SCRIPTURE: Psalm 120
A ‘song of ascents’ was sung by pilgrims on the upward roads to Jerusalem.
As they ascended, they lifted their hearts and voices to the Lord.
In this song they lament that where they live people do not honour God.
Where they live through the week is not very spiritual or positive.
Going to temple they ask God to help them be strong and stand firm.
“I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war.” (Psalm 120:7)
Can you relate, you want to be a good influence at work or school…
But it’s hard to follow Jesus when everyone else isn’t.
Jesus does not take us out of the world, but He does help us in it.
We can also pray that the Lord would ‘save us’ from the negative influences around us.
To keep us strong in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, etc…
Make this your daily prayer, your daily song, on your upward journey to glory!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, it is so much easier to love and serve you in church than in the places we live and work. Strengthen my heart in Your love, joy and peace, that my neighbours may be influenced by me!
Observation/Application
The tongue.
Who can bridle the tongue?
Words said can either bless or curse. Words said in retaliation or hate or falsely kills the spirit of a man. Oh be careful of the words I use to speak.
Words express the heart – the source of life. I must be sure that my words are a blessing for all for I am His and He is mine.
Lord, speak to me, that I may speak
In living echoes of Thy tone;
As Thou has sought, so let me seek
Thine erring children lost and lone.
Oh, lead me, Lord, that I may lead
The wand’ring and the wav’ring feet;
Oh, feed me, Lord, that I may feed
Thy hung’ring ones with manna sweet.
Oh, strengthen me, that while I stand
Firm on the rock, and strong in Thee,
I may stretch out a loving hand
To wrestlers with the troubled sea.
Oh, teach me, Lord, that I may teach
The precious things Thou dost impart;
And wing my words, that they may reach
The hidden depths of many a heart.
Oh, give Thine own sweet rest to me,
That I may speak with soothing pow’r
A word in season, as from Thee,
To weary ones in needful hour.
Oh, fill me with Thy fullness, Lord,
Until my very heart o’erflow
In kindling thought and glowing word,
Thy love to tell, Thy praise to show.
Oh, use me, Lord, use even me,
Just as Thou wilt, and when, and where,
Until Thy blessed face I see,
Thy rest, Thy joy, Thy glory share.