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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. There are at least three times when God wrote. Tables of stone - 10 Commandments (Exodus 31:18) Writing on the wall (Daniel 5:5) 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. 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. Question to Consider: 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
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5 Ways God Encourages Us (I Peter 5:7)
I Peter 5:7, Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. George Mueller (1805-1898) built many orphanages at Ashley Down, England. He relied only on God to supply the money and food needed to support the hundreds of homeless children he befriended in the name of Christ. A man of radiant faith, he kept a motto on his desk for many years that brought comfort, strength, and uplifting confidence to his heart. It read, “It matters to Him about you.” Mueller believed that those words captured the meaning of I Peter 5:7, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” Mueller rested his claim for God’s help on that truth. He testified at the end of his life that the Lord had never failed to supply all his needs. Just as Mueller faced many trials and afflictions and was cared for by the Lord, God will preserve you and revive you in your hour of need if you will seek His help. How does He revive and encourage us? 5 Ways God Encourage Us. 1. By His Presence Matthew 14:27, But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. When He is near, we need not fear. Jesus would later say, “Lo, I am with you alway.” If we will realize He is always with us, we need never fear. 2. By His Promises Romans 15:4, For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. The Scriptures give us an innumerable amount of promises to encourage us to live for God. 3. By His Power Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Paul knew the source of his strength. It was Jesus Christ. With His help, anything is possible. 4. By Prayer John 14:26-27 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 5. By our Partners in Ministry Philippians 4:18, But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. Their support had enabled his every need to be met. He acknowledged what they both already knew and that was that Epaphroditus had been the messenger who had conveyed their giving to him. Even as such a sacrifice was pleasing to both God and man, their offering to Paul served the same purpose. A true friend is one who rushes in when others rush out. A true friend will strengthen you with prayers, bless you with their love, and encourage you with a word. If you are lugging around worries, cares, and concerns about your family, your business, your church, or any other area of your life, why not stop right now and say, “Jesus, I’m yielding every one of these concerns to You today. I cast my burden on You, and I thank You for setting me free! To “cast” means to hurl, to throw, and it often means to vehemently throw or to fling something with great force with intensity. Points to Ponder: You don’t have to carry the whole weight of the world by yourself. Jesus loves you so much and is so deeply concerned about you and the difficulties you are facing. He calls out to you today, “Roll those burdens over on Me. Let Me carry them for you so you can be free!” Questions to Consider: Do you habitually worry and fret about certain things? What are the issues that weigh on your mind more than anything else? Are you able to cast these cares over onto the Lord, or do you keep stirring yourself up with thoughts of fear, reigniting the fretting and the worry all over again even after you have already released those cares to the Lord? Prayer, Lord, I thank You for what I’ve read today. I regret having carried these burdens and worries so long by myself when, in fact, You were always ready to take them from me and to carry them on my behalf. But it’s never too late to do what is right, so right now I make the decision to yield to You every one of these matters that are bothering me. Thank You for coming alongside me to take these weights from my shoulders. Because You are so loving and attentive to me, I can now go free. In Jesus name, Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Compassion of Christ… Seeing People Through the Eyes of Christ (Matthew 9:36)
Matthew 9:36, But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Before Jesus saw the needs of people about Him, He first went. That principle remains true to this day. We rarely will become burdened for people and their spiritual needs until we go to them. In so doing, He saw their true spiritual condition. The troubles were threefold. 1. They lacked strength. "Fainted." The people would faint when temptation and trials came upon them. 2. They lacked sanctity. "Scattered." This word speaks of sheep going astray (Isaiah 53:6), of leaving the right path and going on evil paths, and it also speaks of the harm that comes from straying. Unholy conduct hurts the sinner. 3. They lacked shepherds. "As sheep having no shepherd." This was a severe indictment upon the religious leaders of the day. These leaders prided themselves as the spiritual guides and shepherds of the people. But Christ said they were not shepherds at all. They, in fact, were leading the people astray. They were weary and dying spiritually. Jesus saw the multitudes about Him as a flock of sheep without a shepherd. Jesus no doubt was quite aware of the sinfulness and hardness of those about him, yet He focused on the fact that they were as sheep without a shepherd. The compassion and kindness of Christ was always evident in His ministry. It flowed from the center of Hs heart and manifested in His teachings. It was evident in both His words and deeds. The love, mercy and grace of God were personified in Him. People enjoyed listening to Him teach and would walk miles to hear Him. The brief record, three years of His teachings, reveals a depth of His wisdom. During Jesus’ ministry on earth, He faced fatigue from long days in ministry, criticism for well-doing, temptation while physically exhausted, sorrow after the death of a friend, and betrayal by a man who spent three years as His disciple. He knew every kind of tragedy and pain we would endure, and He had the compassion to bear our penalty for sin. When we see a lost world around us, our hearts should not be indifferent to their fate. May we never be content to go to Heaven alone. May we never get to the point of viewing the lost as a frustration, but rather as people in need of the Good News. This is why we need God’s heart. We need the Holy Spirit to work in us so that when we see the multitudes, we will be moved. How can we gain a Christ-like compassion? Let’s take a walk in someone else’s shoes. If life has disappointed you, or if you have failed and are filled with despair, with no idea where to turn for inspiration and strength, remember the compassion of Jesus. In the power of His love He encourages you to persevere and to rebuild your life. PRAYER: LORD, I desire so much to be compassionate. Use me as a vessel of compassion for a world in need. I want to be aware of those in need. Please let me see those around me that are in need of hope. Compel me to listen to them, to hear their needs. Let me be what others need, Lord. In Jesus name Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Three Men and Their Foolish Choices (II Corinthians 6:2)
II Corinthians 6:2, For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. Every choice and decision we make we have to live with. Some of the choices and decisions we make are not so costly. However, when it comes to life and death and where we will spend eternity, it should be a decision one takes very seriously. Life is not only fleeting (short) but it is also fragile. 1. Felix Said - "Not Right Now" Acts 24:24-25, And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. Rather than acccepting Christ as his Lord and Saviour, Felix chose to put it off and wait for a more convenient time. This man chose not to receive, but reject, Christ. What a mistake he made! This foolish choice to procrastinate would become a fatal one. Deceitful people often have a way of manipulating their way around authorities. However, no one will ever be able to cheat death and the judgment. The wicked like to think that if they can avoid the Bible in this life, they are home free. Not so! It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27). Divine judgment awaits the sinner after his death. Men must answer to God for how they have lived here on earth. Those who die without Christ have no hope at the judgment. 2. Festus Said - "Not At All," Acts 26:24, And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. Festus’ main problem was that he never intended to hear Paul’s answer. Festus revealed how foolish he was when he opened his mouth and charged Paul with madness. Rather than getting right with God, Festus wanted to gain some personal glory with the new governor. He may have impressed his audience, however, he revealed his ignorance of God’s character. 3. Agrippa Said - "Almost" Acts 26:28, Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. Agrippa came so close to accepting Christ as his Lord and Saviour. However, he too rejected Him. This proves that one can come so close and still not accept Him. Almost is good, but it’s not good enough. Those who continue to choose to grieve away the Holy Spirit; if they continue to reject the Gospel and become hard hearted; if they go unprepared into eternity, the day of salvation for them will be gone forever and no mercy will be found. God does not design to pardon men beyond the grave. There is no forgiveness for your sins after you are dead. Those who are not pardoned in this life will never be pardoned in an eternal Hell. If you are a Christian, the opportunity to serve Christ and tell others is now. Don't throw your opportunities away. Now is the acceptable time to serve the Lord. Make your time count for Christ. Prayer, Father, may I live a life of Your guiding light, love, and lowliness that others would want to call upon Jesus for salvation without any hesitation. 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 Comfort One Another (I Thessalonians 4:18)
I Thessalonians 4:18, Wherefore comfort one another with these words. “Are you ready?” is a question that is asked on a regular basis in our lives. Are you ready for vacation? Ready for Christmas? Ready for the weekend? Ready for work? Ready for school? Seems we’re always getting ready for something. Of all the things we could be getting ready for, what do you think is the biggest and most important? Your wedding day? Graduation? First day on the job? How about the face-to-face encounter with God that you will have at the end of your life? Many people look at us Christians and wonder, "Why are they so hopeful?" The reason is very simple. This life is not all there is. We are looking for something far better. We know we'll spend the rest of our lives with the LORD in Heaven. We do not need to face the future with fear. In fact, the truth of the Rapture is meant to build confidence, not doubt or uncertainty. The certain promise of the Lord’s return is one of the great sources of hope for the believer. When reading from I Thessalonians 4:13, what begins with ignorance, grief, and hopelessness ends with comfort (I Thessalonians 4:18). Only God could take the deepest of human sorrows and, in only six verses, transform them into hope. That is exactly what this passage is about—hope. Death does not have the final word. The false teachers do not have the final word. Human speculation does not have the final word. Into the darkness of our confusion, God shines the light of His truth. Paul says we should comfort one another because of all that we know about the coming of the Lord. Comfort means to call to one's side, to call to one's aid, to comfort and exhort. The reason many are falling away and giving up on the Lord is because they have lost hope. It is our responsibility to comfort one another with the teaching of the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. When will the rapture occur? No man knows. But increasingly, we see the signs of Jesus' coming around us. Perhaps we'll be the generation that "will not die" but will be carried up to Heaven. Those who are already dead in Christ will go up first, and we'll all meet Jesus in the air. Do I really believe this will happen, or am I clinging hopelessly to some ancient fantasy? I believe that Jesus will return as strongly as I believe anything else. Let me ask you today, do you have this hope? Are you ready to meet Him? Are you living daily like Jesus can come again? Would you commit your life daily to Jesus to live for Him and to look for Him? If Jesus came today, would you be ready? Do others around you know that Jesus Christ is your Lord and Saviour? Questions to Consider:
Points to Ponder:
Prayer, Lord God, thank You for enabling me to trust You with every occurrence in life, even those that feel beyond my ability to endure. Help me place my hope where Your Word tells me to place it—in You and Your promise of an abundant future with You forever. My hope is found in the promise that You are coming back for me! On those days when I struggle, it’s such an encouragement that this life is not all there is. Help me to be always ready for Your return. 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 Be Hospitable One to Another (I Peter 4:9)
I Peter 4:9, use hospitality one to another without grudging. You don’t have to be called to preach to be involved in a ministry of serving others. God wants us to use our abilities and gifts to bless and encourage others. One of the most important fundamentals of being a Christian is being involved in a ministry serving others. If we have fully put forth love for our brothers (I Peter 4:8) we will practice hospitality toward them (I Peter 4:9). He wants us to reach people for Christ with the Gospel. The word for “hospitality” means to be friendly to strangers. Believers are called to be lovers of strangers. We are generally told to be weary of strangers and to stay away from them. The thought of lending a room to a complete stranger rent free would be absurd. In Peter’s day, showing love to strangers was very important to the local church and it facilitated the spread of the Gospel. Preachers, over the centuries, have relied on the hospitality of believers while traveling from town to town to minister to people. Paul lists this as a specific requirement for elders (I Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8) and for any widow who would receive financial support from the church (I Timothy 5:10). Peter indicates that this this is a requirement for all believers. We have heard of the term “southern hospitality”. Sadly, in our time, Christians are not as well known for hospitality. For some, this may be due to ignorance. Perhaps they were never taught that Scripture requires believers to be hospitable one to another. For others, their lack of hospitality may indicate a lack of love for others. It may be that they are more concerned about personal comfort than the needs of others. Some choose not to due to lack of trust or fear of safety. Some might not be hospitable because they do not have a giving heart. Peter instructed that hospitality is to be shown without grudging. To show genuine hospitality requires doing it without murmuring. This means no griping, grudging, or grumbling. We are to be friendly, or cordial with a sweet spirit and attitude. We should exercise hospitality toward others without hesitation. This must be accompanied with a right heart and attitude. Hospitality requires significant time, effort and money. The Scriptures instruct us the be cheerful givers (II Corinthians 9:7). It is not uncommon for people to invite others into their home while, in their minds and hearts, complaining the whole time. It’s been said “Some folks make you feel at home. Others make you wish you were.” God wants us to make people feel at home, whether it is in our home or in our church. Questions to Consider:
Points to Ponder:
Prayer, Father in Heaven, although I fall short many times in showing hospitality like I should, my desire and Your desire to use me never ceases. Touch my heart that I may serve others with care. Help me to know the deepest needs of people and comfort strangers who are weary. As You have generously invested in me, use me to cheerfully serve others that I may be pleasing to You. In Jesus name, Amen. Please Visit webpage again for – Part 10. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Consider One Another (Hebrews 10:24)
Hebrews 10:24, And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Everyone needs encouragement! That’s why the writer of Hebrews exhorts us to “…consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works” (Hebrews 10:24). This means to thoroughly consider something; to think something through from the top to the bottom; to think hard about something; or to deeply ponder a matter. When God urges us to “consider one another,” He is saying we are to be so concerned about each other’s welfare that we take time to regularly and seriously contemplate how we might encourage one another. The local church is designed by God to be a spiritual family where people sincerely love and are mindful of each other’s needs. Church should be a place where everyone is committed to being a blessing to one another. If each member of a local church family took this approach, observing and contemplating each other’s needs this thoroughly, it would be very hard for discouragement to find its way into the family of God. We can’t encourage one another unless we are regularly together. When we are invested in encouraging one another, we are also learning to function well as Christ’s body. Every Christian has a place within a local church. Every Christian is needed within a local church. Every Christian has responsibilities within a local church. Every Christian is to commit to the members of a local church and to love them, to encourage them, and to stir them up in zeal until the day of Christ’s return. If you do not do your part to reach the lost, then the Church will not experience growth. Likewise, if you do not attend church, you will not receive the encouragement and accountability you need to continue sharing your faith. You will miss out on the iron-sharpening-iron effects of fellowship with like-minded believers. It’s time to let the Holy Spirit use you to be a source of encouragement to others and you can start by letting Him use you to be a blessing to someone today! At least four things occur when God’s people come to church with Hebrews 10:24 in the heart and mind:
Points to Ponder:
Questions to Consider:
Prayer, Lord, help me not to become self-centered that I forget to think about other people’s needs. Often, I get so fixated on my own problems that I forget I am not the only person in the world who is struggling with a situation. Help me to take my eyes off myself and to look around me to see who needs a special word of encouragement. Holy Spirit open my eyes and help me be sensitive to recognize people who need a tender touch. I ask You for this work in my life. In Jesus name, Amen. Please Visit webpage again for – Part 9. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com “Love One Another” (I Thessalonians 3:12)
I Thessalonians 3:12, And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: Paul wanted God to multiply the love of the Thessalonians. Paul's prayer was that God would make them increase in love. This request of the Lord was to make the Thessalonians abound in love to one another and to all people. Imagine that the church would be so committed to Jesus that He would have free reign in the church to do as He pleases. That is a good request for anyone to make for the church. Because God is love, God's church should be a place of love. When a church has love for the Lord, then they will love one another and will love the lost. The church today must heed the call to love or will lose our opportunity to witness. The great need for which Paul prayed is the supreme need of every believer—the need for love, to grow in love more and more. Paul, as well as other writers of Scripture, spoke often of love. The Apostle John said, Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love (I John 4:7-8). Family behavior in the body of Christ starts with 'Love one another'. Our Lord told the disciples, By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another (John 13:35). Our love for one another is an outward demonstration of our salvation. The world ought to be able to look at our love for one another and see a demonstration of God's love for them. The epistles refer to this overarching principle more than ten times (Romans 12:10; 13:8; I Thessalonians 3:12; 4:9; II Thessalonians 1:3; I Peter 1:22, I John 3:11, 23; 4:7, 11). It is the fruit of the Holy Spirit's work in the life of a believer (Galatians 5:22). Paul is not praying for barely noticeable love, but rather love that is increasing (II Thessalonians 1:3) to the point that it abounds (II Thessalonians 4:1, 10). Paul uses these two growth words together in (II Corinthians 4:15; Philippians 4:17-18). Paul wanted the Thessalonians to rise to the same intensity of love as he had for them (I Thessalonians 2:1-12; 3:1-5). Their love would be expressed broadly (to all) and more narrowly (to one another). God's redemptive overture of love in Christ was to all men (John 3:16; I Timothy 2:4; 4:10; Titus 2:11; II Peter 3:9). We never reach a point in our spiritual journey where our love stops growing (I Corinthians 13:8, 13). The words increase and abound have the idea of something overflowing. We are called to have overflowing love for one another. As you grow in your relationship with Christ, you will also be growing in your love for one another. That love can even overflow toward unbelievers. Our love is to abound to all people. As our Lord’s love for us, our love for one another should be unconditional. Conditional love is self-seeking, in that, it is easier to love those who will return love. Even the most wretched unbeliever can do good to those who can return the favor. But Jesus calls us to love even those who will not return the favor (Matthew 5:46-47). Unconditional love is never easy, but our Lord calls us to love one another unconditionally. An authentic believer will love his enemies and pray for those who will persecute him. We believers should respond in love to all with peace (Romans 12:18; Hebrews 12:14), goodness (I Thessalonians 5:15; Galatians 6:10), patience (I Thessalonians 5:14; Philippians 4:5), prayer (I Timothy 2:1), consideration (Titus 3:2), and honor (I Peter 2:17). Even more important, the redeemed should respond to each other in love. God answered Paul's prayer rather quickly (II Thessalonians 1:3). Love is listed as a fruit of the Spirit. But the fruit of the Spirit is love... (Galatians 5:22). True Biblical love knows no boundaries—it is a sacrificial love. When the Holy Spirit has control of our lives, He reproduces that same love in us. The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (Romans 5:5). True, biblical love is more than mere lip service. Real love demands sacrifice and commitment. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. (I John 3:16). The demands of Biblical love go far beyond cheap words. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? (I John 3:17). While we will probably never have to lay down our lives for a friend, on a regular basis, we are called upon to lay down our busy schedules and take time to encourage someone. Satan’s best and most effective hindrance is to get us too busy to be encouragers. There is no replacement for an intense loving spirit in the church. As a pastor, it is my privilege to love the members. Of course, it’s easy to love those who are always encouraging you and appreciative of your ministry to them. But the church is wider than those who regularly express appreciation and affirmation. Our privilege—and responsibility—is to “increase and abound in love…toward all men.” Paul was able to encourage the church of Thessalonica to abound in love “even as we do toward you.” His expressed love for others set the tone for Thessalonica to be a loving church. Points to Ponder:
Questions to Consider:
Prayer, Lord God, I am not what I could be or should be. But I am not what I was, and thank You for that. I have a growing capacity to love. Because You have set Your love on me, I am growing in my love for You and for others. I am in process, and I’m moving forward. Please keep growing in me the capacity to love well those You’ve given me. In the name of Jesus, my Master, Amen. Please Visit webpage again for – Part 8. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Forbearing One Another (Colossians 3:13)
Colossians 3:13, Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. Every day we encounter opportunities to get upset with people about something they did or said. If we let down our guard and indulge in these urges we will live in a continual state of frustration and strife, and our spiritual lives will suffer dramatically. Sometimes it can be very difficult to convince our minds to overlook a perceived slight, forgive the offender, and move on with our lives. However, the Bible offers us a powerful strategy that can be used to cultivate peace in our relationships: We must learn to extend grace to others and to realize that humans act human. This verse specifically outlines how we are to respond to people in our lives who disappoint or upset us. And since life is filled with disappointments, it’s important for us to understand exactly what Paul meant when he wrote these words. Forbearing one another in love means putting up with others; putting up with the things we dislike in others; or to have tolerance of one another in a spirit of love. It is the opposite act of being short tempered with others. It carries the idea of accepting the failures and flaws of others because we love them. This often involves taking the higher road by shutting our mouths and letting go of the offense or disappointment. This is the way relationships in the body of Christ work, as well. This is certainly not an easy task. Instead of complaining when others are difficult to love, believers are called to endure and be patient with them. It is hard enough to be consistently pleasant to those we generally get along with. What a seemingly task to bear with those who are difficult to like. However, God’s Word says that we are to do just that. Bear with those who are unlovable. Questions to Consider:
Points to Ponder:
Prayer, Father, I repent for allowing myself to become angry, frustrated, and unforgiving. That is wrong and I refuse to yield to selfishness any longer. No matter what has been said or done, I have no right to harbor ill will — especially when You have commanded me to forgive others as You have forgiven me. Lord, I deeply apologize. If I had been focused on You instead of myself, I would not have become upset in the first place. Help me to see this person and this situation through Your eyes. I choose to get over this offense right now. I let this drop and I refuse to think on my feelings anymore. Instead, I will seek to honor You in this matter. Holy Spirit, teach me how to love as Jesus loved me. In Jesus name, Amen. Please Visit webpage again for – Part 7. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Forgive One Another (Ephesians 4:32)
Ephesians 4:32, And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. “I’m truly sorry about that.” “Please accept my apologies.” While these statements are said with complete sincerity, they are inadequate substitutes for “Please forgive me.” Some Christians might not discern the difference between merely apologizing and asking for forgiveness. Here’s the distinction: When two people have experienced conflict, for one to say, “I’m sorry” only communicates that person’s remorse over what he has done. It focuses solely on the offender’s own feelings. By contrast, saying, “Forgive me” confesses that a wrong has been committed against another person and there is a desire to pursue reconciliation. In this case, the other person’s hurt is in focus. The difference may seem subtle, but it is significant. When Christians forgive, the one who forgives is promising that he will not continue to hold the offense against the other, either outwardly in his speech or actions, or internally in his thoughts. While it is not easy for someone to ask for forgiveness, it is even harder still for someone to grant it. But the reason any believer should be willing and able to forgive is because of the forgiveness ha has received from God (Matthew 18:21-35). When it came to your salvation, God was willing to forgive your overwhelming debt owed to Him. Forgiveness means it’s over. The debt, which is owed, is cancelled. Forgiveness means that you let go of the file of that person’s sin. You stop holding on to it. You stop holding it against them. It’s over.”The book’s cover image of a chalkboard that has been erased beautifully portrays this truth. When God calls on us to forgive, He is not calling on us to rip up the file of that person’s sin. He is asking us to let go of it and give it to Him to deal with. He is saying, “Pass it to Me. Leave it with Me. You can trust Me to deal with it.” We find it hard to do that. But actually, God is inviting us to walk in a pathway of great blessing. He is inviting us to give up carrying around the burden of that file, which pulls us down toward bitterness.” It all starts with one simple, yet difficult, choice: to forgive. When forgiving someone, keep in mind three things:
Points to Ponder: List the names of people from whom you need to seek forgiveness. Write out in detail exactly what you will say as you confess the wrongdoing and seek forgiveness from that person (Luke 15:18-19). Also, confess and repent of your sins to God. Questions to Consider: Whom do you need to forgive? Who has the Holy Spirit brought to mind as you read about forgiveness? Are there people who have asked for your forgiveness to whom you have not granted forgiveness? If so, what steps do you need to take to forgive them in a Biblical manner? From what specific obligation do you need to release them? Prayer, Father God, please reveal those I need to forgive. Shine the bright light of Your truth into the dark corners of my heart, where I hide unforgiveness. I choose today to forgive. Because it’s something You commanded me, I know it’s possible. And because it’s something that pleases You, I beg You to help me. Please help me to forgive, deeply, from my heart, as You have forgiven me. Wherever possible, and as much as it depends on me, please heal my relationships. In the name of Jesus, who paid the highest price for my forgiveness. In Jesus name, Amen. Please Visit webpage again for – Part 6. 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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