Jeremiah 29:11-12: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you."
When we give our life to Jesus, we enter into a covenant with God. God has promised us a life of spiritual worth and one of victorious living. Notice that nowhere in that sentence did I say that He promised us wealth, riches and easy living. In fact our lives, lived in complete obedience to Him, may very well become a life of trial and challenge.
God knows what it takes to mold us into His image. We may wear the righteousness of Christ, but living it is a much bigger challenge. That is why we must have a plan for how to rise up to meet the challenges that our Christian life now provides for us. That plan should be heavily rooted in the truth that apart from Christ we can accomplish nothing. He will live our lives for us, so that our actions, our resilience and strength flow through us because in fact, they are His!
In these verses from Jeremiah, we take heart in the truth that God knows His plan for us. He has a future for us, not just eternally but in the present life we inhabit. He has thoughts toward us that are of peace. He does not wish evil toward us, but that does not mean that He will prevent tragedy from befalling us. It does not mean that He will shield us from all bad things and shower us with all the things we have ever wanted. It means that He will give us the peace needed to get through the moments of grief, the peace to go through trials unbowed and the peace to believe that as it says in Philippians 4:19, "God shall supply all of your needs, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. " (Needs, not wants!)
Our future is one of boundless hope. Not the kind of hope that says "maybe God will come through, I surely hope He does..." but instead meaning that no matter what afflicts us, we have the hope given by the knowledge that we are destined for eternal life with Jesus our King. That we are headed for an eternity in the presence of a mighty and loving God. That by the power of the Holy Spirit in us, NOW is possible to endure.
When you pray this week, pray with the knowledge and understanding that God hears you. That when He hears you He is faithful to respond. It may not be immediately, but He will. Tell Him how much you love Him and worship Him and then let Him tell you, through the words of His Holy Bible, how much He loves you.
Have a blessed week... Remember, walk in His way, live in His will and obey His word...
Video of The Week:
Hillsong United - The Stand
In His presence we have the power to stand, and the strength to fall to our knees in worship! He is worthy of all praise!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Saturday, February 7, 2009
The Lord, HE is GOD!
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Devotional of the Week:
Job 5:8,9 - "But as for me, I would seek God, And to God I would commit my cause - Who does great things, and unsearchable, marvelous things without number."
God is an everlasting and powerful God. He is capable of anything he wishes and He is who we turn to for support. Because He has allowed us to be His children, then it is to Him that we commit our lives and ourselves. In these powerful verses from Job, we see both what and why we should seek God in all things. Our cause is to see to it that His kingdom be moving upon this earth; that His name be lifted high. He is God Almighty, He is our fortress and our shield and He is worthy to be praised. May your life honor Him and give glory to Him in the coming days.
Prayer: Almighty and everlasting God, we praise you in all things. We seek to do your will and ask that you use us in a mighty way in the coming week. Show us how to glorify you through our actions, through our praises and through proclaiming your name. May your kingdom move upon this earth, and may we carry the banner of our King! Thank you for saving us and for allowing us into your eternal kingdom. We praise you and we thank you, in Jesus mighty name, Amen!
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Mini-Study of the Week: Read 1 Samuel Chapter 8
As we dive back into our study of 1 Samuel, we jump forward to chapter 8. In this chapter we begin to see that the people of Israel are beginning to show displeasure. Samuel has decided to appoint his sons judges over the people of Israel. From the time of Abraham on it has been understood that the only ruler Israel would ever have would be God himself. God would appoint Judges to act on His behalf, but He was the sole and sovereign ruler over His people. In chapter 8 we see the people starting to rebel against that notion. They demanded to have a king.
It does not appear that Samuel's sons were so profane and vicious as Eli's sons; but they were corrupt judges. Samuel took no bribes, but his sons did, and then they perverted judgment. What added to the grievance of the people was, that they were threatened by an invasion from Nahash, king of the Ammonites.
Samuel was displeased with the request of the people; he could patiently bear what reflected on himself, and his own family; but it displeased him when they said, Give us a king to judge us, because that reflected upon God. It drove him to his knees. When any thing disturbs us, it is our interest, as well as our duty, to show our trouble before God.
As God answers our prayers today, so did He answer Samuel's prayers that day. What did God reply? Samuel is to tell them that they shall have a king. Not that God was pleased with their request, but as sometimes he opposes us from loving-kindness, so at other times he gratifies us in wrath; he did so here. God knows how to bring glory to himself, and serves his own wise purposes, even by men's foolish counsels. If they would have a king to rule them, as the eastern kings ruled their subjects, they would find the yoke exceedingly heavy.
Those that submit to the government of the world and the flesh, are told plainly, what hard masters they are, and what tyranny the dominion of sin is. The law of God and the manner of men widely differ from each other; the former should be our rule in the several relations of life; the latter should be the measure of our expectations from others. These would be their grievances, and, when they complained to God, he would not hear them.
When we bring ourselves into distress by our own wrong desires and projects, we justly forfeit the comfort of prayer, and the benefit of Divine aid. The people were obstinate and urgent in their demand. Sudden resolves and hasty desires make work for long and leisurely repentance. Our wisdom is, to be thankful for the advantages, and patient under the disadvantages of the government we may live under; and to pray continually for our rulers, that they may govern us in the fear of God, and that we may live under them in all godliness and honesty.
Next week we will see whom God appoints. Our story will pick up with the introduction of one of Scriptures most fascinating people. The man called King Saul...
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Video of the Week:
We serve a MIGHTY GOD... We should never be ashamed to proclaim His name and His gospel!
Until next week, love each other, share His love and share His gospel...
See you next week!
In His Service,
Sergio
Devotional of the Week:
Job 5:8,9 - "But as for me, I would seek God, And to God I would commit my cause - Who does great things, and unsearchable, marvelous things without number."
God is an everlasting and powerful God. He is capable of anything he wishes and He is who we turn to for support. Because He has allowed us to be His children, then it is to Him that we commit our lives and ourselves. In these powerful verses from Job, we see both what and why we should seek God in all things. Our cause is to see to it that His kingdom be moving upon this earth; that His name be lifted high. He is God Almighty, He is our fortress and our shield and He is worthy to be praised. May your life honor Him and give glory to Him in the coming days.
Prayer: Almighty and everlasting God, we praise you in all things. We seek to do your will and ask that you use us in a mighty way in the coming week. Show us how to glorify you through our actions, through our praises and through proclaiming your name. May your kingdom move upon this earth, and may we carry the banner of our King! Thank you for saving us and for allowing us into your eternal kingdom. We praise you and we thank you, in Jesus mighty name, Amen!
*************************************************************
Mini-Study of the Week: Read 1 Samuel Chapter 8
As we dive back into our study of 1 Samuel, we jump forward to chapter 8. In this chapter we begin to see that the people of Israel are beginning to show displeasure. Samuel has decided to appoint his sons judges over the people of Israel. From the time of Abraham on it has been understood that the only ruler Israel would ever have would be God himself. God would appoint Judges to act on His behalf, but He was the sole and sovereign ruler over His people. In chapter 8 we see the people starting to rebel against that notion. They demanded to have a king.
It does not appear that Samuel's sons were so profane and vicious as Eli's sons; but they were corrupt judges. Samuel took no bribes, but his sons did, and then they perverted judgment. What added to the grievance of the people was, that they were threatened by an invasion from Nahash, king of the Ammonites.
Samuel was displeased with the request of the people; he could patiently bear what reflected on himself, and his own family; but it displeased him when they said, Give us a king to judge us, because that reflected upon God. It drove him to his knees. When any thing disturbs us, it is our interest, as well as our duty, to show our trouble before God.
As God answers our prayers today, so did He answer Samuel's prayers that day. What did God reply? Samuel is to tell them that they shall have a king. Not that God was pleased with their request, but as sometimes he opposes us from loving-kindness, so at other times he gratifies us in wrath; he did so here. God knows how to bring glory to himself, and serves his own wise purposes, even by men's foolish counsels. If they would have a king to rule them, as the eastern kings ruled their subjects, they would find the yoke exceedingly heavy.
Those that submit to the government of the world and the flesh, are told plainly, what hard masters they are, and what tyranny the dominion of sin is. The law of God and the manner of men widely differ from each other; the former should be our rule in the several relations of life; the latter should be the measure of our expectations from others. These would be their grievances, and, when they complained to God, he would not hear them.
When we bring ourselves into distress by our own wrong desires and projects, we justly forfeit the comfort of prayer, and the benefit of Divine aid. The people were obstinate and urgent in their demand. Sudden resolves and hasty desires make work for long and leisurely repentance. Our wisdom is, to be thankful for the advantages, and patient under the disadvantages of the government we may live under; and to pray continually for our rulers, that they may govern us in the fear of God, and that we may live under them in all godliness and honesty.
Next week we will see whom God appoints. Our story will pick up with the introduction of one of Scriptures most fascinating people. The man called King Saul...
*************************************************************
Video of the Week:
We serve a MIGHTY GOD... We should never be ashamed to proclaim His name and His gospel!
Until next week, love each other, share His love and share His gospel...
See you next week!
In His Service,
Sergio
Sunday, January 4, 2009
2009: A Year to be Molded
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Devotional of the Week:
2 Peter 3:18 “Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
In today's devotional verse we come across an exhortation that will serve us well this coming year. This year can be a year in which we allow God to continue molding us into who He wants us to be. Peter is teaching that we need to continue to "grow in grace and in the knowledge of" Jesus.
We need to draw close to Jesus through study and prayer in order to know Him more intimately. Notice that in this verse Peter uses 3 titles to refer to Jesus. Lord, Savior and Christ give glory and honor to our Messiah, stressing the importance of WHO Peter is saying we should grow in knowledge of.
The grace we have been given can be fully manifested if we grow to fully appreciate our salvation and what that requires of us. Seek God through His word. Start a daily devotional time. Spend that time reading God's word and letting it grow in your heart.
Seek direct discipleship and be under the teaching and accountability of someone stronger and wiser than you in the faith that they may help you "grow" as Peter exhorts us.
Finally attend every service your church offers. Sunday Service, Sunday School, Bible studies, fellowships are ways that we can grow as family and in God's word. Hebrews 10:25 exhorts us to never forsake the gathering of the brethren, that we may encourage one another to do the things God has for us to do!
I will conclude this devotional time with a challenge to all of us. It is a challenge laid out to us by our pastor. This year make it a personal goal to not miss a single Sunday service. If you went today, then praise God there are only 51 more to go! Make this the commitment so that we can honor what God deserves. We can give Him the worship He is due and draw ever closer to Him!
Prayer: Father God thank you for giving us 2009. Thank you for the challenges, trials and successes of 2008. Thank you for the knowledge that you are already in 2009 and control all things. With that assurance help us to face whatever comes our way this coming year with courage, and with determination to let your will play out in our lives for Your honor and glory. We pray all of this in the name of Jesus our Lord and Savior, Amen!
Mini-Study of the Week: Read Isaiah 40: 28-31
This week we see a great lesson for how to start our new year out right. In these verses Isaiah shows us the reward of placing our entire lives in the hands of almighty God. God has no lack of strength and does not grow weary. Who better then to submit our lives to?
When we do so we will function using God's strength and not our own. We will run and not grow weary, we will walk and not grow faint. These verses say that the youth will stumble, that "young men will utterly fall". From these verses we see that those who try to do things in their own strength will ultimately meet an unsuccessful end.
With God however, when we wait on Him we will "soar on wings like eagles". Now that's an awesome promise! When we work under God's power and strength we soar! We are like the majestic eagle that can reach great heights. Eagles have been known to fly as high as a mile to a mile and a half in the air... They fly at speeds between 60 to 90 miles an hour. They are able to live long healthy lives of strength.
Such is the life of the Christian. We can be like the eagle and have a strong Christian live when we submit ourselves to an awesome and holy God who will work His perfect will through us!
*************************************************************
Video of the Week:
As 2009 begins and continues remember, if they breathe, they need Jesus! May the words of this song inspire you. The chorus is:
"Cause I got a feeling it won't be long, maybe I'm right, maybe I'm wrong, but I know one thing for sure, Only time will tell it. I got a feeling coming over me, nothing else here can set me free. But I know one thing for sure, well, I've got to show it"
Show them Jesus in 2009, pray for the lost, show them Jesus... He is THE WAY, THE TRUTH and THE LIFE! Hallelujah!
Third Day - "I've Got a Feeling"
If you have found yourself away from God, if as a believer you have strayed, remember NOW is the time to come back. God wants you close so that He can make your life whole! He is saying to you "Come on back to me..." Run to Him, now...
Third Day - "Come On Back To Me"
Until next week, love each other, share His love and share His gospel...
See you next week!
In His Service,
Sergio
Devotional of the Week:
2 Peter 3:18 “Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
In today's devotional verse we come across an exhortation that will serve us well this coming year. This year can be a year in which we allow God to continue molding us into who He wants us to be. Peter is teaching that we need to continue to "grow in grace and in the knowledge of" Jesus.
We need to draw close to Jesus through study and prayer in order to know Him more intimately. Notice that in this verse Peter uses 3 titles to refer to Jesus. Lord, Savior and Christ give glory and honor to our Messiah, stressing the importance of WHO Peter is saying we should grow in knowledge of.
The grace we have been given can be fully manifested if we grow to fully appreciate our salvation and what that requires of us. Seek God through His word. Start a daily devotional time. Spend that time reading God's word and letting it grow in your heart.
Seek direct discipleship and be under the teaching and accountability of someone stronger and wiser than you in the faith that they may help you "grow" as Peter exhorts us.
Finally attend every service your church offers. Sunday Service, Sunday School, Bible studies, fellowships are ways that we can grow as family and in God's word. Hebrews 10:25 exhorts us to never forsake the gathering of the brethren, that we may encourage one another to do the things God has for us to do!
I will conclude this devotional time with a challenge to all of us. It is a challenge laid out to us by our pastor. This year make it a personal goal to not miss a single Sunday service. If you went today, then praise God there are only 51 more to go! Make this the commitment so that we can honor what God deserves. We can give Him the worship He is due and draw ever closer to Him!
Prayer: Father God thank you for giving us 2009. Thank you for the challenges, trials and successes of 2008. Thank you for the knowledge that you are already in 2009 and control all things. With that assurance help us to face whatever comes our way this coming year with courage, and with determination to let your will play out in our lives for Your honor and glory. We pray all of this in the name of Jesus our Lord and Savior, Amen!
*************************************************************
Next week we will resume our study in 1 SamuelMini-Study of the Week: Read Isaiah 40: 28-31
This week we see a great lesson for how to start our new year out right. In these verses Isaiah shows us the reward of placing our entire lives in the hands of almighty God. God has no lack of strength and does not grow weary. Who better then to submit our lives to?
When we do so we will function using God's strength and not our own. We will run and not grow weary, we will walk and not grow faint. These verses say that the youth will stumble, that "young men will utterly fall". From these verses we see that those who try to do things in their own strength will ultimately meet an unsuccessful end.
With God however, when we wait on Him we will "soar on wings like eagles". Now that's an awesome promise! When we work under God's power and strength we soar! We are like the majestic eagle that can reach great heights. Eagles have been known to fly as high as a mile to a mile and a half in the air... They fly at speeds between 60 to 90 miles an hour. They are able to live long healthy lives of strength.
Such is the life of the Christian. We can be like the eagle and have a strong Christian live when we submit ourselves to an awesome and holy God who will work His perfect will through us!
*************************************************************
Video of the Week:
As 2009 begins and continues remember, if they breathe, they need Jesus! May the words of this song inspire you. The chorus is:
"Cause I got a feeling it won't be long, maybe I'm right, maybe I'm wrong, but I know one thing for sure, Only time will tell it. I got a feeling coming over me, nothing else here can set me free. But I know one thing for sure, well, I've got to show it"
Show them Jesus in 2009, pray for the lost, show them Jesus... He is THE WAY, THE TRUTH and THE LIFE! Hallelujah!
Third Day - "I've Got a Feeling"
If you have found yourself away from God, if as a believer you have strayed, remember NOW is the time to come back. God wants you close so that He can make your life whole! He is saying to you "Come on back to me..." Run to Him, now...
Third Day - "Come On Back To Me"
Until next week, love each other, share His love and share His gospel...
See you next week!
In His Service,
Sergio
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Happy and Blessed New Year!!!
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Devotional of the Week:
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
As the New Year approaches we can take confidence in the fact that God already knows what is going to happen. He knows what the year holds for us and we can have the comfort of knowing that his intent for us is only what is best for us. This quote from Jeremiah makes clear God's point for our lives. "Thoughts of peace and not evil..." and "a future and a hope." How awesome it is that the God of the universe intends for us peace and hope! Yes there will be challenges, but when we rest in Him we can do all things and overcome all challenges! May 2009 hold wonderful things for all of us to His honor and glory!
Prayer: Father God we trust in the words of Jeremiah, we thank you that you love us in such a way that you would thing thoughts of peace and hope toward us. Help us to be confident and courageous as we approach the new year that we may busy ourselves for the kingdom of heaven! We love you and we trust you, in Jesus holy name, Amen!
*************************************************************
Mini-Study of the Week:
As we approach the new year we can do so with confidence and anticipation. We know that God is with us and in looking at the Scriptures we can see verses that will be encouragements to us in the coming year. Today, let us allow God’s word to be our beacon, pointing us toward 2009.
We can live this coming year without fear if we apply these four truths to our lives and root them deep into our hearts.
1. We can live with the contentment of His provision:
1 Timothy 6:6-8 : Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.
Philippians 4:11: Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.
Contentment is not getting what you want, but wanting what you get.
2. We can live with the companionship of His presence
Matthew 28:18-20: And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
Hebrews 13:5 5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
This coming year we need to strive to draw nearer to God in all aspects of our lives. Through prayer, devotional time and study we can experience the companionship God wants to have with us. He will be our guide in all things.
3. We can live with the confidence of His promise
A promise is no better than the one who makes it. Who says, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee"? It is the omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent God. This is the confidence of His promise.
In the coming year, when we say, "God, I just don't have the strength." The omnipotent God will answer, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." When we say, "God, I'm afraid of what is going to happen." The omnipresent God says, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." And when we say, "God, I don't know what to do." The omniscient God will respond, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." He himself has said it.
4. We can live with the comfort of His protection
Hebrews 13:6 promises, "So that we may boldly say, the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."
Hebrews 4:14-16 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Like I said earlier, I don't know what you're going to go through this coming year. But I know you can boldly say, "The Lord is my helper, so I will not fear what man shall do to me."
When you find your contentment, companionship, confidence and comfort in Jesus, you will have COURAGE to face the year!
*************************************************************
Video of the Week:
Let's start the new year focused on praising and worshiping our Holy Father! May we do all we can to honor and glorify His name!
Paul Baloche - "Rise Up and Praise Him"
Love each other, share His love and share His gospel...
See you next week!
In His Service,
Sergio
Devotional of the Week:
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
As the New Year approaches we can take confidence in the fact that God already knows what is going to happen. He knows what the year holds for us and we can have the comfort of knowing that his intent for us is only what is best for us. This quote from Jeremiah makes clear God's point for our lives. "Thoughts of peace and not evil..." and "a future and a hope." How awesome it is that the God of the universe intends for us peace and hope! Yes there will be challenges, but when we rest in Him we can do all things and overcome all challenges! May 2009 hold wonderful things for all of us to His honor and glory!
Prayer: Father God we trust in the words of Jeremiah, we thank you that you love us in such a way that you would thing thoughts of peace and hope toward us. Help us to be confident and courageous as we approach the new year that we may busy ourselves for the kingdom of heaven! We love you and we trust you, in Jesus holy name, Amen!
*************************************************************
Mini-Study of the Week:
As we approach the new year we can do so with confidence and anticipation. We know that God is with us and in looking at the Scriptures we can see verses that will be encouragements to us in the coming year. Today, let us allow God’s word to be our beacon, pointing us toward 2009.
We can live this coming year without fear if we apply these four truths to our lives and root them deep into our hearts.
1. We can live with the contentment of His provision:
1 Timothy 6:6-8 : Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.
Philippians 4:11: Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.
Contentment is not getting what you want, but wanting what you get.
2. We can live with the companionship of His presence
Matthew 28:18-20: And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
Hebrews 13:5 5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
This coming year we need to strive to draw nearer to God in all aspects of our lives. Through prayer, devotional time and study we can experience the companionship God wants to have with us. He will be our guide in all things.
3. We can live with the confidence of His promise
A promise is no better than the one who makes it. Who says, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee"? It is the omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent God. This is the confidence of His promise.
In the coming year, when we say, "God, I just don't have the strength." The omnipotent God will answer, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." When we say, "God, I'm afraid of what is going to happen." The omnipresent God says, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." And when we say, "God, I don't know what to do." The omniscient God will respond, "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." He himself has said it.
4. We can live with the comfort of His protection
Hebrews 13:6 promises, "So that we may boldly say, the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."
Hebrews 4:14-16 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Like I said earlier, I don't know what you're going to go through this coming year. But I know you can boldly say, "The Lord is my helper, so I will not fear what man shall do to me."
When you find your contentment, companionship, confidence and comfort in Jesus, you will have COURAGE to face the year!
*************************************************************
Video of the Week:
Let's start the new year focused on praising and worshiping our Holy Father! May we do all we can to honor and glorify His name!
Paul Baloche - "Rise Up and Praise Him"
Love each other, share His love and share His gospel...
See you next week!
In His Service,
Sergio
Monday, December 22, 2008
Merry CHRISTmas!
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Devotional of the Week:
Micah 5:2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.”
From humble beginnings, from a humble place, in a humble way, the Mighty and Everlasting God put on humanity when he left His throne to be born a baby. A baby, who while human was always God, was given for our redemption. His tiny hands and chubby feet, would one day sustain the wounds that would provide for us the forgiveness for our sins. His beautiful face and soft skin would be pierced and torn for our salvation. His earthly birth was designed to end in the shame of a sinner's death, but destined to resurrect in glorious victory over sin and the grave! That is the gift we celebrate this Christmas. God's gift to us was Emmanuel, God with Us... It was His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Celebrate this by sharing Him with all who need Him!
Prayer: Father God, thank you for the ultimate gift you have given us. Through the birth of your Son we see your love for us and we thank you that His life, death and resurrection reconciled us to you. May we now live to spread the Gospel and the good news, may we live to give our lives to you in all possible ways. May we live a life that is to your honor and glory forever and ever, Amen!
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Mini-Study of the Week:
In times of war, God will make His presence felt:
Merry Christmas to the brave men and women of our United States Armed Forces! May God protect and keep each and every one of you wherever you may be.
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Video(s) of the Week:
May your week be blessed, may your Christmas be a glorious one, and may you all have the opportunity to share Jesus with loved ones this coming week! I dedicate to all of you the following videos. May they bless you tremendously... Merry Christmas!
Love each other, share His love and share His gospel...
See you next week!
In His Service,
Sergio
Sunday, December 14, 2008
God Keeps His Promises!
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Devotional of the Week:
Luke 1:68-69 "Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people, And has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David..."
As we continue our look at the verses of Christmas this month, we come a gross two verses that show what the ultimate message of Christmas is. Zecharias, his tongue finally loosed as he has dedicated his son John in the temple, speaks the truth of the good news of redemption. "Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people...".
The true gift of Christmas is that Jesus was sent for the redemption of all those who would believe in Him. God is a mighty God! He is a God who keeps his word and fulfills his covenants. The gift of our Messiah is made manifest in this Christmas season.
How blessed we are to be able to see clearly God's plan of redemption in these verses. The events that follow are His perfect plan in action. That little baby is God in human flesh, He is our Savior, He is our Peace, He is Immanuel, God with us! Praise God from whom all good things come!
Prayer: Father God, thank you for the gift of your Son. Praise You for all You have done to see your plan of salvation through. Help us to be your hands and to be your feet to take your gospel of redemption to the ends of the earth. May we use this Christmas season to profess the good news of Jesus Christ, our Savior and King! We praise You and we love You! We pray all this in the might saving name of Jesus Christ, Amen!
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Mini-Study of the Week: Read Matthew 1:18-21
We know that God chose Mary to be the mother of His Son, Jesus, but how often do we consciously consider that in so doing, God also selected Joseph to serve as Jesus’ earthly father figure? We learn quickly that Joseph was also deemed a righteous man. His actions reveal him to have been a sensitive and kind man toward his fiance when he learned the news about her inexplicable pregnancy. Not only could Joseph had divorced Mary by Jewish law for her apparent unfaithfulness, but he also could have had her stoned!
Then, after the angel visited Joseph in a dream and explained things from God’s perspective, Joseph immediately believed and obeyed God’s instructions. He did this in spite of the public humiliation that he would face under these unfathomable circumstances. Perhaps this deep rooted nobility is part of what made him God’s choice for Jesus’ earthly father.
Joseph was a skilled carpenter, and we know that he passed that trade onto Jesus. Joseph was a man of strong conviction who very obviously lived out his belief and put it into action. Imagine how God felt looking for the earthly man whom He would choose to raise His son!
Joseph is last mentioned in Scripture when Jesus is 12 years old. Though we don’t have a lot of information on the specifics of their relationship, I think we can confidently believe that Joseph was not an absentee father figure to Jesus. I’m sure Joseph took his role seriously to be a spiritual leader in their home, despite the fact that Jesus was divine! He undoubtedly had innumerable spiritual conversations with Jesus.
Remember, Jesus was fully human as well as fully divine. His human needs required parental attention every bit as much as our children’s do. Joseph was involved in helping Jesus learn to talk and he was surely there, close by, on the day Jesus took His first steps and got His first tooth. Joseph was the “man of the house” during that period of Jesus’ life, and though Joseph obviously wasn’t perfect he was a godly example! Joseph was a real man in God’s eyes, and that is why He picked him to be the earthly father to His son.
*************************************************************
Video of the Week:
We look to celebrate the birth of our Savior... He shall reign forever and ever!
Hallelujah!
Love each other, share His love and share His gospel...
See you next week!
In His Service,
Sergio
Devotional of the Week:
Luke 1:68-69 "Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people, And has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David..."
As we continue our look at the verses of Christmas this month, we come a gross two verses that show what the ultimate message of Christmas is. Zecharias, his tongue finally loosed as he has dedicated his son John in the temple, speaks the truth of the good news of redemption. "Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people...".
The true gift of Christmas is that Jesus was sent for the redemption of all those who would believe in Him. God is a mighty God! He is a God who keeps his word and fulfills his covenants. The gift of our Messiah is made manifest in this Christmas season.
How blessed we are to be able to see clearly God's plan of redemption in these verses. The events that follow are His perfect plan in action. That little baby is God in human flesh, He is our Savior, He is our Peace, He is Immanuel, God with us! Praise God from whom all good things come!
Prayer: Father God, thank you for the gift of your Son. Praise You for all You have done to see your plan of salvation through. Help us to be your hands and to be your feet to take your gospel of redemption to the ends of the earth. May we use this Christmas season to profess the good news of Jesus Christ, our Savior and King! We praise You and we love You! We pray all this in the might saving name of Jesus Christ, Amen!
*************************************************************
Mini-Study of the Week: Read Matthew 1:18-21
We know that God chose Mary to be the mother of His Son, Jesus, but how often do we consciously consider that in so doing, God also selected Joseph to serve as Jesus’ earthly father figure? We learn quickly that Joseph was also deemed a righteous man. His actions reveal him to have been a sensitive and kind man toward his fiance when he learned the news about her inexplicable pregnancy. Not only could Joseph had divorced Mary by Jewish law for her apparent unfaithfulness, but he also could have had her stoned!
Then, after the angel visited Joseph in a dream and explained things from God’s perspective, Joseph immediately believed and obeyed God’s instructions. He did this in spite of the public humiliation that he would face under these unfathomable circumstances. Perhaps this deep rooted nobility is part of what made him God’s choice for Jesus’ earthly father.
Joseph was a skilled carpenter, and we know that he passed that trade onto Jesus. Joseph was a man of strong conviction who very obviously lived out his belief and put it into action. Imagine how God felt looking for the earthly man whom He would choose to raise His son!
Joseph is last mentioned in Scripture when Jesus is 12 years old. Though we don’t have a lot of information on the specifics of their relationship, I think we can confidently believe that Joseph was not an absentee father figure to Jesus. I’m sure Joseph took his role seriously to be a spiritual leader in their home, despite the fact that Jesus was divine! He undoubtedly had innumerable spiritual conversations with Jesus.
Remember, Jesus was fully human as well as fully divine. His human needs required parental attention every bit as much as our children’s do. Joseph was involved in helping Jesus learn to talk and he was surely there, close by, on the day Jesus took His first steps and got His first tooth. Joseph was the “man of the house” during that period of Jesus’ life, and though Joseph obviously wasn’t perfect he was a godly example! Joseph was a real man in God’s eyes, and that is why He picked him to be the earthly father to His son.
*************************************************************
Video of the Week:
We look to celebrate the birth of our Savior... He shall reign forever and ever!
Hallelujah!
Love each other, share His love and share His gospel...
See you next week!
In His Service,
Sergio
Sunday, December 7, 2008
"The Reason for The Season"
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Devotional of the Week: John 1:6-8
"There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe.He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light."
John the Baptist's ministry on earth was to be the one who paved the way for the coming of Christ. His call to repentance and to righteous living was due in large part to his desire to see a people welcome their Messiah in as righteous a way as possible. He knew very well that his role was merely that of messenger and witness, but he took that role seriously and to his credit, he lost his life for it. This Christmas season we should ask ourselves, what am I willing to give up for God? What action can I perform that will glorify and honor my Heavenly Father? John's decision was simple, share the "good news" that Christ was coming. Today we can and should make the same decision. In this day and in this time, we are the ones calling people to repent and make way the path. When they do accept the Lord, heaven rejoices.
Prayer: Heavenly Father we thank you for the awesome privilege it is to be Your child. We thank You for the gift You gave us this Christmas, remembering that no matter what, our plans do not prevent us from working in Your will. That Child whom You sent to us is God in human form, may we always remember that in Your omnitpotent power, You saw fit to draw us close. Thank you for salvation and for allowing us to enter Your home in heaven, where we will praise you for ever and ever. We pray all of this in Jesus' mighty name, Amen.
*************************************************************
Mini-Study of the Week: Read Luke 1:26-38
In these verses we see the angel Gabriel appear to Mary and announce to her that she has been chosen to give birth to the Son of God. One of the most telling moments in this set of verses is Mary's question of "how can this be, since I do not know a man?" The angel responds to her with an explanation of what is to occur. He even tells her of her cousin Elizabeth, who after being unable to conceive is now miraculously pregnant with John.
Mary's response is not one of skepticism or doubt, but instead is a response we should all be prepared to give when God comes to us with a task. Her words are "Behold the maidservant of the Lord. Let it be to me according to your word." We know that with God all things are possible. Here we see that our response to God should always be one of confidence and submission to His will. He will sustain and protect us.
Not only was Mary willing to do God's will, but in doing so she became God's vessel by which the plan of salvation was set into motion. What a glorious privilege and gift for her. Thus it can be for any of God's children who are willing to do his bidding. Next week we will look at the first half of this story and learn more about who our Savior is.
*************************************************************
Video of the Week:
"Behold the maidservant of the Lord. Let it be to me according to your word."
"Sing Mary Sing" - Jennifer Knapp
Love each other, share His love and share His gospel...
See you next week!
In His Service,
Sergio
Devotional of the Week: John 1:6-8
"There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe.He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light."
John the Baptist's ministry on earth was to be the one who paved the way for the coming of Christ. His call to repentance and to righteous living was due in large part to his desire to see a people welcome their Messiah in as righteous a way as possible. He knew very well that his role was merely that of messenger and witness, but he took that role seriously and to his credit, he lost his life for it. This Christmas season we should ask ourselves, what am I willing to give up for God? What action can I perform that will glorify and honor my Heavenly Father? John's decision was simple, share the "good news" that Christ was coming. Today we can and should make the same decision. In this day and in this time, we are the ones calling people to repent and make way the path. When they do accept the Lord, heaven rejoices.
Prayer: Heavenly Father we thank you for the awesome privilege it is to be Your child. We thank You for the gift You gave us this Christmas, remembering that no matter what, our plans do not prevent us from working in Your will. That Child whom You sent to us is God in human form, may we always remember that in Your omnitpotent power, You saw fit to draw us close. Thank you for salvation and for allowing us to enter Your home in heaven, where we will praise you for ever and ever. We pray all of this in Jesus' mighty name, Amen.
*************************************************************
Mini-Study of the Week: Read Luke 1:26-38
In these verses we see the angel Gabriel appear to Mary and announce to her that she has been chosen to give birth to the Son of God. One of the most telling moments in this set of verses is Mary's question of "how can this be, since I do not know a man?" The angel responds to her with an explanation of what is to occur. He even tells her of her cousin Elizabeth, who after being unable to conceive is now miraculously pregnant with John.
Mary's response is not one of skepticism or doubt, but instead is a response we should all be prepared to give when God comes to us with a task. Her words are "Behold the maidservant of the Lord. Let it be to me according to your word." We know that with God all things are possible. Here we see that our response to God should always be one of confidence and submission to His will. He will sustain and protect us.
Not only was Mary willing to do God's will, but in doing so she became God's vessel by which the plan of salvation was set into motion. What a glorious privilege and gift for her. Thus it can be for any of God's children who are willing to do his bidding. Next week we will look at the first half of this story and learn more about who our Savior is.
*************************************************************
Video of the Week:
"Behold the maidservant of the Lord. Let it be to me according to your word."
"Sing Mary Sing" - Jennifer Knapp
Love each other, share His love and share His gospel...
See you next week!
In His Service,
Sergio
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