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Your Last Day (II Peter 3:9)
II Peter 3:9, The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 1.God's Promise The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; The word slack means to "hesitate, linger, delay." It carries the idea of loitering or loafing. God is not unfaithful concerning His promises. God keeps all of His promises. God will fulfill His promise, it is a guarantee. He is not loafing around with nothing to do. Some of the scoffers apparently were saying the delay in Christ’s return was evidence that God made a promise He can’t keep. Peter rebuts by suggesting that instead of the delay being evidence of God’s unfaithfulness, it’s evidence of His mercy. 2.God's Patience …but is longsuffering to us-ward, Longsuffering means to suffer long. In contrast to God’s being slow to keep His promise, Peter asserts that He’s actually “patient with you.” However, God’s patience isn’t without redemptive motive. We see that God has great patience and is longsuffering. He is patient. God loves and cares for us despite our sin and rebellion, and rejection. This is the very reason He sent Christ to save us. He loves and cares for us, He’s “not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.” 3.God’s Purpose …not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. To perish means to be utterly lost, to be spiritually destitute, and destroyed; to be in a state of suffering forever and ever apart from God. It means to lose eternal life and to be cut off from life forever and ever. It means to suffer the judgment, condemnation, and punishment of separation from God forever and ever. God's desire is to save all. The text makes it clear that Jesus wants everyone to be saved and that He wants no one to go to hell. Sinners do not deserve time to repent. But God is "not willing that any should perish" so extends patience to the perishing. Today is the last day of 2021. 2021 is soon to be ousted while 2022 is appointed. There will be celebrations all around the world. Beneath all the hype there is an important lesson that we can learn. Think for a minute. What if this really was your last day. Not of the month. Not of the year. What if this was the last day of your life? Each day for Christ ought to be lived as if it were our last. Jesus has told us that He will come as a "thief in the night." We might know the season, but we do not know the exact day. It could be tomorrow at the dawn of a brand-new year or it could be years from now. The time that Jesus comes isn't as important though, as the condition of our hearts when He comes. Many Christians aren't at all ready for the Rapture to take place. They have too many loose ends to tie up. They're waiting to serve God at a later date. Sadly, they will live away from God their whole life. Others who haven't trusted Christ as their Saviour are putting off their decision. Sadly, these people will be left behind. Points to Ponder: God is longsuffering, but there is a limit to His patience. There will come a time in your life when it’s too late. Don’t test God’s patience. Question to Consider: I ask you this question today: What if this were your last day? Would you be ready? How would you want to be remembered? Prayer: Heavenly Father, my heart is stirred today to pray for my unsaved friends, family, and acquaintances. The Bible has long foretold that a day of judgment is coming, but I’ve never thought about it so deeply as I’ve thought about it today. Father, I want to be open and available for You to use me to share the witness of Jesus with those who are unsaved. I pray this in Jesus’ name! 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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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 to 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 The Importance of a Committed Mind (Philippians 2:5-9) – PART 2
Philippians 2:5-9, Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: Philippians 2:5-9 is one of the greatest passages ever written about Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the supreme example of humility. It paints the perfect picture of the humility of Jesus Christ. Jesus displayed complete selflessness, servanthood and sacrifice that puts the needs of others before Himself. No one has ever come close to humbling himself like Jesus Christ did, and no one ever will. Yet, if the problems of the church and of the world are to ever be solved, we must humble ourselves just as Christ did. The unity of a church depends upon its members walking in the humility of Jesus Christ. As followers of Christ, we must show His humility by living unselfishly and sacrificially, caring for others’ needs and concerns and doing good to them. As Christians, we are to have the same mind, or attitude of Jesus Christ. Humility of Christ: Jesus made Himself of no reputation. Meaning “to empty”. Jesus never emptied Himself of deity, however voluntarily laid aside some of His divine privileges when He came into this world. He didn't lose them; He chose to lay them aside. Some believe that Jesus emptied Himself of His Deity when He came and was born of the virgin. This is totally and completely unscriptural. Jesus was God in the womb of Mary, God in the cradle, God when a little child, God when He was a young man, God on His face in the garden, God in Pilate’s Hall, God as He was being scourged, God bearing His cross up Golgotha, God on the cross, and He was God when He yielded up the ghost. Jesus took upon Him the form of a servant. For all appearances, Jesus would have passed for a slave. Jesus was made in the likeness of man. In the beginning of creation, God made man in His image, Genesis 1:26. When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, God made Himself in man’s image! Jesus being found in fashion as a man. Jesus was born as a man, He lived as a man, He suffered as a man and He died as a man. He did it to save us, to understand us and to help us (Hebrews 4:15-16). Holiness of Christ: Jesus was in the “form” of God. This word refers to the very essence of God. It is a statement of fact that Jesus was God before He came to this world, and the passage goes on to tell us that He remained God when He arrived here. When God became a man, He never stopped being God! While Jesus Christ was 100% man, He was also 100% God! He simply concealed His heavenly fame within an earthly frame! An elderly preacher was rebuked one Sunday morning before the service. "Pastor," said the man, "something must be wrong with your preaching and your work. There's been only one person added to the church in a whole year, and he's just a boy." Any pastor that has experienced this kind of incident knows how this preacher felt. Satan loves to use people to lower a bomb on the preacher right before he gets up to preach. The pastor graciously listened, his eyes moistened and his thin hand trembled. "I feel it all," he replied, "but God knows I've tried to do my duty." On that day the pastor's heart was heavy as he stood before his flock. As he finished the message, he felt a strong inclination to resign. He was feeling pretty low and felt like a failure. After everyone else had left, that one boy that was saved that year came to him and asked, "Do you think if I worked hard for an education, I could become a preacher—perhaps a missionary?" Again tears welled up in the pastor's eyes. "Ah, this heals the ache I feel," he said. "Robert, I see God's hand now. May God bless you, my boy. Yes, I think you will become a preacher." Many years passed. An aged missionary returned to London from the continent of Africa. His name was spoken with great respect and reverence. Nobles and dignitaries invited him to their homes. He had added many souls to the church of Jesus Christ, reaching even some of Africa's most savage chiefs. He translated the Bible into the Setswana language. He also was the father of ten children. His daughter Mary, married missionary David Livingstone. Another son, John, became a missionary at a mission station in Kuruman. His grandson, Howard, became the Prime Minister of Southern Rhodesia. The name of the aged missionary was Robert Moffat. He was the one boy that was saved in the church, the same Robert, who many years before, had spoken to the discouraged pastor that felt like a failure on that Sunday morning in the old Scottish church. May the Lord help us to be faithful until He returns or until the day we take our last breath. May we never underestimate what God is doing in us now and will continue to do in our service to Him. May we leave the results of our labors to Him. Point to Ponder: Allow the humility and holiness of Christ to flood and flow through your mind. Question to Consider: Have you thanked Him today for Who He is and what He has done for you? PRAYER: Lord help me to humble and holy. This can only come if I will allow my mind to be renewed by 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 The Importance of a Committed Mind (I Peter 1:13-16) – PART 1
I Peter 1:13, Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. Exhorting us to endurance, Peter urged us to gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. The power to live the Christian life is found only in one Person, the Lord Jesus Christ. Peter is pleading that we get focused and remain focused and that we may have a committed mind and put our hope in Jesus Christ. Hope is the confident expectation that something better is coming tomorrow. The Bible challenges all believers to have of a committed mind or an attitude that is dedicated to serving the Lord Jesus Christ. The following Scriptures are just a few of many where the Bible speaks for us to have a committed mind (Romans 8:5; 12:1-2; I Corinthians 9:25; II Corinthians 10:5; Philippians 2:3; 3:19; 4:8; Colossians 3:2; II Timothy 2:3-7). This challenge comes even if our dedication leads to suffering. Millions of Christians throughout history have determined to have a committed mind. They have willingly laid down their lives for Christ and died a martyr's death for the Lord. For example, consider the story of the forty martyrs of Sabaste. These forty soldiers, all Christians, were members of the famed Twelfth Legion of Rome's imperial army. One day their captain told them Emperor Licinius had sent out an edict that all soldiers were to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. These Christians replied, "You can have our armor and even our bodies, but our hearts' allegiance belongs to Jesus Christ." It was midwinter of A.D. 320, and the captain had them marched onto a nearby frozen lake. He stripped them of their clothes and said they would either die or renounce Christ. Throughout the night these men huddled together singing their song, "Forty martyrs for Christ." One by one the temperature took its toll and they fell to the ice. At last there was only one man left. He lost courage and stumbled to the shore, where he renounced Christ. The officer of the guards had been watching all this. Unknown to the others, he had secretly come to believe in Christ. When he saw this last man break rank, he walked out onto the ice, threw off his clothes, and confessed that he also was a Christian. When the sun rose the next morning, there were forty bodies of soldiers who had fought to the death for Christ. They were armed with a mind committed to the Lord Jesus Christ. To gird up the mind for action means to be disciplined in thinking. This expression comes from Bible days, and Peter is using it as a word picture, when the people gathered up or girded up their robes for unobstructed activity. Peter commands us to gird up our minds just as such a robe needed to be gathered up in preparation for strenuous activity. Girding up speaks of rolling up your sleeves, that is, get serious about what you're doing. When a person rolls up their sleeves they are going to work. Now, what Peter is saying is that we need to have a single mind. That is, we're to bring all the loose ends together and we are to get single, or Christ minded. We need to discipline our minds for action. Too many hobbies can impede and interfere with our thinking priorities as growing Christians. We should discipline our minds to set our priorities to think more about eternity. God is pouring His character into you with every righteous decision you make to be like His Son. May we commit our minds to consider what really matters rather than temporal things that will not matter one hundred years from now. May we prioritize our schedule by spending some time alone with the Lord every day. We can do this by reading His Word and speaking to Him in prayer. A consistent quiet time with God is not the easiest habit to maintain, but a committed mind leads us to grow and become stronger in our relationship as we walk with the Lord. Points to Ponder: May we be a people who look for Jesus Christ to come at any moment. May we live clean and holy lives. Those whose minds are girded up are considering what would Jesus think and do. Questions to Consider: Looking back at your life, in what ways can you say you are not the person you used to be? If you were to ask someone close to you, would they notice these changes in you? If you knew that Jesus Christ was coming this afternoon, what things would you get right in your life? PRAYER: Thank You for saving me and also for transforming me into the likeness of Your Son. Forgive me when I fail and give me the strength endure that I may succeed. Help me to have a committed mind that I may make the right choices and please 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 Standing Still (Exodus 14:13-14)
Exodus 14:13-14, And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. 14 The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. The Israelites were trapped at the Red Sea just as Pharaoh had planned when he and his armies went after the Israelites in that location. Mountains were on two sides of them, the Red Sea was on one side, and Pharaoh's armies were on the another side. So no matter which way they looked they were trapped. Such situations are those which God especially likes to work because it shows His power and wisdom much more than in a lesser difficulty. Israel had not come to this place by disobedience but by obedience to God's leading. God showed Himself mightily and proved He would take care of the problem if they would trust in Him. Moses took an important step toward victory. He responded with faith when the people were terrified. With eyes of faith, Moses could see the victory that was ahead. He saw what God would do. In the same manner, we are not to fear tomorrow for God is already there. David addressed the issue of fear in Psalm 23:4, Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Isaiah told us how to have peace. Isaiah 26:3, Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Panic would mean death for God's people here. NOTICE: The same trial which shows one man's faith and confidence in God, may reveal other men's weaknesses. The people were weak, but Moses was strong in faith. He learned to walk with God. That is why he told them to fear not, stand still, and see the salvation or deliverance of the Lord. Spurgeon said, "Faith knows that whenever you get a black envelope from Heaven's post office, there is a treasure in it. God has treasures for you and me. Some of those treasures are found in the fire. The three Hebrews found the pearl of peace and the presence of God in the fiery furnace. Moses said, "Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord." God wants us to be patient and watch Him work. Psalm 46:10, Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. We are to be dormant in difficulties, tranquil in troubles, serene when under stress, at peace when we are pressed, calm and composed when under compulsion, and hushed when we are hurried. God says, "Be still and know I am God." The word "still" is rich in meaning. It means "to sink, relax, sink down as you would sink down at ease in a chair." God says, "Relax and get to know Me! Spend time with Me!" The Bible repeatedly teaches we are to be still because of Him. Psalm 56:3, What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. Psalm 34:4, I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. Learning to be still is an important element of victory. When we are in panic mode, we can make some very foolish decisions because we are not thinking clearly. For this reason God says, "Be still." Many have sought refuge in the Lord in their times of fear. In 1947, missionaries Dick and Margaret Hillis settled with their four children by the Mule River in the Honan province of China. Nearby, a mission church swelled with nearly a thousand Chinese every Sunday. It would have been a happy time but for the impending war between Chiang kai-Shek and the forces of Mao Tse-tung. One day, Nationalist Captain Hwang urgently told Dick, "The Communists are marching on the Mule River Market. You better take your family and flee." It was too late, however. The Communists had detonated, destroying all the railroad bridges. That evening the Hillis family heard the first shots and soon the battle raged around them. There was no sleep as they spent the night in prayer. The city soon fell, and the streets were filled with a swarm of Communist troops. Then a new danger arose. Captain Hwang, outside the city walls, was lobbing shells at the Communist soldiers. The bombing reached a crescendo one night as each shell dropped closer to the Hillis home. The house next door exploded into flames and splinters, killing all that lived within it. It appeared that the Hillis home would be obliterated next. The family huddled together in the corner as another shell exploded shooting dirt, glass, and bricks through the windows and walls. The house trembled and quaked as the bombs exploded. The children screamed and were momentarily deafened by the explosions. The family prepared for death when suddenly the shelling stopped. The family emerged from the corner into a room that was filled with debris, but no one was hurt. Dick tucked the children into bed that night. When he knelt by Margaret Anne, he noticed a dirty scrap of paper stuffed under her pillow. On it was printed in big, childlike letters these words: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." During her nights of terror in China, little Margaret was learning to be still and rest in God's care in her time of fear. God wants us to do the same. Questions to Consider:
Points to Ponder:
PRAYER: Lord, too often through the eyes of the flesh, I see my battles bigger than You. Help me to trust in You and see them as You see them. There is never a problem I encounter that is greater than 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 To Be Like Jesus (I Peter 2:21-24)
I Peter 2:21-24,"For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." The proof of Christianity is not a book but a life. The power of Christianity is not a creed but a Christian character; and wherever you see life that has been transformed by the grace of God, you see a witness to the resurrection of Jesus. God’s purpose and plan for our life is for us to be a reflection of His Son. Peter was an eyewitness to Jesus' life and sufferings upon the cross. He says three things about the death of Christ. Christ "suffered for us" (I Peter 2:21). That is, His death took the place of sinners. Christ "did no sin" (I Peter 2:22). That is, He was sinless; He lived a perfect and righteous life. Therefore, the sins He bore in death were not His sins but the sins of men. Christ "bore our sins in His own body" (I Peter 2:24). That is, the suffering Jesus bore was the penalty due sin. In the Old Testament, the words "bore our sins" means to be answerable for sin; to endure its penalty; to die for sinners (Exodus 28:43; Leviticus 24:15-16; Isaiah 53:12). The death Jesus bore was substitution. He bore the sins due others. It is this act that shows the supreme love of God for man. As Christians, we are not under the law (Galatians 3:24-26). We do not need rules, regulations, threats of punishment or promises of reward to inspire and rule our hearts. In order to live in this world for the glory of God, we must simply follow the example of the One who hung upon the cursed tree, bearing our sins. When I see Christ hanging upon the cross as my Substitute, I see that self-sacrifice is essential to honoring God (Luke 14:33). There is a battle for me to fight, a trial for me to endure, a service for me to perform and a cross for me to bear. I cannot serve God without self-sacrifice and self-denial. When Christ was on the cross, bearing our sins, He set before us an example of willing obedience to our heavenly Father. Our Saviour willingly obeyed His Father’s will, even unto death (Isaiah 50:5-7). This is the way we must serve God. God will never accept any gift, any worship, or any service unless it comes from a willing heart (II Corinthians 8:12). The cross also shows us our Lord’s dedication and perseverance. He not only agreed to bear our sins and promised to die for us; He actually did it. Even before the world was created God’s plan was for us to be “conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29). God did not save us solely to allow us to go to Heaven, though, of course, that is a wonderful and undeserved blessing. God also saved us so that we could go into the world just as Jesus did and point men and women to Him. God intends for us to be walking in the footsteps of Jesus Christ as we go through this world. We have been called to take the name of Jesus and identify with Him, even if that involves suffering for our faith. Jesus has given us the example to follow, and we are instructed to walk in His way. If we are to imitate the life of Jesus, then we must be led by Him. It is difficult to imitate your life after someone that you are never around or know nothing about. If we are to live for Jesus in a way that pleases Him, we must allow Him to guide our lives. We must allow Him to be the Shepherd of our souls and heed His voice. Jesus has made provision for us. He suffered all that He did so that we might live through Him. Our only hope is to keep our eyes upon Jesus and follow Him. God requires dedication and perseverance from all who follow Christ. Our Lord’s death upon the cross also sets before us an example of real love and patient submission to the will of God. Jesus set a high standard for living. Not one person has ever achieved His level of perfection, nor can we, but we must strive for that perfection daily. If the Lord has spoken to you about specific areas in your life, why not come and get those things settled before Him. The Lord is waiting to help you if you will only come to Him. Questions to Consider: Does your life reflect the life of Christ? Is He evident in your life for the world to see? Does your character, communication, conduct, and commitment following the example that Jesus left? Wouldn't it be a shame to stand before the Lord and never have matured spiritually? Prayer: Father, I know Your desire is for me to be like You. You transform me every day. You want me to love what You love and hate what You hate. Many times, I have failed You. Thank You for Your constant love and forgiveness of me. May I never use the power of Your forgiveness to justify sinning, but may it draw me closer to You, so that when temptation comes, I may boldly proclaim, “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 The Greatest Gift Ever Wrapped (Luke 2:1-20)
Luke 2:7, And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Have you ever had problems with finding the right gift for someone? Is there someone on your Christmas shopping list who is hard to shop for? Maybe they are really picky, or they seem to have everything! Many may still be wondering if they found the right gift for their family, friends, and loved ones. Sometimes we try to deceive by the way (size, weight, shape) we wrap a Christmas present! The presentation of Christ to this world was not the way we would have planned it. At first glance, the look of the manger scene may have been deceiving. Why a manger and not a mansion? Christ was content with a manger when He was born, so that we could have a mansion when we die. When you meet the Saviour, it changes you forever. If you really believe in something strong enough, you would really be able to convince others about it. I read recently about a woman who had waited until the last minute to send Christmas cards. She rushed into a store and bought a package of 50 cards without really looking at them. Still in a big hurry, she addressed 49 of the 50 and signed them without reading the message inside. On Christmas Day, when things had quieted down somewhat, she chanced to read the leftover card and finally read the message she had sent to 49 of her friends. Much to her discouragement, it this: "This card is just to say, A little gift is on the way." Suddenly she realized that 49 of her friends were expecting a gift from her-a gift that would never come. Nothing is so important this Christmas season that you cannot make time to worship the Lord. Perhaps you can sympathize with this lady! There is so much to be done this time of year. Presents to be bought, vacation plans to be made, work to finalize, decorations to hang, parties to attend, parties to host, and so many details to oversee. Sometimes the festivities of the season can wear you out. How important is worshiping Christ this season to you? Yes, you have plans and your schedule doesn't allow much downtime, but like the shepherds, God wants you to make time to worship Him for the birth of His Son. Today as we take time to celebrate Christmas with friends and family don't forget to celebrate Christ. What will you give Jesus this Christmas? I want the whole world to know that He died for us. Don’t you? Prayer, Father in Heaven, thank You for giving the greatest gift in Your Son Jesus. May I make time today to share Him with my family, friends, and all who have never heard of Him. 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 What Do We Do with a Gift Like Christmas? (Matthew 2:10-11; Luke 2)
The night heaven visited the earth, it wasn’t Santa Claus who came to town, it was Jesus Christ. Jesus came 2,000 years ago and the world has never been the same. Don’t make the mistake of enjoying the wrapping of Christmas—activities, time with family, gift exchanges, traditions, enjoy what is behind the wrapping—the gift. Quite simply, Jesus is the gift of Christmas. Emmanuel—God with us! But if Christmas is a gift, how do we celebrate the gift, not just enjoy the wrapping? What do we do with a gift like Christmas? 1. Receive the Gift Romans 6:23 tells us that “the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” A gift, however, must be received. If you haven’t made the choice to receive Christ, I’d encourage you to discover how you can. 2. Relish the Gift Salvation is just the beginning. But sometimes Christians, including we who are in ministry, become so consumed with the functioning aspects of the Christian life or ministry that we fail to personally revel in who Jesus is to us. Hebrews 4:15 encourages, “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.” Make sure you take time this Christmas to get to know Him more. Delight to be in His presence. 3. Reverence the Gift The wise men displayed their wisdom in several respects, but not the least of these was that they worshipped Jesus: “And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11).” It’s easy to get so caught up in the rush of Christmas that we miss the wonder of worship. Don’t make the mistake of enjoying the wrapping of Christmas—activities, time with family, gift exchanges, traditions—without enjoying what is behind the wrapping—the gift. Jesus is the gift of Christmas. Questions to Consider:
· It's easy to get distracted with the decorations, the baking, the shopping, and the parties. But at the end of the day, what matters is if we make room in the Inn (our hearts) for Jesus.
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Matthew 2:10-11, And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. A little boy came home from Sunday School. He was so excited about learning the Christmas story. Especially about the Wise Men who brought gifts to the baby Jesus. He was so excited that he had to tell his mother. He said, "I learned today in Sunday School all about the first Christmas. In fact, there was no need of Santa Claus. There wasn't a Santa Claus way back then, so these wise men had to deliver the toys”. I learned comparing Santa Claus and the Lord Jesus. · Santa lives at the North Pole. Jesus lives everywhere. · Santa rides in a sleigh. Jesus rides on the wind and walks on the water. · Santa comes once a year. Jesus is an ever-present help. · Santa comes down your chimney. Jesus stands at your door of your heart and knocks. · Santa fills your stockings with goodies. Jesus supplies all your needs. · You have to wait in line to see Santa. Jesus is as close as the mention of His name. · Santa lets you sit in his lap. Jesus holds you in His hands. · Santa has a belly like a bowl of jelly. Jesus has a heart of love. · Santa’s little helpers makes new toys. Jesus makes new lives. · Santa puts gifts under your tree. Jesus became our gift and died on a tree. The night heaven visited the earth, it wasn’t Santa Claus who came to town, it was Jesus Christ. Jesus came 2,000 years ago and the world has never been the same. If “Christmas” is some material thing that you are dying for, then you will probably be disappointed, even if you get it. If, however, you are seeking the Christ of Christmas, you will never be disappointed. The true spirit of Christmas gives Christ His rightful place. Prayer, Father thank You for sending us Your only begotten Son. Your gift was an eternal gift to the entire world. Help me to share the gift of Your Son Jesus with others. Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Prayer: The Greatest Neglected Power (Matthew 26:41)
Matthew 26:41, Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. The disciples had undergone a long day. It was now, in all likelihood, late at night. They couldn’t keep their eyes open. Though just hours before they had professed their allegiance to Jesus in spirit, in their flesh, they couldn’t stay awake. If one cannot endure a little fatigue when there is no suffering, how will one do when the temptation or the great trial of their faithfulness and courage comes. Christ instructed the disciples that the flesh is weak though our intentions may be strong. So, we ought to pray earnestly so that our intentions will be fulfilled in spite of our flesh. Prayer is necessary because of our weakness in the flesh. See these Scriptures: Romans 7:15-20; Romans 8:12-13; I Corinthians 9:27; Colossians 3:5. Our failure to think of prayer as a privilege may be partly due to the fact that we can pray any time. The door to prayer is open so continuously that we fail to avail ourselves of an opportunity which is always there. Calling upon the Lord will either make a man stop sinning or sin will make him stop praying. Unless we have within us that which is above us, we shall soon yield to that which is about us. D.L. Moody said, "Fervency in prayer by the power of the Holy Spirit is a good preservative against thoughts rushing in. Flies never settle on a boiling pot." Calling on the Lord consistently will help us to keep the fire burning for God in our hearts. It will help us stay alert to destructive temptations that cross our path. 1) Adoration (I Chronicles 29:10-13; Psalm 25:8; 63:3-4; Revelation 4:8; 5:12). During this time, focus directly on God, adoring Him for Who He is. 2) Confession (II Corinthians 7:9-10; Psalm 25:11; 51:10-13; 139:23-24; Jeremiah 31:34; I John 1:4-9). We cannot stand before the throne of a holy God with sin between us and our Saviour. Thank God, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins! 3) Thanksgiving (I Chronicles 16:34; Psalm 100:4-5; Philippians 4:6-7; I Thessalonians 5:16-18). Take time to thank the Lord for what He has done. Thank Him for salvation, the many blessings in your life, protection, provision, open doors, and opportunities. 4) Supplication (Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 4:6; I Timothy 2:1-4). This is the time to ask God for His divine help to meet needs, solve problems, work in someone's life. Here is a profound principle concerning prayer. As we watch, that is, as we are mentally disciplined to focus upon that which we ought and as we pray without ceasing, we will not enter into temptation. Prayer has a spiritually antiseptic quality. As long as we are in a spirit of prayer, we will not walk in the flesh. When we are on the line with God, the devil cant’ get through. The line is busy. Mr. Roger Babson, in an after-dinner address, made the following statement, "Prayer is the greatest unused power in the world, and faith is the greatest undiscovered resource." Faith is a grasping of Almighty power; the hand of man laid on the arm of God; when the things impossible to us become the possible, O Lord, through Thee. Jesus Christ is the greatest example of prayer. Below are seven points with Scripture to help us concerning our prayer life.
By dying to our own desires and praying for the will of God to be done, we die to self and the Lord takes pleasure in what we have done. Prayer: Father, with my whole heart I praise You for this wondrous life of continuous prayer, continuous fellowship, continuous answers, and continuous oneness with Him who lives to pray forever! Father keep me abiding and walking in the presence of Your glory, so that my prayer may be the spontaneous expression of my life with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com |
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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