Quote for the Day 31Oct2011

If we are to represent the Prince of Peace in our world, believers need to stop fighting with one another and practice peace. - Bill Crowder

THE EIGHTY-SIXTH PSALM

Dearly Beloved,
THE EIGHTY-SIXTH PSALM
“Hear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.... Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy” (Psalm 86:1, 6 NIV).
Psalm 86 was supposedly written by King David, though its placement among the psalms ascribed to “the Sons of Korah” made some people to doubt its Davidic authorship. However, its contents and layout resemble most of the psalms that are ascribed to David without any controversy. The writer of this psalm was undoubtedly in a danger, and he called on God to deliver him from his enemies.
The psalmist considered himself as somebody who is “poor and needy,” therefore, he prayed that God should hear and answer his prayers (verse 1). There are at least five different kinds of prayers in this psalm:
One, prayer of protection: because the psalmist was being attacked by people he regarded as “the arrogant” and “a band of ruthless men” in verse 14, his first prayer point was that God should guard his life (verse 2). He could attest to the fact that he was devoted to and trust in God, hence, this prayer.
Two, prayer for mercy: thrice in this psalm, the psalmist cried out to God for mercy (verses 3, 6, 16). He knew that only God could grant him mercy.
Three, prayer of forgiveness: the psalmist regarded God as a forgiving God who is good and abounding in love. By implication, he was asking God to forgive him as he was crying to Him.
Four, prayer of worship: in spite of his predicament, the psalmist worshipped God for who He is (verses 8-10).
Five, prayer of praises: closely related to the previous prayer is this. The psalmist praised God for what He is doing (verses 10, 12, 13). His predicament did not blindfold him to who God is and what His had done in his life.
There are other prayers for joy (verse 4), instruction (verse 11), and the goodness of God (verse 17) also in this psalm. The eighty-sixth psalm is indeed worthy of meditation.
What is your predicament presently? Are you also ready to cry to God? He has promised, “...call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me” (Psalm 50:15 NIV). Cry unto Him, and He is ready to answer you.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).
NB
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Quote for the Day 29Oct2011

Difficult circumstances can reveal much about a person. A smooth road reveals very little of our character, but when successive potholes mar our otherwise gentle pathway, we begin to get a look at the underside of our lives. - Michael Youssef

Quote for the Day 28Oct2011

If we pursue mere earthly gain,
We choose a path that ends in pain;
But joy remains within the soul
When we pursue a heavenly goal.
- D. De Haan

Quote for the Day 27Oct2011

Live life with no regrets and no resentments. Whatever happened in the past, forgive yourself and others. Choose love. - Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Quote for the Day 26Oct2011

When you face opposition but know you are doing what God has asked, have confidence that He will accomplish everything that He desires. - Henry Blackaby

Quote for the Day 25Oct2011

Tone of voice can be effective
If our spirit’s calm and meek;
Let us watch our words and actions,
Always careful how we speak.
- Hess