Monday, December 17

The Birth of John Promised

Luke 1:11-16 NRSV

“Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son. . . for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink; even before his birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit. (Luke 1: 13-15)

Babies are gifts from God. What a wonderful promise God gave to Zechariah.

Sunday, December 16         Third Sunday of Advent

The People Bless the Lord

Psalm 103:1-17 (ending with “him”), 21-22

Bless the Lord, all his hosts, his ministers that do his will. (Psalm 103:21)

Praising God should be infectious. Do you ‘spread’ praise?

Pray for the UBUNTU Christian Education Summit; February 17-19; Cape Town, Republic of South Africa  https://ameced.com/cesummit

Saturday, December 15

God Forgives and Loves People

Numbers 14:13-20 NRSV

The Lord is slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression, but by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the parents upon the children to the third and the fourth generation. (Numbers 14:18)

We should do our best to mirror God’s attributes, for we are laying foundations for those who will come after us.

Friday, December 14

God Abounds in Steadfast Love

Exodus 34:1-7 NRSV

The Lord passed before him, and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. (Exodus 34:6)

Can your neighbors speak of your love towards them?

In keeping with our 2018-2019 Connectional Theme, “Environmental Justice,” we will focus on specific prayer and action points on the topic of Pollution throughout this quarter.

December

Commit to being involved in community initiatives to educate others and create legislative change in the disposal of toxic waste, related to its harm to humans, animals, and the environment.

Access educational material for distribution in churches and inclusion in church newsletters and websites. Include the topic of pollution in bible studies and other avenues of learning in the church.

Thursday, December 13

Acts of God’s Steadfast Love

Nehemiah 9:16-21 NRSV

“But they and our ancestors acted presumptuously…they refused to obey…they stiffened their necks and determined to return to their slavery in Egypt. But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and you did not forsake them. (Nehemiah 9: 16-17)

Someone could be inspired by your testimony of times when God showed God’s steadfast love towards you. Speak up!