An Advent Prayer for HopeBy Emma Danzey Isaiah 9:6 says‚ "For to us a child is born‚ to us a son is given‚ and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor‚ Mighty God‚ Everlasting Father‚ Prince of Peace." Advent is a time of year celebrated in the preparation for Jesus' birth. It is the last 4 Sundays which lead to December 25th. As a four-part series‚ we will pray through the meaning of each candle as we prepare our own hearts for Christmas. Actual Advent goes from Sunday‚ November 27th through December 24th this year. For more information about Advent‚ you can visit Christianity.com Justin Holcomb shares that "The most common Advent candle tradition‚ however‚ involves four candles. A new candle is lit on each of the four Sundays before Christmas. Each candle represents something different‚ although traditions vary. The four candles traditionally represent hope‚ faith‚ joy‚ and peace." Today as we pray through the first candle‚ hope‚ may we be reminded of the fulfilled promise of Jesus as the Messiah long awaited by the people of God. Let’s Pray: Our Great Messiah‚Thank You for being the fulfillment of the promise of eternal life to come. Thank You that You came down to this earth to die for our sins. Jesus‚ please help us to reflect on Your faithfulness through and through. You give hope to this dark world and You show us how to live with eternal perspective. Help us today and this week not to live with worldly eyes‚ but to see through Spiritual eyes and know that You are over all and working everything out according to Your purposes. God‚ You humbled Yourself to come here and live the life that I could not life. Thank You for standing in my place and taking away my sins. Help me not to go a day without being thankful for that. Lord‚ I confess areas in my life where I feel hopeless or doubtful for You to work. Would You please remind me that just as You have worked in the past‚ throughout the Bible‚ that You are still working today. Remind me that the hope that comes from You does not disappoint. Help me feel confident to trust in the One who never fails. Lord‚ You say in Romans 5:5 "And hope does not disappoint us‚ because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit‚ whom He has given us." You have given us as believers the gift of Your Spirit in us. Hoping in You will not disappoint us. Thank You for your overflowing love. As we look at the world around us‚ everything is falling apart. Sin is rampant‚ lives are broken‚ people are confused‚ and the enemy appears to be winning in so many ways‚ remind us how You have already won the battle and that Your name and Your word prevail and are living and active. Please change hearts‚ redirect lives‚ and heal what has been broken. Where there is distrust and doubts‚ replace them with faith and hope. As we all come into this season of Christmas with different experiences and various kinds of years‚ would You meet us where we are? Would you please show us Your glory and draw near to us as we draw near to You? We pray over those in our lives who need extra hope right now. Give us the words to say and prayers to pray over them and with them so that they would know the freedom and the joy that they can have in You. Whether it be grief‚ loneliness‚ anxiety‚ depression‚ illness‚ etc. We ask for discernment how to be love them and point them to Your hope this Christmas season. God we pray that we are passing on this joyous hope to the next generation. You say in Psalm 145:4‚ "One generation shall commend your works to another‚ and shall declare your mighty acts." Help us to declare this hope that we have because of what You have done Jesus. If we are ever tempted to hold it back‚ move in us to act and to share this hope that we have. You say in 1 Peter 3:15 to always be ready to give an answer for the hope that we have‚ may we not neglect telling those younger than us and encouraging them in faith. Amen. Photo credit: ©Getty Images/bzzup Emma Danzey's mission in life stems from Ephesians 3:20-21‚ to embrace the extraordinary. One of her greatest joys is to journey with the Lord in His Scriptures. She is wife to Drew and mom to Graham. Emma serves alongside her husband in ministry‚ she focuses most of her time in the home‚ but loves to provide articles on the Bible‚ life questions‚ and Christian lifestyle. Her article on Interracial Marriage was the number 1 on Crosswalk in 2021. Most recently‚ Emma released Treasures for Tots‚ (Scripture memory songs) for young children. During her ministry career‚ Emma has released Wildflower: Blooming Through Singleness‚ two worship EP albums‚ founded and led Polished Conference Ministries‚ and ran the Refined Magazine. You can view her articles on her blog at emmadanzey.wordpress.com and check out her Instagram @Emmadanzey. LISTEN to More Christmas Prayers on LifeAudio Teach Us to Pray is a FREE prayer podcast hosted by iBelieve writer Christina Patterson. Each week‚ she gives you practical‚ real-life tips on how to grow your faith and relationship with God through the power of prayer. To listen to her episode on What to Pray in the Morning for a Worry-Free Day‚ click below! Now that you’ve prayed‚ are you in need of someone to pray for YOU? Click the button below! Visit iBelieve.com for more inspiring prayer content. The post An Advent Prayer for Hope – Your Daily Prayer – December 3 appeared first on GodUpdates.

1586 - Sir Thomas Herriot introduces potatoes to England from Colombia 1929 - Boston Bruins beat the Montreal Canadiens 3-1‚ the first win of an NHL record 14-game winning streak‚ and a 22-game home winning streak 1932 - Gen Kurt von Schleicher becomes chancellor of Germany 1946 - 12th Heisman Trophy Award: Glenn Davis‚ Army (HB) 1964 - Police arrests 800 sit-in students at University of California at Berkeley 1967 - Final run of "20th Century Limited" famed NY-Chicago luxury train 1979 - Shadow Traffic begins broadcasting in the New York City metropolitan area. 1983 - Musical "Marilyn: An American Fable"‚ loosely based on life of Marilyn Monroe‚ starring Alyson Reed and Scott Bakula‚ closes at Minskoff Theatre‚ NYC‚ after 17 performances 1995 - England cricket wicket keeper Jack Russell dismisses Clive Eksteen with his record 11th catch in 2nd Test v South Africa in Johannesburg 2014 - Darren Wilson‚ the police officer who shot dead unarmed black teenager Michael Brown in Ferguson‚ Missouri‚ resigns More Historical Events »

My beloved denomination‚ the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA)‚ turns 50 this year. Anyone who knows me knows I love the PCA. It has been my spiritual home for close to 25 years. The PCA is far from perfect (as evidenced by counting me among its members)‚ but I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. The very things that attracted me to the PCA years ago continue to excite me most about it today. 1. The PCA is biblically minded. The PCA began with a desire to be true to the Scriptures‚ and it continues to uphold that commitment. It proves no small thing for a denomination to persevere in holding to the inspiration‚ inerrancy‚ authority‚ and sufficiency of the Scriptures in its faith and practice. I can truly say I don’t know a single pastor‚ elder‚ deacon‚ or PCA church that would deny the authority of the Word of God. Whether I’m in a PCA congregational‚ session‚ presbytery‚ or General Assembly meeting‚ a biblical argument is a winning argument. As a whole‚ the PCA knows it received a gift passed along by previous generations of the church. The denomination makes a concerted effort to remain unashamed of the gospel—“the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Rom. 1:16). The PCA maintains a high view of God‚ a robust view of grace‚ and a low view of human ability. 2. The PCA is productively Presbyterian. At first glance‚ this may appear to be an oxymoron. Presbyterians rightfully earned a reputation for moving slowly and cautiously. However‚ I’ve come to the conviction through the years that we benefit from our Presbyterianism. Presbyterianism‚ by definition‚ necessitates connection with others—not just people in my local church but other churches and presbyteries. Churches in other parts of the country‚ throughout the state‚ and in neighboring cities are connected. Churches in rural and urban‚ college and blue-collar‚ politically progressive and politically conservative populations are all united as one. Churches among different ethnicities‚ languages‚ and socioeconomic classes are linked in the courts of the church. We’re connected. Yet no bishop rules over this family of churches. No edicts or judgments come from “on high.” Presbyterianism requires continual compromise. Most issues facing the church find resolution through clear articulation‚ informative discussion‚ and even heated debate. The PCA maintains a high view of God‚ a robust view of grace‚ and a low view of human ability. As I reflect on my experience‚ I realize how I often need to be pushed and pulled in different ways. Discussion and debate sharpen‚ refine‚ and helpfully define. I need people both to the left and to the right of me theologically. I benefit from people who think differently from my treasured assumptions and natural inclinations. As a sinner‚ I’m too often blind to my failings and faults. Yes‚ it takes longer to make decisions than it would if we operated independently or under the direction of a single man. At times it can feel as though the denomination is fraught with constant friction‚ which leads to frustration. Yet time and again‚ the Lord works in this to lead us to better and more fitting places as a denomination and as individual Christians. Though our movements are slow‚ it proves productive to be connected and in communion with others. “Without counsel plans fail‚ but with many advisors they succeed” (Prov. 15:22). It bears fruit in the soul and to the glory of Christ. 3. The PCA is confessionally committed. Despite the benefits of the push-and-pull dynamic‚ we should only be willing to go so far. Compromise only proves beneficial if it remains within bounds. As a confessional church‚ the PCA commits itself to the historic Westminster Standards. Each officer within the PCA promises to stay firmly within those bounds by taking this vow at his ordination: Do you sincerely receive and adopt the Confession of Faith and the Catechisms of this Church‚ as containing the system of doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures; and do you further promise that if at any time you find yourself out of accord with any of the fundamentals of this system of doctrine‚ you will on your own initiative‚ make known to your Presbytery/Session the change which has taken place in your views since the assumption of your ordination vow? Each officer in the PCA pledges commitment to our historic faith. This confessional integrity provides for and maintains unity even amid our differences. The PCA hasn’t and doesn’t shy away from the importance and necessity of doctrinal fidelity. It blesses my soul to be united with believers who “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). 4. The PCA is evangelistically motivated. I was first won to the PCA by observing within it a true mind for God wedded with a fervent heartbeat for people. Some of the best theologians‚ scholars‚ thinkers‚ and authors in the Reformed world reside in the PCA. It remains rightly serious about doctrine. Yet one would be hard-pressed to characterize the PCA by the familiar pejorative “frozen chosen.” From its inception‚ the PCA has proven as serious about evangelization‚ church planting‚ and missions as it is serious about sound doctrine. The PCA has proven as serious about evangelization‚ church planting‚ and missions as it is serious about sound doctrine. The PCA is motivated by true love for the lost and the advancement of Christ’s kingdom on earth. Our Lord’s commission—“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations‚ baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit‚ teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you”—hasn’t been viewed as the “Great Suggestion” (Matt. 28:19–20). Rather‚ it has motivated congregations to prayer‚ action‚ and sacrifice. Entire communities‚ cities‚ states‚ and countries would look drastically different apart from its ministry among them. The PCA isn’t perfect. I have no illusions that we have everything correct or do most things‚ let alone everything‚ well. Yet the PCA is the church I know‚ belong to‚ and love. If the PCA continues to uphold these characteristics‚ we may be used for the glory of Christ in the small part of the vineyard we occupy‚ until the day our King returns. Lord‚ may it be.

It was past midnight when I got home after a long shift at the hospital. As I quietly unlocked the front door and stepped inside‚ soft lamplight illuminated the living room‚ revealing my dad’s work clothes‚ shoes‚ and belt laid neatly on the couch. In several hours‚ he’d wake and head to the factory where he worked‚ picking up a coworker along the way. After work‚ he’d help my mom with supper and dishes‚ then mow the lawn or tend to other chores. He’d do it all over again the next day‚ and the next‚ and the next. On the surface‚ my dad’s routine seems simple. But it represents a striking contrast to my generation. Gen Z isn’t known for its faithfulness. Young people are frequently characterized as noncommittal‚ distracted‚ and fickle. Both FOMO (fear of missing out) and FOBO (fear of better options) run rampant in our minds as we navigate the world of social media‚ only adding to our internal angst. We’re often thought to lack work ethic and fidelity—perhaps that’s why my father’s faithfulness had such an effect on me. Faithful Father My dad’s work ethic is second to none‚ and it pours over into everything he does‚ whether it’s mowing the lawn just right or reading the Bible in the mornings as he eats breakfast. My dad’s faithfulness in every area of life has influenced how I approach work and school. My dad’s faithfulness in every area of life has infuenced how I approach work and school. Even more‚ though‚ his faithfulness has influenced me spiritually. My dad’s example of faith and discipline in reading the Bible and living the Christian life has continued to encourage me to be faithful in all I do‚ reflecting the words of Luke 16:10: “Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much‚ and whoever is unrighteous in very little is also unrighteous in much” (CSB). Faithful in Discipleship My dad made a point to read the Bible to our family at the end of supper each night. His faithfulness to engage us with God’s Word greatly improved my biblical literacy. It taught me from a young age the importance of reading the Scriptures daily as a foundation for spiritual growth. As I progressed through nursing school‚ it was tempting to let my Bible reading and church involvement fall on the back burner amid the demands of my program. But the example of my dad’s faithfulness helped me to be disciplined and fight for my time with God—and I was richly rewarded for it. Where other students had anxiety‚ I had peace. Where other students chased the highs of partying and fleeting pleasures‚ I was helped by my dad’s faithful example to focus on Christ‚ who is the same yesterday‚ today‚ and forever (Heb. 13:8). Faithful in Service My dad is faithful in caring for those who are less fortunate in our community and in the world. For years‚ he served on the board of our church’s outreach and missions organization. This meant he was gone more often than not on Saturday mornings‚ packaging food for the less fortunate in Haiti or renovating a home for a member of our community. I got to help him on some of these occasions and was continuously struck by his humility and by the excellence he applied to his work. The example of my dad’s faithfulness helped me to be disciplined and fight for my time with God. I didn’t realize it at the time‚ but I now understand my dad was living out the love of Christ by exemplifying Proverbs 14:31: “Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker‚ but he who is generous to the needy honors him.” This example of humility and kindness has pushed me to be considerate and compassionate toward others‚ especially those less fortunate than me. It should be clear my dad is a godly man and faithful in many ways. But as great as I think my dad is‚ he isn’t godly because he’s so pious or because he works hard. No‚ my dad is a godly man because he’s been changed from the inside out by God‚ who removed his heart of stone and gave him a heart of flesh (Ezek. 36:26). My dad is faithful because the One who called him is faithful (1 Thess. 5:24). May he alone get blessing‚ honor‚ and glory for all the things my dad has done right.

Texas fans didn't have just one‚ but BOTH middle fingers pointing loudly at Brett Yormark

Art restoration is a delicate dance between preserving history and breathing new life into the past. But sometimes‚ well-intentioned efforts result in downright disasters. While some pieces have been mutilated‚ others have been lost altogether. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned‚ it’s that you should never send art to Spain for restoration. From amateur […] The post The 10 Worst Art Restorations in History appeared first on Listverse.

What do you think of when you hear the phrase “Ponzi scheme”? For most of us‚ especially in this day and age‚ the story of Bernie Madoff comes to mind. In even more contemporary times‚ your mind might run across a story like that of Sam Bankman-Fried‚ the now-disgraced founder of FTX who bilked billions […] The post Ten Lesser-Known Ponzi Schemes from History appeared first on Listverse.