This year, I'm pondering the traditional Advent themes—HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE—found in the apostle Paul’s letter to the Galatians (my recent Bible study). We've examined HOPE, PEACE, and JOY. Today we look at LOVE.
Peace
Advent 2025 Second Sunday: PEACE
This year, I'm pondering the traditional Advent themes—HOPE, PEACE, JOY, and LOVE—found in the apostle Paul’s letter to the Galatians (my recent Bible study). Last week we examined the "hope of righteousness." Today we look at PEACE.
Everyone Born of God Overcomes the World
Some days all the shiny stuff around me demands my affection and it's hard to resist. But the apostle John says I, as a believer in Jesus, have overcome this world.
A Steadfast Mind
After a long, hard slog through chapters 13–24 of Isaiah—prophecy after prophecy of judgment on the nations—a familiar and dearly loved promise jumps from the text: "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." Isaiah 26:3 NIV
May Mercy, Peace, and Love Be Yours
At times, I don’t know how to pray for the world around me. The needs seem too complex, too convoluted. Relationships are conflicted and the church wars against itself. Jude, the half-brother of Jesus—Mary of Nazareth's other son—prayed for the recipients of his letter to have mercy, peace, and love in abundance. This seems like a good place to start.
Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love
Today we head into the final week of waiting for our annual celebration of the birth of Mary’s son, Jesus. We expectantly anticipate the coming—the Advent—of the Son of the Most High as she did. During each week of Advent, I focused on finding the traditional Advent themes in Mary's story.
Hopeless
My devotional asks me, "What can I do to relieve the fears of others?" I am stopped short. I have been exacerbating fears, not relieving them.
Mind Boggling Peace
Presenting my requests to God on a rainy morning.. Little thoughts nagging at my heart and mind. Waking at 4 am rehearsing all the things I must do today (or is it jet lag?). I’m experiencing the normal stuff of life. Packed schedule, feeling rushed to complete tasks, commitments right around the corner, appointments that … Continue reading Mind Boggling Peace
Pondered Treasures 