At first read, this passage, buried deep in the historical books of the Old Testament, seems to have little to do with Advent. What does it mean that our God is far less interested in having a permanent house built than in ensuring the Israelites will find rest, will be at home?

By Abby Deaton, a senior communication major from Indianpolis THIS WEEK’S THEME: “Oh, That You Would Reveal Your Love” THIS WEEK’S SCRIPTURES: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 | Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 | Romans 16:25-27 | Luke 1:26-38 DEVOTIONAL: “Mama once told me you’re already home where you feel love.” These were the words ringing in my head on an overcrowded bus in Lima, … Keep reading »

Light radiates. Light produces heat. Light exposes. Light transforms. Light bears truth. Light energizes. Light reveals.

By Andrew Hartzler, associate professor of accounting DEVOTIONAL: Within many of us there is an innate desire to believe in something greater than ourselves. For Christians, this belief is rooted in the creator God of the Bible, a God whose Word became flesh incarnate in Jesus Christ. After his death and resurrection, Jesus ascended to heaven … Keep reading »

Our God is faithful, bringing shouts of joy after captivity and exile. Let us praise this God of the Israelites who is our God too, leading us from sorrow to joy, from tears to laughter.

Oh, to be a fly on the wall of that synagogue at Nazareth where Jesus stood up to recite one fateful Sabbath day.

By Jodi H. Beyeler, assistant director of communications and marketing THIS WEEK’S THEME: “Oh, That You Would Reveal Your Joy” THIS WEEK’S SCRIPTURES: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 | Psalm 126 | 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 | John 1:6-8, 19-28 DEVOTIONAL: We recently celebrated Thanksgiving in southeast Iowa. But more than the turkey or pumpkin pie (though those were tasty!), the highlight of the … Keep reading »

Waiting in anticipation is something we often associate with the holiday season.

God lets me live a beautiful life, even when my heart isn’t, because God is patient.

By Luke Gascho, director of Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center DEVOTIONAL: I looked with amazement and delight into the holes I was digging. Each of the two-foot deep holes had a lovely profile of soil: 10 inches of topsoil, 3 inches of small river stones, and then coarse sand. This rich prairie soil provides perfect conditions … Keep reading »