GPS: Grow, Pray & Study Guide
For week starting on December 7th, 2025
“The Desert Shall Rejoice and Blossom”
“In contrast to every other kingdom that has been and ever will be,
this kingdom belongs to the poor, Jesus said, and to the
peacemakers, the merciful, and those who hunger and thirst for
God. In this kingdom, the people from the margins and the bottom
rungs will be lifted up to places of honor, seated at the best spots
at the table. This kingdom shows no geographic boundaries, no
political parties, no single language and culture. It advances not
through power and might, but through acts of kindness and
humility (Rachel Held Evans).”
Dear Lord, thank you for bringing life to our deserts. Thank
you for this kingdom that is so different from the kingdoms of
this world. Guide us to see your greatness that we might
care for others and become peacemakers. Amen.
Monday 12.8 “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God.”
Isaiah 35:1-10
“The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall
rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly,
and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be
given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the
glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God. Strengthen the weak
hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a
fearful heart, ‘Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will
come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come
and save you.’” We need not live in fear! Our Lord will give us life
to share in the darkness of this world.
Tuesday 12.9 “And sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”
Isaiah 35:1-10
“Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the
deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the
tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth
in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand
shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; the
haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become
reeds and rushes. A highway shall be there, and it shall be called
the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for
God’s people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray. No lion
shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they
shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. And
the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with
singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain
joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” Let us
travel on this highway, this Holy Way, of joy and gladness in our
Lord.
Wednesday 12.10 “He has filled the hungry with good things.”
Luke 1:47-55
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my
Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his
servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his
name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to
generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered
the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down
the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has
filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,
according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham
and to his descendants forever.” This is Mary’s humble song of
praise. We may rejoice with her.
Thursday 12.11 “Beloved, do not grumble against one
another.”
James 5:7-10
“Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The
farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient
with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must
be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is
near. Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you
may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As
an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets
who spoke in the name of the Lord.” Let us join with those
suffering and patient prophets who knew the grace of God.
Friday 12.12 “And the poor have good news brought to
them.”
Matthew 11:2-11
“When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent
word by his disciples and said to him, ‘Are you the one who is to
come, or are we to wait for another?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Go
and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight,
the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead
are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And
blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.’” Jesus lived
among the poor and needy and quietly cared for them.
Saturday 12.13 “What did you go out into the wilderness to
look at?”
Matthew 11:2-11
“As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about
John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed
shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone
dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in
royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes,
I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it
is written, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who
will prepare your way before you.” Truly I tell you, among those
born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist;
yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.’” God
cared for John in the wilderness and his ministry was powerful.