Monthly Archives: December 2013

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December 8, 2013

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Attitudes & Behavior, Holidays & Holy Days, Wisdom & Guidance

Presence Not Presents (2nd Sunday in Advent)

And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, “Behold, a virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel” (which being interpreted is, “God with us”). [Matthew 1:21-23 (NKJV)]

In this Christmas season, O Lord, how easy it is to get caught up in the trimmings and forget the significance of this holiday. As the celebration of our Savior’s birth fast approaches, help us focus on Christ’s presence and not people’s presents. Remind us of the true meaning of “Christmas spirit” and show us how to keep Christ at the center of our hearts, not just this holiday season but every day of the year.

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December 7, 2013

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Prayer, Wisdom & Guidance

Petition – Give Me a Task (Prayer part 6)

2013-12-7God has made us what we are. He has created us in Christ Jesus to live lives filled with good works that he has prepared for us to do. [Ephesians 2:10 (GW)]

Father in heaven, it seems like I’m always asking you to do something for me. Today, I ask what it is that I can do for you. To whom should I speak? For whom should I pray? What should I give? Who needs my help and what should I do? Give me a task and a cheerful and willing heart!

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.
[St. Francis of Assisi]

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December 6, 2013

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Challenges & Difficulty, Love & Works, Prayer

Intercession – (Prayer part 5)

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He led them by a straight way till they reached a city to dwell in. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things. [Psalm 107:6-9 (ESV)]

Merciful Lord, we offer this prayer for those who are overwhelmed by their life’s difficulties. Take pity on them and heal their troubled souls. Encourage and empower them as they struggle with their problems. Reassure them of your unwavering love and renew their faith so they know you are with them at all times and in all places.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. [Psalm 34:18 (NLT)

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December 5, 2013

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Obedience, Prayer

Confession: the Ab Work of Prayer – (Prayer part 4)

If we say we have no sin, we are fooling ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins, because we can trust God to do what is right. He will cleanse us from all the wrongs we have done. [1 John 1:8-9 (NCV)]

I enjoy working out and lifting weights. There is one exercise, however, that I dislike and avoid doing whenever possible: sit-ups. I abhor doing them, yet doing them is essential in order to have a strong core. So, begrudgingly, I do work on my abs (but not nearly as often or as enthusiastically as I should.) Confession is a bit like the sit-ups of our prayer life. It certainly isn’t pleasant and can even be a bit painful, yet it is an essential part of our daily faith regimen if we ever hope to grow spiritually strong.

Father guide us in our prayer lives so that we are willing to search our souls and exercise in honest self-evaluation and confession. Forgive us our sins; may your Holy Spirit lead us to be the people you want us to be.

 

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December 4, 2013

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God's Grace & Love, Prayer, Thanks & Praise

Count Your Blessings and Give Thanks – (Prayer part 3)

O my soul, bless God. From head to toe, I’ll bless his holy name!
O my soul, bless God, don’t forget a single blessing!
He forgives your sins – every one.
He heals your diseases – every one.
He redeems you from hell – saves your life!
He crowns you with love and mercy – a paradise crown.
He wraps you in goodness – beauty eternal.
He renews your youth – you’re always young in his presence. [Psalm 103:1-5 (MSG)]

God does amazing things for us. He forgives us, redeems us, loves us and fills our lives with countless gifts. He may not cure our every ill, but he always heals our ailing spirits. He may not keep us from aging, but he will always renew our hearts and minds. No matter how difficult life may be, there are always blessings to count. Thank you God. Bless the Lord, oh my soul!

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December 3, 2013

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Joy, Prayer, Thanks & Praise

Praise with Every Breath – (Prayer part 2)

Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
Praise him in his mighty heaven!
Praise him for his mighty works;
Praise his unequaled greatness!
[Psalm 150:1-2 (NLT)]

Praise isn’t just a response for the good times in our lives; it is a 24/7 deal. We may not like our present situation or be pleased with the current state of affairs, but we can love our God and praise His Holy Name. In the middle of our praise, we might just find joy and that peace that transcends all understanding!

Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord! [Psalm 150:6 (NLT)]