ADVENT 2021 - O Come All Ye Faithful!

FBCA is a church full of “Doers!” For 150 years, we have been busy doing good things for people locally and around the world. During our anniversary weekend back in October, we celebrated our rich history of wonderful ministries initiated and supported by our congregation.

Coming out of this challenging and often traumatic season… with the pandemic, construction, storm damage, displacement, and unsettledness… we want to take time to intentionally focus on restoration and renewal. For those who are “weary in well-doing,” we want to encourage a time of recovery and reflection. 

The Winter Break Challenge involves taking the 2 weeks after Christmas to let the pendulum swing the other way. We are asking our church to engage in a season of spiritual refreshment and reorientation before we launch another busy and demanding Spring semester. 

The challenge is to commit to 14 days of deliberate focus and reflection. During the "winter break" from December 26th to January 8th, we are encouraging each other to cultivate the discipline of "keeping the Sabbath" by scheduling a personal devotional time each day. 

God has built "Sabbath" into the rhythms of life… even in the tempo of night and day. He commands us to honor and keep the Sabbath as he modeled it in creation. Yet, this 4th commandment may be the one most violated by his people (including ministers), often in "the name of the Lord." We're too busy to slow down! 

Deuteronomy 5:12-15… 

Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the Lord your God has commanded you. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns, so that your male and female servants may rest, as you do. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore, the Lord your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day. 

Keeping the Sabbath isn't just about rules or rest. God didn't establish the Sabbath because he was tired. He established it in the order of creation because we need to be reminded of who he is and who we are. We need to reflect on our place in God's kingdom and our dependence on him. We need to submit ourselves to his authority and align ourselves with his purposes… not just every week, but every day! 

Notice the command in the above passage: observe the Sabbath. And notice the rationale: God delivered you with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. The adverb "therefore" ties it all together. God has protected you and provided for you. Consequently (for that reason), you are to observe the Sabbath. 

"Menuha" is the Hebrew word for rest, but it is better translated as joyous repose, tranquility, or delight. God didn’t "rest" on the 7th day in the sense of taking a nap or vegging out. Rather, God celebrated and delighted in his creation. He took time to appreciate the order and rightness of what he had done. 

We want to weave the spirit of "Sabbath" into these 2 weeks. The crucial component of this Winter Break Challenge is setting aside time each day to get alone with God. It should be no less than 15-minutes, but could easily be as long as an hour. And the specific time and length may vary from one day to the next. The important thing is to do it! And the key to success is having a plan. 

We hope this resource will serve as "a plan" to guide your time alone with God each day. It includes the basic components of prayer, Scripture, and reflection. Certainly, you are free to add anything else that stirs your mind's attention and heart's affection toward God. This may be a wonderful opportunity to explore and experiment with various locations and additional resources. Here are the components we want to provide. 

Lord's Prayer 

Get in the habit of beginning each morning by praying "the Lord's Prayer" to orient your thoughts and establish the framework for your day. You can refer to either Matthew 6:9-13 or Luke 11:2-4 in various translations. We encourage you to choose the version that speaks best to you and memorize it. After 14 days, you should have it "hidden in your heart." Here's a personal paraphrase: 

Gracious Heavenly Father, you are holy, exalted, and worthy to be praised. May your kingdom come and your will be done in my life, my family, our church, and our community, just as it is in heaven. Help me to trust you today to meet all of my needs. Help me to forgive others, just as you have forgiven me. Help me to resist temptation and overcome the evil one. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen! 

Common Prayer

In addition to The Lord's Prayer, there are "common prayers" that the Church has used for hundreds of years to express our hearts to God and testify to our beliefs and convictions. In fact, "A Book of Prayer for Baptists" was published just this year. Here is an excerpt from the introduction: 

Baptists have unique theological commitments. Baptists have a distinctively Protestant understanding of the authority of Scripture and of the canon of Scripture. From a liturgical perspective, Baptists have their own "heart language" when it comes to the ordering of worship and ministry and the expression of prayer. The basic function of this Baptist prayer book is to help believers walk daily with Jesus outside of the Sunday morning gathering. 

That is the essence of this Winter Break Challenge! 

Bible Reading 

Reading and reflecting on Scripture is the single greatest catalyst for spiritual growth in a person's life. For many years, our church has provided a daily Bible reading plan that connects to the Pastor's sermon series. We encourage you to develop the habit of reading and reflecting on God's Word each day along with countless others who are part of our family of faith. 

If you don't already have one, we encourage you to get a paper copy of the Bible that you become very familiar with. Digital Scripture is quick, easy, and free. wwwBiblegateway.com has about 50 translations and paraphrases to choose from. You can even listen to someone read the Word of God to you. There are study guides and resources you can access. There are also lots of distractions. A paper copy of the Bible is more tangible with less distraction. 

You can underline, highlight, and interact with it. Picking up your Bible instead of your phone represents a definite intentionality. It also helps you sense the completeness and structure of the 66 books. For this Winter Break Challenge, we hope you will choose to use your paper Bible and this booklet for your time alone with God. 

Meditation 

Along with praying and reading Scripture, it's important to mediate and reflect. What is God impressing on you today? The idea behind the word “meditate” is to “chew the cud.” Only after a cow eats the grass three times is her body able to digest it. If she ate it only once, the grass would simply pass right through. But after three times, her body is nourished. The food actually becomes part of her. 

That’s what God wants to happen to us. When we meditate on God's Word, it becomes part of us. It’s exciting when God shows you something new in Scripture. But if you only think about it that one time, it won’t do much for you. You need to go back and reflect on that truth again and again in order for it to really nourish your soul. And that is how we are transformed by the renewing of our minds! 

Objective 

The goal of this Winter Break Challenge is to make your relationship with God a priority and to cultivate a more intimate connection with him. This daily discipline is designed to help us fulfill our mission of "becoming fruitful believers, influencing our world for Christ." It's also a tangible expression of the FBCA Way.  The FBCA Way: 

Feed yourself spiritually 

Bless others generously 

Connect with others intentionally 

Advance the Kingdom faithfully 

We pray that God will inspire you, guide you, comfort you, convict you, grow you, and transform you during these 2 weeks. And we “pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And (we) pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:16-19 

Sunday, December 26th 

Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  Matthew 6:9-13 (RSV)

Common Prayer

Heavenly Father, you have promised to hear what we ask in the Name of your Son: accept and fulfill our petitions, we pray, not as we ask in our ignorance, nor as we deserve in our sinfulness, but as you know and love us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Bible Reading

Hebrews 12:1-3

Meditation

Our church has adopted the theological commitment of "glorifying God by following The Jesus Way." The key to embracing that reality is found in these verses. Let us throw off the sin that so easily entangles. Let us run the race with perseverance. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus. Let us consider him. 

Are you glorifying God by following The Jesus Way? Are you throwing off old encumbrances? Are you seeking the Lord with determination? Are you focusing on Jesus throughout your day? If not, now is the time to start! 

Commit yourself to actively following Jesus these next 2 weeks. Demonstrate your commitment by setting aside time each day to be alone with him. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your heart and mind to his Word, his will, and his way. 

Monday, December 27th 

Lord's Prayer

Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. Matthew 6:9-13 (NLT)

Common Prayer

Almighty and eternal God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth: mercifully accept the prayers of your people, and strengthen us to do your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Bible Reading

Colossians 1:18-23

Meditation

Over these past few weeks, we have celebrated the Advent season… looking forward with anticipation to the Incarnation… the birth of the Messiah… the Word become flesh on our behalf. It has been said that God the Father gave us Christmas because we needed Easter. That truth is evident in these verses.

Jesus is fully God, but he became fully human for the express purpose of "reversing the curse" found in Genesis 3. The Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. Jesus was born to die in order to "reconcile to himself all things… by making peace through his blood shed on the cross." 

How is Jesus reversing the curse in your life? How is his "supremacy" being demonstrated in your thoughts, actions, and relationships? Are you experiencing the joy of being reconciled to God? What might that look like for you today? 

Tuesday, December 28th 

Lord's Prayer

Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.  Matthew 6:9-13 (KJV)

Common Prayer

Almighty God, to whom our needs are known before we ask: Help us to ask only what accords with your will; and those good things which we dare not, or in our blindness cannot ask, grant us for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Bible Reading

Philippians 2:1-11

Meditation

The first part of today's reading offers a "therefore" reality. Since those who follow Jesus experience encouragement, comfort, fellowship, tenderness, and compassion, we ought to love one another and work together for the common good. We need to resist selfish ambition and vain conceit, and instead pursue true humility (not thinking less of yourself, but thinking about yourself less). 

The second part of today's reading may well be a hymn of the early church… the Carmen Christi (Song of Christ). It describes the humility and sacrifice of our Lord. It includes Jesus' incarnation, crucifixion, and ultimate glorification. It confirms Christ's full deity and full humanity. And it solemnly predicts that one day, everyone will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 

Are you experiencing the encouragement, comfort, fellowship, tenderness, and compassion of following Jesus? Are you resisting pride and selfishness, and pursuing Christ-like humility? Are you looking forward to Jesus' triumphant return? Ask the Holy Spirit to impress on you what you need to do today. 

Wednesday, December 29th 

Lord's Prayer

Our Father in heaven, reveal who you are. Set the world right; do what’s best - as above, so below. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil. You’re in charge! You can do anything you want! You’re ablaze in beauty! Yes. Yes. Yes.Matthew 6:9-13 (MSG)

Common Prayer

O Lord our God, accept the fervent prayers of your people; in the multitude of your mercies, look with compassion upon us and all who turn to you for help; for you are gracious, O lover of souls, and to you we give glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

Bible Reading

Ephesians 1:3-14

Meditation

Today's reading is a "doxology"… a hymn of praise to God. Interestingly, in the original Greek, it is all one, long sentence. These verses are rich in mystery and meaning. They express deep theological truths that are in some ways beyond our comprehension. Yet, we understand enough here to sense God's transcendent will and purpose. 

Some theologians have struggled with Paul's use of terms like chosen, predestined, and elect. There are those who have concluded that if God has predetermined who will be saved, then there is no personal choosing. But that seems to contradict the well-known "whosoever" promise of John 3:16-17. Others have understood that God's predestination and "categorical election" is geared toward the Church. 

Regardless of your position, it is impossible to deny the beauty and significance of these verses. The Lord God Almighty is eternally present, staggeringly gracious, embarrassingly kind, and abundantly generous. By his glorious grace, he has lovingly adopted those who trust in Jesus into his forever family. We have been forgiven, redeemed, and restored! 

Are you one of God's "chosen people"? Is your identity grounded in your relationship with him? Have you pledged your loyalty and allegiance to King Jesus? If so, then the Holy Spirit marks you as God's treasured possession. May you live in that truth today! 

Thursday, December 30th 

Lord's Prayer

Our Father in heaven, your name be honored as holy. Your kingdom come.
Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.] Matthew 6:9-13 (HCSB)

Common Prayer

Hasten, O Father, the coming of your kingdom; and grant that we your servants, who now live by faith, may with joy behold your Son at his coming in glorious majesty; even Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

Bible Reading

Ephesians 1:15-23

Meditation

In today's reading, Paul continues to describe the unequalled majesty of Jesus. He is truly the King of kings and Lord of lords! At the time this was written, the Roman Empire was the greatest earthly power. Caesar controlled all the lands around the Mediterranean Sea. But Paul was unimpressed. He knew that King Jesus is "far above all rule and authority, power and dominion." 

Are you easily impressed by wealth, power, or fame? Who are the "influencers" in your life? Do you seek to please those who seem popular or important? Ask God to give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. Pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you. 

Friday, December 31st 

Lord's Prayer

Our Father who is in heaven, uphold the holiness of your name. Bring in your kingdom so that your will is done on earth as it’s done in heaven. Give us the bread we need for today. Forgive us for the ways we have wronged you, just as we also forgive those who have wronged us. And don’t lead us into temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. Matthew 6:9-13 (CEB)

Common Prayer

This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, help me to do it gallantly. Make these words more than words and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.

Bible Reading

Revelation 5:6-14

Meditation

During a time of persecution, the Apostle John was exiled to the island of Patmos. There, God gave him a glorious glimpse of The Big Story. In today's reading, he describes a celestial scene in which the Lord Jesus appears as the Passover Lamb who was slain on our behalf. All heaven erupts in praise and worship! 

On this final day of 2021, what are your takeaways from the past year? What moments, memories, or impressions stand out? Did you experience significant loss? Did you enjoy unexpected gain? Did you learn some valuable lesson? Did you take some decisive action?

Knowing how The Big Story "ends" (although it never really does) helps to contextualize our lives here on earth in a profound way. It's part of what we mean when we pray "your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." What needs to happen for you to live more fully as one of God's chosen people -- a citizen of his kingdom -- in the coming year? 

Saturday, January 1st 

Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in the heavens, let thy name be sanctified, let thy kingdom come, let thy will be done as in heaven so upon the earth; give us today our needed bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors, and lead us not into temptation, but save us from evil. Matthew 6:9-13 (Darby)

Common Prayer

Most merciful God, I confess that I have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what I have done, and by what I have left undone. I have not loved you with my whole heart; I have not loved my neighbors as myself. I am truly sorry and I humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on me and forgive me; that I may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Bible Reading

Psalm 1

Meditation

What better way to start the new year than with Psalm 1? It's foundational to who we are at FBCA as Psalm 1 people who comprise a Psalm 1 church. Hopefully, this imagery is becoming very familiar to you. There is so much truth contained here. What stands out to you?

This Psalm is reflected in our mission statement: becoming fruitful believers, influencing our world for Christ. Spiritually mature followers of Jesus bless others. They choose to live differently than the popular culture around them. They are established and stable. They are healthy and productive. They delight in God's Word and live by his Spirit.

Commit this new year to the Lord. Choose each day to follow The Jesus Way. Ask God to help you be a Psalm 1 person with deep roots, strong trunk, and fruitful branches. Pledge yourself anew to living your life fully devoted to him. 

Sunday, January 2nd 

Lord's Prayer

Our Father in heaven, your name be honored as holy. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Matthew 6:9-13 (CSB)

Common Prayer

O heavenly Father, who has filled the world with beauty: Open our eyes to behold your gracious hand in all your works; that, rejoicing in your whole creation, we may learn to serve you with gladness; for the sake of him through who all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Bible Reading

Psalm 23

Meditation

NOTE: This morning at FBCA, we are hosting a "Family Fellowship" time during the 9:45 Bible study hour. With school still out and people still traveling, we want to use this time to relax and reconnect as a church family. Breakfast food will be available in the common areas. We encourage everyone to reengage and enjoy this unhurried time together. 

The opening line of today's reading is the most well-known sentence in the Bible. These words have provided great hope and comfort for countless souls over the years. In times of distress, this truth has calmed and reassured God's chosen people: the LORD is my Shepherd!

King David knew both the responsibility of being a shepherd and the joy of having a shepherd. In these verses, he describes the experience of being led by the LORD. He directs and guides. He refreshes and sustains. He provides security and protection. He relates personally and intimately.

What does it mean to you to have Jesus as your Shepherd?

Monday, January 3rd 

Lord's Prayer

Our Father in heaven, we pray that your name will always be kept holy. We pray that your kingdom will come— that what you want will be done here on earth, the same as in heaven. Give us the food we need for today. Forgive our sins, just as we have forgiven those who did wrong to us. Don’t let us be tempted, but save us from the Evil One. Matthew 6:9-13 (ERV)

Common Prayer

O God, whose Son, Jesus, is the good shepherd of your people, grant that when we hear his voice, we may know him who calls us each by name and may follow wherever he leads. This we pray through your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ, who, with You and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, world without end. Amen.

Bible Reading

Psalm 8 

Meditation

Shepherd David spent a lot of time out in the fields with the sheep. He sat for hours under the night sky staring at the stars and considering his place in the universe. The overwhelming magnitude of it all is expressed in today's reading.

This Psalm speaks to the order of creation. It reflects the essence of Genesis 1. God reigns supreme over all he has made. His glory is declared throughout the universe. He graciously receives praise even from little children. He has given humans the responsibility of stewardship over the earth. We are to serve Almighty God and faithfully accomplish his will. 

Have you discovered your place in the order of creation? As you begin this new year, are you in awe of God's majesty and glory? Do you understand his will for your life? Ask the Good Shepherd to guide you this day.

Tuesday, January 4th 

Lord's Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so on earth. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Matthew 6:9-13 (ASV)

Common Prayer

Almighty and everlasting God, to truly know you is everlasting life; grant us grace to truly know your Son, Jesus Christ, as the way, the truth, and the life. Give us grace to follow in his steps, without wavering on the path that leads to eternal life. This we pray through your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. 

Bible Reading

Psalm 19

Meditation

Today's reading begins by affirming the testimony of creation. The beauty and order of nature are part of God's self-revelation. Surely at some point you have experienced the splendor of the mountains, the tranquility of the beach, or the serenity of a wooded stream, and almost impulsively given praise to Creator God. 

Verse 7 shifts our focus to the "law of the LORD." This refers to more than just the 10 Commandments. It includes all of Scripture and all of God's instruction and guidance for his people. Choosing to live according to God's will revives the soul, makes wise the simple, gives joy to the heart, and gives light to the eyes.

Remember that this principle is foundational to being a Psalm 1 person. Psalm 1:2 reminds us that we should "delight in the law of the Lord and meditate on it day and night." That's really what you're doing during these daily devotional times. Remember, the "law" can't save us. It can only show us our sin so we can confess, repent, and yield more fully to the Holy Spirit.

Read verses 13 and 14 again. Make them your prayer today.  

Wednesday, January 5th 

Lord's Prayer

Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13 (WEB)

Common Prayer

O God, by the glorious resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ, you destroyed death and brought life and immortality to your people. Grant that we, who have been raised with him, might continually abide in his presence and unceasingly rejoice in the hope of eternal glory, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord to who, with you and the Holy Spirit, be dominion and praise forever and ever. Amen. 

Bible Reading

Psalm 24

Meditation

Is all of this starting to sound familiar? Today's reading once again affirms the majesty and authority of Almighty God. He created everything. He controls everything. And he invites his people to participate with him.

Those who delight in the law of the LORD… those who seek to live according to his will… those whose hearts are right with God… are welcomed into his presence. Through the blood of Jesus and the power of Spirit, we can experience the blessing of entering "the Holy of Holies" before the LORD Almighty, the King of glory. 

Are you experiencing the blessing of intimacy with your Creator? Are you regularly entering "the Holy of Holies" in the presence of the LORD Almighty? The invitation is open and the choice is yours. 

Thursday, January 6th 

Lord's Prayer

Our Beloved Father, dwelling in the heavenly realms, may the glory of your name be the center on which our lives turn. Manifest your kingdom realm, and cause your every purpose to be fulfilled on earth, just as it is in heaven. We acknowledge you as our Provider of all we need each day. Forgive us the wrongs we have done as we ourselves release forgiveness to those who have wronged us. Rescue us every time we face tribulation and set us free from evil. For you are the King who rules with power and glory forever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13 (TPT)

Common Prayer

Almighty and everlasting God, who, in the mystery of Christ's suffering, established the new covenant of reconciliation, grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ's body might show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen. 

Bible Reading

Psalm 25

Meditation

Today's reading offers a fuller explanation of what it means to "delight in the law of the LORD." This psalm is more like a prayer. Show me your ways, O LORD. Teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth. Instruct me in what is right. Forgive me. Watch over me. My hope is in you.

The promise here is that God confides in those who take him seriously. He reveals his truth to those who delight in him. He restores and heals those who trust in him. Note how integrity and uprightness both honor God and protect the individual. And no one who hopes in the LORD will ever be put to shame.

What is your prayer to God today? What part of Psalm 25 stands out to you? Ask the Holy Spirit to be your Counselor and Guide as you follow The Jesus Way.  

Friday, January 7th 

Lord's Prayer

Our father in heaven, may your name be honored, may your kingdom come, may your will be done, as in heaven, so on earth. Give us today the bread we need now; and forgive us the things we owe, as we too have forgiven what was owed to us. Don’t bring us into the great trial, but rescue us from evil. Matthew 6:9-13 (NTE)

Common Prayer

Almighty God, your blessed Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, ascended far above all heavens that he might be glorified above every earthly power. Have mercy on us and grant us the faith to perceive that he still abides with his Church on earth, even as he has promised, unto the end of the ages, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. 

Bible Reading

Psalm 27

Meditation

Today's reading reinforces some familiar themes. Can you identify them? 

God is sovereign and supreme. He is the source of all light and truth. He alone is our stronghold and refuge. Our confidence is in him. 

The main point is to orient your life around Almighty God. Make him your priority. Wait for him. Seek his face. The Psalmist says, "One thing I ask: to dwell in the house of the LORD forever… to gaze upon his beauty… to seek him in his temple."  

How are you orienting your life around God? How are you expressing your devotion to him? Certainly, this daily devotional time is a wonderful step in that direction! What other steps are you taking? 

Saturday, January 8th 

Lord's Prayer

Our Father in heaven, we honor your holy name. We ask that your kingdom will come now. May your will be done here on earth, just as it is in heaven. Give us our food again today, as usual, and forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us. Don’t bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the Evil One. Matthew 6:9-13 (TLB)

Common Prayer

O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning, drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace, that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Bible Reading

Psalm 29

Meditation

Today's reading once again testifies to God's absolute majesty and power using the imagery of creation. The Psalmist had no doubt seen firsthand the incredible energy of these forces of nature. The LORD's voice is like a thunderstorm, an earthquake, a tornado, or a flood. It's an unstoppable force that affirms his greatness and prompts our praise. 

All creation displays the LORD's power and authority. In his temple all cry, "Glory!" And yet, our God is gracious and compassionate. He is slow to anger and abounding in love. He gives strength to his people and blesses them with peace. He promises to save all who trust in him.

What thoughts or emotions do these verses stir in you? What is the Spirit of God saying to you? What is your response to him? 

So, how did it go?

What did you learn over these past 2 weeks? About God? About yourself? 

What was the most difficult part of this Winter Break Challenge?

What was the most surprising part of this Winter Break Challenge?

What is one takeaway from this Winter Break Challenge that you can apply in this new year?