Advent of Peace
12/14/25
When life feels complicated, the most faithful move is often to pause and ask for God’s nearness. You don’t have to outrun your limitations; you can ask, “Lord, if You don’t go with me, I won’t go.” His presence is what sets His people apart—He knows you by name and delights to be with you. Pray boldly today: “Show me Your glory,” and watch how His presence steadies your steps. Let your home, your work, and your conversations carry the fragrance of a God who walks with you. May you be marked, not by hurry, but by holy dependence on the One who goes before you 
[17:54]
Exodus 33:15–18: Moses said, “If You will not go with us, don’t send us forward. Only Your presence can show the world that we have found favor and belong to You.” The Lord replied, “I will do what you ask, for you have found favor with Me, and I know you by name.” Then Moses pleaded, “Please let me see Your glory.”
Reflection: Where do you need to slow down until you are sure God is going with you, and how will you ask Him today to show you His glory in that specific place?
The first Christmas was anything but calm—political pressure, fearful leaders, and a crowded town with no room. Yet right there, heaven announced a peace that does not wait for circumstances to settle. Peace came wrapped in flesh and laid in a manger, and now peace reigns in the face of King Jesus. This is a peace for those He favors—those who trust Him and are known by name. Welcome His peace into the noise of your day; it is stronger than the chaos around you. Let every anxious corner of your heart hear heaven’s song again [30:12]
Luke 2:13–14: Suddenly a vast crowd of angels appeared, praising God: “Glory to God in the highest places! And on earth, peace rests on those He welcomes as His own.”
Reflection: What is one specific moment this season that feels least peaceful, and how will you invite the peace of King Jesus into that moment this week?
Before grace reached you, you were not just restless—you were at odds with God. Through Jesus, you are declared right with God by faith, and the war within can finally quiet. He replaces inner turmoil with hope and a deep, steady peace that the world cannot produce. Remember the day He saved you and the relief that followed; let that memory nourish today’s trust. If you have not yet trusted Him, know that His peace is offered to you even now. Receive afresh the gift that changes everything on the inside [35:12]
Romans 5:1: Since we have been made right with God by faith, we now live at peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Reflection: Think of one inner conflict Jesus calmed when He saved you; how will you bring a current anxiety under that same peace this week?
God’s peace does not promise a life without storms; it promises a Savior within them. Tears may come, memories may ache, and holidays can magnify both sorrow and joy—but Jesus walks with you through it all. He holds your hand, carries you when needed, and steadies you step by step. His companionship turns graveside winters into places where hope quietly warms the heart again. Choose one simple way today to notice His nearness—a prayer, a hymn, a call to a friend. Let the Prince of Peace be the One who defines your day [40:54]
Matthew 28:20: Be sure of this: I am with you every day, right up to the very end of the age.
Reflection: What specific grief or pressure surfaces for you right now, and what small practice will help you recognize Jesus walking with you in it this week?
The Table reminds us that peace was purchased at a great cost—His body given, His blood poured out. As you remember, let the Spirit examine your heart; confession clears space for fresh joy. This is not about earning favor but about receiving again what grace already secured. Renew your commitment to walk closely with Jesus and to carry His peace into a restless world. Let your words, service, and worship proclaim His death until He comes. May your life become a living “Amen” to His finished work [49:17]
1 Corinthians 11:23–26: On the night He was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and said, “This is My body for you; remember Me when you eat it.” In the same way He took the cup: “This cup is the new covenant sealed with My blood; whenever you drink it, remember Me.” Every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until He returns.
Reflection: Before you come to the Table (or remember the cross), what one concrete confession or step of obedience will you take this week, and when will you take it?
Advent of Hope
12/07/25
Hold tightly to the truth that anchors every season: Jesus is faithful and his promises stand. When life shakes loose what once seemed secure, grip the gospel with steady hands and refuse to let go. This is not a passive wish but an active holding—an intentional, stubborn trust in the One who keeps his word. [48:32]
Hebrews 10:23 (ESV)
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
Reflection: What is one specific worry or loss this season that tempts you to loosen your hold on Christ, and what is one concrete way (a scripture you will memorize, a person you will ask to pray with you, or a habit you will start) to “hold fast” to the confession of hope this week?
You were made to hear from God; He still speaks into ordinary moments. Practice the discipline of quieting your heart so you can distinguish his voice from the clamor—go, lie down, be still, and when he calls answer, “Speak, for your servant hears.” Cultivate a listening posture this week and watch how small obedience opens the door for fresh direction. [27:50]
1 Samuel 3:8–10 (ESV)
8 Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. 9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10 And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.”
Reflection: When did you last stop everything and simply wait on God’s voice for five minutes? This week choose one specific time and place to lie down before the Lord and ask him one clear question—what will you ask him, and when will you do it?
The past may accuse, but the gospel declares there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ. You are not catalogued by failure but covered by grace; the legal sentence has been removed. Let that truth reframe how you face shame and self-condemnation—stand in the freedom bought by Christ and live with confidence. [55:09]
Romans 8:1 (ESV)
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Reflection: Name one shame or label from your past that still feels fresh in your mind; how would your daily thoughts and choices change if you truly believed there is now no condemnation for you in Christ?
God did more than forgive; he erased the record that stood against us and nailed it to the cross. The penalty is removed, the charge is gone—your slate is cleared by his work, not your effort. Receive that forgiveness as a present reality and let it reshape how you live, relate, and hope today. [57:00]
Colossians 2:13–14 (ESV)
13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. He set this aside, nailing it to the cross.
Reflection: What concrete step will you take this week to stop carrying a past debt—write a letter of confession and prayer, speak with a trusted believer, or publicly thank God for his forgiveness—and when will you do it?
You no longer live for yourself—Christ lives in you, and your life is now animated by him. When the present is painful or the future uncertain, rehearse the reality: the Son of God loves you and gave himself for you, and his life in you changes how you respond. Let that identity shape daily choices so you live by faith, not by fear. [58:24]
Galatians 2:20 (ESV)
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Reflection: Identify one area where you tend to “live by self” (anger, control, people-pleasing, anxiety); what is one small, specific habit you will practice each morning to remind yourself that Christ lives in you and you will live by faith instead?
The Spirit Filled Life: When God Moves In, pt 2
11/23/25
When God moves into a believer’s life, everything changes—old patterns are left behind, and a new birth takes place. This transformation is not about achieving perfection, but about a genuine shift in desires, attitudes, and actions. The Spirit-filled life is marked by a visible difference; it is impossible to encounter Jesus and remain unchanged. The believer’s body becomes a temple of the Holy Spirit, and life on this side of heaven gains new meaning and purpose as we live out God’s best for us, rehearsing for eternity with Him. [38:04]
Ephesians 5:18-21 (ESV)
"And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you see the greatest need for God’s transforming power, and how can you invite the Holy Spirit to fill that space today?
A Spirit-filled life overflows with worship—not just on Sundays, but every day. True worship is not about personal preference or performance, but about adoring Jesus and giving Him praise from the heart. Whether through psalms, hymns, or spontaneous spiritual songs, worship is an expression of joy and gratitude that flows from a heart touched by God. Even if you feel you can’t sing well, remember that your heart is the instrument God desires, and your melody is for Him alone. [48:25]
Psalm 51:10-12 (ESV)
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit."
Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally express adoration to Jesus in your daily routine, regardless of your circumstances or musical ability?
A grateful heart is a hallmark of the Spirit-filled life. Instead of grumpiness or unappreciation, believers are called to give thanks always and for everything, even when it’s difficult. This spirit of appreciation transforms gloomy days and tough situations, allowing God’s light to pierce through. Jesus Himself modeled thankfulness in all circumstances, and as we follow Him, we are never truly alone—He is with us, working all things for our good and shaping us to be more like Him. [54:42]
Romans 8:28-29 (ESV)
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers."
Reflection: Who is someone in your life you can thank or encourage today, and how might expressing appreciation to them reflect the heart of Christ?
Spirit-filled living produces an attitude of accommodation—willingly and lovingly submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. This mutual submission is not about losing value or rights, but about following Jesus’ example of service and humility. In the early church, believers submitted to one another by worshiping, learning, and serving together, not wanting to miss what God was doing among them. When we submit to each other, we experience the fullness of community and the blessing of both serving and being served. [01:02:11]
2 Corinthians 4:5 (ESV)
"For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake."
Reflection: Is there someone in your church or community you find it difficult to serve or submit to? What is one practical step you can take this week to humbly serve or support them?
The Spirit-filled life is ultimately Christ living His life through us. We are called to surrender our rights and desires, being crucified with Christ so that He may live in and through us. This surrender is not about losing identity, but about gaining the fullness of life that comes from letting Jesus shape our actions, attitudes, and relationships. As we yield to Him, our lives become a pleasing aroma to God, marked by worship, gratitude, and loving service to others. [01:03:59]
Galatians 2:20 (ESV)
"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Reflection: What is one area where you are holding onto your own way instead of letting Christ live through you, and how can you surrender that to Him today?
The Spirit Filled Life: When God Moves In
11/16/25
God is not hiding from us; He continually reveals Himself through creation, through His Word, through prayer, through worship, and through the love and fellowship of His people. Every day, God is actively making Himself known, inviting us to be aware of His presence in every moment and to respond with worship and gratitude. As we open our eyes and hearts, we can see His hand in the beauty of nature, the encouragement of a friend, and the truth of Scripture. Our prayer should be for a constant God-awareness, so that our lives become a living act of worship, shaped by His nearness and love. [29:18]
John 1:18 (CSB): "No one has ever seen God. The one and only Son, who is himself God and is at the Father’s side—he has revealed him."
Reflection: Where did you see God revealing Himself to you today—in creation, in a conversation, or in a quiet moment? How can you pause and acknowledge His presence right now?
To be filled with the Spirit is not about a one-time event or a partial surrender; it is about giving God access to every area of your life. Just as you would expect full access to a house you purchased, God desires all of you—your relationships, your work, your thoughts, your struggles, and your joys. Holding back any part of your life keeps you from experiencing the fullness of what God wants to do in and through you. True commitment means opening every door, every closet, and every hidden place to Him, trusting that He will clean, restore, and transform you in ways you never could on your own. [45:07]
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV): "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."
Reflection: Is there an area of your life you’ve kept off-limits to God? What would it look like to hand Him the keys and invite Him to take over that space today?
Being filled with the Spirit is not a one-time experience but a continual surrender, allowing the Spirit to control and influence every part of your life. Just as staying drunk requires ongoing drinking, staying filled with the Spirit means continually seeking His presence and guidance. This ongoing surrender produces the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—in your life. When you gather with other believers, the presence of God is magnified, and together you become a living testimony of His power and grace. [52:30]
Ephesians 5:18 (ESV): "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,"
Reflection: What is one practical way you can “keep drinking” from the Spirit’s fountain today—through prayer, worship, or fellowship—so that His influence shapes your actions and attitudes?
God has already given you everything you need for a godly life through the Holy Spirit, including patience, kindness, love, and self-control. Instead of asking for more, you are called to deliberately open the door to these gifts and let them work in your life. When you feel impatient, unloving, or unkind, it’s not about waiting for God to give you more, but about choosing to let what He has already placed in you come out. This is a conscious, daily decision to let the Spirit’s fruit be evident in your words, actions, and relationships, trusting that God will supply all your needs as you live like Jesus. [59:50]
Philippians 4:19 (ESV): "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: Which fruit of the Spirit do you struggle to show? When you face a challenge today, how can you deliberately “open the chest” and let that gift flow out?
Even as you seek to live a Spirit-filled life, your flesh will resist, wanting to stay in control and oppose the Spirit’s work. This struggle is real and ongoing, but you are called to be deliberate and disciplined, choosing each day to surrender your will and desires to God. The more you practice this daily surrender, the more you will experience freedom, healing, and transformation. God wants all of you, not just weekend visits or partial commitment—He wants to move in, clean house, and make you more like Jesus every day. [01:03:45]
Romans 12:1 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."
Reflection: When your flesh resists God’s leading today, what is one specific step you can take to surrender that area and invite the Spirit to take control?
The Spirit Filled Life: When God Moves In
11/9/25
When Solomon dedicated the temple, the glory of the Lord filled the sanctuary so powerfully that the priests could not continue their ministry. This moment was not just about a building, but about God choosing to dwell among His people. Today, God’s presence is not confined to a physical structure but takes up residence in the hearts of believers. Just as the temple was set apart for God’s glory, so are our lives meant to be a dwelling place for His Spirit, reflecting His presence in all we do. [38:04]
1 Kings 8:10-11 (ESV)
And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, a cloud filled the house of the Lord, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord.
Reflection: In what ways do you sense God’s presence in your daily life, and how can you intentionally set apart your heart as a dwelling place for His glory today?
Paul commands believers not to be drunk with wine, but to be filled—continually—with the Holy Spirit. This is not a one-time event, but a daily choice and an act of obedience. Just as we nourish our bodies each day, we are called to seek the Spirit’s filling so that God can work in and through us. Living a Spirit-filled life is not about legalism or earning God’s favor, but about enjoying the blessings and power that come from His presence within us. [42:16]
Ephesians 5:18 (ESV)
And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take this morning to invite the Holy Spirit to fill and guide you throughout your day?
James reminds us that knowing the good we ought to do and failing to do it is sin. The Spirit-filled life is marked by obedience—not just avoiding wrong, but actively doing what is right. When we walk in the Spirit, it becomes natural to choose God’s ways, and we find ourselves less drawn to actions that dishonor Him. Obedience is not about following rules for their own sake, but about living in the fullness and freedom that God intends for His children. [46:03]
James 4:17 (ESV)
So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.
Reflection: Is there a good action or step of obedience you’ve been putting off? What would it look like to take that step today?
A Spirit-filled life transforms every area—our worship, our marriages, our work, and even our spiritual battles. In worship, we sing with joy; in marriage, we love and submit as Christ and the church; in work, we serve as if serving Christ Himself; and in spiritual warfare, we rely on God’s strength. God calls us to honor Him in all these areas, not just on Sundays, but every day, letting His Spirit shape our attitudes, actions, and relationships. [49:02]
Ephesians 5:19-21, 6:5-7 (ESV)
…addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man.
Reflection: Which area of your life—worship, marriage, work, or spiritual battle—most needs the Spirit’s transforming power today, and how can you invite Him into it?
Paul urges us to make the most of every opportunity because the days are short and often difficult. A Spirit-filled believer is attentive to God’s will and ready to act, not wasting the time or chances God provides. When we neglect to be filled with the Spirit, we risk missing out on moments to bless others, share our faith, or grow in Christ. Each day is a gift—an opportunity to be used by God for His purposes and to experience the joy of making a difference in someone’s life. [58:28]
Ephesians 5:16-17 (ESV)
Making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Reflection: What opportunity has God placed before you today to serve, encourage, or witness to someone—and how will you respond?