Notes of Faith December 25, 2024

Notes of Faith December 25, 2024

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The Right Time

But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law.

Galatians 4:4

“I’m not sure exactly what time I’ll be there; but I will be there—promise,” a father tells his teenage daughter. The daughter’s faith is dependent on one thing: the father’s character. She has grown up knowing that her father keeps his word. She doesn’t need to know exactly what time he will arrive, but she knows he will show up.

God spoke through the Old Testament prophets about the coming of the Messiah without ever saying exactly when He would appear. But there is no record of the prophets doubting God’s promises. They didn’t need to know the exact time because they had learned to trust in God’s words. So when Christ did appear, the apostle Paul said it happened in “the fullness of the time.” That is, it happened at the “right time” according to God’s plans and purposes (Galatians 4:4, NLT).

God has given us promises without telling us, for the most part, how or when they will be kept. But the fulfilled promise of Christmas reminds us that God always keeps His promises at the “right time.”

Christmas is the day that holds all time together.

Alexander Smith

God is always right on time for everything! Jesus came to us right on time and He is coming again right on time…perhaps today!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith December 24, 2024

Notes of Faith December 24, 2024

Holiday Peace

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

Philippians 4:6

A 2023 survey reported by the American Heart Association noted that out of 1,000 respondents 63 percent said the Christmas holidays are more stressful than the April tax season. And 51 percent reported that it takes weeks to recover from the holidays—especially for mothers.1

Recommended Reading:

Luke 1:13

The very first Christmas was simpler than our modern, commercialized version—and, therefore, less stressful, we would think. But there was fear and stress associated with the first Christmas as well. Zechariah was fearful about the announcement of his son John the Baptist’s birth (Luke 1:13). Mary was fearful about becoming the unwed mother of Jesus (Luke 1:30). And the shepherds outside Bethlehem were fearful when a host of angels announced Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:10). In each case, it was the fear of the unknown that resulted in their unrest.

If you have concerns or fears this Christmas season, commit them to God in prayer. Be anxious for nothing by receiving His peace (Philippians 4:7).

Courage is fear that has said its prayers.

Unknown

Luke 1:12-13

Zacharias was troubled when he saw the angel, and fear gripped him. 13 But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias.

Luke 1:28-31

"Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." 29 But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. 30 The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.

Matt 1:20-21

Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife.

Luke 2:9-14

9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid;

Throughout the Bible we read “Fear Not” 63 times in the King James Version.

Even in the Christmas story we are told “Fear Not” when God is pleased.

This should remind us that there are rewards and consequences for our actions and most certainly in our relationship with God. Being an obedient child of God brings reward and blessing, for God is pleased. Being rebellious, disobedient, unbelieving, brings consequences of God’s discipline, even His wrath.

Those that belong to God, even though they sin, need to “Fear Not” for you are in Christ Jesus, and are seen in the perfection of Jesus, with whom God is pleased!

My prayer for you this day is that you are in Christ, a believer and follower of your Lord and Savior, and therefore have NO reason to ever fear!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith December 23, 2024

Notes of Faith December 23, 2024

Seeking and Saving

For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Luke 19:10

Countless paintings show Jesus holding a lamb in His arms. Other paintings show Him approaching an individual sheep that He, the Good Shepherd, sought out after it became separated from the flock. This latter image comes from the parable Jesus told about a man who owned 100 sheep but discovered one was missing. He left the 99 and searched until he found the lost sheep (Matthew 18:12-14). In His words to Zacchaeus, the tax collector, Jesus summarized His mission: “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

The premise behind seeking is an acknowledgement that something is lost. In Romans 3:10-18, Paul cites a litany of Old Testament verses showing that man is lost and in need of being found. The problem is that man is not inclined to seek after God: “There is none who seeks after God” (verse 11). And no one can be found who does not first acknowledge he is lost.

The first step in being saved is admitting one is lost—separated from God. The good news is that Jesus came to seek and save all who need to be found.

Thou didst seek us when we sought Thee not.

Augustine

Rom 3:10-18

"THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE;

11 THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS,

THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD;

12 ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS;

THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD,

THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE."

13 "THEIR THROAT IS AN OPEN GRAVE,

WITH THEIR TONGUES THEY KEEP DECEIVING,"

"THE POISON OF ASPS IS UNDER THEIR LIPS";

14 "WHOSE MOUTH IS FULL OF CURSING AND BITTERNESS";

15 "THEIR FEET ARE SWIFT TO SHED BLOOD,

16 DESTRUCTION AND MISERY ARE IN THEIR PATHS,

17 AND THE PATH OF PEACE THEY HAVE NOT KNOWN."

18 "THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD BEFORE THEIR EYES."

This unbelieving in this world want no God, no authority above themselves.

Heb 4:7

TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE,

DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS.

Matt 11:28

28 "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.

We all need rest from a wearying, dark and lost world.

Come, Lord Jesus!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith December 22, 2024

Notes of Faith December 22, 2024

Immanuel

In the Greek: Ἐμμανουήλ

EMMANOUEL

The name Immanuel appears twice in the Hebrew Scriptures and once in the New Testament. One of the most comforting of all the names and titles of Jesus, it is literally translated “with us is God” or, as Matthew’s Gospel puts it, “God with us.” When our sins made it impossible for us to come to Him, God took the outrageous step of coming to us, of making Himself susceptible to sorrow, familiar with temptation, and vulnerable to sin’s disruptive power in order to cancel its claim. In Jesus we see how extreme God’s love is. Remember this the next time you feel discouraged, abandoned, or too timid to undertake some new endeavor. For Jesus is still Immanuel — He is still “God with us.”

All this happened so that what the Lord had spoken through the prophet came true: “The virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a Son, and they will name Him Immanuel,” which means “God is with us.” — Matthew 1:22–23

God Reveals His Name in Scripture

Matthew 1:18-23

Open your personal Bible translation and read the same passage. Make note when you see the name IMMANUEL.

18 The birth of Yeshua Christ took place in this way. His mother Mary had been promised to Joseph in marriage. But before they were married, Mary realized that she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph was an honorable man and did not want to disgrace her publicly. So he decided to break the marriage agreement with her secretly. 20 Joseph had this in mind when an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. The angel said to him, “Joseph, descendant of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife. She is pregnant by the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a Son, and you will name Him Yeshua [He Saves], because He will save His people from their sins.” 22 All this happened so that what the Lord had spoken through the prophet came true: 23 “The virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a Son, and they will name Him Immanuel,” which means “God is with us.”

Understanding the Name

The name Immanuel (im-ma-nu-AIL) first appears in Isaiah 7:14 as part of a prophetic word that Isaiah spoke to King Ahaz of Judah (the southern kingdom) at a time when Aram and Israel (the northern kingdom) had formed a coalition against Assyria. The prophet Isaiah counseled Ahaz not to join in their uprising against Assyria, he urged Ahaz to trust in the Lord. Then the prophet invited Ahaz to ask the Lord for a sign to confirm the prophetic word, but the king refused.

In response to Ahaz’s refusal to trust God, Isaiah proclaimed: “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and give birth to a Son, and will call Him Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:14 NIV

Matthew’s gospel recalls Isaiah’s prophecy, applying it to the child who would soon be born to Mary (Matthew 1:22–23). The sign given hundreds of years earlier was meant for all God’s people. In fact, the Bible is nothing if not the story of God’s persistent desire to dwell with His people. In Jesus, God succeeded in a unique way, becoming a man in order to save the world not from the outside, but from the inside. Immanuel, God with us, to rescue, redeem, and restore our relationship with Him.

Jesus is still Immanuel — He is still “God with us.”

What does this title of Jesus reveal about His nature?

How have you experienced Immanuel — God being with you in your life thus far? See if you can recall a specific time in your life when God seemed especially near or think about all the small signs of his presence in your life.

When have you struggled to believe that God is living up to His name? That he truly is with you?

Matthew begins and ends his gospel (see Matthew 28:20) with the promise that God is with us. How would your life be different if you began and ended each day with the firm belief that God is with you?

Jesus said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (see Hebrews 13:5). How should this truth affect your perspective, especially in difficult times?

Describe times in your life when you have not been with God. How might this have affected your experience of Immanuel?

Thank God for His persistence in pursuing you. Ask Him to increase your confidence in His desire to be with you.

Focus on the meaning of the name Immanuel, God with us, as you read

Psalm 139:7–10.

7 Where can I go to get away from Your Ruach? Where can I run to get away from You? 8 If I go up to Heaven, You are there. If I make my bed in hell, You are there. 9 If I climb upward on the rays of the morning sun or land on the most distant shore of the sea where the sun sets, 10 even there Your hand would guide me and Your right hand would hold on to me.

Look up and read: John 15:9–12

How can you remain one with Immanuel? In His conversation with His disciples just before His death, Jesus assures them that obedience allows them to live in His love. Ask God to lead you into deeper obedience.

Promises from Immanuel

11 But Moses said to Elohim, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the people of Israel out of Egypt?” 12 Elohim answered, “I will be with you. And this will be the proof that I sent you: When you bring the people out of Egypt, all of you will worship Elohim on this mountain.” — Exodus 3:11–12

20 Teach them to do everything I have commanded you. “And remember that I am always with you until the end of time.” — Matthew 28:20

For Deeper Study

Read the following passages, considering the name IMMANUEL and how its meaning relates to the context of the passage.

Genesis 28:15, Exodus 3:11–12, Joshua 1:5–9, Isaiah 8:10, Matthew 28:20, John 14:15–21, 1 Corinthians 3:16, Hebrews 13:5–6

Excerpted from Praying the Names of God for 52 Weeks by Ann Spangler, copyright Ann Spangler.

God has always been with us, will always be with us, but the relationship we have with Him can be very diverse. Do we know Him and continue to pursue the One who created and loves us with a perfect love? Do we know about Him and yet pursue the things of this world to satisfy the desires of a sinful heart? Only God can fill the emptiness within. Through His grace, love and mercy, we are forgiven of sin and given glory, an eternal pure and perfect life with Him! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith December 21, 2024

Notes of Faith December 21, 2024

NOEL—Ways to Celebrate the Season: Love and Laughter

Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”

Psalm 126:2

Comedian Milton Berle said, “Laughter is an instant vacation.” As we come to the last letter of our NOEL acronym, let’s use love and laughter for L. In his first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul bragged on the people for their “labor of love” (1:3). He said their love was good news to him (3:6). Then he prayed for their love to “increase and abound” (3:12). He said God had taught them to love one another (4:9) and that they should do so more and more (4:10).

We love our friends and families, despite all the ups and downs that come with close and sometimes complicated relationships. The Lord teaches us how to love one another. Let’s do so more and more. Let’s display our love with laughter. Not hurtful, sarcastic laughter, but the laughter of fun and fellowship. Especially at Christmas. The people in Psalm 126:2 said, “We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, ‘What amazing things the Lord has done for them’” (NLT).

Let your love and laughter be contagious this season.

If God is God…then laughter fits life.

Charles Swindoll

Laughter has often been said to bring healing. It is also often related to love. If someone can laugh at themselves they are at peace with who they are. Laughter seems to be filled with good for the soul and body. Let us awake with joy and laughter for the work of the Lord in our lives each day!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith December 20, 2024

Notes of Faith December 20, 2024

Savior

We know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.

John 4:42

Jesus, Immanuel, Messiah, King of Righteousness, Prince of Peace, Son of David, Cornerstone, Lion of Judah, Morning Star, Redeemer, Lamb of God, Counselor, God, Lord, Word, Advocate, Shepherd, Master, Servant, Holy One, Rabbi, Carpenter!

Recommended Reading:

John 4:39-42

You can find hundreds of names and titles for Jesus in the Bible. One was given by the angels: “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior” (Luke 2:11). The Greek word soter means “someone who can make safe, deliver from a threat and bring safe and sound out of a difficult situation.”

Whenever you need a savior, you need one badly—to save you from drowning, from a fire, from a medical emergency. Jesus does all that and more. When we were sinking deep in sin, He saved us. When we were in danger of hell, He saved us. When we were dying inwardly and eternally, He rescued us. It takes all the names in the Bible to describe Him. But aren’t you glad Savior is among them! Ponder His saving power today and rejoice!

I must have the Savior near me, for I dare not go alone. I must feel His presence near me, and His arms around me thrown.

Fanny Crosby

John 4:39-42

39 From that city many of the Samaritans believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, "He told me all the things that I have done." 40 So when the Samaritans came to Jesus, they were asking Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. 41 Many more believed because of His word; 42 and they were saying to the woman, "It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world."

Matt 1:21

21 …you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins

Luke 19:10

The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."

Lost in sin and death…saved by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ who alone offers the free gift of salvation, forgiveness and everlasting life!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith December 19, 2024

Notes of Faith December 19, 2024

Tempted and Tested

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.

Hebrews 4:15

Empathize and sympathize are two English words that are sometimes confused. While the Greek word for sympathy occurs in the Greek New Testament twice (Hebrews 4:15; 10:34), the Greek word for empathy does not. In modern terms, sympathize means “to have pity or sorrow towards another,” while empathize means “to understand and share in the feelings of another.” The meaning of Greek sympathize is more like the meaning of our modern empathize: to suffer with.

One of the benefits of Immanuel—“God with us” as a fellow human—is Christ’s ability to identify with our sufferings, to sympathize with us. “Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested” (Hebrews 2:18, NLT). He had to “be made in every respect like us...so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God” (Hebrews 2:17, NLT). Jesus experienced every pain we experience, “yet without sin.”

When you are tempted or tested, you are not alone. God is with you; He has felt what you are feeling.

One Son God hath without sin, but none without sorrow.

John Trapp

Heb 2:17

He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.

Jesus not only knows all things but has experienced all things as a human. He went through pain and suffering so much so, that many of us will never experience what He did. He is with us in our pain and suffering and is the only One who will never leave you! Struggling with earthly things today? Cry out to God and He will answer… Focus on the end result of knowing and following Jesus. You were made new. You will be made glorious. Time is short. That glory will be here soon. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith December 18, 2024

Notes of Faith December 18, 2024

God With Us

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

Matthew 1:23

The name Immanuel (“God with us”) occurs in Isaiah (7:14; 8:8) and in Matthew 1:23. In Isaiah 7:14, the prophet declared that a virgin would give birth to a son as a sign. The child’s name would be Immanuel. The child was to be a sign that God would be with King Ahaz of Judah in defense of the invading Assyrians.

God had promised to be with Israelites in the Old Testament on numerous occasions. For example, He was with Joshua as Israel entered the Promised Land: “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:5). But when it came time for Jesus to enter the world, “God with us” took on a new reality. Matthew showed how the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14 had a more far-reaching meaning. The Son born to the virgin, Mary, would be God incarnate—God in the flesh, God in human form (Philippians 2:6-8).

The implications of the Incarnation are life changing. By the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ is with you at this moment—and for all your days.

By the light of the gospel we see [God] as Emmanuel, God with us.

Matthew Henry

John 1:14

14 And the Word [Jesus] became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

God has always been with His creation but some have separated themselves more than others from Him and His glory. Jesus, the incarnate God/Man, gives us the greatest joy of God being with us. Though in heaven now, Jesus is indeed with us, His Spirit resides in those who believe in Him, and one day He will physically return to claim His bride, the church, and establish His earthly Kingdom for a thousand years. Praise God for His love, patience, forgiveness, redemption, and power over sin and death to those who call on Jesus as their Savior!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith December 17, 2024

Notes of Faith December 17, 2024

The Spice of Death

And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds.

John 19:39

The Magi gave Jesus gold, signifying His kingship, frankincense, signifying His priesthood, and myrrh, signifying the death He would one day submit to (Matthew 2:11). At the time they gave their gifts to Jesus, did they know He would one day die an unusual death? Did they know the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah dying—for example, Psalm 22? We don’t know what they knew, but providentially they gave gifts to Jesus that signified whom He would become: King, Priest, and Savior.

Myrrh was a bitter herb that was used when preparing the body of a deceased person for burial. The apostle John tells us that Nicodemus brought a hundred-pound mixture of myrrh and aloes with which to prepare Jesus’ body for burial after the crucifixion. Myrrh had another use—as a sedative, or pain killer. Mark tells us that Jesus was offered a mix of wine and myrrh as He hung on the cross to deaden His pain—“But He did not take it” (Mark 15:23).

Give thanks today that Jesus “endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2) for your salvation.

The cross shows the seriousness of our sin—but it also shows us the immeasurable love of God.

Billy Graham

Mark 15:22-24

Then they brought Him to the place Golgotha, which is translated, Place of a Skull. 23 They tried to give Him wine mixed with myrrh; but He did not take it.

On the cross, really all throughout His earthly life, Jesus took the full brunt of suffering in a huma body…temptations, mocking, hate, physical abuse, heart breaking emotions, even somehow that I cannot yet explain, separation from the Father, when our sins were placed upon Him. Jesus would take no sedative. He would experience the worst of human experience. And yet as God seek to forgive and offer redemption to the worst of sinners. May we recognize the “tough” things that we go through today are certainly not more than our Lord and Savior went through to bring us redemption and glory!

Pastor Dale

Notes of Faith December 16, 2024

Notes of Faith December 16, 2024

An Anointed High Priest

And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Matthew 2:11

Modern Yemen occupies the southwest coastal corner of the Arabian Peninsula. Many scholars identify this region as the ancient kingdom of Sheba described in the Bible. And the prophet Jeremiah notes that Sheba was the source of the valuable resin known as frankincense: “For what purpose to Me comes frankincense from Sheba” (Jeremiah 6:20).

Ex 30:34-37

34 Then the Lord said to Moses, "Take for yourself spices, stacte and onycha and galbanum, spices with pure frankincense; there shall be an equal part of each. 35 "With it you shall make incense, a perfume, the work of a perfumer, salted, pure, and holy. 36 "You shall beat some of it very fine, and put part of it before the testimony in the tent of meeting where I will meet with you; it shall be most holy to you. 37 "The incense which you shall make, you shall not make in the same proportions for yourselves; it shall be holy to you for the Lord

Frankincense has been harvested and traded in Africa and the Middle East for thousands of years. Gleaned from a certain tree as liquid sap that hardens into a resin, frankincense releases a fragrant aroma when burned. It was highly valued in religious and ceremonial services, including in the Old Testament. It was associated with the priestly services in the tabernacle and temple. When the Magi presented frankincense to the baby Jesus, it signified His future role as High Priest for the saints of God (Hebrews 2:17; 4:15).

As High Priest, Jesus is the “one Mediator between God and men” (1 Timothy 2:5) as foreseen by the gift of the Magi.

In his life, Christ is an example...in his intercession a high priest.

Martin Luther

Jesus is the only example of One who is prophet, priest and king. He fulfills all roles of relationship between God and man. He is the God/Man. We worship the One who speaks the Word of God, who serves as our intercessor, our great high priest, and the One who rules over all that is, our King. Give thanks today for God who loves and created a way for relationship with Him after mankind’s disobedience (sin), choosing to believe the lies of Satan instead of the truth of God.

Offer God today the fragrant aroma of your believing faith, trust and hope in Him! A frankincense offering that continues night and day in worship to our faithful God!

Pastor Dale