Sermon Notes; a Daily Devotional

Psalms 67:6 "Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us." God's heart is broken when people don't praise and celebrate Him. When people fail to give thanks to God. And, or, place other things above God. Negative consequences begin affecting every aspect of life. The family structure breaks down. Morality decays and society is no longer safe for anyone. When people "Praise the Lord!" God will bless us! We gratefully receive God's love and salvation for "ALL NATIONS." God's plan for humanity has no boundaries, limitations or exclusions. EVERYONE who accepts Jesus as their Lord and Savior will be saved! It's a heart issue. EVERYONE needs to welcome Jesus into their hearts. "Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us."

Psalms 67:5 "Let the people praise Thee, O God; let all the people praise Thee." "Praise the Lord!" is how everyone needs to respond to God's Blessings! We want God's love and salvation for "ALL NATIONS." This is the essence of the Gospel message. This is a profound statement about the inclusivity of God's plan for humanity. There are no boundaries, limitations or exclusions. EVERYONE who accepts Jesus as their Lord and Savior will be saved! It's a heart issue. EVERYONE needs to welcome Jesus into their hearts.  God will judge ALL people fairly and govern the nations justly. We could ALL joyfully celebrate together! And, if we don't? When people fail to give thanks to God. And, or, place other things above God. Negative consequences begin affecting every aspect of life. The family structure breaks down. Morality decays and society is no longer safe for anyone. It's heartbreaking. To you and me. And GOD.

Psalms 67:4 "O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for Thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah." "Praise the Lord!" is how everyone needs to respond to God's Blessings! We want God's love and salvation for "ALL NATIONS." This is the essence of the Gospel message. The idea and the hope that the blessing of some will lead to the enlightenment of others and spread across the whole world. This is a profound statement about the inclusivity of God's plan for humanity. All people need to acknowledge the one true God's sovereignty and goodness. There are no boundaries, limitations or exclusions. EVERYONE who accepts Jesus as their Lord and Savior will be saved! It's a heart issue. EVERYONE needs to welcome Jesus into their hearts.  This is worth singing about! Naturally, God will judge ALL people fairly and govern the nations justly. ALSO, imagine a world where ALL people live with peace and justi...

Psalms 67:3 "Let the people praise Thee, O God; let all the people praise Thee." Praise the Lord! It's that simple. PTL! This is how to Respond to God's Blessings! These verses were written about 1500 years before the incarnate birth of Jesus. These verses celebrate GOD'S plan for our salvation! Wishing that GOD'S plan could be known all over the world. We believe the author of these words to be a lead musician in King David’s royal court. It's remarkable that he is not just wishing for Israel's success. He wants God's love and salvation for "ALL NATIONS." This is the essence of the Gospel message. The idea and the hope that the blessing of some will lead to the enlightenment of others. This is a profound statement about the inclusivity of God's plan for humanity. We can better appreciate our GOD by understanding He inspired faithful people to yearn for GOD'S salvation to reach all nations! Praise the LORD! All people need to ackn...

Psalms 67:2 "That Thy way may be known upon earth, Thy saving health among all nations." This week we are learning how to Respond to God's Blessings! Focusing on chapter sixty-seven of the book of Psalms. These verses are the source of the Benediction recited at the end of almost every church service. Written about 1500 years before the incarnate birth of Jesus. These verses celebrate GOD'S plan for our salvation! Wishing that GOD'S plan could be known all over the world. We believe the author of these words to be a lead musician in King David’s royal court. It's remarkable that he is not just wishing for Israel's success. He wants God's love and salvation for "ALL NATIONS." This is the essence of the Gospel message. The idea and the hope that the blessing of some will lead to the enlightenment of others. This is a profound statement about the inclusivity of God's plan for humanity. We can better appreciate our GOD by understanding He ins...

Psalms 67:1 "God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah." Last week our study of Stewardship took us down the road of appreciating all that GOD does for us. Our gratitude to GOD makes us want to pay it forward to our family and community. If we are successful, the recipients of our good gifts will also be grateful to GOD and pray with thanksgiving. This week we want to Respond to God's Blessings! We will study chapter sixty-seven of the book of Psalms. These verses are the source of the Benediction recited at the end of almost every church service. The blessing contained in the first verse is nearly identical to words given to Moses by God as a blessing to Israel in Numbers 6:24-26.

2 Corinthians 9:14&15 "14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift." GOD has given more than we can conceive or speak of. We cannot repay GOD in even a small way. The only thing we can do if pay it forward to our family and community. If we are successful, the recipients of our good gifts will also be grateful to GOD and pray with thanksgiving. GOD'S LOVE is great. And, it is more than a feeling of affection. It is actions that we need. We don't always understand GOD’S CHARITY, but it is always there. And, GOD wants us to participate in His plan, share His Gospel, and take care of what He has entrusted to us. Namely, His Church, His sheep. He wants us to "feed His sheep."

2 Corinthians 9:13 "Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;" We are studying Stewardship. Which leads us to giving. Which brings us to CHARITY. Don't think of CHARITY as merely a financial transaction. It can be actions that are needed by others. Acts of CHARITY can be powerful demonstrations of our faith and obedience to the Gospel. The goal is for our generosity to elicit gratitude and glorification of God from those who receive our assistance. This way, acts of kindness can spread beyond individual recipients to affect an entire family and the community beyond. God's generosity is a pattern for us to follow. By reflecting the sacrifice of Christ, our acts of kindness become a testament to the vitality of our faith. Hopefully, the response to our generosity will be reciprocal; reinforcing community bonds in Christ. When belie...

2 Corinthians 9:11&12 "11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. 12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;" It's complicated. CHARITY brings emotions with it. CHARITY is an action often associated with LOVE. When we LOVE we are generous and gracious. We are not the source of what we have to share. God is our provider and sustainer. He promises to multiply the seed of those who give generously, increasing the harvest of their righteousness. By giving generously, believers participate in God's work and increase His righteousness on earth, bringing more thankfulness to GOD. When we are blessed with abundance, it is to produce thanksgiving to God! When we are generous to others, that will provoke gratitude and thankfulness to GOD from those who receive the gifts! Today's verses highlight the importance of giving...

2 Corinthians 9:9&10 "9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; He hath given to the poor: His righteousness remaineth for ever. 10 Now He that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Today's verses begin by quoting Psalm 112. Paul is utilizing Holy Scriptures to emphasizes the importance of generosity and the lasting impact of CHARITY. Then he extends the teaching in verse ten. Here he reminds us that God is the provider and sustainer. He promises to multiply the seed of those who give generously, increasing the harvest of their righteousness. Again and again, in the Holy Scriptures, we learn that God generously provides. God gives enough for us to SHARE with others! God's grace is sufficient and abundant, enabling believers to live generously and serve others effectively.  This should motivate us to generously help and give to others. When we get this right we a...

2 Corinthians 9:8 "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:" God generously provides. God gives enough for us to share with others! God's grace is sufficient and abundant, enabling believers to live generously and serve others effectively.  Our gratitude and love for what God gives us should motivate us to generously help and give to others. When we get this right we are closest to our Lord and Savior's heart. Again and again, in the Holy Scriptures it is stressed that our attitude matters. God sees our heart and mind. How we think and feel makes a difference.  Paul's main idea is that the attitude behind giving is more important than the act itself. God values generosity that comes from a willing heart. This principle applies not only to financial giving but also to acts of service and other forms of giving.

2 Corinthians 9:7 "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver." This week we are studying Stewardship. From Paul's writings in Second Corinthians, chapter nine, verses six and forward. Generosity leads to greater rewards, both spiritually and materially. It encourages us to give generously, as the benefits of giving are not limited to the physical returns but also include spiritual enrichment and blessings from God.  Paul emphasizes that the more you give, the more you can expect to receive in return! Not in terms of material wealth, but in the form of spiritual blessings and the joy of helping others. This principle is not about gaining wealth but about being a greater blessing to others and attuning oneself to the will of God, enabling even greater generosity in the future. Again and again, in the Holy Scriptures we are told that our attitude matters. God sees our heart and mind. Ho...

2 Corinthians 9:6 "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." Last week we studied Paul's teachings about the Christian faith. The bar is set high for us and we all have a role to play. We finished off our study by reading where Jesus quoted the Shema. Which has me thinking God is listening to you. Are you listening to God? Today we start a new study about our Stewardship. Titled "Cheerful Giving, Cheerful Living." We return to Paul's writings. This time his Second Letter to the Corinthians, chapter nine, verse six; "But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully." Generosity leads to greater rewards, both spiritually and materially. It encourages us to give generously, as the benefits of giving are not limited to the physical returns but also include spiritual enrichment and bless...

Mark 12:29-31 "29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these." We have been studying Paul's writings about the Christian faith. Focusing on how we need to live to a higher standard. And, we need to get along with our brothers and sisters in Christ. It's part of God's plan for there to be interdependence between believers in Christ. Each person has a specific function and is valued for their contribution, reflecting the diversity and unity within the church. This is nothing new. The Jewish communities in the time of Jesus's incarnation taught "The Shema." Passages from the Torah, that were recite...

Romans 12:5 "So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another." Paul has given us another lesson about our FAITH. We have lofty expectations for ourselves. Striving to reach them is the least we can do for our good and gracious GOD. We are each blessed differently and we each have a role to play. Paul explains that just as a human body has many parts with different functions, the church is made up of many members with different roles and gifts, all of which are essential for the body to function properly. Each believer is to use their gifts according to the grace given to them, in proportion to their faith, to serve the body of Christ and glorify God. Creating interdependence between believers in Christ. Each person has a specific function and is valued for their contribution, reflecting the diversity and unity within the church. This concept encourages believers to recognize their interconnectedness and to support one another, fostering a spiri...

Romans 12:3&4 "3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:" Paul lays down high expectations for Christians. Christians should not let the world's values shape our thoughts and actions. Resist the world's influences like idolatry, fleshly lusts, and rebellion. Instead, we should align our minds with God's truth, enabling us to live according to His perfect will. We need to read scripture daily, pray all the time, and reflect on biblical teachings. We need our thoughts and actions to align with God's will. In today's verses, Paul warns us not to think more highly of ourselves than we should. We need to use sober judgment based on the measure of faith that God has given us. Paul continues to exp...

Romans 12:2 "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Paul is one of our best teachers. So much of what we know about our FAITH is written by him. When he writes, we need to pay attention. In the previous verses he has taught us that EVERYTHING comes from God, through God, and is directed to God, and that all glory belongs to GOD forever. Then Paul used the imagery of a sacrifice to emphasize how we need to completely dedicate our life to God. Unlike animal sacrifices that die, a living sacrifice continues to live and serve God daily. This offering is not to earn salvation but to be a response of gratitude and commitment to God's mercies. Don't try to trivialize this lesson; Paul means what he has written. Christians should not let the world's values shape our thoughts and actions. Instead, we should align our minds with God's truth, e...

Romans 12:1 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." As Paul writes to the Romans, he wants them to know that EVERYTHING comes from God, through God, and is directed to God, and that all glory belongs to GOD forever. Paul said "ALL THINGS." Additionally, Paul clearly established that God's thoughts and ways are beyond human comprehension. And, God is not indebted to anyone and operates freely in His will and grace. And, immediately following these assertions, Paul has recommendations for the Romans. And by extension, you and me. In today's verse, Paul uses the imagery of a sacrifice to emphasize the complete dedication of one's life to God. Unlike animal sacrifices that die, a living sacrifice continues to live and serve God daily. This offering is not to earn salvation but to be a response of gratitude and commitment to God...

Romans 11:36 "For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to Whom be glory for ever. Amen." "ALL THINGS." Paul placed no limits or exceptions on this statement. He says that EVERYTHING comes from God, through God, and is directed to God, and that all glory belongs to GOD forever. In the previous verses, Paul clearly established that God's thoughts and ways are beyond human comprehension. And, God is not indebted to anyone and operates freely in His will and grace. Following Jesus may involve going where we do not want to go and requires surrendering our will to God's purpose. In hardship and sacrifice, there is always an opportunity to glorify God! Jesus invites us to FOLLOW HIM. Like Peter and Paul, we need to follow our Lord and Savior no matter what.

Romans 11:34&35 "34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been His counsellor? 35 Or who hath first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?" Do you think like GOD? Can you give advice to GOD? Paul asks rhetorical questions, indicating that God's thoughts and ways are beyond human comprehension. And, that's NOT all. The next verse gets us to look at the FACT that God is not indebted to anyone and operates freely in His will and grace. If we think back on our study from last week, the picture of Jesus working to heal the psychological scars of His friend Peter is all the more poignant and sincere. Peter declared his brotherly love for Jesus three times. Three times, Jesus instructed him to "feed my sheep." This event restored their relationship and solidified Peter's role as a leader. The cost of discipleship will be great. Following Jesus may involve going where one does not want to go and requires surrendering one...

John 21:18&19 "18 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. 19 This spake He, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He saith unto him, Follow Me." Jesus had corrected the guilt and shame that Peter felt from betraying His Savior. Jesus recreated the sights, sounds, aromas and feelings of the event, just so Peter could respond in a better way. Peter declared his brotherly love for Jesus three times. Three times, Jesus instructed him to "feed my sheep." This event restored their relationship and solidified Peter's role as a leader. In today's verses, Jesus prophesied that Peter's future would involve the loss of his freedom and take him on a path that he would not choose. Jesus uses the phrase ...

John 21:17 "17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me? Peter was grieved because He said unto him the third time, Lovest thou Me? And he said unto Him, Lord, Thou knowest all things; Thou knowest that I love Thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed My sheep." Jesus has appeared a third time to His Disciples after His resurrection. This time to help repair and heal the hurt that His Disciple Peter has gone through. Peter had denied he knew Jesus three times before sunrise when Jesus was on trial. Jesus has recreated the sights, sounds, aromas and feelings of the event, just so Peter respond in a better way.  This repetition of the question by Jesus and the response by Peter is significant because it parallels the three times Peter denied Jesus. It serves as a moment of repentance and restoration for Peter, as Jesus reaffirms Peter's role in leading and caring for the flock, instructing him to "feed my sheep". The use of the same word for lo...

John 21:15&16 "15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me more than these? He saith unto Him, Yea, Lord; Thou knowest that I love Thee. He saith unto him, Feed My lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me? He saith unto Him, Yea, Lord; Thou knowest that I love Thee. He saith unto him, Feed My sheep." Jesus is on a mission to help repair and heal the hurt that His Disciple Peter is going through. Peter had denied he knew Jesus three times before sunrise when Jesus was on trial. When this occurred, it was just before dawn by a campfire surrounded by strangers. Jesus is meeting Peter where he is comfortable and safe. The shore of the Sea of Galilee where he has fished all his life. Note how rich a sensory experience this is. Going from boat to shore. The sight, sound and smell of the campfire. The tantalizing aromas of grilled fish and toasted bread. The excitement of a bountiful catch...

John 21:12-14 "12 Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask Him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. 13 Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise. 14 This is now the third time that Jesus shewed Himself to His disciples, after that He was risen from the dead." Jesus is on a mission to help repair and heal the hurt that His Disciple Peter is going through. Jesus is meeting Peter where he is comfortable and safe. The shore of the Sea of Galilee where he has fished all his life. Note how rich a sensory experience this is. Going from boat to shore. The sight, sound and smell of the campfire. The tantalizing aromas of grilled fish and toasted bread. The excitement of a bountiful catch of fish! This event echos to the earlier incident when Jesus called the disciples to be "fishers of men" (Luke 5–8). Today we call this exercise "cognitive-behavioral therapy" (CBT). This is a strategy to alter ...

John 21:9-11 "9 As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. 10 Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. 11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken."  Are you ready to DIVE IN to be with Jesus? As soon as Peter realized it was Jesus on shore, he DOVE IN to swim ashore to be with Him! In the verses preceding, they have relived the steps of Jesus telling them where to catch fish after failing to catch fish. And in today's verses we read about the bountiful catch! But, Jesus is not here to catch fish. Jesus is on a mission to help repair and heal the hurt that His Disciple Peter is going through. Jesus is meeting Peter where he is comfortable and safe. The shore of the Sea of Galilee where he has fished all his life. Note how rich a sensory experience this is. Going from b...

John 21:7&8 "7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. 8 And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes." The Gospel of John and all of Holy Scriptures were written for YOU! John has done all he can to reach you and me. He clearly explains it all for us. It's up to us to receive the gift of faith from the Holy Ghost and "have life through His name." All the Holy Scriptures are about God's love for you and me. He calls us by name. We cannot love God as much as He loves us. No matter how hard we try. Today we return to the Gospel of John to study an example of love between God and His followers. This is after Jesus's resurrection. Jesus had appeared to His Disciples two times bef...

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." The Gospel of John and all of Holy Scriptures was written for YOU! As we read in last week's study, Jesus personally made sure Thomas experienced what he need to have FAITH! Thomas exclaimed to Jesus, "My LORD and my GOD." A spontaneous and deeply felt profession of FAITH. We all have to work through doubt to arrive at faith. John has done all he can to reach you and me. He clearly explains it all for us. It's up to us to receive the gift of faith from the Holy Ghost and "have life through His name." Today we return to the Old Testament prophet Isaiah to remind us that this is the eternal character of God. He reached out to them and He is reaching out to us. Believers in Jesus Christ are the NEW Israel! "O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have ca...

John 20:30&31 "30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book: 31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name." Written for YOU! The writer, John, wants you to understand their experiences and share in his FAITH! He wants you to know what he knows; Jesus is the Son of God! For God so loved the world He sent His only Son to save us. And, Jesus cared about His Disciples. Enough to return a second time after eight days just to give Thomas the experience he needed to believe! Thomas did not believe what his peers were telling him. Thomas had to wait a week to witness proof. One week of doubt. One week of not knowing. He was skeptical. He doubted. But he saw, he touched, and he believed! Thomas said to Jesus, "My LORD and my GOD." A spontaneous and deeply felt profession of FAITH. We all have to work through d...

John 20:28&29 "29 And Thomas answered and said unto Him, My Lord and my God. 29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen Me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." JESUS RETURNED eight days after He miraculously showed up in the locked room with His Disciples. And, this time, Thomas was there! Jesus cares. He does not leave any Disciple behind. Thomas did not believe what his peers were telling him. Thomas had to wait a week to witness proof. One week of doubt. One week of not knowing. One week of hearing from his friends. By their words he did not come to believe. He was skeptical. He doubted. In today's verses, "Thomas answered and said unto Him, My LORD and my GOD." A spontaneous and deeply felt profession of FAITH. And, this is part of the lesson: doubt is part of faith. We all have to work through doubt to arrive at faith. Jesus gave Thomas what he asked for. Jesus also recognizes that not everyone w...

John 20:26&27 "26 And after eight days again His disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold My hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into My side: and be not faithless, but believing." JESUS RETURNS!!! Jesus miraculously showed up in the locked room His Disciples were hiding in. Jesus breathed the Holy Ghost into His Disciples. Jesus gives them the responsibility to declare forgiveness based on God's forgiveness for repentant believers. ONLY Thomas was not there! And, Thomas said, "I will not believe." Thomas did not believe what his peers were telling him. Thomas had to wait a week to witness proof. One week of doubt. One week of not knowing. One week of hearing from his friends. By their words he did not come to believe. He was skeptical. He doubted. In today's verses, Jesus returned! An...

John 20:24&25 "24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe." JESUS LIVES!!! Jesus miraculously showed up in the locked room His Disciples were hiding in. The Disciples saw their friend and teacher standing before them in flesh and blood. Jesus asks them to continue His mission with the Father's will! Jesus breathed the Holy Ghost into His Disciples. Jesus gives them the responsibility to declare forgiveness based on God's forgiveness for repentant believers. Do you ever feel like you are the LAST to find out about something? I do. And, that's what has happened to Thomas. He is out of the loop. He wasn't there when Jesus came. In today's verse Thomas says "I will...