Weekly Update
GCN Family,
Scroll down to see today's Advent devotional below by Annie Brown. And then, check out the daily GCN Advent Devotionals, available on the GCN App, or at www.gaithersburgnazarene.org .
A Few Other Things…
Pastor Brian
Today's Advent Devotional by Annie Brown:
Isaiah 54:1–10 overflows with God’s promises—His restorative power for the Israelites in their exile and captivity. These verses speak to us as well. When we treasure them in our hearts, they encourage us, fill us with hope, and assure us of God’s work of restoration in our own lives.
God is committed to restoring His people. In verse 6, He declares, “The Lord will call you back,” and in verse 7, “with deep compassion I will call you back.” His love is relentless, His mercy unending.
It is striking that this passage begins with a call to worship: “Sing, barren woman, burst into song, shout for joy.” Singing is not our natural response in barren seasons — when disappointment weighs heavy and we are desperately waiting for change. Often, life feels so dark that we cannot see hope, only the pain pressing in around us.
I remember a season of deep barrenness and disappointment when I felt I could not go on. Yet, by God’s grace, I chose to sing — just as this passage calls us to. Worship became my weapon. In the deluge of overwhelming pain and distress, it was my way through, not by my own strength, but by God’s restorative power.
Time and again, God has brought me back. He has called me, shown me compassion, and invited me to lay down my shame and struggles before Him. In return, He has given me hope, love, and peace. Just as He spoke to the barren woman, God reminds us: I have more for you than you expect—more than you can think or imagine. His plans for us are great, and we can trust Him, placing our hope in the outcome He has prepared.
I pray that you will hide Isaiah 54 in your heart, so that when life feels barren, you will know that God’s unfailing love cannot be shaken and His covenant of peace will not be removed from you. Like Charles Spurgeon said about it, “Try and suck all the sweetness of this chapter, that you can, while you read it!”
In this Advent season, Isaiah 54 points to God’s ultimate gift: the sending of Jesus to reconcile us to Himself and to fulfill all that He has prepared for those who love Him.
Challenge:
Where in your life do you feel a sense of “barrenness” right now—an area marked by waiting, disappointment, or longing?
How might God be inviting you to trust in and respond to His restorative power in that very place?
Scroll down to see today's Advent devotional below by Annie Brown. And then, check out the daily GCN Advent Devotionals, available on the GCN App, or at www.gaithersburgnazarene.org .
A Few Other Things…
- A Service Celebrating the life of David Sharp is this Friday, December 5th at 12:00pm at GCN. The family also invites everyone to a meal in the Life Center, following the service. The family asks that you RSVP if you are able to attend the service and meal after the service. Click Here for Dave's Tribute Website.
- Stewartown Christmas Party Gift Card Drive and Toy Drive. Thanks to those who have purchased gift cards and/or toys. If you haven’t already done so, pick up your ornament in the GCN Lobby this Sunday and bring back a $25 Gift Card (to Walmart, Amazon, or Target) and/or a $10 Toy (wrapped).
- GCN Christmas Choir this Sunday. Rehearsal Tonight at 7. Come out and be ready to sing together!
- Stop by the GCN Lobby and write or draw your response to the Advent HOPE-PEACE-JOY-LOVE Banners. It’s a great way to share prayers and blessings for others to see.
- Christmas Eve @ GCN. December 24th at 5pm. Who are you inviting to join you?
Pastor Brian
Today's Advent Devotional by Annie Brown:
Isaiah 54:1–10 overflows with God’s promises—His restorative power for the Israelites in their exile and captivity. These verses speak to us as well. When we treasure them in our hearts, they encourage us, fill us with hope, and assure us of God’s work of restoration in our own lives.
God is committed to restoring His people. In verse 6, He declares, “The Lord will call you back,” and in verse 7, “with deep compassion I will call you back.” His love is relentless, His mercy unending.
It is striking that this passage begins with a call to worship: “Sing, barren woman, burst into song, shout for joy.” Singing is not our natural response in barren seasons — when disappointment weighs heavy and we are desperately waiting for change. Often, life feels so dark that we cannot see hope, only the pain pressing in around us.
I remember a season of deep barrenness and disappointment when I felt I could not go on. Yet, by God’s grace, I chose to sing — just as this passage calls us to. Worship became my weapon. In the deluge of overwhelming pain and distress, it was my way through, not by my own strength, but by God’s restorative power.
Time and again, God has brought me back. He has called me, shown me compassion, and invited me to lay down my shame and struggles before Him. In return, He has given me hope, love, and peace. Just as He spoke to the barren woman, God reminds us: I have more for you than you expect—more than you can think or imagine. His plans for us are great, and we can trust Him, placing our hope in the outcome He has prepared.
I pray that you will hide Isaiah 54 in your heart, so that when life feels barren, you will know that God’s unfailing love cannot be shaken and His covenant of peace will not be removed from you. Like Charles Spurgeon said about it, “Try and suck all the sweetness of this chapter, that you can, while you read it!”
In this Advent season, Isaiah 54 points to God’s ultimate gift: the sending of Jesus to reconcile us to Himself and to fulfill all that He has prepared for those who love Him.
Challenge:
Where in your life do you feel a sense of “barrenness” right now—an area marked by waiting, disappointment, or longing?
How might God be inviting you to trust in and respond to His restorative power in that very place?
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