Sermon Notes; a Daily Devotional

Ecclesiastes 3:9&10 "9 What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth? 10 I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it." This weeks verses teach us that life is marked by alternating periods of activity and inactivity, joy and sorrow, and that each has its place and time. We should accept and embrace the natural flow of life’s events. There are appropriate times for both positive and negative emotions, as well as for conflict and harmony. While love and peace are desirable, there are circumstances where hating and warring can be justified or necessary. All aspects of life have their place and timing, reflecting God's sovereignty and the intricate order of His creation and plan. Today's verses raises the question we all have, "What is the benefit or profit of human labor and toil?" And, answers "God has given humans tasks to keep them occupied." These tasks are a part of the human conditio...

Ecclesiastes 3:7&8 "7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace." In these verses, Solomon very adeptly illustrates that life is marked by alternating periods of activity and inactivity, joy and sorrow, and that each has its place and time. This perspective underscores the idea that life is ordered and that everything has its seasons, suggesting that we should accept and embrace the natural flow of life’s events.  There are appropriate moments when it is necessary to remove or destroy something (tear), and times when it is better to repair or restore (mend). Similarly, there are times when silence is the best response (be silent), and times when speaking is the right course of action (speak). There are appropriate times for both positive and negative emotions, as well as for conflict and harmony. While love and peace are desirable, there are circumstances where h...

Ecclesiastes 3:5&6 "5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;" These verses were written almost three thousand years ago! The world was a MUCH different place. And, in many ways, it was much the same as it is today. Around one hundred generations have come and gone. And, God has been here every step of the way. Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Solomon very adeptly illustrates that life is marked by alternating periods of activity and inactivity, joy and sorrow, and that each has its place and time. This perspective underscores the idea that life is ordered and that everything has its seasons, suggesting that we should accept and embrace the natural flow of life’s events.  God has provided and will continue to provide. God has brought us together for a time and a purpose. Things change. Transitions happen. God remains t...

Ecclesiastes 3:3&4 "3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;" The Book of Ecclesiastes was written by King Solomon almost three thousand years ago! The world was a MUCH different place. And, it was much the same as it is today. Solomon's writing often has a weariness to it. As if so much had happened in the world that he had seen it all. AND! There has been another three thousand years since then! That's a LOT of births and a LOT of deaths. (Around one hundred generations.) So many crops and seasons. And, God has been there every step of the way. Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Solomon very adeptly illustrates that life is marked by alternating periods of activity and inactivity, joy and sorrow, and that each has its place and time. This perspective underscores the idea that life is ordered and that everything has its season, suggesting that we shoul...

Ecclesiastes 3:1&2 "1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;" The Jesus that walked on water is the same Jesus that died on the cross. The same Jesus that was buried and came back from the grave. The same Jesus that sits on the throne in Heaven. And! The same Jesus that will come again to judge the living and the dead. Jesus Christ is unchanging. He remains constant and reliable, offering the same grace and salvation regardless of time. For today's verses we turn to the Book of Ecclesiastes. Written by Israeli King Solomon almost three thousand years ago! The world was a MUCH different place. There were six civilizations: Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Ancient India and Ancient China in the Old World). In the new world there was Caral–Supe of coastal Peru and the Olmec civilization of Mexico. All of these cradles of civilization ...

Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." Worship Him. Last week we studied the incredible event where Jesus and Peter walked on water! It is a beautiful picture of what Jesus does. He saves people. It is A Picture to Remember! At that moment, the witnesses KNEW that Jesus is GOD! The Jesus that walked on water is the same Jesus that died on the cross. The same Jesus that was buried and came back from the grave. The same Jesus that sits on the throne in Heaven. And! The same Jesus that will come again to judge the living and the dead. Jesus Christ is unchanging. He remains constant and reliable, offering the same grace and salvation regardless of time. He does not change and is always available to provide comfort and guidance. We can know Him by knowing the Holy Bible. Where we learn the constancy of God’s plan.

Matthew 14:32&33 "32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. 33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped Him, saying, Of a truth Thou art the Son of God." Worship Him. The witnesses on this fishing boat on the Sea of Galilee have had a very busy day. From feeding a multitude with five loaves and two fish. To sail across the sea into a terrible storm that threatened their lives. Until Jesus showed up walking on the water! And then! Their friend, Peter, got out of the boat and walked on the water too! The fact that Peter did this at all is mind-blowing!  When Peter realized that he was doing the impossible, he sank into the water. Then, Jesus saved him. This is not only an incredible event, it is also a beautiful picture of what Jesus does. He saves people. It is A Picture to Remember! These daily devotionals are inspired by the sermon from Holy Ghost Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg, Texas. You can watch it here... https://youtu.be/mBEmbW_fEB8?s...

Matthew 14:31 "31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" Don't doubt. Peter walked on the water!!! The fact that he did this at all is mind-blowing! Peter got out of the boat, standing on the waves somewhere between his friends and Jesus. He realized that he was doing the impossible and sank into the water.  In today's verse, Jesus saves him. That's what Jesus does. He saves people. Like Peter, we need to take risks, get out of the boat. Focus on what is needed and necessary for others. If you get in over your head, cry out like Peter, "LORD, SAVE ME." Jesus will help you. Pull you out of your trouble. Grasp onto Jesus. Jesus will hold you even when you are not holding onto Him. He still saves! The cross shows that He saved you. Always remember. Don't doubt.

Matthew 14:30 "30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me." Peter walked on the water!!! Until he realized that he was doing the impossible. Out of the boat, standing on the waves somewhere between his friends and Jesus, he returned to normalcy and sank into the water. The fact that he did this at all is mind-blowing. It should not surprise us that Jesus walks on water. He is the creator of the universe. This picture of Jesus walking across the sea to save His Disciples is profound! We are not alone in the sea of life. Jesus comes walking to us. Emanuel, God is with us. Jesus became incarnate to walk with us. He walks TO US us on the water. He tells us to NOT be afraid. He invites us to step out of the boat and into the storm with Him. Very few do it. Peter lost focus on Jesus and sank into the water. All too often, our temptation is to focus on ourselves. We need to take risks, get out of the boat. Focus on w...

Matthew 14:28&29 "28 And Peter answered Him and said, Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water. 29 And He said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus." Peter walked on the water!!! It should not surprise us that Jesus walks on water. He is the creator of the universe after all. But, Peter was just a man. A fisherman who has some faults and failings. He stepped OUT of the boat and set foot on the waves of the stormy sea! A very remarkable moment. No one else has done this. In the Holy Bible, the sea is often used as a metaphor for the world filled with dangers. All too often, the sea is not a friendly place. It is filled with chaos. Think of the events in Jonah. Or, Moses and the Israelites escaping slavery and crossing the Red Sea with God's help. This picture of Jesus walking across the sea to save His Disciples is profound! We are not alone in the sea of life. Jesus comes walking to us. Emanuel, God...

Matthew 14:26&27 "26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid." The Disciples are terrified, their ship is about to sink in this storm in the Sea of Galilee! When they started this trip they were exhausted from feeding the multitude with five loaves and two fish. It was a miracle that demonstrates Jesus’ compassion and power. After all that Jesus sent the Disciples ahead in the boat, and He sought some downtime alone.  Only now the Disciples are in peril and Jesus has gone into superhero mode! Jesus is walking on the sea to save the day. The Disciples did not expect this, "And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for FEAR." This storm had to be unusually severe to cause experienced fishermen trouble and fear. And, then ...

Matthew 14:24&25 "24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea." Last week we studied Baptism. This week we return to recognizable verses in the Gospel of Matthew. Where the Disciples are afraid, they are about to experience another kind of Baptism! Their ship sinking in this storm in the Sea of Galilee! These events directly follow Jesus feeding the multitude with five loaves and two fish, a miracle that highlights Jesus’ compassion and power. Without a doubt Jesus and His Disciples are worn out from all the activities and commotion that comes with feeding thousands of people. Jesus sent the Disciples ahead in the boat, and He sought some downtime alone.  Only now the Disciples are in peril and Jesus goes into superhero mode! "...Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea."

Matthew 14:22&23 "22 And straightway Jesus constrained His disciples to get into a ship, and to go before Him unto the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. 23 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, He was there alone." Last week we studied verses that show us that God is the creator of all. God has chosen people. Who are faithful to Him. They follow His teachings and strive to do His will. God calls us by name. This is a personal relationship and adoption. One major milestone in this relationship is baptism. This sacrament marks us as members of God’s family, forever. Baptism is for everyone. "YOU, and to your CHILDREN, and to ALL that are afar off, even AS MANY as the Lord our God shall CALL." Today we return to recognizable verses in the Gospel of Matthew. This is following the story of Jesus feeding the multitude with five loaves and two fish, a miracle that highlights Jesus...

Acts 2:39 "For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." God is the creator of all. God has His chosen people. His chosen people are faithful to Him. They follow His teachings and strive to do His will. As God's chosen, we will experience times of hardship. But, we will also experience divine protection and redemption. God calls us by name. This is a personal relationship and adoption. We belong to God and are precious in His sight. God will be with us through our trials, whether they are passing through waters, rivers, fire, or flames. This promise of divine presence and protection will instill confidence and hope in the midst of difficulties. Yesterday's verse highlighted that we belong to God. Today's verse is to remind us that God's promise is for everyone. Any rules or qualifiers we add are our own doing. Baptism into the family of believers is for "YOU, and to your CHIL...

Isaiah 43:1 "But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and He that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine." God is the creator of all. And, He has His chosen people. When the chosen was the nation of Israel, they experienced times of exile and hardship. And God provided divine protection and redemption. God reassures His people that, despite our suffering and the apparent hopelessness of our situation, we need not fear the future because He has redeemed us. The act of redemption is significant, as it implies a price has been paid, much like the Passover redemption where the firstborn were saved through the blood of a lamb. In addition, God’s calling people by name signifies a personal relationship and adoption, indicating that His people belong to God and are precious in His sight. The verse concludes with the promise that God will be with His people through their trials, whether they are passing ...

Acts 2:38&39 "38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." When we are baptized, an indelible mark is made on our soul. This mark signifies a permanent transformation and dedication of the individual to God. Baptism is a washing away of original sin and a NEW BIRTH into the life of Christ. Once we are baptized, we are no longer under the power of sin. The old self, or the old nature, is seen as being done away with, so that we are no longer slaves to sin.  Today, we return to the book of Acts, written by the Apostle Luke. These verses record Peter’s speech to the crowd after the events of Pentecost. Peter is teaching us to change our minds and attitudes towards Jesus and our sins. He calls us to be baptized in the na...

Romans 6:6&7 "6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin." One of the most important milestones in the life of a Christian is baptism. When we are baptized, an indelible mark is made on our soul. This mark signifies a permanent transformation and dedication of the individual to God. This ritual is seen as a washing away of original sin and a NEW BIRTH into the life of Christ. Yesterday's verses taught us that believers are united with Christ in His death and resurrection. The death Paul refers to is NOT physical but spiritual, symbolizing the END of the OLD WAY of life and the beginning of a NEW life in Christ. The resurrection signifies the new life that believers now live, characterized by righteousness and holiness. Today's verses state that our old self, which was controlled by sin, was crucified with Christ. This means that we...

Romans 6:5 "5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection:" We are striving to understand God's unconditional love. Appreciating that we are part of GOD’S family! One of the most important milestones in the life of a Christian is baptism. When we are baptized, an indelible mark is made on our soul. This mark signifies a permanent transformation and dedication of the individual to God.  The act of Baptism involves water and the invocation of the Holy Trinity. This ritual is seen as a symbolic washing away of original sin and a NEW BIRTH into the life of Christ. Yesterday's verses taught us about baptism, taking us through the death of the old self and the resurrection into a new life in Christ. "...WE ALSO should walk in newness of life.” Today's verse emphasizes that believers are united with Christ in His death and resurrection. The death Paul refers to is NOT physical but spiritual,...

Romans 6:3&4 "3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? 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." In our studies we are striving to understand God’s love and care. God's unconditional love for His followers, appreciating that we are part of GOD’S family! God is with us from cradle to grave. His divine presence is always giving us purpose and guidance. One of the most important milestones in the life of a Christian is baptism. When we are baptized, an indelible mark is made on our soul. This mark signifies a permanent transformation and dedication of the individual to God. The act of Baptism involves water and the invocation of the Holy Trinity. This ritual is seen as a symbolic washing away of original sin and a new birth into the life of Christ. Baptism is a foundational s...

Borning Cry 1. I was there to hear your borning cry,  I'll be there when you are old. I rejoiced the day you were baptized to see your life unfold, I was there when you were but a child, with a faith to suit you well; in a blaze of light you wandered off to find where demons dwell. 2. When you heard the wonder of the Word I was there to cheer you on; were raised to praise the living Lord, to whom you now belong. If you now find someone to share your time and you join your hearts as one, I be there make your verses rhyme from dusk till rising sun. 3. In the middle ages of your life, not too old, no longer young, I'll be there to guide you through the night, complete what I've begun. When the evening gently closes in and you shut your weary eyes, I'll be there as I have always been with just one more surprise. 4. I was there to hear your borning cry, I'll be there when you are old. I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold. Copyright John C. Ylvisa...

1 John 3:1 "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not." Indeed, "What manner of love" is this? No one can compare to GOD'S love! Unconditional love that God has for His followers, that we are part of GOD’S family! When we experience GOD'S love there is no deeper sense of security and affection. A love that has moved people since creation. We focused on the Christmas account in the Gospel of John. While he doesn't take us to the manger or tell us about shepherds and wise men. He does very clearly tell us that Jesus is the LIGHT of the world. Taking us to the point where our salvation is not achieved through our own doing. It is entirely done by Jesus and is wholly a gift from God. Then we read where the wise men "fell down, and WORSHIPPED" Jesus. They were NOT Jewish. They were NOT from the neighboring country. They invested ...

Romans 10:9 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." We read the Christmas account in the Gospel of John. While he doesn't take us to the manger or tell us about shepherds and wise men. He does very clearly tell us that Jesus is the LIGHT of the world. Taking us to the point where our salvation is not achieved through our own doing. It is entirely done by Jesus and is wholly a gift from God. Yesterday we read where the wise men "fell down, and WORSHIPPED" Jesus. They were NOT Jewish. They were NOT from the neighboring country. They invested a lot of time and money on traveling to this birthday celebration. And, they brought gifts! "their TREASURES" Their actions are a testimony to their faith and an example for you and me to follow. Today we read from the Letter to the Romans. A verse that is very much like John 3:16. "That if thou shal...

Matthew 2:11 "And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." We were reading the Christmas account in the Gospel of John. While he doesn't take us to the manger or tell us about shepherds and wise men. He does very clearly tell us that Jesus is the LIGHT of the world. Taking us to the point where our salvation is not achieved through our own doing. It is entirely done by Jesus and is wholly a gift from God. Jesus, the eternal Word of God, became a human being and lived among people, revealing His divine glory and the fullness of God’s grace and truth. On that first Christmas morning, this was ALL embodied in one newborn baby boy being loved by His mother and fathers. Later, a group of travelers finds this blessed family. They went a great distance seeking the newborn king. We call them ...

John 1:14 "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." Jesus is the LIGHT of the World. Still, many people reject Jesus. GOD'S grace and mercy are far greater than we realize. GOD freely gives LOVE and CARE to the faithful. When we believe in Jesus, we are granted the right to become children of God. We would like to take PRIDE in our spiritual rebirth, but it would be a mistake to do so. Our salvation is not achieved through our own doing. It is entirely done by Jesus and is wholly a gift from God. Each individual must have a personal relationship with God, which is symbolized by being “born of God.” And the more we can do to cultivate our relationship with GOD, the closer we come to GOD. Today's verse affirms that Jesus, the eternal Word of God, became a human being and lived among people, revealing His divine glory and the fullness of God’s grace and truth. On...

John 1:12&13 "12 But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." Jesus is the LIGHT of the World. Jesus's LIGHT is not limited to a specific group or nation. It is intended for the entire world; salvation and enlightenment are available to ALL people, regardless of their background or nationality. Still, many people reject Jesus. Don't brush this off as if they didn't know. Jesus addressed this subject in the parable of the wicked vinedressers. The parable describes a Landowner who plants a vineyard, then leases it to tenant farmers and leaves for another country. When the time for harvest arrives, the Landowner sends His servants to collect the produce, but the farmers beat and KILL them. The landowner then sends His Son, hoping they will respect Him, but they KILL Him as WELL. Let it sink in...

John 1:10&11 "10 He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. 11 He came unto His own, and His own received Him not." Jesus is the LIGHT of the World. These first verses in the Gospel of John tell us that GOD sent His only Son to illuminate the world despite the presence of sin and evil. In yesterday's verses, John makes a powerful statement that excludes any other source of light or salvation. At the same time, Jesus's LIGHT is not limited to a specific group or nation. It is intended for the entire world, indicating that salvation and enlightenment are available to all people, regardless of their background or nationality. BUT, today's verses brace us for the reality that many reject Jesus. "...and the world knew Him not." This shows how deeply fallen human nature is, rejecting our Creator, and today many reject God’s word and Light. Don't underestimate the depths of people's depravity. The next verse high...

John 1:8&9 "8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world." Jesus is the LIGHT of the World. These first verses in the Gospel of John are Christmas verses. They are as insightful and informative as the manger scene. Telling us that GOD sent His only Son to illuminate the world despite the presence of sin and evil. Jesus’ message and presence cannot be extinguished by the world’s wickedness. Quickly, John's writing segues into John the Baptizer, who "Bear witness of the Light!" He is the bridge between the Old and New Testaments. The Old being GOD'S promises to send the Messiah. The New is the record of the Messiah teaching us and GOD'S New promise to save us. Today's verses drive home the absolute uniqueness of Jesus being the Light of the World. In this powerful statement John excludes any other source of light or salvation. At the same time, Je...

John 1:6&7 "6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe." "Bear witness of the Light!" These first verses in Gospel of John are Christmas verses. They are as insightful and informative as the manger scene. In today's verses, John is segueing into his record of John the Baptizer. We consider the Baptizer to be the bridge between the Old and New Testaments. The Old being GOD'S promises to send the Messiah. The New is the record of the Messiah teaching us and GOD'S New promise to save us. GOD keeps His promises. He sent His only Son to illuminate the world despite the presence of sin and evil. Jesus’ message and presence cannot be extinguished by the world’s wickedness. And that is the heart and soul of what Christmas is all about. And, what Christianity is all about.

John 1:3-5 "3 All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." We should read these first verses in Gospel of John as Christmas verses. They are as insightful and informative as the birth narrative we studied in the Gospel of Luke. We marvel at the details Mary shared with Luke. We also understand that Mary must have shared information with John too. Could her experiences have influenced these verses? I think so. In these verses we get profound theological insights. John starts with the famous words “In the beginning,” connecting to the opening of the Book of Genesis and the creation narrative. It highlights that Jesus is the divine Logos (Word) who was with God and was God from the beginning, and who became flesh and dwelt among us.  All Christmas season we decorate with lights and celebrate Jesus as the "Lig...

John 1:1&2 "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." As we imagine what Mary, the Mother of Jesus experienced. And we marvel at the details she shared with Luke. Who wrote them down for us. His Gospel is the only one with the events surrounding Jesus's birth. We have to ask ourselves, "Do you think she shared the same information with John?" Of course, she did! John was the beloved Disciple. She probably shared more with John. So, why does John's Gospel start very differently? John begins with a prologue that emphasizes the theological significance of Jesus as the Word of God. He starts with the famous words “In the beginning,” connecting to the opening of the Book of Genesis and the creation narrative. It highlights that Jesus is the divine Logos (Word) who was with God and was God from the beginning, and who became flesh and dwelt among us. This approach sets a distinct...

Luke 2:18&19 "18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." Imagine what Mary, the Mother of Jesus experienced. The months of her pregnancy were stressful as family and friends didn't believe her story. Traveling to Bethlehem for the census was challenging. 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 was singing the praises of her newborn. In today's verses we read how this amazed everyone that heard about it. It's an incredible situation from every perspective. "Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." Mary had to wrestle with these mysteries and many other events that happened in her life. More than once she must have asked "Why ...