The Light of Life

A Season of Anticipation

As the year draws to a close, many of us find ourselves enveloped in the hustle of holiday traditions. Yet, this season, Advent, calls us to pause and remember. Advent isn’t just a countdown to Christmas; it’s a time to reflect on the miraculous arrival of Immanuel—God with us. This moment of reflection is a powerful reminder of hope, peace, love, and joy brought to us through Christ. Just as candles brighten the darkness with each passing week, so does the anticipation of His coming illuminate the path of our hearts. It’s a promise fulfilled in the past and a hope for the future when all things will be made new.

Light in the Darkness

Imagine a day so bright it feels like summer, yet your heart feels as dark as a moonless night. This was the reality for the people of ancient Israel. They once thrived under God’s blessings but found themselves in spiritual darkness after turning away from Him. Isaiah’s prophecy spoke of a Savior—a great light for those dwelling in deep darkness. And then, the light came! The birth of Jesus fulfilled this prophecy, bringing life and hope not just to Israel but to the entire world. As John wrote, “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” This light—Jesus—brings true life, pushing back the shadows of despair and revealing the path to freedom.

Life Found in the Light

Many of us spend our lives chasing something more—fulfillment, joy, or peace—but often come up short. The birth of Christ is not just an historical event; it’s a personal invitation to step into the light and experience life to the fullest. When Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world,” He offered more than illumination; He offered transformation. His light reveals our flaws, our struggles, and our need for Him. But it also points us toward hope, peace, love, and joy. These gifts are not distant promises; they are available now for those walking in relationship with Him. The light of Christ shines into our darkest places, not to condemn but to lead us into abundant life.

An Invitation to Abundance

Too often, we settle for half-measures, living a “half-life” rather than embracing the fullness God offers. But in Christ, there is an abundance—not of material wealth but of spiritual richness. This is the beauty of life in the light. The same Jesus who came as a baby to push back the darkness will one day return in glory. In that day, there will be no more night, no more need for the sun or a lamp, for God Himself will be our light forever. Until then, the invitation remains: step into the light and experience the fullness of life in Christ. Let this season be a reminder of the great light that came into the world and the life it offers to all who believe.

— AARON DININNY

[Multiply] Executive Director

The Prince of Peace

A World in Need of True Peace

The world around us often feels like a storm-ravaged house, broken and in desperate need of restoration. Headlines scream about moral decay, conflict, and suffering. These realities reveal our deep need for something far greater than what human effort can provide, something like “peace.” Biblical peace, often referred to as shalom, isn't just the absence of conflict; it's the presence of wholeness, flourishing, and harmony. It's the complete restoration of what is broken.

This is the peace promised by Isaiah—a peace that surpasses our limited understanding. Through the prophecy of a coming King, a "Prince of Peace," God offers hope for a kingdom of justice and righteousness that will know no end. In Christ, this prophecy is fulfilled. Jesus doesn’t just bring peace; He is peace.

The Depth of Christ's Peace

In Ephesians 2:11-18, Paul explains how Jesus bridges the divide between humanity and God, as well as between people themselves. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus dismantled hostility and offered reconciliation. His peace is not superficial; it restores our relationship with God and makes us whole, both spiritually and relationally.

This wholeness reflects God's original design for creation—a complex masterpiece where every piece fits perfectly. Yet, sin broke this design, leaving our lives fragmented. Whether it's fractured relationships, inner turmoil, or societal division, the peace of Christ reaches into every crevice of our brokenness to bring restoration.

Living in Peace with God and Others

To experience this peace, we must first reconcile with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 reminds us, "Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This isn't earned through merit but given freely by grace.

But peace with God doesn’t end with us. As followers of Jesus, we are called to extend this peace to others. This means forgiving those who wrong us, pursuing harmony in our homes and communities, and seeking reconciliation wherever relationships are broken. It’s not an easy task, but it’s one that reflects the heart of the Prince of Peace.

Building a Life of Peace

Living in the peace of Christ requires intentionality. It begins with saturating our minds with Scripture, which transforms our thoughts and aligns our desires with God's will. Psalm 119:165 declares, "Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble."

Prayer is another cornerstone of peace. Philippians 4:6-7 invites us to bring every anxiety to God, promising that His peace will guard our hearts and minds. When we trust Him with our burdens, we experience a calm that transcends human understanding.

Finally, we must embrace our role as peacemakers. Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). Whether it's restoring a friendship, resolving workplace conflict, or bringing comfort to someone in distress, our actions can reflect the transformative peace of Christ.

The peace Jesus offers is not fleeting or fragile; it is eternal and transformative. As we live under His reign, we not only experience His peace but also become vessels of it to a world in desperate need. Let His peace rule in your heart today, and may it overflow to those around you.

— AARON DININNY

[Multiply] Executive Director

The Eternal Father Who Never Fails

A Love Beyond Compare

Have you ever paused to watch a child you adore—playing, laughing, or simply resting? That same unwavering, affectionate gaze is how God looks upon us, His children. Unlike earthly fathers, who can falter or even disappear, God’s love is eternal, perfect, and unshakable. Isaiah 9:6 describes Jesus, our Savior, as the Everlasting Father. This is not about confusing the roles within the Trinity, but about showing us how the Messiah tenderly leads, protects, and provides as a perfect father would.

In a world where fatherlessness is a growing crisis, this truth is a balm for the soul. Whether our earthly father was absent, imperfect, or loving, Jesus offers something no human can: the steadfast love of a Father who will never leave us.

The Father Who Sees and Provides

Psalm 103 paints a picture of this Everlasting Father’s character. God is righteous and just, but He is also compassionate and merciful. He sees the depths of our weakness and yet does not turn away. Like a father lifting a child from a pit, He rescues us from the darkest moments of life and crowns us with His steadfast love and mercy (Psalm 103:4).

His love doesn’t depend on our performance. Even when we stumble, He remains faithful. His mercy is greater than our failures, and His patience is unmatched. While the world offers fleeting satisfaction, our Everlasting Father satisfies our deepest longings.

He Holds Eternity in His Hands

What does it mean for Jesus to be Everlasting? It means that He holds eternity itself—He reigns supreme over time, over creation, and over every storm we face. Eternity is not just a concept for the future; it is a reality He created and sustains. Jesus, the Everlasting Father, is both the cause of eternity and the One who invites us into it.

When we look at our current struggles—broken relationships, health crises, or overwhelming worry—they seem enormous. But in the hands of our Everlasting Father, they are but small specks. He is the sovereign King who stepped into time to save us, trading His heavenly throne for a manger and a cross.

A Love That Changes Everything

If we truly grasp the love of our Everlasting Father, it transforms us. When we trust that He cares for us, it changes how we walk through life. Fear fades. Peace grows. Hope endures. The Messiah who came to wipe away every tear will one day fulfill His promise to make all things new.

No matter what fatherly example you had on earth, the love of Jesus is perfect. He is the Father who lifts us, restores us, and shelters us in His unending care. And for those who long for a deeper relationship with Him, He promises: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

This Advent, remember: we serve an Everlasting Father—a King who loves endlessly and holds eternity in His hands. Trust Him. Rest in Him. He will never fail you.

— AARON DININNY

[Multiply] Executive Director

Mighty King T.U.T.

As we continue on in this Christmas season, we continue to unpack the name of God that we find in Isa. 9:6, “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” This week, I’m beyond excited that we get to focus on a MIGHTY GOD…because I no doubt believe it’s more than necessary. Disclaimer: more strays may be caught through the reading of this blog. Just sayin…

The Power Beyond Comprehension

The prophet Isaiah paints a breathtaking portrait of God in using the word might. This Hebrew term found here, "gibbor," portrays strength, bravery, and valor—qualities of a warrior who leads battles and wins decisively. This word isn’t just limited to brute force however; encompassing influence, wisdom, and authority. This is the God who commands the sun to stand still, splits seas, and silences storms. When we understand that God's might operates on every plane—physical, spiritual, and relational—it redefines our confidence. He is not a distant deity; He is the ultimate warrior, fighting for us in battles seen and unseen.

Now, the Hebrew word used for God here, "El" is a little different and is about to take us on a bit of a trip…buckle up. It is used to denote God with capital G…or just a god with a lower case g, though it still emphasizes might and power. It is used frequently in the Hebrew Bible in reference to the one true God of Israel, highlighting His strength and sovereignty. It’s also used in the “compounded” names for God, such as "El Shaddai" (God Almighty) or "El Elyon" (God Most High). But in some contexts, it just refers to gods in a general sense or to mighty individuals. Where this gets twisted for Christians (aside from the fact that we have multiple names for God like Elohim, Yahweh…I’ll stop there) is the fact that, in the ancient Near Eastern context, "El" was a common term for deity and was used in various cultures. The Canaanites used the name El for their chief deity as an example. But, again, to confirm, yes. In the Hebrew Bible, "El" is used to affirm the power, supremacy and uniqueness, the distinguishing of Yahweh, the God of Israel, over all other gods; underscoring their monotheistic belief in one all-powerful God who is distinct from the polytheistic traditions of surrounding nations. So, with all this understanding and importance, what’s the issue and what on earth the mighty king T.U.T.?

The Subtle Drift of Misunderstanding

I’m happy to answer. Here lies the mighty King T.U.T., aka The Ugly Truth- we often underestimate God's might, reducing Him to a mere reflection of ourselves. In our human tendencies, we deify people and humanize God, shaping Him into what feels convenient or manageable. Not to mention when “He” fails (which he doesn’t fyi) we deem Him weak and incapable. Why would we make a being so impotent our Lord? How could we call someone like that a “Mighty God?”

But this distortion is not new, and we have ancient Israel to that for it. Recall how they melted gold to create a calf when Moses delayed in the book of Exodus at , and today, we do the same in subtler ways, fashioning God into idols of comfort, prosperity, or personal preference. But God is unshakably mighty. He does not conform to our limitations. It’s not our job to fit God into our lives; it’s to realign our hearts with His unparalleled strength and purpose.

Just Who is a Mighty God?

So I think we need a refresh/reset. For many, I don’t doubt that we’ve never taken the chance to define, to describe what and who God really is. I believe this would shift perspectives and give us a space to exalt the one, true, and mighty God. For this reason, I’m doing us a favor. I’m giving us a definition to start with and work off of. Adam Clarke, British Methodist theologian of the 1700s and 1800s, expressed that God is the following:

God is the eternal, independent, and self-existent Being; the Being whose purposes and actions spring from himself, without foreign motive or influence; he who is absolute in dominion; the most pure, the most simple, the most spiritual of all essences; infinitely perfect; and eternally self-sufficient, needing nothing that he has made; illimitable in his immensity, inconceivable in his mode of existence, and indescribable in his essence; known fully only by himself, because an infinite mind can only be fully comprehended by itself. In a word, a Being who, from his infinite wisdom, cannot err or be deceived, and from his infinite goodness, can do nothing but what is eternally just, and right, and kind.

I think that every believer would say this is sufficient.

The Mighty God in Action

God's might is not just a theological concept; it is manifest in His actions. Yes, I’m being a little hypocritical because we always suggest reveling in who God is, but every now and then we should take a moment and focus on what God does. He fights for us, wielding omnipotence to overcome forces that seek to destroy. He provides for us, omniscient, knowing our needs before we do, and equips us with wisdom, omnisapient, to navigate life's challenges. He is omnipresent, ensuring we are never alone, and His omnibenevolence is a love so profound it covers every sin. When we truly grasp these facets of His nature, our faith deepens. He is not just our Savior but our Lord, worthy of obedience and reverence. The recognition of this transforms not only our understanding of God but also our daily lives.

Responding to a Mighty God

So how do we respond to such overwhelming might? It begins with surrender. A mighty God requires a posture of humility, acknowledging His authority and letting Him lead. This isn’t a call to perfection but to a life of "long obedience in the same direction." Obedience is not a burden by any means; it is a natural response to His love and power. The more we dwell in His presence, the more our hearts are captivated by Him, and the less appealing sin becomes. This is why it’s so important to remember the phrase “Seek ye first…” Matt. 6:33 This is the sanctifying work of His Spirit. And in this journey, no failure is too great for His grace. The mightiest act of God is His love—a love that pursues, forgives, heals, and restores.

God’s might isn’t distant or theoretical. It is personal, powerful, and transformative. Let this truth reshape how we see Him, ourselves, and the world around us. Our Mighty God is worthy of our trust, our worship, and our lives.

— Jordan Brown

Pastor (Ministries and Outreach) [OV] Church

He is Our BETTER HELP

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN!!! The time in which we reflect on the iteration of Jesus that is 8lbs 6oz. The version that we know as “Baby Jesus.” I love this time of year, the emphasis we place on celebrating the coming of the King in this meek and mild state. I have a theory…hear me out. I believe that the reason we get to celebrate as a baby is because every time we witness a “reveal” of sorts with God in the Old Testament we also witness an aftermath of His people freakin’ out and running for their lives. So it would only make sense that He swings the pendulum and offers a version of Himself that is indeed very meek, very mild…very demur, very mindful. 8lbs 6oz so obviously very cutesy. I digress.

This year we’ve decided, in celebrating the birth of the Savior, that we wanted to look at and unpack all of the names that are given of the coming in Isa. 9:6: 
Wonderful Counselor
Mighty God
Everlasting Father
Prince of Peace

And I get the honor of unpacking the first. Before we dive in though I do feel the need to give a Spirit led disclaimer: Pretty much everyone is catching strays on this one, myself included.*

*catching strays- a good, Christian definition for this code switch is being strongly convicted by the Holy Spirit. They will probably hurt, but it is for our best in the end so amen to it. Anyway, Let’s dive in.

The Miracle of “Wonderful” Counsel

Isaiah 9:6 paints a vivid picture of a coming Messiah, calling Him the "Wonderful Counselor." The word "wonderful," derived from the Hebrew pele, describes something extraordinary, beyond human comprehension. This is not mere advice or good intentions—this is divine wisdom that surpasses all understanding. In ancient Israel, wonders were acts that displayed God’s presence and power. This same miraculous power is embodied in the counsel of Jesus. His wisdom is unparalleled, not just a guide for life’s challenges but a transformative force. He doesn’t simply point the way; He walks with us, offering counsel that heals, restores, and redeems. The word counselor,the Hebrew verb "yaats," primarily means to advise or counsel. In ancient Israel, counsel was highly valued, especially in leadership and governance. Kings, prophets, elders often sought advice to make informed decisions; the hopes that such information will be wise and godly. The role of a counselor was significant, as it could influence the direction of a nation…the outcome of a situation for good or bad. That’s why wisdom literature of the Bible, such as Proverbs, emphasizes the importance of seeking wise counsel and the dangers of ignoring it.

Trust Issues with the Divine

One of the greatest barriers to receiving the counsel of Jesus is misplaced trust. As John Calvin observed, “...Everyone flatters himself and carries a kingdom in his breast.” Translation: we often build kingdoms in our hearts, relying on our own wisdom. Last time I checked this was also called pride and according to about six passages in the book of Proverbs it don’t end well. Ahh, or how about we seek the guidance of others over God as well? Whether it’s a self-made philosophy or the latest trending advice from those who are deemed “successful” in society (realizing there is a major difference between being successful and being an actual Kingdom success…I’ll leave that alone for now), these substitutes leave us spiritually malnourished. Scripture reminds us, however, that Jesus offers not just better help but the best help. He is the embodiment of wisdom itself, the one who knows our needs intimately and supplies according to His riches.

Yet, too often, we fall into the trap of modern “Rehoboams,” dismissing God’s wisdom for shallow alternatives. In 2 Chron. 10 we see him, having come into power as king after the death of his father (maybe you’ve heard of him. Solomon?), immediately needing to make a decision on what to do with his new people and how to treat them. He has the opportunity to discuss his options with two different groups: 1. The “wise counsel” that was his father’s advisors (btw, don’t miss that. Solomon, the wisesssst man in the Old Testament, felt the need to have advisors. Just putting that out there :-) ) and 2. The advice of his friends that he grew up with that he now considers his “advisors.” I’ll spare the additional details. Rehoboam goes with the advice of his friends and not the wise advisors and the consequences are most crucial; the downfall of the entire United Kingdom of Israel.

His father handled things differently. He not only had wise counsel, but he also had conversation and communication, communion with the wise Counselor. In 1 Kings 3, we see him having a dialogue with God and, when asked specifically for what he wants on account of his faithfulness, he simply says “...Give me an understanding heart, give me wisdom, so I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who alone can govern this great people of yours!” 3:9. And for this, God not only gave him the wisdom he asked for, but He also gave him what he didn’t; riches, fame, and honor throughout the world! Why would we want anything other than what God has in store for us? Or let me ask that in a very disrespectful way: Why would you want to impress your friends who can ultimately do nothing for you and potentially make your situation worse? Much worse. Like…destruction of the kingdom worse. I’ll stop there.

A Kingdom Perspective

Leading me to this ultimate point. Jesus’ counsel is not just personal—it’s Kingdom-focused. His teachings invite us to see life through an eternal lens, as He preached, “The Kingdom of God is at hand” (Mark 1:15). This isn’t a distant hope but a present reality. Living with a Kingdom mindset means aligning our daily lives with eternal truths, seeking not comfort but purpose. Solomon’s humility in seeking God’s wisdom exemplifies this, as he prayed for an understanding heart to govern well. Jesus challenges us to do the same—to trust Him fully, prioritize His Kingdom, and let His counsel shape our decisions, actions, and attitudes. But we have to be willing to trust Him enough to know His counsel isn’t just our better help. It is our best help!

Living the Counsel

The true measure of honoring the Wonderful Counselor lies in how we live out His teachings. To celebrate His wisdom is to embrace the discomfort of trust and obedience. It’s choosing to love as He loved, forgive as He forgave, and pursue righteousness over convenience. His counsel often defies logic but always leads to life. As Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, His ways and thoughts are higher than ours. Trusting Jesus may stretch us, and that’s okay. Because He’s not here for our comfort. He’s here for His Kingdom, but it is in this stretching that we grow. The journey isn’t always easy, but it is always worth it, for His counsel brings not only guidance but also eternal peace and joy. Not to mention, whatever that discomfort is probably the very place He’s designed for you, and assigned for you. Be obedient. Stay the course. Trust the process. Trust God. Get in His Word and receive the counsel of the Word made flesh. Trust in the counsel of Jesus. The one who, in His wise counsel, demonstrates His sovereignty, has delivered His people, and affirms His new covenant with them in His blood that atones, His blood that cleanses, His blood that saves, heals, and restores.

In every season, but especially during Advent, let us turn our hearts to the Wonderful Counselor. Let us listen, trust, and live according to His wisdom, remembering that His guidance is not just good—it’s miraculous. Kingdom.

Act Accordingly.

One Love,
JRNB

— Jordan Brown

Pastor (Ministries and Outreach) [OV] Church