The California Wildfires continue to be deadly and devastating. God is not the cause of the fires. People have been quick to point fingers and assign blame. Everything from government mismanagement, DEI hires, and even the wrath of God. GOD DID NOT CAUSE THE FIRES. God has made us, God loves us, and God walks with us. In Isaiah 43 God lays claim to the Israelites who have been in exile and reminds them that God does not leave them. God walks with them, even in the midst of trial and hardship. Instead of assigning blame, let us work to offer hope to the people of California, and continue to still offer it to the people of Western North Carolina after the Hurricanes. Pray for them. Donate to groups and churches to help people have what they need. But quit blaming God or looking to assign blame for this disaster.

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The New Year begins in a few days. I am not one for resolutions, but I do think it is wise to reflect on the previous year and what is ahead. I am grateful for all who have journeyed with me and looked for Faith in the Cracks. For me, I want to spend time reflecting on my needs and working to put myself first at times. I want to continue work done in 2024 and expand upon it. What are you hoping for in 2025? Take time to ponder what is next.

I will take the first week of January off. Season 3 will start soon.

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This is a busy time of year. It is also a time of year when grief can surface. Take time for yourself. In the midst of the busy-ness of the holidays, take time to listen to yourself. Grieve that which you have lost. Sit with dreams that have gone by the wayside. Give yourself time to just be. And while you are being gentle with yourself, remember that others struggle this time of year as well and be gentle with those you meet too.

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In Luke 1, Gabriel visits Zechariah and Mary 6 months apart. Zechariah is filled with terror and he doubts Gabriel tells him. Mary however is perplexed when Gabriel says "Greetings Favored One." She asks questions that show curiosity. The difference in our approach can make all the difference.

I have always wondered how things just always seemed to work for my dad. He would tell stories of a variety of experiences, some that I was with him, or other family members were with him, and things worked. I am beginning to wonder if it was in part of his curiosity about the world and an attitude to try things. Perhaps he was living into his favor with God.

I wonder what happens when we live as favored ones?

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We are a society of instant gratification. We don't like to wait. I am okay with planned waiting where I know I have an hour or something like that and I can read or play games or whatever. But the long, expectant waiting of Advent is not what we want to do. We like instant gratification.

Zechariah and Elizabeth had been waiting. They had hoped for a child and I wonder if in their fervent prayers for a child, that they had ever given up hope as the years went by. I wonder if that is part of the shock of this news. If they had given up hope of a child and God has come in an unexpected way and at an unexpected time.

Where in your life have you had to wait unexpectedly? When have you continued to pray for something to come about? Have you lost hope in the waiting or have you continued to trust God?

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The season of Advent is a time of waiting as we listen once again to the stories surrounding the birth of Jesus. This year I am preaching a series called On the Way to Bethlehem, which is written by Dr. Marcia McFee and based on a devotional book of the same title by Rob Fuquay. As we begin in Rome and a decree from Caesar Augustus - how can we ponder "What is God up to?"

It is a great question to ponder in our lives and for the world around us as we go not only through Advent, but throughout our days. What is God preparing to do and how might we join in that work?

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As we come to the week of Thanksgiving in the United States, I find that I am often forgetful of saying thank you. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Paul reminds the people to Give thanks in all things. I certainty forget to give thanks in the midst of hardship and trouble. But I forget to give thanks for the little every day things as well. My goal is to be thankful for the world and the people around me more intentionally, not just this week, but in all that I do and with all those I encounter from day to day. What would it look like for you to be more thankful?

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Hope is not about magical or wishful thinking. Hope is grounded in our trust of God and of God's goodness. Hope should help drive us to make a difference in the world and to be the hands and feet of God. Hope should be about getting to the places we have not yet gotten.
#Lamentations3 #Romans8 #Hebrews11

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