The Storms of Life Series – Part 2
The Passage of the Ship (Mark 4:35-36)

The journey of the ship is a picture of the journey of a believer’s life. Here in Mark, we have a picture of the believer’s life as one journey’s through the storms and stresses in life. This indicates the remarkable guidance of the Lord in directing His own through the trackless lanes of life and bringing them safely to the desired haven. They were all on the ship and they were all at the sea. In fact, you will notice in Mark 4:36 that other little ships were with him. We are all in this voyage together. There are other little ships besides ours. But there was something especially different about this particular ship: Jesus was on board. If a person will just get Jesus on board in their life as Lord and Saviour, it will make a critical difference. In our life there are two important points to consider.

1. The Ships Direction (Mark 4:35).
When Jesus is on board, a person can have a sense of direction. “Let us pass over unto the other side” (Mark 4:35). You can guarantee they were going on to the other side. We are constantly on the move. We are all going places. We have a destination. The important question we must ask ourselves is “is Jesus the captain of the ship?”

You and I need Christ to be the captain of our ship of life. It is possible for Him to be in the ship but not the captain of the vessel. Is Jesus the captain (MASTER) of your ship? Have you invited Him to take over the controls of your life? If you do, it gives you some direction. If you do not know Christ, or if Jesus is not the captain of your vessel in life, then there is no direction from the Lord. There is meaninglessness and futility in life. Without Jesus, life is like a ship tossed to and fro by the waves, with no chart, no compass.

2. The Ships Destination (Mark 4:36).
Many people do not know where they are going in life. They have no sense of purpose or reason for their existence. They may have that temporal sense of direction, but most people have no overall purpose in their lives. It’s a terrible thing to be adrift on life’s sea and not know why you are here or what the meaning of life really is.

There are three great questions in life. Who Am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? We need to know the answers to these three. We need to know who we are. We need to know where we are going. Jesus’ words here gave a destination. When Jesus comes into your life, He comes in not only as your Saviour, but also as your security. The presence of Jesus is a guarantee that one of these days your life’s ship is going to land safely over on the shore of glory. That’s the only real security in life. You can have stocks and bonds; you can have houses and lands. You can have all the things that people consider security in this world. But if you do not have Jesus in your life, you have nothing that you can ultimately count on. You are either on one of two ships. If you have Jesus in your heart then you are the ark, safe above the judgment. If you do not have Jesus in your heart, you’re on the Titanic, headed for destruction.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your guidance. Forgive me for getting ahead of Your plans and help me know when to stop and listen for Your direction. Your ways are perfect. In Jesus name, AMEN!

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Storms of Life (Mark 4:35-41) – Part 1

Mark 4:35-41, “And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side. And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other little ships. And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

In this life, you are going to have some storms. We must note that the presence of Jesus on the boat did not keep the storm from coming. Just because we are saved and have Christ in our heart, does not mean storms will not come into our life. These men had Jesus in the boat with them. Notice: You’re going to have storms even though Christ dwells within you. Remember, there is no storm that arises in your life that He cannot carry you through. There are different types of storm people encounter. The Bible says that our Father in heaven causes the rain to fall on the just and the unjust (Matthew 5:45). “Into each life some rain must fall.” Therefore, anguish knocks at every heart and pain makes its way into every home. The good news is that if He is with you, He will take you through the storm to the other side.

Storms may come quick without any notice, or at times, seem unexplainable. It’s a wonderful thing when Jesus calms a storm at sea. But it’s also a wonderful thing when Jesus calms a storm in a human heart. Here is a picture of life as a voyage on a sea, along with the storms that come up unexpectedly in your life and mine. Probably some of us could say, “Yes, that is exactly my situation today. I’m going through a storm. My life’s ship is being tossed to and fro by waves of adversity. I’m in a storm just like Jesus and the disciples were in on the sea of Galilee.”

The journey of the ship is a picture of the journey of a believer’s life. Jesus Christ overcame the devil, diseases, death, demons, and disasters. At the end of Mark 4, we see a miracle where Jesus overcame the realm of nature. It illustrates to us that what Jesus is able to do in the physical realm, He is also able to do in the spiritual realm. If we are not careful when storms come we will fear and doubt and miss out on the lessons the Lord is trying to teach us in the storm. “When Jesus says ‘pass over,’ you don’t need to fear going under!” A storm will never come into your life that is greater than God. Over the next several days, we will look at the following verses in the text and see what the Bible teaches us regarding the “storms of life”.

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, life’s troubles are certainly tempests. We cannot expect to get through life without the winds of adversity. It’s easy to become overwhelmed and live confined by fear. However, Lord, You, are my place of refuge, and the shelter in the time of storm. In Jesus name, AMEN.

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Don’t Swerve…Stay on Track (Acts 20:24)
Acts 20:24, “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”

In the classic Looney Tunes cartoons, Wile E. Coyote makes frequent, yet futile, attempts to capture the Road Runner for his dinner. Using his customary Acme Products, he lays several traps for the speedy bird. The key to one of his plots is a “Detour” sign that he hopes will lead the Road Runner off the right path and into one of his traps. As usual, the plan falls through and the doomed coyote ends up in the trap himself. But the idea of using a detour to lead to a trap doesn’t always fail in real life. In fact, this is a tactic that the devil often uses successfully against us. Usually, his first attempt is not to get us to totally change direction and turn our backs away from following God. Instead, he tries to get us to change course just slightly. Perhaps he offers what appears to be an easier road or a shortcut while telling us that it will still lead to the same destination. Doctrinal error always results in moral failure. Never sell doctrine short. False doctrine promotes controversies and strife. But sound doctrine produces a dynamic love which comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith (I Timothy 1:5). That is the pattern Satan followed when tempting Jesus in the wilderness. Yet each time Jesus responded with the Word of God, staying the course that His Father in Heaven had laid out for His life. Jesus was not interested in an easier way to accomplish God’s plan. He realized that God’s purposes could only be accomplished by God’s methods, and that helped Jesus stick to His course and overcome temptation. There simply aren’t any shortcuts or detours that lead to good ends in the Christian life. Stay out of the devil’s ditches and stick to God’s road and you will not go astray.

There are a number of reasons why we get sidetracked, off the right path, or spiritually derailed.
Here are four reasons.
1. We get sidetracked by being absorbed with self-will instead of God's will for our lives.
Proverbs 14:14, “The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.”

2. We get sidetracked by a carnal lifestyle or indifference toward the Lord.
Matthew 24:12, “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”

3. We get sidetracked by forgetting what the Lord has done for us.
Revelation 2:4, “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.”

4. We get sidetracked when we replace our love for the Lord with something else.
II Timothy 4:10, “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.”

A foolish old farmer concluded one day that the oats with which he had fed his mule for years were simply costing too much. So he hatched a plan. He mixed his sawdust in with the feed, and then a little more the next day, and even more the next. Each time he would reduce the amount of oats in the mix. The mule did not seem to notice the gradual change, so the farmer thought things were fine, and kept decreasing the amount of oats. Weeks later, on the day that he finally fed the mule nothing but sawdust, the mule finished the meal and fell over dead. Christians that feed on spiritual sawdust get weaker and weaker because they lack the nourishment and strength that comes from the Bread of Life, the Word of God. What you do with the Bible will determine what God does with you. If you stray from the Scriptures, don't be surprised if you stray from God and get out of church. They go hand in hand. We, as motorists, take detours because we have to. As Christians, we take it because we want to. If you have detoured, are off course, out of the will of God, you do not have to remain there. How does a Christian get back on track?

The Word of God is the key to getting your life straightened out:
1. Analyze and apply God's Word.
Psalm 119:104-105, “Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
Psalm 119:130, “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.”
Proverbs 6:23, “For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life.”

2. Give Attention to the Holy Spirit.
Exodus 31:3, “And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,”

3. Ask God for understanding.
Psalm 119:34, “Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.”
Psalm 119:125, “I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.”

4. Be Attentive to the godly and wise counsel of others.
Proverbs 15:32, “He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.”

5. Avoid and shun a sinful lifestyle.
Job 28:28, “And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.”

6. Abide close to the Lord and get to know Him.
Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”

Questions to Consider:
Is your life full of confusion?
Are you sidetracked?

Points to Ponder:
If so, get back into the Bible and obey it.
The Word of God will give direction and order in your life.

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The Watchman (Ezekiel 3:17; 33:7)
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Ezekiel 3:17, “Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.” Ezekiel 33:7, “So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.”

The Titanic is one of the worst maritime disasters in history. The British luxury liner Titanic (46,000 gross tons) of the White Star Line, on its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York City, struck an iceberg about 95 miles south of the Grand Banks of Newfoundland just before midnight on April 14, 1912. Of the more than 2,220 persons aboard, about 1,513 died. The ship had been proclaimed unsinkable because of its 16 watertight compartments. Nevertheless, the iceberg sufficiently damaged the Titanic to make it sink in less than three hours. Investigations found that the ship had been steaming too fast in dangerous waters, that lifeboat space had been provided for only about half of the passengers and crew. Warnings came, however, the response was “You’re jamming up our signals.” The Californian, closest ship to the scene, had not come to the rescue because its radio operator was off duty and asleep. A warning can be a matter of life and death.

The Intelligence Agency of a nation is of critical importance in protecting its people. Whether a satellite or a plane in the sky, a mechanical or human spy, or a soldier or guard on the border, a nation’s ability to gain intelligence determines its capability to protect itself. In ancient history, a nation protected itself by establishing fortified cities and outposts along its borders, as well as by posting military patrols at key locations throughout the land. But most important of all were the watchmen who were strategically posted along the walls of a city. It was the watchman’s duty to scan the horizon for any approaching enemy and to be alert to any danger within the city, such as fire or civil disturbance. As God’s man, I must take the Word of God forth to the world, proclaiming the glorious message of salvation to every human being of every generation.

As a watchman, God gave Ezekiel some warnings regarding his ministry. According to Ezekiel 33:6, God will hold a watchman accountable. A watchman (one positioned in a tower or on the city wall to look out for invaders or approaching disaster) who saw destruction coming and did not sound an alarm to warn the people would be held responsible for their deaths. In God’s kingdom, a pastor who does not warn those who are uncommitted or rebellious against God about the danger of judgment will be held accountable for the people’s spiritual destruction. All Christians have the responsibility to share their faith with people who are spiritually lost or without a personal relationship with God and to help fulfill the mission Jesus gave to the church (Matthew 28:19). We will give an account to God if we refuse to obey Jesus’ Great Commission (Acts 20:26).

Ezekiel was to be a watchman, warning that all who continued to resist God would be punished with death (Ezekiel 3:18). If Ezekiel failed to warn the wicked, he would be held accountable for their deaths. Faithful men of God today embrace Ezekiel’s example by warning those in their congregations who are behaving in ungodly ways that they will be excluded from God’s kingdom if they do not repent (I Corinthians 6:9-11; Galatians 5:18-21; Ephesians 5:5). God’s people are to be taught that they must admit their sins, turn from their own selfish ways and begin to follow God’s purposes. Those who fail to warn the unfaithful will themselves be accountable to God for people’s spiritual destruction. We must always remember that God has given us the responsibility to take His message of forgiveness and new life through Christ to the entire world (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). This message includes the warning of eternal death for all who refuse to accept Christ’s forgiveness. God has made all of Christ’s followers his watchmen (Matthew 18:15). According to Ezekiel 33:7, God has made Ezekiel His watchman. God emphasizes again that Ezekiel was to faithfully continue to warn the people to turn from sin and to accept God’s salvation. Today, the church and its pastor must help spread the message of spiritual salvation through Jesus Christ to all nations (Ezekiel 3:18).

I believe we all are accountable for giving the Gospel to the lost. We have a responsibility to try to tell people how to be saved either by witnessing to them or giving them a gospel tract. Do you have friends or loved ones that need the Lord? If so, make an effort to tell them about Jesus Christ and how to be saved. If you don't know Christ, you can turn to Him right now. According to an old legend, a man became lost in his travels and wandered into a bed of quicksand. Confucius saw the man's predicament and said, "It is evident that men should stay out of places such as this." Next, Buddha observed the situation and said, "Let that man's plight be a lesson to the rest of the world." Then Mohammed came by and said to the sinking man, "Alas, it is the will of God." Finally, Jesus appeared and said, "Take my hand, brother, and I will save you." If you know not the Lord, He will save you if you will ask Him.

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, thank You for those You sent my way to share the Gospel to me. Help me, that I may share the Gospel with those You allow me to connect with. In Jesus name, AMEN!

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3 Crucial Keys Concerning Prayer (Philippians 4:6-7)

Philippians 4:6-7, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”


1. We Can Pray About Everything
We are to worry about nothing, but pray about everything. There are some very real assets that are ours in prayer. We hear these following statements all the time. We have even made them ourselves. “I'm not going to pray. I don't know how to pray, I don't know what to do.” The answer that God gives is, “Pray about it anyway. Even if you don't know how to pray. Even if you don't feel like praying about it or not, pray anyway.”


2. Prayer Brings Fellowship With God
Another reason that you should pray, even if you don't know how to word it, is that it brings fellowship with the Father. If you are praying the wrong way, God can take care of that, because He knows what your heart is. We ought to spend time in prayer even if we are praying about things that may not have any immediate answer to them, and we know it as we pray. We ought to spend time in prayer because it’s an opportunity to be in fellowship with the Father. It is an opportunity to focus our thinking on Him, and to sense that bond between Himself and us that the Scripture abundantly tells us is there.

There is something about just being with that loved one, regardless of what you may be talking about. Even if you talk the whole time, there is something that transcends the talk, and that is true of prayer, too. Even if you don't know how to pray, even if you think God may say no to your prayer, spend time in prayer because of the fellowship with the Father. It reinforces our fellowship with God.


3. Prayer Brings Freedom From Fear
We have fellowship with the Father when we pray, but if we pray about everything, we have freedom from fear or worry. We have peace of mind and stability. That verse doesn't say that as you bring those things to God, He will automatically grant your request. It says, “The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, will keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” The word keep there is a word that means “to guard our hearts and minds.”

In other words, what this verse tells us is that we can and we should pray about anything that we worry about. If you ever wonder just how broad is the spectrum of prayer, it is as broad as the spectrum of worry. Some of us are bigger worriers than others, but all of us worry about all kinds of things. It is interesting that the same people that say, “I have got to worry about things,” will say, “I can't pray about everything.” Listen, if you can worry about it, you can pray about it. Not only do we have in prayer that fellowship with the Father that means so much, but we also have freedom from fear. We have freedom from anxiety and the guarding of our hearts and minds as we pray about those things.

Prayer, Lord, I humbly ask You to graciously grant me a heart that desires to pray. Forgive me, I’ve just been struggling with fear and doubt that has troubled the peace I have from You. I commit myself to prayer and I am casting these things Your way right now. I’m choosing not to worry about them anymore because You will deal with them under the authority of Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Jesus is the Messiah (John 1:41)

John 1:41, “He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.”

Charles Jennens was a very well known figure in his society. He was quite a site as he road into town on his magnificent coach drawn by four plumed horses. On Saturday, August 22, 1741, he brought a scrapbook with him to Handel's small study. He told Handel, "Here is a collection called The Messiah. Can you make an entertainment out of it?" When Jennens left, Handel started studying the text he received. He noticed that the words had been taken from Scripture. Handel felt that Jennens had really outdone himself this time, for the words sang like cardinals on a beautiful spring day. Handel started writing at once. He wrote so fast that the ink had scarcely dried on one page before he started another. The musical score was covered with splotches, but the Master did not notice them. He was oblivious to the whole world around him. Handel admitted later, "Whether I was in my body or out of body as I wrote The Messiah, I know not." He remained in the little front room on the first floor of his house, not for twenty-four hours, but for twenty-four days, setting down thousands of musical notes to Jennen's excerpts from the Bible. Handel was so consumed in what he was doing that he failed to touch his food that was brought regularly to him by his servant. Sometimes the servant stood in silent wonder as tears would drip from Handel's cheeks like the morning dew from lilies. They would mingle with the ink as they puddled on the pages. Once the servant found Handel sobbing with emotion. He had just finished the renown "Hallelujah Chorus" which brought the Queen to her feet when she heard it sung. Handel said of this chorus, "I thought I saw all Heaven before me and the great God Himself." You can understand what He is saying if you have ever heard this chorus.
King of kings... Forever and ever,
And Lord of lords... forever and ever.
And He shall reign for ever and ever.
And He shall reign for ever and ever.

Ever since Jesus made His first public appearance, He had been trying to reach the nation of Israel. He was their Messiah and He did everything He could do to convince them of that truth. His miracles, His teachings, His compassion, and His power were all clear evidence that the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament had appeared. Yet, when Israel saw Jesus, they refused to accept Him as their Messiah, their Lord or their Saviour. Jesus was rejected by the religious leaders in Israel (Mark 8:11). He was rejected by the nation as a whole, Mark 6:3. He was even judged to be a mad man by His Own family, (Mark 3:21). This total rejection is summed up by the Apostle John when he said, “He came unto his own, and his own received him not,” John 1:11.

Even as Jesus was attempting to reach Israel, He was trying to teach His disciples. Jesus spent many months teaching them, displaying His power, and revealing His identity to His men in powerful ways. For the longest time they were blind to His identity. Even though they saw Jesus heal the sick, cast out demons, control the forces of nature, multiply bread and fish, and raise the dead, they still could not grasp just Who Jesus was. Andrew followed Jesus without hesitation (John 1:37), and he immediately proceeded to introduce others to Christ (John 1:40-42). Andrew had met Jesus personally, and Jesus had met the crying need of his heart. Andrew could not contain the peace and joy; he just had to tell his loved ones immediately. He wanted them also to experience the love, joy, and peace of Jesus. Andrew is still valuable to the Lord. Andrew's first concern was his brother Peter. The scene was striking. Immediately after seeing Jesus for himself, Andrew rushed to find his own brother, Simon. Andrew was a great witness and a great personal worker for the Lord. He was always seen bringing someone to Jesus (John 6:8; 12:22). You do not have to be out in front to be valuable to the Lord. Andrew is the man we find introducing others to the Lord Jesus Christ. This should be the pattern adopted by all who follow Christ.

This passage shows how Jesus looks at men. Jesus "beheld" Simon. The word "beheld" means a "concentrated, intent gaze that reads a man's heart”. God knows us and what is in our hearts. Jesus not only sees a man as he is, but also what he will become and what his potential is. The Lord Jesus Christ not only sees the actualities in a man, but also the possibilities. In the person of Peter, the Lord saw a fisherman and a rock in the early church. Christ not only sees what we are, but what we can be.

Jesus is Messiah, the Christ, Anointed One. Messiah is the Hebrew word translated into Greek as Christ. Both words mean "Anointed One". One especially appointed by God for His plan and purpose. He shall reign forever and ever for He is the Lord Jesus Christ. God has highly exalted Him and given Him a name which is above every name. At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow one day, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. He is the ONLY WAY to the Father in Heaven (John 14:6). He will receive you if you come to Him (John 6:37).

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, thank You for loving me and accepting me in Christ. Help me to live for You and to share Your message of salvation with others. In Jesus name, AMEN!

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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).
Psalm 51:10, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” 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).
Psalm 89:20, “I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him”. 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).
Psalm 119:11, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” 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).
Psalm 131:1, “Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.” 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).
Psalm 91:1, “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” You cannot help but to speak well of the one you love. David wrote 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 their 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!

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Men of the Bible Series - Timothy (II Timothy 2:1-2)

II Timothy 2:1-2. “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”

Following Pompeii's destruction from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, thousands were buried in its ruins, locked in various physical positions. Some were seeking refuge from the ash deep within chambers, while some sought protection in the heights of their homes. One figure, a Roman sentinel, stands as a testimony of faithfulness to the end. He was discovered standing at the city gate with weapon in hand. While the earth shook beneath him and the sky darkened with hopeless disaster, he remained at his post. We carry the call of Christ, the commission of the King of kings, within our very hearts. It is time we live out the faith within in a manner that dignifies and honors those who passed it along to us. May all who come after us find us faithful.

Paul never had a biological son, but he introduces us to his dearly beloved spiritual son, Timothy (II Timothy 1:2). In the two letters that follow, it becomes clear that no mere biological relationship could exceed that which he felt for this son in the ministry. He traveled with Paul on missionary journeys. He spent time in prison. He was the recipient of two letters written from Paul. He pastored the church at Ephesus. Their mutual love for Christ and His kingdom surpassed any human bond earthly paternity could forge.

Timothy was a young man who grew up in a home without a Christian father (Greek/Gentile), but with a godly mother and a godly grandmother; and this young man became a major influence for the cause of Jesus Christ in the first century. His name was Timothy. His name means “One who honors God”. How did a young man from the city of Lystra, a mystical place given over to idol worship, develop into such a great leader for the cause of Jesus Christ? He was raised by a godly mother and grandmother. There had been three generations of genuine faith in Timothy’s family: first, his grandmother Lois; then his mother Eunice; and now finally Timothy himself. Timothy’s faith was passed down from his grandmother (Lois) to his mother (Eunice), which he passed down to others.

Paul's second letter to Timothy is full of encouragement. He goes on to instruct young Timothy to study hard, endure hardship, preach the Word, and remember what he had learned. When we are young, we ache with desire to accomplish our dreams. We often run the race as if we are the only ones within the boundaries of the course. As Paul passed his torch to Timothy, so must we equip others through encouragement to do the same.

The church has the responsibility to uphold the teaching and message of Christ without compromise, correction, or corruption, and of those He commissioned to deliver that message as recorded in the Bible. In order to do this, there must be sound Bible-based teaching and instruction within the church. A strong and sound teacher will hear, receive, and spread the truth to others. He communicates the truth to others so that they in turn may teach others and pass the truth on down to future generations. We are to commit the truth to people who will pass it on. The word faithful means trustworthy or reliable. This means they are believers who will pass it on without addition or alteration. Those we teach should all be able to teach others also. This way the Gospel is passed on from generation to generation, creating an endless chain of Christian teachers.

The greatest way to honor those who have invested in you is to continue in their work. Paul invested his life in equipping young men for the ministry: John Mark, Barnabas, Timothy, Silas, Philemon, Titus, and perhaps others. Paul poured his life into Timothy. Timothy honored Paul and Christ by continuing that which had been faithfully entrusted unto him. He charged Timothy in II Timothy 2:2, “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” Paul visualized a faithful finish for Timothy, one that would impact future generations with the truth. He committed himself to others, who taught others, who ultimately taught us—right down to this present hour.

Many people have sacrificed for you and have invested in you, make them proud. To find, to fulfill, and to finish the course the Lord has chosen for you is the greatest honor you can bestow upon them. Timothy had a good reputation with the church. A good reputation is critical no matter what a person chooses to do (Proverbs 22:1). Regardless of where you came from or how you started in life, you have the opportunity to develop a good reputation that can be well spoken of by those around you and, in the end, finish well (Acts 16:2).

Questions to Consider:
Are you wandering around waiting to serve the Lord?
Are you ignoring Christ”s call to faithfulness?
Are you walking against the ways of God?

Points to Ponder:
Anyone can build and develop a good name and reputation.
Make daily commitments to be loyal to Jesus.
Remember the value of a good name.

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, I have been blessed by the ministry of people who have invested their time in me. LORD, help me to always honor those who have invested their lives in me as I journey on the path you have chosen for me. In Jesus name, AMEN.

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Men of the Bible Series

Stephen (Acts 6:5, 8; 7:55)

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 6:8, “And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.” 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. He was one of the first deacons and the first martyr of the church. Stephen is a great example to each of us as to what we should be filled with. 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 the faith”, “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. Stephen became a preacher and died a martyr’s death. He was filled with the Spirit (Acts 6:5), fearless in witness (Acts 6:10), and faithful in service (Acts 6:14). We see the witness of his life (Acts 6:8), the witness of his labors (Acts 6:8), the Witness of his learning (Acts 6:10), the Witness of his looks (Acts 6:15). The Spirit who empowered Stephen is the same Spirit who fills Christ 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 would charge them with rejecting the Christ of Israel. He began with Scripture and used it 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.
His face shown with the brilliance and radiance of an angel of God! He reflected the glory of God because he spent time with the Son of God! Stephen shined at his death. He died calling upon God, asking forgiveness of his enemies. The religious leaders that looked intently upon Stephen saw that his face was “as it had been the face of an angel” (Acts 6:15). Stephen’s 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. Everyday Christians are challenged to speak or remain silent concerning Christ. Although not everyone will receive it well, it always brings pleasure to the LORD.

Faith begins with knowing Christ as your Saviour, “the Author and Finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). “Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). Faith is what gives us victory over the world (I John 5:4-5) and helps us to quench all the fiery darts of Satan (Ephesians 6:16). The Bible mentions no faith, little faith, great faith, and being full of the faith. Stephen was full of faith because he was full of Scripture according to Romans 10:17. The amount of faith we have is in proportion to how close we are to God and His Word.

Points to Ponder:
May we reflect the love and glory of the Lord.
Your testimony will impact others, stand strong and glorify God whenever you get the chance.
When others look on us, I pray that they would see faithful men and women of God who shine the light of Jesus in this world!

Questions to Consider:
Are we letting Jesus shine through us?
What do you face today that brings fear into your heart?
Which of the character qualities that Stephen had do you most need to work on?

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, I know You want to fill me but will not until I remove the barriers. Please bring to my mind my 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.

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Men of the Bible Series – Silas (Acts 15:22)

Acts 15:22, “Then pleased it the apostles and elders with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas, chief men among the brethren.”

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 (Acts 15-18). Silas (Silvanus) always craved to serve but never hungered for the spotlight. 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 played an active role with Paul and Peter from being both a courier and scribe for Peter to being a right-hand man with Paul on a few missionary journeys (I Thessalonians 1:1; II Thessalonians 1:1; II Corinthians 1:19; I Peter 5:12). Paul achieved far more for Christ because of a committed co-laborer like Silas. He was a great example of Ecclesiastes 4:9-10.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. 10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.”

Silas, who was a dedicated follower of Christ, was well known for being a faithful companion and committed to the tasks God gave him. He was a leader at Jerusalem among the congregation of the apostles and he assisted them with a glad heart. He was willing to travel and suffer with Paul over several years to spread the Gospel and to nurture the church. Silas was always willing to serve in the ministry, both in the good times, as well as in the bad times. 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. Those who suffer along side of us during adverse seasons become a great source of strength and encouragement, which for the most part leads to in long lasting friendships. We all go through dark times in our lives. Friends disappoint us, those whom we have invested our love and efforts in 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.

Throughout the book of Acts, Luke points out that nothing can stop the spread of Christ’s message through His faithful followers. At Philippi, God stepped into the flow of human events, and Paul and Silas were set free by an earthquake. This resulted in Christ’s message having an even greater impact, including the salvation of the jailer and his household. Through extremely difficult times, we must remember that if we continue to rejoice and trust God, He will prove Himself faithful and others will take notice. As a result of our faith and joy in seemingly hopeless or impossible situations, others may come to know Christ as well.

Even if it seemed that Silas was doing simple routine tasks, he always did them with joy and a servant’s heart. We are called to fulfill the course the Lord has set before us and to finish it will well. As Christians, this is our responsibility. We are commissioned with doing those duties we are assigned and doing them with a joyful attitude. As a pastor and servant of the Lord, I’m blessed and eternally grateful for the loving laborers the Lord has allowed me to serve with for more than 25 years. Especially for Fellowship Baptist Church and certainly the “SNOWBIRDS”. Our name may not be known to many this side of Heaven, but remember, God is watching. Even if no one else sees or hears what you’re doing for the Lord, He will record, remember, and reward you for your faithful service to Him (I Corinthians 15:58).

PRAYER: Lord, help me to always be a loyal co-laborer in the ministry regardless if anyone on earth knows what I’ve done or am doing for You or not. Help me to serve You and Your people with gladness and dedication. Keep me faithful in your service while fulfilling Your Great Commission. May I bear much fruit in the harvest field. In Jesus name, Amen.

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