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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.

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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

Take Comfort?

Take Comfort?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who take comfort because of your promises and rules. In Jesus’ name, amen.

With all the expectations, pains, responsibilities, and challenges, and tasks people have, most would welcome being able to take comfort in something. Anything.

God’s promise and his rules of old give the psalmist comfort as recorded in Psalm 119:49-53 (ESV).

“Remember your word to your servant,
in which you have made me hope.
This is my comfort in my affliction,
that your promise gives me life.
The insolent utterly deride me,
but I do not turn away from your law.
When I think of your rules from of old,
I take comfort, O Lord.
Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked,
who forsake your law.”

Need comfort during the storms of life? It is time to return to God’s word. Take comfort that the words of Scripture are true and consistent.

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