Devotional Thoughts: Rising to the Occasion

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    Doing the right thing at the right time is being ready to act when a particular occasion arises. This is an ability that is celebrated in many ways. Those that achieve any type of excellence, has been able to do the right things at the right time. In order for this to happen, a person must have an awareness of what is coming in order to be ready. A Christian must possess awareness to do the right things at the right times for the glory of God. As we spend time in bible study, prayer, and worship, we are preparing ourselves to act in obedience to God’s will in the moment. We must be ready to be proactive in our service to the Lord. Our excellence is not in personal achievement, but by bringing glory to God and building His kingdom. What is in this moment that is an opportunity to serve the Lord? What is happening now that is an occasion for doing the right thing to build the kingdom of God? We must be sensitive to the current moment and possess enough foresight to anticipate our good works in the future. If every follower of Jesus decisively prepared for action, rising to the occasion would bring a revolution. The comforting part of being a Christian is that we are simply making ourselves available for the good work. We put forth effort, but the Lord provides all that we need to execute for His glory. Preparation is important for continual trust in the equipping nature of God. So let us engage with God continually for joyful communion and anticipation of joyful service. 

“Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” Matthew 10:16-20

Life Adjustments and the Presence of God

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Life is full of adjustments. In fact, life could be one long string of constant adjustments. As I have recently been going through many adjustments that come with moving to a new town, I have been pray through how God is present during the changes that occur. God’s guidance should obviously be the reason for changes that happen in the life of a Christian, but I also believe that He is present throughout the process is some special ways. What are the characteristics of God, that we know from scripture, that are helpful during times of adjustments? There have been two that have been dominant in my thinking. He is our refuge. He is our rock.

The fact that God is our refuge means He is a place of protection or shelter. Even in times of good and exciting adjustments, there is a need for God to be a refuge. The unknowns that often come with life change or adjustments makes it vital for habits to be formed that actively turn to the Lord in acknowledgement of your need for Him. What do you do when you don’t know what to do? Seeking the place of secure shelter that is the presence of God should be our automatic response. Prayer, public worship, private worship, and reading scripture are all spiritual disciples that are actively seeking the shelter of God. Those of us with a “fix it” mindset must find a way to stop trying to simply figure out the unknowns through more effort. More effort is good with guidance that we find when we first seek God as our refuge. More effort without acknowledging our need for God is dangerous and futile for those that have trusted in Jesus as Savior. So we must stop. We must simply pause and engage with the Lord as a place to go for all that we need to navigate our circumstance for the glory of God. 

The fact that God is our rock provides confidence that seeking Him is not in vain. This is because of His nature. He is a massive and unshakeable foundation. When discerning the unknowns, it is good to have stability. Our confidence to move forward is fueled by what we know for sure. That God is who he says He is in His Word. So as we seek His shelter, we are seeking protection from the One who is unchanging and unfazed by the circumstances of our life that are “unknowns" to us. God knows our unknowns. He must be our constant from beginning to end each day. 

Whatever your current adjustments are, I must ask, where are you turning? What provides you with confidence, assurance, rest, and guidance when you are in uncertain times? We must allow God to be who He always is. Our refuge and our rock.  He is always present. 

“I love you, O LORD, my strength.

The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,

my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,

my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised,

and I am saved from my enemies.”  -Psalms 18:1-3

“ For God alone my soul waits in silence;

from him comes my salvation.

He alone is my rock and my salvation,

my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.” -Psalms 62:1-2

“On God rests my salvation and my glory;

my mighty rock, my refuge is God.” -Psalms 62:7

Thank You FBC Greenville and on to the Next Journey at Hillabee

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 As I enter into this last week of service at First Baptist Church in Greenville the feelings of gratitude are overwhelming. This church gave me the second opportunity to live out God’s calling upon my life to serve as pastor. Entering into this service at FBC Greenville at the age of 29 was exciting and challenging. In the beginning most tasks seemed over my head in level of knowledge and experience. Looking back, I am thankful for the many conversations I had with many of the members of this church that helped me to grow and develop as a Pastor.  After these five years in Greenville, I have served a total of 10 years in the pastor role. The lessons that I learned at Henderson Baptist and First Baptist are too many to count. I have learned pastoral leadership is certain to expose all strengths and weaknesses. God has used these years of relationships and experiences to prepare me for the next journey, as God’s Will leads. My hope is that people of First Baptist have felt loved and encouraged through my ministry efforts. This love comes from the Lord, and has been stirring inside me ever since I felt God’s call to the ministry. This passion drives me to pour His love and holiness into the lives of people in Christ’s church. To pastor is to lead the way in proclaiming God’s word to the church and the world. First Baptist, I hope that my leadership resulted in you loving the Lord more and loving His Word more. Thank you for your trust in me and this wonderful opportunity to serve this great congregation. Thank you as well for the love and relationships that have been established with myself and my family.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

 Hillabee Baptist, I want to thank you for the opportunity to continue my ministry journey with you. My prayer is for many years of wonderful works of God to happen as we move forward together. God is moving constantly and I want to be available for God to use in service to you. Let’s grow together in worship, knowledge, and service. Let’s go and reach the unchurched and unredeemed with the truth of the Gospel. I am excited to get started! Thank you for your prayers and how you have welcomed me and my family so far! See you soon! 

Being Brought Low As A Stimulus For Faith

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“I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

-Philippians 4:10-13

A stimulus for faith is an assurance that builds your trust in the Lord through any situation that you find yourself in. Finding consistency in trusting in the Lord is a sign of spiritual maturity. In other words, every moment in life for a believer is an opportunity to seek the presence of God for guidance in living out that time for the will and purposes of God. Here in this passage, we see the Apostle Paul proclaimed in the moments of trial and tribulation that he is content and confident because of what he has in Christ. Salvation has such an effect that nothing else is important. Specifically, when times in life being an extra measure of humility through challenges that break us down, faith and trust are able to find assurance in Christ. We must intentional direct our hearts towards Him through thoughts that are directed by drawing near in personal worship. Lowliness is able to drive us closer to God or is an opportunity for discouragement as a result of our flesh and temptation from the evil one. This reminder is great because God is faithful to reveal himself so we must be faithful in turning to Him. James mentions this important truth as a remedy for wordiness that is revealed in fights and quarrels amongst the people of God. This is found in James 4:7-10,

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”

When the moment of temptation comes, the believer must react with intentions of pursuing the faithfulness of God. Single-minded devotion that leads you to trust in the one that has provided eternal life through the substitutionary sacrifice on the cross. His great work of the cross leads to the continuation of His great works in the lives of those who trust in Him. He will exalt those that dwell in humility and lowliness. He is the source of confidence, endurance, and restful contentment in trying times. Let’s trust in the Lord today!

Implications of God’s Work In Times of Lowliness

1. Faith and Trust Find Assurance When People Fail You

Turning to God’s faithfulness in times when you have been failed by others leads to having patience in working through these relationships. No created being can fulfill all our expectations. From disappointments to outright personal acts of malice, this world is full of opportunities to be brought low by others. These are times of growth for our faith and trust in the Lord. Let these moments drive you to the presence of God.

      2. Faith and Trust Find Assurance When Circumstances Fail You

Turning to God’s faithfulness is also important in times when the circumstances of life fail you. Whether the result of past choices or just by chance, the circumstances of life that are challenging can lead to God’s provision of perspective to endure with the present times with the future hope of salvation. A believer is able to see the struggles of the present through the lens of eternity now secured in Christ. This provides wisdom to find calm in the midst of earthly chaos. Circumstances are challenging through moments of changing plans and the changing of culture. Let these moments drive you to the wisdom of God that reveals the bigger picture.

    3. Faith and Trust Find Assurance When You Fail

Turning to God’s faithfulness is finally important in times of personal failure. Choices come every day and the tendency to make the wrong choice is often as we continue in our redeemed but fragile nature, as a believer. From mistakes of emotional reaction to intentional moments of rebellion, the need to repent of our sins to draw near to God. Being brought low by the consequences of a personal decision is another opportunity to grow in faith and trust by asking the Lord to strengthen you to move forward in actual change. He is faithful to provide!

It is about being driven to the Lord’s presence!

"You make known to me the path of life;

in your presence there is fullness of joy;

at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

 -Psalm  16:11

Some Thoughts On The Life of Faith Under Social Restrictions

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I wanted to share a few thoughts at the beginning of this time of restricted social gatherings.

1.  Technology helps, although not perfect

With the ability to use the internet and phone calls, we are able to stay connected even during times like these when we are restricted to our very small gatherings. The church must be proactive to reach out through the methods like never before to stay in each other's lives. Our phones have been a problem for so long that the idea of them being of such value now under these circumstances, is strange. Moving through different and strange times can be done efficiently through effective communication. Communication is work, however, that must be intentional.  Nothing beats in-person interaction, but for temporary struggles, we have many opportunities for alternative communication.

2. Solitude is a spiritual discipline 

Temporary solitude has been recognized as a spiritual discipline that was modeled by our Lord and Savior. This time is for a renewed focus on the Lord that is free from the distractions of normal everyday life. Normally this is a voluntary practice that one seeks to make a part of their routine of disciplines. During this time of restricted gatherings, one can take advantage of the time that is spent alone or with family units. No more extra activities that we recognize as being a threat to family units. For those with children at home, solitude may only be a dream for the future, but an increased time of family solitude can be an increased time of family worship and prayer. Regardless of your situation, find the best way to commune with God under these circumstances. 

3. Corporate worship will now be yearned for more than ever

I saw this mentioned by a fellow pastor in reaction to the closing of public worship and I believe he is right. We have seen public worship as just a part of our regular routine for so long. So much so that we have to work hard to engage with the Lord in worship and not just passively go through the motions. This interruption may have a positive effect on the other side where we actually learn to long for our time of worship together in order to meet with God as a family. I hope those that have viewed the church as a take it or leave it option will also see the value of community in Christ with more clarity. 

4. Change and challenges are a catalyst for growth

No one looks forward to challenges or hardship, but our Lord does proclaim that persecution, for example, is a trait and blessing of the believer's life. (Matthew 5:2-12) The refinement that happens when the church is attacked or challenged with hard circumstances is of great value and comfort. (Romans 5:1-5) With the first major interruption to regular in-person meetings of the church of this magnitude, I believe we will be better on the other side. Most good things come after sacrifice and struggle that builds your character and determination. This is true even in the life of faith. 

"Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud;

be gracious to me and answer me!

You have said, “Seek my face.”

My heart says to you,

“Your face, Lord, do I seek.”

Hide not your face from me.

Turn not your servant away in anger,

O you who have been my help.

Cast me not off; forsake me not,

O God of my salvation!

For my father and my mother have forsaken me,

but the Lord will take me in.

Teach me your way, O Lord,

and lead me on a level path

because of my enemies.

Give me not up to the will of my adversaries;

for false witnesses have risen against me,

and they breathe out violence.

I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord

in the land of the living!

Wait for the Lord;

be strong, and let your heart take courage;

wait for the Lord!"   -Psalm 27:7-14

"If our hearts delight in God and his face, then we can contemplate losing earthly joys without fear"-Tim Keller

Who We Aspire To Be

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The understanding of who we are is rooted in the identity restored to us in Christ. But too often followers of Christ fall into the same pattern of persona building as the lost world around us. Most people make decisions about the way they live their life for the purpose of furthering an image that is most beneficial to their desires. The one that has been saved by the power of God, however, must embrace the purpose of the Gospel and God’s desire outlined in God’s word. In order to truly be “you” there must be a removal of the deceptive image building, and actively seek living out the character of God as one of the redeemed! This is seen as turning from the image that was built for survival in our culture. I believe we misplace our identity to find security. This is a false sense of security that is focused on a false desire for survival. In Christ, we have all we need for survival and validation.  The church must be called to repentance to not worry any longer about earthly perception and first seek to honor God. Be rooted In Him alone. 

“For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin.  Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God.  So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” - Romans 6:5-11

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth."   -Ephesians 1:3-10

Having Might In The Scriptures

• Read it
• Memorize it 
• Depend on it
• Hunger for it
• Enjoy it 
• Quote it
• Teach it
• Preach it