The resources God has given us to live a thriving life are His Word, Spirit, and People.
Read God’s Word:
Psalms 97-99
Act 2: God’s Covenant People
Scene 5: Kings and Prophets: God shapes a kingdom people
Background Information: Psalms 97-99
These Psalms were sung in praise to God for victory in earthly battles. Victory is a word that is sometimes translated “salvation.” Though earthly kings lead armies in war, the heavenly King was seen to be the one who ultimately saved his people from destruction. Christians are right to pray these songs in gratitude to God for the victory of Jesus over sin, death, and hell. Jesus is a word that means “the Lord Saves.” Jesus is our victory; he is our salvation. All around the world injustice, war, and human idolatry dominate human lives. We read these Psalms and are reminded of the Lord’s coming final victory and his final reign of justice, peace, and true worship.
The poem “I heard the Bells on Christmas Day” was written by a man mourning the great personal loss of his wife and the great national loss caused by the American Civil War, which was still far from over. The poem describes his struggle to trust and not despair.
I heard the bells on Christmas day, their old familiar carols play, and mild and sweet their songs repeat of peace on Earth, good will to men. And in despair I bowed my head “There is no peace on Earth” I said, for hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on Earth, good will to men. Then rang the bells more loud and deep, God is not dead, nor doth he sleep; the wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on Earth, good will to men.
What you see around you is not the final word. Jesus, “the Lord saves,” is the final word. Look backward in faith; Jesus won the victory over sin on the cross. Look forward in faith; Jesus will return in final victory. Now look around you and trust him to give you victory in your faith battles today.
Pray:
Praise God for…
Thank God for…
Confess your sins to God
Pray for Dalton and Hannah to quickly acquire language, as they live among a Buddhist people group. Pray for opportunities to daily have gospel-centered conversations.
Ask God for… (what else concerns you?)
Reflect:
Write down one passage of scripture that stood out to you today.
Write down why this passage stood out to you.
Engage Community:
Text or call someone now and tell them…
– What you are praying for.
– What stood out from God’s word today.