Advent 2025 – 20
Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
Advent 2025
Day 20 | HOPE AND A FUTURE
Advent 2025
Day 20 | HOPE AND A FUTURE
HOPE AND A FUTURE
Jeremiah 29:11
“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
The first sermon I preached as the new pastor at the Lake Church was on this verse. The church – at the time – was struggling. I was told later by a key Board Member that they figured they had enough in the bank to pay me for a year, and then they would have to close their doors and fold.
Yet today, 13 years later, I’m still here as pastor, the church is larger than it was, and people are growing spiritually. Sounds like the divine fulfillment of this verse!
I like remembering that church story. NOT because of me, but because our thriving today is a testimony to God being faithful to His promises. I felt that promise was for us… and it was. And I am strengthened by remembering what God did (and is still doing).
So how about YOU? How does your 2026 look? Are you excited in some way, or are you letting your discouragement and depression take the lead? Are you feeling any fear? How about doubt? How about worry?
2 Corinthians 5:7 – “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
We are living in one of the most fear-filled time I can ever remember.
But remember this: “No temptation (including: fear, doubt, and worry) has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Here’s something I want to tell you again: Feed your faith, NOT your fear. And remember this too: Worry ends when faith begins.
Pray this prayer: LORD, I’ll be honest, I’m experiencing fear and worry. I’m not feeding my faith as I should. Help me to cut out those things that are increasing my negative feelings and to spend more time with YOU, Your Word, and positive Christians. Amen.
Jeremiah 29:11
“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
The first sermon I preached as the new pastor at the Lake Church was on this verse. The church – at the time – was struggling. I was told later by a key Board Member that they figured they had enough in the bank to pay me for a year, and then they would have to close their doors and fold.
Yet today, 13 years later, I’m still here as pastor, the church is larger than it was, and people are growing spiritually. Sounds like the divine fulfillment of this verse!
I like remembering that church story. NOT because of me, but because our thriving today is a testimony to God being faithful to His promises. I felt that promise was for us… and it was. And I am strengthened by remembering what God did (and is still doing).
So how about YOU? How does your 2026 look? Are you excited in some way, or are you letting your discouragement and depression take the lead? Are you feeling any fear? How about doubt? How about worry?
2 Corinthians 5:7 – “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
We are living in one of the most fear-filled time I can ever remember.
But remember this: “No temptation (including: fear, doubt, and worry) has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Here’s something I want to tell you again: Feed your faith, NOT your fear. And remember this too: Worry ends when faith begins.
Pray this prayer: LORD, I’ll be honest, I’m experiencing fear and worry. I’m not feeding my faith as I should. Help me to cut out those things that are increasing my negative feelings and to spend more time with YOU, Your Word, and positive Christians. Amen.
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