Sunday, December 21
Spirit of Joy
John 1:1–18 (CEB) This passage, often called the Prologue of John, introduces Jesus as the Word (Logos) who existed with God from the very beginning and who is God. Through the Word, all things were created, and in him is life and light that shines in the darkness. John the Baptist is presented as a witness who points others to the light, not the light himself. The Word becomes flesh and lives among humanity, revealing God’s glory, full of grace and truth. Through Jesus Christ, people receive grace upon grace and come to truly know God.
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Sunday, December 14
Spirit of Joy
Isaiah 55:1–13 God invites everyone to come freely for life and nourishment, offering mercy and forgiveness. The passage calls people to seek the Lord and trust His ways, which are higher than human ways. God promises that His word will accomplish its purpose and bring joy, peace, and renewal to creation.
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Sunday, December 7
Spirit of Joy
Ezekiel 37:1–14 God shows Ezekiel a valley of dry bones, symbolizing Israel’s hopelessness in exile. At God’s command, Ezekiel prophesies, and the bones come together, receive breath, and live again. God explains that this vision represents Israel being restored—brought out of exile, given new life, and filled with God’s Spirit.
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November 30, 2025
Spirit of Joy
Daniel 3:1, 8–30 (CEB) King Nebuchadnezzar builds a huge gold statue and commands everyone to worship it. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse because they worship only God. They are reported to the king, who angrily throws them into a blazing furnace. God protects them, and they are seen walking unharmed inside the fire with a fourth figure who looks divine. They come out without even smelling like smoke. The king praises their God and decrees that no one speak against Him, honoring their faith and delivering the three men.
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November 23, 2025
Spirit of Joy
Jeremiah sends a letter from God to the Israelites living in exile in Babylon. God tells them to settle there—build homes, plant gardens, marry, and seek the peace and well-being of the city where they now live, because their own peace is tied to it. God assures them that the exile will last seventy years, but afterward He will bring them back. These verses include the promise that God has plans for their welfare and not harm, to give them a future and hope. When they seek Him wholeheartedly, He will listen, gather them, and restore them to their land.
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Sunday, November 16
Spirit of Joy
Isaiah 9:1–7 - A light will shine on people in darkness, bringing joy and freedom. A child will be born who will be our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. His peaceful kingdom will last forever.
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November 9, 2025
Spirit of Joy
Amos 1:1-2: Amos, a prophet from Tekoa, announces God’s coming judgment on Israel and the surrounding nations, declaring that the Lord’s voice is like a roaring lion against sin. Amos 5:14-24: God calls His people to seek good, live justly, and practice righteousness. He rejects mere religious rituals and emphasizes that true worship is shown through justice, integrity, and ethical living.
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November 2, 20205
Spirit of Joy
1 Kings 19:1-18: Elijah, discouraged and fearing for his life, flees to the wilderness. God strengthens him with food and rest, and on Mount Horeb, reveals that His presence comes not in dramatic events but in a gentle whisper, reassuring Elijah he is not alone.
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Sunday, October 26
Spirit of Joy
1 Kings 5:1–5 These verses describe how King Solomon prepared to build the Temple for the Lord. Hiram, king of Tyre, who had been a friend of David, sent his servants to Solomon to show goodwill. Solomon explained that his father David could not build a temple for God because of the wars he faced, but now, since the kingdom was at peace, Solomon planned to build it as the Lord had promised. 1 Kings 8:1–13 This passage recounts the dedication of the completed Temple. Solomon gathered Israel’s leaders to bring the Ark of the Covenant from the City of David (Zion) into the Temple. When the...
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Sunday, October 19, 2025
Spirit of Joy
1 Samuel 16:1–13 (Summary): God tells Samuel to stop mourning for Saul and go to Bethlehem to anoint a new king from Jesse’s sons. Samuel obeys and meets Jesse and his sons. One by one, Jesse’s older sons pass before Samuel, but God rejects them all, reminding Samuel that “the Lord looks at the heart, not outward appearance.” Finally, Jesse calls his youngest son, David, who is tending sheep. God tells Samuel, “He is the one.” Samuel anoints David, and the Spirit of the Lord comes powerfully upon him from that day onward.
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