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On Watch in Washington / The Informer

December 23, 2015

At this season of the year naturally our thoughts turn to Bethlehem and the birth of the Son of God and His being laid in a manger, because there was no room in the inn for Him. The verse which we all know, love and recall especially at this season of the year takes on new meaning:

    "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

God loved the world. What is meant by "the world" is the world of all mankind, people of every race, tribe, tongue, and language, regardless of social or economic conditions. God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. Love is a movement outward toward others for their good and blessing. Real love is never self-centered. It is always looking out for the interest, the good, and the welfare of those who are loved. God's love for the world was so very great that He gave His only begotten Son. 

Pray that the Gospel of Christ will pierce the hearts of lost souls that surround you and your family this Christmas season. Ask the Holy Spirit to use you in speaking God's hope to those who are lost and in need of His love and mercy.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." (Rom. 15:13 ESV)
 
 

Samira Izadi Page and her family fled Iran about 18 years ago. She says a church in Dallas, Texas, came alongside them and now they are all believers and involved in Christian ministry.

Page founded Gateway to Grace about five years ago, and now it's the largest refugee ministry in the region, with 50 church partners across denominational lines. She tells OneNewsNow refugees are not here by accident - God has a plan for them.

Pray that as Christians we will always have eyes to see those who are ripe for the harvest. It is our Lord Jesus who saves, but He does use His children in His Kingdom to share His Word.

"To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them who are sanctified by faith that is in me." (Acts 26:18)
 
 
Dear Lover of Prodigals, All I want for Christmas...is the return of my prodigal. Lord, please, for Christmas could my child come home? Would you set him free from his addictions? Cause her to choose not to live with her boyfriend? May they see the emptiness and destructiveness of their choices? And, Lord, may we have peace in our family for Christmas?

For so many years I asked for just such gifts-for many Christmases. Probably you have as well....

Pray that this will be a year where all prodigals estranged from their families will return home and be embraced by the loving arms of mothers and fathers throughout America. There are many broken families in our nation for one reason or another. God does in fact know intimately about each one. Call upon the Lord to pour out His grace and truth in the hearts of His creation and re-establish the bonds of family love with those who have separated themselves from one another.

"Jesus said, 'Look to me! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with me.'" (Revelation 3:20)
 
 


There was once a man who didn't believe in the incarnation of Christ or the spiritual meaning of Christmas, and was skeptical about God. He and his family lived in a farm community. His wife was a devout believer and diligently raised her children in her faith. He sometimes gave her a hard time about her faith and mocked her religious observance of Christmas. "It's all nonsense - why would God lower himself and become a human like us? It's such a ridiculous story!"

Pray that there will be an increase this year in those who will take up the cross of Christ Jesus and say, "Come follow me to where you will find safety and rest from your wearied life apart from Christ." Pray that the Lord will use you as His vessel to help others in need of salvation. Pray that hearts will open to the Word of God as it goes forth throughout America this coming year.

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men. At once they left their nets and followed him. When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him."  (Mark 1:17-20)

 

In September 1960, I woke up one morning with six hungry babies and just 75 cents in my pocket. Their father was gone. The boys ranged from three months to seven years; their sister was two. Their Dad had never been much more than a presence they feared. Whenever they heard his tires crunch on the gravel driveway they would scramble to hide under their beds.
 
Heavenly Father, bless all those who are reading this wonderful story. Show them an increased revelation of Your love and power. Let them share Your love, joy, and hope to someone else's life through Your guidance, mercy, and grace. Amen.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

 

 

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