Freedom through Forgiveness (I John 1:7)
I John 1:7, But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. André Cassagnes, the French-born inventor was in his early thirties when he created a plastic device with a glass screen on which children could draw by turning little knobs. Since the inside surface of the screen was coated with aluminum powder, moving the knobs resulted in drawing images on the screen as an unseen movable stylus scraped away the powder. By turning the device upside down and shaking it, the little black images would magically disappear. Cassagnes called his little invention "L'Ecran Magique," or "the magic screen." The Ohio Art Company renamed Cassagnes's toy Etch A Sketch and began distributing it in the United States beginning in 1960. Since that time more than 100 million of the little laptop drawing machines have been sold allowing it to be named one of the top 100 toys of the 20th century. It's unlikely that André Cassagnes had any idea the toy he created in his basement half a century ago would become so popular. It's also unlikely that he imagined his hand-held creation would provide Christians with such a powerful illustration of grace. Like an Etch A Sketch, sin makes it mark on the screen of our lives. The evidence of our disobedience is indisputable. It's not a pretty picture, but when we trust in the death and resurrection of Jesus, the blotches of sin on the screen of our lives are erased and we are made like new. The principle of cleansing and a new beginning is seen in David’s life in Psalm 51. David devastated not only his life, but the lives of Bathsheba and Uriah by his wickedness. Uriah was dead and Bathsheba was pregnant from her adulterous affair with King David. David sought God’s forgiveness for what he had done. He wanted a new beginning in his life and realized that cleansing was an important factor in starting over again. Part of the great gift of salvation is not only that our sins have been forgiven, but that God never holds them against us again. Once we have confessed and forsaken our sins, God welcomes us back into full fellowship with Him, and He restores the joy that we forfeit when we sin. Satan always tries to obscure what we lose when he tempts us to sin. But God is faithful to forgive, and while there may be lasting consequences for what we have done, He never holds our sin against us again when we seek forgiveness. PRAYER: Lord, You are so faithful in accepting our heartfelt repentance and giving us a clean heart and a right spirit within us when we acknowledge guilt and the sin that produced it. Thank You that when we come to You brokenhearted for mercy, You are ready to forgive and restore. In particular, thank You for the times You have restored to me the joy of my salvation. I know I can’t be free any other way. In Jesus’ freedom-giving name I pray, 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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Be Affectionate One to Another (Romans 12:10)
Romans 12:10, Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Two outlooks of love are addressed here. • Regard for the saints. "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love." The words "kindly affectioned" indicate a family love for one another. Christians are members of one family. We are brothers and sisters in Christ. We are to love one another because we are brethren (I Thessalonians 4:9; I Peter 1:22). Believers are to love each other in a family way. Paul is saying that we should love one another as if we were related. Loving the saved is proof of salvation. "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren" (I John 3:14). Loving the brethren also tells the world that we are Jesus' follower. "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:35). Having just explained what real Biblical love is, Paul calls on us to make application by honoring and preferring others. Jesus stressed the importance of brotherly love. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another (John 13:35).Brotherly love is one of the traits by which the world will know that we are Christians. Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him (I John 5:1). Paul is telling us that our relationships in the Body of Christ should carry the authenticity of family. It represents two or more friends who love each other just as deeply as if they were members of the same family. We should indeed love each other as if we were genuinely blood brothers and sisters. In fact, our love for one another should be so profound that we hold one another in honor. • Respect for the saints. "In honor preferring one another" (Romans 12:10). "In honor" means "in reverence, deference, or respect." It means to treat someone or something as valuable and precious. To show genuine appreciation and admiration for others. We are to have a love for all brethren, regardless of their status of being either rich or poor, young or old, black or white. In honor, we are to be preferring one another. The word "preferring" means "to go before and lead." This involves deferring or yielding to the other person. We are to yield the right-of-way. This is true humility. The idea is that we are to allow others to be first. It is letting the other guy be out front. Paul admonished the Philippians, Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves (Philippians 2:3). Preferring the spouse, friend, or family member you are with above yourself will not only please the Lord but will also improve your time together. Real love is putting others first. We understand that every human being is created in the image of God. Honoring another above ourselves means to listen to the other person, to be most aware of his or her hopes, joys, needs and fears, and to be considerate. We are created in the image and in the likeness of the Creator, but also Christ is in us. Paul is calling on Christians to outdo one another in bestowing honor to one another. Our proper treatment of other believers in love is linked to having a proper love for and worship of God. A love between friends that is authentic, sincere, tender, and warm. It gives the idea of an appreciation so great that you would prefer to see the person you love succeed even more than you want to see your own success. This means there is no room for jealousy or competition. You truly desire the very best for this person because you love him so deeply. It represents the attitude of a person who values a friend so highly that he deeply desires the very best to come to pass for his friend. Praise God that He has given you godly relationships. You are blessed with genuine friends who love you like family, who treat you like a brother (or sister), and who will walk with you for many years to come. Look for ways to grow closer and closer to the Lord and your family. As God has blessed you with dear friends, He is teaching you how to be a better friend to those who are near you. Points to Ponder: 1. God did not create any relationship to benefit one person and not the other. 2. Choose today to put others above yourself. 3. Look for ways to bless them, and God will in turn bless you. Questions to Consider: 1. Are some of your relationships so precious that you hold them to be as dear to you as family? 2. If so, have you taken the time to really express to them how much you love them? 3. What can you do to improve your skills to become a better friend? Prayer: Lord, I thank You for the incredible friendships You have placed in my life. I am blessed to have such loving, faithful, and true relationships. When I think of all the people who live such lonely lives, it makes me want to stop and express my gratefulness to You for placing such precious people in my life. Lord, I also ask You to please help me see those who need to be loved so I can include them as a part of my life. I want to give to others the love and support that I have received. Holy Spirit, help me to start doing this today. 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 Three Men and Their Foolish Choices (II Corinthians 6:2)
II Corinthians 6:2, For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. Every choice and decision we make we have to live with. Some of the choices and decisions we make are not so costly. However, when it comes to life and death and where we will spend eternity, it should be a decision one takes very seriously. Life is not only fleeting (short) but it is also fragile. 1. Felix Said - "Not Right Now" Acts 24:24-25, And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. Rather than accepting Christ as his Lord and Saviour, Felix chose to put it off and wait for a more convenient time. This man chose not to receive but reject Christ. What a mistake he made! This foolish choice to procrastinate would become a fatal one. Deceitful people often have a way of manipulating their way around authorities. However, no one witL ever be able to cheat death and the judgment. The wicked like to think that if they can avoid the Bible in this life, they are home free. Not so! It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27). Divine judgment awaits the sinner after his death. Men must answer to God for how they have lived here on earth. Those who die without Christ have no hope at the judgment. 2. Festus Said - "Not At All," Acts 26:24, And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. Festus’ main problem was that he never intended to hear Paul’s answer. Festus revealed how foolish he was when he opened his mouth and charged Paul with madness. Rather than getting right with God, Festus wanted to gain some personal glory with the new governor. He may have impressed his audience, however, he revealed his ignorance of God’s character. 3. Agrippa Said - "Almost" Acts 26:28, Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. Agrippa came so close to accepting Christ as his Lord and Saviour, however, he too rejected Him. This proves that one can come so close and still not accept Him. Almost is good, but it’s not good enough. Those who continue to choose to grieve away the Holy Spirit; if they continue to reject the Gospel and become hard hearted; if they go unprepared into eternity, the day of salvation for them will be gone forever and no mercy will be found. God does not design to pardon men beyond the grave. There is no forgiveness for your sins after you are dead. Those who are not pardoned in this life must be unpardoned forever in an eternal Hell. If you are a Christian, the opportunity to serve Christ and tell others is now. Don't throw your opportunities away. Now is the acceptable time to serve the Lord. Make your time count for Christ. Prayer, Father, may I live a life of Your guiding light, love, and lowliness that others would want to call upon Jesus for salvation without any hesitation. In Jesus' name, Amen! If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com A Fruit Basket in Your Soul (Galatians 5:22)
Galatians 5:22-23, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. If you are a child of God, the Bible says you really ought to produce fruit. If it is a fruit tree, it will produce fruit. So if you are a child of God, when the world sees you, there should be no questions about your salvation. If you are a child of the King, the world ought to see you and know who you are. The world should know to whom you belong. The first thing they will detect about you is your love. The thing about love is that you cannot hide it. If love is there, love will lift its head every time. In Matthew 26, there was woman called Mary who couldn't contain her love. She showed it by taking a box of expensive ointment and pouring it on the feet of Jesus. Then she took her hair and wiped His feet. That was love. When love is present, you'll know it because when you love somebody you will be talking about the person all the time. How can we say we love Jesus and never bring up His name? But when a person is really in love, they don't care where they are. They talk about you in the department store; they talk about you in the bank; they'll bring up your name on the job. And that's the way it ought to be if you are in love with Jesus. Bring up His name wherever you are. You don't have to gossip in garbage. No, no, there's enough about Jesus to keep you busy all day long. God wants us to become more and more like Jesus Christ. To become the Christian God wants us to be, we must allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives to produce the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Your fruit will also be joy and peace. You can be on hard times and still have joy. When you've got joy, it will fall off on somebody else. People around you can't stay sad. You have the peace of knowing God will make a way. Question to Consider: Can you think of one person who manifests the character of Jesus Christ so much that when you are with him or her, you feel as if you have been with Jesus? Point to Ponder: Write down some ways the Lord is using you to display His fruit in your life. Prayer: Lord, thank You for sowing Your Spirit and Word into my life. Help me yield to the divine seed You have planted inside me. I know that Your life resides in me, longing to be released, so today I make the choice to let Your Spirit start working mightily inside me. Thank You for the life of God that is flowing up from my spirit right now, producing the life and the nature of Jesus Christ in me. In Jesus name, Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Fearless Faith (Psalm 27:1-3)
Psalm 27:1-3, The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. Michael Ramsden, a co-worker with Ravi Zacharias, shared the following true story about a minister from Iran. As the minister was driving with his wife, they stopped in a small Iranian village to purchase some water. Before entering, the minister noticed a man holding a machine gun and leaning against the wall outside the store. The minister's wife looked at the man's face and the gun, then put a Bible in her husband's hand and said, "Give that man this Bible." Her husband looked at the man—his menacing beard and his machine gun—and replied, "I don't think so." But she persisted: "I'm serious. Give it to him. Please, give him the Bible." Trying to avoid the issue, the husband said, "Okay, I'll pray about it." He went into the shop, purchased the water, climbed back into the car, and started to drive away. His wife looked at him and said, "I guess you didn't give him the Bible, did you?" Looking straight ahead, he replied, "No, I prayed about it and it wasn't the right thing to do." She quietly said, "You should have given him the Bible," and then she bowed her head and started praying. At that point, he turned around and told his wife, "Fine! If you want me to die, I will." When the minister returned to the store, the man with the machine gun was still standing against the wall. The minister approached him and placed the Bible in his hand. When the man opened it and saw it was a Bible, he started to cry. It turned out that the man did not live in the village. He was told by a stranger to walk to the village and to wait for someone to give him the Book of Life. After walking three days to the village, this soul-searching man was waiting for someone to approach him. He was thrilled when the pastor spoke to him and thanked the pastor for the Bible. The pastor became a courageous witness for the Lord Jesus Christ. Eventually, along with many other co-workers in the Iranian church, he was martyred for his faith in Christ. His testimony shined for the Lord. May we lose our fear of what man might do to us. II Timothy 1:7, For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. May the Lord help us to not be afraid to stand up for Him and share the message of God's Word with others. Be ready the next time He calls on you to witness for Him. Prayer: LORD, open a door for me today and give me the courage that I might have an opportunity to share Your glorious Gospel with someone today who is in deep need of You. Help give me understanding that would enable me to speak the words that You would have them to hear. Help me to be a bold and yet compassionate witness without compromise for You. In Jesus name, Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com The Priority of 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. The word careful has the sense of ‘anxious’ or ‘worried.’ The thought is ‘don’t be worried about things.’ Rather than worrying about a matter, take it to the Lord in prayer and He will give peace of heart in the matter. How often we worry when we could have the peace of God within. Whatever we are facing, or whatever we need, we should pray about it. God’s children never have an excuse to worry. The word prayer as addressed to God; means to ask. It refers to the communion with God. It is the principle of directing our heart and mind toward heaven. The word supplication has more to do with ‘seeking,’ ‘asking,’ or ‘entreating.’ After having addressed God then we are to make the request to Him. The word requests has to do with the actual petition or need. In every case of prayer, it should be seasoned with thanksgiving. Notice: Rather than worrying about a problem, we are to pray about it by addressing God in praise and worship. Ask His approval. Make specific requests. And do all of the above with thanksgiving. Paul is not referring to peace with God stated in Romans 5:1. He is touching upon the peace of God which surpasses all our understanding. It cannot be easily described, but it is very real. As we by faith take our problems and concerns to the throne of grace, He has promised to “keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” The word keep has the idea to ‘guard’ or ‘protect.’ Rather than worrying, God’s Word directs us to take the problem to the Lord and His peace will guard our minds. There is an infinite quantity of God’s peace readily available if only we would take our burdens to the Lord in prayer. Paul enjoyed the intimate relationship with God both as a Father and Friend. Regardless of how much believers know about the Bible or its doctrinal truths, they must pray if they are to grow and be of service to God. Praying should be as natural for a disciple of Jesus Christ as talking to one's earthly father. Probably the best analogy of the importance of prayer is that of breathing. Prayer should be as natural to the disciple of Jesus Christ as breathing is to the human body, for prayer is the believer’s spiritual breath. The reason so many believers are always spiritually tired and weary is they have been holding their spiritual breath. NOTICE: The Christian who says, "I simply can't find time for prayer," is like the person who says, "I just can't find time to breathe." As a result, the disciple who does not pray regularly will spiritually suffocate. God always answers our prayers. It is very important to remember that sometimes God says "yes," sometimes He says "no," sometimes He says "wait," and sometimes He answers with even much more than what we asked originally. One of the great tragedies of modern-day Christianity is that we simply do not pray as we should. The Lord has placed all of the power and resources of Heaven at our disposal to do His work, “yet ye [we] have not, because ye [we] ask not” (James 4:2). Prayer is not an empty ritual, nor is it a religious exercise. It is how a child of God goes to the throne of grace based on the relationship He has freely given us to seek His help which He has promised to give. Though there are times when a quick prayer is all that is needed; think of Peter sinking beneath the water. However, in most cases the serious issues we face will require sustained (continual), fervent (passionate) and serious (important) prayer. 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. I’ve just been struggling with fear and doubt that has troubled the peace I have from You. I am casting these things Your way right now. I’m naming them and assigning them under Your care. I’m choosing not to worry about them anymore because You will deal with them under the authority of Jesus’ name, Amen If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com God’s Greatest Gift to Us (Galatians 4:4-5)
Galatians 4:4-5, But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. When a mule's mind has been made, it takes a whole lot of persuading to get him to "unmake" it. A farmer had a mule he owned for many years. Over that time, he picked up on the mule's stubborn streaks. He got so good, he could see a stubborn streak coming and going. He also learned how to get the animal's attention: whenever it acted up, he beat it on the head with a wooden board until it decided to obey him. One day, another farmer stopped by to return some borrowed tools. He watched the farmer hit his mule on the head and said, "Well, it looks like you've figured out how to fix his problem." The farmer said, "I just know how to get his attention. He hasn't been cured yet." When God wanted to get the world's attention, He didn't beat us over the head with a board. He gave us His law so we would know that we were sinners who fell short of perfection (Galatians 3:24-25). The law showed us that our hatred was murder, and our covetousness was idolatry etc. It got our attention in a way nothing else ever could. God is also merciful. Not only did He get our attention, but He also provided a cure for our problem. Paul wrote that God sent Jesus "to redeem them that were under the law." He was talking about each one of us. By ourselves, we could not be restored to a relationship with Him. But God wanted us to be freed from sin and to live in harmony with Him. So He sent Jesus "that we might receive the adoption as sons." He sent His Son to die and shed His blood to pay for all of our sins, so we could go to Heaven. Once we get saved, God starts to work in our lives to help us be like Christ. God loves you and wants a personal relationship with you. He wants you to be part of His family. It s His gift and it is available to each of us. When a person accepts Jesus Christ as their Saviour, that person is adopted into the family of God. The implications of this new sonship include eternal life and cleansing from all sins. If the believer needs further assurance, God has provided it in His Word. There’s no doubt about it, Christian. When you put your trust in Christ, you’re in the family — for good. Don’t second-guess it. Don’t doubt it. Just live like it. Today. Has God been trying to get your attention lately? Maybe you heard a preacher give an invitation to put your trust in Christ. You were convicted about your sins, but you never accepted Christ as your Saviour. Get the matter settled today, once and for all. God doesn't try to get your attention to hurt you, but to get you to try His cure. Won't you trust in Christ right now? Prayer, Father, thank You for sending Jesus. Thank You that I could be adopted into Your family. Thank you for being my Father. In His name. Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Reaching the Lost, No Matter the Cost (Exodus 23:20)
Exodus 23:20, Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. Jim Elliot was unsure of what to do after graduating from Wheaton College in 1949. He spent the summer praying for guidance from the Lord. He received a letter about the need for workers in Ecuador. On July 4th, Jim set aside ten days for prayer and on the 14th he wrote, "I asked for some word from God ten days ago, which would encourage my going to Ecuador. It came this morning in an unexpected place. I was reading Exodus 23:20, Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.” Jim Elliot was ready to jump in with both feet. He believed in giving 100% to any task that he would adopt. Exodus 23 sent Jim Elliot eventually to his death, and to his glory. It also brought the Auca Indians, in God's timing, to saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. God's Word gave Jim Elliot guidance and direction to do His will, even though His will meant his death. God was leading Jim and four of his friends where they were desperately needed. It was one of the most violent group of people on the planet and these five missionary families knew it. In fact, in this region, Shell Oil Company had to halt construction of its base called Shell Mera, because the construction workers were being speared by the natives in spearing raids. The people of these jungles believed that killing others gave them a sense of self control. It was the main way they resolved their problems. This part of Ecuador was truly an area that revealed the wickedness of men without any restraint to their sinful hearts. Yet, it was their wickedness that created the burden in the hearts of these missionaries. It was their desire to reach these folks with the Gospel no matter what the cost. That desire and the burden of reaching these lost souls helped them to conquer any fear of death they may have entertained. These missionaries had guns to protect themselves, but they all agreed and insisted they would not use them to defend themselves if attacked. They considered themselves already dead if need be. They said, "They are not ready for Heaven, but we are!" They overcame their fear of death. In the effort to reach these Indians, they all five were massacred by the people they were trying to save. In their deaths, however, God was glorified. God opened the door for their wives and children to enter the village and reach the people for Jesus Christ at a later time. All these missionaries, including their wives, overcame the fear of death. Thankfully, it’s not illegal to witness here in America. Too often, so many believers never tell anyone else about how they can receive salvation through Jesus Christ. We have all kinds of excuses for why it should be someone else’s job. But God has given us people that we can reach more effectively than anyone else. Prayer, Father, I understand that fear interferes with my fellowship with You. I can’t focus on fear and focus on You at the same time. Forgive me for the times I focused on fear when I knew You have promised to always be with me. Thank You for Your faithfulness in calling me out of fear and into Your presence, where I find peace. 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 Persecution, Perseverance, and Payday (Revelation 2:10)
Revelation 2:10, Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. In 1995, Damare was captured by Islamic soldiers when his Sudanese village was attacked. Only 7 years old at the time, he was sold as a slave to a Muslim family. He became a camel boy even though he knew nothing about caring for them. His master enforced his learning with beatings. One day a camel got away. The master threatened to kill Damare for this mistake, but something restrained him. The next day when he found out that Damare had sneaked away to attend a Christian church in the village he became determined to punish this boy. The master found a large board, several rusty spikes and a hammer and dragged Damare out to the edge of his compound. He forced Damare's legs over the board and drove the long nails through his knees and feet. Then he turned and walked away, leaving the boy laying in the field screaming from pain. A man passing that way heard Damare's screams and sneaked into the compound and carried this boy to the local hospital where the nails and board were removed. A year-and-a-half later, Damare and the man who saved him were in a village that came under attack, and they were separated. After the defense forces managed to drive away the Islamic soldiers, Damare was left standing alone. When the commander heard him speak, he realized that he was from the Dinka Tribe and took him back to their camp. After hearing his tragic story he tried to locate some of Damare's relatives. When none could be found, the commander adopted the former camel boy and took him to his home. At age 16 years old, Damare began life again in Mario Kong, Sudan. He cannot run fast like the other boys, but he said he has forgiven the man who nailed his legs to the board. He knows that Jesus was nailed to a cross so all our sins could be forgiven. He has asked the Christian children in America to remember to pray for the children of Sudan. We are living in an age of drop outs. Many professing Christians have lost their enthusiasm and stopped serving Christ. Persecution, indifference, and other temptations caused this breakdown, and ultimately John was commissioned to send messages to the churches in Asia. It was significant that at the conclusion of each of the seven letters, Christ urged His readers to persevere to the end, to resist becoming a drop out! That message is relevant today. The sufferings of this present time cannot be compared with the glory about to be revealed to us. PRAYER: Father in Heaven, I pray for the strength of all believers who are facing some form of persecution to remain firm in the faith that they may endure the sufferings for Your sake. May Your peace and love reign in their hearts and the seed of Your Word be planted in the hearts of those persecutors. I know Jesus is coming soon for His Church, help me to remain faithful and fruitful until He comes. 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 There Is No God Like Thee (II Chronicles 6:14)
II Chronicles 6:14, And said, O Lord God of Israel, there is no God like thee in the heaven, nor in the earth; which keepest covenant, and shewest mercy unto thy servants, that walk before thee with all their hearts. Solomon dedicated the temple with prayer as he praised God. Solomon praised the Lord for His supremacy, His being the Creator, the Sovereign Lord and Majesty of the universe, the only living and true God. By stretching out his hands to the Lord, he was symbolizing four things.
There is no one and no thing that can compare with Him. And this includes things on earth, as well as in Heaven. His greatness, wisdom and majesty should fill us with awe. He is also faithful and will perform all that He has promised. Solomon then reminded the people of the fact that God had kept His covenant with David. Standing there before the assembly of Israel, he went on to pray one of the great prayers of the Bible. Solomon begins his prayer by again acknowledging God’s faithfulness in keeping part of His promise to David, before going on to ask that the Lord will keep the rest. In standing there before the temple with his hands outstretched, lifted up to God in prayer, Solomon was the proof that God had kept His promise to David. The Lord was faithful, and His faithfulness was being declared by Solomon. The God of Israel stands alone and is superior to any idol god of the heathen. It is God alone who keeps His covenant (promises) and shows unfailing love to those who obey him. God is faithful. When He makes a promise, He keeps it. God keeps His covenant promises. God keeps His Word; He is faithful forever. No one compares to God's faithfulness. God’s power matches His promises. We sometimes make promises that we prove unable to keep. This is not the case with the Lord. When He says the word it’s as good as done. Faith takes God at His Word, while prayer reverently holds Him to His Word. No matter how difficult things may seem, you can always count on God to be faithful and to keep His promises. The basis for our confidence in prayer is not found in how we pray, but in Who we pray to. Even in times of distress and worry, God is dependable. No matter what else happens in our lives, we can always rely on the faithfulness of God. He shows steadfast love toward His followers. He keeps the covenant because of His covenant love. God's love and care for His people is unique. PRAYER: Father, You, alone are God. There is none other like You. Thank You for Your Word, which show us how best to live our lives. I choose to honor You alone as the Lord of my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen. If this post has blessed you in any way, 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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