The Lord is our Refuge and Strength (Psalm 46:1)
Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” One early Sunday morning, while driving to church, I noticed a turtle on its back in the middle of the street not far from church. I stopped my truck, walked over to the turtle and placed the turtle upright on its belly. Since it was early, I wanted to stick around and make sure the turtle would come out of its shell and move along. During this time, I began to wonder how this could have happened - if it were a dog or another animal. I also wondered how long the turtle was in this condition. Then this thought hit me! How a believer’s security and strength are found in the Lord. Psalm 46 expresses trust and confidence in God during a time when the situations of life are unstable or unsecure. When troubles come, disasters strike, or temptations arise, we usually trust in our own strength. That is when we have a tendency to look within ourselves. Psalm 46 compels us to turn our attention to the LORD. If we do this, we can enjoy the peace of God. The word “refuge” gives the picture of a shelter from danger. This is where the turtle becomes our teacher. Turtles may move slow and spook easily; however, they quickly slip into their shell. They are quick to seek refuge in their shells where they remain very still. The captivating characteristic is its shell, which offers protection. A turtle’s shell is covered by square plates called scutes. They add an extra hard layer to the turtle’s shell and are made of a material called keratin. This helps protect the turtle from the elements, predators, from the hardships of life. The great strength of the shell is not on the outside, but on the inside. The inner layer of the shell gives it its strength, shape, and support. What a reminder to us that our strength comes from within when we put our faith in the Lord. As the turtle seeks refuge in its shell, we are to seek refuge in the Lord. He is our shell and our source of security and serenity. The Lord is our true security in the storms of life. Isaiah 4:5-6, “And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a defence. 6 And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the day time from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain.” David well knew that God was his refuge and strength. He had experienced God’s providential deliverance on numerous occasions. The idea of a “very present help” is that of one being near at hand. When trouble comes, God’s help is right beside us for He said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). He is readily available to help if you will take refuge in Him and trust in His strength. It’s not like God is just hanging out on the sideline when we’re in trouble. When we find ourselves facing trouble, God is already on the scene. When trouble strikes, God is sufficient to get you through. The fact that God is our refuge and strength does not mean that we are exempt from predicaments and difficulties. The abundant life is not an uncomplicated life. We need to be clear on this because many false teachers today claim that it is God’s will for every person to enjoy prosperity and perfect health. They teach that since Jesus has promised to answer the prayer of faith, all that stands between you and material prosperity and physical health is your lack of faith. Confess it as yours by faith, and it’s yours, according to this heresy. God does not exempt Christians from these circumstances. Troubles come into the lives of the saved and the lost. The question is, when trouble strikes, do you want to face it with God as your refuge and strength, or do you want to find help elsewhere? Psalm 46 shows that when trouble strikes, He is present to help us in every way we need it. Regardless of the circumstances we face in life, no dilemma is too big for our God. God is our refuge and strength. If we will learn to take refuge in Him and lean on Him alone for strength, then with the psalmist we can face the most challenging crises with confidence because God is with us and He is sufficient. But we would be in error if we thought that God insulates us from problems. The power and ability to face the difficulties and uncertainties of life is found in God. No dilemma, whether physical, emotional, relational, financial, or spiritual, is too big for our God. If we will learn to take refuge in Him and lean on Him alone for security and strength, we can confront the calamities with confidence, because God is with us, for us and He is sufficient. God is sufficient to get you through any trial you encounter. He is the one who keeps us and sustains us. Whatever personal catastrophe you face; a major health problem, the death of a loved one, the loss of your job, emotional problems, relational conflicts, or whatever, God is bigger than your problems. When circumstances are out of our control, we can run to God and find refuge and rest in Him. Our most challenging struggles are easy for God to handle. The Lord is our refuge, our strength, and always near when trouble emerges. God is sovereign over all things. We can hide in Him, knowing that every struggle and challenge we encounter is easy for Him to handle. PRAYER: Father, thank You for being my refuge and strength. Strengthen me that I may stand fast in the evil day and to trust in Your Word, in Jesus name I pray, AMEN. If this post has blessed you in any way please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com
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Compassion At the Cross of Christ (John 19:23-27)
John 19:23-27, “Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. 24 They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did. 25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! 27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.” During the “global pandemic”, we experienced the pain of separation from family and friends due to COVID restrictions. Due to these government mandates, many people were left feeling alone, forgotten, and uncared for. But in today’s verses from John 19, we discover a very powerful lesson that speaks to this challenge in our lives. Though Jesus died for the world, He also cares deeply for us. The apostle John is the only Gospel writer who records this next scene at the cross. Even while dying on a cross Jesus thought of others. In John 19:25, these four women [Jesus’s mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene, who “stood by the cross of Jesus”] contrast with the four Roman soldiers who divided Jesus’ garments (John 19:23-24). We also find that Jesus’ disciples were not present at the cross (Matthew 26:56, 75), except for the apostle John, the disciple “whom He loved” (John 19:26). Their promise to remain faithful to Christ even in death was soon abandoned when Jesus was arrested (Matthew 26:35) which leads me to admire the faithfulness of these women all the more. Exactly who were these women? 1. John mentions Jesus’ “mother” first. None of the other gospel writers refer to Mary in their accounts of the cross. Imagine the ache in her heart as she watched her Son struggle in pain on the cross. No mother wants to see her child suffer such agony. The agony of Jesus’ mother fulfilled a prophecy (Luke 2:35). 2. John also tells us that the “sister” of Jesus’ mother is present as well. We learn from Mark that her name is “Salome,” the wife of Zebedee and the apostle John’s mother (Mark 15:40). 3. Mary the wife of Clopas, the mother of James the Less and of Joses (Matthew 27:56; Mark 15:40), the husband of Jesus’ mother. 4. “Mary Magdalene,” the woman from whom Jesus “had cast seven demons” (Mark 16:9). So we have biological and spiritual family grieving as they watch Jesus suffer. They had been with Jesus in the joys of life and now they desired to be with Him in the pain of death. These faithful friends remained with Jesus when He needed them the most. “We all need – and need to be – friends like this.” What happens next is amazing considering how agonizing suffering usually causes the sufferer to draw within to preserve his own life. But Jesus is no ordinary Person. Even when He in severe pain, He was still thinking of others. When Jesus “saw His mother”, He said to her, “Woman, behold thy son!” It is interesting that Jesus never addresses Mary as His mother. He refers to her as “Woman” here and at the wedding feast in Cana (John 2:4). Perhaps, it is because Jesus is reminding her that He is her Saviour and not merely her Son? Even as Jesus hung dying on a cross, He fulfilled His obligation to care for His widowed mother (Exodus 20:12). God wants the church to support widows who are in genuine need, who have no family support, and who serve God and His people with prayers and a life that is above reproach (I Timothy 5:3-8). This scene at the cross teaches us that while Jesus died for the world, He still remembers the individual. As He was dying on the cross, Jesus looked at the individuals and prayed, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. ” (Luke 23:34). While Jesus was dying for billions of people, He looked at the thief beside Him who was suffering and said, “Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43). As Christ hung dying an excruciatingly painful death, He looked at His mother and His beloved disciple and said, “Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.” Christ is still the same today. He loves the world, but He also cares about me. He cares about my individual needs. He cares about my life. And He gives me the encouragement that I need. Prayer: Lord Jesus, we live in such an impersonal world where it is easy to feel all alone and forgotten. Thank You for reminding me today that You not only died for the world, but You also care about the individual. You are such an amazing Saviour to show such great compassion to Your mother as You agonized on the cross. You knew You would be leaving her to return to Heaven, so You provided another son to take care of her. Thank You for caring about every aspect of my life and those who are close to me. Use me, I pray, to be Your voice of compassion and love especially to those who are broken and all alone. In Your mighty name I pray, Lord Jesus. Amen. If this post has blessed you in any way, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Compassion At the Cross of Christ (John 19:23-27)
John 19:23-27, Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. 24 They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did. 25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! 27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. During the “global pandemic”, we have experienced the pain of separation from family and friends due to COVID restrictions. Due to these government mandates, many people were left feeling alone, forgotten, and uncared for. But in today’s verses from John 19, we discover a very powerful lesson that speaks to this challenge in our lives. Though Jesus died for the world, He also cares deeply for us. The apostle John is the only Gospel writer who records this next scene at the cross. Even while dying on a cross Jesus thought of others. In John 19:25, these four women [Jesus’s mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene] who “stood by the cross of Jesus” contrast with the four Roman soldiers who divided Jesus’ garments (John 19:23-24). We also find that Jesus’ disciples were not present at the cross (Matthew 26:56, 75), except for the apostle John, the disciple “whom He loved” (John 19:26). Their promise to remain faithful to Christ even in death was soon abandoned when Jesus was arrested (Matthew 26:35) which leads me to admire the faithfulness of these women all the more. Exactly who were these women? 1. John mentions Jesus’ “mother” first. None of the other gospel writers refer to Mary in their accounts of the cross. Imagine the ache in her heart as she watched her Son struggle in pain on the cross. No mother wants to see her child suffer such agony. The agony of Jesus’ mother fulfilled a prophecy (Luke 2:35). 2. John also tells us that the “sister” of Jesus’ mother is present as well. We learn from Mark that her name is “Salome,” the wife of Zebedee and the apostle John’s mother (Mark 15:40). 3. Mary the wife of Clopas, the mother of James the Less and of Joses (Matthew 27:56; Mark 15:40), the husband of Jesus’ mother. 4. “Mary Magdalene,” the woman from whom Jesus “had cast seven demons” (Mark 16:9). So we have biological and spiritual family grieving as they watch Jesus suffer. They had been with Jesus in the joys of life and now they desired to be with Him in the pain of death. These faithful friends remained with Jesus when He needed them the most. “We all need – and need to be – friends like this.” What happens next is amazing considering how agonizing suffering usually causes the sufferer to draw within to preserve his own life. But Jesus is no ordinary Person. Even when He is in severe pain, He is still thinking of others. When Jesus “saw His mother” He says to her, “Woman, behold thy son!” It is interesting that Jesus never addresses Mary as His mother. He refers to her as “Woman” here and at the wedding feast in Cana (John 2:4). Perhaps, it is because Jesus is reminding her that He is her Saviour and not merely her Son? Even as Jesus hung dying on a cross, then, He fulfilled His obligation to care for His widowed mother (Exodus 20:12). God wants the church to support widows who are in genuine need, who have no family support, and who serve God and His people with prayers and a life that is above reproach (I Timothy 5:3-8). This scene at the cross teaches us that while Jesus dies for the world, He still remembers the individual. As He is dying on the cross, Jesus looks at the individuals and prays, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. ” (Luke 23:34). While Jesus is dying for billions of people, He looks at the thief beside Him who was suffering and says, “Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43). As Christ hung dying an excruciatingly painful death, He looks at His mother and His beloved disciple and says, “Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. Christ is still the same today. He loves the world, but He also cares about me. He cares about my individual needs. He cares about my life. And He gives me the encouragement that I need. Prayer: Lord Jesus, we live in such an impersonal world where it is easy to feel all alone and forgotten. Thank You for reminding me today that You not only died for the world, but You also care about the individual. You are such an amazing Saviour to show such great compassion to Your mother as You agonized on the cross. You knew You would be leaving her to return to Heaven, so You provided another son to take care of her. Thank You for caring about every aspect of my life and those who are close to me. Use me, I pray, to be Your voice of compassion and love especially to those who are broken and all alone. In Your mighty name I pray, Lord Jesus. Amen. If this post has blessed you in any way, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Not Ashamed (Romans 1:16)
Romans 1:16-17, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” Paul was not ashamed or embarrassed of the “gospel of Christ.” It is the greatest blessing known to man. Romans 1:16 became key in the life of 27-year-old evangelist George Whitfield. In 1742, Whitfield was invited to preach at the fair at Marylebone Field, west of London, with the condition that they would build him a platform. When the evangelist and his wife arrived at the fair-grounds, the sun was already down and the crowds were wild and rowdy. Muscular prizefighters challenged all comers to bare-fisted fights in the boxing ring. Whitfield seldom displayed fear, but on that night, he was obviously nervous as he mounted the rickety little platform prepared for him. As George raised his powerful voice, people began to gather around him. The crowds at the gambling booths began to thin out toward Whitfield as he preached louder. Shortly into the sermon, George saw a group of bare-chested fighters strutting straight toward him. George's voice began to falter, but he suddenly felt a tug on his trousers. It was his wife Elizabeth who said to him, "George, play the man of God!" Boldness shot through the veins of God's man as he firmly proclaimed without hesitation, "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ! It is the power of Christ to everyone that believes!" He threw out his arms in a dramatic gesture and the platform nearly collapsed upon him. The fighters noticed the wobbly platform and tried to bring it down, but a group of Christians huddled around George. He continued to preach like a man trying to stand on the deck of a tossing ship. The people began to throw things at Whitfield. He was hit by a rock, a rotten egg, and manure, yet, he continued to preach on. When the evangelist finished his message, he was escorted to his wagon. A man lunged at George with a sword, but it was deflected by the cane of a friend. In spite of the pressure and harassment, Whitfield was a man of God that was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. Not to the same degree of harassment that Whitefield endured, but 13 years of street preaching on Beale Street in Memphis, TN comes very close. May we learn from his courage and his example to not be ashamed of the Lord and His Word. While there was some things Paul regretted in life, there was no such shame in Paul concerning the Gospel! Paul had received and proclaimed that which was precious to his heart. Paul's confidence in the power of the Gospel, a massive theme of the book of Romans, is revealed here in two of the most powerful verses in all of the Bible (Romans 1:16-17). There is absolutely no doubt that the Gospel is precious! We must never be ashamed! Especially when we consider the truth that God is not ashamed of us (John 3:16; Romans 5:8; Luke 19:10). No greater treasure do we have than the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have never experienced anything that compares to the power of the Gospel. God can take a lost sinner, save him by His grace, and create a new creature in him (II Corinthians 5:17). All of the programs man has developed can only offer temporal change to a man's heart, but the Gospel, the power of God, brings eternal change and life! (I Corinthians 1:18). The heart of man's problem is a problem of the heart. Until the heart is changed, there is no genuine change. We cannot receive that in ourselves, but Christ can bring eternal, effective change through the Gospel. We should never be ashamed of the Gospel “good news” that brings the message of hope and life for all people. The message of the Gospel is what God has done and will do for us. He doesn’t say it brings power or has power, but that it actually is power. The Gospel’s power is seen in its ability to completely change minds, hearts, life’s course, our understanding of everything that happens, the way people relate to one another, and so on. Most of all, it is powerful because it does what no other power on earth can do: it can save us, reconcile us to God, and guarantee us eternity with God in Heaven. Too many are ashamed of Jesus and His Gospel. They are embarrassed and uncomfortable being identified and speaking up for Christ. Luke 9:26, “For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.” II Timothy 1:8, “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God.” Paul stood for Christ with a holy boldness because of his unwavering trust in Him. II Timothy 1:11-12, “Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” Many are ashamed and deny Christ because peer pressure and intimidation. They are concerned about what others might say. They speak of sports, politics, and world events but they are silent concerning Christ. God help us to speak up for Christ. The Bible says we are not to be ashamed of several things.
The Gospel Saves: · It saves from sin’s penalty (doom) through justification. · It saves from sin’s power (dominion) through sanctification. · It saves from sin’s presence (domain) through glorification. PRAYER: Lord, knowing that only in You is there love, hope, and life; help me to boldly proclaim the gospel of Christ to whomever I encounter. 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 A Changed Man (Luke 19:8)
Luke 19:8, And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. When Adoniram Judson made preparation to go to Burma, God spoke to his heart about people that he had wronged before he was saved. During his years when he lived in New York City and was indulging in the sinful lifestyle of this world, he had cheated several men out of their money. Adoniram realized that God would not bless his ministry until he cleared his conscience with these men and made restitution. Judson made a trip to New York and sought out the people that he had wronged and asked for their forgiveness. He returned the money that he had wrongfully taken from them and returned home with a new peace and joy in his heart and greater boldness in his speaking. When we look at Zacchaeus, we find he truly repented and his life was drastically changed for the better. He became concerned about those who were stricken with poverty, giving half of his wealth to the poor. He didn't have to do that, but he wanted to help them. He began to use his money as a tool of blessing, focusing on others instead of himself. Zacchaeus was a rich man that did what the rich young ruler refused to do. Also, Zacchaeus wanted to clear his conscience and make matters right with other people. He was concerned about restitution for people he wronged, restoring four-fold what he had taken from others. His restitution was more than what was required of him. A pastor once shared a story when he was in a service. The preacher said there was a meeting in progress at which several women were giving their testimony. One woman kept silent. She was asked to testify but refused. She was asked why and she answered, “Some of these women who have just given their testimony, owe me money, and I and my family have been hungry because we cannot buy food." A few women had no credibility at all because their actions did not back up what they claimed. A Christian's testimony is utterly worthless unless it is backed by deeds which guarantee its sincerity. It is not a simple change of words which Jesus Christ demands, but a change of life. True confession of sin and genuine faith in Christ will result in positive character change that will be evident through godly actions. No one can become acquainted with Jesus, accept His offer of salvation and at the same time remain defiant, dishonest and uncharitable toward others. When a sinner is converted, there will be great changes made. "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature II Corinthians 5:17. Zaccheus certainly made some tremendous changes after he met Jesus Christ. When a person is truly converted, there will be consecration in his life and lips. Zaccheus is concerned about the needy. He wants purity in his conduct which means he will be honest. Christianity has produced this attitude in the world. When Zacchaeus testified this to the Lord, Jesus said, "This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." Restitution is a key proof in convincing others that you have trusted Christ as your Saviour. For most people, all they remember is what you were like before you were saved, especially if you were a cheat. If you go to these people and tell them about Jesus after you are saved, but you have not made offenses right, then you have no credibility. If you seek their forgiveness for wrongs in the past, if you make restitution for financial matters or damages, then you give credibility to what you tell them about what has happened to you. You also create curiosity about Jesus Christ. If you have an opportunity to make things right with God and others, then don't let the opportunity slip away. PRAYER: Father in Heaven, help me to learn from the example of Zacchaeus. May my life continue to be changed and challenged to live a life that brings glory and pleasure to 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 Beware of Deception (Matthew 24:4-5)
Matthew 24:4-5, “And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” Iraq is one of the most heavily mined nations in the world. As of early 2003, it was estimated that there were over 10 million mines in its ground. Heavy use of planting mines began during the 1960s and 1970s. During that period, the central Iraqi government attempted to subdue Kurdish demands for autonomy through the use of mine warfare. Then with the Iran-Iraq war and the two Gulf Wars with the United States, planting of mines spiraled out of control. During the first Gulf War, 20 U.S. soldiers died as a result of land mines. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, there were no loses due to land mines. However, after the cessation of conflict with the regular Iraqi army in April 2003, the U.S. found itself engaged in a guerrilla war against terrorists. The terrorists started making booby traps and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). These IEDs have accounted for a majority of those killed in Iraq. The IEDs are hidden in everything from rusty oil drums, to plastic toys, to dead animals, to heaps of rotting refuse. "A bomb can be hidden anywhere,"said Captain Jean-Pierre Brown of Hampton Roads, Virginia, a fire control officer with the First Armored Division who lost a friend in a roadside blast. "I have come to hate garbage in a whole new way," Brown said. "Everywhere else in the world, litter is unsightly and garbage smells. But in Iraq, it kills." The world is a "minefield" of deceptive, garbage philosophies and religions. There is only one safe place and that is found in Jesus Christ. A small church in Minnesota is reeling after two men conned them. Last winter the church hired a man as pastor, not knowing that he was a veteran con artist. The church gave him $10,000 for a car, a home down payment, and other expenses. The church was devastated when he left town with the money. The church determined to be more cautious with their next pastor. They asked James Poole to come to the church and preach to ensure that he was a legitimate pastor. Poole was hired in August, but less than month later, he allegedly left town without repaying over $3,000 he "borrowed" from the church for rent, trips, and a new bathtub. Church officials later learned that Poole—who authorities believe was really named Jerry Andrews, had served jail time for writing bad checks and credit card theft. Church secretary Mary Steffins said the congregation was fooled by Poole. She said, "He did a good service. I will give him credit for that."Steffins added, "I feel like we are a clearing house for bad pastors." The congregation is now trying to decide if they will seek another pastor or close the doors. Jesus said the first mark of the end times is going to be the deceptions of counterfeit Christs. And so many people have been deceived, though the Bible warns us not to be. This first major sign is really an important warning. Toward the end of this present age, religious deception will be openly practiced and taught on the earth. Christ is so concerned that His followers be aware of the coming worldwide spiritual deception that He repeats His warning two more times in Matthew 24:11, 24. There will not be a few, but many false messiahs. The false messiahs actually claim, "I am Christ," the Messiah. The false messiahs "shall deceive many." Not a few, but many will believe and follow the false messiahs, believing they are the way, the truth, and the life. The evils, deceptions, sorrows, tragedies, conflicts, and animosities of those days will exceed all others the world has ever known. Many people will be deceived by false teachers during the Tribulation Period. Even today, many believers fall for clever false doctrine. The best way to safeguard against such deception is to know the Word of God thoroughly for yourself. As the number of deceivers grows, so will the number of vulnerable people who desperately look for answers to the overwhelming calamities that torment them (II Peter 2;1-3; II Timothy 3:13). The world will begin to disintegrate, suffering will become unbearable, and sin will reach its maximum potential. The moral and spiritual influence of the church will be gone, and even more significantly, the restraining power of the Holy Spirit will be removed (II Thessalonians 2:7). The world's systems and institutions will start to self-destruct from unbridled wickedness. To take advantage of that desperate situation, an abundance of false and cleverly deceptive messiahs will arise, each claiming, I am the Christ. Their spurious gospels will mislead many, as they promise to deliver men from their problems and troubles. The epitome of that false group will be the Antichrist, the ultimate false messiah and deceiver. As Jesus Christ was righteousness incarnate, the Antichrist will be evil incarnate. The world is full of deceivers, and it is only by taking heed to the counsel of Christ that even His followers can escape being ruined by them. Often we do not see problems in our own lives, although we can be quite skilled at detecting the problems of others. This tendency to judge others while giving ourselves a pass can lead to both a harsh spirit toward others and a tolerance of sin in our own lives. As the prophet Jeremiah reminds us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 19:7). If we are depending on our ability to evaluate ourselves, we are heading for trouble. Instead, we need an absolute standard of truth that is reliable against which we can measure ourselves. That standard is the Word of God. It is “a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). To properly judge ourselves, we must truly be diligent students of the Bible and apply what we read to our lives. Jesus said in Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” This statement is full of truth. To be “pure in heart” is to have a clean heart. To have a clean heart is to be blessed. It is also to have an undivided heart which is able to clearly see God. With nothing else competing with God for attention, God is able to lead, encourage, teach, and convict this kind of Christian. If the Christian’s foundation is strong, then the rest of the building will stand firm. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to keep a discerning heart that I may not be deceived. Help me to walk closer with You that I may grow closer in discerning Your purpose for 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 Spiritual FitBit (Psalm 37:23)
Psalm 37:23, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” The thought then is how the path of a good man is established by the Lord. The word ordered has the basic idea of being ‘prepared’ or ‘established.’ God will guide and direct our steps. Walking in the Spirit involves at least three key characteristics. They are direction, dependency, and dedication and are necessary in our spiritual walk. The "steps" refer to the everyday course of a man's life. Steps are important, some more important than others. A baby's first step is a very special occasion. The steps a mountain climber takes on a cliff are very important, too. The steps we take in the dark demand caution. If we are walking in dark circumstances, we need reliance upon the Lord, or faith. If our steps have been influenced by distractions, then we need to refocus our mind and steps on proper goals. If our steps have been disobedient, we need to repent, lest we continue to get farther away from God. Keeping your steps in the right direction is vital for finishing your course in victory for Christ. It happened in just a blink, with a quarter mile to go at the 2005 running of the Preakness. Afleet Alex had battled his way to the front of the pack when another horse cut in front of him, and their heels clipped each other. Afleet Alex stumbled, his knees buckled, his nose nearly went into the dirt, and his jockey, Jeremy Rose, hung on. "That's the closest I've ever been without falling. I thought for sure we were going down," Rose said. "The thought process was, I was going to get run over. Luckily, he came right back up underneath me." Afleet Alex not only recovered, he went on to win the race by nearly five lengths. The Bible sometimes refers to the Christian life as running a race in which we all stumble, and yet, if we hold on the Lord provides us sure footing and balance so that we will not fall. The FitBit was launched to the market in 2008 and has done very well. The FitBit monitors your heart rate, counts calories burned, records distance, counts steps, and other features. What’s impressive is that it motivates people to actively work out and become a healthier person. And yes, we all want to be healthier. The Lord wants us to be healthier both physically and spiritually. How can we become more spiritually fit? Although there are more than three points, let’s look at these three. 1. Direction – (Psalm 32:8) Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go.” When we walk, we do so because we are headed somewhere. That is direction. 2. Dependency – (Proverbs 3:5-6) Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding, and in all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths.” When we walk, we put one foot in front of another, leaning all of our weight on one leg for each step. That is dependency. 3. Dedication - (Matthew 16:24) Matthew 16:24, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me". That is the way it should be for all of us if we want to live a victorious Christian life. When we walk, and are attempting to go somewhere, we take continuous steps. One step is not walking. Continuous steps are. You have to keep taking steps in order to get someplace. That is dedication. III John 4, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” God delights in the path of the righteous. Even as a parent delights in the steps of an obedient child, so does our Heavenly Father. In the Bible, God gives us specific instructions on what He wants us to do and where He wants us to go. Psalm 23:3b, “He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.” The Holy Spirit will lead you in your daily walk with the Lord. Galatians 5:25, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Obeying and following His leading will help you immensely in living a victorious Christian life. PRAYER, Father in Heaven, thank You that You can be counted on to guide me through my day. Today, I need to walk in the hope that only You can give. My way is unclear, my path sometimes feels like it twists and turns in confusing and busy ways as I wind my way along my journey. Show me Your ways, Lord. Show me how You would walk in these places. Remind me by Your Holy Spirit to look to You to guide 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 He Will Lead You…Will You Follow (Psalm 32:8)
Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” All of us need direction and guidance for our lives. We are living in a fractured and a frightening world. We struggle to make good choices hindered by our own deceitful hearts and our sinful natures. Yet God has not neglected us to wander blindly through life. We have the guidance of the Holy Spirit who abides in our hearts to rely on. It is important to understand that His work of leading us is done through the Word of God. Our feelings can lead us the error, but the Bible is always true. When the Holy Spirit guides our understanding of Scripture and we follow Him, our walk will be straight. When Abraham followed God, he was positive he was heading in the right direction, even though he had no idea where he was going. That’s because he was walking by faith and not by sight. To walk by faith is not to take a blind leap in the dark, but to trust God to lead you down a path you have never taken before. From the time Abraham left his homeland in Ur of the Chaldees until the time he came within inches of slaying his only son as a sacrifice in obedience to God on Mt. Moriah, he had to entrust his well-being, his reputation, and his aspirations to the perfect wisdom of God. In spite of his own weaknesses and shortcomings, He lived by faith. Faith in God strengthened him to press ahead through the difficulties of his journey. And it persuaded him that the path he traveled was the right one. What a blessed promise from God! Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” This promise is from the very eye of God. Keep in mind, you can place your hope in the sovereign hand of God. He has a special interest in you. He truly loves and cares for you. This is a declaration about God - He who knows all and sees all knows far better than we do. God has instructed us and told us how to live, but the trouble with man is that he does not pay much attention to what God says and goes his own way rather than the way God has instructed. Only a foolish person would ignore such wise counsel, yet this is done every day. He has promised to instruct us and guide us in the way we should go (Psalm 73:24; Proverbs 3:5-6). If you are not living daily in the Word of God, you are cutting off God’s guidance for your life. Each day we are blessed to be able to encounter new opportunities. For some, this can be a struggle due to the fear of what the future holds. When we cannot see what lies ahead, we become worrisome and we feel out of control. Financial setbacks, disappointments, personal problems tend to obscure our vision for hope in the future causing us doubt and despair. The Scriptures encourage us to thrust our concerns onto the Lord (I Peter 5:7). If you are neglecting the Scriptures, you are hindering God’s guidance for your life. The more we read and study the Scriptures, the more the Lord will leads us. When you need direction on the paths of life, remember that God is always near. He is there to guide us down the right paths. He will strengthen us when we are weak. He will give comfort when we are distressed. We just need to listen to Him. We serve an awesome God. Remember to thank the Lord for guiding us safely until we reach Heaven’s shores. PRAYER: Lord, I thank You for the opportunities given me each day to trust in You. Help me to walk with surety upon the promises of Your Word, that You will guide me as I walk through the dark valleys of 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 Storms of Life Series – PART 6
The Proof of the Surviving (Mark 4:35; 4:41-5:1) Mark 4:35, “And the same day, when the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.” Mark 5:1, “And they came over unto the other side of the sea…” Notice: In Mark 4:35, Jesus told them in the beginning, just before the journey, He would lead them to the other side. In Mark 5:1, the Scripture proves He led them to the other side. His sleeping shows us that, while we are here on this earth, we can have peace with Him while sailing through the storms of life. When the apostle Paul talked about his leaving, his going home to be with God, he said, “The time for my departure is at hand” (II Timothy 4:6). It was a picture of pulling up anchor and launching onto the great sea of eternity. Consider Noah in that ark. The waves came and the storms beat against it but he never fell out of the ark. You and I have security in Jesus. We have the promise that one of these days we are going to pass over to the other side. Our future is secure because we know Jesus as our personal Saviour. In New Testament times, the harbors of various cities would have a sand bar just outside the harbor. So if a boat got there when the tide was out, it couldn’t get into the harbor. They would just take the anchor and throw it over into the harbor. It really didn’t matter if the winds came and beat against the boat because, you see, they understood that when the tide came in, the ship would follow the anchor right on into the harbor. Apart from God, man has no hope for the future. As Paul put it, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable” (I Corinthians 15:19). People look for security and hope in fame, wealth, and achievement, but those are fleeting at best. There simply is no security in temporal things because they can vanish at any moment. Jesus Christ is an “anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus” (Hebrews 6:19-20). Jesus Christ awaits in heaven and, if you are saved, you are going to heaven one of these days because the promise He made in John 14:1-3, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” The anchor is the guarantee that one of these days the ship is going on into the harbor. PRAYER: Father in Heaven, when I remember Your promises for my future, nothing can shake my confidence that Jesus is coming to take me home. 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 The Peace of the Saviour – PART 5 (Mark 4:38-41)
Jesus knew there was a storm coming. The wind obeys Him, but His children do not. This same Jesus is willing to come on board our little vessels, too. But we must receive Him as He is. He is not going to change, but He will change us. We all need Jesus in our lives because we never know in what moment we are going to find ourselves in the midst of a storm. Jesus was Sleeping (4:38). Here was God, the master of this universe, asleep in a little boat. Notice: This is the only occasion when we read of Jesus sleeping. The whole scene underlines His humanity. Suddenly, the storm was upon them because Satan had seen his opportunity. The Lord was asleep! He was vulnerable! All Satan had to do was sink that boat! The wind howled, the waves arose, and the boat was tempest tossed. Then disciples thought of Jesus. Jesus is greater than either Satan or the storm. So He slept. “And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be stilt And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm” (4:39). Notice the difference between what He said to the wind and what He said to the sea. He rebuked the wind because the wind was what stirred up the waves, but He spoke “peace” to the waves. He knew them all. He created them. One word from Him, and they would do His will. Jesus was Sufficient. (4:39). “And he arose”. When the storm rose up (4:37), Jesus rose up. When a problem arises in your life, Jesus will rise up. Safety is not the absence of the storm; it is the presence of Jesus. Have you ever had that experience? You were going under and here came Jesus. I would rather be in a storm with Jesus than in calm anywhere else. Even when the world is crashing around us, we can have peace knowing that God is in control. He knows what we are going through and will be there with us through the midst of it all. Regardless of what we are facing, He has promised never to leave us or forsake us. His presence can give us hope, and we need to remember that whatever we face, He has allowed it in our lives. He has the power to calm the storm we are going through (Psalm 107:29). When we must face the trial, He provides rest in the shadow of His wings until our calamities are passed (Psalm 57:1). Don't be afraid when the winds howl and the storm beats on around you. God is your shelter in the time of storm. His words: “Peace, be still.” The winds fell as if power was turned off and the blades ceased to spin. As a result, the sea turned into a mirror of glass. The disciples looked at Jesus and said, “What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (4:41). PRAYER: Lord, thank You for being ever present and for the peace You give in the midst of life’s turbulent tempests. 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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