Advent Devotional Day 5: Gee, Thanks, God, for Broadcasting My Embarrassing Secret

December 5:

B.C. verse: Luke 1: 5-10

A.D. verse: Matthew 6:33; Luke 18:27

Christmas hymn: “O Come All Ye Faithful”

Hymn for today: “How Great Thou Art” and “Lift Up My Life” by Unspoken

Jim and Shelly* were married about the same time that Mike and I were. Even though they wanted children, unexplained infertility had left them childless. A somewhat private couple, they kept their sadness over this fact to themselves and made the best of the situation by enjoying their nieces and nephews. After a few years, they completed the necessary adoption forms and waited for the call.

For whatever reason, the call never came, and at about the time Jim and Shelly were turning 40, they mutually realized that it was time to sit down and have a serious talk. Rather than sit, however, they went out for a walk. It was a mild Sunday afternoon as they strolled around their neighborhood. Their discussion centered around the fact that they had been on the adoption waiting list for quite some time with no results. Now that they were 40, they reluctantly reasoned that maybe it was time for them to take their names off the list.

In the today’s verses from Luke, we read the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth. They both “were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all the Lord’s Commandments and regulations” (v. 6). We also know that they “had no children because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were very old” (v. 7).

As I was reading, I was struck by a couple of facts. First, Elizabeth, not Zechariah, is the main focus of the passage. SHE was “from the priestly line of Aaron” (v 5); SHE is the direct lineage of Christ. Likewise, the Bible makes it very clear that their infertility issues were not a 50/50 problem. It says “Elizabeth was unable to conceive.”  If I was Elizabeth, I might be thinking, “Gee, thanks, God, for broadcasting my embarrassing secret.” The last thing that is emphasized in this passage is that both Elizabeth and her husband lived righteously in God’s eyes (v. 6).

In considering her starring role in today’s passage, I wanted to know more about Elizabeth, so I looked up the definition of her name. Tracing etymologies is a happy task for a word freak like me, and names, especially, are rich in linguistic history. Back in the day, naming was more involved and purposeful than it is now. A name, in many ways, foretold the character or destiny of person, and this was certainly true for Elizabeth.

“Elizabeth” is derived from the Hebrew, “Elisheba,” which means “oath or fullness of God.” An oath is “a promise, often evoking a divine witness, regarding one’s future.” Fullness refers to being complete, filled to the utmost capacity, satisfied and content. What a perfect name for such a key player in Christ’s birth story. In spite of her infertility, she remained righteous – content, fulfilled, and obedient – in God’s eyes. And as we know (even though it isn’t a part of today’s reading), she plays a pivotal role in the fulfillment of God’s promise, or oath, to Israel.

Elizabeth’s example reinforces the second verse for believers today: “Seek the kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:33). Ok, Elizabeth ended up getting pregnant even though the expiration date on her eggs was long gone. Does that mean that couples with infertility struggles are being punished for a lack of faith? That’s a ridiculous question. Of course not. God does not have a holiness scale by which He doles out reward and punishment.

While hopes and dreams reflect the desires of our hearts, this verse does not say that God will give us everything we WANT; instead, it says that He will give us what we NEED. Likewise, this verse is not about what WE THINK we need. That is not seeking God first; that is putting ourselves first and demanding that God follow our lead. Elizabeth earned a starring role because she decided to put God first and trusted that He knew best with regard to what she needed. Being content even when your heart’s desires are unfulfilled is not easy, but it denotes spiritual maturity; it requires absolute trust and sacrifice of self, but it is the only place where true joy can be found.

As to Jim and Shelly, their story has quite the ending. As they returned home from the walk, the phone was ringing. It was the adoption agency. A woman had just given birth to a baby girl, and she had chosen them as the adoptive parents. They needed to get in the car immediately to drive to the hospital to pick up their new daughter. Their prayers had been answered. . .but the story doesn’t end there. A couple of years later, Shelly became pregnant, and now they are the parents of two lovely, lively little girls. 

Even when the doors and windows of our hopes and dreams may seem firmly closed and locked, it’s important to remember that God is the architect and builder. “What is impossible for people is possible with God” (Luke 18:27). Whether He chooses to unlock them, rebuild them, or seal them, we are assured that whatever He decides is exactly what we need.

Daily Challenge: Write a letter or note today to someone who has made a difference/impacted your life.

*Not their real names. They are real people who are friends of ours.

Advent Devotional Day 4: "Pie"-ning for Perfect Timing

December 4:

B.C. verse: Jeremiah 33:14-16

A.D. verse: Psalm 71: 14-16

Christmas Hymn: “I Wonder as I Wander”

Hymn for Today: “My Hope is You” by Third Day

Even though it wasn’t true when we first married, it’s a fact (in my opinion, at least) that I have “skills” when it comes to the kitchen. I am a good cook (most of the time) and an even better baker. One of my specialties is French silk pie. Typically, I make it once or twice a year (Thanksgiving and maybe Christmas) to bring to holiday celebrations. This year, however, I did not, and I quickly was informed that its presence on the dessert table was missed (I whipped one up the next day to appease those who were disappointed).

Yesterday, while some friends and I were discussing baking and cooking during hall duty, I joked that there are two keys to success in either department: 1) always use real butter, and 2) when in doubt, add more cheese. In all seriousness (ok, I’m serious about the butter thing), the key ingredient for success is cooking and baking is time. Yes, ingredients are important too, but time is essential in order for the finished product to be the best that it can be.

This is certainly true with regard to French silk pie. One of the comments people always make about this pie is the texture – its smoothness. Yes, the butter and egg are necessary in order for the magic to happen, but the key to texture success is a solid, no-cheating four minutes of intense mixing.  If one cuts corners and quits mixing too soon, the end result is just not the same.

It’s not just pie that requires a good time investment. The best soups, sauces, and marinades are made in a day, not a few minutes. Even lasagnas and casseroles are better when they sit in the fridge overnight before baked. All the ingredients need time to blend and interact in order for the flavor to reach its epitome. In short, you just can’t rush a good thing.

The verses in Jeremiah prophesy concerning God’s promise of a deliverer. “In those days and at that time, I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land. In those days, Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will live in safety” (15-16). It’s important to note that “in those days” is repeated twice with the phrase, “and at that time,” following close behind.

At the time of Christ’s birth, people were antsy for the promised one to arrive; they awaited “the Lord of Righteousness” who would administer justice (v 16). It seems 2,000+ years later that things haven’t changed; we still are antsy for Him. . .to return. Even so, there are two things He has made clear: 1) He WILL return, and 2) He will do it in His time and according to His schedule.  His timing is perfect, and we have to trust Him. Just like pie, cutting corners and interfering with the timing will compromise the end result.

In the meantime, Psalm 71 reminds us to “tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long though I know not its measure. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone” (v. 15-16).

As we patiently wait for God to finish what He has started, we “will always have hope” (Psalm 71:14). We know that our Deliverer’s timing is perfect, and when He says so, we will no doubt taste and see that the Lord is good.

Daily Challenge:  Listen to someone today. No, put away the phone, shut off the TV. . .listen.

Advent Devotional Day 3: Brut and Dentyne; The Ties that Bind

December 3:

B.C. verse:  Isaiah 11: 1-10

A.D. verse:  Ephesians 6: 10-18

Christmas hymn: “O Come, O Come Immanuel”

Hymn for today: “Build Your Kingdom Here” by Rend Collective Experiment

Yesterday, my uncle passed away. Steven was my mom’s only brother, and he was the uncle with whom I spent the most time when I was growing up. He was only 60 years old, so yes, I (we) was not prepared to say goodbye so soon.

When I think of my uncle, Brut cologne and Dentyne gum both come to mind.  As a kid, I recall that Brut was his preferred brand of “boy juice;” every time I smell it, I instantly think of him. Likewise, Uncle Steven always had a pack of Dentyne on him, and when I was little, I always made sure to bum a piece off him. One of my earliest memories is of Steven, lying on the floor, watching Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and Wizard of Oz (the movie everybody else hated) with me at Grandpa and Grandma’s house. Later in life, this same uncle was sprawled out on the floor playing cars and/or tractors with Nick, and later still, with his own grandchildren.

As I read today’s verses, I learn that new life emerged from that which was dead in the form of the promised Counselor. “Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot, yes, a new branch bearing fruit from the old root” (Isaiah 11:1). Likewise, this new life came equipped with a spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and a fear of the Lord.  This is His “armor”; thus, “One breath from His mouth will destroy the wicked” (v. 4) In short, these characteristics are representative of the Counselor.  They are what He is known for, just as gentleness, patience, and kindness are all qualities I think of when Steven comes to mind. 

The armor of the promised one in Isaiah is the legacy for believers today as we are called to “put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). Being rooted in Truth, faith, and the promise of salvation, striving for righteousness and peace, and the relying on the Word of God are characteristics of warriors for Christ.

Even though their last breaths have come and gone, the dead continue to live. Our memories keep them with each of us, and when we share those memories, our stories keep them in the world even though they are no longer here physically. What we remember and share about the person becomes his/her legacy. Additionally, grief and sentimentality may sometimes color the memories to the point that we remember only the good and not the bad. Either way, whatever remains - the message that we who remain share- is truly what remains.

Given all that, I can honestly say that my Uncle Steven was always attentive, tender, and respectful to me and my family. Even though he is no longer here, I remember him and his qualities with fondness. The Counselor, too, has left his legacy. In essence, our lives are meant to “bear fruit from the old root” (Isaiah 11:1). We can only do that if we “pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion.” We must “stay alert and be persistent in our prayers” (v. 18). If we do, the legacy will continue, and the shoot described in Isaiah will continue to become a strong, thriving limb.

Daily Challenge: Bring someone a treat today. 

Advent Devotional Day 2: A Crash Course in the Counselor

December 2:

B.C Verse: Isaiah 9: 2-7

A.D Verse: Colossians 1:16; I Corinthians 4:5

Christmas Hymn: “What Child is This?”

Hymn for today: “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”

During the first week of October, I rear-ended a Cullen’s delivery truck. If it had been any other vehicle, I probably would have ended up with a little bump on the front, but because it was a delivery truck, the lift punctured my radiator, which ultimately caused our car to be totaled.

Fortunately for me, my husband generously accepted the task of dealing with the insurance company, AAA, auto repair companies, etc, and my mom and dad generously loaned us their Chrysler while we figured out what to do next.

Dealing with AAA was kind of a pain. First, they dragged their feet about examining the car; then, they dragged their feet about the paperwork and process. Worst of all, the title was lost in limbo for a while. We mailed it, they said they never received it, and Mike started to panic because without the title, there would be no payment. Even though I am usually the spastic one, I told him to stay calm. I was confident that it would turn up, and it did. So what does this all have to do with Advent?

This week’s focus is on Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor. Today’s verses concentrate on the qualities of the Counselor. While it’s hard, at times, to wrap our heads around this concept, the fact is that “ALL things were created by Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16). Even the icky, nasty, awful stuff is used by Him; our job is to relinquish it to Him, not to dwell, wallow, or sink in it. “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. . .a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2). Thus, the first quality of our Counselor is that He OFFERS HOPE in an otherwise bleak, dark situation. His presence alone is a way out of the darkness.

In verse 4, the Counselor will “SHATTER THE YOKE THAT BURDENS” us. Just as Mike offered me hope by taking on the post-accidents burdens for me, we can release whatever burdens us to Him because He will take care of it with “justice and righteousness” (v. 7).

Not only will He take the burdens; He also commands us to GET RID OF ANY REMINDERS OF THOSE BURDENS. “Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garments rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire” (v. 5) Holding on means that we don’t trust the Counselor to take care of it completely, which is sin (ingratitude).  For example, if I would have called the insurance company or AAA after Mike had talked to them, it would suggest that I didn’t trust his competency, and it would be a waste of valuable time.  We need to trust that the Counselor knows what He is doing.

Lastly, the Counselor WILL TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS. It’s not our job to micro-manage. “Wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts” (I Corinthians 4:5) I never once lost sleep over the lost title. I knew that we had done everything we had been told to do the way we had been told to do it. I was confident that our story would have a happy ending, and it did. Likewise, Christ, our Counselor, asks the same of us. Do what He tells you to do in the manner He wishes, and there is never any reason to second-guess Him. If you have done this, you can attest to the fact that He never fails to elicit Wonder from us as we watch Him create diamonds out of coal. He is our Wonderful Counselor.

Daily Challenge:  Praise someone today. Say something nice and encouraging.

Advent Devotional Day 1: I Can't Wait!

December 1:

B.C. (Birth of Christ Anticipatory Verse): John 1: 1-5

A.D. (Anticipated Deliverance Verse): Acts 13: 47

Christmas hymn: “Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus”

Hymn for today: “Light Up The Sky” by the Afters

“I go hunning deer wif Daddy. I hut Daddy. Baby, you stay wif Mommy.” According to my sister-in-law, this is what three-year-old Wyatt said to his little brother, Dakota, after he saw my brother and the other guys get dressed and leave to go deer hunting. He even put on his snow pants (see pic) as he was mimicking his daddy. Even though the time isn’t right yet, Wy senses that he is missing out on something good and is definitely anticipating the day when he can join the hunters.

As Advent begins, so does our anticipation. We await the celebration of Christ’s birth and ultimately Christ’s return. Like Wy, we sense that we are missing out on something good, and we long for the day when we can join the rest of the party.  

Today’s verses remind us of God’s presence. Even though we celebrate His human birth, God was here long before that event. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God” (John 1: 1-2) Likewise, even though we await His return, He is still with us.  “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men” (v 4).  Ironically, our thoughts at Advent are about when He joined earthly life; however, HE is the source of all life (physical, intellectual, moral, and spiritual). Life in Him is the light that shines in the darkness (v 5). The light shows us who we are, where to go, and how to get there as we navigate this life.

However, the light is not just a special secret for us. As we anticipate His return, our charge is to get busy. “I have placed you as a light for the Gentiles that you should bring salvation to the end of the earth” (Acts 13:47). Like Wy putting on his snow pants, wanting to be like his daddy, we, too, are to mimic our Daddy, watching and doing what He does, awaiting the moment when He says we are ready and can join the rest of the party.

Daily Challenge:  Eat lunch with someone new today.  

Advent Devotional Guide 2013

Advent may seem like an antiquated tradition. For perpetuity, churches have integrated the Advent wreath and Scripture into December church services, and some families incorporate special Advent activities and gifts into their Christmas seasons. The bottom line is that people expect Advent because it is a Christmas tradition. It doesn’t necessarily follow that they understand the significance and meaning.


Last year, I put together an Advent devotional guide. I used verses from an Advent pamphlet I had acquired, and I added some random acts of kindness to it. The guide was very dissatisfying to me as the verses were random, disjointed, and abbreviated; furthermore, there was no explanation about them. I definitely should have put more thought and effort into it.


Over the past month, I have been researching and re-tooling this year’s guide. I have been thinking and praying about each week’s focus, I have been scouring Scripture, and I have been working to find a meaningful, thematic (you can’t shut the English teacher off) connection between Scripture, music, and action. Scripture is such a gold mine that it hasn’t been a chore. In short, this has been an intense experience, but this guide is a labor of love to my Savior. If you benefit from it too, it’s double blessing. 


Advent, in its most simplistic form, means anticipation. First, we remember, celebrate, and as part of that process, anticipate, when Christ was born and experienced what it means to be human. Secondly, we remember, celebrate, and of course, anticipate Christ’s ultimate return. For this reason, I have included two sets of verses for each day in Advent. The first verse traces Christ’s journey to and through birth. The second verse provides direction, encouragement, hope, and action as we anticipate Christ’s return.


For me, music is a very personal way to reinforce God’s promises and lessons. I am not especially proud to admit this, but when I am feeling low or in trouble, a song will come to mind before a verse will. On the plus side, many of the songs, traditional hymn or its contemporary equivalent on KLOVE, are based on Bible verses, so it’s like I get a two-for-one. Due to this, I have also included two songs as part of each day’s lesson. One is (not surprisingly) a Christmas song/hymn, which reinforces the first Advent verse. The second is a traditional or modern hymn, which reinforces the second Advent verse of the day.


Lastly, God’s Word is alive; it is a living and breathing, and so should our response be in reading it. Thus, I have also included an easy (as in, it can be done in a course of a busy day during the Christmas season) and practical way to demonstrate and reinforce the Advent lesson.  I plan to write about each day throughout the season. If you want to follow along, great. If you would like to use the guide on your own, I hope it blesses you.


Week 1: Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor


The juxtaposition of the two words, Wonderful Counselor, suggests a confidant and guide whose wisdom and competency is beyond human comprehension. “Wonderful” does not have the Lawrence Welk-type connotation (“wunnerful, wunnerful”). It means “to fill with wonder and awe” because He is beyond our scope of imagination and experience.  He is a Wonderful Counselor because He is the ultimate Counselor; He totally gets it. He understands the human experience because He was one of us.  Therefore, we can trust Him and His advice because it is credible and true. He provides a light in the fog.  


December 1:
B.C (Birth of Christ) Verse 1: John 1: 1-5                                
A.D (Anticipated Deliverance) Verse 2: Acts 13: 47    
Christmas hymn: “Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus”
Hymn for today: “Light Up the Sky” by the Afters

Daily Challenge: Eat lunch with someone new today.

December 2:
B.C Verse 1: Isaiah 9:2-7                                                                               
A.D Verse 2: Colossians 1:16; I Corinthians 4:5                    
CH: “What Child is This?”
HFT: “Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee”

Daily Challenge: Praise someone today. Say something nice and encouraging.

December 3:
B.C Verse 1: Isaiah 11: 1-10                                                         
A.D Verse 2: Ephesians 6: 10-18                                                                
CH: “O Come O Come Immanuel”
HFT: “Build Your Kingdom Here” by Rend Collective Experiment

Daily Challenge: Bring someone a treat today.

December 4:
B.C Verse 1: Jeremiah 33: 14-16                                                
A.D Verse 2: Psalm 71: 14-16                                                      
CH: “I Wonder as I Wander”
HFT: “My Hope is You” by Third Day

Daily Challenge: Listen to someone today. No, put away the phone, shut the TV off. . .listen.

December 5:
B. C Verse 1: Luke 1: 5-10                                             
A.D Verse 2: Matthew 6:33; Luke 18:27                                 
CH: “O Come All Ye Faithful”
HFT: “How Great Thou Art”, “Lift My Life Up” by Unspoken                                                                                                         

Daily Challenge: Write a letter or note today to someone who has made a difference/impacted your life.

December 6:
B. C Verse 1: Luke 1: 11-17                                                          
A.D Verse 2: Joshua 1:5-9; Psalm 56: 3-4                               
CH: “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear”
HFT: “We Won’t Be Shaken” by Building 429

Daily Challenge: Become an organ donor. Do it today; don’t put it off for tomorrow.

December 7:
B.C Verse 1: Luke 1: 18-25                                                           
A.D Verse 2: Psalm 37: 3-7a; Psalm 20:4                                
CH: “Good Christian Men, Rejoice”
HFT: “Standing on the Promises” , “What Faith Can Do” by Kutless

Daily Challenge: Be kind/do something kind for someone today whom you generally dislike.

Week 2: Jesus, the Mighty God

Since Jesus is Mighty (with a capital M), He is, in fact, ABLE to do all that He says in His word. He has the power and ability to fulfill all of His promises and all of our needs. Likewise, he is fully God. He is Jesus, who is separate, only, and distinct - apart from all other gods, and yet, in spite of His supremacy, He chose to live among us and as a servant.  The evidence of His Might and position is His wisdom in teaching (not only what He taught, but how He taught it) and His miracles. It is evidenced by the fact that He endured temptations and ultimately that He conquered death. And He did all this humbly and selflessly, with a true servant’s heart, so that He could extend grace to us and offer us (who are terminally selfish) a home in heaven with Him.

December 8:
B.C. Verse 1: Luke 1: 26-28                                                          
A.D Verse 2: Hebrews 10:35                                                       
CH: “Breath of Heaven (Mary’s Song)” by Amy Grant
HFT: “Have Thine Own Way” , “I Will Follow” by Chris Tomlin

Daily Challenge: Let someone go in line in front of you today.

December 9:
B.C Verse 1: Matthew 1: 18-21                                                  
A.D Verse 2: Romans 8: 28, 31                                                   
CH: “Mary’s Boy Child”
HFT: “Trust and Obey” , “Voice of Truth” by Casting Crowns

Daily Challenge: Give someone the benefit of the doubt today. Trust him/her.

December 10:
B.C Verse 1: Matthew 1: 22-26                                                  
A.D Verse 2: John 14: 21; John 15: 10-11                                
CH: “Emanuel, God with Us” by Amy Grant
HFT: “God With Us” by MercyMe

Daily Challenge: Cook a meal for someone today, or if you don’t cook, don’t let someone eat alone.

December 11:
B.C Verse 1: Luke 1: 39-45                                                           
A.D Verse 2: Galatians 3:14; 1 Peter 3:13                               
“Away in a Manger”
“10,000 Reasons” by Matt Redman  

Daily Challenge: Donate something (and not junk you want to unload) today. . .a book, blood, clothes,etc

December 12:
B.C Verse 1: Luke 1:46-56                                                            
A.D Verse 2: Psalm 139; Revelations 4: 8b                            
CH: “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”
HFT: “Revelation Song” by Phillips, Craig and Dean

Daily Challenge: Adopt a soldier overseas today and sent him/her something – a note, package, etc.

December 13:
B.C Verse 1: Luke 2: 1-5                                                                                
A.D Verse 2: 2 Corinthians 5:6-7; Isaiah 41:10                      
CH: “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
HFT: “It is Well With my Soul”

Daily Challenge: Complain less today. Every time you feel a “whine” coming on, smile.
December 14:
B.C Verse 1: Luke 2: 6-7                                                                                
A.D Verse 2: 1 Peter 1:13-16                                                       
CH: “Silent Night”
HFT: “He is With Us” by Love and the Outcome

Daily Challenge: Mail a handwritten card or note today to the first person you thought of when you read this.

Week 3: Jesus, the Everlasting Father


Every one of us has one. . .a father, and for good or ill, he has influenced our lives. Our Father is everything a father was intended to be and should be. We can put 100% trust In Him because He is not only able to meet our needs; He is WILLING and wants to meet our needs. Thus, He provides for us, and He cares for and about us. He teaches us about appropriate and inappropriate behavior by setting limits and teaching decision-making by allowing us to experience all consequences, both good and bad. He is tough on the outside, but tender on the inside. Best of all, He loves us no. matter. what. Mistakes and successes alike, His love is the same, unchanging, timeless, and endless.


December 15:
B.C Verse 1: Luke 2: 8-12                                                              
A.D Verse 2: John 16: 33                                                               
CH: “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks”
HFT: “What A Savior” by Laura Story

Daily Challenge: Do something anonymously for someone today who works in a service profession.

December 16:
B.C Verse 1: Luke 2: 13-14                                                           
A.D Verse 2: Philippians 2:9-11                                                  
CH: “Angels We Have Heard on High”
HFT: “To God Be the Glory”, “He Reigns” by Newsboys

Daily Challenge: Write a specific, positive comment today on someone’s FB wall, Twitter comment, or blog.

December 17:
B.C Verse 1: Luke 2: 15-18                                                           
A.D Verse 2: Psalm 9:1b-2; Psalm 40:5                                    
CH: “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
HFT: “Amazed” by Kutless

Daily Challenge: Spend some time at an animal shelter today or make a donation ($ or goods) to one. 

December 18:
B.C Verse 1: Luke 2: 19-20                                                           
A.D Verse 2: Philippians 1: 9-11                                                
CH: “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”
HFT: “All This Time” by Britt Nicole

Daily Challenge: Do something for a neighbor today.

December 19:
B.C Verse 1: Micah 5: 2-5                                                             
A.D Verse 2: John 21: 15-19                                                        
CH: “Little Drummer Boy”
HFT: “Savior, Like a Shepherd”

Daily Challenge: Replace what you use today (Ex. New toilet paper roll, a replacement soda or water, copy paper)

December 20:
B.C Verse 1: Matthew 2: 1-2                                                       
A.D Verse 2: Psalm 43:3; Romans 13:12                                 
CH: “We Three Kings”
HFT: “The Light in Me” by Brandon Heath

Daily Challenge: Pick up trash today; put recyclable items in the proper containers.

December 21:
B.C Verse 1: Matthew 2: 3-6                                                       
A.D Verse 2: Hebrews 13: 20; 1 Peter 5:4; John 10: 11-16
CH: “O Worship the King”
HFT: “Father Blessed Father” by Newsboys

Daily Challenge: Give someone elderly a gift today. . .a visit, play music for him/her, read to him/her.

Week 4: Jesus, the Prince of Peace


Just as a prince is a member of the royal family, the Prince is fully God, and yet, He makes it possible for us to be friends with the King through the Holy Spirit. He wants to show us and help us to be on God’s “good” side – how to please the King. Likewise, as the embodiment of Peace, He brings calm in life’s trials, helps us to reconcile with each other, and is the ultimate end to ALL conflicts. He will restore His Peace, and that is ultimately what we anticipate.


December 22:
B.C Verse 1: Matthew 2: 7-8                                                       
A.D Verse 2: I Peter 1: 3-7                                                           
CH: “Do You Hear What I Hear”
HFT: “Overcomer” by Mandisa

Daily Challenge: Pay it forward today. You and God decide together what it is.

December 23:
B.C Verse 1: Matthew 2: 9-12                                                    
A.D Verse 2: Romans 12: 4-8                                                      
CH: “Christmas Shoes”
HFT: “Live Like That” by Sidewalk Prophets

Daily Challenge: Volunteer. No more talking about doing it. No more thinking about it. Pick an organization or task today and commit to it. Tell someone else whom you know will help you be accountable.

December 24:
B.C Verse 1: John 1:14                                                                   
A.D Verse 2: Ephesians 2:8-10 and 5:8-10
CH: “O Holy Night”                          
HFT: ”Holy Holy Holy” , “O Praise Him” by David Crowder Band

Daily Challenge: Go to church tonight. When there, be there. Discipline your mind to celebrate Christ’s birth. Don’t worry about dinner, gifts, or relatives. Before you leave, hug someone, and don’t let go until s/he does.

Missy Aaker                                                                                                                                      
22 November 2013

What Drives You?

Are you the "go" pedal or the brake? In other words, are you the one who usually says, "YES! Let's do this!" or are you the one who typically says, "Um, I don't know if that's such a good idea." I suppose it's not fair to classify a person as one or the other because a person's reaction can be situational. However, all of us possess a natural propensity toward one or the other. It seems as though most relationships have one of each in them..

At our house, I'm usually the "go" pedal while Mike is the brake. Yep, I kind of figured that you might be surprised by that. In fact, the joke with the kids is that if they ask Mike a question, they already know the answer, which is "no." They used to get really mad about that, but now, they just expect it. As I explained to them, Dad usually says no because he needs some time to think it through.  If he says "yes" right away, he might get himself locked into something out of which he cannot escape.

When it comes to trips and new adventures, I tend to be the "go" pedal. Should we join the Y? Yes!  Should we go to Ecuador on a mission trip? Yes! Should we do a Color Run? Yes! There are really two areas of my life in which I tend to be the brake. One is vehicles. (Should we buy a different vehicle? NO!)

The other is church.

No, it's not because I am negative and legalistic. It's because when it comes to matters regarding church (or for that matter, social changes in the larger, secular society), I believe that once we let something go, it's nearly impossible to get it back again. Depending on the situation, that can be a good thing, but it can also be devastating.

What's the big deal about church? Why even bother getting worked about it? Why should we even care? After all, the most important consideration is a person's faith - his/her personal relationship with God. If church is just going to be an impediment in a person's faith walk, then skip it.  Apparently, many Americans feel the same way. A poll recently stated that 76% of Americans reported that they were Christians while the same poll revealed that 43% of Americans claim to go to church regularly. Clearly, there is a disconnect. However, there are a few reasons why this philosophy doesn't work.

First, if you claim to be a Christian, and you really are one, then going to church is not a chore. One of my children and I had this discussion not too long ago. One of my kids had been working too many Sundays in a row to the point that the person was not able to attend church. I called the kid out on it, and naturally, it resulted in a rather heated discussion. At one point, the kid was on the defensive and said, "You don't have to go to church to be a Christian."

I think I surprised my child by saying, "I agree. You do not have to go to church to be a Christian." I continued by saying, "However, if you are really in a relationship with God, going to church is something you want to do, not something you have to do."

Our sole purpose is to bring glory to God; it is our reason for existence. Part of that worship is worship. . .with other believers. (Hebrews 10:25). And speaking of others, we are expected to gather to gather to encourage and equip each other for the second reason of our existence - to go, to love on others, and make disciples for Christ. (I Peter 4:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:11).

All righty then. That makes church sound like a happy Disney musical. However, that fantasy is. . .well, a fantasy. The truth is that believers who attend church are there for a variety of reasons, but the bottom line is that those who attend church do so by choice.

Even so, believers who attend church are also human - flawed, emotional, and whether one wants to admit it or not, completely self-involved. From birth to death, we fight that one, generally unsuccessfully, I might add, which is why we need God's grace. And since we are flawed, in spite of our best intentions, conflict does arise in churches.

This particular topic, with particular regard to the church of which I am a member, First Covenant, ebbs and flows in my mind. The situation at FCC can best be described as a wobbly stool. For example, when a person sits on a wobbly stool, it becomes clear fairly quickly that something isn't right. To fix it, a person can wad something up under one of the legs to try to stabilize it, or just sit still to keep it from wobbling, but it doesn't change the fact that something is out of whack. No matter what "band-aid" approach a person takes to amend the problem, the fact is that a slight shift of weight reminds the person that the problem isn't fixed.

Sunday's service was one such "weight shift" of the wobbly stool. Throughout the week, I have been privy to various discussions regarding it, and so I have been digesting, dissecting, and awaiting God's divining. To explain, when it comes to the various issues of church conflict, people on both sides of the issues feel strongly that their opinions and subsequent decisions are faith-based. I am no different. I have asked God for wisdom - to show me the truth. I will gladly be His passionate advocate, but my worst fear that I would be passionately wrong and working against His purposes and plan.

All this was on my mind today while I was running my revolutions around the track at the Y. I still hadn't come to any conclusions, so I started thinking about people and what motivates them. Any time we get emotional - mad, sad, happy, etc, there is an impetus, something that fuels our actions and reactions, and finally, I had a revelation as to how to be discerning with regard to the conflicts.

Here it is. . . There are only two motivations for anything in life: Self or God. Period. End of story.

Thus, in the case of church conflict (where both sides claim altruistic, faith-based decision-making), the heart of the issue to be examined (and examined to the finest degree) is the true motivation.

For example, if a conflict erupts between two members who are on opposite ends of a church issue, and one of the members makes inflammatory personal remarks about the other's level of faith, it seems pretty clear that his/her motivation is not Godly. First, making the issue personal is a pretty good indication that s/he is on the defensive, which is clearly is tied to self. Secondly, s/he is not following the Biblical model of conflict resolution. Thus, if the Bible/God is not the motivator, it seems pretty clear who is.

I realize that this is a fairly generic, simplistic example, but I think you get the idea. A person who is truly of the faith will not only be in the Word and regularly praying; even people with mediocre or lukewarm faith do that. A person who is truly of the faith will make it a priority to tune his/her ear to God's voice and will act and speak according to God's leading and prompting. If s/he disciplines to live his/her life accordingly, his/her motivations will stem from the only root that gives life. Period.

Thus, it really, ultimately does not matter if one is the "go" pedal or the brake. The only thing that truly matters is the driver. You see, the driver controls the leg that is attached to the foot that compresses one pedal or the other. In short, the leg, foot, and ultimately, the direction of the vehicle are all controlled by the decisions of the driver. Thus, it seems as though selecting the right Driver is bigger, more important priority.