Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2018/January 2019 i 60 Days of Prayer

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6 (NIV) ARE YOU FACING a situation where you need guidance? Maybe you feel confused by a relationship or are feeling stuck or unfulfilled at work. Perhaps you just need a boost of energy. Turn to Jesus’ teachings in the Bible to find direction and guidance. Miracles happen when ordinary people serve an extraordinary God. Lord, guide me to be strong and pure. Lead me to where I’m needed. Teach me to love as You love.…

And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word. And the angel departed from her.” Luke 1:38 (ESV) THE NEXT TIME an unexpected change enters your life, consider Mary’s example. In the above verse, her future had just taken a miraculous and frightening turn. She never expected to be mother of the Messiah, yet she was willing to put her trust in God and answered “Let it be.” Like Mary, when we don’t understand God’s plan for us, we should put our future in His loving hands. Dear God, guide me to respond to life’s challenges with, “Let it be.” Help me trust Your path and follow it faithfully even when I have doubts.…

my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. Psalm 9:1 (KJV) DO YOU NOTICE and praise the things that matter to you? The way the snow outlines the spare trees in winter, the sound of a loved one’s laugh, the sparkle in a certain someone’s eyes—the list is yours to write, to think about, to reflect and see, to breathe in and hold, to praise God. I praise You, Lord, for the things that matter to me, the things that make my life glorious!…

This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words. 1 Corinthians 2:13 (NIV) DO YOU KNOW the story behind the Christmas song Silent Night? On Christmas Eve in 1818, Pastor Joseph Mohr had a problem: his church’s organ was broken. Worried about how to celebrate Christ’s birth without music, he found a poem he had written and brought it to his organist, who spontaneously put the words to music using his guitar. In just a few short hours, Silent Night was composed. If you’re feeling at a loss about something, find the song God has placed in your heart. Heavenly Father, You are the source of inspiration, You are the music that moves…

“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” Isaiah 1:18 (NIV) NOTHING PAINTS THE earth cleaner than fresh snow. A blanket of snow can be a trigger to reflect on Isaiah 1:18. Only God can take the imperfections of our hearts and turn them into something pure, clean and lovely. He can forgive and help heal our anger, resentments, and addictions. He can help us dissolve the blocks so that we may grow closer to Him. Forgive my transgressions, Lord, and keep me from repeating them.…

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) NOBODY IS PERFECT. Yet, many of us suffer from negative thoughts about our self-image—maybe it’s our reflection in the mirror or that nagging feeling like we’re falling short on making the holidays wonderful for our loved ones. The fact is that we are completely beautiful in God’s eyes—right now, exactly as we are. He loves and accepts us. Lord, free me from unrealistic expectations and unhealthy judgements. Help me to see myself with Your eyes of acceptance and love.…

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 (KJV) CHRISTMAS AT LAST! The day God blessed us with His Son, the only Source of eternal life. On the advent of our Savior, the arrival of the One who came to save us, thank God for the greatest gift of all time. Merry Christmas to all! God bless, everyone! Dear Lord, thank You for the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today as I celebrate with family and friends I will savor every moment and bask in the peace, love and joy of Your presence.…

I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content. Psalm 131:2 (NIV) TAKE A MOMENT and center your heart on God’s goodness. When you delight in the Lord, your heart shifts to a place that aligns your will with His—and suddenly you may discover that your happiness does not depend on your circumstances—because He fulfills you. Lord, in a world filled with change and uncertainty, remind me that You are my constant Hope.…

In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence. Proverbs 14:26 (KJV) WHEN YOU GET close to God, your weaknesses, self-doubts and insecurities disintegrate. You as a child of God, have the strength within you to meet any situation. Make a plan of what you aspire to be, and hold it firmly in your mind. Commit to living into God’s hands and let Him bring out of you the powerful person within you who is able to overcome. Heavenly Father, let me feel close to You. Grant, O Lord, that in this moment I may truly surrender my life to You and realize the power that is within me.…

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 (NIV) OFTEN WE GO from one concern to another without pausing to recognize that God regularly helps us through our problems. What was worrying you a year ago, a month ago? Occasionally, look back and consider the obstacles you have overcome with God’s help. It will give you perspective and confidence that present difficulties will get better. Heavenly Father, thank You for Your part in solving my past problems and for standing by me today when life seems overwhelming!…

Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. Psalm 107:28 (NIV) GOD IS THE power source of your life—He is the strength and wisdom that will comfort and guide you through life’s storms. Memorize His Word, and hold His precious promises deep in your heart. Be connected and stay close to Him so when you are facing hard times the light of His love with shine through the darkness. Dear Father, You don’t promise a life free from difficulties, but You do promise You will be with us and that we won’t suffer ultimate harm.…

Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. Matthew 10:39 (NIV) BILLY GRAHAM SAID, “If you want a change in your life, if you want forgiveness and peace and joy that you’ve never known before, God demands total surrender. He becomes the Lord and the ruler of your life.” Most of us struggle with unconditional surrender, yet once the decision is reached, the leap of faith made. Once God is accepted at His word and we are forgiven and reconciled by His grace, there is only one question most people ask: Why did I wait so long? Dear Lord, I surrender my old self to You. I trust You to make me new.…

When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 (NIV) GOD WANTS TO make you whole. Jesus has promised that, “Whoever follows Me will…have the light of life” (John 8:12). Can you think of a healthier, happier condition than being filled with God-given light? When dark challenges come, call on Jesus and rejoice as He draws you to the light of His love. Heavenly Father, You are the true light. Shine upon me.…

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Mark 4:39 (NIV) DOUBT IS NORMAL. Even the apostles had moments of uncertainty. Why did doubts rise in their minds? Perhaps it was simply that God’s plan was bigger than they could grasp. So when the storms of doubt come, lean into the wind and believe. And remember, no matter what you’re feeling, Jesus is still in charge. Heavenly Father, help me to remember that not understanding is different from not believing.…

The Lord your God is going ahead of you… Deuteronomy 1:30 (NLT) IF YOU ARE facing difficulty, if you are discouraged, or disheartened about anything, just pray. You have a wonderful God who specializes in solving your problems. He’s waiting to hear from you and He’s ready to move on our behalf whenever we need Him. Take your trouble, whatever it is, keep praying until you feel God’s peace in your heart. Dear Lord, I know You will never lead me into anything You won’t lead me through.…

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2 (NIV) TOMORROW MARKS THE first day of advent. A season of holy waiting, a time to prepare for Christ’s coming and reflect on the great truth of John 1:14, when “the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Heavenly Father, as we enter the holy season of Jesus’ birth open my heart and shine Your light into my life.…

If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. Psalm 66:18 (NIV) IN THE BUSTLE of the holiday season, it’s easy to get sidetracked by your to-do list. When you feel the darkness of holiday stress, take a moment and align your heart and mind with God’s light. Make time—even just a few minutes for prayer and self-care. Lord, help me to stay focused on the blessings in this glorious time. Don’t let me miss You this Christmas season.…

I am the vine, ye are the branches… John 15:5 (KJV) NORMAN VINCENT PEALE wrote about the most unusual Christmas tree he had ever seen, a lime tree that had been rescued from the trash by a church in Florida, whose congregation spray painted white and decorated with scraps of Scripture that had blessed their lives. Named the “Blessing Tree” people came from all over to read from the branches and be inspired. Dr. Peale asked each of us to reflect on how we might be the branches of God’s love. Lord, show me how I can share the many blessings You have given me.…

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 (NIV) CHRISTMAS IS A time to celebrate, but if you have been through upsetting circumstances, or are dealing with health situations, job losses, or the death of a loved one, it can be difficult to find moments of joy and praise. Know that Jesus can fill your wounded heart with peace and comfort. Heavenly Father, help me to focus my eyes on You instead of on my circumstances. Help me to discover unexplainable joys as I feel Your amazing comfort.…

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17 (ESV) ON THIS THIRD Sunday of Advent, as you gather gifts for one another and answer the question of “what do you want for Christmas?” it’s important to remember Whose birthday it is and what can you do to help honor and celebrate Jesus. Share your generosity and thoughtfulness. Share His message and goodness with others. In this holy Christmas season, Lord, show me how to best communicate Your love.…

...And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32 (ESV) GIVE YOURSELF AN early holiday gift, a forgiving heart! Are there situations where you feel you have been cheated or duped? Release any bitterness or anger you may be feeling towards others or even yourself. Pray that God will help you heal your heart and give you the grace to move forward in a positive direction. Lord, You know how to forgive. Help me to follow Your footsteps.…

The angel said to him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news.” Luke 1:19 (NIV) THIS TIME OF year, angels are everywhere: on Christmas cards and wrapping paper; in countless store windows and Nativity scenes. Take time this holiday season to turn back to the tremendous events of these celestial beings chronicled in Luke and Matthew. Listen carefully, the angels may have something to say to you. Lord, open my ears and heart to the good news of Your angels of long ago...and the angels of today.…

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.” Luke 2:15 (NIV) IN THE ABOVE Scripture, the shepherds weren’t satisfied merely to be told about the Savior’s birth. They wanted to experience Him for themselves. Like the shepherds—don’t just hear about Jesus, arise and seek Him yourself. Search for Him until you stand in His Presence, and then when you have found Him, tell others about your discovery. Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son, and the message of love that He brought to the world.…

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you…For I am the Lord your God. Isaiah 43:2-3 (NIV) ARE THERE POSITIVE changes you want to make in your life? No matter what you would like to improve, to make a difference you need to know and accept the truth. Recognize you may face rough times or temptation along the way. Give yourself hope for your resolutions and life goals. Lord give us the courage to accept the truth with grace and embrace the gift of time.…

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. Proverbs 16:24 (ESV) MANY PEOPLE SELECT a word for the new year that becomes a theme, a meditation and a prayer for the next twelve months. To find your word, sit down and pray. Make a list of words that come to you. Perhaps you’ll come up with something like balance, patience or abundance. The possibilities are endless! Heavenly Father, guide me to a word for the coming year. A word that will help me grow.…

Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 (NKJV) NORMAN VINCENT PEALE referred to “victorious forgetfulness” as the art of forgetting about the things holding you back, letting go and reaching forward for what lies ahead. Yesterday is over. Focus on today. Heavenly Father, thank You for Your great truth and reminders that tomorrow will be wonderful. Help me forget the past and live today with a consciousness of the greatness and the opportunity of life.…

He is the one you praise; He is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes. Deuteronomy 10:21 (NIV) EXPECT A MIRACLE. Believe God can do the impossible. The secret behind having a miracle happen to you is simply to be open and ready to receive. Little daily miracles are often overlooked. Watch for them and be expectant enough to work for them and they will happen to you. Lord, keep me always with that eager, trusting, childlike expectancy.…

Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever. Psalm 136:26 (NIV) E. M. BOUNDS wrote, “Giving thanks is the very life of prayer. It is its fragrance and music, its poetry and its crown.” Try this prayer technique: every day, thank God for three things—any three blessings that come to your mind. Praying gratefully is a key to seeing all that is right in your life. Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing me with Your Word, for giving me the wisdom to recognize Your grace in my life and for this moment, right now, when I feel Your love in my heart.…

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. Matthew 7:13 (NIV) MOST OF US need a guide in our lives. Otherwise, we are likely to go astray, get lost and spend endless time on useless things. Perhaps the best guide for living is Jesus’s great commandment: “Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” (Luke 10:27) Lord, remind us to reach out every day to the guidelines You have given us.…

God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Exodus 3:14 (NIV) WHEN THE LORD reveals Himself to Moses at the burning bush, Moses is afraid. He asks, “What if they ask for Your name? What do I tell them?” God replies: I AM WHO I AM. God is unchanging. He’s the Lord of strength and glory. He is your Provider and Protector. When you are afraid, call to Him. Heavenly Father, I trustingly leave my worries in Your hands.…

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 (ESV) YOU NEED TO remove any obstacles that keep you from making 2019 your best year yet. Think about what is keeping you from living your best life. Is it a lack of priorities, trying to do too much, working too much or not spending time on the things that truly matter? Make a promise to eliminate all things that keep you from being the person God intended. Dear Lord, help me live mindfully and passionately so that my life has purpose and meaning.…

The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me.” Matthew 25:40 (NIV) TODAY, THE FIRST Sunday of Advent, reflect on this verse and the beautiful truth that the love you give to others is a gift to Jesus. This time of year so much effort is spent on looking for the right gifts, yet in our hearts, we know the best presents of the season are those that can’t be wrapped or placed under the Christmas tree. Heavenly Father, guide me to offer kindness, support, forgiveness and strength—help me generously give the gifts of the Spirit.…

So Jesus said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” John 4:48 (ESV) AS CHRISTMAS APPROACHES, recognize magical moments when someone or something touches your heart with the glorious spark of God’s love. Perhaps it’s the stillness of a snowy winter night that awakens your knowing of His presence, or an unexpected kindness, just when you need it. Be open to receiving His love this season. Heavenly Father, help me to be mindful and see each and every one of Your precious gifts.…

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) TODAY, THE SECOND Sunday of Advent, reflect on a favorite Christmas song, listen to it, sing it to yourself, or simply go to a favorite memory where the song first found its way to your heart. Thank God for working in your life—for preparing moments and situations that have led you to this exact moment. Rejoice! You are an instrument of His grace. Dear Lord, thank You for the joy in my heart and the song in my soul.…

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15 (NIV) THERE CAN BE moments during the holiday season where you feel disheartened. If that happens remember this: Over 2,000 years ago, God made a supreme effort to let us know that He cares about each of us! To remind us, to reassure us, He gave us His perfect Christmas gift—and laid it in a manger. Lord, fill my heart with Your heavenly peace.…

Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3 (ESV) THERE IS A story that says at Christmas time “an enchantment falls upon the earth. It is a time when the Spirit of a newborn Child whose name is Love, possesses the world. The way to Christmas lies through an ancient gate…a little gate, child-high, child-wide, and there is a password: Peace on earth to men of good will.” Heavenly Father, this season may I recapture the awe of the season and receive the kingdom of God with the humility of a child.…

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 1 Peter 3:8 (ESV) IS THERE A relationship in your life that could use mending? Perhaps a friend that has drifted away or a dispute with a loved one. Mending bruised and broken relationships is Christ’s work. He can go before you and make the crooked ways straight. Pray for help straightening out misunderstandings between yourself and others. Heavenly Father, I confess my heart is not always tender and kind to those in my life. I ask You to give me as a gift, Your tenderness, Your kindness and generosity of Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.…

No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us. 1 John 4:12 (ESV) BELOVED LONGTIME GUIDEPOSTS editor and former editor-in-chief, Van Varner said, “At last all the candles of our Advent Wreath are burning, and we stand in their glow, contemplating their meaning for us. We see their blazing light, and know that it proclaims the coming of the Great Light, Jesus Christ. We feel the heat of the candle flames, and know the warmth of Jesus in a cold world. We watch the way the wax melts, diminishing each candle, symbolizing the deepest meaning of Christmas: for as these tapers give away their light, they also give away themselves.” Heavenly Father, help me greet the One…

For You, God, have heard my vows; You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name. Psalm 61:5 (NIV) DR. NORMAN VINCENT Peale said, “Expect great things and put your life in God’s hands.” He encouraged us to have high hopes, great dreams and great belief in God. As we end one year and begin another, believe that life is good, but better yet, the best is yet to come. Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for life, for this precious wonder, with all its hopes, its dreams, and its opportunities.…

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Revelation 22:13 (NIV) AS YOU END the chapter of this year, be assured that God is infinitely present at every point in your life. He is the Beginning and the End, the One who is faithful all year long. Because of this fact, you can look ahead with expectation and hope, knowing God’s perfect love waits for you in every tomorrow. Heavenly Father, as one year flows into the next, Your love is ever-present helping me to let go of the past and joyfully look ahead to the future.…

And the Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.” Habakkuk 2:2-3 (ESV) WHAT DO YOU want to be? Just picture it, and put it into God’s hands. Be willing to give yourself, and there will be new life for you in this New Year. Perhaps you want to make a decision like that right now. In this moment focus on a new beginning. Begin it with God. Our Heavenly Father, if anyone wants to be a better person but is weak, give him new strength. If anyone suffers…

Where is the One who has been born king of the Jews? We saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him. Matthew 2:2 (NIV) TODAY IS THE Epiphany, sometimes called Little Christmas because it commemorates the arrival of the Wise Men in Bethlehem where they presented baby Jesus with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Today, only 12 days after Christmas, if the joy of giving seems very far away remind yourself that we are the recipients of God’s goodness throughout the year, at all times, in all seasons. In turn, we should give our time, talent, resources and love. Heavenly Father, help me to always remember when I give Your light flows through me.…

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 (ESV) ARE YOU SEARCHING for meaning and fulfillment in your life? Some strive for more recognition, others a bigger house, better job, but none of these things will satisfy a certain hollowness in your spirit. The only remedy for emptiness of the soul is an abiding faith in God. Dear Jesus, I will follow You in my thoughts and actions. I will turn to You for guidance and live in the consciousness of Your presence.…

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV) THIS TIME OF year many people focus on being physically fit, but it’s even more important to be spiritually fit. To become spiritually strong, you must be determined to be faithful. Spending time each day reading the Bible will make you stronger as you run the race of life. Heavenly Father, on days when I feel too tired or busy to spend time with You, guide me to do it anyway.…

And when you fast, don’t make it obvious…for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting…But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Matthew 6:16–18 (NLT) FASTING—GIVING UP something in order to focus on God—can draw us closer to Jesus, but only if we can do it without bragging. Jesus warns us to keep our fasting private so that we can focus on Him and discover the root of our needs, which Jesus can step in and meet. Heavenly Father, today I will give up something that I consume mindlessly—social media, television,…

Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. Ephesians 4:26 (NIV) WHEN WE ARE furious, Scripture advises that we should “Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent” (Psalm 4:4).Once the clouds of emotion have cleared, most of us recognize that holding onto anger actually hurts us more than the person we’re mad at. The burden that anger places on our hearts can be lifted when we lift our hearts to God. Dear Lord, help me to put away all bitterness wrath and anger. Guide me to peace.…

Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. Proverbs 29:18 (KJV) DO YOU HAVE accomplishments you want to see come to fruition this year? Once you establish a goal, visualize reaching completion. The above verse helps us grasp the importance of vision. Ask God to help you see what you can accomplish with His help. Please, God, keep me pressing toward the mark, relentlessly. Keep me faithful in my resolve; help me stay focused on reaching my goals.…

And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 (NIV) IT HAS BEEN said that “Some things have to be believed to be seen.” As we end the first month of the New Year, believe in blessings to come! Envision new possibilities. Believe the days ahead offer new opportunities to do good and live out your faith. Lord, give me the courage to face the year ahead with faith and optimism.…