Tag: precepts

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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.

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Wisdom Prayer

The Sum of Your Word Is Truth!

The Sum of Your Word Is Truth!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know the sum of your word is the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. In Jesus’s name, amen.

Imagine you are a witness in a trial. Bibles are still used in courtrooms for swearing in witnesses. Will you take your oath seriously?

The psalmist is confident in God’s word as exhibited in Psalm 119:153-160 (ESV).

“Look on my affliction and deliver me,
for I do not forget your law.
Plead my cause and redeem me;
give me life according to your promise!
Salvation is far from the wicked,
for they do not seek your statutes.
Great is your mercy, O Lord;
give me life according to your rules.
Many are my persecutors and my adversaries,
but I do not swerve from your testimonies.
I look at the faithless with disgust,
because they do not keep your commands.
Consider how I love your precepts!
Give me life according to your steadfast love.
The sum of your word is truth,
and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.”

Where do you stand with regard to the Bible? Do you believe it is true, or is it just a book of stories? Will you tell the truth if you swear on a Bible? God’s word is truth. Trust it. Read it. Live by it.

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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’s 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 a person can understand Scripture, so that it leads to life?

Psalm 119:137-144 (ESV) concludes with a plea for 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

Are You Persecuted?

Are You Persecuted?

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

Ever felt like someone is out to get you, and that that someone is almost 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 the 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) tells us the psalmist’s story.

“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.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I keep your word.
68 You are good and do good;
teach me your statutes.
69 The insolent smear me with lies,
but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;
70 their heart is unfeeling like fat,
but I delight in your law.
71 It is good for me that I was afflicted,
that I might learn your statutes.
72 The law of your mouth is better to me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.”

What is God’s value 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.

Be like the psalmist.

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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 when it comes to what 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) tells us,

“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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