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Watching for Christ’s Return (Matthew 24:42-44)
Matthew 24:42-44, Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your LORD doth come. 43But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. 44Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. After several days at sea, the captain of a fishing boat was bringing his boat back home. As the boat neared the shore, the men gazed eagerly toward the dock, where a group of their loved ones were waiting. The captain, looking, identified some of the women, saying, "I see Tom’s Angie, Jonathan’s Candace, Caleb’s Grace." One man was very anxious because his wife was not there. He left the boat with a heavy heart and pressed his steps up the hill, where he saw a light in his cottage. As he opened the door, his wife ran to meet him, saying, "I have been waiting for you!" He replied with a proper rebuke, "Yes, but the other men's wives were watching for them." Those who are totally devoted to the Lord look forward to His coming. It could be today. Are you watching for the Lord's return? Watch means to keep awake; to stay alert; to be watchful and sleepless; to be vigilant. It also carries the idea of being motivated, of keeping one's attention or mind upon a thing. Watching also has the idea of being alert at the right time. It is at night that a person really needs to stay awake and watch for the thief (I Thessalonians 5:4-9). I Peter 4:7, But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. Because He could come at any moment, those who are devoted to the Lord want to be ready for His coming. They don't want to be ashamed when He comes. Until that day, they do their best to serve Him with all their hearts, keep themselves pure, and maintain a right relationship with God and others. God does not operate on our timetable, and Jesus will surely return right on schedule. It is important for us not to be lulled into complacency by the fact that Jesus has not yet returned. Jesus pointed out that such false thinking can quickly lead to bad conduct on our part. Each day of our lives should be filled with a conscious awareness that it may be this day that the Lord returns. This is an exciting time to be a Christian. We might not know the day or the hour of Christ’s return, but we do know it’s going to be soon. As Jesus told His disciples, we need to be watching for His return. We ought to make the most of every opportunity to tell others how they can be saved. And we should be living pure and holy lives so we’re not ashamed when Jesus comes. The Bible is literally being fulfilled before our eyes. That makes me more excited than ever about seeing my Saviour. If we keep eternity in perspective, then we won’t worry as much about things we lack here on Earth. We will resist temptation because we want Christ to find us pure and blameless at His return. An eternal perspective will help us give the Lord the preeminence. Are you ready to meet Jesus? He’s coming sooner than you might think. God doesn’t tell us some things for a reason. He wants us to live each and every day as if that could be the day! Today could be the day. But no one will be able to claim, “I knew it!” We’re all going to be surprised. But not all of us are going to be ready! Are you ready if Christ returns today? Questions to Consider: · Are you watching for the Lord's return?
Points to Ponder:
Prayer: LORD, help me to see anything in my life that would keep me from loving Your appearing. And help me to be more purposeful in keeping my relationships right and my attitude fully expectant of Your return. 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
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One Thing I Have Desired (Psalm 27:4)
Psalm 27:4, One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple. Worship a pure and precise antidote for worry. David understood that praising the Lord and being in His presence was the one thing that could disperse fear. There is safety and security in the Lord’s presence. David did not isolate himself nor did he face his troubles alone. He gathered himself with the fellowship of believers. David didn’t enter the Lord’s house to watch but to worship. He was personally involved. We must not allow the struggles of life to seize our time spent with the Lord. Daily Passion: David’s heart cried out for the Lord." Where could he find eternal security? Where could the desires of his soul be fully satisfied? When his eyes turned toward the sanctuary, he cried, " One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple. David is not just praying for deliverance from his present condition, but he also wanted to get a grip on the Lord in his relationship with Him. David wanted to live in uninterrupted enjoyment of the Lord’s presence throughout life. Most often our prayers are centered around asking the Lord for His hand on our behalf rather than seeking His face to behold His glory and holiness. Devout Passion: Prayer means to ask. We pray because God is faithful. We thank God because He is good. We praise God because He is great. David was very clear about what mattered most to him and what he desired. Above all else, with all his heart, David’s desire was to be in God’s presence. The man after God’s own heart desired but “one thing” and sought but “one thing” from the Lord that I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever Psalm 23:6b,. David loved the sweet communion on earth and longed for the perfect communion in Heaven with the Lord. “To behold the beauty of the Lord” by faith here, and face to face for eternity. This long period of David's weakness and vulnerability was serving a good purpose. God was using David’s circumstances to strengthen his faith. Having no other to protect him, he was cast totally on God. He longed after God Himself, both in this time of trouble and forever. His troubles and fear drove him to a deeper experience with the Lord. Determined Passion: He had a burning desire to be faithful to the house of God throughout his entire life. His determination was not to be an occasional or casual attendee. David vowed to dwell in the house of the Lord. This speaks of is durability and dependability. As far as he was concerned, God’s house was his home. There he would seek the Lord’s face and focus upon His blessedness. He desired the Lord’s presence in his life, and it is the supreme focus of his prayer. God calls all of us to this same purpose. David wanted to live in the Lord’s presence to enquire or seek Him. His foremost priority was to know God. This is the desire of the true worshipper: not to receive something from God but to know God. Scripture reveals that God’s beauty is in His holiness (I Corinthians 16:29; II Chronicles 20:21; Psalm 96:9). Every object and piece of furniture in the tabernacle testified to the Lord’s holiness. True worship is to bask in the presence of God, adoring His perfect holiness. Psalm 92:13, Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. If we are going to dwell in the house of the Lord forever then, it goes without saying that we should want to dwell there all the days of our life. If we have no love for the meeting place of God's people, no passion to be there, then there's something radically wrong with our belief. Fewer people today view His Word as a thing of beauty and a thing of great value. Many are not interested in spiritual things. They are more interested in dwelling in sports' stadiums, shopping malls, and social media rather than in church sanctuaries. As with anything in life, we will only spend time in fellowship with the Lord if we are willing to make time for Him and make Him a priority. May we be determined to live in unceasing fellowship with the Father. Points to Ponder: Daily seek unbroken, enjoyable fellowship with God Every believer needs a time and a place to commune with the Lord. Questions to Consider: Where does your security lie? What is your satisfaction in? PRAYER: Father in Heaven, my desire, is to seek Your face, to know You, and to dwell in Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com A Loyal Friend (I Samuel 18:1-4)
I Samuel 18:1-4, And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father's house. Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle. Jonathan was a faithful, mighty warrior, and one of the bravest men who had ever lived. Jonathan’s victorious strategy at the battle of Michmash was successfully used in World War I at the same exact location 3,000 years later. Which has been considered the most successful military tactics ever used in battle. One-night, Major Vivian Gilbert of the British army was contemplating the situation against the Ottoman forces. He remembered a town by the name of Michmash written somewhere in the Bible. He found the verses, and discovered that there was supposedly a secret path around the town. Incredibly, he managed to find that secret path, and with the British forces using this path to outmaneuver the Ottomans, the British took the town British troops, under the command of General Edmund Allenby, captured the city of Jerusalem on December 9th, 1917. Jonathan and David were great friends, likened to brothers. The Scriptures suggests they could not have been closer had they been actual brothers, in spite of the fact that David had been chosen by God to take Jonathan’s place as the next king of Israel. It was David who killed Goliath and defended the people; this was enough to earn Jonathan’s respect and trust. Yet rather than being resentful, Jonathan poured his heart into his friend, making his life better. Decide to be the kind of friend who makes the lives of others better rather than seeking the best for yourself. Jonathan came to David and put all that he had at his feet (I Samuel 18:4). He began with his robe. Jonathan's robe suggested his position, for it was the robe of a king's son, the robe of a crown prince of Israel. Jonathan also gave his garments to David. His garments spoke of his possessions, the things which most personally belonged to him. Jonathan gave David his sword. His sword spoke of his protection, his right of self-defense. Jonathan put his bow at David's feet. Jonathan's bow suggested his prowess; it represented a skill he had. Finally, Jonathan put his girdle at David's feet. His girdle suggested his plans. This was not something King Saul received well. Saul wanted David out of the picture, regardless of what God had already decided. This resulted in David becoming a hunted man. He was the number one wanted man on Saul’s hitlist. Taking his father’s side would have been easy to do, but Jonathan was “born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17). David and Jonathan are the epitome of what true friendship should be. No family ties, loyalties, or blood kinship could surpass the loyalty of these true friends. The souls of Jonathan and David were knit to the death. And no fault, failure, flaw, or foulness of David could waiver Jonathan's loyalty to him or make him love him less. If a friend is anything, it is someone who knows everything about you and loves you nonetheless. Jonathan, along with his two brothers and father, was killed in a battle with the Philistines (I Samuel 31:2-6). Upon hearing this, David was brokenhearted. He lamented the death of his dear friend, especially referring to his courage, saying he was swifter than an eagle and stronger than a lion (II Samuel 1:17-26). David could not hide his love for Jonathan and God cannot hide His love for you. He loved you so much that He sent His only begotten Son to die on a cross, that He might spend eternity with you. Points to Ponder: · If you have a friend, cherish that friendship. · Be a true friend to someone else today. · A true friendship is a great treasure and exceedingly rare. PRAYER: Father in Heaven, help me to be as true and loyal as Jonathan was to David. 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 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 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 Perils of Walking on the Wrong Path (Proverbs 4:14-15)
Proverbs 4:14-15, Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. The Portia spider is a master predator whose chief weapon is deception. To begin with, the spider looks like a piece of dried leaf or foliage blown into the web. When it attacks other species of spiders, it uses a variety of methods to lure the host spider into striking range. Sometimes it crawls onto the web and taps the silken threads in a manner that mimics the vibrations of a mosquito caught in the web. The host spider marches up for dinner and instead becomes a meal itself. The Portia spider can actually tailor its deception for its prey. With a type of spider that maintains its home inside a rolled-up leaf, the Portia dances on the outside of the leaf, imitating a mating ritual. The Portia can find a signal for just about any spider by trial and error. It makes different signals until the victim spider finally responds appropriately—then keeps making the signal that works. Like the Portia spider, Satan's weapon of choice is deception. The false belief that people make many times when they get involved in a sinful lifestyle is that they will have fun and be satisfied in that kind of life. They come to those assumptions because they have been deceived either by Satanic influences in their own lives or by their own reasoning and envy. It is crucial that you understand that Satan is a great deceiver and an expert at counterfeiting. He never offers you real love, joy, peace, or satisfaction. What he offers is false and artificial. It is not real at all. He camouflages his destructive path in such a way that you don't begin to see the consequences of your sinfulness until the damage has been done in your life. He never wants you to see the end of the road and the destruction, distress, depression, and even death that lie there. God warns us to stay as far away from the path of the wicked as we can. In spite of God's warnings, many feel they are exempt from God’s cautions and warnings. They feel that regardless of what the Bible teaches, they can get away with living however they choose. They ignore the warnings of Scripture and the warnings of the suffering of sinners as they reap the consequences of a wicked life. The Bible is filled with warning signs from God that caution us against taking paths that will lead to trouble. Yet, often we see them and continue on our way, not stopping to realize that those signs are there for a reason and that, if we keep going despite their warning, there will be consequences. Flirting with worldly pleasure will eventually result in getting into bed with worldly pleasure. Some people justify their behavior, choosing to believe that the Biblical warnings were given for another age and time and do not apply to us today. In their pride they believe they will not be hurt as others. They can handle their lifestyle and don't need anyone telling them what to do. In their rebellion, God may allow His children to have their own way at first. In mercy, He gives His children time to repent. Those who persist in their stubborn sinfulness eventually find out that having their own way is also a form of chastisement. A wise person heeds and follows the warning signs and avoids much agony and sorrow. There is a dangerous, and potentially deadly, tendency to think that we have things pretty well figured out and don’t need wisdom or counsel from others. The Bible emphasizes the importance of observing and obeying wise counsel and the benefits from the safety of godly counselors. The Bible instructs us in Proverbs 11:14, Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. Regardless of how long we have been saved, we still need to heed to wise counsel. May we humble ourselves enough to receive and follow godly counsel, and be protected as a result. PRAYER: Father in Heaven, help me to be wise in the choices and decisions I make for I know they come with consequences. I’m aware that far greater people than myself have succumbed to immorality simply because they have entertained evil for a moment. May I desire to pursue only those things that would honor You and bless and benefits others and myself. 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 morning’s devotion is an excerpt from a Bible Study. You can view this current study in its entirety by visiting Bible Study link below.
https://www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com/bible-study.html Lord’s Goodness and Mercy (Nahum 1:7) Nahum 1:7, The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. President Calvin Coolidge was awakened one morning in his hotel room to find a burglar going through his pockets. Coolidge spoke up, asking the burglar not to take his watch chain because it contained an engraved charm very precious to him. Coolidge then engaged the thief in quiet conversation and learned he was a college student who had no money to pay his hotel bill or buy a ticket back to campus. Coolidge counted $32 out of his wallet declared it to be a loan, he also advised the young man to leave the way he had come to avoid the Secret Service! Although this young man never earned nor deserved mercy Coolidge showed this young man mercy rather justice. Surprisingly, the loan was paid back. True Biblical mercy never tolerates sin for one moment, but it shows compassion to the sinner. Mercy helps people overcome sin; it never comforts them in their sin. God declares and demonstrates His goodness to His children. Nahum described the mercy and goodness of God. He is good! He is a refuge for help in the day of trouble. Furthermore, God knows those who trust in Him. He knows His own. The Lord knoweth them that are his (II Timothy 2:19). He has promised to bless those who trust in Him (Psalms 2:12; 34:78; 40:4; 84:12). Those promises remain to this day. The mercy of the Lord is great, and I am grateful for its abundance. It is something that we do not deserve, but we are very grateful for. Without the mercy of God, we would be without, and our life would have no meaning. It is very humbling to think of the great compassion and mercy God shows to His fallen creation. Only the heart of a divine Saviour can love us at the level we receive. i.The Lord’s Patience: No one is more patient with us than God is (Romans 15:5). If God can be patient with imperfect man, then surely we can be patient with one another. ii.The Lord’s Purpose: God has a plan for every life. With God it is not one mistake and you’re out. Due to mankind’s rules, a lack of forgiveness, and ignorance of the Scriptures have hindered many Christians from being used of God after they have stumbled (I Timothy 1:16). While speeding one late night, the driver saw the flashing lights of a state trooper in his rearview mirror. As the driver pulled over and as he rolled down the window, he tried to come up with an excuse for being in such a hurry. But as the trooper approached the car, he said nothing. Instead, he shined his flashlight in the driver’s face, then on his exhausted pregnant wife, then on his snoozing 18-month-old in his car seat, then on his three other children, who were also asleep, and lastly on the two dogs in the very back of the car. Returning the beam of light to his face, the trooper spoke and said, "Son, you can't afford a ticket. Slow it down." He returned to his car and drove away. Sometimes mercy triumphs over law. So it is for sinners who call out to Jesus. Prayer: Father in Heaven, use me as a sanctified vessel to pour out mercy and love without measure on other people. Father, we live in a world where there are so many hurting people. Help me to stretch out a willing arm of comfort, when I see other people hurting or in pain. May Your Holy Spirit empower me to bless and help all those whom I come in contact. In Jesus name, Amen! If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com A 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 Our Appointment with the Lord (Romans 14:11)
Romans 14:11, For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. One day Jesus Christ will return to this earth. His presence and prominence will bring all of us to our knees. Every knee will bow. I’m not sure when it will happen, but I am certain it will happen. We are reminded in Philippians 2:9-11 that Christ is exalted above all others. His name is above every name! Every knee will bow before His Lordship! Every tongue will confess His worthiness! None are left out in the completeness of the process. The blaspheming tongue, the cursing tongue, the lying tongue, the vicious tongue, the boastful tongue. Every tongue will one day confess Christ’s Lordship “to the glory of God.” Christ is exalted! And God will be glorified! Every name! Every knee! Every tongue! Many people have avoided God all their life. But one day very person will bow their knee before Him and say these words: “Jesus Christ is Lord.” Even if you have never believed or have never taken church seriously. Life is about one thing, it’s about entering into a relationship with God through Christ. Who’s really in charge? It’s not Washington, or Hollywood, or Wall Street, or athletes, or entertainers, and it’s not you and me. It’s Jesus Christ, the Lord. No matter what a person accomplishes in this world, a hundred years from today, if they didn’t get this figured out here, they will spend eternity in the lake of fire. What answers would you fill into these following blanks? If I were in charge, I would do ________________ with my life. But Jesus is Lord, so I choose His plan for my life. If I were in charge, I would do ________________ with my finances. But Jesus is Lord, so I choose to give, save, and spend according to His priorities. If I were in charge, I would do ________________ right now in my marriage, but I’m not in charge. He is Lord, and I will do what His Word says. Everybody serves somebody. Everybody has somebody in charge of their life. Forget the excuses—you choose who you serve. You don’t fall into servitude. It’s not an accident. You can’t blame your environment or your past. You choose who you serve. Your parents don’t choose for you. Your pastor can’t choose for you. As much as someone might love you, they can’t choose for you. Even God, who loves you perfectly, will not choose for you. There are simply some crucial decisions you have to make for yourself. Prayer, Father, thank You for going as far as You had to go to find me. For the journey from eternity to the cross that Jesus took for me, and then for meeting me in the road I was taking to hell. Thank You for breaking through my half-hearted and misguided efforts to find You by effectively finding me when I was completely lost! I rejoice over the fact, that I will spend eternity with You and in joyous effort telling You how grateful I am. In Jesus’ name, Amen. If this post in any way, has blessed you, please share this website and its articles with others: www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Prayer Prevails (I Chronicles 5:18-22)
I Chronicles 5:18-22, The sons of Reuben, and the Gadites, and half the tribe of Manasseh, of valiant men, men able to bear buckler and sword, and to shoot with bow, and skilful in war, were four and forty thousand seven hundred and threescore, that went out to the war. And they made war with the Hagarites, with Jetur, and Nephish, and Nodab. And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and all that were with them: for they cried to God in the battle, and he was intreated of them; because they put their trust in him. And they took away their cattle; of their camels fifty thousand, and of sheep two hundred and fifty thousand, and of asses two thousand, and of men an hundred thousand. For there fell down many slain, because the war was of God. And they dwelt in their steads until the captivity. Their Skill (I Chronicles 5:18) Sons of Reuben, Gad and half the tribe of Manasseh numbering 44,760 had ability in three particular areas. They use shield and sword, shot with bows, and displayed skill in fighting. For any battle, the believer needs the Lord's power. We are not told that Jesus ever taught His disciples how to preach, but He taught them how to pray. He wanted them to have power with God; then He knew they would have power with man—Dwight L. Moody. Their Success (I Chronicles 5:19-22) Victory is evident in that the Israelite soldiers were "helped" and the enemies "given into their hand." One might estimate the weight of the world, tell the size of the celestial city, count the stars of heaven, measure the speed of lightning, and tell the time of the rising and the setting of the sun—but you cannot estimate prayer-power. Prayer is as vast as God because He is behind it. Prayer is as mighty as God because He has committed Himself to answer it. Leonard Ravenhill Their Secret (I Chronicles 5:20-22) The soldiers "cried out to God in the battle." Prayer was the weapon for success rather than all their ability with shield, sword and bow. God "was entreated for them," answering prayer. God answered with victory "because they trusted in Him." They did not trust within themselves but in the Person who had all power. He lifted them above an army more than twice their size (I Chronicles 5:21). When God answers, trust He is being true to His word of promise. He had pledged overwhelming victory when the Israelites depended on Him. David would state the principle in (Psalm 20:7); some trust in horses, some in chariots, but believers like him remember the name of the Lord. The believer's prayer secrets for battle today are spoken in (II Corinthians 6:7; 10:4-5; Ephesians 6:10-20; II Timothy 2:1-4). Prayer is the key that unlocks all the storehouses of God's infinite grace and power. All that God is, and all that God has, is at the disposal of prayer. R. A. Torrey God gives us abilities today, but He wants us to remember always that success is not in the abilities of our own right, but in His power (Proverbs 3:5-6; II Corinthians 3:5). David frequently prayed (II Chronicles 14:10, 14) as we should be disciplined in praying without ceasing (I Thessalonians 5:17). Prayer should always be with trust as God sets a high importance on faith (Hebrews 11:1-6). He also makes it clear that prayer is always to be with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6-7; I Thessalonians 5:18). No matter what odds are stacked against those who pray in faith, God is able to win. PRAYER: Father, I praise You that I can at anytime, anywhere, and under any circumstance come to You in prayer. My desire is to keep walking continually with You, so that my prayer may be the natural 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. Archives
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