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Wisdom of Solomon (Proverbs 4:7)
Proverbs 4:7, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” Have a proper perspective of what true wisdom is and where you get it. We are not to base our lives or decisions on soap operas, network news broadcasts, television talk show hosts, unbelieving psychiatrists, unsaved guidance counselors at school, or worldly friends at the work place. Much of what you hear from these sources is not wisdom at all, but foolishness. One of the greatest lion tamers and animal trainers of all time was Clyde Beatty. He was a big game hunter who became famous as a lion tamer beginning in the 1930's and often appeared in films and on television for the next thirty years. Standing only five and a half-foot tall, Beatty had the courage and mastery to go into a cage of 40 snarling lions and tigers with only a whip, a pistol and a chair. The whip and the pistol were used to get an animal's attention, but many people wondered what good would a chair do against a wild animal? It turns out the chair is the most important of the three tools a lion tamer has at his disposal. The tamer holds the chair by the back and thrusts the legs towards the face of the animal. The cat tries to focus on all four legs at once. In the attempt to focus on all four, a kind of paralysis overwhelms the animal. It becomes weak and tame because of its divided attention. Lions and tigers are not the only creatures affected by this problem. We also tend to become unable to perform our duties when our attention is divided among too many things. Don't let the distractions of this world, and there are a bunch, keep you from seeking God's wisdom. Make this a priority in your life. Solomon said, "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding." The word principal has the sense of ‘primary,’ or ‘first,’ or ‘chief.’ Wisdom ought to be the highest; first priority in life. Wisdom is the ability to exercise the discernment and judgment of God's Word. Wisdom is the ability to apply the Bible to our everyday life. We need to ask God for wisdom in every area of our lives. The Bible tells us apart from Jesus Christ, the Bible declares Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived. No one in all of human history had the intelligence of Solomon (I Kings 10:23-24). He would have broken all records in having the highest I.Q. Both Testaments speak of Solomon’s wisdom in I Kings 4:30-31; Matthew 12:42. In the beginning, Solomon genuinely loved the Lord (I Kings 3:3). He walked in the instructions of his father (I Kings 3:3). He had a heart of gratitude (I Kings 3:6). He was humble (I Kings 3:7). He had a teachable spirit (I Kings 3:7). He feared God and asked for an understanding heart to rule God’s people well (I Kings 3:9). Solomon possessed an attitude that caused him to seek for wisdom and understanding which, in turn, pleased the Lord that He gave Solomon not only great wisdom, but riches and honor as well. The Bible values wisdom greater than any treasure one could ever desire (Proverbs 3:14-15; 8:10-11). According to Proverbs, those who pursue wisdom will reap the benefits that come from receiving wisdom: happiness (Proverbs 3:13, 18), length of days, riches, and honor (Proverbs 3:16), pleasantness and peace (Proverbs 3:17), tree of life (Proverbs 3:18), life to your soul and grace to your neck (Proverbs 3:22), safety and not stumbling (Proverbs 3:23), and sweet rest (Proverbs 3:24). How does one obtain this measure of wisdom? According to Proverbs 2:6, wisdom comes from the Lord. Proverbs 2:6, “For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). One cannot get true wisdom until he gets saved. Wisdom comes by: The Word of God (Psalm 19:7), wise men (Proverbs 13:20), a godly pastor (Jeremiah 3:15), and asking the Lord (James 1:5). Notice: James doesn’t say, “Go to the philosophers” or “go get the latest best seller”. Rather than looking to men for the latest philosophical fad, he urged them to look to God for the wisdom they needed. Wisdom benefits not only the one who has it, but also those who come in contact with the one who is wise. Proverbs 13:20a, “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise.” Children learn an abundant amount of wisdom by what they see in their parents. Every believer, especially every father, needs wisdom. We know that wisdom is priceless and essential, but we must decide we want it. Those who choose to refuse or reject it will make foolish choices. Every father must take every opportunity to make wise decisions. The Lord is just as willing to give you wisdom, regardless of your age, if you will humbly ask. PRAYER: Father, Today I want to start the day with You on my mind and in my heart. Help me to crave Your presence more than I crave sin. Help me grow in the fruit of the Spirit and walk closer with You. Keep my feet from stumbling and my mind from wandering into distractions. Lord, thank You for the people You have placed in my life. Give me a heart of discernment to know when You are using someone to speak instruction into my heart and my circumstances. 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
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Grappling with God (Genesis 32)
In Genesis 32, we find Jacob in a precarious position. His father in law Laban was behind him, while his brother Esau was before him. Years earlier, Jacob deceived Esau out of his birthright (Genesis 25). This incident brought about years of pain and vengeance to the point that Esau threatened to kill Jacob. Jacob still feared Esau’s revenge. Jacob was met with the possibility that his sin would find him out. What if Esau was set on vengeance? A guilty conscience doesn't need an accuser, nor will it let you blame someone else. Jacob was without excuse and he knew it. After all he had done to Esau, his conscience was pricked with the thought of his sin and deception. Again and again, Jacob was reminded of the fact that he was headed for a confrontation with his past and his sin. What he didn't know was that God was going to confront him before he ever got to Esau. Jacob was the one who said he wanted to serve God, but attempted to do it in his flesh. Jacob, the one who used carnal methods in hopes of achieving the blessings and promises of God; the one who saw life as one extended negotiation process, constantly looking for loopholes in lordship, obedience, and holiness. Jacob's life was in conflict between his flesh and the Spirit. Jacob regarded his life as a wasted life. He had spent a great deal of energy and time running from God, fighting God, resisting the Lord, and deceiving people. We see his depravity against the framework of God's desire to use him. The good report is that Jacob didn't play the blame game. He didn't criticize how his parents raised him or reprimand what Laban did to him earlier. We will never be eager for God if we blame our environment, our education (or lack thereof), our surroundings, our parents, or our circumstances. I've heard people blame the system, their circumstances, or their absentee father. The reality is this: we do make choices. Two people can be in identical situations; one turns to God, while the other shakes his fist at God. One has a pity party, and the other praises God in spite of it all. Mankind will never seek the Saviour unless they see themselves a sinner. Sin deceives us into thinking we can negotiate with God. It deludes us into believing that we can get better in our flesh. It destroys us by telling us we can make it to heaven but dodge a direct encounter with the Christ who demands our whole life surrendered to Him. What Jacob failed to learn early was that anytime someone fights against God, regardless of who they are, they will lose every time. Three choices will get us into God's will and keep us there: decision, dedication and a daily walk in the power of the Spirit. Daily submission to the will of God is accomplished in prayerful meditation upon the Word of God. It is only in submission that the light is manifest to us. In that meditation, we learn of His strength and wisdom. After his encounter with the Lord, he always walked with a limp. When a man is walking with the Lord, he will always be out of step with the world! People can have the luxury of being raised by the best parents, taught by the best teachers, and mentored by the best coaches and still struggle to respect and regard the valuable lessons in life. Because of this, often the Lord has to give some a Divine encounter. Too often people will remember a good scare rather than remembering good advice. PRAYER: Lord, as You needed to break Jacob for Your service, I come and present myself before You that You may mold me that I might be forever altered for Your service and satisfaction as found in Romans 12:1-2. 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 Is God Able?...He is More Than Able! (Daniel 3:16-18)
Daniel 3:16-18, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.” When Robert Morrison was on his way to China, where he would serve as a missionary, the captain of the ship was skeptical of his calling and gave him a hard time. As Morrison was leaving the ship, the captain said to him, “I suppose you think you’re going to make an impression on China.” “No,” Robert Morrison replied simply, “I don’t think I will make an impression on China but I believe God will.” The furnace that we read about represents trials and testing. Like these believers our faith is put to the test sometimes. They would not bow, bend, budge, break, or burn to this world. What did they find in the furnace? 1.They Found the Presence of God (Daniel 3:25). God’s presence gave them courage, comfort, and council. 2.They Found the Protection of God (Daniel 3:26). God protected them from their fall, their foes, and their fire. 3.They Found the Promise of God (Daniel 3:28). The trusted the God’s Word, way, and will. 4.They Found the Power of God (Daniel 3:27). They were not singed, nor smelled, nor suffered. Imagine the testimony of these men when they came out of the fiery furnace. The three young men answered firmly: they refused to plead for their lives. Trusting and loving the Lord with all their hearts, they surrendered themselves into the hands of God. They informed the king that they did not need to defend themselves, that their first loyalty belonged to the Lord and Him alone. Moreover, they knew that their God was able to save them from the fiery furnace. In fact, they were casting themselves upon the Lord to actually rescue them. But even if the Lord chose not to deliver them, they still could not betray Him. No matter what the king did to them, they could not worship the gods of Babylon nor the gold image that represented the state. The strong, steadfast faith of these young men is a perfect picture of total surrender to the Lord. In times of trial or temptation, the one thing we need above all else is a strong, steadfast faith. The three young men could have easily compromised their faith. They could have done what we are so often tempted to do and take the easy way out. A solid, unwavering faith is needed to withstand the temptation to compromise. Throughout life, we will face critical decisions just as Daniel’s three friends did. If we choose to deny the Lord, we may escape the threats and the suffering for a brief time, but the day of departure from this world will still come. Therefore, the Lord encourages us to place our faith in Him and to grow a strong and steadfast faith. Ephesians 3:20, “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” Throughout the Bible there are examples of God demonstrating His ability. The whole point of prayer is to ask God to do what we cannot do in our own strength or ability. If we think that we can pull it off ourselves, then we don’t need to pray. God often puts His people in impossible situations to display His power and glory. God is not just able to do beyond what we ask, but abundantly beyond. But that’s not enough, He is able to do far more abundantly beyond what we ask. But, we still aren’t to the limit: The Lord our God is the God of omnipotent ability. The Omnipotent God operates in a realm that is far beyond our ability to even understand. His ability is absolute. What limitless power! His power is unlimited. He can do anything He wills. Omnipotence knows no obstacles. He is not hanging around or just sitting there—He is working within us. Whatever is required to accomplish the purposes and promises of God, “He is able” to perform. God is never defeated. Though He may be opposed, attacked, and resisted, still the ultimate outcome can never be in doubt. Do you serve a God that can? From Genesis to Revelation, we see God’s mighty power at work. He is the God that walked with the 3 Hebrew children in the fiery furnace and rescued them out of Nebuchadnezzar’s evil hands. He is the God of Daniel who quieted the mouths of the Lions and was able to deliver him from their grasp. He is the God of Moses who parted the Red Sea and drowned the Egyptian army that pursued God’s people. He is the God of David that guided the single stone from David’s slingshot to Goliath’s head. He is the God that raised Jesus from the dead and defeated death, hell and the grave. He is a God that is greater than my understanding or ability to explain who He is. He is the Lord God almighty. How big is your God? Is He a God that can? PRAYER: Father, although I will never fully understand Your Almighty power, I do know that nothing is ever too hard or difficult for You. I know that Your plans for me are far larger than I can imagine. Help me to never hinder limit or hinder Your work in and through my life. In Jesus name, AMEN! If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com God’s Care, Concern, and Control over My Life (I John 4:18-19)
I John 4:18-19, There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 19We love him, because he first loved us. Total dedication involves total faith in God's control and care of your life. Your life is in God's hands to do as He pleases with it. The person has absolute trust in God's will for his or her life. The control of God over our lives is amply illustrated in the life of Pastor Im of Korea. During the Korean War, missionaries were being evicted from Korea. Harold Voelkel was able to stay because he re-enlisted as an army chaplain. This is what he did during WW2. Because he was fluent in the Korean language, they assigned him to the Island of Kojedo, which was a prisoner of war island. Each morning at 5:30, he kept up the custom of early morning prayer meetings in the prison. Before sun up, hundreds of prisoners would stand outside in rank by the barbed wire in the bitter winter cold. Their favorite hymn was "Jesus Loves Me." Harold was asked how this worship time got started in the prison. It was started by a humble Christian man, Pastor Im, who was imprisoned because of a misunderstanding. It was his second imprisonment. He had been pastoring one of the 3000 small churches throughout North Korea, when the Communists came into the country. In order to intimidate the population, they took him away from his child and wife and imprisoned him because he preached the Gospel. For 18 months, he did not have a clue what had happened to his family. When General MacArthur crossed the 38th parallel into North Korea and took the capital city of Pyongyang, they released the prisoners. Pastor Im had one thought: to go home and find his family. He was ragged and unwashed as he headed northward to his home. On his way home, the American forces mistook him for a Communist and captured him. He did not know any English and the Americans did not know any Korean. The pastor was not given any opportunity to explain his situation to an interpreter. So they imprisoned this pastor, with thousands of other North Korean prisoners, in the prison on the Island of Kojedo. Pastor Im's heart was broken. Satan whispered to him, "Where is your God? If there is a God who answers a Christian's prayer, why are you here? Why does He allow you to be mistreated?" Pastor Im had no room for bitterness in his heart. After spending time in prayer and being strengthened by the Lord, he told Jesus, "Lord, if you have let all this heartache come to me and my family, it must be because you have something for me to do. What can I do for you here on this prison island?" He looked at the other miserable men around him, most of them did not know Christ at all. He began to have compassion for their souls. One evening, as the sun was going down, he did a bold thing. He went to six other men in the prison who were also Christians and told them, "Look, maybe the Lord brought us to this place for such an hour as this. Let's get together and sing about the love of Jesus Christ. Let's sing some Christmas carols." Even though it was forbidden to gather together, Pastor Im went out into the compound and began to sing Christmas songs like Silent Night Holy Night in the Korean language. Other men began to sing as the American guards listened with amazement. Eventually, 500 men gathered around the pastor. Pastor Im then read the Christmas story from his tattered Bible and then the guards had the men disperse. The guards left with tears in their eyes. They knew something was different in this prison camp. Chaplain Voelkel was called by the guards to find out what was going on. He spoke with Pastor Im and heard his remarkable story. Pastor Im was then given an armband that gave him permission to wander about the prison camp and preach and hold prayer meetings every morning. Chaplain Voelkel joined him in ministry and after a year, something powerful happened on this island. Groups with as many as 1200 men were meeting in each of the prison compounds. The prisoners got up early to pray and sing gospel songs. Bible classes were held in the camp and over 6000 men finished the six-month course of daily Bible study and graduated. When the camps closed and the men were freed, 600 men finished Bible school and Seminary outside Korea and returned to preach the Gospel to their people. All of this happened because of one, dedicated, fearless Christian who would not quit and become discouraged in spite of tragedy and terrible circumstances during a bitter war. Instead of complaining, he resolved to get back up on his spiritual feet and do what the Lord wanted him to do. He never did find out what happened to his wife and child in North Korea. He remained faithful in serving Christ. What an example he is to all of us of being totally dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ just like the widow at the Temple. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess that sometimes my fears reveal I’m not trusting You as I know I should, but trusting in something or someone else instead. Thank you for reminding me just how fragile everything else is compared with You. Thank You for never leaving or forsaking me. Thank You for never letting me down and always proving Yourself trustworthy. Help me learn to trust You increasingly and remove fears from my life. 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 To Be Like Jesus (I Peter 2:21-24)
I Peter 2:21-24,"For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." The proof of Christianity is not a book but a life. The power of Christianity is not a creed but a Christian character; and wherever you see a life that has been transformed by the grace of God, you see a witness to the resurrection of Jesus. God’s purpose and plan for our life is for us to be a reflection of His Son. Peter was an eyewitness to Jesus' life and sufferings upon the cross. He said three things about the death of Christ. Christ "suffered for us" (I Peter 2:21). That is, His death took the place of sinners. Christ "did no sin" (I Peter 2:22). That is, He was sinless; He lived a perfect and righteous life. Therefore, the sins He bore in death were not His sins but the sins of men. Christ "bore our sins in His own body" (I Peter 2:24). That is, the suffering Jesus bore was the penalty due sin. In the Old Testament, the words "bore our sins" mean to be answerable for sin; to endure its penalty; to die for sinners (Exodus 28:43; Leviticus 24:15-16; Isaiah 53:12). The death Jesus bore was substitution. He bore the sins due others. It is this act that shows the supreme love of God for man. As Christians, we are not under the law (Galatians 3:24-26). We do not need rules, regulations, threats of punishment or promises of reward to inspire and rule our hearts. In order to live in this world for the glory of God, we must simply follow the example of the One who hung upon the cursed tree bearing our sins. When I see Christ hanging upon the cross as my Substitute, I see that self-sacrifice is essential to honoring God (Luke 14:33). There is a battle for me to fight, a trial for me to endure, a service for me to perform and a cross for me to bear. I cannot serve God without self-sacrifice and self-denial. When Christ was on the cross, bearing our sins, He set before us an example of willing obedience to our heavenly Father. Our Saviour willingly obeyed His Father’s will, even unto death (Isaiah 50:5-7). This is the way we must serve God. God will never accept any gift, any worship or any service, unless it comes from a willing heart (II Corinthians 8:12). The cross also shows us our Lord’s dedication and perseverance. He not only agreed to bear our sins and promised to die for us, He actually did it. Even before the world was created, God’s plan was for us to be, “conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29). God did not save us solely to allow us to go to Heaven, though, of course, that is a wonderful and undeserved blessing. God also saved us so that we could go into the world just as Jesus did and point men and women to Him. God intends for us to be walking in the footsteps of Jesus Christ as we go through this world. We have been called to take the name of Jesus and identify with Him, even if that involves suffering for our faith. Jesus has given us the example to follow, and we are instructed to walk in His way. If we are to imitate the life of Jesus, then we must be led by Him. It is difficult to imitate your life after someone that you are never around or know nothing about. If we are to live for Jesus, in a way that pleases Him, we must allow Him to guide our lives. We must allow Him to be the Shepherd of our souls and heed His voice. Jesus has made provision for us. He suffered all that He did so that we might live through Him. Our only hope is to keep our eyes upon Jesus and follow Him. God requires dedication and perseverance from all who follow Christ. Our Lord’s death upon the cross also sets before us an example of real love and patient submission to the will of God. Jesus set a high standard for living. Not one person has ever achieved His level of perfection, nor can we, but we must strive for that perfection daily. If the Lord has spoken to you about specific areas in your life, why not come and get those things settled before Him. The Lord is waiting to help you if you will only come to Him. Questions to Consider: Does your life reflect the life of Christ? Is He evident in your life for the world to see? Does your character, communication, conduct, and commitment following the example that Jesus left? Wouldn't it be a shame to stand before the Lord and have never matured spiritually? Prayer: Father, I know Your desire for me is to be like You. You transform me every day. You want me to love what You love and hate what You hate. Many times, I have failed You. Thank You for Your constant love and forgiveness of me. May I never use the power of Your forgiveness to justify sinning, but may it draw me closer to You, so that when temptation comes, I may boldly proclaim, “I want to be like Jesus!” 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 When God Sends A Text (Mark 1:35)
Mark 1:35, “And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.” Jesus' first source of power was His sense of prayer. When Jesus prayed. He prayed "in the morning, rising up a great while before day." Remember, the day before had been the Sabbath, an extremely tiring day. He had taught and had expended enormous energy in teaching and ministering. He had been up late at night ministering to the whole city that had flocked to the house where He was staying. Jesus was very popular. The crowds sought Him out! Everyone wanted to be with Him! Masses of people followed Him for various reasons…meals, miracles, or monarchy. They either wanted to hear Him, ask Him a question, or get Him to heal a loved one. From daylight to dusk Jesus was sought. When the crowd knew He was in town, they found Him. Jesus never had a moment alone unless He made it happen. It is very important that you have time alone with GOD. Jesus loved God and He loved people. He spent time with both. He knew how much time to be with people and how much time to be with God. The solitary place is not identified. The fact of importance is that He had a place where He could be alone with God. He needed to be alone with God. The needs of people were great and their demands would be continuous. He would be busied by the needs of men and by the attacks of both Satan and institutional religion. The days would be long, taxing, and exhausting. He needed the strength of God and a special anointing as He went forth launching this very special mission. There are at least three times when God wrote. 1) Tables of stone - 10 Commandments (Exodus 31:18) 2) Writing on the wall (Daniel 5:5) 3) Jesus wrote on the ground (John 8:2-8) We are living in times when we do a lot of communicating by text messaging:
Today it is undeniable that most people must always have their cell phones with them at all times. We all have become so dependent on modern technology. In short, we have become so devoted to our technology. Technology has its place in our society. In fact, if it were not for technology, you would not be reading this devotion. When I was a teenager (mid 80’s - early 90’s) we could go places and actually enjoy ourselves and others company having a great time while never having to know what was going on someplace else. We have come so far in such a short time. How did we ever make it back in those days? LOL. Often in the Bible we come across the phrase, “And the word of the LORD came unto…” We read this concerning Ezekiel, Jonah, Jehu, Jeremiah and others. These verses speak of the LORD wanting to speak to His people to communicate to them. Imagine that! Think about the times when you read the Bible. What does God speak to you about? Today, rather than pursuing your cell phone or email, etc., make sure to devote some time and seek the Lord and find out what message He has for you. Matthew 7:7, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” John 16:24, “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” Ephesians 6:18, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” I Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray without ceasing.” Note five things concerning the prayers of Jesus: 1. He felt a need for prayer. 2. He valued prayer above sleep. 3. He prayed before the day’s activities began (Psalm 5:3). 4. He prayed in solitude. 5. He prayed at length. Question to Consider: If Jesus, the Son of Man, needed so much time alone with God in prayer, how much more do we? What about your "appointment" with God? Do you have a specific time and place you meet God each day? Points to Ponder: When we make appointments in life, we always designate a time and a place to meet. Have a special time daily in God's Word. Prayer, Father in Heaven, I know You desire to spend time with me, and I desire spending time with You. May our time spent together be quality time, free from distractions that I may hear you speak to 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 Today’s devotion is an excerpt from a Bible Study Series taught at Fellowship Baptist Church, titled “Biblical Building Blocks for Strengthening Relationships.”
Biblical Building Block #8 Receive One Another (Romans 15:7) Romans 15:7, “Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.” 1. The Greeting. "Receive ye one another." The word "receive" means to take to oneself; to receive a person as a friend; to treat as the closest of friends with the most caring kindness. Believers are to receive one another in the closest of bonds. No person is too weak or base for us to receive. A strong and mature church is one that is united where everyone accepts one another. There is no discrimination whatsoever in a strong church. If you look for a church that is made up of people who are “your kind of people,” people who are just like you in their cultural background, their appearance, and their likes and dislikes, you’re missing Paul’s command here. In other words, the other person whom you are to accept is precisely the person who is different than you are in almost every way! When we were younger, immature, we let so much bother us, divide us. When we became older, matured, we realized those things don’t matter. Today, we may ask, “Why did I let that bother me so much?” Have you ever noticed how easy it is to accept your own personality, quirks, and habits? When you live by yourself, all of your annoying habits are gone! But then you get married and discover that your mate has some rather annoying quirks and habits that you hadn’t noticed when you were dating! And then you have kids who somehow picked up your spouse’s most irritating quirks and habits! If only everyone in the family could be just like I am, things would go much more smoothly! And then you join a local church that is made up of some strange people! Where did all of these weird people come from? 2. The Good Example “…as Christ also received us…” Paul encouraged us to receive each other as Christ has received us. How did Christ receive us? In spite of all of our faults, Christ received us with much grace, mercy, and love. He received us when we were ungodly, sinners, and enemies undeserving to be accepted of His love (Romans 5:6-10). He saw us not as we were but as we could be. We were not seeking after Him (Romans 3:11). He came looking for us in our lost, helpless condition (Luke 15:4). He didn’t require that we clean up our lives or make vows to change or do anything to deserve His love. Like the father of the prodigal, Jesus ran to us, embraced us, and welcomed us into His family, in spite of our smell and dirty rags! He promises, “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” John 6:37. That’s how we are to accept one another. Believers are to receive one another even as Christ has received us. 3. The Goal. “…to the glory of God." The believer has the greatest pattern imaginable for how to treat the "weak in the faith”, this is Christ Himself. The goal of accepting one another is that God may be glorified. When we accept others as Jesus did, we will bring praise to God; this is the highest and noblest motivation of all. Just look at how far Christ went. Christ received the Gentiles and ministered to them. He came to bring them the mercy of God, that they might praise God for His mercy. When God converted a proud, self-righteous Jew, who hated Gentiles and killed Christians, and turned him into the apostle to the Gentiles, that glorified God! God’s glory was promoted when Christ received us sinners, and it is further advanced when we, who are by nature sinners and wrapped up in our own concerns instead, receive our brothers and sisters in Christ with warmth and love. We are to receive one another that God might be glorified just as Christ received us that God might be glorified. So Christ received both Jews and Gentiles that God might be glorified. We should receive each other that God might be glorified. God is glorified when we fellowship with each other and work in harmony with each other in spite of our differences. A young teen, having no family or friends, lived in one of the roughest neighborhoods of the city, wearing old tattered and dirty clothing that he had found. He attended a certain Sunday school class every week and was faithful to the church services. After several weeks of attending, a worker asked him where he lived. The boy told him where and the worker exclaimed, "That's on the complete opposite side of town! How do you get here?" "I walk," was the boy's simple reply." Astonished, the worker recommended, "There are many other churches closer to where you stay. Why don't you attend one of those so the walk isn't so great?" The little boy looked up at the man and said, "Because you guys love me over here." When we deny self and put others first, we bring glory and honor to God. Jesus lived for others and when we do the same, the world around us sees the manifestation love of Christ. Points to Ponder:
Prayer, Father, thank You for always seeing in me what others may never see in me and for giving me the strength and desire to serve You. Help me to utilize these truths for the purpose of ministering to others. Please show me how I can actively and passionately engage in the ministry opportunities You have sovereignly placed around me. Give me eyes to recognize these opportunities, a heart dependent on You, and a desire to come alongside people in my life to help them to grow into a deeper relationship with You. Amen! If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Passionately Pursuing the LORD (Psalm 119:1-2)
Psalm 119:1-2, “Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. 2Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.” One evening, a woman was driving home when she noticed a huge truck behind her that was driving uncomfortably close. She stepped on the gas to gain some distance from the truck, but when she sped up, the truck did, too. The faster she drove, the faster the truck did. Now scared, she exited the freeway. But the truck stayed with her. The woman then turned up a main street, hoping to lose her pursuer in traffic. But the truck ran a red light and continued the chase. Reaching the point of panic, the woman whipped her car into a service station and bolted out of her auto screaming for help. The truck driver sprang from his truck and ran toward her car. Yanking the back door open, the driver of the truck pulled out a man hidden in the backseat. The woman was running from the wrong person. From his high vantage point, the truck driver had spotted a would-be rapist in the woman's car. The chase was not his effort to harm her but to save her even at the cost of his own safety. Likewise, many people run from God, fearing what He might do to them. But His plans are for good not evil—to rescue us from the hidden sins that endanger our lives. If you want to find your purpose in life, then find the LORD. When you find the LORD, His purpose will find you. God’s purpose for your life will be experienced out of your relationship with Him. If there is no relationship, you will not come to know what your purpose is all about. When we read the Scriptures, we find a reoccurring event throughout the 66 books of the Bible. God is trying to get our attention. God wants your attention. He wants to have the Preeminence in our lives. One thing that is refreshing to know is that we can have a relationship with the LORD and have constant fellowship with Him. Seek Him with your whole heart. Point to Ponder:
Question to Consider:
PRAYER: Father, thank You for seeking me. Help me to be committed to seeking You with all my heart. I realize that my delight for You could diminish over time and that indifference and apathy for Your truth can grow. May I never stray in my walk in Your Word. Help me to stay pure and to remain passionate in my fellowship and relationship with 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 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 greatest unused power in the world”. Until a person allows Jesus to 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? 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:
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 Green Pastures and Still Waters (Psalm 23:2)
Psalm 23:2, “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.” David says, “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.” The green pasture is the Word of God and the still water is the Spirit of God. When you have the Word and the Holy Spirit, you have everything you need. You are talking about a real good diet when you have the Word. The Word promises rest to those that wait upon the Lord. 1. Green pastures speak of Rest. “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures…” We will not rest if we are spiritually hungry. This speaks of finding rest in the Word of God. The 'green pastures' represent food to the sheep. The lying down represents leisure or time. The shepherd has His eye on you. He knows if you are fatigued and when you need some quiet time alone. Sometimes we allow ourselves to get too busy for God to speak to us. Don't allow too many jobs and too many possessions to rob you of your time alone with God. Confidence and peaceful rest will be “in green pastures,” causing a child of God to grow in Christ. True growth and life come from a personal relationship with Jesus and the Word of God, which are necessary for a truly fulfilling life (John 6:32-35, 63; 8:31; 10:9; 15:7). Because of the presence and nearness of the Shepherd, God’s sheep (His people) can “lie down” in peace and be free from all fear. Jesus, as the Son of God, came to bring this same promise to those who would follow Him. The Holy Spirit, as the Comforter, Counselor, and Helper communicates Christ’s care and presence to each believer. John 14:16-18, “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” II Timothy 1:7, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” This represents God’s people spend time meditating on the food which He has prepared for them, which is the Word of God. We can go further and say that the Lord provides a green pasture for His sheep every time the Word of God is truly preached. This challenges all who know the Lord to crave sound Biblical preaching. It’s in the green pastures where we find peace and pleasure and feast all the day long. There is great ease spiritually in God’s green, grassy meadows in living fellowship with the Lord. 2. Still waters speak of Refreshment. “…he leadeth me beside the still waters." “He leadeth me beside the still waters” represent the peace, life and refreshment of the Holy Spirit (Psalm 1:3; Jeremiah 2:13; John 7:37-39). John 7:37-39, “In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)” When sheep are led beside the still waters they do not lack refreshment. God's people often find themselves in need of spiritual refreshment. This is because they walk in a wearying and exhausting world. People search and ask all the time where peace and refreshment is to be found. Are we not refreshed when we contemplate the greatness of our God? All of these refreshing things, and many, many more, are found in the Word of God. It is green pasture in which we may feed and refreshing water from which we may drink. A great burden is lifted when a person places complete trust in the Shepherd. The Lord is well in control of every situation and our peace is simply to be where He is! PRAYER: Father, thank You for being a faithful Shepherd never forsaking me. For leading me to green pastures and to still waters where I find rest and refreshment. 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 |
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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