on October 27, 2011
Psalm 119:129-136 – Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them. The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands. Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name. Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. Redeem me from the oppression of men, that I may obey your precepts. Make your face shine upon your servant and teach me your decrees. Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed.
Have you ever tried to imagine a world where everyone believed that God’s statutes were wonderful enough to inspire complete obedience? What if everyone was persuaded that exposure to God’s word brings enlightenment and understanding to those who lack it, and that it should be the foundation of every thorough education? What would a society look like where all its citizens hungered and thirsted for God’s righteous commands? Consider a community that loves the name of the Lord, desires God’s guidance and direction, and shuns everything sinful! Would this not be heaven on earth? Would it not be the fulfillment of praying for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven?
Furthermore, have you ever considered what this world would be like if God should make His face to shine brightly upon all those who loved His name, His Word and His direction? What if there was plain evidence that God affirmed such as these, protected them and enabled them to rise above all others who reject Him and oppose His Word? Would this not be incentive for everyone to desire God? Dare we ever hope for such a world? It must begin with one believer at a time, who will dare to trust and love God, take Him at His Word, and live according to His law.
Sorrowfully, the Psalmist notes that God’s law is not obeyed. This reality is so disheartening to him that “streams of tears flow” from his eyes. Wonderful words of light and life are rejected and those who DO love them are oppressed. Sin rules over much of the world and men love darkness rather than light – because their deeds are evil! (1 John 1:5-7) – “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” God, let Your face shine upon those who love Your name and Your Word, and teach us Your decrees!
Thursday:
- Meet together with at least 1 or 2 other believers to enter the Throne Room of Grace.
- Join our 6:00pm Thursday night prayer team.
Friday:
- Thank God for His beautiful wonderful Words of light and life.
- Pray for the Good News families of the week: Kathleen Bauman (Grant), Bonnie Bitetti (Samantha, Denny, Chris), Brandon & Sandy Burtner (Elijah)
Saturday:
- Praise God for the wisdom and understanding that we receive from His Word.
Sunday:
- Ask God to give you a passionate hunger and thirst for His righteous decrees and commands.
- Join in with our Sunday prayer services to pray for God’s presence and blessing.
Monday:
- Pray for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, and that He will affirm those who revere Him and redeem them from their oppressors.
- Attend “In Touch” Prayer meeting at GNCC at 10:30am or join in prayer at that time.
Tuesday:
- Praise God for His light that shines brightly in darkness. Thank Him for the forgiveness and fellowship He provides for those who walk in the Light!
Wednesday:
- Pray for those who oppress the righteous, that God’s kindness will lead them to repentance that will make way for God’s face to shine upon them as well.
Prayer Challenge: Pray that God will grant every believer: a passionate devotion to His Word, a humble recognition that we have much room for growth and improvement, His corrective discipline (that may be painful but produces good fruit), and a steadfast courage with strength to endure the arrogance, hostility, ridicule and slander of those who disregard the beauty and authority of God’s Word.