Journal for May 20th…the Vine

5:28 AM

Psalm 80

Lord, what a perfect passage for today - considering the news yesterday. Our president appears to be against Israel…which doesn't bode so well for our country. The majority of Americans, Lord, and certainly discerning Christians in the country are absolutely for Israel.

You are the God that is over all things and nothing is without Your consent. What the U.S. needs first, Lord, are believers that will start living the faith they proclaim. Be Jesus to their neighbors and friends; share the gospel; pray for Israel.

You brought Israel out of Egypt and planted her like a vine in a barren place. She became the shade and resources for the region v8-11; now people snipe at her and pick her fruit; even want to destroy her v12-13; she is at strife with her neighbors v6 (that's an understatement) and her enemies make fun of her. The U.S. is getting close to the same treatment, too.

But You, Lord of hosts, please return. Take care of Your vine, Israel v14. I pray they will not turn away from You v18, that You would revive them, and they will call on Your name. Please look down with favor and save Israel v19.

I pray the same for the U.S. If Your people, who are called by Your Name, would humble themselves, seek Your face, pray, and turn from their sins, then I know You would hear from heaven, forgive their sin and heal the land. So I pray today that Christians would worship and adore You then lay their lives before You. Restore Your people -- in Israel, in America, and anywhere in the world that people profess Jesus as their Lord.

At the cross, at the cross, where I first saw the light; and the burden of my heart rolled away. It was there by faith, I received my sight, and now I am happy all the day! You are my Vine, of which I am just a branch.

And here, at my ground zero of spiritual warfare, please fill me with Your Spirit today. Forgive my past failures and lost battles. The victory is won in spite of me! Praise the Lord! Thank You, Jesus, for all You've done for me. Hedge in my family and church in the Name of Jesus Christ, the risen Son of God, and by the power of His blood.

Be Lord today. I am second.