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December 22, 2012
Day 47
The hope in our hands
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Dear Praying Friend,
There is a sense of hopeful expectation as Christmas Day is soon approaching. Just watching the excitement in a young person, who is counting down the last few hours until that long awaited day, brings to mind our own joy and anticipation of an even greater day to come. Through God's Word we can know the hope that is before us; and as we wait, expectantly, we can feast endlessly on this wonderful gift.
As we meditate on Psalm 130:5-6 today, the psalmist, having just experienced the grace of forgiveness, gratefully waits upon the Lord. The Lord has proven Himself faithful and trustworthy so the psalmist commits to following His Word. In His Word we find all that we need to walk in His will each day and avoid the pitfalls of life. His Word strengthens, encourages, comforts, preserves, sustains, protects, and so much more. He has provided us an invaluable resource with His written Word. May we not take for granted this extraordinary gift we have been given.
"May my cry come before you, O LORD;
give me understanding according to Your Word.
May my supplication come before You;
deliver me according to Your promise.
May my lips overflow with praise,
for You teach me Your decrees.
May my tongue sing of Your Word,
for all Your commands are righteous.
May Your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen Your precepts.
I long for Your salvation, O LORD,
and Your law is my delight.
Let me live that I may praise You,
and may Your laws sustain me.
I have strayed like a lost sheep.
Seek Your servant,
for I have not forgotten Your commands."
(Psalm 119:169-176)
Dear Heavenly Father, in the beginning was the Word Who became flesh and made His dwelling with us. You are Emmanuel - "God with us." You surround us with a beautiful creation that confirms Your majesty, You fill us with Your Holy Spirit so we have Your presence with us every day, to comfort and guide us, and You've given us a written testimony of Your past, present, and future plans. You have given us everything we need to walk the path of faith before us. You are the Word - help us to set aside time each day to spend with You. When I am weary, help me to go to Your Word and find strength; when I am in despair, lead me to Your Word to find comfort and hope; when I am being attacked or ridiculed, show me Your words to respond with grace and love; and when I am being tempted by the things of this world, draw me to Your Word to fall more in love with You. Give me understanding, knowledge, wisdom, and discernment according to Your Word. Your Word is flawless. Lord, there is nothing I desire but You - all I ask is that You give me my daily bread. Nourish me with the knowledge of who You are. I will sit with You at Your table and wait as You give me my daily portion each day. Increase my appetite for more of You each day and strengthen me to share the joy and fulfillment I have found in You with others who You bring across my path today. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Steadfast in prayer,
Traci Alexander
Trumpet and Torch Ministries
Psalm 27
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Prayer Scripture References: Psalm 73:25, 26; 119: 25, 28, 37, 42, 49, 65, 74, 169; Proverbs 30:5, 8b; John 1:1, 14. | 
