Stand firm with Jesus. Four days left in Advent. Five until Christmas. The daylight hours continue to decrease while the hours of darkness increase — until tomorrow. This year December 21st is the first day of winter, the day marked by the fewest hours of light and the longest night of darkness. Spiritual darkness presses […]
The destruction of sin and death. So far this Advent season, we’ve gone deep into the heart of Christmas, perhaps seeing things previously unseen. Today, as you go about your day, think about what you’ve learned. Look for signs of the deeper meaning of Christmas in the world around you. See past the temporary and […]
You are sent. Only six days remain in Advent. The last week before Christmas gets more frantic for some. Others seem to have it all done with time to spare. And some have no one and nothing for the holidays. Let the final days of Advent be a time to slow down. Think about the […]
The greatest salvation. The spiritual discipline of Advent provides a means to increase our adoration and enjoyment in Jesus. Within it is the potential to open our hearts to a greater understanding of all He did, does, and will do. Christmas Eve is one week away. Today, test your heart and spirit. Rate your adoration […]
To the glory of God. Faith puts trust in what we hope for as evidence of what is still unseen (Hebrews 11:1). It feels slippery sometimes and requires spiritual work to keep it intact. The basis of our life in Christ is faith. Self-examination of feelings and actions reveal what we believe, especially as we […]
The way of abundant life. The Westminster Shorter Catechism, written in the mid-1600s, provides introductory teaching for new Believers to the Christian faith. Its first lesson tells us the ultimate purpose of every individual born into this world is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Finding joy in this life and the life to […]
Better promises. A big part of trusting God is believing what He says in His Word. Understanding we need a Savior just because He says so. Today, by faith, consider your need for salvation — from yourself and others, from situations and circumstances — listen to your heart’s response. Write down your needs, then go […]
Advent 2020: The Lord Is With You A Message on Luke 1:26-28 For Jacksonville First United Methodist Church Dec. 13, 2020 By Doug Wintermute dwinterm@yahoo.com Luke 1:26-28 (NRSV) In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose […]
The true Tent. Adoration of Jesus is not a natural response. It is a supernatural one we come to by faith. Our spiritual journeys are dependent on the supernatural work of God in our lives and our willingness to follow His directions. As we pursue the roadmap for Advent, we need God as our guide. […]
Our High Priest in heaven. Jesus came to be the entirety of God’s Word in the flesh (John 1:14). He came to show us the heart of the Father (John 14:7), whose whole law is the way of love (Matthew 22:37-40). By being in the Word — learning to live, exist, and move in the […]
