"safe from the evil one"

 Sunday, August 20, 2023 (5:59 a.m.)

Holy God,

(6:28 a.m.)

Father, thank You for the opportunity of sitting with You. Following weather reports. Preparing for what could develop.

Thank You for waking with Your Truth. ♪Anxiety in the heart of a man weighs it down… but a good word makes it glad♪ (Proverbs 12:25). As well as “better is a crust of bread…” (Proverbs 17:1).

Lord God, how deeply I thank You for Your Truth. Your promises. Your Word on which we can stand firmly (1 Peter 5:9). Staying our minds on Your instructions (Proverbs 4:2).

It is Your work in, with, by, through and for us that enables and empowers us to change. From who and what we once were to all You would have us become. Your loving, forgiving sons and daughters.

Thank You for wanting us to live our lives as Your beloved children. Unafraid of the power of the world around us.

Thank You for directing me in Your Word right now. Not focusing on the Proverbs with which I awoke. No. Following Your lead to John 17. The Prayer of Jesus.

The Life Recovery Bible comment for this chapter says, “17:1-26 Jesus is our high priest and intercessor (Hebrews 8:1-6). He makes God’s will known to us and our heartfelt needs known to God. Jesus’ words and deeds reveal God’s mercy, justice, glory, truth, and His desire to establish a personal relationship with each of us.” Thank You that He does Dear Lord.

“Jesus intercedes with God the Father on out behalf, bringing our needs and requests continually before God. He prays that we would know His perfect joy, be protected from all evil, grow in Truth and holiness, and show love toward all people.” Oh yes, Blessed Father! Yes, please.

“Jesus prayed this prayer for His twelve disciples as they faced His imminent death. Yet this prayer is for all of us as we follow Jesus through the process of recovery.”

It is “THY will be done” not “my will.” You provide for us the “courage to change the things which should be changed.” As well as the ability to “accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed.” And possibly the most important aspect, “the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.”

Thank You Father. Praise You Lord. It is absolutely Your Spirit, alive and well in each of us, that has us wanting to surrender ourselves to You.

It was searching “God’s Word is Truth” that led me first to John 17:17. Then straight up to verse 15.

Jesus praying, “I’m not asking you to take them [the ones You gave Him (v. 6)] out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one.” Yes Father! Safe from that ‘great enemy, the devil who prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour’ (1 Peter 5:8).

I say it again Dearest God, it is YOUR Truth on which we stand and depend! Right up to verses 6 and 7 here.

“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time He will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.” We trust these Truths and promises.

Empower and enable us in living Your will. Your way. Forgiving. Not being angry (Ephesians 4:26-27).

We love, need, trust and want You and Your goodness, grace, mercy and teachings. Use us Lord. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(595 words ~ 8:26 a.m.)