But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men” – Acts 5:29

How often do you find yourself in sticky situations, where you boldly have to stand up for your faith and for others? Maybe you’ve built a close relationship with a friend, but now it might get awkward because you have to correct them, which could damage the relationship or make things feel weird. Maybe when you were younger, you found yourself in a peer-pressured situation or a time where you had to stand for something no matter the cost.

In the book of Acts, the Apostles found themselves in a situation where they were just thrown into prison. Can you imagine going to prison for your faith? Suddenly, an angel of the Lord frees them from the cell and tells them to “Go stand at the temple and tell the people the words of this life.” Then, the high priest and other Jewish leaders tell them to stop preaching.

Peter, who once denied Jesus three times, replied, “We must obey God rather than men.” What a transformation! How could this happen? Because “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).

In your life, you have the greatest calling, which is living for Christ. Living for Christ means obeying Him even when it’s hard. You don’t need to go through life seeking approval or validation from anyone because you already have it from Jesus.

Rest in the truth that doing the right thing may be difficult, it may cause awkwardness, it may cost you something, but for Jesus, it cost Him everything. Are you willing to follow Him and pay that price of discipleship and obedience?

 “You have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life.”  – Winston Churchill.

In the beginning of the movie, a side character named Billy grew up on the other side of the tracks in a house that looked abandoned and broken down. Billy grew up poor, and because he felt poor, he felt neglected and unloved. This led him to not believe in Santa, and since he didn’t believe, Christmas never came to his house.

By the end of the movie, when the Polar Express returns and Billy finally decides to believe in Santa, Christmas comes to his house. His house now has a Christmas tree and is lit up, filled with new life.

Many of us act like Christmas has never come to our house. We lose that youthful vigor, drive, enthusiasm, and passion. We forget the feeling we had when we first put our faith in Jesus or felt that joy during worship or when a prayer was answered long ago.

We forget that at one time, the house of this world and our lives were dark, riddled with sin, and without hope. But now, Jesus has come and breathed new life into us. He has given us the ability to bear fruit, experience an abundant life, and find hope.

Because of Jesus, we go from lost to found, from poor orphan to priceless inheritance, from enemy to friend, from sinner to saint, and from hopeless to hope-filled.

Polar Express Part 1

Yesterday, I had the joy of preaching at our sister church, Proclaim, in Lake Worth. They are doing an amazing series called Christmas at the Movies, and I preached on The Polar Express.

In this verse, the Israelites were walking in darkness, neglecting their worship and obedience to the Lord. Because of this, they were under the judgment of God through the invasion of the Assyrian Empire. The Israelites felt hopeless, but the prophet Isaiah cast a vision of hope for a Savior to come and a great light to establish an eternal kingdom.

In the movie, a kid who had turned his back on the belief in Santa is awakened by a noise and a bright light as the Polar Express rolls into his neighborhood.

Similarly, one night in the land of Israel, amidst the darkness, evil, and injustice, God’s great light, Jesus, rolled into our neighborhood.

Today, I want everyone to understand that without God, life is dark. Without God, this world would fall apart quicker than it was created. Because God became human, He introduced the kingdom of God that fights against the kingdom of darkness, and we are part of that kingdom. By His grace, God is working through us to bring light into this world, just as He did and continues to do.

How is that? Christianity is the biggest religion in the world. Christians invented hospitals and healthcare, the first universities, charities, and significant inventions like the printing press. They also established home values such as the sacrament of marriage and taking care of the vulnerable.

Jesus and His kingdom have brought light into the darkness and give us hope, ‘qavah’ (הוָק), a confident expectation that He will return soon and forever remove darkness, reigning for all eternity.

Let’s wait with eager expectation that one day the blind will see, and the crippled will walk. Until then, God is with us.

Pastor Chance

Today is our last day focusing on Hope this week using “Miracle on 34th Street” as a modern day parable in having our hope fulfilled. 

Day 5: The Fulfillment of Hope

Scripture: Isaiah 9:6 – “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

The resolution of Miracle on 34th Street is a beautiful picture of fulfilled hope. The characters, especially Susan, experience the joy and wonder of seeing their faith rewarded. The seemingly impossible becomes reality, and their lives are forever changed, as they walk through their new house and see Santa’s cane next to the fireplace in the corner.

In the same way, the birth of Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of hope. The long-awaited Messiah came to redeem humanity, bringing peace, joy, and salvation. This is the heart of Advent: celebrating the arrival of the One who fulfills every promise and gives us eternal hope. Just Keep your eyes on Jesus this season and see how the hope he brings will change your world and help you change the world!  Jesus, You are the fulfillment of our hope. Thank You for coming to save us and for giving us a reason to rejoice. As we celebrate Your birth this Advent season, help us to keep our eyes fixed on You, our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. In your name we pray, Amen.

We continue our devotions using “Miracle on 34th Street” as a modern-day parable to help us understand this first week Advent and its focus on Hope, especially in the face of doubt.  

Day 4: Hope in the Face of Doubt

Scripture: Mark 9:24 – “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

Susan, the little girl in Miracle on 34th Street, begins the story doubting Kris Kringle. She’s been taught to reject anything fantastical. Yet, as she watches him embody kindness and generosity, her doubt gives way to belief. By the end of the story, her faith in him is unwavering, even taking a stand for Kris in the courtroom! 

In our faith journey, we often wrestle with doubt.  Like Susan, we may struggle to trust what we cannot fully understand. Yet Jesus invites us to bring our doubts to Him and let Him show us the truth. As the father prayed in Mark, we should come to Jesus and say the same prayer, help us overcome our unbelief.  Advent reminds us that our hope is secure in Christ, even when our faith wavers.

Lord, we believe in You, but we confess that doubt sometimes creeps in. This Advent season helps us overcome our unbelief. Strengthen our faith and remind us that our hope in You is never misplaced. In Jesus name, Amen.

Here is today’s devotional, I pray that you have been able to focus on Hope this first week of Advent.  Today we continue to look at “Miracle on 34th Street”, with the idea of hope for community.  

Day 3: Hope Restored in Community

Galatians 6:2 – “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Who can you come together with, and carry burdens with this season, and share the Hope of Jesus with?  

Jesus, thankyou for the gift of community. Help us to share Your hope with those around us, encouraging and supporting one another. This Advent, use us to be beacons of hope in our families, churches, and communities. In your name we pray, Amen.

We continue to look at the Classic Christmas Movie “Miracle on 34th Street” as a modern day parable to help us grow in our understanding of the hope we have. We deal with the problem that seems to invade all our lives skepticism.

Hope That Defies Skepticism

Yet, as Doris observes Kris Kringle’s impact, her heart begins to soften, and she rediscovers a hope she thought was lost. As we look to Jesus, and the incarnation, Immanuel- God with us, and the life that He will live, it should begin to awaken hope in us. The Christmas story reminds us that hope often defies logic. A virgin giving birth? A Savior born in a stable? God becoming man? These truths challenge our understanding but invite us to believe in something greater. Advent is a time to put aside skepticism and embrace the miraculous. Heavenly Father, help us to trust You even when we don’t fully understand. Teach us to see Your hand at work and to place our hope in Your promises. This Advent, soften our hearts and renew our faith in the miraculous. In Jesus Name, Amen.

As we are in the start of the Advent season, I will be focusing this week’s devotion on the theme of Hope, but with a twist. We are doing a new series at Proclaim called “Christmas at the Movies”. Where we are using different movies each week of Advent as modern day parables (Jesus taught us in parables) using earthly stories to explain spiritual principles. This week we focused on the “Miracle on 34th Street” , and we will see how the theme of Hope is woven throughout this Christmas classic and reminds us of the great  Hope Christ offers us this season.

Scripture: Romans 15:13 – “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

In Miracle on 34th Street, Kris Kringle embodies hope in a cynical world. From the start, his joy, kindness, and belief in the impossible brings light to those around him. For many, their hope is restored simply by being in his presence.

Advent reminds us that Jesus is the ultimate source of hope. He came into a world marked by sin and despair to bring joy, peace, and salvation. Trusting in Him allows our hearts to overflow with hope, no matter the circumstances. Spend some time today in the presence of Jesus. Take 5 minutes to slow down and pause and just focus on Him, and see how Hope is restored unto you. Let’s pray together  Lord, You are the God of hope. Fill our hearts with Your peace and joy this Advent season. Help us to trust in You, even when life feels uncertain. May Your hope overflow in our lives and bless those around us. In Jesus Name, Amen. 

Thanksgiving is more than a holiday—it’s a way of life. God’s will for us is to live with hearts continually turned toward Him, giving thanks in every circumstance. Gratitude isn’t reserved for the extraordinary; it’s found in the everyday moments where His presence is near.

As this Thanksgiving season comes to a close, let it mark the beginning of a daily practice of gratitude. Start each day by thanking God for His new mercies, and end it by recalling His faithfulness. A life of thanksgiving doesn’t just honor God—it transforms us, making us more aware of His presence and more attuned to His will.

Not every season feels like a harvest. Sometimes, thanksgiving is an act of faith—choosing to trust in God’s promises even when they’re not yet fulfilled. Gratitude in the waiting acknowledges that His timing is perfect and His plans are good, even when we can’t see the full picture.

If you’re in a season of waiting, bring your cares to God in prayer. Thank Him for what He’s already done and trust Him for what’s yet to come. Gratitude rooted in faith reminds us that the same God who provided before will provide again, in His perfect way.