17/02/2019 - THE PRAYER THAT DELIGHTS THE LORD

• 
• 
• 
• 

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, But the prayer of the upright is His delight.  Proverbs 15.8

The verse talks about two groups of people who stand before God. One is that of the wicked, who do not respect the holiness of the Lord. They do whatever they want and speak what comes to their mind, but in order to try to please the Most High, they make sacrifices. However, this effort complicates even more their situation before the Omnipotent, because, instead of being used by Him, they transform Him into an unscrupulous “salesman” that does whatever is necessary to “accomplish the sale.”

The practice of sacrifices was very common in the days of Solomon’s reign. When writing about the attitude of those who make use of this institute, he clearly says that those who do not live according to biblical standards do not please God but irritate Him. It is good to imitate the saved, as long as such person also fears the Lord. The Most High is not interested in receiving evidences of “love” but He wants to be loved by His people – who have and keep the commandments (John 14:21).

According to the biblical text above, it is clear that it is not possible to buy God’s favor, but it is possible to receive help from Him by doing what pleases Him. The Lord wants to see His people doing good works, respecting the biblical precepts and living a righteous life. The Most High asks us to be holy, for He is holy (1 Peter 1:16). Those who live according to the Word of the Lord will have their ordinances honored. Get right with Him today!

Even if the wicked used acceptable means at the time, they did not heed the guidance of the Most High, and that is why the Lord considered their attitude disgusting. God has not changed His way of seeing things nor has he “modernized” himself. He does not care what you can give to the church, but if you will do what He says. The Almighty can only use the person who lives in holiness, who consecrates himself and obeys the divine purposes.

When the righteous take hold and earnestly and faithfully fulfill the Word of God, when they pray, they become His delight. They please the Lord and therefore have their prayers answered and their desires fulfilled (Psalm 37:4). See how you have been living your life. If you are in sin, you will prevent the Most High from working in your life. Whoever trusts in the Heavenly Father will inherit the earth; therefore, straighten out your behavior!

He who observes the statutes of God will rejoice His heart. Then when they cry out, they will soon receive the answer. Why live in error, if those who proceed in this way will not inherit the Kingdom of Heaven? Now, he who does not ascend with Jesus when He returns will have no other chance to change their eternal fate. Take advantage of this moment and join Christ, accepting Him as your Lord and Savior.

Never present yourself before God with lies, trying to hide a dirty life. He will tell you that He has never known you, and therefore you will be sent to into perdition. The Most High sees all things as they are and how they were made. It would be good if you bent your knees and made amends with Him right now. Do it!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares