Good News Is Personal

Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church

December 21st Sermon, Day 2

The angel’s announcement was not vague or distant. It wasn’t just a headline for the world. It was deeply personal: “A Savior has been born to you.”

That’s easy to overlook, but it changes everything. God didn’t just send good news into the world; He directed it toward people who likely felt forgotten, overlooked, and insignificant. Shepherds—people on the margins—were told, “This is for you.”

Before the gospel becomes good news for the world, it must become good news for someone. And that someone includes you. God’s love is not generic. His grace is not abstract. Jesus came personally, intentionally, and lovingly for you.

When you struggle to feel worthy of God’s attention, remember the shepherds. The invitation was never about status—it was always about grace.

Bible Verse

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”
—Luke 2:11 (NIV)

Reflection Question

Do you believe—truly believe—that the good news of Jesus is for you personally?

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for coming for me. Help me receive Your grace not as a distant truth, but as a personal gift. When I feel overlooked or unworthy, remind me that You chose to come near. Amen.

God Breaks the Silence in Ordinary Places

Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church

December 21st Sermon, Day 1

For over four hundred years, God had been silent. No prophets. No fresh revelation. Just waiting. And when God finally spoke again, He didn’t do it in a palace or a temple. He spoke in a field—on an ordinary night—to ordinary people doing ordinary work.

The shepherds weren’t searching for a sign. They weren’t praying for something supernatural. They were just being faithful in the routine of their lives. Yet that was exactly where God chose to show up.

This reminds us that God often breaks into our lives not during our most spiritual moments, but during our most ordinary ones. At work. At home. In routines that feel unnoticed and unimportant. God is not limited by our schedules or surroundings. He meets us right where we are.

If life feels quiet right now—if God feels distant—take heart. Silence does not mean absence. God knows exactly when and where to speak.

Bible Verse

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.”
—Luke 2:8 (NIV)

Reflection Question

Where in your ordinary, everyday life might God be inviting you to notice His presence?

Prayer

God, thank You for meeting people in ordinary places. Help me trust that You are present even when life feels quiet or routine. Open my eyes to see You at work today, right where I am. Amen.

Prince of Peace

Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church

December 14th Sermon, Day 5

When we think of a newborn baby, "mighty" isn't usually the first word that comes to mind. Babies are vulnerable, dependent, and seemingly powerless. Yet Isaiah prophesied that this child would be called "Mighty God" - possessing unparalleled strength and authority, exhibiting unmatched divine power and dominion.

This same baby would also be called "Everlasting Father." Not just any father, but one whose love and care never ends. A good father runs toward their children's cries, becomes a refuge of warmth, and offers a sheltering embrace when hearts are wounded. When we add "everlasting" to that description, we discover a love that transcends time, circumstances, and even our own failures.

Think about what this means for your life today. The same Jesus who was born in Bethlehem possesses all the power of Almighty God. There is no situation too difficult for Him, no problem too complex, no enemy too strong. His might is available to you in your weakness.

At the same time, His role as your Everlasting Father means His care for you never wavers. When you feel abandoned, rejected, or forgotten, remember that your relationship with Jesus as Father and you as His child never ends, no matter what. His love isn't based on your performance but on His unchanging character.

You are held by Mighty God who has all power, and loved by an Everlasting Father whose care never fails.

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

How does knowing Jesus as both Mighty God and Everlasting Father change the way you approach your current challenges?

Quote

A good father is one who brazenly runs toward their children's cries of terror and whatever danger is there, and also becomes a refuge of warmth and a sheltering embrace when hearts are wounded.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for being both powerful enough to handle anything I face and loving enough to care for me as Your child. Help me to rest in Your might and Your everlasting love today. Amen.

Mighty God, Everlasting Father

Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church

December 14th Sermon, Day 4

When we think of a newborn baby, "mighty" isn't usually the first word that comes to mind. Babies are vulnerable, dependent, and seemingly powerless. Yet Isaiah prophesied that this child would be called "Mighty God" - possessing unparalleled strength and authority, exhibiting unmatched divine power and dominion.

This same baby would also be called "Everlasting Father." Not just any father, but one whose love and care never ends. A good father runs toward their children's cries, becomes a refuge of warmth, and offers a sheltering embrace when hearts are wounded. When we add "everlasting" to that description, we discover a love that transcends time, circumstances, and even our own failures.

Think about what this means for your life today. The same Jesus who was born in Bethlehem possesses all the power of Almighty God. There is no situation too difficult for Him, no problem too complex, no enemy too strong. His might is available to you in your weakness.

At the same time, His role as your Everlasting Father means His care for you never wavers. When you feel abandoned, rejected, or forgotten, remember that your relationship with Jesus as Father and you as His child never ends, no matter what. His love isn't based on your performance but on His unchanging character.

You are held by Mighty God who has all power, and loved by an Everlasting Father whose care never fails.

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

How does knowing Jesus as both Mighty God and Everlasting Father change the way you approach your current challenges?

Quote

A good father is one who brazenly runs toward their children's cries of terror and whatever danger is there, and also becomes a refuge of warmth and a sheltering embrace when hearts are wounded.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for being both powerful enough to handle anything I face and loving enough to care for me as Your child. Help me to rest in Your might and Your everlasting love today. Amen.

The Wonderful Counselor

Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church

December 14th Sermon, Day 3

In our world of endless advice, self-help books, and online experts, we're constantly seeking guidance. We want someone who truly understands our struggles, someone who can help us navigate the tangled knots of our hearts and minds. We long for wisdom that goes beyond surface-level solutions.

Isaiah calls Jesus our "Wonderful Counselor" - not just any counselor, but a wonderful one. This isn't someone who simply listens and offers suggestions. This is someone who walks beside you in the dim and weary places, who truly hears your heart until those tangled knots begin to loosen into threads of peace and hope.

Unlike human counselors who work with limited knowledge and understanding, Jesus knows you completely. He sees not just your present struggles but your past wounds and your future potential. He understands the depths of your pain and the heights of your dreams. His counsel isn't based on textbook theories but on perfect love and infinite wisdom.

When you're facing difficult decisions, wrestling with doubt, or feeling overwhelmed by life's complexities, you don't have to figure it all out on your own. You have access to the most wonderful counselor who ever existed. He's available 24/7, never too busy for your concerns, and His guidance always leads to life and peace.

This Christmas, remember that the baby born in Bethlehem grew up to be your perfect counselor, ready to guide you through whatever you're facing.

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 the guidance of the Wonderful Counselor right now?

Quote

A counselor is one who walks beside you in those dim and weary places, who listens to you until the tangled knots of your heart loosen into threads of peace and hope.

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for being my Wonderful Counselor. Help me to bring my questions, fears, and decisions to You first. Give me ears to hear Your voice and a heart willing to follow Your guidance. Amen.