In the quiet of Advent, we're called to a sacred task - the preparation of our hearts. This preparation is not about external trappings or perfect performances. It's an internal readying, a clearing of space in the deepest recesses of our being for the arrival of Christ.

Striving is woven into the fabric of human experience. From our first breaths, we push, reach, and grasp. This innate drive propels us forward, fuels progress, and can lead to remarkable achievements. Yet, unchecked, it can also leave us exhausted, anxious, and caught in an endless cycle of "never enough."

In a world that often measures worth by productivity, the idea of experiencing contentment in mere presence can seem counterintuitive. We're conditioned to believe that our value lies in what we accomplish, in the tangible results of our efforts. Even in our spiritual lives, we can fall into the trap of "doing" - praying more, serving more, striving for an elusive ideal of spiritual perfection. But what if true contentment doesn’t reside in what we do but in simply being with God?

Our hearts and minds are often like a crowded marketplace - full of noise, activity, and competing demands for our attention. We carry worries about the future, regrets from the past, and a constant stream of thoughts about our daily responsibilities. Amid this internal clamor, the idea of a quiet heart and mind can seem like an impossible dream.

Stillness often feels like a luxury we can't afford; a concept at odds with the values of our bustling world that values motion, progress, and constant activity. Yet, as we enter the Advent season, we're invited into a sacred pause, a holy waiting. This waiting isn't passive; it's an active stillness, a deliberate choice to slow down and attune our hearts to God's presence.

It's easy to underestimate the power of our actions. We often forget that every choice we make, every word we speak, and every act of love or kindness has the potential to set off ripples of impact that extend far beyond our immediate surroundings. Today, let us be inspired to embrace the truth that our actions, or lack thereof, ripple through our community and beyond.

The focus for today's devotion is straightforward: to pause and give thanks. Below you'll find Scriptures along with a few reflective exercises designed to help you express gratitude for the growth that has occurred in your life…

In today's verse, Jesus starkly contrasts two opposing forces: the thief and Himself. The thief symbolizes everything that seeks to rob us of the life God intends for us. It's a representation of the enemy's tactics to steal our joy, kill our dreams, and destroy our relationships. On the other hand, Jesus reveals His mission—to offer us a full life beyond mere existence. Jesus wants us to understand God's heart and desire for us—a promise of abundant life that resonates with hope, purpose, and a future beyond our wildest dreams.

The smartphone, electronic device, or laptop many of you are utilizing to read this post came from humble beginnings. Believe it or not, there was a day when technology wasn't at our fingertips or small enough to fit inside our pockets….

Life is a journey full of unexpected twists, isn't it? We face moments of joy that make us want to dance and times of challenge that leave us wondering where God is in all of it. But here's the key: Gratitude isn't just about what's happening around us; it's about what's happening within us.

In today’s passage, we glimpse a profound moment of divine empathy. Jesus looks at the crowded landscape and sees more than faces—he sees hearts. The description "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd" isn't just a metaphor; it's a raw, honest portrayal of the human condition.

Whether we realize it or not, we all have a core set of values and beliefs that act as our internal compass. Some people's operating systems are deeply rooted in family traditions, others in personal experiences, cultural influences, or spiritual convictions. Think of it like the software that runs in the background of a smartphone, quietly directing every action and response.

Have you ever felt weighed down by the past? Trapped by mistakes, regrets, or the heavy chains of guilt? There's a profound truth that can transform how we see ourselves and our journey: Christ offers us the freedom to live as one who has been forgiven and set free.

Imagine a world where every relationship is perfectly balanced, harmony reigns, and brokenness doesn't exist. This is the essence of shalom—a Hebrew word that goes far beyond our superficial understanding of peace. It's a state of complete wholeness, where everything is as it should be. But we know that's not our reality. Our world is fractured, relationships are complicated and hurt runs deep. This is where justice becomes more than just a legal concept—it's a pathway to restoration.

When we look at the life of Jesus, we see someone who was deeply attuned to the pain and brokenness of those he encountered. Rather than wielding power to get His way, He offered compassion, healing, and restoration. He ate with outcasts, blessed children, and showed overwhelming love to those society had rejected. In short, Jesus embodied "shalom" - the biblical concept of right relatedness, harmony, and wholeness.

I may not be great at poker or spades, but I am excellent at playing the victim card. Though I know that the Spirit that overcame sin and death dwells within me, I often pretend that I am powerless against temptation. When my addictions and selfish desires lure me in, I tell God that I am “not strong enough” to resist them. Though sin has no authority on this side of the cross, I live as though my temptation is stronger than my Heavenly Father. I surrender to the enemy, rather than to my loving Savior. I choose death, rather than life. When I do, I hurt myself and those I aim to love and serve. When I do, I continue on a path of destruction that will never bring me the contentment and peace my heart longs for. 

It's easy to get fired up about causes and issues that inspire our passions. We see injustice in the world and our hearts burn with a desire to do something, to make a difference. This zeal is noble and important - it's what drives us to create change. But passion alone is not enough. To truly make an impact, we must learn to turn our passion into compassion.

Sometimes life brings interruptions that are far more serious than being interrupted in the middle of a conversation or someone knocking on the door during our favorite television show…

If we are not careful, our prayer requests can morph into strict demands. We stand our ground and pester God for insight. We insist He changes our circumstances according to our time frame and in the way we see fit…

If you were to assemble a group of people who could change the world and provide your message with credibility, whom would you choose? If you had to entrust a handful of individuals with starting a movement and carrying it on long after you were gone, where would you look to fill your roster?