Seize the Moment – Day 1438
The Wounds of the Suffering Servant!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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
Teaching #6: “How to Walk by the Spirit!”
(If you are just beginning your journey, please click HERE to read the introduction
grace abounds! Don’t quit; keep going! Find a pace that works for you.]
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
+ 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
+ “I am with you always…”
+ Interceding! Read context starting in Romans 8:26.
+ The Helper will be with us forever.
+ The Helper is the Holy Spirit (John 14:26-27; 16:5-15).
+ 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
+ 1 John 4:1-4
+ Ephesians 4:17-32
+ Galatians 5:16-25 (Memorize Galatians 5:25)
+ Hebrews 12:1-3
+ Galatians 2:20-3:3
+ Philippians 2:1-13
Action Items for this week:
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.
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 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.
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
Pilgrim through this barren land.
I am weak, but Thou art mighty;
Hold me with Thy powerful hand.
Bread of heaven,
Feed me now and evermore.
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.
Bid my anxious fears subside;
Death of death, and hell’s destruction,
Land me safe on Canaan’s side.
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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Seize the Moment – Day 1431
No Peace for the Wicked!
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Friday, February 16.
As a non-Christian youth of Generation X, of course I listened to Ozzy Osborne in the late 80s and early 90s. So, later in life, when I read Isaiah 48:22, where the Lord said, “There is no peace for the wicked” (cf. 57:21), I remembered the name of Ozzy’s 1988 album, “No rest for the wicked.” As per the album title, it included “Miracle Man,” the song which offered a scathing rebuke for the hypocrisy of the fallen televangelist Jimmy Swaggart, who had been a vocal critic of the famed British music artist, but himself was currently caught up in multiple sex scandals that led to his disgrace and defrocking.
When Isaiah proclaimed, “There is no peace for the wicked,” he was declaring the need for all people’s absolute need for God’s redemption – Babylon and Israel, Jimmy and Ozzy! We love to create us-them dichotomies, but the reality is that we all need the peace of God as promised in the following verses:
- “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14:27).
- “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
- “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
- “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful” (Colossians 3:15).
Seize the moment and share your faith by extending God’s gift of love and forgiveness. Be at peace with everyone, not through the hypocrisy of religion, but through the rest Jesus promises in His easy yoke (Romans 12:18; Matthew 11:28-30).
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 1430
Beware of Real Danger!
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Thursday, February 15.
Witchcraft and magic are real. The danger of dabbling with spells and sorceries is like playing with fire. You are going to get burned because the powers and principalities you are seeking to manipulate have their own agenda, and there is nothing innocent about any of it! We saw Pharoah’s magicians matching some of Moses’ miraculous signs in Exodus 7, and we watched Saul consult a medium in 1 Samuel 28. As God cast His judgment upon Babylon, He referenced their wicked use of witchcraft in Isaiah 47:9b-11:
In spite of your many sorceries, in spite of the great power of your spells. You felt secure in your wickedness and said, “No one sees me,” your wisdom and your knowledge, they have deluded you; for you have said in your heart, “I am, and there is no one besides me.” But evil will come on you which you will not know how to charm away; and disaster will fall on you for which you cannot atone; and destruction about which you do not know will come on you suddenly.
Yahweh continued, saying that such supernatural means would not save Babylon from destruction; in fact, they would become like stubble burned in the fire. The use of spiritism and magic, commonly practiced by the ancients to manipulate their gods, was specifically forbidden for the Israelites (Deuteronomy 18:9-14). The same is true for followers of Jesus; we are to turn away from all forms of evil (Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Peter 3:11; Revelation 21:8). Remove such things from your life because evil only wants “to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10:10). Don’t seek wisdom or power from below, but from God (James 3:15-17).
Seize the moment and stop seeking power through forbidden means – “You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
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 1429
The Victory of God!
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Wednesday, February 14.
In ancient times, wars between nations were considered the battle grounds of the gods. In Isaiah 46, Yahweh took on the Babylonian gods, overtly calling them by name in the first verses, then contrasting them with Himself in verses 1-4:
Bel has bowed down, Nebo stoops over; their images are consigned to the beasts and the cattle. The things that you carry are burdensome, a load for the weary beast. They stooped over, they have bowed down together; they could not rescue the burden, but have themselves gone into captivity. Listen to Me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, you who have been borne by Me from birth and have been carried from the womb; even to your old age I will be the same, and even to your graying years I will bear you! I have done it, and I will carry you; and I will bear you and I will deliver you.
Bel, also known as Marduk, was the principal god in the Babylonian pantheon of gods. He was a storm god associated with fertility and creation. Nebo was his son and was popularly paraded during Babylonian festivals. Isaiah portrayed them both as idols, false gods who burdened their worshippers. Then he contrasted them with Yahweh, the true God who bears the heavy burden of His worshippers. God declared of Himself in Isaiah 46:9-10, “For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which have not been done, saying, ‘My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure.’”
Seize the moment and trust Jesus for every victory – “He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him” (Colossians 2:15; cf. 2 Corinthians 2:14). It is done!
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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