Thursday, February 14, 2019

praying effectively: Walk in Integrity (Ps.15)

(Psalm 15:5)
Lord, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill?
He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, and speaks truth in his heart.
He does not slander with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
In whose eyes a reprobate is despised, but who honors those who fear the Lord; hswears to his own hurt and does not change;
He does not put out his money at interest, nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:
- that we walk with integrity, practice righteousness, and speak truth (15:2)
- that we honor those who practice righteousness and remain steadfast (15:4)
- that we despise evil (15:4)
- that we do not slander (15:3)
- that we do not do evil to our neighbor (15:3)
- that we do not tell friends how disappointed we are in them (15:3)
- that we do not loan our own money and charge interest (15:5)
- that we do not take bribes, or cause injustice towards the innocent (15:5)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, keep me obedient and steadfast, bringing honor to You and Your righteousness, while also giving honor to others who are obedient and steadfast believers.

When fellow believers do make mistakes, and it is something which requires reconciliation or a discussion, show us an encouraging way to approach them (and not reproach them)... so that we can help facilitate understanding and/or a change of heart.

Help us to hate evil, yet still love our enemies, even if it is from a distance.  Protect us and give us wisdom in knowing how to stay out of harms way.  Keep us - not only from doing things which take advantage of people - but give us wisdom in knowing how to facilitate justice for the innocent.  Amen.

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