This is PART 4 of the 5 PART Series titled “Lessons on Finding and Fulfilling God’s Will”.
Lessons on Finding & Fulfilling God’s Will (Proverbs 19:20-21) – PART 4 3. God uses godly counsel to instruct us. Proverbs 19:20-21, “Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.” A young couple took their car out for a Sunday ride one afternoon. While driving on a country road the car’s engine suddenly died. The young man got out to look at the car, but to his frustration, he didn’t have any idea what to do to get it running again. An older man passing by stopped and offered to help with the car, but the young driver didn’t seem interested. So, Henry Ford, the maker of that car, went on his way and the wise advice and help he could easily have given was never received. Too often, we’re tempted to think, “I don’t want anyone’s input! I’ve already got my mind made up. I already know what I want to do. If I ask for advice, someone might tell me my plan is a bad idea”. The foolish person doesn’t seek or listen to counsel from others before making an important decision. Don’t be indecisive—or decisive on your own. Below are three Scriptures and regarding heeding wise counsels and the consequences of refusing them: Proverbs 11:14, “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Fools think they don’t need advice, while wise men seek counsel. Without sound counsel, failure is likely. Likewise, multiple counselors give further insight. Proverbs 12:15, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” Fools do not take criticism well. They buck when corrected. They tend to be proud and self-righteous. The wise person will listen to criticism and correction. Proverbs 13:20, “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” It’s been said, “We will become like the books we read, the movies we watch, the friends we keep, and the media we listen to.” The company we keep does influence us. Bad company corrupts good character. Those who run with fools will eventually be destroyed by their sin (I Corinthians 15:33; Psalm 1:1). A great problem existing today is that many people lack wisdom.
Advice is all around us. We're constantly bombarded with advice. Yet what advice we heed makes a vital difference in our lives. The Bible says much on the subject of counsel, and places a priority on the voice to whom you listen. Be so careful with whose advice you follow and make sure any choice you make follows God's commands. Remember that even one bit of heeded bad advice can take you off God's path for your life. Psalm 16:7, “I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.” Proverbs 15:22, “Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellers they are established.” Proverbs 24:6, “For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellers there is safety.” People can learn wisdom in three ways: 1. From the Bible - This way is the BEST way. 2. From the mistakes of others - This way is a GOOD way. 3. From your own mistakes- The WORST way. Those who admit they do not know everything and seek godly counsel protect themselves from destruction. Many of the decisions that we make each day are determined by the advice we receive; may we choose to regard wise counsel. Much of the course of our lives is determined by the input we get when making decisions and whether we heed wise counsel when we receive it. Refusing to listen to godly counsel places us on a pathway to destruction. Each of us have a heart that is deceitful and subject to being deceived. For this reason, counsel is important so that we can evaluate the situation and respond from a Biblical perspective. When we try to learn from those who do not have knowledge and wisdom, we end up worse off than we were when we started. Those who learn from fools will simply become more foolish. Bob Jones Sr. said, “Education without God makes men clever devils.” There is no source of true wisdom apart from God. When we seek the Lord’s counsel, He promises to bless. But when we attempt to handle matters ourselves, our purposes are disappointed. Are you in a difficult situation right now? Commit the matter to God. God is faithful, and faithful He will forever be! Points to Ponder: It’s no mistake God has placed wise people in your life. You must decide to listen and learn from their counsel. Listen and learn from those who are instructing you in godly wisdom. Questions to Consider: Who are the wise, trustworthy advisers in your life? Who are the solid Christians who want what’s best for you? Who do you listen to for counsel and advice? Are they living to glorify God, or is their advice based on selfish motives? Who cares more about what God wants for you than what you selfishly want? Advisers don’t indulge you; they instruct you. PRAYER: Lord God, thank You for the godly people that You have allowed to come into my life. Help me to walk in Your instructions and live a life pleasing unto You. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. Thank you for reading PART 4 of the 5 PART Series titled “Lessons on Finding and Fulfilling God’s Will”. Please visit this website tomorrow for Part 5. If this post has blessed you in any way please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com
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This is PART 3 of the 5 PART Series titled “Lessons on Finding and Fulfilling God’s Will”.
Lessons on Finding & Fulfilling God’s Will (I Corinthians 2:12) – PART 3 The Bible is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. There are times when we need the specifics. There are times when we need to know the direction where to take the next step. There are times when we need the exact name of the place to go. There are some things in life that we will not discover any other way than the Holy Spirit teaching them to us through personal study of and the preaching of God’s Word. The Lord uses the Scriptures and His Spirit to guide, fill, and accomplish the Father’s will in the believer’s life. This is where the Holy Spirit of God illuminates a specific Scripture and makes it speak directly to the need of the moment and He gives us peace concerning the matter. 2. God uses His Spirit to instruct us. “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.” (I Corinthians 2:12). We are instructed to follow the Spirit of God (Romans 8:14; John 16:13). Jesus didn’t leave us here as orphans. He gave us the Holy Spirit to be with us forever (John 14:16–18, 26). The Holy Spirit is always present to give guidance in our lives. The Holy Spirit not only influences us to seek God’s way, but He leads us into all truth, and teaches us the things we ought to know (I John 2:27). John is not saying that we do not need a teacher. One of the gifts of the Spirit is the “gift of teaching”. He is saying the Holy Spirit will give you an anointing whereby you will be able to understand all truth. God will never tell you to do something contrary to His Word. Sometimes God, in His grace, uses results to give us an undeserved second chance. At times we run ahead of God in a decision and bypass the will of God due to our impatience. Results have a way of bringing us up short, informing us abruptly that we have lost our way. They are like the rude awakening experienced by the driver who suddenly discovers that the unfinished expressway has ended. Immediately he realizes how foolish he has been to drive around that warning sign encountered earlier. This can be a manifestation of God's grace, for in many cases, we can return to the point where the wrong decision was made and begin again. We still lose time, but God mercifully allows us to return to the right road of His will. God may also show His grace by closing a door in our face which otherwise would have led to disaster. Although, we often get frustrated when this occurs, we should give thanks. God does not continually run around slamming doors to protect us from our own foolishness or disobedience. God knows that often a burn on the hand or a good spanking teaches a mischievous child far more effectively than a thousand artificial roadblocks. Of course, such roadblocks will not be needed if we are sincere and obedient before God. Many people claim to want the Holy Spirit’s guidance, but they fail to be obedient to His Word and follow the Holy Spirits leading. Yet these are the very tools the Spirit of God uses to guide us. If you’re not willing to follow the leading of the Scriptures, then you’re not giving the Spirit much to work with. A park ranger at Yellowstone National Park was leading a group of hikers to a fire lookout. The ranger was so intent on telling the hikers about the flowers and animals that he considered the messages on his two-way radio distracting, so he switched it off. As the group neared the tower, the ranger was met by a nearly breathless lookout, who asked why he hadn’t responded to the messages on his radio. A grizzly bear had been seen stalking the group, and the authorities were trying to warn them of the danger. Any time we tune out the Holy Spirit or ignore the warnings of the Bible, we put ourselves and those around us in danger. If you insist on deciding against God’s Word and wise counsel, then the results will be entirely your own fault. God desires to speak to you through His Word and by His Spirit. The Holy Spirit seeks to guide us to greater blessings if we will listen to His leading. If you aren't in tune with God and daily walking in His Spirit, you can miss His leading. As a Christian, your life is guided by the Holy Spirit's work in your life, but if you aren't careful, you can often tune out God's leading. Questions to Consider: Are you daily listening to the Spirit's leading? Are you reading God's Word and attentively listening to it being preached? Points to Ponder: Keep a tender heart to God's work and follow whatever direction He leads you. You'll never go wrong by following the Holy Spirit. PRAYER: Lord God, Your Spirit leads me. Help me to rely on Your Spirit, Who is always with me. May Your will be done on earth and in my life, I pray in the name of Jesus, the light of the world, amen. Thank you for reading PART 3 of the 5 PART Series titled “Lessons on Finding and Fulfilling God’s Will”. Please visit this website tomorrow for Part 4. If this post has blessed you in any way please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com This is PART 2 of the 5 PART Series titled “Lessons on Finding and Fulfilling God’s Will”.
Lessons on Finding & Fulfilling God’s Will – PART 2 God has a plan and design for your life. You are not a leaf that fell by chance to be scattered by the wind. Scripture says the steps of a good man are “ordered” by the Lord (Psalm 37:23). Much of the will of God is wrapped up in becoming the Christian we ought to be. If are being the Christian we should be, we will be doing what we should do and end up where we ought to end up. Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” If you have ever had trouble determining God’s will for your life, you’re not alone. How in the world do we know what God wants? To know God’s will, we must totally surrender to God’s will. Too often, our tendency is to make God’s decision for Him. When we walk, we do so because we are headed somewhere. That is direction. God has promised to instruct us and guide us in the way we should go. That guidance is by His very omniscient eye. He who knows all and sees all knows far better than we the path to take. We should never go to God with options and expect Him to choose one of our preferences. When we go to Him, we should approach Him with empty hands—no hidden agendas, no crossed fingers, nothing behind our back. Go to Him with a willingness to do whatever He says. If you surrender your will, then He will “make you perfect in every good work to do his will…” Hebrews 13:21 How do we receive this direction from the Lord?
A light on a path simply shows us the direction in which we are going, but a lamp shows us the next step. A light, no matter how bright, will not show us all the twists and turns ahead on the road, but it will give us a general sense of direction. Notice: That is what the Bible does. It lights the sinners path to Christ; it lights the Christians path to glory. Proverbs 4:18, “But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” Psalm 37:23, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” Psalm 119:101, “I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.” Psalm 133, “Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.” Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 16:9, “A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.” When we follow the guidance of Scriptures, we will never get off track. The only way to guarantee that we do not go off track is to have the truth that will guide us. Just as a compass can guide us through dark and uncharted paths, God’s Word can guide us through uncertain and difficult circumstances. Therefore, we must simply trust it over our feelings, over our own wisdom, and over contrary advice others may give us. Because the Bible is inspired by God, it is without error, and we can always trust it. The Bible does not unroll the whole map of life before us. If it did, we would be too scared because we would see the tests, trials, and deep dark valleys along the way. God did not begin with Abraham by asking him to give up his son, but he did by asking him to give up his father. Years later he asked him to offer up his son. Keep a list of particular passages that have given you direction. The Scriptures help you see where your feet are standing and where the path leads. God may not show you miles ahead on the path, but He’ll show you the next step. God does not give roadmaps, but, as you follow Him, He will reveal His will unto you. In the wilderness wanderings, He used a pillar of cloud by day and fire at night (Exodus 13:21). PRAYER: Lord, Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Thank You that You don’t leave me in the dark alone. You give me light. Your Word instructs me. Help me to follow Your Word. May Your will be done on earth and in my life, In Jesus name I pray, AMEN! Thank you for reading PART 2 of the 5 PART Series titled “Lessons on Finding and Fulfilling God’s Will”. Please visit this website tomorrow for Part 3. If this post has blessed you in any way please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com This is PART 1 of the 5 PART Series titled “Lessons on Finding and Fulfilling God’s Will”.
Lessons on Finding & Fulfilling God’s Will – PART 1 Ephesians 5:17, “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the LORD is.” One of the most common questions people ask me, “What is God’s will for my life?” The reality is that all of us need guidance and direction, and that is why God has given us His Word and the Holy Spirit to help apply it to our circumstances and decisions. No one has ever gone wrong by following the Bible’s instructions. The reason is because the Bible is an infallible guide for our life, containing all that we need to please God. It is the Word of God that makes us wise (Proverbs 2:6). The Christian will never do the will of God until they understand what God's will is. So many people have missed the will of God because they do not know the Word of God. There are a lot of good books out there and I enjoy reading good books, however, no other book can do what the Bible does. The Bible is:
Many today seem to believe that it is impossible to fully know the will of God. They appear to think that if someone isn't able to reveal God's will for their lives then they will never know or understand it. Paul says we are to have understanding. The word understanding is defined by Webster as, comprehending; apprehending the ideas or sense of another, or of a writing; learning or being informed. The believer must understand what God's will is. We are faced with situations daily, therefore, we need to know wisdom and how to apply it to our lives. God's will is available and it is understandable. However, we must look in the right places if we are to find and understand it. It is our obligation to obtain that understanding and live by it. All believers are responsible to pray for and seek the will of God in their lives. The best choices we can make are the wise choices. We make wise choices by understanding what the will of the Lord is by seeking God’s view on a matter. God's will is found within His Word. If you want to be wise concerning the will of God, seek His will within His Word. God has certain things He wants to accomplish in the world. God has certain things He wants to achieve in our lives. God has certain precepts He wants us to live by so that we can get the most out of life. God has certain ways He wants us to relate to others. God has certain responses He wants us to make to the crises of life. All of these things can be summarized in the one phrase: "the Lord's will." What is God’s will for my life? Am I even traveling on the right path? When I come to a fork in the road, which choice should I make? How do I receive this direction from the Lord? Here are three ways the Lord instructs us in the way that He is leading us. 1. God uses His Word to instruct us. 2. God uses His Spirit to instruct us. 3. God uses godly counsel to instruct us. On an overcast night, a ship was fighting rough seas as it approached the narrow entrance to a harbor. To the inexperienced passenger, the chances of finding and navigating the path to safety seemed remote at best. The slightest miscalculation could result in disaster. The captain, calm and relaxed, was asked by the nervous passenger, “Captain, Sir, how do you know when to guide the ship into the harbor entrance?” The captain pointed to the random dots of light on the dark shore. 'Do you see those three brightest lights there on the land?' The passenger looked, then nodded. 'I have learned,' continued the captain, 'to steer my ship parallel to the shore until those three lights all line up as one. When the three lights agree, then I know that I can guide my ship safely into the narrow entrance of the harbor.” So, it is with God's will. When you have agreement among the three lights of God's Word, godly counsel, and the inward witness of the Holy Spirit, you can proceed with confidence. Sure, other road signs may add support, but those three are essential. If one of those signs does not agree with the others, you should assume that something is wrong. If, for instance, you feel that the Spirit is prompting you, and that circumstances are positive, but your course of action violates God's Word, you can be certain that it is not God's will. Obeying this principle will save you great heartache and bring confidence into your decision making. It is exciting to watch God's Word, circumstances, and the inward witness slowly move into perfect alignment. With such agreement, there is certainty that you have found the narrow entrance into God's perfect individual will. PRAYER, Lord God, thank You that Your will for my life is not a mystery. Please forgive me for resenting and resisting Your attempts to change me. I choose now to cooperate fully with Your desire to transform me. Anything You want to teach me, I am willing to learn. Anything You want to change in me, I am available to receive. Thank You for loving me enough to make me more and more like Jesus, in whose name I pray, Amen. Thank you for reading PART 1 of the 5 PART Series titled “Lessons on Finding and Fulfilling God’s Will”. Please visit this website tomorrow for Part 2. If this post has blessed you in any way please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com God's Tool Kit for Perfection (Ephesians 4:12-13)
Ephesians 4:12-13, “For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” Many of you have a tool bag in your house or car. It may contain a ratchet kit, screw drivers, a hammer, wrench, or chisel. The question is, "Why?" What is its purpose? Most of us would say, "I have one to fix, repair, or maintain what is broken or to install or build something that is needed or wanted." When we use tools to work on a project, we normally try to bring the project, the repairs, or the installation to completion. The tools in the hand of the craftsmen bring about the changes that are sought. The car runs better, the door opens smoother, the bicycle can be ridden, the tree house is a castle, and the kids can swing on the swing set. The tool kit comes in handy for a variety of problems and projects. God has a tool kit for your perfection. This means being spiritually mature and spiritually equipped. In Ephesians 4:12, the phrase "perfecting of the saints" refers to the believer being equipped, repaired, mended, or strengthened. In Ephesians 4:13, the phrase "perfect man" refers to one who is spiritually mature or complete. There is both unity and diversity in the body of Christ. Our diverse roles and abilities are for the purpose to enrich and bless the church. Paul shows us how the church, with all of its glorious diversity, functions in a healthy way. Imagine the Master Carpenter’s tools holding a conference. Each tool sees issues and errors in one another rather than seeing the potential in unity. One tool complains about Brother Hammer and says, “He is so disruptive to our work. He’s got to be heard. He’s too noisy”. Bro Hammer responds and says of Brother Screwdriver, “He is so confusing. You have to turn him around and around to get anything accomplished.” Brother Screwdriver responds and says of Brother Plane, “There’s no depth to his work. It’s always on the surface."Brother Plane responds and says of Brother Ruler, “He’s constantly measuring people as if he were the only one who’s right." Brother Ruler says of Brother Sandpaper, “He ought to leave too, because he’s so rough and abrasive. He’s always rubbing people the wrong way.” Brother Sandpaper says of Brother Saw, “Every time he works, he leaves a big mess on the floor. He can’t make his mind up if he wants to go forwards or backwards”. Brother Saw says of Brother Blade, “He has a very sharp and cutting personality.” Brother Blade says of Brother Level, “He always tends to blame others for being crooked and unbalanced.” Brother Blade says of Brother Clamp, “He is always so uptight and never seems to be relaxed.” Brother Clamp says of Brother Drill, “He comes along and sticks his long penetrating nose into other people's business.” In the midst of all this discussion, in walks the Carpenter of Nazareth. He has arrived to start His day’s work. Putting on His apron, He goes to the bench to make a pulpit from which to proclaim the Gospel. Every day He uses all of His available tools. After the day’s work is done, when the pulpit is finished, the tools observe and understand that they are all workers together. I believe this is a good description of spiritual gifts in the body of Christ. Christ has followers from every corner of the globe, each with God-given spiritual abilities to accomplish His work. Only as each member yields to the Holy Spirit can God use our diverse gifts to accomplish His work in the world. I hope and pray you’re ready to work today. Prayer: Lord, teach me how to love others as Christ loved others. Keep me from doing anything out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Help me see the importance of humility of the heart, so that I will consider others before myself. Help me to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace in my home, my church, and my community. May I diligently seek after all those things that are well-pleasing in Your sight, so that I may live in unity one with others. In Jesus name I pray. Amen. If this post has blessed you in any wayplease share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com One Way (John 10:9)
John 10:9, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” The famous magician and escape artist, Houdini, could get out of any set of handcuffs, or any straight jacket that was ever placed upon him. In fact, he could release himself from almost any enclosure in less than one minute. Only once did Houdini fail. That incident occurred when he was touring the British Isles. Arriving at a small town, he agreed to demonstrate his ability by escaping from the local jail. The cell door was so ordinary looking that he smiled at the simplicity of the task. When given the signal, he used his terrific speed and agility to try to pick the lock. Unfortunately, he was unable to pick that lock. In frustration, he frantically tried every device he knew to pick the door, but nothing happened. He worked feverishly for two more hours, but to no avail. Finally, being completely exhausted, he fell against the door and lamented in defeat. Immediately, however, the door sprang open. His frustration had been due to the fact that the door had never been locked at all. The key truth is that Jesus is the door to salvation. There is no other way. Because of Jesus, we have access to God. How frequently, by a similar strategy, Satan had deceived poor sinners who are seeking to find a way to open the door of God's salvation. People work, cry, fret, sweat, and pray, trying in every way possible to bring release to their captive souls. Yet, it is only when sinners fall exhausted from their own efforts, and rest against "The Door," the Lord Jesus Christ, that they find the immediate release they so desperately seek. There are no alternatives and no options to salvation—it must come through Jesus Christ. God's salvation is available only through faith in His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). Those who except Jesus will be “saved” from the eternal consequences of sin (spiritual death and separation from God) and will experience a personal and never-ending relationship with God. As a result, they will have all they need to serve God’s purposes and experience victory over sin, guilt and condemnation. John 14:6, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” A traveler engaged a guide to take him across a desert area. When the two men arrived at the edge of the desert, the traveler, looking ahead, saw before him trackless sands without a single footprint, path, or marker of any kind. Turning to his guide, he asked in a tone of surprise, "Where is the road?" With a reproving glance, the guide replied, "I am the road." So, too, is the Lord our way through unfamiliar territory. He is the way! He is the only way to God. There is no other way. “For there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Dear friend, if you want to go to the Father’s house, to Heaven, you must come through “the Door”, the Lord Jesus. He is the only way! There was one small opening in the shepherd's sheep pen. To enter it, you had to remove any obstructions or hindrances. The shepherd literally became the door of the pen, protecting the sheep from wolves and from straying away. Our Lord is the door to Heaven. There is no other way. If you want to enter the sheepfold of Heaven, the obstructions such as our own righteousness or sinfulness must be removed. There was one door into the sheep pen, one door into Noah's Ark, one way into the Temple, and there is one way to have access to God and be saved. Christ is the door. Jesus is the only door that leads to salvation. Jesus is the only door that opens to salvation, security, serenity, and satisfaction. He is the only door that allows the sheep to go in and out. If a man could "go in and out" without difficulty or danger, it meant he was safe and secure. Jesus brings to the believer safety and security, and serenity. Jesus is the only door that opens to healthy and lasting nourishment. He is the only door that leads to the true pasture, the pasture that has the living stream flowing through it and the pasture that has the living food in it. His pasture alone can restore, reassure the soul, and give eternal life. Jesus Christ is standing knocking at the door of our lives, waiting. He is standing at the door, not pushing it; speaking to us, not shouting. He is the architect; He designed it. He is the builder; He made it. He is the landlord; He bought it with His life-blood. It is His by right of plan, construction, and purchase. We are only tenants in a house which does not belong to us. He could put His shoulder to the door; He prefers to put His hand to the knocker. He could command us to open to Him or He could issue orders. He will not force an entry into anybody’s life; instead, He merely invites us to do so. PRAYER: Father in Heaven, Thank You for Jesus, Who laid down His life for me so that I might live with You forever. 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 The Importance of Growth (Psalm 119:17-24)
Many years ago, little a 12 year old boy who lived far out in the country, had never, in all of his life, seen a circus. You can imagine his excitement when one day a poster went up at school announcing that on the next Saturday a traveling circus was coming to the nearby town. He ran home with the glad news and the question, "Daddy, can I go?" Although the family was poor, the father sensed how important this was to the lad. "If you do your Saturday chores ahead of time," he said, "I'll see to it that you have the money to go." Come Saturday morning, the chores were done and the little boy stood by the breakfast table dressed in his best. His father reached down into the pocket of his overalls and pulled out a dollar bill, the most money the little boy had possessed at one time in all his life. The father cautioned him to be careful and then sent him on his way to town. The boy was so excited he skipped all the way to town. As he neared the outskirts of town, he noticed people lining the streets, and he worked his way through the crowd until he could see what was happening. Lo and behold, what was approaching into town was the circus’ parade! The parade was the grandest thing this boy had ever seen – it was majestic! Caged animals snarled as they passed, bands beat their rhythms and sounded shining horns, midgets performed acrobatics while flags and ribbons swirled overhead. Finally, after everything had passed where he was standing, the traditional circus clown, with floppy shoes, baggy pants, and a brightly painted face, brought up the rear. As the clown passed by, the little boy reached into his pocket and took out that precious dollar bill. Handing the money to the clown, the boy turned around and went home. What had happened? The boy thought he had seen the circus when he had only seen the parade! The psalmist wanted a long life, and if the psalmist had a long life and lives, he would be able to honor God by keeping His Word for a long time. The danger of not knowing the Word of God is very great, so the psalmist prayed for God to not keep His Word from the him. Those who reject the Word of God err greatly. In all their rejection of the Scripture, they show they are making a big mistake regarding the Word of God. The Bible is the greatest book ever given to mankind, but the proud reject that truth and so, err greatly in their understanding about the Word of God. This portion of Psalm 119 addresses the issue of how to grow spiritually and avoid spiritual ruts and rot. It gives us principles or rudiments for ripening or growing spiritually in the Lord. As we continue to grow spiritually, we can maintain a sweet spirit in Christ and make our lives count for Him as we endeavor to serve and glorify our master, the Lord Jesus Christ, and others that are burdened and need our help. We know that salvation is just the beginning of all that God has for us. The wonders, excitement, and blessing of knowing Jesus Christ begin when we are saved, yet there is so much more to come. We have so much to look forward to. Unfortunately, many people get saved and are content only with their decision. They don't go any further in their walk with God and refuse to grow spiritually. They are like the little boy that was content with the parade and missed the circus. One of the troubling issues concerning many Christians today is their failure to growing spiritually. Many believers, after a number of years, tend to get into a rut and then they begin to spiritually rot. They become bored, bitter, and then a burden because they lose their focus of what they are supposed to be doing for the Lord Jesus Christ. We all have to make numerous decisions that determine the outcome of our lives. Some are minor, some are major; but they all are used to shape our lives. In the multifaceted world in which we live, we desperately need God’s wisdom for making sound decisions. Wisdom will not be attained if one neglects the Word of God. One should never wait until a crisis hits and then open the Bible up for some emergency guidance. God’s wisdom and direction come from a thorough knowledge of His Word, gleaned over the years as a person walks closely with Him. Being born again doesn’t automatically make one knowledgeable in the Bible. We must apply ourselves with diligence and discipline in order to learn the Word. In the process, we must be taught of God, of course. But we must also spend time and effort learning (Psalm 119:15-16, 18, 27, 33-34, 73, 78, 102, 108). With the busy lives we all lead, it takes discipline. We must make it a priority to learn the Word. When a believer ceases to grow in the Lord, often their compassion and a concern for Christ and souls is replaced with a critical, caustic, carnal spirit. Instead of being nice, they become numb, negative, and knocked out of effectiveness by sin, selfishness, and Satan. This not only happens to those in the pew, but it is possible to happen to the man that stands behind the pulpit, too. Five Scriptures Concerning Our Growth in Christ: 1. In Unity: Ephesians 4:3, Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 2. In Love: I Thessalonians 3:12, And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you. 3. In the Word of God: I Peter 2:2, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. 4. In Godly Habits: II Peter 1:5-6, And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness. 5. In Grace and Knowledge: II Peter 3:18, But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen. If this post has blessed you in any way, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Today’s devotion is an excerpt from a Bible Study Series taught at Fellowship Baptist Church, titled “Biblical Building Blocks for Strengthening Relationships.”
Biblical Building Block #13 Kind To One Another (Ephesians 4:32) Ephesians 4:32, “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” One of the many characteristics of the earthly ministry of Christ was kindness. Everything He did was done through a kind heart that sought to glorify the Lord. In reading the Scriptures, you can't help but notice the Lord's kindness on the poor, weak, sick, and less fortunate people. While some people ridiculed or avoided the poor, Christ reached out to them. When the sick was cast out of the city, Jesus went to them and healed them. His kindness was not only for the scholars, rich, or religious people; He displayed kindness to everyone He met. Jesus was kind and tenderhearted and we are to follow in His steps. The word kind means to be easy, good, pleasant, gracious, gentle, caring, courteous, or giving. Kindness carries the idea of being "disposed to do good to others, and to make them happy by granting their requests, supplying their wants or assisting them in distress; having tenderness or goodness of nature; benevolent." Kindness is any act of benevolence which promotes the happiness or welfare of others. This is speaking of a continuous action. Therefore, we are to be kind to one another every day. God’s “kindness is great toward us” and He wants His children to show that same kindness towards others. It has been said, the greatest thing a man can do for his Heavenly Father is to be kind to His other children. As God shows kindness to the “unthankful and to the evil”, so should we (Luke 6:35). Kindness has converted more sinners than zeal, eloquence, or learning. We are living in a world where being nice and well-mannered are becoming more and more rare. However, in this crude, rude world, Christians are to shine the light of kindness by being nice. It actually pays to be kind by being nice. Proverbs 11:17, The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh. People usually deal with injustices in one of three ways. 1. Some people Retreat. Have you ever met someone who was hurt by another person and withdrew from social interaction? Perhaps they sought to do right or be kind and were met with an attack. Such actions can easily cause a person to withdraw and refuse to show kindness to others. 2. Some people respond with Retaliation. Let me illustrate: A man walks into a cafe with his cell phone in one hand held to his ear and a magazine in his other hand and tells the waitress, "I want a cup of coffee and a donut, and step on it." The waitress returned with a cup of coffee and a flat donut. These are a few examples of the truth that a cruel man brings trouble on himself. Reacting with restraint shows faith that God will take care of the injustice without our involvement. While checking his bags at the airport, a man became indignant with the employee who handled luggage. For several minutes he belittled the young man and criticized his every move. Surprisingly, the curbside porter didn't seem troubled by this man's verbal abuse. After the angry man entered the airport, a woman approached the luggage handler and asked, "How do you put up with such injustice?" The young man said, "It's easy. That guy's going to San Francisco, but I'm sending his bags to San Juan Puerto Rico." Human nature often urges us to seek revenge when wronged. Retaliating feels good to our flesh. We were wronged, so we rationalize it's only fair that the other people feel our pain as well. There's something almost soothing about inflicting pain on those who wrong us. Yet God directly commands us to reject the urge to retaliate and allow Him to handle wrongdoings. 3. Some people respond with Restraint. God's desire for our reaction to injustice is through restraint. Reacting with restraint shows a level of faith that God will take care of the injustice without our involvement. God sees the injustices in your life, and even though you may not see retaliation immediately, God will have the final say in the matter. Trust Him to make right the wrongs and choose to respond in restraint. Kindness demonstrates that we have a tender heart, and that we are not absorbed by self-interest but are genuinely motivated by God’s love. The Bible tells us that God wants us to be kind and show kindness toward others. If you look around today, you will easily find people who are desperate for a kind and encouraging word—give it to them. There are people all around you who carry burdens, face difficulties, and need a touch from God. You can be His ambassador in their lives. Ask Him to show you how you can be kind to them today. So many people in our world are faced with times of intense grief and emotion. Do you know someone who's grieving right now? Grief can come in many forms: loss of a loved one, loss of a job, loss of a home, loss of a friend. Grief and emotions can hit hard in such times. As Christians, God desires for us to reach others through compassion, but perhaps no time is more important than during times of grief. When we treat people with kindness, we often open doors for them to receive a witness of the Gospel. If you know someone who's experiencing grief, take time to minister to them through kindness. Ask God to give you a way to comfort them. Send them a card, give them some flowers, prepare them a meal, offer to watch their children, send them a comforting Bible verse, pray with them, or simply spend time listening to them and grieving with them. Through God's help, seek to be a comfort to someone struggling right now. Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to treat others the way Jesus would treat them. In Jesus Name, Amen! If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Peace Rather Than Panic (Proverbs 3:25-26)
Proverbs 3:25-26, Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. 26 For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.” Many people panic when they're faced with severe problems. We can't escape many of the problems in our lives, but we have been given the ability to control our reaction to the problems we face. Our reaction to problems is much more important than the problems themselves. Two people can face the same problem—one person can react calmly with faith in God while the other person panics. The Lord is our confidence. He keeps our foot from being taken in snares and traps of the wicked. Confidence in the Lord and His Word also leads to balance or stability. He is the One that keeps our foot from being caught in a trap. There may be times that people may try to entrap or hurt you. There may be times that people may covet something you have or be jealous of you for some reason. You may have unknowingly offended them, too, and they will set out to destroy you, or try to discredit you by setting a trap. The Pharisees tried to entrap Jesus for the purpose of destroying Him. The bravest and securest men in world history were those who put their trust in the Lord.
The range of our emotions is a clear indication of maturity. Our Father wants us to learn to yield our emotions to Him. Our Father wants us to learn to react calmly to the problems we face because we trust Him to solve the problems we can't solve ourselves. Safety is not found in avoiding danger but in obeying God. People whose lives revolve around themselves believe they have to solve every problem with human ability. Our Father says we shouldn't panic when we're in the midst of the storms of life. He wants us to remain calm because we trust completely in Him (Proverbs 3:25-26). Crises and trouble do arise in life. However, for the people of God possessing godly wisdom, the command is to fear not. When we dwell in the secret place of the most High and possess godly wisdom and discretion of life, God will be our confidence and guard. He will not suffer the righteous to be moved. The wise person, the one who has embraced wisdom, which includes embracing Christ as Saviour, Who is our wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30; Colossians 2:3), does not and should not fear what the unsaved fear. Wisdom is not to fear when folly is judged. Wisdom has hope ("the Lord shall be thy confidence") that folly does not have. This hope enables wisdom not to fear. In spite of what is happening in the world, those who put their trust in God will be safe and saved. In fact, they can sweetly sleep when others are panicking and in trouble. Your relationship with God will bring strength and stability. He is the one that gives confidence or security to the believer. He is at our side. The fact that He hears the prayers of the righteous gives us serenity and hope. Where fervent prayer abounds, peace abounds. Walking with God gives you peace. Only Jesus can disarm your fear and replace it with His peace. Abraham Lincoln won the presidency of a divided country. There were four major candidates in 1860, and Lincoln only narrowly received his electoral majority. Among his harshest critics was Edwin Stanton of Ohio who opposed Lincoln’s election, calling him, among other things, the “original gorilla.” Yet Lincoln asked Stanton to serve as Secretary of War, recognizing his organizational skills were greatly needed for the war effort and being the best person for the job. When Lincoln was assassinated, Stanton said, “There lies the most perfect ruler of men the world has ever seen.” We do not have to strike back at everyone who says or does something with which we disagree. It may be temporarily satisfying, but in the end it leads to bitterness and often an escalating cycle of revenge and retaliatory actions. Love does not insist on getting even—in fact, it glories in peace. Paul wrote that love, “Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;” (I Corinthians 13:5). Many people find themselves living stress-filled lives because they do not allow love to do its work of peace. When we lack peace, we should view that as a reminder to focus on God rather than on our circumstances. Panic also stops us from hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit wants us to keep the focus on Him open. He doesn't want us to block this channel with negative emotions such as fear, worry, doubt and unbelief. We should never allow ourselves to be discouraged by the problems we face. Nothing good ever comes from discouragement. This word means lack of courage. Romans 15:5, “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus.” God’s Word instructs us how to live our lives and gives us the encouragement we must have to hold fast to God's promises, refusing to give up hope. God is in complete control of every situation. If we truly believe God is omnipotent and that He has everything under control, we'll always be calm and quiet because we'll focus continually on God instead of focusing upon the problems we face. PRAYER: Father in Heaven, help me to respond to my problems with calm, quiet confidence in the Lord instead of panicking. 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 Faith That Pleases God (Hebrews 11:6)
Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” The importance of walking by faith in the Lord is a paramount principle of the Christian life. When the Lord saved us, He also gave us a will, or purpose, for our lives. This is why it is so vital that we walk with the Lord every day. Often God asks us to take a step of faith before He shows us what He is up to. He did this with Abraham in Genesis 12. When the Lord told Abraham to leave in Genesis 12:1, he obeyed the LORD. “Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him” in Genesis 12:4. Abraham was just told to get up and get out and then God would reveal which direction he was to take. That’s faith according to II Corinthians 5:7, “For we walk by faith, not by sight”. The majority of the time, people want the whole plan revealed or laid out before them before they will even consider packing to move. Galatians 3:11, “But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.” Galatians 3:11 is actually a quote from Habakkuk 2:4. Habakkuk 2:4, “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.” Paul also quoted Romans 1:17, “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” The importance of this statement is revealed through its repetition. Hebrews 10:38, “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” Faith is a fundamental of the Christian life. Galatians 3:11 makes it clear that living by faith is a righteous thing. God wants us to live by faith. Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 makes it clear that it is impossible to please God without faith. This verse points out two paramount principles of what faith is. First, faith is believing that God is—that He exists, and that He is who the Scriptures say He is. Second, faith is trusting that God rewards those who seek Him. When we understand this, we will want to involve Him in every area of our lives. Romans 14:23 shows us the flip side of faith. Romans 14:23, “And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” Whenever we fail to exercise our faith, the end always results in negativity. The outcome is loneliness, disobedience, worry, guilt, etc. To diligently seek the LORD, Jesus tells us to:
The person who needs something and lives on their face in prayer before God (asking, seeking, and knocking) will experience God answering their need. They will be encouraged to trust God, to seek and knock even more and more. A person who has genuine faith in God will:
It is impossible to please God without faith. By faith is meant a living, active faith, a faith that knows and follows God, communes and fellowships with God. It does not matter what a person does; without faith he cannot please God. The person will never be acceptable to God nor accepted by God. Trusting in God brings blessing, while trusting in man brings curse. Sooner or later, man will always disappoint us and let us down. God is not that way. Trusting in man is like being a bush in the desert—dependent on inconsistent rain to have our needs met. Trusting in God is like being a tree planted by a continual source of water. Psalm 1:3, “And he 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.” Those who live by faith will enrich the community they have been entrusted with. It is not enough to experience blessings handed down, we must add to it. The place where you live can either become worse, remain as it is, or become better; it depends on your faith and work. POINT TO PONDER: If we are to experience the life God has for us, it will be only by faith and that means trusting Him step by step. The LORD cares for you and He desires that we believe in His existence. He wants a personal and infinite relationship with us, this can only happen through faith in His only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: In what areas of my life am I intentionally exercising the faith that pleases God? In what ways are you honoring the Lord with your life? Would you be willing to diligently pursue a deeper relationship with God and passionately desire His presence, power and purpose in your life? PRAYER: Father, thank You for the gift of faith that You give, that I can then use to trust You to do all the things that I could never do for myself, but need to have done! Guard me from thinking that anything in me could please You apart from faith. You even provide that! And thank You for Your amazing grace toward me, Lord. 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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