Compassion of Christ… Seeing People Through the Eyes of Christ (Matthew 9:36)
Matthew 9:36, But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Before Jesus saw the needs of people about Him, He first went. That principle remains true to this day. We rarely will become burdened for people and their spiritual needs until we go to them. In so doing, He saw their true spiritual condition. The troubles were threefold. 1. They lacked strength. "Fainted." The people would faint when temptation and trials came upon them. 2. They lacked sanctity. "Scattered." This word speaks of sheep going astray (Isaiah 53:6), of leaving the right path and going on evil paths, and it also speaks of the harm that comes from straying. Unholy conduct hurts the sinner. 3. They lacked shepherds. "As sheep having no shepherd." This was a severe indictment upon the religious leaders of the day. These leaders prided themselves as the spiritual guides and shepherds of the people. But Christ said they were not shepherds at all. They, in fact, were leading the people astray. They were weary and dying spiritually. Jesus saw the multitudes about Him as a flock of sheep without a shepherd. Jesus no doubt was quite aware of the sinfulness and hardness of those about him, yet He focused on the fact that they were as sheep without a shepherd. The compassion and kindness of Christ was always evident in His ministry. It flowed from the center of Hs heart and manifested in His teachings. It was evident in both His words and deeds. The love, mercy and grace of God were personified in Him. People enjoyed listening to Him teach and would walk miles to hear Him. The brief record, three years of His teachings, reveals a depth of His wisdom. During Jesus’ ministry on earth, He faced fatigue from long days in ministry, criticism for well-doing, temptation while physically exhausted, sorrow after the death of a friend, and betrayal by a man who spent three years as His disciple. He knew every kind of tragedy and pain we would endure, and He had the compassion to bear our penalty for sin. When we see a lost world around us, our hearts should not be indifferent to their fate. May we never be content to go to Heaven alone. May we never get to the point of viewing the lost as a frustration, but rather as people in need of the Good News. This is why we need God’s heart. We need the Holy Spirit to work in us so that when we see the multitudes, we will be moved. How can we gain a Christ-like compassion? Let’s take a walk in someone else’s shoes. If life has disappointed you, or if you have failed and are filled with despair, with no idea where to turn for inspiration and strength, remember the compassion of Jesus. In the power of His love He encourages you to persevere and to rebuild your life. PRAYER: LORD, I desire so much to be compassionate. Use me as a vessel of compassion for a world in need. I want to be aware of those in need. Please let me see those around me that are in need of hope. Compel me to listen to them, to hear their needs. Let me be what others need, Lord. In Jesus name Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com
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Overcoming an Overwhelming Fear (Psalm 56:3)
We can all relate to experiencing fear in one form or another. It’s a natural emotion just like grief or anger. You don’t ever coach yourself, “I think I need to feel afraid.” You don’t have to plan it—fear just happens. We have nothing to fear—and yet we do fear. We need an answer for our worries. What do you fear as you’re going through a storm? It may not be the storm itself, but what’s coming afterward. Or someone who's just been diagnosed with a chronic illness—it’s not the news today, it’s tomorrow and next week. It’s the worry of, “What will happen to me? Will I be okay?” The unknown results and outcomes may drive your fears. But there is an alternative. In the midst of the storm you do not have to fear the future. God is with you. Nothing comes into your life but what Almighty God allows. Nothing comes into your life that God doesn’t already know about. And since He is with you, you don’t have to fear. Too many Christians want the benefit of claiming “God is with me,” but spend too little time talking to the God who is with them. Can fear be avoided entirely? Probably not. But Scripture gives us an alternative plan that prepares for, and responds to, fear. Psalm 56:3, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” God's Word gives us hope when we find ourselves overtaken by fear. Instead of wallowing in it we can put our trust in Him. We can deliberately turn away from fear and toward the Lord. This affirmation is also found in Isaiah 12:2, “…I will trust, and not be afraid...” Points to Ponder:
Questions to Consider:
Prayer, Father, You are with me so I never face my fears alone. And You are for me so who can stand against me? You gave Your own Son for me and You will graciously give me all I need. When I fear, help me to cling to Your promise that You will never leave me nor forsake me. Help me to speak and live fearlessly because You are with me. I am never alone. You are with me. I commit this truth to my heart right now. May this simple, profound truth sustain me today. 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 107:1-2)
Psalm 107:1-2, 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, things 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 circumstances, 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. That thankfulness comes from the 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, hit the lotto, 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 A Good Name (Proverbs 22:1)
Proverbs 22:1 - A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. The Bible mentions two gems of wisdom. A good name and loving favour. A good name (reputation) is better than winning the lottery. It is far better to have a good name than riches. Loving favour refers to having acceptance. The thought parallels the first. It is better to be acceptable to others than to have large sums of money. One’s reputation and being well thought of is better than wealth. There is no other possession one can have that means more or worth more than one’s integrity. It’s been said, "If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters." The man of integrity does what he does because he is what he is. He is the same in public or in private, during times of relative ease or of great pressure. In 1844, Henry Heinz was born to German immigrants in Pittsburg, PA. As a teenager, he helped support his family by growing vegetables in the family garden. Following his college graduation, he married and began selling horse radish. A major financial collapse in 1875 forced his business into bankruptcy. Notwithstanding the legal freedom bankruptcy gave him, Heinz viewed each of the company’s outstanding debts as a moral obligation and personally paid back every penny. Throughout his life Heinz conducted his business and personal dealings with the same integrity that led him to pay back hundreds of thousands of dollars he technically did not have to pay back. Heinz went on to found the H.J. Heinz Company with its 57 varieties and became a leading American businessman. A devout Christian, he was known for the generous treatment of his employees and his generosity to Christian causes. He began his will with these words: “I desire to set forth at the very beginning of this will as the most important item in it a confession of my faith in Jesus Christ as my Saviour.” The importance of maintaining integrity is beyond any financial price. When people are tempted to cut corners, they often do so without realizing the lasting impact that it will have. Each time we do what is required to uphold and protect our testimony we are making a lasting investment in building a good name. There is no more important or permanent inheritance we can leave behind than the legacy of a good name. PRAYER: Lord, help me to have a clean heart and clean hands that my walk in this life will be in absolute integrity. 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 Good Thing (Proverbs 18:22)
Proverbs 18:22, Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord. Marriage is a gift from God and a virtuous wife is a wonderful blessing from God. A wonderful wife is a treasure that is far above rubies, gold, or silver, especially when that wife has a love for God, a love for her husband, and puts up with him. Boy, does Joy put up with me! Here is one of the tender love letters of our time, a husband to his wife, written from Los Angeles on August 11, 1963, two days before the couple's twentieth wedding anniversary: How can I find words to express my appreciation for all you have meant to me. Your love and patience with me in my ups and downs... have meant more to me than you will ever know. Your counsel, advice, encouragement and prayer have been my mainstay--and at times I have almost clung to you in my weakness, in hours of obsession, problems and difficulties. "Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour from the Lord." One reason that in spite of my own lack of spirituality, discipline and consecration I have found favor of the Lord is because of you. I found a good wife and as a result, have found favor with God....It seems that in the recent months my capacity to love you has been increased--I did not think that age would bring greater and deeper love—but it has and is. I love the wife of my youth more every day! When we are apart, I miss you so much more than I used to. A week seems like a month. Yes, I am thankful to God for you. What a wonderful helpmeet He provided--certainly our marriage was planned in Heaven. I am thankful for the five precious children you bore me--each one a bundle of joy. And what a wonderful mother you have been to them! No child ever had a greater mother than our children. You may compare yourself to Susanna Wesley and think you are a failure--but she did not rear her family in a modern, secular society. For our generation you are near perfection. The letter was addressed to Ruth Bell Graham from her husband, Billy. God's blessings, favor, and approval are upon the man that finds a wife. Proverbs 8:35, For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord. This suggests, after wisdom itself, the best of God's blessings is a good wife. The Lord felt this was so important that he created Eve for Adam from Adam's rib. Couples should continue to date even after they are married. A wise person once said, "If there was more courting in marriage there would be fewer marriages in court." Shortly after getting married, most of us stop doing the things we did to win our mate's love. Too often, the most important person in our lives often gets the leftovers, and that's not fair to either person. In the mornings we are usually rushed, so we get stressed and cranky. When we come home we are often tired and just want to be left alone. Therefore, the courtship stops. Couples must plan times to enjoy each other. We should have a "date night" each week and at least once a year take a special weekend away together. PRAYER: Father in Heaven, You instituted marriage as a holy relationship, between a man and a woman for a lifetime. May our marriage reflect our relationship with You. Help me to set aside selfish pride and may we humbly serve one another in love. In the midst of our busy lives, may we express our love for one another by cherishing the time we spend with one another. 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 said, “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 acknowledges 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 When God Sends A Text (Mark 1:35)
Mark 1:35, And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. There are at least three times when God wrote. Tables of stone - 10 Commandments (Exodus 31:18) Writing on the wall (Daniel 5:5) Jesus wrote on the ground (John 8:2-8) We are living in times when we do a lot of communicating by text messaging:
Today it is undeniable that most people must always have their cell phones with them at all times. We all have become so dependent on modern technology. In short, we have become so devoted to our technology. Technology has its place in our society. In fact, if it were not for technology, you would not be reading this devotion. When I was a teenager (mid 80’s - early 90’s) we could go places and actually enjoy ourselves and others company having a great time while never having to know what was going on someplace else. We have come so far in such a short time. How did we ever make it back in those days? LOL. Often in the Bible we come across the phrase “And the word of the LORD came unto…” We read this concerning Ezekiel, Jonah, Jehu; Jeremiah and others. These verses speak of the LORD wanting to speak to His people to communicate to them. Imagine that! Think about the times when you read the Bible. What does God speak to you about? Today rather than pursuing your cell phone or email, etc. Make sure to devote some time and seek the Lord and find out what message He has for you. Jesus was very popular. The crowds sought Him out! Everyone wanted to be with Him! Masses of people followed Him for various reasons…meals, miracles, or monarchy. They either wanted to hear Him, ask Him a question, or get Him to heal a loved one. From daylight to dusk Jesus was sought. When the crowd knew He was in town, they found Him. Jesus never had a moment alone unless He made it happen. It is very important that you have time alone with GOD. Jesus loved God and He loved people. He spent time with both. He knew how much time to be with people and how much time to be with God. Question to Consider: What about your "appointment" with God? Do you have a specific time and place you meet God each day? Points to Ponder: When we make appointments in life, we always designate a time and a place to meet. Have a special time daily in God's Word. Prayer, Father in Heaven, I know You desire to spend time with me, and I desire spending time with You. May our time spent together be quality time, free from distractions that I may hear you speak to me. In Jesus name, Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Keeping Our Prayer Lines Open (Isaiah 59:1-2)
Isaiah 59:1-2, Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. God pled with Judah to repent of their sinful living. With those conditions still in place, the prophet cried out, Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear. The problem of unanswered prayer is not on God’s end. There is no weakness, or shortcoming, on His part. Sin dishonors God and makes Him look imperfect when it is not God being inadequate at all, but our sin that is the problem. Our sin sometimes makes God look weak when He is not weak at all. But our sin hinders God from working on our behalf. Rather, your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. Sin separates us from God. When sin remains unconfessed and unrepented of in our hearts, God will not hear. Sin is the chief obstacle to answered prayer. They may be sins of commission. But for born-again Christians, often the sin is that of omission—failing to do as we ought. In either event, sin in our lives causes God to turn away His ear from our prayer. Prayer is a powerful privilege the Lord offers to us. Knowing this should encourage us to draw closer to Him. Prayer is a relationship with Him, not a list, a board meeting, or a method. Prayer causes the devil to tremble and he will do all that he can to convince you that prayer is pointless and powerless. Satan cannot keep God from answering your prayers so he will attempt to keep you from praying. Doubt will infect your prayer life. Satan loves to blame God for our problems when we are the blame ourselves. Unanswered prayer does not mean God is incapable of hearing or answering our prayers. It may be that our sin has blocked God from helping us. Let us not blame God for our troubles, but ourselves. God is all powerful and all loving and He desires to demonstrate His power and love in and through your life. Unfortunately, many people often live life on their own terms as if they expect God to do what they told Him to, when they told Him to do it. Too often God is treated like a genie in a bottle, or a spare tire, and even an ATM machine. May we grow in our relationship with the Lord and in confidence knowing that God is eager to answer our prayers. In fact, He does some of His greatest miracles in our lives in times when we are doubting or discouraged. PRAYER: Lord, I know there are times when You are not able to hear my prayers due to unconfessed sin. Show me and convict me when there is sin in my life so that my prayers can be heard and answered. 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 Promises of God (II Peter 1:4)
II Peter 1:4, “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” The more we come to know and understand the Word of God accurately, there unfolds unto us great and precious promises. Due to this truth, this should encourage the believer to take out their spiritual shovels and begin exploring by digging deep for His riches in the Bible. The Bible is full of promises which give us insight and help in the issues of life. God, despite who we are and how often we fail Him, still continues to promises us some things. God’s promises are inconceivable, unthinkable, unimaginable and mind-blowing. God says these recorded promises are exceeding great and precious!!! We have all made promises before. Sometimes we have made superficial promises. This is because we are human. We even make these kinds of promises to the ones we love and don’t always keep them. However, when God promises, He delivers. Nothing can stop or delay His promises. In fact, He is going to do exactly what He said He promises to do. He is always going to follow through - on time - every time. He keeps His Word and His commitments. PRAYER: Lord, thank You that even when I am faithless, You are faithful. You always keep your promises, and I can depend on You. For all the times I’ve made promises to You and haven’t kept them, I’m sorry. I feel humbled by how You faithfully, gently draw me back to You. I want to become more and more a person of my word, even when it costs me. Help me to make wise, thoughtful promises and to keep those promises. Please grow me into someone on whom others can count. In Jesus’ faithful 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 A Time to Keep Silence, and a Time to Speak
(Ecclesiastes 3:7b) - PART 3 Power of Words (Proverbs 18:21) Proverbs 18:21, Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Candid communication – specifically between husband and wife – is critical for creating connection and lasting joy. But should you be able to say whatever you want to your spouse? I’ve always tried to be careful what I say to my wife. But many believe you should be able to say whatever you want to your spouse. They call it “just saying" or "just being honest.” On the other hand, some are too careful about what they say because they’re trying to get a particular response from their mate. Actually, that’s manipulation, and I’ve never seen it work to create true connection in any relationship. Proverbs 15:1, 4, A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. People can either push each other away with a sharp tongue, or build bridges and bring others closer together with their words. The way parents speak to their children has a great effect on how those children learn to think. The way husbands and wives speak to each other affects their marriage and impacts their relationship. 4 Reasons to Be Careful What You Say:
Words are powerful, and they can have a great impact either for good or evil (Proverbs 18:21). Being careful about what we say can affect others lives as well as our own. Words can take on a life of their own and we can hurt another person deeply if we speak carelessly. Whether we’re deliberately hurtful or we speak comfort and encouragement, the effect of what we say always comes back to us. We can break others’ spirits when we speak negatively toward them over an extended period of time. The emotional pain, discouragement, and resentment this generates can eventually cause others to shy away from us. We’re all susceptible to making this mistake if we don’t exercise self-control in what we say. PRAYER: Father in Heaven, help me to speak life and encouragement to those around me. Teach me to walk in love always offering words of kindness, love, and grace so that I do not grieve the Holy Spirit. Help me to be wise and use my tongue to speak healing words. Teach me to know when to speak and when to be still or pray. And when I speak, help me to speak the truth in love. I don’t want my service to You to be worthless because I cannot bridle my tongue. 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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