Good Morning Friends and Happy Monday! Christmas is getting so close! There’s magic in the air at our home. Our kids are singing Christmas carols, eating cookies, and watching the videos I am sharing below and absolutely falling in love with music.
In the number #12 spot is one of my FAVORITE songs of all time, done by two amazing artists. The first is by the immensely talented Ms. Lindsey Stirling. Her video for “Hallelujah” is a must watch and such a powerful reminder of the reason for the season. Released five years ago, this was the video that made me a Stirling fan for life. Watch this until the very end!
And the only talent that even comes close to hers is from the incredible vocals of Pentatonix, who bring the world the most perfect lyrics to this heavenly tune.
December 14
7Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. 8But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. 9The great dragon was hurled down-that ancient serpent called the devil, or satan, who leads the world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. (Revelation 12:7-9)
John’s vision is full of powerful, descriptive images. He tells them as he supposedly saw them, one event after another. This vision, while it seems to foretell of events still to come, it, also seems like an accurate vision of the original fall of satan, who was hurled to earth and has dwelt there ever since, with his army invading the hearts and minds of many over time.
When you feel the devil attacking you, filling your heart with anxiety or doubt, take a deep breath, and say a prayer of thanks to the devil. Because when the devil attacks you it is a great reminder of your importance. If you were not a threat to the devil he would just leave you alone. So thank him for reminding you of your significance. And then remind the devil of his weakness, and how Michael and his army of angels beat him thousands of years ago, without Jesus even getting in the fight. Now you have the King of Kings, Lord of Lords in your corner. It’s not even close to a fair fight. I almost feel sorry for that poor little devil. Almost, but he has brought all this upon himself.
Reading plan: Revelation 14
Deeper reading plan: Zechariah 10
Prayer and meditation: We continue to pray that the world comes together to celebrate the birth of Jesus. We pray that the miracle of the child in the manger changes this world forever, as it should have nearly 2000 years ago. This week we will also add a prayer for all the lonely and those who mourn during the holidays. We pray they draw close to Jesus as Jesus is close to them.
Fitness challenge: We’re going to start doing AMRAP (As Many Rounds As Possible): Do a good stretch and then do as many round as possible of the following in 15-minutes:
- 10 x Hand-release Push-up
- 10 x 4-count flutter kicks
- 10 x Wide push-up
- 10 x V-up
- 5 x Diamond push-up
Run: Monday-resistance running day. Whatever you used last week, get after it again. This week, perform 12 sprints with whatever resistance you can come up with, add a one-mile warm-up and TWO-mile cool-down.
Common Sense Reborn 