VBS Leaders needed for Mega Sports Camp on June 25 – 29 at 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm! As always, we need lots of volunteers of all ages to help share the love and Good News of Jesus with the kids who come to our VBS. We need coaches, huddle coaches, Bible story leaders, music leaders, helpers for decorating, snacks, registration & crafts. Sign-up by contacting Sharon Seward 704-553-1977 / sharon@stgilesepc.org

Volunteers are needed on Saturday, May 12th, 9:00 – noon! Painters are needed for the Fellowship Hall exterior and cross, and manpower for several smaller jobs. You will enjoy serving your church and the good fellowship! Contact the church office if you will be available to help.

All King’s Kids & King’s Creation Kids teachers who serve on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights are invited to a Teacher Appreciation Breakfast on Sunday May 6th at 9:30 am in the King’s Kids Room.  Please let Sharon Seward (Sharon@stgilesepc.org) know if you can attend.  We love and appreciate you so very much!

Our final night for Wednesdsay Night IGNITE is May 16.   Everyone is invited to an outdoor BBQ at 5:00 pm.  Bouncy House and MORE – for all ages.   Come and celebrate IGNITE’S last meeting.   After the summer, IGNITE will resume in the fall.

Guest Speaker: David Dolan, Jerusalem-based author, and international speaker

jenniferecarey@aol.com.

Please join us on Thursday evening, April 5th at 7:00 pm for our Maundy Thursday service. Nursery will be provided. Contact the church office if you need childcare.

Palm Sunday Breakfast & Balloon Lift for parents & kids (2’s-5th grade) on Sunday, April 1st at 9:30 am in the gym! This will take the place of Children’s Sunday School.

The Sanctuary will be open at 9:00 am on Saturday, March 24th through 9:00 am on Sunday, March 25th. On Saturday from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm there will be Worship Immersion with David Whitlow and Anna Hollingsworth. See the insert for more details.

Everyone is invited to a special breakfast reception next Sunday, Feb. 19th at 9:00 am -10:15 am in the Gym. Please come by and give Wally & Linda some good ‘ole St. Giles lovin! Adult & Children’s Sunday School classes will be cancelled. Wally’s last Sunday at St. Giles will be Sunday, Feb. 26th.

Jewish Traditional Meal at 5:15.  “Messiah in the Passover” Presentation by
Sam Nadler at 6:30 in the gym.

Anna Hollingsworth and Melanie Boyd are leading a
6 week DVD parenting series called “Loving Our Kids On Purpose” by Danny and Sheri Silk. This class is held each Friday until March 9th in the Hospitality Room from 9:45 am -11:45 am. Nursery care is provided. Please RSVP by contacting Melanie Boyd 704-737-4682 or email mel@boydbanter.com.

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.

Everyone is invited to the next Night of Light: Worship “Metro Watch” on Friday, Feb. 3rd at 7:30 pm at All Nations Church. Musical guest Kelanie Gloeckler. For more info, go to www.chavdaministries.org.

The local outreach committee is uniting with our neighbors, St. Andrews this year in hosting homeless men in conjunction with Room in the Inn. Our next outreach date is Thursday, Feb. 9th.

You are invited to come and pray, worship and soak in the Lord’s presence on Friday, Jan. 27th at 6:30 pm -
8:30 pm in the sanctuary. Childcare is provided. Contact the church office if you will need childcare.

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.

The local outreach committee is uniting with our neighbors, St. Andrews again this year in hosting homeless men in conjunction with Room in the Inn. Our next outreach date will be Thursday, January 12th. Stay tuned….You will be invited to sign up to volunteer to help.

Sign up this week or on Sunday, Jan. 15th for Wednesday night IGNITE!!! Register for the class you will attend and also sign up if you plan to attend the catered meal on January 18th. Pick up a brochure on Sunday with a description of the classes offered.

Three Ways to Register (pick one):
Email Meg at meg@stgilesepc.org
Call the Church Office 704-553-1977
Fill out a Registration form on Sunday, Jan. 15th

Schedule of Events
5:30-6:15 pm Catered Meal in the Gym. Pricing per adult & child will be published on Sunday, Jan. 15th.
6:30-7:30 pm Adult Classes, Children & Youth Meetings

Classes Offered
Marriage & Family (Fellowship Hall)
The Book of Ephesians (Conference Room)
Harp & Bowl (Hospitality Room)
Youth: 6th – 12th Grade (Youth Bldg)
Children: 4yrs – 5th Grade (Gym)
Nursery: Infants – 3yrs (Admin Bldg)
Worship Practice (Sanctuary)

Blessings to each of you and we hope to see you at IGNITE!

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