Take time today to meditate on this weeks’ scripture verses.

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬ — and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Acts‬ ‭11‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — ‭Then I remembered what the Lord had said: “‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?’ When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, ‘So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.’”

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God has given us the best gift we could ever receive through His son Christ Jesus. Take a moment to worship with God’s Gift To Us by Natalie Grant.

Take time today to pray for all the Soldiers that have served or are currently serving. As we are reminded of their selfless gift of service, take time to enjoy the song, A Soldiers Gift by Josh Turner.

John‬ ‭3‬:‭30‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — He must become greater; I must become less.

This week we are celebrating the Advent season, a time of reflection and anticipation for the birth of our Savior, Christ Jesus. As we look toward a new year, Deborah, Ray, and I like to choose a word to focus on. Advent is about hope, love, joy, and peace. Some traditions may include selecting a word or activity for the day. As we savor this season I want to remind you of my 2025 word of the year, Humble. I have some short Bible verses that can easily be remembered to help us to stay humble. In our key verse, John instructs us that we must become less. 

Matthew instructs us to be last in ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭20‬:‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — So the last will be first, and the first will be last.

Paul instructs us to give God glory in Philippians 4:20 NIV — To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for this sacred Advent season to reflect and grow closer to You. I humbly seek to Glorify you as I select my word for 2026. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

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‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.

This week we are celebrating the Advent season, a time of reflection and anticipation for the birth of our Savior, Christ Jesus. As we look toward a new year, Deborah, Ray, and I like to choose a word to focus on. Advent is about hope, love, joy, and peace. Some traditions may include selecting a word or activity for the day. My 2017 word of the year was “Flexibility,” which I used to guide me when my to-do list didn’t go as planned. I also made a mantra based off the word Joy, “Dance through life, seek joy in His presence.”

Choosing a word of the year can be what you want it to be. It can be as detailed as you have read this week or as simple as you want it to be. The important part is that we remember that word and or mantra throughout the year. With God’s help we can grow from that word. Deborah, Ray, and I have found it is easier to stick with a word for 365 days than it is a New Year’s resolution. Will you join us in this practice? What word or mantra will you choose for 2026? 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for this sacred Advent season to reflect and grow closer to You. I desire to dance through this life and seek joy in Your presence. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

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