Author: Aaron Hufty

What is it about cycles that fascinate us? Our need to calculate linear time in a fashion that helps us track, catalogue, and monitor our existence is wired in us. Think about the creation story; six days create, one day rest and then renewal. But perhaps it was John the Revelator that heard first and began to understand this need for renewal.
“And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.” Rev. 21:5

Day 39 – Will you pray and seek God’s renewal?

The only true sense of newness that any of us ever need is that which comes from the Lord. Goals, ambitions, and dare I say resolutions must all be weighed against what Jesus has for us. Our sense of identity and purpose must be married to the eternal tapestry the Father is weaving. Our desire for a fresh perspective is part of how God designed us. Our job then, is to wed that desire to activities and actions that are Kingdom building.

Re: Verse reading–Luke 14:25-35 (day two)

It’s Christmas Eve! This means different things to everyone, but it is sure to include some combination of: travel, family, food, church, presents, food, memories, and food.  All of these can present so much stress that is artificially created.  Whether it be the time-frame, the expense, the waistline, or the family dynamics, we tend to go on overdrive during the next few weeks.

Day 32 – Will you pray that these next few days will be filled with JOY?

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.” “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told” Luke 2:10, 20

I don’t know about you, but it seems that often when the whole family gets together we all revert to the roles we embodied 20 years ago.  Then afterwards I feel as though I missed an opportunity to really cherish that time.  I have found that I must begin by CHOOSING Joy.  The shepherds could have went back to their sheep and slept off their supernatural encounter, instead they chose JOY.  It may not be easy, Heaven certainly knows that the road laid for Jesus was not an easy one, but the opportunity the share and love should not be hindered by some artificial or manufactured stress.  Today, tomorrow, this week, and next year will you pray to find joy?  Pray not just to find it but to live it, and share it.  That’s what the shepherds did.

May this be the most blessed and merriest of Christmases ever!

Re: Verse reading–Luke 13:10-17 (day two)

And Jesus called them to him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:42-45

Day 25 – Will you pray for those are in a position to serve us during this season?

I haven’t begun my shopping for Christmas.  This is fairly typical for me; I try to get through the concert season before I begin to think about gifts.  When I do get out and about I do notice something that holds true most every year.  By December 20 the luster of the commercial season has worn a bit on those who are working retail.  And that is certainly the case for most who have chosen to shop that late in the season.  I have made it my goal, since this is my usual shopping time, to show as much kindness and grace to those who are in a position of service.  I try to make eye contact whenever I can, and to genuinely thank them for helping me.  I used to tell my students that a lack of planning on their part should not constitute an emergency on mine.  During this season, I try to remind myself of the same axiom.  If we are all servants at some time in our faith walk, how do we want our actions to be received?  An extra measure of patience, grace, and love could make the difference in the heart of one of those people.  And while you’re at it while in line to check-out, take a moment to lift up that young person in prayer.  I even bet they will have their name tag so you call intercede for them by name!

Re: Verse reading – Luke 12:13-34 (day two)

You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light. (2 Samuel 22:29) There is still so much spiritual darkness in the world, so how shall we confront it?  With Truth that shatters all forms of darkness.

Day 18 – Will you pray that God will use use to share the Light of Christ with your world?

The symbolism is profound.  Jesus was born at night.  With no place to go His parents were forced to take whatever refuge they could find.  The shepherds were no doubt taking turns sleeping/watching, because there was not much else to do, at night.  Then, came light and everything became clear.  Maybe not clear like we expect, but clear as God knows.  With a star guiding the way the shepherds found the child and so did the wise men.  When light shines, darkness flees.  It cannot share the same space.  Will you pray that during this season and for the new year to come the world around you will radiate with the Light of Christ that will dispel all the darkness around you.

Re: Verse reading – Luke 10:25-37 (day two)

Throughout scripture we read of the importance of music and singing.  Both Isaiah (Is. 6) and John (Rev. 4) describe scenes in Heaven where the seraphim surround the throne and cry out Holy, Holy, Holy without ceasing.  Even if that doesn’t turn out to be singing, I’m sure that’s quite a site.  2 Chronicles 5:12 describes the roles of the Levites who were to sing in the temple 24 hours a day.  What is then about this season that makes everyone think about music to help celebrate?  I could provide you with an answer to that, but instead, I will ask you to pray.

Day 12 – Will you pray for the music of the season?

Sounds a bit odd doesn’t it?  That may be true, but when we sing these carols that everyone loves to sing we don’t do it for nostalgia.  We sing them because they contain truth and point others this message of Jesus.  It is always easy to get a good crowd for a Christmas presentation, but our heart’s desire is not to entertain.  Rather, it is to soften hearts to hear the Word.  This is why we put such effort and thought into these programs.  Will you please pray for your music ministry? Pray that they will still find the joy in singing this message.  Pray for the directors, coordinators, accompanists, and helpers who work with every age to teach these great songs.  Pray that those in our audiences and congregations will hear these words and understand this good news.  But most of all, sing your heart out!

Re: Verse reading – Luke 7:1-17 (day two)

Do you have a pattern to your prayers? Jesus gave us the best possible scheme for talking to the Father through the Model Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13.  Notice the first sentence carefully. “Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed by thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

Day 5 – As you pray will you acknowledge God’s greatness?
What do you notice? Before we intercede, petition, cry or say anything else we must first acknowledge the one to whom we speak.  I find that no matter what state of mind I am in when I first verbalize how grateful I am that God is sovereign I feel a greater sense of propriety to my prayer.  It is not about me, and even at my core when I am hurting and want comfort there must first be a word of gratitude to the Father.  For over three years now when I begin my prayers in the morning I begin with a line from a poem by e.e. cummings:  “I thank you God for most this amazing day”.  Put your focus first on Him and be amazed at how your heart grows.

Re: Verse reading–Luke 5:12-26.