As we approach Advent, many of us are experiencing a mixture of emotions. Some are excited, but many are fearful of the future, grieving losses of relationships and special loved ones. Some of us are facing very challenging circumstances and/or are suffering and in deep emotional and/or physical pain. We may feel desolate, disappointed, and disillusioned. We reach out for help, but people are unavailable or dismissive. Against the backdrop of the exciting news of the Savior,

Psalm 72 is a prayer for God’s justice, fair judgment for the poor, protection for the weak, peace for the land, and prosperity and abundance. Where am I placed and trusted to have authority? Who do I “rule” over? Is my leadership a reflection of Jesus? Am I seeking justice in my family and in my community? Am I taking care of the weak and the poor in my own neighborhood and city? Am I sowing peace? 

The spirit of discernment is powerful. Discernment is the spiritual discipline of assessment. It is imperative, in this chaotic time, to discern for ourselves who the false prophets are and whether the messages we are receiving are from God. How do we do this? If I am trying to figure out whether a pastor or faith leader is speaking truth, I always look to the fruit. What fruit is this person producing? Is this preacher producing the fruit of kindness, compassion, love, and j

Reflecting on Hebrews 11:32-40: The author’s point is profound: God often chooses the deeply flawed to demonstrate the power of faith. He works through timid hearts, scattered minds, and past failures to accomplish His purposes.

A Reflection for Monday, December 1 by Samantha Wade Lectionary reading for 12/01/2025: Psalm 124; Genesis 8:1-19; Romans 6:1-11  Selected passage for reflection: Genesis 8:1-19 Read Book Chapter: Genesis 8:4-17 CSB 4 The ark came to rest in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on the mountains of Ararat. 5 The water continued to recede until the tenth month; in the tenth month, on the first day of the month, the tops of the mountains were visible. 6 After

By faith, Alicia took to the dark roads. She put on that one song that reminded her to be bold. She rolled down the windows, turned up the heat, and poured her angsty heart out to the one who created the mountains on her left. 

A Reflection for Thursday, November 27 by Rev. Bronwyn Leigh Murphy  Lectionary reading for 11/27/2025: Psalm 122; Daniel 9:15-19; James 4:1-10 ; Selected passage for reflection: Psalm 122 Read Psalm 122 NIV 1 I rejoiced with those who said to me,    “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” 2 Our feet are standing    in your gates, Jerusalem. 3 Jerusalem is built like a city    that is closely compacted together. 4 That is where the tribes go up—    the tribes of the Lord—to pra