“O Most High. Bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure—you, the righteous God who probes minds and hearts. ( Psalm 7:9, NIV).
The word “wicked” is used to describe a person who is “evil or morally bad in principle or practice”! Wicked people are often associated with the worst behaviors. We often see wickedness from looting state funds meant to extend healthcare to those involved in plotting and executing murders for their own profit.
The Bible has many places where it refers to the fate of the wicked for their evil. “But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it” (Proverbs 2:22, KJV). The Psalmist says, “Break thou the arm of the wicked and the evil man: seek out his wickedness till thou find none” (Psalm 10:15, KJV). The Apostle Paul prayed, “And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith” (2 Thessalonians 3:2 KJV). Again the Psalmist says, “Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings, and among them” (Psalm 55:55 KJV).
As followers of Christ we are told to stay far from wicked people unless we are on purpose to bring conviction to them. “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” ( Ephesians 5:11, KJV). Wicked people while seemingly prospering await a heavy judgment. “Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him” (Isaiah 3:11, KJV).
Today, as you go about and see the wicked apparently prospering, do not be moved or swayed, for their days are nigh. Rather, pray that the truth may be opened to them, before the Almighty God delivers them to the scorching fires of hell, which is their due!
Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, for all the evil caused by the wicked as we see these days, we pray for deliverance and that you may bring conviction on to them, before you come down with your severe judgment, this I pray in Jesus’s name.
Related upcoming events
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17/05/2024 - 18/05/2024 All day“And I in righteousness I shall see your face; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with seeing your likeness” (Psalm 17:15)
One of the defining aspects we see in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ is that He began the day with prayer. “Very early in the morning while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35). As he was always surrounded by crowds and after such a busy day before of preaching and engaging the Pharisees in debates this must have been a therapeutic moment for Christ when he would have some good time to himself.
But there was also more. For Jesus being away in a secluded place would also mean a chance to pour out His heart to God, meditate in quietness, plan for the day ahead and listen to the Father. Jesus must have looked up to this moment every day knowing its benefits. Conversations with His Father must have been real and intimate, bringing a certain soothing and uplifting of His spirit. You do not wake up and stick to something on a daily basis that is a drag – this must have been his best time of the day!
Martin Luther the leader of the protestant reformation is reputed to once have said, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” Here is the point. In the olden days before the arrival of locomotive transport those who were setting out for a long journey on foot had to start early with the first cock crow before the punishing sun came out. One of the things they had to start with also was a good meal, which was fuel needed to give them energy through the long walk to their destiny.
There are no rules about waking up to pray as first thing- or even saying prayer at a defined hour of the day. God is everywhere and ever with us. He is accessible at any time of the day. But there is something special about prioritizing our lives that the first thing we do is to talk to God. Just like the early traveller we need fuel, for the long day ahead!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, what a joy and privilege to make time at the start of any day, talk and hear from you, for the power I need through the day, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
