September 16

 
"'Because of the devastation of the afflicted, because of the groaning of the needy, now I will arise,' says the Lord; 'I will set him in the safety for which he longs.' The words of the Lord are pure words; as silver tried in a furnace on the Earth, refined seven times. You, O Lord, will keep them; You will preserve him from this generation forever."
(Psalm 12:5-7)

 
            As we pause at this midday and examine the devastated landscape and ongoing tragedy that humankind has made of its opportunity to create a civilization, some key results of man's efforts are glaringly apparent to each of us making our way to Zion. One: humanity's innate sin-dominated nature only guarantees disaster after serial disaster wherever a person’s feet may take them. And two: instead of recognizing that permanent genetic predisposition and accepting the only remedy that can do them any good, the majority of God's created beings have collectively decided to reject the only viable, free offer. The heartbreaking results are what we witness each day – the inevitable downhill slide into eternal oblivion. But God has created a way out of this terrible fate, and His Name is Jesus Christ! Once God's free Gift is received by His elect in pure faith, even though we are caught up together with the unredeemed in this lesser kingdom, we have this sure promise: "I will set him in the safety for which he longs." That promise is then followed by God's solemn pledge that through it all, generation after generation, He will keep His Word until Earth is no more. So, fellow pilgrim, take this moment to rest, collect your thoughts, and prepare for the second half of your day, remembering always, "The words of the Lord are pure words; as silver tried in a furnace on the Earth, refined seven times. You, O Lord, will keep Your people; You will preserve them all from this generation forever!"

 
Before the King at Midday

 
"Wonderful Lord Protector, Blessed Refiner of all Your children, I pray Thee to protect me on this day. Refine me and point my pathway toward Kingdom work. Open my mouth at the right moment so that the spiritually deaf may hear and the spiritually blind and lost may see Your Glory and feel Your touch, even as I make my way to Your Holy Kingdom. Amen."