is a present for all of us Gentile Christians. This describes one of the first major debates within the church about doctrine and Christian living. How did the first Christians get through this crisis and stay together as brothers in Christ?

What other Bible Quizzing organizations are out there?

Do you ever feel like you are alone as a Bible Quizzer? Do you ever wonder if there is anyone else out there who understands what you go through studying week after week after week? Well wonder no more. Just click on over to BibleQuizzing.Net's list of Bible Quizzing websites. You may be surprised to find out just how many other churches, schools, and teams are out there learning scripture the same way you are.

Pictures from the 2006 Christmas Concert!

If you missed this weekend's Choir Christmas Concert, you missed quite an event! Fun, exciting, and genuine worship. The Christmas story was told, and the gospel was clearly presented. And a number of quizzers made a prominent appearance!. Click on the picture below to see the whole set!

DID YOU KNOW: Zeus and Hermes

In Acts 14, we read about a strange episode involving Paul and Barnabus...

In Lystra there sat a man crippled in his feet, who was lame from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed 10and called out, "Stand up on your feet!" At that, the man jumped up and began to walk.
When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, "The gods have come down to us in human form!" Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them.

This of course raises the question of who Zeus and Hermes are. Zeus (also known as Jupiter to the Romans) was believed to be the father of the Greek gods, and the most powerful of them. He was the greek equivilent of God the Father, but with a vindictive and jealous streak. Hermes (also known as Mercury to the Romans) was believed to be the messener god of the Greek gods (thus the association with a talker like Paul).

The REAL Meaning of Christmas

Do you have a friend or family member who is way too focussed on the commercial, shop-till-you-drop aspects of Christmas his year? Do you know someone who really has no idea that CHRIST was born on Christmas? Have you been searching for a way to introduce them to the real meaning of Christmas, and the gift that God gave to all of us? Consider checking out this website which gives a gentle but fairly direct gospel message, starting with the secular idea of Christmas and moving into the real story of it all.

Acts Chapter 14 study guide has appeared!

We're a little late this week due to work pressures, but the Acts 14 study guide is up and ready for your review. This week's devotional focussed on the contrast between Herod and Paul/Barnabus's reaction to being called "gods", and what that tells us about praise and worship. So put in your newest praise-and-worship CD, and click on over.

Missing the Point

Calvary Christmas Concert

This coming Saturday and Sunday are the days for the annual Calvary Church Christmas concert, directed by Quiz Team Mom Marjie Brake. You have two chances to catch GLORY TO THE KING:

• Saturday, December 9 at 7 PM
• Sunday, December 10 at 4 PM

See you there!

WHERE AM I: Paul in Acts 13

DID YOU KNOW: Shaking the dust off their feet

At the very end of Acts 13, we read this report which may seem a bit weird.

But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 13:50-52

Why did Paul and Barnabus bother with the "dusting-your-feet-off" shuffle? Was it some strange Jewis custom? Longer-term quizzers may remember this from the gospel of Luke (written by the author of Acts).

When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He told them: "Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them." So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.
Luke 9:1-6

So this little act is no petty act of protest, but rather a testimony to the people and an explicit following of Jesus command to his missionaries while on Earth.

Pictures from Saturday's Quiz Meet

This past Saturday was a great time of bible, quizzing, pizza, and fun. To relive a little bit of the weekend, click on the image below and see Mark's full set of pics.

Waiting for Christmas?

SAVE THESE DATES!

Parents and Teens, Please save these important dates for Midwinter Quiz and District Quiz! These are the biggest quiz meets of the year including the entire Eastern District. Parents are welcome as spectators, but please be aware you are on your own for transportation and housing.

Midwinter Quiz: January 19-20 in Hershey, PA

Eastern District Quiz: April 27-28 in Lancaster, PA

Please note: This is different from years past, when Midwinter was in Lancaster and High Gear was in Hershey. We're mizing it up this year.

Acts Chapter 13 Study Guide is ONLINE

The Acts Chapter 14 study guide is online and eagerly awaiting your viewing. This week's devotional is by Coach Matt who gives a few clues about where his own Quiz Team nickname came from. Are you ready to see the missionary journeys of Saul/Paul and Barnabus begin?