Psalm 119-9 (Tet, “basket”)

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Here is today’s prayer from Psalm 119-9 (Tet, “basket”), verses 65-72:

God. Abba. Father.

Our hearts overflow with gratitude! We open our hands and our minds and seek your wisdom. Teach us your ways, oh great King. Be kind and gracious to us. We trust your word.

Today we thank you for discipline. When we go off the path that you have chosen for us, you guide us back with your faithful love and grace. You are good and what you do is good. Even when those who do not follow your ways speak untruths, we will warmly embrace your word. We will not follow them, but we will follow you. Your law and your grace are our delight!

When we find ourselves in trouble, we know that you will cause all things to work together for our good. Because we love you and you love us. We are your children. You are our Father. Your words are more valuable to us than wealth or great riches.

Your Word is Jesus. Your Word is our life!

Through Jesus we thank you.

Amen.

We’re reading through, and with intentionality, praying through the Psalms during this school year. There are 150 Psalms, divided into 180 different readings. See this post for more info.

(c) 2021. Rich Ronald.

Psalm 119-8, (Chet, “wall”)

Posted on by richlyspeaking

Here is today’s prayer from Psalm 119-8 (Chet, “wall”), verses 57-64:

God. Abba. Father.

Thank you for walls, Lord. Ones that surround us and protect us and keep the enemy from getting to us or prevent us from places we need not go. You are good to us in that way. Thank you!

Our hearts’ desire is to obey your word – every minute of every day. Forgive us when we put our desires ahead of your plans. Sometimes we get distracted and knocked off the path. Sometimes those distractors surround us. Yet, you give us the strength to stand, to break down walls that are meant to harm us, and follow you once again. Thank you for heaven-gifted breakthroughs!

The earth is filled with your love! Thank you for friends who love you. Give us allies who will encourage us and speak your truths to us. And allow us to be the same for our companions. Teach us how to follow your ways.

Through Jesus,

Amen.

We’re reading through, and with intentionality, praying through the Psalms during this school year. There are 150 Psalms, divided into 180 different readings. See this post for more info.

(c) 2021. Rich Ronald.

Isaiah 8

Posted on by richlyspeaking
Isaiah 8
Because of the importance of Israel and its people, and my personal love for The Land, I’m inviting you to join me through the key Old Testament book of Isaiah.  Each day I’m posting some simple thoughts about this complex prophet.

 

Isaiah 8.

There is trouble ahead for all who oppose God and oppress His people.

“But face the facts, all you oppressors, and then wring your hands.
    Listen, all of you, far and near.
Prepare for the worst and wring your hands.
    Yes, prepare for the worst and wring your hands!
Plan and plot all you want—nothing will come of it.
    All your talk is mere talk, empty words,
Because when all is said and done,
    the last word is Immanuel—God-With-Us.” (verses 9-10 MSG).

For the follower of God’s ways, He is with us. Always. His name is Immanuel. Where have we heard that name before? Just yesterday in Isaiah 7:14 (CEV): “But the Lord will still give you proof. A virgin is pregnant; she will have a son and will name him Immanuel, which means “God is with us.””

And He is! And I’m so thankful for that. Day after day. Month after month. Year after year. Many can offer proof that God has been with them when they least understood or least expected it. He has surprised many, including me, with His grace and provision and protection when I needed it most! He will do the same for you as you trust in Him.

One other note:  there’s a cross reference in verse 11 to the New Testament writer Peter: “Even if you have to suffer for doing good things, God will bless you. So stop being afraid and don’t worry what people may do. Honor Christ and let Him be the Lord of your life.” 1 Peter 3:14-15 (CEV).

God will bless you.

Yes! God will bless you!

 

 

(c) 2020. Rich Ronald.