As we enter the Christmas season, we remember Jesus as Emmanuel—God with us—who meets us in our weariness. This December, Hour of Power reflects on four biblical stories of God lifting the weary, then and now.
1. Hannah at Shiloh: God Lifts the Downcast Soul (1 Samuel 2:1)
Hannah’s years of grief ended when she brought her sorrow to God, who lifted her with joy and purpose. Her story reminds us that God meets us in our pain. Hour of Powershares that same hope with all who feel forgotten
2. David in the Cave of Adullam: God Lifts the Fearful Heart (Psalm 142:3)
David fled to a cave in fear, yet there God renewed his spirit and strengthened his trust. Through your partnership, we help people find peace in their darkest moments by pointing them to the faithful Shepherd who is always by their side.
3. Mary of Nazareth: God Lifts the Humble with Purpose (Luke 1:52, 49)
Mary, a humble girl from Nazareth, was chosen to carry the Light of the World. Her song declares that God lifts the humble. Through your support, we remind ordinary people that God uses their lives in extraordinary ways as part of His larger plan.
4. The Shepherds Outside Bethlehem: God Lifts the Ordinary with Glory (Luke 2:20)
Jesus’ birth was first announced to humble shepherds, lifted by God with angelic joy. That is Christmas—God raising the lowly and shining light into darkness. Your support helps us share this Good News with a world longing for hope.
Begin Your 365-Day Journey of Faith, Purpose, and Service
At Hour of Power, we share the strength that God provides through our broadcasts, pastoral care, and global outreach—partner with us by requesting our exclusiveLifting Spirits, Serving Hearts: A 365-Day Journey of Faith, Purpose, and Service.Your support helps us extend Christ’s love and healing to hearts around the world. By requesting this devotional, you’re investing in the ministry’s growth and helping us share the transformative truth of God’s goodness with others.
God loves you and so do I,
Bobby Schuller
P.S. Click here to read inspirational messages in this month’s issue of Powerlines Newsletter. If you have already requested the Lifting Spirits, Serving Hearts: A 365-Day Journey of Faith, Purpose, and Service daily devotional book and would like to support with an additional gift, you can do so here.
I was born on 6 August 1956 in San Francisco, California to Janet and (the late) Richard Hovis.
I grew up in Santa Monica, California where I attended elementary, junior high school, and high school (graduating in 1974), in addition to involvement in sports and recreation (Little League +, the Boy’s Club ++). Further, it was in elementary school – St. Augustine’s By-the -Sea Parish School that I found, and made the choice to truly journey with God.
I attended Arizona State University from 1974 to 1977 – seeking to become an architect, however, I was not accepted, and, as such, I graduated with a Liberal Arts degree.
Upon graduation from Arizona State University, I attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and studied City and Regional Planning at the Master’s level. I successfully completed one (1) year in a two (2) year program – I did not complete the Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning – due to personal reasons.
I returned to Santa Monica where I started (October 1979) my career as graphic designer with Exxon Company, USA. I spent five years with Exxon Company, USA.
While working with Exxon Company, USA I was accepted into architectural school – Sci-Arc in Southern California, however, I did not attend preferring to stay with Exxon..
In 1982 I married Laura Flosi and in April 1983 we had our one and only child – Lauren Alain Hovis – a gift from God.
We moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1984 from Los Angeles, where I went to work as a graphic designer with Kitchell CEM (from 1985 -1987).
From 1987 – 1995 I was an independent contractor, and a registered representative in mortgage finance, financial management, graphic design, and drafting.
Further, I attended the University of Phoenix and successfully obtained a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) in 1982.
I was also a member of the Scottsdale Jaycees, where I became very involved in community events and projects.
In 1994, I accepted a cartography position with the Defense Mapping Agency in Reston, Virginia. As such, I relocated from Phoenix to Reston.
In 1998, I was accepted and worked as a Visual Information Officer with the Central Intelligence Agency. In 2002, I worked as a Support Officer until my retirement (due to a need for shoulder surgery) in September 2018.
Away from my Federal Government service, I have been involved in various organizations and activities in Northern Virginia.
In November of 2011, I married Rebecca Ouellette in Santa Monica, California. I reside in San Tan Valley, AZ with my two hamster - Jess and Timothy, our fish, our lizard - RJ Lizard., and our cats - Pearl and Grey.
As to hobbies, I enjoy playing sports, attending sporting events, mentoring individuals from financial management to hamsters, building models, photography, travel, multimedia design, managing partner for RJ Hamster, and jazz – smooth jazz to a samba or a bossa nova.
Love and God Bless,
Peter – aka RJ Hamster Jo hi
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