This is the confidence we have before him: If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
1 John 5:14, CSB
Jesus’ body is not in the tomb, having resurrected and ascended to the Father. Therefore, we can know He hears our prayers and helps us in this life and for the next.
He said to them, “It is written, my house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of thieves!”
Matthew 21:13, CSB
Christ has freed us from sin and man-made religion, giving us the will and desire to seek God over personal gain and to love others with the love of Jesus.
bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
Luke 6:28, CSB
Because Christ has come, we are made new in His grace. Because Christ is coming again, we help make the world new by praying for and blessing others in His power and grace.
The third week of Advent is traditionally seen as being a time for looking at joy. This year, I am using some of the readings from the Revised Common Lectionary.
Let’s get into
Week Three of Advent
Sing for joy, Daughter Zion; shout loudly, Israel! Be glad and celebrate with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has removed your punishment; he has turned back your enemy. The King of Israel, the Lord, is among you; you need no longer fear harm. On that day it will be said to Jerusalem: “Do not fear; Zion, do not let your hands grow weak. The Lord your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will be quiet in his love. He will delight in you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:14-17, CSB
We saw previously that God is our hope and peace, that Christ is our faithful Priestly King prophesied centuries earlier and proclaimed at His birth and before His earthly ministry began.
This week we see the joy that Christ brings. Jesus came to His people, to Jerusalem at the proper time to take away our sin and shame. Our heavenly King came to dwell amongst us, to save us, and to give us full hope of eternity where He will rejoice with us, not condemning us but delighting in us. Let us join in the rejoicing!
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7, CSB
As we await Christ’s second coming, we cast all our anxieties on Him through prayer and thanksgiving, rejoicing in the Lord who saves, giving us hope and peace and eternal joy. Let us worship the King who has come! Let us love our God who dwelt among us and dwells within us by His Holy Spirit to the glory of the Father!
Prayer
Lord, prepare our hearts for joy by the power of the Holy Spirit that others may see the joy and peace You grant us. Help us to see Your goodness in all things and to proclaim the joy of the cross to a lost and hurting world until Your return!
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:12, ESV
We are saved in Christ alone, and His life, death, and resurrection gives us hope for eternity and encouragement to be joyful and seek God continuously in prayer.
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.
James 5:13, ESV
God has called us to wisdom, and He equips the Church to share wisdom. Wisdom calls for us to care for each other, helping and praying for each other and rejoicing in Christ together.
A few churches have come together to send youth on a combined Junior High/High School summer camp, July 22-25.
The theme for this camp is “Breakthrough,” overcoming sin that hinders and doubts that slow our walk. I personally have some youth coming who have discussed needing this.
Please join us in praying for true breakthrough for our preteens and teens this coming week!
In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.
Hebrews 5:7, ESV
Jesus Christ is our greatest example and High Priest, the one who cried out to the Father as a human and now delivers us from death to the Father.
Do we truly love the Lord our God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths? Maybe I can help with the mind part, at least! This is Daniel M. Klem, apparent poet, reluctant yet passionate Disciple (Peter?), and foolish man attempting to understand theology!