Be Kind to 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. One of the characteristics of the earthly ministry of Christ was kindness. Everything He did was done through a kind heart that sought to glorify the Lord. In reading the Scriptures, you can't help but notice the Lord's kindness on the poor, weak, sick, and less fortunate people. While some people ridiculed or avoided the poor, Christ reached out to them. When the sick were cast out of the city, Jesus went to them and healed them. His kindness was not only for the scholars, rich, or religious people; He displayed kindness to everyone He met. Jesus was kind and tenderhearted and we are to follow in His steps. This is not going to be an easy path to walk, but with His leading it is possible. The word kind means to be "disposed to do good to others, and to make them happy by granting their requests, supplying their wants or assisting them in distress; having tenderness or goodness of nature; benevolent." It carries the idea of being gentle, caring, courteous, good, and giving. It is the exact opposite of what anger makes us want to do. Being kind one to another is a command many times repeated in the word of God. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another (Romans 12:10). Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering (Colossians 3:12). Kindness demonstrates that we have a tender heart, and that we are not absorbed by self-interest but genuinely are motivated by God’s love. The Bible tells us that God wants us to be kind and show kindness toward others. If you look around today, you will easily find people who are desperate for a kind and encouraging word—give it to them. There are people all around you who carry burdens, face difficulties, and need a touch from God. You can be His ambassador in their lives. Ask Him to show you how you can be kind to them today. So many people in our world are faced with times of intense grief and emotion. Do you know someone who's grieving right now? Grief can come in many forms, loss of a loved one, loss of a job, loss of a home, loss of a friend. Grief and emotions can hit hard in such times. As Christians, God desires us to reach others through compassion, but perhaps no time is more important than during times of grief. When we treat people with kindness, we often open doors for them to receive a witness of the gospel. If you know someone who's experiencing grief, take time to minister to them through kindness. Ask God to give you a way to comfort them. Send them a card, give them some flowers, bake them a meal, offer to watch their children, send them a comforting Bible verse, pray with them, or simply spend time listening to them and grieving with them. Through God's help, seek to be a comfort to someone struggling right now. Prayer, Father, show me the people around me who need a special touch from You, and help me to be kind to them. Give me a heart of compassion and love. Thank You. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Please Visit webpage again for – Part 5 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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Serve One Another (Galatians 5:13)
Galatians 5:13, For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. The problem is that some have abused the principle of Christian liberty turning it into license. We have been set free from the bondage of sin and are expected to use that liberty as an occasion to be used of God. We have received liberty freely through redemption and it requires responsibility on the part of the Christian. Liberty is not a license, it is an opportunity to help those in need. The real goal of spiritual liberty is to "serve one another." The word love here is “agape” and speaks of sacrificial benevolence. The word "serve" means to do service; to give oneself up. To serve describes an attitude of helping others in such a way that what we “do for others would be to their advantage.” The love of Christ delivers us from the power of the flesh. Although a Christian possesses a flesh nature which motivates him to serve self, he possesses the Holy Spirit, which motivates him to serve others, even at the cost of great sacrifice to ones self. Resistance of the flesh will keep us from focusing on self. We were not saved to live a self-centered life. The freedom to which we have been called is a freedom to invest time and effort into others. Not only ought we to love one another, but also serve one another in the same spirit. We have a choice to help others or selfishly serve self. Love takes the selfishness out of one and helps that one focus on others. Service without love becomes a chore, but service through love becomes a blessing to all. How does our faith show? Our faith shows by loving and serving others. A person who loves and serves as the Lord intended, does not act like a lord over people; he serves and helps, shows kindness and gentleness, expresses concern and care, demonstrates sympathy and empathy. The person who truly loves identifies with a person, gets down where they are, even below where they are, and ministers to them. Love serves—always reaches out to do whatever it can for the other person. It never withdraws from the other person, feeling that he or she does not deserve the effort or help. We are obligated to do all we can to share the love of Christ with those who remain in bondage to sin. Think of the lost person who never comes to Christ for salvation because of those who abused the liberty of God. Point to Ponder: Rather than a desire to satisfy the flesh, there should be an overwhelming desire to serve the Lord and others. Question to Consider: Can you imagine the world that we would live in if everyone had a desire to serve others above the desire of pleasing themselves? Prayer, Father in Heaven, thank You for the desire You put in my heart to serve others. Help me to always serve others with a joyful heart. I want to always be passionate about serving others. Give me wisdom to understand their needs, and to give of my time without complaining or criticizing. In Jesus name, Amen. Please Visit webpage again for – Part 4. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Receive One Another (Romans 15:7)
Romans 15:7, Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. As our Lord has received us (both Jew and Gentile), we are instructed to receive each other. Paul is not dealing with major doctrinal differences. Rather, he is dealing with brethren who were prejudiced against each other over minor differences of understanding. The greater principle is unity within a local church. A strong and mature church is one that is united where everyone accepts one another. There is no discrimination whatsoever in a strong church. 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. 1. The Greeting of the Example. "Receive ye one another." This speaks of receiving the "weak in the faith." Mature saints are not to exclude those who are "weak in the faith" from fellowship. "As Christ also received us." Paul encouraged us to receive each other as Christ has received us. How did Christ receive us? Christ received us with much grace, mercy, and love. He received us with all our faults. He received us when we were ungodly, sinners, and enemies (Romans 5:6-10). He saw us not as we were, but as we could be. 2. The Goal of the Example. "To the glory of God." The reason behind this welcomed reception is that God may be glorified. That is the highest and noblest motivation of all. The believer has the greatest pattern imaginable for how to treat the "weak in the faith": Christ Himself. Christ received us for the purpose that God may be glorified. Therefore, believers must receive each other so that God may be glorified through their lives and church. 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. Remember He received and ministered to the Gentiles when they were living the most licentious and indulgent life-style imaginable (Romans 1:18-32). Paul was instructing his readers to treat one another with love and respect in the same way Christ treated us. We are to do the same to those who are "weak in the faith." Believers are to receive one another even as Christ has received us. Our relationships with one another are very important to the Lord. How we treat one another is not only a reflection of our relationship with God, it should develop from that relationship. No person is too prejudicial or critical, too weak or base for us to receive. Therefore, believers can receive one another. No one is too far gone to be rejected and cast away. If God accepted us into his family, we should not leave anyone out of the family. We will bring praise to God when we accept others as Jesus did. Paul adds that Christian unity is based on our justification in Christ: We are received despite our weaknesses and errors; therefore, we should accept others despite their shortcomings and failures. In fact, the way you can tell how much you understand the Gospel is to look at how much you love people despite their flaws. Do you say: If God overlooks my sins through Christ, how can I fail to do so with this person? 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! Please Visit webpage again for – Part 3. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Be Affectionate One to Another (Romans 12:10)
Romans 12:10, Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Two outlooks of love are addressed here. • Regard for the saints. "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love." The words "kindly affectioned" indicate a family love for one another. Christians are members of one family. We are brothers and sisters in Christ. We are to love one another because we are brethren (I Thessalonians 4:9; I Peter 1:22). Believers are to love each other in a family way. Paul is saying that we should love one another as if we were related. Loving the saved is proof of salvation. "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren" (I John 3:14). Loving the brethren also tells the world that we are Jesus' follower. "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:35). Having just explained what real Biblical love is Paul calls on us to make application by honoring and preferring others. Jesus stressed the importance of brotherly love. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another (John 13:35). Brotherly love is one of the traits by which the world will know that we are Christians. Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him (I John 5:1). Paul is telling us that our relationships in the Body of Christ should carry the authenticity of family. It represents two or more friends who love each other just as deeply as if they were members of the same family. We should indeed love each other as if we were genuinely blood brothers and sisters. In fact, our love for one another should be so profound that we hold one another in honor. • Respect for the saints. "In honor preferring one another" (Romans 12:9). "In honor" means "in reverence, deference, or respect." It means to treat someone or something as valuable and precious. To show genuine appreciation and admiration for others. We are to have a love for all brethren, regardless of their status of being either rich or poor, young or old, black or white. In honor, we are to be preferring one another. The word "preferring" means "to go before and lead." This involves deferring or yielding to the other person. We are to yield the right-of-way. This is true humility. The idea is that we are to allow others to be first. It is letting the other guy be out front. Paul admonished the Philippians, Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves (Philippians 2:3). Preferring the spouse, friend, or family member you are with above yourself will not only please the Lord but will also improve your time together. Real love is putting others first. We understand that every human being is created in the image of God. Honoring another above ourselves means to listen to the other person, to be most aware of his or her hopes, joys, needs and fears, and to be considerate. We are created in the image and in the likeness of the Creator, but also Christ is in us. Paul is calling on Christians to outdo one another in bestowing honor to one another. Our proper treatment of other believers in love is linked to having a proper love for and worship of God. A love between friends that is authentic, sincere, tender, and warm. It gives the idea of an appreciation so great that you would prefer to see the person you love succeed even more than you want to see your own success. This means there is no room for jealousy or competition. You truly desire the very best for this person because you love him so deeply. It represents the attitude of a person who values a friend so highly that he deeply desires the very best to come to pass for his friend. Praise God that has given you godly relationships. You are blessed with genuine friends who love you like family; who treat you like a brother (or sister); and who will walk with you for many years to come. Look for ways to grow closer and closer to the Lord and your family. As God has blessed you with dear friends, He is teaching you how to be a better friend to those who are near you. Points to Ponder: God did not create any relationship to benefit one person and not the other. Choose today to put others above yourself. Look for ways to bless them, and God will in turn bless you. Questions to Consider: 1. Are some of your relationships so precious that you hold them to be as dear to you as family? 2. If so, have you taken the time to really express to them how much you love them? 3. What can you do to improve your skills to become a better friend? Prayer: Lord, I thank You for the incredible friendships You have placed in my life. I am blessed to have such loving, faithful, and true relationships. When I think of all the people who live such lonely lives, it makes me want to stop and express my gratefulness to You for placing such precious people in my life. Lord, I also ask You to please help me see those who need to be loved so I can include them as a part of my life. I want to give to others the love and support that I have received. Holy Spirit, help me to start doing this today. In Jesus name Amen. Please Visit webpage again for – Part 2. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Introduction:
Psalm 133:1, Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! Relationships can be enriched by exercising God’s Biblical design regarding relations with one another. Therefore, for the next several days, we will be discussing a ten-part series focusing of building blocks to strengthening relationships. Each day we will be concentrating on a different source. It is no mystery that many people today, even we believers, struggle with relational problems. Consider for a moment all the people you encounter every day and you will realize how common these problems are. Just this week you may have heard the complaints of a friend who recently argued with their spouse because they have different expectations for their relationships. Or a co-worker who has ridiculed the supervisor over a disagreement concerning how something should be done. Regrettably, it is almost an everyday occurrence to hear of people in quarrels, insults, and disagreements. Unfortunately, even believers have relational problems. Christians who know God personally lack a Biblical understanding concerning building healthy relationships with one another. Today we are witnessing the relationships between Christians behaving more like the relationships between non-Christians. The good news is that we do not have to approach relational problems the same way unbelievers do. We have the Word of God to instruct us in building healthy relationships. The Bible gives us a precise view of God, ourselves and others laying the foundation for building Biblical relationships. God is the architect and His Word is the blueprints. It is imperative that we understand that we must have God as the center, or the cornerstone, in this building program. Since God is our Creator and the Creator of relationships going back to the garden (Genesis 2), He is concerned about our relationships. As we practice relational relationships, we demonstrate our love of God through our love of others (I John 3:11, 23; 4:7, 11-12). May this series enrich relationships regarding marriage, co-workers, family, community and so on. Tomorrow, we will begin with the first building block. Visit this site each day for another building block. Questions to Consider:
Points to Ponder:
Prayer, Father in heaven, You have searched me and known me. You do know my thoughts from afar. You are acquainted with all my ways. Speak to me regarding my relationship with You and with others and help me to grow. In Jesus name, Amen. Please Visit webpage again for – Part 1. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com The Greatest Statement Ever Made (John 3:16)
John 3:16, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God – the Greatest Lover So loved – the Greatest Degree The world – the Greatest Company That He gave – the Greatest Act His only begotten Son – the Greatest Gift That whosoever – the Greatest Opportunity Believeth – the Greatest Simplicity In Him – the Greatest Attraction Should not perish – the Greatest Promise But – the Greatest Difference Hath – the Greatest Certainty Everlasting life – the Greatest Possession Our text is completely permeated with love. “For God” gives the source of love; “so loved” the fact of love; “the world” the object of love; “that He Gave” the act of love; “His only begotten son” the gift of love; “that whosoever believeth” the scope and message of love; “should not perish but have everlasting life” the fruit of love. John 3:16 is the most-quoted verse in the Bible, but what does John 3:16 mean to someone who has never heard it before? A tired and cold newspaper boy approached a policeman one night and asked, “Mister, where can a poor boy find a warm place to sleep tonight?” The policeman pointed down the street, “At that big, white house. Knock on the door and say, ‘John 3:16,’ and they will let you in.” When the little boy knocked on the door of the house, an elderly lady greeted him. He looked up and said, “John 3:16.” The woman invited the child inside and had him sit down in a wooden rocking chair in front of a large fireplace. As he sat there, he thought to himself, John 3:16— I don’t understand it, but it sure makes a cold boy warm. Later, the woman returned to offer the child food. The little boy ate . . . and ate . . . and ate until he could eat no more. Then he thought to himself, John 3:16 — Boy, it sure makes a hungry boy full. Then the woman allowed the boy to take a warm bath — the first he had ever taken. He thought to himself, John 3:16— it can make a dirty boy clean. Finally, the kindhearted woman brought the child to a large guest room where he could spend the night. As the boy slid beneath the covers, he thought, John 3:16 — it sure makes a tired boy rested. After breakfast the next morning, the woman found a Bible and sat down with the little boy by the fireplace. She asked if he understood John 3:16. “No, Ma’am, I don’t.” The woman found the verse and told the child about Jesus. He accepted Christ as his Saviour and thought to himself, John 3:16 — it sure makes a lost boy feel safe. The best truths are those which are tangible. We can clearly see them as they are applied to ordinary life circumstances. John 3:16 is such a truth. It reminds us of God’s gift to mankind and challenges us to express His love through giving. Love gives. Unleash His transforming power in your life this week. Prayer, Father in Heaven, thank You for loving all the world, not just some of the world. Help me to continue to grow in my love for You and for everyone else. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com The Pursuit of the Shepherd (Psalm 23:6)
Psalm 23:6, Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. David says, "Surely”, or “without a doubt", goodness and mercy will follow me. Goodness and mercy will surely follow us because God does not fail us. We may fail Him, but He never fails to bless us. He always finishes what He starts in our lives. While the rest of the world pursues goodness and mercy, we have God’s goodness and mercy pursuing us! Goodness and mercy are the sheep dogs in our lives to keep us moving forward for Christ. They "shall follow" us. The word "follow" means "to pursue, to run after, to put to flight or chase." This word is usually used in a hostile sense of an animal pursuing its prey, but here it is used in a benevolent way. These graces seek us out when we walk with the Lord and make Him the shepherd of our lives. What a blessing to know that these things are following us. Shepherds often have sheep dogs that keep the sheep from wandering. The divine shepherd has two sheepdogs named “goodness” and “mercy.” Sometimes, they bark and nip at you when you wander from the fold. But, they do so with the intent of driving you back into fellowship with your shepherd. With the Shepherd staying with us through life’s journey, we will receive constant guidance, help, kindness and support. No matter what happens, we can trust God to work for our good in all circumstances Romans 8:28. We may go through horrible trials which we don’t understand at the time. But we can always look back and say, “Ye thought evil against me, but God meant it unto good” (Genesis 50:20). Goodness – “good things, prosperity, happiness, or bounty. “ Mercy - "loving kindness or faithfulness." · God's goodness takes care of my steps and His mercy takes care of my stumbles. · His goodness meets our needs and His mercy forgives all our faults. ·His goodness leads to repentance and His mercy leads to regeneration. · Goodness caused the prodigal son to come back home and mercy ran to meet the son. · Goodness is God's hand and mercy is God's heart. God has made it clear that His sheep will never be deserted. Return and submit to the great Shepherd of the sheep (Hebrews 13:20), our Lord Jesus Christ. He gave His life for His sheep (John 10:11), and by His stripes, we are healed (I Peter 2:24). If you have gone astray, return to Him (I Peter 2:25), because He knows His sheep, and they know Him (John 10:14). He will welcome you. And our future is secure. We will always be in God’s fold, in this life and in eternity! He loves and cares so much for us! We are the most blessed sheep in the world, so why go elsewhere? PRAYER: Father, thank You for presence in my life although I often fail 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 Provision of the Shepherd (Psalm 23:5)
Psalm 23:5, Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Spiritually the table speaks of fellowship and communion. There are many references to feeding others. Here are a few: • Joseph's feeding Israel (Genesis 43:34). • Jesus' feeding the five thousand (Matthew 14:19). • The parable of the Great Supper (Luke 14:15-24). • The marriage feast of the Bridegroom (Matthew 22:1-14; Revelation 19:19). 1. God’s Provision is Anywhere. —" Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:" God can supply our needs no matter where we are, church, Bible study, home, school, work, etc. The devil will try any way he can to discourage you from reading your Bible, from attending a Bible study, or attending church. During our VBS, the children began throwing small snack chips into the air. This caught the attention of a passing seagull flying in the air. Quickly, the bird swooped down and caught the snack in the air. Moments later numerous gulls were swarming across our property. This took place at the same time all week long. Although VBS ended on Friday, I noticed for the next week everyday around six o’clock the gulls would fly by waiting and expecting to be feed. So it is with people, they will go to a place and continue to show up if they are being fed. 2. God’s Provision is Affectionate. —"thou anointest my head with oil;" Shepherds would often anoint the head of the sheep to keep the irritable insects from bugging the sheep. Sheep cannot lie contentedly if insects are swarming around their nostrils, ears or open wounds. It’s often the little irritations that rob us of our contentment. Contentment comes from walking with the Good Shepherd in the hard times of fear, conflict, and irritation. Our Good Shepherd has given us the oil of the Spirit to keep irritations from bugging us. In the Bible, oil is often a picture of the Holy Spirit. In order for us to cope with the frustrating circumstances and people, the Lord sends us the fruit of His Holy Spirit. Here we have love, joy, peace, longsufffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance. 3. God’s Provision is Abundant. —"my cup runneth over." The Lord has not only given me abundance of food, but He has filled my cup. The phrase “cup runneth over” means abundance. Picture a vessel overflow by being kept under a flowing fountain. Jesus is the fountain of living water. Picture in your mind: Pouring too much of a carbonated drink into a glass which causes it to run over. It was the responsibility of the host to keep the cup of their guest full at all times. If a cup was only half full it meant that he was liked very much. But if it was overflowing he was welcome and had access to his presence any time. PRAYER: Father, thank You for Your promise of provision. Because You are my need, I will never lack for sustenance on my journey in this 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 The Presence and Protection of the Shepherd (Psalm 23:4)
Psalm 23:4, Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 1. Believers are not absolved (exempt) from the valley! To get to the rich pastures of the mountains, the sheep had to go through the valleys. It’s not IF you walk through the valley; it’s WHEN you walk through the valley. There are no exemptions; there are no excuses. We must accept it; we must acknowledge it; all who follow the Lord Jesus will eventually walk through deep valleys. In our spiritual journey from Earth to Heaven, we, believers go through valleys. Valleys are what connect us to the next vantage point (next mountain top) in the journey. Some valleys are very deep and dark. Others may not be as deep and dark, but they are more treacherous. The phrase “shadow of death” describes a deep ravine where a shepherd would lead his sheep in order to take them to better pasture. During the walk. there would come a time when the cliff walls became so narrow and steep the very sunlight was blocked out. The valley of the shadow of death is different for different people. The shadow of death represents the hardest times of life, the darkest nights we experience, bitter experiences, the deepest, loneliest places we pass through. 2. Believers are not alone in the valley! While we realize there are valleys in which we will travel, we must also realize that we will not travel there by ourselves. In the face of difficult, dark experiences the Psalmist confidently proclaimed, “I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me”. The faithful Shepherd will make His presence known in the most terrible moments of life. Notice: David never said, he “ran through”, or “avoided” the valley of the shadow of death. He said, “I walk through”. Because the Lord is with us, we can “walk” through our valleys with confidence instead of “running” through them. You may think you couldn’t go through a valley that way—and you would be right. You couldn’t do it, alone. But God will be there with you. He will be a very present help to you (Psalm 46:1). God will guide you through that circumstance. You don’t have to fear, wonder, or worry about your situation because God will be faithful to you. The promise of God’s presence was the source of David’s confidence. That’s the promise of God to His children—even as you walk through the valley, He will be with you. You are not alone and you can trust Him. 3. Believers are not abandoned to the valley! We will come into valleys. And the Shepherd’s presence will be near. Yet He will not leave us in any valley. Notice the words of the text: “Yea, though I walk through the valley.” “Though.” He will not lead us into the valley and then leave it to us to get out. No, He will take us all the way through the valley. This is not only true now, but will be true when we face the final valley, the valley of death. PRAYER: Father, thank You for Your promise of protection and Your presence for I’ll never walk alone in this life. Thank You for always being there for 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 3. The Patching of Our Soul (Psalm 23:3)
Psalm 23:3, He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 1.The Good Shepherd Provides Spiritual Restoration. The Good Shepherd Gives His Life for Us Just as people take great pride and precision in restoring houses, furniture, cars etc. God too, is in the restoration business. He will repair, restore, and bring you back to a place of blessing and usefulness if you will let Him. We need restoring after we have strayed away from the Lord. A sheep is not strong like a lion; it is not swift like an antelope; it is not smart like a dog. When a sheep goes astray it does so for no reason, and once it has gone astray, it cannot find its own way back home. That is why the Good Shepherd had to leave the ninety and nine sheep in the wilderness and go after the one that was lost. The Lord is our encourager and the restorer of our soul. The word “restoreth” means “to repair, to cause to return, to bring back, to allow to return.” It has the idea of bringing one back to repentance or conversion. When the sheep wander away from the flock, the shepherd goes out and seeks the lost lamb and brings it back to the fold. He restores the sheep. Luke 15:1-7, Since he was a shepherd, David knew sheep have a bad habit of wandering away. 2.The Good Shepherd Provides Spiritual Guidance. The Good Shepherd Puts His Life in Us There can be no true happiness apart from true holiness. Moreover, there can be no walking the paths of righteousness in our own strength. So, He puts His life in us. "He was made sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." We all need guidance to know how to live in this confusing world. God’s Word tells us, “Go this way! Don’t go that way!” His paths are paths of righteousness. After grazing and resting, the sheep have to find their way home. But sheep have no sense of direction, do not recognize landmarks and have to be led. God's people need guidance, not just in matters like careers and marriage, but in how to live day by day, which is what the paths of righteousness do. PRAYER: Father, thank You for forgiving me of my sins. Thank You for the restoration You have begun in me and for what You are doing through 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 |
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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