Barrenness will be Broken 12-04-07

Good morning, Lord Jesus. I wait before You, watching for You, to welcome You into every moment of my day. ... "In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were getting on in years" (Luke 1:5-7). We can live a righteous, religious life, going by all the rules, and still be barren. If we are not careful, we slip into a religious rut of what becomes familiar, orderly, and controllable, "holding on to the outward form of godliness but denying its power" (2 Timothy 3:5). Like Zechariah the priest, we can even be about the work of the church, while filled with doubt and unbelief of the promises and power of God (Luke 1:18-20). But in these days, You are beginning to silence the voice of the old order, to humble us until we hunger for the manifestation of Your supernatural power in our lives, our churches, and our communities (v. 20). The day we believe and act in obedience, despite our self-centered concerns for our self-promoted reputations, our voice will return to praise Your name and proclaim Your power with authority and faith (v. 59-64). In that day, even those of the old order and "the mainline" of religious tradition will be "filled with the Holy Spirit" and prophecy Your of promises and power (v. 67). Like Elizabeth, You will take away our "disgrace" of religion without power and ministry without fruit, and pour out Your favor (v. 24-25). And as Elizabeth, Your power will produce faith, just as "Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit" (v. 41). You will fill the wombs of our hearts and our churches with new life, to birth generations to come who will be "prophet(s) of the Most High" and "go before the Lord to prepare His ways" (v. 76). Yes, Lord. "By the tender mercy of God, the Dawn from on high will break upon us" (v. 78). Our barrenness will be broken. And we will arise and shine, for our Light has come, and the glory of the Lord risen upon us (Isaiah 60:1). We will be a people who live in the glory of Your presence, proclaiming Your name and Your power for all to come and behold You. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. Be encouraged today! In the Love of Jesus, Tommy Hays Subscribe/unsubscribe by email to Messiah Ministries -- MessiahMin@aol.com -- "Preparing the Way of the Lord ... Ministering the Healing Love of God" www.messiah-ministries.org 2800 Tates Creek Rd; Lexington, KY 40502 Order our Resources On-Line: www.shop.messiah-ministries.org Daily Archives: www.morningbymorning.injesus.com