Behold the Lamb

At this time of year, I LOVE listening to Andrew Peterson’s album called Behold The Lamb. He sings through the story of the Bible; every year I find it quite meaningful. 

I’d like to invite you to make some space to consider again how central and necessary the blood of Jesus is for us…using a song from that album. The song is following the narrative of Passover. Each time I hear it, the simplicity speaks deeply to me: calling me to remember the story of God and His people in the Old Testament, and to call to mind again that Jesus’ blood, as the sacrificial lamb, still creates a way for God’s judgement to pass over me today. 

Listen: If you’re able, to start off, listen to this song: Andrew Peterson ‘Passover Us.’ You can find it on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/EuMxnUxi6C8. 

Consider: The Lord has provided His blood to cover over us in all the areas of our lives, but so often we try other methods of dealing with our mess, dealing with our brokenness. 

Read: “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”

Psalms 139:23-24 ESV

“Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins [neither release from sin and its guilt, nor cancellation of the merited punishment].” Hebrews 9:22 AMP

Ask the Lord: ‘Lord, are there ways I am attempting to cover over my brokenness with something other than your blood? Am I forgetting that your blood is powerful to be applied in every area of my life? Help me to receive the free gift of your blood in specific areas today. Amen.’

Write down: Spend a few moments writing down areas where the Lord is inviting you to receive His blood. 

—Sarah Howard

Advent is Just Around the Corner

Advent this year begins on Sunday, December 2, which is just around the corner! Several years ago I realized that every year when Christmas came around, I really wasn’t ready. All the decorations were up, my gifts had been purchased, everything had been wrapped, all the cookies were made and dinner with all the trimmings had been completed, but my HEART was not ready to celebrate Jesus’ birth. Although I enjoy giving gifts and being around family and friends I love so much, my heart was not in a place to experience Immanuel, God with us!

Advent is a season of anticipation, of holy waiting and active hope. It can be a time for dreaming and creativity. The last several years, I decided to do some things to prepare my heart to be excited about the true meaning of Christmas, and I thought I would share some of the things that have helped me to be ready, as well as some ideas I would like to try this year or in the future.

• Daily readings leading up to Advent are a helpful way to prepare your heart. 

  • John Piper’s Good News of Great Joy and The Dawning of Indestructible Joy can both be downloaded for free.

  • This year I am trying The Expected One by Scott James.

  • Fervr has daily readings aimed at teens as well, which can be followed on Instagram.

• Bible journaling through Advent has been a fun way (for me) of interacting with Scripture. Some options for how to do this are shown here. I have tried Waiting ‘Round the Wreath and enjoyed it very much.

• Here are some ideas for celebrating Advent as a family 

This is obviously not an exhaustive list, but it hopefully gives you a starting place to think of ideas that suit you. I hope these suggestions give you some time to prepare for Advent, and I hope you enjoy the upcoming Season! I would love to hear about any of the ways your family prepares their hearts for Christmas.

—Charissa Ricketts

The Peace of God or the God of Peace?

Do you struggle with anxiety? Or do you have trouble finding peace in certain situations? Using this blog, let’s examine Philippians 4:6-7 together to see what it has to say about anxiety.

—Diego Cuartas

The Heart of True Repentance

As a Christ-follower (a disciple of Jesus), you may sometimes wonder why your spiritual leader always seems to be calling you toward repentance. It’s like there’s this constant tension in the flesh (sin nature) to be pulled into that, yet this greater effect of the Spirit of God indwelling true believers to have us walk in repentance in truth and in the righteousness of Christ. In our lives it is often tempting to simply look on the surface to identify obvious, besetting sins- the ones of external clarity. And we should repent of this also. But I believe the LORD wants us to allow Him to examine our own hearts. It’s the inside stuff that they LORD is after and calls us away from. It’s the subtle, unseen desires of our tragically flawed hearts that He calls away from idolatry (any heart belief/want/desire not aligned with the Word of God) into a true worship of Christ Jesus.

This transition to true worship in the allegiance of our hearts is the core of repentance. It makes us ashamed and sorry for where we are truly guilty. It makes us desire to discard what is false and exchange it for what is true. It causes us to forsake sin and rebellion and deceit for the righteousness of the Savior. It’s way more than law keeper. It’s the New Covenant. It’s better. And this is why your spiritual leaders unashamedly always call you to repentance as they help examine your hearts, your motives and your core beliefs. Those who deal with you superficially and merely help you feel better about yourself probably shouldn’t use such flattery in the mask of encouragement. Rather, may we bind ourselves to Jesus our LORD, so that we gan His mind, His attire, His holy heart.

—Thor Knutstad