Spiritual Birthday (Acts 20:24)
Acts 20:24, But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. “But none of these things move me.” The idea is how none of these things would deter him. Though he knew from much experience the opposition he had received, and of which he expected more, it did not deter him. In fact, he did not count his life dear unto himself. Paul was willing to sacrifice his very life and soul. The reason Paul was willing to sacrifice even his life was in order that “I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” The major essence of Paul’s ministry was to testify (to witness) of Christ. Today marks the 24th year of my spiritual birthday. On the 20th June 1995, I made the greatest decision of my life. On that day, I trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as my Saviour. Soon after, He called me to preach His Word, where I surrendered to His calling in September of 1997. I married the love of my life, Joy, on 20th May 2000. She is my very best friend and my #1 fan. She has always been by my side, through both the mountains and the valleys. I’m pleased to say that she has always supported whatever the Lord has led me to do and has never hindered His plan for my life. The Lord has been so good to me. He has always been with me and has never forsaken me, nor failed me. He has always led me to places and people where He has wanted me to minister. I have had the wonderful pleasure of preaching the Gospel in many places to many diverse people. Also, to work and start many ministries through local churches where the Gospel has been shared and where we have had the opportunity to lead many to Christ. We are thrilled that many whom we ministered to are in the ministry today, leading and ministering to others. On the 1st of June 2016, the Lord led us to Fellowship Baptist Church in Carrabelle, Florida. Over these three years, we have had a wonderful time with the believers at FBC as well as the surrounding communities along the Forgotten Coast. Fellowship is made up godly and sweet spirited people who love the Lord, His Word and people. The Lord has used us in a variety of ways for the furtherance on the Gospel. One of the ministries is through this website which has been used to reach souls for the Lord across the globe. My desire is to finish my course with my wife, and to always love people, the ministry, and especially the Lord, PRAYER: Father in Heaven, I thank You for giving me a wonderful life. For my wife, family, and church family. For those You have used to sharpen me for the ministry that I may be used to reach others 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
0 Comments
One of the Hardest Things We’ll Ever Do Is…
Wait on God! (Psalm 62:5) Psalm 62:5, My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. To be honest, I’m not sure to whom I’m writing this post today–but I suspect somebody needs to hear it. The pastor in me comes to life when I’m reminded of believers who increasingly grow impatient with God, and I want us to pray for one another about that issue today. God is operating on a schedule that we cannot see! (Isaiah 55:8-9). Because He is outside time, God's timing is not the same as ours. One of the most important traits of the Christian life is patience. Over 150 times some form of the word “wait” appears in the Bible. Waiting on God results in us being strengthened (Isaiah 40:31). One of the hardest things we’ll ever do is to wait on God! Many times in life GOD tells us to wait, yet we trust our own judgment and do our own will. Choosing your personal will over God’s, will always result in reaping consequences. Delays do not mean God will fail to come through. Be willing to patiently wait on God, and to trust in Him even when you do not understand what He is doing. I begin with some Bible texts that remind me that I need to let God help me with my impatience: · “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31) · “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” (Psalm 27:14) “I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.” (Psalm 130:5-6) · “Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.” (Micah 7:7). When I read these verses, waiting seems so easy. We simply look forward to the day when God is going to respond, and we stay focused on Him in the meantime. The truth is, for most of us waiting is not easy. It is one of the hardest things to do. Why, then, does God require us to wait? 1.Waiting reminds us that He is in charge. We’re not in charge of the calendar or the clock. We don’t control all things. Only God does and His calling us to wait reminds us of that truth. Man may possess the finest watches or clocks money can buy, buy God owns the time! 2.Waiting teaches us faith. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1). The concept almost assumes a gap in timing between our request and God’s response. If everything happened immediately, faith would be less necessary. 3.Waiting makes us grateful. When we pray for something and God requires us to wait, we are more grateful when He finally does respond positively to our prayers. And we learn in a strange way to be grateful as we wait, even if He chooses to respond “no” to our prayers. 4.Waiting reveals our idolatries. If we simply can’t wait on God, it’s likely because something we want to happen is more important to us than God’s overall plan. We think our plan is so right that God needs to respond to it right now. 5.Waiting prepares us for whatever God has for us in the future. Whatever God’s plan is, waiting is often God’s way of saying, “You’re not ready to receive what you want yet.” He knows our hearts, and He alone knows when He needs to do some work in us before granting our request. Our call is to trust Him in the meantime. Prayer: Lord, I know too often I pray for my will rather than Your will to be done. I know that You have the results already worked out. Teach me to wait on You. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Our Abundant Spiritual Blessings in Christ (Ephesians 1:3)
Ephesians 1:3, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. Imagine Paul as he sits in his prison cell at Rome contemplating the things of God when all at once he breaks out in praise and worship. It was just him and God. God flooded Paul's heart and he broke forth in praise. True worship comes from praise-filled hearts of the redeemed. God is the source Who supplies us with our blessings. Those who have been saved by the wonderful grace of God can lay claim upon these many blessings. Not some spiritual blessings, but all. My friend, you may not have much by way of material things, but when you were born again you were born rich. Have you ever heard of the story of a famous oil field called Yates Pool? Well, during the Depression, this field was a sheep ranch owned by a man named Yates. Mr. Yates wasn't able to make enough on his ranch to pay the principal and interest on the mortgage, so he was in danger of losing his ranch. With little money for clothes or food, his family (like many others) had to live on government subsidies. Day after day, as he grazed his sheep over those rolling West Texas hills, he was no doubt troubled about how he would pay his bills. Then a seismographic crew from an oil company came into the area and told him there might be oil on his land. They asked permission to drill a wildcat well, and he signed a lease contract. At 1,115 feet they struck a huge oil reserve. The first well came in at 80,000 barrels a day. Many future wells were more than twice as large. In fact, 30 years after the discovery, a government test of one of the wells showed it still had the potential flow of 125,000 barrels of oil a day and Mr. Yates owned it all. The day Mr. Yates bought the land he had received the oil and mineral rights. Yet, he'd been living on relief. He was a multimillionaire living in poverty. What was the problem? He didn't know the oil was there even though he owned it. Many Christians live in spiritual poverty, anxiety, and fear. They are entitled to the gifts of the Holy Spirit, His energizing power and soothing comfort, but they are ignorant, or not aware, of these blessings because they fail to walk with God, read His Word and let Him control their lives. Does this describe you? Walking with the Lord who lives within you will help you stay close to Him and conquer any fears you may face, especially the fear of rejection. Prayer: Father in heaven, thank You for the comfort and hope we have in You and with Your Words of promise. Help me to always be reminded that you not only gave me salvation but also 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 Spiritual FitBit (Psalm 37:23)
Psalm 37:23, The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. The FitBit was launched to the market in 2008 and has done very well. The FitBit monitors your heart rate, counts calories burned, records distance, counts steps and other features. What’s impressive is that it motivates people to actively work out and become a healthier person. And yes, we all want to be healthier. The Lord wants us to be healthier both physically and spiritually. How can we become more spiritually fit? Psalm 37:23, The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. The thought then is how the path of a good man is established by the Lord. The word ordered has the basic idea of being ‘prepared’ or ‘established.’ God will guide and direct our steps. Walking in the Spirit involves at least three key characteristics. They are direction, dependency and dedication, and are necessary in our spiritual walk. 1. Direction – (Psalm 32:8) Psalm 32:8, I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go. When we walk, we do so because we are headed somewhere. That is direction. 2. Dependency – (Proverbs 3:5-6) Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thy own understanding, and in all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths. When we walk, we put one foot in front of another, leaning all of our weight on one leg for each step. That is dependency. 3. Dedication - (Matthew 16:24) Matthew 16:24, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me". That is the way it should be for all of us if we want to live a victorious Christian life. When we walk, and are attempting to go somewhere, we take continuous steps. One step is not walking. Continuous steps are. You have to keep taking steps in order to get someplace. That is dedication. III John 4, I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. God delights in the path of the righteous. Even as a parent delights in the steps of an obedient child, so does our Heavenly Father. In the Bible, God gives us specific instructions on what He wants us to do and where He wants us to go. Psalm 23:3b, He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. The Holy Spirit will lead you in your daily walk with the Lord. Galatians 5:25, If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Obeying and following His leading will help you immensely in living a victorious Christian life. PRAYER, Father in Heaven, thank You that You can be counted on to guide me through my day. Today I need to walk in the hope that only You can give. My way is unclear, my path sometimes feels like it twists and turns in confusing and busy ways as I wind my way along my journey. Show me Your ways, Lord. Show me how You would walk in these places. Remind me by Your Holy Spirit to look to You to guide me. 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 A Father’s Greatest Investment
Ephesians 6:4, And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. The responsibility of this opportunity fell squarely on the shoulders of the fathers. God gives every father the opportunity to influence his family for greatness. Strong fathers make up strong homes (families). Strong homes make up strong churches. Strong churches make up strong communities. A wise father will make the most of that opportunity. If you’re a father, what lives after you is your children, and your children will have children. This is a legacy. Fatherhood is a full-time job with huge responsibilities consisting of love, commitment, sacrifice and leadership. While it is a difficult time in this world to raise children, it is still possible to be a successful dad. Fathers can and should have a positive influence and impact on their children. One of the ways a father can be a success is to have a consistent relationship with the Lord and with his children. In a world of constant change, just being steady and consistent is vital to becoming and remaining a successful father. According to Deuteronomy 6, God wants men to take their fathering so seriously that it will impact their families for at least a century. Is it possible, you may ask? It is. You can lead your family for the next one hundred years. Another way is to communicate with them and invest time with your children. One of the greatest gifts a father can ever give to his children is a gift that doesn’t cost anything, and that is his time with them. Charles Francis Adams, the 19th century political figure and diplomat, kept a diary. One day he entered: “Went fishing with my son today—a day wasted”. His son, Brook Adams, also kept a diary, which is still in existence today. On that same day, Brook Adams made this entry: “Went fishing with my father—the most wonderful day of my life!” The father thought he was wasting time while fishing with his son, but his son saw it as an investment of time. The time that is lost is spent and it can never be redeemed. No job, career, or salary in this country is ever worth you losing your relationship with your child. Your children are so valuable and precious. The teaching and training about Jesus are extremely important. The time you get to communicate to your kids is precious. Take the time to stop and listen to them. Kids are waiting, longing and desiring for people to communicate with them. Talk to your kids. Be sure to seize the opportunity you have today with your children. The daily opportunities will soon be past. You will not regret making the most of your opportunity to lead! You may not leave your family a single dime of inheritance. You may not leave them an inch of property. But, if you pass down your faith to those who come behind you, you have left them the richest legacy of all! When all is said and done, will your children follow your faith? I know that their decision is purely between them and the Lord. But I also know that they may base what they do on what they see in your life! Determine in your heart today that you will do everything in your power to see your family come to know the Lord Jesus Christ. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Men of Character: Noah (Genesis 6:5, 9, 11)
Genesis 6:5, And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Genesis 6:9, These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. Genesis 6:11, The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. In the days of Noah, the human race had become utterly depraved in their sexual morality and the earth was filled with violence. God had enough. Only one man and his family found grace in the eyes of the Lord. Because of his faith in God, he was justified. Noah was a preacher of righteousness. He practiced righteousness. He preached against immorality and the sin of that day. He preached repentance for the ungodly men to turn back to God. He did that which was right as a principle and of habit. Though the world around him was absolute corrupt, Noah was basically without blemish before God. Noah was a just man. God considered Noah on of the three most righteous men in history as recorded in Ezekiel 14. When tempted to lie, he told the truth. When tempted to steal, he was honest. When tempted with immorality, he determined to be pure. When tempted to lose his temper and curse, he held his tongue. When tempted to become bitter or jealous, he maintained a right spirit. When it seemed easier to not put the Lord first, he refused. When he realized another in need, he sought to help him. When directed by God to begin a task no one else in human history had ever done, Noah took God at His Word and obeyed. In that day, God planned to destroy the population of the wicked world. His plan was to send a world-wide flood upon the earth to such a degree that all would be drowned. God called Noah to build an ark where his family and two of every species of animal of the earth would be saved. Noah believed God, when He warned him of the impending judgment. Noah took God at His Word and simply did what God said to do. Though it took Noah 120 years to accomplish the construction of the ark, he persisted. Some take God at His Word and in due season are blessed of God (Proverbs 28:20; I Corinthians 15:58; Galatians 6:9). We are called to study His Word, to be faithful to the things of God, witness, walk in love, love one another. Noah went against the high tide of sin. Despite the mocking and ridicule Noah received, he kept on building the ark until he completed God’s plan. Until spared, he paid a dear price for it, and so must we as ambassadors for Jesus. Like Noah, our faithfulness to God’s Word will be contrary to everything the world stands for. But every time we see a rainbow, it reminds us of His faithfulness. PRAYER: LORD, my desire is to please and honor You in my daily walk before others. I know that there is not one thing that I ever perform, or ponder, that is concealed from You. As You examine my heart, help me to live a life of holiness, honesty and humility. I ask for strength, patience and wisdom as I aim to practice Your Word. 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 Men of Character: Daniel (Daniel 6:1-3)
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 is the leading president of three presidents that oversee 120 princes. 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. There may be times when we may face persecution, prosecution, destitution, retribution, 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. 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! If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Men of Character: Moses (Numbers 12:1-3)
Numbers 12:1-3, And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it. (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.) Moses had an admirable spirit. He walked with God and had God's power upon his life, yet, he is still being criticized. Excellence does not give you immunity from criticism, especially spiritual excellence. Christ was the epitome of perfection, but was still slandered and criticized by men. If you serve the Lord, criticism will come, from carnal Christians and unsaved people. Some of the most painful criticisms will come from those who are closest to us, family and friends. Moses' older brother and sister are protesting at him. This first complaint is a diversion. This happens many times with people. Discernment is needed to see the real problem at hand. The real problem is not Moses’ wife. The real problem is in Numbers 12:2. It was the position, or the rank, that was sought. Miriam and Aaron rejected God’s authority over them and they wanted more prestige. This came after God put His spirit on seventy men. These two folks were left out of this anointing of God. They felt threatened and were jealous. They tried to destroy Moses in order to gain power and position. This tactic is practiced today, unfortunately, in our churches. Many believe that meekness is weakness. However, meekness is actually strength, or power, under control. Meekness is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Meekness is an attribute of the Lord Jesus Christ (Psalm 45:4; Matthew 11:29; 21:5; II Corinthians 10:1). Jesus demonstrated this in Matthew 26:53. Jesus had the authority to pray and immediately call twelve legions of angels. Meekness is the ability to keep your tongue in control when being attacked by unjust criticism. Meekness has faith to trust God to vindicate you. Meekness is humbly yielding oneself to the will of God and His ways. Meekness is necessary for salvation (James 1:21). Moses (the meekest man on earth) demonstrated this attitude in his life. Moses never strikes back at them or seeks revenge. He lets the Lord deal with them and humbly submits it to Him. Moses’ meekness is both vertical (towards God) and horizontal (towards man). In Numbers 12:13, Moses prayed for them rather than rejoicing at their judgment. We are to display a meek attitude towards the Lord, His Word and towards others (Titus 3:2). PRAYER: Father, thank You for the true example of humility that is seen in the life of Jesus. Draw me into the spirit of meekness that You would show me, through Jesus, how to live in love every day. Help me to clothe myself in humility that people would see Jesus in my life. Teach me I pray, to live as Christ lived, in the power of the Spirit and to Your praise and glory, 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 Men of Character: Nehemiah
Galatians 6:1-2, Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Though Nehemiah held a prestigious position in the Babylonian court, his desire was to be in Jerusalem. Hanani had reported that Jerusalem’s walls were broken and the gates destroyed, and Nehemiah knew that meant invaders could easily destroy what was left in Jerusalem. As long as his people in Jerusalem lived in danger, his heart would remain broken. As a result, Nehemiah immediately mourned, wept and prayed. The Lord answered Nehemiah’s prayer. He hadpermission to go to his homeland with provisions to carry along the journey for the building project, and security to give them safe passage. Nehemiah was a great leader and motivator of God’s people. He overcame opposition to get the job done. He knew it was going to take time and effort so he counted the cost (Luke 14:26-33). What seemed to be an impossibility (Nehemiah 1:3; 2:13-14, 17; 4:2) turned into a great miracle (Nehemiah 6:15). When we’re taking a project for God, we understand that not everything is going to go as we would plan. In fact, there is going to be opposition from within your own people and from outsiders. At all times, the enemy was present and persistent (Nehemiah 6:4-5). Vision always attracts criticism. Critics will always resist change. Critics associate with other critics. Critics fail to see God’s hand in the work. You know you’re doing the Lord’s work when opposition comes. More than thirty times in the book of Nehemiah you will find the word repair. They were repairing something that had been built at one time. They were taking the rubbish (the scraps) and rebuilding them just as God takes those pieces of our life that we have broken or messed up. He repairs them and puts them back together again. Each of us has a mission in the Great Commission. That is building lives within the body of Christ for the glory of God. We see this every day, lives totally ruined by sin. In the ministry, we are taking old broken lives, homes and hearts and letting God put them back together. We are rebuilding lives as Nehemiah rebuilt the wall. There will be areas of your wall that have to be maintained. There will be parts of your life that are much stronger than others, while some areas are hurting, injured and in need of repair. Since constructing a wall is a continual maintenance it is something you must continually work on. If you neglect the maintenance it will break, and once the wall is broken your protection is gone. May we continue to work faithfully even when unbelievers argue. Keep in mind, we are working for God, not the enemy. PRAYER: Father, I want to be a good and faithful servant when I stand before Your throne. Thank You, Lord, that in Your grace You have sustained me. Help me not to strive in the flesh instead of resting in You and letting Your Holy Spirit live and work through me. I pray for strength as I labor that I would not get weary. Help me to love people the way You do. 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 Men of Character: Joseph (Genesis 39)
Regardless of where Joseph went, or the circumstances he found himself in, the Lord was with him, and He made him to prosper. Five times the Scriptures tell us that the Lord was with Joseph (Genesis 39:2-3, 21, 23; Acts 7:9). In Genesis 39, Joseph was severely tested in the area of moral purity. 1. Joseph’ Fix (Genesis 39:1-7) Just when Joseph prospered, was promoted and made overseer of his master’s house, immediately he was enticed with temptation. Immediately following Joseph’s advancement in Potiphar’s palace, he was faced with a powerful temptation (Genesis 39:7, 10, 12). In Matthew 4:1-11, Christ, when beginning His earthly ministry, was faced with a powerful temptation. Sin and temptation are both persistent and aggressive. 2. Joseph’s Fundamentals (Genesis 39:8-9) Character played a crucial role in Joseph’s life. Joseph was a man of integrity. Rather than focusing on what he didn’t have, he rejoiced in what he did have. 3. Joseph’s Feud (Genesis 39:9) Joseph identified the true motive of the offer from Potiphar’s wife. Joseph's reaction to temptation is also seen in the life of Christ, the perfect model, who saw these deceptive offers of Satan as temptation to sin. Satan’s goal was to cause Christ to sin. '...Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God' (Matthew 4:7). When in spiritual warfare with temptation, it is always best to remember Matthew 22:37. Joseph was able to fight off the advance of Potiphar's wife because he wanted to please God more than he wanted to please himself. He called this kind of behavior sin, 'a great wickedness'. If we could learn to call our temptations by their proper name, we might avoid the fall into sin that so often takes hold of us. Satan knows our weaknesses, and will use the relationships of our life to constantly pressure us to do things against our conscience. That is why Christians must already have enough character and integrity within when the moment arises. It is much easier to avoid temptation that it is to resist it. 4. Joseph’s Flight (Genesis 39:10-12) The moment came to a cruel confrontation when she attempted to lure him and he ran from her, leaving his garment in her hand. During the constant pressure and temptation from which Joseph faced, he responded correctly. He ran! We are instructed to flee many things in Scripture (I Corinthians 6:18; 10:14; II Timothy 2:22). The message provides one of the great lessons of life. That is, we cannot always control life but we can control how we respond to it. The real test of a person’s character is what one does when no one is looking. Joseph knew the reality of Proverbs 15:3. PRAYER: Father, You know the areas of my weaknesses and You know when and how I will be tempted today and in the future. Help me to take every tempting thought captive and hand it over to You before it takes a hold of me and does harm to me, or to other people. I ask for Your strength and help to resist ungodly temptations and not to give in, knowing that to do is not to glorify 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 |
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
April 2024
Categories |