Seize the Moment – Day 346
Introduction to the Revelation of John!
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Friday, February 26. Please join me in wishing a happy birthday to Topanga Cole, Ella Oakes, and Tesla Sullivan.
Are you walking in the promises of God?
The Revelation of John is a message from God to give His people a persevering faith and an overwhelming hope. As we face difficulties in this life we must stand in the victory of God, which is on the promises of God!
God has revealed to us in Revelation 1:7-8, “Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen. ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.’”
We are invited to stand with the Victorious One as we share in His Victory—this is the work of the Alpha and the Omega, who is the beginning and the end. It is done! This is the key to our victory!
Based on this, Jesus commands our fear away in verses 17b-18, “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.”
Fear has once and for all been swallowed by the eternal life of God! This is the love of God!
Seize the moment and walk in faith, hope, and love. This is the promise of Revelation—the promised fulfillment of God’s covenant with humanity!
Let’s recite this week’s memory verse from Genesis 9:12-13 (ESV), “God said, ‘This is the sign of the covenant which I am making between Me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all successive generations; I set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a sign of a covenant between Me and the earth.’”
God Bless you!
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Seize the Moment – Day 345
Pray the Prayers of the Bible!
The ending of the short letter of Jude is one of the most beautiful benedictions in all the Scriptures. The Bible is filled with prayers of blessing!
Listen to Jude 24-25, “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.”
Allow me to pray three more prayers from the New Testament:
- “Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen” (Romans 15:33).
- “Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:20-21).
- “Grace to you and peace, from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood— and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (Revelation 1:4-6).
Seize the moment and pray the prayers of the Bible! You will be blessed! And you have been blessed to be a blessing!
Let’s recite this week’s memory verse from Genesis 9:12-13 (ESV), “God said, ‘This is the sign of the covenant which I am making between Me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all successive generations; I set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a sign of a covenant between Me and the earth.’”
God Bless you!
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Seize the Momvent – Day 344
Be Holy and Healthy in Every Respect!
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Wednesday, February 24. Please join us for the in-person or online Prayer Awakening mid-week prayer service tonight at 6:15 pm—it is a time of worship, prayer, and Scripture reading.
3 John is another short, but powerful little book of the Bible. Listen to John’s opening thoughts in verses 2-4, “Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. For I was very glad when brethren came and testified to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth. I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.”
John is speaking of his spiritual children—those the Lord brought to Himself through John. Just as any loving father, John cares for the growth and development of these children into adulthood.
John cares about their holiness and their wholeness:
1) John celebrates their holiness unto the Lord—they not only testify to the truth, which means they believe right things about God and the gospel of Jesus Christ, but they also walk in the truth, which means they are living a holy lifestyle unto the Lord. We cannot simply say that we love God and His Word, we must obey God and do what Jesus commands.
2) John cares about their wholeness. He wants them to be healthy people as they walk with Jesus. John cares that we are healthy in all respects—emotionally and relationally, physically and socially, so that we prosper and not just in our souls.
Seize the moment and be holy and whole—it is for this reason that God has saved you and sent you into the world to shine His light and love.
Let’s recite this week’s memory verse from Genesis 9:12-13 (ESV), “God said, ‘This is the sign of the covenant which I am making between Me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all successive generations; I set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a sign of a covenant between Me and the earth.’”
God Bless you!
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Seize the Moment – Day 343
Chosen Children!
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Tuesday, February 23.
I want to emphasize to you the heart of John’s short letter, called 2 John, from one congregation to another, from one part of the family to another.
Listen to John at the beginning of the letter in verses 4-6,
I was very glad to find some of your children walking in truth, just as we have received commandment to do from the Father. Now I ask you, lady, not as though I were writing to you a new commandment, but the one which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments.
Now listen to how he finishes the letter in verses 12-13, “Though I have many things to write to you, I do not want to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, so that your joy may be made full. The children of your chosen sister greet you.”
John’s letter is a masterpiece that teaches us how we should relate to one another as members of the one church of Jesus Christ—we should see one another as fellow children of God.
His letter also emphasizes the heartbeat of Christianity—the love of God which is the commandment of Jesus Christ which we are to walk in and in doing so, find joy in God and one another. What a beautiful life God has chosen us for!
Seize the moment and walk in love today so that your joy may be made full.
Let’s recite this week’s memory verse from Genesis 9:12-13 (ESV), “God said, ‘This is the sign of the covenant which I am making between Me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all successive generations; I set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a sign of a covenant between Me and the earth.’”
God Bless you!
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Seize the Moment – Day 342
The Unforced Rhythms of God’s Grace!
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Monday, February 22.
Do you feel overcome by the world situation and burdened to do something about it?
Listen to 1 John 5:3-4, “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”
Our faith in Jesus Christ is the victory because Jesus has already overcome the world. Never forget that our victory is vicarious—it is what Christ has done, not what we must do! We prevent ourselves from becoming overwhelmed and burdened by it all by remembering it’s not us who can do anything, but Jesus who does it in and through us!
We are to share in His work and partner with His power and presence in the world. This is why Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28-30 is so important, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Seize the moment and let all your work be done in partnership with Jesus in the unforced rhythms of grace.
Let’s recite this week’s memory verse from Genesis 9:12-13 (ESV), “God said, ‘This is the sign of the covenant which I am making between Me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all successive generations; I set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a sign of a covenant between Me and the earth.’”
God Bless you!
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Live Like a Champion – (Week 8)
“The Promise of a Covenant”
INTRODUCTION:
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- Covenants make two into one. When two parties make a covenant in the Bible, they are joined together and identified with each other. At every covenant’s core, there is a change in relationship.
- Covenants involve promises. A practical agreement like not harming one another or protecting one another, or not to obliterate a weaker people group.
- Covenants involve families and bloodlines. In the Bible, two parties may make a covenant that is intended to last for generations. The following generations are automatically included in the covenant, and they share in the duties and benefits.
- Covenants are spiritually charged. They call God as witness. Covenants are taken seriously, and for good reason: two people are joining together based on little more than their words. They trust a divine being to hold them accountable.
- Covenants are not easily broken. The people making covenants often slaughter animals to demonstrate what should happen to the one who breaks the covenant. To break a covenant is a serious thing, it’s a bond that God Himself holds people to.
1) If we are to know the playbook, we have to read it and follow the instructions for ourselves.
*The Bible… “What is this?” (The Bible) “What are you supposed to do with it?” (Read it!)
O.T…“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Joshua 1:8
N.T…“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
2) If we are to train to be in shape, we have to set up reminders.
- I am a list maker!
- I use my phone to set up reminders of upcoming meetings and events.
O.T…“Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck. When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you.” Proverbs 6:21-22 (This echoes Deuteronomy 6:7; 11:19)
N.T… “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:14-17
3) Listen to the Coach, because communication is key!
O.T… “You shall be careful therefore to do as the Lord your God has commanded you. You shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. You shall walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess.” Deuteronomy 5:32-33
N.T… “And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.” Luke 1:38
4) If we are to work as a team, we need to show everyone Who’s team we are playing on!
Children’s song: “When we all work together”
O.T… “if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
N.T… “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16
O.T… “Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:14
N.T…“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” 1 Peter 3:15
Benediction:
Paul writes in Romans 15:5-6: “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
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Seize the Moment – Day 340
Hymn Focus: Standing on the Promises
Genesis 9:12-13
“And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.” (ESV)
Kneeling down, he made a promise that healing or not, his life was finally and forever fully consecrated to the service of the Lord. It was from that moment he felt God’s word come alive. Over the course of the next several months, he felt the healing take place as he stood on God’s promises, and his strength returned until his heart was completely healed. He lived another 49 years, healthy and whole.
“Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
when the howling storm of doubt and fear assail.
By the Living Word of God I shall prevail.
Standing on the promises of God!”
We need to wake up and follow his example of total surrender to God and start standing on His promises that He gives us through His Word. The rainbow is just one reminder of the many promises He has given us.
YOUTUBE:
Standing on the Promises
Through eternal ages let his praises ring;
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God, my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.
Bound to him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God.
List’ning ev’ry moment to the Spirit’s call,
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God.
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Seize the Moment – Day 339
The Love of God!
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Friday, February 19.
If I were to tell you of only thing about God, it would be the Love of God! God’s love illuminates my path as I seek to follow Jesus and become like Him in His easy yoke, gentle and humble in heart, fully submissive to the Father’s will—only saying what He would have me say and only doing that which He would have me do. To be immersed in the eternal fellowship of the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—which is the perfect communion of faith, hope, and love.
Listen to the beloved of Jesus speak of the love of God in 1 John 4:16-19,
We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. We love, because He first loved us.
Seize the moment and may all of your fears be swallowed by the irresistible love of God, so richly lavished upon you in Jesus Christ, crucified, risen, and coming again.
Let’s recite this week’s memory verse from Romans 8:38-39: “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
God Bless you!
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Seize the Moment – Day 338
A Life of Prayer Bears the Fruit of Practical Love!
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Thursday, February 18.
Please continue to pray for all who are being adversely affected by the winter storms. Pray for people to have electricity, to be warm and have safe shelter, hot food, and clean water. Please pray for the many linemen out in the cold trying to restore power and for our first responders and medical personnel. Thank you!
Remember that your life of prayer bears the good fruit of practical love! Listen to 1 John 3:16-18,
We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.
While I believe in and practice a disciplined life of prayer and study, the Christian life is a call to live out our faith in practical acts of sacrificial love. We are to follow Jesus’ example and love one another sacrificially so that the world will know that we are His disciples (John 13:34-35).
We all have our personalities and preferences, but for Spirit-filled Christians it is a both-and: the life of prayer and study will bear the fruit of practical love!
Seize the moment and love “in deed and truth”. It starts with prayer that leads to making a phone call to check on someone today, delivering a meal, dropping off a bag of groceries, or shoveling a driveway. You don’t have to do everything for everyone, just something for someone! It starts with prayer.
Listen to a simple version of this week’s memory verse: “For I am convinced that [nothing] will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).
God Bless you!
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Seize the Moment – Day 337
Walk Like Jesus!
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Wednesday, February 17.
Please join us for our Wednesday night Prayer Awakening service, tonight from 6:15-7. It is a sacred time of prayer focused on worship and the praying of God’s Word. Just like with all our Sunday morning services, you can join us in-person or online.
What does it mean to follow Jesus?
There are two verses in 1 John 2 that I want to highlight because they illuminate one another and will teach us what it means to follow Jesus.
One of my favorite statements on discipleship is found in 1 John 2:5b-6, “By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.”
Now, couple that with the last verse, 1 John 2:29, “If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone also who practices righteousness is born of Him.”
To follow Jesus is “to walk in the same manner as He walked”, which is to “practice righteousness.” Never forget that our right relationship with God (righteousness) is because we are born again through our union with Jesus Christ by grace through faith. That is the abiding relationship we have in the easy yoke of Jesus!
Seize the moment and walk as Jesus walked, not by putting on a robe and sandals, but by living out the work of the Holy Spirit in you—faith, hope, and love, the theological virtues of our faith!
Let’s recite this week’s memory verse, Romans 8:38-39: “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Be safe and stay warm.
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