Happy New Year, dear SUMites. We trust your Christmas went well and you’ve stepped into the New Year, yes, it’s 2025, positively.

As a quick side note, the world often expects us to charge into the new year but after a usually busy December, I find it’s often good to gently step into it. Our souls need it. I’d encourage us all to set aside some time to meet with the Lord and simply rest in His presence. Take some time, if you are able, to simply be peaceful with the lover of our souls. Let Him replenish and refresh you as only he can.

Themes or Words for the Year

For years, I used a ‘Word’ to orient myself for the year head. It’s a common practice. It provides a context, a guiding star of sorts, to what we might want to focus on or lean into for the year.

In the last couple of years, I’ve tended to arrive at a ‘theme’ for the year. Perhaps it’s the same thing I’m not sure. Last year, my theme was ‘new beginnings’. It seemed appropriate at the time (even though every year has an element of ‘new’ about it) as I sought to start some new things and let go of older things.

In December, I began to reflect on the year ahead. For some reason, I felt a sense of excitement/anticipation about 2025, of something significant on the horizon, a new adventure awaits.

As I prayed, waited and listened over the ensuing weeks, this notion of a ‘new adventure’ kept reappearing. I noticed the word in things I read, eg, the Magi on seeing the star in the night sky, “led them to risk and adventure [in seeking out baby Jesus], resulting in deeper revelation and abundant joy.” (AJ Sherill – Rediscovering Christmas)

On Christmas Day, I listened to Dwell’s daily devotional that said, “How might fear be keeping you from being able to lean into the loving arms of God to walk with you through the wild adventure? [like Joseph did when he listened to the angel in his dreams and elected to marry Mary]"

And just today, a regular newsletter I receive had the banner headline: “Adventures happen when we take the time to do what we have not done before.” (Joan Chittister)

To a New Adventure!

“Be who God meant you to be, and you’ll set the world on fire.” – Catherine of Siena.

I’m excited by the idea of a new adventure. But also a little nervous. I’m not really an adventurous person. Sure, I like seeing new things, going to new places, but I’m not a big trier of new things. Fear of failure gets in the way.

I sense this year may involve me doing something I’ve not done before as Joan Chittister’s encouragement states above. I hope so. It’s time I did something new. I sense it’s with God which excites me and provides some comfort. I’m reminded that faith is a muscle and to build it, we must use it, which means trusting God to meet us when we step out into something new.

Please pray for me. For courage. For wisdom and discernment about the ‘new thing’.

Your Turn

What does 2025 hold for you? What are you sensing about this new year? Much of the same or something very new? Would love it if we could get a conversation going in the comments below.

Next week’s Fast might be a great time to reflect on the year ahead and see if God shares something with you about it. I know I’ll be mentioning it during the week in my conversations with the Lord.

Go well this year, my friends. May the Lord keep you and bless you and your loved ones throughout the year.

Big love.

The Christmas story as told from the Throne room.

My child, settle in with Me in this hour. Imagine yourself climbing upon My lap as a small child. You are welcome in My house, upon My Throne and into intimacy with Me. Let me tell you a story.

Long ago, before you were born, My eyes observed the beautiful blue planet where My children were living out their assignments and discovering their eternal nature and destiny. They were pursuing My love, and their lives were full, happy, and abundant. My people loved one another well. My pride lived within the fathers on earth whose pursuit was to acquire a heart likened to Me. Mothers who nurtured My tender compassions unto their children and each other. The family lived in peace and joy, thriving in the atmosphere of heaven, as their babies played, carefree, among the streets and village vendors.

I looked upon their life and ballooned with love and pride as they lived, fully alive and free.

But, My child, as I beheld their glory and received their love and honor something else was at work. In the dark hours, a dragon, sleek and crafty positioned himself. Deception offered up to my peaceful people, the temptation of iniquity. The oily blackness that stains the bones and bowels with destruction, the retched poison of rebellion, tasted ever so slowly, sipped from the cup of wickedness. The inky blackness, once released permeated throughout the entire race. Passed along; father to son, mother to daughter. Silently at first, then gaining power through layers of lies until it ROARED with a stench of madness in the ears of all eternity.

My child, I wept.

I attended in my heart, in utter remorse, for the darlings of God that now endured the curses humanity brought upon themselves.

My child, let me wipe the tears from your kind eyes. I see the regret and sadness you bear for the people. But do not tarry in in this mourning.

For BEHOLD!

One arose before My Throne as I looked upon the earth with grief. The LAMB of Sacrifice, Redemption and Restoration. He bowed deeply before Me. In complete obedience, yearning to serve My broken heart.

He removed His crown of glory, placed it before My throne at my feet. The implications stunning the Great Cloud of Witnesses and the angelic gasped. His surrender, an eternal positioning of humility as He resigned His royal position and superlative power.

Then in a twinkling of an eye.

A babe.

A babe rested in Bethlehem. Birthed in a meager stable into the care of a very young woman, a girl of innocence and great love. And also, thereto, a man of extraordinary courage and compelled with humility and submission to My heart. A man who cleaved to the girl and babe even in the face of public shaming.

A babe, who would endure horrific torture, scorn and mockery. My Son, the righteousness of God.

A babe, resting among the animals with only a donkey’s blanket as his royal covering. My Son, who commanded legions of warriors into battles of antiquity.

A babe, born without position or power, destined to live within meager means. My Son surrendered His royalty, riches, his eternity, his will, and emotions.

A babe, human in every aspect to lead My people, you My child, out of the prison of iniquity, deliver you from the lies of fear.

A babe, an example of perfected love that cast out all fear.

My Son, Jesus, surrendered more than your human mind is capable to conceive this side of eternity. He willingly offered up His crown for you, your brothers and sisters, to lead you out of darkness and to bring you home.

Because of this babe, the entire earth reminisces each December, and again in early spring. Because of His sacrifice, you are here with Me now upon lap, hearing My voice.

The babe, Jesus, brought with Him many gifts from My Kingdom that are within your grasp. Gifts for life, healing, and deliverance. These are the real gifts of the season.

This babe, celebrated this December, is all you need for life and holiness.

This babe, IS THE HOPE OF THE WORLD!

by: Lynn Donovan

Find more devotions like this in Kingdom Conversations. It's a book about identity and God's view of our life and purpose.

There was once a man who didn't believe in God, and he didn't hesitate to let others know how he felt about religion and religious holidays, like Christmas. His wife, however, did believe, and she raised their children to also have faith in God and Jesus, despite his disparaging comments.

One snowy Christmas Eve, his wife was taking their children to a Christmas Eve service in the farm community in which they lived. She asked him to come, but he refused.

"That story is nonsense!" he said. "Why would God lower Himself to come to Earth as a man? That's ridiculous!" So she and the children left, and he stayed home.

A while later, the winds grew stronger and the snow turned into a blizzard. As the man looked out the window, all he saw was a blinding snowstorm. He sat down to relax before the fire for the evening. Then he heard a loud thump. Something had hit the window. Then another thump. He looked out, but couldn't see more than a few feet.

When the snow let up a little, he ventured outside to see what could have been beating on his window. In the field near his house he saw a flock of wild geese. Apparently they had been flying south for the winter when they got caught in the snowstorm and couldn't go on. They were lost and stranded on his farm, with no food or shelter. They just flapped their wings and flew around the field in low circles, blindly and aimlessly. A couple of them had flown into his window, it seemed.

The man felt sorry for the geese and wanted to help them. The barn would be a great place for them to stay, he thought. It's warm and safe; surely they could spend the night and wait out the storm. So he walked over to the barn and opened the doors wide, then watched and waited, hoping they would notice the open barn and go inside.

The geese just fluttered around aimlessly and didn't seem to notice the barn or realize what it could mean for them. The man tried to get their attention, but that just seemed to scare them and they moved further away. He went into the house and came back out with some bread, broke it up, and made a breadcrumbs trail leading to the barn, but they still didn't catch on.

Now he was getting frustrated. He got behind them and tried to shoo them toward the barn, but they only got more scared and scattered in every direction except toward the barn. Nothing he did could get them to go into the barn where they would be warm and safe.

"Why don't they follow me?!" he exclaimed. "Can't they see this is the only place where they can survive the storm?" He thought for a moment and realized that they just wouldn't follow a human.

"If only I were a goose, then I could save them," he said out loud.

Then he had an idea. He went into barn, got one of his own geese, and carried it in his arms as he circled around behind the flock of wild geese. He then released it. His goose flew through the flock and straight into the barn - and one by one the other geese followed it to safety!

He stood silently for a moment as the words he had spoken a few minutes earlier replayed in his mind:

"If only I were a goose, then I could save them!"

Then he thought about what he had said to his wife earlier. "Why would God want to be like us? That's ridiculous!"

Suddenly it all made sense. That is what God had done. We were like the geese - blind, lost, and perishing. God had His Son become like us so He could show us the way and save us. That was the meaning of Christmas, he realized!

As the winds and blinding snow died down, his soul became quiet and pondered this wonderful thought. Suddenly he understood what Christmas was all about, why Christ had come.

Years of doubt and disbelief vanished like the passing storm. He fell to his knees in the snow, and prayed his first prayer:

"Thank You, God, for coming in human form to get me out of the storm!"

~Author Unknown

SUMites, I mentioned in my last post that Paul wrote two poems about Jesus in his epistles. We were going to marinate in them, given the time of year we're in. Here is the second one, may it bless you as you read its words:

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

For by him all things were created:

things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible,

whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities;

all things were created by him and for him.

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

And he is the head of the body, the church;

He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, 

so that in everything he might have supremacy.

For God was pleased to have all his fulness dwell in him,

and through him to reconcile to himself all things,

whether things on earth or things in heaven,

by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Colossians 1:15-20, NIV.

Friends, the team at SUM will now be taking time off and will be back in early January. We wish you a blessed Christmas season.

Love from all of us

SUMites, I mentioned in my last post that Paul wrote two poems about Jesus in his epistles. We were going to marinate in them, given the time of year we're in. Here is the second one, may it bless you as you read its words:

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

For by him all things were created:

things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible,

whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities;

all things were created by him and for him.

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

And he is the head of the body, the church;

He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, 

so that in everything he might have supremacy.

For God was pleased to have all his fulness dwell in him,

and through him to reconcile to himself all things,

whether things on earth or things in heaven,

by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Colossians 1:15-20, NIV.

Friends, the team at SUM will now be taking time off and will be back in early January. We wish you a blessed Christmas season.

Love from all of us

Beautiful SUMites

This month I've been reading the epistles of Paul in the New Testament, and I discovered something in them that I hadn't previously thought about.

On two occasions in his epistles, Paul shares a poem about Jesus - once in the book of Philippians, and once in the book of Colossians.

These two poems are the perfect things to marinate in as we think about the birth of Jesus. So, how about we take some time this week to soak in each of these poems, line by line?

Philippians 2:6-11, NIV:

Christ Jesus 

Who, being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God

something to be grasped, 

but made himself nothing,

taking the very nature of a servant,

being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man,

he humbled himself  

and became obedient to death --

even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every name,

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and every tongue confess that

Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

**

That was the first poem. I will share the next one on Wednesday, and then the team will say goodbye until after Christmas.

Bless you, SUMites!

Ann

Dear SUMites

Hello, Ann here, on this beautiful Friday afternoon. The sun is shining over in my wee corner of the world, and I am asking God what to write.

Can I share with you something? It's good to be real. Someone said to me once, "it's ok to bleed as a leader", so here we go:

Christmas this year is passing me by completely. The reason is that over in England my brother is unwell in hospital. It is something he will recover from, but it's heavy. I am on WhatsApp with him daily, supporting him.

Oh my heart. 

I can't even go near 'festivity'. Have you ever had a Christmas like that? Perhaps you do this year even, or perhaps your whole life feels like that! You might be separated, suffering an estrangement, or downhearted because of life circumstances. It's difficult at times like that to muster up joy.

Well, in the midst of my hard stuff my boys - bouncing as ever -- LOVE Christmas - aren't kids great for helping you change your focus! And so today, for the sake of bonding with them, I took them out to a Christmas tree farm, we chose one, had it chopped down, brought it home and popped on the same cheesy Christmas CD we have used for the last 20 years while decorating the tree LOL. We chose a teeny fat tree, smaller than usual, to reflect the fact that it was a more subdued Christmas than normal. Still, we had fun.

"Boys, I don't think I'll put my bunting up this year", I announced seriously, as a nod to my brother. They nodded and half-smiled at me, thinking I was rather eccentric for focusing on my bunting.

Well, one thing led to another, and while decorating the tree I did put my bunting up. Here's a photo of said bunting. And it's making me smile. Perhaps that's a little like God - He does things that make us smile even in the hard moments.

Our SUM situation has the potential to make us very sad, right? But how many silver linings do we find within it? Plenty. To find God in it is an incomparable treasure.

The Lord is close the broken hearted (Psalm 34:18, NIV).

Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted (Matthew 5:4)

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15, NIV)

So yes, let's keep on soaking up his goodness and presence -- His bunting, if you like.

How about you: What delights have you found in hard times? Do you have a testimony you'd like to share? Has God done something good for you in the midst of your SUM?

Much love

Ann

Dear SUMites, Ann here

I just wanted to let you know a date for your diary for the new year:

From Monday 6 January to Friday 10 January 2025 we will be having our annual corporate fast, in which we fast and pray together as a community.

This fasting week is something we do each year and it is a precious time as it leads us to encounter God more deeply. Many of us look forward to it - hard as it is to fast.

So, pop it in your diary for now, and we'll post more details soon.

Much love

Ann

By LuAnn Wendover:

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)

Are we, as Sumites, remaining steadfast in our faith for our husband's salvation?

I am asking this question because I know in my own life, that I can become complacent or distracted by other things. We have 7 adult children and 14 grandchildren. My 92 year old mother also lives with us. So there is always something going on that requires time and attention. Important and serious issues that require my attention. As well as the daily grind of household responsibilities. But that is life being lived out daily in the flesh. Where does the spiritual fit in every day?

As an intercessor for many years now, my prayer life has changed. And I noticed that it is not as regulated as it could be daily. I don't pray for my husband every day. So I am asking myself why not. And I noticed that there aren't many prayer requests for spouses in the SUM group on our Wednesday fast and prayer, over on our Facebook group, lately.

How do I/we get back to that place where prayer for our spouses is a priority, especially for those of us who have lived in a SUM for many years; 31 years for me. And not just in times of crisis but when life is quiet and calm. I truly want to be like the widow who goes before the judge until her request is honored. And I haven't been. So today I am committing to daily prayer for my spouse combined with urgency. Will you join me?

Let's commit to storming the gates of heaven for our spouses. To be on fire for their repentance, deliverance, and salvation. To once again put on our armor and contend for them with all diligence.

Love, Lu

LuAnn Wendover is from Milan, NY. She has been a member of the SUM community for several years now. She is a wife, mother of 7, and grandmother of 14. She loves to encourage others in their walk with Jesus.

“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.” Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

Hello, dear Sumites, Ian from sunny Sydney.

Here we are at the end of another year! And another Advent season. It’s my favourite season of the year for a variety of reasons, one being that my birthday happens to be in it, but more significantly, it’s a season where I typically begin to reflect on the year past and the one that is ahead. The sense of “arrival” of a new year is significant. And of course that is the meaning of the word, Advent.

"In Advent we prepare for the coming of all love - that love which will redeem all the brokenness, wrongness, and hardnesses of heart that have afflicted us." Madeleine L'Engle

The arrival of Jesus

Advent of course is about Jesus. His birth and the expectancy of His coming again once day. Consequently, for me, it is a season of hope. Jesus is coming and the wonder of Advent is that for us we get to experience Him every day through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. I find Advent is a good time to try to slow down and seek to be more present with Jesus and others. Jesus is always with us, and it requires intention to receive all the love and grace he offers us.

Even though for the traditionalists, hope is the theme for week one of Advent, I’ve sensed the entire 4 weeks for me is all about hope. As I lingered with this the other day, I sensed this ‘hope’ centered around 3 areas:

• Hope of a new future. I’m sensing an excitement about 2025 and something new. Maybe all it is, is just that. A New Year and the opportunities that present themselves. But, I’m hoping for something more … hmmm
• Hope of greater intimacy with our Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit and people. Intimacy is a significant longing for me, and I seek it in all my relationships.
• Hope of overflowing in love in all I do.

I took great encouragement from 2 of the Bible readings that featured on Sunday, the first day of Advent, confirming my ‘hope-full’ intentions. I follow the Advent liturgy throughout the season which I find immensely enjoyable.

Holy Spirit nudged me particularly with two verses in Psalm 25:

“Show me your ways, Lord,
    teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
    for you are God my Saviour,
    and my hope is in you all day long. (v4-5 NIV UK)

All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful
    toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.” (v10)

And then in 1 Thessalonians 3:12 (NIVUK)

“May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.”

Here’s wishing you all a lovely Advent and Christmas. I wonder if you practice Advent or have any particular intentions for the month. And hope? What are you hoping for this season and 2025? I you haven't already, we'd encourage you to open. dialogue with the Lord about your hopes. Even though He already knows all things, it's the relational aspect of communicating, listening and sharing ideas that draw us closer to Him.

We’d love to start a conversation about Advent and hopes in the comments below if you are willing to share.

Go well, dear friends and many blessings for a peaceful and hope-filled Advent and Christmas season.

Thank you for your love and support. It's not too late. Click here.

Your giving and love help to reach that one spouse who feels alone, misunderstood, unheard and fearful about her faith, the faith of her kids and the salvation of her husband. It's worthy of your giving and you honor the Kingdom and the name of Jesus Christ.

Thank you, 

Lynn and Ann

Give a Gift. And we give back. Any donation over $20 and any recurring donation of any amount over $5 and you receive two of the four:

Zoom classes on the following topics:

• Book of 1 Enoch (About the Watchers/demons/principalities, etc.)
• End Times- The update. (A detailed look at the Fork in the road that is before us, the church and the choices and destiny ahead.)
• Salvation of Loved Ones. (What is saved and how to pray with effectiveness.) Alleviates fear of their eternity.
• Hearing God's Voice- (And how to see. What are the blocks and how to get rid of them.)

Okay, these are the seminars. I'll teach two of the four. You get to vote for your favorite two when you make a donation. And if there are enough donations, I'll figure out how to teach all four.

Please Note: The link below takes you to our processor. Square is a secured international processor.

Please leave your vote under "note to seller." Vote for your favorite two seminars.  

Giving Tuesday Three Keys Ministries

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Donate

Hello, SUMite Nation:

It's Giving Tuesday tomorrow. This is our ONLY, one-time-a-year that we ask for donations to support this ministry for the whole year.

We average about $6 thousand in annual expenses and portion of that is covered through the books you buy. I return that money to the ministry. It is my pleasure to give back to the Kingdom and support others who are walking out the unequally yoked marriage life.

But book sales aren't enough. Many of you are regular givers who automatically make a donation monthly. I bet you didn't know that either. THANK YOU!

Tomorrow, any gift you give over $20 will entitle you to attend one or more of the Zoom classes on the following topics:

• Book of 1 Enoch (About the Watchers/demons/principalities, etc.)
• End Times- The update. (A detailed look at the Fork in the road that is before us, the church, the choices and destiny ahead.)
• Salvation of Loved Ones. (What is saved and how to pray with effectiveness.) Alleviates fear of their eternity.
• Hearing God's Voice- (And how to see. What are the blocks and how to get rid of them.)

Okay, these are the seminars. I'll teach two of the four. You get to vote for your favorite two when you make a donation. And if there are enough donations, I'll figure out how to teach all four.

These Zoom classes are always fascinating, you will meet others from this ministry there, and you will receive tools as well and wisdom which leads us to greater victories in our lives. I love these classes we do together. I'm fired up to teach them as well.

Please pray about what you can give. AND if at all possible, make your donation a small, recurring amount. I adore you. Blessings and hugs, Lynn