Sunday, January 7th: PREPARE THE SOIL
It’s so important to prepare the soil before planting. Good soil is a combination of dirt and compost, well mixed and free of clumps. The goal is to create a rich, healthy environment, a healthy foundation, to produce a hearty plant. The sure foundation of our life can only be found in the one true God.
Father God, on this first Sunday of a new year, let us pray for a Salvation Army that is planted in the rich, healthy foundation of God. We pray for officers, soldiers and attenders to have a spiritual richness of salvation through Jesus Christ and a life reflecting God’s holiness. Amen.
2 Timothy 2:19 (INIIV)- “God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: ‘The Lord knows those who are his,’ and, ‘Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”‘
S.A. Song#662
My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness,
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand, All other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness seems to veil His face I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale My anchor holds within the veil.
His oath, His covenant and blood Support me in the ‘whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way He then is all my hope and stay.
Sunday, January 14th: PLANT THE SEEDS
Last week we talked about preparing the soil for a good foundation for growth. Now as the gardener places the hard, dried seed in the soil, so too after we believe in Christ our Savior and live for God, the Holy Spirit plants seeds in us that are Christlike. These seeds are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. The seeds are su1rrou1nded with tine rich foundation so that the germination process can begin as we open ourselves up to God’s working in our lives.
Lord, today we are praying for the working of the Holy Spirit across the territory to plant His God-given seeds in our Army and in us individually. May His holy attributes sprout and take root in our lives. Amen.
2 Thessalonians l:3 (NIV)- “We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.”
S.A. Song#287
Lord, renew in me the fire of Your Spirit,
‘Til I begin to see the power of Your love.
Make my life to be blazing with Your holiness;
Father, fan the flame in me.
To be holy, for Your honor,
So that Christ be seen in me;
To be holy, in Your likeness:
Father, fan the flame in me.
Sunday, January 21st: NOURISHMENT
The Holy Spirit has planted the seeds, but in order for them to grow they need to be in a warm environment, be fed and watered. How do we do that? We need to make sure our corps environment is warm and welcoming. We need to offer and faithfully participate in sound Bible teaching, corporate worship and prayer.
Spiritual nourishment also comes from other believers in fellowship, encouragement, and support. All of this is vital for healthy growth.
Heavenly Father, we pray these growth elements are evident and flourishing in ourselves, our corps and in every corps across the territory.
Amen.
2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)- “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”
S.A. Song#261
Lord, the light of Your love is shining, In the midst of the darkness, shining;
Jesus Light of the World, shine upon us, Set us free by the truth You now bring us.
Shine on me, shine on me.
Shine, Jesus, shine, fill this land with the Father’s glory;
Blaze, Spirit, blaze, set our hearts on fire.
Flow, river, flow, flood the nations with grace and mercy;
Send forth your Word, Lord, and let there be light.
Lord, I come to Your awesome presence, From the shadows into Your radiance;
By the blood I may enter Your brightness,
Search me, try me, consume all my darkness.
Shine on me, shine on me.
As we gaze on Your kingly brightness So our faces display Your likeness.
Ever changing from glory to glory, Mirrored here may our lives tell Your story.
Shine on me, shine on me.
Sunday, January 28th: PRODUCE FRUIT
After planting seeds in rich soil, watering and feeding, fruit will appear and mature. The growth process takes time and every plant, just like every person, grows in different ways, all ·n God’s perfect timing. The Spirit planted seeds that are now flowering fruit, which slhou1lld be v1isiblle and recognized by others.
Lord, today we are praying for spiritual fruit to be seen in our lives. Fruit that will thrive and last. Fruit that will reproduce itself in the lives of others. May the characteristics of Christ be seen in me.
Amen.
John 15:8 (NIV) – “This is to my father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
Matthew 7:20 (NIV)- “By their fruit you will recognize them.”
S.A. SONG #328
To be like Jesus! This hope possesses me,
ln every thought and deed, This is my aim, my creed;
To be like Jesus! This hope possesses me,
His Spirit helping me, Like Him I’ll be.
