Psalm 120
To You, Father, and to You alone should be all the praise and adoration of all time. Creation shouts Your glory and genius. The way of salvation - the way You devised - also points to Your genius, but also to Your kindness, mercy, grace, patience and love. I want to praise You, the One that lives in unapproachable light, for letting the light of the Gospel into my life; and for letting Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, shine in my heart.
Lord, You know there are people that stir up trouble v2; often for no apparent reason. Or, they take what might be a legitimate concern and blow it out of proportion to cause trouble and conflict. Why do they do that? What is the benefit? It rarely propels them to a place of prominence, but only brings others down -- and discourages still others. Even among believers there are "trouble-makers" and I could never understand why. It must be their old nature that is in charge. They do some of the same things a worldling would do. Things like try to trap someone in a fault v5. maybe it's best for them to separate from the rest, from the fellowship v11. There are so many believers that need to grow and mature without the interference of "discouragers" in their path.
Lord Jesus, You know me so well, and yet You "counted me faithful" and put me into the ministry (it's still a mystery to me, but so much of what You do defies my logic!). You, Lord, are my source of joy and strength. Thank You for Your salvation, Your Word, and Your very presence in my life.
As we start our "mission trip" today, please overshadow the whole endeavor. Bring children and adults to this event. Bless the Episcopal Church that is hosting the Bible Camp and protect all our workers and helpers…from our church and theirs. May this be a "God thing" not our thing.
I ask You, in the Name of Jesus Christ and the power of His precious blood, that You would put a hedge of protection around my family: Dawn, Darin, Alexis, Curtis and Denise, and my mother. Only Your divine protection will do, Lord, in this very hostile world. We'll all be home soon enough, but until then we need Your protection. I ask the same for my church family…newer Christians and their families, and those that have been believers a longer time. All of us need your protection. Put into their hearts a hunger for Your Word and a love for Your presence.
May we overcome any "discouragers" today, Lord, and lean completely on You. Please don't let me become a "discourager" to anyone today, Lord. I want to be an "encourager". You are the Lord of hosts and should be the Lord of us all. You be the Lord, and let me be second.
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