December 7, 2012
Day 32
His Hand paves the Way!
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Dear Praying Friend,
The Israelites learned the hard way the path to forgiveness and restoration. Their pain and suffering, a result of disobedience and not trusting in the Lord, became the pavement that built their road to recovery. For it was through their trials that they learned the Lord is God and there is no other (reference Isaiah 46:8-13)). As we begin the task of "raising up a highway" in preparation for our Lord's return, may we quickly realize that repentance is the required building material for the job (reference Isaiah 11:16; 35:8; 40:3; Jeremiah 31:21).
As we meditate on Psalm 51:7-9 today, David prays to be pardoned from his sins. He understands that the punishment for the sin of adultery is death (reference Leviticus 20:10). Knowing that there was no cleansing available for those who willfully sinned against the Lord; he approached his righteous Judge and appealed to the Lord's mercy, love, and grace (reference Exodus 34: 6-7). His suffering is what led him to realize that this was his only hope. How blessed we are that although we may suffer the Lord's hand of discipline, we will eventually experience in His hand of restoration.
" 'Come now, let us reason together,'
says the LORD.
'Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.
If you are willing and obedient,
you will eat the best from the land.' "
(Isaiah 1:18-19)
Dear Heavenly Father, we praise You that You have prepared for us a way that leads us into Your Presence. Forgive us for taking the side roads of life when we could simply walk down Your straight and narrow path. Lord, remove the obstacles out of our way that are hindering us from coming directly to You - we realize our sin is what stops us in our path. We come to You in humble repentance knowing You are eager to forgive us. Thank You for making it so simple for us. We long to be obedient to Your will We deserve Your judgment and instead You offer your forgiveness. We may not enjoy Your hand of discipline, but we will endure whatever it takes to be restored to Your Presence. How we long for the joy that accompanies Your forgiveness. Restore us to the joy of Your salvation. Help us to no longer be hindered in the work that is before us, instead, guide us in the task of preparing the way for Your return. Raise up Your highway and let the people have a reason to rejoice and praise the Lord. May we be willing to be moved so that nothing stands in the way of our seeing Your glorious face. We praise Your holy name. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Steadfast in prayer,
Traci Alexander
Trumpet and Torch Ministries
Psalm 27
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Prayer Scripture References: Psalm 35:27; 51:12; Isaiah 11:16; 43:25; Matthew 7:13-14. |