Summary of December 15, 2024
Every week we want to have a 5 day devotional recapping our previous sermon so we can grow deeper together.
This past Sunday we continued in our Christmas series entitled, Emmanuel: God With Us. Pastor Scott taught us from Isaiah 9:6, "...Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God..."
Day 1: Embracing Jesus As Our Wonderful Counselor
Devotional:
Isaiah 9:6 introduces us to Jesus as our Wonderful Counselor. His wisdom is described as 'marvelous' and 'incomprehensible,' offering divine guidance that transcends human understanding. This means that Jesus' counsel is not just good advice; it is perfect and divinely inspired. To truly benefit from His wisdom, we must approach Him with humility and a willingness to seek His counsel through prayer and scripture. When we lean into His guidance, we find clarity and direction that we could never achieve on our own. Remember, we don't have to worship the Lord; we get to worship Him. This privilege allows us to access His marvelous wisdom daily.
Bible Verse:
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. - Isaiah 9:6
Reflection Question:
In what areas of your life do you need to seek Jesus' marvelous and incomprehensible wisdom today?
Quote:
Jesus' wisdom, described as 'marvelous' and 'incomprehensible,' offers divine guidance that transcends human understanding.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for being my Wonderful Counselor. Help me to seek Your wisdom in all areas of my life. Grant me the humility to listen and the courage to follow Your divine guidance. Amen.
Day 2: Trusting in Jesus' Divine Guidance
Devotional:
Jesus' wisdom is beyond our understanding, yet it is available to us through prayer and scripture. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not to lean on our own understanding. This means surrendering our plans and desires to His divine will. When we submit to Him, He promises to make our paths straight. Trusting in Jesus' guidance requires faith, especially when we face uncertainties. But remember, Jesus didn't come just to save us; He came to guide us, to lead us, and to help us win the battles in this world.
Bible Verse:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. - Proverbs 3:5-6
Reflection Question:
What steps can you take today to trust more fully in Jesus' guidance rather than relying on your own understanding?
Quote:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, submit to him and he will make your paths straight.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me to trust in Your wisdom and guidance. Teach me to lean not on my own understanding but to submit to Your will in all things. Make my paths straight as I follow You. Amen.
Day 3: Recognizing Jesus as Mighty God
Devotional:
Isaiah 9:6 also calls Jesus our Mighty God. This title signifies His divine power and authority. Jesus has overcome sin, death, and all the powers of hell. His victory reassures us that no challenge is too great for Him. When we face difficulties, we can rely on His strength rather than our own. Jesus is not only our Wonderful Counselor but also our Mighty God, capable of navigating life's complexities and leading us to victory. Remember, Jesus came to this earth with a plan to defeat all the powers of hell and the grave.
Bible Verse:
For in Christ, all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form. - Colossians 2:9
Reflection Question:
How can you rely more on Jesus' strength and less on your own when facing challenges?
Quote:
Jesus is not only Wonderful Counselor, he is Mighty God.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for being my Mighty God. Help me to rely on Your strength and not my own. Remind me of Your victory over sin and death, and guide me through life's challenges. Amen.
Day 4: Jesus' Sacrificial Love
Devotional:
Jesus' love for us is profound and sacrificial. He came to give His life for you and for me, paying the price through the shedding of His precious, perfect blood. This act of love is the ultimate demonstration of His commitment to us. Jesus didn't just come to save us; He came to guide us, lead us, and help us win the battles in this world. His love is a constant reminder that we are never alone, and His sacrifice empowers us to live victoriously.
Bible Verse:
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love. - Ephesians 1:4
Reflection Question:
How does understanding Jesus' sacrificial love for you change the way you approach your daily struggles?
Quote:
Jesus came to give his life for you and for me.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank You for Your sacrificial love. Help me to remember Your sacrifice and let it empower me to face my daily struggles with confidence and faith. Amen.
Day 5: Walking In Victory With Jesus
Devotional:
When we walk with Jesus, we win the battle. He came to this earth with a plan to defeat all the powers of hell and the grave. His victory is our victory. As we navigate through life's storms, we must lean into our Mighty Counselor. Jesus meets us where we are but doesn't leave us there. He guides us, strengthens us, and leads us to victory. Remember, Jesus loves you and He died for you. His love and power are more than enough to overcome any challenge you face.
Bible Verse:
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. - 1 Corinthians 15:57
Reflection Question:
In what ways can you lean into Jesus' guidance and strength to experience victory in your current situation?
Quote:
When we walk with Jesus, we win the battle.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for the victory You have won for me. Help me to walk closely with You, relying on Your guidance and strength. Lead me to victory in every area of my life. Amen.