Our Church ADVENTure
for Christmas 2023
Composed by Pastor Rande Smith
Daily Devotions
to #ReimagineCHRISTMAS
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Verse of the Day: 1 Chr. 17:12-13
12 He shall build me an house, and I will stablish his throne forever.
13 I will be his father, and he shall be my son: and I will not take my mercy away from him, as I took it from him that was before thee:
- To reign on David's throne forever (Luke 1:32, 33)
- "I will be His Father, He...my Son." (Hebrews 1:5)
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Do not neglect to do good and share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God - Hebrews 13:16
There are two ways to donate:
GUEST POST: "Christianity is no longer the norm"
By Curtis W. Freeman
...research professor of theology and director of the Baptist House of Studies at Duke Divinity School. His book Pilgrim Journey: Instruction in the Mystery of the Gospel
was published in September by Fortress Press as a sequel to Pilgrim Letters: Instruction in the Basic Teaching of Christ.
This proposal for reordering in discipleship isn’t an attempt to be “seeker-sensitive,” in the worst sense of the phrase, giving nonbelievers less to disbelieve. It’s a realistic response to our society’s profound cultural and political shifts. It’s a recognition that Christianity is no longer the norm and, therefore, does not feel normal to many of our neighbors.
We can no longer assume a basic familiarity with our faith that makes a sense of belonging, at least superficially, relatively easy to achieve. We must start with belonging in the sense of “faith as trust” in God and membership in God’s family, not belief in the sense of “faith as understanding,” because getting to the doctrinal affirmations is a much longer journey than it used to be. In post-Christendom, occasional church attendance is not a sufficient basis for making Christians—if that attendance happens at all.
Moreover, the disciple-making process is not about enculturating people into an affinity group of support and togetherness. It’s about cultivating a community committed to following Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). In a secular society, to believe and behave, we must be able to grasp that we belong not only to that community but to God who created us and demonstrated a profound love for us in Jesus Christ.
Belonging, then, is not simply a matter of church attendance or even membership. It’s a covenant relationship based on trust and commitment. It’s deeper than cultural similarities or consumer attraction to a congregation’s programming. It’s belonging to God and one another in the ties that bind our hearts in Christian love. It’s the fellowship of kindred minds. It’s bearing one another’s burdens and sharing the joy of blessings. It’s a common journey and a common hope.
After those horrible days end, the sun will be darkened,
the moon will not give light, stars will fall from the sky,
and the powers of heaven will be shaken.
Then everyone will see the Son of Man arrive on the clouds,
with great power and glory. So keep a sharp lookout!
For you do not know when the homeowner will return—
at evening, midnight, early dawn, or late daybreak.
Mark 13:24-26, 36-37 NLT
Contrary to popular opinion, the Creator will return as Judge.
The Lamb will become a Lion—the world will go up in smoke.
Jesus’ shout will wake the dead—his trumpet call will be reveille.
Heads will roll, tears will fall, and knees will bend.
Keep doing right, no matter how intensely Satan tempts you—
then you can look Me straight in the eye without embarrassment.
Stay on the same wavelength with the Light of the world—
keep away from dark, dingy places demons haunt.
Stay on the same sheet of music with the Source of music—
enjoy eternal pleasure of My company, not sin’s temporary thrills.
The sun will be eclipsed by the dawn of the Sun of Righteousness.
After constellations die, the Bright Morning Star will shine on.
When human authority is history, the King of Kings will reign forever.
My promised future perfect tense will materialize at the right time.
Citizens from every nation will be privileged to be heavenly residents.
Believers will learn to speak My universal language of love.
Rest assured these good things will happen—you have My Word.
In view of My return . . .
Stay awake! You do not know the day or hour, so watch your step.
Live prayerfully—worship Me constantly with all your heart.
Stay alert! Only the Father knows the time, so do not let it surprise you.
Live wisely—think My thoughts and conquer the evil one.
Stay active! Lackadaisicalness and mediocrity betray your profession.
Live faithfully—work for Me with passion and energy.
Stay watchful! The King will return on God’s timetable, not yours.
Live conscientiously—make a conscious effort to be ready.
I may interrupt the evening of your leisure, bringing you eternal peace.
My wakeup call may happen during the midnight of your deepest rest.
Sunrise of an ordinary day may bring the dawn of heaven’s new day.
Your morning preoccupation may be replaced with unending worship.
Do not try to calculate the day of My return—prepare for it!
© By Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Gentle Whispers from Eternity
Verse of the Day: 1 Chr. 17:11
11 And it shall come to pass, when thy days be expired that thou must go to be with thy fathers, that I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall be of thy sons; and I will establish his kingdom.
- David's Seed (Matthew 1:1; 9:27 )
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Do not neglect to do good and share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God - Hebrews 13:16
There are two ways to donate:
Verse of the Day: 2 Ki. 2:11
11 And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
- The bodily ascension to heaven illustrated (Luke 24:51)
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Do not neglect to do good and share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God - Hebrews 13:16
There are two ways to donate:
Verse of the Day: 2 Sam. 7:12-14,16
12 And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.
13 He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.
14 I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:
16 And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.
- David's Seed (Matthew 1:1)
- His Kingdom is everlasting (2Peter 1:11)
- The Son of God (Luke 1:32, Romans 1:3-4 )
- David's house established forever (Luke 3:31; Rev. 22:16)
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Do not neglect to do good and share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God - Hebrews 13:16
There are two ways to donate:
March For Jesus
1 – Our 2024 “Share the Vision” video, Spanish Version, is now on our website.
Marcha por Jesús 2024 - ¡Gracias Jesús!
2 – The March for Jesus 2024 Informational Zoom Conference is on our website.
March for Jesus 2024 Informational Meeting
3 – Reminder, our monthly prayer zoom the first Wednesday of every month at 1:00 pm EST.
Thank you for continuing your prayers for us and for our beautiful city! We are tremendously thankful for you. We pray that the Lord would bless you and your family this week for Thanksgiving.
Please join us on the Prayer Partners Zoom Tuesdays 9:30-10:00 a.m. to pray for Together Chicago if you can. We would love to have our Prayer Partners on this weekly prayer zoom.
Prayer Partners Zoom Link: https://us05web.zoom.us/j/88659293151?pwd=56TU70RD1vNdMaWJ425t93B7wVP7sH.1 Meeting ID: 886 5929 3151 Passcode: gKsZ54
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Now, dear children, continue to live in fellowship with Christ
so that when he returns, you will be full of courage
and not shrink back from him in shame.
1 John 2:28 NLT
Be Christlike in your actions.
Back up adjectives with verbs—I do not want applause; I want surrender.
Christlikeness is a moral imperative, not an ideal—a must, not an ought to.
Do more than ask what I would do—do what you know I want you to do.
Walk in My steps and I will reward you with My smile.
Be compassionate in your relationships.
I am the God with a heart—be sure you have one too.
Loving keeps you near the Light—hatefulness keeps you in the dark.
Christian love is not based on feelings—it begins with a choice of the will.
Follow My example and I will bless you with My love.
Be celebrative in My Presence.
In My Presence, there is Light beyond shadows.
My music teaches you to sing; My promises give you confidence;
My grace strengthens your soul; My peace calms you in the storm.
Learn My melody of joy and I will give you a full, rich life.
Be consecrated in My will.
Physical pleasure cannot compare to the sweetness of My will.
Material things are transitory—invisible realities last forever.
Use possessions; don’t let them possess you—I alone deserve First Place.
Treasure My friendship above all and I will give you eternal life.
Be consistent in your devotion.
Stay in step with the Way, keep faith in the Truth, enjoy liberty of the Life.
Trust and obey Me, whatever happens—prove you are a real disciple.
Keep traveling My road and I will get you home.
Be certain in your heart.
Obedience is faith’s acid test—believers march in step with their King.
When you lovingly obey Me, I get personal with you—
dear, not distant; close, not cerebral; Friend, not cold fact;
Companion, not merely a creed; relationship, not just religion;
heartfelt passion, not head-trip idea; treasure, not only a thought.
Stay near My heart, enjoy pleasure of My company, and I will make Myself real to you.
© By Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Gentle Whispers from Eternity
Verse of the Day: 1 Sam. 2:10, 35
10 The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.
35 And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed forever.
- Shall be an anointed King to the Lord (Mt. 28:18, John 12:15 )
- A Faithful Priest (Heb. 2:17; 3:1-3, 6; 7:24-25 )
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Do not neglect to do good and share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God - Hebrews 13:16
There are two ways to donate:
The master was full of praise, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.
You have been faithful in handling this small amount,
so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!”
Matthew 25:21 NLT
Good job! You’ll hear these words if you do My work well.
Well thought is good, well said is nice, but well done gets My attention.
I expect you to do something for Me—not just study or discuss it.
Don’t just sit around and do nothing wrong—do something right.
I am omniscient—I see the quality of service and the purity of motives.
Invest time and energy in My work and I will commend you one day.
Good heart! At the cross, I took your sin and gave you perfection.
I am merciful—I forgive repentant hearts.
Trust Me and I will give you My righteousness.
Good attitude! The Faithful One is your example—walk in My steps.
I am the Servant King—be subject to My will and live like Me.
Without Me, you can do nothing worthwhile—without faith, you fail.
For every responsibility I give you, I also grant you response-ability.
Go out on a limb—don’t play it safe on this faith adventure.
I inspire and energize you—yield and you can do what I ask of you.
Good response! Trustworthiness and dependability are what I look for.
I am your Boss—work like it.
Give Me your best effort—strive to reach the high standards I set.
Shoddy work and halfhearted efforts are unacceptable.
I am gracious—I bless you with strength to serve.
I trust you—now do your very best for Me.
Good reward! You’ll receive something better than a paycheck.
Be faithful in small things—invest in My cause and earn big dividends.
I observe all you do for Me—trust Me and I will make it all worthwhile.
Nothing you do in My name is a waste of time—eternity will prove it.
When you stand before your King, all you’ve done, yes everything
will be worth it . . . rest assured I’ll reward you with My smile.
With this one thought keep going . . . living, working for My smile.
© By Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Gentle Whispers from Eternity
Verse of the Day: Ruth 4:4-10
4 And I thought to advertise thee, saying, Buy it before the inhabitants, and before the elders of my people. If thou wilt redeem it, redeem it: but if thou wilt not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know: for there is none to redeem it beside thee; and I am after thee. And he said, I will redeem it.
5 Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance.
6 And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem it.
7 Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things; a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbour: and this was a testimony in Israel.
8 Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy it for thee. So he drew off his shoe.
9 And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all the people, Ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi.
10 Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day.
- Christ, our kinsman, has redeemed us (Ephesians 1:3-7 )
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Do not neglect to do good and share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God - Hebrews 13:16
There are two ways to donate:
Verse of the Day: Joshua 5:14-15
14 And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?
15 And the captain of the LORD'S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.
- The Captain of our salvation (Hebrews 2:10 )
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Do not neglect to do good and share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God - Hebrews 13:16
There are two ways to donate:
Verse of the Day: Deut. 18:19
19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.
- Whoever will not hear must bear his sin (Acts 3:22-23)
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Do not neglect to do good and share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God - Hebrews 13:16
There are two ways to donate:
May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love.
May you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should,
how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is.
Ephesians 3:17b-18 NLT
My love is wider than your mind—it is universal.
Reality transcending E = mc2 is greater than your ability to comprehend.
I am energy’s Source, faith’s Center of Gravity, and light’s Creator.
My love reaches out to people of all nations—not just people like you.
My love is no abstraction, it is actuality—more than an idea, it is truth.
My mercy and compassion for the undeserving extends even to you.
You cannot fathom why I care for you, but you can experience My love.
My love is longer than your lifetime—it is unending.
No force can separate you from My love—
death’s terror, life’s trouble, demons’ distraction, today’s fear,
tomorrow’s worry, hell’s power, height’s dizziness, sea’s chaos—
nothing can come between us.
Believer, we are inseparable.
When you are finally free from death, you will sing of My love forever.
My love is higher than your soul—it is unlimited.
My love cancels despair with hope, and cares more than you imagine.
Infinitely beyond earnest prayers, intense hopes, and grand dreams—
My work inside your being gives you joy too wonderful for words.
The place My heart is preparing for those who respond to My love
is more beautiful than paintings, symphonies, or poems can express.
My love is deeper than your heart—it is unfailing.
Betsie ten Boom is right—no pit is so deep, that I am not deeper still.
When you experience depression, do not lose your hope in Me.
My heart empathizes with you in your pain and problems.
My promises guide you through the maze of perplexity.
My Spirit holds you together through your darkest night.
I am your Face-healer—smile through tears until I wipe them away.
© By Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 344, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
Verse of the Day: Deut. 18:18
18 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.
- Sent by the Father to speak His word (John 8:28, 29 )
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Do not neglect to do good and share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God - Hebrews 13:16
There are two ways to donate:
Verse of the Day: Deut. 18:15-16
15 The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;
16 According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not.
- "This is of a truth that prophet." (John 6:14 )
- "Had ye believed Moses, ye would believe me." (John 5:45-47 )
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Do not neglect to do good and share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God - Hebrews 13:16
There are two ways to donate:
“You’re hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees! Frauds!
You burnish the surface of your cups and bowls so they sparkle in the sun,
while the insides are maggoty with greed and gluttony. Stupid Pharisee!
Scour the insides, and then the gleaming surface will mean something.
You’re like manicured grave plots, grass clipped and the flowers bright,
but six feet down it’s all rotting bones and worm-eaten flesh.
People look and think you’re saints, but beneath the skin you’re total frauds.”
Matthew 23:25-28 THE MESSAGE
I’m giving you fair warning—heaven’s judgment fell on first-century pretenders,
and it still falls on the heads of all who repeat their folly.
Pride always receives My severe condemnation.
Religion means nothing to Me—relationship means everything.
My Son put an end to religion, making heartless ceremonies obsolete.
Status nauseates me—servanthood receives My smile.
Payola piety turns My stomach—sincere worship melts My heart.
Sermons without words are what I’m looking for, not hollow lectures.
Fall to your knees because of your sin, then you can get to your feet again.
I am your Teacher—sit at My feet as a humble student.
Learn My lessons before you presume to teach others how to live.
Pretense always meets My heavy disapproval.
Pharisees practiced payola piety, trying to win human approval.
They got what they wanted, nothing more—they were paid in full.
They learned verses in their head, but did not know Me in their heart.
They loved the attention of the masses, but did not love the Master.
They acted spiritual to cover up their evil, but hid nothing from Me.
They painted a veneer over their sin, but changed nothing inside.
Do better than the play-actors—take off your mask and avoid theatrics.
I am your Leader—stay near My heart and walk in My steps.
Get real with Me before you attempt to lead people.
Superficiality always merits My intense judgment.
Peripheral issues detract from nobler matters—equity, kindness, fidelity.
Looking good is no substitute for being good.
I see right through you—you can’t fool Me for a minute.
Reputation is what others think of you—character is what I know you are.
Externalities may impress people and gain you wide recognition;
but what pleases Me is a clean, wise, joyful, loving, obedient heart.
Keeping up appearances, with a heart rotten to the core, angers Me.
I am your Savior—be pure inside and your public persona will be authentic.
Be right on the inside before you try to influence the world.
Be a fake, and you’re sure to receive My harsh censure.
Be My authentic follower, and you’re certain to receive My commendation.
© By Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Gentle Whispers from Eternity
