Oh how I love Your Law! It is my meditation all the day. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, for I keep Your precepts. I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep Your Word. Psalm 119:97-101

Every country has laws which have been enacted to be of service and protection to its people. The vast majority of the time such laws of the land are sensible and understandable.

But there are those times when national leaders can be over zealous and, if you will allow me to say so, downright wacko. For example, I cannot understand why North Korea has now decided that all young men in college must have their hair cut and styled in the same manner as the nation's ruler, Kim Jong Un. There seems to be little sense in having an entire nation look like Moe from The Three Stooges.

Of course, North Korea is hardly alone in putting forth questionable legislation.

For example, did you know that Iran has banned Western haircuts such as ponytails, spikes and mullets, while Saudi Arabia has forbidden the celebration of Valentine's Day? Motivated by a desire to control Tibetan Buddhists, China has banned reincarnation without having received an individual's prior consent and, except for its elite government leaders, Cuba has banned cell phones. Singapore has put a halt to the sale of chewing gum. France doesn't allow ketchup in school cafeterias, and Saudi Arabia does not allow women to receive driver's licenses. In Sweden, teachers are not allowed to spank children in school, and parents aren't allowed to do so at home. And in Denmark you must pick your baby's name from an approved list of 24,000. If you want a different name, you need to get an exemption.

And if our United States Daily Devotioners are feeling a bit smug, I should point out that it is legally impossible for you to eat the traditional Scottish dish of haggis because Uncle Sam considers one of the key components of that offering, sheep's lung, to be an inedible substance.

What a contrast there is between mankind's rules and the Lord's Commandments.

As the Psalmist says, those who love the Lord should also love His Law. There is wisdom and understanding for those who follow God's precepts. Not only do we find we are kept from doing that which is evil and harmful, we also see God's commands are invaluable if you wish to attain a deeper insight into the will and wishes of the Lord.

Now I'm not going to say that loving the Lord's laws is always an easy thing to do. Our sinful natures assure us it isn't. On the other hand, it is far wiser to let the Lord's laws guide your path. If you do, you will find it leads you to a repentant heart and a greater appreciation for the Savior who gave His life for your salvation.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, Your unchanging Law illuminates my life. May I recognize my sins and shortcomings and be brought to the Savior whose sacrifice offers forgiveness and salvation. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Joshua 4-6    Luke 9:18-36

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