Lessons on Longsuffering – Part 3
Wait on the LORD (Psalm 62:5) Psalm 62:5, My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. I’m not sure who needs this post right now–but I trust somebody needs to read it. One of the most important traits of the Christian life is patience. Over 150 times some form of the word “wait” appears in the Bible. Waiting on God results in us being strengthened (Isaiah 40:31). Genuine faith fully waits upon God. We say we’re trusting in God alone, but then we quickly structure how to deliver ourselves rather than waiting on Him! It’s not that it’s wrong to think about how to get out of a difficult trial, or to use methods to do so. In fact, more often than not we should use plans and methods in dependence on Him. But it’s wrong to give God a token nod of trust and then set Him aside while really, we trust in our schemes and methods. One of the hardest things we’ll ever do is to wait on God! Many times in life GOD tells us to wait, yet we trust our own judgment and do our own will. Choosing your personal will over God’s will always result in reaping consequences. Delays do not mean God will fail to come through. Be willing to patiently wait on God and to trust in Him even when you do not understand what He is doing. Waiting on the Lord prepares us for what God has for us in the future. Pearl Wait wore several hats. He was a construction worker who dabbled in patent medicines and sold his ailment remedies door-to-door. In 1897, in the midst of his tinkering, he hit on the idea of mixing fruit flavoring with granulated gelatin. His wife named it Jell-O, thus giving Mr. Wait one more product to peddle. Unfortunately, sales weren’t as strong as he hoped, so just two years later in 1899, Pearl Wait sold his Jell-O rights for $450.00 to Orator Woodward. Mr. Woodward knew the value of marketing. So, within just eight brief years in 1907, Mr. Woodward turned a $450.00 investment into a $1,000,000.00 business. Today, not a single relative of Pearl Waite receives royalties from the 1.1 million boxes of Jell-O that are sold each and every day. Why? Because Mr. Waite just couldn’t wait. Learn to wait on God, trust His timing. Waiting, trusting the Lord, and living by faith will yield blessing. Impatience will rob you of them. Jell-O turned 122 this year. While God has given you the green light, take advantage of every opportunity and door that is open. However, if the door is not open yet, don’t use the window, wait on Him. God knows exactly where you are. If you wait on His timing, you will find that He has been preparing you and your surroundings. Prayer: Lord, I know too often I pray for my will rather than Your will to be done. I know that You have the results already worked out. Teach me to learn to wait on You. Please Share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com
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Lessons of Longsuffering – Part 2
The Blessings of Pressing On! (James 1:2-4) James 1:2-4, My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. His father was a shopkeeper in Nantucket, but Rowland left home at the age of 15 to sail the Atlantic with whale hunters. Returning to Massachusetts four years later, he worked for several years in his father's shop before opening his own needle-and-thread store in Boston in 1844, but it was soon bankrupt. Rowland began selling dry goods in 1846, but this store also failed. He briefly worked in his brother-in-law's Boston shop, then fled to California in the 1849 gold rush. Finding no wealth out west, he returned to Massachusetts and opened a dry goods store in Haverhill, Massachusetts in 1851, in partnership with his brother. This store was a modest success, but in 1858 Rowland left Haverhill and opened a small store of his own in a low-rent neighborhood in New York City. In New York, Rowland found major success. His store became known for its then-innovative policy of clearly marking prices, and advertising those prices in newspaper ads. Rowland H. Macy started Macy’s Department Store. The red star in the Macy's logo was Mr. Macy's idea, inspired by a red-star tattoo on his forearm from his whaling days. By the time of his death in 1877, Macy's store had grown to a tangle of eleven connected buildings on New York's 13th and 14th Streets. How do you know when you have suffered long enough? Let the suffering have its work in you. Be patient and let the suffering that you’re going through work in you what God is trying to mature in your life. There are reasons why God allows sufferings in your life. Let God put in what He is trying to put in and let Him take out what He is trying to take out. Wait until the Lord’s done. We want the suffering to stop when we say we’re done. We must wait until the Lord is done. Galatians 6:9, And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. This verse helps many who are suffering to persevere because of the benefits of its promise. I want to see the end and what God has for me in the end. I want to be faithful and not quit. Press on when you feel like giving up. Nothing is more essential to success in the Christian life than to persevere, to press on. Faith gets you started; joyful steadfastness keeps you going. God is even more interested in growing your perseverance than you are! Almost everything He allows in your life has the purpose of developing your perseverance. That is why, James 1:3 teaches that your faith is tested. Not so your faith will fail, but to produce in you an achieving steadfastness that results in joy. PRAYER: Lord, I know that when this trial is over I’ll be a better person because of it. Forgive me for being unsettled. I know You are refining my character and through this I’ll be a better Christian for it, fit for Your use. In Jesus name I pray, AMEN. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Lessons on Longsuffering – Part 1
Finding Joy in Suffering (Romans 5:3-5) Romans 5:3-5, And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. ABC's of Trials Although things are not perfect Because of trial or pain, Continue in thanksgiving Do not begin to blame. Even when the times are hard, Fierce winds are bound to blow; God is forever able-- Hold on to what you know Imagine life without His love; Joy would cease to be. Keep thanking Him for all the things Love imparts to thee. Move out of "Camp Complaining"-- No weapon that is known On earth can yield the power Praise can do alone. Quit looking at the future, Redeem the time at hand. Start every day with worship; To "thank" is a command. Until we see Him coming, Victorious in the sky, We'll run the race with gratitude, Exalting God most high. Yes, there'll be good times; and, yes, some will be bad, but... Zion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!—Unknown We are given insight as to the work of troubles and trials. Most people groan in tribulation, but the perspective that comes from salvation changes one's view of life's experiences to the extent that trials bring rejoicing more than complaining. The idea is because we are now at peace with God, having access to His grace and having standing before Him, we also glory in tribulations. Because of the riches of His grace in saving us, we not only can endure troubles, we can rejoice in them because of our standing in Christ. The Bible teaches that God wants to work a character quality in your heart known as patience. Patience has the sense of ‘endurance’ or ‘perseverance.’ Trouble and persecution, especially for Christ’s sake, produce the added benefit of determination to continue. What are some reactions when troubles come? How do you respond? One of the greatest marks of your faith and your confidence in the Almighty is your endurance, your perseverance when trouble comes. This is a guarantee that not only are we saved now, but we will still be saved when we stand before God. As a believer I can have full assurance of salvation. What a promise! The love of God changes everything! God's love was shed abroad in our hearts at the time of our salvation. Our hope is backed up by the love of God. This is where it all started (John 3:16). If it were not for the sacrificial love of God there would be no hope of salvation. God’s love is an amazing love that is never depleted! Our hope is a sure thing because it is grounded upon the love of God. Are you experiencing a major setback in your life? Has a health problem sidelined you? Is some obstacle keeping you from reaching your fullest potential? Don’t give up. God can use your hardships to accomplish in you what no one else could ever do. His plan has not been hindered by your limitations — rather, if you trust Him, it may be heightened by them. With His help you can thrive. PRAYER: Lord, thank You for my salvation, and the hope that I have in Christ. Give me a teachable spirit and a willingness to rejoice in the Lord, no matter what difficulties I have to face. May my life be a testimony to Your goodness and grace, in Jesus name I pray, AMEN. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Wisdom in the Workplace (Proverbs 2:1-15)
At the beginning of his reign, King Solomon prayed for one superior gift from God. Not wealth, not long life, but something far more valuable, he asked for "an understanding heart". He asked for wisdom. A heart that would listen and be teachable. Repeatedly, I have seen the constructive outcomes of those who have pursued wisdom. This has come by those who do not have charismatic personalities, high qualifications, or are exceptionally talented. These wise people have achieved responsibility and respect for one reason; they have handled themselves wisely in their accomplishments over a long time. In their work and in their relationships, they have applied wisdom and are still receiving honor and reward. On the other hand, those who have foolishly neglected these principles eventually fell by the wayside. Wisdom works from the inside out. It must be in our heart before it can be in our actions. Doing right on the outside is important, but if things are not right on the inside, it will be revealed in time. We do not receive a lifetime supply of wisdom all at once. We must continually seek it through the pages of God’s Word and from godly counselors. The direction of our lives will be shaped by our heart attitude toward wisdom. Their Wisdom (Proverbs 2:10). It is one thing to have wisdom, it is another to delight in it. One must have wisdom to have safety, but one must also delight in wisdom to have safety. Their Warning (Proverbs 2:11). Discretion is having the right discernment which leads to right decisions. Discretion, which originates from godly wisdom, will guard and protect us from the pitfalls of life. Keep God’s principles in your heart and mind and they will guard and keep you from danger. Their Words (Proverbs 2:12). The words froward or perverse refer to anything that turns against God’s righteousness and His commands. Words are very powerful (James 3:3-5). The wicked seek to draw others onto their path by their seductive speech. If we are not on guard, the Devil will use his deceitful words to lure us away from God and His commands. Their Walk (Proverbs 2:13). The wicked deliberately turn away from the straight path that God longs for them to follow. The way of the wicked is crooked, confusing, and chaotic. This is the very opposite of the straight path of uprightness; the road God has designed for people to travel. Their Will (Proverbs 2:14). The wicked love the way they are and the way they live. They enjoy the wrong they do and take pleasure in their perversity. Their seared consciences have been numbed to the point that God’s commandments matter little to them, so they no longer feel any guilt or shame over their actions (I Timothy 4:2). Their Ways (Proverbs 2:15). The father emphasized the importance of choosing the right way or path. Godly wisdom will protect a wise person from the pitfalls of corrupt people. We need wisdom and, in His Word, God revealed clearly how we can obtain it. Wisdom is not produced by our ingenuity or learning; it is given by the grace of God. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” Wisdom is not reserved for a special class of believers. The promise of wisdom is available to anyone who is willing to ask for it. And God gives it freely without restraint or condemnation because of His nature. Questions to Consider: · What are some decisions you have made which you believe were wise? · What are some ways that you have sought God’s wisdom? · What moved you to act with wisdom in those situations? · What are some ways in which practicing wisdom has delivered you from danger? Points to Ponder: · Pursuing wisdom requires great effort. · Practicing wisdom results in great benefits. · We need to pursue wisdom continually and wholeheartedly. · As we receive the Word of God and develop godly wisdom, we will have the insight to make right decisions in life. Prayer, Lord, thank You for growing me in wisdom and that You offer me more and more as I immerse my mind in Your Word. Forgive me for placing pride in my own insights. Thank You that Your wisdom is an inexhaustible supply. I can never reach the end of knowing You and learning from You. Thank You for wisdom personified in Your Son, Jesus Christ, in whose name I pray, Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Watching for Christ’s Return (Matthew 24:42-44)
Matthew 24:42-44, Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your LORD doth come. 43But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. 44Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. After several days at sea, the captain of a fishing boat was bringing his boat back home. As the boat neared the shore, the men gazed eagerly toward the dock, where a group of their loved ones were waiting. The captain, looking, identified some of the women, saying, "I see Tom’s Angie, Jonathan’s Candace, Caleb’s Grace." One man was very anxious because his wife was not there. He left the boat with a heavy heart and pressed his steps up the hill, where he saw a light in his cottage. As he opened the door, his wife ran to meet him, saying, "I have been waiting for you!" He replied with a proper rebuke, "Yes, but the other men's wives were watching for them." Those who are totally devoted to the Lord look forward to His coming. It could be today. Are you watching for the Lord's return? Watch means to keep awake; to stay alert; to be watchful and sleepless; to be vigilant. It also carries the idea of being motivated, of keeping one's attention or mind upon a thing. Watching also has the idea of being alert at the right time. It is at night that a person really needs to stay awake and watch for the thief (I Thessalonians 5:4-9). I Peter 4:7, But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. Because He could come at any moment, those who are devoted to the Lord want to be ready for His coming. They don't want to be ashamed when He comes. Until that day, they do their best to serve Him with all their hearts, keep themselves pure, and maintain a right relationship with God and others. God does not operate on our timetable, and Jesus will surely return right on schedule. It is important for us not to be lulled into complacency by the fact that Jesus has not yet returned. Jesus pointed out that such false thinking can quickly lead to bad conduct on our part. Each day of our lives should be filled with a conscious awareness that it may be this day that the Lord returns. This is an exciting time to be a Christian. We might not know the day or the hour of Christ’s return, but we do know it’s going to be soon. As Jesus told His disciples, we need to be watching for His return. We ought to make the most of every opportunity to tell others how they can be saved. And we should be living pure and holy lives so we’re not ashamed when Jesus comes. The Bible is literally being fulfilled before our eyes. That makes me more excited than ever about seeing my Saviour. If we keep eternity in perspective, then we won’t worry as much about things we lack here on Earth. We will resist temptation because we want Christ to find us pure and blameless at His return. An eternal perspective will help us give the Lord the preeminence. Are you ready to meet Jesus? He’s coming sooner than you might think. God doesn’t tell us some things for a reason. He wants us to live each and every day as if that could be the day! Today could be the day. But no one will be able to claim, “I knew it!” We’re all going to be surprised. But not all of us are going to be ready! Are you ready if Christ returns today? Questions to Consider: · Are you watching for the Lord's return?
Points to Ponder:
Prayer: LORD, help me to see anything in my life that would keep me from loving Your appearing. And help me to be more purposeful in keeping my relationships right and my attitude fully expectant of Your return. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com One Thing I Have Desired (Psalm 27:4)
Psalm 27:4, One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple. Worship a pure and precise antidote for worry. David understood that praising the Lord and being in His presence was the one thing that could disperse fear. There is safety and security in the Lord’s presence. David did not isolate himself nor did he face his troubles alone. He gathered himself with the fellowship of believers. David didn’t enter the Lord’s house to watch but to worship. He was personally involved. We must not allow the struggles of life to seize our time spent with the Lord. Daily Passion: David’s heart cried out for the Lord." Where could he find eternal security? Where could the desires of his soul be fully satisfied? When his eyes turned toward the sanctuary, he cried, " One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple. David is not just praying for deliverance from his present condition, but he also wanted to get a grip on the Lord in his relationship with Him. David wanted to live in uninterrupted enjoyment of the Lord’s presence throughout life. Most often our prayers are centered around asking the Lord for His hand on our behalf rather than seeking His face to behold His glory and holiness. Devout Passion: Prayer means to ask. We pray because God is faithful. We thank God because He is good. We praise God because He is great. David was very clear about what mattered most to him and what he desired. Above all else, with all his heart, David’s desire was to be in God’s presence. The man after God’s own heart desired but “one thing” and sought but “one thing” from the Lord that I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever Psalm 23:6b,. David loved the sweet communion on earth and longed for the perfect communion in Heaven with the Lord. “To behold the beauty of the Lord” by faith here, and face to face for eternity. This long period of David's weakness and vulnerability was serving a good purpose. God was using David’s circumstances to strengthen his faith. Having no other to protect him, he was cast totally on God. He longed after God Himself, both in this time of trouble and forever. His troubles and fear drove him to a deeper experience with the Lord. Determined Passion: He had a burning desire to be faithful to the house of God throughout his entire life. His determination was not to be an occasional or casual attendee. David vowed to dwell in the house of the Lord. This speaks of is durability and dependability. As far as he was concerned, God’s house was his home. There he would seek the Lord’s face and focus upon His blessedness. He desired the Lord’s presence in his life, and it is the supreme focus of his prayer. God calls all of us to this same purpose. David wanted to live in the Lord’s presence to enquire or seek Him. His foremost priority was to know God. This is the desire of the true worshipper: not to receive something from God but to know God. Scripture reveals that God’s beauty is in His holiness (I Corinthians 16:29; II Chronicles 20:21; Psalm 96:9). Every object and piece of furniture in the tabernacle testified to the Lord’s holiness. True worship is to bask in the presence of God, adoring His perfect holiness. Psalm 92:13, Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. If we are going to dwell in the house of the Lord forever then, it goes without saying that we should want to dwell there all the days of our life. If we have no love for the meeting place of God's people, no passion to be there, then there's something radically wrong with our belief. Fewer people today view His Word as a thing of beauty and a thing of great value. Many are not interested in spiritual things. They are more interested in dwelling in sports' stadiums, shopping malls, and social media rather than in church sanctuaries. As with anything in life, we will only spend time in fellowship with the Lord if we are willing to make time for Him and make Him a priority. May we be determined to live in unceasing fellowship with the Father. Points to Ponder: Daily seek unbroken, enjoyable fellowship with God Every believer needs a time and a place to commune with the Lord. Questions to Consider: Where does your security lie? What is your satisfaction in? PRAYER: Father in Heaven, my desire, is to seek Your face, to know You, and to dwell in Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com A Loyal Friend (I Samuel 18:1-4)
I Samuel 18:1-4, And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father's house. Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle. Jonathan was a faithful, mighty warrior, and one of the bravest men who had ever lived. Jonathan’s victorious strategy at the battle of Michmash was successfully used in World War I at the same exact location 3,000 years later. Which has been considered the most successful military tactics ever used in battle. One-night, Major Vivian Gilbert of the British army was contemplating the situation against the Ottoman forces. He remembered a town by the name of Michmash written somewhere in the Bible. He found the verses, and discovered that there was supposedly a secret path around the town. Incredibly, he managed to find that secret path, and with the British forces using this path to outmaneuver the Ottomans, the British took the town British troops, under the command of General Edmund Allenby, captured the city of Jerusalem on December 9th, 1917. Jonathan and David were great friends, likened to brothers. The Scriptures suggests they could not have been closer had they been actual brothers, in spite of the fact that David had been chosen by God to take Jonathan’s place as the next king of Israel. It was David who killed Goliath and defended the people; this was enough to earn Jonathan’s respect and trust. Yet rather than being resentful, Jonathan poured his heart into his friend, making his life better. Decide to be the kind of friend who makes the lives of others better rather than seeking the best for yourself. Jonathan came to David and put all that he had at his feet (I Samuel 18:4). He began with his robe. Jonathan's robe suggested his position, for it was the robe of a king's son, the robe of a crown prince of Israel. Jonathan also gave his garments to David. His garments spoke of his possessions, the things which most personally belonged to him. Jonathan gave David his sword. His sword spoke of his protection, his right of self-defense. Jonathan put his bow at David's feet. Jonathan's bow suggested his prowess; it represented a skill he had. Finally, Jonathan put his girdle at David's feet. His girdle suggested his plans. This was not something King Saul received well. Saul wanted David out of the picture, regardless of what God had already decided. This resulted in David becoming a hunted man. He was the number one wanted man on Saul’s hitlist. Taking his father’s side would have been easy to do, but Jonathan was “born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17). David and Jonathan are the epitome of what true friendship should be. No family ties, loyalties, or blood kinship could surpass the loyalty of these true friends. The souls of Jonathan and David were knit to the death. And no fault, failure, flaw, or foulness of David could waiver Jonathan's loyalty to him or make him love him less. If a friend is anything, it is someone who knows everything about you and loves you nonetheless. Jonathan, along with his two brothers and father, was killed in a battle with the Philistines (I Samuel 31:2-6). Upon hearing this, David was brokenhearted. He lamented the death of his dear friend, especially referring to his courage, saying he was swifter than an eagle and stronger than a lion (II Samuel 1:17-26). David could not hide his love for Jonathan and God cannot hide His love for you. He loved you so much that He sent His only begotten Son to die on a cross, that He might spend eternity with you. Points to Ponder: · If you have a friend, cherish that friendship. · Be a true friend to someone else today. · A true friendship is a great treasure and exceedingly rare. PRAYER: Father in Heaven, help me to be as true and loyal as Jonathan was to David. In Jesus name, Amen! If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com The Great Encourager (II Corinthians 1:2-5)
II Corinthians 1:2-5, Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the LORD Jesus Christ. Blessed be God, even the Father of our LORD Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. Because we are human, we all get discouraged at times. Encouragement is something we all need. Thank God it is something He has promised to every one of us. I want you to know the sweet encouragement that only our Saviour can bring. The Father Encourages Us. God is a Father to the fatherless. He knows, understands, sees, cares, loves, and is present with His children. Hebrews perfectly expresses the way in which He gives encouragement through His Word (Hebrews 12:5). The Scriptures are the means the Father uses to speak directly to us as His children. Our encouragement of sufferers, therefore, will simply be the means of bringing to them the encouraging Word of the Father as we read with them. The Son Encourages Us. Jesus understands. He has experienced the loneliness, the sense of degradation, the pain, the fears of suffering. That is not simply a thing of the past for Him. Hebrews 4:15-16, For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. The One who cried out on the Cross, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46) understands the depths of discouragement. The Holy Spirit Encourages Us. He is the One called to our side to give us strength. When your sense of your value to God is destitute, the Spirit bears witness with your spirit that you are a child of God. When you're discouraged do not cry, "O God!" rather cry, "Abba! Father!" In this way, in the midst of our suffering, we realize we are children. If we are children, we are heirs. If we are heirs, then glory awaits us (Romans 8:15-17). This is real encouragement! We should rejoice in our salvation, in the hope of God's glory, and—yes, even in our sufferings, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (Romans 5:1-5). As children of God, we should encourage and comfort one another. I Thessalonians 5:11, Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. The Scriptures urge us to encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone (I Thessalonians 5:14). PRAYER: Father, I lift up those You have personally allowed me to encounter. Those who are suffering for Your cause, those who are struggling a besetting sin, and strengthen those who are utilizing all their efforts to make an impact for you. 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 Perils of Walking on the Wrong Path (Proverbs 4:14-15)
Proverbs 4:14-15, Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. The Portia spider is a master predator whose chief weapon is deception. To begin with, the spider looks like a piece of dried leaf or foliage blown into the web. When it attacks other species of spiders, it uses a variety of methods to lure the host spider into striking range. Sometimes it crawls onto the web and taps the silken threads in a manner that mimics the vibrations of a mosquito caught in the web. The host spider marches up for dinner and instead becomes a meal itself. The Portia spider can actually tailor its deception for its prey. With a type of spider that maintains its home inside a rolled-up leaf, the Portia dances on the outside of the leaf, imitating a mating ritual. The Portia can find a signal for just about any spider by trial and error. It makes different signals until the victim spider finally responds appropriately—then keeps making the signal that works. Like the Portia spider, Satan's weapon of choice is deception. The false belief that people make many times when they get involved in a sinful lifestyle is that they will have fun and be satisfied in that kind of life. They come to those assumptions because they have been deceived either by Satanic influences in their own lives or by their own reasoning and envy. It is crucial that you understand that Satan is a great deceiver and an expert at counterfeiting. He never offers you real love, joy, peace, or satisfaction. What he offers is false and artificial. It is not real at all. He camouflages his destructive path in such a way that you don't begin to see the consequences of your sinfulness until the damage has been done in your life. He never wants you to see the end of the road and the destruction, distress, depression, and even death that lie there. God warns us to stay as far away from the path of the wicked as we can. In spite of God's warnings, many feel they are exempt from God’s cautions and warnings. They feel that regardless of what the Bible teaches, they can get away with living however they choose. They ignore the warnings of Scripture and the warnings of the suffering of sinners as they reap the consequences of a wicked life. The Bible is filled with warning signs from God that caution us against taking paths that will lead to trouble. Yet, often we see them and continue on our way, not stopping to realize that those signs are there for a reason and that, if we keep going despite their warning, there will be consequences. Flirting with worldly pleasure will eventually result in getting into bed with worldly pleasure. Some people justify their behavior, choosing to believe that the Biblical warnings were given for another age and time and do not apply to us today. In their pride they believe they will not be hurt as others. They can handle their lifestyle and don't need anyone telling them what to do. In their rebellion, God may allow His children to have their own way at first. In mercy, He gives His children time to repent. Those who persist in their stubborn sinfulness eventually find out that having their own way is also a form of chastisement. A wise person heeds and follows the warning signs and avoids much agony and sorrow. There is a dangerous, and potentially deadly, tendency to think that we have things pretty well figured out and don’t need wisdom or counsel from others. The Bible emphasizes the importance of observing and obeying wise counsel and the benefits from the safety of godly counselors. The Bible instructs us in Proverbs 11:14, Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. Regardless of how long we have been saved, we still need to heed to wise counsel. May we humble ourselves enough to receive and follow godly counsel, and be protected as a result. PRAYER: Father in Heaven, help me to be wise in the choices and decisions I make for I know they come with consequences. I’m aware that far greater people than myself have succumbed to immorality simply because they have entertained evil for a moment. May I desire to pursue only those things that would honor You and bless and benefits others and myself. 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 This morning’s devotion is an excerpt from a Bible Study. You can view this current study in its entirety by visiting Bible Study link below.
https://www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com/bible-study.html Lord’s Goodness and Mercy (Nahum 1:7) Nahum 1:7, The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. President Calvin Coolidge was awakened one morning in his hotel room to find a burglar going through his pockets. Coolidge spoke up, asking the burglar not to take his watch chain because it contained an engraved charm very precious to him. Coolidge then engaged the thief in quiet conversation and learned he was a college student who had no money to pay his hotel bill or buy a ticket back to campus. Coolidge counted $32 out of his wallet declared it to be a loan, he also advised the young man to leave the way he had come to avoid the Secret Service! Although this young man never earned nor deserved mercy Coolidge showed this young man mercy rather justice. Surprisingly, the loan was paid back. True Biblical mercy never tolerates sin for one moment, but it shows compassion to the sinner. Mercy helps people overcome sin; it never comforts them in their sin. God declares and demonstrates His goodness to His children. Nahum described the mercy and goodness of God. He is good! He is a refuge for help in the day of trouble. Furthermore, God knows those who trust in Him. He knows His own. The Lord knoweth them that are his (II Timothy 2:19). He has promised to bless those who trust in Him (Psalms 2:12; 34:78; 40:4; 84:12). Those promises remain to this day. The mercy of the Lord is great, and I am grateful for its abundance. It is something that we do not deserve, but we are very grateful for. Without the mercy of God, we would be without, and our life would have no meaning. It is very humbling to think of the great compassion and mercy God shows to His fallen creation. Only the heart of a divine Saviour can love us at the level we receive. i.The Lord’s Patience: No one is more patient with us than God is (Romans 15:5). If God can be patient with imperfect man, then surely we can be patient with one another. ii.The Lord’s Purpose: God has a plan for every life. With God it is not one mistake and you’re out. Due to mankind’s rules, a lack of forgiveness, and ignorance of the Scriptures have hindered many Christians from being used of God after they have stumbled (I Timothy 1:16). While speeding one late night, the driver saw the flashing lights of a state trooper in his rearview mirror. As the driver pulled over and as he rolled down the window, he tried to come up with an excuse for being in such a hurry. But as the trooper approached the car, he said nothing. Instead, he shined his flashlight in the driver’s face, then on his exhausted pregnant wife, then on his snoozing 18-month-old in his car seat, then on his three other children, who were also asleep, and lastly on the two dogs in the very back of the car. Returning the beam of light to his face, the trooper spoke and said, "Son, you can't afford a ticket. Slow it down." He returned to his car and drove away. Sometimes mercy triumphs over law. So it is for sinners who call out to Jesus. Prayer: Father in Heaven, use me as a sanctified vessel to pour out mercy and love without measure on other people. Father, we live in a world where there are so many hurting people. Help me to stretch out a willing arm of comfort, when I see other people hurting or in pain. May Your Holy Spirit empower me to bless and help all those whom I come in contact. In Jesus name, Amen! If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com |
AuthorDr. Blackman is passionate about helping others grow in the grace of the Lord. His devotions are centered on how to grow closer to the Lord through a personal relationship with Christ. Archives
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