Tag: testimonies

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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.

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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.

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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

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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