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Times of refreshing

Men of the Bible Series - Enoch

5/31/2023

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Men of the Bible Series - Enoch

Enoch (Genesis 5:21-24) – Hebrews 11:5-6; Jude 14

Genesis 5:21-24, “And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah: And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.”

Enoch makes only a brief appearance in the pages of Scripture, but his life holds an important lesson for us concerning the responsibility of faith in our lives. Since our Christian walk is only possible through faith, our lives should be steeped in the Word so our faith will grow, and God will be pleased. The word walk in Scriptures speaks of a habit of life. The Bible tells us that he “walked with God” (Genesis 5:22, 24). He enjoyed a deep-rooted and constant relationship with God. That means he lived by faith in God, trusted in His promises (Hebrews 11:5-6) and made every effort to live a holy life (I John 1:5-7).

Enoch’s Walk with God Reveals He Met with God.
In order for mankind to have the ability to walk with God, man would need to have met with God. Enoch’s testimony, once again, indicates man’s walk with God since the fall in the garden. The thing that pleased God about Enoch was that he “walked with God”. It’s mentioned two times in Genesis 5:21-24. Enoch was a godly man who walked with God in a close, special way and one day God literally took him to Heaven. God’s desire for us is that we walk with Him (John 4:23). There were only three people mentioned in the Bible as having a “walk with God”. All three were used by God (Enoch-Genesis 5:24; Noah-Genesis 6:9; Levi-Malachi 2:4-6).

Enoch’s Walk with God Reveals a Merging with God.
We cannot walk with God, declared the prophet, unless we are in agreement with Him (Amos 3:3). Our plans must be subjected to His plans; our ways must be yielded to His ways; our aspirations must be synchronized with His aspirations. The more we walk with God, the more we will be like Him. You either are or will soon become like those you associate with. Acts 4:20, “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” Although we live in a different time from Enoch, may we, “called unto the fellowship of His Son” (I Corinthians 1:9), walk in this intimacy. We must walk with God everyday (II Corinthians 4:16).

Enoch’s Walk with God Reveals a Movement with God.
As we walk physically, we move forward and advance. In walking with God, Enoch made progress in the spiritual realm! Similarly, as we walk with God we mature and advance in the things of God. It is impossible to walk with God and never go anywhere in our Christian experience. May our greatest concern be to know Him and to move through life with Him! Daily Enoch walked with God and he was in constant fellowship with Him, and God was pleased (Hebrews 11:5-6).

Enoch’s Walk with God Reveals His Maturity with God.
God is pleased with those who walk with Him. The word “walk” indicates a progress and a habit of life. Everyday Enoch spent time with God. We can spend time with the Lord everyday, at anytime of the day, as well. We spend time with Him when we read His Word and talk to Him in prayer. God speaks to us through His Word and we speak to Him through prayer. To neglect time with Him is to hinder our fellowship with Him. Everyone is as close to God as they want to be. A person is as filled with the Holy Spirit as they want to be. Enoch understood the value of a closer walk with God. He so desired this quality time that he made sure each day to walk with God. Enoch’s name means “dedicated”; he was so attuned to his walk with the Lord that one day he walked straight into the gates of glory. The Lord is never against anyone walking with Him. In fact, He welcomes all with outstretched arms. Enoch’s testimony should encourage all to pursue a closer walk with God.

Enoch’s lifestyle was a pattern and a challenge to the ungodly. The Bible tells us in Jude 14-15 that Enoch actually spoke out against ungodliness and immorality. He kept warning people of God’s ultimate judgment on them for their ungodly conversation and behavior. We should consider Enoch’s life as an example of how to live when surrounded by ungodliness. Believers should live in such a way that it becomes clear to those around us that we have a deep relationship with God and live to please Him. Most of all, we should be looking for Christ’s return to take us to be with Him forever (I Thessalonians 4:16-17).

Enoch knew the eternal value of walking with the Lord. Enoch’s translation to Heaven encourages us to have a deeper walk with the Lord. These following Scriptures are commands the Lord instructs us to walk in: Newness of life (Romans 6:4); honesty (Romans 13:13); by faith (II Corinthians 5:7); in the Spirit (Galatians 5:25); in love (Ephesians 5:2); As children of Light (Ephesians 5:8); circumspectly (Ephesians 5:15); in wisdom (Colossians 4:5).

PRAYER: Lord, keep my heart tender and on fire for You. May today mark a new beginning of a closer walk with You. May the desire to walk with You everyday never cease and may my walk with You bring You pleasure. I want my heart to bless Your heart and give You the love that You deserve. Help me to be committed to my daily walk with You. In Jesus name, AMEN!

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Men of the Bible Series - Elijah

5/30/2023

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Men of the Bible Series - Elijah (James 5:16-18)

James 5:16-18, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.”

Elijah truly was a prayer warrior who believed in the power of prayer. He saw God work supernaturally in his life because when he prayed, he prayed earnestly. Elijah’s prayers brought a widow’s son back to life (I Kings 17:20-22), caused it not to rain for three and a half years (James 5:17-18), and that brought fire down from heaven (I Kings 18:36-38). Prayer should be as natural to the child of God as breathing is to the human body, because prayer is the believer’s spiritual breath. The reason so many believers are always spiritually tired and weary is they have been holding their spiritual breath. The Christian who says, "I simply can't find time for prayer," is like the person who says, "I just can't find time to breathe." If we refuse to pray regularly, we will spiritually suffocate.

When God said to pray without ceasing, the word “ceasing” means uninterrupted. The Word “effectual” means to be active. It has the sense of being “energized”. What James is driving at is that effective prayer is fervent and from the heart. When a man will pour out his heart in prayer, God tends to hear the same. Prayer cannot be once a week, or even once a day. It means to have a mind of prayer or an attitude of prayer. To “avail” means to have force or to be of strength. In other words, prayer that is so strong that it accomplishes what was intended. There are things we cannot do that only God can do such as provide, protect, and so on.

We have access to God because of our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1-2). One of the great tragedies of modern-day Christianity is that we simply do not pray as we should. The Lord has placed all of the power and resources of Heaven at our disposal to do His work, yet we “have not, because [we] ask not” (James 4:2). Prayer is not an empty ritual, nor is it a religious exercise. It’s how a child of God goes to the throne of grace based on the relationship He has freely given us to seek His help which He has promised to give.

Two wives were doing their laundry in a laundry mat. They were both patching their husband’s pants. One wife said, “My husband is so miserable. Nothing goes right at work, and he can’t find anything good on television. Our home is a place of hurt. When we go to church, the song leader is terrible and the pastor is dull. The other wife said “My husband is so excited. He can’t wait to go to church. He loves the sermons. We enjoy our family time.” It got very quiet in the laundry room as the women continued sewing the pants. One was patching the seat of the pants, and the other was patching the knees. Prayer changes marriages, families, ministries, etc. The success of a father is dependent upon prayer.

According to the Scriptures, God commands us to pray in the following verses: Luke 18:1; 21:36; Romans 12:12; Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 4:6; Colossians 4:2; I Thessalonians 5:17; I Timothy 2:1. The Devil cannot keep God from answering our prayers, so he seeks to keep us from asking. He does all that he can to prevent us from prayer. The greatest enemy to answered prayer is unbelief. A lack of faith will always hinder God from working in and through our lives. When we pray, we are not to waver.

Point to Ponder:
If we have faith enough to ask, we should have faith enough to believe that God will hear our need and supply wisdom in every situation.

Question to Consider:
What could the Lord do in and through our families and churches if His people would pray earnestly?

PRAYER: Father, I praise You that I can at anytime, anywhere, and under any circumstance come to You in prayer. My desire is to keep walking continually with You, so that my prayer may be the natural expression of my life with You. In Jesus name, AMEN.

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Memorial Day

5/29/2023

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Memorial Day (Psalm 33:12)

Psalm 33:12, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD: and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.”

Memorial Day is about remembering. Today is a day to remember the brave men and women who have served and given their lives for our freedom. The men and women who have given their lives for the cause of freedom are heroes for their courage. They didn’t fight because a brutal dictator forced them to advance his regime. They gave their lives for the God-given right of freedom. They fought to preserve the freedoms with which God has blessed our nation; the very freedoms that give us the liberty to worship our God. Memorial Day is an important national moment. It is a day to do more than relax by the pool, grill, fish, etc. It is right and wise to remember the great sacrifice some have paid to preserve the historically unprecedented civil and religious freedoms we Americans have the luxury to take largely for granted. May we pray the Lord blesses us with spiritual and political leaders who will honor and obey the Lord.

Psalm 103:1-2, “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits…” As Americans, we have great privileges and freedom because of the high price that has been paid by heroes of the past and present. As Christians, we have even greater privileges and freedom because of the high price paid by Jesus for our salvation. It is vitally important that we never forget the many good things that God does for us each day, nor the cost that was required for the benefits we enjoy.

Because God knows better than we do how forgetful we are of who He is and what He has done, He commands us to remember. Psalm 9:17, “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” Psalm 106:13–14, “They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel: But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert.” Psalm 78:42, “They remembered not his hand, nor the day when he delivered them from the enemy.” But the importance of Memorial Day is more for our future than it is for our past. It is crucial that we remember the nightmares and why they happened. We forget them at our own peril. The future of the United States depends, in large amount, on how well we collectively remember and cherish what liberty really is and the terror of tyranny. There is a high cost to forgetting. In the words of George Santayana, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

There is a real danger when we enjoy great blessings that we begin to take for granted and think that we deserve them. The more God does for us the more grateful we should be. Just as we rightly set aside a day to honor our nation's heroes, we should also take time to give thanks to God for our spiritual liberty and His many benefits to us. Christians, may we take time today to honor those brave soldiers by remembering them. Let’s not assume it will happen on its own. In the midst of our organized social activities today, let’s pause and let our mind and heart remember.

PRAYER: Father, I thank You mostly for Jesus and His sacrifice for my sins. In Him, I have freedom. I also thank You for the birth and the blessings for this great country. I resolve to make this day a time to honor and recognize the brave men and women who sacrificed for my freedoms and the freedoms of other nations. Stir my heart, Lord, with patriotism and thankfulness as I remember the blessing You have bestowed on this great nation. I ask You to minister comfort and peace to those who grieve and are suffering. May I respectfully honor all the men and women who presently serve in the armed forces. May they feel appreciated and supported this day and every day. In Jesus name, AMEN.

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Men of the Bible Series - Daniel - PART 2

5/28/2023

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Men of the Bible Series - Daniel (Daniel 6:1-3) PART 2

Daniel 6:1-3, “It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom; 2And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage. 3Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.”

Joe Lee told an early work experience that helped shape the future course of his life. He got a job in his teens on one of the largest cattle ranches in California. One day, he was instructed to drive cattle from one pasture to another. On the way, he saw that a fence had fallen, and the cattle had gotten out. Rather than continuing, he stopped, rounded up those cattle and spent the rest of the day fixing the fence.

Concerned that he would get in trouble for not finishing the job, he called his boss. When he told him what he had done, rather than getting reprimanded he was praised for taking initiative. “Act like you would if you owned the place,” his boss told him. That principle of integrity - taking diligent care of everything placed in his hand - made Joe Lee a great success in the business world, but most importantly, as a Christian.

Daniel 6 opens with the head of gold being replaced by the silver kingdom, the breast and arms of Media-Persia. King Darius arose to power around 538 b.c. When Darius took over the Chaldean kingdom, he appointed 120 princes to oversee the affairs of the Chaldean province. Over these princes, Darius appointed three presidents of whom Daniel was first in authority. Daniel was the leading president of three presidents that oversaw 120 princes.

Daniel was the most outstanding of the three administrators who assisted Darius in ruling the empire. Because of Daniel’s exceptional qualities, including his extraordinary intelligence, the king planned to give him a new position above all the other leaders and administrators. Because of God’s goodness, Daniel’s mind was still sharp and his abilities still strong at 80 years of age (Exodus 7:7; Deuteronomy 34:7; Joshua 14:10-11; 24:29). This was a new king, but he already knew that something was different about Daniel. The king discerned an excellent spirit in Daniel. Daniel was preferred above all others because of his excellent spirit. His reputation as a man of wisdom was outstanding, and his character was impeccable. The king preferred Daniel because of his honesty and integrity. Standing for the Lord is not always easy, but Daniel displayed how to do it well. I Corinthians 10:31, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” Daniel's character could not be drowned by floods, burned by fire, corrupted by rust, stolen by thieves, or destroyed by moths.

Daniel was highly respected by the king but despised by the other leaders. They diligently sought for ways to get him removed. Daniel was accused of violating a new laws they had created. This law was used to get Daniel in trouble based on his commitment to God. Daniel may have lost his position but he did not lose his integrity. Today, there are laws formed by government that violate the laws of God. Very soon, there will be harsher laws put in place that will challenge the believer’s commitment to Christ. There will come a time when those who choose to obey the Lord will be threatened with death.

There may be times when we face persecution, deprivation, prosecution, or execution. God, however, wants us to know that faithfulness to Him is always the right thing in spite of the difficulties. Faithfulness and obedience to Him yield rich rewards and blessings. We never have to be ashamed of our faith in the Lord though the world may try to intimidate us into silence.

Questions to Consider:
Do you have an excellent spirit?
Are you easy to work with?
Do you work hard and do your best at what you do?

Points to Ponder:
This was a great testimony for Daniel and a challenge to all of us to have the same kind of attitude.
As Christians representing the Lord, we should do our best to bring honor to Him.
God remembers, records, and rewards you for your faithful and devoted service to Him.

Prayer, Father in Heaven, I thank You for Jesus Your Son. He is the perfect example of integrity and character. Teach me Your ways and guide my heart. My desire is to be more like Jesus in all my attitudes and actions in a manner that is pleasing to You. In Jesus name, Amen!

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Men of the Bible Series - Daniel - PART 1

5/27/2023

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Men of the Bible Series - Daniel (Daniel 1:8) PART 1

Daniel 1:8, “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.”

Now, more than ever, is a crucial need for God’s people of strong, righteous character to purpose in their hearts not to compromise. The society we live in today is rampant in immorality, mischief, inequality, persecution, and self-indulgence, a time when scarce few rise up to wave the banner for integrity and righteousness. Daniel lived in a time of inexcusable immorality, anarchy, and violence when there was little uprightness and morality on earth. Notwithstanding, he stood firm for the Lord against the temptations and the enticements of an ungodly nation. In all ages, God’s people have always been faced with the pressures to compromise their personal walk with Him. Every day we face the temptation to compromise our commitment to the Lord. We must decide to be dedicated in our devotion for the Lord regardless of the amount of pressure we face to compromise. We will examine that the pressures Daniel and his three friends faced by the king of Babylon were the same pressures we face today.

By God’s standards, Babylon’s moral and spiritual climate was totally corrupt. It is very likely that what Daniel and his friends were being taught often contradicted God’s law and principles. Daniel made up his mind from the start not to compromise his spiritual values and convictions, even if it meant death. Consider the fact that Daniel no longer had his parents or family around to guide or influence his decisions. Yet his love for God and His law, learned as a child, so filled his heart that he never lost his desire to serve the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:7).

I imagine it would have been fairly easy to “give in” at this point. With no parents, no pastor, no godly influences, conforming to the wicked lifestyle of the Babylonians would have been simple. No matter how much pressure others may put upon us to compromise, we must stand fast and not give in to the seduction of sin. No matter how appealing, attractive, or alluring the craving may be, we must take a firm stand for God. We must purpose in our hearts that we will not defile ourselves. Swimming against the current only makes you a stronger swimmer. Daniel believed in being holy before the Lord. Holiness is not an option for the believer, but it is the clear command of the Word of God (I Peter 1:15-16).

What helped Daniel remain faithful to the Lord in a corrupt society was the fact that early in life he had “purposed in his heart.” Surround yourself with those (parents, pastor, wise friends) who are wise (Proverbs 11:14; 15:22; 24:6). He had already determined, come what may, that he would stand for the Lord regardless of the direction society was heading. This purpose was not short term, as in until it was inconvenient, it was for life. A lack of purpose in one’s life leads to an easy target for Satan. Once we purpose in our hearts, it will be easier to demonstrate it in our lifestyle. When we make wise choices, it leads to right results (Proverbs 20:18). Purpose in one’s life will help prevent them from changing or giving up. The first priority of every person should be to cleave unto the Lord (Acts 11:23). The actions we take in our life are purposed in the heart before they are ever carried out by our actions. Proverbs 4:23, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” We should serve God out of a pure heart, for this is what God loves the most and desires. Daniel made this decision in his heart before anyone else ever knew about it.

The desire to love God and serve Him starts in the heart. It goes against the flesh of mankind and is a radical concept to this world. Paul was an advocate of swimming against culture’s current. He wrote, “I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1–2).

A believer who conforms to this world, at some point, will yield to the great pressure that they are under to change. The believer who is transformed is yielded to the Holy Spirit of God who transforms them from within. Something is going to shape your life, but the question is, will it be the worldly philosophy we are conformed to, or the truth of God that we are transformed by? Will you be conformed or transformed? What are your goals for this year? I encourage you to follow the example of Daniel as you strive to make a difference.

Those who are determined to stay faithful to God when confronted with temptation can depend on Him for the strength to resist. However, those who have not prepared their minds and hearts to stay true to God and His Word will find it difficult to resist sin and to avoid conforming to the world’s ungodly ideas and lifestyles. It is much easier to avoid temptation than to resist temptation.

Prayer: Lord, Thank You for the strength I have in You to remain committed in my walk with You. I am encouraged by the example of Daniel and his three friends and the choice they made in obeying Your Word rather than compromising with the world. Often, I’m tempted to compromise my commitment to You. May I be determined to remain faithful to You and steadfast in my commitment to Your Word. In Jesus name, Amen!

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Men of the Bible Series: Caleb

5/26/2023

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Men of the Bible Series: Caleb (Joshua 14:6-15)

When Henry M. Stanley found Livingstone, the great missionary who spent thirty years in darkest Africa, and who had been lost to the world for over two years, he wanted him to come back home to England with him, but Livingstone refused to go. Two days later he wrote in his diary, "March 19, my birthday; my Jesus; King; my Life; my All. I again dedicate my whole self to Thee. Accept me, and grant, O gracious Father, that ere the year is gone I may finish my work. In Jesus' Name I ask it. Amen." A year later his servants found him on his knees dead. It was said of him:
"He needs no epitaph to guard a name
Which men shall prize while worthy work is known;
He lived and died for good—be that his fame;
Let marble crumble: this is Living-Stone."

Canaan represents the victorious Christian life. A land of victory and rest. It meant release for they were once slaves in Egypt. Caleb represents the Christian about to conquer his Canaan, possess his possessions, and receive God’s inheritance for himself. He took the whole mountain meaning fullness. He wanted all that God had for him. Hebron was fruitful. Caleb wanted fellowship, fullness, and fruitfulness. Here in the Word, we find a man that faithfully served the Lord, was a spiritual fire-cracker for God; and received God’s inheritance. I believe from the Scriptures and the life of Caleb were given a plan to serve the Lord all the days of our lives.

1. Faithful Follower of the Lord (Joshua 14:8, 9, 14)
The Scriptures mention six times where Caleb wholly followed God (Numbers 14:24; 32:12; Deuteronomy 1:36; Joshua 14:8-9, 14). Caleb gave God all he had. God deserves our best. Caleb was not complainer-he was a conqueror. This very day, so many Christians 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.

2. Fervent Fire for the Lord (Joshua 14:10-12)
Caleb was a conqueror because his confidence came from the Word of God. Caleb was as strong at 85 as he was at 40. Some people do not even live to be 85. Caleb refused to consider himself stricken in years. Here, we see Caleb was 85 and still very much alive. Caleb was not ready to retire or give up on God. Caleb’s mind was on conquering a mountain top for God. I see more and more Christians today who are living wasted, depressed, and defeated lives. For the most part, because they are not willing to surrender to the will of God.

3. Fruitful Finisher for the Lord (Joshua 14:13-15)
The majority focused on the obstacles; the minority focused on the possibilities. The majority focused on the foes; the minority focused on the fruit. The majority focused on the problems; the minority focused on the promises. The majority focused on the giants; the minority focused on God. Pessimists see difficulties in every opportunity, while optimist see opportunities in every difficulty. Stop looking at how big your problems are and start telling your problems how big your God is! Caleb set his sights on the Promised Land. The reason Caleb remained strong spiritually was his mind was in Canaan. Caleb wanted that Mountain. Give me this mountain! Have you ever wanted something so bad that you asked God over and over again for it? We are not to grow weary in well doing. Caleb received his promise and inheritance. Hebron was the highest inheritance for Caleb. There are rewards for serving the Lord. The rewards are stored up in glory, but there are also some rewards the Lord has for us here. Be faithful to the work in the Lord’s service. God will remember, recognize, and reward you for your labor, if you faint not. Galatians 6:9, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” I Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the LORD.”

Questions to Consider:
Can you imagine what God could do through the life of one person completely committed to Him?
Can you imagine if our churches had one Caleb?
Do you still have the same zeal you had when you were first saved?

Points to Ponder:
Would you like to see what God could do in and through you if you were completely sold-out to God.
Don’t live like you got until next year to serve God. Each day, serve Him like there’s no tomorrow.
Lord, give me the spirit of Caleb. There is still more work to do and mountains to conquer!

PRAYER: Father, I know I have an eternal inheritance in Jesus. Help me to remain faithful in Your service. May others see You in my labor for You and may they become desirous of the work that they come to know You. In Jesus name, AMEN!

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Men of the Bible Series - Barnabas

5/25/2023

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Men of the Bible Series - Barnabas (Acts 11:23-24)

Acts 11:23-24, “Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the LORD.”

The early church was in a dilemma and believers were being persecuted. Peter and John had been arrested and were threatened not to speak about Jesus. When the disciples gathered to pray for guidance, the Holy Spirit filled them with boldness, and the church came together in unity. The Bible described Barnabas as “a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith” (Acts 11:24).

Notice: We see the ministry of Barnabas. We find three things as a result of this.
1. God uses qualified servants.
Barnabas was an encourager to believer’s, especially new converts. He was used by the Lord to be a special gift to His children. Barnabas had a generous heart. His character reflected the giving nature of the heart of God. God’s chief requirement of any Christian servant is that he or she be filled with the Spirit. In fact, no amount of learning will ever surpass this. One of the church’s greatest needs today is a Barnabas. Barnabas had a great passion for the Lord’s work and His people. He genuinely loved helping people. He was gifted at restoring broken lives. Perhaps his comforting words of consolation kept many in faithful service.

2. God uses faithful servants.
The Lord always seeks to work through His churches. Barnabas was active and faithful in his church before the Lord sent him on this mission. The church at Jerusalem sent Barnabas to Antioch to help the new church. When this new convert, Saul, showed up in Jerusalem to meet the apostles, it was Barnabas who came alongside him and vouched for his authentic faith (Acts 9:27—2). In Acts 13:43, Barnabas encouraged new believers to continue in the grace of God. In Acts 14:21-22, he returned with Paul to three cities visited earlier to build up the disciples they had made and to encourage them. In Acts 15:36, they did the same. A true friend will always be humble for your sake. A real friend wants you to be first. Barnabas was not into himself. He was an encourager of others. His name actually means "son of encouragement," and he would, through the power of Jesus, embody his name for generations to come. It’s easy to see how he gained such a reputation. The Holy Spirit is the One Who “comes alongside” to help us. Barnabas gained the reputation of coming alongside others to encourage or help them.

The disciples were very suspicious when it came to the new convert Saul. Barnabas was willing to take a risk. When nobody wanted to extend the right hand of fellowship to Paul, Barnabas responded in faith and embraced Paul as a new person in Christ. Barnabas went to Saul’s hometown of Tarsus and brought him to the church at Antioch. Barnabas took personal responsibility in seeing that Paul had the opportunity to grow and to be used in ministry. Barnabas journeyed with Paul on his first missionary trip. Not only did Barnabas share Paul’s conversion, but he also spoke of how the Lord had already used him. The impact that Paul had on the early church is overwhelming! However, if Barnabas had not been willing to mentor Paul, he may not have made as much of an impact. It is a risk to reach out to people and love them, invest in them, care for them, and mentor them. However, if we fail in these areas, the church’s mission will be highly impacted in a negative way.

3. God blesses those who serve Him.
Observe, that under Barnabas the church grew very much. This man Joses (Barnabas) was a man who we will find was greatly used of the Lord (Acts 4:36; 9:27). He was a Jewish believer from Cyrus; a man who had a powerful testimony of being a consoler or uplifter. He was given the name Barnabas because he was blessed with the gift of exhortation. Notice: Every time we see Barnabas in the book of Acts he is giving, helping, or encouraging others. He was noted for standing up on one’s behalf (Acts 9:27; 15:37-39). He was a man of means who had the gift of giving. He was a godly, spirit-filled man, who possessed the gift of faith. This is one of the highest descriptions of Christian character. Barnabas teaches us to use our gifts to meet the needs of others. He was used greatly in the life of Paul and Mark who wrote books in the New Testament. His life consisted of bringing people to Jesus and discipling new converts, encouraging them to cleave unto the Lord. This same Holy Spirit filled the heart of Barnabas, and he reflected the Holy Spirit’s work in his life as he came alongside others. The Lord uses Barnabas to teach us the importance of manifesting a heart of integrity and generosity. The Holy Spirit equips us to serve the church and its global mission. When we consider the character of a Christian, we must include the role of the Holy Spirit as He motivates and empowers the Christian to teach, serve, encourage, lead, and proclaim the Good News of Jesus. God used Barnabas to take the message of Jesus to the ends of the earth. His character made a lasting difference in the lives of millions because he demonstrated the heart of God.

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, give me a heart of encouragement for other believers. May the Holy Spirit empower me, use me, and direct me to Christians who need encouragement and need someone to help them in their walk of faith. In Jesus name, Amen.

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Men of the Bible Series - Andrew

5/24/2023

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Men of the Bible Series - Andrew (John 1:41-42a)

John 1:41-42a, “He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus.”

Both of these names (Cephas and Peter, one Aramaic and the other Greek) mean “rock.” Ironically, throughout the Gospel accounts, Peter is definitely no rock in the sense of being unmovable and reliable in his speech and actions. In fact, he is often shown as one who was driven to extremes by his emotions and spiritual instability. Yet, in Acts, he became a bold, powerful, and faithful leader of the church. Jesus named Peter not for who he was, but for who he would become. Notice the behaviors shown by Andrew. He followed Jesus without hesitation (John 1:37), and he immediately proceeded to introduce someone else to Christ (John 1:42). This should be the pattern adopted by all who follow Christ.

Although his name was Andrew, he was most often referred to as “the brother of Simon Peter” (Matthew 4:18; 10:2; Mark 1:16; Luke 6:14; John 1:40; 6:8). Although he often stood in the shadows of his popular brother, Peter, God had a specific plan for Andrew. He was a fisherman by trade (Matthew 4:18). He was a disciple of John the Baptist (John 1:35, 40). John had been telling his listeners that the Messiah was coming. One day, John pointed to Jesus and called Him “the Lamb of God” (John 1:36). From that very moment, and from that time on, Andrew left the family fishing business to follow Christ (Matthew 4:18; Mark 1:16-18). He was one of the first two disciples to follow Jesus (John 1:36-37). God had a plan for Andrew's life, and he followed Christ until the day he died. Someone once said, “Before our gospelizing gets around to the uttermost part of the earth, it should begin at home, ‘in Jerusalem’ as it were. We have a story to tell to the nations, but it is also a story to tell to the neighbors all around us.”

It was Andrew who was the first to be called by Christ and who would bring Peter to Christ (John 1:41). Whenever we read about Andrew doing something, it is him bringing someone to Christ. Andrew would go home to find his brother Peter to lead him to the Lord. NOTICE: Later, Peter would preach and reach three thousand souls for Christ? Peter would perform miracles? Peter would write two books in the New Testament? Andrew would not do any of these things, but he knew a man who had potential and if Christ saved this man, he could do great things. Andrew had a part in it. He remembered the day he said to his brother, “We have found the Christ” Everything Peter did for the Lord, Andrew has a part in it. You may never lead thousands to the Lord but you might be the one to lead one to Christ who will lead thousands to the Lord. Andrew brought Simon—just one. But that one was many, for under God Simon brought three thousand in one day. Joel Stratton, a waiter in a restaurant, brought John Gough to Christ. Just one. And Gough brought many to Christ. Ezra Kimball, a Sunday school teacher, brought Moody to Christ—just one. But that one was many, for Moody shook two continents for God. Just as one digit is valuable in the multiplication table, and one letter in the alphabet, far more valuable is just one soul in God's sight.

In John 6, we see the feeding of the five thousand. While the rest of the disciples were making excuses as to why they could not feed the five thousand, Andrew found a young boy who was willing to offer his lunch to Jesus. To Andrew, this boy was not a varmint; he was valuable. Andrew didn’t know how or why, but he knew if he could get this lad to Christ, that Jesus would use him in a big way. The history of the church is the history of people leading people to Christ. Many tend to underestimate or overlook the potential of some. They have a habit of downplaying them with the questions, what can he or she do or amount to? True, Andrew lived in the shadows of his popular brother Peter, but he was never insignificant. In fact, he was a tremendous blessing to others. Some day, when we’re in Heaven, we’ll be surprised by the greatness done by those we never heard of.

Winning people to Christ involves effort (Luke 15:4). Sinners need the Lord and it helps for them to see Christ’s love manifested in and through us. What is the Lord leading you to do right now? Do you often compare your life with someone else's life? If so, you have your focus off target. God had a very specific plan for Andrew, and it was a different plan than God's plan for Peter. That being said, God has a very specific plan for you, and it is different than His plan for others. So, don't compare your life with others; compare it with God's will. Fulfilling the Great Commission is a priority of every believer (Matthew 28:18-20). If we are ever going to be, or do, or say anything for our Lord, now is the time!

Points to Ponder:
Don't give up on that loved one you've been inviting to church. Don't quit being a witness before them. If we will remain committed to getting them in the presence of Christ, He can work in their hearts and change their eternal destiny.
​
PRAYER: Father in Heaven, what could You do in and through my life if I was one hundred percent completely willing to do what You called me to do. Help me not to get distracted, discouraged, disappointed in Your work. May I never get lukewarm in Your service for souls. In Jesus name, Amen.

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Men of the Bible Series - Abraham – PART 2

5/23/2023

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Men of the Bible Series - Abraham (James 2:23) – PART 2

James 2:21-23, “Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.”

Abraham's life illustrates the truth that faith and works go together. Abraham believed God and it was his faith alone that made him righteous. Genuine faith lays everything on the line for the LORD. Abraham believed God and his faith was evident in the offering of his only son. Abraham’s faith said, 'I believe God! I trust God with my life, my children, my future, my reputation.’ And God tested him. Adrian Rogers said, “A faith that cannot be tested, cannot be trusted.” It was clearly the faith of Abraham that led him to do the works that he did. Abraham was not saved when he offered Isaac, but this act showed his faith. God pronounced that Abraham was justified and saved thirty years before Abraham offered up his only son Isaac. James declared that when Abraham offered up Isaac, he was proving his faith. The reason Abraham offered up Isaac was because he did believe God. Therefore, he did what God said. If a person believes Christ, he does what Christ says; he follows Christ. Something is lacking in a profession of faith that has no practice to it. We prove that we believe God when we practice His principles, obey His orders, and walk in His ways.

Genesis 15:6, “And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” The word counted means "to reckon, impute, or to place in someone else's account." Abraham was spiritually bankrupt, but his faith in the Lord entitled him to receive God's righteousness that was imputed to his spiritual account before God. The same holds true for us. Our sins were placed in Christ's account for Him to pay and His righteousness was imputed to our spiritual account when we were saved. Like Abraham, we are justified by faith in Christ. Justification is the act of God where He declares the believing sinner righteous on the basis of Christ's finished work on the cross. Justification is an act of God, not a means of the believer's own actions. Justification is not something the sinner does, it is what God does for us when we trust in His son Jesus for our salvation.

No amount of works can make us righteous and it is only faith in Jesus that can cleanse us from our sin. His faith affected his mind, his emotions, and his will. Neither Abraham, nor any other person, can attain the favor of God through the works of the flesh. The only righteousness God will accept is the imputed righteousness of Christ, and that upon the principle of faith only! Romans 4:3, “For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” Paul quotes Romans 4:3 to show that Abraham was saved by faith and not by works. Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” There is no contradiction between what Paul is saying and what James is saying. James is not contradicting Paul in James 2:21. The key is James 2:23, “Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.” Abraham’s right relationship with God did not come from “observing the deeds of the law” (Romans 3:28), but through faith and actions working together in love. His willingness to sacrifice his own son, Isaac, was an expression of his faith in and commitment to God (Genesis 15:6; 22:1).

Abraham believed God and Abraham was called the friend of God. Abraham had an intimate relationship with God; he believed Him and walked in fellowship with God, following and living for Him. When we have true, genuine faith in Jesus Christ, we are friends of God. When we were lost, we were dead in our trespasses and sins and we were at enmity with God. When we trusted Jesus Christ, He forgave us and brought us into the family of God. We are now friends of God! Abraham’s friendship was tested by his willingness to give God what he loved most, his only son Isaac (Genesis 22:12).
​

There are three characteristics to being a good friend.
1. A friend loves at all time (Proverbs 17:17).
2. A friend sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).
3. A friend is willing to lay down his life for his friend (John 15:13).

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, help me to develop a deeper trust in You. Thank You for Your Word that is faithful and true. May I do what gives You pleasure and glorifies Your Name. Thank You for sending Your only begotten Son Jesus, for I have been forgiven of all my sins. Help me to stand firm in Your Word, steadfast in Your Work, and sincere in my walk with You. May my life demonstrate my love for You until that glorious day when You call me home with You to Heaven. In Jesus Name, AMEN!

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Men of the Bible Series - Abraham – PART 1

5/22/2023

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Men of the Bible Series - Abraham (Hebrews 11:8-10) – PART 1

Hebrews 11:8–10, “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.”

“Waiting for God is not laziness. Waiting for God is not going to sleep. Waiting for God is not the abandonment of effort. Waiting for God means, first, activity under command; second, readiness for any new command that may come; third, the ability to do nothing until the command is given” - G. Campbell Morgan. Some of the greatest missionaries of history devotedly spread the seed of God's Word and yet had to wait long periods before seeing the fruit of their efforts. William Carey, for example, labored 7 years before the first Hindu convert was brought to Christ in Burma, and Adoniram Judson toiled 7 years before his faithful preaching was rewarded. In western Africa, it was 14 years before one convert was received into the Christian church. In New Zealand, it took 9 years; and in Tahiti, it was 16 years before the first harvest of souls began.

Abraham’s faith is a wonderful example and pattern that we need to follow (Genesis 12:1-4). Faith does not wait until it fully understands how things will work out before it begins to act. Rather, faith obeys and believes that God will fulfill all of His promises. The conversation that Abraham and Sarah had when God told Abraham to leave Ur must have been interesting. I picture it going something like this. “Honey, God has told me we’re going to move.” “Okay, where are we going?” “Uh...I don’t know. God told me He would let me know when we get there.” Why did Abraham leave behind his homeland without knowing his destination? Because of faith. Abraham could have questioned God. “God, if You will tell me first the destination or direction, I’ll go.” Abraham could have delayed his faith. He could have said, “It’s not a good time for me to move right now. I’ll definitely move later, God, as soon as I see how Your plan plays out.” Abraham chose to obey and follow the Lord.

Abraham’s Faith involved the following:
1. It involved listening.
Abraham would need a tender heart toward the things of God to hear what He had to say to him. If one is ignoring God, or has no interest in Him, then they will miss what God has for them. We must be sensitive to the voice of God in our life (I Kings 19:12-13).

2. It involved leaving.
God wanted Abraham to leave the heathen land he was in and go to a place he had prepared for him. Abraham obeyed God even though he had no track record with God at that time because he had faith in God. Sometimes God gets us out of the environment we are in so he can strengthen us and help grow our faith.

3. It involved learning.
Abraham would learn more about God as he followed him by faith. He would become a friend of God as he sought to live for Him. What a testimony to be known as the friend of God! May that be said of us.

4. It involved longing.
God had special promises and plans for Abraham. I don’t think Abraham, at that time, understood the fullness of all the plans that God had for him, but he had a desire to diligently seek them. Never lose your desire to serve God and keep your heart warm with the love of God (Jude 21).

In relation to God, faith and obedience are inseparable, just as unbelief and disobedience are inseparable (Hebrews 3:18-19; John 3:36). Abraham knew that the earthly promised land was not the end of his journey of faith. Rather, God’s promise pointed beyond everything on earth to the heavenly city that God has prepared for his faithful servants. Abraham serves as an example for all God’s people, reminding us that we are only traveling through this world on our way to God’s city and His home for us in heaven. We are not to look for everlasting security in this present life or be attached to this present world (Hebrews 11:14, 16; 13:14). We must consider ourselves as strangers and foreigners on the earth. This is not our homeland; the end of our journey will be “a better country” (Hebrews 11:16), “the heavenly Jerusalem” (Hebrews 12;22) and the “city that is to come” (Hebrews 13:14).

Sometimes we think that it would be pretty easy to do what God says if we could see in advance exactly how all the details would come together and how our course would run...but that is not what living by faith is. Instead, faith trusts God enough to obey even without understanding what all the details are. Someone said, “Faith is starting out before you figure out how it’s going to turn out.” A simple definition of faith would be taking God at His Word.

II Corinthians 5:7, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” Too often, believer’s fail to walk where God instructs them to go because the way is unfamiliar to them. Spurgeon said, “Faith’s eye sees in the dark.” When a believer walks by faith, the believer says with their faith, “God is in control, His way is best, with Him there are no accidents, I’m taking Him at His Word.” The life of a child of God is to be a life lived by faith in God. The question is what is our measure or degree of faith? It’s either: No faith (Mark 4:40). Little faith (Matthew 6:30). Great faith (Matthew 15:28).

Prayer, Lord, I confess that it’s so natural for me to rely on what I see rather than what You tell me in Your Word. Increase my faith to believe what You say. Increase my courage to obey You without delay. Help me to follow Abraham’s example of living by faith and seeing life through spiritual eyes. Thank You that following You is the path to abundant life. I trust You, Father. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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