Sermon Notes; a Daily Devotional

Luke 2:16&17 "16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this Child." We are trying to imagine what Mary, the Mother of Jesus experienced. She was a young mother. The months of her pregnancy were stressful as family and friends didn't believe her story. Next, traveling to Bethlehem for the census. And, then going into labor when they had NO place to stay. Giving birth in a barn and laying her newborn in a manger, where the livestock ate! Next, strangers began showing up, saying the heavens opened up and a choir of angels were singing the praises of her newborn. It's an incredible situation from every perspective. The more you think about it, the more amazing we realize it is. Mary had to wrestle with these mysteries and the harsh reality of the events that happened. She had to ask "Why me?" She experienced these thi...

Luke 2:7 "And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." We want to try to imagine what Mary, the Mother of Jesus felt. All that happened in her life. She was a young mother. The last few months would be stressful as family and friends didn't believe her virgin conception. Next, traveling to Bethlehem for the census. And! Going into labor when they had NO place to stay. Then today's verse, "And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." She had to wrestle with these mysteries and the harsh reality of the events that happened. She had to ask "Why me?" She experienced these things and could not know how it all came together. She had to trust God. We need to take inspiration from Mary. We need to trust God. He is our hope. He is our everything...

1 Corinthians 13:12  "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." We don't know. The events and experiences of our lives can seem a little mysterious to us. We often find ourselves asking "Why?" And, sometimes asking "Why me?" Today's verse uses the metaphor of a window pane or mirror to describe the current state of our understanding and the future state of spiritual knowledge. Just as a mirror reflects an image imperfectly, our understanding of God and spiritual truth is incomplete and imperfect. We see glimpses of God’s nature and character, but our knowledge is limited and distorted, like a reflection in a cloudy or tarnished mirror. In contrast, “but then face to face,” in the future, we will have a direct and unobstructed encounter with God. We will be able to look back on our past and see the pattern and plan for our lives. It will all make sense from the ...

Luke 2:19&20 "19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them." Have you even been part of something REALLY BIG? Afterwards, you told your family and friends all about it. It becomes a memory you will never forget. Something you will think about for the rest of your life. That's what happened with Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Thankfully, Luke wrote down some of her memories for you and me to read. And, the shepherds, it sounds like they could not keep quiet about their experiences. It would not be a stretch of our imagination that there would be a shepherd or two around when Jesus is preaching. Maybe in the crowd excitedly telling people, "I was there when He was born!" The shepherds experienced angels' unbridled praise and celebration of the birth of the King of All Creation. He holds the universe together...

Luke 2:9&10 "9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people." "GOOD TIDINGS! GREAT JOY! TO ALL PEOPLE!" Angels from heaven announcing the birth of the Prince of Peace! This is an incredible moment in human history! The announcement was made in an empty field out in the country, in the middle of nowhere. The only witnesses were a flock of sheep and their no account shepherds. When GOD was born into human flesh, He was not born in a mansion or a castle. He was not born in a big city into a family of movers and shakers. Nope. Our God was born into a scandalous situation, a virgin birth. Into a family that was poor and powerless. They were from a small town no one knew about. And, literally born in a barn, not even born in a home! It was a tumultuous time. Israel was...

Luke 2:7&8 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night." Jesus is the Prince of Peace. The PEACE that Jesus brings us is NOT an end to fighting between people. Jesus brings PEACE between us and GOD. Jesus is the perfect representation of God’s character and nature. Jesus is our mediator, High Priest, and King! Jesus is the means by which God reconciles all things to Himself, making PEACE through His sacrifice on the cross. It's beyond incredible that the Creator came to save His creations! AND!!! When He came, He was not born in a mansion or a castle. He was not born in a big city into a family of movers and shakers. Nope. Our God was born into a scandalous situation, a virgin birth. Into a family that was poor and powerless. They were from a small town no o...

Colossians 1:19&20 "19 For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fulness dwell; 20 And, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself; by Him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven." We can't overstate Jesus's PREEMINENCE. He is GOD. All the superlatives we can come up with will fall short of His GREATNESS. One measure of His renoun is that His incarnation was foretold. Over seven hundred years before Jesus's birth, the prophet Isaiah wrote about the Messiah. One of the names Isaiah recorded was the Prince of Peace. A name we commonly hear during our Christmas celebrations. It's easy for us to hear the word "PEACE" and wish for the absence of wars and conflict. It's a great sentiment, PEACE treaties should be celebrated. We need to strive for tranquility and avoid wars. The PEACE that Jesus brings us is NOT an end to fighting between people. Jesus brings PEACE betwee...

Colossians 1:17&18 "17 And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence." PREEMINENCE; the fact of surpassing all others. The Apostles, like Paul, held Jesus in the HIGHEST regard. He was their friend and teacher. They also learned that He is GOD. We are studying the names that Isaiah recorded for Jesus as prophecy. This week is the Prince of Peace. A name we commonly hear during Christmas celebration. It's beyond incredible that through Jesus's incarnation we also experience the Father, and through faith in Jesus, we have a direct relationship with God. Like so many things with God, we can easily misunderstand what has happened. It's easy for us to hear the word "PEACE" and wish for the absence of wars and conflict. It's a great sentiment, PEACE treaties should be celebrated. We need to str...

Colossians 1:15&16 "15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him:" "BY HIM, and FOR HIM:" In this letter, the Apostle Paul addresses the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ. He wrote this letter to counter the false teachings that were infiltrating the church in Colossae. The false teachings included elements of Jewish legalism, Greek philosophy, and mysticism, which undermined the central role of Christ as the head of the church and the divine mediator between God and humanity. (Good thing we don't have these problems today! 😉) It's yet another place in Holy Scriptures where the divinity and sovereignty of Jesus Christ is declared. Here emphasis is made that Jesus is the supreme creator and sustainer of the u...

Isaiah 9:6 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." This is the fourth week of Advent. We are a day away from Christmas! All this season we are studying the names that Isaiah recorded as prophecy of the coming Messiah. The words for Isaiah chapter nine were written about seven hundred years before Jesus's incarnation. This week we will focus on the name "The Prince of Peace." We are learning about GOD and His generous plan for all people. Last week we focused on God's wish for UNITY among believers. For believers to come together worshiping, praying, and seeking God’s will. Our agreement and UNITY, first and foremost, has to be with Jesus. We want to receive the words He spoke, which were given to Him by the Father. In this way, we have a direct connection to God. Through this Advent of ...

Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them." Hold on to this verse. Cherish these words from Jesus. God’s presence is NOT dependent on the number of people gathered, but rather about the power of agreement and UNITY among believers. This gathering is the church’s corporate life, where believers come together to worship, pray, and seek God’s will. Jesus’ promise is an assurance that when believers come together in unity, seeking God’s will and guidance, their prayers will be answered. This is not a guarantee of automatic answers to every prayer, but rather an encouragement to seek God’s will together, trusting that He will respond to their collective prayers. Our agreement and UNITY, first and foremost, has to be with Jesus. We want to receive the words He spoke, which were given to Him by the Father. In this way, we have a direct connection to God. Through this Advent of Jesus, the birth of Jesus, we experience the ...

Matthew 18:19 "Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven." Jesus promises that when two or three believers come together in His name and agree on a matter, their request will be granted by His Father in heaven. There is authority in the church’s collective decision-making process, demonstrating that God is with those who agree and act in unity. This emphasizes the importance of harmony and cooperation within the body of Christ. Our agreement, first and foremost, has to be with Jesus. Jesus frequently stated His divinity and His relationship with God the Father. Jesus claimed equality with God the Father, asserting a unity of power and authority. This is central to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. Jesus prayed that His disciples (and by extension, all believers) would receive the words He spoke, which were given to Him by the Father. In this way, believers ...

John 17:8 "For I have given unto them the words which Thou gavest Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from Thee, and they have believed that Thou didst send Me." We have read foundational teachings about Jesus’ divinity and His relationship with God the Father. Jesus claimed equality with God the Father, asserting a unity of power and authority. This is central to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. Today's verse shows us another example of Jesus teaching this basic principle. Jesus prays that His disciples (and by extension, all believers) have received the words He spoke, which were given to Him by the Father. This implies that believers have a direct connection to God’s revelation through Jesus Christ, and that they have come to know the truth about His origin and mission. The phrase “I came out from Thee” emphasizes Jesus’ divine origin, emphasizing His relationship with the Father. This underscores the doctrine of the Trinity and Jesu...

John 14:8-10 "8 Philip saith unto Him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip? he that hath seen Me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? 10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself: but the Father that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works." This week we are focusing on the name "EVERLASTING FATHER" from the writing of Isaiah about the Messiah. The Gospel of John is great for teaching about GOD. We have read foundational teachings about Jesus’ divinity and His relationship with God the Father. Jesus claimed equality with God the Father, asserting a unity of power and authority. This is central to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. Today's verses record another instance when Jesus stated His divinity. Jesus is the visible representation of God’s presence ...

John 10:30 "I and My Father are one." This week we are focusing on the name "EVERLASTING FATHER." The Old Testament writers only knew God as Father. However, Isaiah is remarkable for referencing the Messiah and the Holy Ghost. The Gospel of John is great for teaching about GOD. Interestingly, John doesn't record the birth of Jesus. As we read yesterday, he goes back to creation! The first verse is foundational to the Christian faith. "The Word" is Jesus, present at the creation of all things! Also, foundational to our faith is today's verse. It helps us understand Jesus’ divinity and His relationship with God the Father. This passage has been interpreted and debated by scholars and theologians throughout Christian history. When Jesus first uttered these words, they were seen as blasphemous by the Jewish leaders. They understood Jesus was claiming to be God Himself. This led to their unsuccessful attempt to stone Him (John 10:31-33). We plainly read...

John 1:1-3 "1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made." All Advent season we are studying the names that Isaiah recorded as prophecy of the coming Messiah. The words for Isaiah chapter nine were written about seven hundred years before Jesus's incarnation. This week we will focus on the name "EVERLASTING FATHER." The Old Testament writers only knew God as Father. However, Isaiah is remarkable for referencing the Messiah and the Holy Ghost. Today we turn to the first verses of the Gospel of John. He wrote to end false teachings. Interestingly, John doesn't record the birth of Jesus. He goes back to creation! The first verse is foundational to the Christian faith. "The Word" is Jesus.

Isaiah 9:6 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." This is the third week of Advent. We are just over one week away from Christmas! All season we are studying the names that Isaiah recorded as prophecy of the coming Messiah. The words for Isaiah chapter nine were written about seven hundred years before Jesus's incarnation. This week we will focus on the name "EVERLASTING FATHER." It's the perfect follow-up to last week's "MIGHTY." Where we learned what GOD considers "MIGHTY." Specifically, Jesus's sacrificial love for us. Walking with us. Serving us. And, dying on the cross for us. In Paul's Holy Ghost-inspired writing, God tells us to put others’ interests ahead of our own. Telling us to live from a spirit of selflessness, compassion, and unity, reflect...

Philippians 2:11 "11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." JESUS IS LORD! TO THE GLORY OF GOD! Is your tongue included in "EVERY?" In yesterday's verse, we read that every knee will bow. Also that God has highly EXALTED Him. All because of His sacrificial love for us. Walking with us. Serving us. And, dying on the cross for us. In this letter, Paul's Holy Ghost-inspired writing tells us to put others’ interests ahead of our own. Paul tells us to live from a spirit of selflessness, compassion, and unity, reflecting the character of Christ and His love for humanity. A love that is truly "MIGHTY!" And worthy of everlasting praise and worship! A love that inspired the Advent season and the Christmas season. The most wonderful time of the year! Amen!

Philippians 2:9 "9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;" "MIGHT makes right." Is the way of the world. We see and experience power struggles all around us, all the time. Even in our enlightened modern world, fear and intimidation are widely used. We are taught this at an early age and are socialized to accept it and adapt to it.  BUT, this is NOT GOD'S plan.  His plan was to become incarnate and walk with people. To serve people. He sacrificed Himself for you and me. This work was not beneath Him. GOD chose to do this. In this letter, Paul's Holy Ghost-inspired writing tells us to put others’ interests ahead of our own. Paul tells us to live from a spirit of selflessness, compassion, and unity, reflecting the character of Christ and His love for humanity. A love that is truly "MI...

Philippians 2:8 "And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Are you offended? The creator of the universe became incarnate and walked with people. He served people. He sacrificed Himself for you and me. Was this work beneath Him? Did He have to do this? Why is THIS God's plan? Who am I to question GOD'S plan? In this letter, Paul's Holy Ghost inspired writing tells us to put others’ interests ahead of our own. Paul tells us to live from a spirit of selflessness, compassion, and unity, reflecting the character of Christ and His love for humanity. A love that is truly "MIGHTY!" "MIGHTY" is one of the names the prophet Isaiah recorded for the Messiah. This is NOT the typical way to be "MIGHTY." Jesus is GOD, and all the glory and majesty that comes with that. And God came down from heaven to be born into the family of people. GOD lived with us and died for us. ...

Philippians 2:5-7 "5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:" Are you offended? Paul's Holy Ghost inspired writing really hits hard. He tells us to look for opportunities to serve and support others. Make time to listen to their concerns and struggles, and seek to understand their perspectives. Put others’ interests ahead of our own. Paul tells us to live from a spirit of selflessness, compassion, and unity, reflecting the character of Christ and His love for humanity. A love that is truly "MIGHTY!" "MIGHTY" is one of the names the prophet Isaiah recorded for the Messiah. But, GOD teaches us a different way to be "MIGHTY." In today's verses, Paul really teaches us the heart of the matter. Jesus is GOD, and all the glory and majesty ...

Philippians 2:4 "Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." Today's verse encourages us to look for opportunities to serve and support those around us, in our church, community, and family. Make time to listen to others’ concerns and struggles, and seek to understand their perspectives. Be willing to put others’ interests ahead of our own, just as Christ sacrificed Himself for humanity. Pray regularly for the needs and concerns of those around us, asking God to work in their lives and circumstances. By embracing this teaching, we can cultivate a spirit of selflessness, compassion, and unity, reflecting the character of Christ and His love for humanity. If we get all this right, it will become "MIGHTY." "MIGHTY" is one of the names the prophet Isaiah recorded for the Messiah. If we peek into the manger scene, we might think this is an oxymoron. The helpless baby, wrapped in swaddling clothes, laying where oxen and...

Philippians 2:2 "2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves." Jesus is coming! This is what the season of Advent is about. This season we are studying the names the prophet Isaiah recorded for the Messiah. This week is "MIGHTY." If we peek into the manger scene, we might think this is an oxymoron. The helpless baby, wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying where oxen and donkeys had been eating. This is not a picture of "MIGHTY." But, we know the rest of the story. Following the example of our Lord. An example we begin to read about in the second chapter of Philippians, for today's verses. "Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem othe...

Philippians 2:1 "If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies," Jesus is coming! Commemorate His incarnation through the Nativity: Preparing for the celebration of Jesus’ birth at Christmas. Also, remember His Sacramental Presence: Preparing to receive Christ in the Eucharist and other sacraments. And, prepare for The Second Coming: when Christ returns at the end of time. This is what the season of Advent is about. This season we are studying to better understand the names the prophet Isaiah recorded for the Messiah. Last week was WONDERFUL and COUNCILOR. This week will be MIGHTY. If we peek into the manger scene, we might think this is an oxymoron. The helpless baby, wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying where oxen and donkeys had been eating. This is not a picture of "MIGHTY." But, we know the rest of the story. We draw comfort and strength from our relationship with Jesus Christ....

2 Thessalonians 2:16&17 "16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, 17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work." This Advent season we want to open our hearts to the coming of our Lord and Savior. Through the Nativity: Preparing for the celebration of Jesus’ birth at Christmas. The Sacramental Presence: Preparing to receive Christ in the Eucharist and other sacraments. The Second Coming: Preparing for Christ’s return at the end of time. We are reading and studying to better understand the names Isaiah recorded for the Messiah in his prophecies. Like WONDERFUL and COUNCILOR. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians explains so much to us. Helping us to perceive the vastness of God’s love.  Saying that Christ’s kingdom will extend beyond Israel to all nations and have no end. With emphasis on God’s timeless and universal power and glory. Today we ...

Ephesians 3:18&19 "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." These two verses,  from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, beautifully express what believers can look forward to. Strength in their inner being, a deep relationship with Christ, rooted and grounded in love, an idea of the vastness of God’s love, and to be filled with the fullness of God. God’s love will transform you. Try to wrap your head around a guy, Isaiah, writing about Jesus seven hundred years before His incarnation! Calling Him WONDERFUL and COUNCILOR. Saying that Christ’s kingdom will extend beyond Israel to all nations and have no end.

Ephesians 3:16&17 "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; 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love," So far, this week, we have read some amazing prophecies by Isaiah. Written about seven hundred years before Jesus's incarnation! In this writing we learn descriptive titles that GOD gives to His Son through the pen of Isaiah. This week WONDERFUL and COUNCILOR. Even in the prophecies we read about God’s plan. Jesus Christ will establish and maintain a global kingdom, characterized by peace, justice, and righteousness, with no end in sight. Christ’s kingdom, extending beyond Israel to all nations. The fulfillment of God’s plan of redemption through Jesus Christ, the Messiah. These themes are echoed throughout Scripture, particularly in the New Testament. For today's verses we return to Paul's letter to the Ephesians. His wri...

Isaiah 9:7 "Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this." The writing of the prophet Isaiah was about seven hundred years before Jesus's incarnation! Amazing prophecies! And, yet people are walking in darkness to this very day! We pray that they will see the LIGHT in the coming days and weeks. In yesterday's verse, Isaiah recorded several names for the Messiah, "WONDERFUL, COUNSELLOR, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." We will study these descriptive titles that GOD gives to His Son through the pen of Isaiah.  This week WONDERFUL and COUNCILOR. Wonderful is miraculous, beyond anything we can imagine. Councilor is one who comes alongside to comfort, encourage, admonish, instruct, and summon. You will not have a better frie...

Isaiah 9:6 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Sunday was the first day of the NEW YEAR on the church calendar. This is the beginning of the season of Advent. A time when we commemorate the coming of Christ in three ways: 1) The Nativity, 2) The Sacramental Presence, 3) The Second Coming: Preparing for Christ’s return at the end of time. The writing of the prophet Isaiah was about seven hundred years before Jesus's incarnation! Amazing prophecies! And, yet people are walking in darkness to this very day! We pray that they will see the LIGHT in the coming days and weeks. In today's verse, Isaiah takes right into the manger. "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called WONDERFUL, COUNSELLOR, The mighty God...

Isaiah 9:2 "The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined." As we studied "the WHOLE armour of God," we realized we needed to follow GOD'S plan. God went to extraordinary lengths to demonstrate His love for us by giving up His only Son. We can trust that He will provide us with all the things He has promised us. God’s generosity and abundance is far greater than we expected. Know this, your salvation is not just about forgiveness of sins, but about being adopted into God’s family and receiving all the benefits and responsibilities that come with being GOD'S child. Today is the first day in the NEW YEAR on the church calendar. This is the beginning of the season of Advent. A time when we commemorate the coming of Christ in three ways: 1) The Nativity: Preparing for the celebration of Jesus’ birth at Christmas. 2) The Sacramental Presence: Preparing to receive Chr...