HIS HAND
OF FAVOR 
"It was not by their sword
that they won the land,
nor did their arm bring them
victory;
it was Your right hand,
Your arm, and
the light of Your face,
for You loved them."
(Psalm 44:2-3)
 

Trumpet & Torch Ministries

 Setting the World on Fire
for Christ -
One Heart at a Time!
 
77 DAYS OF PRAYER
"To this I will appeal:
the years of the right hand of the Most High."
(Psalm 77:10)

                                                                          December 24, 2012

 

(Advent - Part 5 devotional is below)

 

Day 49

The Hand that never rests 

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Dear Praying Friend,
  
Israel's story, a cycle of bondage to freedom, is a perfect illustration of all mankind.  Through this chosen nation, with all its' troubles and trials, the Hope of mankind would come and bring salvation for all peoples of all nations.  "He provided redemption for His people; He ordained His covenant forever - holy and awesome is His name" (Psalm 111:9). How blessed we are that our God keeps His covenant promises and is faithful to bring all His plans to a glorious conclusion.
  
As we meditate on Psalm 130:7-8 today, the psalmist, having personally experienced being rescued from the depths of death, guilt, judgment, and darkness to be restored to the heights of life, forgiveness, salvation, and the dawn of a new day, exhorts the nation to put their hope in the Lord, Whose, unfailing love and faithfulness, will redeem them. "Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, because He has come and has redeemed His people" (Luke 1:68).  As believers, who have also personally experienced being rescued from the bondage of sin to being set free to walk in the newness of life, we, too, should be eager to share the gospel message with everyone we meet. What better time to share the good news than with our family and friends this Christmas!
  
"Indeed He Who watches over Israel
will neither slumber or sleep."
(Psalm 121:4)
  
Dear Heavenly Father, we praise You that Your eyes are always upon Your people and You never let us out of Your sight as You continue to accomplish and fulfill all your plans on this earth.  As we look with anticipation on the celebration of Your birth we rejoice in the promise You have fulfilled for all people.  We praise You for the promise You made through Your people Israel to bring salvation to the whole earth, of which we are grateful benefactors.  Thank You for Your glorious gift.  May we never slumber or rest ourselves until we share the glorious message of Your coming and Your salvation with everyone You place in our path.  We pray fervently for Your people Israel, that their eyes would be open, and their hearts would respond, to their long awaited Messiah.  May we never be silent day or night, nor give You rest, until You establish Jerusalem and make her the praise of the earth. In Jesus' wonderful and glorious name, Amen.
  
Waiting expectantly & praying fervently,
  
Traci Alexander
Trumpet and Torch Ministries
Psalm 27  
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Prayer Scripture References: Psalm 122:6; Proverbs 15:3; Isaiah 42:6; 49:6; 62:6-7; Luke 2:29-32; Acts 13:47; Romans 11:25-26; Galatians 3:14.
 

   

 

LIGHTING THE WAY

Advent Part V


THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD!

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In the beginning God's glorious creation began with four simple words:  "Let there be light!"  Out of darkness came radiant light that filled the earth.  This was the beginning of a wondrous plan to reveal the glory of God to a world engulfed in darkness, which would one day culminate in the throne room of heaven with His very presence being fully revealed, radiating His glorious light for all eternity.

 

"They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads.

There will be no more night.

They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun,

for the Lord God will give them light.

And they will reign for ever and ever."

(Revelation 22:4-5)

 

 

As we look with wonder, awe, and excitement on the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ -  the Light of the World - let us remember with grateful hearts that His story did not end that holy night two thousand years ago.  Just as God's Word ushered in brilliant light to give His creation all that was necessary to grow and become fruitful, so too, His Word in the form of a tiny baby, ushered in a kingdom of righteousness that would flourish and fill the earth, and never end.

 

Praying friend, we are in the midst of His amazing love story that has been unfolding for thousands of years.  Tomorrow is Christmas Day and we will awaken to the dawn of a glorious new day.  How blessed we are that we end this amazing and challenging year with our eyes focused on our glorious King Jesus who lives and reigns victoriously in our hearts.  As we look upon the times in which we are living may we be ever aware of the grace we have been given and the limited time we have left to share this glorious gift with others.  Keep radiating His Light!

 

  
"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned."
(Isaiah 9:2)
  
In the account of Jesus' birth, as recorded in Luke 1&2, there are four beautiful hymns that testify to the glory and majesty of God's wonderful gift of His Son, Jesus Christ:
  
1) Mary's Song - The Magnificat ("Glorifies")  -  Luke 1:46-55
2) Zechariah's Song - The Benedictus ("Praise Be") - Luke 1:68-79
3) The Angel's Song - Gloria in Excelsis Deo ("Glory to God in the Highest") - Luke 2:14
4) The Hymn of Simeon - Nunc Dimittis ("[You] now dismiss") - Luke 2:29-32
  
May we never cease to give the Lord the glory due His name.  "Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness" (Psalm 29:2).  May His Word be continually upon our lips - because it is written upon our hearts; and His light be so evident in our walk, so that all may see and know the One who has become for all the light of life (John 8: 12).  When we received God's gift of salvation He ignited the flame of passion inside each of us through the gift of His Holy Spirit so we could radiate His Light and Truth in this dark world - keep radiating for Him!
  
"You are the light of the world....let your light shine before men,
that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
(Matthew 5:14a, 16)
  
As we come to the end of our Advent journey we light the center white candle, aptly named, the Christ candle.  Jesus Christ came to bring Light and Life to the world.  His candle will never cease to burn brilliantly.  The Light of Christ will continue to shine brightly and illuminate the heavens and the earth for all eternity.  Praise God for His glorious Light!
  
"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.
See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the LORD rises upon you and His glory appears over you.
Nations will come to your light and kings to the brightness of your dawn."
(Isaiah 60:1-3)
  
We can add to His light, and keep it burning brightly, by staying close to the Source of Light - meditating on His Word and communing with God in prayer.  Keep the Christ candle burning brilliantly during the twelve days of Christmas and walk into the New Year with our eyes fixed upon our coming King.  Join us for a journey of revelation - EPIPHANY - beginning December 26th!
  
Epiphany  
  
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