As we come near to the end of these special days of prayer emphasis, today I am praying for people who find themselves in what I will call a special situation. Which of these situations can you relate to today?

• You are a victim of bullying
• Your child has a learning difficulty
• You have been unfairly treated by a coworker or a boss
• At times you have feelings like you do not want to press on
• A “friend” disappointed you in a significant way
• There is a major problem in the family
• You are caring for an aging parent

If I did not include your special situation or have not included your need in one of the previous days, would you write me and let me pray for you? Just remember God knows where you are and what you are going through.

Sometimes we go through these situations just because of the continuing consequences of Adam and Eve and sin being in the world. Everyday there is evidence we live in a very sin-filled world. Sometimes these are growing experiences; we learn things we would not otherwise learn. We wish there was another way but even here we must claim Romans 8:28-29. In addition, God uses these experiences to help others through us. Please read 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 for some comfort here.

Regardless of your situation, I am praying for you. As I close this note, we have two more days of prayer focus then a brief word for Christmas day. However, I encourage you to join me the day after Christmas for Truth That Will Set You Free. I will explain more about that on the December 26^th.

If you have not written in a while, take a moment to say “Hey!” I would love to hear from you. Thanks to those who have already written. I trust you will have a Merry Christmas.

Bro. Tom

(Please forward this to someone who needs to read this. Thanks)

Today I am praying for people who are “invisible.” These people serve and work in situations where they get little to zero recognition. They do important tasks but rarely if ever noticed. I will resist the urge to list a few examples. If you feel you are invisible or treated as invisible, then I am praying for you.

Many of us know what it is like to feel unappreciated. We know what it is like to work in an environment where the boss is “the only one who really does anything.” He or she gets all the recognition for what you and others do. One of the worst feelings in a work environment whether that is at home or on the job is the lack of appreciation. If these words are “ringing the bell” then I am praying for you. If they do not make sense, then you are probably the one inflicting the pain.

As you press on in your invisible role, maybe there is a place to work where you will be appreciated. Stay faithful where you are and keep your options open. Keep asking, keep seeking, and keep knocking in light of Matthew 7:7-8. Primarily, seek the Lord and His will. Also, remember to work as unto the Lord. Be faithful, be diligent, and be trustworthy where you are. A few verses that might be an encouragement are:

• Ephesians 6:5-9
• Colossians 3:22-24
• Psalm 100:2
• 1 Peter 5:6-7
• Ecclesiastes 9:10

May God continue to bless you as you serve Him.

Continuing with the focus from yesterday as we prayed for those in law enforcement, today I am praying for you and with you as we pray for all emergency personnel including firemen, EMTs, 911 operators, first responders, and anyone who works in the field of emergency care. If you know someone who works in this field of service, please forward this and let them know we are praying for them.

Everyday these people suit up and prepare to care for others when called upon. They have gone through hours and years of intensive training to do what they do. They are required to “stay on top of their game” by requalifying and recertifying on a regular basis. They go through drills and practice scenarios so they will be ready when duty calls. In many cases, they do what they do with little or no thought of their own personal safety. They just do it because that is what their heart tells them to do and because that is what they are called to do.

For the emergency care people who are reading this I say “Thank you” for doing what you do. Many of you will work Christmas as you would any other day. Most of us pray we will never need your services but all of us will need you at some point in our lives and we are so glad you are there. May our Lord bless you with abundant blessings this day and everyday. May these words speak a word to your heart.

“Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:8-9)