<![CDATA[Fellowship Baptist Church - Daily Devotions]]>Fri, 09 Oct 2026 00:01:24 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[Pastor Appreciation Month: Day #9]]>Fri, 09 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com/daily-devotions/pastor-appreciation-month-day-95348550Pastor Appreciation Month: Day #9
 
October is Pastor Appreciation Month.
Take time today to express to your pastor how much he means to you.
 
The Pastor and His Sermon Preparation
 
God is a God of order. The Scriptures tells us “Let all things be done decently and in order (I Corinthians 14:40).” Everything that is said or done in a worship service is important. However, it is the sermon, the preaching of the Word of God that is the most important part of the worship service. The pastor is fully aware of this; therefore, he must always take his sermon preparation very serious. The preacher who is Spirit driven, Spirit led, and Spirit dependent will also be Spirit empowered! Preaching is truly the Spirit's ministry. What the Holy Spirit illumines in the study, He will empower in the pulpit. True, we need to prepare for what we have studied, but Oswald Chambers said, “The thing to prepare is not the sermon, but the preacher.”
 
In preparing a message I prescribe the following pattern:
     
  1. Supplication:
As pastors we pray that each message must be birthed in, bathed in, and brought in prayer.
1.    The Example of Jesus
If time alone with the Father was important to Jesus it should be of the utmost importance to each of us as men of God.  In meditating Jesus would come apart from the crowd and often even His disciples.  The Lord needed this time to discern the voice of God in His every movement.
 
2.    The Experience of Jesus.
In coming apart from the crowd Jesus would often be found praying to His heavenly father.  In watching His movements, we find Him praying in the garden, on top of the mountain, He even spent 40 days in the wilderness fasting and praying to His Heavenly Father.  If time alone with God was important to Him, we must ask ourselves if it is important to our lives.  In meditating we allow the voice of God to talk to us.
 
  1. Selection:
Listen to the Holy Spirit and He will lead you to what topic and text to preach and teach from.
 
  1. Study:
Reading, Research from Concordances, Dictionaries, Commentaries, Take notes, and etc. I have had the privilege of setting under great men as they taught me the Bible and I have taken detailed notes from their teachings. I have many books in my library concerning how to prepare sermons and how to preach.  Allow God to prepare you by soaking in the glory of His Word through diligent study of the Bible.
 
  1. Structuring:
Many messages are like model cars.  They come in hundreds of pieces with no instructions on how to put them together.
 
Every message must have three things:
  1. The Introduction. This is the starting place.  You must use this to get the minds of the people from where they are to where you want to preach to them.
 
  1. The Ingredients. This is the statement proclaimed.  This is what you want the message to say.  These ingredients should be in a progressive manner, progressing toward the intended end. When you finish a message, it should have said something.
 
  1. The Invitation. This is the stopping plan.  The closing part of the message should lead right into the invitation service without any disrupting change of thought.
 
  1. Spirit-Teaching.
As preachers we are quick to confess the need for the Spirit's power in our preaching, but we fall short when it comes to explaining how to involve the Holy Spirit in our preaching. This is a time in meditation and prayer where you allow the Holy Spirit to teach you what He wants to teach others through you.  Many times in this time He will show you what He wants to do with the message.  This is important time.
 
  1. Seasoning.
This is closely related to the last one, but there is a different. This time is also a time of meditation and prayer, but this time you are asking God to anoint you, and saturate you with the Holy Spirit.  You must ask God to give you the right Spirit to preach His message in.  Many great messages are ruined because they are delivered in the wrong spirit. When we are filled with the Spirit, the Spirit controls us inwardly, and we submit all of our desires, attitudes, and motivations to Him because we are walking according to the Spirit. His agenda for glorifying Christ becomes our agenda in preaching. We die to the flesh in order that we can live according to the Spirit. I believe this type of submission to the Spirit's control is the foundation for Spirit-led preaching.
 
  1. Sermon.
The sermon is the finished product that the man of God takes to the pulpit to deliver to his people.
  1. His Passage.
A sermon is not truly a sermon without having a Biblical foundation. It may be a good speech or moving message, but without the Scriptures it is no sermon.
 
  1. His Preparation.
The man thoroughly prepares himself and his message. A sermon will never reach its full potential with the appropriate time spent in preparation. In calling a man, God also called him to prepare.
 
  1. His Process.
The finished product of his passage and his preparation will be his presentation of a sermon. The finished product that he has went through in conceiving a real sermon.
 
 
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​]]><![CDATA[Pastor Appreciation Month: Day #8]]>Thu, 08 Oct 2026 21:30:00 GMThttps://www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com/daily-devotions/pastor-appreciation-month-day-84211333Pastor Appreciation Month: Day #8
 
October is Pastor Appreciation Month.
Take time today to express to your pastor how much he means to you.
 
The Plight of the Pastor
A true God called pastor will continue to preach, teach and lead God’s flock even when he never receives any thanks, recognition, or compliments. It is amazing how many church members are misinformed of the responsibilities a pastor.
 
When a church seeks a pastor, they often want one who has:
The strength of an eagle,
The grace of a swan,
The gentleness of a dove,
The friendliness of a cat-bird,
The cheerfulness of a robin,
The assurance of a barnyard fowl,
The industry of a sparrow,
The patience of turkey-buzzards,
The night hours of an owl,
And when they catch tat bird,
They expect him to live, on the food of a canary.
 
How to Discourage Your Pastor:
1)Never attend a Sunday evening service or prayer meeting.
2)Go to church when its “convenient”.
3)Always come late, and leave before he closes in prayer.
4)While he preachers, never give him your attention, but always whisper.
5)Acts cold to show your dignity.
6)Never appreciate his efforts.
7)Tell him what wonderful messages you have heard at other churches.
8)Criticize him before your family and children.
9)Don’t make him feel welcome in your home.
10)Accuse his wife of running things.
11)Never pray for him and never offer him help.
12)Always do the opposite of what he suggests.
13)Gather your support group together to oppose him business meetings.
14)Never take your Sunday guests to hear him.
 
How to Get Rid of Your Pastor:
1)Look him straight in the eye when he is preaching and say “AMEN Preacher…Preach ON!”. He will preach himself to death in a few weeks.
2)Shake his hand and hug his neck and brag on his good points. He will soon work himself to death!
3)Increase your giving to the church so much that the Pastor will get a raise and a month’s vacation paid, your Pastor will go into shock and die.
4)Rededicate your life to Christ and ask your pastor if you can assist him in any way from now own. He will probably have a heart attack!
5)Have the church to unite in prayer for the preacher. He will soon become so effective that some larger church will soon take him off your hands. 
 
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​]]><![CDATA[Pastor Appreciation Month: Day #7]]>Wed, 07 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com/daily-devotions/pastor-appreciation-month-day-79714815Pastor Appreciation Month: Day #7
 
October is Pastor Appreciation Month.
Take time today to express to your pastor how much he means to you.
 
The Honorable Pastor (I Timothy 3:7)
I Timothy 3:7, Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
 
Pastors are a gift to the church:
1.Ambassador for Christ (II Corinthians 5:20)
2.Angel of the Church (Revelation 1:20)
3.Apostle (Luke 6:13; Titus 1:1)
4.Bishop (I Timothy 3:1)
5.Elders (I Timothy 5:17)
6.Evangelists (Ephesians 4:11)
7.Fishers of men (Matthew 4:19)
8.Laborers (Matthew 9:38; I Corinthians 6:11)
9.Messengers (II Corinthians 8:23)
10.Ministers (II Corinthians 6:4; Romans 15:16)
11.Overseers (Acts 20:28)
12.Pastors (Jeremiah 3:15; Ephesians 4:11)
13.Preachers (Romans 10:14; I Timothy 2:7)
14.Servants (Titus 1:1; Judges 1)
15.Shepherds (Jeremiah 23:4)
16.Soldiers (Philippians 2:25; II Timothy 2:3-4)
17.Stars (Revelation 1:20)
18.Stewards (I Corinthians 4:1; I Peter 4:10)
19.Teachers (Isaiah 30:20; Ephesians 4:11)
20.Watchman (Isaiah 62:6; Ezekiel 33:7)
21.Witnesses (Acts 1:9; 5:32)
 
Paul list’s seventeen requirements for a God called pastor of the local church. One of these qualifications is a good report. This good report carries the idea of his testimony, witness, record, or evidence given. A pastor must have a good report (testimony) with those who are outside the church. The prophet Samuel had this reputation in the Old Testament. I Samuel 9:6, And he said unto him, Behold now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honourable man; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: now let us go thither; peradventure he can shew us our way that we should go. We are not just to have a testimony, but we are to have a good testimony. The pastor’s position is seen in his call, he must live humbly and must live honorably. Those that are “without” are the unsaved outside the church. The world may not and seldom does agree with a godly pastor, but his manners ought to be the kind that causes the world to respect him anyway. How he does business in the world and how he behaves in the world will not be unnoticed by the world.
 
He needs a good report so he will not fall into the snare of the devil. How can he make a spiritual impact on those who do not respect him? Any misconduct upon the part of the leader, opens the gate for the devil to deceive the members. A God called pastor must have a good testimony in the outside world. The man of God must live in such a way in front of the ungodly world that they respect him. That means being real and genuine at all times. A pastor desires to honor the Lord in his private life, in his public life, and in his personal life. Unbelievers must never be pushed farther away from Jesus because of the life and witness of the pastor. When a preacher falls into sin it damages the testimony of the church in the community. So many preachers have fallen into reproach by their ungodly conduct. A pastor never wants to be guilty of bringing dishonor themselves, their family, their church, and especially to the Lord. Unbelievers are watching his life and they want to see if his practice lines up with his profession. A pastor will live humbly and honorably in the world because they have submitted under the Lordship of Christ. A God called pastor is not unaware of the snares of the devil. The Devil wants to trip up the man of God, ensnare, and destroy the life and testimony of the man of God.
 
Pastors make great strides and sacrifices for the flock God has called them to watch over. Encourage your pastor today and let him know how the Lord is using his teaching, his preaching, and his example in your life. A pastor puts all of his heart into his sermons as he preachers with passion to challenge the people to love the Lord and to labor for Him. When a pastor knows he has made an impact in the life of someone can be momentous encouragement that can help him when he faces hard times. Pastors face some of the most difficult pressures. There are days when pastors carry the weight of the world, and for reasons of confidentiality, all they can do is bottle it up. These burdens and more can mount up to make the stresses of ministry seem at times nearly unbearable. I encourage you to pray for your pastor. You will find that the more you pray for your pastor, and especially his preaching ministry, the more you will get fed from the pulpit. There are many men who have taken the role of pastor. Only those called of God of are those who truly shepherd God’s flock. If the Lord has given you , then you are truly blessed.  Encourage your pastor today and let him know how the Lord is using his teaching, his preaching, and his example in your life.
 
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​]]><![CDATA[​Pastor Appreciation Month: Day #6]]>Tue, 06 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com/daily-devotions/pastor-appreciation-month-day-66069715​Pastor Appreciation Month: Day #6
 
October is Pastor Appreciation Month.
Take time today to express to your pastor how much he means to you.
 
The Pastor and His Preaching (II Timothy 4:1-2)
 
II Timothy 4:1-2, I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
 
According to II Timothy 4:1-2, the man of God is to preach the Word of God. He is to be ready to preach at all times. Whether if it’s loved or loathed, or if it will be well received or widely rejected. The preacher is to preach the Word of God with passion. The preacher should preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified. The minister is held accountable to preach the Word.
 
I Corinthians 1:18, For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. I Corinthians 1:21, For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. It was preaching what God chose to reach the people for the message of salvation. NOTICE: God chose the foolishness of preaching; NOT FOOLISH PREACHING! There is a difference.
 
I Corinthians 9:16, For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! It is impossible to overemphasize preaching. It is even impossible to fully grasp the importance of preaching. When one considers the charge from II Timothy 4:1-2 and the warning from I Corinthians 9:16. Both God and Jesus are watching to see if the preacher is preaching the Word. The preacher will be held accountable of his preaching at judgment. The minister's place and position in the Lord's kingdom will be determined by how faithful he was in preaching the Word.
 
Romans 1:16, For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
 
The Gospel (Romans 1:16). In this you could take the subject, “The Gospel” and go throughout the entire Word of God preaching on the Gospel. The word Gospel means good news. 
 
1. The Person he Mentions, “I”
2. The Proclamation that he Makes “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ”
3. The Product that he Magnifies, “the gospel of Christ…IT is”
4. The Picture that he Makes, the gospel is “the power (dynamite) of God”
5. The Prospects he Masters, “Everyone that believeth…”
 
I Corinthians 15:1-4, Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
In I Corinthians 15:1-4 we find that the Gospel is the death, the burial, and the resurrection of Christ. This is the good news that every sinner needs to hear.
 
A. Christ died for our sins… This speaks of the Payment for our Sins.
B. That He was buried…This speaks of the Putting away of our Sins.
C. That He arose again….This speak of Power over our Sin.
 
1. The Person of the Gospel, “the gospel of Christ” Not of the church, or a man, but of Christ Jesus.
2. The Power of the Gospel, “the power of God unto Salvation”  Note the word unto.
3. The Prospects of the Gospel, “To everyone… Jew, Greek, gentiles, all sinners
4. The Plan of the Gospel, “believeth” Other references like John 3:16, John 5:24, Romans 10:9-10, etc.
 
Here’s hope: THE WORLD’S GREATEST STORY (JOHN 3:16)
John 3:16, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God…The world’s greatest Person
So loved the world…The World’s greatest Passion
That He gave His only begotten Son… The World’s greatest Presentation
That Whosoever…The World’s greatest Prospect
Believeth in Him…The World’s greatest Plan
Should not perish…The World’s greatest Promise
But have everlasting life…The World’s greatest Possession
 
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]]><![CDATA[Pastor Appreciation Month: Day #5]]>Mon, 05 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com/daily-devotions/pastor-appreciation-month-day-56262496Pastor Appreciation Month: Day #5
 
October is Pastor Appreciation Month.
Take time today to express to your pastor how much he means to you.
 
Your Relationship with Your Pastor (Hebrews 13:7, 17, 24)
 
Hebrews 13:7, 17, 24, Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation 17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you … 24 Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.
 
The pastor of a church is in a precarious position; he can't please everyone! It is not going to happen.
  • If he is young, he lacks experience; if his hair is grey, he's too old for the young people.
  • If he has five or six children, he has too many; if he has no children, he's setting a bad example.
  • If he preaches from his notes, he has canned sermons and is too dry; if he doesn't use notes, he has not studied and is not deep.
  • If he uses too many illustrations, he neglects the Bible; if he doesn't use enough illustrations, he isn't clear.
  • If he condemns wrong, he is cranky; if he doesn't preach against sin, he's a compromiser.
  • If he fails to please somebody, he's hurting the church; if he tries to please everyone, he is a fool.
  • If he preaches about money, he's a money grabber; if he doesn't preach on tithing and giving to the Lord, he is failing to develop the people.
  • If he drives an old car, he shames his congregation; if he drives a new car, he is setting his affection on earthly things.
  • If he preaches all the time, the people get tired of hearing one man; if he invites guest speakers, he is shirking his responsibility.
  • If he preaches the Truth, he is offensive. If not, he is a hypocrite.
  • If he preaches an hour, he is windy. If he preaches less, he is lazy.
  • If his wife sings in the choir, she is being forward. If not, she is not interested in her husband's work.
 
As you can see from this list, pastors and their families need a lot of prayer and encouragement. Hebrews 13 closes with the issue of caring for the pastor and having a good relationship with him. A considerable burden is placed upon those in leadership to be the example to those required to so follow.
 
 “Remember them “. What clearly is implied is that the pastor of a church holds a position of authority in the church. The word “remember” means we should be “mindful, hold in our memory, and make mention” those who God has placed in authority. The idea is continuous remembrance. Leaders are never to be forgotten. If a person has been faithful in proclaiming and teaching God's Word, we are to remember them and never forget them. In essence, we should pray for the leaders of the Church.
 
“Whose faith follow”. Paul is admonishing the Hebrew Christians to follow those leaders who lived and died by faith. Simply he is telling us to follow those leaders who have demonstrated faith in their lives and have had success by being faithful. A leader who faithfully proclaims God's Word is a leader to follow. Literally we should imitate those who have lived what they have preached and who have experienced what God promised to those who are consistent in their faith.
 
“Considering the end of their conversation “. The idea is that we ought to focus upon the end of life, especially in regard to those in spiritual leadership. Paul tells us why we should follow the leaders. The word “considering” here is referring more to the consistency of the rulers. The purpose of consideration is that we understand what made our leaders successful.
 
A person who handles the Word of God with skill and in the power of the Holy Spirit is serving in the highest and noblest profession on earth. You should consider the issue of their lives, how that they kept on believing the doctrine of Jesus Christ (the doctrine concerning His person and work) until they died, and then you should follow (imitate) their faith and keep on believing the doctrine of Jesus Christ, for this doctrine is eternal and changeless. It was true when your leaders taught it to you, it is yet true today, and it will always be true. Before you follow someone consider the end of their conversation. Has the person you’re following been successful in God’s eyes? If the man of God loves the Lord and lives for the Lord, then he is a man worth following after.
 
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www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com]]><![CDATA[Pastor Appreciation Month: Day #4]]>Sun, 04 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com/daily-devotions/pastor-appreciation-month-day-49613108Pastor Appreciation Month: Day #4
 
October is Pastor Appreciation Month.
Take time today to express to your pastor how much he means to you.
 
A disgruntled man wrote a letter to the editor: It seems ministers feel their sermons are very important and spend a great deal of time preparing them. I have been attending church quite regularly for thirty years, and I have probably heard 3,000 of them. To my consternation, I discovered I cannot remember a single sermon. I wonder if a minister's time might be more profitably spent on something else?
 
For weeks a storm of editorial responses ensued... finally ended by this letter:
Dear Sir: I have been married for thirty years. During that time I have eaten 32,850 meals—mostly my wife's cooking. Suddenly I have discovered I cannot remember the menu of a single meal. And yet... I have the distinct impression that without them, I would have starved to death long ago.
 
What is preaching? Preaching is the art of communicating the message of God from the Scriptures to the hearts and lives of people in a comprehendible manner.
 
As preachers we are commanded to Preach the Gospel, Mark 16:15, this means to herald for the good news of salvation. Mark 16:15, And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Preach the Word, II Timothy 4:2, this means preach the whole counsel of the Word of God. II Timothy 4:2, I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
 
When God called me to preach, I knew I had very little to offer God, but I knew that His Word was powerful and could change lives forever. I have asked God to let my preaching be dominated with His Word, rather than my opinion, my advice, or my experiences. I love the admonition of Paul to Timothy; to preach the Word! Preach means “to cry out, herald, or exhort.” Haddon W. Robinson states, “Preaching should so stir a man that he pours out the message with passion and fervor. Not all passionate pleading from a pulpit, however, possesses divine authority. When a preacher speaks as a herald, he must cry out ‘the Word.’ Anything less cannot legitimately pass for Christian preaching.” II Timothy 4:2,“…be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”
 
1. Readiness
The command to, “Be instant in season, out of season” carries the picture of a soldier on duty, ready for battle at any moment. Preaching is not something we do only when we feel like it or when the audience is receptive to our message. Later Paul reminds us in II Timothy 4:3–4, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” The preacher needs to stay with the task of preaching whether he feels like it or not…. The preacher must be faithful to preach the Word regardless of whether listeners welcome it, reject it, or ignore it.”
 
2. Reprove
This word carries the idea of a lawyer cross-examining or questioning a witness. Refuting error or proving something wrong is a huge part of the preacher’s responsibility. A few verses earlier in II Timothy 3:16, the Holy Spirit reminds us that the Word of God is profitable for reproof. In Titus 1:9–11 we see that a preacher must be one who is, “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.” Ephesians 5:11 states, “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” Bryson explains, “To reprove in preaching means to present the axioms of the Christian faith or to refute in a reasoned manner the errors marshaled against the faith.”
 
3. Rebuke
When people turn from the truth of God’s Word, often the next step is into sin. As preachers, we must be willing to confront people with what the Bible says about their sin. In I Timothy 5:20, Paul stated, “Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.” In Titus 1:12–13, he says, “…the Cretians are always liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith.” Like Nathan of old, the preacher must be willing to expose sin and declare, “Thou art the man.” Preaching must reach the conscience of a man if change is to take place.
 
4. Revive
The word exhort in our passage has a double meaning, in that it means “to comfort” as well as “to urge.” Many today are hurting in despair, discouragement, and disappointment. The preacher must revive the heart of the despondent with the Word of God. But he must also urge and persuade the apathetic to action. Reviving the indifferent to obedience is needed today in this Laodicean age of Christianity. The preacher of God’s Word must exhort God’s people to awaken out of their sleep and redeem the time.
 
5. Remain
Then Paul tells the preacher that he must do all of this with, “All longsuffering and doctrine.” Preaching requires a faithful patience. The seed must be sown, then watered, cultivated, fertilized, and, in time, harvested. Preaching the Word is the task of a born-again believer who has received a unique call of God. When God calls anyone to expound the Bible, He bestows the gift of expounding. God gives abilities to interpret, skills to communicate, and competence for speaking. But God’s gifts do not come without human cooperation. The preacher must study the Bible. To preach the Word means to act as if everything in preaching depends on God and to work as if everything depends on the preacher.
 
“The message of the Biblical preacher is the most important message in the world. It calls for an all-out human effort coupled with the supernatural moving of the Holy Spirit, in both preparation and presentation. This involves hard work. There is no substitute.” Preaching requires a 24/7 commitment. The message cannot be separated from the messenger. Good food served with dirty hands is undesirable. The construction of our homiletics and the condition of our hearts must be in harmony.
 
THE RESPONSIBILITY OF PREACHING
     Preaching is:
P- Not just performing, it is Proclaiming.
R- Not just rattling the tongue, it is Revealing the Truth.
E- Not just Excitement but it is also Enlightenment.
A- Not just Action, but it is Unction.
C- Not just Contact, but it is also Contents.
H- Not just getting something off your Heart but it is getting the truth into their heart.
 
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray for my pastor that You would protect Him, provide for Him, and may He feel Your presence with Him in times of discouragement. In Jesus name, AMEN.
 
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]]><![CDATA[Pastor Appreciation Month: Day #3]]>Sat, 03 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com/daily-devotions/pastor-appreciation-month-day-32075470Pastor Appreciation Month: Day #3
 
October is Pastor Appreciation Month.
Take time today to express to your pastor how much he means to you.
 
Equipping by Educating and by Example (II Timothy 3:16-17)
II Timothy 3:16-17, All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
 
Read the following Scriptures.
 
I Timothy 3:2, A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
 
II Timothy 2:2, And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
 
II Timothy 2:24, And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
 
Titus 2:1, But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
 
I Peter 5:1-2, The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
 
1.       Equip by (Educating) Teaching
A pastor’s ministry is equipping others on his teaching and his life. We encounter the formula in Paul’s instruction to Timothy in I Timothy 4:16, Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. One of the many blessings of having a pastor is that if you’re struggling to understand the Bible or how to handle a tough life situation, you know you can ask him for help, and you’ll get a Biblical answer. You trust that, when your pastor opens the Bible, he doesn’t pull something out without expounding from the text. He provides you with a faithful understanding of it. In Titus 2:1, he teaches “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:” As a minister of God, I must tell you that Scripture will perfect or mature you and equip you to do every good work. You were made for God; therefore, you must live by the Word of God. The Holy Spirit comes upon you as an equipping power. The major purpose for His coming is to equip you to carry out your task for God. You must edify and build up believers and equip them to do the work of the ministry.
 
As a minister, my task is to equip believers to do the work of the ministry. The word "perfecting" means to equip for service and ministry. As a pastor, my primary task is to be an equipper, a person who makes disciples and prepares others to serve Christ. The very purpose for equipping servants is so that the body of Christ, the church, may be built up. The church cannot be built up without the members themselves doing the work of the ministry. All believers within a church should be involved in the work of the ministry. When pastors teach, the congregation begins to serve and do good works.
 
As a pastor I must strive to bring about a perfect unity among God's people.
The pastor is called . . .
·            to bring peace and reconciliation to the church.
·            to lead people into perfect harmony and oneness of spirit.
·            to shepherd people out of cliques, and from divisiveness, murmuring, grumbling, griping, and all the other sins that work against a perfect unity.
 
2.       Equipping by Setting an Example
Pastors not only teach, but we must also set an example for the flock in our lives. The best way a pastor can teach the flock is by his living example. I Peter 5:3, Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock. As a pastor, I must be an example of the believers.
 
I Timothy 4:12, Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
1)In word                                                
2)In conversation                
3)In charity
4)In spirit
5)In faith
6)In purity              
You will either be an example to be looked up to, or you will need an example to look up to.
 
As pastor, I am to be a pattern, an example, to all believers of good works in doctrine and teaching:
1)in proclaiming a pure doctrine
2)in proclaiming the message sincerely and with dignity
3)in proclaiming the message with sound words
 
The pastor is to be the first and foremost example of God's longsuffering and mercy to the flock of God. You are to set an example in all good works and in keeping the message of God uncorrupted.
 
Prayer: Father, help me to lead by example in my relationship with You. I desire Your wisdom, discernment, and understanding of Your Word. Give me Your strength to stand firm in the faith, the courage to stand strong in spiritual attacks. Help me to always persevere and to continue to proclaim Your Name and the Gospel. In Jesus Name AMEN.
 
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www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com]]><![CDATA[Pastor Appreciation Month: Day #2]]>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com/daily-devotions/pastor-appreciation-month-day-24107534Pastor Appreciation Month: Day #2
 
October is Pastor Appreciation Month.
Take time today to express to your pastor how much he means to you.
 
Pray for Your Pastor (Ephesians 6:18-20)
 
Ephesians 6:18-20, Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
 
As a minister, I must pray daily for the church and for believers. Paul's prayer is a good pattern to use and to pray through. This is probably the second most important prayer in all the Bible, ranking second only to the Lord's model prayer (Matthew 6:9-13).
 
As a minister of Christ, I must walk in three things every day of my life.
First, in Christ.
Second, in the Scriptures.
Third, in prayer.
These three things are absolute essentials as I live and minister for Christ in the midst of a broken and hurting world. Every person needs prayer. Every person needs the Lord, His salvation, His care, His direction, His approval, and His acceptance.
 
What to Pray for Your Pastor:
Quite often the people in church, let me know they are praying for me, and I am genuinely grateful. I’m very thankful for the intercessory prayer of our people. James 5:16 promises, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much”! There are many things you can do that will encourage and help your pastor and the work of your church, but there are none more important than prayer. Pastors really face a spiritual battle and because of this, we long for your prayers. 
 
Let me to encourage you to pray for your pastor.
You can pray for the following:
  1. Pray for his studying: So that he might perceive and preach.
  2. Pray for his sermons: The inline is more important than the outline.
  3. Pray for his shepherding: So that he might follow and feed.
  4. Pray for his service: So that he might learn and lead.
  5. Pray for anointing. So that every message is be birthed in, bathed in, and brought in prayer.
  6. Pray for appointments. So that his encounter with others will be Spirit lead and filled.
  7. Pray for accomplishment. So that any achievement will be pleasing unto the Lord.
  8. Pray for his passion. For his relationship with the Lord, his family, and his church.
  9. Pray for his protection. From Satan, his snares, and sin.
  10. Pray for Him physically and spiritually. So that God will guard him from burnout and depression.
 
Remember your pastor in prayer:
Personal life. His walk with God, family, and wisdom.
Administration. His counseling, leadership, and vision.
Study. His study time and message preparation.
Trials. For grace, growth, and perseverance.
Oversight. His church ministries and his care for the flock.
Resources. For his strength, wisdom, and building projects.
 
Note that four kinds of prayer are mentioned. This also stresses the importance of praying for all men.
1) There is "supplication". This refers to the prayers that focus upon special needs or deep and intense needs. When you see special needs in the lives of people you are to supplicate for them. That is, you are to be carrying the need before God with a great sense of urgency. You are to plead and beg for the person or persons. The idea is that of intense and deep brokenness before God in behalf of others, that God would help and save the person. 

2) There are "prayers". This refers to the special times of prayer throughout the day that you set aside for devotion and worship. You are to have set times for prayer, times that you set aside to worship God and when you pray for all.
 
3) There are "intercessions". This refers to bold praying; to standing before God in behalf of another person. Christ is our Intercessor, the One who stands between God and you in your behalf. But you are also to intercede for others, to carry their names and lives before God. You are to boldly approach God and pray for them, expecting God to hear and answer, all in the name of Christ. You are to intercede for all others, to stand in the gap between them and God, boldly praying and asking God to be merciful and gracious in salvation and in deliverance.
 
4) There is "thanksgiving". This means that you thank God for hearing and answering. Thank Him for what He has done and is going to do for all men.
 
Just think what a different world this would be, what a different community we would have, if we really took the names and needs of people before God and pleaded for them in an intense brokenness and tears. Just think how many more loved ones would be saved and helped. How many more within our community, state, country, and world would be saved and helped. How fewer problems would exist within society.
 
PRAYER: Father in Heaven, I pray for my pastor that he would continue to shepherd the flock with a grateful and courageous heart. My he led by example and serve the spiritual well being of Your people over any personal gain. May he love as You love and feed us the truth of Your Word. In Jesus name Amen.
 
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www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com]]><![CDATA[Pastor Appreciation Month: Day #1]]>Thu, 01 Oct 2026 08:33:53 GMThttps://www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com/daily-devotions/pastor-appreciation-month-day-12520973Pastor Appreciation Month: Day #1
 
October is Pastor Appreciation Month.
Take time today to express to your pastor how much he means to you.
 
2 Thoughts Concerning the Pastor’s Life.
II Timothy 2:15, Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
 
Effective ministry consists not of fads or gimmicks, but of faithfully preaching the truth; and faithful preaching requires great personal discipline and sacrifice.
 
“2 Thoughts Concerning the Pastor’s Life.”
 
I.A Dedicated Sanctified Life
The Man of God Must Be:
  1. A Converted Man – He must be a saved.
  2. A Called Man – The call of God is High, Holy, Heavy,  Heavenly.
  3. A Committed Man -To the Saviour, the Scriptures, the Service.
  4. A Compassionate Man –Wise as a serpent but harmless as doves.
  5. A Content Man – He must not be desirous of money.
  6. A Courageous Man –The ministry is a battleground, not a playground.
  7. A Careful Man –Good preachers fall because they were careless.
Here are a few areas where men of God are prone to fall.
  • With their finances.
  • With their family.
  • With the females.
  • With their folly.
 
The books of I and II Timothy and Titus deal with the pastor and the work of pastoring. The word “thyself” appears six times in I Timothy, two times in II Timothy, once in Titus.  All total the word appears eight times.  The number eight is the number of new beginnings, and these eight things could cause a new beginning for any man of God. A good text would be, “What to do with Yourself.”
  1. I Timothy 3:15, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself.
  2. I Timothy 4:7, exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
  3. I Timothy 4:15, Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them.
  4. I Timothy 4:16, Take heed unto thyself.
  5. I Timothy 5:22, keep thyself pure.
  6. I Timothy 6:5, from such withdraw thyself.
  7. II Timothy 2:15, Study to shew thyself approved unto God,
  8. Titus 2:7, In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works.
If you have a pastor who studies and preaches the Word of God, give thanks to God. But if you have a pastor who doesn’t, then find one who does.
 
II. A Devoted Study Life
A pastor must have a desire to study. He must be a student of the Bible.
Paul commands Timothy to Study (II Timothy 2:15). There are two ways to read and study the Bible. These two study methods must go together to build the believer's life.
 
1.There is Diligent Study.
This is a consistent, daily, and prayerful reading of God's Word while allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to us through the Bible as we read. This type of study is important and must be maintained. However, we must go beyond simple devotional reading in our Bible study. The Christian who studies the Bible must be a workman (II Timothy 2:15). Bible study requires effort. It takes work to dig the riches out of God's Word. But is a delightful work. David said, Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word (Psalm 119:148). The word prevent used here means "to precede or hasten." Early and preceding the watchman's awaking cry, David wakes up and gets into the Word of God. A workman of the word must be diligent, digging deep into the riches of the Bible.
 
2.There is a Delightful Study.
Our text states that a pastor who stays in the Word of God will be a workman that needeth not to be ashamed (II Timothy 2:15). Many have been shamed by sin and situations that are contrary to the Bible's teaching, because of their failure in this matter of Bible study. However, Bible study is a delight to the soul. David said of the blessed man, His delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night (Psalm 1:2). He can't get enough of it! He delights in it! Such a Christian... shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper (Psalm 1:3). A tree planted by the river has a constant supply of water and is stronger and more fruitful than a tree planted in a drier place. Those who are planted by the river of God's Word need never worry about the dry seasons. The droughts of this world have no effect on the pastor who delights in God's Word. Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction (Psalm 119:92). David, through all his trials and tribulations, stayed by the Word and, as a result, experienced victory. The river of God's Word never runs dry, and a tree planted there will be permanent and productive.
 
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]]><![CDATA[True Christian Conduct - PART 3]]>Wed, 30 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com/daily-devotions/true-christian-conduct-part-37647655True Christian Conduct (I Thessalonians 4:11)
 
Work with Your Own Hands (I Thessalonians 4:11) - Part 3
 
I Thessalonians 4:11, And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
 
It is said that when John Wesley was in his eighties, he complained in his diary that he was struggling with being tempted to stay in bed until 5:30 in the morning! One of the most active and productive evangelists in history, Wesley is said to have traveled more than a quarter of a million miles on horseback, and to have preached over four thousand sermons. One thing is for sure, Wesley knew how to work. In spite of difficulties throughout his lifetime, he simply took the initiative to do what God had called him to do.
 
The words "work and working" is mentioned over 700 times in the Word of God. The word work means to toil or labor. Honest work is right and acceptable in the eyes of Christ. The word "honestly" means to work in a commendable and respectful way. The phrase with your own hands speaks of personal labor or doing things your own self. We are to work and set a godly example on the job. A Christian employee ought to be the best employee on the job. The Christian employee should be the most diligent and most dependable employee. Work is not a product or effect due to sin. Adam was to work before the curse of son. However once Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, man was told by the sweat of his face we would eat bread. Paul practiced what he preached. By trade he was a tentmaker. God has no patience with people who do not work. We are to live in a godly manner in our personal life and in our public life as well. No Christian should be a dead beat or a lazy person. Rather than drifting along with the culture, God’s people should be shining examples as workers. Whether the task is enjoyable or not or whether it pays as much as we think it should or not, work is part of God’s plan for our lives, and it is ultimately not for our human boss that we work. Paul wrote, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24).
 
The Bible teaches laziness is sin. Paul spoke of this is II Thessalonians 3:10-12, For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 11For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. 12Now them that are such we command and exhort by our LORD Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. We are to work and provide for our families and others as well. In this world there are too many people that can work but will not work. The welfare system in America has rewarded laziness for way to long. God takes work seriously. Here is the answer to one of America's biggest problems. We live in a society that has been rewarded for not working. As God's people we have no problem helping those in need, but it seems that America has become a welfare state. What happens is that when you do not work there is too much idle time on your hands and that usually results in trouble. "Idle hands are the Devil's workshop." Our society does not value work as it once did. There are many government programs providing funding for those who are unwilling to labor. (This is different than providing help for those who cannot help themselves.) This produces a negative incentive. When there is no connection between work and reward, it is not hard to understand why people regard work as something to be avoided if at all possible. Yet those who refuse to do what they are able to do cheat themselves of the satisfaction and accomplishment that comes from diligent labor. There would be a lot less trouble in this world if the lazy would get a job. Believers are not to support a person who can work and has the opportunity to work but refuses to do so. We live in a culture in which many people expect the government and faith-based organizations to support them.
 
God can use our work ethic as a witness of a changed life! A person who works honestly with their own hands is a great asset to any family, employer, or church. We must labor in order to walk honestly before unbelievers. Working is another aspect of love because people who work to provide for themselves and their families don’t burden others for support. All persons are placed on earth to contribute and to help meet the desperate needs of men. A Christian is to be faithful in everyday duties and to work hard for the benefit of others. Instead of looking to others to help us, we are ready and able to support the needy and those who have faced unfortunate circumstances. The result of growing in love will be to be quiet. Living a quiet life requires you mind your own business and refrain from meddling. A habitual meddler is usually not occupied with any kind of productive work.
 
Questions to Consider:
How have you been tempted to gain wealth hastily or dishonestly?
How can you make your work more honest and God-honoring?
 
Points to Ponder:
God’s plan is for us to get up, look around, find what needs to be done and do it.
One of the most difficult things to find in our day is people who are willing to work hard without waiting for someone else to decide what needs to be done and issue instructions.
 
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the work You’ve given me to do and for the opportunity to provide for my family. Help me to embrace the dignity of my work. I want to work hard, on everything, for Your glory. In Jesus' name. Amen.
 
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