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.
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. 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."
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 1:18-25
Prayer Focus:
Sin trashes, steals and DESTROYS what is good, right, sacred and true! Sin is contrary to God’s nature and God’s nature is contrary to sin. God SAVES! What sin is bent on destroying, God is zealous and powerful to save! The one pray of a sinner that His ear is attentive to is the cry, “Lord, save me!” This was Peter’s prayer one stormy night, when he saw Jesus out on the sea, and he attempted to walk on the water to Him. He was doing well, until he took notice of the wind and began to sink. At that point, he knew that he was in trouble! He was quick enough to realize that he needed a savior and that there was one close by who had the ability to save him. He cried, “Lord, save me!” Immediately, Jesus reached out his hand and saved him. He came to SAVE! As soon as the desperate cry of faith goes up to Him, He SAVES! It’s His passion, His nature and His plan!
Sadly, not everyone recognizes the seriousness of sin and its destructive nature. It can so deceive that, the sinner does not even believe that He needs saving, let alone believe in the One who came to SAVE him from his sins. Even more sadly, sin can so deceive us that we do not even identify it as sin, but rather as something good, moral and perfectly legitimate – and we die in our sins. “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” – John 1:12. Through faith in His name, we are SAVED – we become God’s children! Oh, let us be quick to recognize the reality and seriousness of sin! Let us believe in the name of Jesus, and let us earnestly cry out to Him, “Lord, SAVE me!” Salvation of souls is not just something Jesus did long ago for the likes of Peter, but He still SAVES today. And, He does a thorough job of it! Hebrews 7:25 – “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”
Thursday:
- Give thanks to God for His wonderful gift of salvation & eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
- Join our 6:00pm Thursday night prayer team (in prayer if not in person).
Friday:
- Ask God to give you a clear understanding of what sin really is and how serious it really is.
- Pray for the Good News families of the week: Joan Doud, John & Christine Fargo (Giovanni, Isabelle, ?), Dave & Ilene Fetzner
Saturday:
- Ask God to give understanding of His passion and power to save from the destruction of sin.
Sunday:
- Cry out to Him who is eager and able to SAVE you from your sins!
- Join in with our Sunday prayer services to pray for God’s presence and blessing.
Monday:
- Give thanks for the complete salvation He gives to those who cry out to Him.
- Attend “In Touch” Prayer meeting at GNCC at 10:30am or join in prayer at that time.
Tuesday:
- Praise God that His salvation is real and powerful today!
Wednesday:
- Spread the Good News! Jesus Saves – He still does!
Prayer Challenge: If you have already received God’s gift of salvation, become one who is zealous and passionate in prayer for the souls of those who are still captives in their sins! Pray that they too will cry out to the One who can immediately and completely save them from their sins!