Praise You in the Storm (Psalm 145:2)
Psalm 145:2, Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever. David commits himself to praise God. He vowed to not let a day pass by in which he did not pause to praise His Redeemer and Saviour. That vow remains as a lesson for the people of God to this day. One cannot go wrong praising God. This is a commitment to praise God for eternity. What is worth noting is that eternity will not be long enough to adequately praise God. God is the One Who is to be praised. Don’t be ashamed to praise the Lord to others. Don’t be embarrassed to tell unbelievers what God has done for you. Our society seems to think this is a bad thing to do and that it would be injurious to some people if we praised God. But, in truth, it will be very injurious to those who do not want to praise Him. Praising God for all that He has done will draw you closer to Him. You will sense His presence in your life. Hebrews 13:15, By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. Praising God for His blessings each day is a great way to start the day and express your gratefulness. You get your focus on the positives in your life instead of the negatives when you do this. You see that which is good instead of dwelling on that which is bad. Learning to rejoice and praise the Lord in difficult circumstances is one of the keys to overcoming frustration and worry because it directs your focus from your losses to the Lord. It creates an attitude of joy in your heart. When the Christian praises God, he can take circumstances that discourage and defeat him and turn them into victory. For example, on the eve of Hurricane Michael, Pastor John Blount of St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Panama City stayed in the church and helped shelter 25 people who stayed in two bathrooms and a small closet. The next morning, he began to access the damage to the building that was built in 1955. He walked in the auditorium and viewed the wreckage. He noticed the church Bible was still intact with minimal water damage to a few of the pages. He saw the blue sky and said, “God is God”. On Sunday morning the sun was shining down on the members. They lost their building, but not their faith. We too, can pick ourselves out of the wreckage of life by trusting in the Lord and rising above our circumstances. Our joy and praise enable us to endure. Prayer: Father in heaven, help me trust in You and praise You, no matter how dark the storm rages. I desire to have hope in You in the midst of the storm. In Jesus name Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com
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Encourage Someone who is Discouraged (I Thessalonians 5:11)
I Thessalonians 5:11, Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. The believer is to minister by comforting and edifying others. We are to "comfort" each other by exhortation, encouragement, and admonishing each other. Paul exhorts them to comfort themselves together by reflecting and rejoicing in all that they have in the Lord. He knew there were those who were weak in their faith. There would be those who would not understand or embrace truth as they should. This is an appeal for the strong to edify the weak. Paul wanted them to continue their commitment to each other. May those who are strong in their faith and in their walk with the Lord encourage those who stumble and are weak. We need a steadfast commitment to encouraging and edifying one another. In a world where there is already so much chaos and criticism, we need to be committed to building up for the glory of God and the good of the church! The person who sets out to be an encourager will never find a shortage of people to help. The word encourage means to put courage into another. Now more than ever, people are more discouraged due to the pressures in life. One of the most overlooked needs that people have is to be encouraged. Often it is easier for us to read the physical needs of people rather than their emotional needs. “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver” (Proverbs 25:11). The right word spoken at the right time can make all the difference to someone whose world is crashing. William Arthur Ward said, “Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you.” You Can Encourage Others by Extending Friendship- In Acts 9 we read of Saul who had been an enemy of the early Church—even having some Christians killed. He became a believer, but the Church was still hesitant of receiving him into fellowship. Acts 9:26-27 says, “And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him and believed not that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.” Barnabas encouraged Saul by extending love and friendship to him. He befriended this new believer. I am constantly reminded of how much new Christians need encouragement in their spiritual journey. “People grow the best when there is an attitude and atmosphere of acceptance present.” We need the influence of others in our lives if we are going to grow spiritually. Proverbs 27:17, “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” You have found a good friend if they are sharpening you in your spiritual development. The one Bible character who personified this was Barnabas. Barnabas was such an encouragement that the apostles changed his name from Joses to Barnabas—which means, “Son of encouragement.” In the New Testament, the word most often translated “encouragement” is the word paraklesis. It comes from two Greek words: para, “alongside of,” and kaleo, “to call.” So the word encourager means “someone who is called to come alongside of you to help renew and comfort you.” Think about it. What is one of the Greek words for the Holy Spirit? Parakletos—which is very similar to the word for encouragement; paraklesis. When a Christian is yielded to the Holy Spirit, then he can be a source of encouragement to others. Barnabas was a man greatly used by the Lord to reach many people for Christ. Acts 11:24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.” Barnabas was mightily used to reach and disciple new believers for the Lord. Barnabas was known for encouraging Saul. In so doing, God used Saul (Paul) in an unbelievable way to impact the world for God. You Can Encourage Others by Re-Building Relationships- Acts 15:36-41. Earlier in their ministry, Paul and Barnabas had taken a young John Mark with them on their first missionary journey. Somewhere along the way, Mark left the team and went home. Later, when they wanted to retrace their steps, Barnabas wanted to take Mark with them, but Paul refused. Barnabas took Mark one way and Paul took Silas another. Barnabas sought to mend the broken relationship. Later, in II Timothy 4:11 Paul states, Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. Paul asked for Mark to come to him. Paul’s relationship with Mark was restored and their ministries continued in part because Barnabas refused to let go of a good man just because he failed. Barnabas was an encourager, and we too are called to be encouragers. In II Corinthians 1:3, the Bible calls God the God of all comfort or encouragement. So for us to encourage others is to be Christlike. Points to Ponder: We need more believers like Barnabas. For the glory of God, will you say, “God, make me an encourager?” Questions to Consider: Today, who can I come alongside and serve or encourage? Who or what is stopping me? Prayer: Father, thank You for Your Spirit inside me that urges me to “supply what is lacking” in the lives of others. How gracious that You choose to use me to help someone You love! Help me to always see that encouraging others as the privilege it is rather than a burden. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 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Work with Your Own Hands (I Thessalonians 4:11) - Part 3 I Thessalonians 4:11, And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; It is said that when John Wesley was in his eighties, he complained in his diary that he was struggling with being tempted to stay in bed until 5:30 in the morning! One of the most active and productive evangelists in history, Wesley is said to have traveled more than a quarter of a million miles on horseback, and to have preached over four thousand sermons. One thing is for sure, Wesley knew how to work. In spite of difficulties throughout his lifetime, he simply took the initiative to do what God had called him to do. The words "work and working" are mentioned 400 times in the Word of God. The word work means to toil or labor. Honest work is right and acceptable in the eyes of Christ. The word "honestly" means to work in a commendable and respectful way. The phrase with your own hands speaks of personal labor or doing things your own self. We are to work and set a godly example on the job. A Christian employee ought to be the best employee on the job. The Christian employee should be the most diligent and most dependable employee. Work is not a product or effect due to sin. Adam was to work before the curse of sin. However once Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, man was told by the sweat of his face we would eat bread. Paul practiced what he preached. By trade he was a tentmaker. God has no patience with people who do not work. We are to live in a godly manner in our personal life and in our public life as well. No Christian should be a dead beat or a lazy person. Rather than drifting along with the culture, God’s people should be shining examples as workers. Whether the task is enjoyable or not, or whether it pays as much as we think it should or not, work is part of God’s plan for our lives, and it is ultimately not for our human boss that we work. Paul wrote, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24). The Bible teaches laziness is sin. Paul spoke of this in II Thessalonians 3:10-12, For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 11For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. 12Now them that are such we command and exhort by our LORD Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. We are to work and provide for our families and others as well. In this world, there are too many people that can work but will not work. The welfare system in America has rewarded laziness for way to long. God takes work seriously. Here is the answer to one of America's biggest problems. We live in a society that has been rewarded for not working. As God's people we have no problem helping those in need, but it seems that America has become a welfare state. What happens is that when you do not work there is too much idle time on your hands and that usually results in trouble. "Idle hands are the Devil's workshop." Our society does not value work as it once did. There are many government programs providing funding for those who are unwilling to labor. (This is different than providing help for those who cannot help themselves.) This produces a negative incentive. When there is no connection between work and reward, it is not hard to understand why people regard work as something to be avoided if at all possible. Yet those who refuse to do what they are able to do cheat themselves of the satisfaction and accomplishment that comes from diligent labor. There would be a lot less trouble in this world if the lazy would get a job. Believers are not to support a person who can work and has the opportunity to work but refuses to do so. We live in a culture in which many people expect the government and faith-based organizations to support them. God can use our work ethic as a witness of a changed life! A person who works honestly with their own hands is a great asset to any family, employer, or church. We must labor in order to walk honestly before unbelievers. Working is another aspect of love because people who work to provide for themselves and their families don’t burden others for support. All persons are placed on earth to contribute and to help meet the desperate needs of men. A Christian is to be faithful in everyday duties and to work hard for the benefit of others. Instead of looking to others to help us, we are ready and able to support the needy and those who have faced unfortunate circumstances. The result of growing in love will be to be quiet. Living a quiet life requires you mind your own business and refrain from meddling. A habitual meddler is usually not occupied with any kind of productive work. Questions to Consider: How have you been tempted to gain wealth hastily or dishonestly? How can you make your work more honest and God-honoring? Points to Ponder: God’s plan is for us to get up, look around, find what needs to be done and do it. Help me to be willing to work hard without waiting for someone else to decide what needs to be done and issue instructions. Prayer: Lord, thank You for the work You’ve given me to do and for the opportunity to provide for my family. Help me to embrace the dignity of my work. I want to work hard, on everything, for Your glory. In Jesus' name. Amen. 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Do Your Own Business (I Thessalonians 4:11) - Part 2 I Thessalonians 4:11, And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; Remember, Paul had just instructed them to lead a quiet life. The best way to lead a quiet life is to mind your own business. Meddling in other people's business is anything but quiet and peaceful (Proverbs 26:17). It is likely that some of the Christians in Thessalonica had stopped working because they thought that Christ's return was imminent. With nothing to do, they had become busybodies, meddling in matters that did not concern them. Paul is saying, "mind your own business." The word business here means practice or habit. This refers to one’s self. We have enough to take care for without trying to take care of someone else’s life. The best way to keep your nose out of someone else’s business is to keep your eyes on your own business. Warren Wiersbe says it well, “Idle people spend their time interfering with the affairs of others and getting themselves and others into trouble. Believers who are about the Father's business do not have the time—or desire—to meddle in the affairs of others.” The best practice is to mind your own business. We already have busy lives to lead. If we were busy taking care of our own business, we would not have so much time to be unnecessarily involved in others. Unfortunately, many Christians are snooping in other people's business. Believers should never be involved in gossip or slander, but in love and labor for the Lord Jesus (I Peter 4:14-15). Christians should not be meddling but should concern themselves in taking care of their own affairs (in minding their own business). However, a Christian should always be ready to help others when their services are needed or called for. If you were to seek the Lord’s help concerning prevention from being led into temptation, do not be surprised if He leads you in a work keeping busy serving Him. Paul and Solomon warned that people who meddle in your business will tell everyone your business (I Timothy 5:13; Proverbs 20:19). The talebearer goes about peddling people's business. The talebearer flatters people by sharing secrets with them. Keep in mind, that those who you reveal secrets to they will reveal your secrets to others. Unfortunately, some of the Thessalonians did not obey this command and Paul would write again to them concerning this matter (II Thessalonians 3:11). A person meddles in the affairs of other because, by nature, they are critical and this is the life for them. This person fails to see their own faults and failures. This busybody is always examining the mote in the other person life rather than dealing with the beam in their own life (Matthew 7:1-3). Busybodies are often slothful servants. Gossips seldom do much work and are not productive in their time and efforts for the Lord. Every pastor would agree that the members who cause the most problems in church are the ones who never do anything. There are busybodies everywhere. They create mischief wherever they are. Since the church comprises our spiritual life, it is most destructive when it’s within the church. Those who meddle in the affairs of others, neglect their own business and the work God has given them to do. They have failed to completely commit their life to the Lord. They need to become motivated in the mission of Christ. They need to become so occupied with the things of Christ that they have no time to meddle in the affairs of others. Our life is to be focused on bringing glory to the name of Jesus. His instruction to His church is to mind our own business. If we would obey this command, our homes and churches would be a better place to be. If we will spend our life seeking to do the Father's will, then we will not have time to worry about what others are doing. Points to Ponder: We have an obligation to live a godly life, a quiet life, and to mind our own business. The Word of God teaches us that we are to work persistently on our personal life. Being about the work of the Great Commission is a sure way to be busy and productive in the work of the Lord. Questions to Consider: What are the times and places you find yourself the idlest? Have you found yourself so busy in someone business that you missed doing the business of the Lord? What is a ministry that you could become involved in to keep you busy for the Lord? PRAYER: Lord, help me be busy in Your labor rather than in the affairs of others. 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 True Christian Conduct (I Thessalonians 4:11)
Study to Be Quiet (I Thessalonians 4:11) - Part 1 I Thessalonians 4:11, And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; Paul was addressing matters of sensitive concern. It seems what he was about to address was already a problem. There were obviously a few idle, gossiping people in this church who, instead of laboring for the Lord, went from place to place carrying on rumors, interfering in the business of others, and causing strife and divisions. Therefore, Paul got down to the basics of day-to-day life. Paul mentions three things concerning the private life of the Thessalonians. Each of these are important in a person’s private life and their demonstration of love. Paul admonished the Thessalonians to lead a quiet life. The Bible speaks of this in the book of Proverbs (Proverbs 10:19; 13:3; 17:27-28; 21:23). One of the biggest problems to the church is that of internal dissension and discord. Nothing destroys the ministry of a church faster than criticism, gossiping, murmuring, selfishness, cliques, and ambitions to have one's own way. The word study carries the idea of being eager or earnest to do something; to labour, or to strive with all the energy a person has. It has the sense of being motivated and strongly determined about something. The word quiet means to keep still or to hold your peace. This speaks of calmness, confidence, and contentment. This was an example of love in action. Paul’s objective was to encourage believers to live free from contention with others. Paul was concerned that the Thessalonians would make it their aim and to considered it an honor to lead a quiet life. Paul tells the church to make every effort to pursue a quiet and peaceful life. Most people are eager to speak their minds rather than allowing their minds to be in Christ. Too often people get so caught up into the lives of others that it distracts them from their own walk with God. Believers who try to be at peace with themselves and God will be a source of peace to the brethren. Living for Jesus is not easy in a world that tempts us, tests us, and tries us on every corner. However, if we do not individually live for Jesus, then we will not have a good testimony as a church. When we walk with Jesus, we will seek to maintain a godly witness in this world. We cannot have a strong witness and a good testimony in this world unless each individual Christian strives to live for Jesus. We are to work persistently at maintaining a strong Christian witness. We are to set out to lead a quiet life. That should be our goal as the Lord leads us. The Thessalonians loved those inside the church, but they also needed to love those outside the church. Many Christians only see their Christianity as a part of their lives, while failing to recognize it as the heart of their lives. Jesus should not be just a part of your life; Jesus is your life. By perceiving life in this way, they miss the whole point of their purpose in life. We should be careful and cautious, being silent and calm except when speaking is necessary, gracious and purposeful (Colossians 4:6), Jesus seriously warns against every "idle word" (Matthew 12:36), and Paul against "foolish talking" (Ephesians 5:4). Rather than speaking everything that comes to mind (Proverbs 29:11), we should ask God to help us not to utter all our mind (Psalm 141:3). We are to live a quiet and peaceable life before each other. We are not to be critical and divisive toward one another. We are to walk in a quiet and meek spirit out in the world. We are not to be abusive and arrogant in witnessing and in dealing with the unconverted. The world is filled with those who are hurting and is in desperate need for the Gospel. Those who are hurting need to be heard. They cannot be heard if we are not living quiet and peaceable lives. We must lead quiet lives and listen to the Holy Spirit’s leading that we may minister to them. Questions to Consider: What areas in life do you struggle within being quiet? Who has the Lord placed in your life that helps you to be quiet? How should we respond if someone gossips to us? Points to Ponder: Restless Christians have little or no testimony before the unsaved. If you live like this, first, it will impact your evangelism. The world will notice and respect a church where these qualities exist. PRAYER: Lord forgive me for the times I have not remained silent and have given into my flesh nature. Set a watch before my mouth and keep the door of my lips from any communication that is not inspired by the Holy Spirit. May my speech always be with grace and help me to minister grace unto those who are listening. 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 Flourishing in Faith (Jude 20-21)
Jude 20-21, But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. As we learn the Bible and understand its truth, we are strengthened, we grow, we mature, we are built up. Without the Scriptures there is no growth. Without the Word there is no maturity. Without the gospel nothing of eternal good will last. Like the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat, it is vital that we daily ingest and digest God’s Word and its truth. The thought of building is to strengthen. We are to strengthen, or build, our faith (II Peter 1:5-10). We are never to cease or stand still spiritually. We must always be growing. A growing believer is a healthy believer. These verses have been referred to as “The Believers Building Program”. We are to build on a solid foundation (I Corinthians 3:12; Psalm 127:1; Luke 6:48). We are to build cooperatively (Ephesians 2:22). We are to build on the Word (Acts 20:32). We are to build by preaching the Gospel (Romans 15:20-21). We are to build by praying in the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 14:15; Romans 15:30-33). As believers, we must take the initiative to grow spiritually (II Peter 3:18). I’m grateful and very blessed that the Lord has allowed me to pastor a wonderful church where His people love Him, His Word, and others. If we are not growing as a Christian, we have no one to blame but ourselves. We need to have the craving to be a better Christian and be willing to take the sacrificial steps to make that a reality. When we talk about dedication to task or goal we must ask ourselves how badly we do we want to achieve this. Paul was very focused on serving God with his life (Philippians 3:13-14). We need to be focused completely on our service for God and our relationship with him. Too often God is treated as a low priority and many other things often interfere with serving Him. When we are really motivated, it is amazing what we can do. When I was in Bible College, a quote was stated that I have remembered more than any other, “What you do with the Bible determines what God will do with you”. It has been my life’s desire to read it, study it, obey it, and apply it. My desire has been to serve the Lord, love Him, and to find and finish the course He has set me on. 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. I’m truly thankful the Lord has given me a faithful help meet who has never hindered me from following Him. Jesus loved us enough to give His life for us on Calvary. It is our responsibility to identify with Him! We live in a day when more and more are refusing to identify with Him or make mention of His name. It is time for God's people to publicly identify with their Saviour and Lord! The imminent return of Jesus Christ motivates us to live a holy life and promotes the purity and separation of the church from the world (Philippians 3:20; Titus 2:13). If we knew for certain the Lord would return tomorrow, we would have lived much differently today. Well, the truth is He just might come tomorrow. Live each day as if it might be your last. We have no guarantee of another day and there is still so much to be done. David Livingstone, the missionary to Africa, walked over 29,000 miles. His wife died early in their ministry and he faced harsh opposition from his Scottish brethren. He ministered half blind. In his personal diary, he wrote, “Send me anywhere, only go with me. Lay any burden on me, only sustain me. Sever me from any tie but the tie that binds me to your service and to your heart”. Question to Consider: Do we inspire anyone else by the way we live, love, and labor? Point to Ponder: His perseverance provokes me to keep on serving the Lord in spite of my oppression and affliction. PRAYER: Father in Heaven, I know I’m a work in progress, but thanks to Jesus, I’m not the man I used to be. I need Your help, as I continue to learn from You, lean on You, love You and look 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 Transformation…Becoming More Like Christ (Romans 12:1-2)
Romans 12:1-2, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. A Young boy visited his grandfather’s butterfly farm and was amazed at what he learned. His grandfather showed him the cocoon’s and explained to the young boy about the transformation process (egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), butterfly). The grandson noticed a particular cocoon where a butterfly was struggling to get out. While his grandfather was not looking he took a small twig and released the caterpillar from its tight quarters. A beautiful butterfly sprang forth in life but quickly fell to the ground and died. The young boy tearfully asked his grandfather why the butterfly didn’t survive? The grandfather said, “You let him out too soon. His struggle is what makes him strong. If he does not fight his way out, he will not have the strength to survive.” What went wrong? The struggle the butterfly went through to escape its cocoon was necessary to force blood into its wings so it could fly. Without it, the butterfly couldn’t survive. God is willing to do whatever it takes to make us more like Christ. Trust Him through it. Taking us through suffering, not out of it, is one of the primary means that the Spirit uses today in bringing us to God. One of the most valuable lessons I have learned in life is to never sell my struggles short. They may be uncomfortable. They may cause great pain. But they always do me more good than harm. This is God’s purpose behind the struggles we face in life. Without them, we couldn’t survive. I will even go a step further and say that without them, we can’t thrive in the Christian life. We must learn to patiently endure them instead of looking for an easy way out. That is the way to fly. God provides everything for the transformation. Just like a caterpillar, a believer’s transformation begins in the mind as the Word of God compels dying to self, shedding our will and submitting to God’s will. Though process-time varies, you can be assured your chrysalis is a work protected by your Creator and transformed for His glory! It is our travail that gives way to our triumph. Too often we ask the Lord to release us from our burdens, when in reality, those very burdens are being used by God to develop patience, devotion and strength. It is the struggle that makes us strong. Keep fighting and believing your way through; on the other side you will break forth in liberty and freedom from that adverse circumstance as a beautiful testimony of God’s transforming power and grace. PRAYER: Father, teach me that I may know how to be more Christlike so I may please You and that You would be glorified. I know that I will never accomplish this with out the Holy Spirit. So right now I yield to Him. 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 Recipe for Revival (II Chronicles 7:14)
II Chronicles 7:14, If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Whenever you see the number 40 in the Bible, it indicates there is a period of probation, a period of testing, or a period of trials. This verse contains 40 words. The number 40 is scattered throughout the Old and New Testaments. Samuel, Solomon, and David each had a 40 year reign. Moses spent 40 years in Egypt, 40 years in Midian, and 40 years in the wilderness. Jacob waited until he was 40 years old before he took a bride. Jonah went to Nineveh and gave the Ninevites a 40-day probation period to repent of their sins. Ezekiel laid on his right side 40 days as protest against Judah. Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness and afterward He was tempted by the devil. He died, rose, and spent another 40 days on planet Earth before He caught the cloud to go back home. The recipe for godly blessing is here pronounced. The focus is of God’s people, specifically Israel. However, the principles surely apply by extension to any people or church of this age. Seven elements are noted. 1. The verse begins with If; that is possibility. 2. My people; that is personal. God’s people are children of God. 3. Which are called by my name; that's paternal. 4. Shall humble themselves; that's preparation. This is where solving our problems begins. Pride causes so much trouble. Pride will keep one from confessing his sins and will cause them to spend an eternity in hell. 5. Pray; that's power. When trouble comes, the best thing to do is pray. Many go to the bottle and get drunk or to the needle and get high on drugs. Such action only makes their troubles worse, but prayer is a different story. 6. Seek my face; that's a privilege. Seek God’s face. Not many are seeking God today. You can tell this by what they choose to do on Sunday rather than attending church. Few are interested in God and do not seek Him through His Word or prayer. 7. Turn from their wicked ways; that's progress. Turning from our wicked ways does not mean to legalize evil by making laws to allow evil conduct to exist without justice in society. It does not mean to excuse our sins because everyone else is doing it. Nor does it mean to belittle the seriousness of evil. Forsaking our sin means to stop doing evil. All the confessing in the world will not do any good if you do not stop your evil conduct. When these are met, then God promised to … 8. Then will I hear from heaven; that's procedure. God would hear their prayer, 9. Forgive their sins; that's pardon. Our greatest need is Divine forgiveness.
If you want to be a candidate for revival, then this is the invitation. You can experience true revival and true power in your church. PRAYER: Father, I know revival is real and it is possible. If there is ever a time I have needed to repent that time is now. You would rather pardon than judge, therefore, I set my heart to seek You, forgive me, have mercy on 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 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, and 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 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 Not Famous, But Faithful! (I Corinthians 4:2)
I Corinthians 4:2, Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. Over a century and a half ago there lived a humble pastor in a small village in Leicestershire, England. He had never attended college and had no degrees. He was just an ordinary, faithful pastor. In his church was a young cobbler to whom he gave special attention, teaching him the Word of God. This young man was later to be renowned as William Carey, one of the greatest missionaries of modern times. This same pastor had a son, a boy whom he taught faithfully and constantly encouraged. The boy's character and work ethic were profoundly affected by his father's life. The son was Robert Hall, the mightiest public orator of his day, whose sermons influenced the decisions of statesmen and whose character was as godly as his preaching was phenomenal. It seemed that the village pastor accomplished very little. But his faithful witness and godly life had much to do with giving India its William Carey and England its Robert Hall. God honors and blesses faithfulness. God places great value on faithfulness. He is looking for men and women who will be faithful to Him. Proverbs 20:6, Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find? God is looking for faithful men like: Job - Job 23:11, My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. 3 Hebrews - Daniel 3:18, 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. Peter & John - Acts 4:19-20, But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. Paul - 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. Timothy - I Corinthians 4:17, For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church. Ministers are stewards of God. It’s been said, “The greatest ability is dependability." If you want to prove your worth, be faithful. Many believe it is more important to be famous, flamboyant, or flashy than to be faithful. Fame often brings great ruin to lives, but faithfulness never does. Faithfulness for a servant of the Lord involves at least three important topics. 1. Faithfulness to Christ. That is where faithfulness begins for God's servants. He is held accountable and shall be judged for how he ministers. The minister of God must be faithful to his call. He is the minister of Christ. Every minister is to be esteemed highly for his work's sake. He is the servant whom God has made steward over His household, over His church and His people. He has been honored by God. 2. Faithfulness to the Communication. He has been made responsible for the truths of God's Holy Word. The minister does not deal with perishable things such as money and possessions, but with the eternal things of God Himself, the eternal truths that God wants proclaimed to the world. God's servants must be faithful to the Word of God, faithful to proclaim the message of God as it is given to them. 3. Faithfulness in Character. If one is unfaithful in character, he is unlikely to be faithful in any other area of life. Ministers are required to be faithful. Faithfulness is essential to the minister. The minister is not required to be eloquent, successful, administrative, counsellor, socializer, visitor, greeter, etc. Although these are good qualities the minister’s requirement is to be faithful. God's purpose for your life is to live faithfully and obey His commands. Sometimes we become discouraged in faithful living. No matter what results you may or may not see, you can have joy knowing that God's will is being done. Take heart in knowing that as you faithfully follow God, you are fulfilling His purpose for your life. He knows what's best and will accomplish His will through you as you're faithful to Him. Questions to Consider: Are you faithful in obedience to the Lord? Are you honoring the Lord with your life? Points to Ponder: God's servants must be faithful! Jesus is Worthy of Our Faithfulness. PRAYER: Father in Heaven, give me the strength to live my life daily for You, sacrificing my wants and desires for how You would have me live my life. 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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