Advent
The Jesse Tree Daily Devotions | 2015
The Jesse Tree Daily Devotions for Advent 2015 PINNACLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Advent—the season of waiting and watching. But what is it that we are watching for? Is it the parties, decorations, carols and presents that always seem to describe the weeks leading up to Christmas or is there something more? Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of the season we lose sight of the mystery of Jesus’ birth. The God who shaped the cosmos also came as a baby. The Jesse Tree tells the story filled with life, hope and grace but was cut down and left us counting the trees rings like life had given up on us. This story, named after Jesse, who was the father of King David, tells of the whole family tree from the very beginning, the mistakes, grace, forgiveness, love and hope found in a stump that brings new life. Jesus invites us to the tree of living waters—come just as you are, look around you at the ordinary activities of advent and notice what makes them holy. Watch for what Jesus might be doing this Advent season in your life. There is no hurry—take your time examining the tree that is living right here among us. Together we will wait and watch for Jesus to live among us as we hear the story of Jesus through these scripture readings. Each day there is a scripture and some questions to spend time journaling about. Enjoy discovering and examining the tree alive within you.
Sunday, November 29, 2015 Scripture Reading | Isaiah 11:1-10
The Tree of Life Nurturing the tree: A stump—it isn’t about what dream has failed, mistake that was made, what hope was lost. What matters is that you have a tree. It is out of the stump that a tender branch will form. Nurtured with God’s grace, truth and love, a Son is born to take away the sins of the world. Questions: Spend some time thinking about your own family tree? What are some important stories in your family? What have been “lifeless stumps” that have sprung new hope? Prayer: Lord, As we begin Advent, help us to wait with anticipation for Jesus’ birth. Amen.
Advent 2015 Daily Devotions | Pinnacle Presbyterian Church
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Monday, November 30, 2015 Scripture Reading | Genesis 1:1 - 2:3
God called it Very Good Nurturing the tree: We often think that Christmas begins with Jesus’ birth, but the story began long before that when God created the heavens and earth, and He called them good. The triune God gathered using their imagination, knowledge and love to create each animal, plant, tree, and us. God loves everything that He made including you. No matter what you have done or not done since your birth, remember it began with love. Questions: What good things has God created? Prayer: Lord, Thank you for all the things that you created. Amen.
Advent 2015 Daily Devotions | Pinnacle Presbyterian Church
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Tuesday, December 1, 2015 Scripture Reading | Genesis 3:1-24
Where Are You? Nurturing the Tree: The first question asked in the Bible is “Where are you?” When God asks Adam and Eve where they were, they hide. They were ashamed. They had sinned and made a mistake. We all make mistakes, but what is important is that we still know that God loves us and wants to be with us. Jesus calls to you today, “Where are you?” He is looking for you. Will you hide, or will you let God hold you in His arms and say, “My gift of grace will wash away that stain of shame, guilt, anger, and loss”? Today we must ask ourselves, where am I? Questions: What mistakes have you made? How can you make it good again? Prayer: Heavenly Father, I want to be with you. Forgive me for the mistakes I have made. I am sorry. Amen.
Advent 2015 Daily Devotions | Pinnacle Presbyterian Church
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Wednesday, December 2, 2015 Scripture Reading | Genesis 6:11-22, 8:6-12
A Family Trust Nurturing the Tree: Nothing seems to be going right—hate, anger, and sin replaced grace, truth and love. God was sad because the people He loved didn’t love him back. God wanted to start over, until He met Noah. Even though Noah wasn’t perfect he still trusted God. He got it right—God was in control. So much so that Noah trusted God to build a giant ark, fill it with all the animals and live with them for forty days and forty nights. Trust is hard especially when things don’t seem to be going right. But it is in trusting God that we better understand grace, truth and love. Questions: Where are the places in your life that don’t seem to be going right? Where is God in those places? Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are in all things, even the ones that aren’t going right. Show me where You are in today. Amen.
Advent 2015 Daily Devotions | Pinnacle Presbyterian Church
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Thursday, December 3, 2015 Scripture Reading | Genesis 15:1-21
A Blessing Billboard Nurturing the Tree: The stress of everything going right continues to build up. For Abram, nothing seems to be going right. But God doesn’t respond to the stress, frustration or anxiety that Abram and Sarai are experiencing. Instead He says, “I will bless you.” God doesn’t promise burden, pain, loss, or grief, instead He promises blessings that will number the stars in the sky. His promise is like a billboard for Abram to see every night before he falls asleep. God blesses us with a gift of grace found in the birth of a baby. Questions: How has God blessed you? Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for Your blessings this season. Amen.
Advent 2015 Daily Devotions | Pinnacle Presbyterian Church
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Friday, December 4, 2015 Scripture Reading | Genesis 22:1-14
God Provides Nurturing the Tree: How could God ask for something so special as a child? And, yet, Abraham was determined to do what God asked even though it was hard because deep down Abraham knew God would provide. To provide means to see. God sees our worry, fear, and doubt that we often try and hide from the world. Faith means being willing to let God provide for all that He sees even when the way seems impossible, crazy or just weird. God will provide. Questions: Name 3 ways God has provided for you. Prayer: Gracious Lord, You see all and know all. Enter into my hiding places and show me Your provisions. Amen.
Advent 2015 Daily Devotions | Pinnacle Presbyterian Church
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Saturday, December 5, 2015 Scripture Reading | Genesis 27:44-28:22
Dreams‌ Nurturing the Tree: Even in the midst of the busiest holiday we can still feel alone. We can be surrounded by people (even the family we love) and feel something missing. We can spend the whole Advent season decorating, celebrating, caroling and being a part of all the Christmas traditions trying to find the thing that is missing. Many people will spend their lives searching to find that missing piece. Jacob discovered what was missing in a dream. Jacob wrestled with an angel until he discovered what he felt was missing had never left. God was always with him. God is always with you. Questions: Have you ever felt all alone? What can we do to remember that God is with us no matter what? Prayer: Holy God, Thank you for being with us through everything. Help us to always remember you are there. Amen.
Advent 2015 Daily Devotions | Pinnacle Presbyterian Church
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Sunday, December 6, 2015 Scripture Reading | Isaiah 9:2-7
The First Gift Nurturing the Tree: The first gift of Christmas was given long before Jesus’ birth, and it was the one thing that kept the Israelites going even when they were far from home. Hope means a feeling of expectation and desire. God’s promise of a child that will change the world brought comfort throughout the generations that one day the world would change. Today hope is what gets us through a difficult day, a challenging experience and a hard season of life. Hope is what gets us to Christmas in anticipation of a child’s birth in a manger. Questions: We all make a difference in the world. What impact do you have on the world? Prayer: Jesus, Our hope is in you. We pray that you continue to make a difference in us and the world around us. Amen.
Advent 2015 Daily Devotions | Pinnacle Presbyterian Church
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Monday, December 7, 2015 Scripture Reading | Genesis 37:1-36
A Colorful Coat Nurturing the Tree: No matter how beautiful the tree, how delicious the Christmas cookies, or how perfect the season seems to look, there is always a blood-stained hem of the coat dragging through hurt, jealousy, and hate during this season. But Joseph reminds us that God always has other plans. God uses everything that happens for His glory. Thanks be to God. Questions: Sometimes it is hard to always love when we are jealous or hurt each other. Name something good or that you love about each member of your family. Prayer: Jesus, Thank you for each member of my family. Amen.
Advent 2015 Daily Devotions | Pinnacle Presbyterian Church
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Tuesday, December 8, 2015 Scripture Reading | Exodus 20:1-17
The BIG 10 Nurturing the Tree: We usually hear about the Ten Commandments as the Law and rules of how to follow God, but these ten rules are much more than that—they are a covenant of love. The rules teach us how to love God and love each other. God is committed to loving you no matter what you do or how well you do it. Questions: How do you show that you love God? How do you show your love to family and friends? Prayer: Almighty God, Thank You for Your love. I love You too! Amen.
Advent 2015 Daily Devotions | Pinnacle Presbyterian Church
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Wednesday, December 9, 2015 Scripture Reading | Numbers 6:22-27
You’ve Got Mail Nurturing the Tree: It has become a tradition during advent to send Christmas cards and rekindle friendships that have become distant in the busyness of day-to-day life. Each card, call and connection renews the promise that you matter. God asks Moses and Aaron to rekindle His relationship with the people—He says, “I love you no matter what”. Questions: What relationship do you need to rekindle? How can we connect with each other better this advent season? Prayer: Dear God, Thank you for reminding us that You love us no matter what. Amen.
Advent 2015 Daily Devotions | Pinnacle Presbyterian Church
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Thursday, December 10, 2015 Scripture Reading | 1 Samuel 3:1-21
Listening in the Dark Nurturing the Tree: Have you ever listened to the sound of the stars emerging in the darkness? Many believe the sound is silent, but the sounds of silence include the voice of God speaking directly to you. Listen, because God is talking to you. Questions: Have you ever tried to say something important but no one was listening? How do you make them listen? Prayer: Holy Spirit, Calm my spirit and help me to listen to You. Amen.
Advent 2015 Daily Devotions | Pinnacle Presbyterian Church
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Friday, December 11, 2015 Scripture Reading | I Samuel 16:14-23
Fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la Nurturing the Tree: The sounds of Christmas always include carols. It is hard to not be joyful and celebratory when we sing songs like Joy to the World, Deck the Halls or We Wish You a Merry Christmas. Sing loud (even if you don’t sing well) because the Savior is coming, and whatever else is going on—sing and everything will be better. Questions: What is your favorite Christmas Carol? How do you feel when you join in the singing? Prayer: Jesus, we know your birth is near. Help us to stand and sing your praises. Amen.
Advent 2015 Daily Devotions | Pinnacle Presbyterian Church
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Saturday, December 12, 2015 Scripture Reading | Psalm 23
The Shepherd Leads Us Nurturing the Tree: The job of a shepherd is not an easy one. Protecting the sheep and keeping them safe from wild animals is a 24 hour, 7 days a week job. Making sure they have food and water. Making sure the sheep don’t wander off from the group takes focus, skill and attention to the flock. David reminds us that God is always watching out for us like a shepherd. Leading us through dark valleys, bringing us to safe places and comforting us when time are tough. It is a great gift that we don’t go through our days alone. We go with the Shepherd leading us. Questions: Where has God been leading you this Advent Season? Prayer: Heavenly Father, Help me to recognize Your leading and comfort. Amen.
Advent 2015 Daily Devotions | Pinnacle Presbyterian Church
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Sunday, December 13, 2015 Scripture Reading | Joshua 2:1-21
Lifeline of Hope Nurturing the Tree: We drape our trees, banisters, and cacti with strings of lights and garland expressing our hope for Christmas. Lines at the shopping center, parking lots, and freeways are filled with the anticipation of Christmas. Rope is draped out a window, a sign of relief for a couple of soldiers. Each is a lifeline in a faithless, lifeless, and godless world—God gives God; a lifeline in the midst of our crazy busy and stress-filled lives, a sign of relief because you are not alone. Questions: Where do you see God’s lifelines in your life? Where can you decorate your home with more symbols of God’s lifelines? Prayer: Lord, Show me Your hope. Amen
Advent 2015 Daily Devotions | Pinnacle Presbyterian Church
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Monday, December 14, 2015 Scripture Reading | 1 Kings 17:1-16
A Generous Gift Nurturing the Tree: Gifts are such a big part of many of our holiday traditions. Finding, wrapping, mailing and receiving the perfect gift often causes stress for the giver. We give gifts to remind us of the gift Jesus gives to us—eternal life. It is a generous gift beyond anything we can find in a store or online. Today we give generously, like the Widow, because we know that God will provide what we need. Questions: What is the hardest part of gift giving for you? How can our Christmas gifts become more about Jesus’ generous gift? Prayer: Jesus, thank You for giving an amazing gift to us. Help us to give to others the way You have given. Amen.
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Tuesday, December 15, 2015 Scripture Reading | Jonah 1:1-3, 2:10, 3:1-5
Equipped for Life Nurturing the Tree: Jonah believes that he knows what is best—the Ninevites do not deserve God or His grace. But Jonah’s self-proclaimed knowledge landed him on a ship that was about to overturn and in a whale’s belly that smelled like fish. Doesn’t sound like he knew very much. We sometimes end up in the same place, believing that we know better than God. We think we know more about people in our community, the direction we should be going, our jobs, lifestyle and future… that is until we end up in some sort of “belly-of-a-whale experience.” It is at moments like these, that we realize we aren’t equipped for life on your own. Jesus gives us grace, but that means setting aside all of the knowledge and wisdom we have on our own to turn and follow Jesus. We were never created to do it all on our own. God made you to be in a relationship with Him. That means you no longer go alone. Instead, you go with God. Questions: Can you think of an example when you tried to figure out a problem on your own? How did Jesus help? Prayer: Lord, Forgive me for believing I know better than You. Guide me in being obedient to You always. Amen. Advent 2015 Daily Devotions | Pinnacle Presbyterian Church
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Wednesday, December 16, 2015 Scripture Reading | Isaiah 6:1-8
A Humble WOW! Nurturing the Tree: The Christmas story includes angels who spoke to people and reminded Mary, Joseph and the shepherds what was happening. But today angels don’t appear often reminding us that God is present, Jesus is coming, and miracles do occur. Instead God asks us, like He asked Isaiah, to point out how awesome God is. Join me in proclaiming, Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord Almighty! Questions: Where do you see God in your life? How can we point out God’s holiness during this season? Prayer: Almighty God, You are the Alpha and Omega, beginning and the end and everything in between. Help us to sing Your praises today. Amen.
Advent 2015 Daily Devotions | Pinnacle Presbyterian Church
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Thursday, December 17, 2015 Scripture Reading | Jeremiah 31:31-34
Your Heart Grows Three Sizes Nurturing the Tree: The Grinch’s heart grew three sizes during Christmas when he realizes that Christmas is more than gifts, trees and presents. The true meaning of Christmas is about what is already written on your hearts—the love of our Triune God. When we realize Jesus’ Christmas gift of love is bigger than we can even imagine, our heart grows too. Questions: What is so easy to get wrapped up in at Christmas time? Prayer: Lord, Thank You for Your love. Help me to focus on You this Christmas. Amen.
Advent 2015 Daily Devotions | Pinnacle Presbyterian Church
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Friday, December 18, 2015 Scripture Reading | Habakkuk 2:1; 3:16-19
Sleepless is the Desert Nurturing the Tree: Does it ever feel like you are watching the world go by? You blink and your children are grown, turn around and suddenly your parents have aged, look again and realize that the world we live in is so different than when you were a kid. Sometimes we feel like we missed it (whatever it is in your life). Maybe for you the thing you keep watching for is hope for the future, comfort in the present, rest for the weary, and joy that does not end. But what if the one thing you keep looking for is happening right now? The gifts of hope, comfort, rest, joy and so much more are happening in the little things. Are you watching? Questions: What are you watching for? Are there any small ways that you have seen it come true? Prayer: Triune God, I am watching and waiting for You. Amen.
Advent 2015 Daily Devotions | Pinnacle Presbyterian Church
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Saturday, December 19, 2015 Scripture Reading | Hebrews 1:1-4
The Voice of God Nurturing the Tree: The messages of Christmas comes in many shapes and sizes found in advertisements, Christmas cards, shopping centers and special events. Many of the messages are telling us to buy more, do more and expect more and then your Christmas will be special. It is hard to hear the message of Jesus in a manger, but in the midst of these messages the Holy Spirit is speaking through the people all around you. Listen for the simple message of God’s truth which has nothing to do with lines, shops, or ads. God’s voice is found in the people all around us speaking the constant message that Grace has come in an unexpected way for you. Questions: God is speaking to you today. What do you hear Him saying? Prayer: Holy Spirit, Help me to hear Your word for me today. Amen.
Advent 2015 Daily Devotions | Pinnacle Presbyterian Church
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Sunday, December 20, 2015 Scripture Reading | Luke 1:5-25
Miracles Begin Nurturing the Tree: God had been silent for hundreds of years until this moment. Zechariah shows up to offer thanksgiving to God, and, receives the first miracle—a son. All these years he had been preparing the people for the coming of Jesus, and the time had finally come. It is the same for us. It doesn’t matter how prepared we feel for Christmas morning in a few days. God continues to prepare us for the miracle of our Savior’s birth. Questions: How do you prepare for Christmas? Do you feel prepared? What would make you feel more prepared? Prayer: Triune God, Prepare us for the miracle of Your birth. Amen.
Advent 2015 Daily Devotions | Pinnacle Presbyterian Church
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Monday, December 21, 2015 Scripture Reading | Luke 1:26-38
You are Special Nurturing the Tree: What would it take for God to call us highly favored? Was it the time Mary gave, prayers she said, trust in God’s plan? Maybe it had nothing to do with her actions at all. Maybe it was all about God’s actions in her. God chose her, just like He chooses you. God names you as highly favored. He says, “You are Special”! Questions: What is God calling for you to do? Prayer: Holy Lord, Thank You for believing in me. Amen.
Advent 2015 Daily Devotions | Pinnacle Presbyterian Church
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Tuesday, December 22, 2015 Scripture Reading | Matthew 1:18-21
God With Us Nurturing the Tree: He will save. Emmanuel. God with Us. These phrases are not expected words to hear in any dream. Joseph had already made up his mind. He would not marry Mary. But these words made him realize that what Mary said was true. God was giving a gift, God. God’s gift to us this Christmas is Himself. It is true, right and perfect. God gives God. God is with us. Questions: How do you know God to be with you? How do you recognize God’s gift to you? Prayer: Emmanuel, God with us. Thank You for coming. Amen.
Advent 2015 Daily Devotions | Pinnacle Presbyterian Church
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Wednesday, December 23, 2015 Scripture Reading | Matthew 2:1-12
Wise Outsiders Nurturing the Tree: The wise men came from a different country and culture to see Jesus. Many others wouldn’t have traveled from their country for months just to see Jesus, but they were among the first to worship Him. Sometimes it takes someone on the outside looking in to see the amazing gift of Jesus’ birth—grace, forgiveness and life. These same gifts are for you too. Questions: Where does Jesus’ gifts show up to you most during Christmas? Prayer: Almighty Lord, Thank You for the gifts that we recognize. Help us see the gifts we miss. Amen.
Advent 2015 Daily Devotions | Pinnacle Presbyterian Church
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Thursday, December 24, 2015 Scripture Reading | Luke 2:1-20
The Good News Press Nurturing the Tree: It was hot off the press. The time was here, the Messiah was born, and the angels were like newsboys proclaiming from the street corners. “Do not be afraid, for see I bring you good news of great joy…” The great joy is that Jesus is born, and we must proclaim it from the street corners. Questions: What is the best news you have ever heard? How did you share that message? Prayer: Jesus, To God in the highest and peace on earth, for You have been born as a gift of grace. Thanks. Amen.
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Christmas Day - Friday, December 25, 2015 Scripture Reading | John 1:1-18
It’s Our Savior! Nurturing the Tree: Anytime a baby is born, a family’s life is changed. Suddenly parents give much of their time to their child; feeding, cleaning, wooing, napping and taking care of a child. When Jesus was born the world changed, not because we needed to take care of Jesus, but because Jesus was here to take care of us. He became human so that He would know the joys, sorrows, pain and celebrations of our lives. He came so that He could be our Savior. He came because He loves you. Merry Christmas! Questions: How can you tell someone you love them today? Prayer: Jesus, Thank You for coming on Christmas day to say You love me. I love You too! Amen.
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