December 6th, 2021
by Denee Bowers
by Denee Bowers

Looking for Help
Day 9
Monday, December 6
“A shoot will grow up from the stump of Jesse; a branch will sprout from his roots. The Lord’s spirit will rest upon him, a spirit of wisdom and understanding, a spirit of planning and strength, and spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord.”
Isaiah 11:1-2
Reflection
It can be hard and scary to find support in times of trouble. Aren’t we wanting someone that demonstrates wisdom and understanding, strategic planning and strength? Some knowledge and fear of the Lord probably wouldn’t be traits that turn us off. Isaiah’s passage is offering more depth to the name “Wonderful Counselor” given to Jesus in chapter 9. How might my day be better if I allowed myself to start with some time imagining sitting across from Jesus in a comfortable chair - just the right height, tissues in sight and easily accessible if needed, perfect lighting, some favorite art hung on the wall and an awareness that He is willing to spend as much time as needed with no additional cost.
Prayer
Wonderful Counselor, Thank you for offering wisdom and guidance. May I ask questions when I don’t understand and be intentional about the direction of my day. Help me know your presence in my life.
Reflection by Angie Rataj
Monday, December 6
“A shoot will grow up from the stump of Jesse; a branch will sprout from his roots. The Lord’s spirit will rest upon him, a spirit of wisdom and understanding, a spirit of planning and strength, and spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord.”
Isaiah 11:1-2
Reflection
It can be hard and scary to find support in times of trouble. Aren’t we wanting someone that demonstrates wisdom and understanding, strategic planning and strength? Some knowledge and fear of the Lord probably wouldn’t be traits that turn us off. Isaiah’s passage is offering more depth to the name “Wonderful Counselor” given to Jesus in chapter 9. How might my day be better if I allowed myself to start with some time imagining sitting across from Jesus in a comfortable chair - just the right height, tissues in sight and easily accessible if needed, perfect lighting, some favorite art hung on the wall and an awareness that He is willing to spend as much time as needed with no additional cost.
Prayer
Wonderful Counselor, Thank you for offering wisdom and guidance. May I ask questions when I don’t understand and be intentional about the direction of my day. Help me know your presence in my life.
Reflection by Angie Rataj
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2025
January
Happy New Year // M-Note 1.4.2025Cancel the Noise // M-Note 1.11.25Cancel the Noise Discussion Guide - Part 1The Beloved Community // M-Note 01.18.2025Cancel the Noise Discussion Guide - Part 2What A Coincidence // M-Note 1.25.25Cancel the Noise Discussion Guide - Part 3Cancel the Noise Discussion Guide - Part 4The Original Influencer // M-Note 2.1.25
February
The Beloved Community Discussion Guide - Part 1Exploring New Sites…And You’re Invited // M-Note 2.8.25The Beloved Community Discussion Guide - Part 2Uncovering Implicit Bias // M-Note 2.15.2025A "Flurry" of Activity // M-Note 2.22.25The Beloved Community Discussion Guide - Part 3The Beloved Community Discussion Guide - Part 4
2024
January
Clean Slate: Week 1 Discussion GuideStarting & Sustaining Change // M-Note 1.6.24Clean Slate: Week 2 Discussion GuideStarting Small, Dreaming Big // M-Note 1.13.24Clean Slate: Week 3 Discussion GuideTogether Towards Change...and Healthy Habits // M-Note 1.20.24Clean Slate: Week 4 Discussion GuideSlowing Down for God to Show Up // M-Note 1.27.24
February
More Isn't Always Better // M-Note 2.3.24Money Talks: Week 1 Discussion GuideAshes for Valentine's Day? // M-Note 2.10.24Money Talks: Week 2 Discussion GuideLenten Devotional 2024Money Talks: Week 3 Discussion GuideWhat's your legacy? // M-Note 2.17.24Strength in Numbers: Community in Ministry // M-Note 2.24.24Entourage Discussion Guide - Week One
March
Entourage Discussion Guide - Week TwoUpdates from Clayton and Easter Invitation // M-Note 3.2.24Twenty Students Confirmed Last Sunday // M-Note 3.9.24Entourage Discussion Guide - Week 3How serving at Easter can really make a difference // M-Note 3.16.24Entourage Discussion Guide - Week 4Can You Know Joy Without Pain? // M-Note 3.23.24Entourage Discussion Guide - Week 5It's time for EasterSTL at The Factory // M-Note 3.28.24
April
Easter Discussion GuideScreen Time: Troubleshooting our Relationship with Technology // M-Note 4.6.24Screen Time Discussion Guide - Week 1Springtime Reminders: Joy Comes with the Morning // M-Note 4.13.24Screen Time Discussion Guide - Week 2Shaping the Future at the UMC General Conference // M-Note 4.20.24Screen Time Discussion Guide - Week 3 General Conference Halftime Report// M-Note 4.27.24Screen Time Discussion Guide - Week 4
May
Very Good News at the End of General Conference//M-Note 5.4.24Uncomfortable Truths Discussion Guide - Week 1Uncomfortable Truths Discussion Guide - Week 2Announcing The Gathering’s Church Planters Lab//M-Note 5.11.24My (Hypothetical) Commencement Address // M-Note 5.18.24Uncomfortable Truths Discussion Guide - Week 3Uncomfortable Truths Discussion Guide - Week 4
June
July
September
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October
It Doesn't Have to Be This Way // M-Note 10.5.24Hold These Truths Discussion Guide - Week 1Love Thy Political Neighbor // M-Note 10.11.2024Hold These Truths Discussion Guide - Week 2Fear is a Powerful Motivator // M-Note 10.19.24Hold These Truths Discussion Guide - Week 3Why Do Bad Things Happen? // M-Note 10.26.24Why? Discussion Guide - Week 1
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