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Christmas, I love this time of year, gathering with friends and family, beautiful decorations, colorful lights everywhere… but from time to time, we may have been so distracted with busyness, and feeling tired and numb. And for some, it’s been awhile that they have been alive in their faith.  

Romans 10:17 (ESV) says “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the Word of Christ,” the living, breathing and transforming Word of God. Sometimes we get so busy we distance ourselves from the Word, and when we distance ourselves from the Word, we will distance ourselves from the Faith, because if we put down the Sword of the Spirit, we will eventually put down the Shield of Faith. And when we have to fight the enemy, we won’t be able to do so with a butter knife because we left the sharp end behind.

Psalm 119:130a (ESV) says “The unfolding of your words gives light”, in the world of bad news, we are the bearer of good news because we are Children of the Light. Jesus is with us, His Spirit is in us, and because of Jesus, we have hope.   

I really like the lyric of this song “My hope is built on nothing less”: 

“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 veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil.

His oath, His covenant, His blood
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.”

My prayer is that this Christmas we will ask for a fresh encounter with Jesus, a new revelation to His Word, and ask Him to keep His Spirit alive in us, so that the world will see Jesus though us, and our heavenly Father will be glorified.   

“Who is like you O Lord, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds.” Exodus 11-13 (ESV)

Father, your Word taught us when we pray, believe. Without faith, it’s impossible to believe God. We know the power of prayer and nothing is more powerful than praying the living, breathing Word of God. It’s like putting 2 sticks of dynamite together and lighting them by the Holy Spirit. In Jeremiah 23:29a (ESV) “Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord,” we want to feel that fire burning in our bones, ignite the passion in us again Lord, we are asking for a fresh awakening, a revival for your people, we pray for a hunger and thirst for your Word. The scripture is God-breathed, alive and living, we pray that your Word will transform us, and heal those who are deeply wounded in their hearts, tear down any strongholds, distort any lies from Satan, help them to overcome any stronghold of unforgiveness, pride, addiction, doubt, bitterness and depression in the name of Jesus, and fill them with your Holy Spirit. Help us to live a victoriously life for you Lord. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray!

Esther Ng