Tag: in Jesus’ name

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Wisdom Prayer

Worthless Things?

Worthless Things?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who say, “Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.” In Jesus’ name, amen.

People are faced with so many choices.

Do you always choose wisely what it is you watch on television? What about when going out to see a movie? How about reading material? Are there things you should give up because, in God’s economy, they are worthless?

Psalm 119:37-40 (ESV)

“Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things;
and give me life in your ways.
Confirm to your servant your promise,
that you may be feared.
Turn away the reproach that I dread,
for your rules are good.
Behold, I long for your precepts;
in your righteousness give me life!”

After reading this section of Scripture, if you feel it is time to make a change, do so.

Do not delay. Jesus is coming again soon.

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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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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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Wisdom Prayer

Eyes Opened?

Eyes Opened?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who want their eyes opened, that they may behold wondrous things out of your law. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The psalmist asks God to open his eyes. He pleads with God to hide not his commandments.

Psalm 119:17-24 (ESV) is the third section of the psalm identified by the Hebrew letter “Gimel.

“Deal bountifully with your servant,
that I may live and keep your word.
Open my eyes, that I may behold
wondrous things out of your law.
I am a sojourner on the earth;
hide not your commandments from me!
My soul is consumed with longing
for your rules at all times.
You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones,
who wander from your commandments.
Take away from me scorn and contempt,
for I have kept your testimonies.
Even though princes sit plotting against me,
your servant will meditate on your statutes.
Your testimonies are my delight;
they are my counselors.”

Is your soul consumed with longing for God’s rules at all times? Everyone reading this probably realizes there are times when they themselves have been distracted.

Take some time today, and ask yourself if your soul is consumed with the things of God. Stop. Reflect. And allow your soul to be consumed.

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Wisdom Prayer

Might Not Sin Against You?

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 psalm seems to answer the question about how a young man can keep his way pure. Whether young or old, male or female, a person can benefit from meditating on God’s word and his precepts.

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