|
Peace Rather Than Panic (Proverbs 3:25-26)
Proverbs 3:25-26, Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. 26 For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.” Many people panic when they're faced with severe problems. We can't escape many of the problems in our lives, but we have been given the ability to control our reaction to the problems we face. Our reaction to problems is much more important than the problems themselves. Two people can face the same problem—one person can react calmly with faith in God while the other person panics. The Lord is our confidence. He keeps our foot from being taken in snares and traps of the wicked. Confidence in the Lord and His Word also leads to balance or stability. He is the One that keeps our foot from being caught in a trap. There may be times that people may try to entrap or hurt you. There may be times that people may covet something you have or be jealous of you for some reason. You may have unknowingly offended them, too, and they will set out to destroy you, or try to discredit you by setting a trap. The Pharisees tried to entrap Jesus for the purpose of destroying Him. The bravest and securest men in world history were those who put their trust in the Lord.
The range of our emotions is a clear indication of maturity. Our Father wants us to learn to yield our emotions to Him. Our Father wants us to learn to react calmly to the problems we face because we trust Him to solve the problems we can't solve ourselves. Safety is not found in avoiding danger but in obeying God. People whose lives revolve around themselves believe they have to solve every problem with human ability. Our Father says we shouldn't panic when we're in the midst of the storms of life. He wants us to remain calm because we trust completely in Him (Proverbs 3:25-26). Crises and trouble do arise in life. However, for the people of God possessing godly wisdom, the command is to fear not. When we dwell in the secret place of the most High and possess godly wisdom and discretion of life, God will be our confidence and guard. He will not suffer the righteous to be moved. The wise person, the one who has embraced wisdom, which includes embracing Christ as Saviour, Who is our wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30; Colossians 2:3), does not and should not fear what the unsaved fear. Wisdom is not to fear when folly is judged. Wisdom has hope ("the Lord shall be thy confidence") that folly does not have. This hope enables wisdom not to fear. In spite of what is happening in the world, those who put their trust in God will be safe and saved. In fact, they can sweetly sleep when others are panicking and in trouble. Your relationship with God will bring strength and stability. He is the one that gives confidence or security to the believer. He is at our side. The fact that He hears the prayers of the righteous gives us serenity and hope. Where fervent prayer abounds, peace abounds. Walking with God gives you peace. Only Jesus can disarm your fear and replace it with His peace. Abraham Lincoln won the presidency of a divided country. There were four major candidates in 1860, and Lincoln only narrowly received his electoral majority. Among his harshest critics was Edwin Stanton of Ohio who opposed Lincoln’s election, calling him, among other things, the “original gorilla.” Yet Lincoln asked Stanton to serve as Secretary of War, recognizing his organizational skills were greatly needed for the war effort and being the best person for the job. When Lincoln was assassinated, Stanton said, “There lies the most perfect ruler of men the world has ever seen.” We do not have to strike back at everyone who says or does something with which we disagree. It may be temporarily satisfying, but in the end it leads to bitterness and often an escalating cycle of revenge and retaliatory actions. Love does not insist on getting even—in fact, it glories in peace. Paul wrote that love, “Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;” (I Corinthians 13:5). Many people find themselves living stress-filled lives because they do not allow love to do its work of peace. When we lack peace, we should view that as a reminder to focus on God rather than on our circumstances. Panic also stops us from hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit wants us to keep the focus on Him open. He doesn't want us to block this channel with negative emotions such as fear, worry, doubt and unbelief. We should never allow ourselves to be discouraged by the problems we face. Nothing good ever comes from discouragement. This word means lack of courage. Romans 15:5, “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus.” God’s Word instructs us how to live our lives and gives us the encouragement we must have to hold fast to God's promises, refusing to give up hope. God is in complete control of every situation. If we truly believe God is omnipotent and that He has everything under control, we'll always be calm and quiet because we'll focus continually on God instead of focusing upon the problems we face. PRAYER: Father in Heaven, help me to respond to my problems with calm, quiet confidence in the Lord instead of panicking. 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
0 Comments
Faith That Pleases God (Hebrews 11:6)
Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” The importance of walking by faith in the Lord is a paramount principle of the Christian life. When the Lord saved us, He also gave us a will, or purpose, for our lives. This is why it is so vital that we walk with the Lord every day. Often God asks us to take a step of faith before He shows us what He is up to. He did this with Abraham in Genesis 12. When the Lord told Abraham to leave in Genesis 12:1, he obeyed the LORD. “Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him” in Genesis 12:4. Abraham was just told to get up and get out and then God would reveal which direction he was to take. That’s faith according to II Corinthians 5:7, “For we walk by faith, not by sight”. The majority of the time, people want the whole plan revealed or laid out before them before they will even consider packing to move. Galatians 3:11, “But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.” Galatians 3:11 is actually a quote from Habakkuk 2:4. Habakkuk 2:4, “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.” Paul also quoted Romans 1:17, “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” The importance of this statement is revealed through its repetition. Hebrews 10:38, “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” Faith is a fundamental of the Christian life. Galatians 3:11 makes it clear that living by faith is a righteous thing. God wants us to live by faith. Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 makes it clear that it is impossible to please God without faith. This verse points out two paramount principles of what faith is. First, faith is believing that God is—that He exists, and that He is who the Scriptures say He is. Second, faith is trusting that God rewards those who seek Him. When we understand this, we will want to involve Him in every area of our lives. Romans 14:23 shows us the flip side of faith. Romans 14:23, “And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” Whenever we fail to exercise our faith, the end always results in negativity. The outcome is loneliness, disobedience, worry, guilt, etc. To diligently seek the LORD, Jesus tells us to:
The person who needs something and lives on their face in prayer before God (asking, seeking, and knocking) will experience God answering their need. They will be encouraged to trust God, to seek and knock even more and more. A person who has genuine faith in God will:
It is impossible to please God without faith. By faith is meant a living, active faith, a faith that knows and follows God, communes and fellowships with God. It does not matter what a person does; without faith he cannot please God. The person will never be acceptable to God nor accepted by God. Trusting in God brings blessing, while trusting in man brings curse. Sooner or later, man will always disappoint us and let us down. God is not that way. Trusting in man is like being a bush in the desert—dependent on inconsistent rain to have our needs met. Trusting in God is like being a tree planted by a continual source of water. Psalm 1:3, “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Those who live by faith will enrich the community they have been entrusted with. It is not enough to experience blessings handed down, we must add to it. The place where you live can either become worse, remain as it is, or become better; it depends on your faith and work. POINT TO PONDER: If we are to experience the life God has for us, it will be only by faith and that means trusting Him step by step. The LORD cares for you and He desires that we believe in His existence. He wants a personal and infinite relationship with us, this can only happen through faith in His only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: In what areas of my life am I intentionally exercising the faith that pleases God? In what ways are you honoring the Lord with your life? Would you be willing to diligently pursue a deeper relationship with God and passionately desire His presence, power and purpose in your life? PRAYER: Father, thank You for the gift of faith that You give, that I can then use to trust You to do all the things that I could never do for myself, but need to have done! Guard me from thinking that anything in me could please You apart from faith. You even provide that! And thank You for Your amazing grace toward me, Lord. 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 Not Ashamed (Romans 1:16)
Romans 1:16-17, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” Paul was not ashamed or embarrassed of the “gospel of Christ.” It is the greatest blessing known to man. Romans 1:16 became key in the life of 27-year-old evangelist George Whitfield. In 1742, Whitfield was invited to preach at the fair at Marylebone Field, west of London with the condition that they would build him a platform. When the evangelist and his wife arrived at the fair-grounds, the sun was already down and the crowds were wild and rowdy. Muscular prizefighters challenged all comers to bare-fisted fights in the boxing ring. Whitfield seldom displayed fear, but on that night, he was obviously nervous as he mounted the rickety little platform prepared for him. As George raised his powerful voice, people began to gather around him. The crowds at the gambling booths began to thin out toward Whitfield as he preached louder. Shortly into the sermon, George saw a group of bare-chested fighters strutting straight toward him. George's voice began to falter, but he suddenly felt a tug on his trousers. It was his wife Elizabeth who said to him, "George, play the man of God!" Boldness shot through the veins of God's man as he firmly proclaimed without hesitation, "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ! It is the power of Christ to everyone that believes!" He threw out his arms in a dramatic gesture and the platform nearly collapsed upon him. The fighters noticed the wobbly platform and tried to bring it down, but a group of Christians huddled around George. He continued to preach like a man trying to stand on the deck of a tossing ship. The people began to throw things at Whitfield. He was hit by a rock, a rotten egg, and manure, yet, he continued to preach on. When the evangelist finished his message, he was escorted to his wagon. A man lunged at George with a sword, but it was deflected by the cane of a friend. In spite of the pressure and harassment, Whitfield was a man of God that was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. Not to the same degree of harassment as Whitefield endured, but 13 years of street preaching on Beale Street in Memphis, TN comes very close. May we learn from his courage and his example to not be ashamed of the Lord and His Word. While there was some things Paul regretted in life, there was no such shame in Paul concerning the Gospel! Paul had received and proclaimed that which was precious to his heart. Paul's confidence in the power of the Gospel, a massive theme of the book of Romans, is revealed here in two of the most powerful verses in all of the Bible (Romans 1:16-17). There is absolutely no doubt the Gospel is precious! We must never be ashamed! Especially when we consider the truth that God is not ashamed of us (John 3:16; Romans 5:8; Luke 19:10). No greater treasure do we have than the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have never experienced anything that compares to the power of the Gospel. God can take a lost sinner, save him by His grace, and create a new creature in him (II Corinthians 5:17). All of the programs man has developed can only offer temporal change to a man's heart, but the Gospel, the power of God, brings eternal change and life! (I Corinthians 1:18). The heart of man's problem is a problem of the heart. Until the heart is changed, there is no genuine change. We cannot receive that in ourselves, but Christ can bring eternal, effective change through the Gospel. We should never be ashamed of the Gospel, the “good news” that brings the message of hope and life for all people. The message of the Gospel is what God has done and will do for us. He doesn’t say it brings power or has power, but that it actually is power. The Gospel’s power is seen in its ability to completely change minds, hearts, life’s course, our understanding of everything that happens, the way people relate to one another, and so on. Most of all, it is powerful because it does what no other power on earth can do: it can save us, reconcile us to God, and guarantee us eternity with God in Heaven. Too many are ashamed of Jesus and His Gospel. They are embarrassed and uncomfortable being identified and speaking up for Christ. Luke 9:26, “For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.” II Timothy 1:8, “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God.” Paul stood for Christ with a holy boldness because of his unwavering trust in Him. II Timothy 1:11-12, “Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” Many are ashamed and deny Christ because of peer pressure and intimidation. They are concerned about what others might say. They speak of sports, politics and world events, but they are silent concerning Christ. God help us to speak up for Christ. The Bible says we are not to be ashamed of several things.
The Gospel Saves: · It saves from sin’s penalty (doom) through justification. · It saves from sin’s power (dominion) through sanctification. · It saves from sin’s presence (domain) through glorification. PRAYER: Lord, knowing that only in You is there love, hope, and life, help me to boldly proclaim the gospel of Christ with whomever I encounter. 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 Building Others Up! (Proverbs 3:27)
Proverbs 3:27, “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.” God cares about the smallest details of our lives. The man who owes you money and has the means to pay it back, yet keeps on putting you off is foolish, for God sees him and takes note of his behavior. When someone is due good at our hand, there is great wisdom in rewarding that good. The good may be money owed or a word of thanks. The greater thought is that when we owe someone, there is wisdom in paying the good due to them promptly. Moral principles are entrenched in God's laws, which are all impartial and just. God does not look kindly on people who procrastinate to the point of criminal inactivity. As believers, we have a Biblical responsibility to be prompt in our obligations, and if we are able, to help and assist those who need our help (Exodus 23:4-5; Acts 20:35; I Timothy 5:16; James 1:27). Galatians 6:10, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” When the mantle was passed from Moses to Joshua, God knew Joshua would need all the help he could get in leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. So, God told Moses, Joshua’s mentor, the instructions according to Deuteronomy 3:27-28, “Get thee up into the top of Pisgah, and lift up thine eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and behold it with thine eyes: for thou shalt not go over this Jordan.” Everyone needs encouragement…even you need it! During the 1920’s, the Chisolm’s were the epitome of American high society. Everlina, the Chisolm’s housekeeper, had been with them for 45 years, and when her niece came over to play, they took the little girl under their wing. She sang beautifully and Mrs. Chisolm, a trained musician, asked if she would like to become a professional singer. She was thrilled. Her most prized possessions were recordings of famous opera singers, and when the Metropolitan was on the radio she was mesmerized. It was on that day she took the first step towards realizing her dream and guests of the Chisholm’s were amazed by the girl who sang with a talent and sensitivity far beyond her years. Elizabeth Chisholm continued to sponsor her education by sending her to study at Julliard. As a result, the world was introduced to the phenomenal talent of Leontyne Price, the darling of the Metropolitan Opera. The Bible admonishes us to “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it”. One of the highest responsibilities we have is to encourage one another. As followers of the Lord, we are instructed to build others up by emphasizing on others potential. Become the oxygen to others around you who are gasping for hope. Strengthen to persevere for the Kingdom. Encourage them that all things work together for good to them that love God. These verses can apply to giving rewards, assistance, or praise to those who deserve them. Another application, however, is the on-time payment of your debts to your creditors or wages to those who work for you. Wisdom is demonstrated by how we respond to and interact with others. Love teaches us how to be a neighbor to people, and places us in debt to our neighbor so we are morally obligated to do our neighbor good when he is in need if we have the ability or resources to do it. This good is not to be delayed but promptly performed. Walking in wisdom involves the way a person treats others and deals with them. The father gives simple instructions that will help his son as he learns to relate to his neighbors, in particular, and to all others, in general. Do not delay to help those who deserve it. As believers, we have a holy responsibility to be prompt in our obligations and to be generous in helping and giving to those in need. This command relates to the following:
Four examples of withholding good: 1. Jacob (Genesis 25:29-33) 2. The Ammonites (Deuteronomy 23:3-4) 3. Nabal (I Samuel 25:10-11) 4. The priests and Levite (Luke 10:30-35) Three examples of not withholding good: 1. Abraham (Genesis 13:9; 14:23) 2. The widow (I Kings 17:9-16) 3. The good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) Question to Consider: Who can you encourage today? PRAYER: Lord, help me to be mindful of others who I can help, encourage or build up in the faith. 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 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 than 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 are out. Due to mankind’s rules, a lack of forgiveness, and ignorance of the Scriptures, many Christians have been hindered from being used of God after they have stumbled (I Timothy 1:16). While speeding one late night, a driver saw the flashing lights of a state trooper in his rearview mirror. As the driver pulled over and 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 5 Promises, Not to Fear (Isaiah 41:10)
Isaiah 41:10, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah hopes to silence the fears of God’s people and encourage us to confidently trust the LORD in the midst of trouble and adversity. It is contrary to the will and glory of our God for His people to be a timid, fearful, anxious people. In order to conquer our fears, the Lord God graciously assures us of His constant presence, power, and provision. Considering all the fears that we would confront in this world, the Lord gives us five great promises by which He says to every believer faced with danger and trouble, “Fear not ... be not dismayed”. As Christians, we must not fear other humans because: 1. “I am with thee”. Life would be hard to bear, but God would be with them. In their moments of fear, He would provide courage. If we were left to ourselves to face our enemies (the world, the flesh, and the devil), we would fear; but God says to our trembling souls, “I am with thee”. Take refuge in Him and be comforted (Psalm 46:1-11). We live in a world that often brings fear and uncertainty. God desires that we take courage in Him and overcome our fears. God is with us (Isaiah 40:9; 43:2, 5; Genesis 15:1; Acts 19:9-10). God promised comfort to those who were weary and needed encouragement. God is in control. 2. “I am thy God”. The almighty is ours, as truly ours as we are His! A stranger might see a person injured and pass by indifferently. But a husband cannot be indifferent to the pains of his wife. A father cannot be indifferent to the troubles of his child. And our God is never indifferent to the troubles of His children (Zephaniah 2:8; II Chronicles 16:9). 3. “I will strengthen thee”. We are told that the Lord will “put strength into his people” (Psalm 29:11). The journey they faced would be a most difficult one. There would be times when it felt as if they could no longer go on. There would be times when it seemed that defeat was inevitable. In those moments of weakness, God promises that He will provide strength. He would sustain them. He will strengthen you with might in the inward man. Your God will strengthen you to bear your troubles (II Corinthians 12:5-9), endure temptation (I Corinthians 10:13), and do His will (I Thessalonians 5:24). We all have faced those moments of weakness. We have all felt as if we could no longer go on. You may feel that way today. God will give us the grace and strength needed to face all of life’s circumstances. There is strength in the Lord. 4. “Yea, I will help thee”. He “helpeth our infirmities” (Romans 8:26). That means when our burden is so heavy that we cannot with all our strength support it, our God will take hold of it and bear it together with us. God will help us through times of crisis by giving us hope and peace. In other words, to imagine that any burden is too great for us to bear is to say that it is too great for God to bear! “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” No! And nothing is too hard for those to whom God says, “I will help thee”. He will provide for our needs. 5. “Yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness”. Captivity was coming, but they would not be destroyed. They would not perish at the hands of the enemy. They were secure in the mighty hand of God. What more can we want? The eternal God is our Refuge! Beneath you are the everlasting arms (Deuteronomy 33:27-29; Isaiah 51:12-13). If God be for us, all the powers of earth and hell combined can’t exert themselves against us (Romans 8:31-39). With such a God and Saviour as we have in Christ Jesus, we have every reason to be comforted and fearless, even in the face of great trouble and in the midst of great enemies. He will support us in our efforts to fulfill His purpose for our lives. The saved are sealed and secure in the Lord. We may have to endure a battle while living this life. We may get a few bumps and bruises along the way, but we are secure in Christ Jesus our Lord. We are upheld by His mighty hand! Our safety is our God! Points to Ponder: Jesus is the only source of hope in this life and the life to come. He alone can secure your eternal destiny. Questions to Consider: Do you know Him as Saviour of your soul? How has the Lord used this devotion to help you serve Him today? PRAYER: Father, I can't see any way out of this problem. However, I know You can see many solutions to this problem. I trust completely in You. I know You will bring me safely through. I will not give up because my faith in You is strong and unwavering. As You see me through this trail, may You allow others to see You deliver me, that they may learn from 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 A Faithful Friend (Proverbs 27:5-6)
Proverbs 27:5-6, “Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” An honest friend will display their love to their friend by correcting them and keeping them from a foolish or fatal act. The kisses of an enemy are deceitful. This warns us that not all kisses are the “Hi, Great to see you” greetings of a friend. They may come from an enemy and be deceitful. Unfortunately, the Bible is filled with numerous examples of the deceptive kisses of an enemy. The most famous kiss of an enemy was Judas Iscariot kissing Jesus. Though he claimed to be a friend and kissed Christ, he was a traitor. Faithful are the wounds of a friend. A mark of a faithful friend is that they will be willing to wound us with loving correction. The correction may not feel good but it will be an expression of the love and faithfulness of a friend. The ‘wounds’ are the painful words that must be addressed in a true friendship in order to heal a broken relationship. Before anyone engages in correcting their wayward friend, they should pray for wisdom. Seeking the Lord to lead them in ministering to them as they speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). 1. Be candid. This means we should be direct and honest and not deceitful. If we want to build relationships with others, we must be honest. This means telling people what they need to hear, not what they want to hear. Anyone who has a “friend” who refuses to tell them when they are doing wrong, or who plans or participates, they are not their friend. The Bible warns that they are your enemies and their kisses are deceitful. If they really love you, they will say to you, “You know what you are doing is wrong. You know it is different from what you have been taught. You know that God cannot bless it.” If we are true friends, we will tell our friends the truth to help them, even if it might make them annoyed with us. Always compliment in public and correct in private. No marriage, friendship, or other relationship can survive unless it is built on candidness and honesty. 2. Be confidential. There are very few people who can be trusted with sensitive, personal information. We all need a friend with whom we can share our hurts, fears, and frustrations. One of the quickest ways to hurt people is to repeat a confidence. Friends are some of life’s most valuable assets. Acquaintances in life are many; true friends are few. A friend is a trusted confidante whose love is not dependent on performance, and whose influence draws others closer to God. Everyone needs a friend who will be loving and honest to restore them with their faults and flaws. The Lord Jesus Christ saw our greatest need, and He offered us His friendship. If we are to be Christ like, we should show this same friendship of Christ to others. PRAYER: Father, thank You that You sent Your Son, Jesus Christ. You did not forget me nor You did You leave me alone. Thank You for saving me and for being a faithful friend. 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 2 Priorities for a Powerful Prayer Life (Matthew 14:22-23)
Matthew 14:22–23, “And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.” Jesus was very popular. The crowds sought Him out! Everyone wanted to be with Him! Masses of people followed Him for various reasons. They either wanted to hear Him, or ask Him a question, or get Him to heal a loved one. From daylight to dusk Jesus was sought. When the crowd knew He was in town, they found Him. Jesus never had a moment alone to be with the Father, unless He made it happen. Jesus often pulled away from the crowds and activity to spend time alone with His Father (Mark 1:35; 6:46; Luke 5:16; 6:12; 9:18; 22:41-42; Hebrews 5:7). It is very important that we spend time alone with God. Time alone with God is essential to the spiritual well-being of every Christian. Perhaps every one of us struggle at times when it comes to making time for prayer. The subject of prayer has been has written about thousands of times to make one more confident and consistent in time spent with the Lord. A Quiet Place. The first priority is establishing a quiet place that is free from distractions. When you want to pray, where do you go? Do you have a special place where you enjoy some quiet time? The Scottish pastor Thomas Brooks said, “The power of religion and godliness lives, thrives, or dies, as closet [private] prayer lives, thrives, or dies. Godliness never rises to a higher pitch than when men keep closest to their closets.” Your prayer closet is one of the most important places you’ll go to every day. Since, we all have busy lives we have to adjust to what works best. Personally, I feel the best time and place would be early in the mornings in a quiet secluded place at home. However, for some it may be at a restaurant, coffee shop, or office cube. A Quiet Period. The second priority is having a specific time. Having found a quiet place, we also need a quiet, committed period of time. Despite our best plans, there are times when life gets chaotic. This may mean scheduling a specific time of day in which you talk with the Lord. Although we can take our cares and burdens to the Lord at any time, if we are committed to a consistent prayer life and scheduled time, it will help. For some it will be harder than others to find a quiet hour. This means we may have to sacrifice things that maybe pleasant and profitable. The most important appointment you make every day is the one you make with God. The lack of desire to pray is an unmistakable sign that one’s spiritual life is in a process of decline. If this is happening, we must take a hard look at our lives and remove anything that offends God or gets in the way of our relationship with Him. We must then come boldly, but humbly, to Him and renew our commitment to spending time with Him in prayer (Luke 18:1). Prayer is simply talking and interacting with God. It involves two-way communication in which we speak but also learn to listen for God’s responses and direction. Find a quiet place and a quiet time where you can spend time alone before God. These are priorities for a powerful prayer life along with an effective personal devotion. Jesus always found time to spend with the Father. Since prayer was such an important part in the life of Jesus how much more important is it to us who are broken and sinful. If Jesus himself needed this time, how much more must we show our dependence on God in this way. Time alone with the Lord will be the most comforting time in your day. Prayer, Lord, I humbly ask You to graciously grant me a heart that desires to pray. Forgive me, I’ve just been struggling with fear and doubt that has troubled the peace I have from You. I commit myself to prayer and I am casting these things Your way right now. I’m choosing not to worry about them anymore because You will deal with them under the authority of Jesus’ name, Amen If this post has blessed you in any way Please share this website and its articles with others www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com Seeking the Lord with All Your Heart (Deuteronomy 4:29)
Deuteronomy 4:29, “But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.” If a person is to seek the Lord with all their heart, one must prepare themself. Let’s look at the examples of King Rehoboam (II Chronicles 12:14) and King Hezekiah (II Chronicles 30:18-19). II Chronicles 12:14, “And he did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord.” If you desire to seek the Lord and establish a close walk with Him, then you need to prepare yourself to do that. If you fail to do this, then sin tends to take root in your heart. This is what happened to King Reheboam. Those who sought God prepared their hearts to seek Him. King Hezekiah stressed the importance of doing this. II Chronicles 30:18-19, “For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good Lord pardon every one 19 That prepareth his heart to seek God, the Lord God of his fathers, though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary.” Ezra was another man of God that prepared his heart to seek the Lord and obey Him. Ezra 7:10, “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.” In order for a believer to prepare their heart to serve the Lord faithfully, they must decide to follow the Lord and refrain from wandering away. It was Caleb and Joshua who had wholly followed the Lord and David knew that. They only of the generation which came out of Egypt were allowed to enter the promised land. The psalmist made up his mind in Psalm 119:10. Psalm 119:10, “With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.” A lack of commitment to Christ will lead to spiritual apathy and to wandering away from God. The word wander means to go astray or to be led astray; to swerve out of control, to be tossed to and fro, and roll back and forth. The words “whole heart” clearly indicate a wholehearted dedication. David freely and openly cried out with his whole heart seeking after God. David further knew that God had required that he seek Him with the whole heart (Deuteronomy 10:12). He knew that God had promised specific blessing for serving Him with a whole heart (Deuteronomy 11:13). David knew that Joshua had commanded Israel to serve God with all their hearts (Joshua 22:5). The thought here is being led astray from God’s Word. David therefore pled with God to keep him from being so led astray. He was well aware of the distractions and diversions of life which lead to detours from God’s way. The devil knows that if he can replace God as the greatest desire of our hearts—even with something that is not sinful—he has destroyed our effectiveness. This, unfortunately, describes many unstable believers today. They have no stability in their lives and spiritually they are weak. They make one mistake after another, and also destructive choices, that scar their lives with long term consequences. Spiritual apathy is like cold water on a burning heart on fire for God. Apathy and indifference cool us spiritually and many have adapted a “whatever” attitude in their dedication and service to Christ. This is why we need to seek Him with our whole heart, with a 100% effort. We are to jump in with both feet when it comes to serving and loving Him. Make up your mind and put the Lord first in your life. The same fact holds true with God. God is disgusted with our half-heartedness toward Him. He is not comfortable at all with this kind of attitude. It makes Him sick as He expressed to the apathetic church in Laodicea. Revelation 3:15-16, “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” The psalmist’s commitment was to seek God wholeheartedly. He realized that his passion for God’s Word could diminish over time, that he could grow indifferent to spiritual truth. And, because he was fully aware of human nature’s sinful tendencies, he feared straying from the Lord’s commandments. For him, a casual, half-hearted commitment was not enough. If he was going to remain faithful to the Lord and His Word—if he was going to stay pure—he knew that he had to keep the fires of passion burning for God and His Word. To find God and know Him in His fullness, a person must seek Him with wholehearted devotion (Deuteronomy 6:5; 10:12; 11:13; 13:3; 26:16; 30:6, 10; Philippians 3:8-11). Knowing God and experiencing the power, blessing, and righteousness of His kingdom do not come easily. These will happen only to those who earnestly seek God (Hebrews 11:6) and desire His nearness, the fullness of His Spirit and His gift of eternal life. Questions to Consider: · Have you given your whole heart to the Lord? · Do you hunger for the Lord? · Do you have an appetite for spiritual matters or are you full of the delicacies that the world offers you? · Have you lost your appetite for the world? Points to Ponder: · The urge to wander from God will be strong if you are in love with this world.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, may I seek you with all my heart and not wander away. Help me never to grow cold or calloused towards You, Your Word, or others. 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 Being A Reflector of the Lord (Philippians 2:15)
Philippians 2:15, “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.” As we engage the Lord in our walk and our words, we will be shining lights to a dark world. A Bible teacher had just finished speaking to a large class of businessmen on the Christian's responsibility to be a "light" in the world. He emphasized that believers are to reflect the Light of the world, the Lord Jesus. After the class, one of the members related to him an experience he had in his home which had impressed upon him this same truth. He said that when he went into his basement, he made an interesting discovery. Some potatoes had sprouted in the darkest comer of the room. At first, he couldn't figure out how they had gotten enough light to grow. Then he noticed that the cook had hung a copper kettle from the ceiling near a cellar window. She kept it so brightly polished that it reflected the rays of the sun onto the potatoes. The businessman said, "When I saw that, I thought, I may not be a preacher or a teacher with ability to expound Scripture, but at least I can be a copper kettle catching the rays of the Son and reflecting His light to someone in a dark corner." May that be true of all of us. We are to follow Jesus Christ by our walk, by our words. 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.” Believers are to shine! We are to be lighthouses, warning men of the dangers of sin and pointing them to the safe harbor of salvation. We are to be light reflectors, always reflecting the light of Jesus for those in darkness. We are to light the way for others, just as the way was lit for us by others! The Word of God reminds us that God desires His children to shine in this present world! Everyone values light and regardless of how small the light may be. If it is shining, it can lead one out of darkness. We are to shine as lights in the world. If we were to shine brightly, holding forth the Word of life, people would see the beautiful promises of God, regardless of how crooked and perverse the world. It is our responsibility to shine the light in the darkness. We have the answer in our Saviour, Jesus Christ. If we keep the light of God’s truth and love shining brightly in our lives, it will impact the darkness around us. When we are in line with God, we are spotlights in a dark world! How’s your light shining? Prayer, Lord, sometimes my life seems like I'm just stumbling in the dark, scrambling for the light switch. Let your light shine through my life that will lead others to Your Son. 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 |
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
February 2023
Categories |
RSS Feed