Living the Spirit Filled Life

[Jay]

December 17

Gifts of Song

You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7

“Deliverance” is one of the giant words of the Scriptures. It is a broadly inclusive term which describes: (1) forgiveness of sin; (2) redemption from eternal death; (3) recovery of physical health; (4) release from spiritual bondage; and (5) rescue from difficult situations. As our Savior, Jesus has become our Deliverer, for the essence of the meaning of salvation is deliverance.

So when we read of “songs of deliverance,” we well may tune our souls to the promise and potential of such power being put on human lips. David sang and Saul was relieved of demonic oppression; Jehoshaphat’s choir sang and their enemies were conquered; Paul and Silas sang and an earthquake shook their bonds free and their captor into God’s kingdom. Songs of deliverance are real instruments of divine grace.

As the carols of Christmas fill the air, let each one be more than a ritual. Lift these testimonies of the King who has come, and let the Holy Spirit fill your praise until they become songs of deliverance—for the King is here!


Jack W. Hayford

 

[Jay]

December 18

Christmas Kings

Herod the king… was troubled. Matthew 2:3


We should not be surprised at the dynamic tension Christmas creates. On the one hand, out world fills its stores in commercial pursuit, while on the other it argues our right to put nativity scenes in public squares. It is the way of the world spirit to want the profit and resist the prophecies.

When Herod met the regal wise men who seemed to promise commerce from the East, he was ready to assist their journey. It was good business to cooperate with wealthy men travelling through his territory. But when he discovered their journey had been prompted by prophecies of another king, Herod was troubled.

Don’t be distracted by the misconceptions or distortions of the world spirit at Christmastime. And may we never become embittered by that spirit’s protests—its being “troubled” by our pursuit of the King and by our desire to worship Him.
Simply stay on course. The pathway to Bethlehem may be doubted by the world, but it is still the pathway to hope and salvation for all who believe.


Jack W. Hayford

 

[Jay]

December 19

Christmas Kings

When they had come into the house, they… fell down and worshiped Him. Matthew 2:11

The term “kings” is not actually used concerning the magi—the wise men—who were actually counsellors from the court of ancient kings. But their royal role, and the possibility that they were formal representatives of a distant throne, gives allowance for our tradition of calling them kings.

Out frequent note of their gifts might overlook the most notable fact about them. Before mentioning their gifts, the Bible says that when they saw Jesus, they “fell down and worshiped Him.” It is after that that they “opened their treasures.”

When the precise wording is read and the sequence studied—falling down, worshiping, giving—don’t you wonder what really happened? This was no casual issue—not was it merely a pageant–like, formal moment. These men were overwhelmed, doubtless encountering a presence they did not expect.

May that same presence overwhelm us this Christmastime.


Jack W. Hayford

 

[Jay]

December 20

Christmas Kings

Of His kingdom there will be no end. Luke 1:33

From the time of Jesus’ conception a stream of promise begins to flow: a new government is coming to the souls of men! The issue was not political, but spiritual. The King Himself verifies this: “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36).
But He is King, a king like no other. Look at the descriptions of His kingly role in God’s Word:

• “The King eternal” (1 Tim. 1:17)—as such, the endlessness, the unchanging durability of His rule is declared.
• “A king will reign in righteousness” (Is. 32:1)—as such, His completely just, even–handed, considerate and life–releasing method is forecast.
• “King of peace” (Heb. 7:2)—as typified in Melchizedek and fulfilled through His rising to His first throne, the cross, where He secured out peace (Eph. 2:14–18).
• “King of the saints” and “King of kings” (Rev. 15:3; 19:16)—forever praised as our saving King, and all history’s ultimate Ruler!



Jack W. Hayford