Pray For Us (I Thessalonians 5:25)
I Thessalonians 5:25, “Brethren, pray for us.” Paul had already set the example throughout this letter by praying for the Thessalonians. Paul offers a humbling and profound reminder to the church. He desired that they pray for him. Then he turned and asked the Thessalonians to pray for him. Paul depended on prayer. He told the Romans in Romans 1:9, “For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers.” He earnestly wanted the church to pray for him. Paul was not so prideful that he thought that he was above prayer. Paul understood that prayer gets God's will done on earth. Paul knew he needed the prayers of the Thessalonians. Paul also counted on the prayers of the saints (Ephesians 6:18-20; Colossians 4:3; II Thessalonians 3:1-3). I can assure you that if the apostle Paul desired and needed the prayers of the church, we do as well. We need to continually lift one another up in prayer unto the Lord. We are living in a difficult day. We will never endure without the help of the Lord. We need to pray for one another. We need to make it a daily priority to pray for the church! Notice: Paul does not say, "please" or "if you will." He emphatically charges: "Brethren, pray for us." All believers must pray for their ministers. The idea is that we must pray often, not just every day, but often every day. We have a charge and command from the Bible to pray for one another, but also to pray for the leaders of the church. Pray for pastors, especially your pastor. Pray that the Lord would fill him with His Spirit, guide his mind, guard his heart, and I pray that the Lord would give him purpose and direction. Pray for his marriage, his family, and his ministry as he seeks to shepherd the flock of God. Paul was well aware of the need and power in prayer. John Livingston, of Scotland, once spent a whole night with a company of his brethren in prayer for God's blessing, all of them together besieging the throne; and the next day, under his sermon, five hundred souls were saved. When Jonathan Edwards preached “Sinners in the hands of an angry God”, the entire congregation was moved by his powerful sermon, some of them even grasping hold of the pillars of the sanctuary from feeling that their feet were actually sliding into the pit. But the sermon's power is known by very few. Some Christians in the area of Enfield, Massachusetts, had become alarmed lest, while God was blessing other places, He should in anger pass them by; and so they met on the evening preceding the preaching of that sermon and spent the whole night in agonizing prayer. “What the Church needs today is not more machinery or better, not new organizations or more novel methods, but men whom the Holy Ghost can use—men of prayer, men mighty in prayer.” - E.M. Bounds Paul told Philemon in Philemon 22, “But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.” If a man so blessed as Paul needed and depended on the prayers of others, how much more do we? Samuel said in I Samuel 12:23, “Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you.” When we fail to pray for others we sin against the Lord. The story is told about two wives who were doing their laundry in a laundry mat. They were both mending their husband’s pants. One wife said, “My husband is so miserable. Nothing goes right at work, and he can’t find anything good on television. Our home is a place of despair. When we go to church, the song leader is terrible and the pastor is boring. The other wife said “My husband is so excited. He can’t wait to go to church. He loves the sermons. We laugh all the time and enjoy our family.” It got very quiet in the laundry room as the women continued sewing the pants. One was patching the seat of the pants, and the other was patching the knees. Questions to Consider: Do you pray for your pastor? Have you made it a regular habit to pray for your pastor in the past? Would you begin to lift up the man of God to the throne of God? Points to Ponder: Prayer works and Paul understood that principle. What an impact would be made upon the world if we obeyed this one charge. The measure of any Christian is his prayer life. The thermometer of a church is its prayer meeting. 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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True Christian Conduct (I Thessalonians 4:11)
Work with Your Own Hands (I Thessalonians 4:11) - Part 3 I Thessalonians 4:11, “And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you…” It is said that when John Wesley was in his eighties, he complained in his diary that he was struggling with being tempted to stay in bed until 5:30 in the morning! One of the most active and productive evangelists in history, Wesley is said to have traveled more than a quarter of a million miles on horseback, and to have preached over four thousand sermons. One thing is for sure, Wesley knew how to work. In spite of difficulties throughout his lifetime, he simply took the initiative to do what God had called him to do. The words "work” and “working" are mentioned 400 times in the Word of God. The word “work” means to toil or labor. Honest work is right and acceptable in the eyes of Christ. The word "honestly" means to work in a commendable and respectful way. The phrase “with your own hands” speaks of personal labor or doing things your own self. We are to work and set a godly example on the job. A Christian employee ought to be the best employee on the job. The Christian employee should be the most diligent and most dependable employee. Work is not a product or effect due to sin. Adam was to work before the curse of sin. However, once Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, man was told by the sweat of his face we would eat bread. Paul practiced what he preached. By trade he was a tentmaker. God has no patience with people who do not work. We are to live in a godly manner in our personal life, and in our public life as well. No Christian should be a dead beat or a lazy person. Rather than drifting along with the culture, God’s people should be shining examples as workers. Whether the task is enjoyable or not, or whether it pays as much as we think it should or not, work is part of God’s plan for our lives, and it is ultimately not for our human boss that we work. Paul wrote, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24). The Bible teaches that laziness is sin. Paul spoke of this is II Thessalonians 3:10-12, “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our LORD Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.” We are to work and provide for our families and others as well. In this world, there are too many people that can work but won’t. The welfare system in America has rewarded laziness for way too long. God takes work seriously. Here is the answer to one of America's biggest problems. We live in a society that has been rewarded for not working. As God's people, we have no problem helping those in need, but it seems that America has become a welfare state. What happens is that when you do not work there is too much idle time on your hands and that usually results in trouble. "Idle hands are the Devil's workshop." Our society does not value work as it once did. There are many government programs providing funding for those who are unwilling to labor. (This is different than providing help for those who cannot help themselves.) This produces a negative incentive. When there is no connection between work and reward, it is not hard to understand why people regard work as something to be avoided, if at all possible. Yet those who refuse to do what they are able to do cheat themselves of the satisfaction and accomplishment that comes from diligent labor. There would be a lot less trouble in this world if the lazy would get a job. Believers are not to support a person who can work, and has the opportunity to work, but refuses to do so. We live in a culture in which many people expect the government and faith-based organizations to support them. God can use our work ethic as a witness of a changed life! A person who works honestly with their own hands is a great asset to any family, employer, or church. We must labor in order to walk honestly before unbelievers. Working is another aspect of love because people who work to provide for themselves and their families don’t burden others for support. All persons are placed on earth to contribute and to help meet the desperate needs of men. A Christian is to be faithful in everyday duties and to work hard for the benefit of others. Instead of looking to others to help us, we are ready and able to support the needy and those who have faced unfortunate circumstances. The result of growing in love will be to be quiet. Living a quiet life requires you mind your own business and refrain from meddling. A habitual meddler is usually not occupied with any kind of productive work. Questions to Consider: How have you been tempted to gain wealth hastily or dishonestly? How can you make your work more honest and God-honoring? Points to Ponder: God’s plan is for us to get up, look around, find what needs to be done, and do it. One of the most difficult things to find in our day is people who are willing to work hard without waiting for someone else to decide what needs to be done and issue instructions. Prayer: Lord, thank You for the work You’ve given me to do and for the opportunity to provide for my family. Help me to embrace the dignity of my work. I want to work hard on everything for Your glory. In Jesus' name. Amen. 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Do Your Own Business (I Thessalonians 4:11) - Part 2 I Thessalonians 4:11, “And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you…” Remember, Paul had just instructed them to lead a quiet life. The best way to lead a quiet life is to mind your own business. Meddling in other people's business is anything but quiet and peaceful (Proverbs 26:17). It is likely that some of the Christians in Thessalonica had stopped working because they thought that Christ's return was imminent. With nothing to do, they had become busybodies, meddling in matters that did not concern them. Paul is saying, "mind your own business." The word business here means practice or habit. This refers to one’s self. We have enough to take care of without trying to take care of someone else’s life. The best way to keep your nose out of someone else’s business is to keep your eyes on your own business. Warren Wiersbe says it well, “Idle people spend their time interfering with the affairs of others and getting themselves and others into trouble. Believers who are about the Father's business do not have the time—or desire—to meddle in the affairs of others.” The best practice is to mind your own business. We already have busy lives to lead. If we were busy taking care of our own business, we would not have so much time to be unnecessarily involved in others. Unfortunately, many Christians are snooping in other people's business. Believers should never be involved in gossip or slander, but in love and labor for the Lord Jesus (I Peter 4:14-15). Christians should not be meddling but should concern themselves in taking care of their own affairs (in minding their own business). However, a Christian should always be ready to help others when their services are needed or called for. If you were to seek the Lord’s help concerning prevention from being led into temptation, do not be surprised if He leads you in a work keeping busy serving Him. Paul and Solomon warned that people who meddle in your business will tell everyone your business (I Timothy 5:13; Proverbs 20:19). The talebearer goes about peddling people's business. The talebearer flatters people by sharing secrets with them. Keep in mind that those who you reveal secrets to they will reveal your secrets to others. Unfortunately, some of the Thessalonians did not obey this command and Paul would write again to them concerning this matter (II Thessalonians 3:11). A person meddles in the affairs of other because by nature they are critical and this the life for them. This person fails to see their own faults and failures. This busybody is always examining the mote in the other person’s life rather than dealing with the beam in their own life (Matthew 7:1-3). Busybodies are often slothful servants. Gossips seldom do much work and are not productive in their time and efforts for the Lord. Every pastor would agree that the members who cause the most problems in church are the ones who never do anything. There are busybodies everywhere. They create mischief wherever they are. Since the church comprises our spiritual life, it is most destructive when its within the church. Those who meddle in the affairs of others, neglect their own business and the work God has given them to do. They have failed to completely commit their life to the Lord. They need to become motivated in the mission of Christ. They need to become so occupied with the things of Christ that they have no time to meddle in the affairs of others. Our life is to be focused on bringing glory to the name of Jesus. Jesus’ instruction to His church is to mind our own business. If we would obey this command, our homes and churches would be a better place to be. If we would spend our life seeking to do the Father's will, we would not have time to worry about what others are doing. Points to Ponder: We have an obligation to live a godly life, a quiet life, and to mind our own business. The Word of God teaches us that we are to work persistently in our personal life. Being about the work of the Great Commission is a sure way to be busy and productive in the work of the Lord. Questions to Consider: What are the times and places you find yourself the idlest? Have you found yourself so busy in someone else’s business that you missed doing the business of the Lord? What is a ministry that you could become involved in to keep you busy for the Lord? PRAYER: Lord, help me be busy in Your labor rather than in the affairs of others. In Jesus Name, AMEN! If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com True Christian Conduct (I Thessalonians 4:11)
Study to Be Quiet (I Thessalonians 4:11) - Part 1 I Thessalonians 4:11, “And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you…” Paul addressed matters of sensitive concern. It seems what he was about to address was already a problem. There were obviously a few idle, gossiping people in this church who, instead of laboring for the Lord, went from place to place carrying on rumors, interfering in the business of others, and causing strife and divisions. Therefore, Paul got down to the basics of day-to-day life. Paul mentioned three things concerning the private life of the Thessalonians. Each of these are important in a person’s private life and their public demonstration of love. Paul admonished the Thessalonians to lead a quiet life. The Bible speaks of this in the book of Proverbs (Proverbs 10:19; 13:3; 17:27-28; 21:23). One of the biggest problems to the church is that of internal dissension and discord. Nothing destroys the ministry of a church faster than criticism, gossiping, murmuring, selfishness, cliques, and ambitions to have one's own way. The word study carries the idea of being eager or earnest to do something; to labour, or to strive with all the energy a person has. It has the sense of being motivated and strongly determined about something. The word quiet means to keep still or to hold your peace. This speaks of calmness, confidence, and contentment. This was an example of love in action. Paul’s objective was to encourage believers to live free from contention with others. Paul was concerned that the Thessalonians would make it their aim and to consider it an honor to lead a quiet life. Paul tells the church to make every effort to pursue a quiet and peaceful life. Most people are eager to speak their minds rather than allowing their minds to be in Christ. Too often people get so caught up into the lives of others that it distracts them from their own walk with God. Believers who try to be at peace with themselves and God will be a source of peace to the brethren. Living for Jesus is not easy in a world that tempts us, tests us, and tries us on every corner. However, if we do not individually live for Jesus, then we will not have a good testimony as a church. When we walk with Jesus, we will seek to maintain a godly witness in this world. We cannot have a strong witness and a good testimony in this world unless each individual Christian strives to live for Jesus. We are to work persistently at maintaining a strong Christian witness. We are to set out at leading a quiet life. That should be our goal as the Lord leads us. The Thessalonians loved those inside the church, but they also needed to love those outside the church. Many Christians only see their Christianity as a part of their lives, while failing to recognize it as the heart of their lives. Jesus should not be just a “part” of your life; Jesus is your life. By perceiving life in this way, they miss the whole point of their purpose in life. We should be careful and cautious, being silent and calm except when speaking is necessary, gracious, and purposeful (Colossians 4:6), Jesus seriously warns against every "idle word" (Matthew 12:36), and Paul against "foolish talking" (Ephesians 5:4). Rather than speaking everything that comes to mind (Proverbs 29:11), we should ask God to help us not to utter all our mind (Psalm 141:3). We are to live a quiet and peaceable life before each other. We are not to be critical and divisive toward each other. We are to walk in a quiet and meek spirit out in the world. We are not to be abusive and arrogant in witnessing and in dealing with the unconverted. The world is filled with those who are hurting and are in desperate need of the Gospel. Those who are hurting need to be heard. They cannot be heard if we are not living quiet and peaceable lives. We must lead quiet lives and listen to the Holy Spirit’s leading that we may minister to them. Questions to Consider: What areas in life do you struggle within being quiet? Who has the Lord placed in your life that helps you to be quiet? How should we respond if someone gossips to us? Points to Ponder: Restless Christians have little or no testimony before the unsaved. If you live like this, it will impact your evangelism. The world will notice and respect a church where these qualities exist. PRAYER: Lord forgive me for the times I have not remained silent and have given into my flesh nature. Set a watch before my mouth and keep the door of my lips from any communication that is not inspired by the Holy Spirit. May my speech always be with grace and help me to minister grace unto those who are listening. 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 Dealing with Despair (I Samuel 27:1)
I Samuel 27:1, “And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand.” David has reached a very low period in his life. No doubt that David, discouraged, decided to flee Israel for refuge in Philistia. David did not trust Saul and he had every reason to distrust him. Saul had shown himself unstable and emotionally imbalanced. His jealousy and hatred of David were well known. Notice: I Samuel 26:25, “Then Saul said to David, Blessed be thou, my son David: thou shalt both do great things, and also shalt still prevail. So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place.” Saul had already once broken a promise to no longer hunt him. David knew Saul was lying and, as a result, he became very discouraged and fled to Philistia. In I Samuel 26:24, David sought the Lord. However, in I Samuel 27:1, David is not recorded as consulting with God. It is apparent, that his faith lapsed. He focused on his circumstances not on God. How sad it is when unbelievers believe and believers do not. It is one thing to encounter disappointment. It is another thing to allow disappointment to solidify into discouragement. When one is in this state of mind, one’s faith often fails. Therefore, the devil uses discouragement to get the eyes of God’s children on him in hopes that we might quit. How often do we give in to these negative emotions or behaviors? These weaknesses of human character cause all kinds of problems. David was about to give in to doubt and unbelief and to live a life of deception and lies. For about seven years, David had been living under the most distressing circumstances imaginable: being hunted down by Saul determined to kill him. David never knew when Saul would be coming around the next bend or hill with a battalion of soldiers to attack him. This pressure, and all the distressing circumstances discussed below, had been weighing ever so heavily upon David, resulting in one of the most distressful, tension-filled lives imaginable. Finally, the strain took its toll and David became despondent and discouraged. He began to doubt the promises of God and was gripped by a spirit of unbelief. And this distrust is what lead him into a year and a half of deceptive living. Breaking under the pressure of his circumstances, David began to doubt God's promises. His faith wavered and he became despondent and discouraged, failing to trust the promises of God. David slipped into a period of critical weakness, a period when he failed to trust God's promises. He should have walked in faith and patience, waiting long enough for God to strengthen and encourage his heart. In his failure of doubt and unbelief, David teaches us to guard ever so diligently against failing to trust God's promises. Far too often we allow circumstances to defeat us. Some problem or difficulty, hardship, trial, or temptation happens to us, and we become stressed out. We become pressured, strained, and distressed and we begin to doubt the promises of God. We begin to question the validity of God's promises and unbelief sets in. Unbelief grabs our heart and we fail to rely on God's Word. We turn away from the Lord and take things into our own hands. We fail to trust God, fail to be patient, not waiting long enough for the Lord to work the circumstance out. Or we lack the faith in God's power, the belief that God will give us the power to overcome and conquer the pressuring, distressing trial. If there is any one lesson we need to learn, it is the lesson of trust and patience, believing in the promises of God enough to wait upon God to meet our needs. We must learn not to give in to doubt and unbelief, failing to trust God's promises. God had faithfully intervened over and over again to deliver David from the hand of Saul. God had demonstrated His power on behalf of David over and over again and had delivered him. He delivered him out of the mouth of the lion and the paw of the bear. He delivered him out of the hand of the great giant Goliath. Did David forget how God delivered him? NOTICE: David's pessimism compared to God's power.
David was so close to triumph, yet, despondency overwhelmed him. Victory was just around the corner, too. Many times you will find it is darkest just before the dawn of blessing. History has proved this over and over in the lives of countless people. Dr. Seuss's first children's books were rejected by 23 publishers before the 24th one sold six million copies. After being rejected by Hewlett-Packard and Atari, Apple microcomputers had a first year sales of 2.5 million dollars. During the first year of business, Coca-Cola sold only 400 Cokes. In his first three years in the car business, Henry Ford went bankrupt twice. Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team. The list goes on and on. Be patient in your trial and wait on God. Keep on keeping on. In all attempts on David's life, he was providentially preserved. Be patient in your trial and wait on God (Psalm 27:14; James 1:1-4; II Timothy 1:7). Whenever you’re facing seasons of discouragement, begin by counting your blessings. Prayer, Lord, too often through the eyes of the flesh I see my battles bigger than You. Help me to trust in You and see them as You see them. There is never a problem I encounter that is greater than 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 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 Mordecai (Esther 6:11)
Esther 6:11, “Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour.” A soldier in the service of King Charles I of England, who reigned from 1625-1649, sold most of his property and gave his proceeds to support the king's cause. He ended up also giving his life, being killed in the battle with the Roundheads. His friends paid tribute to his memory with this epitaph which is found in an old churchyard in England: "He served King Charles with a constant, dangerous, and expensive loyalty." Mordecai was very loyal, and the rewards of his loyalty would be revealed at the right time and place. God is preparing His heroes and when the opportunity comes, He can fit them into His plan in a moment and the world will wonder where they come from. In Esther 2:21-23, we find Mordecai reporting the news of two men (Bigthan and Teresh) attempting to assassinate king Ahasuerus. It would be some time later, but the honorable acts of Mordecai would be brought to the attention of king Ahasuerus. As a result, for saving his life, King Ahasuerus honored Mordecai by having him escorted through the city on the king’s horse wearing the king’s royal clothing (Ephesians 6:11). In adopting Esther, Mordecai showed his mercy (Esther 2:7). Although we were orphans, afar from God, Christ showed His mercy in receiving us into the family of God by faith (John 1:12; Ephesians 2:8-13). Mordecai was faithful to king Ahasuerus (Esther 2:21-23); Christ was faithful to His Father (Luke 2:29; John 8:29; Hebrews 10:7). Mordecai was consistent (Esther 3:2-4); Christ, fully knowing His mission, was faithful and steadfast (Isaiah 50:7; Luke 9:51; 19:10; I Timothy 1:15). Mordecai was despised (Esther 3:5); so was Christ (Isaiah 53:3; John 15:25). Mordecai was tested (Esther 4:1); so was Christ (Matthew 4:11; Luke 22:42). Mordecai finally received a place of honor (Esther 6:1-3; 8:7-8); so did Christ in His resurrection (Ephesians 1:20-23; Hebrews 1:3). Mordecai was loyal to God, therefore, he refused to bow down to Haman (Esther 3:4). Daniel’s three companions showed the same conviction and loyalty to God (Daniel 3:1-12). Those around Mordecai wanted to know why he did not kneel down. He gave them only one answer, that he was a Jew. God’s purpose and plan for sending the Jews into captivity to rid them from the desire to follow after false gods and idols had come to pass. As a result, these Jews would not honor anyone or anything in a way that was reserved only for God. Separated unto God, they refused to kneel down to any human or idol. Like Mordecai, we Christians also must take a firm and open stand for Christ and the righteous standards of truth in His Word, no matter what pressures come from a society that does not know or accept Him. Five times the phrase “whom the king delighteth to honour,” is mentioned (Esther 6:6-7, 9, 11). As Mordecai was a delight to king Ahasuerus, so should we as Christians be a delight to God. God blesses those who please Him. God delights in seeing His people reflect His glory and being conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). There are several attributes of God that we are specifically told bring Him delight when they are manifested in our lives. Somethings that bring a delight to the Lord are:
When reading the book of Esther, one might question, “Where is God in all this? Why is God’s name not mentioned?” Although He is never mentioned by name in the entire book, God appears in every scene. God is seen in His power, providence, protection, presence, peace, and preservation. God is like the unseen rudder on the ship. However, the presence of God is evident throughout every chapter in these books. We see His providential hand of care over Israel. The purpose of the book of Esther is to reveal the sovereignty of God and His care for His people. It also teaches us that when man has reached his limit in life, God reveals His opportunity and plans of a tomorrow. Have you ever felt discouraged, as though God was not working in your life? Understand that even when God’s work is not evident, His hand is present working behind-the-scenes. May God open our eyes to His many wonderful works in this book (Psalm 119:18). Points to Ponder: God’s timing and His ways anre always perfect. Those who honor God will God honor. One of the greatest statements a child of God can hear is “Well done” (Matthew 25:21). Questions to Consider: Do you have a godly heritage? If you are the first Christian in your family, how will you begin a heritage for your children? What are you doing to preserve this heritage and pass it along to your children? PRAYER: Lord, I want to honor You in with my life. Guide my steps and prepare my path that I may glorify 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 Sick and Tired of Sin (Proverbs 28:13)
Proverbs 28:13, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” The story is told of two men from Ireland that discovered an unusual turtle. The head of the turtle had been completely chopped off from its body, but the turtle was still crawling around as if nothing had happened. The two men argued over the turtle. One claimed it was alive and the other that it was dead. As they argued, their voices escalated, attracting the attention of a third Irishman. It was decided that this third man would arbitrate the matter and that he would give the final verdict. The arbitrator took one look at the turtle and proclaimed, "It's dead, but he don't believe it!" This is the same problem that many believers have today. They are dead to sin, but they do not believe it. They do not believe they are no longer under the compulsion of sin. If the Christian sins, he does it because he chooses to do so. You and I don't have to because we are under new management. According to Romans 6:1-16, being dead to sin has to do with our spiritual position in Christ. When you become a Christian, God not only forgives your sins, but He declares you righteous, and He sees you in Christ, identified with Him. Because Christ arose from death, we also now have a new life spiritually in Him. We too have died and been made alive in Christ. Sin no longer has rule over us. If allowed, sin will reign in our body. It will take over as a ruler. Therefore, we should be living unto God rather than in sin. When a man is executed for a crime, he is freed from the crime when he is dead. The case is closed. We died with Christ on the cross; our penalty has been paid; sins power has been broken. We are freed from sin. In other words, we don't have to serve sin. We are free from sin, not free to sin. Because of the frailty of men, Christians still yield to their sinful natures and temptations even though they do not have to do this. It’s simple, Christians have a choice in the matter to do that which is right or wrong. Little by little sin is made to appear less sinful. There was a time when sin shocked some of you that it's not shocking now. Lucille Ball said one time, "I'm shocked that I'm not shocked anymore." “People used to blush when they were ashamed. Now they are ashamed if they blush. Modesty has disappeared and a brazen generation with no fear of God before its eye’s mocks at sin. We are so fond of being called tolerant and broadminded that we wink at sin when we ought to weep.” - Vance Havner. Keep in mind, God has never been casual about sin! Prayer: Father in Heaven, thank You for forgiving me of my sins. What You say about my sin is true. Sin hurts me. It destroys my relationships with others, and it separates me from finding my blessings in You. Convict me of the sin that harms me and help me to turn from it. Help me to see the sinfulness of my sin so that I might enjoy the goodness and freedom of Your grace. Help me to love and live like Your Son Jesus. 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 Coffee and the Word of God (Psalm 63:1)
Psalm 63:1, “O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;” Nothing else is quite like the aroma of a fresh pot of coffee early in the morning. In fact, many are dependent on it every day, particularly the first thing in the morning. I’m amused at the bumper sticker I read once, “No Coffee…No Workee”. Or this comment a wife gave her husband before they had their morning conversation, “Woah, I have not had my coffee yet.” Understand, that just as important as it is for people to have that cup of coffee first thing, isn’t it more important to have time with the Lord first thing? There’s no questioning it, many people are addicted to coffee. They must have their fresh brewed cup of coffee in the morning to get a little caffeine into the system. The pleasure even begins when preparing the coffee. From spooning the coffee from the canister to brewing it in the pot. Coffee is one of the simple pleasures in life that many will never tire of and will always be dependent on. Coffee always goes great with morning conversations and brings pleasure when shared. For most, you cannot get enough coffee. Some want coffee filled to the brim, to the point that it is running over. Coffee! How do you like it? Smooth? French Roast? Bold? Intense Bold? Some prefer their coffee different from how others would prefer it. Just as people depend on, seek, and drink coffee for a number of reasons, so people seek the Scriptures for various reasons. God’s will is for people to be awake and alert, not groggy and tired. As many seek coffee to bring about alertness, let me encourage you to seek the Scriptures as a means to pursue and bring about His Will for your life. 1. The Diligence. "Early will I seek thee." David wrote Psalm 63 at a time when he desperately needed a personal experience with God. If one has affection for God, they will be early in their attention to worship. Being late for church often shows one's lack of diligence in their devotion. David’s desire for God was very great. The psalmist unashamedly confessed that the true God was his God. Avid coffee drinkers are not ashamed and are open to announce their need of coffee. Every believer should pray as David in Psalm 63:1. David’s prayer describes a deep longing for God. One that can only be satisfied by a close, personal relationship with Him. Those who claim to know God need to examine themselves by asking, “do I really have a strong desire for God’s presence and purposes to be first in my life. Do I go through life with my focus mainly on temporary or worldly goals or pleasures? Have my personal desires replaced prayer, Bible study, and true service to God?” 2. The Desire. "My soul thirsteth for thee." Thirst expresses a great desire. Few people thirst for God as much as they thirst for the things of the world. God will use our wants to create a desire for Him. "My soul followeth hard after thee" (Psalm 63:8). The words, "followeth hard" mean to be glued to something, to cleave tenaciously to something. It expresses steadfastness of affection to God by the psalmist which is a great show of loyalty. Dedicated coffee drinkers are willing to go to great lengths to satisfy their cravings. Only He can satisfy the emotional and spiritual wants in our heart. David was on the run from Absalom and had to flee the land, unable to worship the Lord in Jerusalem. His lack of closeness with the Lord made him thirsty for Him. David sought the enjoyment of communion, closeness, and fellowship with God in public worship in Jerusalem, and it was an urgent need of his soul. He viewed it not merely as the sweetest of all luxuries, but as an absolute necessity, like water to a deer. He had to have his time with God or faint. We must be close to the Lord or, we too, will faint. Neglecting the Living Water will leave us spiritually parched. Thank God, we don't have to go to Jerusalem to be close to the Lord or worship Him. Through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, we can walk with God each day. Even through the fires of life that we may face, He can quench the thirst in our soul. 3. The Devotion. "My flesh longeth for thee." David expressed just how desperately he longed for the Lord. David recalled how his soul was thrilled when he went into the sanctuary. He longed, or yearned, intensely to be in church physically, not just in the spirit. Psalm 5:3, “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” God desires that believer’s read His Word every day. But where does one read? Keep in mind, all Scripture is inspired of the Lord. Therefore, pray and ask Him where He would lead you to. Whatever the need is, the Bible has the answer. But some need a particular portion of Scripture rather than another due to what the need is, or how the Lord is leading them. Some prefer Psalm, Proverbs, the Gospels etc. Whatever the desire or direction the Lord is leading you to that day, get in it. · Somedays you may need Psalms for refreshing · Somedays you may need Proverbs for wisdom, knowledge, guidance, counsel, and instruction. · Somedays you may need the Gospels for that close walk with the Lord. PRAYER: Lord, I know that You have something to reveal to me in Your Word. My soul craves to be drawn to Your Words. 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 Fruit of the Spirit (Galatian 5:22-23)
Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” In John 15, Jesus taught and preached concerning bearing fruit. Jesus used the illustration of a vineyard to tell us how to allow the Holy Spirit to produce His fruit. In this passage, God is the husbandman (John 15:1), Jesus is the vine (John 15:1, 5), and we are the branches (John 15:5). Without the vine, the branch can do nothing (John 15:4-5). Just as the branch needs the life of the vine every day, we need the Holy Spirit of God every day. The fruit of the Spirit (not fruits) is like a cluster of grace. It has all of these in the one cluster. A fruit tree, such as an apple tree, produces several apples, but only apples. The Holy Spirit is the Source of all spiritual fruit in our lives. Picture one tree producing nine different kinds of fruit. Example: Apples, Oranges, Pear, Bananas, Peaches, Cherries, Plums, Grapes, Strawberries. The fruit of the Spirit has nine components: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance (Galatians 5:22-23a). The fruit of the Spirit has three groups. 1. Love, joy, and peace are qualities which appear in our relationship with God. 2. Longsuffering, gentleness, and goodness are qualities which appear in our relationship with others. 3. Faith, meekness, and temperance are qualities which appear in our relationship with ourselves. By yielding to the Lord we become fruitful. As Christians, we are called to bear fruit. That means we are to produce the fruit of the Spirit in increasing abundance over the course of our faith walk. All the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit must be present in our lives if we are allowing the Holy Spirit to produce His fruit in us. The fruit of the Spirit is for the benefit of others. Within each of us there is an abundant harvest of fruit to minister to those we encounter. All around us are people who desperately need love, joy, peace, gentleness, someone to be patient with them, be good to them, and so on. The fruit of the Spirit enables us to meet the basic human needs God has instilled in every human being. Question to Consider: Can you think of one person who manifests the character of Jesus Christ so much that when you are with him or her, you feel as if you have been with Jesus? Point to Ponder: Write down some ways the Lord is using you to display His fruit in your life. Prayer: Lord, thank You for sowing Your Spirit and Word into my life. Help me yield to the divine seed You have planted inside me. I know that Your life resides in me, longing to be released, so today I make the choice to let Your Spirit start working mightily inside me. Thank You for the life of God that is flowing up from my spirit right now, producing the life and the nature of Jesus Christ in 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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