DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

Sermon Series: Christmas

Sermon Title: Why Joy?

Sermon Text: Luke 2:8-14

Sermon Points:

1.) Because Jesus is our strong Savior.

2.) Because Jesus the Messiah is proof that the Father keeps his word.

3.) Because Jesus is both Lord and God. 


Daily Devotional Guide

Someone asked me recently why the Bible often describes angels in militaristic terms. That's a good question and the answer opens our eyes to the severity of what was going on during the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. In this week's passage, we see one angel appear to the shepherds. Before too long, that angel is joined by a multitude of angels. But why? If they're just delivering a message, wouldn't one angel do the trick? 


It's true that angels are messengers. But they don't just exist to deliver heavenly mail. Ultimately they, like the rest of us, exist for the glory of God. Sometimes that means sending a message. Other times it means going to battle with their demonic counterparts. That night 2,000 years ago in the field was more than just an announcement. It was a continuation of a war that began shortly after the creation of the universe. 


These heavenly beings did not come to make war with the shepherds. They came to bring them good news about being at peace with God. 


But it wasn't good news for everybody. No, once this announcement was fulfilled it would mark the beginning of the end for the Enemy. He wouldn't take this news lying down. 


That's part of why God sent an army. 


Monday - Genesis 3:1-24

Tuesday - Daniel 10:1-21

Wednesday - Matthew 1:1-25

Thursday - Matthew 2:1-23

Friday - Matthew 4:1-25

Saturday - Revelation 12:1-6

Sunday - 1 John 4:7-12

DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE

Sermon Series: Christmas

Sermon Title: Peace

Sermon Text: Philippians 4:4-9

Sermon Points:

1.) Guarded by the Peace of God

2.) Enjoying the God of Peace


Daily Devotional Guide

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" 


Angels spoke those words some two thousand years ago. The circumstances are different today but the message is still the same. Those with whom God is pleased can have genuine peace. But how can we be someone "with whom God is pleased"? The audience the angels spoke to helps us to answer that question. 


These words weren't spoken at a seminary or in a king's palace. They were said to unassuming shepherds. God's pleasure toward us has nothing to do with our standing in society. It comes only by grace through faith. 


Even after we have come to know God in a saving way, we can sometimes forget his peace. This happens when we allow our worries to drown out the God who is with us. It's almost as if there's another choir in the sky singing to us. This is no angelic choir. Rather, it's made up of evil spirits, the world, and our own flesh. But what does the other choir's song say to us?


"Glory to me, the functional god of my own universe, and here on earth shame, fear, and self-righteousness among those of us who are always alone and always falling short."


No one wants to hear two choirs singing two different songs at one time. Thankfully, God the Holy Spirit has given us a tool to help us drown out that demonic, worldly, fleshly choir that never seems to leave us alone. That tool is Philippians 4:4-9. 


The promise of Philippians is not only that we will know God's peace. It also tells us that we will know God himself. Isn't that just like the story of Christmas? Those angels weren't singing all those years ago about God just sending his peace. They were singing because God was sending his Son - the Prince of Peace. Christian, rest in that reality this season. 


When you are way too busy, seek comfort in the peace of God. 


When you are sad or alone, take joy in the fact that God is with you. 


When your mind and heart are scattered and under attack, rest in the reality that the Prince of Peace is standing guard at both. 


You don't have to be a shepherd in a field to know God's peace. All you have to do is know God. And you don't need angels to remind you about God's presence with you. All you have to do is look to him through His word and in prayer. When you do, you can be assured of at least one thing. 


"The God of peace will be with you." 


Monday - Jeremiah 6:1-30

Tuesday - Jeremiah 8:1-22

Wednesday - 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Thursday - Isaiah 9:1-7

Friday - Colossians 1:15-23

Saturday - Colossians 3:1-17

Sunday - Luke 2:8-21