THE AWAKENING IN AMERICA
THE POWER OF PRAYER. NopoweronearthequalstheprayersofGod’speopleto remedyAmerica’sturmoil,distress,anddecline.Yet,forgenerations,concernedAmericans havethrownourselvesateveryotherconceivablesolution–workinginpolitics,government, educationandmedia–asourcountrydescendsfurtherintochaosandconfusion.
THE PROMISE OF GOD. Meanwhile,theGodofnationspromises“tohealourland.”We needonlylisten–andrespond.AswereturntoHiminprayer,Heacts.“Youdesirebutdonot have…youdonothavebecauseyoudonotaskGod.”–fromJames4:2.Ourpoliticsarefailing us.ThepromisesofGodwillneverfail.
THE PURPOSE OF GOD’S PEOPLE. TheLorddeeplydesirestheprayersofHis children.“Comeuntome,allyouwhoarewearyandheavyladen,andIwillgiveyourest.” Goddesiresthatweuniteinprayer.“TheAwakening”isthenationalevangelicaloutreachto drawbelieverstogethertoprayforone-minutedailyforAmerica’srevival.
EVERY CHURCH. EVERY BELIEVER. Thesedailydevotionshavebeendevelopedto considerandprayGod’sverywordsfromscripture–aswejointogethereveryday,claimingthe powerinHiseternalpromise:
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We pray it all in the name of your Son Jesus Christ – and in the power of your Holy Spirit! Amen. – 2 Chron 7:14.
THE AWAKENING IN AMERICA
“A nation and its allies have been awakened” – from Jeremiah 50:41
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January1–DAY1–“Behold,IMakeAllThingsNew!”
"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." – Psalm 51:10 NIV.
Finally!Afresh,NewYear!Ourchancetolayasideolddisappointmentsandmakefresh, newappointmentswiththeGodoftheBible.ApartfromChristhimself,thereare actuallyfewheroesintheBiblicalaccounts.It’sthestoryofordinarypeople.Peoplelike us!
Ratherthanashowcaseforthetriumphofhumanaccomplishment,theBibleisthestoryof UnexpectedMiracles.ImpossibleOutcomes.Godsteppingintothelivesofordinarypeople.In Hisownextraordinaryways.
ExtraordinarylivingbeginswhenweturntoGodinprayer.There's areasonwhyprayerhasbeencalledtheworld'sbest-keptsecret:
WHYPRAY?
CONSIDER:“THEMOSTPOWERFUL MESSAGEONPRAYERINGENERATIONS”
(CLICKHERETOVIEW)
AswestareacrossthehorizonofafreshNewYear,thisisour moment–toturnbacktoourCreatorGod.TobelieveandacceptHispromise.HemakesALL THINGSnew.EvenUS!
Prayer:Lord,aswepraytogetherallacrossAmerica,asyourbelievers,wededicatethiscoming yeartoyou.Webeginanewtohelp"Awaken"yourpeopleandyourChurchtothelimitless powerofprayer.Weprayagainyourpromisewithreneweddevotion:
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We pray it all in the name of your Son Jesus Christ – and in the power
January7–DAY7–“HeChangesTimesAndSeasons”
"The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God has come near." – Jesus Christ, from Mark 1:15 NIV.
Timeandseasonscarryadeepsignificanceforusall.Wemarkthepassageofourlivesby
theslowbutsteadychangingoftheseasons.Wedon’tcontroltime.Wecan’tspeeditup. Wecan’tslowitdown.Intheend,howwehandletimeisdeterminedbyourpriorities. We’repassengersontherelentlessjourneyoftheseasonsthroughtime.ItistheLordwho governstheseasonsinnatureandinourlives:spring,summer,autumn,winter.
“Hechangestimesandseasons;hedeposeskingsandraisesupothers.Hegiveswisdomtothe wiseandknowledgetothediscerning.”–fromDaniel2:21NIV.Ineveryseason,theLordis preparingheartstohearHisGospel–andsendingbelieverstoshareit:“Preachtheword;be preparedinseasonandoutofseason;correct,rebukeandencourage–withgreatpatienceand carefulinstruction.”–2Timothy4:2NIV.Ultimately,theseasonssignaltimesofgreatblessing forGod’speople.“TheLORDwillopentheheavens,thestorehouseofhisbounty,tosendrain onyourlandinseasonandtoblessalltheworkofyourhands.”–fromDeut28:12NIV.The coldsnowsofwinterdovitalwork.Rootsgodeep.Theearthisreplenished.Preparationsare madeforspring.WinteraccomplishesGod’sgoodpurposes.Innature.Andinourlives.“There isatimeforeverything,andaseasonforeveryactivityundertheheavens…”(fromEcclesiastes 3:1).Welcomethewinter WelcomeHISchangingtimesandseasons!
Prayer:Father,thankyoufortheseasonsinourlives.Grantusyourwisdomtousethe"snows ofwinter"aspreparationforthecomingSpring."Awaken"ustoyourpurposes,sothatwemay continuetoprayerfullyreachouttoallwiththehopeoftheGospel.Werestinyourgentle promise:
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We pray it all in the name of your Son Jesus Christ – and in the power of your Holy Spirit! Amen. – 2 Chron 7:14.
January10–DAY10–“AnEverlas ngAuthority”
"The LORD established the kingdom under his control;" – from 2 Chronicles 17:5 NIV.
Ourworldisnot"outofcontrol,"asweoftenhear.TheBibleclearlyteachesthat
everythingis,infact,"undercontrol."Godreigns."...hisauthorityisaneverlasting authority,andhiskingdomextendsfromonegenerationtothenext."–Daniel4:34 NET.TotheLord,"authority"isaverybigdeal:“‘Allauthorityinheavenandonearthhasbeen giventome…thewordsIsaytoyouIdonotspeakonmyownauthority.Rather,itisthe Father,livinginme...”–JesusChrist,fromMatthew28:18&John14:10NIV.
ALLauthority!TheLordisinfullcontrol:“Leteveryonebesubjecttothegoverning authorities,forthereisnoauthorityexceptthatwhichGodhasestablished.Theauthoritiesthat existhavebeenestablishedbyGod.”–Romans13:1NIV.WOW!Dowetrulyacceptthis?
“SubmityourselvesfortheLord'ssaketoeveryhumanauthority:whethertotheemperor,asthe supremeauthority,ortogovernors,whoaresentbyhim…”–from1Peter2:13-14NIV.“Have confidenceinyourleadersandsubmittotheirauthority,becausetheykeepwatchoveryouas thosewhomustgiveanaccount.Dothissothattheirworkwillbeajoy,notaburden,forthat wouldbeofnobenefittoyou.”–Hebrews13:17NIV.
TheverysameGodwhoreignedoverCreationisthesameGodwhogovernstoday.And tomorrow AndALWAYS.Bestofall,GodinvitesustoshareourowndesireswithHim. Amazingly,Hedesirestocarryourburdensforus!“Comeuntome,allyouwhoarewearyand burdened,andIwillgiveyourest.Takemyyokeuponyouandlearnfromme,forIamgentle andhumbleinheart,andyouwillfindrestforyoursouls.”–Matthew11:28-29.Nowonder Jesusteachesustonotbeanxiousfortomorrow.HEisincontrol.“Heistheheadoverevery powerandauthority.”–Colossians2:10NIV.
Prayer:Father,"Awaken"ustoyoursovereignty.Restoreustorestinyourguidance, forgiveness,andrestorationaswepray: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We pray it all in the name of your Son Jesus Christ – and in the power of your Holy Spirit! Amen. – 2 Chron 7:14.
January18–DAY18–“ThePowerOfGod”
"God's invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen..." –from Romans 1:20 NIV.
ThepowercommandedbyGodissolimitless,ourtinymindscannottakeitin.We've
receivedjustglimpsesofHispowerfromtheworldaroundus–andfromthescriptures. Hehastotalauthorityovereverything.HereignsoverallHisCreation.Everything. Everyone.Everywhere.“ForsincethecreationoftheworldGod'sinvisiblequalities–his eternalpoweranddivinenature–havebeenclearlyseen,beingunderstoodfromwhathasbeen made,sothatpeoplearewithoutexcuse.”–Romans1:20NIV Yet,theLorddoesnotkeepHis powertoHimself.HesharesHispowerforthebenefitofHischildren–webelievers.
“Hisdivinepowerhasgivenuseverythingweneedforagodlylifethroughourknowledgeof himwhocalledusbyhisowngloryandgoodness.”–2Peter1:3NIV.Jesuscomes“sharingour humanity”andsacrificingHimselfforus.“…sothatbyhisdeathhemightbreakthepowerof himwhoholdsthepowerofdeath–thatis,thedevil…”–fromHebrews2:14NIV.Inevery circumstance,despiteourowninadequacies,theLordoffersHisunlimitedpower."…mypower ismadeperfectinweakness."–from2Cor12:9NIV.
ItisGod’sstrengthworkingwithinusthatrescuesanysituation.“FortheSpiritGodgaveus doesnotmakeustimid,butgivesuspower…”–from2Timothy1:7NIV.BelieversinJesus Christ,walkinHispower!“BestrongintheLordandinhismightypower.”–Ephesians6:10 NIV.Godispromisingtohealourland.IfonlywecometoHimandask.AndrelyonHispower torescue."Christdidnotsendmetobaptize,buttopreachthegospel—lestthecrossofChrist beemptiedofitspower."–from1Corinthians1:17
Prayer:Father,wepraiseyouthatyourpowerismadeperfectinourweakness. "Awaken"usto thetruepowerofthecrossandyourresurrection–andstrengthenourcouragetotelltheworld! Wepraythepowerofyourpromise: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We pray it all in the name of your Son Jesus Christ – and in the power of your Holy Spirit! Amen. – 2 Chron 7:14.
January20–DAY20–“Lord,TeachUsToPray”
“One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray…’" (from Luke 11:1 NIV).
Atthis,Jesusteaches"TheLord’sPrayer."Later,Jesusthemtellstheparableofthepersistent widow,“…toshowthemthattheyshouldalwaysprayandnotgiveup.”(fromLuke18:1NIV): Aneedywomanrepeatedlycomesbeforeajudge,pleadinghercase.Theungodlyjudgeignores her.Butsherefusestogiveup.Finally,theunjustjudgetellshimself,“Idon’tfearGodorcare aboutpeople,butthiswomanisdrivingmecrazy.I’mgoingtoseethatshegetsjustice,because sheiswearingmeoutwithherconstantrequests!”–Luke18:4-5NLT.Jesusdecodesthis parableforus:
Ifevenanuncaring,unfitjudgerespondstopersistentrequests,“…don’tyouthinkGodwill surelygivejusticetohischosenpeoplewhocryouttohimdayandnight?”–fromLuke18:7-9 NLT.“ThereforeItellyou,whateveryouaskforinprayer,believethatyouhavereceivedit, anditwillbeyours.”–Jesus,Mark11:24NIV.Prayerchangeseverything–especiallyus. Throughprayer,wedrawclosetoGod.Throughprayer,webecomealive.EngagedwithGod. AndHewithus!Throughprayer,weinvitethelimitlesspoweroftheGodofCreationintoour lives.WeonlyreachourfullpotentialinChristthroughprayer.Hetransformsusthroughour prayersintothepeopleHecreatedustobe–peopleoflove,joy,andpeace.
“Lord,teachustopray!"WemightaswellaskJesusto,"...teachustobreathe!"Becauselike breathing,we'reto"praywithoutceasing,"givingthanksinallcircumstances,"forthisisthe willofGodinChristJesusforyou."–1Thess5:17-18ESV.
Prayer:Lord,teachustopray!"Awaken"ustoarobustlifeofprayerwithyou,thatwemay experienceyourfullgraceinourlives.Emboldenustotellof"allyourdeeds"asweprayyour promise: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We pray it all in the name of your Son Jesus Christ – and in the power of your Holy Spirit! Amen. – 2 Chron 7:14.
January24–DAY24–“YouSawMyUnformedBody”
"The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." – from Galatians 2:20 NIV.
Yourownlifebeganasasinglehumancell!Undetected–andvirtuallyundetectable–
yourtiny,microscopicsingle-cellhumanlifecontainedyourwholecomplexand uniquegeneticblueprint–combininginformationfrombothyourfatherandyour mother.Fromthatverymomentofconceptionyourspecifichairandeyecolor,yourheightand gender–evenyourskintoneandyourshoe-size–werealreadydetermined.Amazing!“Your eyessawmyunformedbody;allthedaysordainedformewerewritteninyourbookbeforeone ofthemcametobe."–Psalm139:13-16.WhoisthisGodwhohasmadeyou?Imagine!
YourlifeisprecioustoTheGodofCreation!“Inhishandisthelifeofeverycreatureandthe breathofallmankind.”–Job12:10NIV.Notjustyourmortalearthlylife,butyourlifeeternal! “…Godhasgivenuseternallife,andthislifeisinHisSon.HewhohastheSonhasthelife…” –from1John5:11-12NIV.Jesusofferseternitytoall:“Iamtheresurrectionandthelife;he whobelievesinMewillliveevenifhedies,andeveryonewholivesandbelievesinMewill neverdie…”–JesusChrist,fromJohn11:25-26NASB.It’s“TheGoodNews”oftheGospel.
Jesuscametorescueus.Forever!“HebecametoallthosewhoobeyHimthesourceofeternal salvation…”–fromHebrews5:9&2Timothy1:1NASB95.Whatcanbemoreclear?“…the SonofGodhascomeandhasgivenusunderstanding,sothatwemayknowhimwhoistrue; andweareinhimwhoistrue,inhisSonJesusChrist.HeisthetrueGodandeternallife.”–from1John5:20ESV.GodgaveyouLIFE.Hesawyourunformedbodyfromyourbeginning. “Ihavecomethattheymayhavelife…”–JesusChrist,fromJohn10:10NIV.
Prayer:Father,you’vegivenmelife.Youformedmetoknowandlivewithyouforever. "Awaken"metosuchgreatloveformethatyousacrificedyourownsontosavemylife. Forever.Ihumblypray: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We pray it all in the name of your Son Jesus Christ – and in the power of your Holy Spirit! Amen. – 2 Chron 7:14.
January30–DAY30–“TheManBowedHisHead”
"Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker." – Psalm 95:6
PRAYER.It'stheultimateactofworship."ForthisreasonIkneelbeforetheFather."–Ephesians3:14NIV.Ourbusylivescreaterelentlesspressures.Buymore.Producemore. Becomemore.Getahead.Stayahead.
Thepressureinflatesourouterlivesandcollapsesourinner lives—wheresoonthere'snotimeandnoplaceleftforGod. "...atthenameofJesuseverykneeshouldbow,inheavenandon earthandundertheearth."–fromPhilippians2:10NIV.Our prayersarenottobetiedtooutcomesweexpectordemand. WorshipisaligningourselveswithGod’spurposes.
“TrueworshiperswillworshiptheFatherintheSpiritandin truth,fortheyarethekindofworshiperstheFatherseeks.”–JesusChrist,fromJohn4:23NIV.Ourprayersareourultimate actofworship.NothingismoreprecioustoGod.Forevery believer,everydayisadayofworship.Andeveryprayeranact ofworship.“Thenthemanboweddownandworshipedthe LORD.”(Genesis24:26NIV.)Tobecontinued...
Prayer:Father,youteachthat,"...thosewhoareledbytheSpiritofGodarethechildrenof God"(fromRomans8:14NIV)."Awaken"ustothegreatjoyofprayertoyou–andwithyou–andthepowerinyourpromise:
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We pray it all in the name of your Son Jesus Christ – and in the power of your Holy Spirit! Amen. – 2 Chron 7:14.
February15–DAY46–“OnWingsLikeEagles”
"As I watched, I heard an eagle that was flying in midair..." – from Revelation 8:13 NIV.
Theillustrationofasoaringeagleisuseddozensoftimesinscripture,todescribeGod’s
powerandmight.Sometimesit'sanimageofrescue.Sometimesjudgment.Attimes,the eaglerepresentsGod.OthertimestheenemiesofGod.Andsometimestheeagleis–us. “Look!Aneaglewillsoarandswoopdown,spreadingitswings…”–fromJer49:22NIV.
Eaglesarebornwithlarge,heavywings.Theycandieexpendingtoomuchenergywhile flappingtheirheavywingsinflight.Buteaglesarebornwithaninstincttoflywithoutflapping theirwings.Instead,eaglessoaron“windthermals,”conservingenergyandallowingnatural forcestocarrythem.Aneaglemayremainperchedfordaysawaitingastrongthermal,then suddenlylaunch,combiningbothflyingandsoaringtoreachitsobjective.“Notbymight,nor bypower,butbyMySpirit,”saystheLord.(fromZech4:6NIV).Inscripture,theeagle’swings canrepresentourfaith–whichweplaceinGod.TherisingthermalscanrepresentTheHoly Spirit.Asbelievers,we’retorealizeGod’swillisaccomplishednotunderourownpower–but bythetirelessenergyofHisHolySpiritrisingwithinus–andliftingus.
“ThosewhohopeintheLORDwillrenewtheirstrength.Theywillsoaronwingslikeeagles; theywillrunandnotgrowweary,theywillwalkandnotbefaint."–fromIsaiah40:31NIV. We'renottoexhaustourselves,strugglingunderourownhumanpower–buttorelyinsteadon theeffortlesspowerofGod!"Arise,shine,foryourlighthascome,andthegloryoftheLORD risesuponyou."–Isaiah50:1NIV.
Prayer:Father,aswestretchourwings,sharingyourGospel,weareremindedto"soaronyour wings"andnotgrowweary."Awaken"inusadeepfaithinthepowerofyourHolySpiritto carryyourchurchthroughanychallenge.Thankyouforyour"strongwings"toliftusonyour powerfulthermals.Weprayyourpromise: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We pray it all in the name of your Son Jesus Christ – and in the power of your Holy Spirit! Amen. – 2 Chron 7:14.
February21–DAY52–“TheTimeHasCome”
"...a time is coming..." – Jesus Christ, from John 5:28 NIV.
Thereseemstobenoshortageofpopularadagesconcerningthenatureof“TIME."
“...timeflieswhenyou’rehavingfun!…ifIcouldturnbacktime…timewaitsforno man…there’snotimelikethepresent...timeismoney…timehealsallwounds…it’s abouttime...”TheBiblehasmuchtosayabout“Time."Thewisestmantoeverlivesaid, “Thereisatimeforeverything,andaseasonforeveryactivityundertheheavens.”–Ecc3:1-8.
Infact,inthespaceofjusteightshortverses,Solomondescribesthenatureof"Time"30 differentways!–Ecc3:1-8NIV.Manyseesignstodaythateventsaretranspiringinpreparation forChrist’sreturn,possiblyinourtime."Nooneknowsaboutthatdayorhour,noteventhe angelsinheaven,northeSon,butonlytheFather.AsitwasinthedaysofNoah,soitwillbeat thecomingoftheSonofMan.”–JesusChrist,Matt24:36-37NIV.EverygreatBiblicalevent hasbeengovernedbytime.“Whenthesettimehadfullycome,GodsenthisSon,bornofa woman,bornunderthelaw…”–Gal4:4NIV.
ThroughoutHisministry,JesusexpressesgreatconcernwiththeurgencyofTime!“Thetime hascome,”hesaid.“ThekingdomofGodhascomenear.Repentandbelievethegoodnews!”–JesusChrist,Mark1:15.Jesusannouncesthatthetimetorepentisathand!AswithHisbirth, Hewillcomeagain.AttheperfectTime.Untilthen,forbelievers,"...thetimehascome."This meansthetimeisnow–rightnow–toproclaimHis"GoodNews."ThetimebothChristand Solomonspeakof:“...thetimehascome...atimetospeak...”–fromMark1:15&Ecc3:7NIV
Prayer:Father,youaretheCreatorofTime!You"markedoutourappointedtimeinhistory" (Acts17:26NIV).Youplacedusinthistimeasyourwitnesses."Awaken"ustoshareyour Gospelinourtime.Weprayforthemiracleinyourtimelesspromise:
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We pray it all in the name of your Son Jesus Christ – and in the power of your Holy Spirit! Amen. – 2 Chron 7:14.
March1–DAY60–“InTheBeginning”
"Lift up your eyes, you heavens and look to the earth beneath; and see who created these." –from Isaiah 51:6 ISV.
Here’soneforyou.Everythingyousee,andeverythingthatcanbeseen–allthestars,
planets&galaxiescombined–totalsonly4%oftheuniverse.Alltherest–theother 96%–can’tbeseenorevendetectedwithourmostsophisticatedinstruments.That’s thelatestfromtheworldofscience.Mysteriousforcescalled“darkmatter”and“darkenergy” holdgalaxiestogether.Scientistsstruggletocomprehendwhattheseforcesmightbe.Yetit'sthe veryfoundationofmodernscience.
"Darkmatter"&"darkenergy"can'tbedirectlydetected!Yettheymustexist,orgalaxieswould flyapart.Amazing! "AllthingscameintobeingthroughHim,andapartfromHimnothing cameintobeingthathascomeintobeing."–John1:3NASB95.Invisible"darkenergy" accountsfor69%ofallmassandenergy."Darkmatter,"another27%.Everythingwecansee–thestars,thegalaxies,eachother–makesuponly4%ofouruniverse.Incredible!
So,what'sholdingeverythingtogether?Physicistsaredesperatelyworkingontheoriesto explainthis“darkuniverse.”Butnooneknowsforsure.Yetastonishingly,scientistsnowsay thisstuffactuallymakesupnearlyeverythingintheuniverse!It’smodernastrophysics'greatest mystery.Emergingdiscoveriescontinuallyshakethefoundationsofscience—andconfirmthe wordofGod!TheBibleperfectlydescribesourmodernscientificdiscoveries:"Heissupreme overallcreation,becauseinconnectionwithhimwerecreatedallthings—inheavenandon earth,visibleandinvisible...theyhaveallbeencreatedthroughhimandforhim."Heexisted beforeallthings,andheholdseverythingtogether."–fromCol1:15-17NLT.
Prayer:Father,we"liftupoureyestotheheavens"toknowthebeginningofallthings,foryou "createdallthese!"(Isa40:26)."Awaken"ustoyourperfectdesignineverything.Wepraiseyou asourgreatCreatorGodandpraytheblessinginyourpromise: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We pray all in the name of your Son Jesus Christ – and the power of your Holy Spirit! – 2 Chron 7:14.
March2–DAY61–“InHisOwnImage”
"When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God." – from Genesis 5:1 ESV.
In1953WatsonandCrickpresentedtheirstartlingbreakthrough–revealingforthefirsttime
inhistorytheelaboratemolecularstructureofDNA.YourDNAcontainsinformationwhich conveysthepreciseinstructions–whichcreatedyou!Attheverymomentofyour conception,everythingfromyoureyeandhaircolortoyoursmileandshoesizewasalready determinedbyyourDNA’suniquestringsofprecisechemicalsequences.
"Ipraiseyou,forIamfearfullyandwonderfullymade."–fromPsalm139:4ESV.Individual DNAinstructionsforyouruniquephysical"architecture"iscontainedineachofyourbody’s37 trillioncells.Tosuggestthecomplexityandorderoperatingwithinyourbodyatthecellular levelresultedfromrandomchanceislikesayinganexplosioninaprintshopcanresultinthe worksofShakespeare.Moderndiscoveriesareshakingthefoundationsofscience.Wherehas theprecisecodedinformationthatmakesupalllifecomefrom?“Godcreatedmaninhisown image,intheimageofGodhecreatedhim;maleandfemalehecreatedthem.”–Gen1:27ESV.
Nature’sprocessesalonefailtoexplaintheoriginsoflife.WriterslikeStephenC.Meyerreveal ourcellscontainfartoomuchinformationtobeexplainedbyrandomprocessesalone.We're eachimprintedwiththespiritualDNAofourCreatorGodHimself!"...theLordGodformedthe manofdustfromthegroundandbreathedintohisnostrilsthebreathoflife,andtheman becamealivingcreature."–fromGen2:7ESV.Scienceincreasinglyrevealsevidenceof intelligentdesigninourworld–fromthefarreachesofthevastnessofspace,downtoourown micro-universe!"Forwearehisworkmanship,createdinChristJesusforgoodworks,which Godpreparedbeforehand,thatweshouldwalkinthem."–Ephesians2:10ESV
Prayer:Father,weare"fearfullyandwonderfullymade"–byyou!"Awaken"ustoour magnificentcomplexdesignatyourhand.WepraiseyouasourgreatCreatorGod,andthank youforyourover-comingpromise: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We pray it all in the name of your Son Jesus Christ – and in the power of your Holy Spirit! Amen. – 2 Chron 7:14.
March5–DAY64–“LikeHiddenTreasure”
"...we have this treasure in jars of clay..." – from 2 Corinthians 4:7 NIV
EverbeenonaTreasureHunt?ThroughoutHisjourneys,Jesusrepeatedlyproclaimsthe
greattreasureawaitingHisfollowers:“Thekingdomofheavenisliketreasurehiddenin afield…”(Matthew13:44NIV).HiddenTreasure!Jesusshowsushowwecandiscover thispricelesswealth!WHYSEARCHFORHISTREASURE?TheBiblesaysitthisway:“The fearoftheLordispure,enduringforever ThedecreesoftheLordarefirm,andallofthemare righteous.Theyaremorepreciousthangold,thanmuchpuregold…”–Psalm19:9-10NIV
WHERESHOULDWESEARCH?Jesusprovidesa"TreasureMap"forwheretofindthis treasureforourselves!“Ask,anditshallbegivenyou;seek,andyeshallfind;knock,andit shallbeopeneduntoyou…searchthescriptures;forinthemyethinkyehaveeternallife:and theyaretheywhichtestifyofme.”–fromMatthew7:7&John5:39.Jesusknowstheperfect placeforit:“Laynotupforyourselvestreasuresuponearth…butlayupforyourselves treasuresinheaven,whereneithermothnorrustdothcorrupt,andwherethievesdonotbreak throughnorsteal:Forwhereyourtreasureis,therewillyourheartbealso.”–Matthew6:19-21.
HIDDENTREASURE?NotforChrist’sbelievers.Jesusgrantsustheprivilegeofsharingthis treasurewitheveryone!"Myson,ifyouacceptmywordsandstoreupmycommandswithin you...andifyoulookforitasforsilverandsearchforitasforhiddentreasure...thenyouwill understandthefearoftheLordandfindtheknowledgeofGod...Heholdssuccessinstorefor theupright,heisashieldtothosewhosewalkisblameless,forheguardsthecourseofthejust andprotectsthewayofhisfaithfulones."–fromProverbs2:1-8(NIV).
Prayer.Father,yourevealthewisdomofgivingupwhatwecannotkeeptogainwhatwecan neverlose–thetreasureofyoureternalKingdom!"Awaken"ustosearchdiligentlyforallthe treasureburiedinyourWord–andtoshareitwithallwhodonotyetknowyou.Wepraythe treasureinyourpricelesspromise: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We pray it all in the name of your Son Jesus Christ – and in the power of your Holy Spirit! Amen. – 2 Chron 7:14.
March10–DAY69–“AndItWasGood!”
“And God saw that it was good.” (Gen 1:10)
HowlimitlessGod’screation!Sciencenowsaystherearemorestarsintheuniversethan
grainsofsandonearth.WhatpossiblerolecanwemerehumansplayinHisvast creation?Nowonderthepsalmistasks,“Whatismanthatyouaremindfulofhim?”–Psalm8:4.Yet,inalltheearth,theBiblerevealsweareHishighest,mostpreciouscreation. Andwe’vebeengivenavitalroleinHiscreation.
OurhighcallingasChristiansistoextolHimasourFather,theCreatorGod.Andtoshowand shareHisgoodness.Jesuscallsus“thesaltoftheearth.”Justafewgrainsofsaltflavorsthe whole.Salt’seffectcanbesosubtleastobebarelydetectable.Yetwithoutit,theentiredishwill bespoiled.
Jesusalsocallsus"thelightoftheworld."Justonesmalllightobliteratesthedarkness.
TheBiblecomparesourownmiraculousnewbirthasChristianstoGod’sgreatproclamationat Hiscreation:“ForGod,whosaid,‘Letlightshineoutofdarkness,'madehislightshineinour heartstogiveusthelightoftheknowledgeofGod’sglory..."–from2Cor4:6.Godreveals purposebehindeachstepinHiscreation.
YetHishighestpurposeis–US!Ourmission:goandtellothers.Sharewhatwe’veseen& experiencedasHisfollowers.TellwhatweourselvesknowofHim.SpeakHisWordandtellof theamazingworksofthisGodofallcreation:“AndyouwillbemywitnessesinJerusalem,and inallJudeaandSamaria,andtotheendsoftheearth.”–Acts1:8.
Prayer:FatherGod,asthegreatCreatorofeverything,you"sawthatitwasgood."Thankyou forbestowingyourhighestcallingonus,yourfollowers."Awaken"ustoyourgreatevangelical mission.Weprayyoumayfindoureffortsalsoaregood.Andsoweprayyourprecious promise:
March12–DAY71–“ANewCommandment!”
"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." – Jesus Christ, John 15:12.
Ithadbeen400yearssincetheprophethadpennedthefinalwordsoftheOldTestament.Then suddenly,somethingNew!TheStar.TheShepherds.TheWiseMen.TheSonofGod.His Miracles.HisMinistry.HisDestiny.ANewTestament.ANewCommand!“Anew commandmentIgivetoyou,thatyouloveoneanother.”–John13:34ESV.Jesusteaches–and commandsus:"LoveGodandloveyourneighbor."God'sloveisthegreatunifyingthemeof TheNewTestament.ThroughoutHisministry,Jesusembodiesanddemonstratesselfless, sacrificial,forgivinglove.Hecommandsthatwe,too,“loveourneighborsasourselves.”Then HeillustratesWHOourneighborisinHis"GoodSamaritan"parable.Paul’slettersarealso revealing.Faith.Hope.Love.“Butthegreatestoftheseislove.”–1Cor13:13.
WhenaskedHOWweshouldlove,Jesusreplies,“…asIhavelovedyou.”Howmuchisthat? Jesusstretchesouthisarms.“Thismuch.”ThenHegivesHisownlifeforusontheCross.IN OURPLACE!“Greaterlovehasnoonethanthis,thatsomeonelaydownhislifeforhis friends…Godhimselfdemonstratedhisownloveforusinthis:Whilewewerestillsinners, Christdiedforus.”–John15:13&Romans5:8.Jesus’disciplesfailedtofullyunderstandHim duringHisministry TheyseemedincapableofgraspingmanyessentialsinHisteachings.They desertedHiminhishourofgreatestneed.Yet,Jesusheldnoneofthisagainstthem.He demonstratesthereisnofailureHecannotforgive!ThisisHOWGODLOVESUS!WithHis forgiving,infinite,personalLove.Ultimately,GodunveilsandrevealsHisNewTestamentto discloseagreatmysterythathadremainedhiddenintheOldTestament–HisChurch."Bythis allpeoplewillknowthatyouaremydisciples,ifyouhaveloveforoneanother."–John13:35.
Prayer:Father,thankyouforthecountlesswaysyoushowyourloveforyourcreation,andfor us."Awaken"ustoallowotherstoseeyourlovethroughus.Weprayforrevivalinourland, prayingyourpreciouspromise: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We pray it all in the name of your Son Jesus Christ – and in the power of your Holy Spirit! Amen. – 2 Chron 7:14.
March24–DAY83–“TheLightOfTheWorld!”
"The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world." – John 1:9 NIV.
TheCapeHatterasLighthouseilluminatesoneofAmerica’sdeadliestcoastlines,anarea
longknowntomarinersasthe"GraveyardoftheAtlantic.”At210feetinheight, HatterasisthetallestlighthouseintheUnitedStates–highestamongthe700 lighthousesstationedalongthousandsofmilesofAmerica'scoastlines.Builttowithstandthe poundingwindsandsurfofNorthCarolina'sOuterBanks,Hatteras’thick48”wallsencirclea castironstaircasespiraling248stepstothetop.Itsconstructionintheyear1870requiredover 1.2millionbricks.Asbelievers,we'recalledtotheverysamemissionasthatlighthouse.
Theworldarounduscanbedarkanddangerous.Wesailtreacherousseas,withcountless hiddenhazards.Weallnavigateunseenshoalswithuntoldperilsalonglife'sdarkpaths.Jesus knowsthis.SoHesendsUSintotheworldasHisLighthouses:“Youarethelightoftheworld. Acitysetonahillcannotbehidden.Neitherdopeoplelightalampandputitunderabowl. Insteadtheyputitonitsstand,anditgiveslighttoeveryoneinthehouse.”–Matthew5:14-15. "Light"isdeartotheheartofGod–theveryfirstthingHespokeintoexistence:“Lettherebe light,andtherewaslight.”(Genesis1:3).TheBiblereferences“light”over415times.
InJohn8:12,Jesussayssomethingremarkable:"Iamthelightoftheworld." InMatthew5:14 Hesayssomethingevenmoreamazing!"YOUarethelightoftheworld."WOW!Jesus’uses lighttodescribeHismissionforusonearth.“Letyourlightshinebeforemeninsuchawaythat theymayseeyourgoodworks,andglorifyyourFather..."–Matthew5:16.Turnsout,theonly waymanywillseethelightofGod'swordisshiningthroughUS!We'recalledstreamHislight intoadarkeningworld."Thepeoplethatwalkedindarknesshaveseenagreatlight:theythat dwellinthelandoftheshadowofdeath,uponthemhaththelightshined."–Isaiah9:2
Prayer:Father,"Awaken"uswiththelightofyourworddaily.Grantusgracetofaithfullyshine yourlightonall.Weclaimyourpromise: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We pray it all in the name of your Son Jesus Christ – and in the power of your Holy Spirit! Amen. – 2 Chron 7:14.
April2–DAY92–“ALivingHope!”
"As one reaches into a nest, so my hand reached for the wealth of the nations; as people gather abandoned eggs, so I gathered all the countries..." – from Isaiah 10:14 NIV
Parentshidethem.Childrenhuntforthem.They'refoundwithtinytreasuresinside!
Surpriseslikecandyandcoins.WhatareEasterEggsallabout?Formany,aneggseems acurioussymbolforEaster.YeteggshavelongbeenapartoftheritualsofSpring.
EarlyChristiansrecognizedtheeggasapowerfulsymbolofnewlife–representingChrist’s giftofnewlifethroughthemiracleofHisresurrection."SoifanyoneisinChrist,thereisanew creation:everythingoldhaspassedaway;see,everythinghasbecomenew!"–2Corinthians 5:17(NRSV).Nature’stinydelicateegg–lifelesstoalloutwardappearances–comessuddenly andmiraculouslyaliveatthemomenttheegghatches.It’saperfectillustrationforJesus emergingfromthetombonEastermorning.He’snotdead!He’sALIVE!What’smore,that scrawnywrigglinglittlechickissomethingcompletelynewandunrecognizablecomparedto theeggfromwhichithasemerged!"Iwillgiveyouanewheartandputanewspiritinyou;I willremovefromyouyourheartofstoneandgiveyouaheartofflesh."–Ezekiel36:26(NIV).
ThoselittlesurprisesinsideeachEastereggremindusthattheLord’sfinalweekofministry waspackedwithsurprises–culminatingwiththeultimateshock:Histombempty!Jesusis alive!OurlivinghopeofEastermorning!ThisSpringweanticipatethesurpriseofthiscoming “NewBirth,”the“LivingHope”ofEaster.“PraisebetotheGodandFatherofourLordJesus Christ!Inhisgreatmercyhehasgivenusnewbirthintoalivinghopethroughtheresurrection ofJesusChristfromthedead…”–from1Peter1:3NIV.
Prayer:Father,thankyouforsendingandsacrificingyouronlySon–Jesus–ourlivinghope. "Awaken"ustothejoy,thepain,thesorrowanddesperation,andfinally"thelivinghope" offeredwithour"newbirth"onEaster.Grantushumilitytoprayforyourpeaceinourland,as wetrustinyourlivinghope&promise: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We pray it all in the name of your Son Jesus Christ – and in the power of your Holy Spirit! Amen. – 2 Chron 7:14.
EasterSunrise,April9–DAY99–“HeIsRisen!”
"It is true! The Lord has risen...!" – from Luke 24:34 NIV.
Onthefirstdayoftheweek,veryearlyinthemorning,thewomentookthespicesthey hadpreparedandwenttothetomb.Theyfoundthestonerolledawayfromthetomb, butwhentheyentered,theydidnotfindthebodyoftheLordJesus.
Whiletheywerewonderingaboutthis,suddenlytwomeninclothesthatgleamedlikelightning stoodbesidethem.Intheirfrightthewomenboweddownwiththeirfacestotheground,butthe mensaidtothem,“Whydoyoulookforthelivingamongthedead?
"Heisnothere;hehasrisen!Rememberhowhetoldyou,whilehewasstillwithyouin Galilee:‘TheSonofManmustbedeliveredovertothehandsofsinners,becrucifiedandonthe thirddayberaisedagain.’”Thentheyrememberedhiswords. –Luke24:1-8.
"HEISRISEN!" HEISRISEN,INDEED...!
HAPPYEASTER...!
Amen!
Prayer:Father,"Awaken"uswiththelightofyourworddaily
Grantusgracetofaithfullyshineyourlightonall.Weclaim yourpromise:
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We pray it all in the name of your Son Jesus Christ – and in the power of your Holy Spirit! Amen. – 2 Chron 7:14.
April17–DAY107–“FishersOfMen”
"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will send you out to fish for people." – Mark 1:17 NIV.
Atsomepointofyourlife,youheardJesus’calltofollowHim.Youresponded.Andyou
followed.Butitdidnotbeginthere.JesushadpreviouslycalledotherswhosharedHis callwithyou–andthroughwhomJesussimilarlycallsyounowtobecome“fishersof men.”HiscalltracesitsbeginningstotheshoresoftheSeaofGalilee:“AndJesus,walkingby theSeaofGalilee,sawtwobrothers,SimoncalledPeter,andAndrewhisbrother,castinganet intothesea;fortheywerefishermen.ThenHesaidtothem,‘FollowMe,andIwillmakeyou fishersofmen.’TheyimmediatelylefttheirnetsandfollowedHim.”(Matt4:18-20ESV).
Immediately...hmmm.Throughouthistory,manyhavecorrectlyunderstoodthatHiscall–and thisprincipleoffishing–appliestoeveryeffortofbelieversatevangelism.Christ’sexample illustrateswhatwearecalledtobedoingeachdayaswewalkwithHim.Thisimageofafish andfishingbecamesocentraltotheconceptoffollowingChristthatforcenturiesChristians usedthistosecretlyidentifythemselvestooneanother.Duringfirstcenturypersecutionsofthe church,Christianswouldquietlylookdownandscratchtwoadjoiningarcsintothedirtto signifytheirdevotiontoJesus.
Whataboutus,today?AswerespondtothecallofJesus,webecome“fishersofmen.”Andas wedo,likePeterandAndrew,weabandonsomething.Ournewlifereplacestheold.Weleave thecomfortofthefamiliarfortheadventureofthenew.PeterandAndrewlefttheirordinary livesasfishermenforsomethingtrulynewandextraordinary.Thatsameextraordinary experienceawaitsusallasweallowHimtoleadusinbecomingHis“fishersofmen.”
Prayer:Father,werejoicethatyouhavecalledustobecome"fishersofmen"andsharethe storyofyoursavinggracewithothers."Awaken"ustohearyouclearly–andexchange somethingordinaryforthetrulyextraordinaryadventureoftellingothersaboutyou.Grantus humilityaswetrustinyourpromise: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We pray it all in the name of your Son Jesus Christ – and in the power of your Holy Spirit! Amen. – 2 Chron 7:14.
May21–DAY141–“TheHarvestIsPlen ful”
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." – Galatians 6:9 (NIV).
Springtimemayseemanoddtimetobepreparingforharvest.YettheworkoftheChurch
goesonyear-round.Ineveryseason.TheharvestofsoulstoberescuedforHisKingdom isconstantlyontheheartofJesusChrist.Therecanbenoharvestwithoutthepreparation &planting!JesusconcludesHisSermonontheMountthenjourneyson.Heencounters Matthew,thetaxcollector,andinviteshimto,“followme.”Matthewimmediatelyfollows.
“Icamenottocalltherighteous,butsinners.”AsJesuscontinuesonHisjourney,miraculous healingsalsocontinue:“…Jesuswentthroughoutallthecitiesandvillages,teachingintheir synagoguesandproclaimingthegospelofthekingdomandhealingeverydiseaseandevery affliction.“Whenhesawthecrowds,hehadcompassionforthem,becausetheywereharassed andhelpless,likesheepwithoutashepherd.Thenhesaidtohisdisciples,‘Theharvestis plentiful,butthelaborersarefew;thereforeprayearnestlytotheLordoftheharvesttosendout laborersintohisharvest.’”–Matthew9:35-38ESV.
TheMasteroftheFeastinyesterday'sGospelofLukepreparedhisGreatBanquet–then expressedgreaturgency:‘Gooutquicklyintothestreetsandalleys…totheroadsandcountry lanes…sothatmyhousewillbefull.”Now,Jesus’heartissimilarlybrokenforthosereadyfor HisKingdomwithoutsufficientworkerstogatherthemin!Jesusproclaims,"Everythingisnow ready!"TheevangelicalworkoftheChurchremainsurgent!Asever,wearebeingcalledby Christto“prayearnestly”totheLordoftheharvesttosend“laborersintohisharvest.”
Prayer:Father,weseeyourgreatharvestisbeforeus–andyoudesiretourgentlyrescuethose whodonotyetknowofyourGreatBanquetpreparedforthem."Awaken”ustobeyour laborers,sentintoyourharvest.Hereweare,Lord.Sendus!Weearnestlyandhumblypraythe prayersyouhavegivenus,includingyourpromise: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We pray it all in the name of your Son Jesus Christ – and in the power of your Holy Spirit! Amen. – 2 Chron 7:14.
May24–DAY144–“DrivenByStrongWinds”
"A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough." – John 6:18 (NIV).
ThenJesuscalmedthestorm!InthebookofJameswe'reshownthetremendouspowerof
words,throughtheillustrationofgreatsailingvessels:“Althoughtheyaresolargeand aredrivenbystrongwinds,theyaresteeredbyaverysmallrudderwhereverthepilot wantstogo.”–fromJames3:4(NIV).Thispassagegoesontorevealthatitisourwords,and ourdifficult-to-controltongues,whichserveastheveryruddersofourlives!
Asindividuals,we'realldrivenbypowerfulwinds.Wesailonseasofstrongemotionsand consumingdesires.Yet,likegreatocean-goingships,we'repilotedandguidedbytinyrudders–thewordsonourtongues!Whosewordsdowerelyontopilotourownlife'svoyage?TheWord ofGodisAll-Powerfuable–tofaceanddefeateveryevil.Whenspoken,God'sWordactually comestolife!“ForthewordofGodisaliveandactive.Sharperthananydouble-edged sword…”(fromHeb4:12NIV).DaviddefeatedGoliathwiththepowerofGod'sWord:“…you cometomewithspearandjavelin,butIcomeagainstyouinthenameoftheLordAlmighty.”–1Samuel17:45.JesushimselfstaresdownthedevilwiththeWord:“Itiswritten:'Manshallnot liveonbreadalone,butoneverywordthatcomesfromthemouthofGod.'”–Matt4:4NIV.
Likeindividuals,nationsaredrivenbystrongwinds.Thecounselandcautionswhichthe scripturesapplytoindividualsapplytonations,aswell.WeAmericansarebornintoacountry blessedbyGod.Forcenturies–fromevenbeforeourfounding–ournationappealedtothe GodoftheBiblethroughHisWord.U.S.currencyacknowledgesandhonorsGodtothisvery day:"InGodWeTrust."Whoispilotingourcountrytoday?Whoissteeringthisship?Whose wordguidesustoday?Themedia?Thegovernment?Thetechgiants?TheWordofGod?
Prayer:Father,asindividualsandasanation,wearedrivenbystrongwinds."Awaken”us–to bepilotedbyyourWord.Weprayforyoursurehandontheruddersofourlivesandournation. Leadus,Father.Weprayyourguidingpromise: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We pray it all in the name of your Son Jesus Christ – and in the power of your Holy Spirit! Amen. – 2 Chron 7:14.
June1–DAY152–“TheFlowersAppear”
"...they flourish like a flower of the field..." – Psalm 103:15 NIV.
JUNEhasarrived!Summer’scoming!Wedon’tneedthecalendar.Theseasonis announcingitself!Likeclockwork,God’shandinHisabundantcreationisforever renewingtheearth.ProclaimingHIM.“Theflowersappearontheearth;thetimeofsinging hascome,andthevoiceoftheturtledoveisheardinourland.”(SongOfSongs2:12).
ThispassageisrichwiththeimageryofGod’sgreatcareforus.Theflowersinbloomrepresent HisboundlessgiftsandHisgrace,unaskedfor,yetamplyprovided.Thesingingofbirds indicatesalltheearthresoundinginunrestrainedworshipofHim,withoutwhich,even“the stoneswillcryout!”(Luke19:40NIV).Theturtledoveisaspecialreference.Thisbirdisatype ofpigeonknownforcooingandmakingasoftpurringsound.Thewordisusedasatermof affectionforsomeonedeeplycaredfor.Someoneadored.Marymadeanofferingofapairof turtledovesafterJesuswasborn.
Theterm"turtledove"inthispassagespeaksofGod’stenderness towardus–andHisgiftoftheHolySpirit.“Whenyousendyour Spirit,theyarecreated,andyourenewthefaceoftheground.”–Psalm104:30NIV.Oncemore,theSpiritofGodismovingacross theearthinworshipfulandfaithfulpraiseofHim.WelcomeJUNE!
Prayer:Father,weareamazedyetagainatyourmagnificent creation,andourplaceinit."Awaken”ustoseeandtohearyour presenceallaroundus–andtobearwitnesstoyourgentleSpiritatworkinyourworld.We prayyourgreatpromiseofforgivenessandredemption,callingusbacktoyou:
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We pray it all in the name of your Son Jesus Christ – and in the power of your Holy Spirit! Amen. – 2 Chron 7:14.
June2–DAY153–“LikeATreePlanted”
"...if the root is holy, so are the branches." – from Romans 11:6 (NIV).
TheOldTestament'sJeremiahisknownastheweepingprophet.Yetinthepassagebelow,
hedeliversoneoftheworld'sgreatmessagesofAssuranceandHopefromJeremiah 17:7-8(ESV):“BlessedisthemanwhotrustsintheLord,whosetrustistheLord.Heis likeatreeplantedbywater,thatsendsoutitsrootsbythestream,anddoesnotfearwhenheat comes,foritsleavesremaingreen,andisnotanxiousintheyearofdrought,foritdoesnot ceasetobearfruit.”
God’skeytolife.Importantstuff.WecanalmostimagineJesusadding:“Hewhohasearsto hear,lethimhear!”It’sallhere–God'sdeepestteachingsworthyofalifetime’sstudy–yet containedintwoshortverses.TrustIntheLord.HisContinualBlessing.TheAbundantLife. TheEndOfFearAndWorry.OurProvisionAndProtection.TheWayToGrowAndThrive.1. Plantyourselfbythewater.2.Extendyourrootsbythestream.
Getconnected.Stayconnected.ToHim.INHIM.ThroughHisWord.HisHolySpirit.And throughourdailyPrayer.Centurieslater,theApostlePaulechoestheproclamationofJeremiah: “…outofhisgloriousricheshemaystrengthenyouwithpowerthroughhisSpiritinyourinner being,sothatChristmaydwellinyourheartsthroughfaith.AndIpraythatyou,beingrooted andestablishedinlove,mayhavepower…tograsphowwideandlongandhighanddeepisthe loveofChrist…thatyoumaybefilledtothemeasureofallthefullnessofGod.”–from Ephesians3:16-19(NIV).
Prayer:Father,wepraiseyouthatyouhaveplantedusbesideyour"LivingWaters.""Awaken” ustothefulllifeofabundancestreamingallarounduswhichyourSpiritbringstooverflowing. Keepusrootedandsafelyplanted–byyourWordthroughyourSpirit–asweprayyourliving promise: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We pray it all in the name of your Son Jesus Christ – and in the power of your Holy Spirit! Amen. – 2 Chron 7:14.
June3–DAY154–“YouWillReceivePower”
"The Son is the radiance of God's glory...sustaining all things by his powerful word." – from Hebrews 1:3 (NIV).
It’sthedawnofTheChurchAge.JesusispreparingtodepartHisearthlyministry.AsHe
doesso,HecallsonthepowerofGod,invokingthenameofTheHolySpirit.It’sthevery openingofTheBookofActs,justthefirstfewverses,andChristcallsHisdisciplesto, “…bemywitnesses…”AsHisfollowers,wearenotleftpowerless.Infact,Christgivesus greatpower–thepowerofGodHimself:
“…youwillreceivepowerwhentheHolySpirithascomeuponyou,andyouwillbemy witnessesinJerusalemandinallJudeaandSamaria,andtotheendoftheearth…”–fromActs 1:8NIV.ThepoweroftheFatherandtheSonisgivenovertotheHolySpirit–thenvestedin usasChristians!ItisonlythemovementoftheHolySpiritintheworldwhichcanaccountfor themiraculousexplosionofbeliefinthefirstcentury–andinallthecenturiessince,rightupto today.ThisiswhywebelieverspraytotheFatherinthenameofJesusChrist–inthepowerof theHolySpirit.Allthefamiliarscripturesaboutfaithandsalvationonlycomealivewhenwe graspthetruenatureofthispowerofGodwithinus:
“…wemustbebornagain…”“welivebyfaithandnotbysight…”“faithistheevidenceof thingsnotseen…”“…thoughyouhavenotseenhim,youlovehim…”“…everythingis possibleforonewhobelieves…”Andsomanymore!*AtPentecostGodflipstheswitch.He turnstoHisHolySpirit.ThenHeturnstous.Andturnsonthepower!It'stheverymoment when“TheAwakening"trulybegins.ThedawnoftheChurch!
Prayer:Father,weseektograsptheawesomepowerofyourHolySpiritinus."Awaken”usto thepowerofourprayerwithyou.Ourownspiritscontinuepreparingtoagainwelcomeyour HolySpiritonthiscomingPentecostSunday.Withexpectation,weprayyourpowerful promise: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We pray it all in the name of your Son Jesus Christ – and in the power of your Holy Spirit! Amen. – 2 Chron 7:14.
*Scriptures from John 3:3, 2 Corinthians 5:7, Heb 11:1 (ESV), 1 Peter 1:8-9 & Mark 9:23 NIV.
June4–DAY155–“TheirInsultsHaveFallenOnMe!”
"Blessed are you when people insult you...because of me." – Jesus Christ, from Matthew 5:11
ItseemsChristianityisincreasinglyunderattackfromagrowingarrayofadversaries.Asthe
churchenterswhatsomearecalling“Post-ChristianAmerica,”we’refacedwithnew challenges.Orarewe?Actually,contemptforthepeopleofGodisasoldasthescriptures themselves.ThepsalmistcomplaineddirectlytotheLordthatdevotiontoHimhadsethimup forridiculefromhisfriendsandfamily.Onevividtranslationexpressesitthisway:
“BecauseofyouIlooklikeanidiot,Iwalkaroundashamedtoshowmyface.Mybrothersshun melikeabumoffthestreet;myfamilytreatsmelikeanunwantedguest.”–Psalm69:7-8(The Message).Indeed,devotiontoGodhasmadebelieversatargetsinceOldTestamenttimes: “…passionforyourhousehasconsumedme,theinsultsofthosewhoinsultyouhavefallenon me!”–fromPsalm69:9CEB (CommonEnglishBible)
Butratherthanbesurprisedbysuchreactionstoourfaith,theNewTestamentwriterstellusto wearsuchinsultsasabadgeofhonor:“Consideritpurejoy,mybrothersandsisters,whenever youfacetrialsofmanykinds,becauseyouknowthatthetestingofyourfaithproduces perseverance."–James1:2-3(NIV).IntheGospelofJohn,Jesushimselftellsuswecanexpect toreceivetheridiculeofothers:"Iftheworldhatesyou,keepinmindthatithatedmefirst.”–JesusChrist,John15:18.Yet,Jesusalsopredicts:“…manywillturnawayfromthefaith…but theonewhostandsfirmtotheendwillbesaved.”–fromMatt24:10-13NIV.
Prayer:Lord,makeus"foolsforChrist,"astheApostlesays,"...weak,thoughyouarestrong." "Awaken”ustojoyfullybearanycostasyourwitnesses,andstrengthenusthatwemayremain yours–steadfasttotheend.Weprayyourredeemingpromise:
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We pray it all in the name of your Son Jesus Christ – and in the power of your Holy Spirit! Amen. – 2 Chron 7:14.
June5–DAY156–“AboundInHope”
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." – Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV).
AsbelieversinJesusChrist,weeacharegrantedunfailinghope,“…thosewhohopein
theLORDwillrenewtheirstrength.”(fromIsaiah40:31NIV).Theabundantrichesof GodtheFatherhimselfarebestoweduponus,ashischildren!ThelistofHisrichesis boundless–amongthem,threeveryspecialblessings:
1)LOVE.TheFatherimpartsHisLove tousthroughtheHolySpirit.“…God'slovehasbeenpouredintoourheartsthroughtheHoly Spiritwhohasbeengiventous…”(fromRom5:3-5NIV).WhatabeautifulpictureofHis abundance!Thisistheimageofanover-flowinglove,impossibletocontain“…pouredinto us…!”Thisislove,notastheworldgives.Never-ending.
2)LEARNING.TheTeachingsofJesuscomealiveforusthroughtheHolySpirit. “Butthe Advocate,theHolySpirit,whomtheFatherwillsendinmyname,willteachyouallthingsand willremindyouofeverythingIhavesaidtoyou.”(John14:26NIV).Imagine.Aftertimespent readingandstudyingthescriptures,theHolySpiritcallsbacktoourremembrancetheWordof God–alongwithHisdepthofinsights.3)HOPE.TheHopeofGodliveswithinusthroughthe HolySpirit.“MaytheGodofhopefillyouwithalljoyandpeaceasyoutrustinhim,sothat youmayoverflowwithhopebythepoweroftheHolySpirit.” (Rom15:13NIV).Weworship theGodofHope!TheApostlePaulgraspsthecentralimportancewhichHopeplaysforour humanheartsandspirits–thatGod'shopemayabound:"Foreverythingthatwaswritteninthe pastwaswrittentoteachus,sothatthroughtheendurancetaughtintheScripturesandthe encouragementtheyprovidewemighthavehope."–Romans15:4(NIV).
Prayer:Father,wethankyouthatyouhavesentyourHolySpirittoguideustoyourLoveand Teaching,togiveusHope! "Awaken”inustheconfidenceofyourHope,nowandinthelifeto come.Weprayyourpromise,withabundanthope: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We pray it all in the name of your Son Jesus Christ – and in the power of your Holy Spirit! Amen. – 2 Chron 7:14.
July12–DAY193–“NoGreaterFriend”
"Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty." – Job 6:14 NIV
FightingragedonthebattlefieldsofWorldWarI.Americanforceswerepinneddownin
“NoMan’sLand.”Astheyfellback,onemantookasavagehit.Thesoldier’scomrade scrambledbackoutofthesafetyofthetrenchesinanattempttorescuehisbuddy.Under fierceenemyfire,thesoldierfinallyreturnedcarryinghisfriend–whohadbeenkilled.“He’s dead!”screamedhiscommandingofficer.“Acompletewaste!”“No,sir.Notawaste!”answered thesoldier,nowmortallywoundedhimself.“HeandIwerebestfriendssincewewerekids. WhenIreachedhim,Iwasabletoholdhiminmyarmsatthefinalmoment.Hestaredstraight intomyeyes.Hisdyingwordswere,‘Iknewyou’dcomeforme,Jim.’”
AsfriendsofJesus,we’retohaveNOFEAR–eveninlifeanddeathsituation.“Itellyou,my friends,donotfearthosewhokillthebody,andafterthathavenothingmorethattheycan do…greaterlovehasnoonethanthis,thatsomeonelaydownhislifeforhisfriends.”–from Luke12:4&John15:13ESV.TheApostlePaulnumberedamongGod’sgreatestenemies.Yet, JesusacceptedPaulashisclosefriend–andconvertedhimintotheworld'sgreatestEvangelist!
“WewereGod'senemies,buthemadeushisfriendsthroughthedeathofhisSon.Nowthatwe areGod'sfriends,howmuchmorewillwebesavedbyChrist'slife!"(Romans5:10GNT).As friendsofJesus,we’retoembraceoneanother“Yourfriendsgreetyou.Greeteachofourfriends byname…forthesakeofmyrelativesandfriendsIwillnowsay,‘Maytherebepeacewithin you’…allwhoarewithmesendyoutheirlove.Giveourlovetoourfriendsinthefaith.”–from 3John1:15&Psalm122:8ISV,andTitus3:15BBE.
Prayer:Jesus,youhavecalledusYOURFRIENDS!"Awaken”inusyoursacredteachingthat "greaterlovehathnoone"thantogiveourlifeforourfriends–asweprayoncemoreyour promise,offeredasourfriend: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We pray it all in the name of your Son Jesus Christ – and in the power of your Holy Spirit! Amen. – 2 Chron 7:14.
August1–DAY213–“YourYouthIsRenewed”
"...refresh my heart in Christ." – from Philemon 1:20 NIV.
Restoration.Reclamation.Renewal.WeworshiptheGodwhorefreshes&renews!Who
makesallthingsnewagain.Evenus!“Therefore,ifanyoneisinChrist,heisanew creation.Theoldhaspassedaway;behold,thenewhascome.”–2Cor5:17ESV.The heartandspiritofGodarereadyandabletohealourownheartsandspirits.Hedesiresto forgiveus.Totakeawayoursins.Tocleanseourspiritsofeveryimpurity.“Createinmeaclean heart,OGod,andrenewarightspiritwithinme.”–Psalm51:10ESV.
HisSpiritismovingacrosstheearth,commandingustorejectwhattheworldisofferingand insteadfollowHim:“Donotbeconformedtothisworld,butbetransformedbytherenewalof yourmind,thatbytestingyoumaydiscernwhatisthewillofGod,whatisgoodandacceptable andperfect.”–Romans12:2ESV.HegivesusahearttoreturntoHimandrenewour relationshipwithourCreator:“Restoretomethejoyofyoursalvation,andupholdmewitha willingspirit.”Psalm51:12ESV.
Attimes,thechallengeswe'vefacedandenduredcanturnourlivesintoreclamationprojects. Thefreedomandjoyofouryouthwillreturn–whenwereturntoHim.“…thosewhohopein theLORDwillrenewtheirstrength…behold,Imakeallthingsnew.”– Isa40:31NIV&Rev 21:5ESV.PraisetheLord...!"...whosatisfiesyourdesireswithgoodthingssoyouryouthis renewed…” (fromPsalm103:1-5).
Prayer:Father,youenteredtheworldyoucreatedtoreclaimusandrestoreustoanintimate relationshipwithyou."Awaken”inusthehungertoknowyoufullyandtoreturntoyou.Renew inusthespiritofyouth,andallowustotrulyexperienceyourlove.Inrenewal,wejoyfullypray yourpromise:
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We pray it all in the name of your Son Jesus Christ – and in the power of your Holy Spirit! Amen. – 2 Chron 7:14.
August2–DAY214–“ChasingA erTheWind”
"The wind blows wherever it pleases." – Jesus Christ, from John 3:8 NIV.
Twoteenswerespendingtheweekwiththeirfamiliesnearamountainlake.Onebeautiful
daytheydecidedtogosailing.Thoughnovices,theywereamazedathoweasilythey couldsimplylifttheirsail,letthewindfillit,andraceacrossthewaterstotheotherend ofthelake.Yet,oncethere,theydiscoveredtheywerestranded.Theyhadnoideahowtosail backhomeagainstthewind.“It'simpossible!”theydecided.Finally,oneoftheboy'sfathers sawthemstrugglingandcametotheirrescue.Drivingtotheotherendofthelake,hehopped intotheirboat.Demonstratinghowto“tack”intothewind,hesailedthemsafelybackhome.
Ittakesanexperiencedsailortonavigateagainstthewind.“…noonehaspoweroverthewind tocontainit…”–fromEcc8:8NIV.KingSolomonhaditall.Yet,neartheendofhislife,he takesstockofhiscountlessaccomplishments,anddespairs!“Iundertookgreatprojects:Ibuilt housesformyselfandplantedvineyards.Imadegardensandparksandplantedallkindsoffruit treesinthem...Iamassedsilverandgoldformyself,andthetreasureofkingsandprovinces.I becamegreaterbyfarthananyoneinJerusalembeforeme…
“Ideniedmyselfnothingmyeyesdesired;Irefusedmyheartnopleasure.Myhearttookdelight inallmylabor,andthiswastherewardforallmytoil.YetwhenIsurveyedallthatmyhands haddoneandwhatIhadtoiledtoachieve,everythingwasmeaningless,achasingafterthe wind;”–fromEcclesiastes2:4-11NIV.KingSolomon'sshocked!Inspiteofallhehas,he’sin despair!"...everythingwasmeaningless,achasingafterthewind..."Atrueaccount.Anda cautionarytaleforourowntime.Somespendtheirentirelivesclimbingtheladderofsuccess, onlytodiscoverattheend,itwasleaningagainstthewrongwall!
Prayer:Father,"Awaken”ustothetruenavigationyourwordprovides,thatourlivesnotbea mere"chasingafterthewind."Thankyouforyourgiftofeternallife,maywealwaystellothers ofyou.Weprayyourgreatpromise: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We pray it all in the name of your Son Jesus Christ – and in the power of your Holy Spirit! Amen. – 2 Chron 7:14.
September2–DAY245–“TheMakerOfAllThings”
"Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker." – Psalm 95:6 NIV.
Sonofacarpenter.MasterCarpenterhimself.Jesusknowsaboutmakingthings.Heknows
abouttoolsandtoolbelts.Creatingbeauty.Workingwithhishands.Jesusissoidentified asacarpenterinHishometown,HisneighborsareflabbergastedwhenHebeginsHis ministry:“Wheredidthismangetthesethings?What'sthiswisdomthathasbeengivenhim? Whataretheseremarkablemiracles?Isn'tthisthecarpenter?”–fromMark6:2-3NIV.
Jesus,theMasterCarpenterispresentatallofCreation.He'smadeeachofus.Asbelievers, we'realltoolsintheMaster'stoolbelt–madebyHimforHisspecialpurposes."Justaseachof ushasonebodywithmanymembers,andthesemembersdonotallhavethesamefunction,so inChristwewhoaremanyformonebody,andeachmemberbelongstoalltheothers."–Rom 12:4-5NIV.EverfeelconfusedaboutwhereGodisleading?“Asyoudonotknowthepathof thewind,orhowthebodyisformedinamother'swomb,soyoucannotunderstandtheworkof God,theMakerofallthings.”–Ecclesiastes11:5NIV.Thoughwemaylackunderstanding,as Hischildren,we'renottoquarrelwithHispurposes.“Woetotheonewhoargueswithhis Maker—oneclaypotamongmany.Doesclaysaytotheoneformingit,'Whatareyoumaking?' Ordoesyourworksay,'Hehasnohands?'”–Isaiah45:9CSB.
Weallshareidenticalbeginnings.“Richandpoorhavethisincommon:TheLORDisthe Makerofthemall.”–Proverbs22:2NIV.GodisourHopeandShield.Always.“Ourhelpisin thenameoftheLORD…HeistheMakerofheavenandearth,thesea,andeverythinginthem." (fromPsa124:8&Psa146:6NIV).Jesus.TheMasterCarpenter.HeknowshowtoMake anything.Fixanything.Re-Makeanything.OrAnyone.ReadytoletHimFix&Re-Makeyou?
Prayer:Father,weworshipyouasTheMakerofallthings.AndTheRe-Maker.Evenwe, ourselves."Awaken"eachofustoacceptyourspecialpurposeforeachofourlives.Leadus, Lord,asweprayinfaithyourfaithfulpromise: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We pray it all in the name of your Son Jesus Christ – and in the power of your Holy Spirit! Amen. – 2 Chron 7:14.
October28–DAY300–“AllKindsOfFish”
"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will send you out to fish for people." – Jesus Christ, Matthew 4:19 NIV.
ThescripturesrevealGod’scommandovertheAIR,LAND,andSEA,revealingGod's
protectionofHispeople&JacobfromtheAIR:“…likeaneaglethatstirsupitsnestand hoversoveritsyoung,thatspreadsitswingstocatchthemandcarriesthemaloft.”–fromDeuteronomy32:11-12NIV.InHisparableofthesowerJesusillustratesthepowerofHis WordtogrowexponentiallyacrosstheLAND:“…theseedfallingongoodsoilrefersto someonewhohearsthewordandunderstandsit.Thisistheonewhoproducesacrop,yieldinga hundred,sixtyorthirtytimeswhatwassown…”–JesusChrist,fromMatthew13:23NIV.
TheWATERS,abundantwith“everykindofseacreature”illustrateHisWord’spowertoreach diversepeoples:"Allkindsoffish!"“Thekingdomofheavenislikeanetthatwasletdowninto thelakeandcaughtallkindsoffish.Whenitwasfull,thefishermenpulleditupontheshore. Thentheysatdownandcollectedthegoodfishinbaskets…”–JesusChrist,fromMatthew 13:47-48NIV.AIR.LAND.SEA.GodisworkingthroughoutthespherestocallpeopletoHim. TheChurchhasatermforourownpartinthisplanofGod:"TheGreatCommission."
AmajorityofAmericanChristiansareunfamiliarwiththeterm.*Only17percentknowthe phraseanditsmeaning.Ourworkgoeson.Evenwithinthechurch.TheLordwillgoanywhere toshareHisGospel.“FortheSonofManhascometoseekandtosavethatwhichwaslost.”–JesusChrist,Luke19:10NIV.EverybelieveriscalledtospreadHisGospel.InHomes.In Churches.AcrossAirwaves.ThroughMediaandTheInternet.Air.Land.Sea.LiketheLord Himself,wherewon’twebelieversgotoproclaimHisWord?
Prayer:Father,callusto"gointoalltheworld"tosharethepricelesstreasureofyourGospel. "Awaken"ustoletdownthenetsintodeepwater,sharingyourWordwith"allkindsoffish!" Weprayyourpromise: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We pray it all in the name of your Son Jesus Christ – and in the power of your Holy Spirit! Amen. – 2 Chron 7:14.
*Surveys (2019) of church-going American Christians.
November12–DAY315–“BePrepared”
"...prepare the way for the LORD..." – from Isaiah 40:3 NIV.
TheBoyScoutsofAmericawerefoundedin1910behindthemotto:"BePrepared."
Scoutsaretobe“alwaysreadyinmindandbodytodotheirduty.”Since1910,Scouts havebeenlearningandpracticingto“BePrepared.”AlongwithScouting,thisScout mottohasnowspreadto164nations.French-speakingScoutsstrivetobe"ToujoursPrêt." Spanish-speakingScoutssay,"SiempreListo."Bothareproperlytranslated:“AlwaysReady.”
Christiansarealsotoremainready:“Alwaysbepreparedtogiveananswertoeveryonewho asksyoutogivethereasonforthehopethatyouhave…”–from1Peter3:15NIV."Be Prepared."Buthow?Attendchurch.Pray.Studythescriptures.Yet,there'smore.Turnsout,as Christians,weeachpossesssomethingtrulySpecial.OurownStory!TheLordsavedus, comingtoeachofusinadistinctway.We'retoshareouruniqueexperience.“Lettheredeemed oftheLORDtelltheirstory–thoseheredeemedfromthehandofthefoe.”–Psalm107:2NIV.
WOW!YoumeanMyStory?Littleoldme?Absolutely!We'recommandedtotellothershow JesusChristisuniquelyreachingandtouchingus–inourownlives.There'ssomuch disinformationandconfusionintheworld.Skepticscan(andwill)argueagainstthescriptures. ButnobodycanarguewithYOUROWNEXPERIENCE!It'sYourStory.Andonlyyoucantell it.That'swhyyou'rehere!AfterJesusrestoresthedemon-possessedman,Jesussendshimout! "'GobackhomeandtelleveryonehowmuchGodhasdoneforyou.'Themanthenwentallover town,tellingeverythingthatJesushaddoneforhim.”–Luke8:39CEV.ConcerningtheHoly Spirit(aswellasHisownfollowers),Jesusdeclares,“…hewilltestifyaboutme.Andyoualso musttestify..."–fromJohn15:26-27NIV TellHisStory.BysharingYourStory:"...alwaysbe prepared...bepreparedinseasonandoutofseason..."–from1Peter3:15&2Timothy4:2NIV.
Prayer.Father,“Awaken”ustobepreparedtotestifyofyou,totellyourstory–bytellingOur Story.Weprayyourpowerfulpromise: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We pray it all in the name of your Son Jesus Christ – and in the power of your Holy Spirit! Amen. – 2 Chron 7:14.
December3–DAY336–“IWillSendMyMessenger”
"I looked, and there before me was a holy one, a messenger, coming down from heaven." – from Daniel 4:13 NIV.
Inaworldwhereitseemsthereissomuchbadnews,whatdoesgoodnewsevenlooklike.
Orsoundlike?Dowerecognizegoodnewsevenwhenweseeorhearit?TheGospelof Markbeginswith“GoodNews!”TheGospelofJesusChrist.Thisisthe"GoodNews"the BibledescribesinRomans1:16:“ThepowerofGodforsalvationtoeveryonewhobelieves.” ForthoseofuswhoknowHim,we'recalledtosharethis"GoodNews"inourowntime.Weare calledtobeHisMessengers.
TheHolySpiritdrawsunbelieverstosalvationthroughbeliefinJesusChrist.LikeJohnthe Baptist,we'retohelppreparetheway!“AsitiswritteninIsaiahtheprophet:'Iwillsendmy messengeraheadofyou,whowillprepareyourway'"–Mark1:2NIV.Christiansaskwhatis mycalling?Theanswer:carryTheMessage:“Asforyou,alwaysbesober-minded,endure suffering,dotheworkofanevangelist,fulfillyourministry...whoeveracceptsanyoneIsend acceptsme;andwhoeveracceptsmeacceptstheonewhosentme."–from2Tim4:5andJohn 13:20NIV.OurMessageisNOTtofollowus.Rather,FOLLOWTHEONEWEFOLLOW:“I amnottheMessiahbutamsentaheadofhim.”–fromJohn3:28NIV
God’scounciltounbelievers:“Behold,Isendmymessenger,andhewillpreparetheway beforeme...behold,heiscoming...”–fromMalachi3:1ESV.AsHisMessengers,we'renever alone!“ThenHaggai,theLORD'smessenger,gavethismessageoftheLORDtothepeople:'I amwithyou,'declarestheLORD.”–Haggai1:13NIV.Weeachbecamebelieversbecause someonecarriedHisMessagetous!We'recalledtodaytobeHisMessengertoothers.Wehave metHisMessengers...ANDTHEYAREUS!
Prayer:Father,“Awaken”usto"gointoalltheworld"asyourmessengerstocarryyour pricelessGospel.Weprayyourpromise: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We pray it all in the name of your Son Jesus Christ – and in the power of your Holy Spirit! Amen. – 2 Chron 7:14.
December18–DAY351–“TreasuresOfTheSnow”
"Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession." – from Exodus 19:5 NIV
AsthewintersnowsofDecemberloom,we'reremindedthatGodmustreallylovethe
wintersnowfalls.Herefersto"snow"dozensoftimesinscripture,oftenwithendearing referenceslike,"Hespreadsthesnowlikewoolandscattersthefrostlikeashes."–Psalm147:16.So,weareHissheepandHespreadsthesnowlikeawoolenblanket.Whatis Godgettingathere?TheLordispreparingusforlivesofabundanceandprotectionandinvites ustojoinHim."Astherainandthesnowcomedownfromheaven,anddonotreturntoit withoutwateringtheearthandmakingitbudandflourish..."Isaiahfollowsthiswith:
“Soismywordthatgoesoutfrommymouth:Itwillnotreturntomeempty,butwill accomplishwhatIdesireandachievethepurposeforwhichIsentit.”–Isaiah55:11.Godhas great"treasures"in"storehouses"forus:“Haveyouenteredthestorehousesofthesnow...which Ireservefortimesoftrouble..."—Job38:22-23.TheLordispreparingHispurposesforeach ofusasHischildren.“ForIknowtheplansIhaveforyou,”declarestheLord,“planstoprosper youandnottoharmyou,planstogiveyouhopeandafuture.”–Jeremiah29:11NIV.
Yet,howoftendowefrustratetheplansofGodforourownlives–bydoubtingHim.“Thenthe LordspoketoJoboutofthestorm.Hesaid:“Whoisthisthatobscuresmyplanswithwords withoutknowledge?...'”–fromJob38:1NIV.WhenwetrustGod'sWordforourlives–with ourlives–HehonorsandrewardsourfaithwiththetreasuresofHisKingdom."Thekingdom ofheavenisliketreasurehiddeninafield.Whenamanfoundit,hehiditagain,andtheninhis joywentandsoldallhehadandboughtthatfield."–JesusChrist,fromMatthew13:44NIV
Prayer.Lord,maywebe“Awakened”witheachwintersnowfalltoyourstorehouseofrich provisionprovidedthroughyourmatchlessChristmasgift.Weprayyourtimelesspromise: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We pray it all in the name of your Son Jesus Christ – and in the power of your Holy Spirit! Amen. – 2 Chron 7:14.
December13–DAY346–“AllDayLong!”
“In that day you will say: 'Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.'” – Isaiah 12:4 NIV.
Iftonight,youweretowitnessamultitudeofangels,howwouldyourespond?The
shepherdsimmediatelysharedtheangels'message,thenneverstoppedrejoicingconcerning theevent!"...theymadeknownthesayingthathadbeentoldthemconcerningthis child…andtheshepherdsreturned,glorifyingandpraisingGodforalltheyhadheardand seen..."–Luke2:17&20.Thisiswhatwitnessesdo!Asweadornourtreesinourownhomes withornaments,ourowndecorationsalsoannounceHiscomingatChristmas.“TheLORDis God;hehasbeengoodtous.Withbranchesinyourhands,startthefestival…rejoicinginHis namealldaylong."(fromPsalm118:27GNT&89:6NIV).
"Alldaylong!"WOW!Non-stoprejoicing!“…withtheLordadayislikeathousandyears…” (from2Peter3:8NIV).TheLordlovesHispeoplerejoicinginHim.That'swhatallourdays arefor!“Mytonguewillproclaimyourrighteousness,yourpraisesalldaylong.”–Psalm35:28 NIV.“Mymouthisfilledwithyourpraise,declaringyoursplendoralldaylong.”–Psalm71:8 NIV.“InGodwemakeourboastalldaylong...”–Psalm44:8NIV.“…youareGodmySavior, andmyhopeisinyoualldaylong.”–fromPsalm25:5NIV.“…Icalltoyoualldaylong...”–fromPsalm86:3NIV.“Oh,howIloveyourlaw!Imeditateonitalldaylong.”–Psalm119:97 NIV.“Theyrejoiceinyournamealldaylong...”(Psa89:16NIV).
Proclaiming!Declaring!Boasting!Hoping!Calling!Meditating!Rejoicing!"AllDayLong!" WHYrejoice?JesusHimselftellsus!"…rejoicethatyournamesarewritteninheaven."–Jesus Christ,Luke10:20NIV.WHENarewetorejoice?“…theLORDhasdoneitthisveryday;let usrejoicetodayandbeglad.”–fromPsalm118:24NIV.
Prayer.Father,makethisanAdventofrejoicing“alldaylong”inagreat"Awakening."We rejoiceinyourgreatpromiseandpray: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We pray it all in the name of your Son Jesus Christ – and in the power of your Holy Spirit! Amen. – 2 Chron 7:14.
December19–DAY352–“WeWaitEagerly”
"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ." – Philippians 3:20 NIV
TheseasonofAdventbringsspecialeagerness.Thescripturesrecordstoriesofthose
waitingfortheirMaster.InancientIsrael,apopulartitleforMessiahwasComforter. God’speoplewaitedwithgreatlongingfortheSaviourtobringHiscomfort.InLuke's Christmasaccount,SimeonwaitsonthecomfortthatChristwillbring."Nowamannamed SimeonwasinJerusalem.Thismanwasrighteousanddevout.Hewaswaitingfortheonewho wouldcomfortIsrael,andtheHolySpiritwasuponhim.Ithadbeenrevealedtohimbythe HolySpiritthathewouldnotdieuntilhehadseentheLord'sMessiah."–Luke2:25-26ISV.
Whyallthiswaiting?BecausetheLordpromisesHisblessingsforthosewhowait.“Whilewe waitfortheblessedhope–theappearingofthegloryofourgreatGodandSavior,Jesus Christ…waitforthegiftmyFatherpromised,whichyouhaveheardmespeakabout."–Titus 2:13&Acts1:4NIV.Waiting’shard.ButwhenwewaitpatientlyforHim,we'reassuredof God'sspecialblessings:“Blessedareallwhowaitforhim!”–fromIsaiah30:18NIV.Our waitingilluminatesourfaith–andleadstoattainingrighteousness.“…byfaithweeagerly awaitthroughtheSpirittherighteousnessforwhichwehope.”–fromGalatians5:5NIV. Indeed,ourwaitingliftsandstrengthensourHope&TrustinHim–andHispromises:“Inthe hopeofeternallife,whichGod,whodoesnotlie,promisedbeforethebeginningoftime…Iwill waitfortheLORD…Iwillputmytrustinhim.”–fromTitus1:2&Isaiah8:17NIV We'reto waitwithgreatthankfulnessforHisChristmasgiftsofmercyandeternallife:“Keepyourselves inGod'sloveasyouwaitforthemercyofourLordJesusChristtobringyoutoeternallife.”–Jude1:21NIV."Thereforewaitforme,"declarestheLORD…”–fromZephaniah3:8NIV.
Prayer.Lord,“Awaken”ustofaithfulexpectationforyourcertainreturnthisChristmas,aswe patientlyprayyourpromise: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We pray it all in the name of your Son Jesus Christ – and in the power of your Holy Spirit! Amen. – 2 Chron 7:14.
December22–DAY355–“RejoiceAndBeGlad!”
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" – Philippians 4:4 NIV.
WerejoiceatthegiftofChristmas.ButhowcanwetrulycelebrateChristmasunless
wegraspwhatJesusChristhasdoneforus?Thescripturessay,“ThegraceofGod thatbringssalvationhasappearedtoallmen.”–Titus2:11NKJV.GOD'SGRACE! Yet,itwouldn'tbeagiftifwecouldhaveearneditonourown.Completelyundeserving,we're rescued.SoweREJOICE!
AstoryistoldthattheemancipationofBritishWestIndiesslaveswouldoccuratdawnona datecertain.Ingreatanticipation,watchmenwerepostedas"look-outs"atopthesurrounding hillstoannounce"Freedom"withthecomingsunrise.Suddenly,atthebreakofdawn,trumpets blaredfromthosehilltops.Farbelow,inthestill-darkvalleys,therejoicingcouldnotbe contained!Christmasislikethis!Onceenslavedanddestinedfordeath–we'resetfree!
AllthosewhobeheldtheChildintheMangergraspedthisgreat"GoodNews!"“Theshepherds returned,glorifyingandpraisingGodforallthethingstheyhadheardandseen...”–fromLuke 2:20NIV.Christmaschangeseverything!“WhentheGentilesheardthis,theywereglad...and allwhowereappointedforeternallifebelieved.”–fromActs13:48NIV.Christmasiscoming! “Thereforemyheartisgladandmytonguerejoices;mybodyalsowillrestinhope.”–Acts 2:26NIV Asbelievers,wehaveeveryreasontorejoiceandbeglad!We'vebeensetfree!So now,everydayisChristmas!Telltheworld!“TheLORDhasdoneitthisveryday;letus rejoicetodayandbeglad…rejoicealways!”–fromPsalm118:24&1Thess5:16NIV.
Prayer.HeavenlyFather,werejoicethisChristmaswiththegladnessofslavesreceivingour deliverance."Awaken"ustoseewetrulyhavebeensetfree–aswerejoice,asChristmastruly is“thedaytheLordhasmade!”Weprayyourpromise:
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We pray it all in the name of your Son Jesus Christ – and in the power of your Holy Spirit! Amen. – 2 Chron 7:14.
December24–DAY357–“SilentNight”
"Let them sit alone in silence, for the LORD has laid it on them." – Lamentations 3:28.
Worshipissomethingmorethansongandscripture.Itisalsoawedsilence.Powerful
silence.Prayerfulsilence."LetalltheearthbesilentbeforeHim..."–fromHabakkuk 2:20NIV.OnChristmasEve,wecanonlybesilentinthepresenceofHisgreatness.
Worshipisholyground.AquiettimespentwiththeLord.Withalisteningspirit.New Englandershaveafavoredexpression:“Speakonlywhenitimprovesthesilence.”
"Bestill,andknowthatIamGod"ishowthepsalmistputits.–Psalm46:10NIV.Wherever twoorthreearegatheredinHisName,theLordispresent.Tonight,makeitaquietpartyof two.JustyouandtheLord.
CelebratingChristmas.Alone.Together.
SilentChristmasEve.PrayerfulChristmasEve.PowerfulChristmasEve.SilentNight,indeed. Amen.
Prayer.Lord,“Awaken”ustofaithfulexpectationforyourcertainreturnthisChristmas,aswe prayerfully,patiently,prayyourpowerfulpromise:
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We pray it all in the name of your Son Jesus Christ – and in the power of your Holy Spirit! Amen. – 2 Chron 7:14.
December31–DAY365–“TheOpenDoor”
"And the whole town gathered together at the door." – Mark 1:33 ESV.
Thetinyfirst-centuryChristiansinPhiladelphiawerelivingouttheirfaithagainstthe
poweroftheRomanEmpire.TheapostleJohnsawaspectacularvisionandrecordeda message:“TotheangelofthechurchinPhiladelphiawrite:Thesearethewordsofhim whoisholyandtrue...whatheopensnoonecanshut,andwhatheshutsnoonecanopen...see, Ihaveplacedbeforeyouanopendoorthatnoonecanshut…"–fromRevelation3:7-13.
WOW!AnamazingpromisefromGod!TheLordwasaffirmingthePhiladelphiachurch:You aresharingyourfaithwithothers.Inthemidstofyourtoughtimes,Godhassetanopendoor beforeyou.NoonecanshutanydoorthatGodhasopened!God'sOpenDoorpromisefigures prominentlyinJesus'ministry–asHeoffersrescuetoallwhoseekHim:"Askanditwillbe giventoyou;seekandyouwillfind;knockandthedoorwillbeopenedtoyou."–JesusChrist, Matthew7:7NIV.ThisDoorisopentoallwhoask!
“Foreveryonewhoasksreceives;thosewhoseekfind;andtothosewhoknock,thedoorwillbe opened.”–JesusChrist,Matt7:8NIV.Butnotjustanydoor.THEDoor!"Makeeveryeffortto enterthroughthenarrowdoor,becausemany,Itellyou,willtrytoenterandwillnotbeable to."–JesusChrist,Luke13:24NIV.We’retopresentHisOpenDoortoeveryone!“Onarriving there,theygatheredthechurchtogetherandreportedallthatGodhaddonethroughthemand howhehadopenedadooroffaithtotheGentiles.”–Acts14:27NIV.Atmidnighttonight,a newyearbegins.AcceptHisgraciousinvitation.Openthedoorinwelcome!“HereIam!Istand atthedoorandknock.Ifanyonehearsmyvoiceandopensthedoor,Iwillcomeinandeatwith them,andtheywithme.”–JesusChrist,Revelation3:20NIV.HappyNewYear,indeed!
Prayer.Lord,"Awaken"ustoreachouttothosewhodonotyetknowyou–andofferyour salvationawaitingthemthroughyourOpenDoor.Weprayyoursacredpromise: "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." We pray it all in the name of your Son Jesus Christ – and in the power of your Holy Spirit! Amen. – 2 Chron 7:14.
