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 falls squarely on the shoulders of 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 in 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 with 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
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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’ Fix (Genesis 39:1-7) Just when Joseph prospered and was promoted to be overseer of his master’s house, he was immediately enticed with powerful temptation (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, “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” 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). This message provides one of the greatest lessons of life, and 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 so 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 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 was a great spiritual leader who had wilderness experience and an admirable spirit. Moses went from herding sheep to herding a very large flock of God’s people. He walked with God and had God's power upon his life, yet, he was criticized continuously. 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. NOTICE: 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 comes 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, even in the Lord’s churches. Some 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 to Him. Moses’ meekness is both vertical (towards God) and horizontal (towards man). In Numbers 12:13, Moses prays for them rather than rejoicing at their judgment. As children of God, 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. Lord, lead me in humbleness. 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 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. Samuel served God his entire life and it began from the time he was a child. 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 maintained a close and personal walk with the Lord. As a child, Samuel served the Lord (I Samuel 3:21). While in his mother’s (Hannah) womb Samuel was dedicated to the Lord. As soon as she weened him, she brought him to the Temple to Eli (I Samuel 1:27-28). 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 he was a young child. Three times the Scriptures reveal that he ministered being a child (I Samuel 2:11, 18: 3:1). 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 who 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 had the privilege of anointing one of Israel’s godliest 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 the will of God, God solves the problems. God will supply your needs (Philippians 4:19). Samuel established an intimate relationship with God and he enjoyed a lifetime of fellowship with the Lord. Samuel heard the message because his obedient heart was in harmony with the heart of God. God wants us to pursue close fellowship with Him. He wants us to spend time in the Scriptures, in supplications and in the sanctuary. We should approach the Bible with the mind set as Samuel (I Samuel 3:9), always ready to hear and respond to prompting of the Holy Spirit. 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. What is bred into youth always shows up in adulthood. Children who grow up serving the Lord do not look at ministry as an interruption or interference when they become adults. What the church needs today is more children who will serve more than idly sit by. May God give us men who would establish a relationship with Him early in their lives, and who serve the Lord all the days of their lives. May God give us more godly leaders who would be a guiding light to minister to us as the days grow darker. Without godly leaders, God's people will go astray. They will have no models of righteousness. They will have no one to teach them how to live consistent Christian lives. God expects His men to lead consistent Christ-like lives before Him for His people. For the purpose that they will know how to live and to lead exemplary lives in their families, churches, neighborhoods, and places of employment. 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 Barnabas (Acts 11:24)
Acts 11:23-24, Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the LORD. The early church was in a dilemma and believers were being persecuted. Peter and John had been arrested and were threatened not to speak about Jesus. When the disciples gathered to pray for guidance, the Holy Spirit filled them with boldness, and the church came together in unity. The Bible described Barnabas as “a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith” (Acts 11:24). 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. The disciples were very suspicious when it came to the new convert Saul. Barnabas was willing to take a risk. When nobody wanted to extend the right hand of fellowship to Paul, Barnabas responded in faith and embraced Paul as a new person in Christ. Barnabas went to Saul’s hometown of Tarsus and brought him to the church at Antioch. Barnabas took personal responsibility in seeing that Paul had the opportunity to grow and to be used in ministry. Barnabas journeyed with Paul on his first missionary trip. Not only did Barnabas share Paul’s conversion, but he also spoke of how the Lord had already used him. The impact that Paul had on the early church is overwhelming! However, if Barnabas had not been willing to mentor Paul, he may not have made as much of an impact. It is a risk to reach out to people and love them, invest in them, care for them, and mentor them. However, if we fail in these areas, the church’s mission will be highly impacted in a negative way. Barnabas teaches us to use our gifts to meet the needs of others. He was used greatly in the life of Paul and Mark who wrote books in the New Testament. His life consisted of bringing people to Jesus and discipling new converts, encouraging them to cleave unto the Lord. This same Holy Spirit filled the heart of Barnabas, and he reflected the Holy Spirit’s work in his life as he came alongside others. The Lord used Barnabas to teach us the importance of manifesting a heart of integrity and generosity. The Holy Spirit equips us to serve the church and its global mission. When we consider the character of a Christian, we must include the role of the Holy Spirit as He motivates and empowers the Christian to teach, serve, encourage, lead, and proclaim the Good News of Jesus. God used Barnabas to take the message of Jesus to the ends of the earth. His character made a lasting difference in the lives of millions because he demonstrated the heart of God. PRAYER: Father in Heaven, give me a heart of encouragement for other believers. May the Holy Spirit empower me and use me and direct me to Christians who need encouragement and need someone to help them in their walk of faith. In Jesus name, Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Abel (Genesis 4:4; Hebrews 11:4)
Genesis 4:4, And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: 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. His name means “breath”, or “vapor”, in which describes his brief life. Also, which is a reminder as to how frail and fleeting life is (James 4:14). Abel was Adam’s second son; he was a faithful worshiper of God (John 4:24). 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. Faith is defined as believing God and acting on what God has said or revealed. God had revealed the way of sacrifice, and both Cain and Abel knew what God had said. Abel believed and by faith he brought an animal sacrifice. Cain didn’t believe and decided to come his own way. Cain and his offering of the fruit of the ground were not accepted. Cain was rejected because he came his own way, not God’s way. John 14:6, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh unto the Father but by me. The Bible couldn’t say it any clearer. The only acceptable approach to God is through the Lord Jesus Christ. 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. Cain and Abel describe the great conflict between Satan and the Lord Jesus Christ. The first murder in the Scriptures signifies the rage of Satan and evil men crucifying Christ which led to the ultimate sacrifice of the Lord Jesus giving His life for sinners. Abel came God’s way. God’s way was the way of animal sacrifice. Abel’s sacrifice looked forward to the one Great Sacrifice that was to come in the future. Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, would go to the cross and die for the sins of the world. Abel believed God and acted on what God had said. This is what faith is all about. Abel came to God believing what God had revealed he offered to God by faith. God’s way today is to approach God on the basis of the one Great Offering that was pictured in Abel’s sacrifice, the Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. 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 he, 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. 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 Andrew (John 1:41-42a)
John 1:41-42a, He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. Although his name is Andrew, he is most often referred to as “the brother of Simon Peter” (Matthew 4:18; 10:2; Mark 1:16; Luke 6:14; John 1:40; 6:8). Although he often stood in the shadows of his popular brother Peter, God had a specific plan for Andrew. He was a fisherman by trade (Matthew 4:18). He was a disciple of John the Baptist (John 1:35, 40). John had been telling his listeners that the Messiah was coming. One day John pointed to Jesus and called Him “the Lamb of God” (John 1:36). From that very moment, and from this time on, Andrew left the family fishing business to follow Christ (Matthew 4:18; Mark 1:16-18). He was one of the first two disciples to follow Jesus (John 1:36-37). God had a plan for Andrew's life, and he followed Christ until the day he died. Someone once said, “Before our gospelizing gets around to the uttermost part of the earth, it should begin at home, "in Jerusalem" as it were. We have a story to tell to the nations, but it is also a story to tell to the neighbors all around us.” It was Andrew who was the first to be called by Christ and who would bring Peter to Christ (John 1:41). Whenever we read about Andrew doing something, it is him bringing someone to Christ. Andrew would go home to find his brother Peter to lead him to the Lord. NOTICE: Later, Peter would preach and reach three thousand souls for Christ? Peter would perform miracles? Peter would write two books in the New Testament? Andrew would not do any of these things, but he knew a man who had potential and if Christ saved this man, he could do great things. Andrew had a part in it. He remembered the day he said to his brother, “We have found the Christ”. Everything Peter did for the Lord, Andrew had a part in it. You may never lead thousands to the Lord but you might be the one to lead one to Christ who will lead thousands to the Lord. Andrew brought Simon—just one. But that one was many, for under God, Simon brought three thousand in one day. Joel Stratton, a waiter in a restaurant, brought John Gough to Christ. Just one. And Gough brought many to Christ. Ezra Kimball, a Sunday school teacher, brought Moody to Christ—just one. But that one was many, for Moody shook two continents for God. Just as one digit is valuable in the multiplication table, and one letter in the alphabet, far more valuable is just one soul in God's sight. In John 6, we see the feeding of the five thousand. While the rest of the disciples were making excuses as to why they could not feed the five thousand, Andrew found a young boy who was willing to offer his lunch to Jesus. To Andrew this boy was not a varmint; he was valuable. Andrew didn’t know how or why, but he knew if he could get this lad to Christ, that Jesus would use him in a big way. The history of the church is the history of people leading people to Christ. Many tend to underestimate, or overlook, the potential of some. They have a habit of downplaying them with the questions, “what can they do or amount to?” True, Andrew lived in the shadows of his popular brother Peter, but he was never insignificant. In fact, he was a tremendous blessing to others. Some day, when we’re in Heaven, we’ll be surprised by the greatness done by those we’ve never heard of. Winning people to Christ involves effort (Luke 15:4). Sinners need the Lord and it helps for them to see Christ’s love manifested in and through us. What is the Lord leading you to do right now? Do you often compare your life with someone else's life? If so, you have your focus off target. God had a very specific plan for Andrew, and it was a different plan than God's plan for Peter. That being said, God has a very specific plan for you, and it is different than His plan for others. So, don't compare your life with others; compare it with God's will. Fulfilling the Great Commission is a priority of every believer (Matthew 28:18-20). If we are ever going to be, or do, or say anything for our Lord, now is the time! PRAYER: Father in Heaven, what could You do in and through my life if I was one hundred percent completely willing to do what You called me to do. Help me not to get distracted, discouraged, disappointed in Your work. May I never get lukewarm in Your service for souls. In Jesus name, Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Men of the Bible Series - Mordecai (Esther 6:11)
Esther 6:11, Then took Haman the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour. A soldier in the service of King Charles I of England, who reigned from 1625-1649, sold most of his property and gave his proceeds to support the king's cause. He ended up also giving his life, being killed in the battle with the Roundheads. His friends paid tribute to his memory with this epitaph which is found in an old churchyard in England: "He served King Charles with a constant, dangerous, and expensive loyalty." Mordecai was very loyal, and the rewards of his loyalty would be revealed at the right time and place. God is preparing His heroes and when the opportunity comes, He can fit them into His plan in a moment and the world will wonder where they come from. In Esther 2:21-23, we find Mordecai reporting the news of two men (Bigthan and Teresh) attempting to assassinate king Ahasuerus. It would be some time later, but the honorable acts of Mordecai would be brought to the attention of king Ahasuerus. As a result, for saving his life, king Ahasuerus honored Mordecai by having him escorted through the city on the king’s horse wearing the king’s royal clothing (Ephesians 6:11). In adopting Esther, Mordecai shows his mercy (Esther 2:7). Although we were orphans, far from God, Christ showed His mercy in receiving us into the family of God by faith (John 1:12; Ephesians 2:8-13). As Mordecai was faithful to king Ahasuerus (Esther 2:21-23), Christ was faithful to His Father (Luke 2:29; John 8:29; Hebrews 10:7). Mordecai was consistent (Esther 3:2-4), Christ, fully knowing His mission, was faithful and steadfast (Isaiah 50:7; Luke 9:51; 19:10; I Timothy 1:15). As Mordecai was despised (Esther 3:5), so was Christ (Isaiah 53:3; John 15:25). As Mordecai was tested (Esther 4:1), so was Christ (Matthew 4:11; Luke 22:42). As Mordecai finally received a place of honor (Esther 6:1-3; 8:7-8), so did Christ in His resurrection (Ephesians 1:20-23; Hebrews 1:3). Five times the phrase, “whom the king delighteth to honour,” is mentioned (Esther 6:6-7, 9, 11). As Mordecai was a delight to king Ahasuerus, so should we, as Christians, be a delight to God. God blesses those who please Him. God delights in seeing His people reflect His glory and being conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). There are several attributes of God that we are specifically told bring Him delight when they are manifested in our lives. Some things that bring a delight to the Lord are:
When reading the book of Esther, one might question, “Where is God in all of this”? Why is God’s name not mentioned? Although He is never mentioned by name in the entire book, God appears in every scene. God is seen in His power, providence, protection, presence, peace, and preservation. God is like the unseen rudder on the ship. However, the presence of God is evident throughout every chapter in these books. We see His providential hand of care over Israel. The purpose of the book of Esther is to reveal the sovereignty of God and His care for His people. It also teaches us that when man has reached his limit in life, God reveals His opportunity and plans of a tomorrow. Have you ever felt discouraged, as though God was not working in your life? Understand that even when God’s work is not evident, His hand is present working behind-the-scenes. May God open our eyes to His many wonderful works in this book (Psalm 119:18). Points to Ponder: God’s timing and His ways are always perfect. Those who honor God, God will honor. One of the greatest statements a child of God can hear is, “Well done” (Matthew 25:21). Questions to Consider: Do you have a godly heritage? If you are the first Christian in your family, how will you begin a heritage for your children? What are you doing to preserve this heritage and pass it along to your children? PRAYER: Lord, I want to honor You in with my life. Guide my steps and prepare my path that I may 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 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. There Hebrew names were, Hananiah (the Lord is gracious), Mishael (who is like God), and Azariah (the Lord has helped), and 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. They were not bound, burnt, nor bothered. It has been said, “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. These servants of God were not saved from going in the furnace, they were sustained in it and God did not let it destroy them. There are many times that God allows us to go through great affliction, but His grace sustains us and the trial does not destroy us. There are some that God allows to be a martyr for their faith. Our job is to be faithful until the end and leave the results in the hands of God. Jesus was in the fire with them (Hebrews 13:5). It was during the severest trial of their life that God made His presence known to these men. Their fellowship would be wonderful, and no doubt it was the closet they had ever been to Jesus and their heart would be overflowing with joy. Though we do not ask for the trial that we go through, we can always rejoice in the way God meets our needs and helps us to draw closer to him in the process. God's grace is always greater than the trial that you are going through. His grace is not only sufficient, but it is abundant. 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 - 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 today 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). 1.The Lord wants us to have an Honest Heart (Psalm 51:10). A clean heart is the first step toward having a heart after God (Psalm 32:11; 51:10). When our hands are clean and hearts are pure, we are allowed to draw nigh to God (James 4:8). 2.The Lord wants us to have a Holy Heart (Psalm 89:20). God called David His servant. David wanted to do (fulfill all) the will of the Lord (Acts 13:22). David was God’s possession to do with as He pleased. You cannot hide what you are following because what you are following is manifested by whom you obey. 3.The Lord wants us to have a Healthy Heart (Psalm 119:11). Many verses speak of David keeping God’s Word in his heart (Psalm 37:31; 40:8; 119:34, 36, 69, 80, 112, 161). What you choose to place in your heart is the only thing that is sure to be with you 24/7. Keep God’s Word within you (Proverbs 22:17-21). 4.The Lord wants us to have a Humble Heart (Psalm 131:1). David was a humble servant. When he was confronted with sin, he admitted to it. You cannot have a heart after God and be proud because God resists the proud (James 4:6). 5.The Lord wants us to have a Harmonious Heart (Psalm 91:1). You cannot help but to speak well of the one you love. David’s psalms of praise (Psalm 86:12; 111:1; 138:1). Love and loyalty are traits that have birthed and blossomed from our heart. David was a man of prayer who always sought a deep relationship with God. He had great boldness because he had great faith in God from his youth (I Samuel 17:34-37). He was a man of deep spiritual hunger and passion for God. David was not perfect nor flawless. David caused God grief on several occasions. Yet even during this time in his life, David continued to show the true presence of a humble and teachable spirit. He had an unshakable confidence in God’s faithfulness and purpose for his life. He worshiped God with his whole heart and life and directed all of Israel to do the same (I Chronicles 15-16). He was a man of character, courage (I Samuel 16:18) and loyalty and inspired these traits in others (I Samuel 20:2; II Samuel 9; I Chronicles 11). David’s heart should be an example for all of Christ’s followers today. God is still looking for men who are after His heart. Those who seek to please God and not others, who will do God’s will and not his own! 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 |
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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