Psalm 85:8-9
I will hear what the true God, the Lord, will say. He indeed speaks peace to his people, to his favored ones, but do not let them turn to foolish ways. Surely his salvation is near for those who fear him, so that glory may dwell in our land.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank you for giving us your promises and warnings throughout your word. You want all people to have peace despite sin being in the world. However, true peace comes only through faith in our Savior, your Son. Your favored ones are those who believe in Jesus and trust his saving work.
We also have a warning not to turn to our foolish ways, those desires of our hearts that do not agree with your will. This warning is for the many “good” people who claim to be Christians and yet chase after their sinful heart’s desires and the world’s ways; they place themselves above your will.
Listening to the world’s way of doing things distracts us from you. The sinful desires you call evil they call reasonable and necessary to be cultured and progressive. Moreover, what you call good, they call out-of-touch, out-of-date, or wrong. Forgive us when we miss the mark of loving you above all other things when we are drawn to the world’s ways.
Keep us in reverent fear of you and love you according to the faith your Spirit began in us, that we will live according to your will. We cannot do this alone; we need your help, and this was the purpose you sent us, your Son. He suffered for every sinful desire we entertain; he died to pay the punishment for our sins. Jesus is the key to peace with you. All is not lost for believers; his life and death restore us to you. So that all who do fear and love Jesus are given your glory, and we are heirs of your holy land.
You are always more ready to forgive than we are to receive your love. So, we pray that as a reaction to your love and truth, we will go to those around us, no matter what part of the world we live in, so we can share the good news of Jesus’ love and forgiveness with them. That you will favor them, and they will have eternal life. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Know this truth: God desires all people to be saved and for Christ to know you. God sent his Son to suffer and die for all your sins so that through faith, Jesus knows you and all who fear him.