Join Pastor Nick as we dive into today’s Advent reading and celebrate how God’s promises to David remind us of His blessings in Jesus! Plus, hear the incredible story behind a recent Mario Kart youth outreach that brought families together and showed how intentional planning can glorify God.📖 Scripture Focus: 2 Samuel 7:18–22
✨ Reflection: “Who am I, Sovereign Lord?” Discover what David’s humility teaches us about grace and blessing.🎮 Youth Ministry Highlight: Learn how a simple gaming event became a powerful tool for connection and ministry in Johnstown.💬 Questions to Reflect On:

• How might you ask God to bless your family this Christmas?
• How can your family be a blessing to others this season?

👉 Comment below: What’s one way you plan to bless others this Christmas?
👍 Like, Subscribe & Share!
📧 Email us at [email protected]
🌐 Visit https://shepnaz.org/shepnow for events and resources.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome & Advent Series Intro01:00 Pastor Nick Joins the Conversation01:27 Mario Kart Youth Outreach Story04:00 How Planning Honors God07:03 Advent Reading: 2 Samuel 7:18–2208:34 God’s Promises to David10:25 “Who Am I?” – Humility & Grace12:37 Blessings Found in Jesus14:10 How Your Family Can Bless Others15:40 Practical Ways to Serve This Christmas17:02 Closing & Candlelight Service Info

Join Joe and Pastor Bryanna as we continue our Advent devotionals on this Thursday, December 18th. Today’s discussion centers on Galatians 3:23–29, reminding us that in Christ, we are all children of God—united beyond cultural, generational, and social divides.

We talk about:

• The beauty of global unity in the Church of the Nazarene
• How Christmas traditions differ yet point to the same Savior
• Practical ways to bridge cultural and generational gaps this holiday season
• Why Advent is a time to reflect on love, peace, and kindness beyond December

📖 Key Scripture: Galatians 3:23–29
💬 Reflection Question: In what ways are we different, and in what ways are we the same?👉 We’d love to hear from you! Comment below with your thoughts on unity and how you plan to connect with someone different from you this season.
👍 Like, Subscribe, and Share this episode!
📧 Email us at [email protected] for prayer requests or questions.
🌐 Visit https://shepnaz.org/shepnow for more resources and updates.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome & Advent Devotional Intro00:27 Christmas Prep & Ministry Update01:17 Scripture Reading: Galatians 3:23–2902:11 Childlike Joy & The Gift of Christ03:15 Unity in Christ Across Cultures04:45 Global Church & Christmas Traditions06:33 Love, Peace & Joy Beyond the Season07:31 Stories of Unity & God's Grace08:09 Reflection Question: Differences & Similarities09:12 Bridging Cultural Gaps11:15 Multi-Generational Church Strength12:53 Practical Steps for Intentional Connection16:26 Closing Thoughts & How to Connect

Join Joe and Pastor Zack for a powerful Worship Wednesday conversation as we dive into Zechariah 8:1–17 and explore God’s promises of restoration during the Advent season. In this episode, we talk about:

• Why adversity often shapes our spiritual growth
• How God purifies us like gold through trials
• The connection between Advent themes—love, joy, peace, hope—and the real-life struggles of Mary and Joseph
• Practical ways to stay strong and keep working when life gets hard

This is a reminder that God keeps His promises, even in the midst of chaos. If you’ve ever felt like giving up, this episode will encourage you to keep going and trust His plan.👉 What’s your biggest takeaway from Zechariah 8? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
👍 Like this video, subscribe, and share it with a friend who needs hope today.
📧 Email us at [email protected] with your questions or feedback.
🌐 Learn more at https://shepnaz.org/shepnow.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Worship Wednesday01:39 Advent Devotional Intro03:16 Multicultural Representation in Our District05:19 Reading Zechariah 8:1–1707:50 Devotional Reflection: God’s Promise of Restoration09:19 Why We Give Up When Life Gets Hard10:27 Marathon Story & Spiritual Lessons11:36 Purification Process: Goldsmith Analogy13:52 God’s Promises Through Hard Seasons15:36 Mary & Joseph’s Difficult Journey17:06 Advent Themes in Real Life19:12 Joy, Peace, and Love Amid Chaos20:03 Closing Thoughts & Invitation

In this Advent devotional episode, Pastor Natalie joins Joe to explore the powerful imagery of living water from Ezekiel 47:8–9. What does this prophecy reveal about Jesus as our Redeemer and the hope of His Second Coming? How can we find joy knowing that Christ will redeem even the most broken places in our lives?

Pastor Natalie shares her personal testimony, including a vivid dream that symbolized God’s cleansing and restoration, and reflects on how water imagery throughout Scripture points to life, renewal, and the Spirit’s work in us.

Key Takeaways:

• Why Ezekiel 47 matters for Advent
• The meaning of “living water” and eternal life
• How God redeems our past and restores hope
• Practical ways to spread the river of life to others

👉 Comment below: How has God’s living water brought renewal in your life?👍 Like this video, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs hope today!📧 Email us at [email protected] with your thoughts.🌐 Learn more at https://shepnaz.org/shepnow

Chapters

00:00 Welcome & Advent Focus01:00 Ezekiel 47: Living Water Explained02:30 Our Hope in Christ’s Return04:15 Messianic Prophecies & Perspective06:15 Faith Across Generations07:07 Water Imagery in Scripture08:00 Pastor Natalie’s Dream & Testimony10:00 Dead Sea & River of Life Symbolism12:14 God Makes All Things New13:10 Finding Joy & Hope in Redemption14:00 Family Restoration & God’s Faithfulness16:01 Baptizing Her Mom: A Picture of Redemption17:07 Closing Thoughts & Call to Action

Join Joe and Pastor Rob as we dive into Isaiah 29:17–24 and explore what it means to rejoice in the Lord with humility during this Advent season. In this episode, we discuss:

• Why God restores the humble and needy—not the proud.
• How independence can lead to spiritual arrogance.
• Practical ways to practice humility and rely on God daily.
• Finding joy even in seasons of waiting and longing.

Pastor Rob shares personal insights, including a powerful reminder from his own health journey, and we reflect on how every breath is truly a gift from God.

👉 What are some ways you practice humility in your walk with Christ? Share in the comments!👍 Like this video, subscribe, and hit the bell for more Advent devotionals.📧 Email us at [email protected] with your thoughts or questions.🌐 Learn more at https://shepnaz.org/shepnow.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome & Advent Devotional Intro01:00 Christmas Traditions at Home02:33 Reading Isaiah 29:1903:23 Devotional Reflection: Humility vs. Pride05:00 Why Joy Comes to the Humble07:14 The Rich Young Ruler & Eye of the Needle09:09 Dependence on God for Everything10:06 Tithing & Recognizing God’s Provision11:12 Restoration for the Humble12:21 Practical Ways to Stay Humble13:23 Finding Joy in Seasons of Waiting14:34 A Word of Encouragement for Today

In this episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, Joe and Pastor Kevin dive into the heart of Advent, exploring what it means to grow in grace and knowledge as we prepare for the coming of Christ. Inspired by 2 Peter 3:18, we reflect on spiritual growth, measuring progress in our faith, and leaning toward the Light during this busy season.

You’ll hear:Childhood Christmas memories (Star Wars toys & a legendary toboggan ride!)A powerful devotional from Pastor Brittany Zoller on spiritual growthPractical ways to measure your own growth in grace and knowledgeWhy Advent is the perfect time to pause and lean into Christ’s lightReflection Questions:How have you seen evidence of spiritual growth this year?In what area do you need to lean toward the Light this Advent season?👉 Join the conversation! Comment below with your thoughts, like this video, and subscribe for more Advent reflections.📧 Email us at [email protected] with your questions or stories.🌐 Visit https://shepnaz.org/shepnow for events and resources.

Chapters00:00 Welcome & Advent Update00:54 Christmas Excitement This Year01:26 Favorite Childhood Gifts05:36 Today’s Devotional: 2 Peter 3:1806:05 Growing in Grace & Knowledge07:20 Leaning Toward the Light08:57 Measuring Spiritual Growth11:07 Reflection Questions13:30 Closing Thoughts & Invitation

Join Joe and Pastor Brett as we continue our Advent series with a powerful devotional from the book of Ruth. Today’s reading reminds us that even in seasons of grief and loss, God’s light and peace are on the horizon. Naomi’s journey from emptiness to restoration points us to the hope we have in Christ—a hope that never runs out.

📖 Key Scripture: Ruth 1:6✨ Theme: Peace during Advent💬 Question for You: How have you experienced God’s peace in unexpected places? Share your thoughts in the comments!

👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this episode!📧 Email us at [email protected] with your feedback or prayer requests.🌐 Explore more at https://shepnaz.org/shepnow and shepnaz.org.Chapters00:00 Welcome & Introduction00:36 Why Multilingual Advent Readings Matter01:23 Pastor Brett on Advent Joy & Family Traditions04:03 Thursday’s Devotional: Ruth 1:605:32 Naomi’s Darkness & God’s Light07:00 Ruth’s Story and God’s Restorative Work08:20 Parallels to the Prodigal Son10:36 God’s Unlimited Grace11:33 Peace Through Christ12:25 Closing Thoughts & Invitation

In this Advent devotional episode, Joe and Pastor Noah dive deep into Genesis 15:6—“He believed in the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness.” What does it mean to trust God when His promises seem impossible? How can we live out faith in practical ways during this season of waiting?

We explore:

• Abraham’s journey of faith and doubt
• Why justification by faith is central to Advent
• Practical steps to trust God in your daily decisions
• Stories of living faith in real-life moments

This conversation will encourage you to lift your eyes from limitations to God’s infinite possibilities. Advent reminds us: believe before you see.

👉 What’s one way you can practice believing God this week? Share your thoughts in the comments!

📌 Subscribe, like, and share this episode to spread hope this Advent season.
📧 Email us at [email protected] with your reflections or questions.
🌐 Learn more at https://shepnaz.org/shepnow and shepnaz.org.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome & Advent Intro03:22 Genesis 15:6 – The Heart of Faith04:08 Abraham’s Doubts and God’s Promise05:05 Justification by Faith Explained06:25 Hebrews 11 Connection07:52 Faith Beyond Visible Evidence09:15 Old Testament & New Testament Unity11:01 Why It’s About God, Not Us12:02 Passover & Christ’s Fulfillment13:10 Living Faith in Daily Decisions14:38 Evangelism as Faith in Action15:49 Real-Life Story: Helping Others18:47 Encouragement to Step Out in Faith20:07 Closing Thoughts & Next Steps

Join Joe and Pastor Nick as we dive into today’s Advent devotional from Season of Advent, featuring a powerful reflection written by Elizabeth Guerrero de Martinez. We explore Romans 15:21 and discuss what it means to truly understand the message of Christ during this busy season.

From childhood traditions to the call to share the Gospel, this episode will inspire you to keep your heart centered on Jesus—not just at Christmas, but every day of the year. Plus, we tackle the question: How are you preaching the Gospel in your daily life?

📖 Scripture Focus: Romans 15:21
💡 Reflection Question: In what ways are you sharing Christ with others?👉 Comment below: How do you keep Christ at the center of your Christmas?
👍 Like, Subscribe & Share this episode!
📧 Email us at [email protected] for prayer or questions.
🌐 Visit https://shepnaz.org/shepnow for more Advent resources.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome & Advent Devotional Intro01:00 The Busyness of Christmas Season02:15 Family Traditions & Balancing Commitments05:00 Today’s Devotional by Elizabeth Guerrero de Martinez06:00 Childhood Memories & Nativity Scene07:30 Coming to Know Christ09:00 Passing Faith to Our Children11:00 Traditions vs True Meaning12:00 Reflection Question: Preaching the Gospel14:00 Everyday Discipleship & Influence16:00 Encouragement: Be the Light of the World17:20 Closing & Next Steps

Join Joe and Pastor Bryanna for today’s Advent devotional as we dive into 1 Thessalonians 4:3 and explore the powerful truth that God’s will for every believer is sanctification. What does it mean to be sanctified? How can we live a life fully surrendered to Christ during this Advent season?

In this episode:

• Why sanctification matters for your spiritual journey
• Practical ways to live a sanctified life daily
• A powerful analogy about giving Jesus access to every “room” in your life
• Pastor Bryanna’s personal story of surrender and transformation

💬 What was your first experience with Jesus? Share your story in the comments or email us at [email protected].👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more Advent devotionals and encouragement!📌 Learn more about what’s happening at Shepnaz: https://shepnaz.org/shepnow

Chapters

00:00 Welcome & Advent Series Intro00:23 Meet Pastor Bryanna01:42 Today’s Theme: Sanctification02:09 Devotional Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:303:18 What Is God’s Will for Our Lives?04:03 Understanding Sanctification Simply05:23 Practical Examples of Living Sanctified06:05 Becoming More Like Jesus Daily06:30 The Strawberry Hill Analogy08:35 Giving Jesus Access to Every Room09:19 Reflection Questions10:09 Pastor Bryanna’s Testimony12:00 Life Before & After Full Surrender13:22 Invitation to Share Your Story14:09 Closing & How to Connect