Psalm 17:6-9

I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God; Incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech.
Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand, O You who save those who trust in You From those who rise up against them.
Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings,
From the wicked who oppress me, From my deadly enemies who surround me.

Are you sick? Has the vigor you felt in the bright days of health failed? Are you suffering pain, weariness, or exhaustion? Are you house-bound? Are you so restricted that there is little you can do?

You wish that you could serve the Lord. You dream of that pleasure, but you are denied the privilege. Willingly you would run, readily would you work, and gladly would you testify. You devoutly wish that you could do some personal service in your Master’s cause.

I want to encourage you with the reminder that that law of the Son of David is the same as the Law of David himself. You know David’s law about those who went to battle; some were incapable of action and David left them with the supplies. “You are weary and ill, he said to them. “Stay in camp and take care of the supplies while we go and fight.”

After the battle, the men who fought claimed all the spoils, saying “These people have done nothing but lie around the camp. They will not have a share of the spoils.”

But King David immediately said, “My brethren, you shall not do so with what the LORD has given us, who has preserved us and delivered into hour hand the troop that came against us. For who will heed you in this matter? But as his part is who goes down to the battle, so shall his part be who stays by the supplies; they shall share alike” (1 Samuel 30:23-24).

The law of the Son of David is equally gracious. If sickness, age, or infirmity detains you, if you are unable to enter active service, if you would fight if you could, and if your heart is in it, you will have an equal share with the best and the bravest of those who, in the armor of God, encounter and grapple with the adversary.

— C.H. Spurgeon, Beside Still Waters

COVID-19 Crisis Prayer – Pastor Mike

May the Lord richly bless and keep you as you labor in the power of prayer. These are extraordinary times and they require extraordinary prayer. Through this pandemic crisis, we will be posting prayer requests with a theme to guide our prayers. Look for these requests to be posted here on the updates page each day.

As a basis for prayer, morning and evening, in the midst of this crisis, Psalm 67 provides us a template for prayer.

Psalm 67 (NKJV): God be merciful to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us, that Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations.  Let the peoples praise You, O God;  Let all the peoples praise You.  Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy!  For You shall judge the people righteously, and govern the nations on earth. Let the peoples praise You, O God;  Let all the peoples praise You. Then the earth shall yield her increase;  God, our own God, shall bless us.  God shall bless us, and all the ends of the earth shall fear Him.

Psalm 67 is a psalm which has a heart to see God’s way, God’s salvation, and God’s praise extended throughout all the earth. This unique psalm will be our guide in praying for the current crisis morning and evening. We will supply a subject of focus for our prayers as intercessors praying together each day. The prayer request subject will be organized under the headings of God’s way, God’s salvation, and God’s praise for the daily subject.

May the Lord bless and encourage you in your fervent times of prayer.
Pastor Mike

This Mornings Prayer

Psalm 67

Today’s Subject: Finances and Economics

God’s Way: With God, we live and move and have our being. He is the source of all good things. He knows our needs before we speak them. He is more than sufficient to care for us and sustain us.  Psalm 65:9 (NLT) – You take care of the earth and water it, making it rich and fertile. The river of God has plenty of water; it provides a bountiful harvest of grain, for you have ordered it so.  We are commanded to love our neighbors as ourselves. Luke 3:10–11 (ESV)  And the crowds asked him, “What then shall we do?”  And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.”

God’s Salvation: When we look to Him, and cry out to Him, He will hear us and deliver us. He can purify our hearts and clean our hands when we submit to Him and trust in Him alone. He feeds His flock and makes them lie down in security. He is a loving and gracious God and He is willing that non should perish but, will save all who come to Him in humility of heart.  It is likely that competition for scarce resources will cause many disagreements, and there could be ensuing hostility and bitterness.  God calls upon His children to love others as we love ourselves. We must be peacemakers. We must seek the best for others. We must be willing to give.  Matthew 6:26 (NLT) – Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?

 God’s Praise: God has given us the Spirit of Christ. We can move beyond our fears.  Psalm 133:1–2 (ESV) Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! Offer praises to the Lord for His love and provision for us. He is bigger than anything we could face, and He promises never to leave us nor forsake us. He is gracious and gives. We praise Him as we do not have to worry. He feeds the birds of the air and we are more valuable to Him.

“God be merciful to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us, that Your Way may be known on earth, Your Salvation among the nations.  Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You” Psalm 67: 1-3