DAY 5:

Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving....
(Colossians 2:6-7)
PRAYER:
Oh Most High God and Ruler of the Universe, You are not a God Who created and left us to our own devices but "walked with Adam" daily, in the beginning, until he sinned and walked away from you. You told Abraham to "walk before" You and be blameless (Genesis 17:1) and everyone of Your faithful generals walked before, along and then behind Your leadership. Father, Your requirement is laid out for us in Micah 6:8 "....what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God? 

It is our fervent wish to be resolved, as Your servant Jonathan Edwards once did, to walk with You in that way. Oh that we would have the testimony of Enoch of whom it is written twice that he walked with you and then You "raptured" him Home. All Your faithful servants of old, from the prophets to the warriors like Joshua and David to the Apostles walked the sacrificial walk with You as they would a friend.

But Lord, You oh God, You are more than a friend. You are the God of all salvation, all truth, all majesty and all power, and we worship, adore, magnify, glorify and lift up the Name above all names, we lift up the blood-stained banner of Jesus Christ as warriors of the Cross and we loudly proclaim, from the mountaintop that Jesus Christ IS LORD and there is no other. Hallelujah to the Lamb!

Lord, give us this day the power and perseverance, as adopted sons and daughters and friends of God, to walk with You - not ahead of You, not way behind You, but WITH YOU. We know, oh God, why You told us to "walk humbly WITH" You and not all the other things.  It is because we need to recognize that the humble Savior Whose meekness in tribulation was our example, has called us to His Walk, when He ministered almost 2000 years ago. It is in humility we silence our noisy pride and self-righteousness and is in surrender we become empowered and strong in You, so much so to the point that if it were possible, post-flood, we would be able to walk 300 years with you as Enoch did!

Thank You, dear Abba Father, that we even had the opportunity to RECEIVE Christ as Colossians 2:6 says, which prequalifies us to be able to even be on that path with You! This act of Salvation, through the Spirit's regeneration and not some mindless repetition of a cheap evangelist, reminds us to also "be still and KNOW that You are God" - the ultimate act of obedience through humility. 

Thank You, most Gracious Father for this teaching that our stillness is not weakness about a proactive dwelling in Your Presence knowing that You have all our situations, troubles, cares, tears and fears under control.

Thank You, most Sovereign Lord, for the gift of Faith, with which we are indwelled and constantly maturing in, so that we can recognize the Hands and Handiwork of God weaving the narrow path through which we should walk with You. I do so with abundant and joyful thanksgiving in my heart, through Jesus Christ, our soon-coming King. Amen.

"We may ‘believe’ in eternity, but to what extent have we actually agreed with the world that eternity is not relevant until after this life? Eternity is not merely a time frame that is endless; it is profoundly and foremost a qualitative thing that is available now. When we begin to see all our moments set in the context of eternity, we will bring to those moments a seriousness that we would not otherwise have had." Art Katz

What will I do this year or even this next month? How will my family survive? How will I make ends meet?
 
As we enter into this New Year, these are questions that vast amounts of people are asking. Is there a way to live above all of these temporary trials and truly thrive amid the stress and the strain of end time living? If the whole world is groaning and the birth pangs before the Lord’s return are getting closer, what can we do in order to survive? Is there a way to live victoriously?
 
Perhaps what we need is an eternal perspective that changes everything–how we view life, how we view our trials, and how we live life in the ordinary.
 
The truth is that we are being prepared for eternity. God is building character within us that will last forever. He is most concerned about our character and motives. The unique trials that each of us face on earth are designed by an eternal God who sees and knows all. They are not a mistake or by chance. Of course, we ourselves make mistakes, but God can turn them all into good (Romans 8:28). He knows our advantages and our disadvantages–our family backgrounds, our marriages, our education, and everything about us, even to the minutest detail. He sees the good and bad circumstances that we face. We must realize that God sees everything in the eternal context, but we live in a world that wants everything now.
 
The world system is built on immediate gratification and living for present pleasures. But if we lose the meaning of eternity and fail to see life from an eternal perspective, we lose everything important from God’s point of view. To apprehend eternity in this life is not only to anticipate a future enjoyment, but it is to appropriate a present reality.
 
The apostle Paul lived in the powerful reality of the eternal. It was a joyful reality, and it made a difference in everything he did. He saw beyond the things that he suffered on earth. He was hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecute, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8-10). His trials (shipwreck, stoning, persecution, prison, and so much more) were merely light and momentary afflictions. Why? Paul had an eternal perspective and saw an eternal weight of glory that would be his reward. An eternal perspective changes everything. He said:
 
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
 
If we look at our life at this moment, how do we see our trials? Are they burdensome, depressing, overwhelming, worthless, and to be avoided at all cost? Or can we rise up higher and see the eternal realm? Everything depends on seeing the unseen and the eternal. Are we living as if we were a citizen of heaven or a citizen of earth? Are we bringing the eternal dimension into our daily tasks and the ordinary?
 
It is possible to live as if everything is charged with eternity. We as believers have the calling to bring eternity into time, of bringing the reality of heaven down to earth. God wants us to lay up our treasures in heaven and live in the joy of being rewarded for everything we do for Jesus’ sake. Even giving a cold glass of water will not lose its reward when we do it for Jesus.
 
If we live as the world lives by seeking to find fulfillment now, then how are we different than those who do not know Christ? We are living like mere men who have not tasted of heaven and are blinded by the alluring traps of the enemy. We are trying to make the emptiness of this life our home. The whole world lies in massive deception. Many of us keep rearranging the furniture in our earthly life (endless buying, multiple divorces, countless addictions) without ever finding true fulfillment and joy. It just can’t be found without Jesus.
 
The Bible says that we are strangers on earth and are looking for a city whose maker and builder is God (Hebrews 11:10).
 
As we begin this New Year, it’s time to live up to our true heavenly calling. True joy is found only in living for heaven, where the glitter of this world has lost its glamour and power. An eternal perspective changes everything. There is an unbelievable purity and simplicity in knowing Christ that is far greater than anything this world offers. But we can so easily be led astray (2 Corinthians 11:3).
 
As believers we must understand this message about the eternal. The urgency around us screams for our attention. We can no longer say that what is coming on the world is just a bad dream. This is the hour where the Lord is asking us to rise up to our true calling. He wants us to shake off the lies and be all that He intended for us to be at this hour. He wants us to set our minds and hearts on things above. Only then can He truly use us to the fullest extent for His glory. With an eternal perspective:

• We can be truly joyful even when all around us is falling apart. 
• We can rise up with a new perspective that will make the lost world take notice. 
• Our life can burn with eternity and purpose. 

This is an invitation for all of us to come into a new dimension of being. We need to evaluate all of our earthly activities from an eternal perspective. It’s time to live for heaven and narrow down our life to what will be eternally of value. Joy is found not in half-hearted commitment, but when we go all the way for God. I am evaluating everything I do. In light of the judgment seat of Christ at the end of the age, Mike Bickle has often said to our IHOPKC staff:
 
“Lord, shock me now! Show me what areas in my life that need change before that final day.” 
 
Four years ago my life dramatically changed in an instant. Running to answer my doorbell to get a new computer for writing, I slipped on my top step and fell all the way down the stairs, landing at the bottom in a heap. My husband quickly drove me to the emergency, and I ended up in the hospital with a broken wrist and heel. I was in a wheelchair for months with a cast on my foot and leg, and one on my arm. From a human viewpoint, it made no sense at all. There were months of recovery where I couldn’t do a thing!
 
During that time I had a lot of time to think. I thought about life. I thought about what was important. I thought about eternity. Through this unfortunate circumstance God turned personal tragedy and loss into blessing and joy, because He gave me an eternal perspective that changed everything. 
 
It’s time for us to change our perspective and seek that which is above. It’s time that we live in light of eternity. 
 
Every time we pray and bless another, every time we don’t complain, every time we turn another cheek and stop our tongue from speaking evil, we are laying up our treasures in heaven and will be rewarded. God is conforming us to His image, and we will not be disappointed. Let’s see our eternal reward in every act of kindness and in every sacrifice we make, large or small. Everything on earth is preparation for the age to come. We have an eternal destiny. Let’s learn to live a joyful life in light of this reality.
 
"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory" (Colossians 3:1-4).
 

Yesterday at the grocery store, the woman in front of me was taking a very long time to check out. I looked for a shorter line, but you know how it goes—the longer you’re in one line, the more committed you feel to riding it out. So I did.

Then I got nosy. Why was she taking such a long time? I leaned in while trying to act undercover, and then I realized what the holdup was. Miss Slowpoke was choosing which items to take off her bill. She had gone over her budget.

So methodically she picked up each item, inspected it, and pronounced her judgment:

“Canned mushrooms – Keep”
“Electronic toothbrush – Go”
“Mozzarella cheese – Keep”
“Mustache wax – Go”

And so forth. It was painful. But it got me thinking about God, specifically delighting in God in 2015.

One of my prayers for the New Year is, “God, become my chief delight.” I’m praying this because right now, he’s not. But I’d like him to be.

The Bible says:

“My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD, my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God” (Psalm 84:2)

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” (Psalm 42:1-2)

When I read verses like these, I feel disconnected from their sentiments. Sure, I’d like to say they describe me, but in truth, they don’t. No, my soul does not pant for God or thirst for him. It doesn’t yearn, it doesn’t faint, my flesh does not cry out for the living God.

Most of the time I just want to watch TV.

And I’m in good company. A 2014 Barna survey revealed that practicing Protestants watch an average of 3.1 hours per day and practicing Catholics watch 3.5 hours per day. PER DAY! EVERY SINGLE DAY! That’s a lot of time.

But our time is driven by our delight. We do what we desire. Which brings me back to Miss Slowpoke. Today there are so many options for picking and choosing our delights. So many gems catch our fancy, we’ve never had so many options in life—television, tweeting, gaming, taxidermy. But there can only be one chief delight.

Perhaps God hasn’t become that because I haven’t let him. I haven’t turned my time over to him, haven’t waited on him, haven’t stoked my desire for him. Perhaps my view of God is too limited because I don’t expect him to become my heart’s true desire.

So God, become my chief delight. (And may he become yours, and even you, Miss Slowpoke.)

“Jesus, a man who was completely innocent, offered himself as a sacrifice for the good of others, including his enemies, and became the ransom of the world. It was a perfect act.” (Mohandas K. Gandhi)

Tomorrow, January 6^th, is designated Epiphany (literally “shining upon”), a Christian festival commemorating the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles in the persons of the Magi. The word epiphany also refers to perception or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something. The wise men made a long journey, requiring a great deal of time and effort, to see Jesus. And when they saw Him, they presented Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh—acknowledging Christ as King, God, and Sacrifice. That long ago and far away history comes alive personally when we see the Light they saw on the face of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6).

Bowing the knee to Christ as King, we obey Him and experience an epiphany of joy as He makes Himself real to us. (John 10:36-37;  14:21)

Yielding our life to Christ as God, we worship Him and experience an epiphany of praise as we realize He is the Great I Am. (John 8:51-58).

Surrendering our heart to Christ as Sacrifice, we love Him and experience an epiphany of gratitude as we contemplate His death on Calvary on our behalf (Mark 10:45;  John 10:11;  1 John 4:10, 19).   

Living by faith in the Christ we have not yet seen, we occasionally detect a little bit of light shining from above down into this dark world and experience an epiphany of hope.

Journeying through time with Immanuel, we look forward to tomorrow, a future as bright as the promises of God.

Trusting our Savior, we believe deep in our heart that the dawn of His reign in heaven on earth will be the ultimate Epiphany.  

”All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.” (Jude 1:25 NLT)

Johnny R. Almond

Interim Pastor, Nomini Baptist Church

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Blog http://GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com/

Happy New Year 2015 

We are living in challenging times shaken by the unrest in the world around us. “The institution of the family is in a state of emergency. This core unit of civilization is being dismantled and ridiculed in today's culture.” 

The media-driven culture is trying to desensitize our grandchildren and many of their role models are disappointing them. God is being pushed to the perimeter of our culture at the time when we really need Him. Our grandchildren need us to stand in the gap with our prayers for them. 

The GRAND magazine statistics show there are over 70 million grandparents in the United States. Can you imagine the effect we would have if all of us were praying diligently and deliberately for our grandchildren and their parents? We can make an impact on their generation and the world we live in. 

It is hard not to get discouraged after listening to the daily events on the newscast. Do you worry and complain or does it make you pray more intentionally for the world our grandchildren are facing?

God has given us prayer as the best weapon against the evil in our world. The power of God is the only thing big enough to help us rise above the economic, hostile conditions and the difficult things we face in life. Paul writes in Ephesians 6:10, 11, “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s scheme.” As grandparents, we need to put on the amour of God by being in His Word, growing in our walk with the Lord.

THEN we will demonstrate a strong faith in the Lord and we will be an example to our families. 

As we begin this new year of 2015, ask God how He would like you to intentionally pray for your grandchildren and their parents. 

During this past year, I have shared many prayer suggestions with you to  to pray more effectively for your grandchildren on my website and Facebook. I am sure that many of you have some great ideas God has given you. I would appreciate it if you would share your ideas and suggestions with me. I think we, as grandparents need to work together so we can do the best job possible to stand in the gap for our dear grandchildren and their parents in these difficult days. I would love to hear from you. Please email me at lpenner@christiangrandparenting.net

If you subscribe to the blog on this website I will send you 

“31 Scriptures to Pray for your Grandchildren”.

The signup form is on the right.

(Quote from email from Dr. James Dobson on 12-17-14)

Following is a New Year greeting from John Bornschien, Vice Chairman of the National Day of Prayer that I found inspirational - hope it inspires you too!

==================

Happy New Year! Hard to believe it is 2015. It is quite amazing when you think about it that another year is in the history books and you contributed to the greater story. That’s right – every action you make has an outcome that impacts potentially generations to come. It is not our story but HIS story we are blessed to be a part of – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).  I am especially blessed to know that God directs our path and every day is purposeful and strategic despite ourselves. He takes our mistakes and our successes, our aspirations and our trials and each are building materials in the Architects hands: “A man's heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).
 
It has certainly been a year of trials and tribulation both at home and abroad. The moral and spiritual decay of our nation has impacted every home and has left non unscathed. Yet we find our hope in God and it is through Him that we stand boldly at the front line seeing victory and not defeat. You have preserved in prayer – day and night you have given the enemy no joy in your countless words of petition on behalf of our nation, accompanied with powerful expressions of praise that are a sweet aroma to the nostrils of the Most High. Many of you have taken blow after blow yet you have demonstrated unwavering faith and determination to hold the standard high. In your presence I am often reminded of the words of Theodore Roosevelt who said:
 
It is not the critic who counts, nor the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows great enthusiasms, great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.
 
This year, the theme for the National Day of Prayer is “Lord, Hear Our Cry” and what a powerful statement to make – a beacon to this lost and wavering society that we must return to the God of our fathers in humble intercession. Abraham Lincoln said it best, “I know that the Lord is always on the side of the right. But it is my constant anxiety and prayer that I and this nation should be on the Lord’s side.” For we are given power not to advance our own purposes, nor to make a great show in the world, nor a name. There is but one just use of that which He has given us, and it is to advance His will. May we always remember that it is not our will but thy will be done.
 
The Lord our God be with us, as He was with our fathers; may He not leave us or forsake us; so that He may incline our hearts to Him, to walk in all His ways... that all peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God; there is no other.
 
 
John Bornschein
Vice Chairman
National Day of Prayer Task Force

Have you considered determining some things to commit to pray for all year? I have written in earlier blogs about committing to long term prayers. Doing this helps us get our spiritual teeth into more consequential matters. This kind of praying excludes the trivial. You will not be tempted at the beginning of a year to pray for a better parking place at the donut shop. You will have to think about, possibly struggle in prayer to determine yearlong prayers. You may even find yourself praying for things that will cause you pain.

I recently heard a sermon by Tim Keller on Romans 8:28. He emphasized the fact that this verse does not promise that the lives of believers will be easier or better than that of those who do not love God. This verse cannot be severed from verse 29 which says God will use hard things to make us like Jesus.

As I looked at the passage I realized that we also cannot separate these verses from verses 26 and 27 which begin by saying we don’t know what to pray for as we ought. I thank God that this verse assures us that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us according to the will of God. He intercedes for me rather than God answering foolish, selfish and sinful prayers I sometimes pray. I am not alone in such foolishness. Elijah prayed for God to take his life. But God interceded by explaining His will to the prophet. In the same way the Holy Spirit brings us into His intercession. As we grow in the Lord we come to understand how He wants us to pray even when what we are to pray for will be difficult or painful. The angel told Ananias that God was going to show Paul how much he would suffer for the name of Jesus.

I am praying for God’s Spirit to show me what He is doing and how I am to pray for His perfecting work in my life. He has already promised that the joy will be worth the sacrifice.

http://daveswatch.com/ 

http: //watchinginprayer.blogspot.com/

“More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.” (Alfred, Lord Tennyson)

There’s plenty about life that can disturb us—dreary overcast Mondays, post-holiday depression, anxiety about what the new year may bring, health concerns, family squabbles, moral dilemmas. But we will not disintegrate emotionally if we habitually share with our Father what bothers us. Scripture reassures us we can give all our worries and cares to God, since He cares about us (1 Peter 5:7).

When we need to talk to God, He is ready to listen.

Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest, through his perfect sacrifice on the cross, has made it possible for us to have a standing appointment with God. We do not have to approach our Maker with fearful, low-hung head. Heaven’s throne is mercy, not marble, so we can pray with confidence.

On the other hand, we should never casually stroll into God’s Presence—prayer is an audience with the King, so we must advance reverently.

And when we pray, we should keep in mind we’ll never get near God’s heart by thoughtless chatter and endless babble. Flippancy merely vocalizes unheard soliloquies; wordy repetition is unnecessary.

Monologue does not enhance our friendship with God. God invites us to enjoy heartfelt conversation with Him.

When we are ready to listen, God wants to talk with us. 

“I will meet with you there and talk with you from above the atonement cover between the gold cherubim that hover over the Ark of the Covenant.” (Exodus 25:22 NLT)

Johnny R. Almond

Interim Pastor, Nomini Baptist Church

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

[This devotion based on Day 52 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity]

Read blog at http://GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com/

Lord Jesus Christ (Adonai Yeshua Messiah) showed a daily system which many miss. He spent time in prayer, slept, took action and reflected. Although we don't see Him sing, we see the affects of singing. Dick Eastman emphasizes at the Jericho Center, prayer and worship go hand in hand. All the stories in the Bible are about believers taking action, some with the wrong timing. When there is an opportunity, we are to take action, at times it may be the wrong time for success and we are to learn a lesson from it.

Let’s look at the response of Mary, the shepherds and the Wisemen to the birth of Jesus and then look at our own response as we have celebrated His birth.

When the angel said to Mary, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.” Mary said, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” the angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.”

 Mary’s responded, “For nothing is impossible with God, I am the Lord’s servant, may it be to me as you have said.”

After the angels announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds, they ran to Bethlehem, found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in a manger. Later the Wisemen followed the star and found Jesus and his parents.

• The shepherds were so excited they told everyone what they had seen. All who heard the shepherd’s story were astonished. The shepherds went back to the fields and flocks, glorifying and praising God. 
• Mary quietly treasured all these things in her heart and often thought about what had happened.
• The Wisemen followed the star, found Jesus; brought gifts bowed down and worshipped him.

 Now the Christmas celebrations are over, the tree will come down soon, the decorations put away for another year.

What is your response to the birth of Jesus Christ?

• Are you glorifying and praising God for sending his Son into the world to save our sins?
• Are you worshipping the Lord and meditating on His Word?
• Pray that your children and grandchildren’s response to the birth of Christ will be one of glorifying and praising God for the new life he provided.
• Pray they will stand as a symbol of hope in a dark world, adorned with God’s strength and beauty. 

 Don’t pack away Jesus with the Christmas ornaments until next Christmas. 

Taken from Luke 2:15-20, Matthew 2:1-11.

© 2014 Lillian Penner

One hundred years ago today, on Christmas Eve, the World War I Christmas truce occurred. The respite in fighting happened in the unlikely setting of mud, cold rain, and senseless killing. It took place despite orders by superiors. It took place despite language barriers. If only for a few hours, sworn enemies became temporary friends.

World War I had been raging for only four months, but it was turning out to be one of the bloodiest wars in history. Soldiers on both sides were trapped in trenches, exposed to the cold and wet winter weather, covered in mud, and extremely anxious because of snipers. Machine guns had demonstrated their worth in war, bringing new meaning to the word "slaughter."

In a place where bloodshed had become commonplace, something surprising happened on the front for Christmas in 1914. The men shivering in the trenches embraced the Christmas spirit. In one of the most authentic acts of goodwill toward men, soldiers from both sides in the southern portion of the Ypres Salient temporarily put down their weapons and hatred, and met in No Man's Land.

It started when German soldiers lit candles on small Christmas trees and sang “Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht”, and British, French, Belgian and German troops serenaded each other. Soon they gathered and buried the dead, in an age-old custom. But as the power of Christmas intensified, they exchanged addresses and letters and expressed admiration for one another. Uniting across the front line—they sang carols, exchanged gifts, ate and drank, and even played games of soccer. When angry superiors ordered them to recommence shooting, many soldiers aimed harmlessly high overhead.

And so great beauty was observed in the midst of deep tragedy. Unspeakable carnage followed, making the Christmas truce stand out as one of history’s most poignant moments. In the terrible darkness of war, if only temporarily, there shone a little bit of light.

At another No Man’s Land—a bloody place of slaughter called Skull Hill, on the front line of good and evil—God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. (2 Corinthians 5:19 NLT). This was not just a truce between God and sinners; it was a divine act of love offering eternal forgiveness and peace.

Jesus was “born that man no more may die”; and He died in our place so we may be born from above. Anticipating heaven, enjoying the pleasure of His company day by day, we enjoy more than a temporary halt in hostilities—we celebrate a relationship that will never end, a relationship that changes us from the inside out, a friendship that inspires us to sing of heaven’s peace even in the midst of earth’s pandemonium.  

Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased. (Luke 2:14 NLT)

Johnny R. Almond

Christian preacher and writer

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Read blog at http://GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com/

Like many of you, we have been listening to a radio station that plays only Christmas music this time of year. One afternoon I sat down to listen for a while. For five or six songs in a row they played only “secular” Christmas songs. There are a wide variety of them from Jingle Bells and Chestnuts Roasting Over An Open Fire to Santa Baby and Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer. As I sat there I began to wonder if the holiday had not been turned back to Saturnalia.

I am not the only one who has grieved over the worldly influences on Christmas. What do we do about this? Am I entirely too impractical, if I suggest that we pray. It is crucial to pray for this most important holiday in American life. It is reasonable for God's people to pray for our country and our world in these days. 

Do you know someone who will be alone in this time when loneliness is most painful? Invite them to your Christmas if you can. But pray for God to comfort them, whether or not you bring them to your home. There are people who are cold and hungry this time of year. It will bless your Christmas to give to one of the many organizations that help meet such needs. Giving will also bless your prayers.

Pray for your own children or grandchildren not to be so caught up in toys and things that they miss the meaning of the season. You may have some traditions or practices that help you do this, but it will require prayer whatever you do.

Do you know someone stressed out by all the rush and cost and effort of preparation? Pray for them by name. Pray for God’s peace that was announced by the angel to the shepherds on the Bethlehem hillside.

I think you will find that nothing blesses your own Christmas celebration like time spent alone in prayer and together with your spiritual family in prayer.

 http://daveswatch.com/ 

 http: //watchinginprayer.blogspot.com/

The Christmas tree, the greatest symbol of Christmas is an evergreen tree, representing life. The custom of erecting a Christmas tree can be historically traced to 15th century. “The tree was traditionally decorated with edibles such as apples, nuts, or other foods. In the 18th century, it began to be illuminated by candles, which were ultimately replaced by Christmas lights after the advent of electrification. Today, there are a wide variety of traditional ornaments, such as garland, tinsel, and candy canes. An angel or star might be placed at the top of the tree to represent the angel Gabriel or the Star of Bethlehem from the Nativity. ^[1]

The branches on the evergreen tree, remind us of the many roles we have in our lives such as parenting, grandparenting, etc. They also remind us of all the relationships we have with our family, friends, neighbors, our careers, hobbies, activities, sports etc. As we submit, each of these branches to God He will adorn them with ornaments, as He develops our character, with the fruit of the Spirit. 

Let’s look at the ornaments as representing the fruit of the Spirit. If we accept God’s unconditional LOVE in our hearts allowing His love to flow through us to others it will give us JOY. Our hearts will be full of joy amidst the daily challenges in our lives because “The joy of the Lord will be our strength.”  When we experience the joy of the Lord as our strength, we will have peace. PEACE is calmness in our hearts amidst the challenges we face, extending through our lives to others. After our adorning with love, joy, and peace, we will be empowered with PATIENCE, an attitude that does not lose hope for others even if they irritate or hurt us. KINDNESS expressed with our words and deeds to a sad or lonely heart may be their connection for Jesus. Then GOODNESS will flow into good works from our kind heart reflecting the character of God attracting others to Jesus. 

Another ornament placed on the tree is FAITHFULNESS. Just as God is faithful to us, it is important that we too are dependable and trustworthy at all times. Faithfulness brings us to GENTLENESS, an ability to be pleasant, composed and controlled in the daily challenges of life. The last ornament we will place on the tree is SELF-CONTROL, which adorns our lives with the character of strength to restrain us from doing wrong. We cannot have self-control without all the other ornaments. Then the tree will be wrapped with a garland of God’s righteousness and the star will be placed on the top directing people to Jesus. We will plug in the lights illuminating the tree representing Jesus the light of the world, a symbol of hope. Just as we have beautiful Christmas trees in our homes, our lives will be beautiful when adorned with the fruit of the spirit. 

This year let’s give our grandchildren a spiritual application of the Christmas tree representing everlasting life adorned with the ornaments of the fruit of the Spirit, wrapped with the garland of God’s love, the star directing others to Jesus, and shining as lights in a dark world. 

Pray that your grandchildren will stand as a symbol of hope in a dark world adorned in strength and beauty of the fruit of the spirit like the beautiful Christmas tree. The greatest and most lasting Christmas gift you can give your grandchildren is the gift of a praying grandparent.

¹ Christmas tree, Wikipedia

 Nehemiah 8:10

© 2014 Lillian Penner

Like many American families our siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews are scattered across the country. We count ourselves fortunate if we see each other once a year. For about ten years we have been doing something to help bring us a little closer. Mostly at the initiation of my wife and sister we have all purchased (or received as a gift) the same daily devotional book to read through the year. Of course, we can't read them together as if we were in the same room, but we occasionally call one another to talk about a particular devotional. This year several people compiled a list of family birthdays. So as we received our books or as we gathered books to send, we went through them marking each one of our family member’s birthdays with the understanding that we would all pray especially for the person born on that day. In the case of some who are no longer living, we remember them on that day. Interestingly enough, we have been surprised at how the devotionals fit the needs of the one whose birthday it was.

“Instead of complaining that God had hidden Himself, you will give Him thanks for having revealed so much of Himself.” (Pascal, Pensees, 1670)

Reverencing Christ, we begin to comprehend God’s gracious personality. Jesus perfectly represents His Father, personifying love in His life. Observing Christ, we see God’s likeness.

Submitting to our Sovereign, we experience God’s infinite goodness. Believing God engineers our lives with our best interests in mind, we rely on Him to take good care of us. Traveling rough roads teaches us lessons we’d never learn any other way. Yielding to our Master on sunny and stormy days, we find true joy transcending circumstances.

Confidently entering heaven’s inner sanctum—overshadowed by the cross—we behold Christ’s brilliant radiance.  Cleansed by His blood, we are privileged to enjoy guilt-free living and constant access to His throne in prayer.

Trusting the immortal, unseen King, we can relax. We cannot see Him with our eyes, but we can trust Him with our heart. And when we do, we find peace too wonderful for words.

Focusing the eyes of our heart on our invisible Friend, we can visualize the bright future He promises. The Victor over death, hell, and the grave offers us triumph over lesser enemies of tempting demons, current frustrations, and menacing worries.

Listening to voices of our family, we perceive God’s love. God places us in a family to counteract loneliness. He makes us part of a believing community to encourage and reinforce our faith.

Opening our dull eyes, we observe the grandeur of creation. God’s hand crafted the breathtaking cosmos. He whispered innumerable blazing galaxies into existence. He snapped His fingers and the big blue marble we call home appeared out of thin air.

Praying, we picture Gods heart. Heaven’s throne is made of mercy, not marble. His Presence guides us through life’s labyrinth and gives us a melody to cheer us on until we see His smile.

God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6 NLT)

Johnny R. Almond

Christian preacher and writer

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

[This devotion based on Day 51 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity]

Read blog at http://GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com/

“Our notion of an optimist is a man who, knowing that each year was worse than the preceding, thinks next year will be better. And a pessimist is a man who knows the next year can’t be any worse than the last one.”  (Franklin Adams, 1944)

An end-of-the-year USA TODAY/Pew Research Center Poll reveals that 70% of people surveyed are dissatisfied with how things are going in America today. Only 49% predict 2015 will be better—the first time in a quarter center that optimism for the year ahead has fallen below 50%.

Though the stock market has shown positive signs and job numbers are growing, most Americans evidently have very low expectations that the new year will bring significant improvements to their lives. A stronger economy hasn’t helped everybody. Many people have quit looking for work, while others are underemployed. Governmental gridlock discourages many Americans; 77% predict that the stalemate will not improve over the next five years, while over a third expect it to get worse.

The bottom line, according to USA TODAY—“Our long national funk isn’t over.”  

Pessimists might react “If you think this year was bad, wait until next year; we haven’t seen anything yet!” Optimists may insist “There are some hopeful signs on the horizon; our country will turn around, just wait and see!” How will Christ followers respond?

In a time of rampant cynicism, will we still believe the future is as bright as the promises of God?

In a culture enamored with transitory material things, will we sing hymns out of an inner conviction of eternal realities?

In a society celebrating a holly-jolly-jingle-bell-rock-Rudolph-and-Frosty-and-shop-‘til-you-drop “Christmas”, will we give gifts to our loved ones while remembering that the greatest gift is our Savior?

In a nation focused on wish lists and getting what we want, will we align our lives by hope in anticipation of what God is going to do next?

In a world on the threshold of another year filled with potential problems, will we dare to live by faith in God, no matter what 2015 brings?

"Next Year in Jerusalem" is a statement of spiritual hope—that Jerusalem will be rebuilt spiritually, as the spiritual center of the world, with the Temple and the manifest Presence of God on earth, at its center. That’s a radical hope, derided by some as an impossible dream. However, the children of God keep dreaming and praying and hoping that the intractable problems plaguing us will be solved once and for all by the return and reign of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Christmas carol by Cecil Frances Alexander expresses well our ultimate reason for eternal optimism—“And our eyes at last shall see him, Through his own redeeming love; For that child so dear and gentle Is our Lord in heaven above, And he leads his children on To the place where he is gone.”

As much as we love America, it is good for us to recall a timeless truth—“We are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will bring everything under his control.” (Philippians 3:20, 21 NLT)   

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”  (Romans 15:13 NLT)

A Christ-filled Christmas to you—and a Joyful, Peaceful, and Hopeful New Year!

Johnny R. Almond

Christian preacher and writer

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Blog http://GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com/

I was new on the Seminary faculty.  He had been around awhile. I was honored that he and his wife invited my wife and I to their home for dinner. The meal was delicious and the fellowship around the table was even better.  Then he said he wanted to show me something.  Down the hall we went into what was originally designed to be a middle bedroom.  As we entered the room he said, “This is my prayer room.” In the room there was only a kneeling bench – an old pulpit that some students had cut lower so that the reading area was at eye level for one kneeling on the attached bench. On the reading area sat an open Bible and a note pad. The room was illumined with only indirect light. Stepping from the hallway into the prayer room, was an experience I could only liken too how the biblical priests must have felt when they entered the Holy Place of the Tabernacle/Temple (I Kings 8:10-11). Speechless, all I could think was, “This is different, like entering the very presence of God.” Then I thought, why not? If the only activity ever experienced in this room, was communion with God, then the special Shekinah glory, the presence of God, never left the room.  Thus, it was felt upon entering. But it was just a suburban bedroom! My later reflection was that there is no holy ground, just ground made holy because we repeatedly meet God there. I expressed appreciation for allowing me to see the room, and we went back to the table for desert, but I was not the same. Thank you, T.W. Hunt for your special friendship. Thank you for helping me to see more clearly, and to know more fully! We will miss you but rejoice that as you bow before our Holy God in a place prepared for your eternal dwelling; you now see and know the full presence (I Corinthians 12:12).

The heart of mankind longs for justice. I believe this longing is born in us. Have you ever noticed how quick children are to cry, Unfair?

These are certainly days that cause us to cry out for justice on every hand. And I believe injustices ought to anger us when we see them. I don’t believe God is necessarily put off by angry prayers for justice. I could site the deprecatory Psalms where the psalmists cry out for such things as the heads of the wicked enemy’s babies to be dashed against the rocks. Such Psalms point out the condition of our own hearts and that true justice only comes from the heart and hand of God.

Unlike the wrath of God, my anger never produces righteousness.(James 1:20) In fact, I need God to cleanse me from the wickedness that proceeds from my heart and clings to my soul in anger. I even find the selfish resentment and violence in my heart crying out for the painful revenge on a villain in a novel I am reading. It is not real, but it reveals the violence in my heart.

I am praying for justice in everything relating to the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO. I was grieved to hear it stated on television that the officer repeatedly shot the young man in the back. But of course, the evidence finally released showed that did not happen at all.

I still hate it that unarmed young men have been killed by police. I also sympathize with African Americans who see police targeting blacks. But I hardly think it brings justice to loot stores owned and operated by black people trying to make a living or for businesses to be burned to the ground that were providing goods and employment to a neighborhood.

Interestingly enough much Islamic terrorism grows out of a perverted desire for justice and what they perceive to be righteousness. Boko Haram kidnapped young girls because they were frustrated by what they saw as ungodly western education given to children.

However, we can pray for justice to be brought about even in our fallen world. Pray, pray, pray. And we can be confident as we pray that the day is coming and may be near when Jesus will return and establish the righteousness of God on the earth.

http: //watchinginprayer.blogspot.com/

 http://daveswatch.com/

Recently, I was encouraged when a friend shared with me how God was answering the prayers she was praying for her grandchild. I am always encouraged to hear how God is answering a grandparent’s prayer for their grandchildren. Many of us have long distance grandchildren and miss involvement in their lives. However, God has given us the gift of prayer so we have opportunity to always pray for them.

The greatest gift we can give our grandchildren is the gift

of a praying grandparent.

I am going to suggest a prayer you can use to pray for them, you may also include it in a Christmas greeting, using the word CHRISTMAS.

 Give your grandchildren the gift of a Prayer

        Pray this prayer and send it to your grandchildren.

If you join the mailing list of this blog I will send you 31 Scriptures to Pray for your Grandchildren. The form is on the right side of the website.

I hope and pray you will have a blessed Christmas as you share the true meaning of Christmas.

Lillian Penner, Nat'l Prayer Coordinator for Christian Grandparenting Network