Christmas is a celebration of Jesus’ birth. For to you is born this day a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (from Luke 2:11).
Christmas is also a reminder that Jesus will be back. The Lord himself will descend from heaven (1 Thessalonians 4:16).
Waiting, we pray, “Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).
“They saw the God of Israel. There was under his feet as it were a pavement of sapphire stone, like the very heaven for clearness” (Exodus 24:10).
Think about this small glimpse of God’s glory as you approach His throne through prayer.
The answer is no. The Lord himself has said, “I am God Almighty” (Genesis 17:1).
“When we pray to El Shadday, we invoke the name of the one for whom nothing is impossible.”*
*Ann Spangler, Praying the Names of God, p. 40.
Judah was immoral (see Genesis 38) but he is listed in the lineage of Jesus Christ (see Matthew 1:2). Was there no one better than Judah?
Why did God use him? There is none righteous, not even one (Romans 3:10). We are all unworthy servants (Luke 17:10).
Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
Sometimes we hesitate to confess and repent because we don’t want to burden God with our sin. It’s helpful to remember that Christ already bore our sins in his body (1 Peter 2:24).
And that there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:10).
The church cancelled the prayer meeting due to lack of interest.
But one man gathered the missionary prayer letters and lists of those who were sick, and last Wednesday night, at the normal prayer meeting hour, he sat in his living room and prayed.
What will the Lord do because of his prayers?
What would the Lord do if others joined him?
Alone we accomplish nothing. Apart from Christ you can do nothing (John 15:5).
With God we accomplish much. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).
Prayer is working with God through Christ.
