Journaling for 02.01.13 … A prayer to my strong tower

5:37 AM Psalm 61

Father, there is much evil in the world. It seems to get stronger and stronger. Evil men get meaner and more wicked. What a godless place this world has become. No one is safe…except those who belong to You. Oh sure, believers are tried, persecuted, and murdered, but there is a refuge for them that no one else has. You, Father, are my strong tower and I can find shelter under the shadow of Your wing. Even if the body is sore with pain, and the heart is tried and broken, there is a refuge for my spirit in You.

I am not a good vow keeper. Weakened by a human, or carnal nature, I can't even keep New Year's resolutions. I try, Lord, not to make hasty vows to You that I cannot keep. However, this I promise: I will trust in Your Word to be the truth; I will confess that only Jesus Christ is the way to You; I will cling to the old rugged cross and embrace the gospel as the sufficient price for my sins.

Living for You, Lord, may be more difficult than dying for You. This world is not a place conducive to holy living and the truth of salvation. But in my weakness today I pray:

First, I give praise and thanks for my salvation, my health, my family, my ministry, and my church family. You have blessed me beyond all that I deserve.

Second, I ask, in the Name of the Lord, Jesus Christ, and the power of His blood, that You place a strong and impenetrable hedge(from the outside or inside) around my family and my flock today. None of us deserve Your loving care and protection, but we belong to You, and that's the way You are!

Third, help me and those I love be a light, however dim or bright, in this present darkness.

Fourth, I ask that You care for Your Bride, the local expression of her that I'm associated with, and bless us with other Outsiders to fellowship with, wage war with, and worship You, the Almighty God, with. You know our needs. Please, Lord, strengthen Your church…for Your sake.

Thank You for this fellowship and the knowledge that You are with me -- in me -- this whole day. May Jesus be glad that He gave His life for me. May there be no disappointment today. Fill me with Your Spirit. Help me be second.