Stephen (Acts 6:5, 8; 7:55)
Acts 6:8, And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. Acts 6:5, And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch. Acts 7:55, But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 1. Stephen Served. Stephen had a godly testimony. Stephen was a good man of “honest report”. He was a gifted man, ‘full of...wisdom”. He was a godly man— ‘full of the Holy Ghost”. The Bible makes it clear that the source of Stephen’s fearlessness was the Holy Spirit. Three times the Bible records that he was “full of God’s grace and power” or “full of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:5, 8; 7:55). He was filled with the Holy Spirit who allowed him to speak truth wisely, witness boldly, and to face death peacefully. Stephen’s character displayed the character of God through the Spirit of God, and that Spirit who gave him a servant’s heart and courage. The Spirit who empowered Stephen is the same Spirit who fills Christs followers today. No matter the chaos or opponents to the Gospel you face today, you can have the same power, boldness, and humility as Stephen. 2. Stephen Suffered. Stephen was a godly young man who followed the teachings of Jesus in a time when much uproar was found in the religious world. Stephen preached Jesus before the Sanhedrin (A supreme council of the Jewish people). Stephen was not filled with fear that day before his opponents. He was filled with the Holy Spirit and he boldly shared the truth of God. Stephen preached a long sermon. He began with the “God of glory” (Acts 7:2) and ended with the “God of glory” (Acts 7:55). His purpose in preaching this sermon was to show how each leader of Israel had tried to bring them out of their tradition into a broader revelation of God’s will and purpose for Israel, and how in every instance they had rebelled against the truth. This was exactly what the Sanhedrin was doing as they tried Stephen for blasphemy. He charged them with rejecting the Christ of Israel. He began with Scripture and used the Scripture to reveal their sinfulness. When Stephen mentioned their crime against the Just One, it was then that they charged him like a rioted mob. Stephen suffered, and through that we see that Saul (Paul) was a witness. 3. Stephen Shined. Stephen shined at his death. He died calling upon God to ask forgiveness of his enemies. The religious leaders looked intently upon Stephen they saw that his face was “as it had been the face of an angel” (Acts 6:15). Stephens death was not in vain. God honored his life and his death. Paul witnessed his death, and as a result, Paul would later accept Christ as his Saviour. Through His suffering he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit”. “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge” (Acts 7:59-60). We know that those who exhibit godly character do not necessarily have literal shining faces. They do, however, glow with the countenance of the One who fills their heart. Sharing the Gospel of Christ is the greatest news you could ever spread. Although not everyone will receive it well, it always brings pleasure to the LORD. PRAYER: Father in Heaven, I know You want to fill me but will not until I remove the barriers. Please bring to my mind my unconfessed sins and help me repent of them. Will You fill me with Your Holy Spirit? Live Your life through me today. Make me the person You want me to be that You would be glorified, 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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Restore a Wounded Friend
This present world which we live in is broken due to the curse of sin going back to the garden of Eden in Genesis 3. As the result of man’s sin, the world, also mankind, which was perfect at one time, became imperfect. That is why every relationship since the first family has needed and will always need reconciliation with God. This can only be received through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Below are at least three ways friendships can be restored. 1. Godly friends will help bring us to the Lord in our helpless estate (Luke 5:17-19). Here, four men brought a paralyzed man, on his bed to Jesus. Obviously, this man could not get to Jesus on his own. There were four men who were willing to do whatever it took to get this man to Jesus. As we journey in this world, we cross paths with numerous people. Although they may not be physically paralyzed, but spiritually, they are buckled under the weight of sin and are in desperate need of the help of believers to carry them to the Lord. 2. Godly friends restore you when you have fallen (Galatians 6:1). All Christians now and then will make a mistake and fall into sin. The Bible commands us in Galatians 6:1, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” As Christians, we have some duties. The spiritual Christians are to restore the fallen. We are to do it prayerfully and carefully. Christian duty is not to condemn or criticize the wayward brother, but is to restore him to a proper position. As brethren had fallen into such sin, it was the duty of those who were spiritual to restore them. In the restoration process, there must be discipline and repentance, but those who are spiritual should aim to restore that person with gentleness. We see here that someone has fallen into sin and we see how we are to restore them. The first reaction we should have when another Christian falls into sin is restoration and repair back to completeness. Notice: The word restore means to repair or mend what has been broken. This fallen brother needs someone to tenderly help him. He needs to be restored and reinstated with all gentleness. In the ministry, we are taking broken lives and letting God put them together. 3. Godly friends will help us rebound and live for the Lord (Hebrews 3:13; 10:24). We need godly friends who will tell us if we aren’t living for the Lord. Godly friends hold you up when others will let you fall. Anyone can live a carnal life. It takes a courageous Christian to live a life that pleases and honors the Lord. We know that an obedient life glorifies God and counts in eternity. When a person is encouraged it always helps them to continue running the race the Lord has set for them. Patiently, we are to deal with him, helping him to confess and forsake his sin and be restored to spiritual health. The spiritual brother is to restore the one who is overtaken. Not just anyone in the church should do this, but, a spiritual brother, one that is spiritual with an attitude of restoration. He is to restore the fallen one in the spirit of meekness; not meanness. When someone falls we are to help them get back on their feet without harsh criticism. As God’s children, we need each other to help us through those times. Yes, there are real impacts from sin that cannot be ignored or overlooked. But rather than writing people off because they have done wrong, we need to humbly reach out to them in love and do what we can to help them put the pieces back together. We need to consider ourselves. Although we are saved, we too can be tempted. We are to take a good look at ourselves and realize that we have weaknesses and may be tempted to fall (Romans 7:18). Notice: If it were not for the grace of God we would be doing the same thing. Application: We can all be tempted with the same sin that this person has been overtaken with. One day we too may fall and we will need help from a spiritual brother in Christ to restore us. We are all capable of sin.
Prayer, Heavenly Father, too often I see others who are stranded on the highway of life. Help me to be more passionate concerning the care and restoration for others who have fallen. As Your Word and Spirit does surgery on their heart, may they understand that only You can satisfy their longing soul and fill their hungry heart. Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com A Blessed Walk (Psalm 119:1)
Psalm 119:1, Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. Can we know if and when God is pleased with how we are living our lives? Eric Liddell, Scottish missionary and athlete of the 1924 Olympics stated, “In the dust of defeat as well as the laurels of victory there is glory to be found if one has done his best”. Another statement he made was, “And when I run, I feel His pleasure”. Liddell lived a life that honored the Lord on and off the field. He gave God all the praise and glory. Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. This blessed psalm begins with blessing. One condition for God’s blessing is being “undefiled in the way of life.” The word undefiled has the sense of being without ‘blemish’ or ‘upright.’ The greater thought is that those who keep themselves undefiled by sin in the pathway of life are blessed. Those who walk in the law of the Lord will in fact be undefiled. As we hide God’s Word in our hearts, we will not sin against Him. Living a life which is undefiled by sin is a blessing in and of itself. Sin brings nothing but trouble, loss, destruction, and misery. The Word of God is crucial in developing a life undefiled by sin. Psalm 119:133, Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. God has given us His precepts and laws. He has pathed the way on which we are to follow on our journey. We have assurance that we can walk according to His will and avoid unrighteousness if we purposely choose to accept His instructions and diligently follow them. If we are devoted to this commitment, this will result in a life that is blessed, happy, and content. This requires seeking Him with all our heart, observing the Lord’s testimonies and promises, walking in the way of integrity, living a life that honors Him. Psalm 16:11, Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; It is pleasing to be able to read God's commandments and expectations and not be ashamed. We can only worship and praise the Lord if our heart is upright, obedient, and faithful, for He has blessed us in revealing His way to guide us. He will not forsake those who are careful about following His statutes.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I sincerely desire the fullness of Your blessings and want to keep my life pure and blameless. Give me a heart to seek You above all else so that sin, worldly determination, and self-gain have no attraction for me. Help me treasure Your Word in my heart, make Your law and Your statutes the foundation of my convictions and life values, give heed to Your testimonies, and find joy and delight in following them. 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 Designed by Him to Shine for Him (Matthew 5:14-16)
Matthew 5:14-16 – “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” In John 8:12, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” While Jesus walked this earth, He was the light of the world. However, in His absence, we now are. As Christ is in us and shines through us, we, in His physical absence, have become the light of the world. The world about us is dark spiritually. What’s nine times more efficient than a light bulb and doesn’t need electricity? It’s the lightning bug. The lightning bug, or firefly, is a winged beetle which uses bioluminescence to produce light. We see this insect each summer. They are fascinating little creatures. I find it amazing that some of man’s most expensive scientific research is devoted to duplicating what often occurs naturally in Creation. If the chemicals utilized by the lightning bug were not mixed in the right proportion, the firefly could not emit light. It, therefore, could not attract a mate or prey and it would die. This little beetle is not the product of evolutionary mutations over millions of years, but it is the handiwork of an intelligent Designer. Just as every detail of the lightning bug has been intricately designed by God, so He directs every circumstance of our lives. God knows that if your experiences are not mixed in the right proportion, you cannot bring Him glory. God knows your needs. If He can make a little beetle shine for His glory, then He can make His glory shine through your life! Resolve to shine brightly for Him in even your darkest circumstances. God has called us to be a lighthouse to a perishing world. Part of our duty as Christians is to be a prism through which the light of the Gospel can be focused upon in a dark world. We are called of God to shine the light of the Gospel. Our heavenly Father is glorified by honesty, or other good works, that reflect the light of the Gospel. Prayer: Father, I know that You desire to shine brightly through my life. Though the world is getting darker, may Your Light shine even brighter through me. Help me to reflect Your love so that mankind can see Your love through me. Help me so that my works will point others to You, as Christ is our example. 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 Saturating A City with the Gospel (Acts 5:26-29)
Acts 5:26-29, Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned. 27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, 28 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us, 29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The apostles were retrieved from the Temple and brought before the Sanhedrin. The Sanhedrin was the Jewish Supreme Court consisting of a total of 70 members and the High Priest who was in charge. In the time of Christ, this court was very corrupt. The Sanhedrin had total jurisdiction over all the theological and religious matters in Israel. The high priest despised the name of Jesus so much that they would not even mention His name. They were charged with defiance to the commands of the council. They were charged with insubordination (they defied the command to not teach in the name of Jesus). They were charged with indoctrination (they filled Jerusalem with the doctrine of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ). They were charged with incrimination (they intended to bring the guilt of the death upon the people). We also find the apostles' victory in speaking the truth. They told the Jews and their religious leaders the truth of what they did to Jesus. They killed the Messiah. The high priest conveniently forgot that he and his associates had said to Pilate, "His blood be upon us and on our children!" (Matthew 27:25). They were only getting what they had asked Pilate to give to them. The council had commanded the apostles not to teach in the name of Jesus and yet they defied the council. God called and Spirit filled preachers will magnify and exalt the name of Jesus. John G. Butler said, “Governments often try to clamp down on the Bible message and prohibit preachers from preaching the truth... And congregations frequently think they are the authority, too, and hesitate not to tell the preacher what he should preach. But few things are so presumptuous as someone trying to tell God’s man what to preach... A true man of God gets his message from God. He is to preach the Word as the Holy Spirit leads him.” The apostles were rebuked and they reminded them, "We commanded you to not teach in Jesus name!" Then they had to admit the victory of the apostles in filling the city of Jerusalem with the doctrine of Christ and His Gospel. Despite the external persecution and internal problems, the apostles kept on teaching and preaching. To saturate a city is not easy to do at all, but these men of God did it through the power of God and hard work. Jesus was the talk of the town. Can you imagine what America would be like if Jesus was the talk of every town and people were excited about Him? The power of the witness of Christians cannot be underestimated. In the last century, two independent studies were conducted 50 years apart to determine the kindest city in the United States. In both surveys, 1940 and 1990, the city that was ranked first was Rochester, New York. What was attributed to their friendliness? The answer is the greatest revival in the history of the United States that took place in 1831, under the preaching of evangelist Charles Finney. 1,200 people were saved and united with churches during this revival that swept lawyers, doctors, and prominent businessmen into the kingdom of Heaven. Forty of the converts entered the ministry. The entire town was changed as many taverns and red-light districts closed down. The ripple effect of this revival spread to 1500 towns and villages in the surrounding areas. The testimony of those that were saved, their influence for the Lord, is still having an impact for Christ upon their descendants that live in Rochester and across the globe. The apostles did not hold back. They were not intimidated into silence. They looked them in the eyes and boldly told them the facts without fear or hesitation. The eternal destiny of these people was at stake. They needed to be saved and the only way to reach them was to reveal to them their sin and their solution...Jesus Christ. Christians today struggle to share the Gospel with unsaved friends and family because of fear and intimidation. If you can overcome that fear, you have won a great victory. If you can saturate a city with the Gospel, you have won a great victory. Not all people will be saved, but if you can at least give people the opportunity to hear or read the Gospel, you have achieved, with God's help, a victory. Points to Ponder: We will face these same problems throughout our ministry, yet we too should keep on keeping on. Help us to fear and hate sin because we fear and love God, who is holy! We must obey God by proclaiming and teaching that Jesus Christ is the risen Saviour and Lord. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me to remain steadfast to preach Your Word and minister to others. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com One of the Hardest Things We’ll Ever Do Is…Wait on God! (Psalm 62:5)
Psalm 62:5, My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. To be honest, I’m not sure to whom I’m writing this post today–but I suspect somebody needs to hear it. The pastor in me comes to life when I’m reminded of believers who increasingly grow impatient with God, and I want us to pray for one another about that issue today. God is operating on a schedule that we cannot see! (Isaiah 55:8-9). Because He is outside time, God's timing is not the same as ours. One of the most important traits of the Christian life is patience. Over 150 times some form of the word “wait” appears in the Bible. Waiting on God results in us being strengthened (Isaiah 40:31). One of the hardest things we’ll ever do is to wait on God! Many times in life GOD tells us to wait, yet we trust our own judgment and do our own will. Choosing your personal will over God’s will always result in reaping consequences. Delays do not mean God will fail to come through. Be willing to patiently wait on God, and to trust in Him even when you do not understand what He is doing. I begin with some Bible texts that remind me that I need to let God help me with my impatience: · “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31) · “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” (Psalm 27:14) “I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.” (Psalm 130:5-6) · “Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.” (Micah 7:7). When I read these verses, waiting seems so easy. We simply look forward to the day when God is going to respond, and we stay focused on Him in the meantime. The truth is for most of us waiting is not easy. It is one of the hardest things to do. Why, then, does God require us to wait? 1. Waiting reminds us that He is in charge. We’re not in charge of the calendar or the clock. We don’t control all things. Only God does, and His calling us to wait reminds us of that truth. Man may possess the finest watches or clocks money can buy, buy God owns the time! 2. Waiting teaches us faith. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1). The concept almost assumes a gap in timing between our request and God’s response. If everything happened immediately, faith would be less necessary. 3. Waiting makes us grateful. When we pray for something and God requires us to wait, we are more grateful when He finally does respond positively to our prayers. And we learn in a strange way to be grateful as we wait even if He chooses to respond “no” to our prayers. 4. Waiting reveals our idolatries. If we simply can’t wait on God, it’s likely because something we want to happen is more important to us than God’s overall plan. We think our plan is so right that God needs to respond to it right now. 5. Waiting prepares us for whatever God has for us in the future. Whatever God’s plan is, waiting is often God’s way of saying, “You’re not ready to receive what you want yet.” He knows our hearts and He alone knows when He needs to do some work in us before granting our request. Our call is to trust Him in the meantime. Prayer: Lord, I know too often I pray for my will rather than Your will to be done. I know that You have the results already worked out. Teach me to learn to wait on You. 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 I Surrender All (Galatians 2:20)
Galatians 2:20, I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. While in seminary school, one of the courses I took was Homiletics. The class was taught by our college’s dean. He reminded us continually, “What you do with the Bible will determine what God does with you.” Until then, I had never heard of that statement. On that day back in 1997, I decided to make the Word of God a daily priority in my life. It’s been close 25 years and I have never been sorry I made that commitment (Matthew 16:24-27). Making the Bible the foundation of your life, your choices, and the basis of your decisions will give you joy, delight, direction, clarity, stability, and warnings against that which can harm you. If you are going to be totally sold out to the Lord, then God's Word is vital for establishing a spiritual foundation in your life. How can you please and obey the Lord if you don't know what to obey or what pleases Him? How are you going to know anything about Him without His Word? It will be difficult for sure. Throughout history, the great awakenings and revivals took place where God's Word was made available to the people of a nation. Many are not dedicated to the Lord today because they have decided to base their lives on the philosophies of the world which run contrary to what the Scriptures teach. God instructs us to reject such false and foolish teachings and ideas. Abraham was numbered among a rare breed of submissive hearts in the Bible who were available to God. In addition to Abraham, these men were also available to God; Jacob, in his old age (Genesis 46:2); Moses, on the backside of the desert (Exodus 3:4); Samuel, as a little child (I Samuel 3:4); Isaiah, a future prophet and writer (Isaiah 6:8); and Ananias, an unusual servant (Acts 9:10). All responded, “Here am I,” to God. May this same spirit of availability prevail in each of us. Often, we fear that giving God full control will result in our not receiving what we desire. Be assured that when you surrender your will to God, you will receive the best God has to offer. It may not be what you desire or what you would have planned, but God's will is always better than what you could provide yourself. Founder of the Salvation Army William Booth said, “The greatness of a man's power is the measure of his surrender”. When D.L. Moody began in the ministry he heard a preacher say, "The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully surrendered to Him." Moody, that night said, "By God’s grace I’ll be that man!" It is said that Moody shook two continents for God and over a million souls came to Christ under his preaching and ministry. Moody had little education, and he was not a skillful speaker. But God greatly used his life. At a memorial service some years after Moody’s death, Evangelist R.A. Torrey who had been one of his closest friends said, "The first thing that accounts for God’s using D.L. Moody so mightily was that he was a fully surrendered man. Every ounce of that 280 pound body of his belonged to God; everything he was and everything he had, belonged wholly to God." When we surrender our purpose and will to God and allow Him to use us as He sees fit, wonderful things happen. The world is shaken, not by the wise, the mighty, the intelligent, or the skilled, but by those who have yielded to God. Instead of surrendering, they cling tightly to their own desires and interests. How much better it is both for us and for a world in need if we surrender and let God choose our path! Points to Ponder: A surrendered life can shake the world. God’s will is always what's best for you, whether you see it or not. Take time right now to place your desires in God's hands. Trust Him to do what's best and faithfully live your life knowing God guides your steps. God is still at work today. He has something great He desires to do right where you live. But the only life you have to offer to God is the life God has given to you. So, offer yourself to God in your present circumstances. God still works through yielded servants. Questions to Consider: What role does the Bible play in your life? What do you use as your basis or standard of determining what is right or wrong? Are you willing to be that fully surrendered person for God? Have you surrendered your will to God today? Are you offering yourself to God now? If not, why not? Will you be the man or woman that is willing to be used of God? Will you turn your abilities over to God and let Him use them however He sees fit? PRAYER: LORD, my desire is to do Your will and to do it willingly and without question. I pray that by the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit, I may be willing to present my entire life to You as a sweet-smelling savour. 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 Gospel Shoes (Romans 10:14-15)
Romans 10:14-15, How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Billy Scholl was born on June 22, 1882 in La Porte, Indiana as one of 13 children. As a boy he showed an interest in shoes. He liked working with leather and made harnesses for the family farm's horses. He repaired and made shoes for twelve brothers and sisters. In response to his interests, Billy's parents apprenticed him to a local cobbler at the age of sixteen. One year later, he went to Chicago to work as a cobbler and shoe salesman. The number of foot ailments he encountered concerned Billy. The big city and the fast pace of modern times were rough on feet. Customers suffered from bunions, corns, and fallen arches. Billy saw a huge need, and decided to become the "foot doctor to the world." He enrolled in the Illinois Medical College, and by the time he had graduated in 1904, he had patented his first invention, an arch support called the Foot-Eazer. Billy opened his own store and began producing arch supports for other shoe stores. To sell his product, he would go to a shoe store and pull a skeleton of a human foot out of his bag. He would then proceed to explain the ailments of the foot to the proprietor and inevitably take an order for his product. For more than sixty years, Billy personally promoted his own products with flair and enthusiasm. He established a correspondence course for shoe clerks and hired consultants to criss-cross the country, giving lectures on foot-care products. Billy Scholl's enthusiastic dedication to good foot care and his endurance as an able spokesman has made his (Dr. Scholl) name a household word. The Message of the Preacher (Romans 10:14) The world cannot be saved apart from the Gospel. "Whosoever" refers to the whole world. But a person has to "call" in order to be saved. A person cannot "call upon the name of the Lord" unless he has heard about the Lord. That is the condition that cries for preachers to go into the world to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Therefore, the Gospel has to be carried to the whole world. The Mission of the Preacher (Romans 10:15) Christ’s first word from His Great Commission was to “Go.” If we refuse to go, some will never hear the Gospel, and we will be in direct disobedience to Jesus Christ. Paul made a clear case for the crucial importance of everyone who is involved in the work of God in reaching the lost with the Gospel. We don't usually think of feet as being beautiful. Do you think your feet are beautiful feet? Feet are beautiful when they are the feet of one who brings the Good News, the Gospel. As we go through our daily routines, we are to live lives that enable us to make disciples. We don't need to be sent by a mission organization; we have already been sent by Jesus. In reality, we are Jesus' feet. In order for people to hear and receive the message of Jesus, someone has to tell them about Him. This starts with someone who cares enough to communicate Christ’s message. Too often, Christ’s Great Commission will not even be communicated fully enough to people in foreign countries unless Christians send and support those whom God has called to deliver His message to these people and places. Those who help to send others are fulfilling a key role in introducing people to Christ. We all can participate in spreading the Word to those who have not yet heard about Jesus. Gospel tracts, books, Christian literature, and witnessing are all used by God to reach people for Christ. It is tragic that almost 95% of professing Christians never tell others about Christ. It's up to us. The souls of the world are our responsibility. We are not responsible for their decision to accept or reject salvation, but we are responsible to share the Gospel with them. It's the reason we are still on earth. God could have taken us to Heaven immediately when we got saved and given the responsibility to share the Gospel to the angels, but He wants us to be His messengers. You have heard the Gospel message today. If you have never called upon the Lord for salvation, I would encourage you to come today. Jesus died for your sin and He wants to save you today! Why not come and be saved? Questions to Consider: Who can you witness to and share the Gospel message with today? When will you do it? How beautiful are your feet? Do you pray for God to show you who He wants you to tell about Him? Are you looking for those that don’t know Christ? Points to Ponder: The world needs to hear about Jesus Christ. God uses people to reach people. We are His feet and His messengers. The Gospel must be preached before it can be believed. The Gospel must be believed before it can save. PRAYER: Father in Heaven, thank You for bringing me to a saving faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ. That is the best thing that has ever happened in my life. Forgive me for not sharing this Good News with others on a regular basis. Bring people into my life that I can tell about Your amazing love. 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 Joy-FULL (I John 1:4)
I John 1:4, And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. John wants his readers to know joy. When you experience a meaningful, intimate fellowship with God through Jesus Christ, you will experience true joy that is not dependent on your circumstances and that is not found anywhere else. True joy surpasses external circumstances. It is stability on the inside in spite of what is occurring on the outside. Joy means an inner gladness, a deep seated pleasure. It is the depth of assurance and confidence that ignites a cheerful heart. Those who love Jesus, know Jesus and live for Jesus will have joy in life. When asked about their faith only 3% of Americans mentioned enjoyment of their relationship with God as their greatest source of spiritual fulfillment. John G. Mitchell wrote, “The enjoyment of spiritual life can come only as we walk in fellowship with God. A Spirit filled life is the enjoyment of divine life; it is that life of fellowship. There is no higher experience for a believer, either on earth or in heaven, than the experience of personal, intimate fellowship with the living, sovereign, eternal God.” Warren Wiersbe said, “Joy is not something that we manufacture for ourselves; joy is a wonderful by-product of our fellowship with God.” Lehman Strauss said, “There can be no real joy until the partnership with God and His Son and His children has been established. When our fellowship is what it ought to be, the attainment of the fullness of joy will result.” Charles Simeon said, “There are but two lessons for the Christian to learn: the one is, to enjoy God in everything; the other is, to enjoy everything in God.” Somewhere along the way we have missed it. We equate joy with happiness and happiness with joy. When you are happy you do have joy, no doubt, but you can have joy and still not be happy. We cannot be happy about our circumstances from without and still be filled with joy from within. People that are suffering persecution, illness, sickness, loss of a loved one can still have the joy of the Lord. It is during these times that people may not be outwardly happy, but Jesus can give them inward joy. Dr. R.A. Torrey and his wife went through a time of great heartache when their 12 year old daughter was accidentally killed. The funeral was held on a gloomy, miserable, rainy day. They stood around the grave and watched as the body of their little girl was put away. As they turned away, Mrs. Torrey said, ‘I’m so glad that Elizabeth is with the Lord and not in that box.’ But, even knowing this to be true, their hearts were broken. Dr. Torrey said that the next day, as he was walking down the street, the whole thing broke anew—the loneliness of the years ahead without her presence, the heartbreak of an empty house, and all the other implications of her death. He was so burdened by this that he looked to the Lord for help. He said, ‘And just then, this fountain, the Holy Spirit that I had in my heart, broke forth with such power as I think I had never experienced before, and it was the most joyful moment I had ever known in my life! Oh, how wonderful is the joy of the Holy Ghost! It is an unspeakable glorious thing to have your joy not in things about you, not even in your most dearly loved friends, but to have you a fountain ever springing up, springing up, springing up, always springing up 365 days in every year, springing up under all circumstances unto everlasting life.” A little girl remarked about her principle said that she believed he went to Heaven every night because he was so happy every day. The principle was told of this and he used a great metaphor about a Christian’s joy. He said, ‘Joy is the flag which is flown from the castle of the heart when the King is in residence there.” Jesus came that we may have that kind of joy. He wants our joy to be full, complete, not lacking in any way. The joy of the Lord is our strength. He is our source of joy, knowing Him and living for Him gives great joy to the heart. Jesus Christ is our source of joy and gives it abundantly to us. 1. Joy comes from God’s protection and trusting in Him. Psalm 5:11, But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. 2. Joy comes from the presence of the Lord in our lives. Psalm 16:11, Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. 3. Joy comes from God’s salvation. Isaiah 12:3, Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. 4. Joy comes from the indwelling work of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 5. Joy comes from knowing that your name is written in Heaven. Luke 10:20, Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. 6. Joy comes from the Word of God. John 15:11, These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. 7. Joy comes from answered prayers. John 16:24, Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. Questions to Consider:
PRAYER: Father in Heaven, I thank You for the Bible. Your Word helps me glorify You as I experience true joy and close fellowship with You. Help me to remove anything in my life, anything that would hinders fellowship with You. Help me to never settle for occasional or distant fellowship, but a closer walk with You in obedience. May I make and spend time daily with You in Your Word and in prayer. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Spiritual Fog (Psalm 119:105)
Psalm 119:105, Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. There has already been several mornings this year where we have seen a fog in our area. A fog is the result of air being cooled to the point where it can no longer hold all water vapor it contains. It takes a lot of effort to get out of bed on these foggy, gloomy mornings. For some, gloom can have a serious impact on their outlook on life. The fog causes limited visibility & one can only see so far ahead. The fog can cause you to become disoriented. When we are on a busy schedule and with all the disruption, we can easily drown God out. The busyness of life can often cause one to focus primarily on self, causing us not to prioritize on the Lord. Fog creeps in making me lose clarity on my situation. It’s very hard to make wise decisions when the direction is distorted. God is working behind the scenes. It would be easy to think He was actually absent but this is not true. It’s only when the sun begins to rise that the fog gets thinner. We have to wait for God to burn off the spiritual fog, the fog of confusion or disillusionment. Then are we able to see clearly. The Lord often tests us with spiritual fogs in life. Fogs cause us to slow down, or to learn to wait! During these times, we are not too make hasty decisions. When you cannot see clearly it is the time to stop and wait. Wait until the fog lifts. No matter how much pressure is put on you by man or other things. Many are so impatient when in waiting mode. Psalm 5:3, My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. We must be mindful that there are spiritual fogs. Walking in the Spirit is not denying the fact that the fog exists in our lives. Walking in the Spirit helps us to keep our eyes on what God has said in His Word in spite of the presence of the fog. Walking in the Spirit helps us to see through the fog that surrounds us. Walking in the Spirit is having a clear and present awareness of the presence of the Spirit of God in our lives. When nothing is normal, so to speak, stop, look at the consistency of God’s Word. It’s here you can say, “I know I’m on the right path. He’s led me here, but it’s foggy right now”. And God’s silence seems deafening. Go back to what you Know is true and wait for God to show you more. Stand there and trust that the LORD will give you clear direction. Just as the sun burns away the foggy mist in the air that we may see clearly, the Son gives us clarity of mind that we may focus on what He has before us. It doesn’t always “feel” good when we wait. We must learn discipline to wait on the LORD. In His time, He will give us our release. The LORD knows the rest of the story; however, He wants us to know if we believe Him. Why? He wants us to see our own heart. If we cannot wait on God, we will get into trouble. This is a time of testing for many. Stand on what God has already told you in His Word. There are times and seasons when we must trust even though we can’t see a thing. I’m waiting on exciting pieces of God’s giant puzzle to fit together in my life. So wait. Knowing you worship a sovereign God Who is in control. And in His perfect timing, the fog will be lifted and the light will shine clearly and perfectly on the path He has chosen for me. I was allowing God’s light in only a little, therefore, the fog had been thinning but still existent. God’s message was loud and clear. I needed to let His light shine in full radiance on my fog-filled life. Once I do my part, His light will naturally burn away the fog. I need to do my part willingly and not just as an act of obedience. Do as He asks cheerfully and be ready to receive His promises to you! Allow His light to shine in full radiance in your life! As you do, the fog will be lifted and His light will clearly shine through your life! PRAYER: Thank You that You do not give me confusion but You give me clarity. Your Word instructs me, Your people counsel me, and Your Spirit leads me. Help me to fill up on the Word, to seek wise advice, and to rely on Your Spirit, who is always with me. In Jesus name I pray, AMEN! If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com |
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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