Sunday Words of Encouragement December 4, 2022 - Prince of Peace!

Our Sunday School teacher presented the lesson on Revelation 21 regarding the new heaven, the new earth and a new Jerusalem coming down from heaven. As we finish up the study of this book, he reminded us that Revelation is a book of hope.

Our Sunday Service opened with some seasonal and worship songs. Then a long time church family shared the second candle of Advent – the candle of Bethlehem that signifies Peace. This family lost the mother seven years ago after years of illness from cancer. Yet the whole family continually shows peace in their lives. The father reminded us that peace comes from faith, salvation, comfort, and God’s presence. We can have peace regardless of circumstances because the peace is based on our relationship with God.

Pastor’s sermon continued the message on the Prince of Peace base on the scripture of Isaiah 9:6-7. Isaiah gave many prophetic messages directed to call the people of Israel from the bondage of sin. The titles or names that are used (as often in our own names) reflect the character of the child.

1. Wonderful Counselor – a counselor who gives above average, above par, excelling advice. As one Christian author has noted: ‘God speaks to us by His spirit and His word. Also, by nature (His creation) itself’. God is our Paraclete – a helper who comes alongside. We need to be aware to not just talk but to listen to the counselor. Jesus wants to be involved in your daily life.

2. Mighty God – God Incarnate. Jesus proclaims ‘God is greater than all and I and the Father are one.’ John 10:29-30. We have an image is of a Victorious God. 1 Corinthians 15:57 and a strong God. Proverbs 18:10. Jesus overcame the enemy. He “disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” Colossians 2:15.

3. Everlasting Father – this is a reference to relationship on time. God is the “ancient of days”. Daniel 7:13. God has always been. John 1. He is the “I am”. Exodus 3:14 and several verses in John such as John 8:18, 24, 28, 58. He is our protection and provider. Ephesians 6:10.

4. Price of Peace – The kingdom Christ brings is one of righteousness, joy and peace. Romans 14:17. Don't get caught up in the drama of the world. Christ gives peace in the midst of the storm. Beginning in Genesis 1:2 God hovered over the chaos.... Leave the drama behind and focus and walk in peace. Through the storm He holds my hand. We are separated by sin need reconciliation. World of chaos.
We have peace with God. And He gives us His special peace. John 14:27.

Jesus calms the sea. Mark 4:39. And tells a woman ‘Daughter go in peace, and be healed’. Mark 5:34

God fills you with joy and peace. Romans 15:13.
God is peace. 1 Thessalonian 5:23.
Peter reminds the believers “May grace and peace be yours in full measure through your knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” 2 Peter 1:2.

We are God’s precious people and we can have peace through our relationship with Him. Our lives should show peace to others.

This song is for this message: Glory, Let There be Peace

Verses for Today:
Isaiah 9:6-7 NIV
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.

I give thanks daily for the Peace that I find in my Father God, Savior Christ, and Comforter Spirit.

Merry Christmas 2021

I have been busy with family here at home but I have been thinking of all my blog world family too.

May the spirit of Christmas fill your hearts today and always!

Isaiah 9:6-7 NIV
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.

Sunday Words of Encouragement December 1, 2019 - Advent Week 1

The Advent Candle Wreath:
The first candle, which is purple, symbolizes hope. It is sometimes called the “Prophecy Candle” in remembrance of the prophets, especially Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. It represents the expectation felt in anticipation of the coming Messiah.

Isaiah 9:2, 6-7:
“The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned. […]
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.”

Sunday Words of Encouragement

Today is the Second Sunday in Advent when we light the candle of the shepherds who were given the announcement of the glad tidings that brought Joy to Bethlehem.

What an awesome morning in church! Our Sunday School teacher continued with the lessons in Revelation noting a timely Advent/Christmas connection with Isaiah 9:6-7. Isaiah prophesies: ‘unto us a Child is born...and the government will be upon His shoulder.’ The baby is born as a King, but He doesn’t get to reign as King during His lifetime. The ruling portion of the prophesy is yet to come as described in Revelation 20 and 21.

We had a wonderful guest preacher who shares with our congregation every December. Today his message was a timely message for Advent and any time during our lives. The relevant scripture is Luke 2:22-36 that describes how Simeon had waited for the fulfillment of God’s promise that he, Simeon, would see the promised salvation. Anna, an 84 year old prophetess who was still serving at God’s temple, was speaking of Him to all who were looking for redemption.

These two show the righteousness spirit and devoted commitment needed to properly wait on God.
Waiting on God does not mean sitting still on the sidelines. Waiting involves action as noted in Isaiah 40:31 - those who wait will renew, mount up, run... As we wait properly, our waiting will be rewarded. The best will come from God's plans. God fulfills ALL His promises. Have you committed to accept the promise in God's timing? Hold on to the promise but continue to seek and serve while you wait.

Although this is not a Christmas Carol it fits well with the message that was shared. 

Our visiting preacher had never heard this praise song before this morning.
He was impressed because it fit his message. 

It is wonderfully affirming when God does things like that!

Verses for Today:
Isaiah 9:6-7 (NKJV)
6 For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

I was particularly excited by the messages this morning as they also fit right in with the Advent study I am reading in Every Valley.