Tag: God

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Wisdom Prayer

Did You Know a Joyful Heart Is Good Medicine?

Did You Know a Joyful Heart Is Good Medicine?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know a joyful heart is good medicine. In Jesus’s name, amen.

A person with a joyful heart can fill a room with joy.

Such a person is not only good medicine for themselves, he or she is good medicine for those around them.

Proverbs 17:22 (ESV) contrasts a joyful heart with a crushed spirit.

“A joyful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

I pray for wisdom for those who have a crushed spirit. Devastating situations can happen to anyone.

At such times, turn to God.

When everything seems to be falling apart, seek first the kingdom of God. Trust God, now and always. Perhaps God will bring a person to you who has a joyful heart.

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Wisdom Prayer

Listen to God!

Listen to God!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who listen to you, will dwell secure, and will be at ease without dread of disaster. In Jesus’s name, amen.

How often to you listen to God?

Are you are doing all the talking while God is listening to you?

The people of Israel were encouraged to listen to what God told them, yet they went their own way – without God. King Solomon explains the result of their rebellion.

Proverbs 1:23-33 (ESV) tells about those who are not responsive to the Lord.

“If you turn at my reproof
behold, I will pour out my spirit to you;
I will make my words known to you.
Because I have called and you refused to listen,
have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded,
because you have ignored all my counsel
and would have none of my reproof,
I also will laugh at your calamity;
I will mock when terror strikes you,
when terror strikes you like a storm
and your calamity comes like a whirlwind,
when distress and anguish come upon you.
Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer;
they will seek me diligently but will not find me.
Because they hated knowledge
and did not choose the fear of the Lord,
would have none of my counsel
and despised all my reproof,
therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way,
and have their fill of their own devices.
For the simple are killed by their turning away,
and the complacency of fools destroys them;
but whoever listens to me will dwell secure
and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”

Instead of doing all the talking the next time you talk to God, listen to him. Note what he says and obey.

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Wisdom Prayer

Praise God Seven Times a Day!

Praise God Seven Times a Day!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who praise you seven times a day. In Jesus’s name, amen.

Will you make it a habit to look for things for which to praise God? The psalmist claims to praise God seven times a day. Would you be willing to do the same? How about more often? If you do not already, set some time aside each morning or evening and praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Psalm 119:161-168 (ESV) includes the idea of rejoicing at God’s word and praise.

“Princes persecute me without cause,
but my heart stands in awe of your words.
I rejoice at your word
like one who finds great spoil.
I hate and abhor falsehood,
but I love your law.
Seven times a day I praise you
for your righteous rules.
Great peace have those who love your law;
nothing can make them stumble.
I hope for your salvation, O Lord,
and I do your commandments.
My soul keeps your testimonies;
I love them exceedingly.
I keep your precepts and testimonies,
for all my ways are before you.”

While you are praising God, will you please praise him for his holy and inspired word?

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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 for God 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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Wisdom Prayer

Soul Melts Away in Sorrow!

Soul Melts Away in Sorrow!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those whose soul melts away in sorrow. Strengthen them according to your word. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Luke 16:17 (ESV) says,

“But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one dot of the Law to become void.”

God’s word is everlasting.

Psalm 119:28-32 (ESV) is about clinging to God’s laws. In sorrow, the psalmist turns to God’s word.

“My soul melts away for sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word!
Put false ways far from me
and graciously teach me your law!
I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I set your rules before me.
I cling to your testimonies, O Lord;
let me not be put to shame!
I will run in the way of your commandments
when you enlarge my heart!”

Whatever the circumstance, God offers the opportunity to faithfully follow him. Seek God’s wisdom. Follow his instruction.

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Wisdom Prayer

The Way of Your Precepts!

The Way of Your Precepts!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who ask you to help them understand the way of your precepts. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Isaiah 55:8 (ESV) says the following:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.”

Psalm 119:25-27 (ESV) is an appeal to God by the psalmist wanting to understand God’s ways.

“My soul clings to the dust;
give me life according to your word!
When I told of my ways, you answered me;
teach me your statutes!
Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will meditate on your wondrous works.”

Are you willing to ask to understand the way of God’s precepts? Will you meditate on God’s wondrous works?

Take time throughout your day to seek understanding. Mediate.

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