Grow Strong in God’s Grace – Wk23
Learning How to be a Faithful Farmer for God’s Harvest!
A Faith That Calls You to Be Weak!
Hebrews 11:32-40 (NASB)
God is in the business of transforming stories through the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are to grow strong in God’s grace as active participants in the world He created. God has entrusted His creation to His people to work as His Harvest workers – “All the world’s a field, and all the disciples of Jesus Christ merely farmers!” Therefore, let’s be faithful farmers by following the four-step strategy of a hard-working farmer: 1) cultivate people with faith; 2) sow the good seed of God’s grace (the gospel) into their hearts and minds; 3) care for them as their stories are transformed into fruit-bearing plants; and 4) reap a harvest of praise as the church of Jesus Christ. This strategy must be empowered by the Holy Spirit because apart from God we cannot bear any good fruit (John 15:5). Therefore, harvest workers of God’s kingdom are called to grow strong in God’s grace. Let’s take the first step by learning from the transforming stories of the Hall of Faith, found in Hebrews 11.
STEP #1 OF THE FARMER’S STRATEGY: CULTIVATE THE SOIL WITH FAITH
Today’s story is about Samson, found in Hebrews 11:32-40:
And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground. And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.
Samson’s story is found in Judges 13-16. What is it about this story that put Samson in the hall of faith? Let us pray and then we will look at the next action step to answer that question.
STEP #2 OF THE FARMER’S STRATEGY: SOW THE GOOD SEED OF GOD’S GRACE
God providentially works in and through our lives for His purposes. The first thing we learn from Samson’s life is that he was chosen by God from before he was born. In fact, according to Judges 13:3-5, Samson was chosen with a purpose in mind:
Then the angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to her, “Behold now, you are barren and have borne no children, but you shall conceive and give birth to a son. “Now therefore, be careful not to drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing. “For behold, you shall conceive and give birth to a son, and no razor shall come upon his head, for the boy shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb; and he shall begin to deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines.” [emphasis added]
This is a profound truth of God’s Word, as reinforced in Jeremiah 1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations” (cf. Psalm 139:13-17). Samson was not the only one who was listed in Hebrews 11 who had supernatural intervention in their birth narrative, so did Isaac, Moses, and Samuel. The reality is that God has a plan, and He chooses people who He will bring about His purposes for His glory! Don’t be deceived, faith is not a way to get God to make your life work for you; faith is about God choosing you to bring about His plans for His glory! In Ephesians 2:8-10, Paul reminds us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” You were chosen and redeemed for a purpose – this is why God gives you His Spirit – to empower you to walk in what God has given you to do.
Samson’s purpose was to begin the deliverance of Israel from the hands of the Philistines, so God stirred up Samson, directed him into the way of the Philistines, and then empowered him with His Spirit to accomplish what God chose him to do. Watch God at work in and through Samson’s life:
- Judges 13:25 transitions from Samson’s birth narrative to his adult years, “And the Spirit of the Lord began to stir him in Mahaneh-dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol.”
- Judges 14:4 when Samson chose a Philistine wife, “However, his father and mother did not know that it was of the Lord, for He was seeking an occasion against the Philistines. Now at that time the Philistines were ruling over Israel.”
- Judges 14:6 when Samson protects his parents from a lion, “The Spirit of the Lord came upon him mightily, so that he tore him as one tears a young goat though he had nothing in his hand; but he did not tell his father or mother what he had done.”
- Judges 14:19 when he was dealing with the Philistine men at the wedding, “Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon him mightily, and he went down to Ashkelon and killed thirty of them and took their spoil and gave the changes of clothes to those who told the riddle. And his anger burned, and he went up to his father’s house.”
- Judges 15:14-15 when he had a great victory over the Philistines after being captured, “When he came to Lehi, the Philistines shouted as they met him. And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him mightily so that the ropes that were on his arms were as flax that is burned with fire, and his bonds dropped from his hands. He found a fresh jawbone of a donkey, so he reached out and took it and killed a thousand men with it.”
- Judges 15:19 when he needed water and cried out to the Lord for help, “But God split the hollow place that is in Lehi so that water came out of it. When he drank, his strength returned and he revived. Therefore he named it En-hakkore, which is in Lehi to this day.”
Let’s take the next step to learn how this seed of faith, which can be planted into others through our faithfulness to act according to our own faith and convictions, growing into a faith that takes God at His Word.
STEP #3 OF THE FARMER’S STRATEGY: CARE FOR THE MATURING PLANT
We must persevere in our calling, realizing that God has chosen us for a purpose. Our tenacity of purpose, our focus on the mission of God, will form us into what God intended us to be, even if we don’t see it or understand it. The Lexham Bible Dictionary makes a very interesting parallel that draws us the heart of Samson’s story, and why I believe he made it into Hebrews 11:32:
Samson’s actions parallel the actions of Israel in the book of Judges. Samson’s primary weakness was his proclivity to pursue Philistine women; one of Israel’s major faults was their inclination to worship foreign gods. Smith argues that “Samson is an example of Israel’s ‘playing the harlot after other gods’ (Judg 2:17; 8:27, 32)” (Smith, “The Failure of the Family in Judges, Part 2: Samson,” 431).[1]
To further emphasize this point, I am going to highlight two sections of Romans 11, emphasizing to you this biblical principle found in verse 29, “for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” This is a truth that I hold near and dear to my heart because there is redemption available through the power of the Spirit – this is the miracle of resurrection! Can God use a divorced person in the church of Jesus Christ or are they forever stigmatized by the most painful experience of his or her life? Can God use a person who served time in prison to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ in the church of Jesus Christ or are they forever marginalized by the most painful experiences of his or her life? The examples can be as mundane or as heartbreaking as needed to make the point, but the heart of the issue remains: in the New Covenant, does God remove His gifts and callings from a person? Does God remove His Spirit from those He has chosen? I stand before you today and say, No! Absolutely not! Listen now to Paul’s argument about how the church is grafted into Israel, not a replacement of, in Romans 11:1-6, 25-35:
I say then, God has not rejected His people, has He? May it never be! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel? “Lord, they have killed Your prophets, they have torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they are seeking my life.” But what is the divine response to him? “I have kept for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” In the same way then, there has also come to be at the present time a remnant according to God’s gracious choice. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace. … For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery—so that you will not be wise in your own estimation – that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; and so all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, “The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will remove ungodliness from Jacob.” “This is My covenant with them, When I take away their sins.” From the standpoint of the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but from the standpoint of God’s choice they are beloved for the sake of the fathers; for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. For just as you once were disobedient to God, but now have been shown mercy because of their disobedience, so these also now have been disobedient, that because of the mercy shown to you they also may now be shown mercy. For God has shut up all in disobedience so that He may show mercy to all. Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! [emphasis added]
Samson’s transforming story of faith foreshadows the irrevocable grace of God upon a person’s life. As we have already learned, Samson was chosen, stirred, directed, and empowered by God to fulfill the very purpose for which God chose him – “he shall begin to deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines.” Here’s the man point of this entire sermon: Samson is not an example of how to act but an example of God’s scandalous grace! He is not a hero to emulate, but a real person in real history with real faith that God used to bring about His plans. His life is in the hall of faith because Samson shows us the power of God’s faith, bestowed on His children so that we would walk in His ways, bringing about His purposes for His glory. Therefore, let’s now turn to the last action step so that our lives will reap a harvest of praise to the glory of God.
STEP #4 OF THE FARMER’S STRATEGY: REAP A HARVEST OF PRAISE
There is an interesting literary difference in Samson’s story as compared to other stories in the book of Judges. In Judges 15:20, we read what is usually the concluding statement of one of the judge’s lives, “So he judged Israel twenty years in the days of the Philistines.” What you would expect to be the end of Samson’s story is not; in fact, what comes next is another chapter with big finish of Samson’s story in which we see Samson at his downright worst behavior – an absolute scoundrel, but also, by God’s grace alone, the greatest victory of Samson’s life. Judges 16:28-31 narrates the captivating conclusion of Samson’s life:
Then Samson called to the Lord and said, “O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me just this time, O God, that I may at once be avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.” Samson grasped the two middle pillars on which the house rested, and braced himself against them, the one with his right hand and the other with his left. And Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” And he bent with all his might so that the house fell on the lords and all the people who were in it. So the dead whom he killed at his death were more than those whom he killed in his life. Then his brothers and all his father’s household came down, took him, brought him up and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the tomb of Manoah his father. Thus he had judged Israel twenty years.
Interestingly, it was God’s providence that placed Samson in a position to have such a great victory while in such a weakened state. Pointedly, for a man committed to be a Nazarite, this is only the second time we see Samson praying to God; the first was when he was about to die from thirst and the second is when his eyes were gouged out, head shaved with a little peach fuzz growing back, in captivity to the Philistines. Yet, in the most desperate moment of Samson’s life, he pulls of an amazing display of strength and courage. Yet in doing so, the normal equation of Samson’s feats of strength is blatantly missing from this pericope: “The Spirit of the Lord came upon him mightily.” It’s so obviously omitted that there must be a reason!
In Hebrew 11:34, there are some descriptive statements made that can be applied to Samson’s transforming story of faith: “escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.” There is one that I want to highlight to you today – “from weakness were made strong.” I believe this captures the heart of why Samson is listed in Hebrews 11, a chapter that should never again be called the heroes of the faith, but rather the triumphs of faith in God’s people, just like the book of Acts should not be called the Acts of the Apostles, but rather the Acts of the Holy Spirit. The emphasis should never be on a person, but on God! It’s God’s power; He is the operative agent of our faith – it’s all grace, the gift of God! And, as we’ve learned, God doesn’t revoke His gifts or callings. God’s grace perseveres in a person, transforming them into the very person God chose them to be, just as Jesus promised His disciples in Mark 1:17, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” Paul, believing this, prayed from a place of weakness in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10:
Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me – to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
As described of Samson in Hebrews 11, Paul described of himself when struggling with the realities of living in his flesh while answering God’s call of faith – “for when I am weak, then I am strong.” One of the greatest threats to the gospel of Jesus Christ is when people strive to be strong in their own flesh, based on their own merits, convinced of their own righteousness. This only leads to legalism and moralism, distortions of the gospel. There is only one kind of life that will bring down the house for the glory of God, producing a harvest of praise; that is the life of faith that calls you to be weak. I join you to embrace the example of Jesus Christ, by joining with Paul in saying Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” This is the way of the cross!
“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
~ Jesus of Nazareth, Matthew 20:25-28
“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
You can watch the message by clicking HERE.
FOOTNOTE:
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Seize the Moment – Day 1264
Today’s song focus will be
When We See Christ
Philippians 3:8 (NASB95)
“More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of
knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things,
and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ,”
Esther Kerr Rusthol was a very accomplished woman. She was the sister of musical evangelist Phil Kerr, married to pastor and evangelist Howard Rusthol, was an author, poet, composer, singer and evangelist and associate pastor at
Pentecostal Angeles Temple of Los Angeles. But her life was not without struggles as she suffered from ill health, passing away at the age of 53. But this 1941 hymn is probably her best-known song, echoing the words of Paul with the value of knowing Christ.
It will be worth it all when we see Jesus!
Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ.
One glimpse of his dear face, all sorrow will erase.
So, bravely run the race till we see Christ.
We need to wake up and take the words of this song to encourage our hearts in both the good and the bad times of our lives. We make the choice to change our perspective and focus on what is worth it all!
If you would like to receive a personal phone call today, all you have to do is dial the phone number below right now and one of us will call you soon.
YOUTUBE:
If you prefer a video, Pastor Ken reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.
If you would like to listen to this song, click on this link:
When We See Christ
We’re tempted to complain, to murmur and despair;
But Christ will soon appear to catch His Bride away,
All tears forever over in God’s eternal day.
It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ.
We’re tossed and driven on, no human help in sight;
But there is one in heav’n who knows our deepest care,
Let Jesus solve your problem – just go to Him in pray’r.
We’ll cross the great divide, to glory, safe at last;
We’ll share the joys of heav’n – a harp, a home, a crown,
The tempter will be banished, we’ll lay our burden down.
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Seize the Moment – Day 1263
Persevere with a Purpose!
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Friday, September 1.
Through all they have been through, the mere survival of Israel proves the inspiration of the Bible. Psalm 129:1-2 describes their perseverance, “‘Many times they have persecuted me from my youth up,’ Let Israel now say, ‘Many times they have persecuted me from my youth up; yet they have not prevailed against me.’” Boice remarks on Israel’s perseverance:
The Jews are the longest-enduring distinct ethnic people on the planet. They have been slandered, hated, persecuted, expelled, pursued, and murdered throughout their long existence, but they have survived intact. In fact, many are now back in their own traditional homeland of Israel. They are a brilliant, talented people, but survival has been their chief achievement.[1]
There is a difficult reality that Christians must share with Israel: as God’s chosen people, we must suffer for His purposes. We are to walk in God’s ways so that all the peoples of the world would come to know God and be blessed by Him. While one would think that such a lofty and laudable goal would lead to peace and harmony amongst the nations, especially toward Israel and the church, the opposite has occurred. Instead, the people of God have had to learn how to persevere on their divine mission while striving to survive. Paul testified to this truth in 2 Corinthians 4:7-10:
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
God bless you!
If you would like to receive a personal phone call today, all you have to do is dial the phone number below right now and one of us will call you soon.
YOUTUBE:
If you prefer a video, Pastor Jerry reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.
FOOTNOTE:
[1] James Montgomery Boice, Psalms 107–150: An Expositional Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2005), 1130–1131.
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Seize the Moment – Day 1262
The Way of Blessing!
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Thursday, August 31.
God loves the children! Jesus made this abundantly clear in word and deed, as He commanded in Matthew 19:14, “Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” In this scene, it is easy to imagine the children flocking to Jesus, like sheep to a shepherd. Jesus’ desire to bless the children should not have been a surprise to His disciples, as we find the blessings of God upon the family, especially children, in Psalms 127 and 128:
- Psalm 127:3-5, “Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; they will not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.”
- Psalm 128:3, “Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine within your house, your children like olive plants around your table.”
- Psalm 128:5-6, “The Lord bless you from Zion, and may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. Indeed, may you see your children’s children. Peace be upon Israel!”
Poetically written, the psalmist makes a profound connection between God’s blessings upon the family and His blessings upon the city and nation. Peace over your nation and prosperity for your city begin with your faithfulness to God at home with your children – parents carry the power to bless or curse, not only for their children, but their city and nation by how they manage their households. This is a promise with a praxis, “How blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways” (1).
Seize the moment and pray Psalm 128, meditating upon God’s call to focus on the family through faithful living – “Behold, for thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord” (4). This is the way!
God bless you!
If you would like to receive a personal phone call today, all you have to do is dial the phone number below right now and one of us will call you soon.
YOUTUBE:
If you prefer a video, Pastor Jerry reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.
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Seize the Moment – Day 1261
The Greatest Vanity of Life!
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Wednesday, August 30.
There are so many vanities in this life! Of all the ones you can think of, which is the greatest? Is it the houses, the cars, or the cash? No, it is when a person seeks to rule over his or her own life. The greatest vanity of life is self-idolatry, when I believe I am my own savior – the master of my own fate or the captain of my own soul. Self-worship is the greatest threat to the health of your soul! Psalm 127:1-2 challenges us to remain sincere in our fundamental need for God, “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman keeps awake in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to retire late, to eat the bread of painful labors; for He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.”
Today’s psalm challenges us, at our basest level, to live free of vanity by trusting God as the Lord of our lives, inviting His involvement in everything we think, say, and do. It is not surprising that it was Solomon who wrote this because he had to learn it the hard way. In Ecclesiastes 1:2-3 he wrote, “‘Vanity of vanities,’ says the Preacher, ‘Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.’ What advantage does man have in all his work which he does under the sun?” The Hebrew word for vanity literally means “empty” or “without result.” We are exhorted in James 4:14-15, “You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.’”
Seize the moment and pray Psalm 127, meditating upon God’s will for your life – “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men” (Colossians 3:23). Do something of eternal significance today!
God bless you!
If you would like to receive a personal phone call today, all you have to do is dial the phone number below right now and one of us will call you soon.
YOUTUBE:
If you prefer a video, Pastor Jerry reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.
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Seize the Moment – Day 1260
Sow Like a Hard-Working Farmer!
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Tuesday, August 29.
“Bringing in the Sheaves” is a classic gospel song, written by Knowles Shaw in 1874, which quotes today’s psalm. Psalm 126:5-6 provided him with the name and inspiration, “Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting. He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.” A sheaf is a bundle of grain stalks, often used in the Bible to symbolize abundance and prosperity, and, in this case, the promise that we will reap what we sow when we work hard to scatter the good seed of God’s Word (Galatians 6:6-9).
While the historical context for today’s psalm is a return from great suffering, possibly from the seventy years of Babylonian exile (Psalm 126:1), the promise is to all who trust in God for rescue and deliverance. There are many things in this life from which we need to be rescued, but all of them pale in comparison to our total need for redemption through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. The sowing of this seed to all the nations is the work of every follower of Jesus, as Paul exhorted his protégé in 2 Timothy 2:6, “The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops” (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:10). Truly, as every farmer knows, you will reap what you sow. This is true in the spiritual, as much as it is in the natural.
God bless you!
If you would like to receive a personal phone call today, all you have to do is dial the phone number below right now and one of us will call you soon.
YOUTUBE:
If you prefer a video, Pastor Jerry reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.
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Seize the Moment – Day 1259
Pray with Security!
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Monday, August 28.
The high ground of any region is a prominent place because it gives you a defensible location. Mount Zion, which was previously called Mount Moriah in Genesis 22 and 2 Chronicles 3, is a strategic location because of its elevation. For this reason, the fortified city of Jerusalem was built there to take advantage of its commanding position over the region, with the temple mount at this highest place to symbolize its proximity to Heaven on Earth. This high ground is significant in the prophecies of God’s people, and in the poetry of the psalms, especially in these Songs of Ascents, as the pilgrims ascended the elevation gain to enter Jerusalem for the pilgrimage feasts. Poetically, the psalmist writes of its importance in Psalm 125:1-2, “Those who trust in the Lord are as Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people from this time forth and forever.”
The psalmist was taking the everyday geographical imagery, which God’s people were familiar with, to make an eternal theological point: God is immovable and unshakeable! He is our high ground – our secure place in which we can build our lives and find peace, living under His protection. In the same way Zion will abide forever, so will the promises of Zion’s King, the Messiah, who will establish His throne in Zion, from which He will renew all creation and usher in the Kingdom of God on Earth, bringing all things under His sovereign rule (Psalm 47:8; Ezekiel 43:7; Revelation 21-22). Are you building your life on the high ground of God’s promises through His Son Jesus Christ?
Seize the moment and pray Psalm 125, meditating upon the security and stability of God’s promises – “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1). Put your trust in Jesus today!
God bless you!
If you would like to receive a personal phone call today, all you have to do is dial the phone number below right now and one of us will call you soon.
YOUTUBE:
If you prefer a video, Pastor Jerry reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.
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Be A Blessing
Be A Blessing
Romans 12:4-16; 1 Peter 3:8-11
A couple of weeks ago, Pastor Jerry spoke about Gideon and his need for a sign from God. I have to admit, my mind immediately chased a rabbit and went to “What if God used church signs to speak to us?” Let’s look at a few…
“Try these four-letter words: LOVE PRAY HOPE”
“If you don’t study the Bible, you won’t get the answer!”
“This too shall pass. It might pass like a kidney stone, but it’s gonna pass.”
“Our church is like fudge – sweet with a few nuts.”
“Forgive your enemies – it messes with their heads.”
“Kind words can be short and sweet, but their echoes are truly endless.”
All too often, we forget that our words carry a lot more weight than we give them credit. When we think of being a blessing, we tend to only think about tangible ways like giving someone money or meeting a need. But what about the blessing that all of us can give with our words? Not something just to pacify them, but to truly speak life over them and into their lives.
We are to be the Body of Christ, which means we have to all work together. That is why we all have been given different gifts. This makes it possible for us to be that Body.
ILLUS: Fold thumb over on both hands. Pick up Bible and turn to Romans 12
Thumbs have been given a bad rap. Have you ever heard “I’m all thumbs”? In the movie “Spy Kids” the Thumbkins were the bumbling henchman. We NEED our thumbs! They are the ones that help us to get a grip on things. “Okay, Ken, but I don’t feel like I am an important part of the body….I feel like I am the appendix.” Well, at first people thought it was a part that was no longer useful to the body, but now they are finding that it provides “good” bacteria for the intestines to help with digestion and our immune system. * So, while we could live without it, it serves a purpose. This is why every part of the body is important.
*https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-does-the-appendix-do-5270731
READ: Romans 12:4-16
Paul wrote these words to the people of Galatia and to us to remind us that we are to use our gifts selflessly, never for selfish gains, but in order to honor God and to see His blessings poured out on the whole body!
Peter has some similar words to say as he wrote to the people of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia (which is now modern day Turkey)
READ: 1 Peter 3:8-11
What does that have to do with being a blessing? EVERYTHING!
We are all to be working together to build the kingdom of God for His glory and honor, not just for our own benefit. The late Rev. Dr. Jack Hyles, pastor of First Baptist Church in Hammond, IN once stated: “The greatest blessing in the whole world is being a blessing.” He was known for building one of the nations largest bus ministries that then led to opening schools and training resources to help minister to the needs of the church and community. God used his giftings and those of the people in the church to make a difference for both current and eternal needs.
So today we are going to give you scriptural answers to the following questions:
- Who is to be a blessing?
- When are we to be a blessing?
- How are we to be a blessing?
- Why are we to be a blessing?
Let us pray….
I. Who is to be a blessing?
1 Peter 3:8:
“Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.”
- Be of one mind (the body)
- Sympathize with each other
- Love each other as family
- Be tenderhearted with each other
- Keep a humble attitude toward each other.
II. When are we to be a blessing?
“Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
- Rejoice always
- Be patient
- Keep praying
- Be ready to help
- Eager to practice hospitality
- Encourage each other
- Build each other up
ILLUS: George Mraz and weightlifting training.
III. How are we to be a blessing?
“In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.”
- God has given each of us different gifts:
- Prophesy, speak the words God has given you.
- Serving, then serve others well
- Encouragement, then be encouraging
- Giving, then give generously
“When God blesses you financially, don’t raise your standard of living. Raise your standard of giving.” (Matt Batterson)
- Leadership, then take it seriously
- Showing kindness, then do it gladly
“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other.”
- Can’t fake it till you make it!
- Not just for married couples.
- Really love and be genuine.
- Keep in mind what is good.
- Enjoy recognizing that love by honoring each other.
IV. Why are we to be a blessing?
- 1 Peter 3:9:
“Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.”
- Don’t do what sinful nature leads you to do, but rather allow the Spirit to lead you to pay back with a blessing.
- Do what God has called you to do…and you will be blessed.
- Think about it this way…God did not add another day to your life because you needed it. He did it because someone out there needs you!
- When we serve others in love, we are showing our love for God in what we do and say.
Conclusion:
Today, I have given you the scriptural evidence that proves 1) Who is to be a blessing; 2) When we are to be a blessing; 3) How we are to be a blessing; and 4) Why we are to be a blessing. Imagine what our world would be like if we, as Christians, put this into practice as a “norm” for our lives. Peter quoted the Psalmist David in 1 Peter 3:10-11 (repeats Psalm 34:12-14) to give encouragement as to why we should live this way.
“For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life
and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil
and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good.
Search for peace, and work to maintain it.”
So take this as your next challenge to help change the atmosphere of this world in which we live. Live on purpose to be a blessing.
Closing Blessing Prayer: EPHESIANS 1:16b-19a
“I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him.”
You can watch the message by clicking HERE.
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Seize the Moment – Day 1257
Today’s song focus will be
Raise a Hallelujah
James 1:2-4 (NASB95)
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing
that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its
perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
While facing both their two year old son, Jaxon, and their four year old daughter, Addie, battling an E coli infection, Bethel Music’s CEO Joel and Janie Taylor were at a point where they were totally drained, emotionally, physically and spiritually.
But they said they could feel the prayers from around the world for their family. Their friends, Jonathan David and Melissa Helser, were interceding in prayer when God gave them this song. They shared it with the Taylor family and they made it
Their anthem, seeing both their children improve and receive their healing.
I’m gonna sing, in the middle of the storm Louder and louder,
you’re gonna hear my praises roar, Up from the ashes, hope will arise
Death is defeated, the King is alive!
We need to wake up and realize that worship is a powerful weapon against the forces of the enemy. We need to raise up our voices in praise over doubt, fear and unbelief and see God bring the victory.
If you would like to receive a personal phone call today, all you have to do is dial the phone number below right now and one of us will call you soon.
YOUTUBE:
If you prefer a video, Pastor Ken reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.
If you would like to listen to this song, click on this link:
Raise a Hallelujah
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Seize the Moment – Day 1256
The Prayer of What-Ifs!
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Friday, August 25.
Have you ever found yourself stuck in the rut of asking, “What-if?” Life is full of what-ifs, but we need not be paralyzed by the indecisiveness that can come from not knowing what will happen or how other people will react. The Bible uses if-statements in a different way – to pointedly declare God’s sufficiency! A classic example of this is found in Romans 8:31, “If God is for us, who is against us?” Psalm 124:1-5 is a psalm of corporate thanksgiving that begins with the proclamations of their faith:
“Had [If] it not been the Lord who was on our side,” Let Israel now say, “Had [If] it not been the Lord who was on our side when men rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us alive, when their anger was kindled against us; then the waters would have engulfed us, the stream would have swept over our soul; then the raging waters would have swept over our soul.”
Most translations begin the first two verses with “if” instead of “had,” emphasizing the abruptness of the poetry and hinting to the conclusion in verse 8, “Our help is in the name of the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.” In other words, if the God who created all things is for us, who can stand against us?
Here’s the good news – God is for you! You don’t have to what-if God’s desire to rescue you from your sin and make you His own. Peter, a man who personally learned of God’s grace, stated in 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”
Seize the moment and pray Psalm 124, meditating upon the favor of God – He is for you! Trust God in all your ways today (Proverbs 3:5-6).
God bless you!
If you would like to receive a personal phone call today, all you have to do is dial the phone number below right now and one of us will call you soon.
YOUTUBE:
If you prefer a video, Pastor Jerry reads his devotion on YouTube as well. Click HERE to visit the page.
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