Father, we thank You for sending Jesus who came as God in the flesh, revealing to us Your character and personhood. You created all things and sustain them by Your powerful hand. That includes us, Your human creation. All that You created You also test. The plant life has tests of stress and endurance in the harsh elements and we, Your human creation, must endure the tests of endurance common to the flesh; whether it is relational, physical, spiritual, emotional or financial. We will endure these tests and turn them into a testimony as we rely on You, for “You will accomplish what concerns me; for You are my sustainer”. You existed before anything else and You hold all creation together. We are immensely grateful and trusting You for another year of blessing, challenge and growth. Amen.

Father, though there is much yet to be revealed concerning Your plan for our lives, we’ve been entrusted with a lifetime of inspired Scripture that guides us each day on our earthly journey. As we walk in unity with You we find You to be the Navigator who directs our paths according to Your Word and in accordance with Your individual plan for our lives. In the midst of tumult or uncertainty Your assurance is our anchor that holds us steady and firm. In the midst of change You are the changeless One. Thank Your for being that great certainty in our lives. Amen.

Father, we kneel before You, in whom all heaven and earth derives its name and pray that out of Your glorious riches we, as the body of Christ, will be strengthened with power through Your Spirit in our inner being. Unite us in spirit and strengthen us in purpose as we walk together upholding, defending, and proclaiming the Gospel message of Jesus Christ who saves to the uttermost. We pray for our brothers and sisters who are undergoing persecution because of their uncompromising belief. Remind us often, since we can’t see them, so that we support them in prayer and thought. When we all get to heaven what a time of rejoicing that will be when we see Jesus, when we unite with our brothers and sisters from every generation, from every tribe and nation, from every color and race, and from every tongue and dialect. It will be an experience beyond description so fill us with anticipation for later and anchor us through Jesus Christ for now as we await that blessed day of eternal hope. We pray in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

Father, broaden my faith and increase my understanding as You lead me from day to day. In the midst of Mary and Joseph simply obeying the laws of their government You had a supernatural event unfold in their lives that would completely change history and completely change my life many centuries later. Help me in the ordinary events of my life to respond with the submissive heart that Mary had. I declare that I am Your servant and I recognize that You can do anything, for all things are possible to those who believe. Accomplish Your will in my life, I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Father, the major purpose for sending Jesus to earth, according to the messenger from heaven, was “because He will save His people from their sins”. Our greatest need was met through Jesus. In addition we see His miraculous power unleashed as He healed the sick, raised the dead, and drove out demons from those possessed. He modeled holiness, purity, self-control and showed us how to love those who are unlovely, care for those who are weak and how to turn the other cheek when attacked unfairly. Above all He showed us how to put other’s needs before our own when He responded in prayer to You in the garden of Gethsemane, “If it be possible, take this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will but Thine be done.” Jesus laid down His physical life that we might have a redeemed life now and forevermore. Thank You for sending Jesus, and thank You, Jesus, that You came. Amen.