During this time we will have certain days for 24-hour prayer in the sanctuary and special soaking prayer nights. What we need from YOU is a 500 – word devotional designed to inspire and encourage the St. Giles family. Each devotion will be sent daily to our email list and posted on the website.

We believe as we open our hearts toward God in abandonment and dependence, He will open Heaven toward us. If you are interested in writing a devotion for this please email or call Marlise Newman: 704.367.1390 or marlise@mindspring.com. You will get a sample page format and it will be easy! It will all begin on February 22, so we need your material YESTERDAY! Thank you!

Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You that You have given your agape love to me so that I may continue loving others. Thank You that I am able to show hospitality to strangers. May I entertain angels. Today, I am choosing to pray for prisoners. Show me how to extend compassion to the mistreated and unfortunate. Give me empathy to feel their pain. I believe your Word. May I follow it.

Relying on my God, in Jesus Name, Amen.

He also says to the Son, “In the beginning, Lord, You laid the foundation of the earth and made the heavens with your hands. They will perish, but You remain forever. They will wear out like old clothing. You will fold them up like a cloak and discard them like old clothing. But You are always the same; You will live forever.”

And God never said to any of the angels, “Sit in the place of honor at My right hand until I humble your enemies, making them a footstool under your feet.”

Therefore, angels are only servants-spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You that You created a beautiful earth for me to dwell on. Thank You that You made the heavens with your own hands. I know that they will burn up eventually, but You will remain forever. Hallelujah! Thank You for your wonderful attributes. Your Word teaches me that the angels are simply servants. Thank You for their care of the people who will inherit salvation.

Relying on my God, in Jesus Name, Amen.

Regarding the angels, He says, “He sends His angels like the winds, His servants like flames of fire.”

But to the Son He says, “Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. You rule with a scepter of justice. You love justice and hate evil. Therefore, O God, your God has anointed You pouring out the oil of joy on You more than on anyone else.”

Heavenly Father,

Thank You, Lord, that your throne endures forever and ever. Your scepter of justice is perfect. Thank You that You love justice and hate evil. Thank You that Jesus is our anointed High Priest and King. His work on Calvary birthed more joy in Him than anyone else. But, I can testify of your joy in my life as I walk in your Spirit.

Thank You for sending your angels like the winds. I receive them as Jesus’ servants like flames of fire.

Relying on my God, in Jesus Name, Amen

For God never said to any angel what He said to Jesus:

“You are My Son. Today I have become your Father.”

God also said, “I will be His Father and He will be My Son.”

And when He brought His firstborn Son into the world, God said, “Let all of God’s angels worship Him.”

Heavenly Father,
Thank You that your Son paid it all for me! My heart is in your hands for You have brought me into your kingdom as your child. You are my Father. I am now a joint heir with Jesus Christ, and I join with all of your angels and other saints to worship Him. Relying on my God, in Jesus Name, Amen.

The High Priest and his officials, who were Sadducees, were filled with jealously. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. But an angel of the Lord came at night, opened the gates of the jail, and brought them out. Then he told them, “Go to the Temple and give the people this message of life!”

So at daybreak the apostles entered the Temple, as they were told, and immediately began teaching.

Heavenly Father,

May I be as your apostles were, willing to suffer on your behalf. Should this happen, bring me out, so that I may declare the message of life. I remain yours, faithfully serving You to the end.

Relying on my God, in Jesus Name, Amen.

January 28
The Son is Greater than the Angels
Hebrews 1:5-6

For God never said to any angel what He said to Jesus:

“You are My Son. Today I have become your Father.”

God also said, “I will be His Father and He will be My Son.”

And when He brought His firstborn Son into the world, God said, “Let all of God’s angels worship Him.”

Heavenly Father,
Thank You that your Son paid it all for me! My heart is in your hands for You have brought me into your kingdom as your child. You are my Father. I am now a joint heir with Jesus Christ, and I join with all of your angels and other saints to worship Him.

Relying on my God, in Jesus Name, Amen.

The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: “You will know which one to arrest when I greet Him with a kiss.” So Judas came straight to Jesus. “Greetings, Rabbi!” He exclaimed and gave Him the kiss.

Jesus said, “My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for.”

Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested Him. But one of the men with Jesus pulled out his sword and struck the High Priest’s slave, slashing off his ear.

“Put away your sword,” Jesus told him. “Those who use the sword will die by the sword. Don’t you realize that I could ask My Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and He would send them instantly? But If I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?”

Heavenly Father,

Thank You, Lord, that your Scriptures were fulfilled that night, and You chose not to call forth thousands of angels. Instead, You were willing to fulfill the words of the prophets as recorded in the Scriptures. That night, Jesus, You were betrayed and deserted. Help me not to betray You or desert You. Never allow me to backslide.

Relying on my God, in Jesus Name, Amen.

About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

Jesus called a little child to Him and put the child among them. Then He said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

“And, anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming Me. But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in Me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.”

“What sorrow awaits the world because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting. So if your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one hand or one foot than to be thrown into eternal fire with both of your hands and feet. And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of Hell.”

“Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of My Heavenly Father.”

Heavenly Father,

Thank You that the children’s angels are always in the presence of their Heavenly Father. Don’t ever allow me to cause any little one who trusts in You to fall into sin. Let me become like a little child, humble, so that I might become great in your kingdom. May I always welcome a little child like Jesus did on the day the disciples asked, “Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

Relying on my God, in Jesus Name, Amen.

Next, the devil took Him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed Him the kingdoms of the world and all their glory. “I will give it all to You,” he said, “if You will kneel down and worship me.”

“Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only Him.’”

Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.

Heavenly Father,

May I be a pure worshipper. May I serve You only. Show me how to do a better job for your glory.

Relying on my God, in Jesus Name, Amen.

My dear friends and fellow worshipers of the Lord, it is with very mixed emotions that I am writing you to inform you of God’s call on me to leave St. Giles and become the Executive Director of E.A.C.H., a mission ministry to a consortium of 540 churches and evangelical pastors in the Southeast Michigan region.

E.A.C.H. is the acronym for Everyone A Chance to Hear. It was begun in September of 2010, and has been directed by six of the largest Christian churches in Southeast Michigan. Last year they organized a resource fair to help the smaller churches reach their goals with the help of some of the large churches both in the suburbs and in the city of Detroit. They led a 28,000 person prayer walk in the city of Detroit after Easter and passed out over 200,000 T-Shirts with the website, 2wordstory.com. The regional churches have gathered together to have a stronger impact on their communities by gathering together the resources available. The entire ministry has been run by pastors and lay leaders for the last year. A few weeks ago they decided that there was now a need for one person to lead the charge in helping the Church reach the lost in Southeast Michigan. My name was submitted by one of the pastors and in a very short period of time, a call was issued.

How does one decide what is or is not a call from God? I had to wrestle with that as I feel we have been making great headway here at St. Giles. I believed, when called by St. Giles, that we would have a long and powerful ministry together for the years to come. I was not seeking another call, nor was it even in my future thoughts.

As I review what has happened at St. Giles I think of the following blessings. We have a wonderful new beginning in worship and strength in our new midweek program. The Session and Deacons have worked very hard to bring more unity to the body. We have seen some salvations and baptisms. We’ve experienced the hand of God moving and seem to have the momentum of growth and God’s blessing on our side. I have enjoyed working with the Session and the finance committee, and with the Nehemiah Vision Committee. Each of those bodies are striving to present Christ in the midst of our ministries.

Even though all these things are true, yet they are so, not because of me, but because God has given us a vision and the elder leadership has moved diligently to begin the implementation of that vision. Great things are yet in store as the body continues on this pathway. I have enjoyed my time with the body, especially the staff and leadership. I was called to St. Giles by the Lord. It is very important for each of you to know that accepting a call from God to leave was not an easy decision, nor was it a decision based on bad versus good or better versus best. I was moving in the midst of a wonderful call in a wonderful church with wonderful followers of Christ.

I prayed diligently in making this decision based on my understanding of God’s call throughout my life in service to Him. I have received seven very clear callings from God over the thirty-three years of my ordained ministry; from seminary to Helena Presbyterian Church; from Helena to Ward Presbyterian; from Ward to Faith Church; from Faith to START Ministries; from START to Trinity Church (continuing with START during and after Trinity;) from START to St. Giles and now from St. Giles to E.A.C.H. in southeast Michigan. Every time, God had prepared me for the next call by increasing my gifting, my knowledge and my experiences in ministry. Only in retrospection am I able to see how he has cumulatively developed me over the years for this new calling to work with E.A.C.H. Also, in every move from one call to the other, God blessed what I left behind and promised blessings on where I was headed. He remains faithful.

Let me share with you why the Executive Board of E.A.C.H. chose to issue a call from God to me. They based it on several factors, many of which are well known concerning me in southeast Michigan where I invested thirty years in ministry. I am a starter, a visionary and an embellisher of other’s ideas. I move across cultural and denominational lines. I am at an age of maturity and have pastored in both the large and small church as well as served on the mission field. I have worked for years with pastors helping them bring their churches to life and am well known in the Detroit and Southeast Michigan region. My connections with leaders in the city and suburbs, both secular and ecclesiastical, as well as my desire to mentor pastors, perfectly matched the profile the executive board designed for the position of Executive Director. They spoke with me two weeks ago and made their presentation and call. I did not anticipate this call. I was doing very well right here among you. Thank you for following my leadership. Thank you for responding to the preaching of the Word and some of the redirection we have accomplished concerning programming for the future. Thank you for all your prayers and your sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.

Why now? Couldn’t it have waited for a few more months? This is God’s timing, not mine. I have requested that I be allowed to complete the six week program of Ignite’s first phase. That means I will be here through the end of February. The Elders have graciously agreed with that timing. E.A.C.H. will be having its three largest events in March, April and May as they once again offer the prayer walk in Detroit, a resource fair for all the regional churches and a pastor’s conference with well known, international speakers participating. In order to reach more churches in the region with these opportunities, they felt it necessary to have someone on board no later than March 1, 2012.

Therefore, the Session has agreed and will allow me to remain at St. Giles through the first phase of our midweek program. That means I’ll be able to complete the teaching in Ephesians and the preaching of the series that began three weeks ago. My final Sunday will be February 26th.

In my heart, this is a call I am not able to refuse. I have clearly heard from the Lord that my season at St. Giles has ended, but His blessings upon the church have not. My prayers are for you to continue to lift Him up and seek His kingdom and righteousness. God has the perfect man waiting to be called to this blessed opportunity as your pastor.

Again, let me reassure each of you that this is a positive move from one good work for God to another. You will always have a place in my heart and my continued prayers will be for your victory and for the fire to come soon.

Obedient to His call,

Wally

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. For forty days and forty nights He fasted and became very hungry. During that time the devil came and said to Him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.”

But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Then the devil took Him to the Holy City, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If You are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order His angels to protect You. And they will hold You up with their hands so You won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’”

Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’”

Heavenly Father,

Never let me test You.

Relying on my God, in Jesus Name, Amen.

Then the angel showed me Joshua the High Priest standing before the Angel of the Lord. The Accuser, Satan, was there at the Angel’s right hand, making accusations against Joshua. And the Lord said to Satan, “I, the Lord, reject your accusations, Satan. Yes, the Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you. This man is like a burning stick that has been snatched from the fire.”

Joshua’s clothing was filthy as he stood there before the Angel. So, the Angel said to the others standing there, “Take off his filthy clothes.” And turning to Joshua he said, “See, I have taken away your sins, and now I am giving you these fine new clothes.”

Then I said, “They should also place a clean turban on his head.” So, they put a clean, priestly turban on his head and dressed him in new clothes while the Angel of the Lord stood by.

Then the Angel of the Lord spoke very solemnly to Joshua and said, “This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: If you follow my ways and carefully serve me, then you will be given authority over my temple and its courtyards. I will let you walk among these others standing here. Listen to me, O Joshua the High Priest and all you other priests. You are symbols of things to come. Soon I am going to bring my servant, the Branch. Now look at the jewel I have set before Joshua, a single stone with seven facets. I will engrave an inscription on it, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies and I will remove the sins of this land in a single day.”

Heavenly Father,

Thank You that your enemies are scattered. And those who hate You shall flee before your face. As smoke is driven away, so shall You drive them away. As wax melts before the fire, so the wicked shall perish. But as your righteous person, I will rejoice before You. I will sing to You. I am jubilant before You. You are a Father to me. You are a champion of the widow. Yea, God. You make the lonely to live in a home. You bring out the prisoners, and I thank You.
(Ps. 68:1-6)

Relying on my God, in Jesus Name, Amen.

Just then a hand touched me (Daniel) and lifted me and the man said to me, “Daniel, you are very precious to God, so listen carefully to what I have to say to you. Stand up, for I have been sent to you.” When he said this to me, I stood up, still trembling. Then he said, “Don’t be afraid. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of Persia. Now I am here to explain what will happen to your people in the future, for this vision concerns a time yet to come.”

Heavenly Father,

I realize that I am precious to You for You have saved me and provided me with so many blessed benefits. Never allow me to take anything You provide for granted. May I always have praise on my lips when I receive your blessings. Touch me and teach me your ways, Lord, so that I am freshly anointed to press toward the mark of the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus.

Relying on my God, in Jesus Name, Amen.

As I, Daniel, was trying to understand the meaning of this vision, someone who looked like a man stood in front of me. And I heard a human voice calling out from the Ulai River, “Gabriel, tell this man the meaning of his vision.”

As Gabriel approached the place where I was standing, I became so terrified that I fell with my face to the ground. “Son of Man”, he said, “You must understand that the events you have seen in your vision relate to the time of the end.”

While he was speaking, I fainted and lay there with my face to the ground. But Gabriel roused me with a touch and helped me to my feet.

Heavenly Father,

May I be as Daniel, seeking You while You may be found. May I succumb deeply to a love relationship with You that equals Daniel’s. He, Lord, is a model to be emulated. Turn my heart toward prayer so that I will pray without ceasing to learn
more of You and equip others so they will be more like You.

Relying on my God, in Jesus Name, Amen.

“The chariots of God are twenty-thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the Holy Place. Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them. Blessed be the Lord who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our Salvation. He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto God the Lord belong the issues from death.”

Heavenly Father,

Thank You that You have quickened me according to everything that is mine in your Word. You have preserved me from all evil. Every day, Lord, You load me with benefits. I have your light of life to lead me. You give me everything I need and more, so that there is not only enough for my own needs, but plenty left over to give joyfully to others. I have the victory through what Christ has done. I will spread your Gospel like a sweet perfume.

Relying on my God, in Jesus Name, Amen.

God told His prophet, Elisha, the plans of Israel’s enemies and Elisha related these to the King of Israel. King Aram gave orders for his men to go and find out where Elisha was staying so that he could send troops to seize him. The report came back that Elisha was at Dothan. So, one night the king sent a great army with many chariots and horses to surround the city. When the servant of the man of God got up the next morning and went outside he saw troops, horses and chariots everywhere. “O, Sir, what will we do now?” The young man cried to Elisha.

“Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.

Elisha prayed, “O Lord, please make the Aramean army blind.” So the Lord struck them with blindness.

Then Elisha went out and told them, “You have come the wrong way”, and he led them to the city of Samaria. Elisha prayed again, “O Lord, now open their eyes, and let them see.” So, the Lord opened their eyes and they discovered that they were in the middle of Samaria.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You, Lord, that we are surrounded by your great army of angels. Thank You, Lord, that You are in control of everything for You are sovereign. May I stand firm, trusting You to always protect me. You are full of kindness, and You will give me all I need. I will not allow myself to fall into the error of pride-thinking that I can take care of things my own way. In the Name of Jesus, I am a blood bought over-comer, purchased by the blood of the Lamb.

Relying on my God, in Jesus Name, Amen.

“The Angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.”

In these verses we see that Jesus will and does surround those of us who fear Him, exalt Him, honor Him, and that we are delivered in all ways by Him. If we will only taste and see, we will find that He is good.  So, we must take refuge in Him. By doing so, we are blessed.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You, Jesus, You are a guard for me. Thank You that You surround me and You defend me. I fear You. May I always taste and see your goodness as You pour your Spirit out on me. When I receive from You, I ask that my hands be clean and my heart be pure. Let me run with patience that particular race You have set before me.

Relying on my God, in Jesus Name, Amen.

While King Sennacherib of Assyria was still besieging the town of Lachish, he sent his officers to Jerusalem with this message for Hezekiah and all the people in the city: “This is what King Sennacherib of Assyria says: What are you trusting in that makes you think you can survive my siege of Jerusalem? Hezekiah has said, ‘The Lord our God will rescue us from the King of Assyria.’ Surely Hezekiah is misleading you, sentencing you to death by famine and thirst! Don’t you realize that Hezekiah is the very person who destroyed all the Lord’s shrines and altars? He commanded Judah and Jerusalem to worship only at the altar at the Temple and to offer sacrifices on it alone.
Surely you must realize what I and the other Kings of Assyria before me have done to all the people of the earth! Were any of the gods of those nations able to rescue their people from my power? Which of their gods was able to rescue its people from the destructive power of my predecessors? What makes you think your God can rescue you from me. Don’t let Hezekiah deceive you! Don’t let him fool you like this! I say it again-no god of any nation or kingdom has ever yet been able to rescue his people from me or my ancestors. How much less will your God rescue you from my power.”

And Sennacherib’s officers further mocked the Lord God and his servant Hezekiah, heaping insult upon insult. The King also sent letters scorning the Lord, the God of Israel. He wrote, “Just as the gods of all the other nations failed to rescue their people from my power, so the God of Hezekiah will also fail.” The Assyrian officials who brought the letters shouted this in Hebrew to the people gathered on the walls of the city trying to terrify them so it would be easier to capture the city. These officers talked about the God of Jerusalem as though He were one of the pagan gods, made by human hands.

Then King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah cried out in prayer to God in heaven and the Lord sent an angel who destroyed the Assyrian army with all its commanders and officers. So Sennacherib was forced to return home in disgrace to his own land. And when he entered the temple of his god, some of his own sons killed him with a sword.
That is how the Lord rescued Hezekiah and the people of Jerusalem and from all the others who threatened them. So, there was peace throughout the land.

Heavenly Father,

May I always depend on You as I pray believing. You will defeat my enemies. When others speak lies about You, shut their mouths and show my community who You are. Your name is above every name. I will never take your name in vain. I will forever exalt You, for You always cause me to triumph in Christ Jesus.

Relying on my God, in Jesus Name, Amen.

We learn from I Kings 19 that Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed the prophets of Baal. So, Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, letting him know that his life would be like one of them. Elijah ran with fear for his life. When he came to Beersheba, he left his servant there and traveled another day into the desert. Seated under a broom tree, he prayed, “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the tree and fell asleep.

All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” He found a cake of bread by his head and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.

The angel of the Lord returned, touched him and said, “Get up and eat for the journey is too much for you.” So he got up and drank and ate. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. There he went into a cave and spent the night.

Heavenly Father,

Today, I am presenting my fears to You, asking You to conquer them. Thank You that your Word tells me that I am more than a conqueror in Jesus Christ. Some situations are so difficult I just want to run away from them as Elijah did. Fear gripped him, just as it can grip me.

When the spirit of fear tries to rob me of my faith in You, God, I’m seeking You to kill this spirit’s effect on me. I am claiming Isaiah 43:1-3. I will not be afraid. I am ransomed by Christ. I am God’s child. When I go through deep waters of trouble, You go with me. The flames of the fires of oppression will not consume me. My Lord, my God, my Savior-You are with me.

Relying on my God, in Jesus Name, Amen.

Chapter twenty-four of Second Samuel opens with King David taking a census in Israel and Judah. By doing so, he disobeyed God’s Word. Upon completion of the census, David’s conscience began to bother him. He confessed and asked the Lord’s forgiveness. The next morning the prophet Gad came to David with three choices of punishment from the Lord. David had to choose one of them. He chose to fall into the hands of God rather than human hands for he understood the greatness of God’s mercy. His decision resulted in God sending a plague. Seven-hundred thousand died. But, as the angel was preparing to destroy Jerusalem, the Lord relented and told the death angel to stop. When David saw the angel, he said, “I am the one who has sinned and done wrong! But these people are as innocent as sheep-what have they done? Let your anger fall against me and my family.”

In the first sentence of this chapter we learn of God’s anger burning against Israel. He was really punishing the nation for their disobedience. We can see that he had made a huge mistake by taking the census. God sent the angel of death. Obviously, this angel carried a plague to wipe out those seven-hundred thousand people.

David’s pride got the best of him. He did not follow the census taking prescription God gave Moses in Exodus 30:12. A census could legitimately be taken only by the one who owned what was being counted. Therefore, David had no right to count Israel or Judah. They belonged to God.

I could go in many directions with today’s prayer initiative. I’ve chosen our prayer to be focused on our own preparation for death, our beautiful homecoming with our Lord. This may sound somewhat morbid, but as I considered myself in this equation, I thought about my own readiness to receive the angel of death someday. May you be blessed and have many years to prepare for your own homecoming.

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for your divine timing for my life span. May I glorify your name continually through my last breath. I am comforted by your Holy Spirit. Do not allow me to carry a spirit of heaviness. Anoint me with your oil of joy and give me beauty for ashes. Place garments of praise upon me and help me to wear them worthily.
My hope is in You alone. You know the number of hairs on my head and the number of breaths I will breathe. Create a pure heart in me that pleases You, so I will be refreshed in your presence on the day You choose to bring me home. May my desire be to only have done your will on earth as it is in heaven. My life is yours. Thank You for your life in me now and forevermore.

Relying on my God, in Jesus Name, Amen.

Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, so the Lord delivered them into the hands of the Philistines for forty years.
A certain man of Zorah, named Manoah, from the clan of the Danites, had a wife who was sterile and remained childless. The Angel of the Lord appeared to her and said, “You are sterile and childless, but you are going to conceive and have a son. Now see to it that you drink no wine or other fermented drink and that you do not eat anything unclean, because you will conceive and give birth to a son. No razor may be used on his head, because the boy is to be a Nazarite, set apart to God from birth, and he will begin the deliverance of Israel from the hands of the Philistines.”

Then the woman went to her husband and told him, “A man of God came to me. He looked like an angel of God, very awesome. I didn’t ask him where he came from, and he didn’t tell me his name. But he said to me, “You will conceive and give birth to a son. Now then, drink no wine or other fermented drink and do not eat anything unclean, because the boy will be a Nazarite of God from birth until the day of his death.”

Then Manoah prayed to the Lord: “O Lord, I beg You, let the man of God you sent to us come again to teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born.”
God heard Manoah, and the Angel of God came again to the woman while she was out in the field; but her husband Manoah was not with her. The woman hurried to tell her husband, “He’s here! The man who appeared to me the other day.” Manoah got up and followed his wife. When he came to the man, he said, “Are you the one who talked to my wife?”

“I Am” He said.

So Manoah asked Him, “When your words are fulfilled, what is to be the rule for the boy’s life and work?”

The Angel of the Lord answered, “Your wife must do all that I have told her. She must not eat anything that comes from the grapevine, nor drink any wine or other fermented drink nor eat anything unclean. She must do everything I have commanded her.”

Heavenly Father,

Visit me with your blessings. Stir up the gifts that are within me. Create fresh fruit. Keep me from being barren. Release me to be your instrument of peace and righteousness. May I embrace all You give me as an extension of your will for my life. Make your face to shine upon me and be gracious to me as I serve You. You are the Lord of the harvest, and I am your laborer.

Relying on my God, in Jesus Name, Amen.

The Angel of the Lord came and sat down under the oak at Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. When the Angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, He said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.”

“But Sir,” Gideon replied, “If the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all His wonders that our fathers told us about when they said, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the Lord has abandoned us and put us into the hand of Midian.”

The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”
“But Lord,” Gideon asked, “How can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.”
The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together.”

Again, the people of God had not listened to His instructions. When Gideon was threshing his wheat in the winepress, fear of his enemies placed him there in a very confined space to protect the wheat from being stolen by the Midianites. When the Angel of the Lord appeared and addressed him as a mighty warrior, Gideon’s surprise was evident. He saw himself as weak, even referring to himself as the least in his family. But God was commissioning him just as He had commissioned Moses to deliver Israel. Gideon’s question, “How can I?” shows his lack of faith. It’s interesting how the Lord usually calls the lowly rather than the mighty to act for Him. Our prayer for today will focus on having a greater gift of faith.

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for your gift of faith. When I am called upon to defend the truth, please supply me with a greater gift of faith. Let it rise up in me to heighten my ability to be all You created me to be for your glory. I will not fleece You as Gideon did. I will trust in You alone. I will witness for You. I will testify for You. I will fight for You as You defend me. I am yours, and You are mine. With You for me, who can be against me? I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!!! Honor to my King! Glory to my Lord!

Relying on my God, in Jesus Name, Amen

The Angel of the Lord went up from Gilgal to Bokim and said, “I brought you up out of Egypt and led you into the land I swore to give to your forefathers. I said, ‘I will never break my covenant with you, and you shall not make a covenant with the people of this land, but you shall break down their altars.’ Yet you have disobeyed me. Why have you done this? Now, therefore, I tell you that I will not drive them out before you; they will be thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a snare to you.”

When the Angel of the Lord had spoken these things to all the Israelites, the people wept aloud, and they called that place Bokim. There they offered sacrifices to the Lord.

Israel, as a nation, had not followed the Lord’s directions, so He withdrew His helping hand. Each of us are responsible for ourselves. Individual and corporate thoughts as well as actions should follow zealous obedience to meet God’s expectations. America has fallen away from the Lord. Today, let us pray for our nation and its restoration under God.

Heavenly Father,
You are an awesome covenant maker. Thank You that You will never break your covenant with me. Your promises are true, and I will keep my promises to You. Please, guard my mind, my tongue, and my actions- today and forever. Free me to be an awesome covenant keeper for your glory. I am choosing to walk with your courage and not be faint. I am choosing to walk with your love. I will do good to all the people I meet. I will be your blessing. Thank You for blessing me with these attitudes and actions.

Relying on my God, in Jesus Name, Amen.

“Balaam got up in the morning, saddled his donkey and went with the princes of Moab. But God was very angry when he went, and the Angel of the Lord stood in the road to oppose him. Balaam was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him. When the donkey saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the road with a drawn sword in His hand, she turned off the road into a field. Balaam beat her to get her back on the road.

Then the Angel of the Lord stood in a narrow path between two vineyards, with walls on both sides. When the donkey saw the Angel of the Lord, she pressed close to the wall, crushing Balaam’s foot against it. So he beat her again.

Then the Angel of the Lord moved on ahead and stood in a narrow place where there was no room to turn, either to the right or to the left. When the donkey saw the Angel of the Lord, she lay down under Balaam, and he was angry and beat her with his staff. Then the Lord opened the donkey’s mouth, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?’”

Balaam answered the donkey, “You have made a fool of me! If I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now.”
The donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your own donkey, which you have always ridden, to this day? Have I been in the habit of doing this to you?”

“No,” he said.

Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the road with His sword drawn. So he bowed low and fell face down.

The Angel of the Lord asked him, “Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? I have come here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one before me. The donkey saw me and turned away from me these three times. If she had not turned away, I would certainly have killed you by now, but I would have spared her.”

Balaam said to the Angel of the Lord, “I have sinned. I did not realize You were standing in the road to oppose me. Now if you are displeased, I will go back.”

The Angel of the Lord said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but speak only what I tell you.” So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.”

Heavenly Father,

Today, I am inclining myself and my senses to your wisdom. Please enhance the vision of my spiritual eyes and the hearing of my spiritual ears so I will never miss out on your leading and provision. Fear of You and humility are what You require of me. I will do what You want me to do, what is right even when it is difficult. My desire is to be in such tight fellowship with You, that I won’t be ashamed when I meet with my Mighty Warrior, Jesus. Again, thank You for the strength, the life, the honor, and the wealth You bestow upon me.

Relying on my God, in Jesus Name, Amen.

“See, I am sending an Angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. Pay attention to him and listen to what he says. Do not rebel against him; he will not forgive your rebellion, since my Name is in him. If you listen carefully to what he says and do all that I say, I will be an enemy to your enemies and will oppose those who oppose you. My Angel will go ahead of you and bring you into the land of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites and Jebusites, and I will wipe them out. Do not bow down before their gods or worship them or follow their practices. You must demolish them and break their sacred stones to pieces. Worship the Lord your God, and His blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you, and none will miscarry and be barren in your land. I will give you a full life span.”

Heavenly Father,
You gave succinct and viable instructions to your people in the wilderness. I should apply these instructions to my life. Thank You for showing me “Your Way”, Jesus. I am privileged to obey your directives. And, I am blessed to abide in You. Thank You for your place of safety and protection as I live each day of this life. I will not rebel against You. I will not worship idols. I will not imitate evil practices of unbelievers. I will serve only You, my God. Thank You for providing me with food and water and protecting me from illness. Thank You for giving me healthy children. Thank You for a long, full life.

Relying on my God, in Jesus Name, Amen.

Scripture presents Joseph as a man without guile, enslaved and imprisoned by enemies who either lied about him or envied his prized position to such an extent that he spent most of his innocent youth and adulthood as a captive. Yet, God had a plan-many years later-when Joseph was miraculously placed in authority-second only to Pharaoh in power. He exercised life and death over those very men, his own flesh and blood, his brothers, who had murder in their hearts toward Joseph when he was just a boy. Little did they care about or understand Joseph’s pain filled life. Famine had come into their homeland. All they wanted was to feed their own bellies.

Through a series of contrived circumstances, Joseph was able to be reunited with his father, formerly called Jacob. But God had given Jacob a new name, Israel, for he had struggled with God and with men, and had prevailed.

Once again with his father, Joseph took his sons before Israel. Israel stretched out his hands and laid them on Ephraim and Manasseh to bless them and Joseph.

“May the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, the Angel who has delivered me from all harm-may he bless these boys. May they be called by my name and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they increase greatly upon the earth.”

Reading this blessing, we see that angel is capitalized. Why? Traditional Christian interpretation has held that this “Angel” was a preincarnate manifestation of Christ as God’s messenger-servant. Israel understood how well he had been delivered from all harm and desired for the generations following him to receive this same deliverance. He had lived a rough life. He was lied to by his father-in-law, Laban, when Leah was given to him as his wife instead of the woman he loved, and had worked to obtain for seven years, Rebecca. His life was filled with severe disappointment. However, he credited the Angel as his deliverer from all harm. Today, as you pray, consider how your Angel (Christ) has protected you from all harm.

Psalm 27 is a beautiful presentation of the safety God sets before us. Pray it with faith, believing that He hears and answers.

Friends; never, never, never underestimate your Jesus!

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being my light and my salvation. So, why should I be afraid? You are my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? Thank You that evil people, my enemies and my foes will stumble and fall. Should a mighty army surround me, my heart will not be afraid. I will remain confident.

May I live in your house all the days of my life. Lord, conceal me when troubles come and hide me in your sanctuary. Place me on a high rock, out of reach of my enemies who surround me. I am offering You sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising You with music.

You have always been my helper. Lord, hold me close. Teach me how to live. Lead me along the right path. When my enemies accuse me of things I’ve never done, let me remain confident of this, I will see the Lord’s goodness. I am waiting patiently for You, Lord. I will be brave. I will be courageous. Yes, I am waiting patiently for You.

Relying on my God, in Jesus Name, Amen.

Jacob, Isaac’s son and twin brother of Esau, had lived with a lying tongue for many years. Having robbed Esau of his father’s blessing on the first born, Jacob fled for fear of his life. By doing so, tumultuous years followed. The consequences of a lying tongue far outweigh the blessings of Isaac.

After living for decades away from his home-land, Jacob returns. On his way, angels of God met him. When Jacob saw them he said, “This is the camp of God.”

In that place he sent messengers to Esau, asking for favor, fearful of his brother. And then, Jacob created an intricate scheme to protect his wives and children. Little did he know what God had planned for him that night. Left alone, Jacob wrestled with a man all night. Jacob would acquiesce. In the end, God, being God, wrenched Jacob’s hip. Still Jacob said, “I will not let go unless you bless me.” And God did. God changed Jacob’s name from liar to Israel because he had struggled with God and with men and had overcome.

Heavenly Father,

May I be able to identify angels as easily as Jacob did. You, God, have created them for me to judge. In order to honestly use my judgment, I must have spiritual discernment to recognize them as your ministering spirits. Thank You that You created them. Thank You that they are competent and capable, strong to help me at all times. No matter what I am facing, your Word promises me that there are more angels on my side than my enemy, the devil, can muster. I put my confidence in You and your care of me.

Relying on my God, in Jesus Name, Amen.

But Lot’s wife looked back as she was following behind him, and she turned into a pillar of salt.

Heavenly Father,
One of the greatest examples in Scripture of the consequences of disobedience is Lot’s wife. She would not harken to your instruction. May I learn to harken to your instruction so I will not become a pillar of salt. As a child of the light, I enforce my will to line up with your will for me. I will look forward to a good report from You. I am increasing in wisdom and stature and favor with You as your Holy Spirit continually leads me into all truth. I am choosing this day to keep my eyes on You, Jesus, not looking back, thankful that my course is directed by You.

Relying on my God, in Jesus Name, Amen.

“O no, my Lord!” Lot begged. “You have been so gracious to me and saved my life, and you have shown such great kindness. But I cannot go to the mountains. Disaster would catch up to me there, and I would soon die. See, there is a small village nearby. Please let me go there instead; don’t you see how small it is? Then my life will be saved.”

“Alright,” the angel said, “I will grant your request. I will not destroy the little village. But hurry! Escape to it, for I can do nothing until you arrive there.”
(This explains why this village was known as Zoar, which means “little place.”)
Lot reached the village just as the sun was rising over the horizon. Then the Lord rained down fire and burning sulfur from the sky on Sodom and Gomorrah. He utterly destroyed them, along with the other cities and villages of the plain wiping out all the people and every bit of vegetation.

Heavenly Father,
Thank You that You love me with an everlasting love. You teach me that your angels are holy ambassadors, able to provide me with solutions for my problems. Thank You for the angels You have sent and will continue to send to me. May I learn to listen well when they instruct me. Thank You that You have created these angels to serve your purposes in my life. Today, I am praying for them to be strengthened and encouraged. When they minister to me, may I see who they are and receive their instruction.

Relying on my God, in Jesus Name, Amen.

Meanwhile, the angels questioned Lot. “Do you have any other relatives here in the city?” they asked. “Get them out of this place-your sons-in-law, sons, daughters, or anyone else. For we are about to destroy this city completely. The outcry against this place is so great it has reached the Lord, and He has sent us to destroy it.” So Lot rushed out to tell his daughters’ fiancés, “Quick, get out of the city! The Lord is about to destroy it.” But the young men thought he was only joking.

At dawn the next morning the angels became insistent. “Hurry,” they said to Lot. “Take your wife and your two daughters who are here. Get out right now, or you will be swept away in the destruction of the city!”

When Lot still hesitated, the angels seized his hand and the hands of his wife and the two daughters and rushed them to safety outside the city, for the Lord was merciful. When they were safely out of the city, one of the angels ordered, “Run for your lives! And don’t look back or stop anywhere in the valley! Escape to the mountains, or you will be swept away!”

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for travel mercies. I rejoice for You have your angels encamped round about me for my protection when I go in and come out. If I face “bumps in the road”, I will continue on my journey, assured that You will keep me fear-free. Should any kind of frustration occur, I will praise You and be delivered, confident that your perfect will is in play.

Thank You for the form of transportation I’ll be; using for travel. I am trusting all the equipment to be in perfect working order. Bless the driver with godly wisdom. Bless me with great discernment and discretion as I am delivered to my destination.

Relying on my God, in Jesus Name, Amen.

If you don’t know the biblical account of Sodom’s destruction recorded in Genesis 19, you need to read it. Then, you will understand how dependable God was to Lot’s family and how powerful the angels were whom God sent to Sodom. When Lot’s household was surrounded by all the men from every part of the city of Sodom-both young and old- (Genesis 19:4) the angels struck the men who were at the door of the house, both young and old with blindness so they couldn’t find the door and cause any harm.

Heavenly Father,
Lot was an alien, a foreigner in Sodom. I am defined as an alien in this world, for You have redeemed me by the blood of the Lamb. Today, I praise You for the angels You have sent to my household. May they be the strongest strong ones to protect me and my family. Thank You, Lord, for the skill and strength You have imparted to them. Thank You, Lord, that You desire to protect me and my household. Let nothing formed against us prosper, we are your people called by your name, and we are secure in your promises.

Relying upon my God, in Jesus Name, Amen

When Isaac grew up and was about to be weaned, Abraham prepared a huge feast to celebrate the occasion. But Sarah saw Ishmael-the son of Abraham and her Egyptian servant Hagar-making fun of her son, Isaac. So, she turned to Abraham and demanded, “Get rid of that slave-woman and her son. He is not going to share the inheritance with my son, Isaac. I won’t have it.”

This upset Abraham very much because Ishmael was his son. But God told Abraham, “Do not be upset over the boy and your servant. Do whatever Sarah tells you, for Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted. But I will also make a nation of the descendants of Hagar’s son because he is your son, too.”

So Abraham got up early the next morning, prepared food and a container of water, and strapped them on Hagar’s shoulders. Then he sent her away with their son, and she wandered aimlessly in the wilderness of Beersheba.

When the water was gone, she put the boy in the shade of a bush. Then she went and sat down by herself about one-hundred yards away. “I don’t want to watch the boy die,” she said, as she burst into tears.

But God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, “Hagar, what’s wrong? Do not be afraid! God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Go to him, and comfort him, for I will make a great nation from his descendants.”

Then God opened Hagar’s eyes, and she saw a well. She quickly filled her water container and gave the boy a drink.

And God was with the boy as he grew up in the wilderness. He became a skillful archer, and he settled in the wilderness of Paran. His mother arranged for him to marry a woman from the land of Egypt.

Heavenly Father,

At times, others make fun of me, and I am wounded. Today, I am forgiving them of their spiteful behavior. I am rejecting the negative influence they have had on my life and am asking You to work your best in them. (Mark 11:25) I pray for the happiness of those who curse me; I am imploring your blessing on those who hurt me. (Luke 6:28)
As I forgive others, You will forgive me and cleanse me from unrighteousness. (I Jn. 1:9) Living these truths sets me free to be blessed by You. Relying on your instruction to love my enemies helps me to do good to those who hate me and to pray for anyone who despitefully uses me or persecutes me.

Relying on my God, in Jesus Name, Amen.

A few days ago, two younger women asked me if I was an angel. Their question baffled  me. My first thought was, “Of course not.” As I answered them, my response to their question was quite simple, “No, I am a sinner, saved by grace. If it weren’t for Jesus and my relationship with Him, I wouldn’t even have godly attributes.”

This conversation has replayed in my mind several times. God has used it to wrap our
current month’s prayers on angelic accounts found in the Scriptures.

May your January be the best first fruit of any year you’ve ever experienced. Walk in
Christ. Trust Him for a miraculous, “wonderful” month filled with excitement and anticipation. He will work in you. He will work through you. He will work with you during this New Year. And, be assured that His angels will protect you as you fight the fight and keep the faith.

January 1

Hagar-A Woman in Distress

(Genesis 16:7-15)

The Angel of the Lord found Hagar beside a spring of water in the wilderness, along the road to Shur. The Angel said to her, “Hagar, Sarai’s servant, where have you come from, and where are you going?”

“I’m running away from my mistress.”

The Angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress and submit to her authority.” Then he added, “I will give you more descendants than you can count.”

And the angel also said, “You are now pregnant and will give birth to a son. You are to name him Ishmael (which means ‘God hears’), for the Lord has heard your cry of distress. This son of yours will be a wild man, as untamed as a wild donkey! He will raise his fist against everyone, and everyone will be against him. Yes, he will live in open hostility against all his relatives.”

Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the Lord, who had spoken to her. She said, “You are the God who sees me.” She also said, “Have I truly seen the One who sees me?” So that well was named Beer-la-hai-roi (which means ‘well of the Living One who sees me’).

So Hagar gave Abram a son, and Abram named him Ishmael. Abram was eighty-six years old when Ishmael was born.

Heavenly Father,

I am choosing not to run away from the problems in my life. You are my God who sees me inside as well as out. When I am confronted with situations where I need problems solved, please bring the correct antidote to correct each of them. Thank You for your answers and perfect solutions.

Relying on my God, in Jesus Name,
Amen.

Completed in Worship, Prayer and Fasting

“There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of
the tribe of Asher, She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven
years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She
never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming
up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the
child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. When
Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they
returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and
became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.”
Luke 2:36-40

Heavenly Father,

This is the last day of the last month of this year. As I enter
into your presence today, let me consider all You have done for me. Thank You
for your consuming love for me. You have given me much more than I deserve.

As the New Year approaches in a few hours, may I be found as Anna
was, worshiping You, praying and fasting.

You, Lord, are the best. I am looking forward to the changes You
will make in me as I succumb to You. Thank You for bringing me through this
year. You are the best! May I love You more than I ever imagined or dreamed
during this next year.

Truly, Lord, may others see Jesus Christ in me, the only hope of
glory.

Amen

December 31

Completed in Worship, Prayer and Fasting

“There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of
the tribe of Asher, She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven
years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She
never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming
up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the
child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. When
Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they
returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and
became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.”
Luke 2:36-40

Heavenly Father,

This is the last day of the last month of this year. As I enter
into your presence today, let me consider all You have done for me. Thank You
for your consuming love for me. You have given me much more than I deserve.

As the New Year approaches in a few hours, may I be found as Anna
was, worshiping You, praying and fasting.

You, Lord, are the best. I am looking forward to the changes You
will make in me as I succumb to You. Thank You for bringing me through this
year. You are the best! May I love You more than I ever imagined or dreamed
during this next year.

Truly, Lord, may others see Jesus Christ in me, the only hope of
glory.

Amen

Transformed by Your Light

“Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous
and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit
was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not
die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the
temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what
the custom of the law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God,
saying: Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in
peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the
sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to
your people Israel.” Luke 2:25

Heavenly Father,

Today I thank You for Jesus. May I press on toward Christ alone
and choose to pray, Lord, whatever it takes, make me like You.(Phil. 3:13-14) I
know that I must come to the end of myself to experience all of who You are and
what You give. The emptier I am, the more space I have to receive your love and
supply. (Phil. 4:19) Make me willing to have a teachable spirit so that I am
able to be conformed to the divine nature of your Son. (Rom. 12:1-2)

Finally, Lord, may I follow You where You lead me, not knowing
where I am being led but having complete confidence in the One who is leading
me. (Psalm 23:2-4)

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,

Amen

“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her
heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things
they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” Luke 2:19-20

Heavenly Father,

This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent
his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. I am treasuring up this wonderful
event in my life and the millions of others who have gone before me and will
come into your kingdom. Thank You for penning Ephesians 2:47.

As your vessel, I thank You that I possess this precious treasure
(the divine light of the gospel). No matter how frail I may be, 2 Corinthians
4:17 encourages me that your grandeur and the exceeding greatness of your power
is demonstrated only from You, it does not come from me, but I have the
privilege of experiencing it. I treasure this verse.

You chose me to be yours, and I praise You for continually renewing
me. Thank You. Even though I am needy, I am not lost, but I am found. You
consistently pour your divine love into my innermost brokenness. When I am
struggling, You love me. When I am succeeding, You love me. Your love never
fails. I treasure all these things.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,

Amen

Spread the Word

“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds
said to one another, let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has
happened, which the Lord has told us about. So they hurried off and found Mary
and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him,
they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and
all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.”Luke 2: 15-18

Heavenly Father,

May I be one who spreads the Word. Again, today, as I read
Scripture, You instruct me. Embed these truths into my heart and mind so that
others will know your truth.

Never allow me to be lazy or so self-centered that I will hide my lamp under a
bushel.

Romans 12:11 teaches me:

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”

Proverbs 24:30-34 teaches me:

“I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks
judgment; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and
the stone wall was in ruins. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned
a lesson from what I saw: a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of
the hands to rest-and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like
an armed man.”

Lord, as I read these verses, I saw a pathetic word-picture of
what You abhor in your kingdom. Make my desire your desire. May I never be
lacking in zeal. Help me keep my spiritual fervor. Give me judgment. Do not
allow me to fall into spiritual ruin. Let me apply all I have learned from this
lesson for the fulfillment of your kingdom to come. Give me the unsaved for my
inheritance. Show me how I can best serve You so others will be saved.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,

Amen

Unspeakable Joy

“And there were shepherds living out in the field nearby, keeping
watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and
the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel
said, “Do not be afraid.” I bring you good news of great joy that will be for
all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is
Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in
cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host
appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:8-14

Heavenly Father,

Thank You that You, Lord, are with me and You are mighty to save.
You take great delight in me. You quiet me with your love. You rejoice over me
with singing, for You are the author of joy.

I am choosing to be still enough today to hear You singing over me
as You rejoice. To receive your delight while I seek You gives me such
pleasure. The loving depth of our relationship quiets my heart even during my
most difficult of difficulties.

I am yours. You are mine. Such peace is evident as we share this
day. Everywhere I walk, I am inviting You to go with me. Today, I am extending
my hand of fellowship to You, asking You to hold mine and save me from any
entrapment the evil one has planned. You are with me.

May every person I meet see Jesus in me, the hope of glory. Amen

Do What the Lord Commands

“When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had
commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her
until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.” Matthew 1:24-25

Heavenly Father,

Yesterday is over. Thank You for yesterday and my remembrance of
how great You are. Today, I have read Matthew 1:24-25. Joseph did what he was
supposed to do. He only had a few facts available to him. Yet, he chose
obedience. May I be as Joseph was-obedient to your commands.

The Bible richly instructs all of us to become obedient. These
instructions are for our good and the betterment of Your Kingdom. May Your
Kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

As I survey these Scriptures, provide me with flexibility and vulnerability
to confess where I have been wrong in the past. Make today a fresh start for an
obedient walk. Refine me so I will be sure to be near the Kingdom of God.

Matthew 5:19 teaches me:

“Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to
do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever
practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of
heaven.”

Deuteronomy 6:18 teaches me:

“Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so that it may go well with you
and you may go in and take over the good land that the Lord promised on oath to
your forefathers, thrusting out all your enemies before you, as the Lord said.”

Matthew 7:24-25 teaches me:

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice
is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the
streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not
fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.”

John 13:17 teaches me:

“Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”

James 1:25 teaches me:

“But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and
continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it-he will be
blessed in what he does.”

Matthew 12:50 teaches me:

“For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and
mother.”

Thank You, Lord, for these motivational words of instruction.
Ready me and steady me for today’s walk with You.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,

Amen

Immanuel

“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name
Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. All this took place to
fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: The virgin will be with
child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel which means
God with us.” Matthew 1:21-22

Heavenly Father,

Praise be to God! Our Messiah has come. I bow down to You. I sing
praises to your Holy Name. I exalt You. Glory to God in the highest. I join
with Mary, the mother of Jesus, to proclaim your greatness. My spirit rejoices
in You my Savior. You have looked with favor on my humble condition. You are
the Mighty One, having done great things for me. Your name is Holy. I fear You,
Lord. Your mercy is from generation to generation. You have done a mighty deed
with your outstretched arm. Humility, restrain me from pride. Lord, correct the
thoughts of my heart so they are piloted by your perfect will. You have toppled
kings and exalted the lowly.

Thank You. I am choosing your way rather than man’s. As you
satisfy my hunger, I receive your provision. You have shown mercy to Israel;
your mega-mercy to the ends of the earth. Just as You spoke to our ancestors, Abraham
and his descendants, You speak to me with loving clarity.

I am yours forever and ever because you are my Messiah.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory, as I continually
magnify your Name.

Amen

Fear Not

“But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared
to him in a dream and said, Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary
home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”
Matthew 1:20

Heavenly Father,

You had a plan for Joseph. Your plan was for him to be Mary’s
husband. Obviously, Joseph’s cultural roots detoured his thinking. He had
chosen not to take Mary as his wife. You sent him a dream, and in that dream
the angel reassured him that he should not be afraid to take Mary as his wife.

When You ask me to walk by faith and follow a different course
than anyone else, may I be obedient to your instructions. Fear of the unknown
or the edicts of my own cultural roots could detour the course You have set for
me. Your Word teaches me to turn away from fear. Obviously, since I am your
created being, you know all my fears. So, today, as I review your Word, apply
courage and confidence to my inner core when, not if, You direct me into an
assignment that only I can do with You for your glory.

Psalm 34:4 teaches me:

“I sought the Lord and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.”

Mark 4:40 teaches me:

“He (Jesus) said to his disciples, Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no
faith?”

Isaiah 41:13 teaches me:

“For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to
you, do not fear; I will help you.”

Proverbs 1:33 teaches me:

“But whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of
harm.”

Proverbs 3:25-26 teaches me:

“Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for
the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.”

Proverbs 29:25 teaches me:

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept
safe.”

John 14:27 teaches me:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world
gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not

be afraid.”

Joseph took heed of four words spoken to him:

“DO NOT BE AFRAID”

He chose to put away that which was expected of him and did what God commanded
him. Lord, may I have the character of Christ to do what You command of me.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,

Amen

Righteous

“This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary
was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was
found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was
a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind
to divorce her quietly.” Matthew 1:18-19

Heavenly Father,

Repentance yields righteousness. Today my prayers will be focused
on Scriptures that support this truth.

Ezekiel 18:21-22 teaches me:

“But if a wicked man turns away from all the sins he has committed and keeps
all my decrees and does what is just and right, he will surely live; he will
not die. None of the offenses he has committed will be remembered against him.
Because of the righteous things he has done, he will live.”

Job 11:14-15 teaches me:

“If you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in
your tent, then you will lift up your face without shame; you will stand firm
and without fear.”

Psalm 34:10 teaches me:

“The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good
thing.”

Proverbs 10:24 teaches me:

“What the wicked dreads will overtake him; What the righteous desire will be
granted.”

Psalm 5:12 teaches me:

“For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; You surround them with your favor
as a shield.”

Isaiah 3:10 teaches me:

“Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for They will enjoy the fruit of
their deeds.”

These verses are rich to lead me toward your throne, and I am
choosing to receive their instruction so that I will be as Joseph, a righteous
person in your sight.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,

Amen

Mary’s Song: God Helps Israel

“He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to
Abraham even as he said to our fathers.”

Heavenly Father,

My attention today is focused on praying Scriptures for your
chosen people, Israel. They have been afflicted, but they have not been
defeated. I am holding fast to the truth that these people will be found with
praise on their lips for your mercy endures forever. May my prayers for this
nation be multiplied and blessed one-hundred fold.

Encourage our nation of America to show great compassion as found
in 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 to Israel. Thank You, God, that You are the father of
compassion and the God of all comfort. You comfort all troubles so that when
Israel is in distress they will be comforted with patient endurance. Jesus, You
suffered for your people. Let them place their hope in You. Your hope is firm.
Let our brothers and sisters in Israel be informed of your goodness through the
work You did at Calvary. May they enter into a spiritual harvest and be
protected by your strong right arm.

Isaiah 43:1-3 teaches me:

“But now, this is what the Lord says-he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed
you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name;
you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when
you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk
through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt
for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead.”

Lord, You love Israel so much. Guide them into a greater ability
to endure and persevere. May they joyfully abide in You and praise You in spite
of their circumstances.

Your mercy is great, and You have been long suffering toward them
in the past. Supply all they need to obey You and enter into your peace.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory, Amen.

Mary’s Song: He Fills the Hungry with Good Things

“He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich
away empty.” Luke 1:53

Heavenly Father,

The celebration of your Son’s birth is quickly approaching. I have
been very busy with life. Today, may I turn my attention and affection toward
the hungry.

Psalm 102:17 teaches me:

“He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their
plea.”

Psalm 69:33 teaches me:

“The Lord hears the needy and does not despise his captive people.”

Psalm 113:7 teaches me:

“He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap.”

Psalm 72:12-13 teaches me:

“For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to
help. He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from
death.”

Jeremiah 20:13 teaches me:

“Sing to the Lord! Give praise to the Lord! He rescues the life of the needy
from the hands of the wicked.”

These verses demonstrate to me your concern for the needy. May my
heart be your heart. If and when I see others in need, use me and my resources
to ensure their wellbeing to the best of my ability. I know I am only one
person, but You can divide and conquer through me. I am looking forward to this
assignment.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,

Amen

Mary’s Song: He Lifts Up the Humble

“He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up
the humble.” Luke 1:52

Heavenly Father,

Again Lord, You turned Mary’s song into instruction for me today.
She understood how well You lift up the humble. May I learn today from your
Word.

James 4:6 teaches me:

“But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble.”

Proverbs 3:34 teaches me:

“He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.”

Job 22:29 teaches me:

“When men are brought low and you say, Lift them up! Then he will save the
downcast.”

Matthew 23:12 teaches me:

“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be
exalted.”

Proverbs 15:33 teaches me:

“The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor.”

I Peter 5:6 teaches me:

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up
in due time.”

As I survey and meditate on these Scriptures, I clearly see why Mary
sang as she did for the Lord’s birth. You, God, humbled yourself just for me.
Oh, what a Mighty God I serve!

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory, Amen.

Mary’s Song: He Scatters the Proud

“He has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.”

Luke 1:51b

Heavenly Father,

Mary’s song included this very interesting statement. She
understood as she sang that You despise the proud.

Proverbs 16:18 teaches me:

“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”

Isaiah 5:21 teaches me:

“Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.”

Proverbs 26:12 teaches me:

“Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for
him.”

Proverbs 21:4 teaches me:

“Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin!”

Proverbs 27:2 teaches me:

“Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own
lips.”

Luke 16:15 teaches me:

He (Jesus) said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes
of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is
detestable in God’s sight.”

2 Corinthians 10:17-18 teaches me:

“But, Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.” For it is not the man who commends
himself who is approved, but the man whom the Lord commends.”

Lord, may I not be destroyed by a haughty spirit. May I not be
wise in my own eyes and clever in my own sight. May I not be a fool. May I not
have a proud heart. May I never take credit, but only praise You. May I not
justify my own behavior. May I not be detestable in your sight. May I not boast
in myself.

Lord, may I recognize pride for what it is-stinky garbage and the
root of all evil. I am choosing to turn my back on pride.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,

Amen

Mary’s Song: He Has Performed Mighty Deeds

“He has performed mighty deeds with his arm.” Luke 1:51a

Heavenly Father,

As I survey your mighty deeds, it is evident that You are the
strongest strong One. Enoch was taken away. He did not have to experience
death. Your mighty right arm swept him into your presence. He pleased You. May
I be commended by You as one who pleases You.

Noah was sealed into the Ark by your mighty right arm when You
closed the door. As a result, he became an heir of righteousness that comes
through living by faith. Lord, thank You that You seal me into your Holy Spirit
and declare me righteous through your Son, Jesus Christ.

Even though Abraham was a stranger in a foreign country and lived
in tents, he was protected by your mighty right arm. He was looking forward to
the city with foundations whose architect and builder was God. (Heb. 11:10) I
am looking forward to dwelling in your city, New Jerusalem. I know it will only
happen for me because of your mighty deeds done by your right arm.

Psalm 121:7-8 promises me:

“The Lord will keep you from all harm-he will watch over your life; the Lord
will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

When I am in need, Lord, I believe by faith, just as these men
did, that You will perform mighty deeds with your arm. Thank You for
strengthening me unto my difficulties.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,

Amen

Mary’s Song:His Mercy Extends to Those Who Fear Him

“His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to
generation.” Luke 1:50

Heavenly Father,

Thank You, Lord, that You have flooded my heart with your light so
that I am able to fear You. Through your revelation to me, my fear of You has
been elevated to a loving fear. You are teaching me how great your blessings
are because I belong to You. I am now understanding how magnanimous your forgiveness
is because I am yours. Please continue to teach me how to apply your wonderful
kindness to my life and the lives of everyone I meet. Because I fear You, I am
showered by your mercy. Praise God, your mercies are new every morning.

In Psalm 103:17, You teach me, “But from everlasting to
everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness
with their children’s children.” May this verse extend to the thousandth
generation in my own family.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory, Amen.

Mary’s Song: Holy is His Name

“For he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From
now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great
things for me-holy is his name.” Luke 1:48-49

Heavenly Father,

When Isaiah was commissioned in the year that King Uzziah died, he
saw You seated on your throne, high and exalted. The train of your robe filled
the temple. Above You were Seraphs. Their wings covered their faces. They could
not look upon You. But they were calling out to one-another:

“Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord Almighty, the whole earth is full of
His glory.”

Today, I am crying out to You: “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord
Almighty, the whole earth is full of Your glory.”

Isaiah said that he was a man of unclean lips and that he lived
among a people of unclean lips. He had seen the King, the Lord Almighty. Then
one of the Seraphs flew from the altar to him with a live coal in his hand. He
touched Isaiah’s mouth with it and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your
guilt is taken away and your sin is atoned for.”

Today, My King, I am asking You to make my lips clean. Now, in
your presence bring me to yourself and let me say with the heart of a holy
worshiper;

“Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord Almighty,

the whole earth is full of your glory.”

As Isaiah said to the Lord, “Here am I. Send me!”

(Isaiah 6:8), so I say, “Lord, Here I am. Send me!”

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,

Amen

As of December 11, we still need to receive over $77,935 by the end of this year to
meet our operating budget. It is our prayer that you will consider helping us
meet this goal through your continued tithes and year end gifts. In addition,
the Nehemiah Vision Committee would like to remind you of the Building Fund. We
are praying that God will provide us the necessary resources to end the year
with a balanced budget and begin our year with plans to improve the facilities
in 2012. If you would like to make donations, please have your checks
postmarked by December 30th. The Church office will be open Tuesday through
Friday noon the week after Christmas.

For pictures of our current campus and phases of the renovations,
please click the following links: http://stgilesepc.org/uploads/Slide15.jpg
http://stgilesepc.org/uploads/Slide33.jpg
 

December 15

Mary’s Song: My Spirit Rejoices in God My Savior

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices
in God my Savior.” Luke 1:46-47

Heavenly Father,

Jesus, You are my Savior. You have enlisted me in the Lord’s army.
Thank You. You are the Captain of my salvation, seated at the right hand of
God, our Father. Your enemies are your footstool. (Heb. 1:13) I must remember
that I am the goal of your salvation. May I proclaim your name to everyone I
meet as my Savior and the Captain of my salvation.

With my mind fixed on You, I will not drift away from my first
love. I will not neglect such a great salvation. Confirmed in You, I am able to
testify to your greatness through signs, wonders, miracles and the distribution
of gifts from your Holy Spirit according to your will. Your good news touches
me, guides me, sustains my faith and helps me to supernaturally walk through
each day.

Even though I must endure sufferings, the final result sanctifies
me. Praise God, for You have freed me from the yoke of slavery to sin that once
bound me.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory, amen.

What the Lord has Said Will Be Accomplished

“At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town of Judea where
she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s
greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy
Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and
blessed is the child you will bear. But why am I so favored, that the mother of
my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my
ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that
what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.” Luke 1:39-45

Heavenly Father,

As I live, walking in your gift of faith, being sure of what I
hope for and certain of what I do not see, I will understand that what you have
told me will be accomplished. Your timing is perfect. Your provision is
perfect. Your plan is perfect. May I be like Mary, perfected as were the heroes
of the faith. Persecution may come and the storms of life may try to blow me
over, but I will be found standing as I wait upon You for your fulfillment in
my life. Hold my hand. Walk me through my victories and my struggles. I praise
You for them. I will stand with You on that Day, praising You for all You have
accomplished in my life.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory, amen.

I Am the Lord’s Servant

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you
have said.” Then the angel left her.

Heavenly Father,

I am your servant. My desire is to serve You successfully. Send
your holy rain needed for the seed I sow. May the harvest be rich and
plentiful, and may You be satisfied with the crop. But even more importantly,
may You be satisfied with my service. I know that You will open the heavens and
the storehouse of your bounty so that the work of my hands will prosper and
glorify You. What a great opportunity You have given me. May this day be the
first that my sights are set to serve You better than I ever have before. I
look forward to seeing myself become the best servant you’ve ever had. What a
privilege to think this way. May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,
Amen.

Nothing is Impossible With God

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “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. So the holy one to be born will be called the
Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old
age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is
impossible with God.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You that You will fulfill your purpose for me. Nothing is
impossible with You. Because of your great love for me, You, who are rich in
mercy, make me alive with Jesus Christ, the Messiah, even though I was dead in
my trespasses. (Ephesians 2:4-5)

Your love is my motivating force. Your love compels me to obey
Jesus’ commandments. Your love charges and recharges my internal will to say,
“Yes, Lord. I am choosing to complete your assignments.”

Your love never halts. Don’t allow me to withhold my love even
when it’s painful. Instead, grow my gift of love stronger and steadier so that
others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory.

Amen

His Kingdom Will Never End

“Mary was greatly troubled at Gabriel’s words and wondered what
kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “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. He will be great and will be
called the Son of the Most High. The Lord god will give Him the throne of His
father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; His kingdom
will never end.” Luke 1:29

Heavenly Father,

You are producing fruit in me. I am growing to do good. You have
been preparing me to press on toward the goal to win the prize for which You
have called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. May I mature enough to take such a
serious view of things. Let me live up to what You have already attained for
me. When I stand before the throne of judgment, may You say that your purpose
for me was fulfilled. Do not allow me to abandon the works of your hands. Your
Kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. May I make every
effort to add to my faith goodness and to goodness, knowledge so that my
journey into eternity and your never ending kingdom will glorify You to the
fullest.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,

Amen

The Lord is With You

“In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a
town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a
descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and
said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Luke
1:26-28

Heavenly Father,

Just as You were with Mary, You are with me.

Psalm 42:11 asks two very significant questions of me. Why are you downcast?
Why are you so disturbed? With the news Mary received, she could have had these
questions asked of her. However, she heard that the Lord was with her. You,
Lord, are with me. My answers to these two significant questions may vary
because of the nature and severity of my personal situation, but your answers
to these questions for me are absolutely wonderful. You tell me to put my hope
in You. You tell me to praise You. Now, my responsibility is to trust in this
command. Believing this command is coupled with me doing it.

Forgive me for allowing events, circumstances and individuals to
drive me into a downcast position, agitated into a disturbed state of being.
May I learn to always hope in You and praise You no matter what the
circumstances may be. I’m being honest with You right now. This is not always
easy for me. Help me, Lord, to put all of my hope in You.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,

Amen

“Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering
why he stayed so long in the temple. When he came out, he could not speak to
them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making
signs to them but remained unable to speak. When his time of service was
completed, he returned home. After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and
for five months remained in seclusion. The “Lord has done this for me,” she
said. “In these days He has shown His favor and taken away my disgrace among
the people.” Luke 1:21-25

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being absolutely dependable. Thank You that I am
able to embrace my dependence on You for all areas of my life as well as the
lives of my loved ones. Thank You for allowing me to rely upon You fully. As I
do this, I will present You with a life of faith as your Holy Spirit guides me
into sweet surrender to You. When I say surrender it sounds as though I lost.
But, not with You, God. When I surrender to You, I win. You have my best
interest at heart and I praise You for this truth.

May I learn to depend on You more so I will surrender more. Then,
I know my conscious desire to please You will grow me into a much loved
follower of Jesus Christ.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory, Amen.

Believe My Words

“And now you (Zechariah) will be silent and not able to speak
until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will
come true at their proper time.” Luke 1:20

Heavenly Father,

Thank You, Lord, that your Word is living and active. You describe
it as sharper than any double edged sword, and that it penetrates so that the
soul, spirit, joints and marrow are divided by it. Your Word also judges my
thoughts and the attitude of my heart as well as everyone else’s. These
descriptions are found in Hebrews 4:12. Never let me forget how powerful they
are for my life.

Psalm 119:130 also teaches me that the entrance of your words into
my life gives me light. I need your light. I respect your transference of light
into my life. In some ways, I am simple and need understanding. The entrance of
your words is not only a light-giver, but a lamp placed on my path of life to
teach me and correct me in the way of life. (Proverbs 6:23)

May I diligently study the Scriptures so that I can testify about
You. (John 5:39) They are able to make me wise for salvation through faith in
Christ Jesus. Thank You that your words teach me, rebuke me, correct me, train
me, and lead me in the way of righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:15-16)

To receive your words blesses my life. May I walk according to
your Word.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,

Amen

Be Sure of This

“Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an
old man and my wife is well along in years.” The angel answered, “I am Gabriel.
I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to
tell you this good news.” Luke 1:18-19

Heavenly Father,

Zechariah allowed doubt to rob him of his gift of faith. James
1:5-6 teaches me that if I lack wisdom I should ask God and You will give
generously to me without fault-finding. But, when I do this, I must believe and
not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by
the wind.

When I meet with angels or am presented with unconventional
circumstances, remove doubt from my mind and help me believe that You are
always in control. Please provide me with a great measure of discernment so
that my own gullibility will not hinder me. Protect me from anyone who would
try to confuse me.

When You send angels my way, let me carefully embrace them with
godly love. Help my unbelief. I know that without faith it is impossible to
please You. I must believe that you are and that you are a rewarder of those
who diligently seek You. (Heb. 11:6)

Mark 9:23 strongly reinforces my belief system by stating that
everything is possible for him who believes. I believe. Therefore, everything
is possible for me.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,

Amen

Prepared for The Lord

“Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their
God. And he will go before the Lord, in the Spirit and power of Elijah to turn
the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom
of the righteous-to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” Luke 1:16-17

Heavenly Father,

My desire is to be prepared for You. You have supplied me with your love. Thank
You that I am able to share this precious gift with my brothers and sisters in
Christ. May your love in me always rise up to meet the needs of others. I
praise You for being my helper.

May I show hospitality to all who enter my home. I am anticipating
angels to meet with me as I minister to them as well as them ministering to me.
May these angelic hosts be welcomed guests in my home or elsewhere. Thank You
for these opportunities.

You have instructed me to remember prisoners as though I have been
incarcerated with them. Some of my friends and associates seem to be imprisoned
by their own past and present lifestyles. Use me mightily to minister and pray
for their critical concerns. May I always greet them with non-critical
thoughts.

May all marriage beds be kept undefiled in our family. Bless all
marriages. Lord, let me be prepared for You.

Surrounded by decadence, it is tempting to become enticed by the
things of this world. Create in me the mind and willpower to be freed from the
love of money. Rather, as I walk with You, Jesus, my Helper, whisper in my ear,
“Be satisfied with all you have. I will never leave you or forsake you.” What a
great promise for me to trust in and rely on. May I always be prepared for You.

I am learning to boldly say:

The Lord is my helper. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

May I always be prepared for You, and may others see Jesus in me,
the hope of glory.

Amen

To Be a Joy and Delight

“He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice
because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is
never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the
Holy Spirit even from birth.” Luke 1:14-15

Heavenly Father,

Am I a joy and delight to You? Show me how to be this. I was
created to glorify You and enjoy You forever. As I search myself, may my vision
be an unmarred vision focusing truthful attention on who I really am, so that I
become worthy of my calling.

This is the day You have made. I will rejoice in it and be glad.
Psalm 92:2 instructs me to thank You for your kindness every morning and to
thank You for your faithfulness every evening. In addition, I am to sing your
praise. As I take these steps leading me into your presence, everlasting joy is
upon my head. I will have obtained your joy and gladness. Sorrow and sighing
will fly away from me all because I am doing it your way.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,

Amen

Your Prayer has Been Heard

“Your prayer has been heard. Than an angel of the Lord appeared to
him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw
him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: “Do
not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will
bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.” Luke 1:11-13

Heavenly Father,

The Scriptures presented below teach me the conditions You have
established for my prayers to be answered.

Matthew 21:22 If I believe.

I John 5:14 If I ask according to your will.

I John 5:15 If I know that You hear me.

James 5:16 If I confess my sins.

John 16:23,24 If I pray in Jesus’ name.

John 15:7 If I remain in Christ and His words remain in me.

Psalm 145:19 If I fear God.

I John 3:22 If I obey your commands and do what pleases You.

Today, I am asking You to emboss your conditions on my heart so my
prayers will be answered. I’m also asking to have a testimony just as Zechariah
did. His prayers had been heard and would soon be answered through the birth of
John the Baptist.

I, too, am in need of answers to my prayers. I have waited many
years for some of them to be answered. Help me, Heavenly Father, to secure
myself in humility-recognizing that You know what is best for me. Please give
me:

The faith of Abraham

The endurance of Paul

The confession of Peter

The obedience of Samuel

The discipline of Daniel

And lastly,

To fear You through my thoughts, my words and my actions, so that I will ask,
and it will be given to me. I will seek and find. I will knock, and the door
will be opened to me. I will ask and receive.

Your answer will arrive. I will praise You for it.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,

Amen

“Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as a priest before God, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And when the time for the burning of the incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.” Luke 1:8-10
Heavenly Father,

Today, I am joyfully praying with millions of assembled worshipers. We are crying out to You. Hear our prayers and deliver us from evil. You know what we need before we ask. As we call upon You, thank You for answering us.

Many of my fellow Christian brothers and sisters are members of the persecuted Church. Deliver mercy and grace to them. Do not allow their lives to be temples of tears. Rather, bless them with peace, love and joy. Send your resurrection power to secure them during their trials and tribulations.
Thank You for allowing us to fill your golden bowl with our petitions and supplications. As I quiet my heart, show me others I need to pray for. Never allow me to quit depending on You for your perfect answers. I am praying, believing and knowing that all is well even though life is difficult.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,
Amen

“In the time of Herod, king of Judea, there was a pries named Zechariah who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years. Luke 1:5-7

Heavenly Father,

Gratefulness! That’s what I choose to reflect today. Gratefulness as I am able to choose to be upright and blameless in You, Lord. Through your love, I never need to be weighed down with spiritual baggage. You, Lord, carry my load.
As I come to You today, I can see myself looking taller and feeling stronger as I look to You for every answer for every question I have. You provide rest. Thank You for teaching me how to walk uprightly when I am tempted in any way. Holy Spirit, address my thought process and convey godly wisdom-Spirit to spirit-so I will find myself able to walk blamelessly as an extreme makeover for your glory.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,
Amen

A Prayer Devotional
By Linda Hostetter
Copyright 12/11 Prayer Stations for The Nations

INTRODUCTION

As we prepare for the holiday season, let’s quiet our lives down to a less than hectic pace and focus on Jesus. I have chosen Luke’s birth narrative with a few verses from Matthew to enhance your quiet time with the Lord. You will see phrases that have been highlighted within these passages. They represent the focal point for each day’s time of study, meditation and prayer.

May God bless your thirty-one days of December as you enter into His presence. It was my privilege to study and provide this devotional prayer book for your use. Know how much the Lord loves you and has you at the center of His heart.

May Christ see you reflecting Him during this beautiful season that celebrates His birth.
With love and thanksgiving,

Linda Hostetter

December 1
Know the Certainty of What You’re Taught

“Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.” Luke 1:1-4

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Luke’s diligence in his research and studies. His desire to clarify the accomplishment of things prophesied in the Old Testament will instruct me as your disciple. To know your Word, to trust in your Word and to live out your Word will prepare me for eternity. As You use me as one of your own, may I be so enveloped by your teaching that the words I speak will be received by a dying world. Unveil apostolic preaching and miraculous testimonies for me so that I will appropriate them as a means of honoring and glorifying You.

As I pray through the birth narrative found in the Gospels of Luke and Matthew, open new spiritual vistas for me. Thank You, Jesus, for giving up everything for my salvation. I will never underestimate the extreme sacrifice You suffered for my eternal existence. May my attitude always be received by others as a Christ follower who gives myself no rest until You establish Jerusalem and make her the praise of the earth. These prayers are lovingly spoken to You. Please work through them for my good and your own purpose.

May others see Jesus in me, the hope of glory,
Amen

“If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all His commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God.” Deuteronomy 28:1-2

Heavenly Father,

Deuteronomy 28:1-2 is right to the point. Sound instruction with powerful adjectives catch my attention. Fully obey. Carefully follow. Those words convey the “if” I will. The “then” results are optimal. You will set me on high. Blessings will come.

Today is the last day of November. This month has focused on house cleaning. I pray that I’ve done a good job. You have challenged me to change and acquiesce the cobwebbed corners of my life. I needed to lay everything down at the foot of the Cross to be blessed by my sovereign God.

You’ve challenged me as the God of this Universe to become holy. Thank You, You are my Gentle Shepherd. You want me to succeed. Let me always do what I’ve learned this month. I want to go forward with You.
 
When I am challenged to or fall into sin, equip me to surrender to your loving discipline. I love You, Lord. May I be eager to learn to be ever faithful.

In Jesus Name
I am eternally grateful,
Amen
 

“…and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope-the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
Titus 2:12b

Heavenly Father,

My desire is to become exactly as Titus 2:12 describes-a person of integrity-able to say, “Yes, Lord, I am Spirit-controlled, passionately exhibiting self-control, knowledgeable in making correct decisions, and faithfully desiring a godly life in this present age.” Produce these qualities in me so that I can transfer them to an unbelieving world. These are ambitious goals. They inspire me to be transformed as an individual who is led to the obvious choice: to wait for the blessed hope-the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Praise God from Whom all blessings flow. I am blessed by You. My hope is in You. Thanksgiving is in my heart. You are, without a doubt, challenging me to create a spiritually wealthy lifestyle so I’ll progress and develop according to your perfect will.

In Jesus Name, I am eternally grateful, Amen

“The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.” Psalm 118:14

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for filling me with strength and protecting me wherever I go. To walk in your strength and under your protection places great peace in my heart. Understanding You’ll provide all I need in even the most difficult circumstances makes me sure footed as a mountain goat upon the crags. I am so thankful that You will lead me safely along the tops of cliffs and prepare me for battle. (Psalm 18:32) Your salvation has made me secure.

Revelation 12:10a identifies four powerful results of your provision: salvation, strength, the Kingdom of God has come to me along with your power, Christ. To receive these totally dazed me. Thank You for captivating my life through the beauty You’ve painted on my life’s canvas. Your words dance off the pages in Revelation, supplying me with an abundance of spiritual wealth.
 
May I be worthy to walk in them, enticed to fulfill my destiny with each of them. Never allow me to regret not having experienced the richness of their fruit. You are my song!
In Jesus Name, I am eternally grateful, amen.

“Since You are my Rock and my Fortress, for the sake of your Name lead and guide me.” Psalm 31:3

Heavenly Father,

Since You are my Rock and my Fortress, for the sake of your Name lead and guide me. (This substantial request will surely profit my life.) I am rising to receive your leadership, God. You will give me the best, and we will walk this life together being like-minded. Thank You that You will sincerely care for my state of affairs. I will follow You as I seek your guidance. You will order my steps as your Spirit guides me into all truth. Your anointing is on me. Burdens are gone as You remove them from my shoulders and neck. My trust for all things is placed at your feet, expecting You to equip me with supernatural insight and life skills that will catapult me into kingdom living that pleases You. This is my prayer for today.

Who else is the Rock? Who else can be my Fortress? Only You, God, and I am assured through your Word that You have demonstrated miraculous answers to prayer as my Rock and Fortress.

In Jesus Name, I am eternally grateful, Amen.
 

“You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11

Heavenly Father,

Your path of life for me is filled with joy in your presence, providing me with eternal pleasures. As I walk on this path, I ask that my pilgrimage be obedient to your will. I Peter 2:9 and Titus 2:14 explain that I will appear quite peculiar in the eyes of the world. My desires should be to conduct myself as a follower of Jesus. My mouth should carry on conversations that reveal my relationship with Jesus, showing others that I am a Christ follower. My energies need to go toward Godly works. These are your strong directions, totally countered within our culture.

So, today, I have a special request of You. May my actions become centered on pleasing You more than man, out of reverence for You (Col.. 3:22). Guide me into all truth. May my standard of living reflect having heard from You. May I demonstrate a life that is more considerate of others. Reform my habits to reflect a purer lifestyle that does not include self-indulgence. May I become absorbed in doing good, dedicated to You. May I grow up to be more like Christ. As I evaluate my habits and pastimes, let me abandon those that separate me from You. These actions on my part will allow me to be closer to You, my God. Cheer me on, Lord. This can only be done in the Spirit.

In Jesus Name,
I am eternally grateful,
Amen

“…but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6b-7

Heavenly Father,

Leftovers for lunch and supper today. Yesterday is done. It went by so fast. Thank You for a special day to spend with family and friends set apart to be thankful to You. Now, it’s You and me, able to peacefully focus on my prayers and petitions. Before I begin with those, I want to say thank You for the promise that verse 7 gives me. To know that You will guard my heart and mind no matter how difficult my circumstances become, brings me great hope. I need your intervention for me to be an overcomer. Do not allow my negative emotions to run my life. May my mind be fixed on You. Col. 3:2 teaches me to train myself to dwell on heavenly things, not earthly ones. Eph. 4:32 and Luke 6:27-29 are great tools to help me understand your position. I am to:
1. Be Kind 2. Tenderhearted
3. Forgiving 4. Return good for evil

Lord, believe me, these instructions counter my natural bent. But, Holy Spirit, as my Comforter and Counselor, I will set my face like flint and depend on You to lead me into your attitudinal behavior.

It’s time for me to consider others more highly than myself. As I pray, bring to mind anyone I should intercede for. May I be found praying for individuals who need your help the most.

In Jesus Name,
I am eternally grateful,
Amen

“Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song.” Ps.95:1

Heavenly Father,

Here we are-another year to celebrate Thanksgiving. Hopefully, everyone will get along with each other this year. It’s a lot of work to get the food on the table. Maybe someone will pitch in and help with clean up. Macy’s Christmas Parade has captured our hearts for generations. Santa has to make his annual appearance. And, let us not forget, the football games. Um…um. Thanksgiving Day-Turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie- maybe even a nap on the couch-all of this to our glory. Wait a minute. Thanksgiving Day, a compound word, simple but profound. Giving thanks. Lord, this is the day You have made and it’s set apart as a national holiday to remember how You deserve all of our singing, shouting, praising and thankfulness. May our family and friends gain a special relationship with You and each other while we celebrate You today! Knit us closely together, as we lovingly enter into your glorious presence.

In Jesus Name, I am eternally grateful, amen

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
I John 1:9

Heavenly Father,

I am examining myself today. Do I have a plank in my eye blinding my vision? Please don’t let me try to correct this surgical procedure in the flesh. Jesus, receive my confession through your precious Spirit. Holy Spirit, move on my spirit with a fresh anointing. May your cleansing fire cauterize me.
Pride, go in the name of Jesus. Flesh, die in the name of Jesus. Self, obey in the name of Jesus. Purify me, so that my life reflects You from the inside out.

Thank You, God, for releasing me from a harvest of unrighteous mammon. I am ready to be fit for your purposes. Send your revelatory power, Lord, so that the course that I run is divinely destined to reap a rich harvest for your glory!

In Jesus Name,
I am eternally grateful,
Amen

“I am a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast.

I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made – I’m a disciple of Jesus Christ.

I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense.  My future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, lame visions, mundane talking, cheap living, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, am uplifted by prayer, and I labor with power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, My road is narrow.  My way, rough. My companions, few.   My guide, reliable.  My mission, clear.

I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the face of an adversary, negotiate at the table of an enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won’t give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus.

I must go till He comes, give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until he stops me. And, when he comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me…. my banner will be clear!”   Kay James

“The Lord is your keeper: The Lord is your shade at your right hand. The Sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in. FROM THIS TIME FORTH, AND EVEN FOREVER MORE.” Psalm 121:58

Heavenly Father,

Psalm 121:58 offers me a cause to jump up and down with excitement. You are:
1. My Helper Forever
2. My Shade Forever
3. My Preservation Forever
Christ made the way for me to live out my life with the assurance that You, Holy Spirit, will bear me up. I have You, Holy Spirit, filling me to overflowing. I’m pressing into You and your truths.
 
YOU ARE FOR ME!! Who can be against me? The more I love YOU, THE MORE INTIMACY WE WILL SHARE. Sweet intimacy with You is undeniably the best.

In Jesus Name, I am eternally grateful, Amen.

“Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them-the Lord, who remains faithful forever. He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.” Psalm 146:5-7

Heavenly Father,

Just as Jacob wrestled with You, I have done the same so many times. No, not physically, but assuredly mentally. You always win. Your score is perfect. To think that I have received the same help Jacob did. That makes my score perfect. The maker of heaven, earth, the sea and everything in them has faithfully been my helper. Thank You! You perfect my score. May I join with You as You uphold the oppressed and the hungry. Their needs are many. I would love to see them revived and, as I serve them with You, I would be so honored to have the privilege of leading them into a deeper relationship with You. This prayer is necessary for me not to wrestle with You. You win, and I win as we link arms to see others obtain their victory in Jesus.

In Jesus Name, I am eternally grateful,
Amen

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

Heavenly Father,

What is pushing me into a place of consumption? Show me. My life is open to your scrutiny. 2 Chronicles 16:9 is a phenomenal verse of encouragement. It reinforces your desire to set me straight. How I need your leadership. As your eyes range throughout the earth, find my heart fully committed to You. Your strength is what I need. Not my own, but yours. In You, I can succeed.

Speak to me about my habits that cause me to exit from your presence. Your compassion was, is and ever shall be available for me to reflect a heart that was bought with an indescribable price. Oh what joy I feel. You are here for me, and I am learning to be here for You.

In Jesus Name,
I am eternally grateful,
Amen

“O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness You have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.” Isaiah 25:1

Heavenly Father,

Perfect faithfulness is your mantra, and I praise You for perfecting everything that concerns me. Marvelous adorns You as You allow me to experience your presence. This day was made by You for me, thanking You that my spiritual hunger is fed from your banqueting table.

Today, I will share myself with You in a new way by:
asking You to go everywhere I go,
asking you to join with me doing the things You planned for me long ago,
asking your advice more than man’s,
seeking your comfort,
rejoicing with You over our victories,
praising You for the unexpected-good or bad,
teaching others your truths,
giving me encouraging thoughts to speak into others.

Your Word instructs me to ask. Let today be the first day of the rest of my life that I “ask” believing for the rest of my life that we will become best friends, walking this life together, hand in hand, with perfected faithfulness.

In Jesus Name,
I am eternally grateful,
Amen

“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Deuteronomy 33:27

Heavenly Father,

My finite mind cannot begin to fathom how expansive your arms are. Thank You for supporting me with the same strength yesterday, today and forever. When I examine the possibilities of the harvest from your refuge storehouse, I become elated. You, God, provide all I need. I will serve in You. Thank You, God, you provide, because You love me. You strengthen me unto my difficulties because You love me beyond human possibility. You speak my language-every language. You just love me!!

In Jesus Name,
I am eternally grateful,
Amen

“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion.” Isaiah 30:18

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for your longing to be gracious to me. Your mercies are new every morning. Your grace and mercy are steadfast gifts that I shouldn’t take for granted. Please, don’t let me be a prodigal who turns my back on your bountiful provision of compassion.

If I say, “My foot slips,” your mercy, O Lord, will hold me up (Psalm 94:18). I have this confidence. Your Son took my sins upon himself. With this confidence I am assured to receive mercy and find grace to help me in my time of need.

In Jesus Name,
I am eternally grateful,
Amen

“But because Jesus lives forever, He has an unchangeable priesthood.” Hebrews 7:24

Heavenly Father,

Jesus’ unchangeable priesthood presents me with manifold blessings. Today, I am choosing to hope in your sure love to the unlovely, experience your joy, proclaim your peace, gain your understanding, share your kindness, live with your patience…the list of life’s blessings goes on and on. You have made me a Kingdom stock holder. I place all that I am, all that I have in your competent hands. I may be overdue in telling you this. But today is my day to shout to the Lord. I am turning everything over to you. What freedom I now own. You are guiding me into the holy realization that what’s mine is all yours. Knowing this frees me. I can be a cause agent for your cause-to see others freed and blessed.

In Jesus Name,
I am eternally grateful,
Amen

“Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in You my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.” Psalm 57:1

Heavenly Father,

Disaster is such a foreboding word. Its very definition conveys the onset of fear through unforeseen, heart wrenching difficulties. Yet, you teach me that good will come even from such events. You also provide me with great promises that can only occur when I choose to abide in You. Thank You for your shadow as I dwell in the secret place of the Most High. I am learning to depend and trust in You. Deliverance is mine! Fear will flee. You, God, are my Defender!

Thank You for my angels. I pray for their well being as they accompany, defend and preserve me. I praise You for their constant diligence and perseverance.

Today, I am calling on You, knowing that You will never forsake me. You will be satisfied through my trust in You as I walk in the satisfaction of your salvation.

In Jesus Name, I am eternally grateful,
Amen

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee.
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not
As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Great is Thy faithfulness, Great is Thy faithfulness,
Morning by morning new mercies I see,
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me

Summer and Winter and Springtime and Harvest,
Sun, Moon, and Stars in Their Courses Above
Join with All Nature in Manifold Witness
To Thy Great Faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine with ten thousand beside.

 
Great is Thy Faithfulness, O God My Father
November 14

“Know, recognize and understand therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, Who keeps covenant and steadfast love and mercy with those who love Him and keep His commandments, to a thousand generations.”
Deuteronomy 7:9

Heavenly Father,

Deuteronomy 7:9 is an instructional verse for me to live by. I am to know, recognize, and understand that You are:
1. God
2. A faithful God
3. A covenantal God
4. A God filled with steadfast love
5. A God who shows steadfast mercy

Because I love You and keep your commandments, You are faithful in our covenantal relationship. If, however, I am not fulfilling my part in this covenant, please forgive me and help me to do a yeoman’s job.

In Jesus Name,
I am eternally grateful,
Amen

“[Be] confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

Heavenly Father,

You are my confidence, and I am feeling eternally secure in your promise to continue to do a phenomenal work in my life. Righteousness, faith, love, and peace are written on my mantle as I walk with a pure heart. My life’s focus will be to give You my best. Then, when my days are completed here, and I come to my eternal home, my life will have been worth living. Thank You for receiving me today just as I am. We both know that I am a work in process.

In Jesus Name,
I am eternally grateful,
Amen

“And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death to present you holy, blameless and irreproachable in His sight-if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard.”
Colossians 1:21-23

Heavenly Father,

Bless You, Lord, for grounding me in my faith, so I will not move away from the hope of your gospel. Through You I have been cleansed. Through your blood bought sacrifice holiness can be mine.

I am an encouraged student, ready to do your will. Singing the words to this praise song is not enough. Line me up with purity whenever or wherever I am tempted to fall into a sinful snare.
Freedom is mine in Christ Jesus. I praise You for your steadfast ability to help me withstand double-mindedness. I am choosing this day whom I will serve.

In Jesus Name,
I am eternally grateful,
Amen

Heavenly Father,

Today is Veteran’s Day. Men and women have faithfully served this nation. May they be honored by man and blessed by You. Psalm 91 is applicable to their lives. Please provide all they need as your soldiers.

For any who have been maimed emotionally or physically, please heal them. Let each of them know how much their years of service are appreciated by our country. Provide remarkably for their wellbeing.

In Jesus Name,
I am eternally grateful,
Amen

“But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the Lord charged you: to love the Lord your God and to walk in all His ways and to keep His commandments and to cling to and unite with Him and to serve Him with all your heart and soul.” Joshua 22:5

Heavenly Father,

To do your will is what You require of me. Thank You that I am united with You, able to serve You. I walk in my love for You. You have empowered me to fulfill Joshua 22:5. Your salvation is my shield and your right hand supports me. Your gentleness has made me great. You hold me steady. You have infused inner strength into me. Now I am able to say that I have the trusting confidence that only You can infuse into your children for each of us to do your will. Glory to God in the highest!

In Jesus Name,
I am eternally grateful,
Amen

“Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men. Knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [and not from men] that You will receive the inheritance which is your [real] reward. [The One Whom] you are actually serving [is] the Lord Christ (The Messiah).”

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being my gentle taskmaster. I am choosing to work heartily from my soul as doing everything for You. I am so excited that my inheritance from You is waiting for me. When men or women disappoint me or treat me unfairly, I will remember that I am actually serving You.

You will relieve me of my weariness with tiresome people and situations. Please, give me rest. Teach me to be humble and gentle at heart. You are such a wonderful Master, and I desire to be your wonderful servant.

In Jesus Name,
I am eternally grateful,
Amen
 

“He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and He shall be My son.” Revelation 21:7

Heavenly Father,

Without You, how can I overcome? You are my Surety. You are my Solution. You, Dear God, are my Abba Daddy.

Your Word in Revelation 21:7 promises that I will inherit all things as your child. There is a condition to this promise. I must become an overcomer. Thank You for telling me that this is more than a hope, this is more than a dream, this is what I will become as I listen to your counsel and follow your directions. I am thankful for your Holy Spirit. He guides me into all truth. He knows exactly what I need to see me through as your child. Your discipline is a sweet reminder of how much You love me as your child. Lord, I am so blessed to know that You love me beyond my own understanding. For this alone, I shout, “Halleluiah.”

In Jesus Name,
I am eternally grateful,
Amen

“And may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [separate you from profane things, make you pure and wholly consecrated to God] and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved sound and complete [and found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” I Thessalonians 5:23 (The Message)

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being my peace. Even when all is at enmity with me, my sustained peace from the Holy Spirit will witness to others as a confirmed testimony of your sanctification. Separation from profane things is so difficult today. Even television ads profess the profane. Please clarify my spiritual vision and hearing to turn away from sure destruction. My relationship with You is paramount.

Every day is a new opportunity to walk with a pure heart and clean hands. Thank You, Jesus, for making this possible on the Cross. May my mind, body and soul be preserved as You would have them: sound, complete and blameless. For this to happen will take much effort on my part. My opportunity is now. Your strength in me is sufficient.

In Jesus Name, I am eternally grateful,
Amen

“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice-the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2

Heavenly Father,

You have done so much for me. Here I am praying, asking that my whole being change into a sacrifice, living wholly holy-the kind you will find acceptable.

Romans 12:1-2 teaches me that this is the way I can truly worship You. Behavior and customs of the world, fall away from my life’s motives as well as my aspirations. God, I am looking forward to the transformation of my thinking so I will know your good, pleasing and perfect will for me.

In Jesus Name,
I am eternally grateful,
Amen

“Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but a person is tested by being praised.”

Heavenly Father,

When praise rolls off someone’s lips in my direction, let me always reflect it back to your throne room. You, Lord, deserve all the praise for anything I have accomplished or even completed. It’s through your generosity that so many see Christ in me. Forgive me for taking credit for your provision of ideas and successes.

May I be the first to give You praise before believers and non-believers so that my witness will reflect total dependence on You. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You. May I also pass this test with great zeal.

In Jesus Name,
I am eternally grateful,
Amen

“I love all who love Me. Those who search will surely find Me. I have riches and honor, as well as enduring wealth and justice. My gifts are better than gold, even the purest gold.” Proverbs 8:17-19

Heavenly Father,

I praise You for your unyielding, unending love for me. I am so glad that my searching for You has brought me into your truth.
Riches, honor, enduring wealth and justice are simply by-products compared to who You really are-my God, my Lord, my Redeemer, my Savior, my Friend.

These titles present me with an awesome presentation of your manifest love. God, that I would remain as pure gold shining brightly with purity is my desire. Nothing is too difficult for thee. Please, Lord, consider me as a worthy follower who desires to make You smile.

In Jesus Name,
I am eternally grateful,
Amen

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Proverbs 4:23

Heavenly Father,

You have given me a perpetual, life-long assignment to guard my heart. Holy Spirit, I need your ever flowing assistance to remember this directive. You say I am to do this above all else. The benefits from this must be deeper and wider than the deepest sea.

By choosing to abide in You, I know that You will empower me. And, the course of my life will focus on the center of your will. To consistently retain a guarded heart depends on me. Please fill me with this desire for the remainder of my life. Prepare me with the best instruction, so I will be found with a heart that is purified by You.

In Jesus Name,
I am eternally grateful,
Amen

November 2

“Look! I am sending my messenger, and He will prepare the way before me. Then the Lord you are seeking will suddenly come to His Temple. The messenger of the Covenant, who you look for so eagerly, is surely coming says the Lord of Heaven’s armies. But, who will be able to endure it when He comes? Who will be able to stand and face Him when He appears?  For He will be like a blazing fire that refines metal, or like a strong soap that bleaches clothes. He will sit like a refiner of silver burning away the dross. He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold and silver, so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the Lord.”

Malachi 3:1-4

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for my position in your royal priesthood. I accept my physical body as your holly temple, blessed to be refined as precious silver and gold by You. Take the dross away. May my sacrifice be acceptable in your sight. The privilege this accomplishes is almost incomprehensible. I am but dust being converted beyond silver and gold. In my weakness, You make me secure, yet pliable. May the beautiful chain You designed between You and me never be broken. Hallelujah-it can’t be, because of my Jesus.

In Jesus Name, I am eternally grateful, Amen

Arriving home late that night, we decided to go to the hospital. Admitted, I remained in labor until Monday evening. At that time, the surgical nurse checked my vital signs, only to inform us that things were very bleak. The doctor came in and told Wally that he didn’t think either the baby or I would live. He then proceeded to immediately place me on a gurney to go into surgery. It was too late to do a C-section.
This was my first pregnancy. Many of the married women at the seminary had delivered several times, and they were full of godly wisdom for our first. As I gleaned from their knowledge, some very “profitable” plans were laid up as treasures for us. We followed two significant steps of instruction to the tee. Both included reliance upon God before man for a beautiful delivery. Grace Smith, a fellow student’s wife and mother of four, told me to memorize a Psalm to repeat as needed. She also advised Wally and me to pray out loud with each contraction. We were obedient to Grace’s instructions.
I chose Psalm 117.
“Praise the Lord, all you nations;
Extol Him, all you peoples.
For great is His love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the Lord
endures forever.
Praise the Lord”

These were short, sweet, powerful words that filled my being. I was totally sustained through God’s Word actively ministering His Spirit to my spirit. Oh, what a mighty God we serve!

Peace lived in our delivery room. Hope birthed itself in me even after the doctor’s disastrous news. We were yet to enter into our joy.

On that gurney, I turned to Wally and told him, “Everything will be fine.” God wasn’t done with me yet. Squeezing my hand tightly, he agreed. I remember thinking that he looked pretty funny with his green scrubs on.

Traveling down the corridor on my way to surgery, I heard a loud bang from doors being thrown open. As I lifted my head up to see what all the commotion was about, a man’s voice was yelling, “I will come in here. God has sent me to pray with that woman.” The man then pulled away from the nurses and ran toward me, yelling again, “Stop that gurney!” As he came closer, I could see that it was Dr. Elmer Dortzbach, one of Wally’s favorite professors.

They did stop the gurney. Dr. Dortzbach quickly laid his hands on my belly, looked me in the eyes, and prayed. I wondered how in the world he knew I was in distress. Later, he told Wally that he had been at home praying. God told him to come to Women’s Hospital. When he saw my name on the delivery list, the Holy Spirit instructed him to find me, lay hands on me and pray.
Thank God that he listened and obeyed.

I could go on with some gruesome details as October 2, 1978 drew to a close. But, what I really want to do is thank God for His beautiful gift, Katherine Elisabeth Lowe Hostetter, better known as Katie Beth in our circle of friends. Katie Beth suffered much from her birth day. Since I was in labor for 36 hours, she did not receive enough oxygen to her brain. As a result, anoxia caused her expressive language to be delayed. Smart, smart kid, unable to get the words out. Again, we sought the Lord for seventeen years for her speech to be “normal.” It came in her junior year of high school. God broke through.

Today Katie Beth teaches high school at Southfield Christian and is the founder of Urban Arts, a ministry to at-risk kids in inner city Detroit. She is also a beautiful woman of God who uses her talents to bless Him. The CD you received with this book is comprised of three hymns she arranged and performed on her violin while accompanied on the piano by a dear friend, Christi Lomax.

My hope is that you will thoroughly rely on God as you pray this month, knowing that He is sovereign and always there for you.

What did I learn from my near death experience? TRUST HIM MORE THAN LIFE ITSELF. May He bless you and equip you while you keep your eyes on Our Lord.
Remember, everything is possible with God. And that means, nothing is impossible with Him!!!

 
A Little Background

The first selection on the CD accompanying this prayer book is Purify My Heart (Refiner’s Fire), written in 1990 by Brian Doerkson, a Canadian singer-songwriter who was a part of the Vineyard movement. Brian and his wife, Joyce, have six children. He is currently on staff with Integrity, Hosanah Music. Some of his famous worship pieces include: Come, Now is the Time to Worship (1998), Hope of the Nations (2003), and Your Love is Amazing (2001). Praise God for Brian’s gift and desire to lead us into God’s presence.

The third and last selection, Great is Thy Faithfulness, was composed as a poem by Thomas Chisholm (1866-1960). His life was filled with poor health, but that didn’t stop him from writing more than 1,200 poems and hymns. His friend, John Runyan liked this poem so much that he composed the music for it. Moody Bible Institute made this hymn their unofficial theme song, and George Beverly Shea introduced it through Billy Graham’s Evangelistic Crusades.

I have chosen to use the lyrics from these musical selections as springboards for each day’s time of prayer. May you be blessed as you enter into your portion of daily prayer this month, and know that I am praying for you and with you.

Love, Mama Linda Hostetter

 
Purify My Heart (Refiner’s Fire)

Purify my heart
Let me be as gold and precious silver
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold, pure gold, Lord

Refiner’s fire
My heart’s one desire
Is to be holy
Set apart for You, Lord
I choose to be holy
Set apart for You my Master
Ready to do Your will

Purify my heart
Cleanse me from within and make me holy
Purify my heart
Cleanse me from my sin, deep within

 
Purify My Heart
November 1

“You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence.” Psalm 90:8

Heavenly Father,

Thank You that You know everything about me and still love me with an everlasting love. I am asking You to purify my heart. I am turning to You for my needed renewal. Forgive me for all past or present offenses, ungodly attitudes, stubbornness, and rebellious acts that have separated me from a clean heart. I am more than sorry. I have true remorse. Deliver me from cherished sins, those that I choose to repeat. Cleanse me from an uncircumcised heart.

You expect me to walk with a contrite heart. May I always submit myself to You for your approval. Make every day in You the first day of my life with a fresh, pure heart that exemplifies your desire for me to be fully submitted to You. I love You, Lord, and am so glad that You hold the key to my heart.

In Jesus Name,
I am eternally grateful,
Amen

God, who foresaw your tribulation, has specially armed you to go through it, not without pain but without stain.

Heavenly Father, When times are hard and tribulation seems to be the victor, I will muster my courage and keep my eyes fixed upon You, Jesus. In You, I have the victory. Heal my wounds. Refresh me and make me white as snow.

In Jesus name,
Amen