Karon Kagan Karon Kagan

Friday, December 20-Joy

Psalm 126

Today's reading is a poignant reminder of the bittersweet journey of redemption. The Israelites, returning from Babylonian captivity, experienced a mix of joy and mourning, as they sowed tears of sorrow but ultimately reaped a harvest of joyful songs.

Sowing tears often relates to times of grief, suffering, disappointment, despair or doubt. In these moments we're called to trust in God's goodness and His promise to bring redemption.

The promise of reaping joy after sowing tears is a powerful source of hope. In the darkest times, God can and will bring redemption out of our suffering. Just think of Jesus' birth, life, death, and resurrection which offer the hope and joy of salvation and redemption to the entire world.

As a farmer sows seeds in anticipation of a harvest, we too plant seeds of faith, hope, and love through our tears of lament. We can rest assured that God will bring forth a bountiful harvest in His time. Our tears, like seeds, hold immense hidden potential for healing, growth, life, and renewal. God will use our sorrows and tears to help us stand tall by giving us a greater ability to cope with adversity, build resilience, foster empathy, and develop a deeper trust and intimacy with Him.

Let’s remember that our journey is not about immediate gratification but a long walk of obedience. Regardless of what circumstances we find ourselves in today or what circumstances we are coming out of this Advent and Christmas season, in Christ, we will reap a harvest of joy that will spread deep and wide bearing much fruit that will fill our hearts and overflow into the hearts and lives of others as we continue to sow our seeds of sorrows and laments to Him.

Reflection Questions:

1. Are you currently in or coming out of a more sorrowful or more joyous season of life? How are you processing your joy and sorrow with God and with others?

2. What challenges and difficulties are you experiencing or have you experienced in your past that you still need to lament to God?

3. How can you offer support and encouragement to others who may be going through a difficult and challenging season of their life?

4. Who in your life needs to hear you share your unique experiences of overcoming challenges and finding joy and hope on the other side through Christ?                        

 

 JON   MARTIN


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Karon Kagan Karon Kagan

Thursday, December 19-Joy

  Jeremiah 31:31-34  

“stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.

Luke 21:28b 

This call of Jesus follows an identification of the End Times when “People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world…” (Luke 21:26f).  Apprehension of what is coming on the world is an apt description of our world today. 

How do we “stand up and lift up” our heads in a day of chaos, war, suffering and injustice . . . a day when we want to withdraw and hide?  A part of the answer is found in a prophecy of a new day and a “New Covenant” to people who, like us, were full of apprehension about the future recorded in Jeremiah 31:31-34.

 More than a restatement of the old covenant inscribed on stone tablets identifying a code of conduct for their nation and instructions for making annual atonement for their sins, this new code identified New Provisions for living holy lives:

• God will write His law in their minds and write it on their hearts (v. 33b)

• Forgiveness for sins (v. 34b)

• God also promised: “I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws” (Ezekiel 36:25-27).

 In this Advent season we are reminded “that Christ Jesus is the mediator of this “New Covenant” and those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that Jesus has died as a ransom to set us free from the sins committed under the first covenant” (Hebrews 9:15).

 In this Advent Season,

• Write out apprehension regarding the state of our nation that tends to distress you.

• Accept affirmation that as a follower of Jesus you are called to receive God’s promised eternal inheritance.

• Cultivate joy through your faith in God.

 

STEVE GROSVENOR

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Karon Kagan Karon Kagan

Wednesday, December 18-Joy

Luke 3:7-18

There is a famous quote I see on signs that people hang in their homes, “When you have more than you need, build a longer table not a higher fence.”  This is what John challenges the people in Luke to do.  He tells them your fruit, the way your faith is displayed, is evidence of your repentance. 

 He is quick to say that growing up in a religious home or belonging to a certain faith is not that evidence, but it is the fruit that comes with repentance.  And he gives them specific examples: share your clothes with those who have none, share your food with those who have none, don’t act in greed, don’t accuse people when you don’t know their circumstances, be content.  This is the fruit! 

 Because when we live in repentance from sin and towards Jesus, our heart and mind change and then our actions change for the things of Christ.  The world will see us standing in the confidence of Christ when we trust him and lengthen our table.

 John the Baptist reminds us that in the kingdom of God, economic and social issues are holy issues. It can be easy to put up fences but as the repenting community that now identifies with Jesus as God’s children, we need to bear His fruit.

 Joy is experienced when we allow God to burn up our selfish desires and live on fire to love our neighbors as ourselves.  Let the Spirit search you with fire and identify the areas that need burned up in your life.  Let’s tear down the fences we have and stand in the joy of the Lord.

 What fences do you keep up in your life?

 How can you build a longer table?

                                                                                              

PASTOR TABITHA MARTIN


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Karon Kagan Karon Kagan

Tuesday, December 17-Joy

Philippians 4:4-7

 

The words “Stand Firm” are mentioned in scripture over 125 times. God places them in scripture as a reminder that he will never leave his children and will return to claim us. For us followers of Christ “standing firm” is possible because God has given us the same power that raised Jesus from death to be a shining light in our broken world filled with turmoil, conflict, and despair since the Fall. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 says, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” 

The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Church in Philippi as he was imprisoned in Rome or Ephesus. Paul states in Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your requests to God.” How could someone be this calm in the face of this overwhelming adversity? The Apostle Paul himself was executed after writing these letters to various churches throughout the early church. Paul stood firm in his devotion to Jesus. In Romans 8:38-39 Paul says, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The Peace of God was on Paul’s heart, which superseded his understanding and allowed his heart to be guarded and at peace; he would be joining the Lord soon in eternity. This meant his work on earth wasn’t done. Paul’s determination and devotion to God gifted us these letters of encouragement and thanksgiving for what God does in our lives daily. When I analyze Philippians 4:4-7, I am comforted and challenged to do better about ministering to others and calming my heart during times of trouble. This last year has been both challenging and rewarding. Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:5, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will repeat it: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” 

I encourage myself and all who read this to Rejoice in the Lord as he is near and to “Stand Firm” in our faith in Jesus Christ. We have nothing to fear, and his resurrection is our hope! Bless you all during this Advent season. Merry Christmas, and God bless you!

 

JOE KIDWELL

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Karon Kagan Karon Kagan

Monday, December 16-Joy

Zephaniah 3:14-20

  

This season, as with all advent / Christmas seasons, we are celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. You may know that I come from a musical background. My dad was a Music Pastor (first at the First Church of the Nazarene on Pine Street ). My mom plays the piano / organ by ear (in any key) and sang with her dad, my dad and Kline Sisters. And I play the trumpet in various bands and churches and piano.  

 When I think of Zephaniah 3:14-20, I think of the chorus “Mighty to Save.”  But there’s so much more to the depth of this passage AND His love for us!!! First of all He is in our midst: every moment, second, hour, day, week, month, year, etc. Yes, He is mighty, but He’s with us!! And it gets better: not ONLY does He save us, He is (right now) rejoicing over YOU, me and all of us! The dictionary says rejoicing is: to feel joy or great delight!

 We’ve probably all heard this in our lives prior to this, right? But THINK on it, meditate on it and remember it the next time you hear it! We are celebrating the season of our Savior’s birthday, but RIGHT NOW He is feeling joyful over YOU and taking great delight in YOU. Just think how awesome this should make us feel when we sing JOY to the World.

                                                  

                                                                                                                                                                                           

JULIE ROSENAU


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Karon Kagan Karon Kagan

Sunday, December 15-Joy

Isaiah 12:2-8

In our passage today, Isaiah prophesies that a new day is coming for the Israelites.  They will be freed from the bondage placed on them by the Assyrians. Isaiah wrote most of this book during the expansion of the Assyrian empire and the decline of Israel.  

Then God intervened and restored the nation of Israel. Because of this restoration, the Israelites were to be filled with joy. Isaiah boldly states, “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation,” and “Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion!”   

The time of Advent points directly to this well of salvation. Humankind waited patiently and hopefully for the arrival of the Messiah, the true well of salvation.  During his ministry, Jesus interacted with the Samaritan woman at the well. 

He said, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” - John 4:10 

I know that well of salvation.  His name is Jesus.  His name is joy! Joy has a distinct characteristic: Once you have experienced it, you want to experience it over and over again!  

 What brings you joy?  Are you substituting joy in your life with counterfeits of pleasure or happiness?  Seek the authentic well of salvation and experience life altering joy that wants to be shared.

 Household challenge:

●        Play the Joy Race Challenge.  Set a timer for 1 minute. 

Have family members go on a scavenger hunt to find something in your home that represents joy to them.  Discuss how the object signifies joy to them personally.  

●        Brainstorm all the ways that water is useful.  How is living water a metaphor that helps us understand Jesus more?  

BETH  STARK  

 

 

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Karon Kagan Karon Kagan

Friday, December 13-Peace

Amos 9:8-15

 In this passage, the prophet Amos speaks to a people in turmoil, a nation facing judgment yet holding on to a profound promise of restoration. God declares His unwavering gaze upon Israel, ensuring that while judgment is certain so is His mercy. Verse 15 especially resonates: “I will plant Israel in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them.”

 The concept of peace in the midst of chaos is central to Amos’ message. The Israelites had experienced great suffering and injustice, but God's promise speaks to a future where peace prevails. This restoration is not merely the absence of conflict; it encompasses wholeness and the flourishing of life.

 In our own lives, we often encounter moments of personal struggles, societal issues, or global crises. During such times it is easy to feel uprooted and lost. Yet, God invites us to trust in Him and His promise of peace. He reminds us that His gaze is upon us. He is watching over us. He is working for our good.

 Reflect on areas in your life where you feel unsettled. What does restoration look like for you?

 Let us pray: Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness and the promise of peace. Help me to trust in Your plans for restoration in my life and in the world. May I find my roots firmly planted in Your love, and may I extend that peace to others. Amen.

 BRIAN MEYERS JR.

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Karon Kagan Karon Kagan

Thursday, December 12-Peace

Romans 8:22-25

“Fall back,” is what the clocks tell us in November. Is it just me, or does anyone else feel like 7pm now feels like midnight? It never fails, as the night creeps in earlier and earlier, it also feels metaphorically like things are heavier and light is more difficult to find. This week, I’m grieving the loss of a young friend who tragically died earlier this month. I imagine you may be laboring through the night with some people or heavy things as well.  

When we consent to love, we consent to the risk of hurt: of laboring for, laboring with, laboring against. 

Peace invites us to “name the night” (as Stephanie Duncan Smith so aptly frames in her book “Even After Everything”), and to know we’re not alone in it. Peace gently invites us to remember that what we see is not the only truth, for when we hope for what we don’t see, we “eagerly wait for it with perseverance.”  

In the waiting, we also get to trust Jesus, our kind Companion, and to participate with the One who labors with us and promises to bring new life especially when we can’t see it yet

On December 22, the light WILL begin to lengthen again…and day by day, minute by minute will bring us to Spring forward again.  

Peace is with you this season, in the night and in the day.

May you have the courage to notice and name the night of your labor.

May you trust our friend Jesus who labors with you, restores imaginations beyond what we can see, loves despite the risk so that we can too, and instead of isolating invites us into a life of expansion and hope.

AUBREY KLEINFELD

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Karon Kagan Karon Kagan

Wednesday, December 11-Peace

Luke 3:1-6 

During Advent we celebrate the history of a God who comes to us and meets us in our wilderness. We begin with remembering the wilderness of the Israelites and God’s presence with them there. We remember John the Baptist in the wilderness fulfilling the prophecy and preparing us for the arrival of Jesus, Emmanuel, God with Us. And we can find peace knowing that God’s faithfulness remains today and that God will continue to meet us in our wilderness. This season is a beautiful opportunity to focus on the “witness” of God–to perhaps lift our gaze from our petitions and the circumstances we hope God will remedy to bring us peace–and to seek our peace in God’s presence.  

This passage reminds us that we are called to preparation, to remove the obstacles that we permit to come between us and God. Clearing the path sometimes means removing distractions. Sometimes it means making amends. Sometimes it means becoming aware of the gods that we might proclaim not with our mouths, but that are evident in how we live our lives. Sometimes it means combating the lies that we’ve come to believe about our identity and where our value comes from. Sometimes it means adopting disciplines of prayer, meditating on truth, reflection, rest, etc. so that we can recognize the presence and goodness of God in our midst and reflect them more clearly in our world. We clear the way and practice disciplines of awareness so that we can witness and experience the salvation and redemption of God. 

What needs to be cleared away to prepare the way for God to meet with you? What is preventing you from experiencing God’s presence in this season of your life?  

Advent is a time where we experience the “already/not yet” dichotomy most intensely, where we celebrate a God who has already come to us and where we still long to see that redemption carried out in its fullness. May we remember that we are recipients and distributors of the hope, peace, joy, and love of God’s kingdom. We make room to remember both of those roles when we bask in the presence of a God who comes to us.  

HOLLY YINGER

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Karon Kagan Karon Kagan

Tuesday, December 10-Peace

Philippians 1:3-11

Our theme for this week is peace. As I was reading our verses from Philippians I thought about Paul and all he went through in spreading the good news of the Gospel. You can read it in Philippians 4:11-13. Paul’s peace was possible because he trusted the Lord in all of his circumstances, no matter what. He knew the Lord was on his side and He would care for him.

 We may not be shipwrecked, beaten, hungry or in chains, but we all face times in our lives that we may feel like we are in chains and really need God’s peace in our life. That peace is available to us. The same God that was with Paul in all of his circumstances is with you and I. Paul reminds us in verse 6 that God, who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. He is not going to “hang us out to dry” as they say. He wants us to be the best Christians we can be and to have peace while doing it.

 We can have God’s peace in our life and we can stay faithful to Him, no matter what our circumstances are. Paul gives us some helpful ways to do that in Philippians 4:4-7. Rejoice in the Lord, don’t be anxious, and in every situation pray and make a petition to the Lord and give Him thanks. And then he says one of my favorite verses, verse 7, “And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” I have learned that I don’t always have to understand everything about God, I just need to trust and have faith in Him. I hope you choose to do the same.

 What is keeping you from having God’s peace in your life? Are you trusting Him in all circumstances?

 

BRAD HANKEY


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Karon Kagan Karon Kagan

Monday, December 9-Peace

Malachi 3:1-4

“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.

2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness, 4 and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the Lord, as in days gone by, as in former years.”

The long-ago writer ponders the question, “Who can stand when he appears?” It’s a query that has resonated for more than two thousand years. Malachi states that the Lord will send a messenger to prepare the way before the Messiah, the messenger of the covenant, appears. John the Baptist later fulfilled the prophecy in verse 1, preparing the way in the wilderness for the public declaration of Jesus as the son of God.

Jesus’ first coming, the event that John so eagerly related to his followers, was a bold reminder to the Jews and generations of later Christians that our ultimate redemption was near. We all need to be refined and purified with the fire of the Holy Spirit and offer our lives as “offerings in righteousness,” not half-heartedly but with our entire minds, bodies, and souls. Then, we can wait for the second coming or resurrection with the confidence that we will stand before the Lord with a redeemed, sanctified heart on the great day of judgment. We need not tremble with fear and doubt, but stand with confidence.

As Fanny Crosby so richly penned in 1873,

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine
 O what a foretaste of glory divine
 Heir of salvation, purchase of God
 I'm born of His Spirit, washed in His blood

 

SCOTT MINGUS SR

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Josh Kleinfeld Josh Kleinfeld

Sunday, December 8-Peace

Luke 1: 67-79

 In this passage Zechariah prophesied about Jesus’ birth and about his son John’s place in Jesus’ story. Verses 78-79 (NLT) state, “Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace”.

 A favorite game in our house is flashlight hide-and-seek. As a parent of a child afraid of the dark, I know there is little peace within her until a light is on. However, because she knows at any time she can stand up from hiding, turn on her light, and call out for her parents, she’s not afraid.

 As God’s children, we can do the same. We have the light of salvation living within us! We can stand up, step out of darkness, call to Jesus, and follow His path of peace.

 Family Moments:

●        Play flashlight hide-and-seek! Here is how we play at our house: Each family member has a flashlight. Only the person who is “it” may have their light on once counting has ended. When found, stand up from your hiding place, turn your light on, and help the “it” person find the others. The game keeps going until all are found and have their lights on.

●        Reflection Question: What does Jesus’ path of peace mean to you?

●        Pray: Thank you, Jesus, for being our light and guide to peace.                                                                                                            

 

 TARA STRAUSER


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Karon Kagan Karon Kagan

Friday, December 6-Hope

Luke 9:1-6

My dad was a York County farmer. Even as a child he joined in the labor of the family farm. Being of Pennsylvania-German ancestry, he often declared: “many hands make light work!” As a boy I didn’t fully comprehend that expression. We might exclaim, “teamwork makes the dreamwork!” Both statements express the idea of a hope found in partnership and how partnership enables us to stand together.

Luke’s Bible passage relates some early ministry attempts of the followers of Jesus. “He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God” (vs.2). For good reasons they were sent out together. Ministry can be challenging and lonely. Pride sometimes prevents us from reaching out for help. Accomplishing tasks in partnership makes an enormous difference. God doesn’t call us to do everything on our own. We need other people - and other people need us. 

We can partner in service and partner in fellowship. “When the disciples returned, they reported to Jesus” (vs 10). Other occasions include the excitement of sharing what happened. Fellowship increases our joy while together celebrating God’s accomplishments in and through our lives.

Similar to the disciples, we’re also in partnership with Jesus. “He gave them power and authority” (vs 1). It’s not just our ability. Even when we’re alone we’re not on our own. The indwelling Holy Spirit invites us to collaborate in offering grace and peace to a world desperate for the hope of advent.

Prayerfully consider the simple, yet profound words of Mother Teresa. 

“What I can do, you cannot do.

  What you can do I cannot.

  But together we can do something beautiful for God.”

  How can you partner today to do something beautiful for God?                     

 

PASTOR BRAD SHAFFER                                                               

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Karon Kagan Karon Kagan

Thursday, December 5-Hope

Revelation 22:12-16 

As I write this devotional, we are on the eve of the Presidential election. Many are hopeful that their particular candidate will win, and many hope that the winner will do the things they promise. So many of us hope in men and women that are fallible, fallen, and pulled between special interests.  

 This passage paints a beautiful picture of the opposite: a leader who was there at the beginning of it all, who continues to be present, and promises to bring rewards to those who believe. He is beholden to no one, no party and no country!  

 He is for us. Truly. He calls us blessed who place their hope in Him. Hope has always been one of my favorite things. Hope comes with anticipation, which can be beautiful. Pleasures of family and friends, special days and seasons, spending time with someone you haven’t seen in a while. All these things are but a glimmer of the hope of the universe. A day of justice and repayment brought by Christ in His return. 

How can you prepare your heart this season to be hopeful despite the uncertainty of the world? 

NATHAN HURLBERT

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Karon Kagan Karon Kagan

Wednesday, December 4-Hope

1 Thessalonians 3:8-13 

Have you ever heard this quote?  “Those who stand for nothing fall for anything.”~Alexander Hamilton 

As I reflect upon that statement, I’ve decided I don’t want to be complacent and stand for nothing.  My life as a Christ follower requires me to stand firm in the Lord and to stand upon His promises and to live ready in expectation for His returning.  If you know me well, you know that I love acronyms because they help me remember valuable principles to live out. The acronym that I love for the word STAND is Simply Trust And Never Doubt.  Simply said, I choose to trust in Him and stand upon His promises to live in the eternal HOPE He provides for me. 

In 1 Thessalonians 3:8-13, Paul writes of Timothy’s encouraging report about the church of Thessalonica’s faith and how they were living out their faith despite distress and persecution by standing firm in the Lord.  I desire to leave a legacy of faithfulness to King Jesus.  My prayer for you and I is that we can live out the lyrics of this Hillsong United song standing strong and firm upon His promises and waiting with great hope for our soon returning King. 

THE STAND CHORUS

So, I’ll stand with arms high and heart abandoned

In awe of the one who gave it all

‘Cause I’ll stand, my soul Lord to you surrendered

All I am is yours (OH, Lord we will stand)

 

What are you standing for?

                                                                     

 LORRAINE LAUER


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Karon Kagan Karon Kagan

Tuesday, December 3-Hope

 Psalm 25 

The invitation to write this devotional came as I was recovering from a long-awaited surgery. In addition, it was on the heels of my 50th birthday.  It has been a season of life evaluation and reflection for me. I have been reflecting on my life legacy, my testimony, and the scriptures and songs that represent my heart.

For 25 years, the song that I keep going back to is, “More than Ever” by the Gaither Vocal Band. As a child, I placed my hope and trust in the Lord; I have now lived long enough to be able to say that “the miles of my journey have proved my Lord true. He’s so precious to me.” Psalm 25:4 says, “Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”  It truly is so sweet to stand on the promises of God.

Hope is not just an expectation for the future—it is a way of living now.

Hope in God means “to bind God’s promises to yourself. Hope intentionally wraps His words and truth around your heart, mind and life” (fireplacefaith.com). “I do not hope solely for the future of heaven, but to live in the presence of God in the present.”

“Now more than ever,

I cherish the cross. 

More than ever,

I sit at His feet,” the lyrics sing. 

Eternity starts now.

Lord, wrap us in Your truth, help us to stand on Your promises all day long, and humble us to sit at Your feet.  Our hope is in You all day long.  Amen.

NEDRA LAHR

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Karon Kagan Karon Kagan

Monday, December 2-Hope

Jeremiah 33:14-16

The Israelites were living in despair.  They knew their time was over.  Babylon was advancing on Jerusalem and Jeremiah had prophesied and grieved.  They were doomed.  In the middle space of waiting and grief and uncertainty, the Lord speaks with a word of hope and this hope is a person, “I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line.”  From David’s line that was seemingly dead, God will bring life.  God is able to bring life out of death.  When all seems lost, God is still working, still faithful and the believer still stands.  We all stand in a lot of middle spaces. 

The holistic middle space of living between Jesus’ first coming and His second coming.  Looking at the world and seeing the injustices and unrighteousness and remembering there is a hope that God has, is and will bring life to the dead spaces.  We also stand in a lot of individual middle spaces of loss, grief, and fears that we carry.  This promise still stands.  In the middle of the darkness, there is light.  In the middle of despair, there is hope. 

 In the middle of the waiting, there is a branch sprouting.  In the middle of death, there is resurrection.  This is the hope we stand on, a righteous branch will spring up.  This is what carried the Israelites and what carries us today.  May we stand in that hope and carry that hope to a world filled with hopelessness.  

 What areas of your life are you lacking hope?

 How can you invite Jesus into those spaces?                                                    

  

PASTOR TABITHA MARTIN

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Karon Kagan Karon Kagan

Sunday, December 1-Hope

Luke 21:25-36 Family Devotional

28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” 

“Watch for falling objects.” Driving through the mountains, there are often warning signs to alert drivers to the potential dangers ahead. The intention is to get drivers to “be always on the watch.” Read Luke 21:25-36 aloud and find the warning signs that Jesus gives to his disciples.  

As I read through, I noticed two distinct kinds of dangers: external and internal. 

Jesus warned of dangers that occur outside of us. These include international turmoil and natural disasters. For those dangers, Jesus encouraged his disciples to “stand up and lift up your heads.”  

Jesus also warned of dangers that occur inside of us. These include worry, drunkenness and misbehaving with others. For those dangers, Jesus encouraged his disciples to “be always on the watch, and pray.”  

In addition to these warnings and instructions on how to respond, Jesus gives his disciples the assurance that though “heaven and earth will pass away, my words will never pass away.” His instructions are timeless. His wisdom never wears out. His smartness never gets old. Stars may explode, nations may implode, but not Jesus’ truth. 

So, Jesus’ words are kind of like the windshield of a car. We look through His wisdom at the dangers which he warned of. With God’s help, each of us can confidently stand today and on the day Jesus comes back. 

So, at the start of this advent season, let’s do the two things that Jesus invited his disciples to do.

  1. Stand up. Take a deep breath and look around. Jesus wanted his disciples to be confident in Him when outside dangers come around. Name some of the outside dangers of our day. Now say, “Jesus is greater than ____ (insert the dangers you named).”

  2. Pray. Open your eyes and fold your hands. Name some of the things you worry about or struggle with. Ask Jesus to help you with whatever internal danger you are facing.

                                                                      

 PASTOR JOSH KLEINFELD

 

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