Author: petebeck3

Pete Beck III ministered as a pastor and Bible teacher in Burlington for over 34 years. He is married to Martha, with whom he has four children, ten beautiful grandchildren, and four amazing great grandchildren. He ministers in his local church as a Bible teacher and counselor. He has published two books - Seeing God's Smile and Promise of the Father - as well as a wide variety of Bible-related articles which he has compiled into books in PDF form.

Find Common Ground

Gospel in a Minute

When given the opportunity to address a crowd in Athens, Paul found a way to segue into the gospel message.

So Paul, standing before the council, addressed them as follows: “Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way, 23  for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines. And one of your altars had this inscription on it: ‘To an Unknown God.’ This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I’m telling you about. Acts 17:22-23 (NLT)

Principle: Find Common Ground

When we have the opportunity to share the gospel, wisdom teaches us not to begin by attacking people and their beliefs. All that does is make them defensive and closes their mind against what we have to say. Paul found common ground with the Athenians in a most surprising way. Instead of negatively focusing on their pagan idolatry, he pointed out the one thing they shared.

By finding common ground he gave himself the best opportunity to be heard.

When we talk with people, we should ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to us where we can find a launching point to share Jesus. I am not of the persuasion that every conversation needs to end up with our sharing the gospel. That is a good way to alienate people. If we hope to have a long-term connection with people, we must be socially aware and smart, not a gospel bulldozer that flattens everything in its path.

Sometimes God will open a way to share the gospel in a first meeting. Other times we may need to cultivate a relationship. If we love people, we will rejoice either way. Love opens hearts to the gospel.

Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. Colossians 4:6 (NLT)
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How to Shine for Jesus in the Midst of Judgment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are in the midst of a pandemic during which nations around the world have taken great measures to protect their people, greatly slowing the world and national economies and societal interaction. These are unique times that deserve our attention. In the words of a politician, never waste a crisis.

If we go through this one without receiving what God intends, it will have been a terrible waste.

Point #1: God Is Sovereign

The author of Second Chronicles in the Bible penned these familiar words.

When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, 14  if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 (ESV)

Admittedly this promise was made to Jews living in the promised land. Does it have an application for us today? Through his death and resurrection, Jesus did away with the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile, creating in himself what the Bible calls “one new man,” the church, composed of every race and ethnicity. (Ephesians 2:13-16) All those who put their faith and allegiance in Christ are part of what Paul called the “Israel of God” (Galatians 6:15-16) and are sons of Abraham (Galatians 3:7-9).

Followers of Christ, as children of Abraham, are to be a blessing wherever we live. That is part of our calling according to the promise made to the father of our faith.

You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.’ Acts 3:25 (ESV)

One of the main ways we can be such a blessing in the lands where we live is by praying that God will bring repentance and healing, which is the main focus of this article.

Before we go there, however, let’s pay close attention to the first sentence from the passage from 2 Chronicles quoted above: “When I… send pestilence…”

The Bible clearly teaches that God is sovereign over his creation. Nothing happens without his “signing off on it.”

God is not the author of evil, but as the Over Ruler (Lord) of all things, he makes everything, including evil, accomplish his purposes.

If you wonder where the coronavirus came from, ultimately it came from God.

This agrees with the admonition in Proverbs, which I consider to be a core passage of the Bible.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)

Believers in God are told to acknowledge him in all things, even difficulties and tribulation.

Since everything that enters our life has to go through him, we should always go to him first to get his perspective and our marching orders.

God has given us an amazing promise that many acknowledge but few seem to really believe.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (ESV)

Everything works for good for the believer. This is because God, as the Over Ruler, makes it happen that way. There can be no other explanation. However, those who are not God’s children have no such promise. The devils steals, kills, and and destroys those who do not have God’s protection. (John 10:10) Those are the ones God wishes to rescue from the consequences of their own sin.

Point # 2: It Is Extremely Important for Us to Have God’s Perspective

Just before Jesus’ crucifixion, our Lord began to prepare his disciples for what was coming.

From then on Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, and that he would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day he would be raised from the dead. 22  But Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things. “Heaven forbid, Lord,” he said. “This will never happen to you!” 23  Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.” Matthew 16:21-23 (NLT)

If we fail to see things as God sees, we will likely find ourselves working at cross purposes with his will, as did Peter. It was God’s will for the judgment for our sins to fall upon Jesus, who died on the cross as God’s sacrificial Lamb. That was God’s plan. This was an example of redemptive judgment, but to Peter it seemed horrible and something to be avoided at all costs. He did not see as God did. He did not value what God valued. He preferred that Jesus be spared and the whole world be lost, but God ordained that his Son die in order to save the world. (John 3:16)

There is a difference between redemptive judgment and God’s wrath.

God’s wrath has no redemptive element. It is an outpouring of final judgment upon people who have rejected repeated overtures from him to repent and turn from their wicked ways. The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus endured God’s wrath for the sake of those who put their faith and allegiance in him, so that we never have to face it again.

And they speak of how you are looking forward to the coming of God’s Son from heaven—Jesus, whom God raised from the dead. He is the one who has rescued us from the terrors of the coming judgment (literally: “the coming wrath). 1 Thessalonians 1:10 (NLT) 

For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Thessalonians 5:9 (ESV)

Nevertheless, God graciously sends forms of redemptive judgment (otherwise called discipline) to turn us away from our sin and back to him, so that we can avoid one day encountering his wrath.

This is what is promised in our first passage above from 2 Chronicles. This is a major way that God blesses his people and the lands in which they live.

Point # 3: Be Prepared to Shine in the Midst of Judgment

The Bible makes it clear that God judges wickedness. Here are two passages that come to mind.

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. Romans 1:18 (ESV) 

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2  in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3  among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. Ephesians 2:1-3 (ESV)

Notice that both of these passages refer to God’s wrath.

As God pours out wrath on the earth, God’s people may have to endure aspects of it, without being the objects of it.

Those who belong to Christ are no longer “children of wrath,” but those without Christ still are, and we all live together.

It is clear that our nation and the entire world deserves God’s judgment. We continue to flagrantly and arrogantly flaunt God and his words. Our Lord has been extremely patient with mankind, but even his patience will eventually reach an end.

Jesus warned us that in the Last Days, as his Second Coming draws closer, there will be what the Bible calls “birth pangs.” When a woman goes into labor, her contractions begin mildly and are spaced far apart, but as the birth grows closer, the “pangs” become stronger with greater frequency.

The earth will experience stronger and more frequent “pangs” of judgments and outpourings of wrath as the Second Coming approaches.

Jesus said:

There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. Luke 21:11 (ESV)

I believe the coronavirus qualifies as such a “pestilence.” Many, including myself, believe it is a “birth pang.” The earth is experiencing an uptick in earthquakes. Locusts are devouring crops, increasing hunger and famine. Nations continue to rise up against nations.

The suppression of truth is a major problem in the last days. Even the church is affected. One example of disinformation that has plagued the church of late is the notion that God’s people will no longer be here during these birth pangs. Some assure God’s people that they will be “raptured” or snatched up from the earth before tribulation arrives.

No one knows for sure how the Last Days and Second Coming will play out, but the Bible clearly teaches that God’s people must be prepared to endure tribulation and suffering.

To think otherwise is deception and runs counter to God’s purposes who said in his Word that we are “appointed to tribulation.” (1 Thessalonians 3:3-4) Suffering is part of God’s plan to develop and mature us. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

As God pours out his judgments on the world, who will be able to offer hope to hopeless, if not the church? Peter wrote:

Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. 1 Peter 3:15 (NLT)

Peter wrote this during a time of cruel persecution of the church by Jews and Romans. God allowed the church to suffer then. Why should we expect to escape suffering today?

God wants his church to be prepared to shine as lights in a very dark world.

Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15  so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. 16  Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return… Philippians 2:14-16 (NLT)

Praying according to God’s Purposes

Since we are God’s ambassadors of reconciliation in the world, it is vital that we act and pray accordingly. Here are some suggested prayer points.

  1. Pray for God’s kingdom to come and his will to be done. This may seem too obvious to put in the list, but Jesus put it in the prayer named after him. If he thinks it is important, so do I. We will always be in agreement with God when we pray this way. Over the years, I have often felt a strong sense of God’s presence when I prayed for his kingdom to come and will to be done. Perhaps as we deliberately align ourselves with God’s purpose in this way, he will give us greater clarity on the details. When we pray in agreement with his will, we can be sure he will hear us and do what we ask. (1 John 5:14-15)
  2. Ask God to grant repentance to the church and the nation. Repentance means chiefly to “change the mind.” It will result in a change of action, but it starts in the heart. The Holy Spirit is the only one who can change us at the heart level. We do not need to pray for people to reap what they sow. God will see to that. Our commission is to intercede with God on behalf of those who are in the midst of judgment, asking him to mercifully grant repentance to a hard-hearted world before it is too late.
  3. Pray for a great “awakening” and ingathering in our land. The ultimate purpose for repentance is for people to put their faith and allegiance in Christ and come under his benevolent rule. This  means the church needs to rise up and become bold and compassionate gospel communicators. People are afraid. The church is able to present Christ as the only One who is able to satisfy their deepest longings and needs. He is the Good Shepherd, Prince of Peace, Healer, and Lord. There is no other name under heaven that can save.
  4. Pray for government leaders. Our leaders need God’s wisdom and the fear of the Lord.
  5. Pray for medical personnel. They are on the front line and at great risk. Pray for God’s blessing and protection.
  6. Pray for unity. Satan always tries to divide. There has been deep division in our nation. Pray that God will unify us as the church, as families, and as a nation.
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Beware of Those Who Merely Want to Debate

Gospel in a Minute

While in Athens, Paul…

...had a debate with some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. When he told them about Jesus and his resurrection, they said, “What’s this babbler trying to say with these strange ideas he’s picked up?” Others said, “He seems to be preaching about some foreign gods.” 19  Then they took him to the high council of the city. “Come and tell us about this new teaching,” they said. 20  “You are saying some rather strange things, and we want to know what it’s all about.” 21  (It should be explained that all the Athenians as well as the foreigners in Athens seemed to spend all their time discussing the latest ideas.) Acts 17:18-21 (NLT)

Principle: Beware of Those Who Merely Want to Debate

Some people have a love of knowledge but not a love of the truth.

This might be like contrasting a womanizer with a faithful married man. Both like women in general, but the latter is willing to forsake all others for the sake of one special woman. When I found my wife, I stopped looking elsewhere. Likewise, when I found Jesus, my quest for truth was resolved in him. This is not to say that I have no more to learn, but now I know the Source of all truth, the one who said:

...“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6 (NLT)

Beware debating with people who merely love to debate, but who are not committed to forsaking everything to follow the truth.

They are a waste of time and energy.

I close with Paul’s words to the church in Thessalonica.

He [the man of lawlessness, the antichrist] will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them. 2 Thessalonians 2:10 (NLT)
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Go Where People Gather

Gospel in a Minute

Paul next traveled to Athens, Greece, where…

...he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. 17  So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. Acts 17:16-17 (NIV)

Principle: Go Where People Gather

Besides preaching to crowds, Paul conversed one-on-one with those in the marketplace. Today this will happen in places like coffee shops, but really wherever we might be. We should always be alert for opportunities.

Now go out to the street corners and invite everyone you see.’ Matthew 22:9 (NLT)

I believe more followers of Christ should make it a practice to visit places where people gather with the express purpose of seeing what God might do.

This will require us to hone our conversational skills so that we can easily talk to people without making them feel uncomfortable. The idea is that during the conversation we will discover more about them, their situations and needs, and thus find a way to offer to pray for them or to share how Christ is the answer. The more we do this, the easier it gets, the more relaxed we become, and the better will be our results. Give it a try. The Holy Spirit will help you. Listen to him. He is already at work in the marketplace. God is way ahead of us.

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Look for Open Minded People

Gospel in a Minute

Paul and Silas made it to the city of Berea where they encountered a different sort of people.

And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. 12  As a result, many Jews believed, as did many of the prominent Greek women and men. Acts 17:11-12 (NLT)

Principle: Look for Open Minded People

When we are critical and suspicious, our minds are closed. Most of the Jewish leaders had already made up their minds to reject Jesus and his teachings. Such closed mindedness blinded them to the beauty and truth of his words and the testimony of his many miracles. They were self-satisfied and smug, thinking themselves better than others. Humble open minded people are willing to consider an idea and check out its validity for themselves. Instead of being manipulated by those who hated Paul and the gospel as had been the Thessalonians, the Bereans examined the Scriptures to see if the gospel’s claims were true.

Jesus described this sort of people in his famous parable of the sower.

And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest. Luke 8:15 (NLT)

Rather than wasting time with proud, dishonest, and close-minded people who resist the gospel, look for those who are open. They make the best audience.

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Be Reasonable

Gospel in a Minute

As Paul and Silas continued on their second missionary journey, he arrived in Thessalonica in Greece.

Paul and Silas then traveled through the towns of Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2  As was Paul’s custom, he went to the synagogue service, and for three Sabbaths in a row he used the Scriptures to reason with the people. 3  He explained the prophecies and proved that the Messiah must suffer and rise from the dead. He said, “This Jesus I’m telling you about is the Messiah.” Acts 17:1-3 (NLT)

Principle: Be Reasonable

Paul used the Scriptures to try to convince people of the reasonableness of the gospel message concerning Jesus’ identity as the Jewish Messiah, whose death and resurrection provides salvation for the entire world.

There is a divine logic to the gospel, but only those whose eyes and hearts have been opened by the Holy Spirit can perceive it.

If a person or group already accepts the authority of the Bible, using its logic is possible.

Yet when I am among mature believers, I do speak with words of wisdom, but not the kind of wisdom that belongs to this world or to the rulers of this world, who are soon forgotten. 7  No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God—his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began. 8  But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord. 1 Corinthians 2:6-8 (NLT)

If there is no common ground regarding the validity of the Bible, one can still declare the truth about Jesus in the hope that the Holy Spirit will open hearts and enable our hearers to understand and believe. Such a breakthrough is always a miracle.

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Be Prepared to “Close the Deal”

Gospel in a Minute

On Paul’s second missionary journey, he was thrown in jail in Philippi. After being beaten and put in stocks, Paul and Silas sang praises to God, who caused an earthquake that set the prisoners free. The jailer was going to commit suicide, thinking he had lost his prisoners – a capital offense. Paul stopped him, saying that everyone was accounted for.

The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30  Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31  They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” 32  And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. 33  Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. 34  He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God. Acts 16:29-34 (NLT)

Principle: Be Prepared to “Close the Deal”

Even though many, if not most, of our hearers seem to be closed to the gospel, we may one day have the privilege of sharing with someone who is immediately ready to repent and confess Christ as Savior and Lord. We must be ready to “close the deal.”

We do not want to rush things and make it “too easy” for someone to be saved by indicating that all one has to do is repeat a prayer, even when there is no heartfelt repentance. However, if a person gives a clear indication of true faith, we should move immediately, just as Paul did. I suggest encouraging (or, if necessary, leading) the person to pray out loud something like the following. The exact words are not as important as the heartfelt communication to God.

Typical Prayer for Salvation

Jesus, I realize now that you are indeed the risen Lord of Lords. Thank you for dying for my sins and giving me eternal life. I now give you my life. Help me to serve you and be a faithful witness to you and the gospel. Holy Spirit, fill me to overflowing. Transform me from the inside out so that I think and act like Jesus. Father God, thank you for making me your child and part of your forever family. Help me to know, experience, and communicate to others your amazing love. I give you my worship and thanks. Amen.

It is a great idea to immediately baptize new believers in water, too, just as Paul did. Water baptism is our public proclamation of allegiance to Jesus the Messiah.

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Carefully Present the Gospel Truth about God as Revealed through Christ

Gospel in a Minute

When God healed the crippled man in Lystra, the onlookers misinterpreted what it meant.

And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” 12  Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13  And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. Acts 14:11-13 (ESV)

Principle: Carefully Present the Gospel Truth about God as Revealed through Christ

The attesting healing miracle in Lystra was intended to convince people of the truth of the gospel, but the people of Lystra tried to fit it into their existing pagan paradigm.  Before knowing the truth about God, we tend to create for ourselves “gods” that fit into our presuppositions about life and reality and that allow us to do whatever we want. God’s name, as revealed to Moses, is “I am Who I am.” God is not who we might want him to be. He is who he is. He revealed himself fully through his Son, Jesus the Messiah King of Israel. If we want to know what God is really like, we can find out by believing in and knowing Christ. The gospel is a presentation of the truth about God as revealed through Christ.

Gospel preachers must carefully present the Good News so that people will not easily misinterpret it. Only faith in the true God as revealed in the actual gospel saves. Our job is to make sure that is what people hear.

As for us, we can’t help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation—a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 (NLT)
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Take the Risk of Following the Holy Spirit

Gospel in a Minute

Paul and Barnabas arrived in Lystra, where they preached the gospel to the citizens.

Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked. 9  He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, 10  said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he sprang up and began walking. Acts 14:8-10 (ESV)

Principle: Take the Risk of Following the Holy Spirit

Building upon the principle that God’s Spirit is partnering with us when we share the gospel, we should be alert to signs of what he is doing while we are sharing the good news. At Lystra, Paul discerned that one of his listeners had faith to be healed. How did he know? Only those who have trained themselves (Hebrews 5:14) through practice to see, hear, or intuit what the Spirit is doing and saying (John 5:19) and who are willing to take the risk of being wrong and looking bad will be able to do this.

Being Christ’s representative is not about our looking good and never making a mistake. Christ expects his messengers to be faithful to him, regardless of the personal cost.

Being led by the Spirit involves an internal “knowing” that cannot be logically explained.

The Spirit is an able communicator, but he speaks most often in what the Bible calls a “still, small voice,” (1Kings 19:12) that only those who believe and are open and alert will detect. Once we “hear” that voice, then we face the choice of what to do.

Paul risked the entire gospel opportunity by publicly commanding the man to stand up, something impossible for him without a miracle. The risk was rewarded when the man obeyed and God healed him. This public attesting miracle validated the message and the messengers to the people of the area and opened their hearts to the gospel message.

If we want apostolic results, we must take apostolic risks.

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Viewing the Coronavirus Scare through Eyes of Faith

 

 

 

 

 

The words Thomas Paine wrote during our American Revolution are true today: “These are the times that try men’s souls.” The coronavirus is creating mass panic across the world, partly due to its seriousness, but largely because of our fear of the unknown and media hype. God warned the prophet Isaiah to be careful not to fall prey to fear and false information.

The LORD has given me a strong warning not to think like everyone else does. He said, 12  “Don’t call everything a conspiracy, like they do, and don’t live in dread of what frightens them. 13  Make the LORD of Heaven’s Armies holy in your life. He is the one you should fear. He is the one who should make you tremble. 14  He will keep you safe… Isaiah 8:11-14 (NLT)

The people of Israel faced something far worse than COVID19. The Assyrian army loomed on the horizon threatening a violent destruction of the land and the people. Facing the threat of death is nothing new. Facing it on a large scale as a nation has not happened to us in a while and is testing the moral fiber of our people. It is important for the church to stand firm in faith.

God told Isaiah in another place.

…If you do not stand firm in your faith, then you will not stand at all. Isaiah 7:9 (HCSB)

God wants us to confront our fear of this disease with trust in his keeping and healing power. It is important for us to believe that he is sovereign over all things. The mass onslaught of a virus is nothing to him. Behind the scenes, he is orchestrating events and people on the world stage in order to set things up for the Second Coming of his beloved Son. It may happen in our day!  We must not flinch at the things that he lets us encounter as the church during the end days. This is our time to shine.

We have been praying for a long time for a massive ingathering of people who will respond to the gospel. Is this current crisis setting things up for that very thing? Is that which people fear actually a surprising answer to prayer? I have discovered that many times God works in ways that confound our understanding. Please do not misunderstand me: God is not the author of evil. He overrules what the enemy does and makes it work toward his purposes. Evil can only operate with permission. What an amazing God!

It takes faith to properly interpret what God is doing in the world.

Here is a sure way to gain the victory.

Since God is working everything out for the good of his people (Romans 8:28) and to bring glory to himself, we should praise God for what he is allowing to happen on the earth. We do not praise him for a virus or the suffering it causes. We praise him for his amazing goodness in taking something so destructive and working it for the good of his people and for his glory.

When we make the choice to praise him, the Holy Spirit will give us insight into God’s perspective on things, which will enable us to pray with even greater clarity.

Such an attitude of faith will make us overcomers in the midst of what terrifies many people.

So, instead of worrying, start praising.

It will make an amazing difference in our lives. We will become part of the solution instead of being part of the problem. We will be  overcomers. Should we have to deal with sickness or even death, God will give us the strength to do so in faith. Regardless of what may come our way, he is our Keeper and Healer, a Fortress in time of trouble. In the words of the psalmist:

Hear my cry, O God; Give heed to my prayer. 2  From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. 3  For You have been a refuge for me, A tower of strength against the enemy. 4  Let me dwell in Your tent forever; Let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. Selah. Psalm 61:1-4 (NASB)

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