From The Pastor, December 2, 2025
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Luke 2:1–10
Good Tidings of Great Joy
Intro: Luke 2:1–10 brings us into the heart of the Christmas narrative. Behind familiar scenes of shepherds, stables, and a Savior lies a sweeping display of God’s sovereignty, humility, and mercy. Every phrase is loaded with the wonder of the incarnation—the eternal God stepping into time and space for our salvation.
I. v. 1-5 The Sovereign Plan of God
“And it came to pass…”
Though the passage begins with the decree of a Roman emperor, Luke shows that God rules over rulers. What appears to be political movement is actually the fulfillment of divine prophecy.
“Decree." in verse 1 translates the word "dogma." it means, "an authoritative command or ordinance."
Though Caesar Augustus believed he was issuing his decree, he was actually serving God’s eternal decree (Mic. 5:2).
“To be taxed” (v. 3) means to register or enroll, not merely to pay tax.
This required Joseph and Mary to return to Bethlehem, aligning perfectly with prophecy.
In vv. 1–5, Luke subtly contrasts the power of Caesar with the sovereignty of Christ. Caesar’s order moves the world; God’s plan moves history.
A. God’s Direction Over the Powerful – He guides nations as easily as shepherds.
B. God’s Design Through the Practical – A census becomes a stage for prophecy.
C. God’s Decree Toward the Promised – The Messiah must be born in Bethlehem.
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Trust that God is in control even when life seems ruled by earthly forces.
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Understand that God often works His purposes through ordinary events—appointments, interruptions, and inconveniences.
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Rest in the truth that prophecy is never late, and God’s promises always come to pass.
II. v. 6-7 The Simple Place of Christ’s Birth
“She brought forth her firstborn son…”
Here the eternal Son of God enters the world not in splendor, but in simplicity.
“Firstborn” means first in order, but also a title of preeminence.
Christ is the firstborn not merely by birth order but by divine dignity (Col. 1:15).
“Manger” refers to a feed trough.
The One who created all things lay in a place where animals fed.
A. His Descent Was Purposeful – He came low that He might lift us high.
B. His Dwelling Was Poor – No palace, no cradle—only a manger.
C. His Display Was Pure – Humility marks every aspect of the incarnation.
A story is told of a wealthy king who wished to understand the sufferings of his people. Instead of summoning reports, he disguised himself as a peasant, walked the muddy streets, ate their simple food, and entered their homes. Only then could he truly sympathize.
Christ did more—He became one of us.
Not disguised, but incarnate.
Not temporarily, but eternally.
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Christ understands your loneliness, poverty, and limitations—He stepped into them.
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Greatness in God’s kingdom is measured by humility, not status.
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Let the manger remind you that God often begins His greatest works in the smallest places.
III. v. 8-10 The Saving Promise to All People
“I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”
Now the scene shifts from Caesar’s palace to Judean pastures. The audience for the first announcement of Christ’s birth is startling: shepherds—the lowly, the overlooked, the ordinary.
“Good tidings” means to proclaim the gospel.
The angel was the first evangelist of the New Testament.
“Great” means exceedingly large, mighty, overwhelming.
This is joy that overflows all boundaries.
A. A Message of Grace – The gospel begins with joy, not judgment.
B. A Mission to the Grounded – Shepherds, not scholars, first heard the news.
C. A Miracle for the Globe – “To all people”—no one excluded.
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The gospel is good news—not good advice, not moral improvement, but divine rescue.
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Christ’s coming is meant to bring great joy—let your heart rejoice in His salvation.
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Share the message as the shepherds did—simply, joyfully, and widely.
Conc: Luke 2:1–10 shows us that the birth of Christ is:
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rooted in God’s sovereign plan,
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revealed in Christ’s humble place, and
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resting upon a saving promise for all.
The same God who directed Caesar, entered a manger, and set angels singing is the God who directs your life, dwells with you, and gives you everlasting joy.
Let your heart echo the message of the angels:
“Glory to God in the highest!”
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Happy In His Service
Pastor Scott
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From The Pastor, November 1, 2025
Devotion on Psalm 150
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Text: “Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.” (Psalm 150:1–6, KJV)
Intro: Psalm 150 is the final crescendo of the Psalter. After 149 chapters filled with lament, thanksgiving, supplication, and worship, the book of Psalms ends with one command ringing like a trumpet blast: “Praise ye the LORD.” This is no quiet whisper but a universal summons—heaven and earth, people and instruments, young and old—all creation is called to worship.
If Psalm 1 began with the blessed man, Psalm 150 closes with the blessed God. The beginning shows the way of holiness, and the ending shows the way of hallelujah.
I. v. 1 The Place of Praise
"Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power."
The Hebrew word for sanctuary means a holy place, set apart for God. The word for firmament refers to the expanse of the heavens.
In other words, whether in the temple below or the heavens above, God deserves worship.
A great cathedral and a vast open sky may look very different, but both can become sanctuaries of praise when God is the focus. The farmer in his field, the missionary in a jungle hut, or the saint in a church pew—all have a sanctuary when they lift their hearts to God.
Worship is not confined to a building. Whether in church, at home, or under the stars, we can lift our hearts in praise. Make every place a sanctuary of worship.
II. v. 2 The Power for Praise (v. 2)
"Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness."
Mighty acts refers to acts of strength and deliverance. Excellent greatness combines two words meaning abundant majesty.
We praise God not only for what He does (His works) but also for who He is (His worth).
If you thank a doctor only when he gives you medicine, you appreciate his service. But if you respect him for his knowledge and skill, you value the doctor himself. Likewise, we praise God for answered prayers, but also for His character—holy, just, merciful, and great.
Don’t let your praise depend only on circumstances. Praise Him not only for His gifts but for His greatness.
III. v. 3-5 The Participation in Praise
"Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals."
The psalmist lists instruments from the brass, string, and percussion families. Every voice and every sound can be sanctified in worship.
Praise is not passive—it involves participation. It engages body, breath, and being.
In an orchestra, each instrument contributes to the harmony. A trumpet cannot play the violin’s part, and a drum cannot carry the melody, but together they produce a symphony. Likewise, each believer has a unique voice in the great symphony of praise to God.
Use what you have to glorify God. Some may sing, others play, others testify, others serve—but all are called to add their sound to the song of praise.
IV. v. 6 The People of Praise
"Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD."
The final verse is the grand climax. Every living, breathing creature is summoned to join the chorus.
The breath God gives is to be returned in praise to Him.
A child blowing into a flute makes music only when breath is directed through the instrument. Our lives, too, are instruments that only produce music when the breath of God is used for His glory.
If you are breathing, you have a reason to praise. No believer is excused from worship—praise is the duty and delight of all who live.
Conc: Psalm 150 closes the book of Psalms with an explosion of hallelujahs. It teaches us:
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Praise is universal—in heaven and on earth.
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Praise is personal—for His acts and His attributes.
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Praise is participatory—with voices, instruments, and actions.
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Praise is perpetual—as long as there is breath.
The psalm both begins and ends with “Praise ye the LORD.” That phrase is one word in Hebrew: Hallelujah. May our lives end the way the Psalms end—on a note of Hallelujah.
Begin and end each day this week with praise. In the morning, thank Him for His mighty acts in your life. At night, praise Him for His excellent greatness. Let your last thought before sleep be a whispered “Hallelujah.”
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From The Pastor October 24, 2025
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Faithful to the Finish:
Encouragement for the Weary Preacher
Text: Selected verses from 2 Timothy (KJV)
I. The Call to Courageous Commitment (2 Timothy 1:6-8)
“Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
Paul urges Timothy to reignite his calling. The same Spirit that empowered Paul is in every preacher—not fear, but fire.
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A blacksmith rekindles a fire when the forge grows cold. Even the hottest flame dies without fresh wind. Preacher, stir the coals of your calling!
Romans 11:29 – “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.”
Joshua 1:9 – “Be strong and of a good courage…”
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When discouragement dims your flame, remember: your calling is divine, not circumstantial. Don’t let fear be your furnace. Fan the flame through prayer, fellowship, and preaching.
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II. The Charge to Continue in Christ (2 Timothy 2:1-3)
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“Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus… Endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”
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Grace is your strength, not grit. Ministry isn’t easy—it’s warfare. You’re not a hireling; you’re a soldier.
Soldiers don’t quit because of mud or bullets. Likewise, God’s ministers march through criticism, fatigue, and fruitlessness knowing the Commander’s orders.
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Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not be weary in well doing…”
Ephesians 6:10 – “Be strong in the Lord…”
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When ministry feels like marching uphill, remember: you serve by grace, not performance. Fight on, knowing the battle is the Lord’s.
III. The Confidence in the Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:14-17)
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God… That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”
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God’s Word is enough. It equips you completely. The power isn’t in your performance—it’s in the preached Word.
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A mechanic doesn't repair an engine with bare hands; he uses tools. Scripture is your toolbox. Every message must be Word-driven.
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Hebrews 4:12 – “For the word of God is quick, and powerful…”
Psalm 119:105 – “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet…”
When you feel ineffective, go back to the Book. Let the Word do the work. You are the messenger, not the message.
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IV. The Crown for Consistent Faithfulness (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
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“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith… there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness…”
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Paul didn’t say he won every fight—but he stayed in the fight. Finishing well matters more than starting fast.
A relay runner doesn’t quit because he's tired. He runs for the handoff and the finish line. You’re not finished until you're with Christ.
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1 Corinthians 15:58 – “Be ye steadfast… for your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
Revelation 2:10 – “…be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”
Ministry isn’t about applause; it’s about endurance. When no one sees your faithfulness, God sees—and He rewards.
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Conc: Stay the Course, Preacher!
If you're discouraged, don’t measure your success by numbers, applause, or responses. Measure it by your faithfulness to God's Word and your trust in His grace. God called you. God equipped you. God will reward you.
Charles Spurgeon once said, “If God has called you to be His servant, don’t stoop to be a king.”
Encouragement for Today:
"Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season…” (2 Timothy 4:2)
Whether you’re praised or persecuted, preach the Word faithfully. God isn’t finished with you yet!
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Happy In His Service,
Pastor Scott Harvey
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From The Pastor: October 18, 2025
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Christian Fellowship:
Intro: Romans 16 is often overlooked because it is filled with names and greetings. Yet within this chapter lies a powerful lesson on Christian fellowship, faithful service, doctrinal firmness, and God’s glory. Paul closes this monumental epistle not with lofty theology but with loving relationships—showing us that truth must always be lived out in community.
1. The Saints Commended (Romans 16:1–16)
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Paul commends Phoebe (v.1), greets Priscilla and Aquila (v.3), and names many others who labored in the Lord.
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Word Study: The word “commend” means to recommend, to present favorably. Paul highlights these believers as examples of service.
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They are:
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Recognized for their Faithfulness – “our helper in Christ” (v.3).
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Remembered for their Friendship – “my beloved” (v.8).
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Rewarded for their Fruitfulness – “laboured much in the Lord” (v.12).
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A missionary once said, “The church is built not by great preachers but by faithful people whose names the world may never know but whose service heaven records.”
Do not underestimate the value of your service. You may never stand in a pulpit, but your prayers, encouragement, and labor matter in God’s work. Be faithful, for the Lord sees.
2. The Schism Cautioned (Romans 16:17–20)
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Paul warns against those who “cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine.”
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Word Study: “Mark” means to look at attentively, to fix one’s eye upon. Believers must be vigilant.
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Characteristics of false teachers:
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They Deceive with Smooth Speech (v.18).
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They Divide the Simple-hearted (v.18).
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They are Defeated by the Savior (v.20 – “the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly”).
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Just as a shepherd must watch for wolves among the flock, so must the church guard against false doctrine. Wolves do not announce themselves; they disguise themselves.
Not every voice claiming to speak for God is true. Measure every teaching by Scripture. Guard unity, stand firm in doctrine, and avoid compromise.
3. The Savior Celebrated (Romans 16:25–27)
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Paul closes with a doxology—praising God’s power and glory.
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Word Study: “Stablish” means to make stable, to strengthen, to set fast. God alone can establish His people in truth.
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The gospel is described as:
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Personal – “my gospel” (v.25).
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Prophetic – “according to the revelation… kept secret since the world began” (v.25).
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Powerful – “to God only wise, be glory” (v.27).
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A great cathedral’s beauty is not in its scaffolding but in its foundation. Likewise, the Christian’s strength is not in outward rituals but in being established in the gospel.
End your days as Paul did—giving glory to God. Let worship flow from your lips, not just in church, but in daily life. When your work is done and your warnings are given, let your words magnify the Savior.
Conc: Romans 16 teaches us:
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Commend the Saints – honor faithful service.
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Confront the Schism – guard the church’s purity.
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Celebrate the Savior – give glory to God.
Though filled with greetings, warnings, and praise, this chapter reminds us that the Christian life is about faithful people, firm doctrine, and fervent worship.
“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” (Romans 16:24)
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Happy In His Service
Pastor Scott Harvey
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From The Pastor October 10, 2025
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Romans 8:35–39
I. The Possibility Questioned (v. 35)
Paul asks, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?”
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The word separate means “to divide, put asunder, sever by force.”
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He lists seven circumstances—tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, sword. These are not light troubles but crushing realities.
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Yet Paul frames it as a rhetorical question—the implied answer is no one and nothing can!
The believer will face hardships, but no affliction has the authority to drive a wedge between Christ’s love and His children.
II. The Persecution Confirmed (v. 36)
Paul quotes Psalm 44:22: “For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”
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This verse reminds us that suffering has always been the portion of God’s people.
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Accounted means “to reckon, to impute.” The world views God’s people as expendable sheep—but heaven reckons us as precious sons.
Do not be surprised when the world treats you with contempt. Persecution is not proof of separation from Christ, but proof of union with Him.
III. The Position Conquered (v. 37)
“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”
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The phrase more than conquerors literally means “to gain a surpassing victory, to overwhelmingly triumph.”
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Notice: in all these things, not apart from them. Trouble doesn’t hinder the victory—it highlights it.
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The source: through Him that loved us. Our triumph is not rooted in our strength but in Christ’s steadfast love.
A soldier may win a battle and barely survive, but the Christian comes through not merely surviving but triumphing—like a champion crowned, not a captive crawling.
Instead of praying for escape from trials, pray for endurance in them—because Christ turns tribulation into testimony.
IV. The Persuasion Claimed (vv. 38–39)
Paul concludes with unshakable confidence: “For I am persuaded…”
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Persuaded means “to be fully convinced, to have a settled trust.”
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He lists ten possible threats—death, life, angels, principalities, powers, things present, things to come, height, depth, any creature—and rules them all powerless against Christ’s love.
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The love of God is not abstract, but “in Christ Jesus our Lord.” His cross proves it, His resurrection secures it, His intercession sustains it.
Imagine being bound with an unbreakable chain to a Rock that cannot be moved by storm, tide, or time. That is the believer bound to Christ by His love.
Live with holy confidence. Fear may whisper, Satan may accuse, trials may buffet—but the believer can rest in the unshakable reality that nothing can sever him from Christ’s love.
Conc: Paul began with a question—“Who shall separate us?”—and ends with an answer—“Nothing shall separate us.” From the courtroom of accusation to the battlefield of affliction, the child of God stands secure.
Takeaway Truth: The believer’s security is not in his love for Christ but in Christ’s love for him. Troubles may shake us, but they can never separate us.
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Happy In His Service
Pastor Scott Harvey
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From The Pastor October 3, 2025
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Psalm 127:1–6
The Lord Must Build the House
Intro: This psalm, attributed to Solomon, addresses the futility of human effort without God's blessing. It applies to both the physical house (home/building), the family (legacy), and even the nation (city). It’s a call to recognize the sovereignty of God in every area of life.
I. The Futility of Self-Reliance
“Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it…” (v. 1)
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"Vain" – emptiness, falsehood, worthless effort.
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"Build" – to construct, establish.
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"Keep" – to guard, preserve, or protect.
Without God's direction and presence, even the hardest work is empty. Builders may toil, and watchmen may stay alert, but without the Lord, it results in wasted effort and false security.
Imagine a man trying to build a house with no blueprint, only guesswork. He may work hard, but he wastes materials and ends with a weak structure. Likewise, life without God’s guidance leads to spiritual collapse.
Before you build a home, start a business, raise a family, or make a major decision—seek God first. Align every plan under His will. Prayer must precede planning.
II. The Fruit of Sovereign Reward
“Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.” (v. 3)
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"Heritage" – inheritance, possession, allotted gift.
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"Reward" – compensation, wage, benefit.
Children are not a burden—they’re a blessing, a gift entrusted by God. Society may view children as inconvenient, but Scripture declares them as valuable assets in God’s kingdom.
A father once viewed his children as obstacles to his dreams. But years later, during a severe illness, it was those same children who cared for him. What he once saw as a hindrance became his greatest help and joy.
Parents, treasure your children. Teach them God's Word. Raise them in love, not just with rules but with relationship. Pastors and leaders—invest in the next generation as a reward, not a responsibility alone.
III. The Focus on Strategic Raising
“As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.” (v. 4)
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"Arrows" (Hebrew: chets) – sharp weapon, symbolizing potential and purpose.
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"Mighty man" (Hebrew: gibbor) – warrior, champion.
Children are like arrows—they must be crafted, aimed, and launched. A warrior doesn’t keep arrows for display; he shapes them carefully and sends them into battle with intentionality.
A craftsman spends time refining each arrow so it flies straight. Likewise, godly parenting involves discipline, direction, and discipleship.
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Shape your children with Scripture.
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Aim them with purpose.
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Launch them with prayer.
Don’t just prepare them for success in the world—prepare them for service in the kingdom.
IV. The Fulfillment of Secure Relationships
“Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them…” (v. 5)
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"Happy" – blessed, joyful.
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"Speak with the enemies in the gate" – implies defense, wisdom, and strength in social or legal matters.
A man with godly children is honored and strengthened. The “gate” was where judgments and decisions were made; children bring influence and protection to the family name.
In ancient cities, a father’s legacy was judged at the gate. With upright children around him, he stood strong. Likewise, a godly family today can stand firm in a godless culture.
Build a godly heritage. Be the kind of parent, grandparent, or mentor who lives so that your children and spiritual descendants can stand boldly for Christ when you’re gone.
Conc: Psalm 127 reminds us that God must be the foundation of every endeavor—whether it’s building a house, guarding a city, or raising a family. Labor, vigilance, and parenting only bear fruit when they are God-centered and Spirit-led.
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Happy In His Service
Pastor Scott Harvey
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From The Pastor September 27, 2025
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1 Timothy 2:1-6.
I. The Priority of Prayer (vv. 1–2)
Paul opens with the phrase, “first of all.” This emphasizes the supreme importance of prayer in the life of the believer and the church.
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Supplications – (“specific requests for needs”): coming to God with earnest petitions.
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Prayers – (“general communion with God”): lifting our hearts heavenward in worshipful conversation.
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Intercessions – (“pleading on behalf of others”): standing in the gap for others.
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Giving of thanks – (“gratitude expressed”): recognizing God’s goodness and sovereignty.
Paul instructs that these be offered “for all men…for kings, and for all that are in authority.” In a time when Nero reigned—a cruel, pagan persecutor—Paul commands prayer for rulers, not protest.
Do we spend more time complaining about leaders than praying for them? God calls us to be prayer warriors, not political worriers.
II. The Peace from Prayer (v. 2b)
Paul connects prayer with peace: “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”
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Quiet – (“tranquil, free from outward disturbance”).
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Peaceable – ( “undisturbed within, calm of heart”).
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Godliness – reverence toward God in conduct.
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Honesty – moral integrity, dignity, and respect.
When God’s people pray, the result is not only personal peace but also a stable society in which the Gospel can flourish.
A missionary once said, “Before revival broke out in our field, it was preceded by months of hidden prayer.” Just as rain follows the dark clouds, peace follows persistent prayer.
If we long for calm in a chaotic culture, it begins on our knees before the throne of God.
III. The Pleasure of God (vv. 3–4)
“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”
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Prayer pleases God because it aligns with His saving purpose.
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God’s desire (“wills, longs for”) is that all men be saved and come to a full knowledge of the truth.
When we pray for the lost—neighbors, nations, and even our leaders—we are praying in harmony with God’s own heart.
Think of a parent longing for a wayward child to come home. God’s heart is infinitely greater, yearning for sinners to repent.
IV. The Provision of Christ (vv. 5–6)
Paul grounds prayer in the mediatorial work of Christ:
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One God – the exclusive sovereign of the universe.
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One Mediator – (“go-between, one who brings together opposing parties”): Christ bridges the gulf between God and sinful man.
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The Man Christ Jesus – He became flesh to fully represent humanity, yet without sin.
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Ransom for all – (“the price paid in exchange for freedom”): Christ’s death satisfied the demands of divine justice, purchasing liberty for sinners.
Imagine a prisoner awaiting execution. A stranger steps forward, pays the full penalty, and the prisoner is set free. That is what Jesus did for us—He took our place, bore our punishment, and purchased our release.
Since Christ is the only Mediator, our prayers go to the Father through Him alone. No priest, saint, or ritual can replace His mediatorial work.
Conc: Paul teaches that prayer is not a side duty but a first priority. It brings peace, pleases God, and rests upon the provision of Christ. As we pray for all men—neighbors, nations, and leaders—we participate in God’s saving purpose.