Psalm 122:6-7 - Pray for the peace of Jerusalem

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: "May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels." - Psalm 122:6-7

Many scholars would say that this psalm was written to be sung as pilgrims would come into the temple in Jerusalem. It was a way to prepare the hearts of those who were coming to offer sacrifices to God. For those who are followers of Christ, we recognize that the sacrifice has been made once for all. We are free from the need to bring an animal to be slaughtered in our place for our sins. But when we come into the living temple of God's people, the church, do we pray for it's peace? Do we ask God to use our gatherings to be a citadel of security for the broken, the hurting, the pilgrim? This passage is rightly used to continue to pray for Jerusalem, but there is a "Jerusalem" that we should be a part of - a local church. Pray for your church today, and if you don't attend a community, may this Psalm become your guide as you start your pilgrimage to find one.

Today's Commentary by: David Whitehead, Pastor, Grace NYC

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Nehemiah 4:15-16 - When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot...

When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to his own work. From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah
- Nehemiah 4:15-16 (NIV)

Even though God had frustrated the plans of Nehemiah's enemies, there was a level of diligence and readiness that was needed as they proceeded. As we experience God's grace and goodness in our day-to-day lives, we still need to work with a state of alertness. Unlike Nehemiah's day, our enemy is not physical. The Scripture talks of Satan as a prowling lion, therefore we need to keep on the alert with our skills to build in one hand and the word of God in the other.

Today's commentary by: Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org

What do you think? Discussion at: http://facebook.com/DailyBibleVerse