Advent Devotions
Preparing for a Season of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love Preparing for a Season of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love
As I write, a radio station in Richmond is playing Christmas music. That’s right! And it’s not even November, yet. 2020 has been a hard year! In the midst of COVID-19, people are looking for hope, peace and joy, and they’d like to have it now; it seems this radio station is happy to oblige! Anticipating an announcement for a vaccine, surely we are all hopeful for a better 2021. But we cannot lose sight of a far greater message of hope that was announced 2,000 years ago: “And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11) This is good news! It is the one thing that can truly bring Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. Somewhere—in your community or around the world—someone is waiting for you to share this Good News. Once, when my wife, Kathy, and I were serving in Brazil, we were out doing an evangelistic campaign. A young lady named Marilena came up afterwards during the invitation. Later, as I was putting away the projector and film (you can tell this was a few years ago!), I glanced around and saw the same young lady in earnest conversation with my wife. I stopped what I was doing to join them. Marilena began to tell us her story. “All my life,” she said, “I have wanted to know God.” Looking up into a night sky filled with thousands of stars, she continued to speak. “When I look into the heavens and see the beautiful stars, I know there must be a God that put them there. And when I stand on the rocks and look out over the beautiful ocean, I know there must be a God that created this beauty. One day I went to my parents and asked them about God,” she said. “But they didn’t know what to say,” she added. Marilena even walked seven miles to the closest church and spoke to a priest in her search for God. “He told me many things, but I could not understand them,” she said in a low, sad voice. But then Marilena turned to me and brightened up. “Tonight,” she said, “when the volunteers shared the difference Jesus had made in their lives and when I heard you preach the Gospel, my heart understood, and I accepted Jesus as my Savior and Lord!” Then she said something I have never forgotten. With happy tears streaming down her face and with one of the biggest smiles I’ve ever seen, she said, “Thank you! Thank you for coming to tell me about Jesus! As we celebrate the birth of our Savior and Lord, remember that over 3,000 people groups are still waiting for someone to come and tell them about Jesus. 154,937 people are dying each day without Christ. It is a joy to provide these Advent devotions; I am grateful to Jamie Work and Bill Langley for their hard work and pray this resource will bless you during the Advent season. May they also remind and encourage each of us to go and share this Good News across the street and around the world.
Terry Sharp Convention and Network Relations Leader Co-leader Diaspora Coalition
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imb.org Is There Any Hope? Any Is There
“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, we affirm, the hope to wavering without us hold tightly “Let for God can be trusted to keep his promise.” (Hebrews 10:23) for God can be trusted to keep his promise.”
(Jeremiah 29:11). and a hope” (Jeremiah you a future not of evil, give to thoughts that I think toward you,” says the Lord, “thoughts of peace and “thoughts of peace the Lord, says you,” thoughts that I think toward Let this Advent season be a time of renewing your hope. “For I know the I know your hope. “For season be a time of renewing this Advent Let hope that soon we will see Jesus Christ face-to-face! hope that soon we glory of God. We can look forward to the future because we have the reassuring have because we the future can look forward to glory of God. We wrongs. We have the hope that one day this earth have be filled with the is going to We wrongs. a second time, not as a suffering servant time, not as a a second of Kings, and right all the but as the King is going to get fixed. We have hope that Christ is coming back to this sinful planetto this sinful back coming Christ is hope that We have get fixed. is going to Is there any hope? Absolutely! We have the hope that one day this broken world the hope that one day this broken have We any hope? Absolutely! Is there that will be revealed in us!” that will be revealed “the sufferings of this present life are not worthy to be compared to the glory worthycompared not to be life are “the sufferings of this present they get better. But cheer up! Why? Because the Bible assures us in Romans 8:18, us in Romans the Bible assures But cheer up! Why? Because they get better. Life is hard right now and, honestly, things could even get more difficult before difficult even get more things could and, honestly, right now Life is hard temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” not seen are but the things which are temporary, are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are seen are the things which are not seen. For seen, but at the things which are are exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which while we of glory, weight and eternal exceeding For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more working for us a far more our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is For our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. day. day by man is being renewed the inward yet is perishing, man our outward In 2 Corinthians 4:16, Paul said, “Therefore we do not lose heart. we though Even said, “Therefore Paul 4:16, In 2 Corinthians seams, hope is critical. Hope is the spark that keeps the human spirit alive. the human spirit alive. that keeps seams, hope is critical. Hope is the spark work out for us in the end. In a world that may look like it’s coming apart coming at the it’s that may look like out for us in the end. In a world work Everybody needs hope! We can’t live without the expectation things are going to without the expectation things are live can’t Everybody needs hope! We tapped out this haunting question, “Is there any hope?” question, “Is there tapped out this haunting Pounding out Morse Code on the hull with a hammer, the diver discovered discovered the diver a hammer, on the hull with out Morse Code Pounding the survivors With their air supply dwindling, still alive. were crewmen several immediately heard tapping. Survivors were trapped inside the submarine. trapped Survivors were tapping. heard immediately for the first diver to descend to the wreckage. As the diver’s feet hit the hull, he feet hit the hull, As the diver’s to the wreckage. to descend for the first diver Rescue attempts began at once but, due to insufferable weather, it took 24 hours it weather, insufferable but, due to began at once attempts Rescue 40, sank more than a hundred feet and came to rest on the ocean floor. ocean on the rest to feet and came than a hundred sank more 40, just in time to receive a deathblow from the ship. The submarine, with its crew of The the ship. from a deathblow receive just in time to thing. The two vessels never saw each another. The submarine broke the surface broke The submarine saw each another. vessels never The two thing. Coast Guard also had one of its ships traveling across the surface across doing the same one of its ships traveling also had Guard Coast waters of Cape Cod Bay. They were engaged in routine testing of their vessel. The of their vessel. testing routine engaged in They were Bay. Cod of Cape waters On December 17, 1927, the crew of a U.S. Navy beneath the was submarine trolling of a U.S. the crew 1927, 17, On December Advent Advent Week 1 DAY 2
HOPE
(Charles Wesley) nation,joyDear desire longingheart. ofevery ofevery Israel’s Thou strength and consolation, hopeofalltheearth art; From andsinsrelease ourfears us,letusfindour rest in Thee. Come, Thou longexpected Jesusbornto setThy peoplefree; throughout thisAdvent season:“Ihave overcome theworld!” 16:33). Doyou need hope?Meditate words onthosewonderful ofChrist have tribulation…butbeofgoodcheer, forIhave overcome theworld” (John in thisworld hastaughtuspainisunavoidable. Jesussaid,“Inthisworld you will inside us,humanlyspeaking, to wants doallwe canto avoid it.Butexperience toNone ofuslookforward problems. None ofusenjoy pain.Infact,everything God’s to ultimatecome. victory More thanthat,Iwillrest inthedayoftrouble.” withtrembling.Babylonians, itfillshisheart wait patientlyfor Yet, hesays, “Iwill tation anddestructionhisown peopleare goingto endure atthehandsof While Habakkukthinksaboutthecoming judgmentofGod,aswell- asthedevas We thekindoffaiththatwillenableusto justwant make itto thatpoint. going to turnout.We’ve read thelastchapter andwe know Jesuswinsintheend. calmly forGod’s ultimate victory. We know it’s coming. We know how thingsare trouble.” That’s whatwe isn’t want, it?We to want learnhow to patientlyand wait That’s how theNLT puts it.TheKJVsaysitlike this:“Iwillrest inthedayof quietlyforthecomingfaith andhesays,“Iwillwait daywhendisaster willstrike.” Something interesting happens inHabakkuk3:16. Theprophet’s fearturnsto like Godisn’t doinganything, doingsomething. Heis.Godisalways that Godisgoingto settherecord straight. Even though,attimes,whenitlooks expression ofworship to theLord. Thethemeofchapter 3focusesonthefact Habakkuk 3isaprayer. Actually, it’s sungasan apsalmorsongthatwas Habakkuk isrejoicing. circumstantially. Yet, instead ofcomplaining, whenwe getto chapter 3, Nothinghaschanged;atleastnot only justpicked upsteam inchapter 3. The Babylonian breathing armywas down Judah’s neckinchapter 1, andthey’ve inchapter 1;it’s system perverted was justastwisted andcorrupt inchapter 3. rate terrible was inchapter 1;it’s Thecriminaljustice justasbadinchapter 3. makes thissosignificantisthatnotasinglecircumstance hadchanged.Thecrime with complaining, chapters later butitclosesjusttwowithpraising. short What Habakkuk isoneofthemostfascinatingbooksinBible.Itopenschapter 1 Hope ThatOvercomes Put yourhopeinGod...” (Psalm42:5) “Why, my soul,areyoudowncast? “Why, imb.org
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imb.org I have called you friends.” (John 15:15) (John you friends.” I have called Instead, you servants... longer call “I no Hope for Acceptance & Approval Acceptance for Hope
“Anger” Some of these kids sat under pastors whose preaching sounded like whose preaching “Anger” Some of these kids sat under pastors He if Jesus evaluated their lives like “Disappointment” A lot of Christians feel Jesus has so many other important “Distant” These students felt like things on
You’re loved. How do we know we’re loved? We are certain of God’s love because love certain are of God’s We loved? we’re know do we How loved. You’re hope with others! this incredible of opportunity share use these days to You’re secure. Jesus will never leave you. He will never walk out on you. He’s with you always! with you He’s He will never walk out on you. you. Jesus will never leave secure. You’re season, and of God fill you with hope during this Advent love the gracious Let acceptance at the verystart. acceptance sinners, Christ died for us! were – while we demonstration the ultimate He gave
have to wait until the end of the race to hear me cheer. You get my smile and my You hear me cheer. to waitthe end of the race until to have You’re accepted! You don’t have to do anything to earn my approval. You don’t don’t You do anything my approval. to earn to have don’t You accepted! You’re because I want you. You’re chosen! You’re not on my team because I had to pick you. You’re on my team You’re pick you. because I had to not on my team chosen! You’re You’re thinks of you. If you belong to Him, here are some of the things He says about you: you: some of the things He says about are Him, here belong to If you thinks of you. I’m thrilled to say none of those answers comes close to hitting the mark of what Jesus hitting the mark of close to comes those answers say none of to thrilled I’m world? “Come to God through Jesus Christ so He can be disgusted with you!” Jesus Christ so He can be disgusted God through to “Come world? evaluations are true, what is the wonderful message of hope you and I have for the true, what is the wonderful message and I have evaluations of hope you are had grown up in church and say they’ve known the Lord for years. But if any of these for years. the Lord and say they’ve known up in church had grown These were the top four answers to the survey, and they were given by people who by given and they were the survey, to answers four the top These were His mind, like calamities and catastrophes all over the world, that He never gave that He world, the all over calamities and catastrophes His mind, like thought. them a second 2 “Disgust” A lot of the students, who had been in church the majority of their students, who had been in church 1 “Disgust” A lot of the disgust me!” me that lasts longer than a few to days! You a commitment make can’t 3 4 they’re enlightening. The top four answers given were: given answers four The top enlightening. they’re look at them and He would if Jesus evaluated their lives said they like lives, felt and you for you, my life in agony and bloodshed on a cross out “I poured say, what passage matter was being off for Jesus!” It didn’t “ticked they were He’s and mad at you every preached, – God’s sermon echoed the same theme get you! going to I had such high hopes for you. in you. so disappointed “I’m simply say, would you.” given with the gifts, talents and abilities I’ve done so little have You think Jesus Christ thinks about you?” The answers are more than interesting – than interesting more are The answers about you?” think Jesus Christ thinks group were asked to give a one-word answer to a single question: “What do you question: “What do a single to answer a one-word give to asked were group Thirty-five thousand high school students who were active in their church youth in their church active Thirty-fivewere school students who thousand high Advent Advent Week 1 DAY 4
HOPE
experience inChristwiththose whodesperately needit. Take ofthis Advent season to share hopeyou advantage thewonderful People are unsettled.They’re lookingforanswers. They’re longingforhope. are ready to bereached with thegospel.Thefieldsare white unto harvest. are not justdaysofdifficulty. They Somany are alsodaysof great opportunity! monthslikein thesepastfew many ofushave neverseenbefore. However, these This world isanintimidating place. Anarchy andviolence have beenampedup (Hebrews10:25NLT).near” but encourage oneanother, especiallynow thatthedayofhis return isdrawing ussaying,exhorts “Let usnotneglectourmeetingtogether, assomepeopledo, off andleftthemselves unprotected. For that reason, thewriter ofHebrews standing withotherbelievers,he’llmove onto someoneelsewhohaswandered to devour. Butwhilehe’s prowling around, whenhecomes to you, ifheseesyou chapter ofhisbook,thatSatanprowls around like aroaring lion seekingsomeone A lionhuntsby separating itsprey from theherd. Peter tells us,inthefifth reality. doesn’t And it certainly play well as we live out our lives as followers of Christ. doesn’t needanybody. butitdoesn’t Thatmayplaywell inHollywood, playwell in like Wales, Josey JohnRamboandJasonBorne.Batmanistheultimate loner. He We are drawn to movies where thehero isareluctant loner. We admire characters stood strong stood together. becausethey Paul andSilasstood strong stood becausethey together. Peter, James,andJohn Shadrack, MeshackandAbednegostood strong stood becausethey together. stand forChristtogether. who ishetalkingto? He’s talkingto allofus.He’s telling uswe have to take our checked, Ionlyhadone.So, ifPeter tells usto honorChristasLord inourhearts, honorChristasLord.”“In your hearts doyou have? How LasttimeI manyhearts What doesittake to overcome theworld’s intimidation?Look againatverse 15: peace eveninatroubling world. to betroubled. We don’t have to beafraid. Instead, we canexperience hopeand to stirupwater. ButPeter saidyou andIdon’t have to beagitated. We don’t have from aGreek word thatmeans“to agitate.” Itspoke used ofsomething that was sisters inChristandtells themnotto betroubled. Theword “troubled” comes incredible mentalanguishandphysicalsuffering, Peter writes to hisbrothers and Peter wrote thisbookatatimeofincredibly intense persecution.Intheface of
being preparedtomakeadefenseanyone whoasksyou for areasonthehopethatisinyou.” (1Peter 3:15) “In yourheartshonorChristtheLordasholy, always Hope andConfidence imb.org
5 HOPE DAY
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imb.org
Hope for a Different Kind of King Kind a Different for Hope
“And when they had opened their treasures, they presented presented they treasures, opened their they had when “And (Matthew 2:11) (Matthew myrrh.” and Him:gold, frankincense, gifts to
have eternal life” (John 3:16). eternal have gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but His one and only Son, that whoever believes gave God for His priceless gift of salvation. “For God so loved the world that He giftGod for His priceless of salvation. God so loved “For During this Advent season, take time to thank time to season, take us. During this Advent to given the gift God has to The wise men brought three wonderful gifts to Jesus. Yet their gifts can’t compare compare their gifts can’t Jesus. Yet wonderful gifts to three The wise men brought Never again will Jesus suffer. Never again will He die. Never again Never again will Jesus suffer. won’t bring – myrrh. Why not? Because the payment for sin has already been made. been payment for sin has already bring – myrrh. Why not? Because the won’t will bring Him incense because He is the Lord God Almighty. But there’s one gift we But there’s God Almighty. because He is the Lord will bring Him incense returns to this earth we will bring Him gold, because He is the King over all kings. We this earth all kings. We to the King over will bring Him gold, because He is returns we isn’t referring to Jesus’ first coming. It’s referring to His second coming. When Jesus coming. to His second referring It’s coming. first Jesus’ to referring isn’t the worship of the LORD.” What’s missing?Why? Because this prophecy Myrrh. What’s of the LORD.” the worship the camels of Midian and Ephah. From Sheba they will bring gold and incense for Sheba they gold and incense will bring the camels of Midian and Ephah. From Isaiah 60:6 is an interesting verse: “Vast caravans of camels will converge on you, of camels will converge caravans “Vast verse: Isaiah 60:6 is an interesting cross fell upon the cradle. cross prophecy of Christ’s future suffering and death. With this gift, the shadow of the suffering and death. With this gift, the shadow future of Christ’s prophecy for burial. Therefore, the gift of myrrh was prophetic. This present was actually a This present gift of myrrh was the prophetic. for burial. Therefore, medicinal purposes. It was also commonly used in the preparation of dead bodies used in the preparation medicinal purposes. It was also commonly The third gift given to Jesus by the wise men was myrrh. Myrrh was a spice used for the wise men was myrrh. Myrrh was a spice by Jesus to gift given The third time, the Bible tells us they “fell down and worshiped Him.” What prompted their wor What prompted Him.” and worshiped us they down tells “fell time, the Bible Jesus our Immanuel.” dwell, deity; pleased as Man with men to th’incarnate When the wise men from the east arrived in Bethlehem and saw Jesus for the first in Bethlehem and the east arrived wise men from When the in flesh the Godhead see, hail in his beautiful Christmas hymn: “Veiled experience allowed them to see His divine Son, face to face. Charles Wesley speaks of this great Charles Wesley face. to see His divine Son, face them to allowed the star of His shekinah glory a little house in Bethlehem; and in that house He to were worshiping God Himself. In His wonderful grace, God had led these men by In His wonderful grace, God Himself. worshiping were The second gift was frankincense. The book of Leviticus identifies frankincense as identifies frankincense The book of Leviticus gift was frankincense. The second they convinced They were human being. than just another was much more baby The first gift they gave Jesus was gold. Throughout history, gold has been considered has been gold history, Jesus The first gift theywas gold. Throughout gave the fact that they believed this arrival points to Everything wise men’s about the ship, and what was their worship all about? The gifts they gave Jesus tell us the answer. gifts they Jesus tell all about? The and what was gave their worship ship, were So the wise men, in giving the gift of gold, and nobility. a symbol of royalty Jesus is a king. affirming the fact that to God. priests in offerings made that was used by a special kind of incense speaks of sinlessness. deity. It denotes Frankincense Advent Advent Week 1 DAY 6
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searching thosewhoalsoneedto for experience thisgreat hope. ebrate have thehope you to inChrist.Look joinHimin opportunities for in seeingthelostfound.Throughout thisAdvent season,take timeto cel - ofGodeasytoJesus makes understand. He loves theheart sinnersanddelights difficulty celebrating the grace thatisextended toothers. people whothinkGod’s intheirlives blessings are have They well deserved. earn hisfather’s favor. Theconcept ofgrace repulsive was to him.Allofusknow The olderbrother pridedhimselfin thinking hehaddonemore thanenoughto sobitterHe was hewouldn’t by coming into even dignifytheparty thehouse. brother. outraged He was by thegrace thefatherextended to hisyounger sibling. Noneofthissatwell thehonored withtheolder was guestatahugeparty! home. Instead ofreceiving condemnation from hisfather, hereceived giftsand reducedfunds andwas to alifeofbegging, hecameto hissenses andreturned shamefully squandered itonsinfulliving. Afterthrough theyoung manblew the The youngest dishonored himby takinghisinheritance early. More thanthat,he To bringHis pointto aclimax,Jesusrelates athird parable. Afatherhadtwo sons. it isdiscovered shecallsherfriendsto come celebrate withher. furniture andsweeps the entire housethoroughly untilthecoin isfound.When wedding giftso, again,there isgreat emotionalattachment.Shemoves allthe has ten coins butlosesoneofthem.However, thesecoins were ofa likely part The second story, atfirstglance, seems to focus,solely, oneconomics. A woman was causeforgreatfinding hissheep celebration! For onetofor theirsurvival. belostcanquicklyleadto death.So, ashepherd the affectionandcare as well. Sheepare completely dependentuponshepherds shepherding. understood, They notonlytheeconomic valueoflivestock, but was from thefarm.ThepeopleofJesus’The firststory dayunderstood and alostson. similar. Great celebration ismadeover thediscoveryofalostsheep, alostcoin, lost! Jesustold three parables inLuke 15thatillustrate thissowell. The stories are This iswhere becomes great Godloves goodnews news. finding thingsthatare arebecause they are lostwithoutGodthey livingwithoutanytruesenseofhope. Right now, inyour community andallover thisworld manyare withoutGod.And those whodon’t knoware Christ,itsays,“they withoutGodand hope.” Possibly thesaddeststatement intheBibleismadeEphesians2:12.Speakingof “There isjoyinthepresenceof the angelsof God “There over onesinnerwhorepents.” (Luke15:10) Hope ThatCelebrates! imb.org
1 PEACE DAY Advent Week 2 Week
imb.org Prince of Peace of Prince “And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Counselor, Wonderful be called will His name “And
And God did not disappoint George. The Lord put him on a mission, The Lord George. And God did not disappoint 1 Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6c) Peace.” Prince of Mighty God, Eternal Father,
Profiles Profiles Liele: Missions Pioneer.” “George and Johnson, Brian, Editors. J. Robert 1 Stevens, 9. p. CA, 2012). Pasadena, Missionaries. (William of African-American Library: Carey a work.” a work.” he was converted, Liele declared, “I requested of my Lord and Master to give me give to and Master of my Lord “I requested he was declared, Liele converted, still a slave owned by another man, soon translated into a life of ministry. When a life of ministry. into man, soon translated another by owned still a slave faith,” became a recipient of “peace with God!” (Romans 5:1). His peace, though peace, 5:1). His with God!” (Romans of “peace a recipient became faith,” the Lord Jesus Christ. George, in his early twenties, and “having been justified by been justified and “having his early twenties, in George, Jesus Christ. the Lord In 1773, faith in was Liele converted to named George slave an African-American Advent season? Advent Peace! Who will be the one with whom you share this glorious news this this glorious news will be the one with whom you share Who Peace! Jamaica until his passage to the island was repaid. George took his family and took George Jamaica until his passage the island was repaid. to of Peace! Jesus is God’s “go and tell!” to us still today compels of Peace Prince This officer at the end of the Revolutionary War, promising to work for the colonel work for the in to promising War, Revolutionary at the end of the officer in Jamaica the One who came as the Prince the African slaves to known make To the peace only God can supply. As a result, he indentured himself to a British himself to he indentured As a result, only God can supply. the peace missionary Why? India. call to God’s followed of Modern Missions,” the “Father during Advent and all year long! George’s heart longed to see others set free in heart see others set free longed to George’s long! and all year during Advent called often Jamaica in 1783, to William Carey, emigrated before 10 years almost purpose and calling—this ministry of reconciliation. A ministry ministry celebrate purpose and calling—this of reconciliation. we George set an example the rest of us should follow. He was serious about God’s He was serious about God’s follow. of us should set an example the rest George behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). God” (2 Corinthians to behalf of Christ, be reconciled dors for Christ, as though God were making as appeal through us; we beg you on beg you us; we making as appeal through dors for Christ, as though God were He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassa- are we Therefore, of reconciliation. us the word to He has committed reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and their trespasses not counting Himself, to the world reconciling Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ namely, us the ministryChrist and gave of reconciliation, them, “Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Himself us to who reconciled God, from all these things are them, “Now And so have we! Paul declared this truth to the church at Corinth when he told at Corinth the church to this truth declared Paul we! And so have The one who had been reconciled to God was given the ministry God was given to of reconciliation. The one who had been reconciled George Liele became a messenger with God; an ambassador Liele became for Christ. of peace George hindrance. George his freedom so that he could preach the Gospel of peace without anypeace the Gospel of preach so that he could his freedom George him to preach the Gospel. It wasn’t long afterward that his earthly afterward long gave master wasn’t the Gospel. It preach him to slaves. Soon enough the white church George attended with his master licensed his master with attended George church Soon enough the white slaves. which George took up almost immediately, to teach the Scriptures to other to the Scriptures teach to immediately, up almost took which George Week 2 Advent Advent DAY 2
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trust inHimandHisways. crushing circumstances. thisAdvent Socanyou seasonby renewing your situation andthereby peace inthemidst of unbelievably experiencingHisperfect just akindgesture. Itisatribute to hersteadfast mindtrusting Godinevery That ourannualofferingforinternational bearshernameismore missions than ies-you-should-know-lottie-moon/. You canread more athttps://www.imb.org/2018/11/27/missionar ofherstory Eve, theChinesepeopleinGod’s 1912,havingserved peace for39years. perfect never madeitto America.ShediedintheharborofKobe, Japan,onChristmas America. Havinggivenandfoodto almostallofhermoney theChinese,Lottie needs ofthepeopleShandong, decidedLottie itwas shouldreturn to Lottie’s seriousdecline,broken healthinvery by overwork andtheimpoverished life forthesake oftheChinesepeople coming to faithinJesusChrist.In1912,with peace. That’s whatJesusdoesforHischildren. Lottie ounce investedofher every In the midst of utter among the Chinese, Lottie lostness kept Moon was in perfect ofhearingthenameJesus.”even oneopportunity silent. Itisgrievousto thinkofthesehumansoulsgoingdown to deathwithout once lamented, “Theneedsofthesepeoplepress uponmysoul,andIcannotbe provincenorthern ofShandongbecameLottie’s homefortherest ofherlife.She at theageof32,Lottie lefttheU.S. China.ThecityofTengchow forNorth inthe Lottie beganto seriously consider God’s calling. missionary OnSeptember 1, 1873, appointed by China, theForeign to North Board Mission asasinglemissionary At theprodding ofhersister Edmonia, elevenyears whowas herjuniorand in1858, Lottiebirthday announced herfaithinJesusChristandrequested baptism. others thathermiddleinitial“D”stood for“Devil.” However, justafter her18th skeptical oftheChristianfaithasayoung woman known andwas to have told 1840, inAlbemarleCounty, Virginia. Shewasn’t amissionary. always Shewas educated woman bornonDecember intheSouth,CharlotteMoonwas 12, Diggs exemplified thatlifeas well asanyoneever has.Once describedasthemost top ofthepage.GodDOESkeep peace! thesteadfastLottie ofmindinperfect will soondiscover thatsheembodiedIsaiah’s prophetic words quoted at the If you willtake minutes to afew reacquaint yourself withLottie Moon’s you story “The steadfast of mindYou“The willkeepinperfectpeace, because he trusts inYou.”because hetrusts (Isaiah26:3) Perfect Peace imb.org
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imb.org Peace Given Peace
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; I give to My peace you; I leave with “Peace
(John 14:27a) (John give to you.” world gives do I not as the
throne” one day worshiping God and the Lamb, who has taken away our sin! who has taken worshiping God and the Lamb, one day throne” every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues standing before theevery standing before all tribes and peoples and tongues nation and result in the fulfillment of the Revelation 7:9-10 vision of “[people] from vision 7:9-10 Revelation in the fulfillment of the result This offer of peace through willfaith in Jesus Christ through offer of peace the ends of the earth! to This our 3,700 carry to IMB missionaries, and their nearly 3,000 children, the Gospel world, numbering in the billions of people, is a large part of the driving force for part numbering in the billions of people, is a large of the driving force world, This gift of peace, still unknown by more than 7,000 people groups around the around people groups than 7,000 more by still unknown This gift of peace, are hell-bound enemies of God. are highest praise, for indeed apart from Christ’s Advent and His willing sacrifice, we His willing sacrifice, and Advent for indeed aparthighest praise, Christ’s from men with whom He is pleased!’” (Luke 2:13-14). God’s gift of peace deserves gift of peace our God’s 2:13-14). men with whom He is pleased!’” (Luke praising God and saying, ‘Glory on earth God in the highest and to among God and saying, peace praising “Suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel a multitude of the heavenly appeared “Suddenly there
birth to some shepherds, one angel celebrating this peace was not enough! this peace birth one angel celebrating some shepherds, to This peace is so overwhelming that after the angel of the Lord announced Jesus’ announced the angel of the Lord is so overwhelming that after This peace self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). self-control” is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, patience, goodness, peace, faithfulness, gentleness, [and] joy, is love, a believer’s heart. believers in Galatia that “the fruit of the Spirita believer’s instructed Paul His presence with believers in the person of the Holy Spirit produces peace in peace with believers in the person of the Holy Spirit produces His presence dwells there is peace! Both Jesus’ example of faith in God’s unfolding plan, and of faith in God’s example Jesus’ Both is peace! there dwells One of the ways in which John’s Gospel account is different from that of Mat from is different Gospel account waysOne of the John’s in which the Spirit (14:26). Where you” I said to all that remembrance your and bring to with you forever” (14:16). The “Helper, the Holy Spirit… will teach you all things, you Spirit… will teach the Holy forever”with you (14:16). The “Helper, Jesus promised to send the “Spirit of truth” (14:17), our “Helper, that He may be our “Helper, of truth” (14:17), send the “Spirit to Jesus promised Part of Jesus’ words of assurance to His disciples included His promise of peace. included His promise His disciples to of assurance Part words of Jesus’ instruction and comfort in John 14-16 are an invaluable resource for all an invaluable resource instruction and comfort are 14-16 in John of those words! record John’s details that would otherwise be unknown to us. For example, Jesus’ words of words Jesus’ example, otherwise us. For details that would to be unknown be withoutwould we poorer much How both then and now? all His followers thew’s, Mark’s, or Luke’s is that John unveils the final week of Jesus’ life withof Jesus’ week the final John unveils is that Luke’s or Mark’s, thew’s, in John 17? prayer intercessory And Jesus’ of believers. generations succeeding for of compassion and concern beautiful than His words anything more Is there Week 2 Advent Advent DAY 4
PEACE
cover the earth as the waters covercover asthewaters thesea! (Habakkuk2:14;Psalm theearth 22:27) thattheknowledge ofthe Lordand nationsinsuchaway oftheglory will tribes,peoples,languages, tially multiplyHisfruitamong theunbelieving life-altering peace. Let’s jointogether inprayer today askingGodto exponen- without peace are discovering thatthrough faithinChristthere isreal, lasting, We canbeinspired andencouraged thatmanyofthosewhoare currently living andloved are ones,butthey continuingJesus! to serve T them! hadnoaccess to God’s Word, now have churches more new among than3,000 T leadinggreat movements ofMuslimsoutIslam! Trousdale goesonto recount thatamongAfricanMuslimsbetween 2005-2012: compelling Muslimsaround theworld to puttheirfaithinJesus. words –“there isnopeace forthewicked” (Isaiah48:22).Thatlackofpeace is T T loves them,andhopeforthefuture.” today manyofthemare desperate to discover peoplewholove them,aGodwho people. Muslims’ lives are too often boundedby desolationandbroken but walls, bombs, we willdiscover hundredsanddiscouraged ofmillionsdisheartened Christians canbeginto engageMuslimsbeyondtheheadlinesofburkasand Trousdale,Jerry inhis2012 bookMiraculous Movements, declares that“If experience God’s peace onlythrough personalfaithinJesusChrist. peace. There andthesonsofIshmael isonlyone. One.BoththesonsofIsaac these two words donotpointto mightlook,they two different pathways to language, theword most commonly usedfor“peace”Assimilar as issalaam. commonly translated as “peace” isshalom.Similarly, inArabic, anotherSemitic peacesoul-satisfying thantheOnewhocameto bringpeace. TheHebrewword Jesus Christwillneverexperience it.There isnoothersource forgenuine,eternal, The harshreality ofGod’s peace isthatthosewhorefuse to puttheir faithin 2Ibid.p. 15. 1Trousdale, Jerry. Miraculous Movements. Nelson:Nashville, TN, (Thomas 2012). p. 13. Thousands of former Muslims are experiencing the loss of possessions, homes, homes, ThousandsofformerMuslimsare ofpossessions, experiencing theloss 45different “unreached” Muslim-majoritypeoplegroups,years ago whoafew More than6,000 churches new were planted amongMuslimsin18countries!
Hundreds offormersheikhsandimams, now Christfollowers, are boldly
“’There isnopeaceforthewicked,’“’There says theLord.” No Peace (Isaiah48:22) 1 Trousdale’s findingsaffirmIsaiah’s prophetic imb.org
2
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1 imb.org
(Philippians 4:7) (Philippians
Incomprehensible Peace Incomprehensible will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” minds in Christ Jesus.” your hearts and will guard “’And the peace of God, of the peace comprehension, all surpasses which “’And
Cares more than some think is wise more Cares than some think is safe Risks more think is practical than some more Dreams than some think is possible Expects more
VA, 2005). pp. 191-192. 2005). pp. VA, (International Mission Board: Richmond, Richmond, Mission Board: (International Not Taken. Given, Lives 1 Bridges, Erich and Rankin, Jerry.
allow His incomprehensible peace to flood your soul. “The Lord is near”Lord flood your soul. “The to peace His incomprehensible allow gratitude offer your anxiety-producing circumstances to Him. And then circumstances offer your anxiety-producing gratitude
toward the Prince of Peace. With simple words of renewed trust and of renewed simple words With of Peace. the Prince toward Turn your anxious heart Turn Jesus offers peace. Jesus brings peace. Jesus is peace. broken relationship? A failed marriage? A wayward child? The recipe is unchanged. A failed marriage? A wayward child? The recipe relationship? broken heart? A Unpaid bills? A lost job? COVID-19? memories? A family illness? Painful As week two of this Advent season is coming to a close, what is troubling your a close, what is troubling to season is coming of this Advent two As week God” (Philippians 4:6). prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to be made known requests and supplication with thanksgiving let your prayer Paul exhorted the Philippians to “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything exhorted for nothing, Paul “Be anxious by to the Philippians Spirit of God out of the believer’s patient, prayerful, trusting, and grateful heart. and grateful trusting, patient, prayerful, Spirit of God out of the believer’s prehensible peace! A peace the world cannot give. A peace that is birthed A peace give. the cannot the world by A peace peace! prehensible - – an incom the Philippian believers promised was what Paul experiencing Karen
missionary heart… T T T T out is no Joy there obedience… but to comfortI was called not to success or to Jesus and servingside of knowing Him. (Matthew(Philippians 4:5b). He is “God with us” 1:23). objective, to suffer was expected, His glory suffer was expected, reward, His glory to reward.objective, The my my for the nations. I wasn’t called to a place; I was called to Him. To obey was my Him. To I was called to a place; called to for the nations. I wasn’t are no regrets. I tried to share my heartmuch as possible, share as with you my heart I tried to no regrets. are You should only be opening this in the event of death. When God calls there there this in the event of death. When God calls should only be opening You at peace with however God’s will might unfold. It said in part: God’s with however at peace being practical. But her words, on display at her funeral in 2004 revealed a heart revealed in 2004 funeral on display at her But her words, being practical. She really had no premonition of her martyrdom just a year later, she was simply later, of her martyrdom just a year no premonition had She really family. She placed the letter in a sealed envelope marked “Open in case of death.” in case of death.” “Open marked in a sealed envelope the letter She placed family. tional Mission Board’s work in the Middle East, she wrote a letter to her church her to a letter wrote the Middle East, she in work tional MissionBoard’s When Karen Watson was preparing to depart the U.S. to serve- to with the Interna depart to was the U.S. preparing Watson When Karen Week 2 Advent Advent DAY 6
PEACE
Let’s pray thatHis peace willsaturate allthepeoplesof earth. but alsothepotential forpeace amongnations,peoples,tribes,andlanguages. believer, topeace thenationsnotonlyyieldspeace we withGodforevery carry man,thusestablishingpeace” (Ephesians 2:14-15).ofhopeand new Themessage by abolishinginHis fleshtheenmity… sothat Hemightmake thetwo into one “made bothgroups into oneandbroke down thebarrierofdividingwall, That iswhyPaul could write andGentilebelievers thatChristhad to Jewish andsoul…[and]allthingswereheart commonto property them”(Acts4:32). Peter’s callto faithandbeliever’s baptism,creating a group who“were ofone and Arabs…” (Acts2:9-11). TheSpirit’s outpouringledto soulsreceiving 3,000 Libya around Cyrene, andvisitors from Rome,andproselytes, Cretans bothJews Cappadocia, Pontus andPamphylia, Egyptandthedistrictsof andAsia,Phrygia andMedesElamites, andresidents“Parthians ofMesopotamia,Judeaand Pentecost isjustoneexample.Consider thepeoplegroups present thatday: divisive nature ofhumanity!TheoutpouringtheHolySpiritonday beachieved? TheAdventpossibly ofChrist!Hehasthepower to changethe languages andnations.How cansomethingsocounter to humanhistory Yet God’s globalvisionfor Hiscreation ispeace amongalltribes,peoples, Righteousnessvs.sin. Good vs.evil. genocide oftheRohingya minorityinMyanmar, andthelistgoeson.The culprit? exterminatingin Rwanda theTutsi; BosnianSerbskillingMuslims;the entire peoplegroups –Nazi’s across Europe; annihilatingJews themajorityHutu nations. Someofthesetensions haveattempts broughtto exterminate forth of theseoften result bothwithinindividualnationsandamongmultiple inwars contains evenmoreHistory accounts oftribal,national,andracial tensions. Many (Genesis 3:4-5).Anoutrightlie. it your eyeswillbeopened,andyou willbelike God,knowing goodandevil’” the woman, ‘You surely willnotdie!For Godknows thatinthedayyou eatfrom tree ofthegarden?’” (Genesis3:1).Aninsinuatinglie.Then,“Theserpent saidto scene withamouthfuloflies.“Indeed,hasGodsaid,‘You shallnoteatfrom any after God’s creation setinmotion.Theslitheringserpentappeared was onthe continue. beganshortly Theroot? Righteousnessvs.sin.Thestory Good vs.evil. Israel vs.Moab. Israel vs.Ammon.IsraelAndonandtheaccounts vs.Canaan. itself isfilledwithaccounts of racial-tribal conflicts. Jacob vs.Esau.Israel vs.Egypt. The racial tensions thatexistinAmericatoday areto humanity. notnew TheBible into oneandbrokedownthebarrierof thedividingwall.” “’For HeHimselfisourpeace,whomadebothgroups Our Peace (Ephesians 2:14) imb.org
1 JOY DAY Advent Week 3 Week
imb.org (Luke 2:14) goodwill toward men.” toward men.” goodwill
Joyful, All Ye Nations, Rise Nations, Ye All Joyful, “Glory to God peace, on earth … and highest in the
without “go!” Whether it’s going across the ocean … going across the street … the street … going across the ocean going across without “go!” Whether it’s fact that most people on earth have yet to hear of Him. You can’t spell “Gospel” can’t hear of Him. You fact that most people on earth to yet have Joyful, nations, rise! Join the triumph of the skies! all ye recorded conversions of these three people powerfully demonstrate the people powerfully demonstrate of these three conversions recorded the masses. It is the of Jesus by rejection is not the deliberate Christianity faces the globe. and people all over are we people – people right where for reaching we see representatives of their descendants … African, Asian, and European. The … African, Asian, and European. of their descendants see representatives we every person of every and in every race on earth. place problem The great To a heart and not have be the church We can’t so missionsto the church.” is fire, ble for populating the entire earth after the flood. Remarkably, in Acts, 8, 9 and 10, 8, 9 and 10, in Acts, earthRemarkably, flood. ble for populating the entire the after the Gospel? take and I to you far are how today; to forward 2000 years Fast burning is to “As made this statement: of the IMB, president former Parks, Keith Asia. Then, chapter 10 records the conversion of Cornelius, a European. You You a European. of Cornelius, the conversion 10 records Asia. Then, chapter - responsi sons: Ham, Shem, and Japheth. They were Noah had three remember of the Gospel! scope universal us to Jesus has called go. to have we at school or work, the hall or going across be on mission with Him! the Ethiopian eunuch. In chapter 9 we witness the conversion of Saul, a man from witness 9 we the conversion the Ethiopian eunuch. In chapter gospel is to go. In chapter 8 we read about the conversion of a man from Africa, of a man from about the conversion read 8 we In chapter go. gospel is to The book of Acts beautifully illustrates how far the transforming power of the power far the transforming how The book of Acts beautifully illustrates receive it. receive last person of every nationality and language on the planet so they can also race, whole world. Furthermore, it’s up to those of us who have it to take it to every it to take it to those of us who have up to it’s Furthermore, whole world. The point is simple; the gospel isn’t just for those of us in America. It’s for the just for those of us in America. It’s The point is simple; the gospel isn’t and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” before and the throne before and language, standing was a great multitude that no one could count, from every from nation, tribe, people count, multitude that no one could wasgreat a Great Commission in Revelation 7:9 – “After this I looked, and there before me before and there this I looked, 7:9 – “After in Revelation Commission Great Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” We see the fulfillment of the see the We the earth.” the ends of to Judea and Samaria, and Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all and you on you; Holy Spirit comes 28:18-19). He gave us a strategy in Acts 1:8 – “But you will receive power when the when power will receive 1:8 – “But you in Acts us a strategy He gave 28:18-19). been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew disciples of all nations…” and make therefore me. Go to been given announced the birth of the Savior to the shepherds on the hills outside of on the hills outside the birthannounced the shepherds of the Savior to and on earth in heaven authority has us, Jesus said, “All In His commission to The message When the angels for all nations. Christmas is a message of of joy Bethlehem, they said, “Gloryearth God in the highest … and on to peace, men.” goodwill toward Week 3 Advent Advent DAY 2
JOY
wonderful newswonderful withasmany canduringthis Advent asyou season! That’s ofgreat thegood news joy talkingabout.Share theangelwas that T T T T T T The angelshowed upwith“goodnews!” thatfilledthemwithgreatnews joy.wants He to dothatfor you today! the middleoftheirroutine, lives, ordinary Godbrought ofgood themamessage watchingwas apretty theirflocksonenight.That boringjob. Allofasudden,in tidings ofgreat joy whichwillbeto allpeople.” Theshepherds were justoutthere The angelsaidto theshepherds, “Donotbeafraid, forbehold,Ibringyou good to bejoyful about.It’s your choice. of Christmas,you canbefilledwithjoy because,inHim,there issomuch There’s alotto becynical about.However, whenyou lookto theChrist in thisworld thatwillpushyou inthatdirection. You canchooseto becynical. discouraged about.You canchooseto beangry, becausethere are alotofthings Today, you canchoose to bediscouraged because,truthfully, there’s alotto be wants it. ofjoy who Christ, andHeoffersthefullness everyone to shepherds. Godcameto up, thismessed world, inthepersonofJesus imperfect ofChristmas!That’s message very theincredible theangeldelivered news to the circumstances,for perfect becausewe don’t world. liveThat’s inaperfect the better. So, we have to realize ifjoy isgoingto beourexperience we can’t wait enough hard lifeexperiences it’s easyto give thingscould upbelieving everbe ofkickingthejoyThe factis,lifehasaway outofyou. After you’ve beenthrough can experience continually isit? butitonlylastsamoment,right?It’s ourhearts, warm notreally somethingwe Butthat’smeans everyone. justasong, right?That’s justasentimentthatmay One ofourfavorite Christmascarols is,Joy to theWorld! “To theworld” –that think, “Joyful Come always? on.Isthateven possible?” A verseifwe’ve like thatcanbug us,particularly beenhavingadifficult time.We The apostlePaul tells5:16thatwe usin1Thessalonians are to “bejoyful always.” say, “Hardly. I’m notexperiencinggreat joy, oranykindofjoy forthatmatter.” “Good tidingsofgreat joy forallpeople!”Doesthatdescribeyou? Maybe you Good news –Hewillgive youGood news inner peace andasenseofpurposerightnow. –Christwillgive youGood news ahomewithHiminheaven foralleternity. –Godcares you’reGood news about thestruggles goingthrough. –GodoffersforgivenessGood news forallthewrong things you’ve ever done. –becauseofChristmas,your life neverhastoGood news bethesame. –Jesushascome! Good news “Do notbeafraid, forbehold,Ibringyougoodtidingsof great joywhichwillbetoallpeople.(Luke2:11) Joy totheWorld! imb.org
3 JOY DAY Advent Week 3 Week
imb.org (Hebrews 10:34) (Hebrews Joy that Transcends Trials Transcends that Joy
because you knew you had something better and more lasting.” more lasting.” and something better knew you had because you “You even had joy when all that you owned was taken from you, taken owned was that you when all had joy even “You
share the good news of the Gospel with them during this Advent season. of the Gospel with them during this Advent the good news share Make a point to of Christ? Make the joy experience that needs to know Who do you can’t take away. take can’t faith in Jesus Christ will give you a joy the devil can’t shake and circumstances and circumstances shake the devil a joy can’t you faith in Jesus Christ will give a loved one. Nobody wants to experience heartache experience one. Nobody wants to But and disappointment. a loved that ride on the surface. Nobody wants to go into surgery. Nobody wants to lose Nobody wants to surgery. that ride on the surface. go into Nobody wants to Joy is like that. Storms may rip across your life and, certainly, there are emotions are there life and, certainly, your rip across may that. Storms is like Joy only 50 feet you wouldn’t feel the effects of the storm at all. feel the effects of the storm wouldn’t only 50 feet you just a few feet below the surface it’s calm. If you were in a submarine at a depth of in a submarine at a were calm. If you just a few surface the feet below it’s across the water. Yet, even when the wind is roaring and the waves are pounding, pounding, are and the waves even when the wind is roaring Yet, the water. across If you go to the ocean you might be terrified by some of the storms that rip that the storms by some of might be terrified you the ocean go to If you told His followers that faith in His word would lead to the fullness the lead to of joy. would that faith in His word His followers told on His way to the cross. He was just hours away from His own execution, yet He yet execution, His own He was just hours away from the cross. on His way to a multitude? No. These are the words Jesus spoke to His disciples while He was to Jesus spoke the words These are a multitude? No. He was walking on the sea? Was it while He was blessing some children or feeding it while He was blessing some children He was walking on the sea? Was in you, and that your joy may be made full.” When did Jesus say this? Was it while say this? Was When did Jesus may be made full.” joy and that your in you, In John 15:11, Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be so that My joy you to spoken things I have Jesus said, “These In John 15:11, your circumstances; it’s something that comes from Jesus. from that comes something it’s circumstances; your Joseph Scriven had learned an important secret. Joy isn’t something you find in something you isn’t had learned an important Joy Joseph Scriven secret. Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer. in the Lord our every it to Jesus knows weakness; take Can we find a friend so faithful; who will all our sorrows share? find a friend so faithful; who will all our sorrows Can we We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer. in the Lord it to take be discouraged; should never We Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? trouble Is there trials and temptations? we Have All because we do not carryAll because we everything in prayer. God to O what peace we often forfeit; often bear; O what needless we pain we O what peace What a privilege to carryWhat a privilege to everythingin prayer. God to What a friend we have in Jesus. All our sins and griefs to bear. to in Jesus. All our sins and griefs have What a friend we to a poem he had penned: to tragedies, he wrote a letter to his family in Ireland. The letter contained the words the words contained The letter in Ireland. his family to a letter he wrote tragedies, Joseph had to bury her with his own hands. A year later, after suffering more even after buryJoseph had to later, year hands. A his own her with together. In a tragic accident on the day before the wedding, his fiancé was killed. his fiancé wedding, the on the day before accident In a tragic together. fiancé to join him. They were looking forward to being married and serving looking forward were him. Theyto join Christ fiancé never heard of Christ. After he was settled, he sent word back to Ireland for his Ireland to back was he settled, he sent word of Christ. After never heard dians in Canada. He came from Ireland to take the good news the good who had people to take to Ireland He came from dians in Canada. Joseph Scriven lived about 150 years ago and was ago missionary a 150 years about In- lived Joseph Scriven the Iroquois to Week 3 Advent Advent DAY 4
JOY
right handare pleasures forevermore!” (Psalm 16:11). inChrist!“InYouron allthatisyours presence isfullness ofjoy; atYour focus onwhatyou’ve gained!SpendsometimethisAdvent seasonreflecting As afollower ofJesus,neverfocusonwhatyou’ve given up. Joy comes when you much inthispresent age,and intheageto come, eternal life”(Luke 18:28-30). or children orfieldsformeandthegospelwillfail to receive ahundred timesas you thetruth,noonewhohaslefthomeorbrothers orsisters ormotherfather Peter declared, “Lord, to we’vefollow you!” Jesusreplied, lefteverything “Itell itto followworth Jesus. so promising. Thedisciplesneededto know, justlike you andI,thatitreally is wereThey expectingarevolution. However, atthispoint,thingsweren’t looking gettingreadyhopes thatJesuswas tokingdomonearth. set upHismessianic to follow hadhigh Him.They needed someassurance. hadlefteverything They tells usJesusspoke thesetwo parables to they Hisdisciplesinprivate. Heknew These parables wereofJesus’ publicteaching to notpart thecrowds. Matthew had andboughtit.” pearls, who, whenhehadfoundonepearlofgreat price, went andsoldallthathe buys thatfield.Again,thekingdomofheaven islike amerchant seekingbeautiful which amanfoundandhid;forjoy over ithegoesandsellsallthathas 13:44-46, Jesussaid,“Thekingdomofheaven islike treasure hiddeninafield, We love stories like those.Jesusalsotold somestories ofhisown. InMatthew inHouston purchasedHeade. TheMuseumofFineArts itfrom himfor$1.2 million! Johnson anoriginalMartin Itturnsoutthepaintingwas had hangingonhiswall. surprise, oneofthecards featured apaintingthatlooked alotlike theonehe players attemptatanauction.Muchto tohis outbid oneanotherforartwork years later,him. Afew playingaboard hewas game called“Masterpiece” inwhich he gothome,hungthepicture over thathadbeenbothering aholeinthewall A maninIndianaspent$30 forsomeusedfurniture andanoldpainting. When found atreasure $2.8 worth million! statues, alldatingbackto theRoman Empire. Hedidn’t findhishammer, buthe gold coins, 14,191 silver coins, plushundreds ofgoldandsilver spoons,jewelry, and for hishammer, thefarmerhappeneduponsomethingelse:24bronze coins, 565 his fields.Heborrowed hisfriend’s metaldetector to search forit.While looking In November 1992,afarmerlivingnearSuffolk,England,losthammerinoneof “Though nowyoudonotseeHim,yetbelieving,rejoicewith “Though joy inexpressible and full of glory!” (1Peterjoy inexpressibleandfullof 1:8) glory!” Finding Joy imb.org
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imb.org
(Nehemiah 8:10) (Nehemiah The Power of Joy of Power The “Theyour strength!” is the LORD joy of
This Advent season let the joy of the Lord be your strength! of the Lord season let the joy Advent This our Savior. want what we have. People would see our light, taste our salt, and desire to know to our salt, and desire light, taste see our would People have. want what we Christ would be overwhelmed. Our lives would become so attractive they would so attractive become would overwhelmed. be Our lives Christ would make a God-sized impact on their communities and world! Those who don’t know Those who don’t world! and a God-sized impact on their communities make were constantly filled with the Holy Spirit and His joy? Churches like that would that like Churches filled with the Holy Spirit and His joy? constantly were in our homes? Can you imagine the atmosphere in our churches if the members in our churches imagine the atmosphere in our homes? Can you Christ in our daily lives? How would it affect us personally? What would happen it affect us personally? What would How Christ in our daily lives? Can you imagine what would change if we really started of really experiencing the joy change if we imagine what would Can you bought by the blood of Jesus Christ. That’s grace! the blood of Jesus Christ. That’s bought by Because we deserve it? Not a chance! Because we keep a certain list of rules? deserve keep we Because we Because a chance! it? Not been – we’ve of us? One reason and approve Why does God always love No.
Grace means we don’t have to earn God’s love. God always loves us. Why? God always loves love. earn God’s to have don’t means we Grace the same Greek root. That means they’re inseparable. means they’re That root. the same Greek of God’s grace at work in our lives. In fact, the words “joy” and “grace” come from come “joy” and “grace” In fact, the words in our lives. at work grace of God’s important, how can we make sure we have it? Joy is found in a constant awareness is found in a constant it? Joy have we sure important, make can we how Joy is not automatic. It’s something that continually has to be renewed. If joy is so If joy be renewed. has to something that continually It’s is not automatic. Joy Roman empire as being, “filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.” “filled with an inexpressible as being, empire Roman you now. The weight of sin had been lifted. You had hope things could actually had hope things could You of sin had been lifted. The weight now. you the cruelover all described believers scattered Peter you with all joy.” hope fill still woke up to the same issues and circumstances, but you knew but you God was with the same issues and circumstances, up to still woke was, “May the God of for the Christians in Rome prayer Paul’s may be full.” joy everything about your life had changed? It’s not that everything was perfect. You not that everything everything was life had changed? It’s perfect. about your You that your and in you, may remain that My joy you, to spoken “These things I have when you first came to know the Lord? Remember the fresh feeling of knowing the fresh Remember Lord? the to know first came when you His disciples, Jesus told joy.” good tidings of great Christ, the angel said, “I bring you I’ve noticed the joy in my life tends to leak too. Do you remember the joy you had you the joy remember Do you leak too. to my life tends in the joy noticed I’ve the very of the birth At announcement of be a life of joy. The Christian life is to had any problem since. had any problem your heart and that filled joy. with be different They removed the screw, plugged the hole, filled the tire with air, and I haven’t and I haven’t with air, plugged the tire the hole, filled the screw, They removed drove into a tire shop and let them have a look. Sure enough, there was a screw. was a screw. there enough, a look. Sure shop and let them have a tire into drove after investigating, I couldn’t find one. Finally, after a few times of adding air, I a few after of adding air, times Finally, find one. I couldn’t investigating, after and put air in one of my tires. I knew the problem had to be a nail or screw but, be had to I knew the problem in one of my tires. and put air I had a problem a few weeks ago. Every few days I had to stop by the gas station Every by few stop I had to days a few ago. weeks I had a problem Week 3 Advent Advent DAY 6
JOY
has beengiven—a Savior whoisChrist theLord! We must letthenationsknow thatunto usachildhasbeenborn andaSon you inJesus! sees you. Heknows you. Hehasn’t forgotten you. Andwithgreat joy, Hereceives This Advent season rejoice inthereality Godhascome nearto usinChrist.God Him from coming nearto us. and brokenness. TheincarnationisGod’s great declaration thatnothingwillstop In theincarnation,Godunflinchinglyidentifieswithusinour pains,sorrows, sin This isexactlywhatGodhasdoneforusinJesus.Hejoined usonthefloor! I physicallyenter theirworld. the floorwiththem.Their countenance liftsandtheirsmilesbroaden when and intheirvoices whenIgetoutof mychairandmake themove to bedown on even tell themIlove them.However, there isamassivedifference ontheirfaces around me.I’m rightthere withthem. From mychairIcantalkwiththemand day ofwork to andjustwant sitinmychair. Thekidsare running andplayingall As afather(andnow agrandfather), it’s easyformeto come homeafter along More thanthat,through theincarnation,Hebecameoneofus! tostooped actuallymake andcameto planetearth Himselfknown to us. announced Hislove forus from onhigh,yet, Hedidfarmore thanthat.He God, HeisImmanuel,Godwithus!Itwould have beenenoughforGodto have of Christmas.ByjoiningusinJesus,Godhasclosedthegap. Heisnotadistant God sendingHisSonto bebornamongusfuelstheawe-inspiring celebration translated, 1:23). “Godwithus” (Matthew shallcallHisnameImmanuel,”with child,andbearaSon,they whichis quotes Isaiah’sMatthew prophecy whenhewrites, “Behold,thevirgin shallbe ofHisforever family! part experiences tremendous joy from allwhorespond to Himinfaithandbecome the joy ofcompleting HisFather’s will.That’s huge!Yet, there’s more. Jesus other sideofHissuffering, was he to what referring? Certainly, Jesus would know When thewriter ofHebrews talksaboutthejoy Jesuswould encounter onthe Christ experiences inyou? the joy thatisoursinChrist.Buthave you everstopped to thinkaboutthejoy This week, ourthoughtshave focusedonjoy. We’ve actuallybeenreflecting on “For Heenduredacrossandthoughtnothingof itsshame because of thejoyheknewwouldfollowhissuffering…” The Joy of theLord (Hebrews 12:2) imb.org
1 LOVE DAY Advent Week 4 Week
imb.org So Much Love Much So (Exodus 3:7-8) (Exodus them.” come down to deliver so I have
“I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt… who are My people of affliction seen the surely “I have
For them. For So much love. For us. For Me, I also send you” has sent (John 20:21). So much love. the Father He’s not finished with us; He’s just getting started. “…as not finished with us; He’s He’s Joseph… and you. rescue mission, He also sends us. Just like He sent Moses and Isaiah and Mary mission, He also sends us. Just like andrescue God has so much love for us that He not only sent His one and only Son on a for us that He not only sent His one and only Son God has so much love who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:20). who has been conceived life. And then God spoke. “Do not be afraid to take Mary the child wife; for take as your to “Do not be afraid life. And then God spoke. how he would provide for his soon-to-be bride; consumed with the concerns of with the concerns bride; consumed for his soon-to-be provide he would how shall name Him Jesus” (Luke 1:31). Joseph was a young man trying out 1:31). Joseph was a young figure (Luke to shall name Him Jesus” then God spoke. “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you womb in your will conceive “Behold, you then God spoke. teenaged girl who took her faith in God very seriously, but she was young. And but she was young. her faith in God very girl who took seriously, teenaged spoke. “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” (Isaiah 6:8). Maryspoke. was just a Isaiah was overwhelmed with grief that King Uzziah had died. And then God times with that friend. And then God speaks. I have a mission for you; an a mission I have for you; times with that friend. And then God speaks. knew even you Me. before assignment; I planned works some good done that. Taught that class; been on that mission trip; shared the Gospel fifteen that class; mission been on that trip; shared done that. Taught Sometimes we are also guilty of thinking God might be done with us. Been there, are Sometimes we says, “Moses hid his face…” (Exodus 3:6b) (Exodus says, “Moses hid his face…” Oh my! Really? After 40 years, He hunts me down in this wilderness? He hunts me down The Bible 40 years, After Oh my! Really? father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob” (Exodus 3:6a). the God of Isaac, (Exodus of Jacob” of Abraham, the God the God father, to think God was finished with him. But He wasn’t. “Moses, I am the God of your “Moses, I am the God of think God was him. But He finished with wasn’t. to Egypt. The details were a bit embarrassing, and Moses might have been tempted been might have and Moses embarrassing, a bit Egypt. The details were reign as Prime Minister. And it had been 40 years since Moses himself had been in Moses himself since it had been 40 years And Minister. as Prime reign It had been 400 years or so since the Israelites had gone to Egypt during Joseph’s during Joseph’s Egypt had gone to the Israelites or so since It had been 400 years He doesn’t mince words; He speaks directly into our circumstances. our circumstances. into speaks directly He words; mince He doesn’t when you are quite alone in the wilderness of your own thoughts, He speaks. And thoughts, own alone in the wilderness of your quite are when you examine what was going on, God spoke. He does that. When you least expect it, He does that. When you examine what was going on, God spoke. Not so this time. The bush just kept burning. So, when Moses finally decided to finally decided when Moses So, burning. bush just kept Not so this time. The out of nowhere, but it would quickly disintegrate its object into smokey ashes. smokey into its object quickly disintegrate but it would out of nowhere, a bush that wouldn’t burn up. Typically, a desert spring up seemingly might fire Typically, burn up. wouldn’t a bush that Moses was probably still catching his breath from hearing a voice call to him from to call a voice hearing from his breath still catching Moses was probably Week 4 Advent Advent DAY 2
LOVE
and losethecontext inwhichGod’s are blessings given. thetruth the Bible.Butifwealone, focusonthethemeofblessing distort desires tousandthatGod’s bless desire tohispeopleisamajorthemeof bless is to make Hisdisciplesmore Don’t comfortable. getmewrong, Ibelieve God “What canGoddoforme?”Ourlives reflect abeliefthatGod’s globalpriority The majorfocusofAmericanChristianthoughtandpractice mayseemto be sobering words: Jeff wroteLewis intheforeword ofhisbook,God’sfortheNations,these Heart 1Lewis,Jeff. God’s fortheNations.(CalebProject andJeff USA,2002). Heart Lewis: p.3. 4. 3. 2 MoonChristmasOfferingforInternational Missions. 1. join ourprayer effort): is praying andworking tirelessly toward accomplishing thesefive targets (please enough fortheentirety ofhumanity! Thisiswhyover thenextfive years theIMB tribe,tongue,for Himselfpeoplefromandnation. Hislove every islarge neverGod’sIt was intent to have onlyonenationforHimself. Hedesires to have (Isaiah 49:6). You alightofthenations sothatMysalvationmayreach to theendofearth” the tribesofJacob andto restore thepreservedonesofIsrael; I willalsomake audience to that“Itistooraise smallathingthatyouup shouldbeMyServant whenheremindedThe prophet his Isaiahaddressed thisshortsightedness (Psalm 46:10b). nations; Iwillbeexalted inalltheearth” the meansby whichHisdeclaration becamereality: “Iwillbeexalted amongthe judgment ontheirsin.Intheprocess Israel forgot thatGodexpected themto be sin.Theirsinledtointo rebellion, wayward whichdemandedGod’s disciplinary history. gotpreoccupied them;they Godblessed andstepped withtheblessings IsraelThis dangeristhepathway repeatedly wandered down across theirancient 500 new missionaries. 500new 5. . Send an additional 500 fully-funded missionaries to. Sendanadditional500fully-fundedmissionaries thenations by 2025. Mobilize 75%ofSBCchurches the toLottie prayerfully andfinanciallysupport Increase Lottie MoonOffering receipts by 6%annually to sustain Mobilize 500 global partner missionaries to serve onIMBteams. to missionaries serve Mobilize 500global partner Engage75globalcitiesincomprehensive strategies. mission “It istoosmallathingthatyoushouldbeMyServant to raiseupthetribesof Jacob andtorestorethe
preserved onesof Israel…” (Isaiah49:6)
Love Large imb.org
1
3 LOVE DAY Advent Week 4 Week
imb.org Love All Love (Matthew 28:19-20) (Matthew
them…teaching them… and I am with you always…” with you always…” them… and I am them…teaching
“Go baptizing nations, all the of disciples and make therefore
“For the love of Christ controls us…” (2 Corinthians 5:14). This simply means 5:14). This simply (2 Corinthians us…” of Christ controls the love “For . “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives but Christ live, been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who . “I have are pressed to step outside of our comfort zones. The Bible would call this outside of our comfort The Bible would step to zones. pressed are controls us?” It seems obedience to the mission is a greater challenge when we challenge when the mission to is a greater us?” It seems obedience controls of the one million (on average) international students studying every international in year of the one million (on average) of Christto “the love with Christ” and “crucified to What happened gathering. the North American Mission Board has done some research and discovered that and discovered the North has done some research American Mission Board an evangelical church attend to invited never are living in our communities His harvest filled with of the harvest will send us boldly into that the Lord love all of the more than 12,000 identified people groups in the world. And yet,world. And in the identified people groups 12,000 than all of the more love students suggests that about 85% of these international their research Further, today pray Let’s our disciple-making behavior. be controlling us and should owns (Matthew 28:19). The Greek words for “all the nations” are panta ta ethne, and are the nations” for “all words (Matthew The Greek 28:19). called to are means we That means “all the ethnicities in the world.” it literally even never about 75% of them are and universities, American colleges stay in the U.S. an American home during their 4-6 year into invited “grieving” (Ephesians 4:30) or “quenching” the Spirit who (1 Thessalonians 5:19) for ALL. and love compassion
those who are most like us. Jesus said, “make disciples of all the nations” us. Jesus said, “make most like those who are Jesus’ final commission lays forth the challenge to our propensity to love only to love commission final lays forthJesus’ to our propensity the challenge God, are glad to live surrendered to God’s purpose of loving the lost. purpose of loving God’s to surrendered live glad to God, are in me…” (Galatians 2:20). Again, followers of Christ, led and filled by the Spirit of of Christ, led and filled (Galatians 2:20). Again, followers in me…” 2 corner of the globe. corner eager to lay down their lives for the sake of the Gospel penetrating every of the Gospel penetrating darkfor the sake their lives lay down eager to that followers of Christ, when properly relating to Him as Sovereign Lord, are Lord, as Sovereign Him to relating of Christ, when properly that followers 1. Paul clarified the receiving of this love in at least two significant ways: in at least two of this love receiving clarified the Paul His Son. While we “were yet sinners, Christ died for us!” (Romans 5:8). sinners, Christ died for us!” (Romans yet “were His Son. While we become compelled by the same love God has demonstrated to us in the gift of us in the gift to God has demonstrated love the same by compelled become behold new things have come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). As transformed people, we As transformed 5:17). (2 Corinthians behold new come” things have are infused into everypassed faith when “the old things infused into away; through believer are reflections of the very character of God Himself. Hope. Peace. Joy. Love. TheyLove. Joy. Peace. Hope. very of God Himself. of the character reflections Advent remain steadfast, immovable, unchanging. They are timeless, They and they are are unchanging. immovable, steadfast, remain Advent Advent season comes and goes every year, but the truths we celebrate during celebrate truths we but the and goes every season comes Advent year, Week 4 Advent Advent DAY 4
LOVE
surrender His!What for abeautifulexchange! ofourlife Live itout. infinite price ofHisSon. tagattached–thelife To receive it requires the friends, neighborsandfamilyinAmerica,thecost isthesame.God’s love hasan Africa, or39yearsChina, alifetimeloving loving Chineseto ChristinNorth Loving. years loving Muslimsto Whetherthatmeanssixshort ChristinNorthern set thetone forhow Hisfollowers shouldlive. Sent.Intentional. Compassionate. For creation, Jesus,theagentofaperfect stepping into themorass ofearth and thelife”(John14:6). in fullsurrender to thelordship ofJesusChrist.After all,Heis“theway, thetruth, loses hislifeforMysake16:25). willfindit” (Matthew Real lifeisonlydiscovered In fact,Jesustaught:“For whoeverwishesto save hislifewillloseit;but whoever Jesus isexpensive. Itcosts butwe useverything, gainsomuchmore inreturn. deny himself, andtake uphiscross dailyandfollow Me”(Luke 9:23).Following This isourcallingaswell. Jesussaid,“Ifanyone wishesto come after Me,hemust and thengladlygiven asamaninAfrica. away city. Thatisexpensive love. Alove eagerlyreceived thatwas asaboy inAmerica; Stephen’s lifesnuffedout by extremists’ gunsjustoutsidehisoffice inthecapital and theabandonedto share Christ’s love withthe“leastofthese”onlyto see Before We CameHere. For sixyearslabored they amongthepoor, theprisoners, extremists atthehandsofal-Qaeda called,We martyred her husbandwas Died to isnow alifeofsacrifice. captured Theirstory inthebookEmilywrote after were they inalandwhere knew called illegal.They the goodnews Christianitywas in2003 toalong withtheirfourchildren, Africancountry share to aNorthern Stephen andEmilyForeman (pseudonyms)cantestify to moved, this.They is notfree. Itissupremely expensive. his orherlifeinexchange forthegift.There’s gettingaround noway it.Salvation paid forthegiftwithlifeofHisoneandonlySon.Therecipient surrenders expensive giftevergiven andthemostexpensive gifteverreceived. TheGiver We are often quickto saythat“salvation isfree,” butreally itisthemost begotten SonthatwhoeverbelievesinHimshallnotperish, “For solovedtheworld,thatHegaveHisonly God but haveeternallife” (John 3:16) Expensive Love imb.org
5 LOVE DAY Advent Week 4 Week
We are living in an age are We 1 imb.org
(John 1:14a) (John 2
Incarnational Love Incarnational “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us…” us…” among and dwelt flesh, became the Word “And
are in the non-Western world.” in the non-Western are Western nations like the U.S., “nearly 85 percent of the world refugee population refugee of the world “nearly 85 percent the U.S., nations like Western shelter in a foreign country. While thousands of today’s refugees emigrate to emigrate refugees While thousands of today’s country. in a foreign shelter governmental instability, persecution, and other atrocities and are thereby seeking thereby and are persecution, and other atrocities instability, governmental have fled their home countries because of war, disease, hunger, unemployment, disease, hunger, countries because of war, fled their home have the world’s refugees are children under the age of 18. Refugees are people who are Refugees under the age of 18. children are refugees the world’s of unprecedented mass displacement of peoples. It is estimated that over half of that over of peoples. It is estimated mass displacement of unprecedented Refugee Diaspora: Missions amid the Greatest Missions amid the Greatest Diaspora: Refugee Miriam, Editors. Adeney, Sam and 1 George, xxvi. p. 2018). CO, Humanitarian Crisis of our Times. (William Publishing: Littleton, Carey 2 Ibid. demonstrate incarnational love. demonstrate million goal and thereby send even greater numbers of those being called to send even greater million goal and thereby Together we can exceed the $175 we can exceed Together Moon Christmas Offering. the Lottie ever to waiting. Please consider giving your most generous international missions international gift most generous giving your Please consider waiting. who have not yet heard the good news The nations are that Christ has come! heard not yet who have is calling us this Christmas Day to become His gift of incarnational love to those to His gift of incarnational love become is calling us this Christmas Day to Jesus came to tabernacle among us as a refugee; One not from this earth. One not from Christ tabernacle among us as a refugee; Jesus came to outside of their culture. Who will go? How will they Who will go? How be sent? outside of their culture. They desperately need a loving, incarnational witness of God’s love from believers from love incarnational witness of God’s need a loving, They desperately the Gospel simply through their own people and resources. The task is too large. The task is too people and resources. their own the Gospel simply through people in today’s world who are considered unreached, cannot be reached with cannot be reached unreached, considered who are world people in today’s Most missiologists agree that until Christians comprise about 10 percent of about 10 percent that until Christians comprise Most missiologists agree their nation/tribe/people population, they will need outside missionary group’s than 3 billion the more people. In other words, their own reach assistance to to live among us. A refugee. live to likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7). He left His home in heaven and came to earth and came to He left His home in heaven of men” (Philippians 2:7). likeness He “emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, in the and being made He “emptied Himself, most significant, however, is the incarnation of God the Son into human flesh; is the incarnation of God the Son into most significant, however, up! Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt…’” (Matthew and Third, 2:13). to Egypt…’” the Child and His mother and flee up! Take Bethlehem “an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get Joseph in a dream to appeared Bethlehem “an angel of the Lord bring their infant son into this world. Second, sometime after Jesus was born in sometime after Second, this world. bring their infant son into Mary’s womb, there was “no room in the inn” (Luke 2:7) for Joseph and Mary for 2:7) to (Luke in the inn” was “no room there womb, Mary’s Jesus was Himself a refugee in several different inways. First of all, while still different in several Jesus was Himself a refugee over twenty-five million are categorized as refugees.” refugees.” as categorized million are twenty-five over were over sixty-eight million forcibly displaced people in the world and of which and of world people in the displaced sixty-eight million forcibly over were “According to the latest data from the United Nations, in the middle of 2018 there there of 2018 in the middle Nations, the United data from latest the to “According Week 4 Advent Advent DAY 6
LOVE
LET’S GO! PROMISE: Theassurance (Revelation4. of fruitfulness. 7:9-10) PROCLAMATION:3. we Themessage declare. (2Corinthians 5:18-20) 2. POWER: (Acts1:8) outHis assignment. The enablingto carry 1. PURPOSE: Thereason we 28:18-20) live. (Matthew into ofdepravity. thedarkness Allthetools we needHehasprovided: and conquer?the Lightoftheworld Heiscommissioningus,yet again,to carry joyful obedience, ordeepercompassion? Whattemptation doyou needto resist inwell-doing? Whereweary doyou needto demonstrate greater patience, more He expectingyou to invest more deeply?How isHespurringyou onto notgrow just ahead?Where Into isHeaskingyou whatrelationship to humbleyourself? is YearHim. How you doesHewant to intheNew take up Hismantleofministry example Jesusleftbehindwillneverexpire. Itremains withusuntilwe are with The celebration ofChrist’s Advent hascome andgoneforanotheryear, butthe TLove (John19:25-27). family honors TLove remembers mercy (Luke 23:39-43). TLove surrenders to God’s (Matthew 26:36-46). way TLove tirelessly teaches (John14:8-12). TLove fruitofobedientsacrifice (Hebrews envisions thejoyful 12:1-3). TLove demonstrates compassionpeople(Matthew for 9:35-36). TLove invests inrelationships (Mark1:16-18; 2:14;3:13-15). TLove endures andresists allmanneroftemptation (Hebrews 4:15). TLove God’s patientlyawaits plan(Matthew unfolding 3:15). TLove exchanges helplessness(Colossians rulingfor 1:15-18) TLove leaves exaltationto embrace humility(Philippians2:5-8). T , becausethisiswhatlovewatch?v=TQge-HcanSM) does… to listen to KariJobesing“Love CameDown” athttps://www.youtube.com/ of“Love obviousthe less detailsinstory CameDown” (takeminutes afew unfair deathsentence andeventualcrucifixion.Butsomeof we shouldnotmiss ing thevariousGospelaccounts, we cannothelpbutbetransfixed onJesus’ laser-focused withtheseprecious onfinishingwhatHehadstarted men. Read- hours before Hisarrest, trial,flogging, eventual was andcrucifixion,Jesus In thoseintimate UpperRoom momentsJesusshared withHisdisciplesjust Love steps outofeternity into time(John1:1-5). that onelay downhislifeforfriends.” (John 15:13) “Greater lovehasnoonethanthis, “Greater What LoveDoes What imb.org
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