From The Publisher

As children, the month of December felt electric. We remember the countdowns, the lights, the familiar carols, and even the mystery of what might be waiting under the tree. But most of all, we remember the feeling—the joy of anticipation.

As adults, that sense of wonder often fades. Responsibilities multiply, schedules tighten, and the Christmas season can feel less like joyful anticipation and more like survival mode. Yet Advent invites us to return  not to childhood itself, but to a childlike posture of expectation and hope.

A Season That Teaches Us to Wait With Joy

Advent is a season of waiting, but it is not passive waiting. It’s the anticipation of God fulfilling His promises. The people of Israel waited centuries for a Messiah, guided only by prophetic whispers of a coming King. And then, in an unexpected place and an unexpected way, God stepped into the world.

In the same way, we wait—not just for the celebration of Christ’s birth, but for His presence in our daily lives and His return in glory. Advent reminds us that joy is not found only in what we receive, but in the One we are waiting for.

As we grow older, our hearts often become cluttered:

• We overfill our calendars.

• We carry the weight of financial decisions and family pressures.

• We focus on tasks instead of moments.

• We expect ourselves to “hold everything together.”

When our lives are packed with noise, wonder gets squeezed out. Yet God calls us to slow down enough to notice Him moving.

Jesus said in Matthew 18:3, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
He wasn’t calling us to childish behavior—He was calling us to:

• Trust freely

• Look with curiosity

• Marvel at God’s goodness

• Live with open-handed expectation

Children believe that something special could happen at any moment. Advent invites us to rediscover that posture.

Here are simple, intentional practices to help adults reconnect with the wonder of Christ’s coming:

1. Slow Down on Purpose

Build small pauses into your day—morning quiet time, a prayerful walk, or a moment of silence before bed. Wonder grows in stillness.

2. Notice the Beauty Around You

Lights, music, winter skies, Scripture readings—little glimpses of joy remind us of the greater Light coming into the world.

3. Read Advent Scriptures Daily

Passages like Isaiah 9, Luke 1–2, and John 1 reawaken our hearts to the miracle of the Incarnation.

4. Create Small Moments of Celebration

Light a candle at dinner. Share a blessing from your day. Do one simple act of kindness. These practices stir joy and remind us of God’s nearness.

5. Remember What Christ Has Already Done

Every answered prayer, every moment of grace, every experience of God’s faithfulness is a reason to anticipate His continued work in our lives.

Advent is more than nostalgia—it is a powerful reminder that God’s story is still unfolding. The same God who came in Bethlehem will come again, and every season of waiting becomes an opportunity for deeper trust and renewed joy.

May this Advent season be a time where you pause, breathe, and remember the wonder of Emmanuel—God with us. May the Holy Spirit restore to you the joy that life may have tried to take away. And may you rediscover, with holy anticipation, the childlike wonder of a Savior who still enters our world and our hearts today.

- John Ellis

Daily Devotional Guide

Sunday, December 7, 2025

Scripture: Isaiah 40:31 "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

This week begins with a powerful reminder: strength does not come from ourselves. It comes from the Lord. When life drains you, when responsibilities pile up, and when your heart feels tired—hope in Him. God promises renewal. Not momentary relief, but true, spiritual strength that lifts you beyond what you could do on your own. You may walk into this week weary, but you don’t have to stay that way.

Prayer:

Lord, renew my strength today. Lift my heart, my mind, and my spirit. Help me walk in Your power and not my own. Amen.

Monday, December 8, 2025

Scripture: Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

God is not far off or distant. He is ever-present. Whether you face stress at work, family challenges, or uncertainty about the future, He stands right beside you. He is your safe place, your shelter, your anchor. Today, lean into the comfort that God does not disappear in times of trouble—He draws closer.

Prayer:

Father, be my refuge today. Remind me You are with me and for me. Help me find peace in Your presence. Amen.

Tuesday, December 9, 2025

Scripture: Philippians 4:6–7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Anxiety tries to overwhelm us, but God invites us to exchange worry for prayer. When you bring your concerns to Him—big or small—His peace guards you like a shield. This peace is supernatural. People may not understand how you remain calm, but God does. He is actively guarding your mind today.

Prayer:

Lord, I give You every worry on my heart. Replace my anxiety with Your peace that surpasses understanding. Amen.

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Scripture: Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Jesus doesn’t ask you to come to Him after you have it all together. He invites you as you are: tired, discouraged, burdened, overwhelmed. His rest is not just physical—it is rest for your soul. In the middle of your week, breathe deeply and remember that His arms are open, His heart is gentle, and His rest is complete.

Prayer:

Jesus, I come to You today with everything I carry. Give me rest for my soul and strength to continue walking in Your peace. Amen.

Thursday, December 11, 2025

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5–6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

There are moments in life when things don’t make sense. God calls us not to lean on our own limited understanding, but to trust Him completely. When you surrender your plans, your fears, and your future to Him, He directs your steps. Even when the path feels unclear, God knows exactly where He is leading you.

Prayer:

Lord, help me trust You with all my heart. Guide my steps today and straighten the path before me. Amen.

Friday, December 12, 2025

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9 "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'”

Your weakness is not a failure—it's an opportunity for God’s strength to shine. His grace is not barely enough; it is fully sufficient. When you feel stretched thin or inadequate, remember that God works powerfully through surrendered hearts. His strength shows up where yours ends.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for Your sufficient grace. Strengthen me where I am weak and let Your power be seen in my life. Amen.

Saturday, December 13, 2025

Scripture: Psalm 121:1–2 "I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."

As the week closes, lift your eyes again to the source of your strength. Help doesn’t come from circumstances, luck, or your own abilities—it comes from the Creator of the universe. Whatever lies ahead, you can face it confidently knowing your Helper is powerful, faithful, and unchanging.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for being my help today and every day. Keep my eyes fixed on You as I step into a new week. Amen.

Food For Thought

Are you aware of the difference in believing God exists vs. knowing Jesus as your Savior?

Many people believe that God exists. They acknowledge a Creator, feel a sense of the divine, or hold a general belief in something greater. But Scripture shows us that believing about God is not the same as knowing Him personally. Even the Bible says, “The demons believe—and shudder.” Belief alone doesn’t transform a life.

Knowing Jesus as your personal Savior is different. It is a relationship, not a concept. It means trusting that Jesus died and rose again for you, receiving His forgiveness, and letting His Spirit guide your daily life. It is moving from distant awareness to intimate fellowship.

When you know Jesus as Savior, your faith becomes alive. Hope becomes steady, peace becomes real, and your heart is changed from the inside out. God doesn’t just want to be acknowledged—He wants to be known, loved, and followed personally.

If you want a personal relationship with God, then PLEASE ACCEPT JESUS as your personal Savior and say the following prayer

"Lord Jesus, I repent of my sins and surrender my life. Wash me clean. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. That he died on the cross for my sins and rose again on the third day for my Victory. I believe that in my heart and make confession with my mouth, that Jesus is my Savior and Lord. Amen

This week's Church of the Week is The Church at Clayton Crossings located at 11407 Clayton Boulevard in Clayton. The worship service begins at either 9:00am or 10:45am. Pastor Andre Rusch is the Lead Pastor.

The Church at Clayton Crossings stands out this week for its deep commitment to biblical beliefs, active missions, and intentional discipleship. Their core conviction is grounded in the authority of the Bible, which they believe is inerrant, sufficient for salvation, and essential for guiding Christian life. 

At Clayton Crossings, faith is more than Sunday worship — it’s about community, connection and transformation. In addition to the worship services each Sunday, there is a Spanish-language service on the fourth Sunday of each month at 1:00 p.m. Members can engage deeply through “Community Groups,” small, life-stage or interest-based gatherings where participants share what God is teaching them, study Scripture together, and support one another in prayer. These groups are for men, women, couples, singles, college students, and even mothers with preschoolers.
On the mission front, Clayton Crossings is active locally and internationally. Locally, the church partners with outreach efforts such as With Love From Jesus (WLFJ), providing food, clothing, prayer, and gospel messages to support those in need. For students, they support First Priority clubs in schools across Johnston and Wake counties, empowering young believers to lead and share their faith — with hundreds of students coming to faith and receiving Bibles.

Internationally, the church maintains mission partnerships in Cuba, supporting local churches there with resources, evangelism efforts, and ministry supplies — under their guiding mission: “Doing whatever it takes to help people find and follow Jesus.” 

Whether in worship, small groups, service ministries, or global outreach, Clayton Crossings seeks to be a church where people can belong, believe, and become true followers of Jesus. Their emphasis on Scripture, community, outreach, and discipleship makes them a compelling example of a contemporary church living out the gospel in word and deed.

If you would like additional information call 919.550.6877, email at sally@claytoncrossings.com or visit their website at www.claytoncrossings.com and see why they have experienced such tremendous growth.

* If you would like to have your church spotlighted then reach out, via email, to believersbulletin004@gmail.com.

Special Music

Bible Reading Guide

We continue our year long project of reading the entire Bible in its entirety by Thanksgiving 2026. Let's continue on.

Sunday 12/07 - Exodus 16-18 and Psalm 22

Monday 12/08 - Exodus 19-21 and Psalm 23

Tuesday 12/09 - Exodus 22-24 and Psalm 24

Wednesday 12/10 - Exodus 25-27 and Psalm 25

Thursday 12/11 - Exodus 28-29 and Psalm 26

Friday 12/12 - Exodus 30-31 and Psalm 27

Saturday 12/13 - Exodus 32-34 and Psalm 28

We would love to hear about your progress. Send results to believersbulletin004@gmail.com

Personal Testimony

Each week will provide an opportunity for a fellow brother or sister to share their personal testimony. This week we are honored to have Nathan Anderson of Fuquay Varina, NC share with us.

"I grew up as a typical 20-year-old college student — focused on classes, friends, and trying to figure out life. Church was never part of my story. I didn’t grow up hearing the Bible taught, and I honestly never gave much thought to God. I thought faith was something other people needed, not me.

That began to change when a friend from class shared some Christian music with me. I didn’t expect much, but the songs hit me differently. The lyrics talked about God’s love, forgiveness, and purpose in a way I had never heard before. I found myself listening on repeat, feeling something stir in my heart that I couldn’t explain. For the first time, I wondered if God was real — and if He had something to say to me.

A few weeks later, my friend and I were sitting in a corner booth at a small restaurant near campus. As we talked, I opened up about what I had been feeling. He shared how Jesus had changed his life, and something inside me broke open. Right there, in that booth with people walking past and dishes clattering in the background, I bowed my head and asked Jesus to forgive me, save me, and lead my life.

I can’t explain all the details, but I left that restaurant different. The weight I had been carrying was gone. My heart felt new, clean, alive.

I’m still learning and growing, but I know this: Jesus met me where I was, and He completely changed my life. And He can do the same for anyone who calls on Him." - Nathan Anderson

Recipe of the Week

Submitted by Beverly Lewis - Cary, NC

Butternut Squash Casserole (Marshmallow Topped)

Ingredients

• 4 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed

• 2 large eggs

• 1/3 cup milk or heavy cream

• 1/4 cup melted butter

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Marshmallow Topping

• 1–1½ cups mini marshmallows
  (You can also use large marshmallows cut in half.)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Boil the cubed butternut squash until soft, about 12–15 minutes. Drain well.

3. Mash or blend the squash until silky.

4. In a mixing bowl, combine mashed squash, eggs, milk, melted butter, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Mix thoroughly.

5. Pour mixture into a greased 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish.

6. Bake 20–25 minutes to let the base set slightly before adding marshmallows.

7. Remove from oven, sprinkle marshmallows evenly across the top.

8. Return to oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the marshmallows are melted and golden brown.

   • For extra browning, use the broiler for the last 1–2 minutes—watch closely!

9. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Optional Add-Ins

• Add 1–2 tbsp maple syrup for a deeper sweetness.

• Mix in a pinch of ginger or allspice for warmth.

BIBLE TRIVIA

Answers in next week's edition

What prophet was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind?

_________________

In which city were Jesus’ followers first called “Christians”?

_________________

Who interpreted the handwriting on the wall for King Belshazzar?

_________________ 

Answers to last week's trivia questions:

Ehud

Ezekiel

Peter

Each week we spotlight a Christian owned business that operates under Christian principles. This week's selection is Financial Planner Charles Calloway located in Garner, NC. 

Charles manages a locally trusted financial advisory service dedicated to helping individuals and families steward their resources with biblical wisdom and long-term purpose. Led by a committed Christian financial planner, the firm operates on the belief that God owns everything, and we are called to manage His resources with integrity, diligence, and generosity.

What sets this business apart is its heart for ministry. Rather than simply offering investment advice or retirement strategies, Charles seeks to guide clients toward financial peace rooted in Scripture. Whether walking someone through the steps of eliminating debt, building savings, preparing for college expenses, or planning for retirement, the goal is always the same: to help believers honor God with their finances and experience the freedom that comes from wise stewardship.

He meets clients where they are—whether just starting their financial journey or navigating significant life changes—and provides personalized plans tailored to each individual’s goals. With a strong emphasis on clear communication, ethical practices, and prayerful decision-making, clients often remark that they feel truly supported, not pressured.

Charles believes that generosity is a vital part of financial health, and encourages clients to incorporate giving, tithing, and serving into their long-term strategy. Their mission is not only to help people grow financially, but also to strengthen families, build stronger communities, and empower Christians to live out their calling.

We celebrate his commitment to excellence, integrity, and faith—and his desire to see God glorified in every financial decision. You can reach Charles at 919.526.7898.

If you have a business that you know operates under Christian principles then feel free to nominate them by emailing us at believersbulletin004@gmail.com 

Prayer Request

Please keep the following brothers and sisters in your prayers. If you or someone you know is in need of prayer, please submit the names to believersbulletin004@gmail.com.

Faith Anderson

Delma and Joyce Austin

Cathy Baker

Julia Barrett

Molly Barrett

Lucas Bennett

Samuel Briggs

Nathan Brooks

Helen Bunn

Megan Caldwell

Emily Carter

Ryan Chandler

Lily Chapman

Sarah Collins

Blake Dalton

Charlotte Dawson

Sue Dupree

Paige Ellison

Dylan Fletcher

Antoinette Griffin

Abbie Guthrie

Rachel Hammond

Joshua Harding

Olivia Harrington

Zoe Harper

Benjamin Hayes

Cole Jennings

Brandon Kent

Matthew Langford

Derek Lawson

Gavin Maddox

Meghan Maynard

Tyler Monroe

Glen Morgan

Caleb Norton

Brandy Osario

Hannah Porter

Claire Preston

Jacob Reynolds

Daniel Rivers

Trevor Sinclair

Victoria Sloan

Sue Smith

Natalie Thornton

Abigail Turner

Jenna Wallace

Grace Whitfield

Upcoming Events

Saturday December 13 9:00am - 11:00am - Breakfast with Santa. First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Smithfield, NC.                       

Visit www.fcc-smithfield.org for more information.

If you have a upcoming events that you would like to share then feel free to send them by emailing us at believersbulletin004@gmail.com 

We are looking to expand the Believer's Bulletin and will be growing the following sections:

Family and Faith Resources

Volunteer and Service Opportunities

Classified Marketplace to share information between churches and people in the area.

If you have anything that you would like to list, please forward to believersbulletin004@gmail.com the Wednesday prior to the Sunday that the edition is scheduled to go out.

Final Thoughts

Life brings challenges that can feel overwhelming—moments when the path forward seems blocked and our strength feels small. Yet Scripture reminds us that victory is not found in our own power, but in the One who lives within us. “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith” (1 John 5:4).

This verse assures us that obstacles are not dead ends; they are opportunities for God to show His strength in our weakness.

Faith does not remove every hardship, but it empowers us to face them with courage, persistence, and hope. When we choose to trust God—especially in difficult seasons—we tap into His overcoming power.

As we move forward, let us remember that we are not fighting alone. With God’s presence guiding us and His promises sustaining us, we can rise above fear, adversity, and doubt. Through faith, we overcome.

Prayer:

"Heavenly Father, we come before You today acknowledging that You are greater than every challenge we face. You see every obstacle, every burden, every moment of discouragement—nothing is hidden from Your sight. Lord, we ask for Your strength to rise above the things that try to hold us back. When fear whispers that we can’t make it, remind us that through Christ, we can do all things. When the path feels blocked, show us the steps we should take. When we feel weary, breathe Your peace into our spirit.

Father, give us courage to press forward, faith to trust You when we don’t understand, and perseverance to keep walking even when the way is hard. Help us to remember that You are working behind the scenes, opening doors we cannot yet see, and turning every trial into a testimony.

Fill our heart with hope and our mind with clarity. Surround us with Your protection and Your favor. Strengthen us so we may stand firm, act boldly, and live confidently in Your promises.

Today, we surrender every obstacle into Your hands, believing that You will make a way where there seems to be no way. Thank You for being our refuge, our helper, and our victory.

In Jesus’ name, Amen."

IT'S COMING