November 2020
WholeLife Daily Reflections
Preparation for Worship on Saturday, November 28
While We Wait: Trust God's Word
Friday, November 27
Devotional: To Those, Like Me, Who Can’t Wait for a Savior
Matthew 5:14-16
You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Word of God, you became flesh and dwelt among us. You are the glory of the one and only Son, and you are full of grace and truth. You are the Light of the world, and by your name are all people saved. Make my life an offering of praise to you today. Amen.
Music: Behold Him
BONUS VIDEO: Advent candles are a beautiful part of worship during the holiday, but what is their meaning?
Thursday, November 26
Devotional: The Advent Gift of Encouragement
1 Thessalonias 5:9-11
For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
Generous Redeemer, your heart overflows with mercy, and your Spirit lifts the downcast. You restore peace in times of turmoil and offer courage to those in despair. Help me to think of others as greater than myself, seeking to bring encouragement and hope to those on my path today. Amen.
Music: Behold Him
Wednesday, November 25
Devotional: How Advent Helps Us Forgive
Colossians 3:13
Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Gracious Forgiver, you are the Initiator of relationships. You seek out those who are broken and offer refreshment and restoration. You do not seek revenge, nor do you remember the sins of your people. You have redeemed me even though I do not deserve your mercy. Help me to forgive as I have been forgiven. Amen.
Music: Scars & Grace
Tuesday, November 24
Devotional: What Can Advent Teach Us About Waiting?
2 Peter 1:3-4
By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.
God Who Is Faithful, Scripture reveals you are true to your promises. You have planned eternity for your creation, and your love for your children is great. I stand firm in the understanding that I am a child of the Living God, and in that assurance, I trust your will in my life until I see you face-to-face. Amen.
Music: Birds
Monday, November 23
Devotional: A Waiting World
Numbers 23:19
God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?
King of Heaven, you reign supreme above all things. The angels bow before you in constant praise. You are holy and good, sovereign and all-powerful. You are my Creator, and I have been created in grace. I will trust your promises because I am your child and loved by you. Amen.
Music: Great Is Your Faithfulness/O Praise the Name
Sunday, November 22
Devotional: Advent Waiting
John 1:6-8
There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.
Gentle Savior, you arrived in humility and existed in a holy connection between sovereignty and humanity. You came to this world to repair what was broken, and your plan caught the world by surprise. Who would have expected that God would become man? Your answers to my questions are not always what I expect, and there is so much in my life that I don’t understand. I need the peace that only you can provide, and I will trust you in my waiting. Amen.
Music: Heart and Soul
Preparation for Worship on Saturday, November 21
While We Wait: Give Thanks
Friday, November 20
Devotional: Two Sides of Thanksgiving
Romans 3:24
Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.
Holy Redeemer, you are the Giver of Grace. There is no adequate response to your forgiveness except praise. There is no appropriate return for the cost of salvation that you have paid except to bow before you in humility. I realize my redemption is not of my own making, and the love with which you joyfully cover me is undeserved. Thank you, God. Amen.
Music: Amen
BONUS THANKSGIVING SONG (Thank you Deanna!)
Thursday, November 19
Devotional: Gratitude Over Grumbling
James 5:13
Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.
Faithful Friend, you never tire of encouraging the wounded. You never neglect those who mourn, even when they are unaware of your mercies. Your every thought and every action is motivated and by the purpose of redeeming love. In confidence that you are always present even when I feel alone, may I be an example of simple faith today. Thank you, God. Amen.
Music: Who You Are To Me
Wednesday, November 18
Devotional: Going Beyond Tradition
Isaiah 55:10-11
As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
God Who Spoke the World into Existence, your words bring life. You speak peace, strength, mercy, and grace. Your language is hope, and your vocabulary is love. Fill my heart with thankfulness and my mouth with your praises today. Thank you, God. Amen.
Music: Speak a Better Word
Tuesday, November 17
Devotional: How to Put Thankfulness Into Practice
Hebrews 13:15
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.
Spirit of Generosity, your gifts sustain life. You do not hold back any good thing, and what you provide is always enough. Help me to discern the wealth of grace, the beauty of forgiveness, and the significance of mercy that you provide in abundance. Thank you, God. Amen.
Music: The Reason
Monday, November 16
Devotional: Grateful Hearts
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Gracious and Merciful Creator, you find joy in blessing all that you have made. Your grace clears the clutter of sin and brokenness, and you are making all things new. You created me to know the fullness of your love, and I was made to praise you. Thank you, God. Amen.
Music: As You Find Me
Sunday, November 15
Devotional: Giving Thanks
1 Chronicles 16:8-9
Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.
Loving Father, you cover the world with the blessing of your mercy. From the highest mountain to the depth of the ocean, all created things testify to your majesty. When I consider all you have made, I can only respond in praise. Thank you, God. Amen.
Music: Nothing But Good
Preparation for Worship on Saturday, November 14
While We Wait: Isaiah
Friday, November 13
Devotional: Waiting As Obedience
Psalm 136:23-26
He remembered us in our weakness. His faithful love endures forever.
He saved us from our enemies. His faithful love endures forever.
He gives food to every living thing. His faithful love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of heaven. His faithful love endures forever.
Spirit of Hope, you remain constant through all storms. You are unwavering and trustworthy. When darkness falls, you are a piercing light. I am sometimes fearful of the unknown, and I need your strength in my heart and mind. Help me to find rest in you. Amen.
Music: Teu Espírito (Your Spirit)
Thursday, November 12
Devotional: Hidden Treasures
Psalm 23:4
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
Gentle Shepherd, you are intimately acquainted with pain and grief. You made the ultimate sacrifice when you chose to redeem a relationship with those you created. You know me by name. I will trust your presence next to me as I face challenges and when my journey leads me into unsettling places. Amen.
Music: Your Presence is a Promise
Wednesday, November 11
Devotional: What Are You Waiting For?
2 Peter 1:5-7
In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.
Gabahh, Transcendent God, you are supreme, perfect, unlimited, magnificent, and unequalled. You created all things, and all things find their sustenance in you. I will praise you in my waiting and trust your timing and grace. Amen.
Music: Thin
Tuesday, November 10
Devotional: Truth and Lament
Lamentations 3:22-23
The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.
Present and Ever Faithful God, there is not a time where you did not exist nor a place you do not inhabit. Your wisdom is beyond human understanding, and you are good all the time. When I get caught up in my own thoughts and my own circumstances, help me to understand that you are always present. Open my heart to your will and your way. Amen.
Music: Peace Be Still
Monday, November 9
Devotional: Unanswered Prayer
Isaiah 65:24
I will answer them before they even call to me. While they are still talking about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!
Holy Master, you cast and you form; you create and you shape. Your loving heart speaks into the world, and grace bleeds from your wise hand. Forgive me for treating prayer like a wish list, expecting instant gratification. Help me to know you are in the midst of my heart, working all goodness for me, and to trust when your answers are not what I expect. Amen.
Music: New Wine
Sunday, November 8
Devotional: When You Don’t Know What To Do
2 Peter 3:8-9
But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.
God in the Waiting, you are ever and always present. Through war, conflict, depression and disease, you are a constant force of hope. In success, joy, healing and rescue, your Spirit moves in celebration. When I battle fear and am lacking in peace, help me to remember you are near, and that you are able. Amen.
Music: Anchor
Preparation for Worship on Saturday, November 7
While We Wait: David
Friday, November 6
Devotional: Breaking the Habit
John 3:16-17
For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.
Eternal God, you do not play politics. You do not distinguish the value of a person based on their vote (or lack thereof). Your unconditional love and full forgiveness are available to all, and the sacrifice of Jesus offers salvation to everyone. Help me to see others as you do. Direct my thoughts and words so that I act with grace, considering others—even those with whom I disagree—above myself. Amen.
Music: Love Each Other (All the Room Was Hushed and Still)
Thursday, November 5
Devotional: What Would Jesus Post?
Ephesians 4:29
Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
Parent of All, you show no partiality in your love. Your forgiveness, mercy, and grace are available to all, and your desire is for a kingdom of peace. Help me to be a peacemaker in my world—offering words of hope and kindness. Amen.
Music: Speak Life
Wednesday, November 4
Devotional: Post #Election - A Time to Listen
Ephesians 4:31-32
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
God of Hope, you are the Ruler of all. Kings and kingdoms rise and fall, but your reign is higher and more sovereign. In all things, I put my trust in you—today and always. Amen.
Music: He Shall Reign
Tuesday, November 3
Devotional: When God’s Timing Doesn’t Make Sense
Isaiah 41:10
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Trusted Friend, you are faithful in all circumstances. You do not deceive, and you do not lie. You are a God of forgiveness, mercy, and love. Sometimes I struggle with the unknown, with answers that don’t come when I expect them to. Help me to remember your promises and hold fast to your grace. Amen.
Music: I Trust You
Monday, November 2
Devotional: Waiting on God Doesn’t Mean Waiting Around
Philippians 2:13
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
Gracious God, you are the Holy Potter, the One who molds and designs beauty. You take what is insufficient and make it whole. You cover what is wounded with your healing mercy. You have lifted me to the place of child of the King. Place your peace in my heart, and work within me to seek and do your will. Amen.
Music: Back to the Altar
Sunday, November 1
Devotional: Watchmen in Crisis
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Faithful Protector and Defender, you laid the foundations of the world. What you have planned will be done, and your sovereignty promises restoration to your creation. I am thankful for your mercy, for your patient love that covers my brokenness. I will place my trust in you alone. Amen.
Music: No Fear