December 26, 2023-Family Research Council
Oh, Death where is Your Sting?
-Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years." - Revelation 20:6
Millions, if not billions, of dollars are spent to prevent death in today's world. Many people do not even want to hear the word mentioned because they fear death. It is heartbreaking to me that while so much money is being spent on health-related issues to prevent death and keep people young, we still have a culture of death in America. Most people who are alive do not want to die, yet in America and around the world many support taking the life of an unborn baby, turn cold shoulders to young people dying on city streets, or condone taking the life of an older adult because, in their opinion, they can no longer contribute to society. The truth is many people fear death, and they do not want to die.
Most people fear death because they do not know what happens afterwards, or they understand according to the Bible, that we all face the judgment seat of Christ, and they are carrying so much guilt they are not ready to stand before God, who is the Judge. Unfortunately, many people believe physical death on earth is the end. They have no hope in this life or life after death. May the Lord use you and me to share the Good News that they can have a life here on earth and life after through a relationship with Jesus.
According to Revelation 20:6, those who participated in the first resurrection have died and no longer fear death. The resurrection here is the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Praise the Lord that Jesus has conquered sin and death. The people we are writing about here have died to self and surrendered their lives to Jesus. Followers of Jesus have confessed their faith in Jesus and no longer need to fear death because they know they have victory in Jesus and will be with God forever. Friends, we can trust God and have faith in Him to know there is life after our death here on earth.
We can praise the Lord and say, "O death, where is your sting?" for death has lost its power over those who profess their faith in Jesus. As a follower of Jesus, you do not need to live another day in fear of death or what this broken world will do to you.
As we are on the threshold of a new year, may you choose to live boldly for Jesus today knowing death has lost its power.
Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, thank You for going to the cross and paying the price for our sins. We praise You for being raised on the third day and that You reign on the throne today. Lord, the power of the cross and Your resurrection move us to die to self and set us free from the fear of death. As we live out our lives on this earth, may we live boldly, proclaiming the hope of eternal life because of the sacrifice of Jesus. In Jesus name, Amen.
As we continue to celebrate the birth of our Savior, let's take time to lift up these needs before the Lord.
Dean Nelson: A Life Willing to Serve
Read: Matthew 5:4; Romans 6:8-10; John 11:25-26; 1 Corinthians 15:55-58
Pray for the family and friends of Dean Nelson -- who was a cherished member of the FRC team -- to experience God's comfort and peace in this season of loss. Pray for those who will steward and carry forward the kingdom work God began through Dean.
Johnson's Daunting 2024 Task: 'We Have to Keep the Team Together'
Read: 1 Timothy 2:1-2; Psalm 22:28; Proverbs 28:2; Ephesians 6:12
Pray for God's favor to be on Mike Johnson and for him to have wisdom and guidance to lead Congress in 2024. Pray for the health of all congressional leaders, their safety, and good judgment. Take a moment to let your representative and senators know that you are praying for them.
Gender Dysphoria Is About Confusion. So Is Its Latest Claim for Disability Status.
Read: Genesis 1:27; Matthew 19:5; I Corinthians 6:18; Romans 1:26-27
Pray for a return to God's design for men and women. Pray for the Holy Spirit to call out all who are trapped in lifestyles that go against God's design for men and women. Pray for the protection of children as God restores His design.
Ep. 57: The Ethics of Voting as A Christian
Read: 1 Samuel 12:14-15; Daniel 5:18,22; Daniel 5:23-26; Romans 13:4-6
Pray for Christians to consider the morals and teaching of God's Word when voting. Pray for Christians to ethically vote for candidates that align with the Bible! Pray for God to raise up righteous men and women to be elected to government offices.
In closing, I pray you and your family had a joyful Christmas Day. If I can join you in prayer for a need in your life or your family's life, please email me at prayer@frc.org, and I will commit to praying for you and the needs before you.
If you want to strengthen your faith and grow in Christ through prayer, email me at prayer@frc.org, and I will send you information about ways to join me in praying as we have many opportunities including in-person prayer meetings, phone calls, and more.
May you have a blessed week and remember to:
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
With a Grateful Heart,
John G. "Jay" Johnston, D.Min
National Prayer Director and Chaplain
Family Research Council
