Will You Come to the Party?

From Advent: A 25 Day Countdown to Christmas on YouVersion

Let’s go back to the countryside outside of Bethlehem around two thousand years ago. Shepherd families around campfires, with few scattered among the sheep, when a stranger appears among them—an angel sent from God with good news.

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” – Luke 2:8-14 ESV

The angel announced the birth of the promised Savior of the world, born in the nearby town of Bethlehem. Then, several angels appeared among the shepherds, singing praises to God.

But why these shepherds? Why not the people in town, the king of Israel, the Emperor in Rome?

Could it be that God has a habit of including shepherds like Abel, Abraham, and David in the story of the Bible and wanted shepherds present at the birth of Jesus?

Or maybe God wanted to highlight how this good news wasn’t just for powerful rulers or religious elites, but it was for all people—from the king, down to lowly shepherds.
Or God might have chosen the shepherds because they were mobile people, well-suited to spreading this joyful message all over the region.
Or it could be that this was the largest group of people around, and the angels wanted a big worship party for the biggest night in human history up to this point.
And could it be that, from day one, God wanted people to recognize Jesus as a good shepherd, kindly guiding His people?

I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. – John 10:14-15 ESV

The most likely answer is that it’s for all these reasons and more.

The angelic stranger announces the birth of Jesus and invites the shepherds to meet the newborn King. And when they hear the message, they don’t hesitate. They hurry to the town to meet baby Jesus, then go around town and all over the region telling the story of what they’d seen and heard.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. – Romans 12:12-16 ESV

This Christmas, you’ve heard a message of joy. Good news for all people. God hasn’t forgotten us or given up on us. Instead, He loves us and is working all things together for good.

So, how will you respond to this good news?

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. – Philippians 4:4 ESV

Hopefully, you follow the shepherds and work to share joy this Christmas. How?

By worshiping God, even if it feels embarrassing or awkward.
By giving good gifts to friends and strangers.
Or by inviting someone to get to know God better through sharing a verse, or inviting them to church.

Joy is a resilient cheerfulness anchored in the goodness of God. And God’s given each of us the opportunity to spread joy wherever we go. So today, we invite you to say yes to God’s invitation and find a way to share the joy of Jesus with the people in your life.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28 ESV

Pause and Pray:

Lord, thank You for Your gift of joy. Please help me to enjoy Christmas as I remember who You are and what You have done. Let my celebration demonstrate Your love and faithfulness to everyone I meet. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Reflect or Discuss:

How can I let my celebration of Christmas show God’s joy to others?

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Tuesday Jun 2 2026 - Scanner News - Panhandle Scanner News

Before we tell you about all the storm activity, let's start off with that animal cruelty story out of Torrington. On Friday afternoon, May 29th, two Rottweiler dogs were out of their yard, and instead of contacting local police to report it, an individual unloaded a shotgun on these two animals with no cause. According to the family, whoever did this brutally murdered these dogs and dumped their bodies in the river. According to them, the Sheriff's Department just wants to let this go and are not conducting any further investigations. A Change.org petition has been initiated, and the family is seeking your help. The petition's goal is to get the attention and cooperation from the Goshen County Sheriff's Department on this animal cruelty case. Severe weather season has begun early this year for Panhandle Scanner and our storm chasing team. PETITION >>> https://www.change.org/p/cooperation-and-investigation-from-goshen-county-sheriffs-dept-animal-cruelty Tornadoes have spawned in several places in the Panhandle and across the state. Most of the tornadoes reported thus far this season have not done any damage. However, the St. Libory Tornado on May 17th, 2026 in Nebraska, destroyed two homes completely, affected another, and had trapped two individuals in their basement that had to be rescued. Another round of severe weather is in store for southeast Wyoming and western Nebraska today, damaging winds, flash flooding, and an isolated tornado or two, or even hail, all possible. Strongest storms should occur between 2 and 8 p.m. Be weather aware and make sure you have multiple ways to get warnings, including Panhandle Alerts and Panhandle Scanner. For these stories and more, always just visit our Facebook page or our website panhandlescanner.com. And of course, that public record every Monday through Friday when available.

Turning Setbacks Into Comebacks (The Shift That Changes Everything) Day 5 of 5 - Elevate Your Day with Andi and Brian Hale

From The Shift That Changes Everything by Ted Pagel Jr. on YouVersion If there’s anything my life has taught me, it’s this: setbacks are not the end of your story. They often feel final, painful, or discouraging, but God has a way of turning what looks like defeat into the very soil where new beginnings grow. Some of the greatest breakthroughs in my life came right after seasons I thought would break me. I’ve faced times when dreams died, relationships fractured, or opportunities slipped through my fingers. In those moments, I wondered if God had forgotten me. But as I look back, I can see how every setback became a setup for something better—not because the pain vanished instantly, but because God was quietly shaping me in the middle of it. The apostle Paul understood this better than anyone. He faced beatings, imprisonment, persecution, betrayal, and constant danger, yet he wrote, “We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed…struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8–9). His confidence didn’t come from his circumstances; it came from knowing God was working through them. He believed his struggles were producing a glory that far outweighed the pain. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. – Romans 8:18 NIV I’ve found that to be true. When I’ve walked through adversity, God has used those seasons to refine me, redirect me, and rebuild parts of my life that had been neglected. Sometimes He closed doors I was never meant to walk through. Sometimes He strengthened my character in ways success never could. Sometimes He positioned me for assignments I would not have accepted without the struggle. The world sees setbacks as evidence that you’ve failed. God sees them as opportunities to deepen your faith, strengthen your resilience, and prepare you for the next chapter. He’s not finished writing your story, and He hasn’t wasted anything you’ve walked through—not one tear, one disappointment, or one delay. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11 NIV If you’re in a setback season right now, take heart: God specializes in comebacks. Even when you can’t see the path forward, He is working behind the scenes. You might feel struck down, but you are not destroyed. You are being shaped for something greater than you can imagine. Hold on. Keep trusting. Your comeback is already in motion. Ready to take the next step? In The Shift That Changes Everything, I share the full journey, including deeper teaching, more personal stories, and practical tools to help you walk with resilience in every season. Get the book and additional resources at TedPagelMinistries.org.

Never Meant To Be Alone (Left It In The River) - Elevate Your Day with Andi and Brian Hale

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help…” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NLT) In the past, I’ve really struggled with isolation. Ever since my parents divorced and my dad left, I’ve had a hard time trusting anyone. When I was a teenager, I tended to find myself in the wrong crowds. For the longest time, after finding Jesus, I didn’t even trust myself to make friends, afraid that if I chose the wrong crew again, I’d end up back in the old life I so desperately wanted to leave behind. Thankfully, despite my own trust issues and all of life’s unexpected detours, the Lord sent me some incredible friends when I moved to Nashville. Friends who love Jesus and consistently point me to Him. Friends who are kind and thoughtful. Friends who love to laugh and don’t take themselves too seriously. Friends who bring encouragement and truth. Friends who are loyal and true. I never even knew friendship could be this life-giving. A few of these friends are featured in my music video for “Left It In The River.” It was the first music video I had ever filmed, and I was nervous about being on camera. Having my friends there immediately put me at ease. In fact, there were times I forgot a camera crew was even in the room. These girls have been such a blessing to me. I think I’ve pursued Jesus even more, thanks to their example and encouragement. I hope you have people around you who make you feel that way. A strong Christian community is a game-changer for growth and identity and has made all the difference for me. I’ve found friends at church, friends through other friends, and friends who are also making music just like me. If you don’t have a circle of friends supporting you, encouraging you, and doing life with you, I’d challenge you to pray and ask God to bring just one or two like-minded friends into your life. I think you’ll be amazed at how He answers your prayer.

God’s Word Will Direct Your Steps (Left It In The River) - Elevate Your Day with Andi and Brian Hale

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 (NLT) Journaling isn’t the only practice that’s helped me chart a new course for my life after my transformative encounter with the Lord. Honestly, writing out your feelings might be momentarily therapeutic, but the process of journaling alone won’t get you through your darkest night. I never pick up my journal without picking up my Bible first. And here’s why: My feelings can ride along, but I can’t ever let them drive. Emotions are great indicators of where we might need help or what areas of our character need immediate attention, but emotions do not make good leaders. They will derail us pretty quickly. That’s why it’s important to allow God’s Word to guide us, because God’s Word points us to truth. Feelings often lie, but Scripture will always tell the truth — even if it’s the truth we don’t want to hear. There’s something so powerful about speaking the truth. That’s why I’ve developed a habit of reading Scripture out loud over myself. There’s always a Scripture verse to combat the lies you believe and the confusing emotions you might be feeling. When I’m anxious about the future, I read Jeremiah 29:11: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’” When I’m struggling to love who God made me to be, I read Psalm 139:14: “I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” When I’m battling shame from my past mistakes, I read 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” When I’m waiting for a breakthrough, I read 1 John 5:14-15: “And we are confident that He hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases Him. And since we know He hears us when we make our requests, we also know that He will give us what we ask for.” Working through my feelings on paper helps me untangle my emotions, but God’s Word is the compass that directs my path. I’d encourage you to allow Scripture to illuminate the next step of your journey.

God Writes The Best Stories (Left It In The River) - Elevate Your Day with Andi and Brian Hale

“And then God answered: ‘Write this. Write what you see. Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run. This vision-message is a witness pointing to what’s coming…’” Habakkuk 2:2-3 (MSG) Lately I’ve been flipping back through some old pages…the ones that held me together when nothing else could. The scribbles, the prayers, the messy words that carried me through so much. Journaling has become such a cathartic ritual for me. Writing out my honest feelings keeps me from bottling them up. Maybe it’s the songwriter in me, but physically putting pen to paper helps me process life and faith in a very tangible way. Sometimes I write out my prayers. Other times, I simply attempt to put words to my emotions or my questions. Many times, I’ll write out Scripture verses that combat the lies in my head. As the ink dries, the lies get a little quieter, and God’s voice gets a little louder. The best part of journaling, however, isn’t even the act of writing. It’s the fringe benefit of preserving my story with God — the one He’s writing in my life. When I revisit my old journals, I see the Lord’s kindness to me, over and over again. I can easily spot bad patterns and unhealthy cycles that need breaking. Most importantly, I’m reminded of the countless prayers He’s answered and all the times He’s shown up. Since I gave my life to Jesus, journaling has become a lifeline for me. And you know what I’ve found to be true? God writes the best stories. My journals are proof that the Lord has a perfect track record of faithfulness. Those handwritten, tear-stained pages remind me that He’s been so good to me in the past, and that’s why I can trust He’ll be good in the future. Maybe you’ve recently started your journey with Jesus, and you’ve tasted the grace He provides. Still, you can’t quite shake the guilt and shame you feel from your past mistakes. Can I make a suggestion? Pour yourself a warm drink. Grab a pen, an empty notebook, and your favorite chair. And watch what He will do — the wisdom He’ll reveal to you, the truth that will set you free. The freedom you’ve been longing for might just be unlocked one word at a time. And what God gives to you, no one can take away.

I Left It In The River (Left It In The River) - Elevate Your Day with Andi and Brian Hale

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36 (NIV) I was baptized when I was 21 years old. I came from a pretty rough past. My parents divorced when I was little. I was in and out of group homes. I struggled with drugs and alcohol. I was a high school dropout. By the time I fully surrendered my life to Jesus, there was a lot to leave behind. I came out of that water, and the first breath I inhaled just felt like the most glorious freedom I’d ever tasted. That moment marked the beginning of a transformation only the Lord could do. I was so grateful to be a brand-new person. That day, my best friend and I ran circles around the lake, laughing, tears of joy filling our eyes. I really wanted a song to portray that feeling, and so, many years later, I finally have an anthem. It’s called “Left It In The River.” This song is really all about my born-again experience. It’s about what happens when you finally lay it down — the shame, the striving, the weight you were never meant to carry — and you leave it all behind. My prayer is that this song becomes your anthem of joy, renewal, and freedom. Lately, I’ve been seeing so many of your baptism posts using this song, and wow, my heart is so encouraged. Watching lives renewed and hearts changed is the most beautiful thing. I know from experience that when you’ve lived in sin for so long, though, it can be hard to let go of the past, forgive yourself, and seek forgiveness from others. It’s difficult to train your heart and mind to make different — better — choices that are in line with God’s Word. In my own journey, I’ve discovered three disciplines that have helped me stay true to the new person God’s called me to be. For me, journaling, reading Scripture, and cultivating community have helped me keep my eyes on Jesus and my heart in tune with His. Over the next few days, I’d love to share more about how these habits have transformed my relationship with the Lord in the hopes that you can make some of these rhythms your own. I think you’ll be amazed at how God will use them to refine your character and shape your faith.

Hearts Ability to Receive the Word (Untangled From Doubt) - Elevate Your Day with Andi and Brian Hale

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. – Proverbs 4:23 NIV Have you ever wondered why we are told to guard our hearts above all else? I used to think guarding my heart meant not opening my heart to someone who wasn’t trustworthy. But I have since discovered that it is not about keeping people out, but about what I allow to enter my heart. Our hearts are the very seat of our being. It is the meeting point between soul and spirit. As I delved deep into Proverbs 4:23 in my Strong-Lite concordance, it became clear to me how the heart creates the boundaries within which we function. In essence, we determine the extent to which God can move within us and through us by the condition of our hearts. Jesus illustrated this when he shared the parable of the sower. You may be familiar with the story. The sower scattered seeds on different types of soil. The soils that were harder, or full of stones and thorns, did not produce a harvest. It was the good soil, the soft and receptive soil, that offered the right environment for the seed to take root and produce a crop. “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no roots, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown.” – Matthew 13:18-23, NIV The condition of our hearts determines whether we receive the incorruptible seed of the Word and allow it to produce the Salvation we need. In the first chapter of Luke, we have the same angel bringing the Word (a promise of supernatural birth) to two people–Mary and Zecharia. They both asked the same question: “How could this be?” But only one of them had a heart able to receive the promise. Gabriel had to shut Zecharia’s mouth so that he could not destroy the seed of this promise with his words of doubt and unbelief. (See Luke 1:11-20). So, dear friend, may I ask you to stop for a moment and consider this–what is the condition of your heart? Have you hardened certain pieces of your heart because of disappointment or pain from the past? Are there some heavy rocks or thorny weeds keeping God’s promises from taking root and producing the life you have been praying for? Take a moment to invite the Holy Spirit to show you where the soil of your heart needs regeneration. Allow Him to gently remove the debris keeping the Word from growing in your heart.

The Principle of Sovereignty (Untangled from Doubt) - Elevate Your Day with Andi and Brian Hale

God’s very nature is to heal, protect, deliver, and provide. James 1:17 in the Amplified Bible says: “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation [no rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never changes].” He is a good Father, and He is consistent. He doesn’t choose to bless one child and not the other. He isn’t going to say ‘yes’ to you one day, and then ‘no’ to you the next. All His promises are yes and amen. For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. – 2 Corinthians 1:20 ESV We never have to doubt His will for our lives. He wants us to prosper and be in good health. Always. We can be one hundred percent assured of His will in every situation. The sovereignty of God is not displayed in the way He controls the outcome, but in the principles He set in motion to govern our world. Those principles (or forces) cannot be tampered with. They are incorruptible and unstoppable. These forces are displayed in the story of Creation. Where there is chaos, wherever things are out of order, you have a breeding ground for the miraculous. Genesis 1:2 (NIV) describes the earth as ‘formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep’. It is exactly there where we found the first force in operation ‘…and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.’ The second force was released when God Himself spoke the Word. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.– Genesis 1:3, NIV When Mary asked Gabriel, “How could this be?” And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. – Luke 1:35 Mary encountered both these forces, the Spirit, and the Word, and the Word became flesh within her. Dear friend, where are you experiencing chaos right now? If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. – Romans 8:11 ESV I want to remind you today that you have the Spirit of God living inside you. You have access to every promise in His Word. These forces are incorruptible and unstoppable. God is sovereign in the principles He has established to govern the earth. Receive His Word, receive His Spirit, and see Salvation come through you.

Will You Come to the Party?

From Advent: A 25 Day Countdown to Christmas on YouVersion

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Tuesday Jun 2 2026 - Scanner News - Panhandle Scanner News

Turning Setbacks Into Comebacks (The Shift That Changes Everything) Day 5 of 5 - Elevate Your Day with Andi and Brian Hale

Never Meant To Be Alone (Left It In The River) - Elevate Your Day with Andi and Brian Hale

God’s Word Will Direct Your Steps (Left It In The River) - Elevate Your Day with Andi and Brian Hale

God Writes The Best Stories (Left It In The River) - Elevate Your Day with Andi and Brian Hale

I Left It In The River (Left It In The River) - Elevate Your Day with Andi and Brian Hale

Hearts Ability to Receive the Word (Untangled From Doubt) - Elevate Your Day with Andi and Brian Hale

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From Advent: A 25 Day Countdown to Christmas on YouVersion

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