Psalm 11:5 The Lord tests the righteous but the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates. Lord, You do put us in situations that test our faith (Deuteronomy 8:2–3). You do not tempt us to do evil, but You test us to see if we will trust You and do good (James 1:13). Lord, how often I have failed these tests, but by Your grace, I have grown and passed some tests. As You delivered Peter after he failed, so You have helped me and my family, Your churches, and Your kingdom. Yet, O Lord, those who desire evil more than good, those who stretch out their hand to do violence – to wickedly conspire and hurt Your anointed -- Your soul, Your inner nature, hates. Lord, there are those believe that they are doing good by their plans against Your servants and their ministry. They gather together against Your children to destroy them. They think they are doing good, but their methods and their heart are evil. Help us to pray with Jesus and Stephen, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34) or Lord, do not charge them with this sin” (Acts 7:60). Enable us to say with Joseph in Genesis 50:20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” Grant us the grace to say with David as when Shimei cast dust on him in 2 Samuel 16:12 It may be that the LORD will look on my affliction, and that the LORD will repay me with good for his cursing this day. Lord, there are times when we have been mistreated, when we do not feel we deserve the evil that others have done. We have sought to humble ourselves and wait on You. And You have shown me, my family, and Your church Your mercy. O Lord, guide us through these tests. Let us not be bitter or foolish (Ephesians 5:17). Help us trust You; help our families and our churches trust You. Help us repent where we have sinned and failed and help us move forward in righteousness. Psalm 11:6 Upon the wicked He will rain coals, fire and brimstone and a burning wind shall be the portion of their cap. Lord, one day the evil ones will be cast into hell, Your wrath will fall upon them. At times, we wish their judgment would come today. Yet, O Lord, how can we desire any to be judged? Lord, hell is for eternity. Part of us wants Your wrath to fall on those who are our oppressors, to those who speak against us. Yet, O Lord, if You marked my sin, I could not stand (Psalm 130:3–4). How do I pray, O Lord? Their sin against us hurts so much. Yet our sins, too, sent You to the cross. Lord, our only hope is You. Our only help is in You. Psalm 11:7 For the Lord is righteous. He loves righteousness. His countenance upholds the upright. Lord, You alone are righteous and You call us to righteousness. To see Your face, to know You, this is my strength and delight.
Posted on: Sat, 23 Aug 2014 12:36:42 +0000
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