Walking the Path with Purpose
The start of a new year can be like standing at the beginning of a long and winding hiking path. What lies before you contains multiple opportunities and choices. For most of us, January brings resolutions, goals, and a desire to get different areas of our lives back on track. However, as the weeks pass, we often veer off on paths not on the trail we intended to follow when we set out on January 1. Some deviations are necessary due to our circumstances, but our straying off course often happens due to laziness or a lack of focus.
Devotions: The Weight of Silence
Day 1: The Silence in Heaven
Reading: Revelation 8:1; Habakkuk 2:20
Reflection: In both Revelation and Habakkuk, silence marks the presence of God and the gravity of His judgment. Take time to be still before the Lord today. Reflect on His holiness and prepare your heart for His work in your life.
Prayer: Lord, teach me to honor You in the stillness. Help me to pause and recognize Your holiness and sovereign power. Amen.
December 29 Sermon: The Weight of Silence
In Revelation 8, heaven falls silent as the seventh seal is opened, followed by the prayers of the saints and the sounding of the first four trumpets. This profound moment reminds us of the weight of God’s judgment, the power of prayer, and the call to repentance. As we enter a new year, let’s reflect, renew, and focus on our faith in Christ.
Contemplate these questions as you listen to this message:
How does the silence in heaven challenge us to pause and reflect on the holiness of God in our own lives?
In what ways do the prayers of the saints inspire us to approach God with confidence and trust?
How does the vision of the trumpets remind us of the seriousness of sin and the urgency of repentance?
Christmas Day 2024 Sermon: The Salvation of Our God
In this Christmas Day sermon, we explore the beauty, joy, and power of the message of Jesus' birth. From Isaiah's prophecy to the manger in Bethlehem, we see how God displayed His faithfulness and salvation in humility. Let this message of hope and redemption inspire your celebration and proclamation of the gospel.
Contemplate these questions as you listen to this message:
How does the humility of Jesus’ birth contrast with His preeminence as described in Colossians 1:16-17?
Why is the message of God’s salvation in Isaiah 52:7-10 described as "beautiful," and how should it impact our proclamation of the gospel?
In what ways does the Christmas story reveal God’s power through weakness, and how can this truth encourage us to share our faith?
December 22 Sermon: The Shepherd Who Brings Peace
In this Advent message from Micah 5:2-5a, we discover the humble King born in Bethlehem, the fulfillment of every longing, and the Shepherd who brings peace. See how Christ’s coming transforms darkness into light and provides eternal hope to all who trust in Him. Rejoice in the Good Shepherd, whose peace surpasses all understanding.
Consider these questions as you reflect on this week’s message:
1. How does the prophecy of Micah 5:2-5a reveal the humility and eternal significance of Christ’s birth?
2. What does it mean for Jesus to fulfill humanity’s deepest longing to be reconciled to God?
3. How does the image of Jesus as the Shepherd-King bring comfort and peace in your daily life?
December 15 Sermon: Heaven’s Gifts for a Broken World
In a world longing for peace, Psalm 85 reminds us of God's steadfast love, faithfulness, and the gifts of heaven that transform broken lives. This Advent, discover how God's past faithfulness builds confidence for today and hope for tomorrow in Christ. Let His righteousness and peace renew your heart and guide your steps.
Consider these questions as you listen to this week's message:
How does recalling God’s past faithfulness give you confidence in uncertain times?
What does it mean for you to experience revival in your heart through repentance and trust in Christ?
How can the gifts of steadfast love, faithfulness, righteousness, and peace transform your daily walk with God?
December 8 Sermon: Repentance That Bears Fruit
What does true repentance look like? In this Advent sermon on Luke 3:1-17, we reflect on John the Baptist’s call to “bear fruit in keeping with repentance.” Discover the difference between outward appearances and genuine transformation as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. Let’s live lives that glorify God through true repentance.
Contemplate these questions as you listen to this week’s message:
What areas of your life might appear outwardly polished but need genuine transformation through repentance?
How does the Holy Spirit work in you to produce fruit that reflects true repentance?
How can reflecting on Christ’s second coming help you live in a posture of repentance and readiness?
December 1 Sermon: Established Hearts
Advent calls us to prepare our hearts for Christ’s return, just as Paul urged the Thessalonians to live lives of thanksgiving, prayer, and holiness. In this sermon, "Established Hearts," we explore how God shapes us through His Word and Spirit to be blameless and loving as we await Christ's appearing. Join us in seeking hearts ready for His coming!
Contemplate these questions as you listen to this week’s message:
How does Paul’s expression of thanksgiving in 1 Thessalonians 3:9 challenge your view of gratitude in your spiritual life?
In what ways can you actively encourage and equip others in their faith journey as Paul sought to do for the Thessalonians?
How does the work of God in establishing blameless hearts through His Word and Spirit transform how you live in anticipation of Christ’s return?
Devotions: Sealed for Salvation
Day 1: God’s Sovereign Care
Reading: Psalm 91:1-6
Reflection: Just as God seals His people in Revelation 7, He promises His protection throughout Scripture. Psalm 91 reminds us that God is our refuge and fortress, sheltering us under His wings. This assurance helps us face life’s uncertainties with confidence in His care.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for being my refuge and protector. Help me to trust in Your sovereignty in every season of life. Amen.
November 24 Sermon: Sealed for Salvation
In Revelation 7:1-17, John sees the sealing of God’s people for salvation, a vision of a global multitude worshiping the Lamb, and the eternal comfort of those redeemed by His blood. This passage reminds us of God’s sovereign care, the global reach of His grace, and the joy of salvation that leads us to eternal worship. Be encouraged by the hope this vision offers!
Devotions: Who Can Stand?
Day 1: The Sovereignty of God
Scripture Reading: Psalm 46:1-3
Reflection: The shaking earth in Revelation 6 reminds us of the psalmist’s declaration: God is our refuge even when the earth gives way. The Lamb controls the seals; nothing is outside His authority. In our own lives, even chaos is under His sovereign hand.
Prayer: Lord, help me trust in Your sovereignty, knowing You hold the world and my life in Your hands. Amen.
November 17 Sermon: Who Can Stand?
In Revelation 6, the seals are opened, revealing powerful images of judgment, the cry of the martyrs, and the inevitable reality of God's wrath. But even as the world shakes, the Lamb offers hope and salvation. Who can stand before the wrath of God? Only those who take refuge in Christ. Trust in Him today!
Devotions: The Anthem of Heaven
Day 1: The Search for One Who is Worthy
Reading: Revelation 5:1-4
Reflection: In Revelation 5, a search unfolds for someone worthy to open God’s scroll. John's sorrow reminds us of humanity's helplessness apart from Christ—no one in heaven or earth can unlock God’s plan. Our worth doesn’t depend on our power or achievements but on the Lamb’s sacrifice and victory.
Prayer: Lord, I am unworthy on my own. Thank You for Jesus, the only one worthy of my hope and trust. Draw me closer to Your strength and mercy. Amen.
November 10 Sermon: The Anthem of Heaven
In this message, we explore Revelation 5, where heaven erupts in worship, proclaiming the Lamb’s worthiness to open God’s redemptive scroll. Jesus, the Lion who conquered as a slain Lamb, unites believers across time and space in one anthem of praise. Join us as we uncover how this eternal song reshapes our hope and devotion.
Devotions: Before the Throne
Day 1: The Sovereign Throne of God
Reading: Psalm 93
Reflection: This psalm reminds us that God reigns with majesty and power, even when the world seems chaotic. Like the waves that seem relentless, life’s struggles can overwhelm us. But the psalmist’s focus on God’s unshakeable throne reminds us that God’s power is above all. John’s vision in Revelation 4 draws us to the same truth—that God is unmovable and in control.
Prayer: Lord, help me find peace in Your eternal rule, knowing that You reign above all. Set my heart on Your majesty and sovereignty. Amen.
November 3 Sermon: Before the Throne
In Revelation 4, John’s vision shifts from earthly struggles to the throne of heaven, unveiling God’s glory and ultimate control. For believers facing persecution, this reminder of a sovereign, eternal King offered profound hope. Today, we’re called to endure life’s challenges by focusing on the One who reigns over all creation. Discover this unshakable foundation and steadfast hope.
Devotions: Not By Bread Alone
Day 1: The Bread that Sustains
Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 8:1-3
Reflection: Just as God provided manna to sustain the Israelites, He provides His Word to sustain us today. It’s not just about physical bread but about the spiritual nourishment that comes from every word from God’s mouth. Consider how you’ve been feeding your soul lately. Are you relying on God’s Word as your daily bread?
Prayer: Lord, help me to see Your Word as my source of life. Give me a hunger for Your truth each day.
September 29 Sermon: Not By Bread Alone
Imagine someone conducting a 30-day experiment that for an entire month, they decide to give up on all solid food and survive on nothing but water. At first, they might feel okay. Maybe they would be confident that they can handle this. They just need to get used to it. But as the days pass this person's body would start to weaken. Their energy levels would plummet because they're not only losing their fat stores but their muscles are wasting away. And by the end of the month they would barely be functioning.
Devotions: A Lamp Unto My Feet
Day 1: God's Word Is Accessible
Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 30:11-14
Reflection: God's Word is not hidden or out of reach—it is near, knowable, and written for us to understand. Just as Moses reminded Israel that God’s commands were not too difficult to grasp, we are also invited to engage with Scripture, trusting that God wants us to know Him and His will.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for making Your Word accessible to us. Help me to engage with it daily and to understand the truths You have for my life. Amen.
September 22 Sermon: A Lamp Unto My Feet
In this sermon, we explore the clarity of God's Word and how it serves as a light in a noisy, confusing world. Scripture is not distant or vague; it is accessible, illuminating, and guided by the Holy Spirit. We’re reminded that God’s Word provides direction for our lives and calls us to engage with it daily. Join us on this journey of discovery and clarity.