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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise I praise you today for your holiness and justice, which are balanced so beautifully with your patience and love. You hate sin, yet you continually reach out to sinful man to draw him to yourself. I praise you for being a personal God, interested in having individual and intimate fellowship with me. You are also faithful, keeping your promises to me, just as you did to Noah. Today in Your Word Today you told me about the terrible wickedness of the pre-flood world, from the first shocking murder to the time of Noah when all men’s thoughts were “only evil continually” (Gen 6:5). As mankind spiraled toward destruction, you did your best to turn men from their evil ways. You personally warned Cain that sin was crouching at his door (Gen 4:7), and through Enoch you warned of coming judgment (Gen 5:24; Jude 1:14–15). But men would not listen to you, and eventually their sin brought your righteous judgment. You destroyed the entire world with a flood and every living thing died. Only Noah, who walked with you, found favor in your eyes, and you saved him and his household in the ark. Reflection The world of today is very evil, but it’s not yet as bad as it was in Noah’s day. If you could help Noah remain faithful to you while surrounded by such wickedness, you can certainly help me to do the same. Sin is like a beast, crouching at my door. It desires to destroy me, but you are faithful to protect me. Request Father, I ask you today for the grace to stay faithful to you, even if I am alone in doing so. I ask for protection from the enemy. Help me to welcome your words of warning and celebrate your faithfulness. Thanksgiving Thank you for being an “ark of safety” to me, and for protecting me each day from the attacks of the enemy. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Come Thou Into the Ark of Lord” by F. G. Burroughs. Meditation Verse: Genesis 6:9.