Confidence in Christ (Romans 8:28)
Romans 8:28, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Let's face it. No one likes trials. Nobody wants to go through difficult circumstances. We don't particularly like the idea that suffering or persecution might be God's will for us. However, God is far more concerned with our character than with our circumstances. Circumstances are one of His tools to shape our character. He would like us to learn our lessons through studying the Word, but He also lets us learn them by putting us into situations where we have to apply what the Word says. If we aren't careful, we will mistake our fleshly desires for ease, and comfort for God's leading. It isn't surprising that people buy into wrong doctrines—those teaching that, if we'll just have enough faith, we'll have all the money we want, all the healing we want, everything we want. Sure, we really want those things to be true, but God doesn't fit neatly into our box, and often His use of providential circumstances means difficult times for us. However, there is good news. God is sovereign, He is able to turn the difficult times around and cause them to work for our good. I am not saying that God causes bad things to happen to His people. What I am saying is that, because He is sovereign, He can use anything that happens to us to accomplish His will. And when we grumble and complain about our circumstances, in effect, we are accusing God of mishandling our life. Because God is sovereign, He is able to accomplish His purpose through whatever life throws at us. He causes all things to work toward His ultimate purpose. What an incredible principle! Perhaps as you look back over your past, there are places where you stumbled over the circumstance’s life brought. Circumstance after circumstance, Joseph found life sending him where he did not want to go. His jealous brothers sold him as a slave. The vindictive wife of Pharaoh had him thrown in prison on false charges. The man whom Joseph helped in prison forgot about him once he was set free. If most of us were faced with similar circumstances, we would become bitter and angry. Those who become sour with life simply do not understand or trust God's sovereignty. Again and again, in Genesis 45, when his brothers are grieving, Joseph basically says to them, "You didn't do this; God did this." In Genesis 50:20, he gives further clarity. He responds, But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. In his responses, when questioned by his brothers about what had happened to him, Joseph teaches us to trust God with His providential circumstances in our lives. Joseph trusted God's purpose of those circumstances, and saw them as evidence of His will. Question to Consider: What are the most difficult trials that you have been through? How might God be working them for your ultimate good? Are there any situations from your past that make you bitter toward someone or some event? Point to Ponder: There is no comfort in the view that God is not sovereign over the shocking circumstances that happen to us. There is great comfort in knowing that the sovereign God is working all things together for good for His people. Although you may not be where you need to be in your Christian walk, you can trust the Lord is working for the good! PRAYER: Father in Heaven I know You love me and it amazes me that You made plans for me before the foundations of the world. Thank You Father for caring for me. I know the thoughts and plans You have for me are for Your glory and for my good. Whatever I may face today, I can expect that You are working for good in all of it. So, I’m going to step forward in faith, trusting You in all things and seeking to cooperate fully with Your plans for me. I know I can’t imagine all the good You have planned for my life, but I also know it’s all coming in Jesus’ name, so I can say, 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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Inherited Wealth (I Peter 1:4)
I Peter 1:4, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, In 1949, Jack Wurm was broke and out of a job. One day he was walking along a San Francisco beach when he came across a bottle with a piece of paper in it. As he read the note, he discovered that it was the last will and testament of Daisy Singer Alexander, heir to the Singer sewing machine fortune. The note read, "To avoid confusion, I leave my entire estate to the lucky person who finds this bottle and to my attorney, Barry Cohen, share and share alike." To amazement, the courts accepted the theory that the heiress had written the note 12 years earlier, and had thrown the bottle into the Thames River in London, from where it had drifted across the oceans to the feet of a penniless and jobless Jack Wurm. His chance discovery netted him over 6 million dollars in cash and Singer stock. Imagine what it would have been like to be walking in those footprints on that San Francisco beach? What a find, and yet, 6 million dollars doesn't even begin to compare with our spiritual inheritance in the Lord Jesus Christ. Peter reveals that wonderful, mega promise for the citizens of Heaven. We have an inheritance coming to us that is far greater than any earthly inheritance you might receive. The full enjoyment of our inheritance is coming soon. We already have the earnest, or down payment, of our inheritance in Christ in the person of the Holy Spirit. Peter says that our salvation is an inheritance kept in Heaven for us. Of course, Christ Himself is our inheritance. But it also includes all that He has provided and will provide for those whom He has purchased with His blood. God has not only begotten us again to a living hope but also to an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away. God has chosen us not only to salvation but to an eternal inheritance that will not be taxable, nor wear out, nor diminish in value. It is reserved in heaven for you. Therefore, our salvation includes not only a living hope of eternal life now, but also of an eternal inheritance upon arrival there. Salvation in Christ gives us an inheritance of immeasurable wealth, for it is Divine wealth. Few people are interested in this inheritance because they are more interested in what this present world can offer. This inheritance in Christ is incorruptible and will never diminish in value. Too often, when one obtains an inheritance in this world it disappoints and brings more troubles than delights. This world has nothing that can ever compare to it. This inheritance is reserved, which means to guard, protect, keep safe. This world’s inheritances have been stolen, lost by poor investment, etc. No government can protect an inheritance like God protects our inheritance. This inheritance is not for the unbeliever. It is only for those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Many in our world will not receive this inheritance. Their riches are limited to this world. The inheritance of the redeemed is far superior. My friend, you may not have much by way of material things, but when you were born again you became rich. PRAYER: Father in Heaven, the more I read Your Word the more I understand of what I have in Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. I want nothing this world has to offer me, but to be more like Christ. May I shine bright for Him 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 Let Your Light SOOOOO Shine (Matthew 5:16)
Matthew 5:16, Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Nothing is more useful or necessary to man than light. Without light there would be no life. The same in true in the spiritual since. The light that we shine originates from the giver of light, Jesus (John 8:12; 9:5; 12:46). When Jesus said that we are to be lights in the world, He was not talking about us producing light, but rather reflecting His light to those around us. The only way we can do this is to live in close communion and fellowship with Him day by day. There is no greater experience in all the world than walking in the light with Jesus Christ. Our light is of no benefit unless it is displayed for all to see. It is the nature of the child of God to do good works because that is what God is all about (Ephesians 2:10). We are called of God to shine the light of the Gospel. Jesus instructed His disciples that their lives were to be such that men may see their good works and glorify their Father which is in heaven. The word good here means ‘honest’. There are few things more spiritually harmonious with light than honesty. The result is that our Heavenly Father is glorified by our good works (our honesty) that reflect the light of the Gospel. You may feel that your light may seem very small, however, others see the greater light of God behind your sacrificial actions. The result of the good works that you do to others will cause them to look up to God and behold His glory. Jesus told us to let our light so shine that others may see our good “works”, not our good “words”. May your light shine through your good works (life-style) to others, not just through good words (lip-service). The most powerful way to overcome darkness in a room is to let the light in and the most powerful way to transmit the light of Christ is by doing Godly works in such a way that He will get the glory for them. Keep in mind, Christians are the light of the world, but the light switch must be on. When the children of light do not separate from the children of darkness they lose their most powerful witness (Philippians 2:5). John 3:19, And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. All Christians are lights shining in different strengths and power. God has never saved a person that He didn’t have a work for. Light always travels in straight lines. As the light of the world, Jesus came to guide us by a straight path into the very presence of God. We are commanded by the Lord who ignited us as a light to shine forth in the world. Good works do not save, but they do attract others to Christ. Our purpose is to shine for Him as lights so that others can see the marvelous light in our lives that they may come to know Jesus as Lord and Saviour. The ultimate good work is to turn others to righteousness. Daniel 12:3, And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. Jesus, in describing John’s ministry, spoke of John the Baptist as a burning and a shinning light (John 5:35). That is, he was a bright light. In John 1:8, John the Baptist was not the Light, rather a light. He simply reflected the glory of the Light as the moon does the sun. Illustration: Gabriel Mugmal, missionary to Ecuador. For months, he faithfully preached from house to house his new found faith that he and his family embraced. Gabriel boldly shared his faith with other Quichua villagers high in the Andes Mountains of northern Ecuador. He challenged them to stop the idol worship that filled the area. One afternoon, 250 of his neighbors with torches in their hands forced him and his family from their home to a mountainside in Ecuador’s Andes. Furious, the crowd demanded that Gabriel denounce his words. When he refused, villagers doused him with gasoline the mob prepared to beat him and then to burn him alive. His idol worshipping neighbors almost burned him alive for preaching the Gospel. The thought, “Don‘t burn me,” raced through Gabriel’s mind. But he wasn’t afraid and began preaching to the crowd from the book of Genesis. Suddenly, the mob fell silent. The priest was so moved by Gabriel’s willingness to die for Jesus that he took Gabriel’s Bible, raised it before the crowd, and declared freedom to preach the Gospel. “The Word of God shall be preached throughout the entire world, “ he shouted. “You all are doing a good thing. Keep preaching the Gospel so that everyone can know Jesus.” Today, less than 200 yards from the location where Gabriel was nearly executed, more than 250 villagers meet for church every Sunday. The people of Naranjito are a light among the 300,000 Quichua people of northern Ecuador. As a result, Gabriel and those he has had the privilege of leading to Christ have started 30 Bible studies and churches in the neighboring villages. Prayer: Father, I know that You desire to shine brightly through my life. Though the world is getting darker may Your Light shine even brighter through me. Help me to reflect Your love so that mankind can see Your love through me. Help me so that my works will point others to You as Christ as our example. Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com It Takes Teamwork (I Corinthians 3:8-10)
I Corinthians 3:8-10, Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. John Wooden was the basketball coach at UCLA for twenty-seven years. He never had a losing season. Wooden's teams won seven consecutive national championships, and UCLA posted an eighty-eight-game winning streak that spanned four seasons. Surprisingly, he never talked to his players about winning. Wooden's formula for success was to emphasize constant improvement and performance. He avoided getting his teams "up," because he knew that would eventually bring a valley. Instead, he was never satisfied with past performances; they could always be improved. Improvement meant rigorous preparation toward new goals. "I believe that failure to prepare is preparing to fail," Wooden told his players. But the coach never prepared his teams to play a particular opponent; he prepared his teams to play anyone, at any time. Wooden preached that success was not outscoring the opponent, it was being able to hold your chin up after the game and know that you have given your best effort. Of course, if you have done your best, the score will usually be to your liking when you are deserving. Wooden was more concerned about his players' character than ability. A person with good character will respond to adversity by learning and overcoming. Wooden believed that good players will be honest, consistent, and work together as a team, and if those players also have ability, they will become true champions. Every day of our lives, whether we realize it or not, we are building up a reputation by which we will be known. The things that we do and the lives that we touch will be remembered for good or ill. Reputations are not quickly made. Instead, they are the slow and gradual accumulation of deeds, words and habits as they are observed by others. There is a spiritual unity between ministers. The work of the one who plants cannot be done without the work of the one who waters. Both are absolutely essential. They are not rivals working against each other. They are planters and waterers, planting and watering lives for God. God calls and uses them as He wills and He places them where He wants. If the church and its believers exalt or oppose one minister against another, they are going against God's purpose for His Gospel and the church. The church is God's building and the church is to bear fruit. Both ministers and believers are workers together with God. All have a part in God's church and the need is for all to cooperate in building together. As a family of God, we are laborer’s together with God. We, the Lord’s children, are on the same team and strive to accomplish His game plan. When we are on His team, we value the team above our own. We value the team’s goals, principles, and values. We are willing to do our part for the good of the team and no sacrifice is too great. As team players we follow instructions and stick with the game plan. As team mates we respond eagerly without hesitation. We trust the leaders commitment and we point others to the leader and encourage them to follow his lead. Prayer: Father in Heaven, I am both humbled and honored that I get to be apart of Your team. Help strengthen me that I may do my part and never hesitate to answer when You call. 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 5 Ways God Encourages Us (I Peter 5:7)
I Peter 5:7, Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. George Mueller (1805-1898) built many orphanages at Ashley Down, England. He relied only on God to supply the money and food needed to support the hundreds of homeless children he befriended in the name of Christ. A man of radiant faith, he kept a motto on his desk for many years that brought comfort, strength, and uplifting confidence to his heart. It read, “It matters to Him about you.” Mueller believed that those words captured the meaning of I Peter 5:7, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” Mueller rested his claim for God’s help on that truth. He testified at the end of his life that the Lord had never failed to supply all his needs. Just as Mueller faced many trials and afflictions and was cared for by the Lord, God will preserve you and revive you in your hour of need if you will seek His help. How does He revive and encourage us? 5 Ways God Encourage Us. 1. By His Presence Matthew 14:27, But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. When He is near, we need not fear. Jesus would later say, “Lo, I am with you alway.” If we will realize He is always with us, we need never fear. 2. By His Promises Romans 15:4, For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. The Scriptures give us an innumerable amount of promises to encourage us to live for God. 3. By His Power Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Paul knew the source of his strength. It was Jesus Christ. With His help, anything is possible. 4. By Prayer John 14:26-27 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 5. By our Partners in Ministry Philippians 4:18, But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. Their support had enabled his every need to be met. He acknowledged what they both already knew and that was that Epaphroditus had been the messenger who had conveyed their giving to him. Even as such a sacrifice was pleasing to both God and man, their offering to Paul served the same purpose. A true friend is one who rushes in when others rush out. A true friend will strengthen you with prayers, bless you with their love, and encourage you with a word. If you are lugging around worries, cares, and concerns about your family, your business, your church, or any other area of your life, why not stop right now and say, “Jesus, I’m yielding every one of these concerns to You today. I cast my burden on You, and I thank You for setting me free! To “cast” means to hurl, to throw, and it often means to vehemently throw or to fling something with great force with intensity. Points to Ponder: You don’t have to carry the whole weight of the world by yourself. Jesus loves you so much and is so deeply concerned about you and the difficulties you are facing. He calls out to you today, “Roll those burdens over on Me. Let Me carry them for you so you can be free!” Questions to Consider: Do you habitually worry and fret about certain things? What are the issues that weigh on your mind more than anything else? Are you able to cast these cares over onto the Lord, or do you keep stirring yourself up with thoughts of fear, reigniting the fretting and the worry all over again even after you have already released those cares to the Lord? Prayer, Lord, I thank You for what I’ve read today. I regret having carried these burdens and worries so long by myself when, in fact, You were always ready to take them from me and to carry them on my behalf. But it’s never too late to do what is right, so right now I make the decision to yield to You every one of these matters that are bothering me. Thank You for coming alongside me to take these weights from my shoulders. Because You are so loving and attentive to me, I can now go free. 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 Thank You, LORD! (Psalm 107)
Psalm 107, O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy; How often we fail to thank the Lord for His goodness and mercy to us. It should always be upon our lips. It always has been (and always will be) the duty of God’s people to testify of His goodness. We, the redeemed, have an obligation to open our mouths before others of the goodness of God to us. He certainly delivered Israel from the hands of their enemies. To this day, God delivers His people from the attack of the devil. Lord, thank You for saving my soul! When we are grateful for the people in our lives, thing’s God has blessed us with, or the circumstances we find ourselves in, it creates a spirit of thankfulness within us. However, when we pick apart the family and friends who are beside us, find displeasure with the things we have, or find fault with our circumstances, it creates a spirit of discontent. What’s wonderful about being grateful is that things in our life don’t have to change for us to be grateful. We can simply change our perspective by finding gratitude in our present circumstance whatever they may be. As a result, we will live a life with thankfulness. We should be thankful to the Lord for our family. I Thessalonians 5:18, In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. And that thankfulness comes from sincere place of gratefulness. In which, that gratefulness precedes gratitude that we find in every area of our life. Sure, we may have challenges with those we love. We may desire to live better and do better. But the truth is, God gives us more when we prove to Him that we are faithful and grateful with where He has us. If we can’t be grateful in our small house, how are we going to be grateful living in a larger house with larger expenses? Often, we complain about fuel prices. Consider those who don’t have a car. Many of us dread doing laundry every week. Well, instead of dreading the laundry, how about while you’re folding the clothes, you thank God for the clothes you have. How about thanking God for your family who is alive and well for you to do laundry for? What about cleaning the house? We don’t think there’s a single person who finds joy in cleaning the toilets, but when we change our perspective and choose to thank God for providing a roof over our heads, and that we’re not living on the streets, then we will gladly clean the toilet. What about having to get up every day and go to work. Sure, we would all like to pursue our dreams, or retire. But instead of complaining that you have to get up and go to work, thank God that you have a job, and you are not unemployed. Psalm 100:1-5 teaches us that every night, we have the opportunity to thank God for protecting us during the day. Every morning, we have the privilege of waking up to thank God for another day to fulfill His purpose for our life. 1. Be Heard! – Make a joyful noise unto the Lord (Psalm 100:1) 2. Be Happy! – Serve the Lord with gladness (Psalm 100:2) 3. Be Humble – Know the Lord has made us, and not we ourselves (Psalm 100:3) 4. Be Holy! – Enter His gates with thanksgiving (Psalm 100:4) 5. Behold! – The Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generation (Psalm 100:5) PRAYER: When I say “Thank You,” Lord, help me pause long enough to really mean what I’m saying. Help the attitude that should trigger those words be a more constant part of my character. Show me where I’m most lacking in gratitude, and give me strength to give You genuine thanks for those trying places. And I will be forever grateful, 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 sin 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 to 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 and yet this is done every day. He had 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 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 to 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 KING JESUS WINS! (Matthew 25:31-33)
Matthew 25:31-33, When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 32And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: 33And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. If you are listening to the media, it appears that Satan is winning this war and that we are without hope. However, I have great news…the Bible is the Word of God. The Bible is true, infallible, flawless, never outdated because its prophetic pages are happening even as you read this devotion. The events happening around us today have already been spoken of within the pages of the Scriptures. God is over the affairs of men. It is He who puts rulers on their throne and removes them at His will. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible proclaims that Jesus Christ is the Saviour and those who will repent of their sin and put their trust in Him will have everlasting life with Him in Heaven. The Son of Man is coming to judge. John 5:22, For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: When Jesus comes, He is coming in glory, as the Son of Man and as the King of the universe. When Jesus comes, He is coming with ten thousands of his saints (Jude 14). An innumerable number will accompany Him, demonstrating the glory and honor rightly due Him (Daniel 7:10). The holy angels will be the attendants and ministers of His justice. When Jesus comes, He is coming to be enthroned. When He sits upon "the throne of His glory," He sits in judgment. He will become the Judge of the whole universe, the Judge who is exalted above all. Revelation 20:11-12, And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. When Jesus comes, He is coming to gather all nations. All men will be gathered by the angels and brought before Him. Everyone will be gathered before Him in judgment. Judgment is coming. It is inevitable. It cannot be avoided nor evaded. No person can escape the coming judgment. The day is coming when everyone on earth will stand before Christ at the judgment. Like me, you will one day stand before the LORD and give an account of your life. Because God is perfect and just, He is going to judge us according to His Law. We have all broken God’s Moral Law (lying, stealing, hate, lust, selfishness, blasphemy, etc.) and we are going to be found guilty. He will have to punish us for our sins; the consequence being an eternity in Hell. But there is good news! God provided an escape. Jesus Christ, the Messiah and God manifest in the flesh, took the punishment that we, as guilty sinners, deserve when He suffered under God the Father’s wrath and died on the cross. He then defeated death by rising from the dead. God commands us to repent (to turn away from our sins) and trust in Jesus alone to save us, because no amount of good works will ever be enough to get us into Heaven. Jesus said, “ye must be born again” (John 3:7). Christ is now sitting on the throne at the right hand of God. There is a difference between the throne of grace and the throne of judgment pictured in this passage. We can now come to the throne of grace for help (Hebrews 4:16). But one day it will be too late to receive help. At this time, His throne will be a throne of judgment to which there will be no approach apart from judgment. Please consider this message. You may not have tomorrow. Revelation 22:20b, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. People get ready….Jesus is coming! WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO SHARE THIS DEVOTION WITH AS MANY PEOPLE AS YOU POSSIBLY CAN; WITH WHATEVER RESOURCES YOU HAVE AVAILABLE? www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com What Pleases God (John 8:29) PART 2
John 8:29, And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. The second mention of what is well pleasing unto the Lord is found in Colossians 3:20. 2. Obedient Children. (Colossians 3:20). Colossians 3:20, Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Children must be taught while their young. The English poet Samuel Coleridge talked with a man who did not believe that children should be given any religious instruction at all. This man claimed that the child’s mind should not be prejudiced in any direction, and when he became older he should be permitted to choose his religious opinions for himself. Coleridge said nothing, but after a while he asked his visitor if he would like to see his garden. The man said he would and Coleridge took him out into the garden where only weeds were growing. The man looked at Coleridge in surprise, and said, “Why this is not a garden! There is nothing but weeds here!” “Well, you see,” answered Coleridge, “I did not wish to infringe upon the liberty of the garden in any way, I was just giving the garden a chance to express itself and to choose its own production.” Obedient children not only please the Lord, but they are “well pleasing” unto the Lord. Children should obey their parents in all things, not just those things that they enjoy doing. Obedience is the major requirement of children. Parents are to rule the children. Society wants it the other way around, but the authority for the Christian home is the Bible, not culture. It is the commands of Scripture that should guide the believer in governing the family. Children are to be submissive and obey their parents in all things in order to please the Lord. Well pleasing unto the Lord is the blessed result of obedience to one's parents. The word "obey" means to heed, hearken, comply, and follow the directions or instructions of some guide. The Lord has one primary objective for the child: to prepare the child to be the most balanced and productive adult he or she can be. When the child obeys their parent, the Lord sees the child being disciplined and controlled; He sees the child preparing themself to become a strong adult. As a result, the child's obedience pleases the Lord. By choosing to honor our parents on earth, we honor our Father in Heaven. Children should obey parents for three reasons: (1) Obedience is a partial fulfillment of the Fifth Commandment. (2) Obedience is well-pleasing to God. (3) Obedience is basic to obedience in other areas. Our parents are the first form of authority we recognize in our lives. As we grow older, we see God as the supreme authority. If children are not taught respect for parental authority in their early years, they will in later years have no respect for civil, religious, or divine authority. If you want to please the Lord, then be obedient unto your parents. How we obey our parents is often how we obey the Lord. When we disobey our parents, we are displeasing the Lord. Although Jesus, when He was a child, knew far more than His parents, He still obeyed them. Exodus 20:12, Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. This is a universal command for all people. We never outgrow this command. It’s an eternal, Biblical principle. Regardless of your parents’ success rating, God commands all of His people to honor their father and their mother. Honoring your parents is an attitude accompanied by the action of communicating with your parents. “You have value. You are worthy of my respect. You are the person God sovereignly placed in my life. You may have failed me or hurt me, but I choose to see you with compassion as a person with needs and scars of your own.” When you honor your parents, you sincerely identify what your parents did right and honor your parents for those specific things. A few examples of how you can honor your parents: · Choosing to place high value upon your relationship with them, knowing that it matters to God. · Taking the initiative to improve the relationship in whatever steps you can. In the stubborn combination of love and pride in families, you can’t wait for your parents to go first; as the follower of Jesus Christ, you go first. · Recognizing that they have done some things right. Even if your perspective is clouded by great pain, you can find something your parents did right. · Acknowledging the sacrifices they’ve made for you. · Seeing them as Christ does, through a lens of mercy. Our parents are vulnerable human beings who can also be hurt. · Forgiving them, even as God in Christ has forgiven you. Prayer: Heavenly Father, Help me to see my parents through Your lens of mercy. Show me specific things they did for me. I choose to honor them and communicate that to them. In the name of Your Son, Jesus, I pray, amen. If this post has blessed you in any way please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com What Pleases God (John 8:29) PART 1
John 8:29, And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. As believers, our aim in service to the Lord is to please Him in all that we do. May we be faithful to please Him rather than bringing pleasure to ourselves or any other. The most miserable type of person is the one whose life is lived to please self. If we want to please God, we must find out what pleases Him. The Bible has much to say, here are a few:
1. Giving to Missions. (Philippians 4:18). Philippians 4:18, But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. Paul tells the Philippians that their giving was an act of worship to God and He was well pleased with their worship. The Philippians gave out of their poverty. Their gift was an acceptable sacrifice to the Lord. It was received and honored by the Lord Jesus Christ. Our giving and supporting the work of the Lord is indeed an act of worship to the Lord. Paul describes their giving as being “well pleasing to God.” It amazes me that we can bless God by our obedience, faithfulness, and sacrifice. The Lord Jesus is pleased with our sacrifice that is motivated by our love for Him, our obedience to Him, and our concern for His people and His work. In Philippians 4:15, the words "giving and receiving" are business terms referring to the credit and debit side of a ledger. It was as if Paul was saying to them, "No other church opened an account with me except you." The fruit of his ministry would bring reward to the church at Philippi in the present and at the Judgment Seat of Christ. In Philippians 4:17, the term "abound to your account" is a money market term. It means "interest which may be accumulated in your account." Paul's motive was not to seek a gift, but fruit on the spiritual account of the Philippian believers. He "desired" this fruit for them which means "he craved" for it. In Philippians 4:16, Paul indicated that they sent support to Paul not just once, but twice. The gift they sent was intended to be a benefit for the receiver but was an even greater benefit to the giver. Spiritual fruit and blessings were credited to the account of the Philippian church. They gave to Paul and received blessings for doing so. Notice the words, "I am full." Paul was saying, "I have received everything in full, and have an abundance; I am amply supplied. I have been filled and at present, I'm well supplied." Their offering was a sacrifice that was well-pleasing to God. Gifts to the Lord's work are considered as an offering to God Himself. In God's economy, what we withhold withers; what we scatter, gathers; what's laid aside, spoils; what we release, returns. When we fill another's need, God fills our needs. The Philippians were known for their fruitful sacrifice. They sent a full supply, a faithful servant, and they sent a fruitful sacrifice that was well pleasing to God. God was well pleased with the giving of the Philippians. Paul compares it to an Old Testament sacrifice which a person offered up to God. The person's sacrificial commitment to God was just like the pleasant smell of the animal sacrifice: it was acceptable. The sacrificial commitment was a sweet or pleasant smell to God. So it was and is with sacrificial giving. The commitment of the gift is acceptable to God just like the pleasant smell of an animal sacrifice. There is nothing you can do to make God more pleased with you than to be generous. Whenever we help others, especially those who minister to others, we are presenting a sweet-smelling offering to God. God is pleased with a giving church and God’s power is on a giving church. Giving churches are made up of giving Christians. We need to have faith in the Lord to take care of us as we seek to take care of others. When David Livingstone went to Africa, a Scotch woman who saved thirty pounds came and presented to him this gift. She said, "I want you to save yourself needless toil and exposure by hiring a servant who will go with you wherever you go and share your sacrifices and dangers" with this offering, David Livingstone hired Sebantino, a faithful servant and friend. Later in Livingstone's journeys, when he was in the heart of Africa, a lion attacked Livingstone, threw him down, and crushed the bones in his left arm, but Sebantino, at the risk of his own life, saved the missionary. Just think, what would have happened if the Scottish woman had never given the love offering to Livingstone? Many would not have heard the Gospel. How many will not hear the Gospel today because of the neglect of giving to missionaries? We are to give faithfully to the Lord’s work of furthering the Gospel, out of a heart of worship to our Lord who gave Himself for our sins. PRAYER: Lord, I want to live a life that brings pleasure to You. May it be well pleasing in Your sight. 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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