November 27th, 2023
by Dave Dietrich, Executive Director of Operations
by Dave Dietrich, Executive Director of Operations

Scripture
"13 Then Isaiah said, 'Listen, house of David! Isn’t it enough for you to be tiresome for people that you are also tiresome before my God? 14 Therefore, the Lord will give you a sign. The young woman is pregnant and is about to give birth to a son, and she will name him Immanuel.'" - Isaiah 7:13-14
Reflection
My name is David and I have a house. Thankfully a prophet has not come to my home and yelled at me for being obstinate and fearful. Although in 2021, I was cornered on my porch by a very vigorous, but well-meaning pair of prognosticating Latter-day Saints.
The house in Isaiah’s story is more akin to the House of Commons: kings and politicians debating the fate of their nation. The king of Judah (Ahaz) is apprehensive about the alliance of Israel and Syria’s militaries. No doubt there are rousing monologues and a raucous exchange of ideas as the group attempts to solve the issues on their own. Isaiah publicly chastises the leaders for rebuking God and presents them with a sign of the impending birth of the living God (Immanuel=God with us). I wonder if any of the members shouted “Here! Here!” after Isaiah finished speaking.
Sadly, as with many Old Testament stories, the signs and warnings were not heeded. And the king’s fatal decision to ignore God led (predictably) to a great deal of death and destruction, borne from his cowardliness.
I have the luxury of living in a place and time where my house is not constantly under threat. Many people aren’t so lucky. I empathize with Ahaz. He gathered his team, sought advice and implemented a strategy he thought would not worsen an already bad situation. I don’t know how convincing Isaiah was as an orator. Was he more Winston Churchill or Nicolas Cage? The bible doesn’t really address it. Regardless, Ahaz didn’t listen.
Perhaps one thing we can take away is that disregarding our faith when making life decisions, especially impactful ones, may not be the savviest response. Even the simple act of prayer, sharing with God our thoughts and desires, as part of decision-making can be powerful. The outcome isn’t always what we want it to be, but the act of believing God is with us makes the burden less onerous or lonesome.
None of us are as good at influencing fate as we think we are. I suppose Isaiah is telling us, quite expressively, to acknowledge our faith and recognize that God is with us. As for me, maybe next time they knock, I will invite the nice young missionaries into my house. And I’ll be more intentional to thank God that they didn’t set my porch on fire.
Practice
What is a decision are you faced with right now? Share with God your thoughts and desires. Then take a moment to reflect and receive that God is with you. Amen.
"13 Then Isaiah said, 'Listen, house of David! Isn’t it enough for you to be tiresome for people that you are also tiresome before my God? 14 Therefore, the Lord will give you a sign. The young woman is pregnant and is about to give birth to a son, and she will name him Immanuel.'" - Isaiah 7:13-14
Reflection
My name is David and I have a house. Thankfully a prophet has not come to my home and yelled at me for being obstinate and fearful. Although in 2021, I was cornered on my porch by a very vigorous, but well-meaning pair of prognosticating Latter-day Saints.
The house in Isaiah’s story is more akin to the House of Commons: kings and politicians debating the fate of their nation. The king of Judah (Ahaz) is apprehensive about the alliance of Israel and Syria’s militaries. No doubt there are rousing monologues and a raucous exchange of ideas as the group attempts to solve the issues on their own. Isaiah publicly chastises the leaders for rebuking God and presents them with a sign of the impending birth of the living God (Immanuel=God with us). I wonder if any of the members shouted “Here! Here!” after Isaiah finished speaking.
Sadly, as with many Old Testament stories, the signs and warnings were not heeded. And the king’s fatal decision to ignore God led (predictably) to a great deal of death and destruction, borne from his cowardliness.
I have the luxury of living in a place and time where my house is not constantly under threat. Many people aren’t so lucky. I empathize with Ahaz. He gathered his team, sought advice and implemented a strategy he thought would not worsen an already bad situation. I don’t know how convincing Isaiah was as an orator. Was he more Winston Churchill or Nicolas Cage? The bible doesn’t really address it. Regardless, Ahaz didn’t listen.
Perhaps one thing we can take away is that disregarding our faith when making life decisions, especially impactful ones, may not be the savviest response. Even the simple act of prayer, sharing with God our thoughts and desires, as part of decision-making can be powerful. The outcome isn’t always what we want it to be, but the act of believing God is with us makes the burden less onerous or lonesome.
None of us are as good at influencing fate as we think we are. I suppose Isaiah is telling us, quite expressively, to acknowledge our faith and recognize that God is with us. As for me, maybe next time they knock, I will invite the nice young missionaries into my house. And I’ll be more intentional to thank God that they didn’t set my porch on fire.
Practice
What is a decision are you faced with right now? Share with God your thoughts and desires. Then take a moment to reflect and receive that God is with you. Amen.
Posted in Advent Devotional
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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
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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
March
Beloved Community Action Steps // M-Note 3.1.25Vulnerability & Wilderness | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 1Trusting the Spirit's Lead | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 2Courageous Connection | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 3What's Your Emotional IQ? // M-Note 3.8.25The Spaces Between Us | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 4Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 1Jesus Weeps With You | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 5When Sadness Lingers | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 6Lurking in the Shadows | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 7Cycles of Life and Death | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 8Inked in Memory | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 9The Void of Grief | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 10Sending Forth // M-Note 3.15.25Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 2Journey Not Alone | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 11Friends Along the Way | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 12The Loneliness of Fear | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 13Not Through With You Yet | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 14Clinging to Hope | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 15Bring It To The King | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 16Pray When Unsteady | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 17Courage to Stand for Faith | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 18Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 3A Holy Rage | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 19Focus on What is Holy | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 20Fast for Justice and Kindness | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 21The World is Harsh and Beautiful | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 22I Feel Sorry for Jesus | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 23Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 4i flipped a table once | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 24Ain’t Got Nothin’ | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 25Spring Forward in Faith // M-Note 3.29.25Visio Divina | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 26Everlasting Joy Sealed in Your Heart | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 27
April
Sometimes Joy is Simply Doing Your Best | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 28An Unexpected Gift of Spring | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 29When Joy Flows Freely | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 30Easter Challenge // M-Note 4.5.25Joy Even When It Rains | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 31Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 5Joy Entwined with Loss | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 32When Betrayal is Part of the Plan | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 33Healing From Disappointment | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 34Betraying Others is Betraying Yourself | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 35A Sarcastic Jesus | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 36Have Compassion for Yourself | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 37Another Easter Challenge // M-Note 4.12.25A Disappointing Disciple | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 38When We Disappoint Others | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 39Emotional Rollercoaster Discussion Guide - Part 6The Belief of Jesus | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 40The Value of Praise | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 41Through the Eyes of Those Who Knew Him | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 42Feeling Called Out | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Day 43Where Was Judas? | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Maundy ThursdayEaster Discussion GuideEasterSTL @The Factory Pro-Tips // M-Note 4.18.25Today is Not the End of the Story | 2025 Lenten Devotional | Good Friday
2024
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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 5
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