😊☀️👋🏻 Good morning, friend!

Hi there, it’s Pastor Blake, and I’m so excited to start this Advent journey with you!

Have you ever waited for something that seemed like it would never come? Maybe it was an answered prayer, a word of encouragement, or a breakthrough in a tough season. Waiting can be hard, but Advent reminds us that we’re not waiting in vain—because God always keeps His promises.

Today, let’s reflect on how God’s faithfulness fills us with unshakable hope, even in the waiting.

🙏 HUMBLE

Begin this time pondering the following questions:

1. What are you thankful for today?

2. What burdens, fears, or areas of sin do you need to release to God today?

Now, let’s ask God to help us find HOPE in Him today:

“Lord, help me to trust You with my whole heart today. Open my eyes to see Your faithfulness and lead me to trust You more deeply. Amen.”

📖 OBSERVE

Now, let’s observe what God has to say in His Word:

READ: Psalm 90; Numbers 17:1-11; 2 Peter 3:1-18

Devotional Focus: 2 Peter 3:9
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

Reflection:
Advent is a season of waiting, and waiting isn’t easy. The people of Judah waited centuries for the fulfillment of God’s promise in Jeremiah 33. Even now, we wait for Christ’s return to make all things new.

Peter reminds us that God’s timing is not like ours. What feels slow to us is actually God’s patience, giving more people the opportunity to experience His grace. This truth fills us with hope because it shows that God is always working, even when it feels like nothing is happening.

Advent is a time to reflect on the promises God has already fulfilled—like the coming of Christ—and to renew our hope in the promises we’re still waiting for. God is faithful, and His promises never fail.

Reflection Questions:

1. What promises of God are you waiting to see fulfilled?

2. How does knowing God’s timing is perfect help you trust Him more?

💡 PERSONALIZE

Now to make this personal in your life, consider this question:

What is one area where God is encouraging you to grow or change?

❤️ ENGAGE

Sharing Hope & Encouraging Others:

Think of someone who is waiting on God right now. Send them a note or a text with 2 Peter 3:9 and remind them of God’s perfect timing.

Pray and Serve:

Pray for patience in your own waiting season and for others who are trusting God’s promises. Take time this week to encourage someone who is struggling with doubt or discouragement.

📢 MY #HOPEDECLARATION

Create your own declaration of hope today!

“Today I can _______________________ because of Jesus Christ!”

Snap a pic of your #HopeDeclaration and share it on Social Media!

🙏 STOP AND PRAY: 

“Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness to every promise You’ve made. Help me to trust Your timing, even when it feels slow. Fill me with hope, and use me to encourage others who are waiting on You. Amen.”

✨ READY TO GO DEEPER?

Take a few moments to reflect on today’s insights and how they apply to your journey. Use your Daily HOPE Journal to capture your thoughts, prayers, and commitments, and watch your relationship with God grow deeper each day.

Don’t have a journal yet? Grab yours here and start your journey.

❤️ SPREAD THE HOPE, GET A DIGITAL JOURNAL!

Your impact is just beginning! Every share spreads hope and brings more people into this journey of encouragement. Keep sharing to unlock your next exclusive reward and help build a stronger, hope-filled community. Click below to keep the momentum going!

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Or copy and paste this link to share with others: {{rp_refer_url}}

💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION: 

We’d love to hear from you! To stay committed, reply to this email or head over to the comments section on today’s post to share your #HopeDeclaration. Let’s encourage each other in this journey!

🎧 LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: 

Want to go deeper? Listen to this week’s Hope for the Mountainside podcast episode.

⛪️ WHY NOT VISIT US IN PERSON?

We’d love to see you at Mountainside Community Bible Church! Join us for worship and a welcoming community every Sunday at 10 AM. Plan your visit below—we can’t wait to meet you!