Greetings in the name of the great “instigator” (Acts 5:31), Jesus Christ – THE Crucified and Risen Saviour! What a “gray” morning in the Kingdom…and a little damp as well! It is what it is! I trust that you had a great weekend and Monday with many blessings and unexpected delights and a few answers to prayer. Are you getting excited about Christmas 2014 – stocking ready to hang-up, special treats in the house, Christmas greeting cards/letters coming and going, and quiet times to prepare your heart for the beautiful reality? Today I will be praying for you, asking Father to surprise you in a away that you can understand and respond to.
I have been introduced to a new title for Jesus. In Acts 5:31, most of the translations describe Jesus as “Prince” or “Leader” or “Lord of life” – but a more fitting word meaning is – “Instigator.” Jesus came to make a difference – and He certainly does – but as an “Instigator” He wants to get you and I involved in His activities as well. However, we need to take that idea one step further…He wants you and I to be ‘instigators’ in our world! One of the unique descriptions of the early Christian church was “those who have turned the world upside down” Acts 17:6. – I read a prayer at the end of a Christmas devotional that said: God, grant me the grace not just to shake up the world on your behalf, but to get the people around me to do it too…Amen.
I know there are people all around us for one reason or another who have lost the wonder of Christmas…and they need someone – maybe, you – to ‘instigate’ a Christmas revival! In fact, I am going to deputize everyone who reads this as an “Instigator” and put you in charge of all the people in your life. Your assignment is to change attitudes and behaviour and speech. Already, I hear some of you saying “I can’t – it is too hard – I don’t know if I even have the wonder of Christmas myself.
Therefore, before we go any further…quietly look at the face of the Father and ask for a personal Christmas spirit ‘revival’ – you never know when you will say the right thing, or do the right thing, or respond in the right way. It could be that someone is waiting for you to cause a Christmas ‘turn-around’ and God wants your help. “Be an ‘Instigator!'”
Blessings on you!