Tag: commandments

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Wisdom Prayer

That I Might Not Sin Against You!

That I Might Not Sin Against You!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who say, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” In Jesus’ name, amen.

Psalm 119 is divided into sections. It is an acrostic psalm based on the Hebrew alphabet.

Each letter is given a section. Beginning with a question, Psalm 119:9-16 (ESV) is identified by the Hebrew letter “Beth.” It is the second section.

“How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word.
With my whole heart I seek you;
let me not wander from your commandments!
I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
Blessed are you, O Lord;
teach me your statutes!
With my lips I declare
all the rules of your mouth.
In the way of your testimonies I delight
as much as in all riches.
I will meditate on your precepts
and fix my eyes on your ways.
I will delight in your statutes;
I will not forget your word.”

This second section of the psalm seems to answer the question about how a young man can keep his way pure. Young or old, a person can benefit from meditating and fixing their eyes upon God’s word and his precepts.

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Wisdom Prayer

Teach Your Children Well!

Teach Your Children Well!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who do not hide the glorious deeds of the Lord from their children. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Have you passed down any stories to the next generation? Over time, stories can change. Not so with scripture. Scribes and others who transcribed scripture had incredible attention to detail. In Israel, the Shrine of the Book houses the Dead Sea Scrolls, including the Isaiah Scroll. The museum is one way Scripture is communicated to future generations.

https://www.imj.org.il/en/wings/shrine-book/dead-sea-scrolls

The author of Psalm 78:1-8 (ESV) emphasizes the importance of sharing with children the glorious deeds of the Lord.

“Give ear, O my people, to my teaching;
incline your ears to the words of my mouth!
I will open my mouth in a parable;
I will utter dark sayings from of old,
things that we have heard and known,
that our fathers have told us.
We will not hide them from their children,
but tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might,
and the wonders that he has done.

He established a testimony in Jacob
and appointed a law in Israel,
which he commanded our fathers
to teach to their children,
that the next generation might know them,
the children yet unborn,
and arise and tell them to their children,
so that they should set their hope in God
and not forget the works of God,
but keep his commandments;
and that they should not be like their fathers,
a stubborn and rebellious generation,
a generation whose heart was not steadfast,
whose spirit was not faithful to God.”

Pass what you know about the Bible and God onto the next generation. Feel less than inadequate? Research, then share what you’ve learned. Pray, then share your personal testimony of what God has done in your life. You will be glad you did.

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Wisdom Prayer

Whoever Walks in Integrity!

Whoever Walks in Integrity!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who walk in integrity. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Synonyms for the word “integrity” include honest, purity, rectitude, and virtue.

Proverbs 10:6-9 (ESV) is a section of contrasts between the righteous and those who are not.

“Blessings are on the head of the righteous,
but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence,
The memory of the righteous is a blessing,
but the name of the wicked will rot.
The wise of heart will receive commandments,
but a babbling fool will come to ruin.
Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,
but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.”


There is a clear distinction within each of these verses. Will you live as a person of integrity or not? If not, it is not to late to reverse course.

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Wisdom Prayer

Lost Sheep?

Lost Sheep?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who feel like they have gone astray like a lost sheep. In Jesus’ name, amen.

In John 10:11 (ESV) Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

In John 10:14: (ESV) Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me.”

Psalm 119:169-176 (ESV) involves a cry, a plea, praise, longing for salvation, and a reference to sheep.

“Let my cry come before you, O Lord;
give me understanding according to your word!
Let my plea come before you;
deliver me according to your word.
My lips will pour forth praise,
for you teach me your statutes.
My tongue will sing of your word,
for all your commandments are right.
Let your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.
I long for your salvation, O Lord,
and your law is my delight.
Let my soul live and praise you,
and let your rules help me.
I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant,
for I do not forget your commandments.”

Do you ever feel like the sheep in this psalm? The psalmist says he has gone astray, but emphasizes his commitment to not forgetting God’s commandments.

If you feel like you have gone astray, cry out to God, and make your plea before him.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

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Wisdom Prayer

Understanding That I May Live?

Understanding That I May Live?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know you give understanding, so your followers may live. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Students study hard to do well in their classes. They strive to understand what is being taught. A great deal of time is devoted to mastering subjects. How is it that one can understand Scripture, so it leads to life?

Psalm 119:137-144 (ESV) concludes with a plea for this kind of understanding.

“Righteous are you, O Lord,
and right are your rules.
You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness
and in all faithfulness.
My zeal consumes me,
because my foes forget your words.
Your promise is well tried,
and your servant loves it.
I am small and despised,
yet I do not forget your precepts.
Your righteousness is righteous forever,
and your law is true.
Trouble and anguish have found me out,
but your commandments are my delight.
Your testimonies are righteous forever;
give me understanding that I may live.”

Scripture has a life-giving message. The psalmist confirms there is a link between understanding and life. Do you acknowledge Scripture as being the truth? Do you trust God to provide life? Seek him. Praise him. Rejoice. Ask for understanding that you may live.

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Wisdom Prayer

Love Commandments Above Gold, Above Fine Gold?

Love Commandments Above Gold, Above Fine Gold?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who say they “love your commandments above gold, above fine gold.” In Jesus’ name, amen.

If you did not have access to a Bible, how much would you be willing to pay for one? Perhaps you, like a lot of people, have more than one in your home.

Meanwhile, around the world, translators work tirelessly to complete Bible translations for unreached people groups, so men and women, boys and girls, who do not have access to Scripture can have access to one in their own language.

In Psalm 119:121-128 (ESV) we see the value placed on God’s commandments. The psalmists loves them more than gold. That is not just any gold. It is fine gold. Gold that has been refined and refined again to remove impurities.

“I have done what is just and right;
do not leave me to my oppressors.
Give your servant a pledge of good;
let not the insolent oppress me.
My eyes long for your salvation
and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.
Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love,
and teach me your statutes.
I am your servant; give me understanding,
that I may know your testimonies!
It is time for the Lord to act,
for your law has been broken.
Therefore I love your commandments
above gold, above fine gold.
Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right;
I hate every false way.”

Do you spend time reading your Bible? Have you come to value the words of Scripture, or have you begun to take your Bible for granted. It is worn out, or is it gathering dust? Perhaps it is time to dust off God’s word and recommit to daily reading.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.