Isn’t it wonderful that there aren’t even enough names to describe the goodness of God? I love that He has a different name for all the times we need him. He is our wonderful counselor when we are seeking his wisdom. He is our Helper in times of trouble. He is the Prince of Peace during war and unrest. He is our Everlasting Father is a world where everything we have can slip away in a moment. He is the King that reigns above all rulers on earth. He is Father to the fatherless. He is our Friend always.

During this Advent season, think of a name of Christ each day and thank Him for being what that name represents…Counselor, Savior, Father, Friend, etc. It’s a great way to stay grounded in the reason we celebrate Advent and Christmas!

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12

I think what I love most about this verse is that it ends with a call to a faithful prayer life. I believe God is telling us here that regular conversation with him is what helps us be joyful as we hope for God’s plan for us and patient when we face the problems of life. I’m not always very joyful as I wait or patient when I’m working through trials, but God promises that he will bring me through those times by being faithful in prayer.

With Thanksgiving around the corner, food drives begin and we turn our focus to feeding those who are going without this season. And I believe Jesus smiles with joy when He sees his people serving others. But here’s my challenge this Thanksgiving – find ways to serve others even after the holidays are over. There are people in need all around you and God tells us in this verse that the Father will reward us for even meeting just a basic need of others (a cup of water). So think about serving, your neighbor, a local food pantry, a friend at church – all year round.