What the Church Should Do in the Midst of Persecution (I Thessalonians 1:6-8) - Part 3
I Thessalonians 1:6-8, And ye became followers of us, and of the LORD, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost. So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the LORD not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. B. F. Mills, a preacher from a generation ago told the following story: “I remember going down stairs in a hotel about midnight, with some letters in my hand that I wished to mail. The clerk was not in the office, but a policeman was there, and he said, ‘I will take your letters and mail them for you.’ I thanked him and handed them to him, and started up the stairs. As I went, I heard a voice say, ‘Why did you not speak to that policeman about Christ?’ I said, ‘It was because it would not do any good.’ The voice said, ‘How do you know?’ I kept going up all the time. ‘Why did you not speak to him about his soul?’ I said, ‘Lord, he did not look as though he had a soul.’ He was a very fleshy-looking sort of a man. The voice said, ‘Are you going to preach to others and then be cast away yourself?’ I said, ‘No, Lord; I will go back.’ I started down the stairs, but I heard the door shut, and when I came into the office the policeman had gone. I had a sore heart that night and a sore heart the next day. I said, ‘If I see that man again, I will preach Christ to him, if it is a possible thing.’ To my great surprise and joy, he came into the afternoon meeting and sat down on a back seat. There was a throng there, and I tried after the benediction to go back where he sat, but the aisles were filled too quickly and I could not do it. I thought I had missed another opportunity. As I stood talking with some people, in a few moments the aisle was cleared, and as I looked down it, I saw the policeman coming up toward the front. The tears were streaming down his cheeks, and he said to me, ‘I have never known what it meant to be a Christian, but if you will tell me I will commence now.’ There are those all around us, looking into our faces, people who are waiting for the touch of a living, earnest Christian in order to be led into the kingdom of God.” 3. They Shared the Word: This young church was so committed to the Lord that their testimony spread all over the world. What a glorious testimony and dynamic example of witnessing! What a lesson for us today! How desperately we need to get to the task of living for Christ and being a testimony for Him. It was their focus on the Bible that made this church an example for others. They were not ashamed of the Gospel or shy about sharing it. They literally shouted out the Gospel message. I believe they talked of it wherever they went. We do not need to be silent as the world around us perishes without the Lord. We have the truth and the answer to all the problems people are facing today. They did not squander the Gospel message, they spread it abroad. They had proclaimed Christ to the entire nation. There was not a corner of the country where the gospel had not been shared. May we continue to reach others, beginning with them in our community, county, state, country, and throughout the world. Questions to Consider:
Points to Ponder:
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, Thank You for saving me. Forgive me for not sharing this Good News with others on a regular basis. Bring people into my life that I can tell about Your amazing love. Lead me to the people You have prepared for me to encounter today, whatever my impression of them. 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
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What the Church Should Do in the Midst of Persecution (I Thessalonians 1:6-8) - Part 2
I Thessalonians 1:6-8, And ye became followers of us, and of the LORD, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost. So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the LORD not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. The parable is told of an old dog that fell into a farmer's well. After assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the dog but decided that neither the dog nor the well were worth the trouble of saving. Instead, he planned to bury the old dog in the well and put him out of his misery. When the farmer began shoveling, initially the old dog was hysterical. But as the farmer continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back, a thought struck him. It dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back, he should shake it off and step up. This he did blow after blow. "Shake it off and step up, shake it off and step up, shake it off and step up!" he repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows or how distressing the situation seemed, the old dog fought panic and just kept shaking it off and stepping up! It was not long before the dog, battered and exhausted, stepped triumphantly over the wall of that well. What seemed as though it would bury him actually benefited him—all because of the way he handled his adversity. If we face our problems and respond to them positively, refusing to give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity, the adversities that come along to bury us usually have within them the potential to bless us! Forgiveness, faith, prayer, praise, and hope are some of the biblical ways to shake it off and step up out of the wells in which we find ourselves. 2. They Persevered in the Word. Their receiving of the Gospel had not come easily or without adversity. Despite the persecution for their faith, the Thessalonians continued to accept God’s truth, believe His promises and trust His Son. We have faced nothing compared to what these did and yet many today are abandoning their faith and going the way of the world. Many are looking for excuses to avoid church. However, the Thessalonians refused to let the difficulties of life hinder their service to the Lord. We may not face the same type of persecution as the early church, but our faith will be tested to see if we hold on to God’s Word in difficult times. Years ago, a minister spoke to a group of newly-ordained ministers saying, "Young men, believe me, you will make more people Christians by being Christians yourselves than you will by all the sermons you will ever preach." May the Lord touch our hearts that we will develop an unhindered commitment to Him and the work that He has called us to. One of the greatest testimonies and influences of modern Christianity is the genuineness of its believers. The world and especially the younger generation are seeking something that is genuine. Serving the Lord is not without obscurity or opposition. But when obstacles come, we can rise above through the presence and uplifting of the Spirit. It is hard to be discouraged and want to quit when you are filled with joy (I Peter 1:8)! Points to Ponder:
Questions to Consider:
PRAYER: Lord, help me hang on to You with everything I’ve got, living out my faith in You one day at a time. Never let me lose my sense of dependence on You. Keep me pressing on as I follow in Your Son’s steps, realizing it is Your plan to use my time here to grow me into someone more and more like Him. May Your will be done. 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 What the Church Should Do in the Midst of Persecution (I Thessalonians 1:6-8) - Part 1
I Thessalonians 1:6-8, And ye became followers of us, and of the LORD, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost. So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the LORD not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. In Everyone's a Coach, Don Shula, the winningest coach in National Football League history, writes: “A lot of leaders want to tell people what to do, but they don't provide the example. "Do as I say, not as I do," doesn't cut it. Of course, I'm not about to show players how to run or pass or block or tackle by doing these things myself. My example is in things like my high standards of performance, my attention to detail, and—above all—how hard I work....During the 1994-95 season, I had what I thought was a calcium spur on my heel. It became so painful to move around on the practice field every day that I began to wear something like a ski boot at practice to reduce some of the pain. I didn't want to take the time to correct the problem until after the season. I can't ask my players to play hurt if I wimp out when I'm hurting a little bit. Finally I had no choice. One day in early December, when I was heading off the field after a practice, I felt something pop. It turned out I'd ruptured my Achilles tendon.... The day I had the operation was the first regular-season practice I had missed in my twenty-five years with the Dolphins.” The next day Shula was back at practice getting around in a golf cart. Who are your role models? Who are the Christians you look to for inspiration and encouragement in the faith? Paul promotes the Thessalonian church as a model. When Paul thought of what a believer should possess he thought of Thessalonica. They served as a witness and encouragement to others. They were looked to for their faith and endurance. He does so not because the believers were perfect, but because of the priority they placed on the Word of God. The sure hope of their eternal future resulted in the endurance and steadfastness of the Thessalonian believers. 1. They Received God’s Word. Understanding and accepting the Bible message was core to their salvation. The word followers literally means "an imitator." Those who once had followed the pagan rituals of humanity had now become imitators of the people of God and more importantly the Lord Himself. Paul revealed that he could see a drastic and beneficial change in their lives. The Gospel had been heard and received, resulting in conversion and change! The power of the Gospel is amazing. It has the ability to transform a life from darkness and rebellion to the glorious light of salvation and fellowship with the Lord. It can take a heart that is intent on sin and wickedness and produce one that seeks to be more like Christ! Questions to Consider:
PRAYER: Father, I want to be like the Thessalonian believers, working hard and making a real and lasting impact for Your kingdom. Help me to see the difference between what is for Your glory and what is for mine. Forgive me when I get that mixed up. 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 Andrew (John 1:41-42a)
John 1:41-42a, He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. Although his name is Andrew, he is most often referred to as “the brother of Simon Peter” (Matthew 4:18; 10:2; Mark 1:16; Luke 6:14; John 1:40; 6:8). Although he often stood in the shadows of his popular brother Peter, God had a specific plan for Andrew. He was a fisherman by trade (Matthew 4:18). He was a disciple of John the Baptist (John 1:35, 40). John had been telling his listeners that the Messiah was coming. One day John pointed to Jesus and called Him, “the Lamb of God” (John 1:36). From that very moment, and from this time on, Andrew left the family fishing business to follow Christ (Matthew 4:18; Mark 1:16-18). He was one of the first two disciples to follow Jesus (John 1:36-37). God had a plan for Andrew's life, and he followed Christ until the day he died. It was Andrew who was the first to be called by Christ and who would bring Peter to Christ (John 1:41). Whenever we read about Andrew doing something, it is him bringing someone to Christ. Andrew would go home to find his brother Peter to lead him to the Lord. NOTICE: Later, Peter would preach and reach three thousand souls for Christ. Peter would perform miracles. Peter would write two books in the New Testament. Andrew would not do any of these things, but he knew a man who had potential. And if Christ saved this man, he could do great things. Andrew had a part in it. He remembered the day he said to his brother, “We have found the Christ”. Everything Peter did for the Lord, Andrew had a part in it. In John 6, we see the feeding of the five thousand. While the rest of the disciples were making excuses as to why they could not feed the five thousand; Andrew found a young boy who was willing to offer his lunch to Jesus. To Andrew, this boy was not a varmint; he was valuable. Andrew didn’t know how, or why, but he knew if he could get this lad to Christ, that Jesus would use him in a big way. The history of the church is the history of people leading people to Christ. Many tend to underestimate or overlook the potential of some. They have a habit of downplaying them with the questions, what can he or she do or amount to? True, Andrew lived in the shadows of his popular brother Peter, but he was never insignificant. In fact, he was a tremendous blessing to others. Some day when we’re in Heaven we’ll be surprised by the greatness done by those we never heard of. Winning people to Christ involves effort (Luke 15:4). Sinners need the Lord and it helps for them to see Christ love manifested in and through us. What is the Lord leading you to do right now? Do you often compare your life with someone else's life? If so, you have your focus off target. God had a very specific plan for Andrew, and it was a different plan than God's plan for Peter. That being said, God has a very specific plan for you, and it is different than His plan for others. So, don't compare your life with others; compare it with God's will. Fulfilling the Great Commission is a priority of every believer (Matthew 28:18-20). PRAYER: Father in Heaven, what could You do in and through my life if I was one hundred percent completely willing to do what You called me to do? Help me not to get distracted, discouraged, or disappointed in Your work. May I never get lukewarm in Your service for souls. 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 Don’t Put It Off Another Day (Hebrews 3:7-9)
Hebrews 3:7-9, Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. On Sunday night, October 8, 1871, D. L. Moody was preaching the gospel in downtown Chicago. He challenged the listening crowd to go home and “think about what I’ve said about the gospel and come back tomorrow and tell me what you’ve decided about following the Lord.” Sounds OK, right? “It’s a big decision. Don’t rush into it. Weigh your options.” About the same hour that meeting was breaking up, a few blocks west of downtown, a blaze had begun in Patrick O’Leary’s cow barn. By midnight the fire had jumped the Chicago River’s south branch and by 1:30 a.m., the entire business district (where Moody had been preaching) was in flames. By 3:00 a.m., the inferno had raced northward, jumped the main river, and devoured over 100,000 homes. Not until after midnight the following day was the fire extinguished as a steady rain left Chicago smoldering and in rubbles—with hundreds dead. Many of the people who had heard the gospel on Sunday night perished in the flames. By not deciding to follow Jesus the moment they heard the invitation, they had missed their opportunity to respond to God’s good news. D.L. Moody’s ministry was changed forever. He said, “From now on, every chance I get I will urge upon people a decision today, today. Today, sir, make a decision today. Although you can choose your actions; you cannot choose the consequences.” We see Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10. In Luke 19:5, Our Lord said to Zacchaeus,” …Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house”. Every word is important; but notice these two words ‘haste’ and ‘today’. God’s call is urgent. It demands an immediate response. As it was in Paul’s day with Felix, Festus, and Agrippa (Acts 24, 25, 26). It is with us today, again and again, people hear the message of the Gospel proclaimed faithfully and sincerely admonishing them to repent and believe on Christ, but they reply, “Tomorrow!” God’s call is not for tomorrow. It is written, ‘…To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation…’ God’s grace always comes with urgent dispatch. Tomorrow is in Satan’s calendar, but nowhere else. II Corinthians 6:2, “For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” When you hear what God’s Word says, do something about it. If you want to go further with God than you have in years gone by, decide today that every time God shows you something, you’re going to get after it. If He lays it out for you, don’t put it off. If the Lord is calling, you need to respond immediately, without hesitation. PRAYER: Father, too often I have ignored Your prompting when You have called me to speak to others. This life will end sooner than I think. Help me to remain faithful until the end of this life’s journey. 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 Why Worry When You Can Pray – PART 2 (Philippians 4:6-7)
Philippians 4:6-7, Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. A businessman ran into a friend of his who always worried. He had always had problems with ulcers and high blood pressure. “How’s your health?” the man asked his friend. “Great. My ulcers are gone and I don’t have a worry in the world!” The man asked “How did that happen?” “It’s easy. I hired a professional worrier. Whenever something comes along that I need to worry about, I tell him about it and he does all of my worrying for me.” The businessman couldn’t believe it. “That’s incredible. I’d be interested in something like that. How much does it cost?” The friend said, “He charges $100,000 a year.” The businessman said “How in the world can you afford to pay him $100,000 a year?” Friend said, “1 don’t know. I let him worry about it.” In the same way the friend gave his worries to the “professional worrier,” we should give our worries and cares to God. In other words, give your financial-family-health-work-people problems, etc. all to the Lord. When we fail to do this, we show a lack of faith in Him. Worry is inconsistent with our faith. Worry is basically distrust of God. The word worry comes from a Greek word that means “to divide the mind.” Anxiety splits us right down the middle, creating a double-minded thinker. Delegate your cares to the Lord. If you don’t, you become double minded and unstable in all areas of your life. Rather than taking away tomorrow’s trouble, worry voids today’s strength. Suddenly, because of worry, our perception and strength are divided, distorting our vision and wasting our energy. Our worries and fears do not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, but only empty today of its strength. God offers the possibility of a worry-free life. Not less worry, no worry. I Peter 5:7, Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. “Casting” means “upon” “throw down; be cast into the sea or throw overboard, cast out fishing lines or nets.” Casting indicates a deliberate act of our will. God wants us to throw our cares overboard, He wants us to willingly throw them upon Him. In other words, “I will thrust my cares upon the Lord.” (Psalm 55:22; Philippians 4:6) Worry is never beneficial. We may justify worry by calling it by some other name—concern, burden, a cross to bear-but the results are still the same. Instead of helping us live longer, anxiety only makes life shorter. Worry is the sin of distrusting the promise and providence of God and yet it is a sin that we probably commit more often than any other and zaps the life out of believers. Worry fails to recognize that God is working in your life. God knows what He is doing. He has not forgotten us. God is at work, but when we worry, we are saying that God is not in control. As if to say, “He doesn’t know what He is doing and He can’t take care of us”. There is no need to worry because the Lord can supply every need for every situation that we face in life. Worry wastes our energy so that we don’t have the energy we need for constructive and creative things. God is bigger than our problems. He is never taken off guard or surprised at what takes place in our lives. He knows what is going on and will take care of you. The man who feeds his heart on the record of what God has done in the past will never worry about the future. Much of the things we worry about are things from the past. Remember, to always keep the past in the past. PRAYER: Father in Heaven, I regret having carried these burdens and worries so long by myself when, in fact, You were always ready to take them from me and to carry them on my behalf. But it’s never too late to do what is right, so right now I make the decision to yield to You every one of these matters that are troubling me. Thank You for coming alongside me to take these weights from my shoulders. Because You are so loving and attentive to me, I can now go free! 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 Why Worry When We Can Pray (Philippians 4:6-7) – PART 1
Philippians 4:6-7, Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. We are to worry about nothing, but pray about everything. Although this is not Scripture, it is Biblical principle. We are to pray about everything. Some people just say, “I'm not going to pray. I don't know how to pray; I don't know what to do about my situation.” The answer that God gives is pray about it anyway. Even if you don't know how to pray, even if you don't know whether you should pray about it or not, pray anyway (Romans 8:26). One of the reasons that you should pray, even if you don't know how to word it, is that prayer brings fellowship with the Father. Even if you don’t know what to say or how to say it, God can take care of that, because He knows what is in your heart. Spending time in prayer gives us an opportunity to be in fellowship with the Father. It is an opportunity to focus our thinking on Him, and to sense that bond between Himself and us that the Scripture abundantly tells us is there. You can spend time in prayer regardless of the circumstances, regardless of the nature of the request, and know the strength and the joy that comes from simply spending time in the presence of the Father. When we pray about everything we have freedom from fear or worry. We have peace of mind and stability. That verse doesn't say that as you bring those things to God, God will automatically grant your request. What does it say? It says, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”. The word keep there is a word that means “to guard our hearts and minds.” Philippians 4:6 tells us the things that we can, and we should, pray about. The answer is anything that we worry about. Some of us are bigger worriers than others, but all of us worry over something. Whatever is troubling us we should be praying about. If you can worry about it, you can pray about it. If He chooses not to grant your desire, He will give you the peace that passeth understanding. Having the ability to pray to the LORD gives us freedom from anxiety and fear. We don’t have to have big or fancy words to pray. We just need to take it straight to Him. When we take our worries to the Lord, we are telling Him who can do something about it. We don't know that He will do things the way we want them done, but we can have the assurance that He will do what's best for us and for the overall situation and that He will work all of that together for good in His own perfect time and way. PRAYER: Lord, I humbly ask You to graciously grant me a fearless heart that boldly desires to pray. Forgive me, I’ve just been struggling with fear and doubt that has troubled the peace I have from You. I commit myself to prayer and I am casting these things Your way right now. I’m choosing not to worry about them anymore because You will deal with them under the authority of 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 Christian’s Life Should Magnify Christ…Do Others See Christ in You? (Philippians 1:20–21)
Philippians 1:20-21, According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Paul’s earnest expectation and hope was to magnify Christ. His focus was entirely on Christ and zero upon himself. Paul’s desire was to magnify Christ in his body whether by life or death. He wanted to live as Christ desired him to live, and if he had to die for Christ, then so be it. Paul wanted to live so people could see Christ in his life. Paul was determined to "magnify" Jesus Christ in his body. This word "magnify" means "to exalt, to praise, glorify, to make great or enlarge." We can magnify Him to an unbelieving world where He is so often minimized, mocked, and misrepresented. We can glorify Him in the presence of those who are blind to His glory. We can demonstrate His grace to those who have never seen it or known it. People wonder what the purpose of life is today and what they are here for. The Christian knows the answer to those questions. We have a purpose for living & that purpose is to glorify Christ and live for Him, not self, not glory or fame. A group of prospectors set out from Bannock, Montana in search of gold. They went through many hardships and several of the men died. Defeated, discouraged, and downhearted, the prospectors sought to make their way back to the capital city. On one occasion as they rode to a creek side, one of the men casually picked up a little stone from the creek bed. He called to his buddy for a hammer and upon cracking the rock, he said, "It looks as though there may be gold here. We had struck it!" They made their way back to Bannock & vowed not to breathe a word concerning this gold strike. They secretively set about re-equipping themselves with supplies for another prospecting trip. But when they got ready to go back, 300 men followed them. Who had told on them? No one spoke a word. Their beaming faces betrayed the secret! Can others see Jesus, is you? When you got saved, you got a greater treasure than ten thousand mountains of gold. Like those old prospectors, we should be beaming because Jesus is on the inside! If He is there, He should be visible in our lives. Prayer, Lord, as I think of the men and women You have used to speak Your truth into my life, I am overwhelmed by the weight of my heritage of faith. So many have faithfully delivered to me! Forgive me for falling short in passing it on. Renew my commitment to taking advantage of opportunities to share Your Gospel to others. Thank You for the grace in Jesus that strengthens me. 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 Thrust Your Trust Onto The Lord (Luke 18:17)
Luke 18:17, Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein. D. L. Moody once returned from a meeting and reported two and a half conversions. “Two adults and a child, I suppose?” asked his host. “No,” said Moody, “two children and an adult. The children gave their whole lives. The adult had only half of his left to give.” What does this verse mean? Does it mean that we will all become children in Heaven? I don't think so at all. Abraham and Lazarus were not children when the rich man in Hell saw them. We do, however, need to have the attitude of a child. When it comes to the Lord and having faith, children can be great teachers. Children teach us how we are to come to Christ. Your kids will receive a gift that you offer them. If you offer your child an ice cream cone, he doesn’t say, “I don’t believe in ice cream.” He doesn’t say, “What’s the catch?” He doesn’t wonder if you might be poisoning him. He doesn’t worry about the lack of nutrition or the fact that it may cause cavities. He doesn’t feel like he has to pay you back. A child will trust you and he instantly receive your gift and enjoy it. Adults aren’t that way. We’re too proud or too skeptical to accept gifts. If someone gives us a gift, we feel uncomfortable unless we can even the score. Or, we wonder, “What’s the catch? Nothing is absolutely free!” The Gospel is! God provides everything. All we can do is receive it in simple faith, just as children trustingly receive a gift from their parents. You can’t offer to pay God back. You can only trust Him as a loving Father and receive the gift of eternal life that He provides through Jesus Christ. The Bible instructs us that we can learn from children how to come to Christ. Like a satisfied baby in the arms of a loving mother, when you trust in the Lord, you will be blessed. Like the little boy that confidently jumps from a tree with no hesitation into the strong arms of his father. When you live by faith in God, you will be blessed. Children are very trusting and believe things easily. Children can teach us much about faith and unrestrained trust. Their minds are not clouded with skepticism and doubt. We need that attitude with Christ. The way to enter God's kingdom is by trusting in the Lord without restraint or regret. Receive Him readily and without pride as a child will accept candy that is offered to him or her. Only those willing, in humility, to repent before God with simple faith in Him shall have eternal life. The lesson is of repentance, humility, and simple faith. It was a clear rebuke of the self-righteous, hard-hearted form of Judaism which prevailed. The disciples thought children cannot come into the kingdom until they are grown-ups. Jesus says, grown-ups cannot come into the kingdom until they become like children. The normal trust and humility of children is how people are to be in regards to heaven. Faith, or trust in Christ, and humility in coming to Christ are required to received His gift of eternal life. We tell children to behave like adults. Christ tells adults to behave like children. This does not mean we are to be childish but rather to be child-like. PRAYER: Father, too often I fail to trust in You when You Word instructs me too. I believe that Your Word is true. Help me to trust in You just like a child trusts completely in a loving parent. Thank You that You are always faithful. I love 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 God Has Never Failed You (Deuteronomy 31:6-8)
Deuteronomy 31:8, And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed. One tribe of native Americans had a unique practice for training young braves. On the night of a boy's thirteenth birthday, he was placed in a dense forest to spend the entire night alone. Until then he had never been away from the security of his family and tribe. But on this night he was blindfolded and taken miles away. When he took off the blindfold, he was in the middle of thick woods. By himself. All night long. Every time a twig snapped, he probably visualized a wild animal ready to pounce. Every time an animal howled, he imagined a wolf leaping out of the darkness. Every time the wind blew, he wondered what more sinister sound it masked. No doubt it was a terrifying night for many. After what seemed like an eternity, the first rays of sunlight entered the interior of the forest. Looking around, the boy saw flowers, trees, and the outline of the path. Then, to his utter astonishment, he beheld the figure of a man standing just a few feet away, armed with a bow and arrow. It was the boy's father. He had been there all night long. Can you think of any better way for a child to learn how God allows us to face the tests of life? God is always present with us. God's presence is unseen, but it is more real than life itself. Moses instructed Israel to be “strong and of a good courage” because their God would not fail them nor forsake them. These words are very familiar to us. No doubt Hebrews 13:5 is quoted here. Hebrews 13:5b,… for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. We have the promise of His presence. God’s almighty power will keep you from failing in what He has called you to do. God will not forsake you. He will faithfully abide with you all the days of your life. One of the most foolish statements a tongue can utter is, “God has failed me”. Yet most of us have thought or said it at one time or another—if not through our words, at least through our actions. When trying times come, we ponder, How could God have let this happen? Doesn't He know I had a plan? Isn't He paying attention? How could He fail me like this? God has never failed at anything and God has never failed anyone! We're certain we know what's best for our future, and when God doesn't cooperate, we're quick to remind Him how out of line He is. In confusion, we think if only He could see things our way, He'd understand. At least that's how it seems from our point of view. But is God really so out of touch? Do we really think He isn't paying attention? There have been literally billions of people on the planet since the days of Adam, and God has never failed one of them. Yet somehow, we convince ourselves that He has forgotten our predicament. What message does that send to God about the level of our trust? God's power is most evident when it seems that our life is most out of control. When we are the weakest, He is the strongest. When we need Him most He is nearer than ever. Even when it seems that life has left us alone, God is right beside us holding us in His mighty hand. The worst we can do during these times of trial is to blame God and fight Him for control. The best we can do is to let go and believe His promises. Points to Ponder: Confidently know that God is with you and that He is committed to you. You can fearlessly trust Him in the midst of your troubles. Questions to Consider: When is the last time you felt like God had forsaken you? Has He ever let you down in the past? How have you experienced God’s presence in hard times? What comfort do you draw from this truth today? Prayer, Father, today I need to renew my confidence and faith in You. Help me now to lay hold of Your promise that You will never leave me nor forsake me. Help me to speak and live fearlessly because I’m confident I’m in Your presence. Lord, You are with me. I am never alone. I commit this truth to my heart right now. In Jesus I pray, amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com |
AuthorDr. Blackman is passionate about helping others grow in the grace of the Lord. His devotions are centered on how to grow closer to the Lord through a personal relationship with Christ. Archives
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