Great Men of the Bible Series: Joseph (Genesis 39)
Joseph was the eleventh of the twelve son’s son of Jacob. His mother was Rachel. He was a great leader, organizer, able to interpret dreams, he did not give into temptation, but most importantly, he was faithful to God. God honored the pure and holy life of Joseph. Even though it nearly cost him his life, he still continued to do God’s will. Although most of the time it appeared Joseph was alone or neglected, God was always right beside him. 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’s Fix (Genesis 39:1-7) Just when Joseph prospered, was promoted and made overseer of his master’s house, he was enticed with temptation. Immediately following Joseph’s advancement in Potiphar's house, he was enticed by Potiphar's wife (Genesis 39:7, 10, 12). Joseph did what every godly man should do when tempted by lust, that is run! 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 advances of Potiphar's wife because he wanted to please God more than he wanted to please himself. He called this kind of behavior or 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 Potiphar’s wife’s 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
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Great Men of the Bible Series: Solomon (Proverbs 4:7)
Proverbs 4:7, Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. The word principal has the sense of ‘primary,’ ‘first,’ or ‘chief.’ Wisdom ought to be the highest, first priority in life. Wisdom is the ability to exercise the discernment and judgment of God's Word. Wisdom is the ability to apply the Bible to our everyday life. We need to ask God for wisdom in every area of our lives. The Bible tells us apart from Jesus Christ, the Bible declares Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived. No one in all of human history had the intelligence of Solomon (I Kings 10:23-24). He would have broken all records in having the highest I.Q. Both Testaments speak of Solomon’s wisdom in I Kings 4:30-31; Matthew 12:42. In the beginning, Solomon genuinely loved the Lord (I Kings 3:3). He walked in the instructions of his father (I Kings 3:3). He had a heart of gratitude (I Kings 3:6). He was humble (I Kings 3:7). He had a teachable spirit (I Kings 3:7). He feared God and asked for an understanding heart to rule God’s people well (I Kings 3:9). Solomon possessed an attitude that caused him to seek for wisdom and understanding, which in turn, pleased the Lord that He gave Solomon not only great wisdom, but riches and honor as well. The Bible values wisdom greater than any treasure one could ever desire (Proverbs 3:14-15; 8:10-11). According to Proverbs, those who pursue wisdom will reap the benefits that come from receiving wisdom: happiness (Proverbs 3:13, 18), length of days, riches, and honor (Proverbs 3:16), pleasantness and peace (Proverbs 3:17), tree of life (Proverbs 3:18), life to your soul and grace to your neck (Proverbs 3:22), safety and not stumbling (Proverbs 3:23), and sweet rest (Proverbs 3:24). How does one obtain this measure of wisdom? According to Proverbs 2:6, wisdom comes from the Lord. Proverbs 2:6, For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). One cannot get true wisdom until he gets saved. Wisdom comes by: The Word of God (Psalm 19:7), wise men (Proverbs 13:20), a godly pastor (Jeremiah 3:15), and asking the Lord (James 1:5). Notice: James doesn’t say, “Go to the philosophers or go get the latest best seller”. Rather than looking to men or the latest philosophical fad, he urged them to look to God for the wisdom they needed. Wisdom benefits not only the one who has it, but also those who come in contact with the one who is wise. Proverbs 13:20a, He that walketh with wise men shall be wise. Children learn an abundant amount of wisdom by what they see in their parents. Every believer, especially every father needs wisdom. We know that wisdom is priceless and essential, but we must decide we want it. Those who choose to refuse or reject it will make foolish choices. Every father must take every opportunity to make wise decisions. The Lord is willing to give you wisdom, regardless of your age, if you will humbly ask. PRAYER: Father, Today I want to start the day with You on my mind and in my heart. Help me crave Your presence more than I crave sin. Help me grow in the fruit of the Spirit and walk closer with You. Keep my feet from stumbling and my mind from wandering into distractions. Lord, thank You for the people You have placed in my life. Give me a heart of discernment to know when You are using someone to speak instruction into my heart and my circumstances. 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 - Abel (Hebrews 11:4)
This morning’s devotion is an excerpt from a Bible Study. You can view this current study in its entirety by visiting this sites Bible Study link. Hebrews 11:4, By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. Abel, the second son of Adam and Eve, was a shepherd, who had strong faith in God. He gave God a pleasing offering of a first-born lamb. He was killed by his older brother Cain, whose offering was not pleasing nor accepted to the Lord. His blood cried out for vengeance to God. Abel’s offering foreshadowed the greatest offering ever made, Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. Jesus Christ was the best sacrifice offered to God. In Him, is no sin (II Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; 9:14; I Peter 2:22; I John 3:5), absolutely holy. The shedding of the blood, which occurred in the slaying of the animal in sacrificing it, foreshadowed salvation through the blood of Christ. "Without shedding of blood is no remission" (Hebrews 9:22); "the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin" (I John 1:7); and "being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him" (Romans 5:9). The slaying of the lamb spoke convincingly of the Lamb of God "slain from the foundation of the world" (Revelation 13:8), and "the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). Cain's offering did not foreshadow Christ at all; there was no lamb, hence no blood, no Christ, no cross. When the Abel brought “the firstlings of his flock” (Genesis 4:4), he was acknowledging his trust in the perfect Lamb of God who would one day be slain for sin. He knew his brother’s offering was a rebellious declaration against God. Cain exalted his own efforts at righteousness while Abel humbled himself as a sinner who needed a Saviour. Abel’s “more excellent sacrifice” pointed to Christ, the perfect offering for sin. Jesus was “a lamb without blemish and without spot” (I Peter 1:19). The lamb slain by Abel represented the coming “Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world” John 1:29. Abel was not made perfect through his own works. It was not Abel who professed himself righteous, it was God who declared that Abel was righteous. He “was righteous” through the sacrifice of Jesus on Calvary. Abel was declared righteous by the very mouth of God because Abel by faith offered the one sacrifice which spoke of Jesus Christ, Who, by dying on the cross of Calvary, provided mankind with salvation. "He being dead yet speaketh." One does not stop speaking when he dies. Our lives send messages long after we have died, and it is not just what we may have on our tombstones. What decides whether your message is a good one has to do with faith. What will your life say after you have died? The truth is that your life will speak after you died by how you lived before you died. PRAYER: Help me to be a dedicated ambassador, to preach the Gospel fearlessly and ceaselessly. Give me the confidence to preach the Gospel at all times under whatever condition and make me a useful instrument to further Your Great Commission. I ask you to give me the grace to proclaim Your good news, so that other people can be saved also. Do not let me be an obstacle to evangelization, but help me to support it and to spread it further. 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: Enoch (Genesis 5:21-24)
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. 1. 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 one thing that stood out most in life was his testimony that Enoch pleased God. This was the thing that pleased God about Enoch, he “walked with God”. It is 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 desires for us 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). 2. 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 be “called unto the fellowship of His Son” (I Corinthians 1:9) and walk in this intimacy. We must walk with God everyday (II Corinthians 4:16). 3. 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 great concern be to know Him and to move through life with Him! Daily Enoch walked with God, he was in constant fellowship with Him, and God was pleased (Hebrews 11:5-6). 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 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. 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: 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 so wicked. People were completely depraved in their sexual morality and the earth was filled with violence. The people had abundant evidence of God’s goodness, however, they turned away from their knowledge of God and toward their own pleasures. God had enough (Genesis 6:3-7). Only one man found grace in the eyes of the Lord. Noah was a righteous man who faithfully walked with God and was obedient to His instructions (Genesis 6:22). Because of his faith in God, he was justified. Noah preached for 120 years and never had one convert (I Peter 3:20), but the Bible calls him a man of faith (Hebrews 11:7). He 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 absolutely corrupt, Noah was basically without blemish before God. Noah was a just man. God considered Noah as 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 drown. 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 with You 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 Great Men of the Bible Series: Job (James 5:10-11)
James 5:10-11, Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the LORD, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the LORD; that the LORD is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. Job was a righteous man who walked with the Lord and his life pleased Him. From the very beginning of the book of Job we hear about Job’s character and his testing (Job 1:1, 8; 2:3). The Bible declares Job was perfect, upright, feared God, and eschewed evil. Both before and after he lost everything God was able to say Job had the same characteristics. His faith, family, farm, finances, and flesh were all tried. Even though this man suffered numerous losses that would knock most of us out, Job remained steadfast and faithful to the LORD. In James 5:11, the word “patience” means cheerful, endurance,’ ‘steadfastness,’ and ‘perseverance or waiting. It is endurance without murmuring. Perhaps the best characteristic to describe Job is patience. Patience is something we all need and want, but we rarely like to go through what it takes to obtain it. James 1:3, Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. As believers’, we will all have our faith tested. If there is no testing, there will never be patience. In Titus 2:2-8, when God lists specific character traits men and women need to develop, it was the men that He told to be patient. A furnace of fire is used to test precious metals. The heat from the furnace separates the dross and impurities to bring about the best. Job stated, “when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10). The Word of God teaches that our faith is even more precious than gold. God allows, and may even bring, times of trouble to our lives to not only test us, but to refine us. When we are tried and tested by adversity, it is so that we can come forth unto His praise, honor, and glory when Christ returns. We, as a result, become more precious (valuable) to Him. Good people get tested so they can become better. Trials never come by accident or by mistake; there is a purpose (James 1:2-4) At the center of every trial, there is a purpose. Each of us must pass through the flames of adversity during our appointed time on Earth. Regardless of the experience, it hurts to go through the fire. As painful as the heat may be, God will not allow it to consume you. It will accomplish nothing less than His perfect will intends for you. But there is something very precious about the searing heat of trials. God uses it to refine our character in a way no natural act could do. No one likes going thru trials, but by keeping our eyes focused on the end result of our trials, we find the patience and strength to endure them and reach the other side. Satan wants believers to quit serving God. Satan wants you to think that God doesn’t care, when God is really molding and making you more like Christ (Romans 8:28-29). The Lord promised in due season that we would reap if we do not faint (Galatians 6:9). Job didn’t faint and, in the end, he reaped (Job 42:12). When we are going through trials it is of great comfort to know that nothing comes into our lives without first passing through the hands of our heavenly Father. God’s grip of grace clings to us through the trials of life and leads us day by day. This was the test in the book of Job. Satan claimed Job worshiped God only because he was prosperous. The trial of Job’s faith proved Satan wrong. What do your trials say about your faith in God? PRAYER: Father in Heaven, I know the thoughts and plans You have for me are for Your glory and my good. Whatever I may face today, I can expect that You are working for good in all of it. So I’m going to step forward in faith, trusting You in all things and seeking to cooperate fully with Your plans for me. I know I can’t imagine all the good You have planned for my life, but I also know it’s all coming in Jesus’ name, so I can say, 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: Caleb (Joshua 14:6-15)
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 we’re 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). He gave all he had. God deserves our best. Caleb was not a 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 is a conqueror because his confidence comes 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. His mind was on conquering a mountain top for God. I see more and more Christians today who are living wasted, depressed, and defeated lives today. 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. Pessimist 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 that 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 Him? Don’t live like you have until next year to serve God. Each day serve Him like there’s no tomorrow. 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 so desirous of the work that they come to know 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: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3:16-18, 28)
Daniel 3:16-18, 28, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God. Two boys entered the dentist's office. One of the boys said, "Doc, will you pull a tooth right this minute?" The dentist replied, "You don't need any gas or Novocain?" The boy said, "Nope! Just one big yank!" The doctor replied, "Sure! That's what I call being brave and courageous. Now show me the tooth you want pulled." The boy turned to his little brother and said, "Come here Jimmy and show the Doc your tooth." We are brave for others but struggle sometimes to have our own courage. Their Hebrew names were, Hananiah (the Lord is gracious), Mishael (who is like God), and Azariah (the Lord has helped), They were good friends of Daniel. They were intelligent, courageous, devoted to the Lord, and uncompromising in their faith. They all excelled in Babylon until the day they refused to bow down to a ninety-foot tall golden statue of the King. Nebuchadnezzar ordered them to be thrown into a fiery furnace. The Hebrews responded that their God could deliver them from the fiery furnace, but if He didn’t, they still would not bow to any statue or any other god. This made the king furious, and he ordered them to be thrown into the furnace. These three Hebrews had genuine courage and confidence in the Lord. As a result, the Lord delivered them and the king praised the LORD God of Israel, Who was far greater than any god in Babylon. They knew that their God was able to save them from the fiery furnace. In fact, they were casting themselves upon the Lord to rescue them. But even if the Lord chose not to deliver them, they still could not betray Him. The minds of the three Hebrew men were made up! These men had genuine courage and faith. They would not bend, bow, budge or break. If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything. God wants us to make up our minds to live for Him! We need to make that decision now before we are tested. Trials will come. Our attitude should be that of Job 13:15, Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. From the earliest days of childhood all three of these young men had made the Word of God the center of their lives. These three young men faced the ultimate test of their faith. They either had to disobey the Lord or disobey the king. And their decision was a matter of life or death. Their first loyalty belonged to the Lord. They loved and believed in the Lord and knew Him in a very personal way. They risked their lives and experienced the sustaining power and presence of God in the flames. When you honor the LORD, He comes close to you in the middle of a crisis. When our faith is tested, we must continue to trust the Lord. Even if the test is a matter of life or death for us, we are never to deny the Lord. We must entrust the keeping of our souls totally into God’s hands. No matter how strong the temptation or how difficult the trial, God expects us to continue to believe and trust Him. Our faith is not to waver nor collapse, but rather to remain strong. Through faith, we can overcome all the tests and trials of life. We will never know the true strength of our faith until it is tested. Prayer: Father in Heaven, I know strength and help comes from You. Thank You for giving me courage under fire when serving You gets hard. Help me to continue to stand for You in life’s fiery trials. 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: Josiah (II Kings 22:1-2)
II Kings 22:1-2, Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah of Boscath. And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in all the way of David his father, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left. The events in the life of King Josiah can be seen in (II Kings 22-23; II Chronicles 34-35). Josiah became king of Judah when he was just eight years old (II Chronicles 34:1). He followed the reign of two wicked kings, his father Amon (II Kings 21:20; II Chronicles 33:21-23) and his grandfather Manasseh (II Kings 21:2; II Chronicles 33:2, 12-13) who did all they could to destroy the spiritual life of Judah. His father and his grandfather Manasseh turned to the Lord towards the end of his life. Josiah had every excuse for not living for the Lord. When he came to the throne there was a great crisis of spiritual apostasy and moral decline. Josiah lived in wicked times. An era when idolatry flourished and the Word of God was dormant (II Kings 22:8). However, with no parental support or example to follow, Josiah’s days were filled with living for the Lord. This tells us that we can serve God under any circumstances and at any age (II Kings 22:3). Although Josiah lived in a depraved culture, he started out right. He didn’t use the excuse “I’m a product of my environment” deter him from doing right. At the age of sixteen, Josiah began to seek the Lord (II Chronicles 34:3). The best time in life to find the Lord is when a person is young (Ecclesiastes 12:1). Soon after, Josiah began to eliminate the pagan influences in Judah by destroying idols and their altars. II Kings 23:25, And like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the Lord with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after him arose there any like him. Josiah was determined to reform his nation. He made great effort to turn the people from their idol worship by destroying idols across the land. He destroyed the idols and restored the Temple. In the eighteenth year of his reign, he ordered repairs to the Temple. During this time, the high priest discovered the book of the Law and read it to Josiah. When Josiah realized how far he and his people strayed from the Lord, he tore his robe in aguish. Josiah had the Book read to the people and reinstituted the Passover. His name means, “the Lord heals”. Josiah orchestrated the last great spiritual revival in the kingdom before its final decline, downfall, and deportation. The revival came with the preaching of the godly prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:2). As a leader, Josiah knew he was in a position of authority and he would be held accountable to the Lord how he ruled and what operated in the kingdom. Therefore, he became devoted to the Sanctuary (II Kings 22:3-7; Hebrews 10:25); the Scriptures (II Kings 22:8-20); the citizens of Judah (II Kings 23:1-2). He cleansed the land spiritually (II Kings 23:12-15, 24); and cleansed it morally (II Kings 23:7). Sin was dealt with and put away. Josiah’s remembered for his attitude about God’s Word. He knew its importance and made sure the people knew what it said and encouraged them to obey it. Josiah completed the work the Lord gave him to do (II Chronicles 35:20a). He died serving the Lord. His godly example was a shining light that had a positive impact for multitudes. What impact will your example have on other? PRAYER: Lord, may I be convicted to pray fervently as a way of standing in the gap for my family, community, nation, and world. Thank you for the warnings You give me and may I always strive to heed Your call. Thank You for Your mercy, forgiveness, grace, lovingkindness, and especially for sending Your Son Jesus Christ as the ultimate source of revival. I am deeply grateful that I am saved because of Christ’s finished work on the cross! 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 – Hur (Exodus 17:9-13)
Exodus 17:9-13, And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand. So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. In Exodus 17, Moses had his hands lifted toward Heaven, no doubt holding that staff in his hands, and the children of Israel prevailed in battle. When his arms would lower due to fatigue, the Amalekites gained the advantage. However, Aaron and Hur step forth and hold the hands of Moses up until the battle was won. The task Hur accomplished that day may not sound like a lot, however, had it not been for the work of this man, Moses would not have had the strength to do his job and Joshua would never have been able to lead Israel to victory in the battle. Had they not been there, the battle would have been lost and Israel would have been defeated! 1. Members like Hur are Absolutely Precious Preachers spend hours praying and preparing their sermons. Meanwhile, the congregation spends hours before the Lord in their prayer closets lifting up the hands of God’s man. In the church, there are a number of people who are praying, fasting, and carrying the load. No price could ever be placed on what members like Hur are worth to the church! 2. Members like Hur are Always Participating Hur wasn't a great leader like Moses. He wasn't a great general like Joshua. He wasn't a great High Priest like Aaron. He wasn't a warrior like those in the army. He was just Hur. The Bible doesn’t tell us much about Hur, however, what he did, he did willingly, actively and faithfully. He could hold up hands and he did the best job he could! We are all essential to the proper functioning of the body of Christ! There is a great work to do and there is room for all who want to be involved in the Lord's work. Although we can’t do everything, remember, that the Lord has placed us in His body in the place that pleases Him (I Corinthians 12:4-27). It isn’t important if you can’t do what others can do, it is important that you do what you can do. Thank God for those people who know they can't do everything, but are determined to do something! When the enemy strikes, our only hope is the LORD. Daily, dependable prayer is the fundamental foundation of the successful Christian life. The measure of any Christian is their prayer life. The lifting of Moses’ raised hands was a sign of intercession. “Moses’ hands grew heavy” (Exodus 17:12). Jesus never gets tired of interceding for us! “He ever liveth to make intercession for us” (Hebrews 7:25). While we fight the good fight of faith (I Timothy 6:12), He intercedes for us (Romans 8:34)! In our battles we also must go to the throne of God holding up our hands and saying, “LORD, this is out of my control. I need Your help” We all need holding up. We all need our arms or our faith supported by the arms or faith of another. Like Moses, Aaron, and Hur, we are all part of the great “cloud of witnesses” and it is our responsibility to point others to Christ, while at the same time, keeping your eyes on the LORD (Hebrews 12:1-2). Nothing means as much to we minister’s like the Hur’s within the congregation who are holding our hands up in prayer. Who can you lift up today? You can start lifting up those around you right now by encouragement and edification. You’ll find that while you are lifting up others, you will in turn find yourself being lifted! PRAYER: Lord, I humbly ask You to graciously restore within me the spirit of supplication and intercession. Forgive me for ignoring this important work, and grant me a heart that desires to pray. 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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