Quiet Walk

[Judy Harder]

December 22

Job 1

After meeting with God, Satan receives permission to test Job.

INSIGHT

If God is all good and all powerful, then why do the righteous suffer? Throughout the book of Job, questions of the ages arise. Job is a righteous man, and while he does not curse God, he does wonder why these things have happened. These same questions form today in the minds of people who observe or experience suffering. It is not wicked to ask these questions. All people struggle with these questions sooner or later. But we learn from Job that we can struggle without sinning.

PRAYER

God is trustworthy and kind. Because we know that He loves us with an everlasting love, we can praise Him:

I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God;
Incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech.
Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand,
O You who save those who trust in You
From those who rise up against them.
Keep me as the apple of Your eye;
Hide me under the shadow of Your wings,
From the wicked who oppress me,
From my deadly enemies who surround me.
(Psalm 17:6-9)

Pause for praise and thanksgiving.

As you seek to keep your life free from sin, pray this confession to the Lord:

The pangs of death surrounded me,
And the floods of ungodliness made me afraid.
The sorrows of Sheol surrounded me;
The snares of death confronted me.
In my distress I called upon the Lord,
And cried out to my God;
He heard my voice from His temple,
And my cry came before Him, even to His ears.
(Psalm 18:4-6)

Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:

He sent from above, He took me;
He drew me out of many waters.
He delivered me from my strong enemy,
From those who hated me,
For they were too strong for me.
They confronted me in the day of my calamity,
But the Lord was my support.
(Psalm 18:16-18)

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

-- Health and strength
-- Guidance for local political leaders
-- Your pastor and his family

Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:

The Lord lives!
Blessed be my Rock!
Let the God of my salvation be exalted.
(Psalm 18:46)

[Judy Harder]

December 23

Revelation 2

Jesus sends prophetic messages to four churches.

INSIGHT

Jesus commends the church of Ephesus for the good work that they have done. Nevertheless, He commands them to repent and return to their "first love" (v. 4). Unless they seek forgiveness, they will experience the chastening of God. In the face of impending persecution, Jesus offers words of encouragement and hope to the church in Smyrna (v. 10). Addressing the church in Pergamos, our Lord warns the people not to tolerate evil. The same message is sent to the church in Thyatira. Unless they repent, Jesus warns that He will judge them quickly and severely.

PRAYER

Praise Jesus Christ for constantly watching over you, guiding you, and encouraging you:
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears,
And delivers them out of all their troubles.
The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart,
And saves such as have a contrite spirit.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the Lord delivers him out of them all.
He guards all his bones;
Not one of them is broken.
Evil shall slay the wicked,
And those who hate the righteous shall be condemned.
The Lord redeems the soul of His servants,
And none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned. (Psalm 34:17-22).

Pause for praise and thanksgiving as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Have mercy upon me, O God,
According to Your lovingkindness;
According to the multitude of Your tender mercies,
Blot out my transgressions. . . .
Cleanse me from my sin. . . .
Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. (Psalm 51:1-2, 7).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Seek the Lord and His strength;
Seek His face evermore!
Remember His marvelous works which He has done,
His wonders and the judgments of His
mouth. (1 Chronicles 16:11-12).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
a willing attitude,
the ministries of your church,
whatever else is on your heart.

Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
"Know this day, and consider it in your heart, that the Lord Himself is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other."
(Deuteronomy 4:39)

[Judy Harder]

December 24

Revelation 3

Jesus gives prophetic messages to three additional churches.

INSIGHT

To the church in Sardis, Jesus offers a strong rebuke. He calls them "dead" and warns them to recall their initial response to the Gospel and repent. However, He also commends those few who have not defiled themselves. The Lord also commends the church in Philadelphia for having kept His command to persevere. Because of that, He will keep them from the hour of trial that will come upon the whole world. Perhaps the most frightening message goes to the church at Laodicea. Because their works are "neither cold nor hot" but lukewarm, Jesus says He will spew them out of His mouth. Their wealth has made them complacent and Jesus urges them to repent.

PRAYER

Thank the Lord that He cares enough not to let us drift and praise Him for His correction:
The Lord is righteous in all His ways,
Gracious in all His works.
The Lord is near to all who call upon Him,
To all who call upon Him in truth.
He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him;
He also will hear their cry and save them. . . .
My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord,
And all flesh shall bless His holy name
Forever and ever (Psalm 145:17-19, 21).

Pause for praise and thanksgiving.

Now pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
I will meditate on Your precepts.
Let those who fear You turn to me,
Those who know Your testimonies.
Let my heart be blameless regarding Your statutes,
That I may not be ashamed (Psalm 119:78-80).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:.

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
love for others,
missionaries in New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific islands,
your activities for the day.

Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
To Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ . . . to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.
(Romans 16:25, 27)

[Judy Harder]

December 25

Revelation 4

John describes an astounding vision of the throne of God in heaven.

INSIGHT

At Christmas our thoughts are on Jesus' birth, focusing on His humanity. By radical contrast, this Christmas Day we see the throne room of heaven and the surroundings which magnify His deity. In the center is a throne - behind which an emerald-colored rainbow arises. Dignitaries dressed in white robes and gold crowns are seated around the throne. The floor of the massive room is like crystal. Unusual looking creatures constantly give verbal praise to God and the dignitaries form a celestial choir, worshiping and praising God. This is the normal abode of God's Son. Yet we usually think of Jesus as a child in Bethlehem, a teacher on a hillside, or the One who bore our sins alone on a cross. Revelation balances that picture with a glimpse of Jesus' majesty and grandeur.

PRAYER

Praise the Lord that He was willing to become what we are - that we may inherit eternal salvation:
Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord, O my soul!
While I live I will praise the Lord;
I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. . . .
Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,
Whose hope is in the Lord his God . . .
The Lord shall reign forever -
Your God, O Zion, to all generations.
Praise the Lord! (Psalm 146:1-2, 5, 10).

Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
"Lord, be merciful to me;
Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You." . . .
O Lord, be merciful to me, and raise me up . . .
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel
From everlasting to everlasting! Amen and Amen (Psalm 41:4, 10, 13).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
"Now, Lord, what do I wait for?
My hope is in You" (Psalm 39:7).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
faithfulness in sharing Christ,
the Lord's work in world and national affairs,
your activities for the day.

Close with this prayer to the Lord:
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen
(2 Corinthians 13:14)

[Judy Harder]

December 26

Revelation 4

John describes an astounding vision of the throne of God in heaven.

INSIGHT

At Christmas our thoughts are on Jesus' birth, focusing on His humanity. By radical contrast, this Christmas Day we see the throne room of heaven and the surroundings which magnify His deity. In the center is a throne - behind which an emerald-colored rainbow arises. Dignitaries dressed in white robes and gold crowns are seated around the throne. The floor of the massive room is like crystal. Unusual looking creatures constantly give verbal praise to God and the dignitaries form a celestial choir, worshiping and praising God. This is the normal abode of God's Son. Yet we usually think of Jesus as a child in Bethlehem, a teacher on a hillside, or the One who bore our sins alone on a cross. Revelation balances that picture with a glimpse of Jesus' majesty and grandeur.

PRAYER

Praise the Lord that He was willing to become what we are - that we may inherit eternal salvation:
Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord, O my soul!
While I live I will praise the Lord;
I will sing praises to my God while I have my being. . . .
Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help,
Whose hope is in the Lord his God . . .
The Lord shall reign forever -
Your God, O Zion, to all generations.
Praise the Lord! (Psalm 146:1-2, 5, 10).

Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
"Lord, be merciful to me;
Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You." . . .
O Lord, be merciful to me, and raise me up . . .
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel
From everlasting to everlasting! Amen and Amen (Psalm 41:4, 10, 13).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
"Now, Lord, what do I wait for?
My hope is in You" (Psalm 39:7).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
faithfulness in sharing Christ,
the Lord's work in world and national affairs,
your activities for the day.

Close with this prayer to the Lord:
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen
(2 Corinthians 13:14)

[Judy Harder]

December 28

Revelation 19

John describes Jesus' return to the earth as the conquering King.

INSIGHT

Apocalypse: "The revelation of a violent struggle in which evil will be destroyed" (Webster's Dictionary). The second coming of Christ will be the apocalypse fulfilled. While the symbolism of the language in Revelation makes it difficult to ascertain exactly how events will unfold, it is clear that when Jesus returns again, it will be to confront evil and destroy it. The heavens will split and Jesus will descend upon the armies of the earth which have gathered in opposition to His return. In contrast to His past role as Savior of man, He will now come as King of creation. Whereas once He made Himself subject to men, now all men will become subject to Him. History will end and eternity will begin.

PRAYER

We praise Him that we can look forward to His appearing:
Praise the Lord!
Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty firmament!
Praise Him for His mighty acts;
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!
Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet;
Praise Him with the lute and harp! . . .
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord! (Psalm 150:1-3, 6).

Pause for a time of confession as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Have mercy upon me, O God,
According to Your lovingkindness;
According to the multitude of Your tender mercies,
Blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
And cleanse me from my sin.
For I acknowledge my transgressions,
And my sin is always before me (Psalm 51:1-3).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
(Romans 8:18)

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
sensitivity to sin,
the ministries of your church,
your activities for the day.

Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
To Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen
(Ephesians 3:20-21)

[Judy Harder]

December 29

Revelation 20

After leading a final rebellion, Satan is confined forever.

INSIGHT

Satan is not taken seriously by our society. Yet from Genesis to Revelation, Satan is revealed as God's enemy, a force to be seriously reckoned with. As part of the culmination of the end times, he is confronted, conquered, and confined. Today, Satan deceives in order to destroy. But in the end he will be defeated and his reign of terror on earth will end. "The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone" (v. 10). In the end, Satan is a defeated foe!

PRAYER

Praise God that we can share in His victory:
I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart;
I will tell of all Your marvelous works.
I will be glad and rejoice in You;
I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High. . . .
Sing praises to the Lord, who dwells in Zion!
Declare His deeds among the people (Psalm 9:1-2, 11).

Pause for praise and thanksgiving.

Now pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
How long, O you sons of men,
Will you turn my glory to shame?
How long will you love worthlessness
And seek falsehood? Selah
But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself him who is godly;
The Lord will hear when I call to Him (Psalm 4:2-3).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
In the Lord I put my trust . . .
The Lord is in His holy temple,
The Lord's throne is in heaven;
His eyes behold,
His eyelids test the sons of men. . . .
For the Lord is righteous,
He loves righteousness;
His countenance beholds the upright (Psalm 11:1, 4, 7).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
thoughtfulness and encouraging words,
vision for reaching the unsaved,
whatever else is on your heart.

Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming quickly."
Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen
(Revelation 22:20-21).

[Judy Harder]

December 30

Revelation 21

When the old heaven and earth are transformed, we will fellowship intimately with God.

INSIGHT

In the new heaven and new earth, the distance between God and man will be removed. In the Old Testament, the glory of God was displayed as a brilliant light, but men were not able to look on it. In the New Testament, men were able to approach Jesus; but His glory was not seen, being veiled by His human form. In the new heaven and new earth, the glory of God will not be veiled, and we shall be able to behold it. The distance will be removed, and we will fellowship with God forevermore.

PRAYER

Praise God that He never ceases to care for His children:
Let all those rejoice who put their trust in You;
Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them;
Let those also who love Your name
Be joyful in You.
For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous;
With favor You will surround him as with a shield (Psalm 5:11-12).

Now express any additional thoughts of praise, adoration, or thanksgiving.

Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
The ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the ungodly shall perish (Psalm 1:5-6).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst."
(John 6:35)
The Lord encourages us to come to Him with our concerns and desires. As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
the renewing of your mind,
purity of leadership at your church,
your activities for the day.

Close with this prayer to the Lord:
May the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen
(1 Peter 5:10-11)

[Judy Harder]

December 31

Revelation 22

Jesus reaffirms His second coming and encourages us to be ready.

INSIGHT

Looking forward to the Messiah, Isaiah writes: "Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance" (55:1-2). Then John, looking back to the Messiah, picks up the same theme: "The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let him who hears say, 'Come!' And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely" (v. 17).

PRAYER

Praise the Lord for His salvation which He offers to us freely in Christ:
My soul magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. . . .
For He who is mighty has done great things for me,
And holy is His name.
And His mercy is on those who fear Him
From generation to generation (Luke 1:46-47, 49-50).

Pause for praise and thanksgiving.

Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Make me to hear joy and gladness,
That the bones which You have broken may rejoice.
Hide Your face from my sins,
And blot out all my iniquities (Psalm 51:7-9).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
"My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord.
"For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:8-9).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
that others might see Christ in you,
the fulfillment of the Great Commission,
your activities for the day,
whatever else is on your heart.

Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
(2 Peter 3:18)

[Judy Harder]

Genesis 1

Genesis 1The first chapter of Genesis reveals God as Creator of the universe.

INSIGHT

In the beginning, God! That is the way it is throughout the Bible. "You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3).

"Every knee [will] bow . . . every tongue [will] confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" (Philippians 2:10-11).

God wants to be first and foremost in your life. He is the Author of the first creation, and He is the Author of the new creation in your heart.
In the first creation, the wind and the waves obey the Lord -- they have no choice. In the new creation, there is a choice: to obey or not to obey -- the pleasures of sin for a moment or the favor of fellowship for a lifetime.

Have you chosen to put God first in your life? Not to decide is to decide.

PRAYER

Continue your time with the Lord by praising God through these psalms:

Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us,
But to Your name give glory,
Because of Your mercy,
Because of Your truth (Psalms 115:1).

It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
And to sing praises to Your name,
O Most High;
To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning,
And Your faithfulness every night (Psalms 92:1-2).

· Now pray this confession to the Lord to keep your life in fellowship with Him:

Have mercy upon me, O God,
According to Your lovingkindness;
According to the multitude of Your tender mercies,
Blot out my transgressions (Psalms 51:1).

· As you confess your sins, voice your affirmation of God's Word:

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers (Colossians 1:15-16).

· As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:
· faithfulness with your time,
· the president, national leaders, and national affairs,
· your prayer list.

· Offer this prayer of worship to the Lord:

Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy,
That we may rejoice and be glad all our days! (Psalms 90:14).