It is a Wicked World

Prayer – Lord, it is a wicked world out there! Protect us and show us how You are not ignoring the helpless—but are giving all of us who love You strength and hope.

O LORD, why do you stand so far away? Why do you hide when I am in trouble? The wicked arrogantly hunt down the poor. Let them be caught in the evil they plan for others. For they brag about their evil desires; they praise the greedy and curse the LORD. The wicked are too proud to seek God. They seem to think that God is dead. Yet they succeed in everything they do. They do not see your punishment awaiting them. They sneer at all their enemies. They think, "Nothing bad will ever happen to us! We will be free of trouble forever!" Their mouths are full of cursing, lies, and threats. Trouble and evil are on the tips of their tongues. They lurk in ambush in the villages, waiting to murder innocent people. They are always searching for helpless victims. Like lions crouched in hiding, they wait to pounce on the helpless. Like hunters they capture the helpless and drag them away in nets. Their helpless victims are crushed; they fall beneath the strength of the wicked. The wicked think, "God isn't watching us! He has closed his eyes and won't even see what we do!" Arise, O LORD! Punish the wicked, O God! Do not ignore the helpless!  Psalm 10:1-12 Continue reading Psalm 10:13-18

 

Meditate. Consider God’s word and listen to what He is saying.

 

It’s a wicked world out there. Evil is lurking around the corners—so look out. Most of us—me included—live such sheltered lives. We have safe comfortable homes—secure. Yet cars are getting catalytic converters stolen from right in front of those very homes. How many people do you know who let evil movies right into their homes—it’s just entertainment, they rationalize. But is it? The people who make those evil movies, those involved in the crimes that inspire them, and the ones who act out those wicked things they watch on their TV screens are the ones who think, as David wrote, "Nothing bad will ever happen to us! We will be free of trouble forever!" Forever? Eventually, God will judge the wicked.

We thank you, O God! We give thanks because you are near. People everywhere tell of your wonderful deeds. God says, "At the time I have planned, I will bring justice against the wicked. When the earth quakes and its people live in turmoil, I am the one who keeps its foundations firm. Interlude "I warned the proud, 'Stop your boasting!' I told the wicked, 'Don't raise your fists! Don't raise your fists in defiance at the heavens or speak with such arrogance.'" Psalm 75:1-5

When the day of judgment comes, where will you stand with the Lord? Where do you stand with Him now? I try daily to keep my relationship with the Lord going by reading scripture, thinking about that scripture in a meditative way, and praying, listening for that still small voice to answer me. What have you done today to build your relationship with the Lord? Take action. Be prepare to keep that connection with God open and growing. Don’t let evil deceive you or lead you astray. It is a wicked world out there.

 

Verses of Salvation ~ Now, son of man, I am making you a watchman for the people of Israel. Therefore, listen to what I say and warn them for me. If I announce that some wicked people are sure to die and you fail to tell them to change their ways, then they will die in their sins, and I will hold you responsible for their deaths. But if you warn them to repent and they don't repent, they will die in their sins, but you will have saved yourself. Ezekiel 33:7-9

 

Memory Verse of the Week ~ The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Psalm 19:1

 

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Fresh Garlic

Garlic…How do you use it? Here’s some garlic—fresh from my garden.

Garlic is one of most health powered foods. I don’t know many people who can stand it just eat it fresh and whole, but it adds a tremendous flavor to so many cooked dishes—meats and vegetables. It is useful also in pickled foods. I start most cooking with sautéing chopped onions and grated garlic. The grating really releases the flavor. One of my favorite recipes with lots of garlic is Shrimp cooked in Olive Oil.

 

Shrimp Cooked in Olive Oil

1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil -EVOO – enough to cover the frying pan that you are using.

About six cloves of garlic, grated into the EVOO

1 pound of raw Shrimp, thawed, if frozen

Parsley for garnish

Fresh ground salt and pepper

On a medium high setting, heat a large frying pan, add the oil and then the garlic, sauteing for a minute. Then add the shrimp and cook, stirring until the shrimp are all pink and cooked through about 2-3 minutes per side. Add parsley, salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy. It is good served with rice, pasta, or even fresh grated zucchini.

 

© 2022 Text, photos, and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved. 

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted. 

New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. 

Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm. 

 

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