Tag: statutes

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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.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

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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 those 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).

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

What is the value of God 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.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

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Wisdom Prayer

Plead for Favor?

Plead for Favor?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who plead for your favor with all their heart. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Ever disappoint someone, then try to make amends? Sometimes there is reconciliation.

Obedience to God’s law is not about earning favor by following rules, rather, it is about the condition of the person’s heart.

Psalm 119:57-64 (ESV) has the following phrases: “turn my feet to your testimonies,” “keep your commandments,” and “not forget your law.” The psalmist makes a choice to turn to God.

“The Lord is my portion;
I promise to keep your words.
I entreat your favor with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise.
When I think on my ways,
I turn my feet to your testimonies;
I hasten and do not delay
to keep your commandments.
Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,
I do not forget your law.
At midnight I rise to praise you,
because of your righteous rules.
I am a companion of all who fear you,
of those who keep your precepts.
The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love;
teach me your statutes!”

Do you relate to the psalmist? Will you make the same choice and turn to God with all your heart? Don’t hesitate. Have faith.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

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Wisdom Prayer

Before Kings?

Before Kings?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who speak of your testimonies before kings, and who shall not be put to shame. In Jesus’ name, amen.

I wonder if the Apostle Paul thought about Psalm 119:46 (ESV) when he was standing before King Agrippa. The verse says,

“I will also speak of your testimonies before kings
and shall not be put to shame.”

Apostle Paul’s appearance before the king is recorded in Acts 26.

Look at verse 46 in context of Psalm 119:41-48 (ESV) where the psalmist declares his love for God’s commandments.

“Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord,
your salvation according to your promise;
then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
for my hope is in your rules.
I will keep your law continually,
forever and ever,
and I shall walk in a wide place,
for I have sought your precepts.
I will also speak of your testimonies before kings
and shall not be put to shame,
for I find my delight in your commandments,
which I love.
I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love,
and I will meditate on your statutes.”

Apostle Paul met Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3). He was privileged to speak to kings.

We may not be brought into the presence of kings, but it is possible there will be opportunities to speak of God’s testimonies before captains of business, CEOs, government officials, or anyone – great or small – open to hearing about the Gospel. If you find yourself in such a position, then share about all God has done. Be bold. God can protect you from being put to shame.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

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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.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

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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.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.