"Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me, O Lord of Hosts; let not those who seek you be brought to dishonor through me, O God of Israel" (Psalm 69:6). Father in heaven, my pastor's sermon this morning, an exposition of John 10:1-10, stirred my heart in several different ways--not the least of which was driving home thoughts I had yesterday after reading Psalm … [Read more...]
Penciled Prayers: Till the Storms of Destruction Pass By
"Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by (Psalm 57:1). O Lord, thank You for my daily time with Mahria in Your Word and in prayer. As we read Your psalms yesterday, Mahria was particularly touched and encouraged by Psalm 57:1. Once we finished our … [Read more...]
Penciled Prayers: Do I Fear You as I Should, Lord?
"Who is the man who fears the Lord? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. His soul shall abide in well-being, and his offspring shall inherit the land. The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant" (Psalm 25:12-14). Lord God Almighty, my Creator and King, do I fear You as I should? I know I should not live in … [Read more...]
Penciled Prayers: Oh, That Salvation for Israel Would Come!
"Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When the Lord restores the fortunes of his people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad" (Psalm 14:7). Father in heaven, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of the Twelve Tribes: Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! Father, my heart has been heavy and my mind has been occupied with thoughts of … [Read more...]
Penciled Prayers: Kiss the Son
"Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him (Psalm 2:12). Kiss the Son. Endearment. Submission. Loyalty. Commitment. Honor. Respect. Love. Father, for 24 years I spat at Your Son. I held Him in derision. Had I seen Him on the cross, I would have mocked Him. And I would have done so while … [Read more...]
Penciled Prayers: Fierce Wolves
"I know after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock" (Acts 20:29). Heavenly Father: it is not the rise of Islam; it is not other anti-Christ religions like Roman Catholicism, Mormonism, the Watchtower Society, apostate liberal denominations, or Atheism. None of these Christ-less, outside influences pose the greatest, present danger to Your … [Read more...]
Penciled Prayers: Save the Evangelical Sons of Sceva
"But the evil spirit answered them, 'Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you'" (Acts 19:15)? O Lord God, every evil spirit knows You. You have created all things--angels (1/3 of them becoming evil spirits when Lucifer rebelled and was cast out of heaven), mankind, every living thing, everything that exists, whether visible or invisible. Lord, You are sovereign over … [Read more...]
