“The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, and to do good. He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil.” Psalm 36:3-4
These words certainly fit our times. Both people and rulers twist their words to defend and promote wickedness and deceit. They abandon all wisdom and have ceased doing what is good and right. As a result, they are on a path that leads to ruin in this life and God’s judgment and eternal ruin when this life is past.
O merciful Father, keep us from our own foolish and wicked devices and grant us the wisdom to repent of our evil ways and look to You for mercy in the shed blood of Christ Jesus and for the strength to amend our ways. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]
“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
While these words of God were spoken to Solomon regarding the prayers offered by God’s people in the recently completed temple, they certainly have applications for all of God’s people today. God would have us repent of our wicked and disobedient ways and look to Him for mercy in the atoning sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. Then God’s ears will be open to our prayers and He will grant healing to us and our land. If we do not, we face God’s judgments.
Forgive me, O Lord, where I have strayed from You and the teaching of Your Word. Have mercy upon me for Jesus’ sake, and grant me healing for my soul. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]
“The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes. For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful.” Psalm 36:1-2
The wicked and unbelieving do not respect and honor God or listen to His Word. Instead, they regard themselves and their own views and opinions so highly that they do not even recognize and hate their own iniquity and sin. They do not see that they are headed for God’s judgment.
Preserve me, O God, from the folly of the wicked, from failing to see and recognize my own sins. Grant to me true repentance and faith in Jesus, my Savior. In His name, I pray. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]
“And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab. And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods. And Israel joined himself unto Baal-peor: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel.” Numbers 25:1-3
When Balaam would not curse the people of Israel for Balak, King of Moab (see Numbers, chapters 22-24), Balak, apparently at the counsel of Balaam, used another method to bring God’s curse upon Israel — he sent his young women to seduce the men of Israel to commit sexual acts with them and to lure the men of Israel to join in their pagan worship. Christians and Christian pastors need to be aware that the world still uses such tactics of Satan today to destroy ministries and churches.
Preserve me, O God, from the temptations and allurements of this world and grant that I hold fast to Christ and His Word and continue in the true faith unto life everlasting. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13
It is our nature to hide our sins and cover them up, but it is far better to confess our sins to the LORD God, forsake them, and partake of His mercy and forgiveness in Christ Jesus, our Savior. The Bible teaches us, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” because of Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice on the cross for the sins of all (1 John 1:8-9; cf. 2:1-2; Psalm 32).
I have sinned against You, O God, and am worthy of Your wrath and punishment. Forgive my sins, cleanse my heart, and lead me in Your ways for the sake of Messiah Jesus, Your Son, and my only Savior. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]
