Father, I am eternally grateful for Jesus who imputed His righteousness in me, just as You imputed my sin into the sinless Lamb of God who poured out His life for me on the cross. Through this merciful and selfless sacrifice of Christ I am justified. Jesus truly paid the price for my salvation and removed the penalty of sin for all who truly repent and believe. Thank You for this gift paid in full by the atoning work of Your Son, Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.

Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.

But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

May the LORD, the God of the spirits of all mankind, appoint a man over this community to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the LORD’s people will not be like sheep without a shepherd.

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever — do not abandon the works of your hands.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Father, we read in Romans 1 that Your wrath is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of those who suppress the truth by their wickedness, that although they know Your righteous decree they do such things deserving of death, and they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. We are understanding this passage more clearly as we see deviancy celebrated and people who boast of their deviant lifestyles as champions of the “courageous” frontier where darkened hearts are hailed as those who have arrived to enlighten those who have drawn their standards from the Holy Bible. We’re also witnessing many who have exchanged Your truths as presented in Scripture for the lies presented by mortal and sinful humanity. We do battle daily with the lawless one so we must suit up in the Christian armor that will protect us from the continual assaults from the enemy as we uphold the standards set forth in Your Holy Word. Amen.

David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.

Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.