The Bible Archive

As we grill or enjoy the sun or just sit down and do nothing, just remember to be grateful for the country we live in, the cost of the people who fought to ensure freedoms we enjoy today and look further back at a God who paid the ultimate price so that people could be eternally free. That’s the real memorial right there. Enjoy.

Psalm 137 is gorgeous and some would say “almost perfect”. Lots of Psalms fall into that category in people’s minds: that Almost Perfect slot. You usually know where people feel any Psalm falls short during the Lord’s Supper when one of the brothers is sharing a Psalm and stops just short of the end. Surely the rest of the Psalm was right and nice…but that last bit really threw the whole thing off. Psalm 137 is, once again, a perfect example.

Should we pray imprecatory prayers? You know, the type like the Psalm 137 where we ask for God for payback and then list cruel things like dashing babies against rocks?

Well, I think the question is phrased all wrong if we’re looking to justify cruelty.

Why is it that the strong can prey on the weak and the rich can grow fat off the poverty-stricken while these can do nothing but pay alms to their better offs by sweating their last remaining strength and their enemies stand? Why is it that one can sing songs and pray prayers while remaining aloof in their thoughts and their actions are drenched in violence, with lofty words in their prayers and a loud tune on their lips?How is it possible that a man can live while constantly wrestling with the man he lives with? Why is it necessary for a man to struggle all of his days with himself. Consider it.

There is no goodness within me, my body wastes away, my mind melts within me: the man I am betrays me.

But Lord God, you are faithfully loving and you have formed me; even in my weakness, your thoughts dwell upon me: the man you wish me to be is ever before you.

The battle is fierce but you are a near help in times of trouble. This constant wrestling is dire but you live with the man who carries on. The songs are lofty and the prayers are prayed yet you will rise and take action: you will purge one of violence, of loftiness, of prideful sin.

The enemy will not stand and the poor will be made strong for you are a helper in time of need: You are good and you have plan for the man you wish him to be. We will consider it.

Inspired by Lingamish’s Cyber-Psalms

Breydon Elias Reynoso
7lbs 8oz
20.5 inches long
Born August 9, 2007

Pray for my online buddy Doug. Pray for his wife Tina.

There are several requests in the prayer log. Why don’t you stop on over there, take a name and intercede on their behalf. Thanks. -r-

Bethany Jasper asks prayer for her sister and her premature baby.
Zachary Graves was born very early and has had heart surgery and a
spinal tap so far. Please move  them up in your prayers!

Bridget is feeling overwhelmed with several concerns in her life. She asks for prayer.

Pray for E.Hall who is need of work and has been struggling for a very long time.

Pray for Darly who has been out of work since January. Also pray for her brother and her mother who are sick.

Carol Ann Parks, Alan Parks? wife, went home to be with the
lord at 11:52 this morning pray for
the family.

Delores Brents asks for prayer: ?My sister’s son was just
killed. He is her only child, and was 21 years old. Please pray that God
comfort my sister in this time of great loss and grief??

Pray for the family of Terri Schiavo. The whole situation is
a nightmare but the Lord can use it to reach them and others through it.

Nick Queen asks prayer for
his wife?s situation with a follow-up.

Thanks to the Lord for the access we have to proclaim the message of Christ so openly, in our streets and on the web.

Alan Parks and Family
I am not going to post his entire email online. Pray for
Alan Parks and his family. His wife is dying from cancer and, after 3 weeks of
no food has been rushed to the hospital. Alan Parks, a full-time minister of
the work and 51 years old has lost his mother, his father and now is losing his
wife. Pray for him and their kids.

Barbara Morrison
Her son has been diagnosed with Hodgkins disease. Pray for them in this tough situation. Her prayer request is in the Prayer Request section.

I?d best give an update of what?s going on so that your
prayers can be added to mine. My wife is fine although she has been put on bed
rest?so here?s why.

Pray for this dear brother as he finds himself out of work
and getting over some of the tough feelings he?s had over the last week or so.
I waited till now to post this but know that you will support him with words of
encouragement and likewise offer prayers for him and his current situation.
Here, here or here.