As we walk through this Advent season we know that our Savior has brought us Peace.

A disciple is one who lives in hope!

As disciples one of the hardest lessons for us to learn is to wait on God. God's plans are not our plans, and his ways are higher than our ways, and we must learn to trust and to wait as he leads us.

The story of Israel is a story of struggle and failure, even as God did amazing things all around and through them. As we walk with God we will struggle and fail, but God is gracious and wants so much more for us!

A disciple is called by God into his mission and purpose in the world, working to bring his hope and love to others!

God has called his people to speak, but it is not our words that turn hearts, but the power of the cross that we point to!

God is our shield and our protector, he cares for us and watches over us, and will deliver us! But as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego declared, sometimes that deliverance doesn't look the way we want...so what do we do when God's protection doesn't feel very protective?

In ancient days people saw their gods as local and limited, but the God of Israel revealed to them that he was always with them, wherever they were, and whatever they were going through. A disciple is one who knows that God is always with us!

Walking with God fills our lives with all kinds of wonderful blessings and gifts, and he calls us to be a part of the work he is doing in amazing and important ways. But a disciple understands that while God calls us and cares for us, we are not the point, he is!

A disciple knows who it is that we are worshipping, and responds to the lavish promises and provision of God with lavish generosity and freedom!