Rebecca Barlow JordanChristmas »

25 Christmas Prayers – Day 25

Rebecca Barlow Jordan — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 13:00:46 +0000

photo courtesy of Jeff Crump at www.scx.hu

Day – 25 King of Kings and Lord of Lords

KING OF KINGS ROSE OF SHARON BLESSED CONTROLLER TEACHER JESUS ALPHA AND OMEGA MASTER

THE CHRIST SON OF GOD THE VINE THE WAY, TRUTH, AND LIFE SAVIOUR GOOD SHEPHERD SON OF GOD

LORD OF LORDS WONDERFUL COUNSELOR MIGHTY GOD EVERLASTING FATHER PRINCE OF PEACE I AM

Jesus, all authority and power has been given to You by Your Father. And one day we will share Your glory and inherit all the throne privileges of Your royal throne forever. Even now, as we approach Your throne day or night, You will welcome our request. One day, every knee will bow and every tongue will delight in confessing You as King of kings and Lord of lords.

We Are Your Children Forever

As King of kings, no gifts or tokens of our love could ever be enough for You. You never leave us standing on the front porch of Your heart. You extend Your royal scepter, and to Your children You say, “Come”—into Your very throne room! Your royal decree of love can never be reversed. We who know and love You are Your children forever.

King of Our Hearts and Lord of Our Lives

This Christmas, we celebrate and worship You as the King of Kings and Lord of lords. Truly, You are the King of our hearts and Lord of our lives. What an incredible, awesome God You are! And what a day that will be when we finally get to worship You and see You face to face!

“On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” Revelation 19:16 NIV

Not Enough Space and Time

There’s not enough space and not enough time to share all the names for the Trinity: God, the Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit. But during this season, may the names I’ve listed in these 25 prayer blogs whet your appetite to know more—more about Him, more of His names, and all they include.

Seek and Find

Most of you will not be checking your e-mails or surfing the internet for these kind of posts. But when things settle down and the season is past, I pray you’ll take time to scroll through and meditate on these names. Do your own study. Do a “seek and find” for the names of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Speak those names back to God as you worship Him daily. Take time to praise the Lord for sending His precious Son, and spend some time thanking Him for His most wonderful names—and all they mean to you. Remember that the Lord inhabits the praises of HIs people!

What Are You Giving Jesus This Year?

Today is Christmas Day! What are you giving Jesus this year? If you’re hard up for ideas, try the gift of yourself. I guarantee, Jesus will love it!

Here are some parting thoughts for you in my simple Christmas poem:

The stockings once hung by the chimney with care,

are scattered with gifts from the tree, now bare.

But the joy from the giving still lingers there,

mixed with Jesus’ own love and our thank-you prayer.

Christmas is over? Perish the thought!

It’s not something you open, not things that are bought.

Giving life, sharing love, as heaven draws near–

Christmas is Jesus, each day of the year. -RBJ

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS!

My personal Christmas wish and prayer for you is that you will fall in love with Jesus over and over and over again this year. Whether you live alone or with a houseful of loved ones, You are loved by God, who sent His most precious gift to You at Christmas. May the Lord bless You and Yours richly as You share His love with others every day of the year.

This is the 25th–the last–in a series of daily Christmas blogs: 25 Christmas Prayers celebrating the names of our precious Lord. I hope these simple prayer blogs will enrich your Christmas season and draw you close to the One who is the true reason for Christmas. (I’ll return to my regular, weekly blogs after Christmas).

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25 Christmas Prayers – Day 24

Rebecca Barlow Jordan — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 13:00:25 +0000

photo courtesy of zd from stock.xchng

Day 24 – Messiah

Lord, some people are still waiting for Your arrival the first time. They wanted a king, not a servant. They wanted relief, not true freedom. They wanted recognition, not relationship.

You Are the Promised Messiah

But You are the promised Messiah, and Your mission is complete. You are the One who will one day reign in Your heavenly kingdom—your true home forever. You chose to be born in a stable, and You were visited by kings and shepherds alike. You descended to earth as a babe, but You will return one day as a King.

You Are Our Salvation

Those who failed to recognize Your coming, whose eyes were blind to the truth, missed the best gift from heaven. You are the promised One, foretold for generations. You are God’s own messenger, God made flesh. You are the Anointed One, God’s Son, Our Salvation.

This Christmas, Jesus, we celebrate You as the Messiah. There is no one beside You!

“We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.”John 1:41

ONLY 1 DAY ‘TIL CHRISTMAS. WHAT WILL YOU GIVE TO JESUS THIS YEAR?

This is the 24th in a series of daily Christmas blogs: 25 Christmas Prayers celebrating the names of our precious Lord. I hope these simple prayer blogs will enrich your Christmas season and draw you close to the One who is the true reason for Christmas. (I’ll return to my regular, weekly blogs after Christmas).

25 Christmas Prayers – Day 23

Rebecca Barlow Jordan — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 13:00:44 +0000

photo by Ben Earwicker

Day 23 – Light of the World

Jesus, how many times have we stumbled through the dark in the middle of the night trying to find our own way? Why would we choose to go through life the same way? You are the Light of the World, shining in the darkness.

And while we want to see clearly what lies beyond each turn, You will be our flashlight, giving us only as much light as we need for the moment. How foolish to live in the dark after seeing the Light!

No Place Too Dark

Wherever we go, Lord, You are a light by day and a beacon by night, shining brightly to point us in the right direction. There is no place too dark for Your light to shine and no corner too remote. Like sunshine on a cloudy day, You burst forth with radiance.

People Still Walk in Darkness

Jesus, there are still people walking in darkness who have never seen Your light. How they need You! They’ve never known the joy and freedom You give to those with trusting hearts.

Like a Candle in the Dark

This Christmas, help each of us to be that “little light” that shines in the darkness for others. Shine Your light into every corner of our own lives so nothing will hinder our fellowship with You, or our usefulness in guiding others to You. Use us to point others to the true Light of the World. May our gifts of love, our words of encouragement, our hugs of acceptance, and our thoughtful deeds be like candles in the darkness that say to our world, “God loves You…and so do I!”

You Are the Light of Our Lives

This Christmas, we celebrate because God sent the True Light of the World to shine in the darkness of our hearts. We worship You, Jesus! You are not only the Light of the World; You are the Light of our lives!

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness,but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 NIV

ONLY 2 DAYS ‘TIL CHRISTMAS. WHAT WILL YOU GIVE TO JESUS THIS YEAR?

This is the 23^nd in a series of daily Christmas blogs: 25 Christmas Prayers celebrating the names of our precious Lord. I hope these simple prayer blogs will enrich your Christmas season and draw you close to the One who is the true reason for Christmas. (I’ll return to my regular, weekly blogs after Christmas).

25 Christmas Prayers – Day 22

Rebecca Barlow Jordan — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 13:00:00 +0000

: Image via Wikipedia

Day 22 – God, The One and Only

Jesus, we experience many kinds of love in our lifetime—love for our parents, our children, our close friends, our mate, and even the unloved and needy. But there is only one love like Yours.

Who Can Compare to You, Lord?

Who can compare to You, Lord? You are God, the One and Only—the lover of our souls, the One from whom all affection stems. Without You, we have no idea what love is really about. Only one thing is needful, Jesus. How You want to be our One and Only love!

You Are the Only Christ

So many impostors have come in Your name, Lord, claiming to be the Christ. But You are God the One and Only. You are the only Christ. The gods of other nations pale and wither at the mention of Your name. You alone hold the secrets of heaven. And for those who truly know You, You are our one and only true love.

Jesus, this Christmas we celebrate Your love for us and our love for You as God, the One and Only. Our one desire is to love You more and to share Your love with others. Thank You for loving us when we were so unlovely, and for never giving up on us. How can we thank You enough?

“No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known.” John 1:18 NIV

ONLY 3 DAYS ‘TIL CHRISTMAS. WHAT WILL YOU GIVE TO JESUS THIS YEAR?

This is the 22^nd in a series of daily Christmas blogs: 25 Christmas Prayers celebrating the names of our precious Lord. I hope these blogs will enrich your Christmas season and draw you close to the One who is the true reason for Christmas. (I’ll return to my regular, weekly blogs after Christmas).

25 Christmas Prayers – Day 21

Rebecca Barlow Jordan — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 13:00:21 +0000

photo by Billy Alexander at www.sxc.hu

Day 21 – Jehovah-Sabaoth, The Lord of Hosts

Lord, in your strength nothing is impossible. At Your command, a thousand angels would rush to our defense if You so desired to send them. You are Jehovah-Sabaoth, the Lord of hosts.

Nations who trifle with Your affections and refuse Your plans will reap the consequences. But those who follow You have a winning army on their side. Thank You for Your protection, Lord. With You beside us, why should we fear?

Falling Is Not Failing

Lord, You have shown us that falling is not always failing. In Your mercy, You pick us up and rescue us when we feel overwhelmed. You are sovereign; yet You care so deeply for Your children. Thank You for being such a personal God.

Nothing Escapes You

You discipline us when needed, and lead us to the right path again. You lead us out of temptation when we call on You, and nothing escapes You. You know us so well.

This Christmas we celebrate You as our Jehovah-Sabaoth, the Lord of hosts. What a tower of strength You are! We have no other place to run to, no other shelter in which to hide. We depend on You, Lord. Again and again, we choose to follow You.

“This hath been by your means: will he regard your persons? saith the Lord of hosts.” Malachi 1:9 KJV

IT’S 4 DAYS ‘TIL CHRISTMAS. WHAT WILL YOU GIVE JESUS THIS YEAR?

This is the 21st in a series of daily Christmas blogs: 25 Christmas Prayers celebrating the names of our precious Lord. I hope these simple prayer blogs will enrich your Christmas season and draw you close to the One who is the true reason for Christmas. (I’ll be returning to my regular, weekly posts after Christmas).

25 Christmas Prayers – Day 20

Rebecca Barlow Jordan — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:00:34 +0000

photo courtesy of Billy Alexander, at sxc.hu

Day 20 – Jehovah-Mekoddishkem, The Lord Sanctifies You

Lord, all of our straining to be perfect will profit us nothing. It’s impossible for us to keep every one of Your laws.

We Cannot Put On Holiness

We cannot put on holiness like a clothes garment. It’s Your blood shed for us that makes us holy. You are Jehovah-Mekoddishkem, the One who will continually sanctify us and conform us to Your image.

Rest Is Best

Lord, how we need to rest in You! You know our heart’s desire is to please You and to keep our relationship close. Forgive us for trying to make perfection, rule-keeping, or traditions the way to Your heart. You’ve already done it all: You already showed us the way. You will keep working in us and through us as we simply trust You.

Sometimes we may feel like Your disciple Peter, Lord, when You were washing his feet. We feel so unworthy, so unclean—in need of a complete bath! But those who know You are clean in Your eyes, because You paid the ultimate price with Your death on the cross. They choose to follow You and leave old ways behind.

Transform Us Daily

Every day as we submit to You, You keep transforming our lives—sometimes gently, sometimes painfully, but always in love. You are the One who gives us the “want-to” to live lives that are pleasing to You.

This Christmas we celebrate You as Jehovah-Mekoddishkem, The Lord Who Sanctifies, the One who washes us continually with Your own life blood. You are always working in our lives to make us holy.

“That ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you.” Exodus 31:13 KJV

IT’S 5 DAYS ‘TIL CHRISTMAS. WHAT WILL YOU GIVE JESUS THIS YEAR?

This is the 20^th in a series of daily Christmas blogs: 25 Christmas Prayers celebrating the names of our precious Lord. I hope these simple prayer blogs will enrich your Christmas season and draw you close to the One who is the true reason for Christmas. (I’ll be returning to my regular, weekly posts after Christmas).

25 Christmas Prayers – Day 19

Rebecca Barlow Jordan — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 12:30:23 +0000

photo courtesy of trublueboy at www.sxc.hu

Day 19 – Jehovah-Shammah, The Lord Is There

Lord, when our hearts are failing, where can we go? You are our source of strength. You will hold our hand when our steps falter. In the midst of danger, persecution, or emotional confusion, You are there.

Even though we may feel Your presence is as distant as the stars in the heavens, there will never be a time when we are truly alone. You are Jehovah-Shammah, the God who is always with us, always ready to help, the One who constantly celebrates the joy of calling us His children. With you, we find fresh hope and joy for our journey.

We Cannot Escape Your Presence

Sometimes you lead us over rugged mountain trails and through dark valleys. Though Your face is hidden, and Your voice is silent, we can sense Your protection all around us. We cannot escape Your presence, nor do we ever want to.

Another Time, Another Place

Not only is Your presence here with us, but there is a place where one day all will recognize You for who You really are. We anticipate that day and that place when You will escort us to our eternal home. But it’s not streets of gold, gates of pearl, or walls of jasper that pull our hearts there like a magnet. What draws us to that time and place is the passionate longing to see You. Because You, our Jehovah-Shammah are there!

Never Alone

This Christmas, we celebrate You as our Jehovah-Shammah, The Lord Is There. Thank You for Your promises throughout Scripture that comfort and encourage us. Because of You we are never alone! Because of Jesus, we will never lose our way home. We’ll just follow the tracks of Your faithfulness—they will always lead us to You.

“And the name of the city from that time on will be: The LORD IS THERE.” Ezekiel 48:35 NIV

ONLY 6 DAYS ‘TIL CHRISTMAS. WHAT WILL YOU GIVE JESUS THIS CHRISTMAS?

This is the 19^th in a series of daily Christmas blogs: 25 Prayers for Christmas celebrating the names of our precious Lord. I hope these simple prayer blogs will enrich your Christmas season and draw you close to the One who is the true reason for Christmas. (I’ll be returning to my regular, weekly posts after Christmas).

25 Christmas Prayers – Day 18

Rebecca Barlow Jordan — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 13:00:04 +0000

photo courtesy of Billy Alexander, at sxc.hu

Day 18 – Jehovah-Nissi, The Lord Is My Banner

Lord, the battles we fight in our hearts are not new. But we often suffer combat fatigue. We forget that You are Jehovah-Nissi, The Lord My Banner.

At Your Name, Enemies Flee

As believers, You conquered death and satan’s hold on our lives. He cannot steal or sever our relationship with You. But as long as we live in this world, our enemy never gives up trying to turn us back. When we hold up Your name, You release Your power in us. Your banner will bring peace, victory, hope, and restored joy–even in the midst of our own personal “war zones.”

Your Banner Over Us Is Love

At Christmas, Lord, we come again to build an “altar” to You in our hearts–spiritual stones of remembrance that remind us of Your faithfulness each time we experience a victory. Your banner over us will always be love.

You are the name we lift up in times of temptation, Lord. We celebrate You this Christmas as our Jehovah-nissi, the Lord My Banner, waving Your sovereign authority clearly in view of all our enemies. When You are present, and Your banner is over us, doubt, fear, and discouragement scatter. Victory always follows!

“Moses built an altar and called it ‘The Lord My Banner.” Exodus 17:15 NIV

*Personal Note: When my grandfather was dying of leukemia years ago, he asked the ones at his bedside to hold his arms like a banner over his head until he had the “victory.” He died with his arms raised high toward heaven. He was referring to the time Moses asked Aaron and Hur to support his arms and raise them toward heaven so they could win their battle against their enemy at Rephidim. As long as Moses’ arms were in the air (with the rod God had given him), they would win. It was a victorious battle, and Moses built an altar to Jehovah-Nissi, the Lord My Banner.

This is the 18th in a series of daily Christmas blogs celebrating the names of our precious Lord. I hope these simple prayer blogs will enrich your Christmas season and draw you close to the One who is the true season for Christmas. (I will be returning to my regular, weekly posts after Christmas).

25 Christmas Prayers – Day 17

Rebecca Barlow Jordan — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 13:00:51 +0000

photo by Alex Bruda at www.sxc.hu

Day 17 – Elohim, The Creator

Lord, our thoughts are often filled with the ugliness of the world. But it was not You who erased the beauty.

As our Elohim, You are the Creator of everything. You splashed the parched ground with paint drops of color. You nestled Your creatures safely together like clustered jewels and carved out a home for each one. Every day is a personalized tapestry of love from You to Your children.

We See Your Hand at Work

From the beginning, You planted Your beauty in our hearts so we could see life through Your eyes. From the splendor of mountain majesty to the simplicity of desert plain, we see Your hand at work, Lord—a heavenly original. All Your creatures show the uniqueness of Your glory, the pride of Your creations, and the tenderness of Your love.

You Restore Our Worth

ln its attempts to erode the beauty of Your creation, sin has left deep, pocketed scars. Yet through Jesus, You restore the worth of every man and woman who accepts You as Lord.

A Magnificent Place of Beauty

And while earth’s beauty may be fading, You are preparing an eternal place of magnificent beauty where eyes have never seen, and no pen could ever describe. For that, we can’t wait!

This Christmas we celebrate You, Lord, as Elohim, The Creator. You’ve designed a special place for each of us to fit in Your plan. Renew that purpose and plan for us this Christmas. May our lifetime purpose always be to give You glory and praise!

“The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.” Isaiah 40:28 NIV

This is the 17^th in a series of daily Christmas blogs: 25 Christmas Prayers celebrating the names of our precious Lord. I hope these simple prayer blogs will enrich your Christmas season and draw you close to the One who is the true reason for Christmas. (I’ll be returning to my regular, weekly posts after Christmas).

25 Christmas Prayers – Day 16

Rebecca Barlow Jordan — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:00:05 +0000

photo courtesy of PStrijards at www.sxc.hu

Day 16 – Jehovah-Raah, the Lord My Shepherd

Lord, sometimes we try to sneak under the fence in search of our own greener pastures. But as Jehovah-raah, the Lord My Shepherd, You know each of us by name!

You never stop looking for us and calling us back. We don’t always understand Your reasons for boundaries. But Your gate protects us from danger.

You feed us with nourishing food–not just for our bodies, but for our souls. Once we’re full, You lead us to Your own safe, green pastures where we can nestle in and find rest, refreshment, and joy for our journeys.

You Walk Beside Us

Wherever we go–up steep mountain paths, through the deep valleys and sweet pastures, or around still waters–You walk beside us, refreshing our spirits and restoring our souls.

We All Stray

Lord, no matter how smart we think we are, sometimes we act just like dumb animals–like sheep. We all stray at times; we chase after other sheep instead of following You, our Good Shepherd. Because of our stubborn nature, sometimes we end up broken and bruised. Yet you pursue us, tend our wounds, and then carry us safely home in Your tender arms again. You’re jealous for Your flock, and want none of them to perish.

Your Arms Say, “Welcome”

Thank You for nurturing us, loving us, and caring so deeply for our needs. Thank You that we can never stray too far from You. As long as we have breath, Your arms say, “Welcome!”

This Christmas we celebrate You as our Jehovah-Raah, the Lord My Shepherd. And what a wonderful Shepherd You are!

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep now me.” John 10:14 NIV

Today is the 16th in a series of daily Christmas blogs: 25 Christmas Prayers celebrating the names of our precious Lord. I hope these simple prayer blogs will enrich your Christmas season and draw you closer to the One who is the true reason of Christmas. (I’ll be returning to my regular, weekly posts after Christmas).