5. Crown of Glory - Shepherds (I Peter 5:1-4) – PART 6
I Peter 5:1-4, The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. During the great Welsh revival, it is said a minister was marvellously successful in his preaching. He had but one sermon, but under it hundreds of men were saved. Far away from where he lived, in a lonely valley, news of this wonderful success reached a brother preacher. Forthwith he became anxious to find out the secret of this success. He started out, and walked the long and weary road, and, at length, reaching the humble cottage where the good minister lived, he said: "Brother, where did you get that sermon?" He was taken into a poorly furnished room, and pointed to a spot where the carpet was worn shabby and bare, near a window that looked out towards the solemn mountains, and the minister said: "Brother, that is where I got that sermon. My heart was heavy for men. One evening I knelt there, and cried for power to preach as I had never preached before. The hours passed until midnight struck, and the stars looked down on a sleeping valley and the silent hills; but the answer came not, so I prayed on until at length I saw a faint grey shoot up in the east; presently it became silver, and I watched and prayed until the silver became purple and gold, and on all the mountain crests blazed the altar fires of the new day; and then the sermon came, and the power came, and I lay down and slept, and arose and preached, and scores fell down before the fire of God; that is where I got that sermon."—G. Campbell Morgan. This crown is promised for faithful pastors. This crown will be won by those who study the Word of God as a pastor and feed the church of which the Holy Ghost has made them overseers. The word "feed" means not only to preach and teach the Word of God, but to tend and shepherd the flock. It means to act like a shepherd, to carry out all the duties of a shepherd. These duties include: to feed the sheep, even if he has to gather them in his arms and carry them to the pasture. To guide the sheep to the pasture and away from the rough places. To seek and save the sheep who get lost. To protect the sheep. He is even willing to sacrifice his life for the sheep. To restore the sheep who go astray and return. To reward the sheep for obedience and faithfulness. To keep the sheep separate from the goats. The minister is to lead people by living for Christ. He is to preach and teach Christ, but he is to, first of all, live a pure and righteous life just like Christ lived. The minister is to live exactly what he preaches. He is to be a pattern and model for Christ, a pattern and model of just what God wants His people to be. Jesus Christ is the Chief Shepherd and He is going to appear, that is, return, to earth. The idea is that nothing will stop His return; He is going to appear and reward His ministers. It is a crown of glory that never fades away. A pastor will never have a heart for God’s people without first having a heart for God. Pastors are stewards of the ministry that God has given them. Every pastor has a responsibility to the flock that God has entrusted to him. Pastors have a great responsibility to God to feed the flock, pastor the people, shepherd the sheep, and will receive a great reward from God. Peter tells the elders to take the oversight. The people of God had been entrusted to these under-shepherds. A pastor is not to have the attitude that he has to serve the church, but that they get to serve the Lord and His church. God’s not called the elders to be dictators, rulers, or to have an ‘“it’s my way or the highway” attitude, but to be the spiritual leader of the church of God. During tough times, it is critically important for God’s people to have good spiritual leaders who faithfully preach and teach the Bible, without watering it down for political correctness. The pastor is to lovingly lead the flock of God under the guidance of the Holy Spirit of God! Pastors are not to be manipulative or dominant over God’s heritage. Faithful servants do not serve for a reward, but they serve because they love Jesus and have been called by Jesus. The crown of glory will be like nothing that we’ve ever seen or possessed on this side. Points to Ponder:
PRAYER: Father, I thank You for counting me faithful and putting me into the ministry. I’m grateful for the people You have entrusted me to feed and care for. Help me to always love them. 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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4. Crown of Life – Sacrifice (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10) – PART 5
James 1:12, Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. We have an appointment with the Lord someday. God help us to surrender our all to Him. There is a story that comes to us from India. A beggar saw a wealthy prince come toward him, riding in his beautiful chariot. The beggar took the opportunity and stood by the side of the road holding out his bowl of rice, hoping for a handout. To his surprise, the prince stopped, looked at the beggar, and said, "Give me some of your rice!" The beggar was furious. To think that this wealthy prince would expect his rice! Gingerly, he gave him one grain of rice. "Beggar, give me more of your rice!" In anger, the beggar gave him another grain of rice. "More please!" By now the beggar was seething with resentment and bitterness. Once again, he stingily gave the prince another grain of rice and then walked away. As the chariot went on its way, the beggar, in his fury, looked into his bowl of rice. He noticed something glitter. It was a grain of gold the size of a grain of rice. He looked more carefully and found two more. For every grain of rice he gave to the prince he received a grain of gold. If we clutch our bowl of rice, we shall lose our reward. If we are faithful and give God each grain, He gives us gold in return. The gold that God gives will survive His testing fire. This crown doesn't represent eternal life because our salvation is not based on works (Ephesians 2:8-9). James is referring to rewards based on works or how we respond to our trials and temptations. This crown will be won by those who dare to go against the world, flesh and the Devil and do not yield to the power of temptations. We are to remain steadfast. God has a purpose for your trials. God will reward you with “a crown of life”. We are not to give up. Remember it is the fire that refines the gold. This involves persecution and martyrdom. When such a person has stood the test, he will receive the victor's crown. Beyond the cross of trial is the crown of life. This crown is promised and rewarded for those who persevere under trials, not for those who flee from them. Only trials can develop our patience. God had to try Joseph for thirteen years before he could trust him on the throne. David went through many difficulties before God could put him on the throne. Do you love God enough to grow and stay strong in the trials of life? Complaining is a neon sign that we are lacking in maturity. Love looks at the promises and sees God as just. The strength to persevere under trials comes from the love of Christ. You might expect James to say, “the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who persevere,” or “to those who obey,” or “to those who believe in Him.” But rather, he says, “to them that love Him.” Why does he say this? Perhaps it is because love for Christ keeps us from loving the world. Love for Christ motivates us to persevere under trials. Our love for Christ does not exempt us from trials. Rather, it gives us the strength to persevere. We are blessed by God when we allow the Lord Jesus to so indwell us that He enables us to resist the temptations that we face. We cannot stand against temptation in our own strength. Every trial, every encounter, every disappointment, every point of pressure is an opportunity for God to reveal His power in our lives. He knows that God is looking after and caring for him and is going to deliver him from all the corruption and evil of this life including death, and give him life eternal. Points to Ponder:
Questions to Consider:
Thank you for reading this devotion. This is PART FIVE of this series. Please visit the website tomorrow for PART SIX. PRAYER: Father, help me to lose my will that I may find Your will. Strengthen me to serve You and give me the wisdom that I may honor You with the choices I make. 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. Crown of Righteousness – Seeking (II Timothy 4:5-8) – PART 4
II Timothy 4:5-8, But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. In the 1987 NCAA Regional Finals, LSU was leading Indiana by eight points with only a few minutes left in the game. As is often the case with a team in the lead, LSU began playing a different ball game. The television announcer pointed out that the LSU players were beginning to watch the clock rather than wholeheartedly play the game. As a result of this shift in focus, Indiana closed the gap, won the game by one point, and eventually went on to become NCAA champions. While Jesus called us to be aware of "the signs of the times," he clearly called us to expend our energies in faithful, active service. As we await Jesus' promised return, we are not so much to watch the clock as to be diligent servants during the time we have available. Look for His return. Love His appearing. Those who live in such a manner as to love for Christ to come will receive this crown. There is a great reward that awaits those who finish well. The early believers were not looking for something to happen, they were looking for Someone to come. Looking for the train to arrive is one thing, but looking for someone we love to come on that train is another matter. When General MacArthur was driven out of the Philippines by the Japanese invasion, he said, "I shall return," and return he did. Before our Lord left this earth He said, "I will return..." (Acts 15:16), and return He will. The Lord will give this crown to the faithful Christian who is looking forward to the return of Christ. When I studied arithmetic, I remembered that the answers were in the back of the book. No matter how I floundered among my problems, the correct solution was on the last page. I have failed often in working out life's problems, and I dwell in the midst of a people who are hopelessly trying to untangle the riddle of this present age. But I am cheered by one unfailing uncertainty—there is a Book that solves the mystery and the answer is in the back of the Book, "Behold I come quickly." "Even so, come, Lord Jesus (Revelation 22:12, 20)." The famous and very successful football coach Bear Bryant often told reporters, "I’d croak in a month if I quit coaching." After 25 years as the head coach at his alma mater, Bryant announced he would be stepping down at the end of the season. On December 29, 1982, he coached his Alabama football team for the last time in Memphis, TN, at the Liberty Bowl against Illinois. On January 26, 1983, he died of a massive heart attack. The words “love his appearing” perfectly describe the persevering Christian. Their eyes are on the future; waiting for the day Christ will return, wanting to be found faithful. Does that describe you? Are you fighting the good fight, finishing the race, and keeping the faith? The day is coming, and if you are fighting, finishing, and focused—your crown will be waiting. Oliver Greene said, "No man knows the day or the hour when Jesus will come; we do not know the day or the hour when we will be called to meet the Lord in death. If this should be the day of the Lord's return, or if this should be the day death comes for me, could I testify as Paul did in the face of death? Have I really fought a good fight? Have I kept the faith? Have I been a good minister, true to the Word and to those to whom I preached? Will I have a crown to cast at the feet of Jesus when we crown Him Lord of all?" What a wonderful day it will be when Jesus Christ rewards His children for their faithfulness! However, these crowns are not for our glory, but for His. The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne (Revelation 4:10). As we faithfully run the race, we earn crowns to His honor and glory. Paul had put in his time. He had stayed faithful. He had hung in until the end. Here he is in prison awaiting execution. It is just about over and Paul could say without reservation that he had accomplished what God had called him to do. Question to Consider:
Points to Ponder:
PRAYER: Father, help me to be faithful and focused as I run my course for Your glory. In Jesus name, Amen! Thank you for reading this devotion. This is PART FOUR of this series. Please visit the website tomorrow for PART FIVE. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com 2. Crown of Rejoicing – Souls (I Thessalonians 2:19) – PART 3
I Thessalonians 2:19, For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? At the Lord's coming, we will experience the realization of our 'hope', supreme 'joy', and crown of rejoicing. We will soon be presented with this crown. The word crown refers to the reward given to the winner of a race. It would be similar to the awarding of a gold medal in the Olympic Games. The picture is that we are in a contest, a spiritual struggle against Satan for the souls of men. He is rejoicing for the souls that have been saved. Paul was declaring that the most esteemed prize in his trophy case was this crown for winning souls. Those who have won souls to Christ will be given this crown that is offered before Christ at the Judgment Seat. So, we must strain and strive for the souls of men. As an evangelist made his way across the states preaching in churches, he heard more and more of the testimonies of believer’s being converted in Sydney, Australia. He heard over and over of an elderly man who faithfully handed out Gospel tracts to people as they entered and exited from the subway. The evangelist was touched how that one man was making such an impact for the Lord in Sydney. The evangelist prayed that if the Lord ever gave him an opportunity to visit Sydney, he would meet this man and rejoice concerning what he was doing for the Lord. That prayer was soon answered and the evangelist, while in Sydney, crossed paths with the elderly man at the subway station. As the evangelist spoke of the success of his ministry, the elderly man was amazed for he had no idea of the impact he was making for the Lord. Imagine, someone who stood by the subway made such an impact for the Lord in leading souls to Him. Paul looked forward to the day when he would stand before his Saviour with the ones in which he had invested his life's work. Paul’s greatest joy was leading people to Jesus. Paul’s reward for being a bold believer was neither fame nor fortune. His reward was people whose lives had been forever changed by God through his ministry. Those whom he led to Christ were his crown of rejoicing. Paul’s converts were also his glory, which means the honor of his life was winning them to Christ. His converts were also his joy. As the Lord’s servant, you are precious to the Lord and precious to someone else as well. God blesses those who serve Him and He allows His servants to participate in winning people to Jesus. What an awesome privilege He has given to His church! It’s been said that, “Surely there can be no deeper joy than that of saving souls”. The joy of any teacher is his pupils. The rejoicing of any pastor is those who have come to know the LORD through his preaching. The crown of rejoicing awaits the person who will be able to present souls to the Lord in that day. Joining the Lord Jesus Christ with all the believers whom we have known, reached, and grown in Christ down here on earth. To offer to Christ all the dear people we have had a part in reaching and growing for the Lord. One of the greatest joys that we shall ever know is the joy of seeing lives that God has allowed us to touch and help. When we stand before God at His throne, our crown of rejoicing will be those whose lives we have touched for Him. Let us all ask God to touch our hearts and help us to win souls for Him. When I get to heaven, I want to see the full impact of what I’ve done on earth. I want to look around and say, “I invested in him”; “I led her to Christ”; “I discipled and built them up.” Questions to Consider:
Points to Ponder:
PRAYER: Father, thank You for bringing me to a saving faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ. That is the best thing that has ever happened in my life. Forgive me for not sharing the Gospel with others on a regular basis. Bring people into my life that I can talk to about Your amazing love. Help me to live a life that brings You pleasure, may I manifest Your love through my life, and cause others to see Jesus in me. In Jesus name, AMEN! Thank you for reading this devotion. This is PART THREE of this series. Please visit the website tomorrow for PART FOUR. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com 1. Incorruptible Crown - Striving (I Corinthians 9:24-27) – PART 2
I Corinthians 9:24-27, Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. A discus thrower developed his skills alone in his highland village in Scotland. This was in the nineteenth century, before the days of professional trainers. He made his own discus from the description he read in a book. What he didn't know was that the discus used in competition was made of wood with an outer rim of iron. His was solid metal and weighed three or four times as much as those being used by his would-be challengers. This committed Scotsman marked out his field the distance of the current record throw and trained day and night to be able to match it. For nearly a year, he labored under the self-imposed burden of the extra weight, becoming very, very good. He reached the point at which he could throw his iron discus the record distance, maybe farther. He was ready. The highlander traveled south to England for his first competition. When he arrived at the games, he was handed the official wooden discus—which he promptly threw like a tea saucer. He set a new record, a distance so far beyond those of his competitors that no one could touch him. For many years he remained the uncontested champion. “Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.”—John Wooden. This crown is for endurance and patience in Christian life. Those who strive lawfully or walk according to the Scriptures in this life will receive this crown. We don’t know the weight of what our service for the Lord is carrying into eternity. But what we are storing up is greater than we can imagine. We don’t know the size of impact we are making for the cause of Christ. As long as we are remaining steadfast and unmovable, we know our faithfulness to the Lord is storing up treasures in Heaven. If we give our enemy a foothold, he will build a stronghold then use it as a stranglehold. Paul denied the desires of his flesh to keep himself in check. He did not want to do anything foolish that would hinder his service for Jesus Christ. That is the attitude of a champion for Christ. We are to live our lives for Christ each day as if it were our last. May we all accept Paul's challenge to be a champion for Christ. Be a champion for Christ! Without question, the best place to invest is in Heaven. No earthly investment opportunity can ever match the yield God will pay for investing there. No thieves can ever steal that investment. No downturn or economic crash will ever affect it. There will be a day in the future when all of our efforts, labors and sacrifices made in service for God will be remembered, recognized and rewarded. Whether anyone on this earth ever knows your name, you can be sure that God sees all that you have done and will greet you with the words, "Well done" (Matthew 25:21). Disciplined Christians do things for the Lord. William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army, believed in striving to reach the unsaved. He said, “While women weep, as they do now, I'll fight; while little children go hungry, I'll fight; while men go to prison, in and out, in and out, as they do now, I'll fight; while there is a drunkard left, while there is a poor lost girl upon the streets, where there remains one dark soul without the light of God, I'll fight! I'll fight to the very end!” William Booth. Points to Ponder:
Questions to Consider:
PRAYER: Father, help me to devote myself to the cause of Your precious Son. As I continue on this journey, help me continue to be dedicated to Your plan. In Jesus name, AMEN! Thank you for reading this devotion. This is PART TWO of this series. Please visit the website tomorrow for PART THREE. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Crowns of a Christian: We may never have a Superbowl Ring, but, WE CAN ALL RECEIVE A CROWN! - Part 1
I Corinthians 15:58, Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. The success of our lives is determined by how well we see into eternity. The only way to see into eternity is through the Word of God. The better you see into eternity the better your life is going to be. Matthew 6:19-20, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.” The greater thought is that whatever wealth we might accumulate is certainly subject to deterioration or theft. It is temporal. We ought to invest our lives in heaven where time and effort laid up is secure forever. The work and service done for Jesus Christ today is invested in Heaven. Though God does not have a payday, as such, for service to Him now, when we get to Heaven there will be. Don’t be discouraged if it seems that no one notices your labors. One day God will give crowns of glory to those who love and serve Him. There will be a day in the future when all of our efforts, labors, and sacrifices made in service for God will be remembered, recognized, and rewarded. Whether anyone on this earth ever knows your name, you can be sure that God sees all that you have done and will greet you with the words, "Well done" (Matthew 25:21). Later tonight, one NFL team, the players and staff, will receive a ring in the Superbowl. We may never have a Superbowl Ring, however, WE CAN ALL RECEIVE A CROWN! 1. Incorruptible Crown (I Corinthians 9:24-27) STRIVING: Endurance and patience in Christian life. Those who strive lawfully, or walk according to the Scriptures, in this life will receive this Crown. 2. Crown of Rejoicing (I Thessalonians 2:19) SOULS: For winning souls. The individuals won to Christ will be this Crown that is offered before Christ at the judgment seat of Christ by the soul winner. 3. Crown of Righteousness (II Timothy 4:5-8; I John 3:2-3) SEEKING: Looking for HIS return. Love His appearing. Those who live in such a manner as to love for Christ to come will receive this Crown. 4. Crown of Life (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10) SACRIFICE: Persecution and martyrdom. This Crown will be won by those who dare to go against the world, flesh and the Devil and do not yield to the power of temptations. 5. Crown of Glory (I Peter 5:2-3) SHEPHERDS: Faithful pastors. This Crown will be won by those who study the word of God as a Pastor and feed the Church of whom the Holy Ghost has made them overseers. Service for Christ now will be rewarded someday then in heaven.
Points to Ponder: Without question, the best place to invest is in Heaven. No earthly investment opportunity can ever match the yield God will pay for investing there. If you lay up treasures here on earth, eventually you will lose them – you can’t carry them with you. Questions to Consider: If you knew of a sure investment [that was full-proof] sure to pay off; would you invest in it? If someone you confided in knew of such a venture and never told you…wouldn’t you be disappointed in them? Prayer, Father, it is a great joy, honor, and privilege that You allow me to do any kingdom work at all. Forgive me for taking this honor and turning it into a burden. Create in me an attitude, Lord, that is joyful to serve You as a humble servant should. I’m blessed to have any part in the amazing plan You have for Your people. 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 Naboth: Not For Sale (I Kings 21:1-17)
Naboth lived in Jezreel. He owned a vineyard alongside the summer palace of the Ahab, the king of Israel. This property had been in his family for generations. It was more than his inheritance; it was his heritage. Ahab was very wealthy, but all his possessions did not satisfy him, and he coveted the vineyard which belonged to Naboth. Ahab among several other things, lacking in godliness and contentment, offered to trade Naboth his vineyard for a better vineyard, or to purchase his land. The king held a lot of power and a lot of influence. People typically did as the king requested. The vineyard, part of his inherited property, had belonged to his ancestors for many generations, so how could he sell it? According to Leviticus 25:23-28 and Numbers 36:7, God had clearly forbidden the sale of this property. The Word of God is very clear that the king could not buy the inheritance of the people (Ezekiel 46:18). Ahab would have already known this. To his surprise and anger, Naboth refused. Naboth told King Ahab, “The Lord forbid it me”. He refused on the grounds that God said he could not sale the land. How can he do this thing when God has already forbidden it? Naboth had the courage of his convictions. He refused to disobey God. You will never regret or ever go wrong if you allow the Bible to guide your life (Psalm 119:105; 19:8; Proverbs 3:5-6). As a result of Ahab being rejected, we see him pouting and acting like a spoilt child! Often, people sulk when they cannot have their own way! Ahab’s wife, Jezebel, is one of the most wicked and manipulative people in the Bible. She not only wrought great evil, but she influenced Ahab to do evil. When she heard of Naboth’s refusal. She personally involved herself in the situation. She falsified documents (she signed her husband’s name) and connived two evil men to bear false witness to accuse Naboth of blaspheming the Lord. She had Naboth, a God-fearing man stoned to death. She gained the vineyard for Ahab, and he took possession of it. Her sinister plot succeeded, and a humble servant of God was stoned to death. Ahab and Jezebel had defied the Lord, but they could not get away with it, for He is sovereign in the affairs of mankind and He always has the last word. Immediately following Jezebel’s wicked plot, the word of the Lord came to Elijah. Naboth valued what he had and he knew the king would not. He knew that Ahab was not worthy to possess the thing Ahab had been given by God. What Naboth possessed was not his to sale anyway. What he possessed was the gift of God. Naboth was to keep the land in the family and pass it down from generation to generation. He lived and died knowing that he had done the right thing. Questions to Consider: • How much is your testimony or purity worth? · • In which areas of your life have you ever been discontent or perhaps even covetous? • How much is your soul worth? Nothing in this world is worth losing that (Mark 8:36-37). Points to Ponder: • Sinful men and women cannot defy God and get away with it (Numbers 32:23). • We must guard what we have at all costs. • Those who have a price are those who are willing to sell themselves if the price is right. PRAYER: LORD, thank you for everything you give me. I thankful that you do not always give me what I want because my desires would draw my heart from being satisfied in You. Help me to be content in You with what You have given me and not to be focused on what my flesh wants. 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 2 Priorities for a Powerful Prayer Life (Matthew 14:22-23)
Matthew 14:22–23, And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. Jesus was very popular. The crowds sought Him out. Everyone wanted to be with Him! Masses of people followed after Him for various reasons (meals, miracles, monarchy). They either wanted to hear Him, or ask Him a question, or get Him to heal a loved one. From daylight to dusk Jesus was sought after. When the crowd knew He was in town, they found Him. Jesus never had a moment alone unless He made it happen. Several times in the Bible we see Jesus getting away from the multitudes and even sending them away (Matthew 14:22-23; 21:17; Mark 1:35; 3:7; 6:46-47; Luke 22:41). It is very important that we spend time alone with God. Perhaps every one of us struggle at times when it comes to making time for prayer. The subject of prayer has been has written about thousands of time to make one more confident and consistent in time spent with the Lord. 1. A Quiet Place. The first priority is establishing a quiet place that is free from distractions. When you want to pray, where do you go? Do you have a special place where you enjoy some quiet time? The Scottish pastor Thomas Brooks said, “The power of religion and godliness lives, thrives, or dies, as closet [private] prayer lives, thrives, or dies. Godliness never rises to a higher pitch than when men keep closest to their closets.” Your prayer closet is one of the most important places you’ll go to every day. Since, we all have busy lives we have to adjust to what works best. Personally, I feel the best time and place would be early in the mornings in a quiet secluded place at home. However, for some it may be at a restaurant, coffee shop, or office cube. 2. A Quiet Period. The second priority is having a specific time. Having found a quiet place, we also need a quiet, committed period of time. Despite our best plans, there are times when life gets chaotic. This may mean scheduling a specific time of day in which you talk with the Lord. Although we can take our cares and burdens to the Lord at any time, if we are committed to a consistent prayer life and scheduled time, it will help. For some it will be harder than others to find a quiet hour. This means we may have to sacrifice things that maybe pleasant and profitable. The most important appointment you make every day is the one you make with God. The Bible is the most important book. When David Livingstone began his trek across Africa in 1852, he carried 73 books which together weighed 180 pounds. After he had gone 300 miles he had to throw away some of the books because it was not feasible to carry so much through the jungle. He continued throwing books away as he went further into the jungle. Eventually his library had shrunk to one book, the Bible, this he did not throw away. The Bible is truly the most important book in the world, yet many read it as if it were the least important. Find a quiet place and a quiet time where you can spend time alone before God. These are priorities to a powerful prayer life along with an effective personal devotion. Jesus always found time to spend with the Father. Since prayer was such an important part in the life of Jesus how much more important is it to us who are broken and sinful. Time alone with the Lord will be the most comforting time in your day. Prayer, Lord, I humbly ask You to graciously grant me a heart that desires to pray. Forgive me, I’ve just been struggling with fear and doubt that has troubled the peace I have from You. I commit myself to prayer and I am casting these things Your way right now. I’m choosing not to worry about them anymore because You will deal with them under the authority of Jesus’ name, Amen If this post has blessed you in any way, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com It Takes Teamwork (I Corinthians 3:8-10)
I Corinthians 3:8-10, Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. John Wooden was the basketball coach at UCLA for twenty-seven years. He never had a losing season. Wooden's teams won seven consecutive national championships, and UCLA posted an eighty-eight-game winning streak that spanned four seasons. Surprisingly, he never talked to his players about winning. Wooden's formula for success was to emphasize constant improvement and performance. He avoided getting his teams "up," because he knew that would eventually bring a valley. Instead, he was never satisfied with past performances; they could always be improved. Improvement meant rigorous preparation toward new goals. "I believe that failure to prepare is preparing to fail," Wooden told his players. But the coach never prepared his teams to play a particular opponent; he prepared his teams to play anyone, at any time. Wooden preached that success was not outscoring the opponent, it was being able to hold your chin up after the game and know that you have given your best effort. Of course, if you have done your best, the score will usually be to your liking, when you are deserving. Wooden was more concerned about his players' character than ability. A person with good character will respond to adversity by learning and overcoming. Wooden believed that good players will be honest, consistent, and work together as a team, and if those players also have ability, they will become true champions. Every day of our lives, whether we realize it or not, we are building up a reputation by which we will be known. The things that we do and the lives that we touch will be remembered for good or ill. Reputations are not quickly made. Instead, they are the slow and gradual accumulation of deeds, words and habits as they are observed by others. There is a spiritual unity between ministers. The work of the one who plants cannot be done without the work of the one who waters. Both are absolutely essential. They are not rivals, working against each other. They are planters and waterers, planting and watering lives for God. God calls and uses them as He wills and He places them where He wants. If the church and its believers exalt or oppose one minister against another, they are going against God's purpose for His Gospel and the church. The church is God's building and the church is to bear fruit. Both ministers and believers are workers together with God. All have a part in God's church and the need is for all to cooperate in building together. As a family of God, we are laborer’s together with God. We, the Lord’s children, are on the same team and strive to accomplish His game plan. When we are on His team, we value the team above our own. We value the team’s goals, principles, and values. We are willing to do our part for the good of the team and no sacrifice is too great. As team players we follow instructions and stick with the game plan. As team mates we respond eagerly without hesitation. We trust the leaders commitment and we point others to the leader and encourage them to follow his lead. Prayer: Father in Heaven, I am both humbled and honored that I get to be apart of Your team. Help strengthen me I may do my part and never hesitate to answer when You call. 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 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 he 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 towards bitterness.” It all starts with one simple, yet difficult, choice: to forgive. When forgiving someone, keep in mind three things:
Points to Ponder:
Questions to Consider:
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, 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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