“Come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant; Come ye, come ye to Bethlehem;

Come and behold him, born the king of angels; Come and adore Him, come and adore the Lord.”

- Bonaventure

The faithful—people who have faith in Jesus Christ—know out-of-this-world joy in relationship with Him.

The triumphant—people who experience victory over sin through Christ—celebrate His Presence in their hearts.

The subjects of the King of kings submit to His sovereignty over their lives—adoring Him as their Center of Gravity.

 The Wonderful One brings sparkle into our life—effervescent enthusiasm cascades through our innermost being.  

The awful one makes every effort to steal enthusiasm, kill joy, and destroy influence—his pleasure is our pain.

The Good Shepherd inspires adventure, blesses us with indestructible joy, and builds influence for good.  

The child born to the virgin Mary, and the son given to the human race to be our Savior is honey to our taste.

The song we learned years ago is still true—“Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before.”

[paragraph adapted from Day 264, Gentle Whispers from Eternity]

“A child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders.

These will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

(Isaiah 9:6 NLT)

Johnny R. Almond

Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia

Author, www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com

Book available through your local bookseller or preferred on-line retailer.

Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin | RLPB 241 | Wed 18 Dec 2013

PRAYING FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH WITH THE HOPE AND JOY OF CHRISTMAS

by Elizabeth Kendal

It is Christmas, and we want to celebrate. We want to marvel at the incarnation, and in awe and wonder contemplate what it means: what it says about God's love and what he values; what it says about God's means and how he works. This is a time for joy, not lament! We want to sing 'Joy to the World' with joy in our hearts! So how do we pray for the persecuted over Christmas?

We know that multitudes of Christians will be suffering severe persecution and great hardship this Christmas. In Syria, those who have survived the year's deadly violence now have to survive another freezing winter without access to heating or medications. In such conditions, escaping pneumonia can be just as difficult as escaping jihadis, bullets or shrapnel (which is becoming more difficult as the al-Nusrah Front is now systematically targeting Christian villages). In Central African Republic (CAR), Christians displaced by Seleka terror may have found refuge in church compounds or jungles, but they are dying of malaria for want of nets and medications. In mid-November the Government of Sudan escalated its genocidal campaign against the predominantly Christian non-Arab Africans of the Nuba Mountains with a vow to 'eliminate rebel groups' by 'the end of next summer'. Because of insecurity some 165,000 Nuba children will not receive their polio vaccinations. In Iran, Eritrea, Pakistan, Nigeria, Indonesia and Egypt Christians wonder what terror might await them on Christmas Day - a police raid, a bombing, a massacre, a pogrom? Will those in prison receive extra aggression? Will all those who go to church come home again? Will all family members still be alive at the end of the day?

We know that many Christians hold grave fears for what awaits them in 2014. In India, the results of four provincial State elections held in November-December have been announced. The Hindu nationalist BJP retained power in Madhya Pradesh, picking up 22 seats to win 165 of 230 seats. In Chhattisgarh, the BJP won with 49 of 90 seats. In Delhi the BJP picked up 9 seats to win 32 of 70 seats while the AAP, the new, anti-corruption party won 28 seats, giving Delhi a hung parliament. In Rajasthan, the BJP picked up a massive 84 seats to win 162 of 199 seats. (Updating RLPB 239, 4 December.) The results bode ill for India's Christians.

Many Christians in the Philippines hold grave fears too, as the government of President Aquino lurches closer to a peace deal with the separatist, jihadist Moro Islamic Liberation Front. If achieved, the deal will establish a MILF-ruled sub-state on Mindanao which will trigger conflict with dissenting groups. Three of four annexes have now been signed and the parties want the final annex on 'normalisation' (which will deal with rebel disarmament) signed by the end of January 2014. Will MILF jihadists be absorbed into the police force?

Christians in Iraq are deeply concerned about the escalating sectarian violence tearing their country apart. Some have only returned to northern Iraq this year, having been forced out of their refuges in Syria. The Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS: 'al-Sham' Syria) is carving out a base across the north of both states; their fight is set to escalate in 2014. What might 2014 hold for Afghanistan? What might 2014 hold for North Korea?

With unprecedented levels of persecution and trauma afflicting the Church, how can we pray for persecuted and threatened Christians at Christmas while still maintaining our Christmas hope and joy?

Isaiah foretold of the coming of Christ, adding that he will be called 'Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.' (See Isaiah 9:1-7)

THEREFORE WE PRAY:

Dear Sovereign Lord,

We rejoice in Jesus Christ: the child who was born, the son who was given. We rejoice that the burden of governance is upon his shoulders.

Because he reigns, we can lift up to him all who suffer and are persecuted on account of his name.

May Christ the Wonderful Counsellor give wisdom and guidance to all who seek him.

May Christ the Mighty God (el-gibbor: literally the warrior God) defend and fight for his people.

May Christ the Everlasting Father comfort and care for his precious children.

And may Christ the Prince of Peace establish and uphold his Kingdom - overcoming all opposition - as he zealously spreads justice and righteousness throughout the world.

For the sake of his Church and for the glory of his name, AMEN

(Prayer based on Isaiah 9:6,7)


SUMMARY FOR BULLETINS UNABLE TO RUN THE WHOLE ARTICLE

Instead of a summary, please publish the prayer for use in church services, small groups and individual devotions over the Christmas period.

This is the final RLPB for 2013. The next weekly RLPB will be issued on 8 January 2014.


To view this RLPB with hyperlinks or to access RLPB and RLM archives, visit the Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin blog at http://rlprayerbulletin.blogspot.com

This RLPB was written by Elizabeth Kendal, an international religious liberty analyst and advocate, and is issued as a ministry of the Evangelical Alliance in Australia.

Elizabeth Kendal is the author of 'Turn Back the Battle: Isaiah speaks to Christians today' (Deror Books, Dec. 2012) http://turnbackthebattle.com/thebook.html

Elizabeth is Adjunct Research Fellow in the Centre for the Study of Islam and Other Faiths at the Melbourne School of Theology. She is Director of Advocacy for Christian Faith & Freedom based in Canberra, Australia.

If this bulletin was forwarded to you, you may receive future weekly issues direct by sending a blank email to join-rlpb@hub.xc.org

I enjoy candles so during the Christmas season, we love to see the Christmas lights illuminating our homes with candles lit on the mantle or the dining room table, providing a beautiful festive atmosphere. Many of us hang outdoor lights on our houses to share the Christmas spirit with others. I enjoy driving around our neighborhood to see the beautiful twinkling outdoor lights decorating the houses, trees, and displays.

As you, place the strings of lights on the tree or on your house this year enjoying the beauty of the lights in your home and your neighborhood. Think about what Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, “We are to let our lights shine before men, that they may see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven.” 

• How will you illuminate God’s love to your family, friends, and your neighborhood during this Christmas season?

• What good deeds are you going to do to glorify God this Christmas?

• Pray for your grandchildren to let God’s love illuminate their world.

•  Pray for your grandchildren to glorify God with their good deeds showing their love for Him to others.

  Will you share how you plan to radiate God’s love to your family and friends during this Christmas season in the comments below?

May God bless you richly as you prepare for the Christmas season as you celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

By Lillian Penner
National Prayer Coordinator
Christian Grandparenting Network

If you significantly increase your prayer life you will certainly come under spiritual attack. So if I am going to encourage you to pray more, I need to help you prepare for the onslaught of the evil one.

Having examined the trends in our government, judicial system, the Church, and the culture as a whole, we must confess that we have come to the end of ourselves and are in desperate need of a Christ awakening in the nation. The Awakening America Alliance considers catastrophic a future without the Spirit’s extraordinary intervention. We have committed ourselves to the prescriptions and promises of 2 Chronicles 7:14 and are calling upon every ministry, church, and institution within our influence to join us in humbling ourselves before God, seeking His face, and turning from our present way of life.

We must recognize knowing about Christ and walking in an empowering, personal relationship with the Christ of Christmas are very different. What might a Christ awakening look like if we examine the incarnation narrative?

• The shepherds were informed of the Savior by an angel and a great company of heavenly hosts proclaiming, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests” (Luke 2:14). They knew about Christ.
• They decided to go see this thing that had happened, which the Lord had told them about. They hurried to Bethlehem where they found Mary, Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in a manager. They were in the presence of Christ.
• This encounter caused the shepherds to spread the word about the child in such a way “all who heard it were amazed” (Luke 2:18). They not only had a conversation about Christ, but they had conversation with God, glorifying and praising Him for all they had heard and seen.
• The Holy Spirit gave divine revelation about Christ to Simeon, who took Christ in His arms, praised God, and prophesied over the Messiah to His parents. Anna the prophetess, who lived a life of worship, fasting, and prayer, also “gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38). They embraced Christ and His mission of redemption.
• Joseph and Mary lived a daily life with Christ, observed as He astonished the religious teachers, and treasured the wonder of it all in their hearts. They had a consistent relationship with Christ.
• However, not until Mary and others like the beloved disciple John knelt at the foot of Christ’s cross, spent time in the Upper Room, and were empowered by the Holy Spirit did they truly know and experience the Christ of Christmas in the fullness of the Spirit.

Being engaged in a natural, ongoing relationship with Christ involves more than knowledge of His incarnation, enjoyment of His presence at Christmas Eve mass, or even public prayers prayed at the New Year’s Eve prayer meeting. We pray that you will be in consistent, Spirit-empowered communion with Him on a daily basis in the coming year as we CRY OUT to God for a fresh awareness of Christ in America. 

“Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness.

It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.”

- Helen Keller

God has great expectations of us—unwavering loyalty and unquestionable integrity.

His Word challenges us to keep our heart clear of evil and overflowing with compassion.

Heaven’s work for us on earth is to stay as near as we can to God’s heart and reflect His nature.

God is perfect and He expects us to aim for perfection—all other ambitions pale in light of Christlikeness.

Some people say this is an impossible dream, claiming that we are helplessly shaped by the age in which we live.

But we can rise above cultural corruption if we take God seriously and let His Spirit change us from inside out.

God  expects better things of us than society—contentment instead of greed; gratitude, not pride in possessions.

Above all, God expects those of us who believe to grow up spiritually—advancing in holiness over a lifetime of faith.

Day by day, incrementally—the person who clings to life’s noblest purpose looks a little more like Jesus.

[Adapted from Day 11, Gentle Whispers from Eternity—Scripture Personalized]

“The Lord appeared to him and said, ‘I am God Almighty; serve me faithfully and live a blameless life.’”

Genesis 17:1 NLT

Johnny R. Almond

Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia

                Author, www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com

Book available through your local bookseller or preferred on-line retailer.

Word Power

A lot of things have great power and potential, for either good or bad results.  We've discussed before that people are that way.  But today we are looking at the power of the spoken word.  I'm sure most of us know what it means to wish we could "eat our words," or at least take them back.  Once out however, their effect is neither revocable nor negotiable.  Hurtful words can last so very much longer than we would like them to.  Sticks and stones not only break bones and make even the marrow hurt, but so do our words at times.  But do you realize that a simple word of comfort, caring, empathy, understanding, or even sympathetic silence can be just as powerful as hurtful words.  Such words can build trust, relieve suffering and loneliness, and build new levels of intimacy and openness not otherwise possible. Our words can soothe, validate, make and deepen friendships, and break down walls of isolation, situational depression, and self-pity.  But that kind of helpful speaking takes practice and tongue control.  Who do you know that would not wish to improve their ability to control their tongue better, e.g. to hurt others less, and to edify them more?

For a 1-minute inspiring video on the power of words try https://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=Hzgzim5m7oU&vq=medium

The Bible says the tongue is every bit as powerful as a rudder on a large ship that turns it powerfully to the left or the right.  Ironically no person can truly control their tongue all the time, nevertheless we are known by what comes out of our mouth.  If this sounds harsh to you, let me ask if you always think over alternatives before you put your tongue in gear?  Or when opposed, attacked, angered, or threatened, do you take a "Thomas Jefferson count" before responding so you have your tongue under control first?  Most of us are honest enough to realize the truth of the other Bible claim that one little spark from our tongue can easily create a devastating forest fire that burns a long time.

But what a contrast when God speaks.  His Word is truth that transforms our lives when we are receptive.  When God speaks (and especially when we listen) things change (for the better).  He spoke every original thing in our universe into existence.  And we know that it's original state was much better than it is today, since man has chosen to succumb to inner and outer polution. 

Who do you enjoy listening to and why?  I am sure it is someone that speaks straight with you, but that also builds you up to reach your full potential.  God's Word is alive, powerful, and very active as it:

• Generates life
• Creates faith
• Produces change
• Causes miracles
• Heals hurts
• Builds character
• Transforms circumstances
• Imparts joy
• Overcomes adversity
• Defeats temptation
• Infuses hope
• Releases power
• Cleanses our minds
• Brings things into being, and
• Guarantees our future forever!

Are you in need of a cure for spiritual anorexia?  Then you need healthy meals of abiding in God's Word.  How is that done?

1. Accept its authority and use it as the compass for your life, realizing that our false, arbitrary, and unreliable authorities of culture, tradition, reason, and emotion are flawed by man turning his back on God in subtle disbelief and mistrust.
2. Incorporate its truth into our working memory where we can reflect on it (like a cow chewing her cud) through study, meditating, and understanding how it applies to the daily circumstances of our life.
3. Apply its principles by depending on God's promises rather than our own feelings and "wisdom."

Let's join David in his Psalm 19 prayer, "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight Oh Lord, my strength and my redeemer!"

Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin | RLPB 240 | Wed 11 Dec 2013

EGYPT and CAR: CHURCH EXCEEDINGLY VULNERABLE

by Elizabeth Kendal

* EGYPT: POGROMS & CLASHES IN UPPER EGYPT

El Minya is a sparsely populated region of upper (southern) Egypt. Whilst it has Egypt's highest concentration of Christians, it is also a Muslim Brotherhood stronghold and home to some of Egypt's most militant Islamic sects. Violence broke out on 28 November in two villages. In Nazlet El-Badraman a pogrom erupted in response to a false rumour that alleged a relationship between a Muslim woman and a Christian man. One person was killed and some 18 wounded (four critically), including a 14-year-old girl whose arms were both broken when she was hurled from a building. About 20 homes were burnt. Nearby, residents of the predominantly Coptic village of Nazlet Ebeid and the predominantly Muslim village of El-Hawarta clashed after Muslims in El-Hawarta shot at a local Christian man for erecting a fence around his own land. Four were killed and dozens wounded. Egyptian security forces made up to 20 arrests (including Copts) and held a 'reconciliation session'. Introduced in 2007 (during the Mubarak era) as a concession to ascendant Islamists, reconciliation sessions conform to Sharia (Islamic Law) which does not permit non-Muslims to testify against Muslims in court. Justice is irrelevant and persecutors are guaranteed impunity. Ministry of Interior spokesperson Hany Abdel Latif told Egyptian media that the clashes are not considered 'sectarian'. Consequently, anyone claiming they are sectarian could be accused of fomenting sectarianism.

Christian journalist Bishoy Armia Boulous (31, formerly known as Mohammed Hegazy) went to El-Badraman to talk to Christian victims. It has been suggested that Bishoy was freelancing in the hope that he could present a report to a satellite channel. Egyptian security forces arrested Bishoy in El-Badraman on 5 December. Accused of spreading sectarianism Bishoy was remanded in custody for 15 days of interrogation and investigation. It is feared he is being beaten and tortured. In 2007 Mohammed Hegazy became the first Muslim-born Egyptian to sue the Interior Ministry for his right to change his religion from Islam to Christianity. The court ruled in line with Sharia which criminalises the rejection of Islam. Death threats forced Hegazy to change his name and go into hiding; his wife and two children now live overseas. Egyptian authorities accuse Bishoy of spreading 'inaccurate images of oppression' against Copts in Egypt.

* CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC (CAR): A SPIRITUAL BATTLE

As French troops started arriving in CAR on 2 December, ex-Seleka fighters began retreating to the bush. In the early hours of 5 December - the day the UN Security Council would vote to give French and African Union forces their mandate - 'Christian' militias launched attacks against ex-Seleka rebels and Muslim communities in the capital, Bangui. Ex-Seleka (Muslim) fighters retaliated, going house-to-house through Christian districts, killing anyone whom they assumed to be part of a 'Christian' militia. Before long, some 400 lay dead. Doubtless the 'Christian' fighters had hoped to change the military and political realities on the ground before French troops came and cemented the totally unacceptable status quo. While the Seleka coalition was officially disbanded some months ago, the Sudan-backed rebel leader Michel Djotodia has proclaimed himself president and incorporated his fighters into the CAR army. France has made it clear that French troops will be there to maintain order, not fight terrorism, which is why French and ex-Seleka (Muslim) forces (now legitimised as the CAR army) are both patrolling the streets of Bangui. However, tensions are growing between the French troops and ex-Seleka rebels over who should be in control. On 9 December two French soldiers were shot and killed while attempting to disarm ex-Seleka fighters.

Regional peacekeepers guarded church services on Sunday 8 December. St Paul's Church set up loudspeakers along the Ubangui River and broadcast the service to the overflowing crowd as women sold papaya and dried fish to the hundreds of displaced people camping there. 'We are asking Christians to pursue peace and forgiveness, to not seek vengeance or commit reprisal attacks,' said Bangui Archbishop Dieudonne Nzapalainga.

CAR's population is 76 percent Christian. (Australia 69 percent; France 61 percent; United Kingdom 59 percent.) According to the 2010 edition of Operation World, solid foundations have been formed for national level mission, and 'national missionaries and agencies are on the increase' as interest and energy grows for indigenous-led mission to unreached groups. Now, however, local and foreign Islamic rebels, armed and backed by resource-hungry Sudan and Iran, have seized control. Behind the facade, this is primarily a spiritual battle!


PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY THAT -

* the Spirit of God will move powerfully amongst all those who call themselves 'Christian' in Egypt and in CAR; may their hearts be drawn to the Lord, so they will take refuge in him and have wisdom, insight, courage and faith from him, so they will know what the Lord requires and be empowered to do it.

'The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. But with an overflowing flood he will make a complete end of the adversaries, and will pursue his enemies into darkness.' (Nahum 1:7,8 ESV)

* the Lord of Hosts will 'flood' into Egypt and into CAR, to reverse fortunes, defend his faithful ones, gather his lost ones, and repel his enemies.

* in the midst of strife and insecurity, God will use the witness of the true Church in Egypt and CAR to bring awakening not only to extended 'Christian' communities, but beyond them; may the 'fire' of the troubles melt away all resistance to the gospel.

'He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.' (Psalm 126:6 ESV)


SUMMARY TO USE IN BULLETINS UNABLE TO RUN THE WHOLE ARTICLE

THE CHURCH IN CAR and UPPER EGYPT ARE VERY VULNERABLE

Christians in El-Minya governorate, Upper Egypt, have been subjected again to violent Islamic pogroms. It seems that Muslim Brotherhood supporters are looking for any excuse to attack the Christians in their midst. For the Christians there is no security while there is endless impunity for the Muslims. It does not bode well! In Central African Republic (CAR), sectarian violence escalated ahead of the French military peacekeeping deployment as 'Christian' militias sought to change the realities of the situation by attacking Muslims before the French could stop them. Muslim rebels retaliated by attacking Christians. Before long 400 lay dead. In Egypt and in CAR, churches could well be very vulnerable over Christmas. Please pray that God will intervene in Egypt and in CAR, and protect and uphold his Church.


To view this RLPB with hyperlinks or to access RLPB and RLM archives, visit the Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin blog at http://rlprayerbulletin.blogspot.com

We suggest that churches and fellowships using the Summary above might also provide a copy of the listed prayer points to be used in their worship by people who are leading in prayer.

This RLPB was written by Elizabeth Kendal, an international religious liberty analyst and advocate, and is issued as a ministry of the Evangelical Alliance in Australia.

Elizabeth Kendal is the author of  'Turn Back the Battle: Isaiah speaks to Christians today' 
(Deror Books, Dec. 2012) http://turnbackthebattle.com/thebook.html

Elizabeth is Adjunct Research Fellow in the Centre for the Study of Islam and Other Faiths at the Melbourne School of Theology. She is Director of Advocacy for Christian Faith & Freedom based in Canberra, Australia.

If this bulletin was forwarded to you, you may receive future weekly issues direct by sending a blank email

to join-rlpb@hub.xc.org

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. ² 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.

³ And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. ⁴ God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. ⁵ God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.

¹⁴ And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, ¹⁵ and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so. ¹⁶ God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. ¹⁷ God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, ¹⁸ to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. ¹⁹ And there was evening, and there was morning—the fourth day. - Genesis 1:1-5, 14-19


God created time to help bring order to our lives.  Day and night was established to mark sacred times, and days and years (v. 14).  Do you ever marvel at God's desire for order and structure instead of chaos?  Time brings order to our lives and exists to help us align our hearts, minds, tasks, and all things before God.

Time was Created for Man
God exists both within and outside of time- all at the same time.  This can be difficult to ponder.  For God to create time, He had to already be existing outside of time.  Once he created time, He was both within and outside of time- as God does not abandon His creation or works. 

As created beings made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27), God ordained that we live, work, and worship within a structure called, "time."  When God created time, He saw it was good (Gen. 1:19).  His whole work of creation was completed in 7 days.  Have you ever considered that days did not exist prior to creation?  Even the existence of days point us toward God and many of His perfect attributes!  What a perfectly wise God we serve and worship!

Those familiar with the creation account in the beginning of Genesis are aware that by chapter 3, Adam and Eve fell into sin.  Sin brought a curse that affected all of creation, including man and time (Gen. 3:17-19).  Since then, all of creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. (Romans 8:22) 

Taking a Good Thing too Far
Often in our fallen, sinful, world, time can seem to become a burdensome yoke or restrictive slave master.  This was not God's original design.  While time exists to help bring order to our lives, we can easily take orderliness too far- to a point where it can dominate our thoughts, actions, and attention.  When this happens, our relationship with God is the first to suffer.

Sin has warped how we see and utilize time in our daily lives.   It has caused activities, others-focused priorities, and self to usurp God's #1 place in our moment-to-moment lives.

Sadly, in our culture, doing things (whether to please God or self) often take priority over the abiding, deepening, relationship that God desires to have with us on a moment-by-moment basis.  When this happens, time can easily become an idol.  Activities on to-do lists are exalted before time with God, and our flesh becomes the driver of our lives instead of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.  When this happens, and happens with increasing frequency, our awe and wonder of God, His power, perfections, and other attributes, are dimmed- often to a point where God may seem distant or even irrelevant.  Time, and the act of filling our time to accomplish things, replaces a deepening relationship with the Holy, Perfect, Sovereign, Mighty God of all.

The Holy Spirit does not often perfectly fit into our schedules, our set-aside times with Him, or the clock on the wall.  What if He desires to minister to or through you beyond, or outside, of your scheduled quiet time?  Will you let Him, or will you permit your other priorities to quench Him?

Some Pertinent Reminders:
God is sovereign (He can freely choose to do whatever He pleases whenever it pleases Him to do so). 

We can miss much, if not all, of what the Spirit may desire to teach or do.  This can happen by boxing God into specified appointed times in our schedules.  If we're inflexible with aligning our schedules with God's, we miss out on God's best for us in that moment and afterward.

When the Lord has completed showing, teaching, or doing what He desires, He'll release you to your next assignment, activity, etc.  He is trustworthy!

Lord, you are my all-in-all.  Everything I have and am is Yours.  The time you've given me this day belongs solely to You.  Thank you for giving me this day and night ahead.  I desire to utilize the time you've given me in fellowship with You- even while I work, serve, and do all things as unto You.  Have Your way in me and through me.  Help me to realize things I hold on too tightly to, and grasp You more fully in my heart, mind, life, and soul.  Be glorified and magnified in this day.  Teach me Your ways and show me greater depths of Your heart for me and others.  You are the One I seek.  I worship You.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

“Faith is the Pierless Bridge / Supporting what we see / Unto the scene that we do not.”

- Emily Dickinson

At times, it feels like we’re on the edge of a ravine with no way across.

It’s a long way to the bottom; it’s a long way to the other side;

with no visible means of support, God asks us to step out.

If we are honest, we must admit our fear and doubt.

Listening to God’s voice, we hear His gentle whisper—

“Do not be too hard on yourself when you waver in faith.

I know you sometimes tremble contemplating the unknown

and shudder at mystery that is too meaningful for you to take in.

In fear, keep faith in Me; in doubt, trust Me; in anxiety, rest assured;

in the dark, look for dawn; in terror, receive My comfort; in horror, hope.”

[paragraph adapted from Day 10, Gentle Whispers from Eternity]

If we are humble, our heart can see what our eyes cannot.

If we take that first step, the Bridge will get us home.

The Lord spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him,

“Do not be afraid, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great.”

Genesis 15:1 NLT

Johnny R. Almond

Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia

Author, www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com

Book available through your local bookseller or preferred on-line retailer.

Join us February 17-19 in the Tampa Bay area for a national gathering of pastors and leaders as we collectively seek God and His blessing on our lives and churches.

This corporate, multiple-day experience of unscripted prayer, worship and Scripture will be conducted in the Prayer Summit format. Our time will be led by Daniel Henderson (National Director ofThe 6:4 Fellowship) and Dennis Fuqua (Director of International Renewal Ministries). Daniel and Dennis have collectively led hundreds of Prayer Summit experiences for leadership teams, pastors' fellowships, and entire congregations.

MAXIMIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE BY BRINGING A TEAM FROM YOUR STAFF OR CONGREGATION!

JOIN US AND YOU WILL RECEIVE:

- Encouragement and fellowship with like-minded pastors

- Refreshment in God's presence through prayer

- Equipping in prayer leadership that you can take back to your church

- Discounts for 6:4 Fellowship members and spouses!

Visit www.64fellowship.com/prayersummit for more details and schedule.

As I was looking at the forlorn misshapen tree standing in the snow on the cover of a book I was reading last week, I was reminded of the Christmas tree we had at my house when I was a child.  

When I was six years old, my parents did not have much money to spend at Christmas. In order for my parents to have enough money to buy a present for me, they decided to cut a branch from our juniper tree in the yard for our Christmas tree. I remember at the time, I thought it was ugly, straggly, and misshapen and I was disappointed. I  wished they would buy a tree from a Christmas tree lot in town like other families. 

However, I recently found a picture taken that year with me standing by the branch (tree). After we had decorated it with a garland made of popcorn and cranberries, hung a few ornaments, and silver tinsel, the tree did not look too bad. 

Now when I remember what the straggly juniper branch looked like and compare it to the beautifully, decorated shaped tree in my home I see it differently. I see the straggly forlorn branch as a person’s life without God or one  depleted from nourishment and the beautiful shaped tree in my home as a person’s life filled with God’s love, purpose,  and decorated with ornaments representing the fruit of the Spirit.

God can take a straggly, forlorn life and transform it into a beautiful shaped fulfilled life. Jesus tells us in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”  He can change the straggly life into a beautiful new life, a flourishing life, filled with love, peace and joy if we believe in him.   

Often, our lives can become damaged and appear like a straggly, forlorn tree, misshapen by the trials, challenges, and disappointments of life. However, our lives can be transformed by the renewing of our minds with His Word into flourishing lives. 

God promises that when we have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, giving Him every area of our lives, we will take on a true and proper shape. We will become a flourishing tree pointing others to God. 

When you see a Christmas tree this year, I hope it reminds you of the new life we can have in Christ Jesus, everlasting life when we invite Him into our lives and trust Him with the challenges and disappointments of life. 

Do you or any of your family members feel like a tree twisted, damaged, and made crooked by the fears, circumstances, difficulties, or sin in their lives?

Do you or any of your family members feel all alone in this world?

God is waiting to give you and your family members' new life, nourishment, and fulfillment. 

• Ask God to show you, your family and friends areas that need to be humbly submitted to the Lord, laying down all before Him as the wise men did when they brought their gifts to baby Jesus.

• Ask God to help you, your family, and friends to give the damaged, flawed, and misshapen areas of life to the Lord, resulting in flourishing beautiful God-shaped lives for Him. 

• This post was taken from the book Grandparenting with a Purpose available for purchase at http://www.grandparentingwithapurpose.com 

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My primary goal in this blog is to encourage you to pray and possibly to grow your prayer life. I pray that many of you who read this blog will make significant advances in the amount of time you spend in the presence of God, worshipping, petitioning and drawing nearer to God’s heart.

So what do you think will happen if you significantly increase your prayer life? This may surprise some of you. You will certainly come under spiritual attack. So if I am going to encourage you to pray more, I need to help you prepare for the onslaught of the evil one.

The first thing you need to do is brace yourself for this reality. It is like the escapes made from German Prisoner of War Camps during WWII. When prisoners managed to escape the maximum security prison camps they knew the NAZIs would go on high alert. When you break through Satan’s efforts to keep you from praying, you will face the enemy of our souls.

In the next few weeks I will give you several means of countering spiritual attack. Our Lord has not left us defenseless. But all of these defenses require us to wake up the reality of spiritual war. Satan has asked to sift you like wheat (Luke 22:31). Are you on your guard? Much victory is achieved by simply understanding that we are called into battle.

As we near the annual holidays of Thanksgiving, the celebration and remembrance of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the celebration of New Year's, we enter a season where many of our routines are interrupted with different activities and interactions.  Family, celebrations, and travel, bring many people a respite from the routines established in daily/weekly life.

For many, holidays seem to accelerate our busyness- darting from home-to-home or place-to-place; sharing time with friends and family members not regularly seen.  For some, a return to the routine after the holidays may even seem like a relief!

But routine or no routine; how many of us as Christians make every day a holiday with God?

While it's true that no two days are exactly alike (there may be similarities in routine, etc.); do we ever consider setting apart each and every day as a holy day (holiday) for/with God?

Redeeming the Time

Jesus kept in constant contact with the Father in prayer and thanksgiving (spoken and silent).  In doing so, he was able to do and be who the world needed to meet, see, and come to know!  He was holy; that is, set apart from the world- yet while in the world.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we're called to do and be the same- just like our Teacher; our Master!

³ We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. ⁴ Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. ⁵ But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: ⁶ Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. - 1 John 2:3-6

So, what could it look like to make each day a holy day?

All people- As you get up in the morning, praise God for who he is.  Share time with him.  Ask him to establish your steps (your plans, schedule, and more), and listen for his answer(s).  Throughout the day, continue asking him to revise your plans if he desires.  Obediently follow him if/as he does.  Ask him to help you realize opportunities to share your faith with others, then let him empower you (your words and actions) to do so.  Without realizing it, you've woven prayer and a closer ongoing connection with the Lord into and throughout your day.  The day has become more of a holy day!

Teachers- Begin as suggested above (All people).  Throughout the day, ask the Lord to provide you with his wisdom in instructing, correcting, teaching, and loving the children and/or students you teach and serve.  While correcting tests and homework, ask the Lord to bring you deeper insight into each child's life and thinking- so that you may more effectively pray for each one as the Spirit leads.  In doing so, the day has become more of a holy day for you- and for those you're in prayer for!

Businessmen- Begin as suggested above (All people).  Throughout the day, ask the Lord to speak to you truths about how he sees your dealings, service, networking, presentations, preparation, interactions with others, the spreadsheets you may review and revise, and more.  Invite Jesus to review and advise you in each decision, contact, presentation, and more throughout the day/night. Follow him as he guides you.  As you do, each day becomes more of a holy day- yielded and led by the Lord instead of man's earthly thoughts or wisdom.

Students- Begin as suggested above (All people).  Throughout the day, ask the Lord to instruct you in your relationships with other students or teachers.  Ask the Lord to sit with you and instruct you (help you learn what you're studying) as you read, prepare your reports or projects, and more.  Ask the Lord how he'd have you pray for others around you in class, between classes, or after school.  Obediently follow him and do what he instructs.  He's all-knowing and will always tell you the truth- with your best in mind as he sees and knows you personally.  As you seek and follow the Lord throughout each day, each day becomes holy and set apart for his glory- working in and through you.

Retirees- Begin as suggested above (All people).  The world would tell you that your best days have passed and that you should simply coast and surrender the latter days of your life until you pass away.  Nonsense!!!  Each day is a holy day where Jesus desires to minister to and through you!  Call or visit a friend or acquaintance (maybe someone you haven't spoken with in awhile).  Tell them what Jesus has been doing in your life recently.  Ask them if they've seen Jesus working in their lives.  Encourage them to read or listen to the Word of God (maybe suggest a Scripture passage to read/listen to).  Offer to pray for or with them in person, over the phone, via email, or another means.  Let the Holy Spirit instruct you as you pray.  The day becomes holy and set apart as you redeem the time in the Lord's strength and wisdom.  You'll also likely bring encouragement to that other person/people as you do (encouragement that might last far beyond that very day!).

Finish this day by making it holy.  Then begin and practice making tomorrow a holy day... and the day after that... and the day after that...

“No one is a light unto himself, not even the sun.” - Antonio Porchia,1968

      Christmas is a celebration of the Incarnation of God. To demonstrate God’s nature, Christ became a human

being and lived among us. To prove God’s love, He died on the cross for our sins. It was a long way from heaven to earth, but Jesus made the trip willingly for us.“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”(John 1:14 ESV) Christ’s blessing and reality continues to influence believers in every generation.

            In order to influence the world, we must practice the ministry of presence—going where the people are, getting on their level,speaking their language. Christ has given us the ultimate example of doing this; and we are challenged to have His mindset (Philippians 2:5-7).

We were not created to shine secretly, but openly—giving clear evidence of being a child of the Light. 

We were not created to shine temporarily, but eternally—living beyond ourselves for the glory of God.

We were not created to shine inwardly, but outwardly—testifying to Love in a narcissistic world.

We were not created to shine reflexively, but reflectively—letting God’s light shine through us. 

            Scholars use "chaos theory" to explain how unpredictable results occur in systems sensitive to initial conditions, hypothesizing that the flutter of a butterfly's wings in Beijing affects weather patterns in New York City. They're closer to the truth than they imagine.If a small event produces dramatic results by triggering increasingly significant events, what difference do you think it would make in the world if we wholeheartedly committed our life to God? We'll never know what earth-shaking repercussions will occur until we try our wings.[paragraph adapted from Day 9, Gentle Whispers from Eternity]

Johnny R. Almond

Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia

Author, www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com

Book available through your local bookseller or preferred on-line retailer.

Please make this a matter of prayer. There is absolutely no good reason to keep religion, or people of faith, from the American public square. … If faith and reason inform each other, as believers know they do, then one cannot force faith to withdraw without ensuring that the results will be significantly less than fully reasonable.

Great things happen when big ideas collide with the ability to do something about them. Though atheists plan to sue an Alabama City after police partnered with pastors to fight crime with Christianity, unwavering integration of faith and politics is exactly what our nation needs.

Our faith compels us to advocate solutions that are, at their core, redemptive. And I believe this is one of those times.  We may debate what Jesus would do, or not do, in such a time as this.  But surely we cannot imagine him telling us not to be involved in standing against forms of violence that leave children dead in the streets.

http://christiannews.net/2013/10/28/atheists-to-sue-alabama-city-after-police-partner-with-pastors-to-fight-crime-with-christianity/

Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin | RLPB 239 | Wed 04 Dec 2013

INDIA: TERROR AND IMPUNITY IN HOSTILE RAJASTHAN

by Elizabeth Kendal

Hindu zeal is no doubt soaring in the desert state of Rajasthan. There is a general election looming (April-May 2014), as well as State Assembly elections just held on Sunday 1 December. [Votes will be counted on 8 December.] Whilst Rajasthan is presently ruled by the Congress Party, there is a strong sense that the people are hankering for change. Around 74 percent of those eligible cast their vote. Rabid Hindu nationalist and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) presidential candidate Nahendra Modi -- who is proving to be extremely popular with youths -- campaigned in Rajasthan through mid-November. Many analysts are predicting that the BJP could ride back into power in Rajasthan on the back of the 'Modi wave'. India's population is around 80 percent Hindu and officially 2.3 percent Christian, though unofficially from 4 percent to 9 percent. However, in Rajasthan Hindus comprise 89 percent of the population while Christians make up only some 0.1 percent to 0.4 percent. According to Operation World 7th Edition (2010) there has been significant church growth in the south of Rajasthan since the turn of the century. In 2008, when the BJP ruled Rajasthan, the Assembly passed a draconian, highly controversial anti-conversion bill designed to 'check rampant religious conversion'.

Harish Gemethi lives in Gamdi village, Dungarpur District, in the deep south of Rajasthan. In 2003 Harish and 45 others put their faith in Jesus after witnessing the miraculous healing of Harish's older brother. Anti-Christian sentiment is strong in the area and the believers know what it is to 'carry a cross'. Harish told Morning Star News that during the last 10 years certain local Hindus have repeatedly threatened to harm or even kill his family. The most recent death threat came in early November.

Harish and his wife have a seven-year-old son, Anugrag Gemethi (nicknamed Anmol), who is a faithful believer. At 10am on Sunday 17 November Anugrag waved goodbye to his parents and skipped off to Sunday School. [See the RLPB blog for photo of Anugrag Gemethi in Sunday School, courtesy Morning Star News.] After the Sunday service, Anugrag had lunch at the home of Christian friends in the neighbouring village of Tadi Obri, after which he headed home. Anugrag's friends waved him goodbye as he crossed the little bridge that joins their two villages, but Anugrag did not arrive home. By dinner time his parents had become anxious and phone calls and searches yielded nothing. The next morning, Harish went to the police station and filed a missing person's report. At 4:30pm, family and friends found Anugrag's mutilated body in a pond. Local police were called but took two-and-a-half hours to arrive.

Anugrag had either been brutally tortured to death, or killed and sadistically mutilated. There is little doubt that Anugrag's death was designed to terrorise and traumatise not only his parents, but all local Christians. Despite having been burnt, dismembered and disfigured to the point he was unrecognisable, the police autopsy reported that Anugrag died from drowning and that apart from animal bites, the body was 'normal'. [For a full report use the link in the RLPB blog.] Clearly the police do not want to intervene.

Harish told Morning Star News: 'I have repeatedly mentioned the names of these people who constantly threatened to take my life and my family in connection to my son's death to the police, but sadly they are not paying heed to my suggestions.' The Christian community is deeply concerned by the reluctance of the police to act. If Hindu nationalists find they can torture, kill and terrorise local Christians with impunity, then security will evaporate.

PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY THAT --

* the God who miraculously healed Harish Gemethi's brother in 2003 -- resulting in significant church growth in Gamdi and Tadi Obri villages -- will now do a miraculous work in the hearts of Gamdi's and Tadi Obri's persecuted Christians, comforting them in their grief, healing their trauma, calming their fears, sustaining their faith and filling their hearts with amazing grace that will then spill out into their communities.

* God will open the eyes of many Hindus in Gamdi and Tadi Obri, so they see clearly the demonic nature of this evil and profoundly reject it; may the hearts of many Hindus be softened and opened to receive the gospel. May the killers lose their sanction and the police be forced to act.

* the God of all grace will continue to build his Church in India.

'But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!'(Amos 5:24 NIV)


SUMMARY TO USE IN BULLETINS UNABLE TO RUN THE WHOLE ARTICLE

TERROR AND IMPUNITY IN HOSTILE RAJASTHAN, INDIA

Rajasthan, India, is hostile territory for Christians, who comprise less than half a percent of the state's population. Over the past decade the Church has seen significant growth in the south. Local Hindu resistance to church growth has resulted in toxic anti-Christian Hindu nationalist propaganda, creating a dangerous environment. In mid-November hostile Hindus kidnapped a young believer Anugrag Gemethi (7) on his way home from church. They brutally killed him, mutilating his body to send a message to local Christians who have long lived with intimidation and death threats. The police do not want to intervene. However, if the killers are treated with impunity, then security will evaporate as Hindu nationalist zeal is again on the rise. Please pray for India and its Church.


* UPDATE on CAR and the LRA

France has agreed to deploy 1000 troops to Central African Republic (CAR), not to fight Seleka but to act as 'policemen' to help bring order for the civilian population. This may help stem the sectarian violence and assist reconciliation. However, if international Islamic militants remain in CAR the threat will remain. Pray that God will open the door for peace and reconciliation, and close the door on Seleka (Revelation 3:7). On 28 November the Ugandan Army ambushed an LRA group in CAR, using intelligence supplied by US Special Forces. Amongst those killed was Kony's chief planner and number 4 in the LRA hierarchy, Col. Samuel Kangul. Pray that God will open the door for LRA defectors and close the door on the the LRA. Please persevere in prayer to turn back the battle.


To view this RLPB with hyperlinks or to access RLPB and RLM archives, visit the Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin blog at http://rlprayerbulletin.blogspot.com

We suggest that churches and fellowships using the Summary above might also provide a copy of the listed prayer points to be used in their worship by people who are leading in prayer.

This RLPB was written by Elizabeth Kendal, an international religious liberty analyst and advocate, and is issued as a ministry of the EA in Australia.

Elizabeth Kendal is the author of  'Turn Back the Battle: Isaiah speaks to Christians today' 
(Deror Books, Dec. 2012) http://turnbackthebattle.com/thebook.html

Elizabeth is Adjunct Research Fellow in the Centre for the Study of Islam and Other Faiths at the Melbourne School of Theology. She is Director of Advocacy for Christian Faith & Freedom based in Canberra, Australia.

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I am in awe of our God! He gives me the strength, power, courage, faith and hope to believe Him for the promises He has given to His children.

"The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.... The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made." (Psalm 145:9)    Wow!

God really does love us and He values our lives. All of His promises are "yes and amen".

Believe God without doubt for every thing you need according to His promises for your life. There is nothing impossible for Him to do in your life.

Blessings and Miracles,

PrayOn!

Mary J. Crosby