The Christmas story, as recorded in the book of Luke, goes on for a while. A significant moment occurs when Jesus is taken to the temple at eight days old for his circumcision. Simeon, a priest at the time, was able to see Him. He was one of two people that God had revealed His plan to. God had told Simeon that he would see the Christ before he died, and this was the day. Simeone prophesied that Jesus would be divisive. Imagine that being said of your child. God is one who unites men. He also divides: soul from spirit, thought and intent of the heart, light and darkness, and wicked from pure motives of the heart. He raises some up and takes others down. All of this is to draw men to Him.
“Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother, “Listen, this Child is destined to cause the fall and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign which will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. And a sword will pierce through your own soul also” (Luke 2:34-35).
Give Him 15 minutes in prayer:
- Is there an area of your heart that has become offended at God? Repent.
- Let Christ shine His marvelous dividing light on your heart and deliver you from sinful, selfish motives, thoughts and actions. Thank Him!
- Now, you can intercede with a pure heart for others whom you know are caught up in the same issues and pride. Pray for them as the Lord reveals their situation to you.
- Pray for your senators and Congressmen today; there is great need for pure hearts in Washington right now.
A prayer you can pray:
Father, where my heart has become offended at You and the way You have worked in my life, forgive me. Heal my heart and draw me closer to You. You are always good! I welcome Holy Spirit’s bright, holy light to shine in every nook and cranny of my heart. Straighten out the crooked and iniquitous thoughts, motives and actions. Deliver me, so I can intercede for others with grace and anointing. Then, we can all be free together. I lift up my two senators and my representative and ask that you purify their hearts as well so they may serve the people well. If they resist You, remove them. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Today’s decree:
I decree that God will continue to clean up Congress by dividing darkness from light in the hearts of this nation’s leaders. {eoa}
Dutch Sheets is an internationally recognized author, teacher and conference speaker. He travels extensively, empowering believers for passionate prayer and societal transformation. Dutch has pastored, taught in several colleges and seminaries and served on the board of directors for numerous organizations. Dutch’s greatest passion is to see America experience a sweeping revival and return to its godly heritage. He burns to see people find God’s “dream” for them and tap into their destiny. Dutch is a messenger of hope for America, encouraging believers to contend for awakening in our day and reformation in our lifetime. Dutch has written over 20 books, many of which have been translated into over 30 languages. His international best-seller, Intercessory Prayer, has sold nearly 1 million copies worldwide.
This article originally appeared at dutchsheets.org.
Curt Landry 
Michael L. Brown 
Rabbi Eric Tokajer 
