November 26, 2012
Day 21
Hand of Instruction
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Dear Praying Friend,
In our devotional prayer time we've been meditating on the simplicity with which we can come to God to find forgiveness of sins and renewed communion with Him. It is His desire that we passionately pursue Him, rather than wasting our time running after the unsatisfying enticements of this world. There is so much He wants to show us (and so much for us to learn); sadly, we are often too distracted searching after our own answers (recklessly running after human wisdom instead of resting on the truth found in God's Word), that we miss out on the blessings found in simply surrendering to His hand of instruction.
As we meditate on Psalm 32:8-9 today, we read an exhortation
warning us to freely give ourselves to the instruction and guidance of the Lord, instead of foolishly risking being treated like a wild animal that needs to be bound up and broken. The Scripture tell us, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise" (Psalm 51:17). How blessed we are when we come to the Lord with an obedient and willing heart.
"Teach me, O LORD, to follow Your decrees;
then I will keep them to the end.
Give me understanding, and I will keep Your law
and obey it with all my heart.
Direct me in the path of Your commands,
for there I find delight.
Turn my heart toward Your statutes
and not toward selfish gain.
Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
preserve my life according to Your word."
(Psalm 119:33-37)
Dear Heavenly Father, we praise You that you are a good and upright God that instructs sinners to walk in Your ways. We thank You that You have given us Your Holy Spirit to guide us into all Truth, and Who leads us down the path of righteousness for Your names' sake. Forgive us when we chomp at the bit, and stubbornly stand our ground, instead of allowing You to lead us with Your gentle hand of instruction. Help us to realize, in times of testing and affliction, that You are at work teaching us. We ask in our pain that You would give us eyes to see and ears to hear what You desire for us to learn. Lord, it is good for us to be afflicted if it means we will learn Your decrees; we know Your discipline is for our good and for Your glory. 'The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught. The Sovereign LORD has opened my ears, and I have not been rebellious; I have not drawn back'. O Lord, thank You for this new day. Today I come to You as a student hungry for Your Word, and ask that You fill my heart and mind with the knowledge of Your will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Thank You for being my ever faithful Teacher. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Steadfast in prayer,
Traci Alexander
Trumpet and Torch Ministries
Psalm 27
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Prayer Scripture References: Psalm 23:3; 25:8; 119:71; Isaiah 28:26; 50:4-5; John 16:13; Colossians 1:9b; Hebrews 12:10. |