Tag: righteous

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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’ 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 one can understand Scripture, so it leads to life?

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

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

An Upright Heart?

An Upright Heart?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who praise you with an upright heart when they learn your righteous rules. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The Bible provides God’s Law in the Ten Commandments. If worshipers would be willing to keep God’s law, then the world would be a different place.

Image if, in today’s culture, murder and thievery stopped and children began honoring their parents. Society would change completely.

Although this is not going to happen, there are believers who desire to follow God. These people do obey the commandments. When they fall short, it is best when they ask forgiveness, repent, and turn from their wicked ways.

Psalm 119:4-8 (ESV) is about having a sincere desire to follow God’s law.

“You have commanded your precepts
to be kept diligently.
Oh that my ways may be steadfast
in keeping your statutes!
Then I shall not be put to shame,
having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
I will praise you with an upright heart,
when I learn your righteous rules.[b]
I will keep your statutes;
do not utterly forsake me!”

Look at your life. Are you even trying to keep God’s law? If there is something that needs to be changed, than make a mental not of it, and start acting in accordance with God’s law.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.