On the Go - December 24, 2009

Timing is not only important, it's everything.

Live it
In this Christmas season, our thoughts are turned toward the baby Jesus and not the thirty-three year old man who entered Jerusalem and fulfilled Zechariah's prophecy. While passion plays depict Jesus as a baby growing to an adult, when the lights fade most of us put him back in the manger. Not to diminish the importance of celebrating his birth, but to leave him there for an annual remembrance in December is to deny who he is and why he came.

If you're a C.E.O, that is, only celebrating Jesus on Christmas, Easter and a few other ocassions, here's a way to revolutionize your spiritual life in the coming New Year. Make a resolution to read the Bible through (from cover to cover) next year asking yourself, what does a particular portion of Scripture have to do with Jesus. It only requires spending a few minutes each day and be sure to ask God for help in your quest. If you do, I promise you will never go back to being a C.E.O again.

Pray it
I love December 26th because it's another day to worship You, Jesus as the King of Kings and Lords of Lords. Come to think of it, the 27th offers the same opportunity. Thank you for coming Lord, but thank you more for not leaving when you were ignored, abused, condemned and rejected. I must be worth it, but I confess I wouldn't have done it for someone like me. But you did and I'm so glad!

Resources
Samuel: "If I've done any wrong, I want to make it right." (2000)
Missionary Beaty: Is there grass growing on your prayer path?. (2001)
The longer one separates himself from God's people, the more he should long to return. (2004)
Salvation evolves from profession to perfection. (2005)
Devotional (2006)
Devotional (2007)
Are you playing the Blame Game? (2008)

How to Pray for...
My husband or wife.
Teach me to love my wife today the same way Jesus loves me.

My children.
Lead my children in paths of righteousness and keep them from straying too far.

Their school.
Keep those of bad influence from teaching in our schools.

Their teachers.
Protect those whose passion is to teach what is right in Your eyes.

My children's friends.
Give my children godly friends who are committed to do what is right in Your eyes.

My friends.
Help me be a friend to the friendless and faithful to those who befriend me.

My work.
Make me a diligent worker, one who inspires my boss and leads him to trust you.

My city.
Take my city one where truth and liberty are dominant and favoritism has no place.

Governmental leaders.
Guide government leaders to do only that which Scripture teaches.

My country.
Convert our country's patriotism "fever" into a passion for holiness under Your Banner.

My President.
Give him wisdom to make the choices You want him to make.

My church.
Give my fellow church members a passion to be clean and reconciled to each other.

My pastor.
Direct him to lead resolutely, anchored on the rock of uncompromising faith.

My church leadership.
Teach the leaders in our church to serve faithfully, even when none one is looking.

Sister churches.
Bless those churches whose stand is uncorrupted by a world value system.

Persecuted churches.
Protect persecuted brothers, giving them a testimony that extends around the world.

Missionaries.
Bless them. Meet their ministerial and personal needs to overflowing.

The sick..
Sustain those on his or her sickbed.

The lost.
Direct them to someone willing and ready to present the Gospel of Jesus without compromise.

Those in despair.
Remind those in despair that it is only ignorance of God that's hopeless.

Those in the hospital.
Protect those in the hospital from infectious germs that might exasperate their condition.

Those grieving.
Give hope to those who grieve so they will know it's purpose and not be servants to it.

Widows.
Protect the widows and provide their needs. Bless those who serve them.

Orphans.
Let the orphans know of Your care. Bless those who care for them.

Myself.
Give me the confidence to speak your Word boldly today.

Prayertower Devotionals are the original creation of James R. Green:
Just Thinkin'... (2000-2003)
Read the Bible Thru in 365 Days (2004)
Pray Thru the Word in 365 Days (2005)
One-minute Devotionals (2006 to present).

Scripture provided by God's Word Translation (c)1995 - God's Word to the Nations. All Rights Reserved.