Men of the Bible Series
Stephen (Acts 6:5, 8; 7:55) Acts 6:5, And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch. Acts 6:8, And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. Acts 7:55, But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 1. Stephen Served. Stephen had a godly testimony. He was one of the first deacons and the first martyr of the church. Stephen was a good man of “honest report”. He was a gifted man, ‘full of...wisdom”. He was a godly man— ‘full of the Holy Ghost”. The Bible makes it clear that the source of Stephen’s fearlessness was the Holy Spirit. Three times the Bible records that he was “full of the faith”, “God’s grace and power”, or “full of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5, 8; 7:55). He was filled with the Holy Spirit who allowed him to speak truth wisely, witness boldly, and to face death peacefully. Stephen’s character displayed the character of God through the Spirit of God, and that Spirit who gave him a servant’s heart and courage. The Spirit who empowered Stephen is the same Spirit who fills Christ followers today. No matter the chaos or opponents to the Gospel you face today, you can have the same power, boldness, and humility as Stephen. 2. Stephen Suffered. Stephen was a godly young man who followed the teachings of Jesus in a time when much uproar was found in the religious world. Stephen preached Jesus before the Sanhedrin (A supreme council of the Jewish people). Stephen was not filled with fear that day before his opponents. He was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he boldly shared the truth of God. Stephen preached a long sermon. He begins with the “God of glory” (Acts 7:2) and ends with the “God of glory” (Acts 7:55). His purpose in preaching this sermon is to show how each leader of Israel had tried to bring them out of their tradition into a broader revelation of God’s will and purpose for Israel, and how in every instance they had rebelled against the truth. This was exactly what the Sanhedrin was doing as they tried Stephen for blasphemy. He will charge them with rejecting the Christ of Israel. He begins with Scripture and uses the Scripture to reveal their sinfulness. When Stephen mentioned their crime against the Just One it was then when they charged him like a rioted mob. Stephen suffered and through that we see that Saul (Paul) was a witness. 3. Stephen Shined. His face shown with the brilliance and radiance of an angel of God! He reflected the glory of God because he spent time with the Son of God! Stephen shined at his death. He died calling upon God, asking forgiveness of his enemies. The religious leaders looked intently upon Stephen and saw that his face was “as it had been the face of an angel” (Acts 6:15). Stephen’s death was not in vain. God honored his life and his death. Paul witnessed his death and as a result Paul would later accept Christ as his Saviour. Through His suffering he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit”. “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge” (Acts 7:59-60). We know that those who exhibit godly character do not necessarily have literal shining faces. They do, however, glow with the countenance of the One who fills their heart. Sharing the Gospel of Christ is the greatest news you could ever spread. Everyday Christians are challenged to speak or remain silent concerning Christ. Although not everyone will receive it well, it always brings pleasure to the LORD. Faith begins with knowing Christ as your Saviour, the Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Faith is what gives us victory over the world (I John 5:4-5); and helps us to quench all the fiery darts of Satan (Ephesians 6:16). The Bible mentions no faith, little faith, great faith, and being full of the faith. Stephen was full of faith because he was full of Scripture according to Romans 10:17. The amount of faith we have is in proportion to how close we are to God and His Word. Points to Ponder: May we reflect the love and glory of the Lord. Your testimony will impact others, stand strong and glorify God whenever you get the chance. When others look on us, I pray that they would see faithful men and women of God who shine the light of Jesus in this world! Questions to Consider: Are we letting Jesus shine through us? What do you face today that brings fear into your heart? Which of the character qualities that Stephen had do you most need to work on? PRAYER: Father in Heaven, I know You want to fill me but will not until I remove the barriers. Please bring to my mind my unconfessed sins and help me repent of them. Will You fill me with Your Holy Spirit? Live Your life through me today. Make me the person You want me to be that You would be glorified, 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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Men of the Bible Series
Joshua and Caleb (Numbers 13:23-33) Numbers 13:32-33, And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight. Can you identify the following names of these men? Shammua, Shaphat, Igal, Palti, Gaddiel, Gaddi, Ammiel, Sethur, Nahbi, Geuel. Who are they? What did they do? They can be found in (Numbers 13:1-16). These were ten of the twelve spies that Moses sent to spy on the land of Canaan. These spies were well-known and respected in their day, but their names have faded into obscurity because they renounced their responsibility to carry out God’s plan for His people. God had already promised them victory. “For the person of faith, obstacles are temporary because God is real. For the disbeliever, obstacles are permanent because God is not real enough.” In Numbers 13-14, The Israelites had witnessed numerous miracles as God freed them from slavery in Egypt. Now they were about to take possession of the land God had promised them. Twelve spies were sent to survey the territory, men who were more than courageous adventurers or soldiers. These men were the leaders from the twelve tribes of Israel, chosen because of their position, respect, and influence among the people. In other words, the people trusted them. After exploring the land for 40 days, 10 of the 12 spies gave a fearful and negative report. The spies had viewed the area they were sent to explore and the results where they distorted what they had discovered. What caused the ten spies to go directly against God’s will for His people and Moses’ leadership? How could they gather the nerve to disobey God? Their complaint is found in Numbers 13:31, But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. By instilling fear into the people, the spies filled the congregation with discouragement by spreading the bad report among all the Israelites. The 10 spies viewed the land through the lens of man while Joshua and Caleb viewed them through the lens of faith. The 10 spies walked by sight, while Joshua and Caleb walked by faith. The 10 spies saw obstacles, while Joshua and Caleb saw opportunities. The 10 spies saw foes while Joshua and Caleb saw the fruit. The 10 spies saw problems while Joshua and Caleb saw promises. The 10 spies saw the giants while Joshua and Caleb saw God. A pessimist sees difficulties in every opportunity, while an optimist sees opportunities in every difficulty. Joshua and Caleb were not about to leave God out of the equation. Notice: Vision always attracts criticism. The best evidence you are in God’s will is the devil’s growl. It has been said, “Faith that can’t be tested; can’t be trusted”. So, whenever God has a big job He wants done, it is always faith that gets the contract. Why do we have trouble remembering the names of the ten spies? It is because they refused to trust in the Lord’s promise. In the Bible, Canaan, the Promised Land represented the victorious Christian life. This very day, many Christians are living and working while they’re wasting and losing their lives. So many believers are living defeated lives because they have not surrendered their lives to the will of God. God never meant for His children to live in the valley of depression but on the mountain top of victory. The just shall live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38). PRAYER: Father, help me to always walk by faith and not by sight. In Jesus name I pray, AMEN. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Women of the Bible Series
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY Today is a day when we take the time to honor the one person who unselfishly gives herself to her children time and time again, without asking for anything in return. If your life has been blessed by the touch of a godly mother, then you have enjoyed one of this world's greatest treasures and blessings. Not everyone has enjoyed this great blessing but those who have will go to their grave remembering the love of their mother. We set aside one day a year to honor mothers. Take the time today to visit, call, text, send her some flowers, or do something to let her know that you love her and that you respect and honor her today. Mothers today are often misunderstood for someone who cooks, cleans, and takes care of the children. But a mother is a much more vital part of the family. In fact, mothers are one of the most influential people on earth! From the time children are born, they are constantly connected to their mother. They depend on their mother for food and water. They look to their mother when they are frightened or are in need. Children are dependent upon their mother for physical and emotional provisions. Think about the fact that God ordained the home for a purpose. He had a plan for each member of the family, and God has ordained the mother to be significant in the lives of her children. It been said, “The mother’s heart is the child’s schoolroom.” John Wesley said, “I learned more about Christianity from my mother than from all the theologians in England.” Today we honor mothers and thank them for their hard work. None of us could put a value on what our mother has taught us or for the nurture that she's provided for us. But Salary.com recently rated her monetary worth based upon the top ten jobs in a stay-at-home-Mom's job description. They valued her contribution to the family to be $134,121.00 annually. Think back to when you were a child. Do you remember all that your mother did for you? Remember the time she made your favorite meal, or the time she cleaned off your cut when you fell off your bike, or maybe when she cheered you on at your sports game, or perhaps the time she stayed up late helping you with a school project. It has been said that a mother spends an average of 92 hours a week doing everything from being a taxi driver to being a chef! Your mother has worked hard and sacrificed a lot for you over the years. "The love of a mother is never exhausted. It never changes-it never tires-it endures through all; in good repute, in bad repute, in the face of the world's condemnation, a mother's love still lives on." Washington Irving PRAYER: Father in Heaven, thank You for the love and sacrifice for mothers. Thank You for the strength and wisdom you have given them to fulfill their calling. 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 Tabitha (Acts 9:36–37)
Acts 9:36–37, Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. Joppa was about 10 miles farther northeast of Jerusalem than Lydda, and it was on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. The church at Joppa was incredibly blessed by the ministry and service of Tabitha. Her name means gazelle. Gazelle’s are known for their graceful nature. And certainly everything said about Tabitha or Dorcas speaks about her grace and beauty as a Christian woman! She manifested spiritual beauty by her gracious good works and generous giving to those in need. She was deeply committed to Christ, a very faithful and devoted disciple, full of "good works". She was a doer of good deeds touching the lives of many people who humbly worked behind the scenes. Tabitha had a positive impact on the lives of so many others who were in need. Tabitha was known for her deeds, her devotion, and for her donations. Tabitha was very charitable and full of good works. Tabitha used her skills to help make coats and garments for the widow women. Tabitha was a servant who was an industrious woman and an involved woman. Praise the Lord for servants like Tabitha who uses their talents for their service to the Lord. Tabitha was generous to the poor and those who are facing difficult financial conditions. She was a woman compassionately moved by the needs of the widows, orphans, elderly, etc. She wanted to bring pleasure to the Lord by her profession and practice. She was determined that her life was not going to be miserable, pitiful, or idle. When Tabitha died, she was remembered as a disciple who did compassionate works. She was a wonderful example of Proverbs 10:7, The memory of the just is blessed:. Servants of the Lord are characterized by their steadfastness to the saints, to the Scriptures, to supplication, and to their surrender. It’s been said, “The greatest use of your life is to use your life so that the use of your life will outlive your life”. God is always at work behind the scenes. He blesses and uses people who are surrendered, sacrificial, and servant hearted. True love not only involves our devotion to God, but it also involves our kindness to man. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, James 1:27. Dorcas was most faithful to this duty. Not all are called to preach or teach or sing or play an instrument at church, but everybody can be compassionate to others. What the Bible says about of good works? We are created for them (Ephesians 2:10). We are commanded to do them (Psalm 34:14). We are equipped to do them (II Timothy 3:16-17). God knows our works (Revelation 2:2). The Christian is rewarded for doing them (I Corinthians 3:13-15). Points to Ponder: Just as there was only one Tabitha, there is only one you. You are unique and irreplaceable. The things that we do and the lives that we touch will be remembered for good or evil. What we give and do for others today, will be what we are remembered for tomorrow. Every day of our lives, whether we realize it or not, we are building up a reputation by which we will be known. Do all that you can right now, and do it in a way that pleases and glorifies the Lord. Questions to Consider: Are you living for yourself or for others? What do we have to show when we leave this life? What kind of impact are we having on the lives of those around us? When you die will others be able to testify of your good works? What kind of memories will you leave in the lives of others? PRAYER: Lord, make a difference in me. Make a difference through me. Make me a difference maker. Each day You give me opportunities to reach others with the Gospel. I ask You to use me as one of Your instruments to restore one who has fallen in this broken world. 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 Women of the Bible Series
A Virtuous Mother (Proverbs 31:10) Proverbs 31:10, Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. In Proverbs 31, we see the characteristics of a virtuous woman. She is hard working, frugal, loves her husband, puts her family first, is trustworthy and wise, and isn't a worrier. Proverbs 31 was written by a king, but taught by a mother. What she taught her son influenced a family, a nation, and the world. Although God never spoke about this king’s leadership, nor how he governed the nation, nor his prosperity, God did speak of what “his mother taught him.” The Word of God declares that a virtuous woman is a rarity (Proverbs 31:10). She is a treasure compared to being “far above rubies”. A virtuous mother is hard to find, but not impossible. In the end “she shall be praised”. She will be praised by her children and husband (Proverbs 31:28), and by her works (Proverbs 31:31). Praise the Lord for mothers who keep a close and consistent walk with the Lord. A virtuous mother is a hardworking mother. By this mother’s very actions, she displayed virtue. The Bible gives us 18 examples: seeketh and worketh (Proverbs 31:13), bringeth (Proverbs 31:14), riseth (Proverbs 31:15), considereth, buyeth, and planteth (Proverbs 31:16), girdeth and strengtheneth (Proverbs 31:17), perceiveth (Proverbs 31:18), layeth (Proverbs 31:19), stretcheth and reacheth (Proverbs 31:20), maketh (Proverbs 31:22, 24), selleth and delivereth (Proverbs 31:24), openeth (Proverbs 31:26), and looketh (Proverbs 31:27). She is recognized also for her words of wisdom and kindness (Proverbs 31:26). She speaks virtuously because her heart is full of virtue. Moral goodness will not come out if there is not moral goodness inside. Our Lord Jesus Christ spoke of this in Matthew 12:34. The Word of God reveals to us that this virtuous mother first spoke of her husband (Proverbs 31:11-12, 23, 28). A mother of virtue is submissive to her husband. A husband whose wife is virtuous is a man who is truly honored and blessed (Proverbs 12:4). Although some say the virtuous woman is unrealistic, I know several women who exemplify this passage. This passage is not a description of some unattainable goal, but a role model we should seek to follow. Abraham Lincoln recognized the value of a godly mother. He said, "No man is poor who has a godly mother." A godly mother's value is enormous. She will be a good influence on her children for the rest of their lives. Although much value is put on physical beauty, the real beauty of a woman is the inward beauty. A woman's substance and beauty are her virtue. Every Christian mother wants her child to marry within God’s will and to have a blessed and fruitful marriage. This does not happen by accident. What an example a praying mother is who is an example in words and in walk. Every mother has within her the ability to be a mother a great influence, wherever she is planted in life. She plays an important role in being key to her child’s potential and prosperity in life. The lessons she teaches her children often carry into the next generation. One way a mother helps her son seek and find a virtuous wife is by being a virtuous mother. What lessons will she teach her children? What lessons can you teach your children that will inspire them to live these lessons they have been taught? Prayer: Lord, help me to reflect Your character that I may inspire others to come to know You through Your Son Jesus Christ. Although I’m imperfect, and at times inconsistent, I desire to be influential that I may impact others for You that they may inspire to do great things 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 Women of the Bible Series
Esther (Esther 4:13-16) Esther 4:13-16, Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. We see Mordecai’s charge to Esther. Mordecai tells Esther that although she is in the king’s house, she should not feel safe from this decree to exterminate all Jews. In other words, he was telling her that although she is queen, she is still a Jew. He tells her that she and her father’s house will be destroyed. If Esther hesitated too long, she might lose out on her providential moment. Mordecai's message was urgent, and procrastination could mean the death of Esther, her family, and the nation of Israel. It was vital that Esther learn there is no time like the present. Mordecai had confidence in an unstoppable God. Mordecai saw the possibility of God using Esther to deliver the Jews. This could only happen if she was willing to have enough faith in God to risk all, even her own life. Mordecai encourages Esther with these words, “For such a time as this”. This is Esther’s opportunity to do something great for God. Mordecai is certain and confident of deliverance by the Lord. This is Esther’s one opportunity in life to make a difference. In Esther 4:16, she states, “if I perish, I perish”. Esther had an attitude of submission to a mission. Her attitude was that if she dies then she dies. She was willing to die doing the right thing and trying to make a difference. If she dies she is going to die promoting the truth, and die trying to salvage her people. She is willing to give her life to fulfill it. She is determined to fulfill God’s will for her life even if it means giving her life. God's grace has no time limit but God does have a very definite timeline. He has a plan for the work that must be done in each of us. Esther’s instructions were to fast for three days and then she would go the king. Researchers have studied the effects of prayer for decades, and one of the more interesting aspects is its influence of human emotion. There is mounting evidence that prayer helps people become more forgiving, especially towards people they are praying for. Another great quality that people can benefit from prayer is that of self-control. People who spend time in prayer are more likely to keep a cool head when faced with an anger inciting situation. Esther chose to abandon her place of comfort and safety for the sake of the lives of others, embracing the divine appointment God had scheduled for her. Esther had a challenge before her and wisely she entered the throne of the Lord with her dilemma. Not only was it forbidden to approach the palace where the king was without an invitation from him, she could have been executed for such an act. Due to the urgency of the situation, she was willing to take this risk, but not without fasting and praying. Prayer strengthened Esther and gave her wisdom to save her people. With courage, she boldly advanced and demonstrated how the Lord would be with His children every step of the way when we are doing His will. Are you facing an intimidating incident? Remember Philippians 4:6-7, Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Point to Ponder: Don’t miss your window of opportunity. You can be confident that nothing can stop God from loving you (Romans 8:38-39). God not only had a "such a time as this" moment for Esther's life, but He has a plan for your life as well. Question to Consider: Is God calling you to show courage right now? How will you answer the call? Are we willing to give your life over to fulfilling the Lord’s will? PRAYER: Almighty Father, thank You that You are always sovereign and in control. Help me to see that my life is simply a way for You to display Your glory to an unbelieving world. Forgive me for fearing what I should be turning over 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 WOMEN OF THE BIBLE SERIES
Widow of Zarephath (I Kings 17:13-16) I Kings 17:13-14, And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son. 14 For thus saith the Lord God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth. 15 And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days. 16 And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord, which he spake by Elijah. During a famine, this widow fed the prophet Elijah before feeding her son and then herself. This widow was at the point of starvation. She and her son had enough food left for one last supper and they planned to lie down and starve to death. She did not have very much, only a handful of meal and a little oil. Notice! Here arrived the man of God! He told her to feed him first. When she heard the Word of God, she went and did as Elijah had commanded her. This required great faith to use the last little bit of meal she had to prepare bread for a total stranger. Yet she did it by faith! God wants us to learn to trust Him in every circumstance, regardless of what outward appearances may suggest. When God gives you His Word you can bank on it. If you have dedicated your life to the Lord and are fully committed in carrying out His will, then you are the Lord's servant, and He is responsible to provide your need. The outcome of the faith giving was a barrel of meal that would not “waste” and a cruse of oil that would not “fail”. They would eat many days. She gave to the Lord and the Lord gave to her. She was rewarded for her faith giving as the widow gave to Elijah first, then to her son and to herself. As was with the widow, we must give to God first, before we can see God provide for us. The widow’s barrel of meal and cruse of oil never ran out. The power of God never fails, especially when you are scraping the bottom of the barrel. The flour that was used is a great reminder of Jesus Christ and His Word, the Bread of Life. The oil is a reminder of the Holy Spirit. They never fail. The meal and oil strengthened Elijah and the widow. The Word of God and the Spirit of God strengthens us. When we put the Lord first, He will multiply the little we have and meet our needs. No one has ever, or will ever, discover the limits of God’s great ability. God provides for His people. But there is a condition. We must trust and obey God's Word. Just as the widow trusted and obeyed the Lord, so we too must trust and obey Him. If we seek the Lord and His righteousness first, He promises to provide food, clothing, and shelter for His people. God will be with us every step of the way. He will hold our hands, hold us up, and even carry us when needed. PRAYER: Father in Heaven, thank You that you are always faithful to Your promises of provision. You have faithfully provided for me and my family. You have promised to supply all my needs according to Your riches in glory. You are both our Provider for both our physical and spiritual needs. Thank You that You delight to provide for my needs. Lord, it is a great comfort to know that You know everything about me. You know the needs and necessities of life I have before they arise. Forgive me for not relying on You as I ought. Teach me to rely on You and to rely less on myself. Help me to cast all my care on You. Keep my heart ever thankful for Your gracious provision. 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 Women of the Bible Series
Eunice…A Teaching Mother (II Timothy 3:14-15) – PART 2 II Timothy 3:14-15, But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. Eunice did not wait until her children were older to teach them the Bible, but from a child she made them known to him. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 gives parents the command of how they should give their children Scripture at a young age. The Bible commands us to “teach them diligently unto thy children.” This was to be done in six ways. 1. Thou “shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house.” Perhaps the most basic opportunity is when the entire family sits down together for at least one meal a day. 2. Likewise, we are commanded to talk of God’s words “when thou walkest by the way,” in other words, when we travel. 3. Parents are commanded to teach God’s words “when thou liest down” (bedtime). 4. “when thou risest up” (in the morning). Moses repeatedly refers to God’s Words (plural). 5. God, through Moses, commanded that Israel was to “bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.” Perhaps the greater idea is how one will tie a string around their finger as a reminder to do something. God’s Word was to be continually as a reminder. 6. Finally, Israel was to “write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.” Plaques of Scripture were to be placed on the walls and doorways of the homes of godly people. For the Scripture to get a child’s heart (Deuteronomy 6:6), we must teach it, we must talk of it, and we must write it. In other words, what they see and hear will become a part of them. It takes external teaching to make an internal change. Scripture does something for a child that a parent cannot. Scripture is God breathed and is from God and can transform a child’s life. Eunice’s teaching Timothy of the Scriptures played a part in his salvation II Timothy 3:15. She taught her son by example. It’s clear from Scripture that she carried out her mission with great success, for her son was filled with genuine faith. As a believing mother, Eunice understood the critical nature of this spiritual nurturing. From a child she taught him about God and the essential truths of God’s Word. She didn’t just speak these truths, she also lived them. We should use every opportunity to teach children the Bible. Encourage children while they’re young to memorize Scriptures, particularly the book of Proverbs. Proverbs is clearly written to young people (Proverbs 1:4). What you put in your child will come out in their adult years. Timothy was a man of God because as a child he was taught the Word of God by his mother. Mothers can impact the lives of their children in countless ways, but the most important way a mother can influence and shape her child’s future is by nurturing their spiritual development. All children have the same habit, and that is the tendency to copy (Proverbs 23:26). Be genuine in your love God for God and His Word, and your children will copy your actions. PRAYER: Lord I thank you for our children. We can trust You with their lives, and ask the strength of Your Holy Spirit to help us lead them to doing Your will. Each child, was created on purpose with purpose. We ask You to help us trust You more. Bless our hearts with great faith, daily steps of obedience, and lives full of evident trust in Your love. 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 Women of the Bible Series
Eunice…A Teaching Mother (II Timothy 1:5) – PART 1 II Timothy 1:5, When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. I think of a young man who grew up in a home without a Christian father, but with a godly mother and a godly grandmother; and this young man became a major influence for the cause of Jesus Christ in the first century. His name was Timothy. How did a little boy from the city of Lystra, a mystical place given over to idol worship, develop into such a great leader for the cause of Jesus Christ? He was raised by a godly mother and grandmother. There had been three generations of genuine faith in Timothy’s family: first, his grandmother Lois; then his mother Eunice; and now finally Timothy himself. This faith pleased God (Hebrews 11:6). What made this mother stand out were her qualities in her own life that she passed down to her own son. Eunice’s husband is not mentioned by name in the Scripture. Eunice was a Jewess, and believed; but his (Timothy) father was Greek. This suggests Timothy’s father was probably an unbeliever. The story of Eunice and Timothy gives hope to one parent homes or couples who are unequally yoked. What good things about Timothy can be attributed to the training of his mother! Timothy was a strong Christian, and this was in part due to genuine faith of his mother. In Acts 16:1-3, Timothy is called a disciple, well reported of by the brethren, and desired by the Apostle Paul on his journeys. Even Paul recognized the influence of Timothy’s mother in II Timothy 1:5. Materialism and wealth cannot compare to a child growing up to serve God and honor his parents. The name that Eunice gave Timothy showed her desire for Timothy, as his name means “dear to God”. What a person does is greatly due to what his parents taught him. The Bible reference to Eunice’s faith is referred to concerning her belief in God and His Word. Paul said to Timothy that what would be remembered most about Timothy’s mother was that the faith she had was genuine. Unfeigned faith begins with salvation, and then continues as one consistently spends time with God and lives with Him. The word “unfeigned” means sincere or without hypocrisy. Hypocrisy comes from trying to “look like” instead of “being” what one should be. Children and teens can read their parents. They can see right through their teachers, and they can turn away in disgust from a believer who plays charades. Eunice passed down this unfeigned faith to her son Timothy because it was her. She put it in herself by having a steady diet of the Word of God (Romans 10:17). A child who grows up with a parent who takes seriously the things of God, has instilled in them a faith that will last their lifetime. Genuine faith produces a genuine Christian. A child’s convictions and what they believe are shaped by the child’s parents. Often when a parent says, “I want my children to choose their own way”, they have already chosen it for them. A teaching mother will train her children in the things of God, but more importantly will live them. Eunice’s faith was portrayed in her life because of a heart that believed in God. You can’t help but teach what you truly believe. Sure, Timothy learned from Paul and others, but his foundation was under the influence of his mother Eunice. Paul tells us that Timothy had a real, living faith in his heart. He had more than just a profession of faith; he had an active faith. Mothers know that they have an especially important role they have been entrusted with. In our troubled world it is a daunting task, but God will strengthen and guide you in your quest to teach your children and to encourage them to choose and to honor Him. The love and influence of Christian mothers is something we should all be thankful for every day of our lives. PRAYER: Lord I thank You for my parents who love and care for me. May I honor them and show my love and care for them for the many sacrifices they have made in my life. 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 Women of the Bible Series
Abigail (I Samuel 25:3) I Samuel 25:3, Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb. There are many people in the Bible that will win your heart through their godly characteristics. In I Samuel 25, we see the life of Abigail, a beautiful woman who displayed wisdom and humility. You are called to bear with difficult people who can sometimes create trying circumstances for you. Your walk with Christ can thrive despite the chaos around you. In I Samuel 25:7, 16 we see that David had protected Nabal’s shepherds and was now asking for a reasonable favor in return: that Nabal would give them provisions when they arrived. Nabal was rich, and so it certainly would not have been any trouble for him to comply, but instead of being wise and generous, he chose to be stingy, which only provoked David to fight. When her husband refused to help David, she intervened by taking the blame and supplying David’s need for food. Gathering an army of 400 men, David set out to destroy Nabal’s household, and had it not been for the wisdom of one woman, he would have. Abigail’s wisdom kept herself and many innocent people from being killed because of her husband’s foolishness. Abigail demonstrated her good understanding though she remained faithful to Nabal till his death, taking supplies to help God’s anointed and eventually marrying David. Abigail’s wisdom in action: 1. She recognized that David was a godly man (I Samuel 25:18-20). Proverbs 9:10, The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. 2. Abigail avoided conflict (I Samuel 25:18-20). Proverbs 14:16, A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident. 3. Abigail acted wisely to resolve the problem (I Samuel 25:18-24). Proverbs 29:11, A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards. Points to Ponder:
· You are called to bear with difficult people who can sometimes create trying circumstances for you.
Questions to Consider:
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for the "Abigails" who are sensitive enough to You that they can be used as Your vessel to speak to Your servants and for Your service. Thank You for the wisdom of the people found in Your Word that I can also be sensitive to Your leading in my life and be used in ways to promote your kingdom work. 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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