Prepare 2022

Day 8 – December 4

For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. [John 3:16 CSB]

This is perhaps the best known verse in all the Bible. We are accustomed to seeing it on eyepaint and banners at football games, wrestling matches, and dog races. If you grew up in church, you probably memorized this verse first. The version you were taught likely begins, “For God so loved the world.” That is not incorrect as a translation, but the one we are reading today is better. Why?

When we are taught, “For God so loved the world,” what we think it means is “For God loved the world SO MUCH.” In fact, it is better thought of in the way that one might tell a story about me washing a car. “For Mr. Corey so washed the car: First, he filled a bucket with water. Next, he added soap. Finally, he asked his kids to wash the rest of the car. “So washed” (or “so loved”) intends to tell HOW I washed the car, not HOW MUCH I washed the car.

Why does this matter? Well, for starters, if you read very far in Scripture, you will find that God is at enmity with the world. That is “the state or feeling of being actively opposed or hostile to someone or something.” God certainly demonstrates his love to those who will call upon his name, but the reason we need a Savior in the first place is because things are not ok. We are all going to perish without him, because of sin. 

God loves his children. He is good to the world, too good in fact considering the consequences of sin. And he is just. He must pour out his wrath on all who are opposed to his Lordship. 

What’s the good news? “everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” 

Father, thank you for loving us in this way, that you sent your Son to pay the debt we could not satisfy. Thank you that because you are my Lord and Savior, I am no longer your enemy. May your gospel be so prevalent in the world that as many hear as your will allows. Amen.

Written by: Pastor Corey Green

Day 7 – December 3

I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again — my Savior and my God! [Psalm 42:5b-6a NLT]

Life can be so small sometimes. We get so caught up in what’s happening right now in the world right around us, we get distracted. We see so many things on social media or on the news, we get bogged down in the things of this world. Inevitably, those things disappoint us. People let us down. Our expectations are dashed. Yet it doesn’t have to be this way. Our hope isn’t in this world. Our hope is in God. 

In the Psalms, King David reminds us that sometimes we need to adjust our eyes and remind ourselves where our hope is. Through praise and thanksgiving, we can focus on God and His ways. He is our Savior and our God, and in that Truth we can find hope. That’s why consistent times of praise and worship, even if it’s in your car while you drive, are so important. This turns our eyes to Heaven and reminds us where our hope comes from. 

Father, thank You that You are my hope. Please forgive me for the times that I’ve been so distracted by all the small things around me that I forget that my hope is in You. Please help me to remember to keep my eyes on You throughout this Christmas season and beyond.  Amen.

Written By: Pastor Steve Williams

Day 6 – December 2

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.  And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. [Micah 5:2,4 ESV]

Have you ever felt insecure or unworthy? Have you ever felt defeated and beaten down? Have you ever felt like you don’t deserve God’s love? Every single one of us will walk through these kinds of valleys in our lives. We look around and it’s easy to buy into the lie that everyone else has it all together. In today’s passage, the prophet Micah is reminding the small town of Bethlehem about how God sees them and how He will use them. Despite feelings of hopelessness, God has a plan and it’s a big one. Despite feeling unworthy, God has a purpose that will impact the whole world. Today, take heart that God still wants to use you for His purposes, no matter how you feel. God loves you, no matter what circumstances you find yourself in. He sees your future as bright. This Christmas, perhaps the greatest gift God has for you is a promise that He is with you and He sees far more in your future than you do. 

Father, thank You for bringing hope into my life, even when I don’t see it. I confess there have been times that I haven’t felt that hope and haven’t trusted in You to bring it. Thank You for the reminder that although I feel small and not worth it, You see me as significant and full of purpose. I receive that reminder today. Do as You will in my life.  Amen.

Written By: Pastor Steve Williams

Day 5 – December 1

But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:20-21 ESV

Joseph found himself in quite a bind!  He and his betrothed bride were in their customary waiting period before marriage when Mary was discovered to be pregnant.  Joseph knew that he wasn’t the father of this child and the temptation would have been to expose her condition to the community and clear his name.  Being a “just man”, he instead decides to separate from Mary quietly, keeping her from public shame.  In his mind, this was the best, most compassionate solution to Joseph’s problem.

However, it turned out that Joseph’s “problem” was actually God’s plan.  Joseph wasn’t facing this challenge alone.  God understood his situation and the underlying fear and hurt that he was feeling.  God saw Joseph.  In addition to this encouragement, God further reveals that he is entrusting Joseph with a big responsibility:  to be a father to this special child.  To name him and protect him.  Turns out this isn’t a “problem” for Joseph, it’s an honor and a blessing.

What a difference a little perspective can make in how we view the challenges we face in this life.  What if those things which seem like “problems” and out of our control are actually “opportunities” and part of God’s plan?

Father, it is such an encouragement to me to know that you are fully in control.  So often in this life, I find myself facing challenges that I didn’t ask for.  Under my own strength, it’s easy to look for ways to ignore them or to give up.  Oh, that I may trust in You more during periods of uncertainty!  I can trust in Your plans without knowing all of their details.  Amen.

Written by: Pastor Jason Mecum

Day 3 – November 29

Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 ESV

What? A child born to a virgin?  God with us?  You simply cannot make this up.  The plot of God’s providence is so incredible, so beautiful, and so perfect.  And the bonus?    The Israelites had only the rescue from Egypt and the Red Sea crossing as evidence.  We have over 300 prophecies fulfilled, and the entire life and ministry of Jesus as evidence.

His second coming is imminent.  You can count on it.  Make room. 

Father, we are face down in awe of Your providence and plan of redemption. We thank You for sending us Your only begotten Son. He was without sin, and yet went to the cross so that we would be counted as righteous in Your presence. This is love.  As we prepare to celebrate His birth in a Bethlehem stable,  we give You all the honor and the glory.  Even so, come Lord Jesus.  Amen.

Written by: Ken Philip

Day 2 – November 28 

For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10 ESV

Have you ever been to a waterpark and had a chance to ride, or seen someone who has gotten on, one of those water slides with the vanishing floor platform? I have ridden that slide. It is pretty intense as you stand there waiting on the floor of the slide pod to be removed from under your feet at any moment. It is both exciting and terrifying, all at the same time. 

Today’s verse reminds us that the Lord says , “…shall not be removed…” This verse gives us HOPE for today, tomorrow and beyond. That the steadfast love and peace shall be a firm foundation for us to stand upon. The Lord is our foundation of HOPE.

Father, thank you for giving me hope for everyday.  I am in need of a firm foundation to stand on today. I thank you Jesus for giving steadfast love and a covenant of peace shall not be removed.  Amen.

Written by: Pastor Lance Courtney

Day 1 – November 27 

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called  Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6  NKJV

Perhaps the most well known of the Old Testament Messianic prophecies, here is the promise of the first coming of Jesus Christ given 700 years before His actual birth.   We wait now for Christ’s imminent return. For His second coming.  While we wait in certain hope, God the Father invites us to His Son’s birthday party. As we prepare to celebrate Christ’s birthday, let us make room for Him in our hearts.  It is the only sensible answer to God’s invitation.

Father, we thank You for sending Your son to save us from ourselves.  We accept this Christmas gift in humility.  And we make room for You in our hearts.  Come on in.  We pray this in the name of the Wonderful Counselor, Your Son Jesus the Christ.  Amen.

Written by: Ken Philip