Migration Season

As of April 23, 2010, CSF weekend psalms have moved!

You can find us at www.greatridge.com, and click on the [Weekend Psalms] link, or at http://www.weekendpsalms.blogspot.com/

See you there!

Psalm 65: You Trust Him--Whether You Know it or Not

The weekend Psalm for:

March 27-28, 2010

Read  Psalm 65 from the English Standard Version

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The Big Idea

Eero Saarinen, the architect of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, famously stated: “God is in the details.” It's like he read this Psalm. 

God really does work through the details of our lives. This Psalm was written for an agricultural community, reminding the people how God was at work in the day-to-day work of growing crops. Let's not miss this: We may see the store as the final source of our food supply, things really haven't changed that much. We may do all the right things, but ultimately, the growth comes from his hand. 

Every day, every meal, every breath, everything that we enjoy—ultimately everything is a gift of God's amazing Grace. Think how vulnerable we are...and tremble.

Meditation 

In the Psalmist's eye, the only reasonable response is praise. When times are bad, we must remember that God atones for our transgressions. When we are totally taken up with the perfect holiness and explosive grace of God, we find satisfaction in him. This is a fine place to refer to St. Augustine, who said “Because God has made us for Himself, our hearts are restless until they rest in Him.
This weekend, take time to enter into God's presence and ask him to reveal his holiness and his grace. Take time to consider—do your mornings and evenings (vs 8) shout for joy? Why don't you join the pastures, the wilderness, the hills, the valleys, and the meadows, (vs.12-13) and praise him. 

Praying With This Psalm

You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others. 

• 
  
  Father God, remind _________ that you are the God who hears prayers. 
• 
  
  Oh Lord, our Redeemer, assure ______ that you always answer with righteousness. Give them the grace they need to have confidence in your goodness and love.
• 
  
  Almighty God, show ______ that you are sovereign over all things, water, land, and all creation, from here to the nethermost parts of the earth.
• 
  
  Lord, may you soften _______ heart with showers, and turn their heart toward you.

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

• 
  
  1 Corinthians 3:-7.In God's kingdom, growth is up to Him...
  Father God, let ____ to recognize that everything is futile without your blessing. 
• 
  
  Titus 3:4-5. God's Goodness today...
  Lord Jesus Christ, you saved us not because of righteous things we have done, but because of your mercy. May _____ know that reality in their life, and turn to you in repentance.

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2010). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD)

Psalm 35: Who cares how you feel

The weekend Psalm for:

March 13-14, 2010

Read  Psalm 35 from the English Standard Version

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The Big Idea

In our culture, we're obsessed with self esteem. It's not popular, or even smart, to point out that feeling good about one's self has no connection to being able to function in life. In fact, studies indicate that the people with the greatest self esteem are often delusional about their own abilities: Let's just say that they often have delusions of adequacy. 

You may never have thought about this, but the gospel is not about self esteem. Jesus did not die so that you could be self-fulfilled. He died to bring salvation. 

This Psalm is God's prescription when the whole world seem to be turned against you. Are circumstances against you? How about people? How about your work situation? God may not choose to fix all that (then again, he might). Either way, we can be sure two great promises. The first is in vs 10: " All my bones shall say, “O Lord, who is like you, delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, the poor and needy from him who robs him?” The second is near the end of the Psalm: "Great is the Lord, who delights in the welfare of his servants." Nice to know that even in very difficult times, God delights to lift us out of our troubles and do good to us--even in the midst of the jeers of others and the throes of our own self-doubts.  

Meditation 

Is what you do--the stuff of your life and the force behind your activities driven by feeling good about yourself and gaining prestige in the eyes of others. You can be honest: I too am guilty as charged. 

This weekend, take time to consider your own self-assessment, and the pride that often goes along with that. Then, take the time to consider God's assessment of your character, your actions, and the core of who you are. Praise God, grace is at work here, too. He will transform you, if you let him. That's part of what Redemption is all about. Then you will be able to say, with the Psalmist, "I will thank you in the great congregation; in the mighty throng I will praise you." 

Praying With This Psalm

You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others. 

• Father God, give _________ the grace of not assessing themselves by how others see them. May they view measure themselves by the yardstick of your Truth. 
• Oh Lord, our Redeemer, when _____ is faced with malicious people and terrible situations, give them the confidence and calm assurance of your faithfulness. 
• Almighty God, do not be silent in ______'s life. May they hear from you and know you are active, and that they are not abandoned.  
• Lord, may _____ know that there is no one is like you,delivering the poor;from him who is too strong for him.May they know that you are great and that you delight in the welfare of your servants."

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

• Hebrews 12:7.God's children sometimes face discipline...
  Father God, sometimes you disipline us. Help ______ to recognize how challenging times can be used by you to help them grow in holiness and be truly transformed. 
• 1 Peter 3:17. Suffering can have its merits...
  Lord Jesus Christ, may _____ know that it is better to suffer for doing good, and not for doing evil. 
• Matthew 5:10. Suffer for the right reasons...
  Father, when ____ is suffering, may it be because they are doing the right thing. Remind them that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who suffer on its behalf. 

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2010). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD)

Psalm 5: What is God really like?

The weekend Psalm for:

March 6-7, 2010

Read Psalm 5 from the English Standard Version

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The Big Idea

Do you know anyone famous? Have you actually had a chance to sit down with some celebrity (major or minor) and have a conversation? Chances are good that if you did, and your friends found out about it, they wanted to know the details. They probably asked: "What are they like?"

If your meeting was cordial, you probably described it with the highest praise offered in our society: "He/She is pretty cool," followed by some generic descriptions that would make it clear that this was a significant brush with greatness.  

So, are you a Christian? If so, how would you describe God, when someone asks "What's he like?"

This Psalm provides God's self description--the kind of things he might put on a calling card can be found in verses 1-7. Verses 9-10 talk about the character of those who rebel against God. This is not a Psalm of judgement, though--it is a Psalm of comparison. Why would anyone reject God? Why would anyone choose a character contrary to his? The final two verses are a song of praise to God, his character, and the blessings of his favor. 

Meditation 

This Psalm is another psalm of praise. Think about it. God is:

The God who hears (vs 3);
The God who does not delight in wickedness (vs 4);
The God who does not tolerate evil (vs 4);
The God who cannot tolerate the boastful;hates the actions of the evildoer, destroys those who speak lies, and abhors the bloodthirsty deceivers (5-6)
The God who leads (vs 8);
The God who provides refuge (vs 11)
The God who spreads protection over his people (vs 11)

This weekend, take time to consider God's character, as it is revealed here. So often our view of life hinges on our view of God, and you need to ask yourself this question: "Do I trust God?" No matter what the answer, search your heart and ask God to reveal his true, righteous, holy, and perfect character to you, more and more. 

Praying With This Psalm

You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others. 

• Father God, let _________ look to you and find confidence in your character. May they praise you for being a holy, just, and merciful God. 
• Oh Lord, our Redeemer, grant _____ your refuge and your covering. May they know the comfort of your protection.  
• Almighty God, may ______ examine themselves to see if they know you and are growing ever more righteous, for if they are growing ever more deceived, selfish, and ruthless. Call ____ to repentence, in your mercy.  

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

• 1 Peter 3:15. Be ready with God's Calling Card...
  Father God, your word tells us that when people harden their hearts you give them up to think, and live, separated from you. Oh, Lord God, may this not be true of ______.
• 2 Tim 1:12. There's an Old Hymn with these words...
  Lord Jesus Christ, may _____ know you as the one they have believed. May they be convinced that you will guard what you have entrusted to them until the day when you redeem all things.  

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2010). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD)

Psalm 124: Who Is At Your Side?

The weekend Psalm for:

February 27-28, 2010

Read Psalm 124 from the English Standard Version

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The Big Idea

Way, way back in the last century, there was a movie called My Bodyguard. I saw it then, and really liked it (I hesitate to recommend it, only because I remember too few of the details). In it, a much-picked on kid befriends the new arrival--a big guy with big muscles and a sketchy past. It doesn't spoil the movie to say that together, they triumph.  

Have you ever wanted to have that kind of big guy standing next to you, protecting you, helping you to stand your ground? Someone who could be there to stand up to the work bully, the overbearing professor, the person who just seems to have it in for you?

This Psalm provides God's answer to that need. Curiously enough, it provides it not as a promise--looking forward, but as a reminiscence--looking back. "If it had not been God on our side," it begins, and then presents a litany of all the ways that the situation could have turned out worse.  It is a psalm of hope, based on the proof of the past. 

Meditation 

This Psalm is another psalm of ascent, and it was sung on the uphill road to Jerusalem, when God's people gathered there for worship. It sings praise to God for his past faithfulness, and the way it leads us to worship in the here and now.  

All of worship is built on God's activity in creation, in sustaining creation, and in seeing to the needs of his people. Things don't always turn out the way we want them to, but God's faithfulness gives meaning to all things and all situations. 

This weekend, take the time to recount the ways that God has led you, and the ways he has protected you when things could have been much worse. Remember, no matter what the situation, look back to look forward. You will continue to find your help "in the name of the Lord, who created heaven and earth" (vs 8). 

Praying With This Psalm

You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others. 

• Father God, let _________ examine their life, and the way you have proven yourself faithful. Remind them that you are the one who is by their side. 
• Oh Lord, our Redeemer, show _____ your faithfulness in not giving them over to the enemy, and may they know the comfort of having you by their side.  
• Almighty God, may ______ know that their help is in the Name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.  

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

• Romans 1:28. May God not give up...
  Father God, your word tells us that when people harden their hearts you give them up to think, and live, separated from you. Oh, Lord God, may this not be true of ______.
• Acts 17:24. Of course God made it...
  Lord Jesus Christ, reveal to _____ that you are the maker of heaven and earth. May they know that they are not abandoned. Open their eyes to the truth of your Word. 

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2010). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD)

Psalm 94: Things set right...

The weekend Psalm for:

February 20-21, 2010

Read Psalm 94 from the English Standard Version

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The Big Idea

It's standard fair in movies, TV, and books. The bad guy has been causing trouble, in comes the good guy to dish out a hungry-man-sized serving of vengeance. Crowds cheer. Roll credits. 

This Psalm shows that deep down desire we have for justice. When we see people oppressed--we want vengeance on the oppressors. Think about it: Why has this been an over-arching theme in our media and entertainment. It seems to me that the Psalms resonate with our need to see things set right, and this is particularly true of this Psalm. 

I've heard people complain that the Psalms are full of vengeance and violence. Really. So is most prime-time television, and I don't hear anyone whining about that. Yes, there is violence and vengeance here, but that's not what this Psalm is about. It's about the old phrase; "Whose side are you on?"

We want some one to stand up for us when we have been wronged. We want someone to swoop in and save the weak. In this Psalm, God's people have the promise that he will stand up for them, and he misses nothing. I love the image in the middle (beginning at vs 8). The one who planted your ears certainly can hear. The one who formed your eyes can certainly see. Don't be deceived--God is not missing anything: Not the big picture; not the small picture. 

This is a Psalm of promise. The assurance that someday, in God's time and in God's perfect understanding, things will be set right. Like last week's Psalm, it demonstrates the truth that God will ultimately see that justice is done.  

Meditation 

This Psalm is a promise of justice. The problem is, I am often unjust. Often, I have to wrestle with my own heart to keep from taking advantage of others. There are areas of my life--areas that God wants to work on--wherein I am the oppressor. Deep down, I know that the judgement falls on my own head. 

In the midst of the talk about vengeance, this Psalm talks about God's discipline. God corrects my ways, to save me from the justice that will come to us all. There is an equation here: Ignore discipline and you will Face judgement. 

This weekend, pay attention to what God is up to around you, and look for areas where he is trying to correct your path and mete out discipline. Better to take his discipline than face his wrath. Remember this: "When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul" (vs 19). 

Praying With This Psalm

You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others. 

• Father God, let _________ examine assess their own life. Are they among the proud and arrogant who take advantage of those who are weak? Give them the grace and the understanding to repent and turn from their ways and to you.
• Oh Lord, our Redeemer, may _____ know the comfort of your discipline, the protection of your vengeance, and the consolation of your steadfast love.  
• Almighty God, may ______ know what it means to rejoice in you because of your great salvation. 

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

• Romans 11:28. Some people just don't get it...
  Father God, your word tells us that some people harden their hearts so much that they end up being unable to hear your word or see your activities. Oh, Lord God, may this not be true of ______.
• Hebrews 12:6-7. Whose kid are you, anyway?...
  Lord Jesus Christ, may _____ understand and recognize the Father's discipline, and learn from it. Remind them that you only discipline your children.
• 1 Corinthians 15:27-28. All things under the sovereignty of Christ...
  Almighty God, may ______ put his life under subjection to Christ now, and willingly. May they know your disicpline, and by that, avoid your wrath. May they know you as their all in all. 

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2010). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD)

Psalm 64: Hidden Thoughts, Cross Purposes

The weekend Psalm for:

February 13-14, 2010

Read Psalm 64 from the English Standard Version

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The Big Idea

Today, a man had his day in court--given the outcome, this was the first of many. His world has crumbled, he has been indicted for fraud, and he is $750 million dollars in debt. Read that last phrase again: Three-fourths of a billion dollars. Frankly, it's more than I can wrap my mind around. 

The car dealer who stood before a judge today is the third high-profile local leader to fall in this way. 

This Psalm has one over-riding idea: The day of justice will come. As one of my old friends is fond of saying: "The wheels grind slowly, but they grind fine."

As it says in Numbers 32:23: "...your sin will find you out." I've always thought it interesting that it does not say that your sin will be found out--it says your sin will find you out --in other words, what you do reveals who you really are.

So, is this a Psalm of hope, or of judgement? Yes. This Psalm demonstrates the truth that God will ultimately see that justice is done. There are only three options available: Rejoice, repent, or continue to live in denial.  

Meditation 

This Psalm pleads for God's protection. There are people who are to be feared--the oppressors; those who trap others through ruthless schemes; those who lie in wait for an opportunity to take advantage of the weak.

In God's economy, survival of the fittest breaks down. Ultimately, those who take advantage of the weak will be called into account by the only one who truly is "the fittest." Those who are weak can celebrate that they have a champion for justice. Those who wreak injustice on others shall someday have their day in court. 

This weekend, take stock of your own life. Are you an oppressor, or are you oppressed? If you chose the latter, think again. And again. And again. Then, give thanks for Jesus Christ, who redeems us, brings us to repentance, and transforms us. We are all guilty. Jesus alone is mighty to save--in Christ alone can we read this psalm and rejoice.  

Praying With This Psalm

You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others. 

• Father God, let _________ examine their own life and assess their own life. Are they among the wicked who make plots against others; do they sharpen their words to do harm to those around them; do they think that because they will never be called to account? 
• Oh Lord, our Redeemer, open ______'s eyes that they can see their ways and evaluate them by your standards. May they turn to you in repentance before their heard becomes so hard that they can never change.  
• Almighty God, may ______ know what it means to rejoice in you because of your great salvation. 

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

• Romans 2:4. God is not ignoring injustice--he is patient...
  Father God, may ______ not presume on your mercies, but understand that when you withhold judgement for a time, it is because you desire to show them mercy. May they recognize that no one ever "gets away" with anything.
• Romans 5:11. The oppressor can be reconciled...
  Lord Jesus Christ, may _____ rejoice in the Lord through Jesus Christ, for he is the source of our reconciliation, both to God and to others.
• Matt 5:11. It is better to be oppressed than to oppress...
  Almighty God, may ______ know that there is a blessing in enduring suffering and persecution. If they are causing suffering, bring them to repentance. If they are enduring suffering, may your peace rest upon them.   

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2010). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD)

Psalm 34: A Feast for the Senses

The weekend Psalm for:

February 5-6,.2010

Read Psalm 34 from the English Standard Version

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The Big Idea

One of my favorite pieces of art is "Veiled Lady" by Rafaelo Monti. Every trip to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts includes a visit to this work. Even in a photo, you get some sense of it--that you can see through the marble veil and can gaze at the face beneath it. 

As the old line goes, " I don't know much about art, but I know what I like." Well, this carving leaves me a bit breathless.  

I love things that are beautiful and well designed. I have my favorite coffee cup, my favorite fountain pen, my favorite brand of pencil (Derwent), my favorite classic car (1937 Cord 812). My wife helped me understand this about myself: I love beauty when it is combined with functionality.

The "Veiled Lady" though is an exception to that rule. She is beautiful, with no other reason than beauty itself. No particular utility, just ars gratia aris--art for art's sake.  

This Psalm proclaims the beauties of God that represent holy beauty solely for the sake of holy beauty. Consider how David (the Psalmist) presents this idea: "Oh taste and see that the Lord is Good." 

Meditation 

This is a Psalm of Praise. God, the creator, redeemer, and sustainer is truly beautiful. Not in a sentimental, "Preci0us M0ments" saccharine sweetness, but with the explosive power of redemptive grace. The beauty of God is so all encompassing that it can be tasted; it can be seen. I assure you: the Holy Beauty of God is knowable. 

This weekend, take time to feast on the Beauty of God. Let Him fill your vision. For David, in the Psalms, he had a mere glimpse of God's beauty, a tantalizing hint of its flavor. In Jesus Christ, all of this is brought into focus. Jesus is the Bread of Life. Taste and see that the Lord is Good! 

Praying With This Psalm

You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others. 

• Father God, let _________ truly taste and see that you are good. May they know the beauty of your presence, and the very presence of your redemptive power. 
• May ______ seek you, and may they have a teachable heart like the heart of a child. 
• Almighty God, may ______ know what it means to desire life. May they keep their tongue from speaking evil, their lips from speaking deceit. May they turn from evil and do good; may they seek peace and pursue it. 
• Lord God, let _____ seek refuge in you.  

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

• John 6:35. Real Bread, Real Flavor...
  Father God, may ______ taste the real bread of life that is Jesus Christ. May they hunger for the true bread and know the flavor of your holiness.
  
• 1 Corinthians 13:12. And there's still more...
  Lord Jesus Christ, may _____ recognize that they are still seeing you "though a glass, dimly," and may they one day see you face to face.

• 2 Corinthians 4:7-10. Crushed, perplexed, persecuted, but protected...
  Almighty God, may ______ know what it means to have your presence and protection. Not in a shallow way, but in a profound, deep, beautiful way. Touch their life in a way that makes no sense to those who do not know you, but that only has meaning to those you have called and made holy through Jesus Christ.   

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2010). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD)

Psalm 4: Beyond Happiness

The weekend Psalm for:

January 30-31.2010

Read Psalm 4 from the English Standard Version

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The Big Idea

I've never been known as a cheerful man. I've found that happiness is often over-rated, and yet we seem to pursue it with a hyper-focused devotion. The problem with happiness, is that it is purely circumstantial--if what happens is good, I'm happy. Anything goes bad, well, I'm unhappy. 

By this point in your life, you've had days, weeks, and even years that gave you a ride on the roller-coaster of circumstance and emotion. It was Charles Schultz, creator of the Peanuts cartoon strip, who observed: "Happiness is a Warm Puppy." Yes, but eventually, warm puppies turn into large, soggy, smelly dogs (at least once in a while). 

Maybe your mental state and your overall attitude needs something deeper and more lasting than "happiness." 

Meditation 

The key words here are Joy and Peace. Now, I'm the first to point out that you can't push the Christian faith by promising people anything like "peace, joy and a fulfilling life," but God does promise those things, not as selling points, but as the outcomes of our relationship with Jesus Christ. 

People might think they are seeking happiness, but they are really loving vain words and seeking after lies. When you Know God, that doesn't guarantee happy circumstances. It guarantees that you have a place to go, regardless of the circumstances. 

God does not promise happiness. He promises his people peace and joy--and few words have ever been more misused and misunderstood.

Peace, or Shalom is wholeness and a restored relationship with God (on the vertical) and with other people (on the horizontal). Because God redeemed me, I can love God, and because God redeemed me, I can love others regardless of their attitude toward me or toward God. The Cross of Christ, with its vertical and horizontal beams, is a good visual representation of Older Testament Shalom.

Joy is the overflowing life that comes from those restored relationships. Everything I do is the result of my new-found relationship with God, or the love I have for my fellow travelers.

This weekend, take time to ignore your circumstances, and look at the difference that real Joy and real Peace have made (or could make) in your life. The redemption that Jesus Christ brings must transcend your circumstances. God made you for more than the meager diversions of happiness. 

Praying With This Psalm

You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others. 

• Father God, may _________ know the richness of what it means that you are the "God of my righteousness."
  
• May ______ cry out to you in distress, with the confidence that you will be gracious and hear their prayer.
  
• Almighty God, may ______ have your heart for people who reject you. May they share your desire that lost hurting people would come to you and be set apart with the Godly as your people.
  
• Lord God, give _____ anger over injustice, the delusion of happiness, the constant desire for the favor of others. May they not sin, but ponder the fact that despite all these things, you are still at work.
  
• Lord Jesus, fill ______ with your joy when their tendency is to look for short-term happiness.  Give _____ your peace/shalom so they can find true rest in you.  

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

• Romans 1:25. No more pursuing lies...
  Father God, if ______ is trading your truth for lies, draw them back to you as creator. May they see themselves as your creation, lovingly made; may they see that you are ready to save them from the lies and dead-end things that they have been pursing.
  
• James 1:19-20. Angry good or Angry bad...
  Lord Jesus Christ, may _____ understand the human anger does not lead to the righteousness that God requires. 

• Philippians 3:8-9. Righteousness, not happiness...
  Almighty God, may ______ abandon trivial pursuits and "rule following" for the righteousness that comes from you. May they know the freedom of faithful obedience, not relying on their own efforts, but relying on Jesus Christ.   

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2010). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD

Psalm 123: I've Had All I Can Stand!

The weekend Psalm for:

January 9-10.2010

Read Psalm 123 from the English Standard Version

(Link Opens In a New Window)

The Big Idea

I hate platitudes. Few people see my work shop, but I have a sign up in there that I made about 30 years ago, when I was in college (the first time). This is a paraphrase, but you'll get the idea: When life gives you crap, make crapade.

While my verbiage has changed over the years, the underlying sentiment still stands: There are things that don't get any better no matter how much sugar and water you add.  

Meditation 

Life really can be hard. Get any group of ten people together, and ask to hear their stories. You'll hear about family struggles, job woes, economic setbacks, deceased children, abusive relationships, substance abuse, crime, gambling, and so on. It doesn't help to tell someone "just add sugar," "look on the bright side," "turn your frown upside down."

I've found that what I need is not platitudes. What I need is God. Jesus Christ paid an incredible price to redeem us from the pit.

Platitudes never lead to redemption--only God can do that. 

This weekend, look at your situation. Had enough? Forget about swizzling your troubles into sugared water. By the time we hit college age, we all know--platitudes are no help at all. Look at the difficulties in your life, and then, look up toward God. Easy answers are useless--what we need, here, is mercy. 

Praying With This Psalm

You can pray scripture prayers for yourself or for others. 

• Father God, may _________ know that you are enthroned in the heavens, and that you are in view when we are in the midst of troubles.
  
  
• May ______ look to you as their only source, their only hope in whatever difficulties they face.
  
  
• Almighty God, may ______ look to you like a pauper looks to a king. We are paupers, you are the King.
  
  
• Lord God, give _____ the grace to cry out to you for mercy, with the assurance that you will respond.
  
  
• Lord Jesus, ______ has had enough. Show ______ that mercy comes from you, and you alone. 

Related Scriptures and Scripture Prayers

• 2 Peter 2:10. From whence mercy comes...
  Lord, may _____ be one of your people. May ____ receive mercy.
  

• 1 Peter 2:16. Free, yet a servant...
  Lord Jesus, may ______ live as a person who is free, but may they avoid evil not because they should, but because they are given the privilege of being your servants.   

(Some Rights Reserved, CC-BY-NC, 2009). L. J. Sam Helgerson, PhD