Sunday Reading: Isaiah 42:1-9 NLT – Spirit baptized

Sunday Reading: Isaiah 42:1-9 NLT

“Look at my servant, whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one, who pleases me. I have put my Spirit upon him.

He will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or raise his voice in public. He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle.

He will bring justice to all who have been wronged. He will not falter or lose heart until justice prevails throughout the earth. Even distant lands beyond the sea will wait for his instruction.”

God, the LORD, created the heavens and stretched them out. He created the earth and everything in it. He gives breath to everyone, life to everyone who walks the earth.

And it is he who says, “I, the LORD, have called you to demonstrate my righteousness. I will take you by the hand and guard you, and I will give you to my people, Israel, as a symbol of my covenant with them.

And you will be a light to guide the nations. You will open the eyes of the blind. You will free the captives from prison, releasing those who sit in dark dungeons.

“I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not give my glory to anyone else, nor share my praise with carved idols. Everything I prophesied has come true, and now I will prophesy again. I will tell you the future before it happens.”

within youPrayer: Lord God – You made us and claimed us as Your own. And You sent Your Son to establish the rule and reign of Your Kingdom – a light to the nations… just, righteous and everlasting.

May I welcome every aspect of Your Kingdom into my life – here and now. Baptize me with your Holy Spirit and with fire. Establish a Kingdom stronghold with me that I might be a bearer of Your Good News – both near and far.

To you, LORD, be all honor, glory and praise. Amen.

Spiritual Song: “Let Your Kingdom Come” – Sovereign Grace (YouTube)

Morning Reading: Luke 4.38-41 NLT – healing

Reading: Luke 4.38-41 NLT

After leaving the synagogue that day, Jesus went to Simon’s home, where he found Simon’s mother-in-law very sick with a high fever. “Please heal her,” everyone begged. Standing at her bedside, he rebuked the fever, and it left her. And she got up at once and prepared a meal for them.

healing rainAs the sun went down that evening, people throughout the village brought sick family members to Jesus. No matter what their diseases were, the touch of his hand healed every one. Many were possessed by demons; and the demons came out at his command, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But because they knew he was the Messiah, he rebuked them and refused to let them speak.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, giver of life and health: Comfort and relieve your sick servants, and give your power of healing to those who minister to their needs, that those for whom our prayers are offered may be strengthened in their weakness and have confidence in your loving care; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Spiritual Song: “Healing Rain” – Michael W Smith (YouTube)

Epiphany: Isaiah 60.1-3 NLT – “All nations will come to your light.” – Siyahamba (YouTube)

image
Kotel (Western Wailing Wall) at sunrise.

Reading: Isaiah 60:1-3 NLT

“Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the LORD rises to shine on you. Darkness as black as night covers all the nations of the earth, but the glory of the LORD rises and appears over you. All nations will come to your light; mighty kings will come to see your radiance.”

“All nations will come to your light….”

Spritual Song: “We are marching in the light of God” – several versions, different nations – check them all out, they will warm your heart… and make you smile.

From Canada –

From Croatia –

From India –

From Bosnia/ Herzegovina –

From South Africa –

Morning Reading: Luke 3.21-22 NLT – “great joy”

Joy at Baptism
Joy at Baptism
Reading: Luke 3:21-22 NLT

One day when the crowds were being baptized, Jesus himself was baptized. As he was praying, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit, in bodily form, descended on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”

Reading: Psalm 40.3 NLT

He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, fill me with your Spirit so that I might bring You joy. And place a new song of praise in my heart … in the new year. I ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Spiritual Song: “Let the wold see joy” (Resurrection Church)
Please click on audio player

Christmas Reading & Hymn: John 3.16-17 – “God so loved the world” (YouTube)

nativity sceneReading: John 3.16-17 NLT

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.”
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