Journal for 10/27…interceding

5:28 AM

Father…Of all the powers and authorities in the world -- in the universe -- You are above them all. You supersede all others in power, glory, and grace. Your kindness is more than I deserve, but You love me and desire to be with me. So, Lord, abide with me today. Help me to have an undivided mind (Ps86.11).

Psalm 87

The old city of Zion, Lord, reminds us of the New City that is coming. You will make perfect all that is crooked; right all the wrongs; and make clean the whole world…no longer under the curse and no longer fallen. The Most High Himself will establish her (5).

The past is behind me. The present challenges me. But the future -- the future you have for me -- will last forever. It is a future that makes facing today's challenges worth the sacrifice and effort. Help me to please You today.

There is so much to thank You for, Father. First, for Your Son. Thank You for my Savior and Friend. I cannot imagine the sacrifice He paid for my sin. Love has no greater example than that. Thank You for my life, my family (my wife in particular), my parents who introduced me to You, my health, and the opportunity to serve You.

I pray today for the believers in Iran -- Youcef, in particular, who may be executed for not denying his faith in You. I pray for believers in China, Iraq, Somolia, Yemen, Egypt and other places where persecution is rampant…where it's open season on Christians. How will we live, or die, when that happens in the U.S.? Believers here are soft and indifferent…worldly. Give wisdom to the Christians that serve in the government. Help them make the hard decisions about economic and social and faith issues.

In my life, Lord, be glorified somehow today. I am second.~