Sermon Notes; a Daily Devotional

Acts 2:1&2 "1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting." "a rushing mighty wind" This is a lot like the account Elijah gives in First Kings! Wind! What will be next earthquake? Fire? God's presence can be overwhelming. Elijah experienced GOD on numerous occasions. In the instance we are studying he experienced "...a still small voice." And, GOD asked Elijah "What doest thou here?" God chased Elijah down in the cave where he was hiding. In today's verses, the Disciples are hiding in a room, God chases them down there. While we might wish to be chased down or to encounter GOD in the wind, earthquake or fire, GOD doesn't seek us that way anymore. Today GOD speaks to us through the pages of Holy Scripture! We can meet Him there! All we need to do is READ!!! We c...

1 Kings 19:12&13 "12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. 13 And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?" We are studying "God Sightings."  ELIJAH experienced GOD on numerous occasions. We are naturally curious about how that looks. We wonder WHAT would it take for you to believe you are in the presence of GOD? Fire? Earthquake? Wind? God's presence can be overwhelming. Do you want the wind to howl and the ground to shake? In yesterday's verses we read; "but the LORD was not in the wind:" And, " but the LORD was NOT in the earthquake:" Then in today's verses; "but the LORD was not in the fire:" Where was GOD? "...a still small voice." We want the pillar of fire! Oh, to see t...

1 Kings 19:11 "And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake:" We are studying "God Sightings." We have studied the Holy Trinity being present at Jesus's Baptism with John the Baptizer, Moses at the burning bush, and last week GOD sending the prophet Nathan to tell King David about GOD'S judgment. This week we will study GOD showing up on the WIND!  Think about WHAT would it take for you to believe you are in the presence of GOD? Fire? Earthquake?Wind? ELIJAH experienced GOD on numerous occasions. God's presence can be overwhelming. In the Old and New Testaments we see people encountering GOD. Is this what we hope and dream will happen for us? "...after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was NOT in...

Psalms 51:10&11 "10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from Thy presence; and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me." We are like David to one degree or another. This week we have studied Second Samuel when the prophet Nathan told King David about GOD'S judgment. David was ungrateful and wanted what was not his. David was guilty and paid the price the rest of his life, along with his family.  While we do NOT want to be like David in the wicked things he did. We also see the GREAT things he did. Today's verses is one example; "Create in me a CLEAN HEART, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence; and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me." David REPENTED of the evil he did! He begged for forgiveness and demonstrated his regret. We can all stand to be a little more like David and return to our Lord and Savior seeking His healing and His mercy for the wrong things that we do. ...

2 Samuel 12:11&12 "11 Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun. 12 For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun."  This is GOD'S judgment on King David delivered by the prophet Nathan. David was ungrateful and wanted what was not his. David is guilty and will pay the price the rest of his life and along with his family. The consequences of our actions follow us and harm others when that is the last thing we want. We are like David to one degree or another. Remember; this is not Nathan speaking, this is the LORD our GOD. "I will raise up evil against thee..." As punishment GOD will allow EVIL to prevail against DAVID. And, this will be done in the daytime, openly and publicly, "before all Israel!" Everyone will know!!! And, w...

2 Samuel 12:9&10 "9 Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in His sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon. 10 Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised Me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife."  GOD'S judgment on King David delivered by the prophet Nathan. GOD was willing and able to give David anything and everything. And, in many ways did, but David remained ungrateful and wanting what was not his. David is guilty and will pay the price the rest of his life and along with his family. The consequences of our actions follow us and harm others when that is the last thing we want. We are like David to one degree or another. 😟🙏✝️

2 Samuel 12:7&8 "7 And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul; 8 And I gave thee thy master's house, and thy master's wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things."  "THOU ART THE MAN." Sometimes GOD speaks to us through others! The prophet Nathan was sent by GOD to David to speak to him about his wicked deeds. Nathan, carefully told a story that perfectly described what king David had done only camouflaged so David didn't recognize it!  In today's verses Nathan points the finger at David! And, shares GOD'S judgment with him; GOD was willing and able to give David anything and everything. And, in many ways did, but David remained ungrateful and wanting what was not his. The custom of the time gave the new King the ...

2 Samuel 12:5&6 "5 And David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die: 6 And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity."  Sometimes GOD speaks to us through others! The prophet Nathan was sent to David to speak to him about his wicked deeds. Nathan, carefully told a story that perfectly described what king David had done only camouflaged so David didn't recognize it!  The rich man takes the poor man's "wool baby" and slaughtered her for a meal with the traveller!!! It's a shocking story!! In today's verses David responded with indignation; "And David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall SURELY DIE: And he shall restore the lamb FOURFOLD, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity." NO ...

2 Samuel 12:3&4 "3 But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter. 4 And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him."  God doesn't always reveal Himself to us in "God Sightings." Sometimes GOD speaks to us through others! The prophet Nathan was sent to David to speak to him about his wicked deeds. David was a very powerful king who misused his authority. He let his lust guide him and then conspired to have one of his best generals killed to cover for his own sins. David used his power to hurt others. Which is VERY BAD. In today's verses, Nathan, carefully...

2 Samuel 12:1&2 "1 And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor. 2 The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds:" We are studying "God Sightings." The first week we look into the Holy Trinity being present at Jesus's Baptism with John the Baptizer. And, last week we studied Moses at the burning bush. In both of these events GOD made His presence known to people by some extraordinary circumstance! Creating some amazing events.  This week we will get another perspective as GOD speaks through others! This will not be a bush burning without being consumed. This will not be the heavens parting and a dove descending with the voice of GOD being audible. This week we will learn how GOD speaks to us through others! God speaks to us in many ways. In today's verses we see the prophet Nathan was sent to David. David was a very powerful king who misused his authority...

Exodus 3:13&14 "13 And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is His name? what shall I say unto them? 14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and He said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you." I AM sent me. That's who GOD is. God is with us all the time. God goes with Moses. It's all GOD'S plan, and He lets us help! God knows what is going on in the world. God wants us to point people to Jesus Christ and make a difference for time and eternity. Only Moses is called to part the Red Sea and recive the Ten Commandments. Yet, GOD is calling each one of us to play our part in His plan. Most of us will have far less dramatic contributions to add, still our role is important, even critical.  Moses asks "WHO AM I?" Moses doesn't know he is the perfect man for the job...

Exodus 3:11&12 "11 And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? 12 And He said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain." By the time God called to Moses from the burning bush by name, the Israelites in captivity think they were forgotten by GOD. Now, Moses stands on Holy Ground at the burning bush and he is ready for GOD to go into superhero mode and SAVE them ALL! Then Moses learns he will have to do the footwork. Not as good news to Moses' ears. Today's verses; "And Moses said unto God, WHO AM I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?" GOD has invested decades of preparation in Moses. GOD saved Moses as a baby, had him adopted into the royal court of Egypt, where he ...

Exodus 3:9&10 "9 Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto Me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. 10 Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth My people the children of Israel out of Egypt." In "God Sightings;" Moses at the burning bush is very famous! God called to Moses from the burning bush by name. Moses stands on Holy Ground. GOD of the living come to set His people FREE! This is the GOD of our ancestors, who honors His covenant and blesses His creation and saves His people! GOD is going to FREE them from their bandage in slavery and GIVE them a "land FLOWING with milk and honey!" It's a miraculous transformation! A promise that is hard to believe. Maybe impossible to believe for some. And, there's a catch. In today's verses we begin to see that GOD'S not going to do it all; He wants Moses to help; "Now therefore, behol...

Exodus 3:7&8 "7 And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of My people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; 8 And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites." We have returned one of the most famous "God Sightings" of all; Moses at the burning bush! God called to Moses from the burning bush by name. Moses stands on Holy Ground. Moses was afraid to look upon God, even though this was only a representation of GOD; fire. This is the GOD of the living come to set His people FREE! This is the GOD of our ancestors, who honors His covenant and blesses His creation and saves His people! In today's verses GOD says; "I have surely seen ...

Exodus 3:5&6 "5 And He said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. 6 Moreover He said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God." We are studying "God Sightings." We have returned one of the most famous "God Sightings" of all; Moses at the burning bush! God called to Moses from the burning bush by name. Moses was witnessing FIRE that no person started. Moses heard a voice that was NOT spoken by human lips. Moses did not find another person present here BUT out of the flames and the heat he was being addressed by NAME!!! In today's verses God tells Moses he stands on Holy Ground; "And He said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is HOLY GROUND. Moreover He said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, t...

Exodus 3:3&4 "3 And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. 4 And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I." We are studying "God Sightings." We have returned to the second book of the Old Testament; Exodus. The Jewish people have become slaves to the Egyptians. Moses grew up in the Egyptian royal family. As an adult Moses had to flee into hiding. In the wilderness he married and made a life. Many years later God called to him from the burning bush. "The Angel of The LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush..." In today's verses we read how the bush burns but doesn't burn up or out; "And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of ...

Exodus 3:1&2 "1 Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. 2 And The Angel of The LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed." We are studying "God Sightings." Last week we look into the event that brought the Holy Trinity to the same place at the same time. Father, Son and Holy Ghost! Jesus's Baptism with John the Baptizer. This is a pattern for us to follow.  Today we return to the second book of the Old Testament; Exodus. The Jewish people have become slaves to the Egyptians. Moses was born a Jew and taken in by the Egyptian princess. Moses grew up in the Egyptian royal family. As an adult Moses seeking justice for his people he killed an Egyptian and had to flee into hiding. There in the wilderness he married and ...

Romans 6:4 "Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." This week we have studied the "SPECIAL REVELATION" in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter three, where we witnessed the Holy Trinity in the same place at the same time. Father, Son and Holy Ghost! Jesus's Baptism shows He is obeying GOD'S will. Our Baptism demonstrates us obeying GOD'S will and it forever links us to His plan.  In today's verse we read an explanation of just what Baptism means to each of us; "Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." Because of our baptism we are dead to sin, the same way Christ was dead to the living world around Him when He was buried. Just as He was raised again to life, we are also ...

Matthew 3:17 "And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." BOOM!!! THE. WORDS. OF. GOD. Among "SPECIAL REVELATION" this one is extra powerful! Here we witness the Holy Trinity in the same place at the same time. Father, Son and Holy Ghost! Jesus is modeling what GOD the Father wants believers to be baptized with water, as well as with the Holy Ghost.  Just like Jesus Baptism shows He is obeying GOD'S will, our Baptism demonstrates us obeying GOD'S will and it forever links us to His plan. We need GOD'S cleansing water to wash us from our sins. We are in a condition of sin from creation. We are born sinners. We need cleansing form early on. GOD will wash us again and again. It's not just once. We need be cleansed daily. Like we need a bath daily. We need confession and repentance like we need a bath. Keep coming back to GOD for forgiveness. Pray to GOD everyday.  The good parts of these daily devotionals are ...

Matthew 3:16 "And Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him:" As we study "God Sightings," we make note this is an outstanding example of "SPECIAL REVELATION." The record from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter three, when Jesus came to the river Jordan to be baptized by His cousin John, the Baptizer. Jesus and John have their roles to fulfill. John is to make way for the Christ and Baptize. Jesus's role is preach and teach about the kingdom of God and be obedient to His Father in Heaven. Jesus is modeling what He wants His followers to do. And, GOD'S will that believers should be baptized with water, as well as with the Holy Ghost. Jesus is obeying GOD'S will. In today's verse we read about the Holy Ghost appearing on the scene; "And Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water...

Matthew 3:15 "And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered Him." Our study of "God Sightings" is underway. We are beginning with a outstanding example of "SPECIAL REVELATION." This includes physical appearances of God, dreams, visions, the written Word of God, and MOST importantly; our incarnate Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! We are reading the record from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter three, when Jesus came to the river Jordan to be baptized by His cousin John, the Baptizer. John did not welcome this opportunity; "I have need to be baptized of Thee..." he told Jesus. When he laid eyes upon Jesus he knew he was seeing GOD! His preaching and teaching was SO GREAT people thought he was Elijah reincarnated! In today's verse; "And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered Him....

Matthew 3:14 "But John forbad Him, saying, I have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me?" "GENERAL REVELATION" is what we see in all of creation. God's divine nature can be seen in sunsets and in the code we decipher in DNA. There is another way GOD shares with us; it's called "SPECIAL REVELATION." This includes physical appearances of God, dreams, visions, the written Word of God, and MOST importantly; our incarnate Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!  We have turned to the Gospel of Matthew, chapter three, when Jesus came to the river Jordan to be baptized by His cousin John. While we are spoiled by the abundance of resources from GOD, we wish God would show up to us like this; walking up to the banks of the river to be BAPTIZED, just like the rest of us! As this unfolded, John did not welcome this opportunity; "But John FORBAD Him, saying, I have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me?" John did NOT want Jesus to b...

Matthew 3:13 "Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him." The next few weeks we will be studying "God Sightings." We are coming off studying GOD blessing us abundantly. We will always be grateful for GOD'S blessings. YET! There are people that don't LOVE GOD; they don't even see the gifts from GOD they are receiving. People think GOD'S attributes are invisible to them. However, if we just look around creation we can see something of divine nature. We call this "GENERAL REVELATION" and it's available to literally everyone! There is another way GOD shares with us; it's called "SPECIAL REVELATION." This includes physical appearances of God, dreams, visions, the written Word of God, and MOST importantly; our incarnate Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Today we turn to the Gospel of Matthew, chapter three, verse thirteen; "Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of hi...

Romans 1:19&20 "19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:" As we studied last week; GOD is giving to us exceeding abundant blessings! GOD gives and we may ask for more, and GOD gives more. As long as the earth has generations of people; our praises need to continue. YET! There are people that don't LOVE GOD; they do not have the ability to even perceive the LOVE OF CHRIST. They don't even see the gifts from GOD they are receiving.  This week we will be studying "God Sightings." And, in today's verses we turn to the letter to the Romans written by the Apostle Paul; "Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them." People like to think GOD'S at...

Ephesians 3:20&21 "20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." The LOVE OF GOD stretches "the breadth, and length, and depth, and height" of the universe!!! When we are blessed with FAITH from the Holy Ghost we get to experience GOD's LOVE. Once blind we can now see when we first believe. In contrast a person who doesn't LOVE GOD; they do not have the ability to even perceive the LOVE OF CHRIST. They don't even see the gifts from GOD they are receiving.  In today's verses we get the sense that GOD is giving to us exceeding abundant blessings! GOD gives and we may ask for more. GOD is able to give, AND we think of even more than we have asked before! And GOD is able to do this, and MORE! Jesus Christ died on the cross for you and me. Through Him all blessings descen...

Ephesians 3:17-19 "17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God." IN LOVE Our forefathers loved to refer to the cross, to point to the four dimensions of the cross... "the breadth, and length, and depth, and height." This is full measure of the love of God in Christ. And, in every direction we can travel we will go towards GOD. To the very edge of the known universe; GOD is there, IN LOVE.  "that ye might be filled..." To experience GOD's LOVE we have to LOVE GOD. This first love is a gift from the Holy Ghost. Once this is received we can begin to understand the fullness of GOD. Without LOVE for GOD we cannot "comprehend" GOD'S LOVE. Just as a blind person cannot enjoy the vision ...

Ephesians 3:14-16 "14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man;" We read in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is teaching; building your life on GOD'S principles is the only way to survive the storms of life. Our fall was our own choice and our redemption was GOD'S choice! We don't plan to fail, but we do fail to plan. And, our plan MUST include GOD. Today we turn to chapter three in the Letter to the Ephesians. Paul wrote this letter from prison in Rome in 60-61 AD. This letter doesn't address and problems, rather is talks about what it means to be a Christian. Paul gives us an example in words and actions in how we can pray. We all need examples to follow. With Jesus Christ being our ultimate example. Through His work on the cross we are adopted into ...

Matthew 7:27-29 "27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. 28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at His doctrine: 29 For He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes." Here in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is teaching, He has established a repeat pattern of "hear My sayings..." listening and learning from Jesus is important. (Dah!) Building you life on GOD'S principles is the only way to survive the storms of life. As we read in today's verses; "great was the fall of it." The storm will destroy every life not build on the foundation of FAITH in our Lord and Savior.  The scribes of the day would reference by name interpreters of the Law. As a rule, the scribe hardly ever gave his exposition without at least beginning by what had been said by Rabbi "so and so." Jesus amazed the peop...

Matthew 7:24-26 "24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26 And every one that heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:" Its ALL GOD'S PLAN. Our fall was our own choice and our redemption was GOD'S choice! It's a little surprising that people reject the Son of God. The Holy Scriptures describes it as darkness rejecting the Light. Still its GOD'S Divine blessing that will enable our SUCCESS. It's GOD'S providence that is protecting us, without GOD we will fail. Often we don't plan to fail, but we do fail to plan. When we are doing good we plan. We might even think of it as "MY PLAN." But, in reality it's the Lord th...

Acts 2:46&47 "46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." From "In the beginning..." to the end of time; its ALL GOD'S PLAN. Our redemption was baked in to the recipe. It's a little surprising that our world rejects the Son of God. The Holy Scriptures describes it as darkness rejecting the Light. As we read in the Psalms yesterday; all the labors that people undertake, GOD'S Divine blessing will cause our SUCCESS. It's GOD'S providence that is protecting us, without GOD we will fail. We like to plan things and build things. Both at home and in the community. It's good to have plans. We might even think of it as "MY PLAN." But, in reality it's the Lord that is in charge. For today's verses ...

Psalms 127:1 "Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain." We studied the incarnation of Christ throughout the Advent season. Last week we returned to the Gospel of John were we read words that echo the vert first words of the Old Testament. This drove home the understanding that this is ALL GOD'S PLAN for our redemption. If we think about it, our world's reaction is a little surprising; rejecting the Son of God. The Holy Scriptures describes it as darkness rejecting the Light. We experience it as BAD wants nothing to do with GOOD.  As we enter this New Year, we want to kept this in mind. Today's verse really cautions us to NOT reject GOD but keep Him at the center of our lives; "Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but IN VAIN." The "house" here is any and every house. From th...