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December 4, 2012
Day 29
Hand in Marriage
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Dear Praying Friend,
This past year, we have seen the hand of the Lord at work as He has been tenderly wooing His Bride (the Church) back to Him. Our nation has spent the year ardently focused on the national election; countless hours, energy, and money were spent on securing the next leader for our country. There were many issues on the forefront with marriage being one of the leading issues that united the Church in prayer and fasting. Once again, we began to look like the church described in the Book of Acts, with believers going from door to door to share their message, and others willingly pouring their savings into this one effort.
This year was not a mere coincidence, it was perfectly planned to draw the Church back to the Head, which is Christ; to show us when we come together, for His purpose, He accomplishes great things. May the passion we have displayed over these "issues" continue to unite the church, in the coming year, to declare His message of salvation; and may all our time and attention be directed to our utmost priority and focus - Jesus Christ!
Today we begin our meditation on Psalm 51, the fourth in the series of the seven penitential psalms. This was David's prayer of confession after committing adultery with Bathsheba. He had been confronted by God, through the prophet Nathan, and his response was a humble prayer asking for forgiveness and cleansing. "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."
David illustrates, in words, the response the Lord desires from His Bride. His Church should be in the bridal chamber making preparations with oil lamps full and ready; however, we seem to have forgotten that He is coming - going about our own business instead of attending to the Father's business. Many have grown weary with waiting, and have run off to fulfill fleshly desires, instead of fulfilling His plans. If only we would realize the hand that is being held out to us.
" 'Return, faithless people,' declares the LORD,
'for I am your husband.
I will choose you - one from a town and two from a clan -
and bring you to Zion.
Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart,
who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.' "
(Jeremiah 3:14-15)
Dear Heavenly Father, how humbled we are that You have asked for our hand in marriage. You have chosen us, yet, instead of us making the necessary preparations and anticipating Your return, we have chosen to do countless other things that keep us from You. How blessed we are that You see beyond our rags and are willing to bestow Your glorious riches on us. We praise You that You see the beauty in the ashes and are willing to wash us with the water of Your Word to present us to the Bridegroom as a radiant church - without stain, or wrinkle, or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. You have watched us with adoration from the moment we were born, and, as a caring Father, You have held our hand as we have taken our first steps. Forgive us that when we finally gained our balance, we ran from You. We have come to realize this world has nothing to offer us - You are all we desire. Gracious Heavenly Father, we long to run to You. Help us to throw off all that hinders and run down that aisle into Your glorious Presence. As the bridegroom rejoices over His Bride, Lord, rejoice over us! Our eyes are fixed on You and our hearts long for that great Wedding Day. "Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His Bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear." 'The Spirit and the bride say "Come!" Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Praise be to the Lord forever! Amen and Amen.
Steadfast in prayer,
Traci Alexander
Trumpet and Torch Ministries
Psalm 27
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Prayer Scripture References: Psalm 72:19;Isaiah 62: 4-5; Jeremiah 31:32; Matthew 25: 1-10; Ephesians 5:23-32; Hebrews 12:1-2; Revelation 19:7-9. |
