January 7 READ Psalm 5:7–12. 7 But I, by your great love, can come into your house; in reverence I bow down toward your holy temple. 8 Lead me, LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies—make your way straight before me. 9 Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with malice. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongues they tell lies. 10 Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you. 11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. 12 Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield. PRAYING FOR PROTECTION. David’s psalms often speak of enemies. Ancient kings were always in danger of people trying to kill them. We may have fewer enemies intent on physical violence, but there are many forces in the world that can ruin us economically, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. We must do what David did. He asks God to spread his protection over him. He is sure God will do this because he looks toward his temple, the place where sins are atoned for. Christians do the same when they remember the One who claimed to be the final temple (John 2:20–21), the ultimate sacrifice, and the conclusive proof of God’s great love for us. Prayer: Righteous Lord, I ask for protection from all the hostile forces around me. But when I get indignant about evil in others, I remember my own sin, and that I can come near you only by your grace. How I need to hate wrongdoing and yet not become angry and begin to feel superior to others! Keep me safe, but keep me humbled. Amen.
Keller, Timothy. The Songs of Jesus: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Psalms (p. 7). Penguin Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
Have Thine own way Lord, Have Thine own way, Thou art the potter I am the clay
Mold me and make me after Thy will, While I am waiting yielded and still.
Lord we praise you for being who you are and we thank you Lord for doin what you do!
You have watched over us thru seen and unseen dangers, we thank you for your watchful care!
We thank you for today. We cannot undo the past and tomorrow is promised to no one, but we thank you for the day that You have given us to worship you in Spirit and Truth.
Thank you for the way you have healed Mother Brenda, continue to Heal her. Strengthen Apostle Bowers and keep him , strengthen their children.
Lord watch over the sick and shut-in. Give them wellness and wholeness that they may return to the battlefield.
This is your servant's prayer in your Son's name. In the precious name of Jesus Christ our Lord I pray!
