Tue, 21 Apr 2026 03:10:48 -0400WeeblyTue, 21 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com/daily-devotions/women-of-the-bible-series-woman-with-the-issue-of-blood Women of the Bible Series 
​Woman with the Issue of Blood (Luke 8:40-48)
 
Luke 8:40-48, And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him. 41And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and besought him that he would come into his house: 42For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him. 43And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, 44Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. 45And Jesus said, Who touched me? When all denied, Peter and they that were with him said, Master, the multitude throng thee and press thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? 46And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. 47And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. 48And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.
 
Imagine the grief and despair that she felt. Most would grow impatient and give up in twelve days. Each day was more of the same. She has been suffering twelve humiliating years with an issue of blood. She was labeled unclean by the Rabbis. According to the law of God she was considered ceremonially unclean. By the law, she wasn’t supposed to be there. Her condition made her ceremonially unclean. According to Leviticus 15:25-27, her twelve-year hemorrhage prohibited her from public spaces. She was not allowed to fellowship with the public, nor to worship at the Temple. She lived in substantial soreness and social seclusion for over a decade. On this day, with desperate faith, she cut through the crowd and touched Jesus garment.
 
She was untouchable and not able to touch others. Lonely, heartbroken, and humiliated at this point even a hug would have ministered to her, but it was prohibited. She was ostracized from the Synagogue.  She was an outcast from society. She thought she was orphaned from God. She has an opportunity or official visit with the Son of God. Daily as she was avoided by others, she saw their faces and their eyes. They must have been cold, cringing, and some calloused. For twelve years she has been carrying the weight and burden of this humiliation. With appointments with numerous doctors filling her head with dreams and hopes of healing her with remedies, in the end the only filling that came was the pockets of the doctors. She is destitute after a dozen years of steady blood loss. She is pale, anemic, and tired. She is done with the stigma, shamers, and shysters. Her life may have been filled with tragedy and desperation for twelve long years, but things were about to change. Her life was soon to be completely transformed. The attributes of her transformation will be evident in all who experience the touch of Christ.
 
She had spent all her money on doctors, but things had only got worse. She hears of another physician. One Who is compassionate, no charges or fees, a gentle healer. She has heard of His success among the incurable. She was not just sick. She was bankrupt. She was unseen. She was ashamed, yet, she still had hope. When she heard the news of Jesus; she believed that even touching the hem of His garment would be enough to heal her. Briefly following the crowd, she desperately extends her empty hand through the crowd and touched the hem of His garment. She didn’t ask for permission. She didn’t make a scene. She reached out quietly, hidden in the crowd. But Jesus wasn’t looking for a name. He was calling for a confession of faith. The woman could have disappeared back into the crowd, healed but unknown. Instead, she stepped forward, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. When she realized she could not hide from the Lord, she came before Jesus trembling. She was terrified and fell down before the Lord. She told the people what was wrong with her and then told them that when she touched Jesus she was healed immediately. She had spent all her living seeking healing, but just one touch from the Lord made her whole. She was immediately transformed by His mighty touch.
 
Jesus was moved by her faith. Jesus didn’t rebuke her. He blessed her. It was her faith moved her; not just to believe, but to act. He didn’t just heal her body. He restored her identity. He called her “daughter.” He gave her peace. This is the only time that Jesus called a woman daughter in all of Scripture.  He encouraged her to be of good comfort. Don't forget, she is scared of the people for being unclean and she is afraid of Jesus because she touched Him.  She is wondering, I'm sure, "What is going to happen to me now?" With gentleness, tenderness, and assurance, Jesus tells her everything is going to be all right, "Be of good comfort."  Jesus was telling her to have courage and to be cheerful. This is the meaning of this word "comfort."  He made her story public so that others would see that faith. He continued and said, "Go in peace. Your faith has made you whole." This word "whole" means "continually whole."  Jesus assured her that she would not have a relapse. Her problem was not coming back. Christ's message is the same for us today.
 
You may feel unseen today. But Jesus sees you. You may carry shame from your past, or pain that hasn’t gone away, or prayers that feel unanswered. You may believe that your faith is too small, too weak, or too uncertain to matter. Just as this poor woman was immediately healed of her plague when she touched the Lord Jesus, so sinners are healed of the plague of their hearts, freed from the curse of the law and the guilt of sin as soon as they touch the Lord Jesus Christ by faith. Like this woman with the hemorrhage, we all have been defiled by sin. We must be cleansed of sin or we can never spend eternity in the presence of a holy God. Only Jesus can cleanse us through His death on the cross. Following the crowd who are following Jesus will not bring a person into a personal relationship with Him. We must lay hold of Him by faith as she did that day. You will never possess what you need in life apart from Christ! Religion without Christ is of no value to lost sinners. When you get close enough to touch the Lord by faith, I assure you that He will know and He will respond. He honors even the faintest reach. He responds not to the perfection of your faith, but to the direction of it. He will not let a touch of faith go without notice. When Jesus does a work in your heart or life, you won't be able to keep in quiet. If someone as big as the Lord lives within, He will be revealed from time to time. We will have to tell it once in a while. Her time with the Lord had brought great and immediate blessing. The same remains true with us. There is nothing like the touch of Jesus. If you’re reaching for Him, even quietly, He will stop for you. He will meet you in your need, speak peace into your heart, and remind you who you are in Him. 
 
PRAYER: Father in Heaven, that You for saving me by Your amazing grace. I know that when I called out to Your Son for salvation, He was already reaching to me. Help me to reach others who need You. In Jesus name, AMEN!
 
If this post in any way, has blessed you,
please share this website and its articles with others:
www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com]]>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com/daily-devotions/women-of-the-bible-series-jochebed-part-22319699Women of the Bible Series
 
Jochebed...God Fearing Mother (Hebrews 11:23) – PART 2

Hebrews 11:23, By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.

This passage describes both the faith of his parents and his faith. They had a faith that endured the ensnarement of the enemy. Jochebed was an Israelite, a member of the tribe of Levi. She, and her husband Amram, were evidently very dedicated and godly people. They were willing to defy the order of Pharaoh and keep the commandments of God. Every mother needs a relationship with the Lord. Abraham Lincoln declared, "No man is poor who has had a godly mother."


When Amram and Jochebed saw that their baby, Moses, was a proper child, they hid him for three months, defying Pharaoh’s commandment. Not fearing Pharaoh’s wrath, they trusted God to save their boy, though they had no idea how this would be done. They hoped for a deliverance as yet unseen. Pharaoh had commanded that all male babies be cast into the Nile River (Exodus 1:22). However, Moses' parents courageously defied the King's orders and hid their son. This is parental faith! Moses' life and ministry hinged upon the faith of his parents. The same was true of Timothy (II Timothy 1:5; 3:15). Thank God for parents who stay true to God in the midst of a wicked world. Moses' mother and father ignored the pressures and intimidations of the world around them. The child of God is under constant pressure to conform to this world.

According to Numbers 26:59, Jochebed had three children (Miriam, Aaron, and Moses) and all were used of God. This was not by accident, but due to the fact that she was a God-fearing mother. She wanted her children to value truth and justice and more than anything, she wanted them to be loyal to the Lord and love the Lord with all their heart. A mother’s influence is so powerful since she is with her children in the early years. Childhood years are an influential, developmental, and molding time. May godly parents raise their children to be successful for the Lord in finding and doing His will for their lives (Romans 12:1-2).

Moses was blessed with a godly mother. She poured out her life into the life of her son. Jochebed refused to give in to a godless system that would have cost her the life of her son. Knowing that Moses would be raised in a godless environment, she faithfully taught Moses the ways of the Lord. The world demands that parent’s hand over their children and allow them to be trained and taught the ways of the world. But children need and deserve better than that! The Bible instructs that parents will teach their children the ways of God and steer them clear of the world and its devises. It takes faith to go against the grain and raise your children for the Lord, but God will bless you, and them, for it! A Christian must determine that God’s law is higher than man’s law (Ecclesiastes 8:2).


A mother’s influence on her child’s life is profound. It’s been said that, “the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world”. Children are influenced more by their parents than most people realize. A child’s desires and dislikes are shaped early in their life as they reflect your character and integrity (Proverbs 22:6). Parent’s that train and teach their children what they are supposed to believe and how they are to live so that when they are grown, they will know what to believe and how to live. Children with no training (that are left to themselves and allowed to do whatever they please) will bring their mother to shame (Proverbs 29:15).

Even though his Egyptian family educated and raised him in a heathenistic society and worshiped false gods. Moses never forgot what his Hebrew mother had taught him. Because of his mother’s faithfulness, he never stopped believing in the true God. A God-fearing mother has a strong faith in God and His Word. Hebrews 11 is considered the hall of heroes of faith. Jochebed displayed her faith in God when she obeyed God and took Him at His Word. When a person builds a house there are blue prints they must follow in order for the construction to be a success. When a baker bakes, they must follow the directions according to the recipe. A mother molds the life of her child with the Word of God as it instructs her to do so.

Parents, perhaps you will never know the complete impact of the child you are raising and what they may do for the Lord! Give them the best you have while you have them and turn out God fearing, God following young men and women who will live for the glory of the Lord! Young adults whom God can use for His glory out into the future. Young people who will instill the same values in their children that you have placed in them.

PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for my mother. A woman who worked hard and made several sacrifices during my childhood that I may become the man I am today. Today, You have stirred my heart and have spoken to me about the importance of strengthening and building relationships. Help me be an example before the younger generation that would impact them to choose to live for You while their still young and to know You personally through Jesus Christ. In Jesus name, AMEN!

If this post in any way, has blessed you,
please share this website and its articles with others:
www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com
]]>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com/daily-devotions/women-of-the-bible-series-jochebed-part-11136864Women of the Bible Series
 
Jochebed...God Fearing Mother (Hebrews 11:23) – PART 1
 
Hebrews 11:23, By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.


Quotes:
No gift to your mother can ever equal her gift to you—life.
“The most important occupation on earth for a woman is to be a real mother to her children. It does not have much glory to it; there is a lot of grit and grime. But there is no greater place of ministry, position, or power than that of a mother”, Phil Whisenhunt.
“The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom”, Henry Ward Beecher.
 
Years ago, a young mother was making her way across the hills of South Wales, carrying her tiny baby in her arms, when she was overtaken by a blinding blizzard. She never reached her destination and when the blizzard had subsided her body was found by searchers beneath a mound of snow. But they discovered that before her death, she had taken off all her outer clothing and wrapped it about her baby. When they unwrapped the child, to their great surprise and joy, they found he was alive and well. She had mounded her body over his and given her life for her child, proving the depths of her mother love. Years later that child, David Lloyd George, grown to manhood, became prime minister of Great Britain, and, without a doubt, one of England's greatest statesmen.

We are introduced to a woman named Jochebed. She stands out as one of the greatest mothers revealed in the pages of Scripture. Her selfless love and sacrifice made possible the exodus of God's people from Egypt and literally changed the course of history. It would do us well this morning to look at the life of this great mother. As we do, we find characteristics that stand as reminders to all our mothers, teaching them what they should be as well.

Jochebed’s name means “Jehovah glorified”, or “God’s glory”. Jochebed’s faith was rock solid. A God-fearing mother brings glory to God through her children. Not much is said about Jochebed, but what we do know is what she did for God. She brought glory to the Lord and it is seen in how her children turned out for the Lord. Jochebed’s children did some great things. Miriam was a prophetess (Exodus 15:20); Aaron was a high priest for the nation of Israel (Exodus 28:1); and Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 3:11).

The events around the life of Jochebed are found in Exodus 2:1-10. Not much is spoken about her in Scripture. But what we do find is that she was a courageous, God-fearing mother. Jochebed was not afraid of the king’s commandment (Hebrews 11:23). She feared God rather than obeying the king’s commandment (Acts 5:29). Pharaoh commanded that every Hebrews son be cast into the crocodile infested Nile river. She trusted God and refused to sacrifice her child. Jochebed took baby Moses and placed him in an ark of bulrushes. She was convinced that her son would be used for an important work. She committed Moses to the Lord. Moses would become God’s servant who would lead Israel out of Egypt. 

It took faith to place the child in the river. This was the same instrument which was being used to destroy the other babies, (Exodus 1:22). It took faith for this mother to take her hands off the life of this child and leave him to the will of God. It takes faith for us to let our children go, but that day is coming. Some parents live in denial and try to hold on to their children far too long. But the day is coming, sooner or later, when that child must be allowed to become an adult. It takes faith to just leave them in the hands of God, but the child who has a praying mother, a life filled with the Bible and training in the way of the Lord has the advantage and will do well.

Jochebed was raising her son to give him to the Lord. She gave up her son to save her nation even though she didn't realize the impact that she was making at the time. According to the Bible, God gave His son for us! When He did, God knew exactly what He was doing. In fact, when Jesus came and died for our sins at Calvary. That was the greatest expression of love the world would ever see (Romans 5:8). Jochebed gave her son for Israel. God gave His Son for the world, John 3:16, II Corinthians 5:15. He died for all! He died for you!


When the will of Henry J. Heinz, wealthy distributor of the famous "57 Varieties" line, was read, it was found to contain the following confession: "Looking forward to the time when my earthly career will end, I desire to set forth at the very beginning of this will, as the most important item in it, a confession of my faith in Jesus Christ as my Savior. I also desire to bear witness to the fact that throughout my life, in which there were unusual joys and sorrows, I have been wonderfully sustained by my faith in God through Jesus Christ. This legacy was left me by my consecrated mother, a woman of strong faith, and to it I attribute any success I have attained."
 
PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for my mother. A woman who worked hard and made several sacrifices during my childhood that I may become the man I am today. Today, You have stirred my heart and have spoken to me about the importance of strengthening and building relationships. Help me be an example before the younger generation that would impact them to choose to live for You while they’re still young and to know You personally through Jesus Christ. In Jesus name, AMEN!
 
If this post in any way, has blessed you,
please share this website and its articles with others:
www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com
​]]>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 19:46:43 GMThttps://www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com/daily-devotions/women-of-the-bible-series-abigail3640538Women of the Bible Series - Abigail (I Samuel 25:3)
 
I Samuel 25:3, Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb.
 
There are many people in the Bible that will win your heart through their godly characteristics. In I Samuel 25, we see the life of Abigail, a beautiful woman who displayed wisdom and humility. As you study her life experiences, try to find ways to relate her life lessons to your own situation today. Let’s face it, in life we will have to deal with difficult people. You are called to bear with difficult people who can sometimes create trying circumstances for you. Your walk with Christ can thrive despite the chaos around you.
 
Abigail was a wise woman of good understanding and who knew God and therefore knew how to live with an unpleasant and ill-natured man. Abigail was a wise woman not to try to forcibly mold her husband into a better man. Peter instructed, Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; 2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear (I Peter 3:1-2).
 
Trying to change other people, such as co-workers, friends, and family is no less uncertain. We can encourage, share Scripture, pray for, and be an example to others, but only God can transform their hearts. Abigail knew she couldn’t convince her husband to act honorably toward David, but she knew that she could choose to do what would mend the wound of David and honor the Lord. Life may have dealt you this kind of circumstance. I'm speaking of the kind of circumstance that you would have never chosen intentionally. So often we must deal with circumstances that come into our lives uninvited. Learn from Abigail that whatever is over your head—is under His feet.
 
In I Samuel 25:7, 16 we see that David had protected Nabal’s shepherds and was now asking for a reasonable favor in return: that Nabal would give them provisions when they arrived. Nabal was rich, and so it certainly would not have been any trouble for him to comply, but instead of being wise and generous, he chose to be stingy, which only provoked David to fight. When her husband refused to help David, she intervened by taking the blame and supplying David’s need for food. Gathering an army of 400 men, David set out to destroy Nabal’s household, and had it not been for the wisdom of one woman he would have. Abigail’s wisdom kept herself and many innocent people from being killed, because of her husband’s foolishness. Abigail demonstrated her good understanding though she remained faithful to Nabal till his death, taking supplies to help God’s anointed and eventually marrying David. 
 
God desires that we pursue close relationships with people who will encourage us on our journey for Christ, but some relationships are thrust upon us, and perhaps in Abigail’s case, a hot-headed, difficult, and stubborn husband. While we have the right to make our own choices, we will be held accountable for those decisions. We do not get to choose our consequences. Pride will escalate a conflict, but humility can bring healing to the rift in a relationship. Proverbs 25:11, A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. Abigail’s wise summation and humble approach caused David to take pause and consider her counsel to avoid bloodshed. Proverbs 29:23, A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit. Though Abigail was the one caught between a rock and a hard place. We see her courage and compassion as she was the bowed herself to the ground before David, interceding for her husband. David thanked God for her, called her blessed, and gladly conceded her counsel had kept him from losing his head as he was about to take the head of Nabal. Godly wisdom displays itself through godly activity accredited to God’s work through us.
 
Through Abigail’s example, we see the cycle of wisdom in action:

1. She recognized that David was a godly man (I Samuel 25:18-20).  Proverbs 9:10, The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.  

2. Abigail avoided conflict (I Samuel 25:18-20). Proverbs 14:16, A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.
 
3. Abigail acted wisely to resolve the problem (I Samuel 25:18-24).
Proverbs 29:11, A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.  

Points to Ponder:

• God can remove the biggest obstacle in your life.
  • Godly people can inspire others to honor God and to follow Christ.

·         Your walk with Christ can thrive despite the chaos around you.
·         You are called to bear with difficult people who can sometimes create trying circumstances for you.

• Allow God to love everyone through you, especially difficult people.
• Spend time praying about how God can help you with humility and resist the temptation to create conflicts.
• It is considerably easier to deal with the difficult people in our life when we are in the right fellowship with the Lord.

 
Questions to Consider:

• Has there been a time when you said too much from venting your feelings?
• In what ways has the Lord helped you in holding your tongue from those who have wronged you?
• Has there been a time in which you were quick to judge someone before you had all the facts?
• In what settings do you find it the most difficult to be a godly influence.
• In what ways has the lessons from Abigail helped you handle conflicts with difficult people?
• What is God doing in your life to help you be more obedient to His Word or more trusting of His ways?
• How has this lesson helped you concerning taking matters into your own hands and not allowing God to do what only He can do?

 
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for the "Abigails" who are sensitive enough to You that they can be used as Your vessel to speak to Your servants and for Your service. Thank You for the wisdom of the people found in Your Word that I can also be sensitive to Your leading in my life and be used in ways to promote your kingdom work. In Jesus Name, Amen.  
​
If this post in any way, has blessed you,
please share this website and its articles with others:
www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com
​]]>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com/daily-devotions/finding-purpose8982229Finding Purpose (Psalm 32:8)
 
Psalm 32:8, I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
 
One of the most common questions people ask me is “How do I know God’s will for my life?” God has a plan and design for your life. You are not a leaf that fell by chance to be scattered by the wind. Scripture says the steps of a good man are “ordered” by the Lord. (Psalm 37:23). The Lord desires many qualities from us. A couple of these are a humble and a teachable spirit. May we value His presence and counsel (Psalm 32:7), trust him completely (Psalm 32:10), rejoice in him and continue to do what is right (Psalm 32:11).
 
What a blessed promise from God. God has promised to instruct us and guide us in the way we should go. Notice: This guidance is by His omniscient eye. Psalm 73:24 and Proverbs 3:5-6 points to the same promise. We should also be comforted to know that the Lord’s eye is always upon us. We are never out of His sight. God knows everything about us, even our hearts. His diligent, all-seeing eye assures us that He knows our way and will do what He must to guide us along the path of righteousness (Romans 8:28). We are never outside of His loving care (Romans 8:35-39). God who knows all and sees all knows far better than we and He is pleading with us to follow His instructions. Unfortunately, every day many reject His guidance.
 
Joy and fulfillment are ultimately only found in that one goal. Everything good comes from knowing Jesus Christ as Lord. The starting place for that kind of joy begins with kneeling before Him as Lord of your life. God’s will for you to be a Christian. I Timothy 2:3–4, For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth. God’s will for you to be Spirit-filled. Ephesians 5:17–18, Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;. Being Spirit-filled is not an emotional experience or high. It is not fasting and praying. Being Spirit-filled means to be completely submitted to the authority of Scripture in your life.
 
Everyone searches for meaning and fullness to life. The Bible teaches that the purpose of life is to know Christ and to make Christ known. Daily seek to fulfill God's purpose for your life. Every day ask God to help you accomplish your life's mission. Pray for opportunities to fulfill that purpose by asking for boldness to tell others of God's love. God has a unique plan and purpose for your life. Seek to fulfill God's purpose for your life every day.
 
We are not left to our own resources when it comes to obeying the Lord and walking righteously. God promises to provide sufficient instruction and guidance. How does the Lord teach and direct His children? Through His Holy Word and His Holy Spirit. People need a plan in their life. God has a plan for your life, and He is pleading with us to find, to follow, and to fulfill this purpose. How do we receive this direction from the Lord? Here are at least three ways the Lord instructs us in the way that He is leading us.
 
1. His Scriptures: God uses His Word to instruct us. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). In the darkness of our uncertainty, God uses the light of His Word to direct our steps. 

2. His Spirit: God has also given us His Holy Spirit, who lives within us from the moment we receive Christ as Saviour. God uses His Spirit to instruct us. “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God” (I Corinthians 2:12). There are some things in life that we will not discover any other way than the Holy Spirit teaching them to us through personal study of and the preaching of God’s Word. 

3. His Servants: God also uses godly counsel to instruct us. “Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.” (Proverbs 19:20–21) 
​
God has provided everything we need to live in obedience to Him (II Peter 1:3-4). With His Word to instruct us, His indwelling Spirit to lead us, and His watchful eye over us. Reading, studying, and meditating on God’s Word are all essential in order to achieve victory over sin.
 
Prayer, Father, I am deeply grateful today that You are willing and ready to assume Your rightful place in my life. As my Creator, only You understand the detail and destination of my life is such a way that I can trust You completely. Teach me to do that in a big way and then renew it each day as I live for You. Thank You for making all this possible through Your Son Jesus who saved me and in whose footsteps I can follow. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
 
If this post in any way, has blessed you,
     please share this website and its articles with others:
       www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com
]]>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com/daily-devotions/what-to-do-when-your-life-is-sinking7675463What To Do When Your Life Is Sinking (Matthew 14:24-29)

Storms can come suddenly, even at odd times. This one came when the disciples were in the midst of the sea. Trouble seems to come at the worst of times? There is no chance to prepare; the storm just showed up in the middle of nowhere. Storms will rock you. Storms will have you sitting at your table unable to eat. Storms will have you lying in your bed unable to sleep. Storms will have you sitting at a red light that's green. A storm will consume your life. We need Jesus in our storms.

Then God shows up. The Bible says that Jesus went unto them. Any time a storm shows up in your life, Jesus will show up. He knows how much you can bear. The disciples saw Jesus in their time of trouble. I have discovered in life that sometimes you can be so drenched in your trouble that you can't see your triumph. You can be so caught up in your situations that you can't see your Saviour. Your can be so bogged down with your doubt that you can't focus on your deliverance. If you put doubt in front of the deliverer, you'll walk around with your head down from now on.
 
Today, are you walking or sinking? If you’re going under, it’s because you’ve been looking at the waves (like an up and down economy). You’ve been listening to the howling wind (like the voices of doom and gloom rampant in our society). You have been taking your prompts from what others are saying or the way they are acting, instead of keeping your mind stayed on the Lord (Isaiah 26:3).
 
Like Peter, the moment we take our eyes off of the Lord we sink. When our attention drifts, we lose our ability to hear His voice. The same wind and waves that jolt us into crying out to God one moment can distract us from Him in the next.
 
Today is an opportunity not to sink into distraction, but to focus on the Lord and what He’s teaching you. To trust Him to handle life’s trials. This is what life should be for growing followers of Christ: looking to God for wisdom and responding with obedience, even in the face of what may seem impossible. All the while, keeping our eyes on Jesus
 
Questions to Consider:

• What is distracting you from being focused on the Lord?
• Peter’s story, literal waves distracted him from Jesus. What figurative waves are crashing against you?
• If there was one change you made to your daily routine or thought life that could help your eyes stay fixed on Jesus, what would it be?

 
Points to Ponder:

• Too often, people quit or give up just before the trial is about to end.
• When it comes to getting out of situations, don't give up too soon.
• You've got to keep on persevering, keep on going forward.

 
Prayer, Lord God, You are sovereign, in control of everything. I confess I’ve allowed myself to be distracted, and I don’t want to be anymore. Give me the strength and self-control I need to fix my eyes on You, so I can learn what You want me to learn and be who You want me to be. You are worthy of my full attention. Just as You didn’t let Peter sink, You won’t let me sink. Help me get my eyes off my circumstances and onto You. Please forgive me. I want to trust You. Thank You that You are the sure, steadfast anchor of my soul. Thank You that nothing is too hard for You. Let my life reflect the stability of knowing that You see and know and are at work on my behalf. In Jesus’ name, amen
  
           If this post in any way, has blessed you,
  please share this website and its articles with others:
         www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com
]]>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com/daily-devotions/the-right-placethe-right-peoplethe-right-time5225752The Right Place...The Right People…The Right Time (Esther 4:14)
 
Esther 4:14, For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
 
While Esther was enjoying her new role as queen, her uncle Mordecai uncovers a plot to exterminate the Jewish people in the land.  He realized that something had to be done and that Esther was in the right position at the right time; but would she accept the challenge? God placed the right woman in the right place at the right time. Did it ever occur to you that you could be one of God’s heroes and that God is equipping and preparing you for something yet ahead? God has put us on this earth for a purpose.
 
I used to think that I would have wanted to live in another period of time. Often Old Testament, New Testament, or during the great revival campaigns across our nation. I no longer feel that way. I grateful and confident that with the Lord there are no mistakes, and He has His people positioned at the right place and at the right time. Knowing the Lord is coming soon and having an opportunity to serve Him at this time is exciting. Where you are today is no accident. Mordecai, Esther’s uncle, challenged her and changed for life by saying, “who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther never set ought to become a queen, but once she was, she had to decide between her comfort and her calling. It’s a choice we all make. We all ask ourselves, “What’s my calling?” This involves your marriage, your family, your job, your friendships. It involves the community in which you live and service at your home church. One thing is certain, when God calls, it’s your time. Whenever your tempted to think to wait for some other time or more important opportunity. Keep in mind, you don’t get to choose your time, God does that. Psalm 31:5a, My times are in thy hand:.
 
God sends ordained people to for an ordained purpose to guide us. Without Mordecai in her life Esther might never have understood her calling. And without his help she might never embraced it. The question you should ask is, “Who is your Mordecai?” Who knows you well enough to help clarify your calling? Who loves you enough to challenge you when you get off track, or to strengthen you when you want to quit and turn back? Not one of us is a composite of all of life’s virtues; we all have blind spots and weaknesses. That’s why God chooses to send others and why we need them. Maybe it is the Lord speaking to our hearts and telling us to take a bold step of faith and do something we have never done, something way out of our comfort zone. God gives gifts and talents to each of us that we need to use. Esther delivered when it was needed. You have a gift that was given to you by God. Everyone has a role to play. Everyone has talents and gifts that are given to them by God that they must discover, cultivate, and use for his glory.
 
Esther put her life on the line and spoke up for her people and saved the Jewish people as a result. God is preparing His heroes; and when the opportunity comes, He can fit them into their places in a moment, and the world will wonder where they came from. God has put us on this earth for a purpose. As a believer, you are also lifted to a high position. You are now a child of God. You are a co-heir with Jesus. With this position, you have the purpose of bringing a message to the world. In this life, every position you hold, every place you go, you have a purpose. That purpose is to bring others to a saving knowledge of Jesus. You are in the right place, at the right time to bring that message to whomever you are around. You are the one who can do what no one else can do. You are there for a purpose. And He has put all of us where we are for such a time as this. Sometimes the Lord will speak to our hearts and tell us to do something. Maybe it is the Lord speaking to our hearts and telling us to take a bold step of faith and do something we have never done, something way out of our comfort zone. It might be something unexpected God will call you to do “for such a time as this”. You can find that purpose and dedicate your life to the glory of God, or you can ignore it and chase after the empty promises of this world. It’s really your choice.
 
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, Thank You that every day is a new beginning with new opportunities to trust in You. Lord, guide me in Your ways so that I will know how to take a stand for You, just as Esther did. When I start to feel out of place, help me to know You are near. In Jesus name, Amen.
 
If this post in any way, has blessed you,
please share this website and its articles with others:
www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com
​]]>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:30:42 GMThttps://www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com/daily-devotions/pouting-to-praising6144131Pouting to Praising (Psalm 77:10-12)
 
Psalm 77:10-12, And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High. 11 I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. 12 I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.
 
The psalm begins with the weeping of a troubled man pleading with God (Psalm 77:1-3). He then continues to mourn and reflect upon himself (Psalm 77:4-9). He then meditates upon God (Psalm 77:10-15). There is no one like Him (Psalm 77:13). God is in a class by Himself. He worked wonders and redeemed Israel with power (Psalm 77:14-15). He closes the psalm by remembering the victory of the Red Sea (Psalm 77:16). The psalm marks the condition of a backslidden ‘Christian’ as he is convicted and then turns back to fellowship with God. Psalm 77 is a psalm any distressed child of God can make their own to help them through their troubles.
 
This psalm describes a person in deep trouble who cried out to God but felt that God was not responding (Psalm 77:7-9). If we find ourselves in a similar situation, we should do as this psalmist did: continue to call on God day and night (Psalm 77:1-2) while remembering all the ways God has shown us His love in the past. Because of what God did for us through His Son, Jesus, we now have the assurance in Romans 8:32, He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
 
The psalmist stopped griping about his troubles and instead glorified the Lord. This produced a much better attitude in the psalmist. We will find relief in our troubles when we give praise to God instead of complaining so much about our troubles. This greatly honors God. The psalmist is going to ponder the works of the Lord instead of his own problems. Notice: "I will remember... I will remember... I will remember... I will meditate... of all thy work, and talk of thy doings" It is God's works and wonders that will fill his mind.
 
Though he was a mess spiritually, he determined to recall the days when he had been at the right hand of God. The days when he had been right with Him and in close fellowship. When we consider the wonders of God's creation, we can't help but to love Him and respect His power, wisdom, and majesty. He decided to recall and reflect upon all that God had done in years gone by. His mind was drawn to God’s Word and the wonderful testimonies of God’s power.
 
When we lift our eyes from the pages of Scripture to go about the rest of our lives, it can be difficult to make the transition from past events to present spiritual truth. What does the crossing of the Red Sea, King David running from Saul, or the apostle Paul's struggle with the circumcision group have to do with life in the modern world? Where is God? Our natural spiritual dullness is enhanced because we live in a culture which is committed to living in the absence of God. Even though, in principle, we believe in our Lord Jesus Christ as the Lord of all of life, we can find it difficult to live with His abiding presence. That is why we must not only meditate on Scripture, but we must meditate on life as well. If we look with the eyes of faith and the guidance of the Scriptures, we will discern God's hand, guiding, teaching and shaping us. However, before we can discern His presence in our lives in the present, we need to be able to take a long look at His hand in the past events of our lives. It is a principle of Scripture that we must see the present through the experiences of the past.
 
We must learn to follow God’s footprints. Where doubts rise during times of distress, reassurance comes during times of remembrance. Without question, strength for the present can sometimes be found in the past. When we are overwhelmed with despair, we need to pause to remember the mighty works God has performed for His people through the ages. These accounts are recorded in Scripture for a specific reason: that we might be encouraged by and through them. Romans 15:4, For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. We also need to recall God’s faithfulness in our own lives. Remembering past victories gives us hope for our present struggles.
 
As we prepare to meditate on life, let's look at God's unseen, guiding hand in the life of Joseph (Genesis 37-45). In Genesis 50:20, He endorses all the painful events of his life to God's hand which was working for good. Meditating on God's Word is a vital principle for learning the Word and putting it into practice in your life. That should be our ultimate goal when we study the Bible or hear preaching. God will reveal many wonderful truths and practical applications to you if you will ponder the principles of Scripture throughout the day and the night. If you will relish or meditate on God's Word, it will help you to find relief from rut living.
 
Point to Ponder:
Make a list of major events in your life, both painful and pleasurable.
 
Questions to Consider:
How do I see God's hand working it all out for your good and for His glory?
 
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, as You lead me each day in my walk with You, show Yourself to me. Let me see Your hand and reflect Romans 8:28. In Jesus name, AMEN.
 
If this post in any way, has blessed you,
please share this website and its articles with others:
www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com
​]]>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com/daily-devotions/lord-give-me-strength7109488​LORD, Give Me Strength! (Isaiah 40:28-31)
 
If you have learned anything about life, you know that there are times where you can become weary. Times of weakness are very critical times for us because choices can be made that become damaging and destructive to our life. For example, when Elijah was weary, he became depressed and wanted to die. When David was spiritually weak, he committed adultery with Bathsheba.
 
1.  Power of the Lord (Isaiah 40:28)
Isaiah 40:28, Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.
We may get tired, but our Lord doesn't. ….This is what Isaiah stressed here. ….He focused on the power of God.
 
a.       The Lord’s power is seen in His Perpetuality. 
God is everlasting. He has no clock because He controls the time. With Him there is no beginning and there is no end. (Hebrews 7:3)
 
b.      The Lord's power is seen in His Perseverance.
God never faints or grows weary. His sovereignty of the universe is no problem for Him. Listening to our prayers and watching over us is a breeze. He is on call and on duty 24 hours a day. He does not require a nap, a B12 shot, coffee or energy drinks. What a comfort it is for us that we can cast all our cares upon Him. (Psalm 55:22; I Peter 5:7)
 
c.       The Lord's power is seen in the fact that there are no Perimeters to His Perception.
There is no searching of His wisdom or understanding. His IQ cannot be measured. He cannot be out-witted, out-foxed, or out-smarted. The roots of science, mathematics, history, biology, astronomy, anatomy, and chemistry are all found in God. He is the source of life. His wisdom enables us to solve our problems and difficulties. The depth of His wisdom cannot be found because it is infinite. (Ephesians 3:18; Isaiah 55:8-9).

2. Provision of the Lord (Isaiah 40:29-30) Isaiah 40:29-30, He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
If we are not careful, we can read over these verses without thinking about what it is saying. When you ponder it, however, it says a whole lot. Because the Lord is powerful, He has power to give to us. Youth are full of energy. No one will question that. If we could bottle their energy, we could make a fortune. Young men get exhausted, stumble, stagger, and fall. There are no supermen. Those who are young are not always strong. We all get weary and faint. It is in those times of weakness, however, that we can find out the effects of God's power and strength. That's what Paul found out in his own life. The Lord allows times of weakness in our lives that we might depend upon Him. II Corinthians 12:10, Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. In spite of our weakness, we can find strength when we look to the Lord for it. He gives power to the faint, who have been overwhelmed by trouble and trials. He gives strength to those who are weakened by sickness, discouragement, depression, or physical exhaustion. God gives us strength when we are desperate for it. No matter what the cause, He can encourage, excite, and energize you to get back up on your feet and go forward for the Lord. Psalm 18:2, The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. Psalm 118:14, The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation. Psalm 46:1, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

3. Patiently Wait on the Lord (Isaiah 40:31) Isaiah 40:31, But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
The verse states that if we are weak and without strength, God urges us to wait upon Him. That can be very difficult yet, God urges us to do it. David talked often about “waiting on God.”  Over and over again we read of David waiting on God. To wait on the LORD is to trust Him. Waiting on God is essential to trusting Him. David is pleading for God to lead him. He said he was waiting on God all day and desired that none that waited on God would be ashamed (Psalm 25:3).  Psalm 25:3a, Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed. Psalm 27:14, Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. Psalm 33:20, Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield. Psalm 25:5, Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. The word "wait" means "to look eagerly for something or someone; to hope or expect." This word indicates persistence.
​The word “wait” in this Scripture pictures a Hebrew word used in the making of rope. To bind together; two separate things twisting around each other, so they become one. As one moves, the other moves. As one is still, the other is still. The words "wait upon" carries the idea that when we wait upon the Lord, we are making the decision to bind together and abide in Him. All day, we should be in the habit of waiting on God.  We should be looking eagerly for what God is going to do, how God is going to lead us, what God is going to teach us. When making rope, one must start with one strand of thread. As the process continues, every additional strand added causes its strength to increase. Every time you “wait upon the Lord”  you add another thread of rope; which increases your strength and allows you to manage daily duties. If you’ve ever asked the Lord for strength because you’ve felt like your hanging on a thread, then turn to Him and hold onto these promises and your thread will feel more like a rope.
 
Shortly after starting her perfume business, Estee Lauder realized she had to persuade a cosmetics buyer to place her products in many stores throughout the country. At 9 A.M., Lauder was in the offices of the American Merchandising Corporation, waiting to see Marie Weston, the cosmetics buyer. Since Lauder had no appointment, she was advised to come back another day. "I don't mind waiting," said Lauder. "I'll wait until she has a few free moments." Salespeople came and went. At lunchtime, the receptionist said Weston's schedule was so full that getting in to see her was impossible. Again, Lauder was told to come back later. "I'll wait a little longer," she persisted. Hours passed. At 5:15 P.M. Marie Weston came out of her office. She looked at Estee Lauder in disbelief, then admiration, and said, "Well, do come in. Such patience must be rewarded." Weston was impressed with Lauder's cosmetics placed her products in her stores. The Estee Lauder name became famous in the world of cosmetics because she was persistent in waiting.
 
If this post has blessed you in any way
please share this website and its articles with others: 
www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com

]]>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com/daily-devotions/a-living-sacrificea-loving-servant9424953A Living Sacrifice…A Loving Servant (Romans 12:1)
 
Romans 12:1, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
 
We are to be living sacrifices, not dead ones. If you are going to be totally devoted to the Lord, then you will need to surrender yourself to God and present your life as a living sacrifice to Him. God not only wants us to offer our body as a living sacrifice, He wants us to surrender our hearts or wills to Him. II Corinthians 8:5, And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. The Macedonian brethren exceeded Paul’s hope. They gave first of their very selves to the Lord and His work. When our heart is right, the LORD will have all of us. This is the will of God for us. His will is for us to first give ourselves to Him and then to His work. As believers we are to be devoted to God and dedicated to live as He commands. This life is lived for God in holiness, purity, cleanliness, righteousness, and morality. Everything about us and all we have is to be dedicated to the worship and service of God. Anything less than total devotion is short of God's glory.
 
Paul spoke of his struggle of this battle and the hope in Jesus Christ. Galatians 5:16-17, This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. Our heart is the battlefield of wills… our will vs. God's will. Neither attitude wants to surrender or be defeated. The Spirit of God summons us to follow His gentle leading. Our fleshly nature make every effort to cause us to sin. The battle is intense everyday. Proverbs 23:26, My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways. Solomon pleads for his son to give him his heart. Our heavenly Father asks the same of us. The invitation here is not to salvation, but to obedience and dedication. When we give our heart to Christ in day-to-day Christian living, we will avoid the pitfalls of sinful choices. A true disciple of Christ will pattern his life after the image of Christ.
 
In 490 B.C. as Xerxes was advancing into Greece, he came to Thermopylae, a small pass in central Greece. Herodotus tells us that by the time he got there, he had six million troops on land and sea. Gathered there to stop the advance of the powerful Persian monarch was a mere handful of Greeks headed up by 300 Spartans, led by the Spartan king Leonidas. When Persian troops came to check the pass, they saw 300 warriors brushing their long hair and doing calisthenics and other such things. Back they went to their master to report that some fools with weapons were playing games in the ravine. Demaratus, a Greek physician and counselor to the Persian court, assured the king they weren't playing games, they were performing a death ritual. These men had come to die! Many an unmarried man had volunteered, but Leonidas insisted on taking with him men who had living sons. They never meant to come back!
 
Love of Sparta motivated these men and it was the love for sinful mankind that moved the Lord Jesus Christ to come to this earth and die for our sins. The world may consider this foolish. They may consider the Gospel to be foolish. No matter what an ungodly world thinks, live for Christ. Missionary Jim Elliot, who died for the cause of Christ said, "He is no fool, who gives what he cannot keep, to gain, what he cannot lose." He and the other four missionaries were willing to give their all for the Lord Jesus because they were sold out to the Lord. They considered themselves already dead before they went to the Auca Indians with the Gospel. They had presented themselves as living sacrifices to Christ. If God doesn't have our hearts, He doesn't have us. When our will is broken and yielded to Him, He can guide us on the path that He has prepared for us. God wants us to willingly give our hearts to Him. Deuteronomy 6:5, And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. When we love God with all our heart, mind, souls, and strength, our focus is on Him. We’re not consumed with ourselves. We’re consumed with our great God. May He increase in each of our lives as we love Him more and ourselves less!
 
A Living Sacrifice.
A living sacrifice means that a person dedicates his body to live for God and to keep on living for God. As a living sacrifice does not mean just an occasional dedication but a constant, continuous sacrifice, not of one's body. Sacrificing does not mean giving one body to God one day and then taking it back tomorrow.
 
A Loving Servant.
As loving servants our desire should be to bring the Lord pleasure. We should be committed to serving and ministering to others. We should seek to cause Him to joy and to rejoice in our bodies. Our bodies should be so dedicated to Him that God's heart is just flooded with joy and rejoicing.
 
PRAYER: LORD, You have been calling me to come closer to You. I present myself a living sacrifice for You to use however You choose. I want to live for You and serve You for the rest of my life. In Jesus name, AMEN!
 
  If this post in any way, has blessed you,
  please share this website and its articles with others:
        www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com
​
]]>