One Way (John 10:9)

John 10:9, I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

The famous magician and escape artist, Houdini, could get out of any set of handcuffs, or any straight jacket that was ever placed upon him. In fact, he could release himself from almost any enclosure in less than one minute. Only once did Houdini fail. That incident occurred when he was touring the British Isles. Arriving at a small town, he agreed to demonstrate his ability by escaping from the local jail. The cell door was so ordinary looking that he smiled at the simplicity of the task. When given the signal, he used his terrific speed and agility to try to pick the lock. Unfortunately, he was unable to pick that lock. In frustration, he frantically tried every device he knew to pick the door, but nothing happened. He worked feverishly for two more hours, but to no avail. Finally, being completely exhausted, he fell against the door and lamented in defeat. Immediately, however, the door sprang open. His frustration had been due to the fact that the door had never been locked at all. The key truth is that Jesus is the door to salvation. There is no other way. Because of Jesus, we have access to God.

How frequently, by a similar strategy, Satan has deceived poor sinners who are seeking to find a way to open the door of God's salvation. People work, cry, fret, sweat, and pray, trying in every way possible to bring release to their captive souls. Yet, it is only when sinners fall exhausted from their own efforts, and rest against "The Door," the Lord Jesus Christ, that they find the immediate release they so desperately seek. There are no alternatives and no options to salvation—it must come through Jesus Christ.

John 14:6, Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. A traveler engaged a guide to take him across a desert area. When the two men arrived at the edge of the desert, the traveler, looking ahead, saw before him trackless sands without a single footprint, path, or marker of any kind. Turning to his guide, he asked in a tone of surprise, "Where is the road?" With a reproving glance, the guide replied, "I am the road." So, too, is the Lord our way through unfamiliar territory. He is the way! He is the only way to God. There is no other way. For there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12). Dear friend, if you want to go to the Father’s house, to Heaven, you must come through “the Door”, the Lord Jesus. He is the only way!

Jesus Christ is standing knocking at the door of our lives, waiting. He is standing at the door, not pushing it; speaking to us, not shouting. He is the architect; He designed it. He is the builder; He made it. He is the landlord; He bought it with His life-blood. It is His by right of plan, construction, and purchase. We are only tenants in a house which does not belong to us. He could put His shoulder to the door; He prefers to put His hand to the knocker. He could command us to open to Him or He could issue orders. He will not force an entry into anybody’s life; instead, He merely invites us to do so.

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, Thank You for Jesus, Who laid down His life for me so that I might live with You forever. In Jesus name, AMEN!

If this post has blessed you in any way,
please share this website and its articles with others:
www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com

God's Love Displayed in the Life of a Christian (I John 4:9-11)

I John 4:9-11, In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

G. Campbell Morgan was once at lunch with his wife and his five sons who were also preachers. A friend asked them, "Who is the greatest preacher?" In unison the six men said, "Our mother." Mrs. Morgan's life affected others more than any sermon her husband and sons had preached. Because we are Christians, people will watch us. They will watch how we live and what we let affect our lives. Many times, they will judge Christianity based on our lives.

How did God so love us? God loved us selflessly, sacrificially, sincerely, steadfastly. All throughout the Scriptures, God speaks of His love for us through His Word. He proved His love to us when He sent His only begotten Son to die on Calvary. If God had not taken the initiative to bring about our salvation, no one would be saved. Romans 3:10-11, “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God”. But God’s love was so great that He sent His Son to be the sinless sacrifice to purchase our redemption. This is the foundation of our salvation. God did not wait for mankind to come to Him. He sent His Son to seek and to save us. Jesus left Heaven and sought after the lost so that we could have a restored relationship with Him.

I John 4:11 tells us that we are to love one another. Christ does not give a list of requirements someone must meet in order for us to love them. He does not command us to love only those who love us. He tells us to love one another. This means everyone. No matter what someone has done to us, we should love them. God's love for us does not depend on our love for Him; He loves us whether we obey Him or reject Him. Even so, we must not base our love for others on their love for us or their attitude toward us. We must love them as Christ loves us.

Romans 5:5 says, "And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." Of our own power, we would not be able to always show God's love. Yet through the empowering of His Holy Spirit, we can even show love to those who mistreat us. Not only does Christ desire for us to love others, but He desires for us to let His love flow through our lives. God is invisible, but we as His children are visible. While some may not read of God's love in His Word or see His love on Calvary, they may see it through us as believers. The only way some people may see the love of Christ is through our lives.

Questions to Consider:
How would someone judge Christianity based on your life?
Are you letting Christ's love flow through you?
Or will someone never see the love of Christ because of your life?

Points to Ponder:
John says that the logical progression and response to God’s love is for us to love one another.
We are challenged to put our love on the line.
Ask Christ to give you the strength to love those around you and let His love flow through you today.

PRAYER: Thank You for bringing me into a relationship with You through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me to never forget the price and the power of His cross. 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

God's School in the Wilderness (Numbers 12:1-3)

Numbers 12:1-3, And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it. (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)

Moses was a great spiritual leader who had wilderness experience and an admirable spirit. Moses went from herding sheep to herding a very large flock of God’s people. He walked with God and had God's power upon his life, yet, he was criticized continuously. Excellence does not give you immunity from criticism, especially spiritual excellence. Christ was the epitome of perfection, but was still slandered and criticized by men. NOTICE: If you serve the Lord, criticism will come from carnal Christians and unsaved people. Some of the most painful criticisms will come from those who are closest to us, family and friends. Moses' older brother and sister were protesting at him.

This first complaint was a diversion. This happens many times with people. Discernment is needed to see the real problem at hand. The real problem was not Moses’ wife. The real problem is in Numbers 12:2. It was the position, or the rank, that was sought. Miriam and Aaron rejected God’s authority over them and they wanted more prestige. This came after God put His spirit on seventy men. These two folks were left out of this anointing of God. They felt threatened and were jealous. They tried to destroy Moses in order to gain power and position. This tactic is practiced today, unfortunately, even in the Lord’s churches.

Some believe that meekness is weakness. However, meekness is actually strength or power under control. Meekness is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Meekness is an attribute of the Lord Jesus Christ (Psalm 45:4; Matthew 11:29; 21:5; II Corinthians 10:1). Jesus demonstrated this in Matthew 26:53. Jesus had the authority to pray and immediately call twelve legions of angels. Meekness is the ability to keep your tongue in control when being attacked by unjust criticism. Meekness has faith to trust God to vindicate you. Meekness is humbly yielding oneself to the will of God and His ways. Meekness is necessary for salvation (James 1:21). Moses (the meekest man on earth) demonstrated this attitude in his life.

Moses never strikes back at them or seeks revenge. He lets the Lord deal with them and humbly submits to Him. Moses’ meekness was both vertical (towards God) and horizontal (towards man). In Numbers 12:13, Moses prayed for them rather than rejoicing at their judgment. As children of God, we are to display a meek attitude towards the Lord, His Word, and towards others (Titus 3:2).

PRAYER: Father, thank You for the true example of humility that is seen in the life of Jesus. Draw me into the spirit of meekness that You would show me through Jesus how to live in love every day. Lord, lead me in humbleness. Help me to clothe myself in humility that people would see Jesus in my life. Teach me I pray, to live as Christ lived, in the power of the Spirit and to Your praise and glory, 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

Faith That Pleases God (Hebrews 11:6)

Hebrews 11:6, But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him

The importance of walking by faith in the Lord is a paramount principle of the Christian life. When the Lord saved us He also gave us a will or purpose for our lives. This is why it is so vital that we walk with the Lord every day. Often God asks us to take a step of faith before He shows us what He is up to. He did this with Abraham in Genesis 12. Abraham was just told to get up and get out and then God would reveal which direction he was to take.

Galatians 3:11, But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. Galatians 3:11 is actually a quote from Habakkuk 2:4. Habakkuk 2:4, Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. Paul also quoted Romans 1:17, For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. The importance of this statement is revealed through its repetition.

Hebrews 10:38, Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. Faith is a fundamental of the Christian life. Galatians 3:11 makes it clear that living by faith is a righteous thing. God wants us to live by faith. Hebrews 11:6, But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6 makes it clear that it is impossible to please God without faith. This verse points out two paramount principles of what faith is. First, faith is believing that God is—that He exists, and that He is who the Scriptures say He is. Second, faith is trusting that God rewards those who seek Him. When we understand this, we will want to involve Him in every area of our lives. Romans 14:23 shows us the flip side of faith. Romans 14:23, And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. Whenever we fail to exercise our faith the end always results in negativity. The outcome is loneliness, disobedience, worry, guilt, etc.

Trusting in God brings blessing, while trusting in man brings curse. Sooner or later man will always disappoint us and let us down. God is not that way. Trusting in man is like being a bush in the desert—dependent on inconsistent rain to have our needs met. Trusting in God is like being a tree planted by a continual source of water. Psalm 1:3, And he 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.

POINT TO PONDER:
If we are to experience the life God has for us, it will be only by faith and that means trusting Him step by step.

QUESTION TO CONSIDER:
In what areas of my life am I intentionally exercising the faith that pleases God?

PRAYER: Father, thank You for the gift of faith that You give, that I can then use to trust You to do all the things that I could never do for myself, but need to have done! Guard me from thinking that anything in me could please You apart from faith. You even provide that! And thank You for Your amazing grace toward me, Lord. 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

God is with You…Always (Hebrews 13:5)

Hebrews 13:5, Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

For many, when things begin to go wrong or unplanned it is easy to become discouraged. Especially when those positive people who seem to have it all organized and planned out simply allow themselves to be overwhelmed by a spirit of helplessness and hopelessness. And yes, men of God even need to be reminded that God is still in control.

Martin Luther, was often discouraged. In fact, his wife thought the only way to help him was to shock him out of it. She put on a black dress and veil as if she was going to a funeral. When he asked her who had died, she said, “Martin, haven’t your heard? God has died.” He declared, “That is blasphemy!” His wife said, “Aye Husband, and it is blasphemy for you to be living as if God is dead.” Needless to say, Martin snapped out of it!

If ever there was a time when circumstances seemed to be out of control, it was during the final week of the life of our Lord. Consider the unfair trial of the Man who was completely innocent. Think of the physical abuse of the One who had harmed no one. Remember the cruel and untimely death of the Person who was so involved in helping mankind. Out of control? Not at all. He was in control from start to finish! If ever everything seemed hopeless, it was on the day Jesus was crucified. The hopes and dreams of the disciples were shattered as they watched the Messiah die like a criminal on the cross. But three days later God intervened. He turned what looked like sure defeat into victory - the triumphant resurrection of Christ when He arose victoriously from the grave.

Here is a word of promise from our great God. ‘I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.’ The Lord our God promises His perpetual presence and care to every believer forever. God hammers home the assurance that there are no circumstances, ever or anywhere, in which He abandons His children. Even when His saints go through horrible persecution or tortuous deaths, He is there with them and uses the trial to take them to be with Him in heaven for all eternity. The reality of that comforting truth enables us to be content in all circumstances. Our money, our health, or our loved ones may all be taken, but God Himself remains! Having God is all that we need for contentment!

• When depressed by your failures, your are not forsaken.
• When down in the dumps because you have fallen spiritually, He's still with you.
• When discouraged from fretting and worry, He is present.
• When defeated in your fights with temptations, He is still with you.
• When disillusioned by the faults of others, He will strengthen you.

He is in control of your circumstances. Even godly people get down at times. Circumstances may knock us flat. Trials take us by surprise. But the difference between people is not the intensity of the things that we go through, but how we choose to deal with those circumstances. Whatever circumstances you find yourself in, however despondent tomorrow may seem and despite all the problems that confront you, always remember that God is with you (Deuteronomy 31:6-8; Joshua 1:5; Psalm 23; Isaiah 41:10; Matthew 28:20 Hebrews 13:5). Place your faith and trust in Him and He will give you the victory.

PRAYER: Father, thank You that You don’t ever give up on me. You pursue me even when I’m hiding and retreating from the circumstances in life. Help me to totally rely on You for the strength to handle any circumstances You allow into my life, no matter how tough. 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

Going Through Tough Times? (Romans 8:28-39)

Blessings sometimes come from a bad situation. It's often possible to make something better out of something bad. That's the way God works with us. We don't often do right the first time, but He's always ready to salvage the situation no matter how bad we make it. It is a truth of certainty for everyone who loves God.

Pastor R.A. Torrey said, "This verse is a soft pillow for a tired heart." All things…good or bad; sweet or bitter; victory or defeat; happy or sad; health or sickness; prosperity or poverty; calm or storm; comfort or suffering; life or death...all things work together for good. This doesn't mean that all that happens to us is good. Evil is prevalent in our world, but God is able to turn the bad around for our good and for His sovereign purpose in our lives.

Some people do not know why bad things happen to good people. We know all things work together somehow, for good or our best. Bad events and circumstances work together for good. Notice the words of Paul.

I. There is a Purpose for our Problems Romans 8:28
Romans 8:28, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Whatever happens, I can trust God, realizing He is using life's circumstances to conform me into Christlikeness:

II. There is a Process for our Problems Romans 8:29-30
Romans 8:29, For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Romans 8:30, Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

III. There is a Promise Concerning our Problems (Romans 8:31-39)
Romans 8:31, What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
The fact that people are against me fades in light of the fact that He will furnish all that I need in life, including Christ Himself:

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?

Romans 8:33, Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Accusations against me are meaningless in view of the fact that Christ is in constant communication with the Father on my behalf:

Romans 8:34, Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Romans 8:35-37, Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. I can rest in the assurance of Christ's love as He promises me complete victory in every situation.

Romans 8:38-39, For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. No controlling factors in life can separate me from the love of God that is found in Christ Jesus:

Prayer, Father, Since I know You love me, and I know Your plans for me will come to pass, I faithfully discharge the duties I have been given. I perform everything I am expected to do in excellence, whether others are watching or not. I will never give up, cave in or quit! I declare this by faith. 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

Persecution, Perseverance, and Payday (Revelation 2:10)

Revelation 2:10, Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

1. Persecution.
In 1995, Damare was captured by Islamic soldiers when his Sudanese village was attacked. Only 7 years old at the time, he was sold as a slave to a Muslim family. He became a camel boy even though he knew nothing about caring for them. His master enforced his learning with beatings. One day a camel got away. The master threatened to kill Damare for this mistake, but something restrained him. The next day when he found out that Damare had sneaked away to attend a Christian church in the village he became determined to punish this boy. The master found a large board, several rusty spikes and a hammer and dragged Damare out to the edge of his compound. He forced Damare's legs over the board and drove the long nails through his knees and feet. Then he turned and walked away, leaving the boy laying in the field screaming from pain.

A man passing that way heard Damare's screams and sneaked into the compound and carried this boy to the local hospital where the nails and board were removed. A year-and-a-half later, Damare and the man who saved him were in a village that came under attack, and they were separated. After the defense forces managed to drive away the Islamic soldiers, Damare was left standing alone. When the commander heard him speak, he realized that he was from the Dinka Tribe and took him back to their camp. After hearing his tragic story he tried to locate some of Damare's relatives. When none could be found, the commander adopted the former camel boy and took him to his home.

2. Perseverance.
At age 16 years old, Damare began life again in Mario Kong, Sudan. He cannot run fast like the other boys, but he said he has forgiven the man who nailed his legs to the board. He knows that Jesus was nailed to a cross so all our sins could be forgiven. He has asked the Christian children in America to remember to pray for the children of Sudan.

3. Payday.
We are living in an age of drop outs, and many professing Christians have lost their enthusiasm and stopped serving Christ. Persecution, indifference, and other temptations caused this breakdown, and ultimately John was commissioned to send messages to the churches in Asia. It was significant that at the conclusion of each of the seven letters, Christ urged His readers to persevere to the end, to resist becoming a drop out! That message is relevant today. Christ predicted the suffering that was ahead for believers. However, we are not to fear because we are partakers of Christ. Peter understood and wrote about such suffering. The believer is to rejoice for the privilege of being counted worthy to suffer for Christ's sake (I Peter 4:13). The sufferings of this present time cannot be compared with the glory about to be revealed to us. It will be a wonderful day for those who have overcome fear and faithfully served the Lord Jesus Christ. There are five crowns mentioned as rewards to the believer for faithful service. These crowns will be given at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

Points to Ponder:

• Be faithful and stand firm even in the midst of persecution.
• When your being persecuted, rather than being fearful; be faithful.
• When unbelievers see believers suffer for Christ, the Holy Spirit is be able to use their suffering to speak to them.

Questions to Consider:

• How much are you willing to pay for your faith in Christ?
• Will you gladly suffer reproach from friends, neighbors, family members, and co-workers for His sake?
• Are we willing to pledge life and loyalty to our Saviour?

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, I pray for the strength of all believers who are facing some form of persecution to remain firm in the faith that they may endure the sufferings for Your sake. May Your peace and love reign in their hearts and the seed of Your Word be planted in the hearts of those persecutors. I know Jesus is coming soon for His Church, help me to remain faithful and fruitful until He comes. 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

The Exhausted Christian (Ephesians 5:18)

Ephesians 5:18, And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

A lumberjack who still used an axe to chop down trees was able to take down four to five trees a day. But then one day, he found out about performance chain saws. The salesman told the guy, "Well look, with this power saw you can chop down fifty more trees than you can chop now with using your own efforts”. The guy was quickly sold and purchased the power saw. He went and immediately tried the saw out. The next day, he came back to the store and plopped it down on the counter. He said, "Man, this is a piece of junk." "What do you mean, piece of junk?" the salesman replied, "I used this thing. I would normally chop down four to five trees a day. I used this thing, and I didn't even get one finished. This thing is junk." The salesman, looking puzzled, asked to take a look at the chainsaw. The guy handed it to him and the salesman took it and pulled the cord……"VROOOM!" The guy who purchased the saw looked surprised and said, "What's wrong with that thing…..why is it making that loud noise?" He had purchased that chainsaw and taken it to the woods, not understanding what he had. Similarly, most Christians don't understand what they have in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.

When Lehman Strauss spoke concerning the Holy Spirit, He said, “The Holy Spirit is the The greatest unused power in the world”. Until a person allows to Jesus reign in them through His Spirit, they'll be exhausted. Rather than trying to live in your own strength let Christ live His life through you. When D.L. Moody was asked, “Why do you focus so much attention in your sermons on being filled with the Holy Spirit of God?” His reply was, “Because I leak!” Bar and chain oil is something all chainsaws need, whether it’s gas, electric, or battery. Without it, chainsaws are harder to use, can easily overheat, and get damaged. So, what is bar and chain oil? Bar and chain oil is a lubricant used to reduce friction caused by the metal-on-metal contact between a chainsaw’s bar and chain. How do you know you need bar and chain oil? The chain saw becomes less effective and it begins to make an awful noise! Failure to use bar and chain oil results in a burned-up gear box. Any bar and chain oil will do, but some believers need synthetic oil.

The Bible commands us to be filled with the Holy Spirit. This is a command for every believer, not just those who are in full time ministry. We need God’s power for every aspect of life. God does not want control of our lives only for a while on Sundays, but everyday and in every situation. His plan is for His Spirit to control our steps every day in every area of life. Allowing the Holy Spirit to control your life today prepares you to display His power in whatever you do. Surrender your will to His, and you will find yourself walking in the Spirit. To be filled with the Holy Spirit means to be controlled by the Holy Spirit.

When a Believer is filled with the Holy Spirit of God it will affect their:

1. Witnessing (Acts 1:8)
2. Worship (John 4:23-24)
3. Walk (Galatians 5:16-17)
4. Work (Colossians 3:23)
5. Ways (Proverbs 16:7)

Dr. Curtis Hutson said, “Every Christian is as full of the Holy Spirit as he or she has decided to be.” We are filled with the Spirit as we are emptied of ourselves. It is said that when a group of churches met to consider inviting the evangelist D. L. Moody to come to England for a crusade, a young, prideful pastor protested, "Why do we need this 'Mr. Moody'? He's uneducated, inexperienced, etc. Who does he think he is anyway? Does he have a monopoly on the Holy Spirit?" An older, wiser pastor rose and responded, "No, but the Holy Spirit has a monopoly on Mr. Moody."

Prayer, My Father, forgive me for trying to live the Christian life in my own strength. No matter how hard I try, I come away feeling exhausted and defeated. Lord, forgive me for thinking I need You to save me, but don’t need You to empower me. I can’t live in my own strength. Will You please live Your life through me? Will You gently show me the ways I rely on my own resources and teach me to live for and by and through You? 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

SPIRITUAL GRAPPLING – THE FLESH VS. THE SPIRIT (GALATIANS 5:16-18)

Galatians 5:16-18, 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. 18But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

To walk in the Spirit means to be occupied more with Christ. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is to make us more Christ-like. It is impossible to be fully occupied with Christ and commit sin at the same time. This is the key to a godly life and sanctification; to be more and more occupied with Christ. When we are led by the Spirit we will be doing God’s will. The flesh is the sinful nature that we are born with and it has its pull in our lives. Believers who walk in the Spirit will not commit the deeds of the flesh.

1. The flesh is very strong and difficult to control.
Every person knows what it is to have their flesh lusting after something, to have it yearning and yearning to lay hold of something. This is the first reason why a believer's only hope to control the flesh is the Spirit of God.

2. The flesh is contrary to the Spirit.
The flesh has within itself unregulated urges and passions. A person senses the desire to do what he or she likes, to lift the restraints and follow their own inclinations, desires, passions, and emotions. This is what the Bible means when it speaks of the "lust of the flesh." However, the genuine believer has another power within their life—the power of the Holy Spirit. When the believer feels the constraint and the pressure between the flesh and the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit is giving the power to overcome the flesh. The believer who listens to the constraint and walks away from the object of the pressure and calls upon God for the courage to stay away is the believer who walks in the Spirit.

3. The flesh keeps a person from doing what he would.
Every person has experienced the power of the flesh; everyone has caved into the flesh and done something that they did not want to do. They fought against doing it—knew it was harmful or hurtful—yet they did not resist the flesh. They gave into the power of the flesh and did it. The point is this: the flesh is so strong that it often keeps us from doing what we would. The only hope of ever controlling the flesh is to walk in the Spirit of God—in His presence and power.

4. The answer to conquering the lusts of the flesh is the Holy Spirit of God.
The believer is to walk in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. It is the only conceivable way one can keep from fulfilling the lusts of the flesh. No person has the power to control the lusts of his flesh—not within themself. Bathe yourself in Scripture, that is where your strength will be.

A preacher was speaking to a new convert who had just recently trusted Christ as their Saviour. The new convert told the preacher that there was a struggle inside them to live for Christ. The new convert explained it like a fight within them between two dogs. “Which one wins?” asked the preacher. “The one I feed the most”, said the young convert. Feed your spirit with Scripture.

The reason that we are truly free isn't that our past has been changed, or our present feelings have changed. We may still feel inadequate, unsure, hesitant, afraid. We are free because God has given us His Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God within enables us. Freedom doesn't mean life without conflict. It does mean the possibility of life without defeat! Our weaknesses need not drag us down, our past no longer cripples us. The Holy Spirit is on our side in the war against the desires of our sinful nature. We no longer look to the Law and struggle. We look to the Holy Spirit, trust in Him, and do what is right.

PRAYER: Father, I am so thankful for Your forgiveness through Jesus Christ. I long to live a life that reflects You, but I feel powerless to do it. This process of transformation is difficult for me. I seem to keep repeating the same mistakes over and over again. I want to change, but I need Your help to transform me. Help me to resist responding to how I feel and help me respond in a manner that glorifies You. My greatest desire is to please 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

Finding 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).

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. 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 is 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 in 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.

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 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)
​
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 in 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