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Quieting Your Heart – Week 3

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THE PUZZLING TRUTH ABOUT HOPE

For many, the day begins with a cup of coffee, a small ritual that sets the tone for the day ahead. Hope is like that morning coffee – it rejuvenates our spirit, warms our heart, and prepares us to face the day’s challenges with renewed energy and a positive outlook.

The joy of the Christmas season this year was intertwined with a newfound activity in our home. As such, my daughter’s Christmas list could be summed up in one word, “Puzzles.” Just yesterday she said, there could never be too many. As Michael and I began looking at puzzles for Madison’s gift, we found ourselves drawn into the same world of interlocking pieces and intricate designs.

After picking up a few for ourselves, we’ve developed a little routine in our home. A puzzle is always out on the dining room table, nestled among our Christmas decorations, and whenever any of us has a few minutes to spare, we sit down to add a piece or two. During a recent power outage, Nathaniel and I found ourselves in the soft glow of candlelight, piecing together a puzzle of Sherlock Holmes, for an hour or so. This moment of unexpected joy and connection was a warm reminder of the simple pleasures found around the table at Christmas.

Engaging in the slow, methodical process of piecing together a puzzle is akin to nurturing hope. Each piece is a step, an experience that, on its own, may not reveal the whole picture. But as we continue, placing piece by piece, the image becomes clear. Hope works similarly, assuring us that each piece of our life is part of a larger, beautiful design.

In life, just like in puzzling, there are moments when the picture seems fragmented, where pieces don’t seem to fit, and the overall image is unclear. Yet, with patience and perseverance, each piece finds its place, contributing to the completion of a beautiful picture.

Similarly, in our walk with the Lord, hope guides us to trust in the process, believing that even the seemingly disjointed pieces of our life have a purpose and place in God’s grand design. As the Apostle Paul writes in 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.”

Similarly, in our walk with the Lord, hope guides us to trust in the process, believing that even the seemingly disjointed pieces of our life have a purpose and place in God’s grand design. It echoes the message of 2 Corinthians 4:18, which encourages us to “fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” This verse reminds us that our hope is not anchored in the shifting sands of our present circumstances but in the solid rock of eternal truth.

So, as we celebrate this season upon us, let’s remember the power of hope. It’s a reminder that in God’s hands, every piece of our life, every challenge, joy, and ordinary moment, is part of something far greater than we can imagine. With each piece we place, and every step we take in faith, we’re reminded of the beauty and completeness found in God’s perfect plan.

This Week’s Challenge

Make a difference for eternity this Christmas. Take the opportunity to share the gospel with somebody.

This Week’s Bible Verse

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Week at a Glance

Note: Each day includes a short Bible reading assignment and brief chapter for reflection. If you would like to study any of the chapters deeper, take a look at the study sheet I have created for you. Feel free to answer any or all of the questions. Click here to view and print it.

TUESDAY – DAY 15:

• Light a candle today, and if you have a purple one—even better. The lighting of an Advent candle serves as a visual reminder of the light of Christ that we anticipate and celebrate during this season. (Find out more about the candles here).
• Watch this week’s video. Click here to go to Youtue or watch it at Time-Warp Wife.
• Visit Time-Warp Wife for this week’s opening thoughts on hope.
• Find today’s Bible reading assignment under day 15 in your study guide (Luke 1:5-25). Read that portion of the Bible before reading the chapter in the guide.
• Check in on the community at: facebook.com/groups/biblestudies. Share your thoughts on today’s chapter.

WEDNESDAY – DAY 16:

• Find today’s Bible reading assignment under day 16 in your study guide (1 Samuel 1 & 2). Read that portion of the Bible before reading the chapter in the guide.
• Check in on the community at: facebook.com/groups/biblestudies. Share your thoughts on today’s chapter.

THURSDAY – DAY 17:

• Find today’s Bible reading assignment under day 17 in your study guide (Exodus 1:15-2:10 & Matt. 2:1-18). Read that portion of the Bible before reading the chapter in the guide.
• Check in on the community at: facebook.com/groups/biblestudies. Share your thoughts on today’s chapter.

FRIDAY – DAY 18:

• Find today’s Bible reading assignment under day 18 in your study guide (Job 19 and 42). Read that portion of the Bible before reading the chapter in the guide.
• Visit Time-Warp Wife to read Darlene’s thoughts for the week.
• Check in on the community at: facebook.com/groups/biblestudies. Share your thoughts on today’s chapter.

SATURDAY – DAY 19:

• Find today’s Bible reading assignment under day 19 in your study guide (Genesis Chapters 37, 39-45). Read that portion of the Bible before reading the chapter in the guide.
• Check in on the community at: facebook.com/groups/biblestudies. Share your thoughts on today’s chapter.

SUNDAY – DAY 20:

• Find today’s Bible reading assignment under day 20 in your study guide (Ezekiel 37:1-14). Read that portion of the Bible before reading the chapter in the guide.
• Check in on the community at: facebook.com/groups/biblestudies. Share your thoughts on today’s chapter.

MONDAY – DAY 21:

• Find today’s Bible reading assignment under day 21 in your study guide (Mark 2:1-12). Read that portion of the Bible before reading the chapter in the guide.
• Check in on the community at: facebook.com/groups/biblestudies. Share your thoughts on today’s chapter.

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