Sent

Reflection

As we pray throughout the year, our hearts and prayers should remain filled with thanksgiving, remembering that a grateful heart delights and exalts the Lord every day. Gratefulness marks the character of a blessed life that knows and responds to God’s goodness and glory.

We are grateful to you for joining us in focused prayer for our Military throughout November as Veterans Day marks a day to remember those who serve selflessly and sacrificially to defend freedom in America and around the world every day.

Military members never serve and sacrifice alone. Their family and fellow warriors link arms to provide all that is necessary to carry out the mission they are sent to accomplish. Military families are strong, supportive, and courageous as they hold down the home front while they are on the frontlines. Growing up in a military family and being a military wife, I had many opportunities to experience and express the support that it takes to be steadfast at home while my dad and husband were sent TDY (temporary duty) somewhere else in the world, knowingly putting themselves in harm’s way for the sake of the safety of others.

How we can pray

Philippians 3:18-20 reminds us, “For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ…..their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Ephesians 2:6 tells us, “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,” When we were saved by the great grace through faith in Jesus, we immediately became citizens of heaven seated in the heavenlies but remain TDY, temporarily sent on mission here on earth for such a time as this. We are not in the reserves, putting on our “Christian uniform” on the weekend, but we are “active duty” serving God every day reading and heeding His Word, praying fervently, living fruitfully, and sharing our faith through the love of Jesus.

As we turn our attention towards Christmas our hearts and prayers remained filled with thanks as we prepare to celebrate that in the fullness of time, God sent His only begotten Son into the world that we might live through Him. God sent the angels to tell the shepherds, and they sent the shepherds to see Jesus and “when they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child.” (Luke 2:17) Now it is our turn, we have been sent to share the good news of great joy for all people.

Would you please pray with me now?

Lord thank You for manifesting Your everlasting love in us and to us as You sent Your Son to seek and save us. Jesus, You were sent “to seek and to save the lost” and have sent us to make disciples. Thank You for leading and shielding us as we lift You up in our family, community, and country. Please help us to keep our attention and affection fully on You this Christmas season, remembering the love that sent You and Your love that has saved us. May our hearts overflow with gratitude and our lives with fruitfulness for Your glory. In Your blessed, wonderful name we pray, Amen!