Hebrews 4:15
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
Isaiah 43:18-19
Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall springforth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
2 Timothy 4:18
The Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever.
1 Peter 1:22
Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart.
John 13:34
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
James 1:2-4
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
1 Peter 4:12-13
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
Hebrews 10:35-36 (NLT)
So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.
Colossians 4:2 (NLT)
Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.
Hebrews 11:1 (NLT)
Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.
1 Peter 1:6-7 (NLT)
So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
Psalm 34:6-7 (NLT)
In my desperation I prayed, and the LORD listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the LORD is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
Psalm 3:4-6 (NLT)
I cried out to the LORD, and he answered me from his holy mountain. I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the LORD was watching over me. I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies who surround me on every side.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
Psalm 30:11-12 (NLT)
You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever!
Jeremiah 31:3 (NLT)
Long ago the LORD said to Israel: “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.
Matthew 1:23 (NLT)
“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”
John 14:16 (NKJV)
16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—
Romans 5:5 (NLT)
5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Welcome to December and the celebration of the advent of God’s Son who came into our world to light the night!
Because of the Fall of Adam and Eve, our world was plunged into spiritual darkness, and that has been passed on to us all. But God had a plan before the creation of the world to send a Light into our darkness. The promises and prophecies were given of this coming Light throughout the Old Testament. People lived by faith believing and looking forward to the coming of this Messiah. In this Christmas season, we celebrate again that same anticipation that filled their hearts.
In nature, October typically launches a significant change in weather conditions. Shorter days, cooler weather, and the changing colours of leaves all signal that we are transitioning from one major season to another. And before you know it, you will be preparing for Christmas – by filling an Operation Christmas Child shoebox (how is that for a reminder)!We have been in a season of constant trials and difficulties and no one knows exactly what is coming next. Is your faith prepared to withstand whatever comes our way? Everything from normal stresses of daily life to the compounded current challenges want to shake our faith. We must develop an unshakeable faith that will keep us standing through all the storms of life and persecution for our faith.
In nature, October typically launches a significant change in weather conditions. Shorter days, cooler weather, and the changing colours of leaves all signal that we are transitioning from one major season to another. And before you know it, you will be preparing for Christmas – by filling an Operation Christmas Child shoebox (how is that for a reminder)!
