|
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.” A calendar is something we all use to keep tract of important dates; plans we have and help us to manage our time. One thing it is very important that we understand is that God has His own calendar, and everything will be fulfilled on His calendar in His time. God has no sense of obligation for my calendar as His fulfills His perfect plan and mine only my personal desires. Unfortunately, my personal desires are not always in the perfect will of God so they cannot be counted on as 100% accurate. God is not impressed with my calendar, and He never worries about its fulfilment. What He is looking for is Christians who will trust Him, walk by faith. It is important that we keep our eyes focused on Jesus and the Scriptures and never vary from that. 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 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, 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 He extends patience to the perishing. Today is the last day of 2022. 2022 is soon to be ousted while 2023 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 is your last day? Not of the month; not of the year. What if this is 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. God will fulfill His promise literally as He has said, it is a guarantee. This truth has been greatly attacked and mocked in our day, but that will not keep it from happening exactly as the Bible teaches. We see that God has great patience and is longsuffering. It conveys the idea of being patient in bearing the offences and injuries of others. It is wonderful to know how patient God is with us and how much He loves us. Jesus took every opportunity to speak to people one on one and also to great multitudes so that they might hear the truth. We need to have the same heartbeat for people as we seek to get the Gospel to everyone that we know. We also need to be involved through our local church to reach as many people as possible. The time is short, and we must make an all-out effort to reach people with the Gospel message before it is too late. 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 these questions 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
7 Comments
Death to Self (II Corinthians 5:14-15)
II Corinthians 5:14-15, “For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.” From the time of his conversion, Paul no longer lived unto himself but unto Him who died for him and rose again. In essence, Paul is saying that Christ’s dying for Christians obligates them to live for Him and for His people. This is the consistent teaching of the Scriptures (Romans 6:11, 13, 18; 14:9; Titus 2:14; I Peter 2:24; 3:18; 4:1-3). Those who live their life unto themselves are not displaying Christlikeness; but those who live their life unto Christ are manifesting Christlikeness. Living our life unto Christ is the only proof that we are a Christian. When Paul contemplated Christ’s great love for him, love expressed in His dying in his stead, he felt morally constrained to make the will of Christ the rule of his life and the glory of Christ the goal of his life. Paul expressed his motive for dedicated ministry. Christ’s love for Paul was reflected in his love for Christ. It compelled him to continue. Paul identified his driving motive and core value in his life and ministry, both deeply rooted in Christ and the Bible. Because Jesus Christ died for us, we ought not therefore live unto ourselves, but unto Him which died for us. The doctrine of the substitutionary death of Christ must stir total dedication to Him in day-to-day living. Love for Christ ought to constrain us to serve Him. Christ’s love constrains us that we should no longer live for ourselves, but for Him who died for us. The believer’s new life is characterized as a life purposefully devoted to the One who died and rose on our behalf. May we follow in His steps. Peter Cameron Scott was a gifted young singer whose dream was to be a famous. He was on the steps of an audition when he faced the crucial decision of his life. Would he seek a life of self-glory and applause under the spotlight of the entertainment world, or would he dedicate his life to God’s service? The decision was final. He chose to serve God. He recruited others to join him in the cause of reaching Africa with the gospel. With seven others, including his brother and sister, Peter went to Africa in October, 1895. Peter’s brother died from the harsh conditions. Peter built his brother’s coffin and dug the grave himself. In his first year’s report, four stations had opened, educational and medical programs had been set up, and linguistic training was successful. Just 14 months after this optimistic report, Scott, age 29, fell ill and died in December, 1896. Soon after, workers died and many others had to give up for health reasons. The area became known as “the white man’s graveyard.” By the summer of 1899, only one missionary remained on the field. More missionaries died than people became Christians during those first years. But other missionaries came, packing their belongings in coffins. The Africans were amazed by their determination. They said, “Surely only a message of great importance would inspire such actions!” In 1971, the Africa Inland Mission became the Africa Inland Church, numbering about one and a half million. Dedicated service touches every area of our lives. Whether it be full-time service, secular work, or volunteer service, all should be done to the glory of God, with efficiency and fervency. Paul was gripped by a great God. God's grip moves us to live our lives for the Lord and not ourselves. Paul said the love of God constrained him. The love of Jesus Christ motivated and controlled Paul's life to share with others the Gospel. The overpowering love of Christ was demonstrated when He died on the cross for us. Stephen F. Olford, “You can never be devoted without being dynamic. You will never be dynamic without being determined.” 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.” When a man asked George Müller the secret of his service, Müller responded, “There was a day when I died, utterly died; died to George Muller, his opinions, preferences, tastes, and will; died to the world, its approval or censure; died to the approval or blame even of my brethren and friends; and since then I have studied to show myself approved only to God.” Points to Ponder:
Questions to Consider:
PRAYER: Lord, my love for You is not as strong as I would like it to be, but my desire is to present my body to be a a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to You. May every area of my life bring pleasure to You. Help me to surrender my will to Yours. Help me to step out in faith moment by moment as I surrender my life to You. Father, take my life I pray, and use it as You will. I choose today to surrender my all 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 God’s Word: Inspirational and Instructional
II Timothy 3:16-17, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” There are many books in the world today that are based on man's opinion of something. Whether the topic is politics, sports, the weather, self-help, or society, sometimes not everything published in a book is true. But there is one book we can trust. That is the Bible. The Bible was written over a period of 1,500 years with 40 different writers. The Bible is not man’s words but God’s words. Holy men of God wrote as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. Men did not write what they willed, but what the Holy Spirit moved them to write. God directed these men to write the exact words. Illustration: A teacher instructing a student to write word for word what is quoted. (II Peter 1:20-21; II Timothy 3:16). God preserved His Word for us to read, to study, and to live by. “All Scripture” means the whole document. Every word of the Bible was given by God. The phrase “Inspiration of God” means divinely breathed in. The Bible is God’s words to man. We know God's Word is true because it comes from God. In a day when so many things are based on opinion, God's Word is based on truth. All 66 books; 39 in the Old Testament, 27 in the New Testament. Every one of 1,189 chapters. All 41,173 verses and 3,566,480 letters--all Scripture is God-breathed. The greatest verse about Biblical inspiration is also a great verse about Biblical application. II Timothy 3:16-17 not only tells us who gave us the Bible but also why it was given. God breathed out His Word for our benefit. Every part of it is profitable. Waiting in its pages is a wealth of blessings ready to teach, reprove, correct, and train us in righteousness. We call the Bible “God’s Word” because it contains what He wants to say. He speaks into our lives through it. Each verse and every word accomplish at least one of the purposes listed in today’s passage. No matter what our need, God has provided a response in His Word. The four ways it profits us are: 1. The Bible teaches us. The word doctrine means that which is correct and right (core teaching). Whatever we find in Scripture is truth that's worth being taught. Every time we read it, we should be asking, what is God teaching me in this passage? 2. God’s Word reproves us. The word reprove means what is wrong. It is the precision instrument of the Holy Spirit, often stopping us in our tracks through the conviction of sin. When the Lord says “Don’t” in Scripture, He always means, “Don’t hurt yourself.” He graciously reprimands us. 3. God’s Word also corrects us. The word correction means how to get (it) right. A sincere Child of God wants to stay right with the Scriptures. Notice: It is we, NOT the Bible, that needs correcting. The Scriptures never need adding to, correcting, nor updating. It not only points out the wrong, it also provides the right response. The Bible straightens out our lives like nothing else. On our own, we steer in wrong directions, but God consistently directs us in the way we should go. 4. Scripture trains us in righteousness. The phrase “instruction in righteousness” speaks of how to keep it right. It is an absolute guide for the lifelong process of discipleship God wants to bring about. We will never outgrow our need for His guidance. Truth, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness are all ways God brings light to our lives by His Word. When we need to see where we are, where we’ve been, and where we’re going, we have a trustworthy source of guidance in the book God wrote. This is the picture described in Psalm 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Note the last phrase in the verse: “…That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” All that God has for you in His Word may come to you if you dig into it. But if your Bible remains closed, though the benefits are all there, you have not accessed them. Amazing things can happen when you open your Bible. Read it, study it, meditate on it, apply it, and obey it. The spiritual maturity you long for will never be a reality until you practice regular, careful study of Scripture. Becoming a disciple of Jesus—one who is equipped to carry out the tasks He places before you—will always involve His Word. When you are reading His inspired thoughts, the Lord is breathing into you His truth, loving reproofs, gracious correction, and the guidance you need. Points to Ponder: Doctrine: Teaches us what is right to believe. Reproof: Points out error in our life. Correction: How to correct what is wrong in our life. Instruction in Righteousness: Teaches how to stay right. Questions to Consider: What parts of Scripture do you gravitate to most often? Which ones do you tend to avoid? Since it’s all profitable, how do you think you could benefit by taking time to familiarize yourself with books and chapters in the Bible you have rarely visited? Prayer, Lord, thank You for breathing out Your Word and using faithful servants to record it for the rest of us. Thank You that I can hold it in my hands, open it at will, and anticipate that the words my eyes fall on are for my benefit to teach, rebuke, correct, and train me. I desire that every time I read the book You wrote I would delight myself in it. I thank You today, for the precious gift of Your Word. 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 COALS OF FIRE (Proverbs 25:21-22)
Proverbs 25:21-22, “If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee.” Solomon unveils an important principle in controlling your anger in these verses. Displaying compassion and kindness to an enemy is like heaping coals of fire on his head. Heaping coals of fire on the head was an indication of caring for your enemy. The principle involves investing in the life of your enemy or offender. The flesh says, “No way! There is no way I’m going to do anything for my enemy! They are not getting a thing from me!” Yet, Solomon says to give to and do good to your offender and the Lord will reward you. What is the meaning behind the “coals of fire?” In Egypt, a man showed repentance by carrying a pan of burning coals on his head. It was a symbol of shame, conviction, guilt, and the changing of the mind. Fire was precious, especially when you traveled from one place to another. To give someone your coals was to provide them with warmth. The result is that our kindness will overcome evil. The natural reaction is to retaliate against our enemies, but godly wisdom tells us to respond in kindness. Give in secret and anger will be smothered, muffled, or appeased. “A gift in secret pacifieth anger” (Proverbs 21:14). The best way to defeat an enemy is to smother him with kindness. If he has a need, meet his need. Give him food when he is hungry and water when he is thirsty. It can calm anger in your enemy and in you. It’s hard to give to someone and remain angry with them. This is what the Lord did for us when He gave His life for us and continues to bless us, even though we do things that are offensive to Him. Doing good to an enemy is a difficult and unnatural response. God doesn’t want you getting bitter, hard-hearted, or to ever hold a grudge. If you’re not careful in resolving conflicting matters, you may hold a grudge against someone, and take pleasure in their misfortunes. Thinking of the individual only in connection with our injuries. The spark may be confined for years until at least expected and then bursts out into an out-of-control flame. When you’re kind to your enemies, it shames. Don’t offer them a cold shoulder; offer them a kind hand. That will shame them more than any retaliation we might put up. Honor godly wisdom and the Lord will recompense us (Romans 12:20-21). Paul spoke about investing in your enemy, also. This will cause the heart and mind of the enemy to burn with conviction and possibly change. Romans 12:19-21, “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Most people return good for good and evil for evil. We have a higher standard that the Lord has set for us. We are to return good for evil. This requires love and faith that God will work His will in our lives and in their lives. We are to obey the Lord in this matter. I Peter 3:9, “Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.” For all the railing or criticizing you have received from your enemies you return blessings; knowing you will receive the greater reward. Our generosity and kindness would bring about conviction and a change in attitude toward us. Watchman Nee tells about a Chinese Christian who owned a rice paddy next to one owned by a communist man. The Christian irrigated his paddy by pumping water out of a canal, using one of those leg- operated pumps that make the user appear to be seated on a bicycle. Every day, after the Christian had pumped enough water to fill his field, the communist would come out, remove some boards that kept the water in the Christian’s field and let all the water flow down into his own field. That way, he didn’t have to pump. This continued day after day. Finally, the Christian prayed, “Lord, if this keeps up, I’m going to lose all my rice, maybe even my field. I’ve got a family to care for. What can I do?” In answer to his request, the Lord put a thought in his mind. So, the next morning he arose much earlier, in the predawn hours of darkness, and started pumping water into the field of his communist neighbor. Then he replaced the boards and pumped water into his own rice paddy. In a few weeks both fields of rice were doing well—and the communist was converted. This, perhaps, is something that everybody aspires to do, but very few are willing to imitate. Matthew 5:44, “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” It is difficult to hate and be angry with those who you are praying for. This is one of Jesus’ most difficult commands to obey. Yet, when it is obeyed, it has a powerful effect upon others. Questions to Consider: Who are the first three people who come to mind that you need to love? What are some actions the Holy Spirit has shown you to love and do good to your enemies? Will you decide to do it? Will you do it willingly and joyfully? What actions will you commit to doing today? Points to Ponder: God doesn’t expect you to trust your enemies; He does expect you to forgive them. Never has a man truly conquered his enemies’ heart by revenge; however, many times by love. It is hard for a person to be mean to someone who is being kind and tenderhearted towards them. Don’t worry or concern yourself if your enemy has not regarded all the good you’ve done for him. If you obey this command, the enemy has no claim on your life. PRAYER: I realize this is a matter of obedience to You. Already some names have come to mind. Help me to pray for my enemies, and count on You to give me guidance on the helpful ways that I can love them. Help me to treat enemies that come across my path as You commanded. 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 Care, Concern, and Control over My Life (I John 4:18-19)
I John 4:18-19, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 19We love him, because he first loved us.” Total dedication involves total faith in God's control and care of your life. Your life is in God's hands to do as He pleases with it. The dedicated person has absolute trust in God's will for his or her life. The control of God over our lives is amply illustrated in the life of Pastor Im of Korea. During the Korean War, missionaries were being evicted from Korea. Harold Voelkel was able to stay because he re-enlisted as an army chaplain. This is what he did during WW2. Because he was fluent in the Korean language, they assigned him to the Island of Kojedo, which was a prisoner of war island. Each morning at 5:30, he kept up the custom of early morning prayer meetings in the prison. Before sun up, hundreds of prisoners would stand outside in rank by the barbed wire in the bitter winter cold. Their favorite hymn was "Jesus Loves Me." Harold was asked how this worship time got started in the prison. It was started by a humble Christian man, Pastor Im, who was imprisoned because of a misunderstanding. It was his second imprisonment. He had been pastoring one of the 3000 small churches throughout North Korea, when the Communists came into the country. In order to intimidate the population, they took him away from his child and wife and imprisoned him because he preached the Gospel. For 18 months, he did not have a clue what had happened to his family. When General MacArthur crossed the 38th parallel into North Korea and took the capital city of Pyongyang, they released the prisoners. Pastor Im had one thought: to go home and find his family. He was ragged and unwashed as he headed northward to his home. On his way home, the American forces mistook him for a Communist and captured him. He did not know any English and the Americans did not know any Korean. The pastor was not given any opportunity to explain his situation to an interpreter. So they imprisoned this pastor, with thousands of other North Korean prisoners, in the prison on the Island of Kojedo. Pastor Im's heart was broken. Satan whispered to him, "Where is your God? If there is a God who answers a Christian's prayer, why are you here? Why does He allow you to be mistreated?" Pastor Im had no room for bitterness in his heart. After spending time in prayer and being strengthened by the Lord, he told Jesus, "Lord, if you have let all this heartache come to me and my family, it must be because you have something for me to do. What can I do for you here on this prison island?" He looked at the other miserable men around him, most of them did not know Christ at all. He began to have compassion for their souls. One evening, as the sun was going down, he did a bold thing. He went to six other men in the prison who were also Christians and told them, "Look, maybe the Lord brought us to this place for such an hour as this. Let's get together and sing about the love of Jesus Christ. Let's sing some Christmas carols." Even though it was forbidden to gather together, Pastor Im went out into the compound and began to sing Christmas songs like Silent Night Holy Night in the Korean language. Other men began to sing as the American guards listened with amazement. Eventually, 500 men gathered around the pastor. Pastor Im then read the Christmas story from his tattered Bible and then the guards had the men disperse. The guards left with tears in their eyes. They knew something was different in this prison camp. Chaplain Voelkel was called by the guards to find out what was going on. He spoke with Pastor Im and heard his remarkable story. Pastor Im was then given an armband that gave him permission to wander about the prison camp and preach and hold prayer meetings every morning. Chaplain Voelkel joined him in ministry and after a year, something powerful happened on this island. Groups with as many as 1200 men were meeting in each of the prison compounds. The prisoners got up early to pray and sing gospel songs. Bible classes were held in the camp and over 6000 men finished the six-month course of daily Bible study and graduated. When the camps closed and the men were freed, 600 men finished Bible school and Seminary outside Korea and returned to preach the Gospel to their people. All of this happened because of one, dedicated, fearless Christian who would not quit and become discouraged in spite of tragedy and terrible circumstances during a bitter war. Instead of complaining, he resolved to get back up on his spiritual feet and do what the Lord wanted him to do. He never did find out what happened to his wife and child in North Korea. He remained faithful in serving Christ. What an example he is to all of us of being totally dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ just like the widow at the Temple. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess that sometimes my fears reveal I’m not trusting You as I know I should, but trusting in something or someone else instead. Thank you for reminding me just how fragile everything else is compared with You. Thank You for never leaving or forsaking me. Thank You for never letting me down and always proving Yourself trustworthy. Help me learn to trust You increasingly and remove fears from my life. 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 Inherited Wealth (I Peter 1:4)
I Peter 1:4, “To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you…” In 1949, Jack Wurm was broke and out of a job. One day, he was walking along a San Francisco beach when he came across a bottle with a piece of paper in it. As he read the note, he discovered that it was the last will and testament of Daisy Singer Alexander, heir to the Singer sewing machine fortune. The note read, "To avoid confusion, I leave my entire estate to the lucky person who finds this bottle and to my attorney, Barry Cohen, share and share alike." To amazement, the courts accepted the theory that the heiress had written the note 12 years earlier, and had thrown the bottle into the Thames River in London, from where it had drifted across the oceans to the feet of a penniless and jobless Jack Wurm. His chance discovery netted him over 6 million dollars in cash and Singer stock. Imagine what it would have been like to be walking in those footprints on that San Francisco beach? What a find! And yet, 6 million dollars doesn't even begin to compare with our spiritual inheritance in the Lord Jesus Christ. Peter reveals that wonderful, mega promise for the citizens of Heaven. We have an inheritance coming to us that is far greater than any earthly inheritance you might receive. The full enjoyment of our inheritance is coming soon. We already have the earnest or down payment of our inheritance in Christ in the person of the Holy Spirit. Peter says that our salvation is an inheritance kept in heaven for us. Of course, Christ Himself is our inheritance. But it also includes all that He has provided and will provide for those whom He has purchased with His blood. God has not only begotten us again to a living hope, but also “…to an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away.” God has chosen us, not only to salvation, but to an eternal inheritance that will not be taxable, wear out, nor diminish in value. It is reserved in heaven for you. Therefore, our salvation includes not only a living hope of eternal life now, but also of an eternal inheritance upon arrival there. Salvation in Christ gives us an inheritance of immeasurable wealth, for it is Divine wealth. Few people are interested in this inheritance because they are more interested in what this present world can offer. This inheritance is incorruptible and will never diminish in value. Too often when one obtains an inheritance in this world it disappoints and brings more troubles than delights. This world has nothing that can ever compare to it. This inheritance is reserved, which means to guard, protect, keep safe. This world’s inheritances have been stolen, lost by poor investment, etc. No government can protect an inheritance like God protects our inheritance. This inheritance is not for the unbeliever. It is only for those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Many in our world will not receive this inheritance. Their riches are limited to this world. The inheritance of the redeemed is far superior. My friend, you may not have much by way of material things, but when you were born again you became rich. PRAYER: Father in Heaven, the more I read Your Word the more I understand of what I have in Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. I want nothing this world has to offer me, but to be more like Christ. May I shine bright for Him until He comes. 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 Celebrating and Sharing Christmas? (Matthew 2:10-11)
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 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 only the wrapping of Christmas—activities, time with family, gift exchanges, traditions—enjoying 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:
Points to Ponder: · 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.
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 2:7-14, “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 strongly 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 said 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 This is PART 3 of the 3 PART Series titled “Loving One Another”.
Loving One Another (I John 3:11-20) – Part 3 3.Comprehending Love (I John 3:16-20) I John 3:16-20, “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.” The manifestation of Biblical love in our life is the evidence that we truly belong to Christ. One visible evidence of love is the sacrifice it is willing to make for the object loved. There was no doubt in John’s mind about the love Jesus had. But he also said that fellow Christians should feel a sense of obligation to make sacrifices for one another. The love of Christ should be continuously active in the followers of Christ. If a brother is in need, whether it is the need of food, clothes, shelter, or service, and if one has the ability to help, but will not do so, how dwelleth the love of God in him? The point is that if we have no concern for the welfare of God's people, the love of God is missing in us. One who can see a need and shut his heart to it does not have the love of Christ. The person who lives a selfish life has missed the whole point of Christ's sacrifice. The test of true Biblical love is identified as a willingness to sacrifice one's own life for his brother. This is in contrast to Cain who hated and slew his brother. As Christians, we give ourselves for others. Why? Because he laid down his life for us. One can talk about what one believes, however, if what one believes is not real enough to motivate that person to good works, that persons faith is dead (James 2:14-17)! Genuine love doesn’t just talk, it acts. People who are insincere might talk about helping; but people who truly love like the Lord reach out to help a fellow believer. This degree of love might be called to demonstrate by meeting a material need. It might be manifested by lending a helping hand or a listening ear. There are countless ways in which we can show the reality of our love for the brethren. A young mother admitted in a prayer meeting that she never seemed to find time for her own personal devotions. She had little children to care for, and the hours vanished away. Two of the ladies from the church responded by assisting her in her home. “We’ve come to help you,” they explained. “You go into the bedroom and get started on your devotions.” After several days of this help, the young mother was able to develop her devotional life so that the daily demands on her time no longer upset her. It is to be more than lip love. Our actions speak louder than our words could ever speak. When we love one another, we know that we are living the truth. May the love of Christ saturate our relationships. PRAYER: Lord, help me to grow in my love for You and for others You have given me. In Jesus' name. Amen. Thank you for reading PART 3 of the 3 PART Series titled “Loving One Another”. Please visit this website tomorrow. 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
October 2024
Categories |
RSS Feed