Prayer: The Greatest Neglected Power (Matthew 26:41)
Matthew 26:41, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Trials and even temptation arise immediately and unexpectedly. They jump right up in front of us. Only persistent, sleepless prayer will prepare us for such crises (Ephesians 6:18). The disciples had undergone a long day. It was, in all likelihood, late at night. They couldn’t keep their eyes open. Though just hours before they had professed their allegiance to Jesus in spirit, in their flesh, they couldn’t stay awake. If one cannot endure a little fatigue when there is no suffering, how will one do when the temptation or the great trial of their faithfulness and courage comes. They were sleeping because of the emotional strain and stress of the evening. They slept because of sorrow (Luke 22:45). The evening had been shocking and taxing. They were weary, fatigued, and preoccupied, therefore concentration in prayer was difficult. They probably fought to stay awake and to pray for their Lord. They were making two mistakes common among believers. The disciples were depending upon their own wisdom and strength instead of God's Spirit to fight whatever battles lay ahead. The disciples were taking God's deliverance for granted instead of assuring His deliverance through the power of prayer. Christ instructed the disciples that the flesh is weak, though our intentions may be strong. So, we ought to pray earnestly that our intentions will be fulfilled in spite of our flesh. Prayer is necessary because of our weakness in the flesh. See these Scriptures: Romans 7:15-20; Romans 8:12-13; I Corinthians 9:27; Colossians 3:5. The need for prayer during an overwhelming problem is not occasional; it is constant. Jesus is again warning them of the danger of being overconfident of their own spiritual power. The disciples had boasted about never leaving Him. Like the disciples, we have a desire to remain loyal to Jesus. However, because our flesh is weak under the pressure of fear, we can falter in our faith. So, we must prayerfully depend upon God. Our failure to think of prayer as a privilege may be partly due to the fact that we can pray any time. The door to prayer is open so continuously that we fail to avail ourselves of an opportunity which is always there. Calling upon the Lord will either make a man stop sinning, or sin will make him stop praying. Unless we have within us that which is above us, we shall soon yield to that which is about us. D.L. Moody said, "Fervency in prayer by the power of the Holy Spirit is a good preservative against thoughts rushing in. Flies never settle on a boiling pot." Calling on the Lord consistently will help us to keep the fire burning for God in our hearts. It will help us stay alert to destructive temptations that cross our path. 1) Adoration (I Chronicles 29:10-13; Psalm 25:8; 63:3-4; Revelation 4:8; 5:12). During this time, focus directly on God, adoring Him for Who He is. 2) Confession (II Corinthians 7:9-10; Psalm 25:11; 51:10-13; 139:23-24; Jeremiah 31:34; I John 1:4-9). We cannot stand before the throne of a holy God with sin between us and our Saviour. Thank God He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins! 3) Thanksgiving (I Chronicles 16:34; Psalm 100:4-5; Philippians 4:6-7; I Thessalonians 5:16-18). Take time to thank the Lord for what He has done. Thank Him for salvation, the many blessings in your life, protection, provision, open doors, and opportunities. 4) Supplication (Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 4:6; I Timothy 2:1-4). This is the time to ask God for His divine help to meet needs, solve problems, or work in someone's life. Here is a profound principle concerning prayer: As we watch, that is, as we are mentally disciplined to focus upon that which we ought, and as we pray without ceasing, we will not enter into temptation. Prayer has a spiritually antiseptic quality. As long as we are in a spirit of prayer, we will not walk in the flesh. When we are on the line with God, the devil cant’ get through. The line is busy. Mr. Roger Babson, in an after-dinner address, made the following statement, "Prayer is the greatest unused power in the world, and faith is the greatest undiscovered resource." Faith is a grasping of Almighty power; the hand of man laid on the arm of God when the things impossible to us become the possible, O Lord, through Thee. Jesus Christ is the greatest example of prayer. Below are seven points with Scripture to help us concerning our prayer life.
By dying to our own desires and praying for the will of God to be done, we die to self and the Lord takes pleasure in what we have done. Prayer: Father, with my whole heart I praise You for this wondrous life of continuous prayer, continuous fellowship, continuous answers, and continuous oneness with Him who lives to pray forever! Father keep me abiding and walking in the presence of Your glory, so that my prayer may be the spontaneous expression of my life with 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
0 Comments
Are You A Burden Bearer?…Carrying Someone’s Burden (Galatians 6:2)
Galatians 6:2, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” There is no shortage of people in need. Have you ever been so busy in life that you missed the opportunity to do something big in the life of another? We all need help and we are all helpers—that’s part of being human. But what does it look like to help each other well? The people who help best are people who both need help and give help—being able to share their burdens and to bear the burdens of others. In many cities in the Middle East, carriages or carts were not allowed to enter the city gates, so porters usually had to carry heavy loads on their backs. These men were often chosen from among the poor and were forced to spend long days and nights in back-breaking labor. Often, two porters would walk side-by-side and take turns relieving each other. So when Jesus told those who were “heavy-laden” to come to Him for rest, it was a clear illustration of an everyday struggle (Matthew 11:28). When Paul encouraged the Galatian church to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2), it was more than a spiritual truth, it was a way for Christians to practically live out their faith. The word burden comes from the Greek "baros." It carries the idea of being "weighty or hard to bear." The word bear means to "support or carry." Many times people have burdens that are simply too much for them to bear alone. To carry each other’s burdens includes helping people in times of sickness, sorrow, concerns, problems, difficult responsibilities, and financial stress. It involves praying earnestly for people as well as helping to meet their needs in tangible, practical ways. To carry another’s burden is a godly quality (Psalm 55:22; I Peter 5:7). Solomon explains that two are better than one. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.” Just helping someone bear his load goes a long way. Sometimes that is all a person needs in order to get back in fellowship with the Lord. Helping others bear their load is a major part of the ministry of restoration. Walking alongside someone who is going through hardship means making time for that person, maybe at a child’s ball game, or at church, or over coffee, or during a small group meeting. It means having conversations that go beneath the surface, hearing what’s on his or her heart, and praying for and together with the person. As people who are needed, we can ask to hear our friend’s story. The better you know other people, the more you enjoy, appreciate, pray with, and love them. And the more you love them, the more they will invite you into their lives in times of hardship. Problems are complex, and there will be times when limits to our human gifts, abilities, and experience create the need for co-helpers. Maybe today you can do something to help lighten someone’s load. Think of someone who is hurting in your church or your community and think of a way you can do something practical that will help them. Bearing other’s burdens is sometimes more than kind words and sweet notes. It’s rolling up your sleeves and doing something positive to affect their lives. If we are not willing to help others with their problems, then we have no one to whom we can minister. I want to encourage you today to be sensitive to the needs of others who are around you. When you go to church, go to work, or even spend time with your family and friends, ask the Holy Spirit to help you see when people are carrying too much by themselves. If you discern that they are burdened, go to them and ask, “How can I pray for you today? What is happening in your life?” God may use you to bring real relief and freedom into someone’s situation. Perhaps just providing a listening ear is all that is needed to help that person get through his or her dilemma. On the other hand, if an overwhelming problem, weakness, habit, or sin is pressing down on your life, you need to be humble enough to say, “Hey, I need someone to pray with me! This is too much for me to do completely by myself!” It may be difficult for you to open your heart and reveal your need, but it will be far more difficult for you to carry it alone until you eventually become emotionally devastated by that burden. As brothers and sisters in the Lord, we need to do everything we can to step deeply into people’s lives in order to encourage and refresh them spiritually and to help them get through their problems. When we see someone struggling, we must be bold enough to ask that person how we can help! When we work together as a body in this way, every need will be addressed and met! 1. Have there been situations in your life when you thought you might break under the weight you were trying to carry by yourself? When that happened, did anyone come to you and ask how he or she might help or pray for your needs? 2. Have you ever gone to others to see how you could help them through the situations they were enduring? Or have you been too self-consumed to remember that other people have needs, too? 3. Do you know of individuals you should check on today to see what you can do to help them through a situation they are facing? In what ways can you be a strength or an encouragement to them? Prayer, Lord, I am asking You to help me be sensitive to the needs of other people. Help me to stop being so self-consumed with my own concerns that I am negligent in recognizing the needs of people around me who need help and prayer. Holy Spirit, help me see through the masks people tend to wear to cover up what is really happening in their lives. Give me the wisdom to know how to approach people who need strength and encouragement. I pray this in Jesus’ name! Amen. If this post has blessed you in any way, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com 2 Thoughts Concerning the Pastor’s Life.
II Timothy 2:15, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Effective ministry consists not of fads or gimmicks, but of faithfully preaching the truth; and faithful preaching requires great personal discipline and sacrifice. “2 Thoughts Concerning the Pastor’s Life.” I. A Dedicated Sanctified Life The Man of God Must Be:
The books of I and II Timothy and Titus deal with the pastor and the work of pastoring. The word “thyself” appears six times in I Timothy, two times in II Timothy, and once in Titus. In total, the word appears eight times. The number eight is the number of new beginnings, and these eight things could cause a new beginning for any man of God. A good text would be, “What to do with Yourself.”
II. A Devoted Study Life A pastor must have a desire to study. He must be a student of the Bible. Paul commands Timothy to Study (II Timothy 2:15). There are two ways to read and study the Bible. These two study methods must go together to build the believer's life. 1. There is Diligent Study. This is a consistent, daily, and prayerful reading of God's Word while allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to us through the Bible as we read. This type of study is important and must be maintained. However, we must go beyond simple devotional reading in our Bible study. The Christian who studies the Bible must be a workman (II Timothy 2:15). Bible study requires effort. It takes work to dig the riches out of God's Word. But is a delightful work. David said, “Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word” (Psalm 119:148). The word prevent used here means "to precede or hasten." Early and preceding the watchman's awaking cry, David wakes up and gets into the Word of God. A workman of the word must be diligent, digging deep into the riches of the Bible. 2. There is a Delightful Study. Our text states that a pastor who stays in the Word of God will be a workman “that needeth not to be ashamed” (II Timothy 2:15). Many have been shamed by sin and situations that are contrary to the Bible's teaching because of their failure in this matter of Bible study. However, Bible study is a delight to the soul. David said of the blessed man, “His delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night” (Psalm 1:2). He can't get enough of it! He delights in it! Such a Christian “shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” (Psalm 1:3). A tree planted by the river has a constant supply of water and is stronger and more fruitful than a tree planted in a drier place. Those who are planted by the river of God's Word need never worry about the dry seasons. The droughts of this world have no effect on the pastor who delights in God's Word. “Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction” (Psalm 119:92). David, through all his trials and tribulations, stayed by the Word and, as a result, experienced victory. The river of God's Word never runs dry, and a tree planted there will be permanent and productive. If this post has blessed you in any way, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Fear Not! (Psalm 56:3-4)
Nothing comes into your life but what Almighty God allows. Sometimes He says, “I will let her go through that. She will draw upon My strength.” God may also say, “No. I will not allow that. It will overwhelm him. He is not ready.” Nothing comes into your life that God doesn’t already know about. And since He is with you, you don’t have to fear. Can fear be avoided entirely? Probably not. But Scripture gives us an alternative plan that prepares against and responds to fear. Psalm 56:3 says, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” God's Word gives us hope when we find ourselves overtaken by fear. Instead of staggering in it, we can put our trust in Him. We can deliberately turn away from fear and toward the Lord. Many have sought refuge in the Lord in their times of fear. In 1947, missionaries Dick and Margaret Hillis settled with their four children by the Mule River in the Honan province of China. Nearby, a mission church swelled with nearly a thousand Chinese every Sunday. It would have been a happy time but for the impending war between Chiang kai-Shek and the forces of Mao Tse-tung. One day, Nationalist Captain Hwang urgently told Dick, "The Communists are marching on the Mule River Market. You better take your family and flee." It was too late, however. The Communists had blown up all the railroad bridges. That evening the Hillis family heard the first shots and soon the battle raged around them. There was no sleep as they spent the night in prayer. The city soon fell, and the streets were filled with a swarm of Communist troops. Then a new danger arose. Captain Hwang, outside the city walls, was lobbing shells at the Communist soldiers. The bombing reached a crescendo one night as each shell dropped closer to the Hillis home. The house next door exploded into flames and splinters, killing all that lived within it. It appeared that the Hillis home would be obliterated next. The family huddled together in the corner as another shell exploded shooting dirt, glass, and bricks through the windows and walls. The house trembled and quaked as the bombs exploded. The children screamed and were momentarily deafened by the explosions. The family prepared for death when suddenly the shelling stopped. The family emerged from the corner into a room that was filled with debris, but no one was hurt. Dick tucked the children into bed that night. When he knelt by Margaret Anne, he noticed a dirty scrap of paper stuffed under her pillow. On it was printed in big, childlike letters these words: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." During her nights of terror in China, little Margaret was learning to be still and rest in God's care in her time of fear. God wants us to do the same. David confronted his fear with unwavering trust in the Lord, and by praising the Lord for the reliability of His Word. David cried out, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee”. He knew the antidote to fear. It is trusting God. When fear grips our heart, the escape is to trust Him. “In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.” Taking God at His Word is the essence of trust. David, no doubt, reflected upon the promises of God’s deliverance which he found in the Word. David praised God’s Word and he was not afraid what men might try to do to him. His trust was in God and in His Word. David had nothing to fear. God's Word gives many reasons why we need not fear. Here are a few of those reasons. 1. He is our Safekeeper—The Lord will protect us. (II Kings 6:16) 2. He is our Shadow—God is with us and will bless us. (Genesis 26:24; Isaiah 43:1-3) 3. He's on our Side—God is on our side. (Psalm 118:6) 4. He does Significant things—Great things God will do. (Joel 2:21) 5. He is our Soldier—The Lord helps fight our enemies. (Deuteronomy 20:3-4) 6. He is our Spouse—Our Maker is our husband. (Isaiah 54:4-5) 7. He is Stable—God will not fail or forsake us. (I Chronicles 28:20) 8. He is Steadfast—The Lord is consistent. He changes not. (Malachi 3:5-6) 9. He is our Strength—The Lord will strengthen and help us in weakness. (Isaiah 41:10) 10. He has Superiority over Death—There is life beyond the grave. The Lord has conquered death. (Revelation 1:17-18) 11. He is our Supplier—God supplies our needs. (I Kings 17:13; Philippians 4:19) 12. His Surveillance is Upon Us—God watches over us and cares for us. (Matthew 10:30-31) Prayer, Father, I confess that sometimes my fears reveal I’m not trusting You as I know I should, but trusting in something or someone else instead. Thank You for reminding me just how fragile everything else is compared with You. Thank You for never leaving or forsaking me. Thank You for never letting me down and always proving Yourself trustworthy. Help me learn to trust You increasingly and banish fears from my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen. If this post has blessed you in any way please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com God is Good…All the Time (Genesis 39:19-23) – Part 2
Genesis 39:19-23, “And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled. And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison. But the Lord was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the Lord was with him, and that which he did, the Lord made it to prosper.” Joseph continued to trust God and to seek His glory, and give Him the glory for what He had done (Genesis 41:14-16). Ultimately, this moment was not about Joseph; it was about God. Joseph found favor with God, and gave God the glory whether he was in prison or the palace. Likewise, as believers, we must stand firm on the Word of God and always seek God’s glory. Therefore, we are to submit to God’s plan even when we cannot understand it (Isaiah 55:8-9). We are to believe in the God of the promise even when it is difficult to believe in the promise of God. Because God is faithful and sovereign, we live with full trust in Him, knowing that even when obstacles appear to prevent His mission, He may use those very obstacles as part of His plan to bring glory to His Son. Potiphar had Joseph thrown in prison “where the king’s prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.” Nevertheless, “the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.“ The keeper of the prison promoted Joseph making him a trusty. He quickly became the overseer of the prison. The keeper thus entrusted Joseph with oversight of the entire prison, “because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.” Four times in Genesis 39 the Bible tells us that “the Lord was with Joseph” (Genesis 39:2-3, 21, 23). Because Joseph honored God, God honored him. God promises to guide those who honor and depend on him completely in everything they do (Proverbs 3:5-7). All things were working together for good. God had a greater plan for Joseph and his family. Being in prison was part of the preparation of that plan. Joseph foreshadowed Jesus through his experiences, highlighting God’s greatest act of redemptive reversal in Scripture. Joseph went from favored son to slave. He suffered unjustly in Potiphar’s house and in prison, but God later exalted him to a place of prominence (the second most powerful person in Egypt) allowing Joseph to save his people. Jesus humbled Himself by leaving His throne on high, taking on flesh, and coming to earth as a servant (Philippians 2:6-11). Jesus suffered unjustly at the hands of the ones He came to save, was rejected, wrongly accused, and forsaken (Matthew 27:32-56). Unlike Joseph, Jesus was not granted freedom; the sinless Saviour was crucified and buried. But on the third day, God revealed His greatest act of redemptive reversal to the world. Jesus resurrected, arose from a tomb that could not contain Him (John 20:1-18). Sin had been forgiven; death had been defeated; and Christ returned to His exalted place of glory with the Father where He now reigns for us for all eternity. Points to Ponder: God is at work even when we can’t see it. The circumstances you face today are no challenge to the power and purpose of God. Like Joseph, we might not be able to see God’s plan at any given moment, but we will see it one day. Questions to Consider: How will you respond when it is difficult to feel God’s presence or trust in Him and His promises? How can you begin to view obstacles in your life as opportunities to share Christ with others? What are some ways you can encourage one another to continue trusting in God and His promises in difficult circumstances? PRAYER: God, You are present even when I can’t see Your sovereign hand at work, nor feel Your omnipresent love. Grant me the faith to continue trusting You even in the midst of adversity and suffering, knowing that You are molding me into the image of Your Son. Help me to encourage others with the truth as they endure suffering. In Jesus name, Amen. If this post has blessed you in any way Please share this website and its articles with others www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com God is Good…All the Time (Genesis 39:19-23) – Part 1
Genesis 39:19-23, “And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; that his wrath was kindled. And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison. But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it. The keeper of the prison looked not to any thing that was under his hand; because the LORD was with him, and that which he did, the LORD made it to prosper.” Joseph had been serving Potiphar faithfully and he had caused Potiphar to prosper. He had been true to God and to his master. Potiphar had seen this. He knew Joseph’s character and his dedication to God. However, his circumstances were about to abruptly change when Potiphar’s wife falsely accused him of attacking her. Repeatedly Potiphar’s wife asked Joseph to sleep with her, but he refused every time because he was an honorable and faithful man. Even when no one was around, he fled from her temptation, but she held on to his garment and he left it in her hand. Rejected for the last time, Potiphar’s wife used the garment to falsely incriminate Joseph before her husband, so he had Joseph placed in prison. For the second time, Joseph was wronged, and again he remained dedicated to the Lord. Once again it involved his garment (Genesis 37). Now Potiphar became enraged because of Joseph’s garment his wife gave to him, along with her fictitious story. Although Joseph did what was right and fled from the temptation, he was thrown into prison. At this moment, one might expect Joseph to lash out at God, curse Him, and die. But no, there isn’t even a hint of it. Scripture tells us that Joseph continued in full obedience to the will of God. Joseph’s circumstances continued to become more difficult, but his faith in God grew. God has never promised the Christian life would be without storms. But he has promised to protect during the storms. Though Joseph was treated unjustly and his conditions worsened, his hope in God did not waver. Joseph knew that the situation he was facing was not good, but God always is. Adversity and injustice seemed to be a continual part of Joseph’s life in Egypt, but so were God’s presence and goodness. Whether in Potiphar’s house or in prison, Joseph continued serving God, accepting God’s goodness to him, and extending it to others, and God made everything Joseph did prosperous. Like Joseph, we should avoid any situation that could invite such temptations. We should avoid people and settings that could lead us to danger. And if we are being tempted to be unfaithful, we should resist. We should tell a trusted friend to keep us accountable. As much as it depends on us, “flee also youthful lusts” (II Timothy 2:22). As Christians, we need to follow the same example of Joseph. Joseph resisted her advances (Genesis 39:7) and said, “how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9) Since God extends kindness to us even when our circumstance is difficult, we should respond by showing kindness to one another, even to those who wrong us (Matthew 5:44; 7:12). When we are hurting, we tend to want to hurt others. But we need to put this desire to death, and instead, follow the path of Jesus who served others through His suffering. We need the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts, purging the sinful contempt we often have for those who persecute us, and replace it with love. Point to Ponder: · God is good even when our circumstances are difficult.
Question to Consider:
PRAYER: Father, thank You that You gave me Your Word to instruct me in my daily walk with You. I seek your wisdom that I might avoid the snares of the enemy. Help me abide in You so closely that I depend only on You and not in something that could enslave me. In Jesus’ name, Amen. If this post has blessed you in any way Please share this website and its articles with others www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Abel (Genesis 4:4; Hebrews 11:4)
Genesis 4:4, “And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering.” Hebrews 11:4, “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.” Abel, the second son of Adam and Eve, was a shepherd who had strong faith in God. His name means “breath” or “vapor” in which describes his brief life. It is a reminder as to how frail and fleeting life is (James 4:14). Abel was Adam’s second son; he was a faithful worshiper of God (John 4:24). He gave God a pleasing offering of a first-born lamb. He was killed by his older brother Cain, whose offering was not pleasing, nor accepted by the Lord. His blood cried out for vengeance to God. Faith is defined as believing God and acting on what God has said or revealed. God had revealed the way of sacrifice, and both Cain and Abel knew what God had said. Abel believed, and by faith he brought an animal sacrifice. Cain didn’t believe and decided to come his own way. Cain and his offering of the fruit of the ground were not accepted. Cain was rejected because he came his own way, not God’s way. John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh unto the Father but by me.” The Bible couldn’t say it any clearer. The only acceptable approach to God is through the Lord Jesus Christ. Abel’s offering foreshadowed the greatest offering ever made, Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. Jesus Christ was the best sacrifice offered to God. In Him is no sin (II Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; 9:14; I Peter 2:22; I John 3:5). He is absolutely holy. The shedding of the blood, which occurred in the slaying of the animal in sacrificing it, foreshadowed salvation through the blood of Christ. "Without shedding of blood is no remission" (Hebrews 9:22); "the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin" (I John 1:7); and "being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him" (Romans 5:9). The slaying of the lamb spoke convincingly of the Lamb of God "slain from the foundation of the world" (Revelation 13:8), and "the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). Cain's offering did not foreshadow Christ at all; there was no lamb, hence no blood, no Christ, no cross. When Abel brought “the firstlings of his flock” (Genesis 4:4), he was acknowledging his trust in the perfect Lamb of God who would one day be slain for sin. He knew his brother’s offering was a rebellious declaration against God. Cain exalted his own efforts at righteousness while Abel humbled himself as a sinner who needed a Saviour. Cain and Abel describe the great conflict between Satan and the Lord Jesus Christ. The first murder in the Scriptures signifies the rage of Satan and evil men crucifying Christ which led to the ultimate sacrifice of the Lord Jesus giving His life for sinners. Abel came God’s way. God’s way was the way of animal sacrifice. Abel’s sacrifice looked forward to the one Great Sacrifice that was to come in the future. Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, would go to the cross and die for the sins of the world. Abel believed God and acted on what He had said. This is what faith is all about. Abel came to God believing what He had revealed. He offered to God by faith. God’s way today is to approach Him on the basis of the one Great Offering that was pictured in Abel’s sacrifice the Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Abel’s “more excellent sacrifice” pointed to Christ, the perfect offering for sin. Jesus was “a lamb without blemish and without spot” (I Peter 1:19). The lamb slain by Abel represented the coming “Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world” John 1:29. Abel was not made perfect through his own works. It was not Abel who professed himself righteous, it was God who declared that Abel was righteous. He “was righteous” through the sacrifice of Jesus on Calvary. Abel was declared righteous by the very mouth of God because Abel, by faith, offered the one sacrifice which spoke of Jesus Christ, Who, by dying on the cross of Calvary, provided mankind with salvation. "He being dead yet speaketh." One does not stop speaking when he dies. Our lives send messages long after we have died, and it is not just what we may have on our tombstones. What decides whether your message is a good one has to do with faith. What will your life say after you have died? The truth is that your life will speak after you died by how you lived before you died. PRAYER: Help me to be a dedicated ambassador, to preach the Gospel fearlessly and ceaselessly. Give me the confidence to preach the Gospel at all times under whatever condition and make me a useful instrument to further Your Great Commission. I ask You to give me the grace to proclaim Your good news, so that other people can be saved also. Do not let me be an obstacle to evangelization, but help me to support it and to spread it further. 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 Profits of Pleasing the Lord (Proverbs 16:7)
Proverbs 16:7, “When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” A pair of Canada geese set up housekeeping on an island in a farm pond in New Jersey. Year after year, these two returned to raise their young. One summer, only one of seven eggs hatched, and the hatchling died the next day. The parents moped for days only to be faced with a new problem. From the woods by the lake, another pair of Canadian geese emerged with eight brand-new babies. For some reason, this new pair had chosen the farm pond, and woefully, the island itself, as their brood site. As they arrived on the scene, they went straight to the island ready to do battle for the rights to the location. Of course, the residents fought hard to keep what they thought was their own territory, but they could not drive the newcomers away. As night approached, the resident pair still occupied the island, except for a corner where the new pair huddled with their young, having been granted sleeping privileges. The farmer and his wife went to bed that evening wondering what the outcome of the battle would be the next day. Imagine the farmer's surprise the next morning when he looked out on the lake and saw eight baby geese swimming peacefully with not one but two parents in the lead, and two bringing up the rear. By making peace, the adult geese had not only provided double protection for the goslings, but had also provided the resident pair with babies to care for to replace the ones they had lost. In the same manner as the geese, the Lord gives us insight on what we can do to get along with people, especially our enemies. He tells us to please the Lord by the way we live. When we honor God with our lives, when we love others, including our rivals, He will make our enemies to be at peace with us. People have tried such things as flattery or bribery to appease enemies, but have failed. A genuine Christian is the most lovable personality in human life. God has a way of raising up friends for those who serve Him and do His will. God, however, can change the heart of an enemy when our ways please the Saviour. Though there are many enemies of the righteous, when our lives truly please the Lord, in due season, God will cause them to be at peace with us. God does not promise freedom from enemies. The world’s crowd never likes God’s people, but deep down in their heart, they respect those who are truly godly. Though they might persecute and mock the righteous, yet God will cause them, in due season, to respect His people. The greater principle is that God blesses the righteous. He takes care of them. Pleasing God produces peace. No effort of the United Nations can ever produce the peace that pleasing God does, yet how disinterested the nations of the world are to please the Almighty. During the Civil War, Stanton treated Lincoln with utter contempt. He called him a "low cunning clown" and "the original gorilla." He said there was no need to go to Africa to capture a gorilla when one was available in Springfield, Illinois. Lincoln, however, never retaliated. Instead, he made Stanton his war minister, believing that he was the best qualified for the office. Years later when Lincoln was killed by an assassin's bullet, Stanton looked down on his rugged face and said tearfully, "There lies the greatest ruler of men the world has ever seen." Even if our life doesn't please our enemies, we haven't lost anything. We are still pleasing God, the only One who truly matters. A righteous life disarms opposition. Albert Barnes put it this way, "Goodness has power to charm, and win, even enemies to itself." Our effort to live for God and be peacemakers will usually make us more attractive to those around us, even our enemies. They may not believe what we believe, but many of them acknowledge that we are standing for something that is good, or we have something that is special. Our patience, wisdom, diligence, kindness, and love also make a big impression on those who oppose us. When we look at the lives of Joseph in Egypt, David in Gath, or Daniel in Babylon, we find that these dedicated men reaped peace with their enemies because their ways pleased the Lord. God knew what was in the hearts of these men and He knew they were determined to please Him. Peace is created when God’s ways become man’s ways. If God does allow some persecution by our enemies, it is for our good (II Timothy 2:12), and for His glory (I Peter 4:14). God will deal with those who oppose His followers. Believers who focus on pleasing God in all of their ways can leave the fate of their enemies in the Lord’s hands. When a person strives to please the Lord, enemies find it more difficult to find fault with or to criticize him or her. One who is trying to uphold the great commandment to love others as oneself will be much more likely to win over an enemy than someone who is being rebellious or argumentative. It is the believer’s role to please the Lord, and it is God’s role to convert or convict the enemy. Questions to Consider:
Points to Ponder:
PRAYER: Father, my greatest desire is to please You in all things. Help me to resist pleasing the world rather than pleasing you. Help me to always stay close to 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 Joy of Justification (Romans 3:24)
Romans 3:24, “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” Two brothers were spending their Saturday doing their chores when the younger brother accidently knocked over a can of paint saturating most of the garage floor. When the older brother witnessed it, he told the younger brother that he would not tell their father if the younger brother mowed the lawn from then on. The younger brother was at first reluctant, but agreed. After a week, the younger brother told his older brother that he would no longer mow the lawn. The older brother was quick to remind his younger brother of their agreement and that he would go to their father immediately. The younger brother said with joy, “Fine! I have already told dad, and he forgave me.” Justification is the redemptive act of Jesus Christ at Calvary, whereby He declares the repentant and believing sinner free of all guilt, and entitled to all the blessings and responsibilities of the kingdom. Justification is that spiritual blessing whereby God removes the filthy garments of our own "good" works, pays the debt of our sins, and argues our case as defense attorney with the resulting verdict, not guilty, entirely by the grace of Jesus Christ. If the judge acquits me, who can condemn me? If the highest court in the universe has pronounced me just, who shall lay anything to my charge? God has already announced the verdict. The person who has faith in Jesus stands acquitted. Now we are declared righteous by the One to whom there is no further appeal (Romans 5). There are several reasons being justified brings a believer joy. Here are three: 1. Justification clears, or frees, us from the fear of judgment as it relates to condemnation and the penalty of death (John 3:17-18; Romans 4:3-4). When we are justified by faith, our iniquities are forgiven, our sins are covered; and it is all done by God imputing righteousness without works. Satan loves to bring our past sins up to us. He looks for opportunities to accuse us and to haunt us with our past (Revelation 12:10). He is aware if he can consume us with guilt that he can conquer our service to the Lord. We have been fully forgiven and there is no more any condemnation (Romans 8:31-39). 2. Justification cancels out our enormous debt that we would never be able to pay. Again, imputation means a debt is owed; one is unable to pay, but the debt is satisfied when another steps in and pays the account on behalf of the debtor. If you will go to the LORD and take Christ’s righteousness (which is perfect), He will accredit it to your account. So, when you stand before God!you will stand before God as though you have never sinned. Not because you’re sinless, but because of your account. 3. Justification clothes us with robes of righteousness (I Peter 2:22; II Corinthians 5:21). Jesus Christ does not only deliver us from the pollution of sin by cleansing us, but God placed your sin upon Christ on the cross. Jesus placed your sins on His account and clothed you with His righteousness so that when you stand before the Father, He will see you as justified. The Canadian Ironman competition involves a 3.8 km swim, followed by an 180 km cycle, and ending with the traditional 42 km marathon run. The Ironman competition, however, is not just a physical fitness competition, but a battle of the mind. In the race, all of a racer's self-doubts and inner demons rise to the surface, especially if a competitor doesn't know his or her own strengths and weaknesses. Among the mental tricks that help competitors when the "babble" comes up is known as "treeing." If a negative thought comes up it is often hard to switch it to a positive. The competitors run up to trees, touch it and thus, give the negative emotions to the tree. The "babble" settles down and they are able to continue on. When we become a Christian, we "tree" our sin. We touch the cross and the Saviour that hung there; giving Him our sin and guilt, and taking from Him His righteousness. God is a holy God. He hates sin with infinite hatred. He will not look upon the smallest sin with the least bit of allowance, but God is also a God of pardoning love. He stands ready to pardon the vilest sinner. He is always calling to men and women who have sinned. “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” (Isaiah 55:7). There are those that think they have sinned too deeply to ever find pardon, but it is not so. There is no depth of sin to which a person can go to where God, in His loving mercy, won’t abundantly pardon that person if they’ll acknowledge their guilt of sin and turn to the Lord by faith for forgiveness. Prayer: LORD, thank You for being the God that justifies. Thank You for Your gift of forgiveness of all my sins. Help me to live like someone who is truly clean and forgiven! 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
May 2024
Categories |