Honor God…and He Will Honor You (I Samuel 2:30)
I Samuel 2:30, “Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.” A profound principle which extends to this day remains is that those that honor the Lord will be honored. Those who have little regard for Him and His precepts will receive little esteem from Him. God blesses those who honor Him and at the least withholds His blessing from those who ignore Him. Leaving his young son in boarding school in Great Britain was the hardest thing Rev. James Dunlop Liddell, Scottish missionary to China, had ever done. But Eric thrived like a hare in the highlands. He studied hard. He loved sports, particularly rugby. He joined a Bible study, faithfully attended church, and became a member of the Crusader Christian Union. He also began his lifelong habit of early morning Bible reading and prayer. Eric advanced to the university, joined the track team, and won races like a thoroughbred. Every week he brought home more prizes and trophies until he soon ran out of storage space. His legs became a Scottish national treasure, and all the world followed him to the 1924 Olympics. All the while, Eric’s Christian life continued on the fast track as well, and his newly-found fame gave plenty of opportunities for preaching and witnessing. At the Paris Olympics, his faith was put to the test when his chosen venue, the 100-meter race, was scheduled for Sunday. Eric, who didn’t believe in competing on the Lord’s Day, opted out. In spite of pressure and criticism, he instead entered the 400-meter run that was on a different day, as the world watched and wondered at this unusual young man. In his dressing room just before the race, Eric unfolded a small bit of paper that had been given to him by the team masseur. It read: “In the old book it says ‘He that honors me I will honor.’ Wishing you the best of success always.” Eric knew the verse very well. It was I Samuel 2:30. He smiled and made up his mind that, win or lose, he would honor God, and that he did. I Samuel 2:30 played an important role in the life of Eric Liddell. He and the Lord had honored each other. He won the gold medal. His time that day was 47.6 seconds. He set a new world record. The Lord had blessed him with speed like a stallion. God's Word is clear: those who honor Him will be honored, and those who despise Him will be held in low esteem. God honors and blesses faithfulness. God places great merit on faithfulness. He is looking for men and women faithful to Him. Proverbs 20:6, “Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?” I Corinthians 4:2, “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” God is looking for faithful men like:
Points to Ponder: God places great merit on faithfulness. He is looking for men and women faithful to Him (Proverbs 20:6; I Corinthians 4:2). Honor God and He will honor you and your faithfulness to Him. Questions to Consider: Are you faithful or a failure in obedience to the Lord? Are you honoring the Lord with your life? How will you choose to honor the Lord today? PRAYER: Lord, I want You to know how important You are in my life, so I come to You now, giving You the first portion of my day. Help me to honor You in attitude and actions today. 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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Heavenly Secret Service (Psalm 91:11-13)
Psalm 91:11-13, “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.” God commissions angels to watch carefully over the lives and interests of people who are faithful to Him. These messengers from God can help protect us from anything and everything, as long as we trust God and follow His purposes. We are told in Hebrews 1:14 that angels are ministering spirits for God's people. The ministry of guardian angels comes into view. God sends forth His ministering spirits to be agents of providential protection for those in the center of God’s will. It is in God's ways that protection comes. “In all thy ways” means that they watch over us as we go about our daily lives. They lift us up, protecting us and guiding us away from danger. This is the stipulation that Satan left out (Luke 4:10-11) when he tried to seduce Christ by appealing to Him to jump off the pinnacle of the Temple. Jumping off the Temple was not "thy ways", and it was only in "thy ways" that the angels' protection was promised. Satan can quote Scripture, but he always leaves out important stipulations for blessings. That’s right! The devil loves distorting doctrine and tangling the truth with errors. Watch out for Satan's twisting of Scripture. Satan is crafty and he uses God's powerful Word out of context to deceive us. Remember, God's Word will not contradict itself. Satan quoted Psalm 91:11-12 of this psalm during Christ's temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4, Mark 1, Luke 4). Of course, he quoted these verses out of context in order to tempt the Lord Jesus. Notice he did not quote Psalm 91:13, which predicted his own doom. God commands His angels to watch over and care for us. We are divinely protected until the Lord deems fit to remove our protection. God protected missionary David Brainard who ministered to the Susquehanna Indians. One day, David set down beside a stream to rest as the evening shadows began to creep across the sky. He watched some beavers build a dam across the stream, but other eyes were watching him. A party of warriors sent out to kill Brainard were spying on him and biding their time. These men drew near as the paleface missionary was on his knees talking to the Lord. As David prayed, the Indians saw a rattlesnake glide along him and lift its ugly head to strike, its fork tongue flickering near his face. Brainard was deep in prayer and totally unaware of the rattlesnake. Without apparent reason, the rattler slithered away in the bushes. The Indian warriors said, "The Great Spirit is with him," and they too departed. The next morning when Brainard entered the Indian settlement, the whole tribe came out to meet him and gave him a prophet's welcome. God took care of His man in this situation. Later on in his life, Brainard was called home to glory when God was finished with him. David Brainard was a mighty prayer warrior for the Lord. His testimony is very powerful and his influenced still lives on today. Unfortunately, Brainard lived only 29 years, but what a life he lived. Scripture warns that we are in a daily war with Satan and his demonic forces. We need to remember that at all times of the spiritual battles that take place over and around us (Ephesians 6:12). God’s angels are always at war with demonic forces, protecting us and preventing Satan’s destructive forces from accomplishing their purposes in our lives. God has clothed us with His armor and power so that we can be victorious over our fierce enemy (Ephesians 6:10-17). This means that Satan and his demons are defeated foes, having been conquered by Christ through His death and resurrection (Colossians 2:15). Though this portion of the Bible is written thousands of years ago, the written words still holds true to us today. People everywhere need a sense of security. True hope and security are found in the Lord Jesus Christ. Our ultimate protection comes from God. There is no better place in this world than in the presence of God. As Christians, we shall never be afraid because we have God looking after us. As children of God, His presence is always with us PRAYER: Lord, Thank You for Your supernatural protection over 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 Confident Hope (Psalm 71:5)
Psalm 71:5, “For thou art my hope, O LORD God: thou art my trust from my youth.” Worry is a universal human experience. Our brains constantly provoke us to evaluate our circumstances and identify threats to our well-being. Threats are many, but even when they are minor, we exaggerate them or imagine threats that do not exist. We leave ourselves with restlessness, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, short tempers, and feelings of hopelessness. We are creatures of hope and need hope to live lest we lose the desire to live and just give up. It was in the psychology department of Duke University that a very enlightening experiment was conducted with laboratory rats. They wanted to see how long these rats could swim. Two containers were prepared with one container having a possible way of escape and the other having none. The rat in the container with no way of escape swam a few moments and then ducked his head into the water and drowned. The rat in the container with a possibility of escape, with hope, swam for several hours before drowning. The conclusion of their experiment was, "As long as there is hope, there is life." Hope is so important to us. When our hope is delayed, it is even painful to us. Hope. We talk about it, and hear the word used frequently, but what does it mean? The American Heritage dictionary defined hope as: a wish for something with expectation; a desire accompanied with confident expectation; a happy anticipation of good. Normally we use the word hope to express something uncertain. Our salvation in Christ is called a hope, not because it is uncertain, but because we do not yet enjoy the fulness of it (Romans 8:24-25). Salvation in Jesus Christ is exactly the opposite of this. In reference to the Christian life, the Bible word hope means certain, sure, confident salvation. As believer’s we can be absolutely certain our sin has been forgiven and that we have eternal life. There is no hope apart from God. A person without Christ is a person with "no hope" (Ephesians 2:12). In spite of his troubles, the psalmist still finds hope in God. If you can trust anyone, it is God. His Word is true and always reliable. The psalmist was not ashamed to freely admit that the Lord had been his hope and trust from his youth. He was now advanced in years and still held that conviction. Hope was looking forward with anticipation. Trust is the confidence of the same. God desires the Christian to enjoy the comfort of knowing he is eternally safe in Jesus. Those who teach an uncertain salvation rob Christians of this priceless comfort. The true Christian cannot be robbed of his secure blessings in Christ, but he can be robbed of the comforting knowledge of these blessings in this life if not properly instructed. It is not God's will for the believer to be unsure about whether or not he possesses these things; rather it is His express will that we "abound in hope" (Romans 15:13). “Hope is the power of being cheerful in circumstances which we know to be desperate”. G.K. Chesterton Questions to Consider: · Are you developing a habit of trusting God in the difficult times of your life? · Or are you frequently filled with worry and doubt and fear? Points to Ponder: · If you have trouble trusting, concentrate on getting to know God. · Focus on what God has already done for you. PRAYER: Father, thank You for sending Your Son to be my hope. You knew that this world would never satisfy my longings, and so You sent Your precious Son to do that. Forgive me when I look to anything else for my hope, and thank You for the pain that reminds me when I have moved my hope into anything other than Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com When Satan Strikes (Matthew 4:1-11)
Matthew 4:1, “Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.” A "Bonehead of the Day" e-mail reported on an innovative toy recently released for distribution: A U.S. company has an action figure called Invisible Jim that is selling rapidly in Britain for about $2.80. Why is it called Invisible Jim? Because all you get is the packaging. There is no Jim. "Lack of dashing eyes" and "realistic fake hair," "as not seen on TV," and "camouflage suit sold separately" are some of the features listed on the package. The company says they have received no complaints about the empty boxes. A spokeswoman for the distributor says that when the first shipment arrived, they thought there was some mistake at the factory—that they sent the packaging without the product. Good marketing, good packaging, empty box. Sounds a lot like temptation and sin. Temptation always comes in an attractive package with empty promises. As soon as our Lord was baptized and began His public ministry, He was tempted of the devil. While He was in the field of carpentry chipping away at wood, the devil was undisturbed. But as soon as He began to lay the axe to the root of Satan’s kingdom, our Lord was tempted by the devil. The very first thing that is recorded concerning our Lord’s public ministry is His temptation. Here is a fact of life, from which there is no escape in this world. If you are a child of God, if the Spirit of God is in you, you will be tempted of the devil. Satan tempted our Lord to three things. 1. Satan tempted Jesus to an act of unbelief, to distrust God (Matthew 4:3-4). 2. Satan tempted Jesus to an act of suicide (Matthew 4:5-8). 3. Satan tempted Jesus to an act of idolatry (Matthew 4:8-10). Satan is a real adversary to our souls. The Word of God tells us that that the devil is real, an adversary with whom we must do battle continually. The beast of hell sought an assault to the very throne of God, or the Son of God! From Matthew 4:1-11, in eleven verses we are told three times that Satan attacked the Lord Jesus Christ. “No matter how many pleasures Satan offers you, his ultimate intention is to ruin you. Your destruction is his highest priority ” - Erwin W. Lutzer. His goal is the everlasting destruction of souls. He continually seeks whom he may devour. For nearly 6000 years he has been trying to destroy and draw into hell as many as he can. Three times Satan tempted our Lord with great offers that convincingly appeal to the nature of mankind. But three times our Lord foiled Satan’s temptations by quoting the Scriptures. Three times (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10) Jesus met Satan's "if" head-on. Our strategy to escape the temptations of Satan, is for us to bury ourselves in the Word of God. The Bible is the final authority and is unchanging. Jesus used the Scriptures as an effective weapon against temptation. Satan tried to misuse God’s Word in order to tempt Jesus to sin. At times, people who oppose God will also misuse the Bible in an attempt to persuade believers to do something they know is wrong or unwise. Some will often take a verse out of context to support a sinful lifestyle. This why it is important for Christians to know God’s Word thoroughly and beware of those who try to misuse Scripture to support their own opinions or satisfy their own selfish desires. Satan’s first temptation took advantage of His physical hunger for food. During the forty-day fast, through prayer and meditation on God’s Word, Jesus was strengthening and preparing Himself for the work His Father had sent Him to do. Fasting gives up a physical craving to fulfill a greater spiritual need. It involves a switching of priorities. Fasting prioritizes prayer and fellowship with God to feed the spirit instead of the stomach. A person's life is not just physical, but a spiritual side requires God's truth in order to fully live. As our Lord Jesus was tempted, so we shall be. The devil mercilessly tempted the Son of man to eat during a time of prolonged fasting, but he could not successfully lure Him to convert stones into bread. The devil even sought to justify the temptations from Scripture and talked freely about angels, about God, and about grace. This is proof that Satan will use any and every means to prevent the Lord from fulfilling His purpose in your life. The devil knows the Bible, and he uses it. If he can’t convince you to act independently of God, he’ll work through your weaknesses. The devil tempted Jesus to jump from the temple, the problem was that doing so ignored God’s plan. Satan urged Jesus to fulfill God’s will for His life in a way that would bypass the cross. We are never to use disobedience to back God into a corner in order to force him to fulfill his plan. You have no obligation to the devil (James 4:7). Too often, God’s people attempt to worship and serve God on their terms. If Jesus is their Lord, He would be the ultimate authority in their life, including worship. Satan wants your worship; he wants you to bow to him. It is inconceivable for us who are Christ’s to be worshipping at the devil’s feet. Yet Satan tempts the Lord’s church to bow herself before him rather than preaching and proclaiming the Gospel. Satan stands no chance when it comes to the believer who constantly confronts the devil with the Word of God. The Lord Jesus Christ is just the Saviour that tempted people need! May we run to Him for help and lay our troubles before Him. You will always find that His ear is ready to hear, His heart is ready to feel, and His hand is ready to help. He understands our sorrows, temptations, and troubles! PRAYER: Father, I ask you in the name and through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ to bind and rebuke Satan and to put a hedge of protection around me and each one in my family. 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 Feed Them (Matthew 14:16)
Matthew 14:16, “But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.” Now we come to the only miracle recorded in all four Gospels (Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-14). When evening came, the disciples went to Jesus and pointed out to Him they were in an isolated wilderness. So, they suggested that He send the crowds away to the villages for food (Matthew 4:15). The disciples were shocked at Jesus' response (Matthew 4:16). The scene is set in Matthew 14:13-21. The multitudes were gathered together to see and hear from Jesus. He would perform a miracle that the people would never forget and never stop talking about. It was late in the afternoon when His disciples came to Him and said, "This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.” The disciples began to make excuses and told Jesus that it was too late in the day for them to go buy food for the multitude and they didn’t have enough money. But Jesus said, " give ye them to eat." The disciples had already seen Jesus turn water into wine, heal scores of people, calm a storm by just speaking, and cast out demons, but they still didn’t understand who He was. Now, He wanted them to feed a crowd of 5,000 men, plus women and children (Matthew 14:21), which means the total could be as many as ten to twenty thousand. When God commands, God enables. Elisha multiplied bread for 100 men (II Kings 4:42-43). Christ multiplied bread for 5000 thousand men. They came back to report that there were five loaves of bread and two fish. Then Jesus told the crowd to sit down. He took the five loaves and two fish and looking up to heaven, gave thanks for the food. Breaking the loaves into pieces, He gave the bread and fish to His disciples to place before the people. And the crowd ate until they could hold no more! There were about 5,000 men there for that meal, and afterwards there were leftover twelve baskets. If we not careful, we miss some key words from Jesus. Often, we are so caught up in the meat of this miracle, and rightly so. Jesus used five loaves and two fish to feed five thousand men. Notice: Jesus could have served the people Himself, but He chose to use His disciples to serve and feed the people. There are at least two lessons that could be applied from this miracle. 1. Use what you have got. This miracle teaches that God can do wonders with our "five loaves and two fish". He had no idea what the Lord would do with his lunch. Like the little boy, we should be willing to give all we have to Jesus. He was not forced to give anything, but he willingly gave his all to the Lord. Just as this boy gave his whole lunch to the Lord, we can be sure that God will continue to meet our needs as we work with Him in meeting the needs of others! Anytime we are given an opportunity to be used of the Lord. We are to trust Him and the gifts He has given to us. We are reminded of how the Lord can take just a little and make a lot out of it. Little is much when God is in it. 2. Give what you have. Jesus multiplied five loaves and two fish to feed more than five thousand people. It turned out to be more than enough to meet the need. What He was originally given seemed insufficient, but in His hands, it became more than enough. We often feel that our contribution to Jesus is small or insignificant, but He can use and multiply whatever we give Him, whether it is talent, time, or treasure. It is when we give them to Jesus that our resources are multiplied. God gives in abundance. He takes whatever we can offer Him in time, ability, or resources and multiplies its effectiveness beyond our wildest expectations. If you take the first step in making yourself available to God, He will show you how greatly you can be used to advance the work of His Kingdom. The disciples could not see beyond the physical world. This is understandable, for the only life they had really known was life lived on the human plane. They had always looked only at what they had, only at what man could do with what little he had. They had not yet seen what God could do with human resources yielded to Him. Note that the disciples were being awakened to the need and moved by Christ. They were now willing to offer and share what they had. Notice: Being aware and being moved to share will not get the job done. God is needed! We have to take our resources and turn them over to God. The command of Christ is to every man: "give." We are to take what resources we have and give to meet the desperate needs of the multitude. We all have the duty and responsibility to give whatever we have, no matter how little or how small. He is using these same words today. Whether you are in Carrabelle, Colorado, or Columbia, you have exactly the same assignment in the kingdom of God. To feed His sheep. Literally and spiritually. Everyday there are multitudes without food, provisions, recourses. We might be puzzled like the disciples were. We don’t have enough. What are we to do to minister to them? We, like the disciples, can take it to the Lord (Who is the same yesterday, today, and forever) and ask Him how He may use us to “feed them”. With the Lord, there is never a church, ministry, or servant that ever lacks the recourses. He already knows what we need. He will bless the work and see it accomplished. Prayer: Lord, I’m truly thankful to be involved in Your work and to spread and share the same Gospel that saved me. As Jesus used the fish and bread to feed the five thousand, use the gifts You’ve given me to feed the souls of others You allow me to encounter. 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 question 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 Jesus is the Messiah (John 1:41)
John 1:41, “He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.” Charles Jennens was a very well known figure in his society. He was quite a site as he road into town on his magnificent coach drawn by four plumed horses. On Saturday, August 22, 1741, he brought a scrapbook with him to Handel's small study. He told Handel, "Here is a collection called The Messiah. Can you make an entertainment out of it?" When Jennens left, Handel started studying the text he received. He noticed that the words had been taken from Scripture. Handel felt that Jennens had really outdone himself this time, for the words sang like cardinals on a beautiful spring day. Handel started writing at once. He wrote so fast that the ink had scarcely dried on one page before he started another. The musical score was covered with splotches, but the Master did not notice them. He was oblivious to the whole world around him. Handel admitted later, "Whether I was in my body or out of body as I wrote The Messiah, I know not." He remained in the little front room on the first floor of his house, not for twenty-four hours, but for twenty-four days, setting down thousands of musical notes to Jennen's excerpts from the Bible. Handel was so consumed in what he was doing that he failed to touch his food that was brought regularly to him by his servant. Sometimes the servant stood in silent wonder as tears would drip from Handel's cheeks like the morning dew from lilies. They would mingle with the ink as they puddled on the pages. Once the servant found Handel sobbing with emotion. He had just finished the renown "Hallelujah Chorus" which brought the Queen to her feet when she heard it sung. Handel said of this chorus, "I thought I saw all Heaven before me and the great God Himself." You can understand what He is saying if you have ever heard this chorus. King of kings... Forever and ever, And Lord of lords... forever and ever. And He shall reign for ever and ever. And He shall reign for ever and ever. Ever since Jesus made His first public appearance, He had been trying to reach the nation of Israel. He was their Messiah, and He did everything He could do to convince them of that truth. His miracles, His teachings, His compassion, and His power were all clear evidence that the Messiah, who was prophesied in the Old Testament, had appeared. Yet, when Israel saw Jesus, they refused to accept Him as their Messiah, their Lord, or their Saviour. Jesus was rejected by the religious leaders in Israel (Mark 8:11). He was rejected by the nation as a whole (Mark 6:3). He was even judged to be a mad man by His Own family (Mark 3:21). This total rejection is summed up by the Apostle John when he said, “He came unto his own, and his own received him not” John 1:11. Even as Jesus was attempting to reach Israel, He was also trying to teach His disciples. Jesus spent many months teaching them, displaying His power, and revealing His identity to His men in powerful ways. For the longest time, they were blind to His identity. Even though they saw Jesus heal the sick, cast out demons, control the forces of nature, multiply bread and fish, and raise the dead, they still could not grasp just Who Jesus was. Andrew followed Jesus without hesitation (John 1:37) and he immediately proceeded to introduce others to Christ (John 1:40-42). Andrew had met Jesus personally, and Jesus had met the crying need of his heart. Andrew could not contain the peace and joy, he just had to tell his loved ones immediately. He wanted them also to experience the love, joy, and peace of Jesus. Andrew is still valuable to the Lord. Andrew's first concern was his brother Peter. The scene was striking. Immediately, after seeing Jesus for himself, Andrew rushed to find his own brother, Simon. Andrew was a great witness, a great personal worker for the Lord. He was always seen bringing someone to Jesus (John 6:8; 12:22). You do not have to be out in front to be valuable to the Lord. Andrew is the man we find introducing others to the Lord Jesus Christ. This should be the pattern adopted by all who follow Christ. This passage shows how Jesus looks at men. Jesus "beheld" Simon. The word "beheld" means a "concentrated, intent gaze that reads a man's heart". God knows us and what is in our hearts. Jesus not only sees a man as he is, but also what he will become and what his potential is. The Lord Jesus Christ not only sees the actualities in a man, but also the possibilities. In the person of Peter, the Lord saw a fisherman and a rock in the early church. Christ not only sees what we are, but what we can be. Jesus is Messiah, the Christ, the Anointed One. Messiah is the Hebrew word translated into Greek as Christ. Both words mean "Anointed One". One especially appointed by God for His plan and purpose. He shall reign forever and ever for He is the Lord Jesus Christ. God has highly exalted Him and given Him a name which is above every name. At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow one day, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. He is the ONLY WAY to the Father in Heaven (John 14:6). He will receive you if you come to Him (John 6:37). PRAYER: Father in Heaven, thank You for loving me and accepting me in Christ. Help me to live for You and to share Your message of salvation with others. 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 Power of the Resurrection (Matthew 28:6)
Matthew 28:6, “He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” Philippians 3:10, “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.” There is more evidence that Jesus Christ rose from the dead than history teaches about Julius Caesar. So, I don't think we have to labor the point of the physical, visible resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. It was a miracle. Paul's wrote to the Christians at Rome in Romans 1:4, “And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” Also, in our text it says, “…the power of his resurrection”. What thrills me is that you and I are meant to know this power in its various aspects toward us. Notice some things about "the power of his resurrection." Feeling fearful about death is a most common response. But according to our text, there is nothing to fear and no reason to feel hesitant at the empty tomb of Jesus. In fact, along with the early followers of Christ, who found the clothes of Jesus and angels inside, we are blessed with the truth and evidence of an empty tomb! Death Was Conquered. Jesus entered into death’s domain and declared it helpless. For the believer, death is simply the doorway from this land of sorrow to that Heavenly land of splendor where every tear shall be wiped from every eye and the saints of God will live forever in the glorious presence of our exalted Saviour (I Corinthians 15:54-57; II Corinthians 5:8)! Hell Was Conquered. When Jesus died for mankind, He descended into a place called Hell. When He arose from the dead and ascended to His Father in Heaven, the Bible tells us that He took those souls with Him to the Father in Heaven (Ephesians 4:8-10). Now, all those who believe in Jesus go directly to the Father when they leave this world. Hell has forever been removed for the child of God! The Grave Was Conquered. Throughout their entire lives, countless people live in fear of that moment when they lay down their body in death. When we lay this flesh down in death, our spirits ascend to the Father in Heaven (I Corinthians 5:8). The next time we see our bodies, they will be glorified and will be like His body (I Thessalonians 4:13-18; I John 3:1-3). Sin and Satan Was Conquered. A dead Saviour cannot save anyone! But One Who is alive can save all who come to Him by faith (Hebrews 7:25). Sin does not have to defeat you! Jesus won the victory over sin on the cross when He arose from the dead. You can be free by faith in Jesus. Satan is the enemy of God and of the people of God. He tried every way he could to prevent Christ's plans to go to the cross. The death of babies in Bethlehem; the storm on Galilee; the temptation; the oppression in Gethsemane, and so on. Jesus endured every temptation, He weathered every storm, and made it to the cross. Satan saw his power broken and himself judged. He was defeated forever by the Lord Jesus! The tomb is empty that our lives might be filled! Yes, Jesus had been in the tomb! But, now it was barren and empty. Christ has risen from the dead! Hallelujah! He is alive and well! And, He lives to live in believing hearts! Sin left us barren, empty and unfulfilled. But, by His Spirit, the living Lord resides within us. Now we can say, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me” (Galatians 2:20). The tomb is conquered that our beings might be healed! Before God saves sinners by His grace, the law of sin and death completely rules over them. There is nothing that is not diseased and defiled. The resurrected life of Jesus, however, brings spiritual healing and productivity. “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life” (Romans 6:22). The tomb is open that our souls might be sealed! Jesus Christ is alive! He lives to live His life in us! From His life comes blessing and healing. Having received His life, we are “sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise” (Ephesians 1:13). Death has no power over us! The cemetery presents no fear! The seal of Christ’s tomb was broken, but believers are “sealed unto the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30). If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Building Others Up! (Proverbs 3:27)
Proverbs 3:27, “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.” God cares about the smallest details of our lives. The man who owes you money and has the means to pay it back, yet keeps on putting you off is foolish for God sees him and takes note of his behavior. When someone is due good at our hand, there is great wisdom in rewarding that good. The good may be money owed or a word of thanks. The greater thought is that when we owe someone, there is wisdom in paying the good due to them promptly. Moral principles are entrenched in God's laws, which are all impartial and just. God does not look kindly on people who procrastinate to the point of criminal inactivity. As believers, we have a Biblical responsibility to be prompt in our obligations and, if we are able, to help and assistance to those who need our help (Exodus 23:4-5; Acts 20:35; I Timothy 5:16; James 1:27). Galatians 6:10, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” When the mantle was passed from Moses to Joshua, God knew Joshua would need all the help he could get in leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. So God told Moses, Joshua’s mentor, the instructions according to Deuteronomy 3:27-28, “Get thee up into the top of Pisgah, and lift up thine eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and behold it with thine eyes: for thou shalt not go over this Jordan.” Everyone needs encouragement…even you need it! During the 1920’s, the Chisolm’s were the epitome of American high society. Everlina, the Chisolm’s housekeeper, had been with them for 45 years, and when her niece came over to play, they took the little girl under their wing. She sang beautifully and Mrs. Chisolm, a trained musician, asked if she would like to become a professional singer. She was thrilled. Her most prized possessions were recordings of famous opera singers, and when the Metropolitan was on the radio she was mesmerized. It was on that day she took the first step towards realizing her dream and guests of the Chisholm’s were amazed by the girl who sang with a talent and sensitivity far beyond her years. Elizabeth Chisholm continued to sponsor her education by sending her to study at Julliard. As a result, the world was introduced to the phenomenal talent of Leontyne Price, the darling of the Metropolitan Opera. The Bible admonishes us to “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it”. One of the highest responsibilities we have is to encourage one another. As followers of the Lord, we are instructed to build others up by emphasizing on others potential. Become the oxygen to others around you who are gasping for hope. Strengthen to persevere for the Kingdom. Encourage then that all things work together for good to them that love God. These verses can apply to giving rewards, assistance, or praise to those who deserve them. Another application, however, is the on-time payment of your debts to your creditors, or wages to those who work for you. Wisdom is demonstrated by how we respond to and interact with others. Love teaches us how to be a neighbor to people, and places us in debt to our neighbor so we are morally obligated to do our neighbor good when he is in need if we have the ability or resources to do it. This good is not to be delayed but promptly performed. Walking in wisdom involves the way a person treats others and deals with them. The father gives simple instructions that will help his son as he learns to relate to his neighbors, in particular, and to all others, in general. Do not delay to help those who deserve it. As believers, we have a holy responsibility to be prompt in our obligations and to be generous in helping and giving to those in need. This command relates to the following:
Four examples of withholding good: 1. Jacob (Genesis 25:29-33) 2. The Ammonites (Deuteronomy 23:3-4) 3. Nabal (I Samuel 25:10-11) 4. The priests and Levite (Luke 10:30-35) Three examples of not withholding good: 1. Abraham (Genesis 13:9; 14:23) 2. The widow (I Kings 17:9-16) 3. The good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) Question to Consider: Who can you encourage today? PRAYER: Lord, help me to be mindful of others who I can help, encourage, or build up in the 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 Perils of Walking on the Wrong Path (Proverbs 4:14-15)
Proverbs 4:14-15, “Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.” The Portia spider is a master predator whose chief weapon is deception. To begin with, the spider looks like a piece of dried leaf or foliage blown into the web. When it attacks other species of spiders, it uses a variety of methods to lure the host spider into striking range. Sometimes it crawls onto the web and taps the silken threads in a manner that mimics the vibrations of a mosquito caught in the web. The host spider marches up for dinner and instead becomes a meal itself. The Portia spider can actually tailor its deception for its prey. With a type of spider that maintains its home inside a rolled-up leaf, the Portia dances on the outside of the leaf, imitating a mating ritual. The Portia can find a signal for just about any spider by trial and error. It makes different signals until the victim spider finally responds appropriately—then keeps making the signal that works. Like the Portia spider, Satan's weapon of choice is deception. The false belief that people make many times when they get involved in a sinful lifestyle is that they will have fun and be satisfied in that kind of life. They come to those assumptions because they have been deceived either by Satanic influences in their own lives, or by their own reasoning and envy. It is crucial that you understand that Satan is a great deceiver and an expert at counterfeiting. He never offers you real love, joy, peace, or satisfaction. What he offers is false and artificial. It is not real at all. He camouflages his destructive path in such a way that you don't begin to see the consequences of your sinfulness until the damage has been done in your life. He never wants you to see the end of the road and the destruction, distress, depression, and even death that lie there. God warns us to stay as far away from the path of the wicked as we can. In spite of God's warnings, many feel they are exempt from God’s cautions and warnings. They feel that regardless of what the Bible teaches they can get away with living however they choose. They ignore the warnings of Scripture and the warnings of the suffering of sinners as they reap the consequences of a wicked life. The Bible is filled with warning signs from God that caution us against taking paths that will lead to trouble. Yet, often we see them and continue on our way, not stopping to realize that those signs are there for a reason, and that if we keep going despite their warning there will be consequences. Flirting with worldly pleasure will eventually result in getting into bed with worldly pleasure. Some people justify their behavior, choosing to believe that the Biblical warnings were given for another age and time and do not apply to us today. In their pride they believe they will not be hurt as others. They can handle their lifestyle and don't need anyone telling them what to do. In their rebellion, God may allow His children to have their own way at first. In mercy, He gives His children time to repent. Those who persist in their stubborn sinfulness eventually find out that having their own way is also a form of chastisement. A wise person heeds and follows the warning signs and avoids much agony and sorrow. There is a dangerous and potentially deadly tendency to think that we have things pretty well figured out and don’t need wisdom or counsel from others. The Bible emphasizes the importance of observing and obeying wise counsel and the benefits from the safety of godly counselors. The Bible instructs us in Proverbs 11:14, “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Regardless of how long we have been saved, we still need to heed to wise counsel. May we humble ourselves enough to receive and follow godly counsel and we will be protected as a result. The father pled with his son (Proverbs 1:10) not to imitate the lifestyle of the "wicked" or "evil men". The terms "path" or "way" here, as throughout Proverbs, indicates manner of life, or lifestyle. He used six strong imperatives in this warning (Proverbs 4:14-15). (1) One should not enter that path. (2) If he does, however, he should not walk in them. (3) It is much better to avoid it; or leave it alone. (4) Pass not by it, do not even go near those who pursue this course of action. (5) Turn from it. (6) Pass on, put the greatest possible distance between you and that evil life. Why does the father want his son to avoid the path of the wicked? Sin is like a narcotic, and they are consumed with a craving for sin and violence. Solomon called his son to him and said, “Son, I have something to say to you. There are two paths ahead of you—the path of the just and the path of the wicked. If you take my advice in regard to them, you will have a long life.” God's advice is not to see how clean you can stay if you enter in to this sort of thing. God's advice is to avoid them altogether. Any parent who took the time to point out the examples of men who have traveled the pathway of wickedness, your children would have more reason not to follow the path of the wicked. There is ample evidence so that you don't need to take them on the path of wickedness to show them what you are talking about. Follow Solomon's advice. Take the path of the just and avoid the path of the wicked. You will be faced with this decision. Every one of us has options, choices, and a decision to make. Not only tomorrow, but every day of your life you must decide which path to take. Three examples of avoiding wicked paths: 1. Rechabites (Jeremiah 35) 2. Joseph (Genesis 39:7-23) 3. Jesus (Hebrews 4:14-16) Three examples of entering wicked paths: 1. Lot (Genesis 13:10-13) 2. Solomon (I Kings 11:1-8) 3. Jehoshaphat (II Chronicles 18:1; 21:6) PRAYER: Father in Heaven, help me to be wise in the choices and decisions I make, for I know they come with consequences. I’m aware that far greater people than myself have succumbed to immorality simply because they have entertained evil for a moment. May I desire to pursue only those things that would honor You, and bless and benefits others and myself. 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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