Tag: commandments

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Wisdom Prayer

Depart Evildoers?

Depart Evildoers?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who say depart from me, you evildoers. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Do not run with the wrong crowd. Having a healthy respect for God’s judgment can be life changing. When a person realizes that a holy God will not tolerate any evil, the awareness of the need for a savior takes on real significance.

Psalm 119:115-120 concludes with the idea of being afraid of God’s judgment.

“Depart from me, you evildoers,
that I may keep the commandments of my God.
Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live,
and let me not be put to shame in my hope!
Hold me up, that I may be safe
and have regard for your statutes continually!
You spurn all who go astray from your statutes,
for their cunning is in vain.
All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross,
therefore I love your testimonies.
My flesh trembles for fear of you,
and I am afraid of your judgments.”

God sent his Son. Jesus was that perfect sacrifice for sin. He sets the prisoners free from God’s wrath. Trust him.

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Wisdom Prayer

Persecute with Falsehood?

Persecute with Falsehood?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who persist in their faith in the face of persecution. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Ever felt like someone is out to get you, and that that someone is about to succeed?

In Ancient Israel we learn of a similar situation in Psalm 119:86-87 (ESV) where the persecutors are about to prevail.

“All your commandments are sure;
they persecute me with falsehood; help me!
They have almost made an end of me on earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.”

Even in the face of the adversity, the psalmist maintains firm reliance on God’s commandments and precepts.

Do the attacks seem relentless? Even in the face of adversity, stay focused on God’s word.

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Wisdom Prayer

Thousands of Gold and Silver Pieces?

Thousands of Gold and Silver Pieces?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know the law of your mouth is better than thousands of gold and silver pieces. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Many have gone astray and been far from God. Now, some of those worst offenders keep God’s commandments. How can it be that God would be so gracious as to accept someone back into the fold who has been unfaithful? God forgives mistakes for those who are truly sorry for their transgressions.

Psalm 119:65-72 (ESV).

“You have dealt well with your servant,
O Lord, according to your word.
Teach me good judgment and knowledge,
for I believe in your commandments.
Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I keep your word.
You are good and do good;
teach me your statutes.
The insolent smear me with lies,
but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;
their heart is unfeeling like fat,
but I delight in your law.
It is good for me that I was afflicted,
that I might learn your statutes.
The law of your mouth is better to me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.”

What is the value of God to you? Could that value be measured financially? Would you exchange your love of God for a bribe? A large bribe? The psalmist cannot be bought.

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Wisdom Prayer

Plead for Favor?

Plead for Favor?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who plead for your favor with all their heart. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Ever disappoint someone, then try to make amends? Sometimes there is reconciliation.

Obedience to God’s law is not about earning favor by following rules, rather, it is about the condition of the person’s heart.

Psalm 119:57-64 (ESV) has the following phrases: “turn my feet to your testimonies,” “keep your commandments,” and “not forget your law.” The psalmist makes a choice to turn to God.

“The Lord is my portion;
I promise to keep your words.
I entreat your favor with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise.
When I think on my ways,
I turn my feet to your testimonies;
I hasten and do not delay
to keep your commandments.
Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,
I do not forget your law.
At midnight I rise to praise you,
because of your righteous rules.
I am a companion of all who fear you,
of those who keep your precepts.
The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love;
teach me your statutes!”

Do you relate to the psalmist? Will you make the same choice and turn to God with all your heart? Don’t hesitate. Have faith.

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Wisdom Prayer

Before Kings?

Before Kings?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who speak of your testimonies before kings, and who shall not be put to shame. In Jesus’ name, amen.

I wonder if the Apostle Paul thought about Psalm 119:46 (ESV) when he was standing before King Agrippa. The verse says,

“I will also speak of your testimonies before kings
and shall not be put to shame.”

Apostle Paul’s appearance before the king is recorded in Acts 26.

Look at verse 46 in context of Psalm 119:41-48 (ESV) where the psalmist declares his love for God’s commandments.

“Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord,
your salvation according to your promise;
then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
for my hope is in your rules.
I will keep your law continually,
forever and ever,
and I shall walk in a wide place,
for I have sought your precepts.
I will also speak of your testimonies before kings
and shall not be put to shame,
for I find my delight in your commandments,
which I love.
I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,
and I will meditate on your statutes.”

Apostle Paul met Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3). He was privileged to speak to kings.

We may not be brought into the presence of kings, but it is possible there will be opportunities to speak of God’s testimonies before captains of business, CEOs, government officials, or anyone – great or small – open to hearing about the Gospel. If you find yourself in such a position, then share about all God has done. Be bold. God can protect you from being put to shame.

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Wisdom Prayer

Selfish Gain?

Selfish Gain?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who say, “Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain.”

Many in today’s culture have become very materialistic. For them, life revolves around their possessions and acquiring more.

Psalm 119:33-40 (ESV) ends with a realignment of priorities. Having a heart of God’s testimonies becomes the priority over selfish gain.

“Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes;
and I will keep 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.
Incline my heart to your testimonies,
and not to selfish gain!”

Is time to change focus from selfish accumulation?

Remember Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13 say,
“You cannot serve both God and money.”

Rather, incline your heart toward God’s testimonies.

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