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FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2024 

Today (November 2, 2021), I stopped briefly at our former church building. Things have changed drastically. It was sold to a developer who remodeled the offices and rented out the 500-seat sanctuary to an Islamic institute. The cross has been removed from the high steeple, which is now bare. I watched as a woman in Muslim garb opened what used to be the main entrance of the church building and went in. 

I am human, very limited in my outlook and scope. I started thinking of the word “defeat.” Of course, I was wrong. A few hours later, the Holy Spirit took me to a series of Psalms that tell us to sing God’s victory (Psalms 95-101). He is the victorious King over all—all the devil’s plots and attempts, all situations, and all problems. 

PRAYER

I worship Your Majesty; I kneel before you. I declare your greatness and your victory. I proclaim your glory among the nations and your wonderful works among the peoples. 

You alone, O Lord, are the great God, the great King above all gods. In your hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to you. The sea is yours, for you made it, and your hands formed the dry land (Psalm 95:3-5). 

Because all things around us happen by permission from you, and because you are the only One who knows the final outcome, you alone can help us cope, accept and rejoice in otherwise disappointing situations. 

You are the only true God. All other gods are created by man. You are holy, and all the creation trembles in your presence. Power and honor and majesty belong to you. 

I rejoice in you. I praise and extol your name. I shout hallelujah, for the Lord our God the Omnipotent reigns. Amen.

PROMISE

Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s…. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God (2 Chronicles 20:15; Psalm 20:7, NIV).