The blog contains daily devotions and notes from the weekly messages.  We encourage you to review the notes during the sermon or through the week!  Most of the posts will have an audio and/or video link at the end of the notes.  From time to time the pastors will share other insights and devotions here.
 
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We realize it isn’t easy to always find what you are looking for, so we are in the process of organizing these blogs.  Click HERE to go to an index of blogs that reference our YouTube channel in order to get you where you need to go…

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Seize the Moment – Day 1441

The Protection of the Redeemer!

Isaiah 54

 

Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Monday, February 26.
 

Isaiah 54 reminds me of the promise in Jeremiah 29:11, which should never be taken out of its context of verse 10, “For thus says the Lord, ‘When seventy years have been completed for Babylon, I will visit you and fulfill My good word to you, to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.’” Yes, God does have a good plan for your life, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be international turmoil, national disaster, or personal hardship along the way. In fact, God’s promise of redemption and abundance in Isaiah 54 is set in the context of after “the destroyer” has been destroyed, after the seventy years of exile have been completed, as God testified in verses 7-8, “For a brief moment I forsook you, but with great compassion I will gather you. In an outburst of anger I hid My face from you for a moment, but with everlasting lovingkindness I will have compassion on you.”

 

The destroyer is any tool in God’s hands to bring about His righteous judgment, so, never forget, that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). No matter what you are facing, God’s promises will prevail, as declared in Isaiah 54:17, “No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their vindication is from Me.”

 

Seize the moment and put yourself under the protection of the Redeemer – there is no weapon, which has been formed against God’s people or His will, that can thwart the finished work of Jesus on the Cross.

 
 

God bless you!

 

If you would like to receive a personal phone call today, all you have to do is dial the phone number below right now and one of us will call you soon.

 

YOUTUBE:

If you prefer a video, Pastor Jerry reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.

 


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Everyday Discipleship Wk 7

Everyday Discipleship with Real People

Teaching #7: “How to Work with Christ and Do All Things for God’s Glory!

 
 

(If you are just beginning your journey, please click HERE to read the introduction

 
Loving accountability from the first 6 weeks:

 

1) Bible intake of Matthew 1 to 1 Corinthians 6: Y or N

2) Use the S.O.A.P. Bible journaling technique: Y or N

3) Pray & meditate upon the Lord’s Prayer daily: Y or N

4) Memorize the assigned Bible verses, to include last week’s memory verse of Galatians 5:25: Y or N

5) Manage your calendar for the “Big Three” and for gathering with your church: Y or N

6) Did you “start your engines,” “keep your chin up,” and “trust His promises”?

 

+ Disciple = intentionally following Jesus’ way and teachings

+ Discipleship = intentional journey and life-long commitment to learn and manifest the fruit of who I am in Christ

+ The “Big Three” = transformative practices of Bible intake, prayer intimacy, and spiritual friendships

+ Church = intentional community of disciples who are called in love, gathered for love, and sent on mission

+ Walk by the Spirit = empowered lifestyle of focused surrender

 

Jesus doesn’t ask you to work for Him! He invites you to have life with Him! Memorize Matthew 11:28-30.

+ Come to Me… (Same invitation as Mark 1:17)

+ “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion?” (which makes sense when you realize Jesus was contrasting Himself with the Pharisees, as per Matthew 23:4-12)

+ “I will give you rest” (How does this promise connect to Mark 1:17? How does 1 John 5:3-4 inform your answer?)

+ Take My yoke upon and learn from Me (Discipleship!)

+ I am gentle and humble in heart (Spiritual Formation!)

+ Jesus quotes Jeremiah 6:16. Read it in its context, then check out the context of Jesus’ gracious promise in Matthew 11:20-24.)

+ My yoke is “easy” = custom-made / well-suited (your personal relationship with Jesus) Read Acts 15:10-11.

+ My burden is light. Read Galatians 5:1 & 13, which leads us into last week’s training on walking by the Spirit.
 

Do all things for God’s glory! Read Colossians 3:23-24.

+ Whatever you do… (Does that exclude any activities?)

+ with your whole living being (soul) = Wholeheartedly!

+ as for the Lord, not for men (Read Galatians 1:10. How does this free you up from people pleasing tendencies?)

+ What reward are you hoping to receive from Jesus? Think about 2 Timothy 2:4 and Matthew 25:21.

 

Jesus’ teaching on the vine and the branches brings it all together – you need a trellis if you are going to bear fruit in the Kingdom of God! Read John 15:1-8.

+ “My Father is glorified by this…” (8)

 
 

Action Items for this week:

 

1) Bible intake for this week: 1 Cor. 7-16 & 2 Cor. 1-9.

2) Write a SOAP journal entry for either each chapter or each day. Bring your notebook to take notes.

3) Review this handout as you prepare to read your Bible every day. Invite the Holy Spirit to help you “become” conformed to the image of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29).

4) Memorize Matthew 11:28-30 and intentionally see yourself getting in the custom-made yoke of Jesus every day. Pay attention to when you strain, or slack, pull, or push.
 
 
MATERIALS TO DOWNLOAD & PRINT:
 
 
 

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Seize the Moment – Day 1439

Today’s worship song focus :

Every Move I Make

 

Psalm 139:1-3 (NASB95)     

“ O Lord, You have searched me and known me.

You know when I sit down and when I rise up;

You understand my thought from afar.

You scrutinize my path and my lying down,

And are intimately acquainted with all my ways.”

 

Written by David Ruis and recorded by David Crowder Band in 1999, this energetic song of worship reflects our faith and trust in God’s plan. We are reminded that He is our guide, our protector and our source of strength because of His constant presence in our lives.

 

            Every move I make, I make in You, You make me move Jesus

            Every breath I take I breathe in You.

            Every step I take I take in You, You are my way Jesus

            Every breath I take I breathe in You.

 

We need to wake up and live our lives in alignment with God’s will each day. Then you will find joy and purpose as you surrender your will to His and move the way He wants for you. For He is the One who orders our steps.
 
 
 

If you would like to receive a personal phone call today, all you have to do is dial the phone number below right now and one of us will call you soon.

 

YOUTUBE:

If you prefer a video, Pastor Ken reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.

 

If you would like to listen to this song, click on this link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPvnZILn6EY

 

Every Move I Make

 
Na, Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na, Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na, Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na, Na Na Na Na Na Na
 
Every move I make, I make in you
You make me move, (Jesus)
Every breath I take I breath in you
Every step I take, I take in you
You are my way (Jesus)
Every breath I take I breath in you
 
Na, Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na, Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na, Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na, Na Na Na Na Na Na
 
Every move I make, I make in you
You make me move, (Jesus)
Every breath I take I breath in you
 
Every step I take, I take in you
You are my way (Jesus)
Every breath I take I breath in you
 
Waves of mercy Waves of grace
Everywhere I look I see your face
Your love has captured me
Oh my God, this love, how can it be?
 
Na, Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na, Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na, Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na, Na Na Na Na Na Na
 
Every move I make, I make in you
You make me move, (Jesus)
Every breath I take I breath in you
 
Every step I take, I take in you
You are my way (Jesus)
Every breath I take I breath in you
 
Waves of mercy Waves of grace
Everywhere I look I see your face
Your love has captured me
Oh my God, this love, how can it be?
 
Na, Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na, Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na, Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na, Na Na Na Na Na Na
 
 

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Seize the Moment – Day 1438

The Wounds of the Suffering Servant!

Isaiah 53

 

Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Friday, February 23.
 

Churches gather on Good Friday to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, often reading the entirety of the fourth Suffering Servant Song, found in Isaiah 52:13-53:12. As it was written seven hundred years before Jesus’ crucifixion, it is considered one of the most accurate prophecies of His atoning sacrifice. The details, as recorded in Isaiah 53:4-12, are undeniable:

 

Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed. All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him. He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth; like a lamb that is led to slaughter, and like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, so He did not open His mouth. … As a result of the anguish of His soul, He will see it and be satisfied; by His knowledge the Righteous One, My Servant, will justify the many, as He will bear their iniquities. Therefore, I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the booty with the strong; because He poured out Himself to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; yet He Himself bore the sin of many, and interceded for the transgressors.

 

Seize the moment and meditate upon the crucifixion of Jesus Christ (Matthew 27:33-66; Mark 15:22-47; Luke 23:33-56; John 19:16-42) – by His wounds you are healed (1 Peter 2:24).

 

 
 

God bless you!

 

If you would like to receive a personal phone call today, all you have to do is dial the phone number below right now and one of us will call you soon.

 

YOUTUBE:

If you prefer a video, Pastor Jerry reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.

 
 

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Seize the Moment – Day 1437

Put on Good Shoes for the Journey!

Isaiah 52

 

Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Thursday, February 22.

 

Years ago, during a long multi-day backcountry hike on the Appalachian Trail in the Smoky Mountains, the tread on my right hiking boot broke off. My hiking boots were old and high mileage, but I never would have imagined that I would lose my sole on the Appalachian Trail. When it started to rain, and the trail became very slick, like walking through a stream, I started to slip and fall, causing me to become frustrated and fatigued as I walked. I learned my lesson: put on a good pair of shoes before you start a journey!

 

When Paul taught Christians “how to stand firm against the schemes of the devil,” he commanded, “put on the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:11-17). This included a good pair of shoes, as described in Ephesians 6:15, “shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” Just like I had lost my sole on the Appalachian Trail, you don’t want to lose your soul during the long arduous journey of life because you are not stable on your feet. Walk securely in your knowledge of Jesus and His gospel, allowing Him to stabilize you through storms and difficulties. This image was not new to Paul; it came from Isaiah 52:7-10:

 

How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who announces peace and brings good news of happiness, who announces salvation, and says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Listen! … The Lord has bared His holy arm in the sight of all the nations, that all the ends of the earth may see the salvation of our God.

 

Seize the moment and walk securely in all your ways by ensuring you have put on the good shoes of the good news! Every step matters so make sure it is God’s peace that is leading you wherever you may go.
 
 

God bless you!

 

If you would like to receive a personal phone call today, all you have to do is dial the phone number below right now and one of us will call you soon.

 

YOUTUBE:

If you prefer a video, Pastor Jerry reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.

 
 

 


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Seize the Moment – Day 1436

Unite People with their Origin Story!

Isaiah 51

 

Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Wednesday,
 

To unite a people around a common goal, you bring them back to their origin story. This is why people remember the founders of great movements, and the sacrifices they made to give us our origin story. For example, this is why Americans honor George Washington and celebrate the Fourth of July, to remember the great cost of our freedoms. Over time, and quicker than you would think, people become distracted, disgruntled, and disunified, so, you must find, and leverage, their origin story, in hopes of reminding them of why it is important to persevere with hard work and suffering for a shared vision of the future.

 

At such a time in Israel’s history, when God was rallying the remnant to give them a hope for their future, He reminded them in Isaiah 51:1-2, “Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness, who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were hewn and to the quarry from which you were dug. Look to Abraham your father and to Sarah who gave birth to you in pain; when he was but one I called him, then I blessed him and multiplied him.” In reminding the people of their origin story, He invoked His ancient promise to Abraham and Sarah, recorded in Genesis 12:2-3, “I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing; and I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.”

 

Seize the moment and never forget that you, too, are of the seed of Abraham through faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:29; cf. Romans 4) – you have been blessed to be a blessing! When you get distracted, disgruntled, or disunified from this purpose, look to the Cross of Calvary!

 

 

God bless you!

 

If you would like to receive a personal phone call today, all you have to do is dial the phone number below right now and one of us will call you soon.

 

YOUTUBE:

If you prefer a video, Pastor Jerry reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.

 
 

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Seize the Moment – Day 1435

The First Disciple!

Isaiah 50

 

Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Tuesday, February 20.

 

A disciple is a person who intentionally follows the ways and teachings of the master. The third Suffering Servant Song, found in Isaiah 50:4-9, teaches us a very important lesson about the Messiah:

 

The Lord God has given Me the tongue of disciples, that I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple. The Lord God has opened My ear; and I was not disobedient nor did I turn back. I gave My back to those who strike Me, and My cheeks to those who pluck out the beard; I did not cover My face from humiliation and spitting. For the Lord God helps Me, therefore, I am not disgraced; therefore, I have set My face like flint, and I know that I will not be ashamed. … Let him draw near to Me. Behold, the Lord God helps Me; who is he who condemns Me? ….

 

Before Jesus called you to be His disciple, He was the first disciple of His Father (4-5). In other words, unlike Israel (1-3), the Suffering Servant of Israel would accurately learn what God wanted Him to learn, saying and doing what had been given for Him to do. Jesus testified to this truth in John 17:4, 7-8:

 

I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do. … Now they have come to know that everything You have given Me is from You; for the words which You gave Me I have given to them; and they received them and truly understood that I came forth from You, and they believed that You sent Me.

 

Seize the moment and follow the first disciple of God, who came to show us the Father, trusting that the Holy Spirit will work in you to bring about the Father’s good pleasure – your conformity to His Son (Mark 1:17; Philippians 2:12-13; Romans 8:28-29).
 
 

God bless you!

 

If you would like to receive a personal phone call today, all you have to do is dial the phone number below right now and one of us will call you soon.

 

YOUTUBE:

If you prefer a video, Pastor Jerry reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.

 

 

 


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Seize the Moment – Day 1434

The Light of the Nations!

Isaiah 49

 

Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Monday, February 19.

 

The second of the four Suffering Servant Songs is found in Isaiah 49. While Israel is named God’s servant in verse 3, the song then described the Messiah of Israel as the light of the nations in verses 5-7:

 

And now says the Lord, who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant, to bring Jacob back to Him, so that Israel might be gathered to Him (For I am honored in the sight of the Lord, and My God is My strength), He says, “It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also make You a light of the nations so that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” Thus says the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel and its Holy One, to the despised One, to the One abhorred by the nation, to the Servant of rulers, “Kings will see and arise, princes will also bow down, because of the Lord who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel who has chosen You.”

 

The Suffering Servant is “the light of the nations” (6; cf. 42:6). In Luke 2:30-32, Simeon prophesied over Jesus, when He was being dedicated in the temple, “For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.” Jesus is “the Light of the world” (John 8:12; 9:5). He came through Jacob to not only redeem Israel, but “so that My salvation may reach to the ends of the earth,” as “the Savior of the World” (1 John 4:14). Jesus sends you to shine His light to the nations (Matthew 5:14-16; Matthew 28:18-20).

 

Seize the moment and “walk as children of Light” (Ephesians 5:8; cf. John 12:35-36).

 
 

God bless you!

 

If you would like to receive a personal phone call today, all you have to do is dial the phone number below right now and one of us will call you soon.

 

YOUTUBE:

If you prefer a video, Pastor Jerry reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.

 

 
 

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Everyday Discipleship Wk 6

Everyday Discipleship with Real People

Teaching #6: “How to Walk by the Spirit!”

 
 

(If you are just beginning your journey, please click HERE to read the introduction

 
Loving accountability from the first 5 weeks:
1) Bible intake of Matthew 1 to Romans 3: Y or N
[Note: if this pace of Bible intake is too much for you, please know that
grace abounds! Don’t quit; keep going! Find a pace that works for you.]
2) Use the S.O.A.P. Bible journaling technique: Y or N
3) Pray & meditate upon the Lord’s Prayer daily: Y or N
4) Memorize the assigned Bible verses of Mark 1:17; Gal.5:22-3; 1 Thess. 5:17; John 13:34-35; and Mt. 5:14: Y or N
5) Manage your calendar for the “Big Three” and for gathering with your church: Y or N
 
 
+ Disciple = intentionally following Jesus’ way and teachings
+ Discipleship = intentional journey and life-long commitment to learn and manifest the fruit of who I am in Christ
+ The “Big Three” = transformative practices of Bible intake, prayer intimacy, and spiritual friendships
+ Great Community = intentional community of disciples who are called in love, gathered for love, and sent on mission
 
Two promises of Jesus that I want us to consider as we begin this conversation:
Mark 1:17 & Matthew 28:20.
 
+ “I will make you become…”
+ “I am with you always…”
 
Where is Jesus right now? Read Romans 8:34.
+ Jesus is at the right hand of the Father.
+ Interceding! Read context starting in Romans 8:26.
 
How then is He keeping His promise?
Read John 14:16-21.
 
+ Jesus asked the Father to send the Helper.
+ The Helper will be with us forever.
+ The Helper is the Holy Spirit (John 14:26-27; 16:5-15).
 
Walking by the Spirit is an empowered lifestyle of focused surrender!
The goal is the same as we learned in our first session – Christlikeness (Romans 8:29)!
 
EMPOWERED! “Start your engines!”
 
+ 1 Corinthians 2:12-16; 3:16
+ 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
+ 1 John 4:1-4
 
FOCUSED! “Keep your chin up!”
 
+ Romans 8:3-17
+ Ephesians 4:17-32
+ Galatians 5:16-25 (Memorize Galatians 5:25)
+ Hebrews 12:1-3
 
SURRENDERED! “Trust the promises!”
 
+ 2 Peter 1:2-4
+ Galatians 2:20-3:3
+ Philippians 2:1-13
 

Action Items for this week:

 
1) Bible intake for this week: Romans 4-16 & 1 Cor. 1-6.
2) Write a SOAP journal entry for either each chapter or each day. Bring your notebook. Are you willing to share?
3) Review this handout as you prepare to read your Bible every day. Invite the Holy Spirit to help you “become” conformed to the image of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29).
4) Memorize Galatians 5:25 and intentionally invite the Holy Spirit to lead you in your daily walk with Jesus, moment by moment, and decision by decision.
 
MATERIALS TO DOWNLOAD & PRINT:
 
 
 
 
 
 
(The following links will become active as soon as possible following Sunday’s message)
 

If you would like to watch this lesson on YouTube, click HERE.

 
 

If you would like to view the entire service including music, etc. click HERE.

 
 
 
 

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Seize the Moment – Day 1432

Today’s worship song focus :

Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah

Isaiah 58:11 (NASB95)     

 
 
 
 
“ And the Lord will continually guide you,

And satisfy your desire in scorched places,

And give strength to your bones;

And you will be like a watered garden,

And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.”

 

Today’s hymn was written in 1745 by William Williams, originally in Welsh, and later translated into the song we know today. Williams was studying to be a doctor when he encountered the preaching of Howell Harris, which led to his conversion. It was then that he gave up his studies to seek his ordination in the Established Church. He used the beautiful imagery of the Old Testament book of Exodus to show God’s guidance and provision through the strife and how it continues today.

 

              Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah, Pilgrim through this barren land.

              I am week, but Thou art mighty, Hold me with Thy powerful hand.

 

We need to wake up and affirm in our own lives that God provides for us and redeems all wrong in the world. Hold fast to His promises that are yes and amen! No matter what you are facing, He is there to guide you through it!
 
 

If you would like to receive a personal phone call today, all you have to do is dial the phone number below right now and one of us will call you soon.

 

YOUTUBE:

If you prefer a video, Pastor Ken reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.

 

If you would like to listen to this song, click on this link:

 

Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah

 
1.
Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this barren land.
I am weak, but Thou art mighty;
Hold me with Thy powerful hand.
Bread of heaven,
Bread of heaven,
Feed me now and evermore;
Feed me now and evermore.
 
2.
Open now the crystal fountain,
Whence the healing waters flow;
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
Lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer,
Strong Deliverer,
Be Thou still my Strength and Shield.
Be Thou still my Strength and Shield.
 
3.
When I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fears subside;
Death of death, and hell’s destruction,
Land me safe on Canaan’s side.
Songs of praises,
Songs of praises,
I will ever give to Thee;
I will ever give to Thee.
 
(Repeat 3)
 
Ending
Songs of praises,
Songs of praises,
I will ever give to Thee;
I will ever give to Thee.
 

©2002 2037 Music (ASCAP).admin. by The Loving Company.Used by permission. All rights reserved.

 
 
 
 

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