Great Men of the Bible Series: Barnabas (Acts 11:24)
Acts 11:24, For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the LORD. The Bible described Barnabas as “a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith” (Acts 11:24). 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. 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—28. 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. 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. He took personal responsibility in seeing that Paul had the opportunity to grow and to be used in ministry. 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. Barnabas teaches us to use our gifts to meet the needs of others. When Barnabas saw the spiritual needs of the new converts to Christianity in Antioch, he traveled to Tarsus to recruit Saul to teach them the Scriptures. 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 used Barnabas 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 someone to help them in their walk of faith. In Jesus name, Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com
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Great Men of the Bible Series: Abraham (Hebrews 11:8-10)
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.” 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. 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), or 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. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Great Men of the Bible Series: David (I Samuel 13:14; Acts 1:22)
I Samuel 13:14, But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the Lord hath sought him a man after his own heart, and the Lord hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the Lord commanded thee. Acts 1:22, And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave their testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. The Scriptures reveal to us that David followed after God’s own heart (I Samuel 16:7). God testified as to David having a heart after His own (Acts 13:22). In Numbers 15:39, God warned the children of Israel not to seek after their own hearts. The whole book of Judges can be summed up in one verse, “every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). Many to day are doing what is right in their own eyes, but God warns us in Proverbs 14:12, “the end thereof are the ways of death.” The Scriptures reveal to us several things that the heart follows after: false gods (I Kings 11:2; Ezekiel 20:16); the Lord (II Kings 23:25); our own eyes (Job 31:7); strange women (Proverbs 6:25); imaginations of an evil heart (Jeremiah 3:17; 9:14; 13:10; 16:12).
God is still looking for men who are after His heart. Men who want to know the mind of God about serving, giving, doing His will, and raising of family. PRAYER: LORD, help me to cultivate a heart after Yours. One that pursues You daily and that is aligned with You. May I love and desire You passionately. Help me to follow after the example of Your Son. Help me daily to find a quiet place with You. May my inward life be pure that my outward life will 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 Great Men of the Bible Series: Naboth (I Kings 21:1-17)
Naboth lived in Jezreel. He owned a vineyard alongside the summer palace of Ahab, the king of Israel. This property had been in his family for generations. It was more than his inheritance; it was his heritage. Ahab was very wealthy, but all his possessions did not satisfy him, and he coveted the vineyard which belonged to Naboth. Ahab, among several other things, lacking in godliness and contentment, offered to trade Naboth his vineyard for a better vineyard, or to purchase his land. The king held a lot of power and a lot of influence. People typically did as the king requested. The vineyard, part of his inherited property, had belonged to his ancestors for many generations, so how could he sell it? According to Leviticus 25:23-28 and Numbers 36:7, God had clearly forbidden the sale of this property. The Word of God is very clear that the king could not buy the inheritance of the people (Ezekiel 46:18). Ahab would have already known this. To his surprise and anger Naboth refused. Naboth told King Ahab, “The Lord forbid it me”. He refused on the grounds that God said he could not sale the land. How can he do this thing when God has already forbidden it? Naboth had the courage of his convictions. He refused to disobey God. You will never regret, or ever go wrong, if you allow the Bible to guide your life (Psalm 119:105; 19:8; Proverbs 3:5-6). As a result of Ahab being rejected, we see him pouting and acting like a spoilt child! Often, people sulk when they cannot have their own way! Ahab’s wife Jezebel is one of the most wicked and manipulative people in the Bible. She not only wrought great evil, but she influenced Ahab to do evil. When she heard of Naboth’s refusal, she personally involved herself in the situation. She falsified documents (she signed her husband’s name) and connived two evil men to bear false witness to accuse Naboth of blaspheming the Lord. She had Naboth, a God-fearing man stoned to death. She gained the vineyard for Ahab, and he took possession of it. Her sinister plot succeeded, and a humble servant of God was stoned to death. Ahab and Jezebel had defied the Lord, but they could not get away with it, for He is sovereign in the affairs of mankind and He always has the last word. Immediately following Jezebel’s wicked plot, the word of the Lord came to Elijah. Naboth valued what he had, and he knew the king would not. He knew that Ahab was not worthy to possess the thing Naboth had been given by God. What Naboth possessed was not his to sale anyway. What he possessed was the gift of God. Naboth was to keep the land in the family and pass it down from generation to generation. He lived and died knowing that he had done the right thing. Questions to Consider: • How much is your testimony or purity worth? · • In which areas of your life have you ever been discontent, or perhaps even covetous? • How much is your soul worth? Nothing in this world is worth losing that (Mark 8:36-37). Points to Ponder: • Sinful men and women cannot defy God and get away with it (Numbers 32:23). • We must guard what we have at all costs. • Those who have a price are those who are willing to sell themselves if the price is right. PRAYER: LORD, thank you for everything you give me. I thankful that you do not always give me what I want because my desires would draw my heart away but from being satisfied in You. Help me to be content in You with what You have given me and not to be focused on what my flesh wants. 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 Great Men of the Bible Series: Nathan (II Samuel 12:1-7)
David was described as a man after God’s own heart (I Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22). Although King David did have his weak and embarrassing moments, he died a faithful man of God. He had a prophet by his side to guide him, advise him, and correct him during his reign over Israel. This prophet’s name was Nathan. Nathan bore the responsibility of representing the will and wishes of God. Nathan was faithful to deliver God’s messages.
After reaching the apex of success and leading his nation to peace, prosperity and power, David sank into sin. David caved in to a giant named lust that lived within in his heart. He committed adultery with a married woman and got her pregnant; and then in an effort to cover up that sin, David had her husband put to death. For almost a year, David kept his sin hidden within his heart. God sent Nathan the prophet, a man David respected, to confront his sin. Nathan came in with a story about a rich man with many sheep who took the only lamb belonging to a poor neighbor to feed a man who was just passing through. Nathan stressed the fact that the poor man’s lamb was precious to him, and represented all that he had in this world. When David heard this story, he was furious! He demanded that the rich man restore the poor man four-fold, and then he ordered the rich man to be executed. Nathan looked at him and said, “Thou art the man!” It’s you David! Sin's pleasure never outweighs its devastating consequences. Never allow the devil to deceive you concerning the devastating results of sin. Sin never has positive results. Never think for a minute that sin can be successfully hidden away forever. The reality is that there are no secret sins. God knows exactly where it is buried and when the time is right, He will place His finger right on the sore spot and He will press. He will confront that hidden sin and expose it for what it is! Please examine your life today. Questions to Consider:
Points to Ponder:
If you are ready to come to the Lord today, then do so without delay. If you are a Christian but you have been wayward in your walk with the Lord, then turn back to the Lord and be strengthened. PRAYER: Father, forgive me for the faults and failures in my life. I desire to lead a holy life that brings pleasure to You. Thank You for accepting me as Your child and help lead me to a life of purity. 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 Great Men of the Bible Series: Jonathan (I Samuel 18:1-4)
I Samuel 18:1-4, And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father's house. Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle. Jonathan was a faithful, mighty warrior, and one of the bravest men who had ever lived. Jonathan’s victorious strategy at the battle of Michmash, was successfully used in World War I at the exact same location. Jonathan and David were great friends, likened to brothers. The Scriptures suggests they could not have been closer had they been actual brothers, in spite of the fact that David had been chosen by God to take Jonathan’s place as the next king of Israel. It was David who killed Goliath and defended the people; this was enough to earn Jonathan’s respect and trust. Yet, rather than being resentful, Jonathan poured his heart into his friend, making his life better. Jonathan came to David and put all that he had at his feet (I Samuel 18:4). He began with his robe. Jonathan's robe suggests his position, for it was the robe of a king's son, the robe of a crowned prince of Israel. Jonathan also gave his garments to David. His garments speak of his possessions, the things which most personally belonged to him. Jonathan gave David his sword. His sword speaks of his protection, his right of self-defense. Jonathan put his bow at David's feet. Jonathan's bow suggests his prowess; it represents a skill he had. Finally, Jonathan put his girdle at David's feet. His girdle suggests his plans. This was not something King Saul received well. Saul wanted David out of the picture, regardless of what God had already decided. This resulted in David becoming a hunted man. He was the number one wanted man on Saul’s hitlist. Taking his father’s side would have been easy to do, but Jonathan was “born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17). David and Jonathan are the epitome of what true friendship should be. No family ties, loyalties, or blood kinship could surpass the loyalty of these true friends. The souls of Jonathan and David were knit to the death. And no fault, failure, flaw, or foulness, of David could waiver Jonathan's loyalty to him or make him love him less. If a friend is anything, it is someone who knows everything about you and loves you nonetheless. Jonathan was, along with his two brothers and father, killed in a battle with the Philistines (I Samuel 31:2-6). Upon hearing this, David was brokenhearted. He lamented the death of his dear friend, especially referring to his courage, saying he was swifter than an eagle and stronger than a lion (II Samuel 1:17-26). David could not hide his love for Jonathan, and God cannot hide His love for you. He loved you so much that He sent His only begotten Son to die on a cross, that He might spend eternity with you. PRAYER: Father in Heaven, help me to be as true and loyal as Jonathan was to David. 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 Great 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, a man who believed in the power of prayer. Elijah’s prayers brought a widow’s son back to life (I Kings 17:22), caused it not to rain for three and a half years (James 5:17), and 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. Without being saved there are no prayers answered. 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. 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 success of a father is dependent upon prayer. Prayer changes marriages, families, ministries, etc. What could the Lord do in and through our families and churches if men would pray? 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. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Great Men of the Bible Series: Silas (Acts 15-18)
Silas, also known as Silvanus, is one of those seemingly minor characters in the New Testament, who was used of God to spread the Gospel. He was a respected leader in the church at Jerusalem. Seven passages in Acts, involving Silas, begin with an introduction to him as an important member of the church at Jerusalem (Acts 15:22-27; 15:30-41; 16:16-24, 25-40; 17:1-9, 10-15; Acts 18:1-6). Silas was a right-hand man to both Paul and to Peter in the ministry. Silas played an active role with Paul and Peter (I Thessalonians 1:1; II Thessalonians 1:1; II Corinthians 1:19; I Peter 5:12). Silas, who was a dedicated follower of Christ, was a leader at Jerusalem among the congregation of the apostles. He was willing to travel and suffer with Paul over several years to spread the Gospel and to nurture the church. The faithful service of Silas’ teaching and preaching at the church at Antioch resulted in healthy growth. Although Silas endured persecution, affliction, and sufferings in the ministry, it never hindered his spirit from service to the Lord. He was jailed with Paul for preaching Jesus. Even in this abused and tired condition, at the late hour of midnight, Silas sang praises to the Lord along with Paul. Then an earthquake occurred and set all the prisoners free. The jailer was stopped from taking his own life, and found the conditions inside the prison to be as Paul had said. He was shaken much more by these strange circumstances than by the earthquake, and the spirit moved him to ask about the way of salvation. Silas was faithful to stay with Paul even though difficulty and danger seem to await Paul at each stop. They were said to have turned the world upside down and, as a result, the number of believers continued to grow We all go through dark times in our lives. Friends disappoint us, those into whom we have invested our love and efforts turn away, and financial or physical problems we did not expect arise. None of those things take God by surprise. He is still there and still working in our lives even when we cannot immediately see what He is doing. That is where faith comes in—it sings until the lights come back on. Silas never hungered for the spotlight. Rather he tended to the tasks God gave him to assist the Apostles. Even if it seemed he was doing simple, mundane tasks he did them with joy and a servant’s heart. As Christians, this is our responsibility. Whether you’re a pastor, teacher, or have no formal title or position, we are commissioned with doing those duties we are assigned, and doing them with a joyful attitude. Even if no one else sees or hears what you do for the Lord, He will record, remember, and reward you for your faithful service. PRAYER: Lord, help me to become a loyal co-laborer in the ministry. Keep me faithful in your service while fulfilling Your Great Commission. May I bear much fruit in the harvest field. 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 Great Men of the Bible Series: Stephen (Acts 6:5, 8; 7:55)
Acts 6:8, And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. 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 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. 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 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’s 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 began with the “God of glory” (Acts 7:2) and ended with the “God of glory” (Acts 7:55). His purpose in preaching this sermon was 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 charged them with rejecting the Christ of Israel. He began with Scripture and used them to reveal their sinfulness. When Stephen mentioned their crime against the Just One, it was then that they charged him like a rioted mob. Stephen suffered and through that we see that Saul (Paul) was a witness. 3. Stephen Shined. Stephen shined at his death. He died calling upon God, asking for forgiveness for 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). Stephens 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. Although not everyone will receive it well, it will always brings pleasure to the LORD. PRAYER: Father in Heaven, I know You want to fill me but will not until I remove the barriers. Please bring to my mind 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 Great Men of the Bible Series: Samuel (I Samuel 9:6; 25:1)
I Samuel 9:6, And he said unto him, Behold now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honourable man; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: now let us go thither; peradventure he can shew us our way that we should go. I Samuel 25:1, And Samuel died; and all the Israelites were gathered together, and lamented him, and buried him in his house at Ramah. And David arose, and went down to the wilderness of Paran. Samuel is first called a “man of God.” He is described as honorable. Everything he said came to pass. He also is called a Seer, which means one who ‘perceived’ or ‘saw’ spiritually. It came to be another name for a prophet which Samuel came more commonly to be called. God honored the life and legacy of Samuel. He was honored and respected throughout his life (I Samuel 9:6; 25:1). Samuel was wise and godly and had a close and personal walk with the Lord. His mother dedicated him to God before he was ever born. The name Samuel means “asked of God”. Hannah knew that Samuel was a gift and a responsibility from God. God used Samuel in a special way because He honored Hannah’s faith and commitment. As a young child, Samuel heard God’s calling on his life and answered Him. When you walk in wisdom, you are bringing honor to your parents and placing yourself in position to receive God’s blessings. Samuel was dedicated to the Lord as a child by his God-fearing mother. While the world is fascinated by achievements and records of men, God is interested in the character of a person. 1. Samuel was a Man of Prayer. Samuel, like his mother, was a prayer warrior. The power of a praying parent lasts long after children have left the home. Samuel faithfully prayed for Israel. When the nation’s back was against the wall, it was Samuel who prayed all night long for God to intercede and the Lord answered his prayers. 2. Samuel was a Man of Praise. When the Philistines had stolen the Ark of God, it was Samuel who led the people in prayer and when the Ark was returned, he led them in praises. The Ark of God was symbolic of God’s presence, power, and promise. 3. Samuel was a Man of Perception. Samuel has the privilege of anointing one of Israel’s most godly kings. When Samuel anointed David, he was pouring out the power of God on him. In the Old Testament, anointing with oil symbolized the setting apart of a person for divine service. When God calls, He equips for service. If God wants you to do something for Him, He will give you the ability and strength to do it. The key trait is to be willing. When the servant of God is in His will , God solves his problems. God will supply your needs (Philippians 4:19). We need more men of God like Samuel who stand firm as circumstances close in around them. Even when confronted with an entire nation's wishes and mounting pressure to pursue a path different from God's direction, Samuel maintained an unwavering stand in the name of the Lord. Because we are always one generation away from complete ignorance of the Lord, it is vital that men like Samuel assume the role for which they have been called as men of God. PRAYER: Father, let me begin today by honoring You as my heavenly Father. Thank You for the parents You gave me. Thank You for the gifts and lessons You brought into my life through them. In Jesus name, AMEN. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com |
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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