Pray It Again
It’s always good to pray. It’s beneficial to bring things to the Lord again and again. He never tires of hearing us call on His name and talk with Him in prayerful fellowship. He knows what weighs on our hearts, but He wants to hear us share it with Him, trusting in His provision, intervention and Sovereign authority. Let’s pray through these prayer points one more time:
Pray that our sons and daughters see God’s work all around them today. Let’s pray they can and will testify to others about the Presence and Power of their Mighty God.
Pray that our sons and daughters would have perspective and peace despite the uncertainty of world leaders and fragility of peace.. Rather than being alarmed at what they see happening in the world, pray that they have confidence in our Mighty God and look forward to the day when He will reign forever, unchallenged on David’s throne. Pray that they long for God’s justice and righteousness over the temporary solutions offered by human leaders.
Pray that sons and daughters would realize that God requires their full attention and allegiance. Pray that they would look up, not around. Pray that they would not be distracted by all the ‘glitter’ of the season but would be committed to the Reason, Jesus.
Pray that our sons and daughters know, without a doubt, that their Mighty Warrior is rejoicing over them with singing, protecting and caring for them. Pray they have hope because of Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection. Pray for those who have faced loss this year, that they would find hope and comfort in Jesus.
Pray that our sons and daughters would know, without a doubt, that their worth, purpose and meaning are found in Jesus Christ, their Lord and Savior, and their relationship with Him.. Let’s pray they are not ‘performance driven’ but soul-stirred by the Holy Spirit to run after God with all they have and all they are.
Pray without ceasing.
Yet He Saved Us
Psalm 106:8 “Yet he saved them for his name’s sake, to make his mighty power known.”
Look around. Our world is coming apart at the seams, isn’t it? People are gasping for life and grasping for anything to catch them from falling further into despair. Anger is strong and is expressed freely and often against others. So many people are struggling with a lack of purpose and meaning. They chase after things to fill the emptiness and yet they look around and exclaim, “there has to be more than this!” Sin is a destroyer. It decays us from our outward self with sickness and age all the way down to our innermost soul, trapped in darkness desperately searching for life and light.
When man sinned in the garden, God could have wiped it all away and started fresh. But He didn’t. No, He loved us too much for that. We were His image-bearers, the ones who walked with Him in the garden in the cool of the day, with whom He enjoyed sweet fellowship. So, instead of starting over, He made a way for His image-bearers to be redeemed and restored to fellowship with Him. And that way? Oh, it wasn’t the grand production you might imagine, no, it involved God stepping out of eternity and into time as a baby, the Christ-child, born to die for our sins.
Our purpose in life is bigger than our own agenda or accomplishments. It goes beyond ‘living our best life now’ and discovering ‘who we are meant to be’. God’s eternal plan was set in place long before the world was even created and each of us has a role, custom-written for us by the Father. Psalm 139:16 says “all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
He saved us not because of anything we have done or could do, but for His glory and might alone! We, on our own, are so unworthy. 2 Timothy 1:9 says “He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,” Oh dear ones, do we realize how precious we are to our Father?
Parents, have we instilled enough Biblical, Godly wisdom and knowledge into our sons and daughters that they truly understand this? -That their worth is in God alone to bring Him glory? Or, have we pressured them on the performance level, reinforcing an undercurrent of ‘I love you more if…’
You please me as a parent and do what I expect
You perform on the scoreboard
Your GPA is strong
Your career is successful
You have a family-husband, wife, grandkids… that I am proud of…
Oh, that may seem harsh, but friends, far too often young people strive to gain the approval of us, their parents, because we’ve created a narrative that tells them that is where their worth is found… or we withhold encouragement and love if they have not done these, and thereby reinforce those messages again. In our warped, human frailty, we struggle to make ourselves worthy and we fall into the trap of thinking we actually can.
Friends, if God loved us that way, we’d all be goners. There is NOTHING we can do that would make us acceptable to God or make us fit to gain His approval. And that, friends, is why Jesus came. He provided a way of salvation for us when there was no way. And why? “Yet he saved them for his name’s sake, to make his mighty power known.”
Today, let’s pray that our sons and daughters would know, without a doubt, that their worth, purpose and meaning are found in Jesus Christ, their Lord and Savior, and their relationship with Him. Let’s pray they are not ‘performance driven’ but soul-stirred by the Holy Spirit to run after God with all they have and all they are. Let’s pray they are sold-out for Jesus…and let’s encourage them in that!!
Christmas Season Challenge: Whenever you see a manger scene, pray that others who see it would have their eyes opened to the gift of Jesus- the eternal stepping into the temporal to save our weary souls. Pray for salvation for all who need the Lord.
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
Come quickly, Lord Jesus.
Pray without ceasing.
Our Mighty God Sings Over Us
Zephaniah 3:17 “The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.””
Christmas is a joyful time, but for some, it’s a painful time when loss is felt more deeply, loneliness is more isolating and joy is hard to find. For some parents, it’s filled with grief and heartache. For some children, it’s the loss of something they once knew, or perhaps never knew, yet grieve all the same.
Jesus was a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. He knew the loss of a loved one as his earthly father passed away. He knew loneliness and pain. But He knew all of that because He chose to insert Himself into our world-the eternal stepping into the mortal, the infinite becoming finite, and yet infinite still. He became one of us so He could reach us and in doing so, He offered us forgiveness, redemption, and joy in His presence, eternally. He chose to come, even knowing what He would face and feel and lose…
The Lord our God IS with us! He is the Mighty Warrior who saves-even in the midst of grief, hardship and loss. This world is broken. Sin broke the God-ordained fellowship and ‘shalom’- everything in perfect harmony and brought pain, dysfunction and loss that continues to ripple through the generations, creating heavier waves of grief and brokenness. We feel it. But even when we fear we won’t ever feel joy again, He rejoices in us and takes great delight in us because He knows our story- He’s already written each part and He knows the end! We will be with Him one day and He will wipe away every tear. One day we will rejoice and dance in His presence, fully restored and our painful stories redeemed.
Today, pray that our sons and daughters know, without a doubt, that their Mighty Warrior is rejoicing over them with singing, protecting and caring for them. Pray they have hope because of Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection. And for our Christmas Season Challenge, pray the same for someone you know who has faced loss this year. Pray that they will be certain God is with them and rejoices over them.
“Father, thank You for being our Mighty God. Thank You that You are sovereign and You hold each moment in Your hands. Nothing takes You by surprise and nothing can overcome Your will. We know that in this world, we will have sorrow. Lord, I pray that You would be near to those who are suffering and grieving today. Encourage that one who needs You today. Lift up their head so they can see that You will redeem every trial and sorrow. Nothing is wasted- help that grieving one to trust You. Lord, I pray that You would bring joy in the midst of the sorrow and grief. Let this Christmas season be one of grateful thanks and joy for the redemption You provided through Jesus’ birth. I pray for my (son/daughter) today. Help them to be an encouragement to someone who needs hope. I also pray that if (name) is not walking with You or if their priorities are askew,, that You would get their attention and bring them back into sweet and right fellowship with You. Lord, we look at Christmas and see the miracle of God becoming man, entering a sin-filled world to bring hope, I pray that we would not lose sight of all You’ve done and continue to do. Thank you for rejoicing over us- help us to rejoice in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Pray without ceasing.
Hallelujah, We Have a Mighty God
Isaiah 9:6-7 ““For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.””
Imagine receiving a birth announcement that detailed the child’s future resume-
Welcome Johnny Jr, our little bundle of joy!
He’ll be the joy of his parents and teachers.
Johnny will most certainly be voted most likely to succeed and will excel in the classroom and on the football field.
He’ll be salutatorian and even graduate a year early.
He’ll earn a generous scholarship to university where he’ll participate in the pep band and will spend spring break volunteering with refugee ministries. John will graduate with honors and then go on to law school. He will be admired and respected by his family, his church and his coworkers…
A birth announcement like that would seem odd, premature at best, but more likely pretentious and very presumptuous.
But centuries before Jesus was born, his birth announcement told us exactly who He would be and what He would do.
He will be called-
Wonderful Counselor
Mighty God
Everlasting Father
Prince of Peace
And He will Lead like no other-
The greatness of his government and peace will have no end.
He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.
These days, we are so accustomed to hearing news of saber-rattling and watching world leaders vying for position and power. But this leader, our Mighty God, will outrank and outshine them all. He is the ultimate world leader and His power and authority will be unmatched. Under His reign we will know true justice, righteousness and peace. Can you imagine? And centuries before He was born, God shared the good news of this birth announcement that would change the world.
Today, let’s pray that our sons and daughters would have perspective and peace despite the uncertainty of world leaders and fragility of peace.. Rather than being alarmed at what they see happening in the world, pray that they have confidence in our Mighty God and look forward to the day when He will reign forever, unchallenged on David’s throne. Pray that they long for God’s justice and righteousness over the temporary solutions offered by human leaders.
Christmas Season Challenge: Today, take time to listen to the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah. Close your eyes and just soak in the truth of the words and the beauty of the music. Then, take a few moments to pray for our political leaders. Yes, pray for them. Pray that their eyes would be opened to the Truth of the Gospel and they would surrender their hearts to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Pray without ceasing.
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Till ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime,
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
"For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men."
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (public domain)
You Guide Me with Your Counsel
Psalm 73:23-26 “Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.”
Healthy people typically don’t feel the need for a counselor. It’s those who are feeling like they’re falling apart, that something isn’t right and they can’t fix it on their own. When things are going badly and life seems to be spiraling out of control, we long for someone who will listen to us and tell us it will get better. Yet, it’s then, too, that we most often feel quite alone.
We all have times when we struggle with our emotions and need someone to help us find our footing and ensure that we remain grounded. When we are faced with a dilemma we want objective guidance that is wise. And if we’re suffering loss or trauma, we need someone to come alongside us, hold us up, tell us the pain won’t always be this intense. We want someone to give us glimmers of hope in our shattered world . It is in those times we desperately want someone to hear us, affirm us and give solid, comforting advice. We long for a counselor who will fulfill all those things.
Jesus is that Wonderful Counselor who is always with us. Always. He is that strong Presence we can cling to when we’re struggling. Psalm 73 says “you hold me by my right hand”… In ancient times, the right hand was the symbol of power, control and authority. So, think about it… if God holds us by our right hand, who is in control? What is God saying by coming alongside us like that? He’s saying, “trust me, hold onto me, I’ve got this and I’ve got you- you don’t need to do this alone and you don’t need to figure it out.”
Then, Psalm 73 says “you guide me with your counsel and afterward you take me into glory.” Oh, friends, when we’re at the end of ourselves, we desperately want someone to guide us, don’t we? Our wonderful counselor does that- consistently and endlessly. He doesn’t just stand by us until we’re ‘good’, He stands by us each and every moment of every day until we are in His presence, eternally. What a wonderful counselor!
Today, let’s pray that our sons and daughters would take Jesus’ hand and let Him guide them each and every day. Pray they would look for and listen to His counsel. Pray that God would be the strength of their heart and their portion forever. Pray, because this world is fighting to pull them in the other direction.
Christmas Season Challenge:
Pray for those who are grieving this Christmas season, that God would indeed hold them by the hand and guide them with His counsel. Pray that they would know His comfort, peace and joy despite the heart-shattering grief they also know too well. Pray that God would be the strength of their heart and their portion forever. Pray they would come to embrace and follow the Wonderful Counselor.
Pray without ceasing.
24/7 Counselor
Psalm 16:7 “I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.”
Have you ever gone to bed with a dilemma or problem that needed solving, only to wake in the morning with a solution to what you were pondering the night before? Maybe you woke up with a song in your heart or a verse on your tongue that fills you with hope and you wonder how it got there. Our brains are quite fascinating, so much so that we spend a lifetime trying to figure them out! God designed them to do wonderful things that even science and doctors can’t fully explain. When you weave in the beauty and mystery of the Holy Spirit working in us, it’s amazing!
While we sleep our conscious self is, well, unconscious, but our brain and body are still very much at work. We can still hear things and our brains work to give meaning and make sense of it. And, oh how we dream!! Those thoughts and memories stored in our brains turn into stories and dramas and we wake up only to realize that while we slept and rested, we were actually quite busy. So, if that’s the case, how much more our spiritual awareness continues to be active and alive. When Psalm 16:7 tells us the Lord counsels us- even at night! It’s true!
Here is the wonderful thing about sleep. Not only does it restore and refresh our physical selves, but it works in our brains to cement the learning that took place during the day. “Your brain is making a map of the information,” — “making new connections and breaking other ones.” (1) Sleep enables our brains to lock in the information we learn and makes meaningful connections so we can recall and use that information in new and meaningful ways. Without sleep, our learning suffers and our memory falters.
Just as a scary movie stays with us long after we fall asleep and can cause bad dreams, God’s word in our hearts and minds, it is the ‘material’ He uses to encourage, chastise, and instruct us. Even at night, our heart can instruct us, as long as the ‘textbook’ is God-approved. So, what are we putting into our hearts and minds during the day that can then be confirmed and used by the Lord at night while we sleep? Friends, this is why it’s so important that we spend time in the Word. We want our minds to be consumed with what is true, honest, just, pure and lovely (Phil 4:8) so that when we sleep, our minds and hearts are moved and reinforced by the truth of God. If we are going to be receptive to God’s counsel, we need to know His word. If we want to say, like David in Psalm 16 “I praise the Lord who counsels me” we have to be a willing participant.
Psalm 119:11 “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
Psalm 16:8 “I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.”
Psalm 119:55 “In the night, Lord, I remember your name, that I may keep your law.”
Psalm 119:105 “ Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
Let’s turn the ‘night light’ on, let’s allow the Lord to move and work in our hearts and minds, even while we sleep. Our Wonderful Counselor is working 24/7 to speak truth into our lives. Can we do our part to ensure the knowledge we consume is worthy of His name?
Today, let’s pray that our sons and daughters are drenching themselves in the truth of God’s word, day and night. Let’s pray that there is much in their hearts and minds that God can use to counsel and instruct them.
Christmas Season Prayer Challenge: When you see a sign that says ‘open 24 hours’ pray for the people who walk into that business. Pray that they would come to know the Wonderful Counselor who is always ready to move and work, redeem and restore.
Pray without ceasing.
NBCUniversal News Group. (2017, October 23). What happens in Your body and brain while you sleep. NBCNews.com. Retrieved December 8, 2021, from https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/what-happens-your-body-brain-while-you-sleep-ncna805276.
Who is Your Counselor?
Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
Today’s prayer point is simple. Pray that our sons and daughters would lean on Jesus for wise instruction and direction. He watches over them so lovingly. He WILL counsel them, but they need to be listening. Let’s be mindful to point them in the direction of looking for answers from the Lord and listening to His voice as they wait.
Christmas Season challenge: As you listen to Christmas carols today, pray for those people on the other side of the radio, listening along. Pray that their eyes are opened to the truth and light of Jesus. Pray that when they sing these words ….
God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Savior
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
Traditional English Carol
Or these…..
O Holy Night!
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
Song by Adolphe Adam
….that these lost ones would hear and finally realize the truth of the words they sing. Pray their hearts would be transformed and they would fall on their knees to follow after the Wonderful Counselor, Jesus.
Pray without ceasing.
The Ultimate Counselor
Isaiah 11:2-3 “The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord- and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.”
When we need counsel, we look for someone who is well-qualified, right? We want deep wisdom, excellent training, good critical thinking, excellent connections and references and deep integrity. Why? Because we’re entrusting that person with our needs, our thoughts, our vulnerabilities and our defense. We want to be able to have peace in how they advise us. We want the best.
Isaiah ensures us that our Wonderful Counselor is just that. He is well-qualified, filled with the Spirit of the Lord, the spirit of wisdom and understanding- He knows all there is to know and can provide the most insightful course of action that will always be in your best interest.
He possesses the Spirit of counsel and might- no courtroom, no judge, no government official can outthink or overpower Him. No one has authority over Him.. He is the strongest of the strong and the mightiest in the land. He is our protector and shield.
And if that isn’t enough, He possesses the knowledge and fear of the Lord and He delights in the Lord. He has unquestionable integrity. He doesn’t cut corners or cheat; He isn’t disingenuous, He is authentic, honest and exceptional in every way. He is the ultimate counselor.
Look, we’re not walking up to a booth and offering 5 cents for advice. We’re not having to track down a grimy office in a dark building to get advice from someone who seems less than trustworthy. We’re not even needing to check references, track records and work history. Our Wonderful Counselor is the finest God provides because He is God Himself. Why should we scurry around looking for ‘others’ or substitutes or a ‘bargain option’ when all Jesus is and will do is ours because we are His child?!
Today, let’s pray for our sons and daughters that they will understand that Jesus is the ultimate Counselor, full of wisdom and understanding. Pray that they would trust Him with their burdens and challenges. Pray that they would rest in His strength and might. Pray that their hearts would desire Jesus and His integrity and fear of the Lord over the ‘bargain options’ that offer cheap counsel that cannot save. Pray that they don’t run themselves ragged looking everywhere else for what is only, completely found in Jesus.
Christmas Season challenge: when you see a ‘sale’ advertisement stop and pray for those who are looking for answers and counsel in every place but in Jesus. Pray that their eyes would be opened to the deception and that they would be protected from ‘false advertising’.
Wonderful Counselor
Isaiah 9:6-7 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”
What is a counselor? We often think of those who offer wise advice or guidance. Perhaps we opt to see a counselor when we’re facing a life crisis or struggling with difficult emotions. That individual serves as a sounding board and source of direction and boundary for us in those times when we can’t seem to find our way.
Schools have Guidance Counselors who are trained and equipped to provide direction on next steps in education. But they also serve to provide resources and support for students in crisis or comfort when there is a tragedy.
In the legal system, attorneys are often called counselors because they guide their clients through the legal process and help them navigate the intricacies of the law that otherwise they might not understand or possess the expertise to manage successfully. They offer advice, protection and defense.
Look at the many uses and examples of ‘counselor’ in scripture:
Moses’ father in law counseled him to be the representative to God for the people of Israel, to stand before God on their behalf and be an example to them of how they should live, according to God’s commands (Exodus 18:19). Jesus shows us how to live.
Counselors help establish purpose and wise counsel helps plans succeed. Proverbs 15:22 “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” God is the ultimate wise counselor and His plans will always succeed.
Proverbs 19:21 ”Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
Isaiah 46:9-10 “Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’”
Wise counsel brings Joy. Proverbs 12:20 “Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.” Friends, Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor, brings joy, light and life.
There are so many examples in scripture, we could go on for days! When scripture calls Jesus a “Wonderful Counselor” God is showing us that Jesus, the promised Messiah, is all of these things, and more!! His birth brought spiritual wisdom and the light of the knowledge of God to a darkened, dying world.
Do you need someone to listen to your heavy heart? Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor who will listen and encourage with words of life.
Are you searching for direction in life? Jesus can point the way and His navigation is always perfect.
Are you in trouble and need someone to come to your defense? Jesus is the best Counselor you can have who will wield wisdom and powerful truth to defend you.
Are you accused or held captive? Jesus is the counselor who can loose the chains of deception and lies and bring freedom with God’s truth.
Friends, there are so many voices out there competing for the attention and alliance of our sons and daughters, promising life, joy, health, wealth and the like. But those voices only lead to bondage, emptiness, disappointment, and disillusion. We need to pray that our sons and daughters look to Jesus and only Jesus to be their Wonderful Counselor. He alone is wise, trustworthy and powerful enough to bring resolution, redemption and righteous freedom. He is the Wonderful Counselor.
Christmas Season Challenge: pray for those who are incarcerated over the holidays, yes, pray for those in prison, that they would come to know Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor and would find true freedom in their hearts and minds.
Pray without ceasing.
Sunday Worship: Light in the Darkness
The blasts of chill December sound
The farewell of the year,
And night's swift shadows gath'ring round
O'er cloud the soul with fear;
But rest you well, good Christian men,
Nor be of heart forlorn;
December's darkness begins again
The Light of Christmas morn.
The welcome snow at Christmas-tyde
Falls shining from the skies:
On village paths and uplands wide
All holy-white it lies;
It crowns with pearl the oaks and pines,
And glitters on the thorn,
And purer is the Light that shines
On gladsome Christmas morn.
'Twas when the world was waxing old,
And night on Bethlehem lay,
The shepherds saw the heavens unfold
A light beyond the day;
Such glory ne'er had visited
A world with sin outworn;
But yet more glorious Light is shed
On happy Christmas morn.
Those shepherds poor, how blest were they
The angels' song to hear!
In manger cradle as He lay,
To greet their Lord so dear!
The Lord of Heaven's eternal height
For us a Child was born:
And He, the very Light of Light,
Shone forth that Christmas morn!
Before His Infant smile afar
Were driven the hosts of hell;
And still in souls that childlike are
His guardian Love shall dwell:
O then rejoice, good Christian men,
Nor be of hear forlorn;
December's darkness bring again
The Light of Christmas morn.
Cline, N. (1928). Lyrics of Light and Life: Light in the Darkness. In Christmas carols (pp. 57–59). essay, G.G. Harrap & Co. Ltd.
Saturday Review
It’s Saturday - a great day to spend a little time going back through our prayer points for the week. As we ponder Jesus, the Light of the world, let’s pray that we love Him well and reflect Him effectively to others.
As time grows short, we must be diligent to pray that our sons and daughters know and pursue the truth of Christ. Today, let’s pray that our sons and daughters have this precious relationship and an eager desire to learn and grow in their faith. Let’s pray they have a living hope that compels them to share Jesus with others gently and respectfully. Pray they are salt and light.
Pray that our sons and daughters would have a true, godly sorrow that would bring repentance in earnest. Pray that they would be eager to live in such a way as to strongly defend their beliefs. Pray that they would be indignant, alarmed at what they see this world doing and would have a longing and concern to see God’s justice done. Pray that they stand strong in their faith and would defend the gospel effectively.
Pray that our sons and daughters realize, without a doubt, that Jesus is the Light of the World and in Him they will find life, redemption, forgiveness and purpose. Pray that they will gain an eternal perspective because Jesus’ light dawns in their hearts and minds.
Pray that we, our sons and daughters and our brothers and sisters in Christ choose to shine God’s light with boldness and we take hold of every opportunity to share His light and life with others.
Pray that our sons and daughters would let God shine His light in their hearts, enabling them to see and understand the Truth of scripture, know the transforming power of the gospel and embrace the power to reflect Jesus to the darkened world around them.
Pray without ceasing.
Reflecting the Light
2 Corinthians 4:6 “For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”
When God first said “Let light shine out of the darkness”, it was literally at the dawn of time. The earth was without form and darkness was everywhere. There was no land, no animals, no people. Genesis 1:1-5 says “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.” Light was at the very forefront of God’s work of creation and when He spoke light into existence, it overcame the darkness and illuminated God’s handiwork.
But God’s amazing work of creation at the beginning of time wasn’t the only time God transformed something encompassed in darkness into something filled with light. When God made His light shine in our hearts, it pushed the darkness away and illuminated the Truth of the gospel and God’s love for us and we became a new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17-19 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” God spoke light into our lives through the transforming work of Jesus. “God made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”
What is God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ? We have never seen the face of Christ, but God’s given us so many beautiful descriptions in scripture and so many moments in our own lives that, if we look carefully, we can see glimpses of His glory. Consider how many times God’s glory was displayed in the face of His Son…
Jesus as a newborn babe, in the manger, surrounded by animals and shepherds displayed the glory of God. (Luke 2:1-20)
Jesus, the infant son, being held and loved by his mother, who gazed on His face and saw the very glory of God in her arms. She took it all in and was full of wonder at the miracle she held close.
Jesus as a 12 year old, sitting in the Temple, listening and learning, asking questions and enthralling those around him with his deep wisdom and knowledge, displaying the glory of God. (Luke 2:41-47)
Jesus and Nicodemus, sitting on the rooftop at night, while Jesus shared the Truth of God’s love and light with Nicodemus. “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.” (John 3:19-20)...and later scripture would let us conclude, Nicodemus believed. Oh the glory of God that He saw in Jesus, the glory that led him to believe the Truth.
Have you held a newborn? Have you watched a child learn? Have you had deep, soul-filling conversations that draw you to the cross? If you have, friends, then you’ve seen glimpses of His glory reflected.
As we celebrate Christmas, let’s not be distracted by the gifts, the pageantry, the sparkle, but let’s be drawn to look intently into the face of Jesus. Let’s let God transform our hearts and minds by the light of His truth so that we can reflect His glory even more. 2 Corinthians 3:18 “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”
Today, pray that our sons and daughters will be drawn to let God shine His light in their hearts, enabling them to see and understand the Truth of scripture, the transforming power of the gospel and the power to reflect Jesus to the darkened world around them.
Christmas prayer challenge: when you look in the mirror today, pray that others would see Christ reflected in you and would be drawn to the light He shines from your words, your actions and your life.
God is working and our prayers are never unheard or unanswered.
Pray without ceasing, friends.
The Light: Darkness Has Not Overcome It
John 1:4-5 “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
Darkness has no power over light. Think about that. If both are present, the light always wins. If the light recedes and disappears, the darkness will dominate. But as soon as the light arrives, the darkness is powerless. It cannot overcome the light. Light casts no shadow. Think about that.
When Jesus was born, the presence of God was manifest in the darkness of this sin-filled Earth. His light was evident and began to transform the lives of those around Him. Once they were impacted by His light, His life, His Presence, they were never the same. Though darkness was present, it could not overcome the Presence and light of Jesus. Though Satan tried, he could not defeat Jesus. The light was, and is, more powerful than the darkness.
We don’t often give thought to prepositions, but in John 1:4, that first word is significant. It represents Jesus. IN Him was life. Strong’s defines “in” as “a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively)”(1) Jesus was the origin of and the intermediary and the instrument through which men could have life and be reconciled with God. Isn’t that profound and beautiful?
The life that Jesus brought was the light of all mankind- the truth of God and the power to, understand it. When someone shows understanding, we use the idiom that a lightbulb came on for them, or the lights went on. That idiom is a way to describe that moment when someone shows a cognitive connection with the information or knowledge being shared. Jesus was the light of all mankind, bringing the ability to understand God’s plan of salvation to their darkened minds and spirits. Some embraced the light while others mocked it. Yet, it was there for everyone. Light=life, knowledge, understanding, wisdom. Darkness=death, darkened minds, foolishness.
The light of Jesus shines in the darkness and the darkness has not, and will not, overcome it. Despite the fact that this world continues to grow darker, God’s light remains and will continue to shine. His presence in our lives means we are representatives of His light for as long as He allows us to be here. At some point, Jesus will call us home, whether by reaching the end of our life or by rapture, when He catches us away to be with Him (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).
Time is short, friends. Will we choose to live with conviction and be intentional in how we represent the Lord? Today, let’s pray that we, our sons and daughters and our brothers and sisters in Christ choose to shine God’s light with boldness and that we take hold of every opportunity to share His light and life with others while we have the time to do so.
“Jesus, when you came as a baby, this world had no idea how Your presence would shake the darkness and transform the relationship between God and man. You became Immanuel- God with us. Jesus, thank You for loving us so much that You chose to become one of us and so bring You light and life into this dark world. Thank you, not only for living, but for dying on our behalf. Your sacrifice made a way for us to be reconciled with You. Lord, I pray that you would help us to live with conviction and clarity, so that Your light in us is visible to those around us. Help us to live out Matthew 5:16 “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” I pray for (name) today that You would work in their heart and mind. Lord, bring them back to the very foundation of their relationship with You. Strip away anything that would distract them or keep them from following faithfully. Surround them with relationships that encourage them to walk in the light of Your life and truth. Lord, keep the darkness at bay. In Jesus name, amen.”
Today’s Christmas Season challenge: tonight, when you pass by a home with Christmas lights shining in the darkness, pray for that family to come to know the Light of the world, Jesus.
Pray without ceasing.
G1722 - en - Strong's Greek Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1722/kjv/tr/0-1/
The Light of the World
Isaiah 9:2 “The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.”
As we prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth this month, we are going to focus on the names of Jesus spoken in prophecy, mostly those mentioned in Isaiah 9:6. Each day we’ll have a Christmas Season prayer challenge in addition to our prayer points for our sons and daughters. But let’s start with Jesus as the Light of the World and how that speaks to our need and His provision.
When we think about light, we might consider how our sun gives such radiant light, that nothing can really compare to it. When we wake up and see the sun is out, it illuminates everything and we can see clearly. Oh, we’ve created artificial light that is powerful and pierces the dark, yet it can never match the fullness nor the comprehensive light provided by the sun. Have you ever driven by a highway crew working at night? The powerful lights pierce the darkness, yet they are no comparison to daylight. They still do not offer the fullness of light that daytime brings. They just cannot reproduce that all-encompassing light that drives away the dark. Any other light is just an insufficient, incomplete imitation that can’t even come close. The daylight brings everything into perspective and drives the dark away. That is a beautiful picture of Jesus and the spiritual freedom and release that He brings. Jesus is the Light of the World.
When scripture talks about “People walking in darkness”, we can picture it. People walking slowly, unable to really see what is around them, perhaps stumbling or walking without purpose.. In the darkness there is danger, obstacles and pitfalls that cannot be seen. The darkness hides those with ill intent, wanting to do harm or commit crime. Darkness itself is a metaphor for everything evil, for everything associated with Satan.
Strong’s Concordance defines darkness ‘hosek’ in the Hebrew, as “darkness, obscurity, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow and wickedness.”(1) There is nothing and no one in this world that can conquer that list. No one but God. Why would we think otherwise? Well, that’s part of the deception of the Enemy. He leads us to believe we can find light, meaning, happiness, restoration, life, wisdom, joy and goodness in anything but Jesus. That’s the great lie and that’s part of the darkness itself.
So when scripture says “People walking in darkness” it’s a very apt metaphor that gives a clear picture of what the human spiritual condition is without Jesus. Without Christ, there is no light; there is no ability to see and perceive spiritual wisdom and no way to have spiritual freedom. But scripture doesn’t just leave it there, it continues saying, the people walking in darkness have seen a great light…. What a powerful, hopeful statement! Jesus is the light of the world and He alone came to shine into the darkness and redeem those wandering without hope and without light. “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light (Jesus).”
As we prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth, let’s ponder the significance of His entry into this world and what His presence brought to all of mankind. He chose to leave heaven and enter this sinful world so that He could bring light and life to all who would believe. John 8:12 “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.””
Friends, today, let’s pray that our sons and daughters realize, without a doubt, that Jesus is the Light of the World and in Him they will find life, redemption, forgiveness and purpose. Pray that they will gain an eternal perspective because Jesus’ light dawns in their hearts and minds. And today’s Christmas Season challenge? Choose one person at random, maybe at a traffic light sitting in the car ahead of you, or standing in the checkout line at the store and pray that they would come to know Jesus as the Light of the World, their Savior and Redeemer.
Pray without ceasing.
H2822 - ḥōšeḵ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h2822/kjv/wlc/0-1/