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Women of the Bible Series
Jochebed...God Fearing Mother (Hebrews 11:23) – PART 2 Hebrews 11:23, “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.” This passage describes both the faith of his parents and his faith. They had a faith that endured the ensnarement of the enemy. Jochebed was an Israelite, a member of the tribe of Levi. She and her husband Amram were evidently very dedicated and godly people. They were willing to defy the order of Pharaoh and keep the commandments of God. Every mother needs a relationship with the Lord. Abraham Lincoln declared, "No man is poor who has had a godly mother." When Amram and Jochebed saw that their baby, Moses, was a proper child, they hid him for three months defying Pharaoh’s commandment. Not fearing Pharaoh’s wrath, they trusted God to save their boy, though they had no idea how this would be done. They hoped for a deliverance as yet unseen. Pharaoh had commanded that all male babies be cast into the Nile River (Exodus 1:22). However, Moses' parents courageously defied the King's orders and hid their son. This is parental faith! Moses' life and ministry hinged upon the faith of his parents. The same was true of Timothy (II Timothy 1:5; 3:15). Thank God for parents who stay true to God in the midst of a wicked world! Moses' mother and father ignored the pressures and intimidations of the world around them. The child of God is under constant pressure to conform to this world. According to Numbers 26:59, Jochebed had three children (Miriam, Aaron, and Moses) and all were used of God. This was not by accident, but due to the fact that she was a God-fearing mother. She wanted her children to value truth and justice, and more than anything, she wanted them to be loyal to the Lord and love Him with all their heart. A mother’s influence is so powerful since she is with her children in the early years. Childhood years are an influential, developmental, and molding time. May godly parents raise their children to be successful for the Lord in finding and doing His will for their lives (Romans 12:1-2). Moses was blessed with a godly mother. She poured out her life into the life of her son. Jochebed refused to give in to a godless system that would have cost her the life of her son. Knowing that Moses would be raised in a godless environment, she faithfully taught Moses the ways of the Lord. The world demands that parent’s hand over their children and allow them to be trained and taught the ways of the world. But children need, and deserve, better than that! The Bible instructs that parents teach their children the ways of God and steer them clear of the world and its devises. It takes faith to go against the grain and raise your children for the Lord, but God will bless you, and them, for it! A Christian must determine that God’s law is higher than man’s law (Ecclesiastes 8:2). A mother’s influence on her child’s life is profound. It’s been said that, “the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world”. Children are influenced more by their parents than most people realize. A child’s desires and dislikes are shaped early in their life as they reflect your character and integrity (Proverbs 22:6). Parents are train and teach their children what they are supposed to believe and how they are to live so that when they are grown, they will know what to believe and how to live. Children with no training (that are left to themselves and allowed to do whatever they please) will bring their mother to shame (Proverbs 29:15). Even though his Egyptian family educated and raised him in a heathenistic society and worshiped false gods. Moses never forgot what his Hebrew mother had taught him. Because of his mother’s faithfulness, he never stopped believing in the true God. A God-fearing mother has a strong faith in God and His Word. Hebrews 11 is considered the hall of heroes of faith. Jochebed displayed her faith in God when she obeyed God and took Him at His Word. When a person builds a house, there are blue prints they must follow in order for the construction to be a success. When a baker bakes, they must follow the directions according to the recipe. A mother molds the life of her child with the Word of God as it instructs her to do so. Parents, perhaps you will never know the complete impact of the child you are raising and what they may do for the Lord! Give them the best you have while you have them and turn out God fearing, God following young men and women who will live for the glory of the Lord! Young adults whom God can use for His glory out into the future. Young people who will instill the same values in their children that you have placed in them. PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for my mother. A woman who worked hard and made several sacrifices during my childhood that I may become the man I am today. Today, You have stirred my heart and have spoken to me about the importance of strengthening and building relationships. Help me be an example before the younger generation that would impact them to choose to live for You while their still young and to know You personally through Jesus Christ. In Jesus name, AMEN! If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com
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Great Mothers of the Bible Series
Women of the Bible Series Jochebed...God Fearing Mother (Hebrews 11:23) – PART 1 Hebrews 11:23, “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.” Quotes: No gift to your mother can ever equal her gift to you—life. “The most important occupation on earth for a woman is to be a real mother to her children. It does not have much glory to it; there is a lot of grit and grime. But there is no greater place of ministry, position, or power than that of a mother”, Phil Whisenhunt. “The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom”, Henry Ward Beecher. Years ago, a young mother was making her way across the hills of South Wales, carrying her tiny baby in her arms, when she was overtaken by a blinding blizzard. She never reached her destination and, when the blizzard had subsided, her body was found by searchers beneath a mound of snow. But they discovered that before her death, she had taken off all her outer clothing and wrapped it about her baby. When they unwrapped the child, to their great surprise and joy, they found he was alive and well. She had mounded her body over his and given her life for her child, proving the depths of her motherly love. Years later, that child, David Lloyd George, grown to manhood, became prime minister of Great Britain, and, without a doubt, one of England's greatest statesmen. We are introduced to a woman named Jochebed. She stands out as one of the greatest mothers revealed in the pages of Scripture. Her selfless love and sacrifice made possible the exodus of God's people from Egypt and literally changed the course of history. It would do us well this morning to look at the life of this great mother. As we do, we find characteristics that stand as reminders to all our mothers, teaching them what they should be as well. Jochebed’s name means “Jehovah glorified”, or “God’s glory”. Jochebed’s faith was rock solid. A God-fearing mother brings glory to God through her children. Not much is said about Jochebed, but what we do know is what she did for God. She brought glory to the Lord, and it is seen in how her children turned out for the Lord. Jochebed’s children did some great things. Miriam was a prophetess (Exodus 15:20); Aaron was a high priest for the nation of Israel (Exodus 28:1); and Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 3:11). The events around the life of Jochebed are found in Exodus 2:1-10. Not much is spoken about her in Scripture. But what we do find is that she was a courageous, God-fearing mother. Jochebed was not afraid of the king’s commandment (Hebrews 11:23). She feared God rather than obeying the king’s commandment (Acts 5:29). Pharaoh commanded that every Hebrews son be cast into the crocodile infested Nile river. She trusted God and refused to sacrifice her child. Jochebed took baby Moses and placed him in an ark of bulrushes. She was convinced that her son would be used for an important work. She committed Moses to the Lord. Moses would become God’s servant who would lead Israel out of Egypt. It took faith to place the child in the river. This was the same instrument which was being used to destroy the other babies (Exodus 1:22). It took faith for this mother to take her hands off the life of this child and leave him to the will of God. It takes faith for us to let our children go, but that day is coming. Some parents live in denial and try to hold on to their children far too long. But the day is coming, sooner or later, when that child must be allowed to become an adult. It takes faith to just leave them in the hands of God, but the child who has a praying mother, a life filled with the Bible and training in the way of the Lord has the advantage and will do well. Jochebed was raising her son to give him to the Lord. She gave up her son to save her nation even though she didn't realize the impact that she was making at the time. According to the Bible, God gave His son for us! When He did, God knew exactly what He was doing. In fact, when Jesus came and died for our sins at Calvary. That was the greatest expression of love the world would ever see (Romans 5:8). Jochebed gave her son for Israel. God gave His Son for the world (John 3:16, II Corinthians 5:15). He died for all! He died for you! When the will of Henry J. Heinz, wealthy distributor of the famous "57 Varieties" line, was read, it was found to contain the following confession: "Looking forward to the time when my earthly career will end, I desire to set forth at the very beginning of this will, as the most important item in it, a confession of my faith in Jesus Christ as my Savior. I also desire to bear witness to the fact that throughout my life, in which there were unusual joys and sorrows, I have been wonderfully sustained by my faith in God through Jesus Christ. This legacy was left me by my consecrated mother, a woman of strong faith, and to it I attribute any success I have attained." PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for my mother. A woman who worked hard and made several sacrifices during my childhood that I may become the man I am today. Today, You have stirred my heart and have spoken to me about the importance of strengthening and building relationships. Help me be an example before the younger generation that would impact them to choose to live for You while they’re still young and to know You personally through Jesus Christ. 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 Spiritually Cold (Matthew 24:9-12) – PART 2
Matthew 24:9-12, “Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” A member of a certain church, who previously had been attending services regularly, stopped going. After a few weeks, the pastor decided to visit him. It was a cold evening. The pastor found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for his pastor's visit, the man welcomed him, led him to a big chair near the fireplace and waited. The pastor made himself comfortable but said nothing. In the grave silence, he watched the flames around the burning logs. After some minutes, the pastor took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone. Then he sat back in his chair, still silent. The host was captivated as he watched all this in silence. As the one lone ember's flame diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and dead. Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting. Just before the pastor was ready to leave, he picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it. As the pastor reached the door to leave, his host said, "Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the fiery sermon. I shall be back in church next Sunday." Love must be protected and cultivated if it is to be kept alive. Just because we love God today does not mean that we will do so tomorrow. Jesus told us that in strenuous situations many hearts will grow cold. Keep your heart warm toward the Lord today, or tomorrow you may find it has grown cold. True involvement consists of fellowship. Fellowship is never something done alone. One reason church is so important is because of the fellowship with other Christians. You miss out when you miss a service and neglect the assembling at church. The Lord often sends His messengers to nudge others awake. Sometimes the methods used to awaken them are drastic, but always for their good. Let us not imagine that because He shakes us, He therefore hates us. He awakens us from lethargy because He loves us, and wants to save our lives from apathy, waste, and ineffectiveness. Many offer excuses hindering their involvement with others. Here are ten: 1. I can't help anyone, I don't know what to do. 2. I'm too busy or too tired. 3. It's not worth the trouble. 4. I don't need anyone. 5. No one needs me. 6. I'm afraid I'll get burned or taken advantage of. 7. It's none of my business. 8. I might look foolish. 9. I'm too shy. 10. I don’t have time. Questions to Consider:
Points to Ponder:
PRAYER: Father, my desire is to draw nigh unto You. May my nearness to You fill my heart with Your love and increase the fervor of my love for You. Help my love for You to abound more and more and that it never grows cold. 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 Spiritually Cold (Matthew 24:9-12) – PART 1
Matthew 24:9-12, “Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” A man huddled on a cabin floor was slowly freezing to death. It was high in the Rockies in southwestern Alberta, and outside a blizzard raged. John Elliott had logged miles that day through the deep snow of the mountain passes. As he checked for avalanches, and as dusk and exhaustion overcame him, he decided to rest. He made it wearily to his cabin, but somewhat dazed with fatigue, he did not light a fire or remove his wet clothing. As the blizzard blasted through the cracks in the old cabin walls, the sleeping forest ranger sank into oblivion, paralyzed by the pleasure of the storm's icy caress. He began the gentle downward spiral of hypothermia. Suddenly, however, his dog sprang into action, and with unrelenting whines, finally managed to rouse his near-comatose friend. The dog was John's constant companion, a St. Bernard, one of a long line of dogs famous for their heroics in times of crisis. "If that dog hadn't been with me, I'd be dead today," John Elliott says. "When you're freezing to death you actually feel warm all over, and don't wake up because it feels too good." This illustrates the spiritual condition of many Christians today. They are cold spiritually, and sadly, are oblivious of their true condition. Thank God for all the ways in which He arouses such sleepers. Christ warns the believer who lets their love grow cold. As sin increases, the love of many will become cold. We must not allow ourselves to be deceived by the apostasy of others. When iniquity abounds among those who profess to be followers of Christ, and those who once appeared to burn with love and zeal for his name have become altogether indifferent to it, let us seek the company and companionship of those who yet seek to honor our Master, lest we be under the influence by the poison that is in the hearts of the apostate. The pollution spoken of here is not the pollution that environmentalists get upset about, it is the pollution God gets upset about, namely, "iniquity." The pollution of apostasy corrupts the environment more than any other pollution. There are several things can dampen one's love for God. Here are a three: 1.Materialism: Many will seek what they want and what the world offers instead of sacrificing and serving. They just choose to satisfy their own desires and worldly urges instead of seeking diligently after God. 2.Dissension: Many just cool off and back away even if the truth is under attack, some will withdraw rather than take a stand for the truth. 3.Persecution: Many go through a sinking of spirit and affection simply because they cannot understand why God would let such trials happen. Only a real belief and conviction will stand up under ridicule. PRAYER: Father, help me guard my heart from waxing cold due to sin and spiritual neglect. Help me to crave a fervent desire for You when things are going bad and the world seems to be caving in. In Jesus name, AMEN! Please revisit the webpage tomorrow for the conclusion of this devotion. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Will You Magnify the Lord? (Luke 1:46-47) – PART 2
Luke 1:46-47, “And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.” This is Part 2 and the conclusion of the devotion. If you need to refer to Part 1, look to yesterday’s devotion. 1.Path of the Magnifier: Most magnifying glasses usually have a handle on them. The handle gives the owner the ability to use the lens to magnify what he desires. It enables him to take it wherever he needs it. In the same manner, our lives are to be this way. God can use you to magnify Jesus Christ if you will yield to the control, to the hand of God. By submitting to His control, direction, and will, He will put you where you need to be. You will be willing go wherever He directs and leads you. The Lord is willing and able to lead you to places and to people that perhaps only you can reach for Him. Are you available to Him? That’s what a magnifier of God does. Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” By humbling and submitting yourself to the Lord, you will have greater ability to magnify God. In turn, God will magnify you as you magnify Him. 2.Purity of the Magnifier: Notice: if the lens is smeared with dirt, it is not going to be as much help to you. It is very difficult to use any dirty magnifying glass because the view is smeared or distorted. When the magnifying glass is clean, it is consistent with its purpose and use for you. This is why it is so important to keep the lens clean so that the magnification is clear and the glass is effective. In the same manner, if you are going to effectively magnify Jesus Christ with your life, it is critical that your life is clean. I Corinthians 6:20, “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” Sin issues need to be dealt with and conquered in your life so that people will be focused on the Lord and not your sins and imperfections. Bearing spiritual fruit in your personal character and in your witness for Christ will help you immensely to magnify Him. 3.Praise of the Magnifier: Those who magnify the Lord also have a desire to point others to Him so that they will magnify Him, too. Magnifiers enjoy worshiping and honoring God with others. They do not compete in their worship, they complement one another in worship and praise. Magnifiers develop close relationships with other believers who love to magnify God. Their love for Christ generates a love for Christians. In fact, a great verse for Christian friends, a church family, or a husband and wife and their family is Psalm 34:3. Psalm 34:3, “O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.” May God’s praise be upon our lips continually and consistently. May we spend each day magnifying HIM! Perhaps the next time you use a magnifying glass, this devotion will remind you of how we should magnify the Lord. Prayer: Heavenly Father, as Mary’s desire was to magnify and praise You, so is my desire. Guide my steps that I may encounter others who need to know You. Help me to humble myself that they may see You in me. I will magnify You and praise You before all others when given the opportunity. 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 Will You Magnify the Lord? (Luke 1:46-47) – PART 1
Luke 1:46-47, “And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.” What is evident is the utter humility of Mary. Mary was thrilled with what the Lord had done for her. All she could do was magnify the Lord over what had happened. Her very soul and inner being magnified and praised the Lord. She sought zero acclaim. She found great rejoicing in the Lord her Saviour. Mary's firsthand experience with God prompted her to magnify Him. If you already have possession of a magnifying glass, or the next time you use one, may this devotion remind you of how we should magnify the Lord. There are great lessons we can learn from studying from a magnifying glass. Below are at least six ways we can magnify the Lord Jesus Christ. 1.Purpose of the Magnifier: The purpose of a magnifying lens is to enable objects that are small, or very far away to the eye, to be seen up close. Ironically, this is our purpose as Christians. I Corinthians 10:31, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” As children of the Lord, we have a purpose of magnifying Jesus Christ so that He who is far away in Heaven and basically unknown or invisible to the lost, can be revealed by our lives by having a close walk with Him. Those who are without Jesus in their hearts are spiritually blind. By magnifying Christ and sharing the Gospel, we provide an opportunity for people to be saved and get to know Him. Our lives as Christians are to be like the magnifying glass. We all are to be magnifiers of the Lord Jesus Christ. 2.Power of the Magnifier: The greater the bend in the lens, the stronger or more powerful magnification. John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” A flatter or less curvature lens yields less magnification. What a great truth for us! The more we bend to His will and kneel to the LORD, the greater we will magnify Jesus Christ. 3.Plan of the Magnifier: Matthew 5:14, 16, “Ye are the light of the world…Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” A magnifying glass is doing no good as long as it is in the secretary’s desk or on the shelf, only when it is in a hand. Only at this time is it fulfilling the purpose for which it was made. If we are to be a useful magnifier of the Lord, then we must be willing to fulfill God’s purpose for our lives. Prayer, Lord, I desire to magnify You. You have proven time and time again that Your presence puts everything else in a different light. Even through the admittedly imperfect lens of my life, may others watching catch a glimpse of Your greatness. In Jesus’ name, amen. Please revisit the webpage tomorrow for the conclusion of this devotion. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Chiseling at Cherith (I Kings 17:3)
I Kings 17:3, “Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.” The setting of this story is after God allowed Elijah to announce a drought upon the land in the presence of the wicked king Ahab. The Lord spoke to His servant and sent him deep into the wilderness at the brook Cherith. The Lord had promised to take care of Elijah as he hid out by the brook. At Cherith, Elijah would find protection, provision, and preparation from the Lord. As God’s messenger, Elijah announced God’s judgment against disobedient Israel. God would withhold rain for three and a half years (Deuteronomy 11:13-17). This method of judgment also mocked Baal because Baal worshipers believed he controlled the weather and was responsible for abundant crops. This drought (a long period without rain) came as the result of Elijah’s powerful prayers (James 5:17). God provided for Elijah at Cherith because Elijah had stood with God against the people’s rebellion (I Kings 17:3-7; Psalm 25:10). When we attend to God’s purposes, He will attend to our needs (Psalm 68:19-20). When the brook dried up, God directed Elijah to go to a territory occupied by Baal worshipers. There, God would provide for Elijah through a poor widow (I Kings 17:9). The experience further strengthened Elijah’s confidence in God’s care and guidance. Sometimes great difficulty occurs even though we are living in God’s plan. He uses such experiences to build our faith and do things beyond what we could have expected. God faithfully and continually provided His prophet water and food in land of famine. God not only controls the rain but also the whole natural order. He even controls the ravens, ceremonially unclean creatures now used for God’s purposes of sustaining the prophet’s life. We know God provides for the birds of the air, and here He uses the birds of the air to provide for His prophet. Elijah is looking ultimately to the God Who reigns over nature for daily food and water, not to the raven or the brook. God also provided a raven to feed bread and meat every morning and evening. Elijah recalled the wilderness meal plan. God provides “daily bread” in Matthew 6:11 and actually provided it more abundantly than in the wilderness, for Elijah ate both bread and meat twice a day in Exodus 16:8, 12-13. God was hiding His servant in the wilderness so that He could mold his faith. The most powerful servants of God are those that allow time to be alone with God. We live in such busy times that it seems as if people are afraid to be alone. The phone is always ringing, the television is blaring loudly, the house is filled with family or friends and we allow no time for God. I wonder if we are afraid to hear the voice of God. It is often difficult for God to get past all of the “stuff” so that He can speak to His children. We must find our place like Cherith, for in finding this place we can find the voice of God. In this place, God will cut away the unusable and unneeded things from our lives and He will mold us into something useful and wonderful. Elijah sat by the brook and allowed God to minister to him by sending the ravens with his daily supply of bread and meet. It must have been an unusual time in the life of Elijah as he watched this take place from day to day. God sent Elijah to Cherith. Cherith means "a cutting place." God puts us through those cutting and chiseling times to mold and prepare us for future service. Cherith comes before the Mt. Carmel’s of our life. The cross comes before the crown. Trials come before blessings. At Cherith Brook, God will cut off the rough edges of Elijah's life. The Lord uses His Word, life’s circumstances, or a submissive, meek, and humble servant to minister to us to knock off the rough edges in our life. God takes things and uses them to shape us and smoothen us. God takes and uses the pressures in life and it rubs against us for the purpose of conforming us to His image. Cherith was the place of loneliness, uncertainty, waiting, and hardship. God uses these elements to develop our character and knock off our rough edges. At some point in our lives, God will send us to “our Cherith’s”. PRAYER: Lord, help me to never forget the places and circumstances that You place me in are for my good and for Your Glory. Thank You for always meeting my needs. I trust that You will use these times to draw others closer 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 To Be Like Jesus (I Peter 2:21-24)
I Peter 2:21-24,"For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." There was a Bible college student that told his professor, "I want to be just like you." The wise professor said, "Ok, let's pray." The two bowed their heads and the professor continued, "Lord, I pray that you make both his parents really sick, and I pray that when he gets married, his wife will be sickly for the rest of her life. I want him to have all kinds of financial problems." The student turned to his professor and said, "I didn't want that." The professor answered, "You wanted to be like me." "Yes." "I am how I am today, because these things happened to me." This professor understood that God used each of these painful trials in his life so God would grow him. Had he not gone through the tough times, he would not be the man that he was. Like this professor, when you have gone through it, you will be able to look back and see how God used it for His purpose. In the school of suffering, we take on the virtues of our Teacher, the Lord Jesus, and a measure of Christ-likeness is manifested in us. God knows what is best for us, and often what is best hurts a lot. You may be going through a trial, and you have no idea why you are going through it. You may be wondering why you are even serving God. The heartache that goes with service may not seem worth it right now. However, let me assure you; God knows what He is doing. It is more than worth the tough times to serve God. The harder the test is, the greater the blessing will be. Trust God in these times of trials because He knows what He is doing. The proof of Christianity is not a book but a life. The power of Christianity is not a creed but a Christian character; and wherever you see life that has been transformed by the grace of God, you see a witness to the resurrection of Jesus. God’s purpose and plan for our life is for us to be a reflection of His Son. Peter was an eyewitness to Jesus' life and sufferings upon the cross. He says three things about the death of Christ. Christ "suffered for us" (I Peter 2:21). That is, His death took the place of sinners. Christ "did no sin" (I Peter 2:22). That is, He was sinless; He lived a perfect and righteous life. Therefore, the sins He bore in death were not His sins but the sins of men. Christ "bore our sins in His own body" (I Peter 2:24). That is, the suffering Jesus bore was the penalty due sin. In the Old Testament, the words "bore our sins" means to be answerable for sin; to endure its penalty; to die for sinners (Exodus 28:43; Leviticus 24:15-16; Isaiah 53:12). The death Jesus bore was substitution. He bore the sins due others. It is this act that shows the supreme love of God for man. As Christians, we are not under the law (Galatians 3:24-26). We do not need rules, regulations, threats of punishment or promises of reward to inspire and rule our hearts. In order to live in this world for the glory of God, we must simply follow the example of the One who hung upon the cursed tree, bearing our sins. When I see Christ hanging upon the cross as my Substitute, I see that self-sacrifice is essential to honoring God (Luke 14:33). There is a battle for me to fight, a trial for me to endure, a service for me to perform and a cross for me to bear. I cannot serve God without self-sacrifice and self-denial. When Christ was on the cross, bearing our sins, He set before us an example of willing obedience to our heavenly Father. Our Saviour willingly obeyed His Father’s will, even unto death (Isaiah 50:5-7). This is the way we must serve God. God will never accept any gift, any worship or any service, unless it comes from a willing heart (II Corinthians 8:12). The cross also shows us our Lord’s dedication and perseverance. He not only agreed to bear our sins and promised to die for us; He actually did it. Even before the world was created, God’s plan was for us to be, “conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29). God did not save us solely to allow us to go to Heaven, although of course, that is a wonderful and undeserved blessing. God also saved us so that we could go into the world just as Jesus did and point men and women to Him. God intends for us to be walking in the footsteps of Jesus Christ as we go through this world. We have been called to take the name of Jesus and identify with Him even if that involves suffering for our faith. Jesus has given us the example to follow, and we are instructed to walk in His way. If we are to imitate the life of Jesus, then we must be led by Him. It is difficult to imitate your life after someone that you are never around or know nothing about. If we are to live for Jesus in a way that pleases Him, we must allow Him to guide our lives. We must allow Him to be the Shepherd of our souls and heed His voice. Jesus has made provision for us. He suffered all that He did so that we might live through Him. Our only hope is to keep our eyes upon Jesus and follow Him. God requires dedication and perseverance from all who follow Christ. Our Lord’s death upon the cross also sets before us an example of real love and patient submission to the will of God. Jesus set a high standard for living. Not one person has ever achieved His level of perfection, nor can we. But we must strive for that perfection daily. If the Lord has spoken to you about specific areas in your life, why not come and get those things settled before Him. The Lord is waiting to help you if you will only come to Him. Questions to Consider: Does your life reflect the life of Christ? Is He evident in your life for the world to see? Does your character, communication, conduct, and commitment following the example that Jesus left? Wouldn't it be a shame to stand before the Lord and never have matured spiritually? Prayer: Father, I know Your desire is for me to be like You. You transform me every day. You want me to love what You love and hate what You hate. Many times, I have failed You. Thank You for Your constant love and forgiveness of me. May I never use the power of Your forgiveness to justify sinning, but may it draw me closer to You so that when temptation comes I may boldly proclaim, “I want to be like Jesus!” In Jesus’ name, Amen. 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Psalm 27:1-3, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.” A minister was driving with his wife and they stopped in a small Iranian village to purchase some water. Before entering, the minister noticed a man holding a machine gun and leaning against the wall outside the store. The minister's wife looked at the man's face and the gun, then put a Bible in her husband's hand and said, "Give that man this Bible." Her husband looked at the man—his menacing beard and his machine gun—and replied, "I don't think so." But she persisted: "I'm serious. Give it to him. Please, give him the Bible." Trying to avoid the issue, the husband said, "Okay, I'll pray about it." He went into the shop, purchased the water, climbed back into the car, and started to drive away. His wife looked at him and said, "I guess you didn't give him the Bible, did you?" Looking straight ahead, he replied, "No, I prayed about it and it wasn't the right thing to do." She quietly said, "You should have given him the Bible," and then she bowed her head and started praying. At that point, he turned around and told his wife, "Fine! If you want me to die, I will." When the minister returned to the store, the man with the machine gun was still standing against the wall. The minister approached him and placed the Bible in his hand. When the man opened it and saw it was a Bible, he started to cry. It turned out that the man did not live in the village. He was told by a stranger to walk to the village and to wait for someone to give him the Book of Life. After walking three days to the village, this soul-searching man was waiting for someone to approach him. He was thrilled when the pastor spoke to him and thanked the pastor for the Bible. The pastor became a courageous witness for the Lord Jesus Christ. Eventually, along with many other co-workers in the Iranian church, he was martyred for his faith in Christ. His testimony shined for the Lord. Since God was his light, his salvation, and his strength, and since God had never failed him in times past, David would not fear though an army came against him in war. God gives peace in time of provocation. He gives confidence for victory in spite of the great opposition that is against us. When the Lord is your strength, salvation, and safety, one can have a confidence that drives away all fear, in spite of the enemy. God was David's stronghold, fortress, or castle. The word "confident" describes a bold, secure, carefree confidence. God gives us a calm when there is calamity and confusion all around us. Our confidence in the Lord helps us to deal with our fears. God can provide strength to overcome our enemies. He also provides the strength needed to serve Him. God gives safety to His own. In this case safety was provided by rendering the enemy powerless and unable to attack and conquer. There is no need for us ever to be overcome by fear because the Lord is our light, our salvation, and our defense. Our security and confidence are in Him. Anxiety usually comes with the fear of the unknown and of what might happen; it is obscure and cloaked in darkness, but the light of God's truth delivers us. Though critics attack us when we have to stand against public opinion, and circumstances overwhelm us like a "host encamped against us," there is no need to fear, for our confidence is in the Lord. May we lose our fear of what man might do to us. II Timothy 1:7, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” May the Lord help us to not be afraid to stand up for Him and share the message of God's Word with others. Be ready the next time He calls on you to witness for Him. Questions to Consider:
Points to Ponder:
Prayer: LORD, open a door for me today and give me the courage that I might have an opportunity to share Your glorious Gospel with someone today who is in deep need of You. Help give me understanding that would enable me to speak the words that You would have them to hear. Help me to be a bold, and yet compassionate, witness without compromise for 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 Perils of Walking on the Wrong Path (Proverbs 4:14-15)
Proverbs 4:14-15, “Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.” The Portia spider is a master predator whose chief weapon is deception. To begin with, the spider looks like a piece of dried leaf or foliage blown into the web. When it attacks other species of spiders, it uses a variety of methods to lure the host spider into striking range. Sometimes it crawls onto the web and taps the silken threads in a manner that mimics the vibrations of a mosquito caught in the web. The host spider marches up for dinner and instead becomes a meal itself. The Portia spider can actually tailor its deception for its prey. With a type of spider that maintains its home inside a rolled-up leaf, the Portia dances on the outside of the leaf, imitating a mating ritual. The Portia can find a signal for just about any spider by trial and error. It makes different signals until the victim spider finally responds appropriately—then keeps making the signal that works. Like the Portia spider, Satan's weapon of choice is deception. The false belief that people make many times when they get involved in a sinful lifestyle is, they will have fun and be satisfied in that kind of life. They come to those assumptions because they have been deceived either by Satanic influences in their own lives or by their own reasoning and envy. It is crucial that you understand that Satan is a great deceiver and an expert at counterfeiting. He never offers you real love, joy, peace, or satisfaction. What he offers is false and artificial. It is not real at all. He camouflages his destructive path in such a way that you don't begin to see the consequences of your sinfulness until the damage has been done in your life. He never wants you to see the end of the road and the destruction, distress, depression, and even death that lie there. God warns us to stay as far away from the path of the wicked as we can. In spite of God's warnings, many feel they are exempt from God’s cautions and warnings. They feel that regardless of what the Bible teaches, they can get away with living however they choose. They ignore the warnings of Scripture and the warnings of the suffering of sinners as they reap the consequences of a wicked life. The Bible is filled with warning signs from God that caution us against taking paths that will lead to trouble. Yet often, we see them and continue on our way, not stopping to realize that those signs are there for a reason and that if we keep going despite their warning there will be consequences. Flirting with worldly pleasure will eventually result in getting into bed with worldly pleasure. Some people justify their behavior, choosing to believe that the Biblical warnings were given for another age and time and do not apply to us today. In their pride, they believe they will not be hurt as others. They can handle their lifestyle and don't need anyone telling them what to do. In their rebellion, God may allow His children to have their own way at first. In mercy, He gives His children time to repent. Those who persist in their stubborn sinfulness eventually find out that having their own way is also a form of chastisement. A wise person heeds and follows the warning signs and avoids much agony and sorrow. There is a dangerous and potentially deadly tendency to think that we have things pretty well figured out and don’t need wisdom or counsel from others. The Bible emphasizes the importance of observing and obeying wise counsel and the benefits from the safety of godly counselors. The Bible instructs us in Proverbs 11:14, “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” Regardless of how long we have been saved, we still need to heed to wise counsel. May we humble ourselves enough to receive and follow godly counsel, and we will be protected as a result. The father pled with his son (Proverbs 1:10) not to imitate the lifestyle of the "wicked" or "evil men". The terms "path" or "way" here as throughout Proverbs indicate manner of life, or lifestyle. He used six strong imperatives in this warning (Proverbs 4:14-15). (1) One should not enter that path. (2) If he does, however, he should not walk in them. (3) It is much better to avoid it; or leave it alone. (4) Pass not by it, do not even go near those who pursue this course of action. (5) Turn from it. (6) Pass on, put the greatest possible distance between you and that evil life. Why does the father want his son to avoid the path of the wicked? Sin is like a narcotic, and they are consumed with a craving for sin and violence. Solomon called his son to him and said, “Son, I have something to say to you. There are two paths ahead of you—the path of the just and the path of the wicked. If you take my advice in regard to them, you will have a long life.” God's advice is not to see how clean you can stay if you enter in to this sort of thing. God's advice is to avoid them altogether. Any parent who took the time to point out the examples of men who have traveled the pathway of wickedness, your children would have more reason not to follow the path of the wicked. There is ample evidence so that you don't need to take them on the path of wickedness to show them what you are talking about. Follow Solomon's advice. Take the path of the just and avoid the path of the wicked. You will be faced with this decision. Every one of us has options, choices, and a decision to make. Not only tomorrow, but every day of your life you must decide which path to take. Three examples of avoiding wicked paths: 1. Rechabites (Jeremiah 35) 2. Joseph (Genesis 39:7-23) 3. Jesus (Hebrews 4:14-16) Three examples of entering wicked paths: 1. Lot (Genesis 13:10-13) 2. Solomon (I Kings 11:1-8) 3. Jehoshaphat (II Chronicles 18:1; 21:6) PRAYER: Father in Heaven, help me to be wise in the choices and decisions I make for I know they come with consequences. I’m aware that far greater people than myself have succumbed to immorality simply because they have entertained evil for a moment. May I desire to pursue only those things that would honor You and bless and benefits others and myself. 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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