Today’s devotion is an excerpt from a Bible Study Series taught at Fellowship Baptist Church, titled “Biblical Building Blocks for Strengthening Relationships.”
Biblical Building Block #9 Care For One Another (I Corinthians 12:25) – PART 2 I Corinthians 12:25, “That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.” I. THE CARE OF THE BODY I Corinthians 12:25, “That there should be no schism in the body…” So completely has God joined the whole body together that not the smallest visible part can be removed from the body without not only injuring its proportions, but producing deformity. Hence the members have the same care one for another. The eyes and ears watch for the general safety of the whole, and they are placed in the head, like watchmen in a tower, that they may perceive the first approach of a foe and give warning. The hands immediately on an attack exert themselves to defend the head and the body. The legs are swift to carry off the body from dangers against which resistance would be vain. The Corinthian Christians should do the same and care equally for everyone (I Corinthians 12:25). God has unified the members together to create a natural care for one another. The very same care should be shown to one member as is shown to another member. Every member is needed. Therefore, we ought to be concerned if any one member is suffering. We are responsible and accountable for one another because we all share in the same body. When a member of the human body suffers, the whole body suffers. The unity of the body means that when one part of the body suffers, the whole body suffers and every part hurts, and when one part of the body is honored, the whole body is honored, and every part rejoices. If a brother suffers any kind of sorrow or loss, those who are really Christians will share in the hurt; whatever honor, success, or joy may come to a brother in Christ, the same should be an occasion of rejoicing on the part of all his Christian brothers. The church is one body. Therefore, it is to suffer and rejoice together. Paul clearly had the life of the local congregation in mind. He wanted every Christian in Corinth to value every other Christian, and to care for them just like the hand comes to bandage the injured foot, or the foot hurries to take the injured head to hospital. That remains enormously important in every Christian fellowship, congregation, and church the world over. I Corinthians 12:26, “And whether one member suffer…” If the eye, the hand, the foot, etc., be injured, the whole man grieves; and if by clothing, or anything else, any particular member or part is adorned, strengthened, or better secured, it gives a general pleasure to the whole man. Take up a thread, untwist it, and you shall find that it is made up of several threads, untwisting which you shall find that they, also, are made up in the same way, and so on, and so on. The symbol of the true relationship of each member of any human family, or of the larger family, is of the Church. The various threads, so weak alone, become strong and mighty when twisted together; and, just as any cord is easiest broken where one or more of the threads are separated, so is it in the Church. Just as there is increased strength in unity, in disunity there is increased weakness. When one member suffers, all the members suffer with it. In a mature and spiritual congregation, church members will have the same care for one another. In the obedient and loving church that God has planned for His children, if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Only that sort of mutual love and concern can prevent or heal division and preserve unity. When there is unity and love in the church family, all members suffer when one suffers or is hurting. When one person is honored, all are honored because all believers are part of one body in Christ. Paul reminds us that we are a body, and as such, we each have responsibilities to the other parts. When another believer is hurting, we need to respond to that need (Galatians 6:1-2). People do not care how much you know, until they know how much you care. This is my church. It is composed of people just like me. It will be friendly if I am. It will do a great work if I work. It will make generous gifts to many causes if I am generous. It will bring others into its fellowship if I bring them. Its seats will be filled if I fill them. It will be a church of loyalty and love, of faith and service, if I, who make it what it is, am filled with these. Therefore, with God’s help, I dedicate myself to the task of being all these things I want my church to be. Questions to Consider: What does it mean to care? What should there not be in the body? What should happen when one member suffers? Who are you going to call at 2AM when you have a personal need? Is it going to be your favorite preacher on T.V. who is halfway across the country and will not respond, or is it going to be the pastor who is faithfully ministering to his church and community? Prayer, Father in Heaven, thank You for saving me and putting me within Your Church, Your Body. May I fulfill the purpose You have called me to do and honor You in faithfully supporting every other believer that makes up Your Church. In Jesus Name, Amen! Thank you for reading PART 2 of Biblical Building Block #9 of this series. 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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Today’s devotion is an excerpt from a Bible Study Series taught at Fellowship Baptist Church, titled “Biblical Building Blocks for Strengthening Relationships.”
Biblical Building Block #9 Care For One Another (I Corinthians 12:25) – PART 1 I Corinthians 12:25, “That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.” The word “care” means to be anxious about or to take thought for. Just as our physical members (foot, hand, ear, eye, etc.) take care of one another, so should we for each member of Christ’s body. Dependency means we work together; we share the workload and we also share the pain and the pleasures. Every member of the body of Christ is equal and essential. I.THE COMPLETION OF THE BODY God's plan for His church is that we be united (I Corinthians 1:10; Philippians 1:27). God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it. In our day, there are too many feet who want to be hands, and too many ears who want to be eyes. When this happens, the body is fractured and chaos is the result! Paul calls out any actual or potential boasting in the church by insisting that every single member of the body is just as important as any other. Never let one part of the body say to another, 'I don't need you!' The Bible teaches that every member is important (I Corinthians 12:12-27). Paul imagined what it would be like if different parts of the body began to belittle the importance of other parts of the body. Can you imagine the hand saying to the foot, "Here foot, catch this baseball.” But then, when the hand drops the baseball, it bounces off the foot and rolls away. And the hand says to the foot, "You are worthless. You can't even catch a baseball. "Can you imagine the nose saying to the ear, "Boy, do you smell that barbecue on the grill? What a great smell." But the ear says in response, "I don't smell anything." And the nose says to the ear, "You are worthless. You can't even smell." Can you imagine the different parts of the body carrying on that kind of conversation with each other? Of course not. The nose says to the ear, "It’s OK that you cannot smell, what’s important, is that you hear." The hand says to the foot, “It’s OK that you cannot catch a baseball, what’s important, is that you are able to move the body from one place to another.” The heart doesn't say to the liver, "You're not beating." Or the eye to the big toe, "You're not looking." Every member needs every other member to be in their place and doing the assigned function. Together, we are a complete body. Individually, we are a small but a vital component of a very important organism…the body of Christ! When every member of the church does his or her part and submits to God in willingly doing what they are called to do, then the body of Christ will function in absolute harmony. The very same care should be shown to one member as is shown to another member. One member of the church is not more important than another member (not to God), and should not be to us. There should be no favoritism or partiality shown to anyone. How does Jesus express this in Matthew 19:30? Matthew 19:30, “But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.” God does this so “…there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.” Every Christian is important. A fourteenth-century Italian stained-glass artist was summoned to design and create a huge portrait for the window of a cathedral in Chartres, France, a place well known for its stained-glass work. He laid all of the pieces he was going to use out on the floor of the cathedral. They were beautiful to behold; most of them were large and colorful. Among these awesome pieces of glass was a small, clear piece about as big as your fingernail. As the stained-glass portrait was assembled, that little piece remained on the floor. Only the big colorful pieces of glass were used. On the day of the window’s completion, the tiny piece of clear glass was still lying on the ground. The entire city gathered to witness the unveiling of the brilliant and beautiful stained-glass portrait. The artist stood in front of the crowd, made his speech, and dramatically pulled down the cloth cover. The crowd gasped at the beauty of the colorful window glowing in the sunlight. After a few seconds, however, the crowd grew silent. They sensed that something was missing, that the portrait was unfinished. The great artist then walked over to where the little clear piece of glass lay, picked it up, and placed it in the portrait, right in the center of Jesus’ eye. As the sun hit that little piece, it gave off a dazzling sparkle. The magnificent stained glass window still draws visitors. The first thing they see is that sparkle in Jesus’ eye. As small as that piece of glass was, it was very important to the portrait. And no matter how insignificant a Christian may seem; he is important to the body of Christ (I Corinthians 12). The body of Christ is also made up of believers who perform their unspectacular tasks without applause. These people are not the ones preaching the sermon or leading the Sunday School. Instead, they're volunteering to clean, plant flowers, serve in the nursery, or stack chairs after a special event. Their work is obscure as they organize so the church can operate smoothly at worship. They are valuable members of the body of Christ. They work behind the scenes, rather than being seen in the spotlight or getting praise. Prayer, Father in Heaven thank You for saving me and putting me within Your Church, Your Body. May I fulfill the purpose You have called me to do and honor You in faithfully supporting every other believer that makes us Your Church. In Jesus Name, Amen! Thank you for reading PART 1 of Biblical Building Block #9 of this series. Please visit this website tomorrow for PART 2 of Biblical Building Block #9 of this series. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: 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. 1. Obedient Children. Colossians 3:20, “Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.” Children must be taught while they’re 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 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 to 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 compared 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 Beware of the Snare (II Timothy 2:25-26)
II Timothy 2:25-26, “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” It is crucial that we do our best to be on guard against temptations and sinful attractions that we may be confronted with day by day. We need to understand that Satan does set traps for us just like a sea lion sets a trap for the sea gull. The sea lion is probably the gawkiest animal in the world. He likes to lounge in the sun all day, and when he does move, he is very lazy and uncoordinated. It has often been questioned how this animal succeeds to secure his favorite food, wild sea fowl. Sea gulls are so wild that it is difficult even for man to get within a gunshot of one. The seal seems to realize that it would be a waste of time to attempt to crawl up on the gulls as they rest upon the water and catch them unawares. So, he watches until the gulls are soaring slowly through the air close to the waves. Then the seal dives into the sea and swims underneath the water for some distance from the point at which he dived and allows merely the tip of his great nose to appear above the water. Remaining in this position, he gives his enormous body a rotary motion so that his nose describes a circle on the surface of the ocean. He does this so skillfully that to the gull his nose looks like a water bug at play. This catches the gull's eye, and it at once darts down with the speed of an arrow, aiming straight for the little dot. The seal sees it coming and sinks a few inches, and as the gull strikes the water with tremendous force, the seal's jaws close upward, and the gull disappears. The opposers have been influenced by Satan to believe false doctrine and to do his will in opposing the teachers of truth. These men who oppose the truth and the teachers of truth are really in opposition to themselves. Our purpose is not to set people straight, get in the last word, or win an argument. Our goal is to teach others the words and ways of God. Ministers are to help people by instructing them in meekness to come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil. This is only possible if God gives them repentance that they may be freed from Satan’s captivity. The minister must be gentle when people oppose him, that he does not react in aggression, but that he reaches out in gentleness. When he has to correct people and point out their weaknesses, he is not mean but gentle. This is possible if the minister walks with the Lord each day. 1. Christian Every day Satan baits our path (I Peter 5:8), not revealing what is at its end. Be careful what you are doing, where you are going, and the company you keep. By the grace of God, let the Lord win the battle over your will. The devil is most afraid of a person God can use. He knows the power of one life that can be used by God. Therefore, he sets his snare, which can be envy, sensual pleasure, pride, etc. He knows our weaknesses and sets his snare accordingly. 2. Church Within the church, this is a believer whose emotions the devil has manipulated until the person becomes the source of strife, discord, and subversion in the church, all the while thinking that he is doing the will of God. This is a deceived believer, captured by the enemy and now working for the devil to disrupt the local church! Anyone who is in opposition to God’s work, whether they know it or not, are ensnared in a demonic deception, and are doing the devil’s work. We minister to them in gentleness, in the hope they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. The word recover means "to regain one's senses or to be sober again." A person who is snared by the Devil is described as being mentally drunk. His thinking is impaired. He is taken captive of the Devil by will. Those, in this text, who oppose the Lord and are a problem in the church are that way because of Satan who has ensnared them and taken them captive. A meek approach is the only approach that can free a person from the snare of the devil. People who are controversial and argumentative, critical and gossiping may not like to think that they are ensnared by the devil, but Scripture clearly says they are. 3. Classroom We are in a great battle for the minds of young people today. For the most part, in classrooms, rather than being taught, students are being indoctrinated. The battle is not going to be won in boardrooms or with ballots, but with the Bible. The solution is, and has always been, the Lord. 4. Community If we are to be people God can use, we must gently instruct those who oppose us, praying God will acknowledge the truth. Our goal should never be to embarrass or prove someone wrong, but to be used of God to gently bring people to repentance. This means we treat them respectfully and do not argue or talk down to them. Instead of antagonizing them, we should lovingly and humbly lead them to the truth of God's Word. a. The Christian life calls for Prudence. We must never underestimate the power of the world to corrupt us. Even though we must live in the world, we must be careful not to let the world live in us. Evil communications corrupt good manners. b. The Christian life calls for Passion. We must never allow our passion for God to cause us to be calloused toward those who don't share the passion. c. The Christian life calls for Proclamation. Paul instructs Timothy that, if the people are to be taught, he is to teach them. If the Gospel is to be preached, he will have to preach it. We are not to quarantine ourselves from the world. Instead, we are to connect the world with the proclamation of God's Word and with the demonstration of God's love. That is still an effective strategy for us today as we live out our lives in a fallen world. PRAYER: Lord, give me the wisdom to walk wisely in the wicked world. Help me to recognize Satan’s strategy that I will not become a victim he uses, but a vessel that will honor You. 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 Merciful God (Matthew 5:7) – PART 2
Matthew 5:7, “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” 1. God’s mercy should compel believers to practice mercy. The Beatitudes give mercy as a continuing attitude and action of the redeemed. Matthew 5:7, “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” In the Beatitudes, Christ is teaching the attitudes that are within those who are truly part of the kingdom of God. With this specific attitude of mercy, Jesus gives a mutual promise. He says mercy will be given to those who have shown mercy. Those who practice mercy in their daily lives: forgiving others, giving to the poor, etc., will always receive mercy from God. But those who do not show mercy, God will show His justice. Matthew 6:15, “But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Certainly, this should be a warning to us. If we withhold mercy, God will withhold mercy from us—He will not forgive us. But even worse than withholding mercy, He will judge us for not being merciful as He is. Matthew 18:33-35, “Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.” Understanding that this is a characteristic of God should cause us to practice the discipline of being merciful. By practicing mercy, we will look more like our Father who is great in mercy, and it also is the doorway to receiving tremendous blessings in our lives. 2. God’s mercy should compel believers to love mercy. Micah 6:8, “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah says we must not only show mercy but love it. It is very possible for our acts of kindness and forgiveness toward others to have the wrong motive, or simply to be done out of obligation. I Peter 4:9, “Use hospitality one to another without grudging.” God not only commands our actions, but he commands our hearts. He commands us to love our neighbors as ourselves and to love Him with all our heart, mind, and soul. God has called for us to love showing mercy because He loves showing mercy. This is a wonderful characteristic of God that we must strive to show every day to those God has placed around us. God’s mercy must also continually drive us to the feet of God in prayer to ask for mercy on us, our communities, our nations, and all those around us. Thank you, Lord, that you are God of mercy. Thank you, Lord, that you don’t keep a record of sins, for who could stand your wrath. Psalm 130:3, “If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?” Questions to Consider: In what ways do we see God’s mercy reflected throughout the Scripture? In what ways is God calling us to demonstrate His mercy to the church and those around us? Points to Ponder: Pray that God would be great in mercy to your nation for its sins (Psalm 51:1). Pray a prayer of confession for specific sins and ask for God to bring revival. PRAYER: Lord, thank You for having mercy towards me. By all rights, I should be eternally separated from Your holiness and kindness. Cultivate within me, a heart that displays mercy and forgiveness. 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 Merciful God (Proverbs 28:13) – PART 1
Proverbs 28:13, "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." The Bible teaches us that God is a God of mercy. Mercy by definition means “compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power.” This has the idea of God’s goodness toward those in misery and distress. Throughout the Bible, we see that the character of God is merciful. He delights in forgiving people and being merciful to those who don’t deserve it. How should God being merciful affect us? 1. God’s mercy should compel believers to seek God’s forgiveness for their sins. I John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” This verse is abounding with mercy. Confession of sins implies acknowledgment and repentance. As we therefore come to God and acknowledge our sin with a repentant spirit, He is faithful and just (righteous) to forgive our sins. John is touching upon day-to-day forgiveness which interrupts our fellowship with God. It is seeking to restore strained fellowship. Furthermore, this confession grants cleansing from all unrighteousness. There is no sin too great which God will not forgive. He desires to give mercy to sinners. Many saints walk around with condemnation about something they did or did not do in the past. This is because they don’t truly have an understanding of God’s great mercy. For that reason, they instead listen to and accept the condemnation of their flesh and the devil. Some have stopped going to church, some have stopped praying and reading their Bibles. They feel too guilty. Jesus took the penalty for our failures and our sins so that we could receive mercy. If we truly have a revelation of what Christ has done for us, we will run to the throne room of God constantly to receive grace and mercy in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16). 2. God’s mercy should compel believers to pray for mercy over others. If we understand God’s mercy, it should cause us to seek and plead with Him for mercy over others. At the cross, Jesus prayed, “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do...” (Luke 23:34). He asked for mercy towards His persecutors. The Lord’s Prayer says, “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” as it ushers us to seek forgiveness for, not only our sins, but others (Matthew 6:12). Do you ever ask for mercy over the sins of others? This is the same thing we saw the prophet Amos do for the nation of Israel (Amos 7:1-6). It is the same thing Moses did as he constantly asked God to forgive the nation of Israel for their sins (Exodus 32:9-14). It is the same thing Stephen did as he asked for forgiveness over those stoning him (Acts 7:60). It is the same thing that Christ prayed for on the cross. “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). It is the same thing we must constantly do for those around us. God has called us to make intercession for people who are far away from God (I Peter 2:9; I Timothy 2:1-4). Prayer: Lord, in spite of the fact that I don’t deserve Your lovingkindness or tender mercy, thank You for forgiving me of my sins and saving my soul. Help me to utilize these truths for the purpose of ministering to others. Please show me how I can actively and passionately engage in the ministry opportunities You have sovereignly placed around me. Give me eyes to recognize these opportunities, a heart dependent on You, and a desire to come alongside people in my life to help them to grow into a deeper relationship with 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 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: The two verses. 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) Note 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 rises up 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 Storms of Life Series – Part 4
The Panic of the Sailors (Mark 4:38) Mark 4:38, “And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?” Several of the disciples were veteran boatsmen who had fished this lake for years. They had grown up on its banks, its shore had been their boyhood playground, and they knew its every curve and current. These men were skillful with oars and sails. Perhaps they thought that this was their jurisdiction, that Jesus could rest for a while and leave the sailing to them. Too often we do this. We feel as if we can handle life’s storms on our own. When this storm came, it came suddenly and hit them severely. Although some of the disciples were experienced fishermen they were prepared for this storm. This is one storm that brought the disciples fear to the point of panic. Next, we see that they had no hesitation. They woke him up. “Carest thou not that we perish?” they asked. Isn‘t it strange we wait until were in danger to talk to Him; to share our concerns with Him. But at least they knew where to turn. “Master, Master, don’t you care that we perish?” In I Peter 5:7, Peter encourages us to put all of our trust in Him for He cares for us. It has been said that this is the most ridiculous question in the Bible. Imagine, the disciples questioning if Jesus cared for them. Have you ever said that to Jesus? “Lord, don’t you care? Aren’t you concerned? Don’t you know?” Perhaps you can identify with the disciples. They believed they were all going under and, of all things, Jesus was asleep. “Don’t just lie there, Jesus. Do something.” Mark 4:40. “And He said unto them, Why are ye so fearful?” Had He not said, “Let’s pass over to the other side”? Faith is taking Jesus at His Word. It’s not enough just to read your Bible; you must claim the promises of the Word of God and make them your own. You don’t have to be afraid when Jesus is on board. There is One who has power to calm the storms that come up in your life. Don’t you think for a second that a storm is a problem for the Lord Jesus Christ? We are in a daily routine but when it seems things are about to get out of control then we call upon the Lord for deliverance. The Lord asked His disciples why they had no faith in Him. D. L. Moody once met a man who told him that he could not trust. Mr. Moody was very blunt with him. He said, “Young man, whom can’t you trust?” It is an insult to tell someone we cannot trust him. How much more serious it is to say that we cannot trust God. Why could you not trust Me—Me?’ He asks the same question of us all. “And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:41). They then transferred their fear from the storm to the Saviour. If people knew the Almighty power of God, people would fear Him! PRAYER: I thank You that You are the God of the impossible. You can do anything. I have nothing to fear with You on my side. I want to trust in Your ability and not my own. Teach me to see difficulties in my life from Your perspective. Help me to focus on You and Your power. Help me to be strong and courageous even in the difficult times. I choose to have faith in Your ability to break through every obstacle in my life. In Jesus name, AMEN! If this post has blessed you in any way, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com |
AuthorDr. Blackman is passionate about helping others grow in the grace of the Lord. His devotions are centered on how to grow closer to the Lord through a personal relationship with Christ. Archives
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