TGIF
As we approach Christmas, let us still our hearts and quiet our minds and prepare once again for the story of the arrival of our Lord Jesus. In this season of Advent, our preparation is based on our personal hope, love, peace, and joy. Let us focus this coming week on His Word as we prepare our hearts and minds for Christmas.
Hope
Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
1 Thessalonians 1:3 – We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:18 – I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people.
Hebrews 10:23 – Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
Isaiah 40:31 – but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Love
1 Corinthians 13:4-5 – Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Colossians 3:14 – And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Proverbs 3:3-4 – Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
1 John 4:16 – And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.
John 15:12 – My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.
Peace
Philippians 4:6-7 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
John 14:27 – Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.
John 16:33 – These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.
Numbers 6:26 – The Lord lift up His face to you, And give you peace.
Proverbs 3:1-2 – My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in our heart, 2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.
Joy
Romans 15:13 – May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
James 1:2 – Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,whenever you face trials of many kinds.
Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Psalm 16:11 – You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
John 15:11 – I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.