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. 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. 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 “loved 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 was 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
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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 God'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. Paul was rejoicing for the souls that had been saved. He 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 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 (I Corinthians 15:58) 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.” These series of devotions are excerpts from a sermon titled, “We may never have a Superbowl Ring, but, WE WILL ALL RECEIVE A CROWN!” 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 or not 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 WILL 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. 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.” 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 Him at the judgment seat of Christ by the soul winner. 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?” 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. 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.” 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. 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.” 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 that the Holy Ghost has made them overseers of. 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.” 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 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. Thank you for reading this devotion. This is PART ONE of this series. Please visit the website tomorrow for PART TWO. 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.” I cannot remember which professor I received this from while I was in seminary but I hope it is of interest to you. 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 Have – 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 This is PART 3 of the 3 PART Series titled “Loving One Another”.
Loving One Another (I John 3:11-20) – Part 3 3. Comprehending Love (I John 3:16-20) I John 3:16-20, “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. 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? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.” The manifestation of Biblical love in our life is the evidence that we truly belong to Christ. One visible evidence of love is the sacrifice it is willing to make for the object loved. There was no doubt in John’s mind about the love Jesus had. But he also said that fellow Christians should feel a sense of obligation to make sacrifices for one another. The love of Christ should be continuously active in the followers of Christ. If a brother is in need, whether it is the need of food, clothes, shelter, or service, and if one has the ability to help, but will not do so, how dwelleth the love of God in him? The point is that if we have no concern for the welfare of God's people, the love of God is missing in us. One who can see a need and shut his heart to it does not have the love of Christ. The person who lives a selfish life has missed the whole point of Christ's sacrifice. The test of true Biblical love is identified as a willingness to sacrifice one's own life for his brother. This is in contrast to Cain who hated and slew his brother. As Christians, we give ourselves for others. Why? Because he laid down his life for us. One can talk about what one believes, however, if what one believes is not real enough to motivate that person to good works, that persons faith is dead (James 2:14-17)! Genuine love doesn’t just talk, it acts. People who are insincere might talk about helping, but people who truly love like the Lord reach out to help a fellow believer. This degree of love might be called to demonstrate by meeting a material need. It might be manifested by lending a helping hand or a listening ear. There are countless ways in which we can show the reality of our love for the brethren. A young mother admitted in a prayer meeting that she never seemed to find time for her own personal devotions. She had little children to care for and the hours vanished away. Two of the ladies from the church responded by assisting her in her home. “We’ve come to help you,” they explained. “You go into the bedroom and get started on your devotions.” After several days of this help, the young mother was able to develop her devotional life so that the daily demands on her time no longer upset her. It is to be more than lip love. Our actions speak louder than our words could ever speak. When we love one another, we know that we are living the truth. May the love of Christ saturate our relationships. PRAYER: Lord, help me to grow in my love for You and for others You have given me. In Jesus' name. Amen. Thank you for reading PART 3 of the 3 PART Series titled “Loving One Another”. Please visit this website tomorrow. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com This is PART 2 of the 3 PART Series titled “Loving One Another”.
Loving One Another (I John 3:11-20) – Part 2 2. Causes to Love (I John 3:13-15) I John 3:13-15, Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. Cain had a bitter hatred for his own brother because of Abel’s ’righteousness. It is godliness that infuriates the wicked (Proverbs 29:27). As people become more ungodly, those who are good will be called evil and those who are called evil will be called good (Isaiah 5:20). When these conditions occur, that society is in serious sorrow. How can a person know if they have been saved and have passed from death unto life The answer according to John is love for the brethren. The word "brethren" has reference to the spiritual brotherhood. Love is not the cause of our passing over into life; it is the proof that we have passed from death to life. John comes back to this point again because this matter is so important. Christians grow when they love other believers. Churches thrive when the people love one another instead of fussing, feuding, and fighting with one another. When you love the brethren, you will love your church and you will enjoy going to church. It is difficult to love others in the church, to really know them, and get close to them when you are not faithful to the services. It is one thing to like other believers, but it is another matter to actually love other Christians. Hatred is a very serious matter because hatred is not satisfied with controlling a small part of your heart. It wants and takes almost complete control of a person’s heart, mind, body, and soul. When hate grips a person, they do not think rationally at all. The person is consumed by their hate. Common sense gets blurred, biased, and bizarre. Hating a believer makes a person no different than Osama Bin Laden, Charles Manson, or Adolf Hitler in God’s approximation. That is alarming and crushing. Those who are branded by repeated hateful attitudes toward others and who habitually harbor murderous feelings, give proof of an unbelieving heart. We must remember that Jesus was hated by the world long before we came on the scene. Therefore, we should not be surprised when the world and worldly people hate us. The more you love and honor God, the more you expose the evil of those who do not. The more you expose the evil of those who dishonor God, the more they’ll hate you. They’ll hate you because of who you love, because of who you resemble. They hated Jesus and they’ll hate those who are like Jesus. The very core of Christ's message is one of love. God loved so much that He gave His all. Those saved have experienced that love fully, & now God desires that they turn around to show others that love as well. Love isn't common in our world. Hearing of someone giving of themselves stands out in a world of selfish pursuit. So, when someone shows love, others notice. As Christians, our very existence should be to show love to those around us. PRAYER: Lord, I know the power of Your love can impact someone today so, help me take the time to show it to someone today. In Jesus' name. Amen. Thank you for reading PART 2 of the 3 PART Series titled “Loving One Another”. Please visit this website tomorrow for Part 3. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com This is PART 1 of the 3 PART Series titled “Loving One Another”.
Loving One Another (I John 3:11-20) – Part 1 1. Christlike Love (I John 3:11-12) I John 3:11-12, “For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.” Here in these verses, John’s main emphasis is one of the most needed things in the world and the church, which is love. The love spoken of here is the unconditional, self-sacrificing love which God has shown to man. This is the very thing that Christians are to have for one another. This message suggests that while others are loving us, we are to be loving them. In I John 3:11, John said that we have an obligation to love one another. This obligation was laid down from the beginning. John probably had reference to John 13:34, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” This word “love” which means “we are to continually love others with a self-sacrificing love.” It is the same kind of love that God has for us. When the ministry of the Lord Jesus was nearing its end on earth, He shared with the disciples the key, distinguishing mark of a Christian. It was not someone who wore a cross around his or her neck. It was not someone who went to church. The mark was love for the brethren. I John 3:12, on the other hand, suggests that Cain had a love unlike that we are to have. Cain’s love for his brother Abel had conditions in it. Cain’s love for his brother dried up once he discovered that his brother was so much different from himself. Cain discovered that Abel’s deeds were righteous and his own deeds were evil. Cain’s love was a wrong love because it was not strong enough to let his brother take a few steps ahead of him. In our loving one another, we must be sure that we have a right love. This kind of love is unconditional. Cain killed his brother because he was angry at God for refusing his offering to the Lord and was jealous that Abel’s offering was accepted. It was accepted because it was offered in obedience and faith (Hebrews 11:4). Cain wanted to worship God on his own terms and did not follow the instructions of his father on how to offer a proper blood sacrifice to the Lord. Cain’s offering was a bloodless one. Cain was not any different than people today who worship God on their terms. They leave Jesus out of their lives. They depend on works to get them to Heaven or gain merit with God, but all to no avail. Without personally accepting Christ’s sacrifice for sins, a person is of the wicked one (John 8:44). Love does not persecute the righteous. A person who truly loves his brother will not persecute him. Love means that we will not even dislike another person. We love them, care for them, and reach out to them. We want their fellowship in Christ, longing for them to experience all the richness of life and for them to know all the fulness of Christ and His love. PRAYER: Lord, I see that love for others and for You does not come easily to me. That kind of love isn’t in me on my own. I’m asking You today to pour that kind of love into my life. In Jesus' name. Amen. Thank you for reading PART 1 of the 3 PART Series titled “Loving One Another”. Please visit this website tomorrow for Part 2. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com 10 Concerns in the Christians Walk with God – Part 10
10. Express Your Attitude of Gratitude Thankfulness is the attitude that perfectly replaces our sinful tendency to complain and, in so doing, releases joy and blessing into our lives. Thankfulness is the ideal replacement for complaining. Paul praises God for the salvation of the Thessalonians. Notice: Paul mentions all three members of the trinity in this verse. II Thessalonians 2:13, “But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.” Not only did he again express his thanks for them, but he also wrote they were beloved of God. That in itself should bear encouragement. Sometimes we think that we are thankful people but too often we neglect to express our gratitude. Often this is the result of failure to appreciate what we have. Gratitude is a Vital Virtue Here are three reasons gratitude is a vital virtue for spiritual development: 1. God requires our thanksgiving Thanksgiving, as we have just noted, is a form of praise to God. When we thank God, we give credit to Him. That honors and praises God. Praise is to be continuous. God's performance, unlike our performance, is always praiseworthy. The most important reason we express gratitude is because God requires we offer Him our thanks. He takes our gratitude, or lack thereof, extremely seriously. We are always required to give God what He is due, including our thankfulness. Everyone can make the decision to give thanks and acknowledge the goodness of God. 2. Gratitude keeps our focus on God (and off ourselves) His thanksgiving was not based on what they were doing for God, but on what God did for them. When we develop a habit of gratitude, we are constantly asking two questions: “For what should I be grateful?” and “To whom do I owe thanks?” The more we express our gratitude the more our eyes are opened to the benevolence of God and His generosity in bestowing us with goodness and blessings. When we see how much we owe God, it helps to reduce our own self-centeredness. 3. The blessing of having enough. When we focus on ourselves, we lose the opportunity for God to use us. Every person can come up with a list of things they would like to have (and there is nothing wrong with owning things if the things don’t own us). If we are honest in our assessment, we would have to say that we have far more than most people in the world, and more than we must have to live. The reality of our lives is that we do have enough— we simply need to be content with what God has provided and thank Him for it. How often do we focus on what we can get or how to provide for ourselves without thinking of those less fortunate than us? Yet many times we can pass by others without stopping to help. When was the last time you helped the elderly? When was the last time you carved out time in your schedule to sit and listen to someone who's hurting? When was the last time you bought a meal for a family in financial trouble? Rather than always expecting to be showered with gifts, live your life giving of yourself to others. Thank God for what you already have and commit to focusing on others rather than yourself today. When we ponder on all the good things we have because of God’s grace and rejoice in the Lord, our hearts will erupt with gratitude. Gratitude heals our hearts. It displaces lethal complaining. It opens our eyes to the innumerable graces of God in our everyday lives. In our hurry through life, we neglect gratitude. Rather than rushing off to the next thing, spend some time thanking Jesus for specific gifts in your life. Make a gratitude list.
Prayer, Heavenly Father, please forgive my shallow, immature, faith-choking ingratitude. You shower me with Your blessings, yet how rarely I stop to truly thank You. Thank You for all that You have done for me. Please replace my complaints with thanks. Thank You for Your Son, Jesus. It’s in His name I pray, amen. Thank you for reading this series. I pray it has been a help to you. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com 10 Concerns in the Christians Walk with God – Part 9
9. Communicate with a Person who has Invested in You and Tell Them You Love Them The Bible gives us examples of the power of personal investment and how it inspired the recipient to the high ground of moral excellence. Making the investment to influence others can be seen in Scripture. Barnabas clearly mentored Paul; Elijah influenced Elisha; and Moses prepared Joshua. Jesus invested much in Peter. In spite of Peter’s failings, Jesus was determined to do well on His investment in His disciple. Jesus told him, “Feed my sheep.” Peter went on to lead the early church in evangelistic impact that brought thousands into Heaven. He was faithful to the end, dying a martyr’s death. Paul poured his life into Timothy and urged him to press on fearlessly in the face of opposition. He charged Timothy in II Timothy 2:2, “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” Paul visualized a faithful finish for Timothy, one that would impact future generations with the truth. To influence someone is the power to motivate and lead a person to make a crucial choice in their life. Your life is the result of many loving investors who have sacrificed considerably for your success. Reflect on those who have invested in you, encouraging you. Listen to the wise people the Lord has placed in your life; those who led you to Christ, taught your Sunday school classes, or discipled you in the faith. Remember the investment of parents, teachers, pastors, authority figures, or work supervisors who have provided for you in so many ways. What about the friends who have helped you, encouraged your faith, and strengthened you in tough times? What about the family members who have sacrificed time, money, and prayers on your behalf? If we live with eternity in view, we will spend our lives on the things that matter most. You can honor those who invested in your life by living a life pleasing unto the Lord. III John 4, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” Every day we, as children of God, are in a role where our performance has ultimate consequences far more serious than physical life and death. Every person we meet has an eternal future that will be spent in either Heaven or Hell. Attitudes are contagious. Every person we meet is being influenced by our life and interaction with them. We often go carelessly through the day without a thought of the vital and eternal implications of our testimony. We have an obligation to Him, and to them, to take our lives seriously. Those who have invested their lives in you deserve a good return on their investment. A lot of people have sacrificed for you and have invested in you. Make them proud. As you run your race, visualize them in the stands. They love you and want the very best for you. Who will you impact? We all have something to contribute: our example, testimony, investment, prayer, patience, instruction, wise counsel, giving, serving, etc. We all can ,and must, invest in others! We can make a difference! Prayer: LORD, I seek Your wisdom for the decisions I need to make. Help me to always honor those who have invested their lives in me as I journey on the path of life. Help me to siege every opportunity You give me to positively impact those You allow me to cross paths with. Help me to live a life that will influence others to have a desire to want to know You. Help me to bring joy to others and be a good example. In Jesus' name. Amen 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 |
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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