Good morning,
Jesus, just like when we were firstborn, was a helpless baby that required his parents’ help to do everything. So babies do nothing for the parents much less the community and the world. So, his parents raised him, taught, and prepared him to take his place in ministry. In the same way, when we were born again, we too were not able to stand in faith much less contend against the Devil or the “world” (Romans 6:1-4). Through time though, we grow up in Jesus and eventually we take our place in ministry. This Christmas as you celebrate Jesus’ birth, I encourage you to also think back on the journey you have taken from salvation to where you are. If you have been on the wrong track, then I encourage you to start life over again by confessing the sins of your life and getting things straightened out between you and the Lord. I also encourage you to set aside whatever date you want to celebrate Christmas and mark it as the day you were born again. Use that time to help people and to share your story with those who feel that there is no way that Jesus could possibly help them. When you do this, you bless the listener and you encourage yourself.
Verses: Luke 2:1-22, Isaiah 7, Isaiah 58
Famous Quote: “It is our care for the helpless, our practice of loving-kindness, that brands us in the eyes of those who oppose us.” – Tertullian
Father,
Thank you for this Christmas season. I am so glad and thankful that you did not wait for the world to be in a “peachy perfect condition” before sending your son into this contaminated world. The thing is, every deliverance that you sent was always in times of immense struggles like the exodus from Egypt, release from Babylon, and kingdoms with new leadership. The same is said of our lives because if we were not facing headwinds of troubles, trials we are unable to overcome, etc we’d think we were invincible and become proud and arrogant just like Nebuchadnezzar. You came into my life when my world was in a tailspin and I haven’t regretted it. Please help me to use the remaining days of this year to help people by ministering to them. I pray that you will watch over my family and me as we face 2023. I pray that you will continue to shake the world and its elected leaders so that they may be silenced before you. I pray for the military, law enforcement, and EMT communities that you will be with every one of them and bring them safely home. I pray over our politicians that you will continue to shake them to their core with the message of the Ephod so that they fully understand whom they serve. I pray for the city of Stacy, the state of Minnesota, and the USA may your Spirit fall fresh upon us. I pray for the truckers who carry supplies to our communities. I thank you for healing our land with rain that refreshes the land and the storms that shake the heart of mankind. I pray for those who need a special touch from you today. Finally, I pray that my words will always be an encouragement to all who read these words in Jesus’ name I pray. May your peace be upon my family, city, state, nation, and world. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer (Psalms 19:14).
IHS
MK
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