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January 16, 2013
Day 72
Righteousness Remembered
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Dear Praying Friend,
The history of the United States is a beautiful tapestry of God's hand of mercy upon this nation. Time and time again, before periods of war and difficulty, the Lord awakened and revived His people to turn back to Him with all their hearts so that He could prepare them to stand strong and unified to face the battles to come. May God's hand of mercy be moved again because God's people have responded with repentance, faithfulness, and love.
As we meditate on Psalm 85:1-3 today, the people of Israel begin their prayer in praise to God for His past acts of mercy. While they realize that God's wrath was justified, they remind Him of the forgiveness He showed them, hoping that once again He would turn back His anger and relent from sending judgment. "Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from His fierce anger so that we will not perish" (Jonah 3:9).
The Lord acts in righteousness, not because of what we do, but because of His mercy (reference Titus 3:5). The Lord will fulfill His plans for this nation, for the nation of Israel, and for all of mankind, regardless of what man does or doesn't do. He is a merciful, loving, and long-suffering God who acts in righteousness. May we never forget the price He paid that we might receive the full benefits of His mercy, grace, and love. While we remind Him of what He has done for us, may we reflect on how much (or little!) we have done for Him and remember what He wants most from us - our wholehearted devotion!
"When you and your children return to the LORD your God
and obey Him with all your heart and with all your soul
according to everything I command you today,
then the LORD your God will restore your fortunes
and have compassion on you..."
(Deuteronomy 30:2-3)
Dear Heavenly Father, we praise You for Your mercy and Your compassion towards Your people. We do not deserve such love and forgiveness, yet You give it just the same. Lord, we ask for continued mercy upon this nation as we, Your children, repent of walking in the world, and return to You with all our hearts. Your hand has been upon us from the moment You birthed this nation. We praise You for guiding our faithful founders who, with reverence and fear, exalted Your word and didn't compromise Your truth. Give us the courage and confidence that we need today to stand up and speak up for Your truth. Help us to be faithful to Your word as we live out our lives in the presence of a watching world. Let the witness of our peaceful and quiet lives bear testimony of Your great love and mercy towards Your people and Your desire that all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. Father, awaken Your sleeping Bride; draw Your Church to You with compassion so she will return to her First Love. Purify us and make us holy so we can be fully consecrated to face the spiritual battle that is before us. Lord, in keeping with all Your righteous acts, turn away Your anger and Your wrath and restore us to the joy of Your salvation. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Steadfast in prayer,
Traci Alexander
Trumpet and Torch Ministries
Psalm 27
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Prayer Scripture References: Joshua 1:6-9; Psalm 30:5; 51:12; 106:23; Isaiah 54:8; Jeremiah 31:3; Lamentations 3:22-23; Daniel 9:16a; Ephesians 6:19-20; 1 Timothy 2:2-3; 1 Peter 3:4; Revelation 2:4-5. | 
