A Time to Keep Silence, and a Time to Speak (Ecclesiastes 3:7b) - PART 2
Guarding Your Words (Proverbs 12:23) Proverbs 12:23, A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness. Someone once said, “The most difficult thing to master is our words. It is not so much what goes in one ear and comes out the other that bothers us, it is what goes in one ear, gets garbled in the process, and then comes out the mouth!” A foolish person doesn't know 'there is a time to be silent and a time to speak' (Ecclesiastes 3:7; Proverbs 11:13). So he blurts out what he thinks is knowledge but it comes over as folly. He just wants to show off and is totally insensitive to the company and the occasion. Prudence helps us avoid danger because it recognizes what is going on around us. Our English word prudence comes from the Latin word for “seeing ahead.” One of the most important ways in which prudence is displayed (and by which it protects us from danger) is in the matter of our speech. Prudent people do not feel the need to tell everything they know to everyone they meet. Someone once said, “If I don’t tell you what I know, how will you know that I know so much?” The temptation to be recognized as one of those “in the know” often leads us to speak when we should be silent. There is a time to speak out and confront evil, but most of us speak too much rather than too little. Instead of proclaiming the latest about everyone, we would avoid a great deal of trouble if we prudently kept our mouths closed. If we continue to open our mouths about everyone and everything, we will certainly create trouble for ourselves and for others. If you have a problem with a person, you should talk to them and God about it—and not others. It is impossible to overestimate how important our speech and words are to our success in life. The hearts of the righteous are revealed through their speech, as are the hearts of the wicked. Jesus spoke of the importance of this in Matthew 12:33-37. Words are the fruit of the heart. Other people judge us according to what we say, and one day we must account to God for every word we have spoken. According to James 3:2, those who are able to completely control their tongues are mature believers. According to Matthew 7:6, silence may not mean ignorance but greater knowledge – of what should be said, to whom and when. Christians can do harm by blurting out precious words to those not in a right condition to receive them. PRAYER: Father in Heaven, I thank You for the Bible and for all the wise instructions You have given me in it. I thank You for Your Holy Spirit to guide me for those times I needed to keep my mouth shut. Teach me to be more inclined to open my ears rather than opening my mouth. In Jesus name, Amen! Thank you for reading this devotion. This is PART TWO of this series. Please visit the website tomorrow for PART THREE. 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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A Time to Keep Silence, and a Time to Speak
(Ecclesiastes 3:7b) - PART 1 He Opened Not His Mouth (Isaiah 53:7) Isaiah 53:7, He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. When Jesus stood before Pilate in judgment, He said in Matthew 26:53, “Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?” Yet the Bible says “He opened not his mouth”. He would be as silent as a sheep before its shearers. When He was brought before Pilate, Jesus just stood there and said nothing (Matthew 26:62-63; 27:12-14; I Peter 2:23). During much of His affliction and oppression He was completely silent. At other times He spoke only a few words. That’s because He was not on trial, Pilate was on trial. Jesus knew His destiny but most importantly, He knew His Father intimately. When you know the LORD, you can face anything with confidence and be free to be quiet. What peace He brings in the most precarious predicaments! Sometimes it is wise to keep silent. To say, “I don’t have the answer right now but I will pray, ponder over it, and get back with you.” Your need to rescue someone, or impress them, can often come back to bite you. Proverbs 12:23, A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness. There is virtue and wisdom in being discreet. When a wise man speaks, he conceals that which he cannot discreetly reveal. When a foolish man speaks, he holds back nothing but speaks all that he knows, which is mostly foolishness. The foolish blab about everything they know. Loose lips reveal things which ought to be concealed. The news media had a problem with this during WWII. During World War II, the news media was kept from a lot of information by the government because they could not be trusted to keep their mouths shut on sensitive issues. Loose lips characterize the news/social media of our day. When people are anxious for answers, they’ll pressure you into speaking before you have all the facts or have taken time to pray and consider the situation. If you ask Him, God will tell you what to say and when to say it. His promise is found in Isaiah 51:16, And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand…Ego says, “Don’t just stand there, say something.” Wisdom says, “Don’t just say something, stand there”. Ask God for His insight. One insight from Him can settle things in a hurry and rescue you from a lengthy headache. Someone else’s need to know shouldn’t determine your need to speak. PRAYER: Father in Heaven, I know my tongue is very swift and slippery, and often gets ahead of my mind and heart. I’m sorry for those times I have spoken in anger or gossip. Help me to be slow to speak. May my words always be with grace and seasoned with salt, and careful as I answer everyone. In Jesus name, Amen. Thank you for reading this devotion. This is PART ONE of this series. Please visit the website tomorrow for PART TWO. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com 2 Priorities for a Powerful Prayer Life
(Matthew 14:22-23) Matthew 14:22–23, And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. Jesus was very popular. The crowds sought Him out! Everyone wanted to be with Him! Masses of people followed Him for various reasons. They either wanted to hear Him, or 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 to be with the Father, unless He made it happen. It is very important that we spend time alone with God. Perhaps everyone of us struggle at times when it comes to making time for prayer. The subject of prayer has been has written about thousands of time to make one more confident and consistent in time spent with the Lord. A Quiet Place. The first priority is establishing a quiet place that is free from distractions. When you want to pray, where do you go? Do you have a special place where you enjoy some quiet time? The Scottish pastor Thomas Brooks said, “The power of religion and godliness lives, thrives, or dies, as closet [private] prayer lives, thrives, or dies. Godliness never rises to a higher pitch than when men keep closest to their closets.” Your prayer closet is one of the most important places you’ll go to every day. Since, we all have busy lives we have to adjust to what works best. Personally, I feel the best time and place would be early in the mornings in a quiet secluded place at home. However, for some it may be at a restaurant, coffee shop, or office cube. A Quiet Period. The second priority is having a specific time. Having found a quiet place, we also need a quiet, committed period of time. Despite our best plans, there are times when life gets chaotic. This may mean scheduling a specific time of day in which you talk with the Lord. Although we can take our cares and burdens to the Lord at any time, if we are committed to a consistent prayer life and scheduled time, it will help. For some it will be harder than others to find a quiet hour. This means we may have to sacrifice things that may be pleasant and profitable. The most important appointment you make every day is the one you make with God. Find a quiet place and a quiet time where you can spend time alone before God. These are priorities to a powerful prayer life along with an effective personal devotion. Jesus always found time to spend with the Father. Since prayer was such an important part in the life of Jesus how much more important is it to us who are broken and sinful. Time alone with the Lord will be the most comforting time in your day. Prayer, Lord, I humbly ask You to graciously grant me a heart that desires to pray. Forgive me, I’ve just been struggling with fear and doubt that has troubled the peace I have from You. I commit myself to prayer and I am casting these things Your way right now. I’m choosing not to worry about them anymore because You will deal with them under the authority of Jesus’ name, Amen If this post has blessed you in any way Please share this website and its articles with others www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Do You Reflect God? (II Corinthians 3:18)
II Corinthians 3:18, But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. A woman watched a silversmith as he heated a piece of silver over the fire. He explained that to refine silver he needed to hold it where the flames were the hottest to burn away all impurities. The silversmith said that he had to watch the silver carefully because if it was left even a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman waited patiently observing the silversmith. Then she asked, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" "Oh, that's easy," he answered, "when I see my image reflected in it." Like the silversmith looking into the precious metal, Christ desires to see Him image reflected in our lives. The moment God saved us, He formed a new creature, and He expects us to be constantly changing into His image and reflecting that image to others. Ephesians 4:24 explains the goal of every Christian: "And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." Somewhere in the beginning of each day, most of us find ourselves looking at our reflection in the mirror. Do we reflect God? How can we? As flawed human beings with selfish tendencies, how can we ever portray God’s flawless image? The answer is simply by following the leading of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). God wants our hearts and lives to be mirrors that reflect His glory and grace. If we, as followers of Christ, are truly abiding by His Word, then we will reflect His character. The Holy Spirit will shine through us if we allow God into our lives. The figure of a mirror is used to express the change that comes to the believer from Christ. Since we have been transformed by His power into His image, His glory is reflected in us and through us from glory to glory. This astounding transformation within us is accomplished by the Spirit of the Lord. Questions to Consider: Do you reflect God's righteousness and holiness in your daily life? Can others see Christ's image in what you say and do? Points to Ponder: Allow God to change and mold your life so you can reflect His image more clearly. This is humbling that we have the opportunity to reflect the image of our Saviour and Creator. Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know Your desire for me is to be like You. I desire to be the mirror You want me to be. I ask You to take control of my life. Help me to reflect You so that others can be drawn to Christ, Your Son. I want to be like Jesus! 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 God's Tool Kit for Perfection (Ephesians 4:12-13)
Ephesians 4:12-13, For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: Many of you have a tool bag in your house or car. It may contain a ratchet kit, screw drivers, a hammer, wrench, or chisel. The question is, "Why?" What is its purpose? Most of us would say, "I have one to fix, repair, or maintain what is broken, or to install, or build something that is needed or wanted." When we use tools to work on a project, we normally try to bring the project, the repairs, the installation to completion. The tools in the hand of the craftsmen bring about the changes that are sought. The car runs better, the door opens smoother, the bicycle can be ridden, the tree house is a castle and the kids can swing on the swing set. The tool kit comes in handy for a variety of problems and projects. God has a tool kit for your perfection. This means being spiritually mature and spiritually equipped. In Ephesians 4:12, the phrase "perfecting of the saints" refers to the believer being equipped, repaired, mended, or strengthened. In Ephesians 4:13, the phrase "perfect man" refers to one who is spiritually mature, or complete. There is both unity and diversity in the body of Christ. Our diverse roles and abilities are for the purpose to enrich and bless the church. Paul shows us how the church, with all of its glorious diversity, functions in a healthy way. Imagine the Master Carpenter’s tools holding a conference. Each tool sees issues and errors in one another rather than seeing the potential in unity. One tool complained about Brother Hammer and said, “He is so disruptive to our work. He’s got to be heard. He’s too noisy”. Bro. Hammer said of Bro. Screwdriver, “He is so confusing. You have to turn him around and around to get anything accomplished.” Brother Screwdriver responded and said of Brother Plane, “There’s no depth to his work. It’s always on the surface." Brother Plane responded and said of Brother Ruler, “He’s constantly measuring people as if he were the only one who’s right." Brother Ruler said of Brother Sandpaper, “He ought to leave, too, because he’s so rough and abrasive. He’s always rubbing people the wrong way.” Brother Sandpaper said of Brother Saw, “Every time he works, he leaves a big mess on the floor. He can’t make his mind up if he wants to go forwards or backwards”. Brother Saw said of Brother Blade, “He’s has a very sharp and cutting personality.” Brother Blade said of Brother Level, “He always tends to blame others for being crooked and unbalanced.” Brother Blade said of Brother Clamp, “He is always so uptight and never seems to be relaxed.” Brother Clamp said of Brother Drill, “He comes along and sticks his long penetrating nose into other people's business.” In the midst of all this discussion, in walks the Carpenter of Nazareth. He’s arrived to start His day’s work. Putting on His apron, He goes to the bench to make a pulpit from which to proclaim the Gospel. Every day He uses all of His available tools. After the work is done, when the pulpit is finished, the tools observe and understand that they are all workers together. I believe this is a good description of spiritual gifts in the body of Christ. He has followers from every corner of the globe, each with God-given spiritual abilities to accomplish His work. Only as each member yields to the Holy Spirit can God use our diverse gifts to accomplish His work in the world. I hope and pray you’re ready to work today. Prayer: Lord, teach me how to love one another as Christ loved others. Keep me from doing anything out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Help me see the importance of humility of the heart, so that I will consider others before myself. Help me to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace in my home, my church and my community. May I diligently seek after all those things that are well-pleasing in Your sight so that I may live in unity one with others. 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 Wisdom of Solomon (Proverbs 4:7)
Proverbs 4:7, Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. The word principal has the sense of ‘primary,’ ‘first,’ or ‘chief.’ Wisdom ought to be the highest and first priority in life. Wisdom is the ability to exercise the discernment and judgment of God's Word. Wisdom is the ability to apply the Bible to our everyday life. We need to ask God for wisdom in every area of our lives. Apart from Jesus Christ, the Bible declares Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived. Both Testaments speak of Solomon’s wisdom in I Kings 4:30-31; Matthew 12:42. In the beginning, Solomon genuinely loved the Lord (I Kings 3:3). He walked in the instructions of his father (I Kings 3:3). He had a heart of gratitude (I Kings 3:6). He was humble (I Kings 3:7). He had a teachable spirit (I Kings 3:7). He feared God (I Kings 3:9). Solomon possessed an attitude that caused him to seek for wisdom and understanding, which in turn, pleased the Lord. The Bible values wisdom greater than any treasure one could ever desire (Proverbs 3:14-15; 8:10-11). According to Proverbs, those who pursue wisdom will reap the benefits that come from receiving wisdom: happiness (Proverbs 3:13, 18), length of days, riches, and honor (Proverbs 3:16), pleasantness and peace (Proverbs 3:17), tree of life (Proverbs 3:18), life to your soul and grace to your neck (Proverbs 3:22), safety and not stumbling (Proverbs 3:23), and sweet rest (Proverbs 3:24). How does one obtain this measure of wisdom? According to Proverbs 2:6, wisdom comes from the Lord. Proverbs 2:6, For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). One cannot get true wisdom until he gets saved. Wisdom comes by: The Word of God (Psalm 19:7), wise men (Proverbs 13:20), a godly pastor (Jeremiah 3:15), and asking the Lord (James 1:5). Notice: James doesn’t say, “Go to the philosophers, or go get the latest best seller”. Rather than looking to men, or the latest philosophical fad, he urged them to look to God for the wisdom they needed. Wisdom benefits not only the one who has it, but also those who come in contact with the one who is wise. Proverbs 13:20a, He that walketh with wise men shall be wise...” Children learn an abundant amount of wisdom by what they see in their parents. Every believer, especially every father, needs wisdom. We know that wisdom is priceless and essential but we must decide we want it. Those who choose to refuse or reject it will make foolish choices. Every father must take every opportunity to make wise decisions. PRAYER: Father, today I want to start the day with You on my mind and in my heart. Help me crave Your presence more than I crave sin. Help me grow in the fruit of the Spirit and walk closer with You. Keep my feet from stumbling and my mind from wandering into distractions. Lord, thank You for the people You have placed in my life. Give me a heart of discernment to know when You are using someone to speak instruction into my heart and my circumstances. 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 Changed Man (Luke 19:8)
Luke 19:8, And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. When Adoniram Judson made preparation to go to Burma, God spoke to his heart about people that he had wronged before he was saved. During his years when he lived in New York City and was indulging in the sinful lifestyle of this world, he had cheated several men out of their money. Adoniram realized that God would not bless his ministry until he cleared his conscience with these men and made restitution. Judson made a trip to New York and sought out the people that he had wronged and asked for their forgiveness. He returned the money that he had wrongfully taken from them and returned home with a new peace and joy in his heart and greater boldness in his speaking. When we look at Zacchaeus, we find he truly repented and his life was drastically changed for the better. He became concerned about those who were stricken with poverty, giving half of his wealth to the poor. He didn't have to do that, but he wanted to help them. He began to use his money as a tool of blessing, focusing on others instead of himself. Zacchaeus was a rich man that did what the rich young ruler refused to do. Also, Zacchaeus wanted to clear his conscience and make matters right with other people. He was concerned about restitution for people he wronged, restoring four-fold what he had taken from others. His restitution was more than what was required of him. A pastor once shared a story of when he was in a service. The preacher said there was a meeting in progress at which several women were giving their testimony. One woman kept silent. She was asked to testify but refused. She was asked why and she answered, “Some of these women who have just given their testimony, owe me money, and I and my family have been hungry because we cannot buy food." A few women had no credibility at all because their actions did not back up what they claimed. A Christian's testimony is utterly worthless unless it is backed by deeds which guarantee its sincerity. It is not a simple change of words which Jesus Christ demands, but a change of life. When Zacchaeus testified this to the Lord, Jesus said, "This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." Restitution is a key proof in convincing others that you have trusted Christ as your Saviour. For most people, all they remember is what you were like before you were saved, especially if you were a cheat. If you go to these people and tell them about Jesus after you are saved, but you have not made offenses right, then you have no credibility. If you seek their forgiveness for wrongs in the past, if you make restitution for financial matters or damages, then you give credibility to what you’re saying when you tell them about what has happened to you. You also create curiosity about Jesus Christ. If you have an opportunity to make things right with God and others, then don't let the opportunity slip away. PRAYER: Father in Heaven, help me to learn from the example of Zacchaeus. May my life continue to be changed and challenged to live a life that brings glory and pleasure to You. In Jesus name, AMEN! If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Fearless Faith (Psalm 27:1-3)
Psalm 27:1-3, The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. Michael Ramsden, a co-worker with Ravi Zacharias, shared the following true story about a minister from Iran. As the minister was driving with his wife, they stopped in a small Iranian village to purchase some water. Before entering, the minister noticed a man holding a machine gun and leaning against the wall outside the store. The minister's wife looked at the man's face and the gun, then put a Bible in her husband's hand and said, "Give that man this Bible." Her husband looked at the man—his menacing beard and his machine gun—and replied, "I don't think so." But she persisted: "I'm serious. Give it to him. Please, give him the Bible." Trying to avoid the issue, the husband said, "Okay, I'll pray about it." He went into the shop, purchased the water, climbed back into the car, and started to drive away. His wife looked at him and said, "I guess you didn't give him the Bible, did you?" Looking straight ahead, he replied, "No, I prayed about it and it wasn't the right thing to do." She quietly said, "You should have given him the Bible," and then she bowed her head and started praying. At that point, he turned around and told his wife, "Fine! If you want me to die, I will." When the minister returned to the store, the man with the machine gun was still standing against the wall. The minister approached him and placed the Bible in his hand. When the man opened it and saw it was a Bible, he started to cry. It turned out that the man did not live in the village. He was told by a stranger to walk to the village and to wait for someone to give him the Book of Life. After walking three days to the village, this soul-searching man was waiting for someone to approach him. He was thrilled when the pastor spoke to him and thanked the pastor for the Bible. The pastor became a courageous witness for the Lord Jesus Christ. Eventually, along with many other co-workers in the Iranian church, he was martyred for his faith in Christ. His testimony shined for the Lord. May we lose our fear of what man might do to us. II Timothy 1:7, For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. May the Lord help us to not be afraid to stand up for Him and share the message of God's Word with others. Be ready the next time He calls on you to witness for Him. Prayer: LORD, open a door for me today and give me the courage that I might have an opportunity to share Your glorious Gospel with someone who is in deep need of You. Help give me understanding that would enable me to speak the words that You would have them to hear. Help me to be a bold, and yet compassionate, witness without compromise for 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 Believers Who Had A Burning Heart for God
Luke 24:32a,And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way… After Jesus left Cleopas and his wife, they began to share their thoughts about their time with the risen Saviour. The time they spent with Christ stirred a flame in their souls. They said their hearts "burned" within them. Time spent with Christ changed them. By the way, it will change you, too. Spending time with the LORD will ignite passion in your heart. The question is this, "Do you really want to get to know Him and deepen your walk with God?" The consuming fire of God that burned in their hearts, fanned by the breath-winds of the Holy Spirit, spread into the hearts of other believers that were challenged and inspired by their dedicated lives. When we look through history, we can read about the lives of other great Christians who had burning hearts for God. Ignatius was the bishop at the church of Antioch for nearly 40 years in the first century. Antioch was the place where believers were first called Christians. His heart was on fire for the Lord and devoted to Him. Because of his faithfulness to Jesus Christ, he was condemned and thrown to the lions in the Roman Colosseum. He refused to sacrifice to pagan practices. He told the authorities in response to their command, "I would rather die for Christ than rule the whole earth." Why would he say that? He had a burning heart for God. Polycarp was the bishop at Smyrna. He was a good friend of Ignatius and the Apostle John. In 155 A.D., during the reign of Marcus Aurelius, persecution broke out against Christians and Polycarp was arrested. He was told to recant his faith in Christ or be burned alive at the stake. His response was, "86 years have I served Him, and He hath done me no wrong. How can I speak evil of my King who saved me?" Why would he be willing to face the fire? He had a burning heart for God. These two men were pastors, yet, you don't have to be a preacher to be on fire for God. I want to make that very clear. In fact, not all preachers have a burning heart for the Lord. That's sad, but it is true. To some men, the ministry, preaching and serving God has become a drudgery. They are discouraged, depressed, disillusioned, defeated and filled with doubt. The fire has been quenched within them. They need prayer and encouragement. When the fire of God burns in the heart and soul of a Christian, then the priorities of the person are dramatically changed from insignificant matters to important ones. God is given His rightful place of being number one in that person's life. When the fire of God blazes in the heart of a Christian there is no telling what God will do with him or her. That which may seem impossible can become possible when God's fire bums in their heart and they are totally surrendered to Him. Never underestimate what God can do through you if you yield the control of your life to Him and let His Spirit fill you. Prayer: Father my heart has been challenged. As one needs to continue to add wood to a fire to keeps the flames burning, I know I need to spend time with You in prayer and the Scriptures. Help me to be more passionate about my service to You. In Jesus name, Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Our Appointment with the Lord (Romans 14:11)
Romans 14:11, For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. One day, Jesus Christ will return to this earth. His presence and prominence will bring all of us to our knees. Every knee will bow. I’m not sure when it will happen, but I am certain it will happen. We are reminded in Philippians 2:9-11 that Christ is exalted above all others. His name is above every name! Every knee will bow before His Lordship! Every tongue will confess His worthiness! None are left out in the completeness of the process. The blaspheming tongue, the cursing tongue, the lying tongue, the vicious tongue, the boastful tongue. Every tongue will one day confess Christ’s Lordship “to the glory of God.” Christ is exalted! And God will be glorified! Every name! Every knee! Every tongue! Many people have avoided God all their life. But one day every person will bow their knee before Him and say these words: “Jesus Christ is Lord.” Even if you have never believed, or have never taken church seriously. Life is about one thing, it’s about entering into a relationship with God through Christ. Who’s really in charge? It’s not Washington, or Hollywood, or Wall Street, or athletes, or entertainers, and it’s not you and me. It’s Jesus Christ, the Lord. No matter what a person accomplishes in this world, a hundred years from today, if they didn’t get this figured out here, they will spend eternity in the lake of fire. How would you fill in these following blanks? If I were in charge, I would do ________________ with my life. But Jesus is Lord, so I choose His plan for my life. If I were in charge, I would do ________________ with my finances. But Jesus is Lord, so I choose to give, save, and spend according to His priorities. If I were in charge, I would do ________________ right now in my marriage, but I’m not in charge. He is Lord, and I will do what His Word says. Everybody serves somebody. Everybody has somebody in charge of his life. Forget the excuses—you choose who you serve. You don’t fall into servitude. It’s not an accident. You can’t blame your environment or your past. You choose who you serve. Your parents don’t choose for you. Your pastor can’t choose for you. As much as someone might love you, they can’t choose for you. Even God, who loves you perfectly, will not choose for you. There are simply some crucial decisions you have to make for yourself. Prayer, Father, thank You for going as far as You had to go to find me. For the journey from eternity to the cross that Jesus took for me, and then for meeting me in the road I was taking to Hell. Thank You for breaking through my half-hearted and misguided efforts to find You by effectively finding me when I was completely lost! I rejoice over the fact that I will spend eternity with You and in joyous effort telling You how grateful I am. 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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