Morning Scripture Reading - Ezekiel 16:60 American Standard Version

Nevertheless I will remember my covenant with thee in the days of thy youth, and I will establish unto thee an everlasting covenant.

Evening Scripture Reading - Jeremiah 30:18-22 American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah: Behold, I will turn again the captivity of Jacob’s tents, and have compassion on his dwelling-places; and the city shall be builded upon its own hill, and the palace shall be inhabited after its own manner. And out of them shall proceed thanksgiving and the voice of them that make merry: and I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small. Their children also shall be as aforetime, and their congregation shall be established before me; and I will punish all that oppress them. And their prince shall be of themselves, and their ruler shall proceed from the midst of them; and I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach unto me: for who is he that hath had boldness to approach unto me? saith Jehovah. And ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 118:27 American Standard Version

Jehovah is God, and he hath given us light:
Bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.

Cultivating Hope in the Advent Season

As we embark on the Advent journey, the first candle we light represents Hope. In the midst of a world seeking light and direction, our hope is anchored in the promise of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Let's explore key passages from the Bible to deepen our understanding of the profound hope we have in Him.

1. Isaiah 9:2-7 (NLT) - The Promise of a Coming Savior

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

In this passage, Isaiah foretells the birth of Jesus, the Light that dispels the darkness of sin and despair. Reflect on the titles given to this coming Savior and consider the hope found in the promise of His arrival.

2. Romans 15:13 (NLT) - Source of Hope
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Paul reminds us that our hope is not wishful thinking; it's grounded in the trust we place in God. Take a moment to reflect on the hope that comes from trusting in God's faithfulness and the role of the Holy Spirit in filling us with confident hope.

3. Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) - God's Plans for Hope and a Future
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

Even in challenging times, God assures us of His plans for our good and a future filled with hope. How does understanding God's plans impact the hope we have in Him? Consider the role of trust and patience in awaiting His promises.

4. Psalm 33:20-22 (NLT) - Patient Hope in the Lord
We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield. In him, our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone.

Psalm 33 encourages us to place our hope in the Lord, our ultimate source of help and protection. Reflect on the idea of patient hope and how trusting in God's unfailing love can sustain us in challenging times.

As we ponder these Scriptures, may our hearts be filled with the hope that comes from the promises of God. Let this week be a time of cultivating a deep and abiding hope as we anticipate the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 23:9 American Standard Version

Speak not in the hearing of a fool;
For he will despise the wisdom of thy words.

Morning Scripture Reading - 2 Peter 3:8-13 American Standard Version

But forget not this one thing, beloved, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some count slackness; but is longsuffering to you-ward, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing that these things are thus all to be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy living and godliness, looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, by reason of which the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

Evening Scripture Reading - 1 Kings 3:10-14 American Standard Version

And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life, neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies, but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern justice; behold, I have done according to thy word: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there hath been none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches and honor, so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee, all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 118:26 American Standard Version

Blessed be he that cometh in the name of Jehovah:
We have blessed you out of the house of Jehovah.

Beacons of Hope

As the week concludes, let's be beacons of hope for one another. Extend a hand by donating the cost of a premium beverage to ensure the Good News reaches those who need it most.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 23:8 American Standard Version

The morsel which thou hast eaten shalt thou vomit up,
And lose thy sweet words.

Morning Scripture Reading - Isaiah 26:9 American Standard Version

With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee earnestly: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.

Evening Scripture Reading - Galatians 6:10 American Standard Version

So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 118:25 American Standard Version

Save now, we beseech thee, O Jehovah:
O Jehovah, we beseech thee, send now prosperity.

Nurturing Seeds of Hope

Just as a seed holds the promise of a flourishing plant, hope carries the promise of a brighter future. Support the growth of hope by contributing the cost of a premium beverage to share the Good News.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 23:6-7 American Standard Version

Eat thou not the bread of him that hath an evil eye,
Neither desire thou his dainties:
For as he thinketh within himself, so is he:
Eat and drink, saith he to thee;
But his heart is not with thee.

Morning Scripture Reading - Numbers 6:24-26 American Standard Version

Jehovah bless thee, and keep thee:
Jehovah make his face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
Jehovah lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

Evening Scripture Reading - Acts 7:51-53 American Standard Version

Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Spirit: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets did not your fathers persecute? and they killed them that showed before of the coming of the Righteous One; of whom ye have now become betrayers and murderers; ye who received the law as it was ordained by angels, and kept it not.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 118:24 American Standard Version

This is the day which Jehovah hath made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Mid-Week Message - Christmas is Near

"And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Thanksgiving has passed and Christmas is rapidly approaching. My, how quickly this year has flown! As we approach this festive time, let's be mindful of the true reason we celebrate. Although it was probably not the actual date of the birth of Jesus, it is the day that has been chosen to commemorate it, therefore it is a holy time. It is up to us as followers of Christ to be bold about telling His story and to train up our children to do the same.

Each year there is a debate about whether to use the words "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays." I have my personal preference, however, I have to wonder if it really matters. Does "Merry Christmas" evoke thoughts about Jesus? That is the argument that is used. "Keep Christ in Christmas!" "Remember the reason for the season!" Amen! I agree wholeheartedly. This season should honor Him.

So, how do we accomplish that? It is through our joy and willingness to share Him. We don't have to set ourselves up so that those around us think we are religious weirdos. We don't have to shy away from enjoying the holiday in our own homes. But we do need to be willing to be openly honest about the reason why we are celebrating.

Jesus left His majestic throne in Heaven to be born as a human infant. His purpose for doing so was ultimately to offer Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. And He did it out of love. Should it matter that He was not born on that day? No, because we should hold each and every day as a day to rejoice over His birth. Every day should be Christmas in our hearts.

Our children need to witness the grown ups around them loving and praising Jesus. They need to hear us praying. They need to see us reading the Bible and know that we believe what it says and that we obey it. We teach best by modeling behavior that we want them to emulate. I pray that as you begin your preparations for the holy day ahead, that you will include your young ones in the "whys" of the season. God bless you!  

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 23:5 American Standard Version

Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not?
For riches certainly make themselves wings,
Like an eagle that flieth toward heaven.

Morning Scripture Reading - Deuteronomy 32:43 American Standard Version

Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people:
For he will avenge the blood of his servants,
And will render vengeance to his adversaries,
And will make expiation for his land, for his people.

Evening Scripture Reading - 2 Samuel 22:5-7 American Standard Version

For the waves of death compassed me;
The floods of ungodliness made me afraid:
The cords of Sheol were round about me;
The snares of death came upon me.
In my distress I called upon Jehovah;
Yea, I called unto my God:
And he heard my voice out of his temple,
And my cry came into his ears.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 118:23 American Standard Version

This is Jehovah’s doing;
It is marvellous in our eyes.

Hope Springs Eternal

In every corner of life, hope persists. Let's cultivate hope within and share it generously. Your donation, equivalent to a premium beverage, can bring the light of hope to others.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 23:4 American Standard Version

Weary not thyself to be rich;
Cease from thine own wisdom.

Morning Scripture Reading - Jonah 2:7-9 American Standard Version

When my soul fainted within me, I remembered Jehovah;
And my prayer came in unto thee, into thy holy temple.
They that regard lying vanities
Forsake their own mercy.
But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving;
I will pay that which I have vowed.
Salvation is of Jehovah.

Evening Scripture Reading - Ezekiel 18:5-9 American Standard Version

But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right, and hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, neither hath defiled his neighbor’s wife, neither hath come near to a woman in her impurity, and hath not wronged any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath taken nought by robbery, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment; he that hath not given forth upon interest, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true justice between man and man, hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept mine ordinances, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord Jehovah.

Psalms Scripture Reading - Psalm 118:22 American Standard Version

The stone which the builders rejected
Is become the head of the corner.

Embracing Hope's Light

Today, let hope illuminate your path. In the spirit of spreading hope, consider donating the cost of a premium beverage to share the Good News with others.

Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 23:3 American Standard Version

Be not desirous of his dainties;
Seeing they are deceitful food.

Morning Scripture Reading - Isaiah 55:3-5 American Standard Version

Incline your ear, and come unto me; hear, and your soul shall live: and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. Behold, I have given him for a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander to the peoples. Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not; and a nation that knew not thee shall run unto thee, because of Jehovah thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.