Sermon Notes; a Daily Devotional

Matthew 25:34-36 "34Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand, Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave Me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave Me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took Me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed Me: I was sick, and ye visited Me: I was in prison, and ye came unto Me." Yesterday we read about everything being GOD'S doing. "God hath before ordained..." It's really amazing and nicely explained in today's devotional. AND! There are today's verses that reveal to us that GOD wants us to participate. Feed the hungry. Quinch the thirst of the thirsty. Take in strangers. Clothe the naked. Help the sick and the jailed. It's great marching orders for all Christians. And the verses turn even more poignant if you read on. In today's devotional, Pamela takes to the heart of these words from our Lord and Savior. Read it here... https:...

Ephesians 2:10 "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." We have a lot to do! Spread the Gospel, obey God's commands, and do it joyfully, bursting out in song! At times, we will even feel overwhelmed by what is required of us. Other times we might be successful and feel a little proud of ourselves. Wherever we might be on this spectrum, we must realize it's entirely God's doing. No really. "God hath before ordained..." We need to give all praise and glory to our Lord and Savior. It's really amazing and nicely explained in today's devotional written by Becky. She uses some great quotes to teach us all about it. Read it here... https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/28/

Psalms 100:1&2 "1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. 2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before His presence with singing." We are called to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Jesus also tells us "to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:" As Christians, we have a high bar set for our standards and behavior. At times, we will even feel overwhelmed by what is required of us. AND THEN, we read today's verses. GOD commands us to sing! God doesn't want us burdened with heavy requirements. God wants us "joyful," "glad," and bursting forth in SONG! We are to worship Him and fill our lives with songs! It's a beautiful way to live. We get a glimpse of it in today's devotional written by Dawn. She shares some musical highlights from her life. Read it here... https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/27/

Matthew 5:9 "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." In the last two verses of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells us to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Jesus also tells us "to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:" ALL these words shape our lives. In today's devotional, written by Sheriff Ayala, we read how verses from the Holy Bible have helped him in his career. He is on the front lines of getting people to observe the Lord's commands. Read it here... https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/26/

Matthew 28:19&20 "19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." The last two verses of the Gospel of Matthew. Very important words from our Lord and Savior. Words that shape our lives. In today's devotional, written by Dr. Nancy, we read how these verses have changed her life! Read it here... https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/25/

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." "Come." Jesus is calling for Peter to step out of the boat! Are you ready to leave behind everything you know to follow our Lord and Savior? That's what Peter does every time. At this point in the storm, being outside the boat may have felt safer. It's an incredible moment when Peter walks on the water!!! This is a dilemma we all face. Jesus calls us all to step out of our boats. He asks us to "Come." In today's devotional, Johnna shares her personal moment of stepping out. Read it here... https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/24/

Matthew 4:18-20 "18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. 19 And He saith unto them, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. 20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed Him." Drop what you are doing! God is calling! Are you ready to leave behind everything you know to follow our Lord and Savior? That's what Peter and Andrew did. This is a dilemma we all face. We are all working together to advance God's plan. It is explored in Patsy's excellent writing in today's devotional. Read it here... https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/23/

1 Corinthians 3:9 "For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building." God DID it all. Our only response should be extreme gratitude. We can't pay back this gift, we can only pay it forward and share it with others. Today's verse highlights that we are all working together to advance God's plan. We belong to God. Our Lenten devotional is very gratifying to read. And, to know that people like Carol are making a difference. Read about it here... https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/22/

Ephesians 2:8&9 "8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast." We like to mark things from "to do" to "done." We like to think we made "it" happen. We will even take pride in our success. With faith, grace and GOD, that's not how it works. "Not of works, lest any man should boast." God DID it all. Our only response should be gratitude. We can't pay back this gift, we can only pay it forward and share it with others. We want to learn to accept God's gift of grace with profound gratitude. This sentiment is expressed very well in today's devotional written by Mary Beth. Please read it here... https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/21/

Ephesians 3:11&12 "11 According to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him." As we journey through Lent, sharing daily devotionals, some are going to be more impactful than others. Today's devotional, written by Anne, is that kind of exceptional message. It tenderly touches the spirit of our timeline. You really MUST read this... https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/20/

2 Corinthians 5:18 "And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;" As we journey through Lent, sharing daily devotionals, we pray and pray still more. We want to never stop praying. God is with us and actively at work in our lives, especially in difficult times. GOD intended people to help each other. We need each other and need our community. God has "given to us the ministry of reconciliation;" our job is to declare the message that we have a restored relationship with God through Jesus. Sin separated us from God, but Jesus' sacrifice on the cross made atonement for sin and brought harmony to our relationship with Him. Now believers can proclaim that everyone can repent of their sin and be reconciled to God through faith in Jesus. It's incredible! Today's devotional is written by Jerry. He rightly points out the gravity and importance of this task. And, he brings it do...

1 Thessalonians 5:17&18 "17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." Pray. Pray. Pray. Pray. Pray. Pray. Pray. And, pray some more. However much you pray, it's not enough. Unless you are praying "without ceasing." Meaning that you never stop praying. It's a tall order and a request that seems EXCESSIVE to our modern minds. But, it is what GOD wants. GOD built us for community. God is with us and actively at work in our lives, especially in difficult times. GOD intended people to help each other. We need each other and need our community. Our church and community needs to be bathed in prayers. Today's devotional is written by Susan. She gives us a master class in prayer in four short paragraphs. Read them here... https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/18/

Genesis 2:18 "And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him." We are built for community. God is with us and actively at work in our lives, especially in difficult times. God transforms us, making us more like Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit. It is an ongoing process that continues throughout our lives. AND! From the very beginning, GOD intended people to help each other. We need each other and need our community. Today's verse drives this home for Jan. Her devotional describes the Christian community very well... https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/17/

Philippians 1:6 "Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" This verse is encouraging for everyone facing trials and challenges. It reminds us that God is actively at work in our lives, especially in difficult times. From these words we receive comfort and hope, assuring us that God's work in us is ongoing and will ultimately be fulfilled! We are all a "work in progress." Classically we call this "Sanctification." God transforms us, making us more like Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit. This transformation includes changes in heart, mind, and behavior. It is an ongoing process that continues throughout our life. For an outstanding testimony of the Christian life read today's devotional written by Bruce... https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/16/

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." God has told us to FORGIVE one another. Forgiveness is the defining characteristic of the Gospel message. Still, it's something we struggle with. Even though we have been forgiven SO MUCH. God's love is so generous it's hard for us to believe it. The Holy Bible is filled with assurances of God’s love. In today's devotional, Karen really describes God's love wonderfully. Do yourself a favor and read it here... https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/15/

Ephesians 4:32 "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." As we read the our Lenten devotional we can see that Christianity is demanding. AND! God is helping is every step of the way. God has also told us to FORGIVE one another. It's the defining characteristic of the Gospel message. Still it's something we struggle with. This struggle is described very well in today's devotional written by my friend Gil. Take a moment to read it... https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/14/

Philippians 4:6&7 "6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Christianity is demanding. We are "image bearer of the Creator." as is every person we encounter. Our actions should reflect very favorably on GOD. AND! God gives us FREEDOM to follow Him or do otherwise!  AND! God is helping is every step of the way. Like a loving parent keeping a warm blanket over a sleeping toddler. As described in today's Lenten devotional, written by Mandy. She offers the BEST advice, "Place your fears and tears in His palm and He will make a balm of peace for your soul." https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/13/

John 8:31&32 "31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, If ye continue in My word, then are ye My disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." We are "image bearer of the Creator." as is every person we encounter. This is challenging and, on top of that, our actions should reflect very favorably on GOD. This can seem daunting, but with God's help we can do it. AND! God gives us FREEDOM to follow Him or do otherwise! It's amazing! Read Karen's experience with FREEDOM and how it has shaped her life... https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/12/

Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Yesterday we read about every person being a "image bearer of the Creator." While that presents quite a challenge, the expectations for us is even higher! As Jesus says in today's verse, our actions should reflect very favorably on GOD. This can seem daunting, but with God's help we can do it. For an outstanding example of this, read today's devotional... https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/11/

Genesis 1:27 "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them." Today's devotional brings a POWERFUL message. Written by Pastor Alan, the lesson challenges us to see every person as "image bearers of the Creator." Especially the people we don't like. Or, even the people we see as threatening. If you DARE to read it, follow this link... https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/10/

Matthew 11:28&29 "28 Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." Jesus, are you talking to me? Jesus said "all ye..." so, yes! He is talking to you. God's plan is outlined in these two verses. In today's post by Dana, in our Lenten devotional, you can learn all about it. Read it by following this link... https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/9/

Psalms 121:1&2 "1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. 2 My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth." As we read through our Lenten devotional we learn the Holy Ghost dwells in believers! Our body becomes a temple for the Holy Ghost! The Holy Ghost residing in us is for a purpose, witnessing. "...unto the uttermost part of the earth." Witnessing can take us on an adventure and life in general can get overwhelming at times. We are going to need help and, believe it or not, GOD will come to the rescue. Our Holy Bible is filled with such stories. And, when you ask the faithful, they will have these types of stories. One you can read in today's lesson by Sandra, in our Lenten devotional. Please, do yourself a favor and read it by following this link... https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/8/

Acts 1:8 "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." These are Jesus's words to His Disciples right before His ascension to heaven. The beautiful promise of the Holy Ghost coming to dwell in believers! We have been reading about this. We become a new home to the Spirit. Our body becomes a temple for the Holy Ghost! But, wait! There's more! The Holy Ghost residing in us is for a purpose, witnessing. "...unto the uttermost part of the earth." We may be inspired to journey far away to deliver the Gospel message. Or we may look for opportunities to talk about Jesus in our day-to-day life. We can learn from my friend Ken, who wrote today's lesson in our Lenten devotional. Please, do yourself a favor and read it by following this link... https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/7/

1 Corinthians 6:19 "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?" SHOCKING!!! YOU are NOT your own! When we receive the gift of FAITH from the Holy Ghost, we become a new home to the Spirit. Our body becomes a temple! We have always belonged to God. We have always known Jesus walks with us. We don't always talk about the Holy Ghost dwelling within us. In today's reading, written by Molly, we are blessed with a testimony of God helping one of His children. Please, do yourself a favor and read it by following this link... https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/5/

John 15:15 "15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of My Father I have made known unto you." We are all invited to become friends with Jesus! In yesterday's Lenten devotional, we read an excellent account of becoming friends with Jesus. In today's reading, written by McKenzie, we learn what it means to be a friend. It's a great perspective that renewed my understanding of my relationship with Jesus. And, my relationship with my friends. Please, do yourself a favor and read it by following this link... https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/5/

John 1:12 "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:" We are all invited to become children of God! It's a wonderful thing! In today's Lenten devotional, written by Annette, we read an excellent account of becoming friends with Jesus. And spending every day with her new friend. It's simply delightful. Please, do yourself a favor and read it by following this link... https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/4/

Job 19:25&26 "25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: 26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:" Job is one of the oldest books in the Holy Bible. The text does not identify its setting, clues in the writing hint that Job lived during the time of the patriarchs, approximately 2100 to 1900 BC. The topics of suffering, faithfulness and restoration have held their relevance for 4,000 years! And! Remarkably, we read the anticipation of "my Redeemer" in today's verses.  We have an excellent devotional book for the season of Lent. Read today's entry by following this link... https://holyghostfbg.org/#dearflip-df_31196/3/

"Pastor: All of them were flled with the Holy Spirit and equipped to love and serve. Congregation: Father, help us to love and serve one another Pastor: Lord thank You for the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, who has come to teach us all things and remind us of everything Jesus has said to us. (John 14:26). Congregation: Thank you, Father, for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Pastor: The promise is for You and for all who call on the name of the Lord, Congregation: Father, fill us with Your Holy Spirit. Amen." Our "verses" today are from the liturgy in our church service at Holy Ghost Lutheran in Fredericksburg, Texas. It helps summerize some of the lessons we learned from the verses following Pentecost in the second chapter of the book of Acts. If we follow the example of Acts 2:42-47, God will take care of growing the church Himself. John 14:26 "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring al...

"Pastor: Our Heavenly Father promised to share a gift with us. Congregation: Thank you, Father, for the gift of the Holy Ghost. Pastor: The followers of Jesus were all gathered together in one place. Congregation: Thank you, Father, for the gift of community and Your beloved church." Our "verses" today are from the liturgy in our church service at Holy Ghost Lutheran in Fredericksburg, Texas. It helps summerize some of the lessons we learned from the verses following Pentecost in the second chapter of the book of Acts. The takeaway is that they followed God's plan and the Lord added to the church daily! If we follow the example of Acts 2:42-47, God will take care of growing the church Himself. The Holy Ghost is one third of the Holy Trinity. When we are given faith in our Lord and Savior, it is thanks to the Holy Ghost. That gift of faith brings us together. We are encouraged by each other's faith journeys, and we are blessed to help and be helped. The Chris...

1 Corinthians 3:6&7 "6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase." We have been studying the verses following Pentecost in the second chapter of the book of Acts. The takeaway is that they followed God's plan and the Lord added to the church daily! If we follow the example of Acts 2:42-47, God will take care of growing the church Himself. It's a beautiful plan. God wants us to share our lives with one another and to CHARITABLY help others. The Christian life is to be joyful and simple. The first followers of Jesus voluntarily shared all they had for God's glory. Many of these Christians gave up their lives for the Gospel. We need to overcome the distance we experience being two-thousand years from these events. We need to live like the founders of our FAITH. Today we turn to Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. In chapter three h...

Acts 2:47 "Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." The Lord added to the church daily! And, the Lord has been adding to His church daily for over two-thousand years!!! This is God's plan. If we follow the example of Acts 2:42-47, God will take care of growing the church Himself. It's a beautiful plan. God wants us to share our lives with one another and to CHARITABLY help others. The Christian life is to be joyful and simple. The first followers of Jesus voluntarily shared all they had for God's glory. These first Christians, some of them, met Jesus. Knowing He gave His life would inspire you to give up your material belongings. And, for too many of these Christians, they literally gave up their lives for the Gospel. We need to overcome the distance we experience being two-thousand years from these events. For God, this amount of time is the blink of an eye. We need to live like the foun...