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Devotions
SUNDAY - APRIL 7TH, 2024 -
TODAY IS THE LORD'S DAY! LET'S REMEMBER TO KEEP IT HOLY - LET'S BE LIKE JESUS AND FIND OURSELVES IN GOD'S HOUSE WORSHIPPING, PRAISING AND THANKING HIM FOR ALL OUR BLESSINGS. WE DON'T GO TO CHURCH TO BE SAVED AND THEN QUIT, BUT WE GO TO CHURCH BECAUSE WE ARE SAVED. ATTENDING CHURCH EACH WEEK, WITH OTHER BELIEVERS IS ESSENTIAL IN FULFILLING OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD, AND OUR CHRISTIAN COMMITMENT. OUR FORMER PASTOR HAD A SAYING THAT IF YOU'RE IN GOD'S HOUSE ON SUNDAY, THEN YOU ARE EXACTLY WHERE YOU OUGHT TO BE. ARE YOU GOING TO BE "EXACTLY" WHERE YOU OUGHT TO BE? THOSE WHO DO NOT ATTEND CHURCH REGULARLY, RUN THE RISK OF FAILING IN THEIR CHRISTIAN WALK. HERE'S THE QUESTION; CAN YOU MAINTAIN YOUR CHRISTIANITY AND DEVELOP A SPIRITUAL FULFILLMENT BY NOT ATTENDING CHURCH WITH OTHER BELIEVERS? IT'S A FACT, WE CANNOT DO THAT ALONE. . . WE NEED EACH OTHER. SEE YOU IN CHURCH!
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THIS WEEK'S DEVOTIONS ARE ABOUT....
"LET US NOT BE WEARY... IN ANYTHING"
God is calling us in this generation to be fully alive in him. As you read these devotions, ask God how they can impact you so you can impact others. Spread the word that God is on the move in the pursuit of capturing the hearts of all men…..JUST REMEMBER GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO WE!
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"WHY DO WE WAIT TO MAKE IMPORTANT DECISIONS?"
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MONDAY- APRIL 8TH "WHEN MAKING DECISIONS"
The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord. All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits. Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.
Proverbs 16:1-3
Have you ever chosen a certain path, only to find yourself regretting that decision later? Facing crossroads can at times seem overwhelming, but we have an all-knowing God to guide us. Therefore, we should wisely prepare beforehand for decisions we may have to make quickly.
Scripture is our primary source for direction and wisdom. If we study, memorize, and meditate on God’s Word, He’ll bring truth to our mind at the appropriate time. What’s more, we have His indwelling Spirit to guide us. Christians who try to weigh the pros and cons themselves miss out on the wise counsel of the omniscient One.
It is also wise to be aware of our mental state as we approach decisions. The acronym H.A.L.T. stands for “hungry, angry, lonely, and tired”—four states in which we’re more likely make poor choices. When considering options, it’s well worth waiting until a more favorable time.
Your choices affect the direction of your life, so carefully consider what the Lord would have you do. Scripture is clear that we perceive dimly (1 Cor. 13:12) but God sees the whole picture. That’s why it’s vital to rely upon His wisdom, truth, and direction in making decisions.
TUESDAY -- APRIL 9TH- "WHICH WAY TO CHOOSE"
“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” Isaiah 30:21
Life is about making decisions.
We don’t really pay attention to most of the decisions we make – we choose what radio station to listen to, what to eat for dinner, or what movie to go see. We don’t spend hours agonizing over decisions like that. The choice presents itself, we make it, and most of the time we just carry on with our day.
Then there are those times when the decision seems bigger – like choosing a career, choosing a home, or choosing a spouse. These are the kinds of decisions that can keep us up at night; they even move us to seek counsel from others and carefully weigh out our options. Big or small, we are always deciding something. But the big and the small are not isolated from each other. In fact, every small decision is in reality a reflection of a larger one. In other words, life is about big decisions actualized in little choices.
Here is just one example: Marriage is a big choice. At a single moment, you commit before God and others to honor your husband or wife, no matter what may come your way.
Making the marriage commitment is a BIG decision.
But today, you have the chance to actualize that decision in a ton of little ways, such as:
Will you ask caring questions about your spouse’s daily activities and feelings?
Will you serve them by doing some of the chores they hate to do
All of these little choices are just a reflection of the bigger decision you already made on the day of your wedding.
You can really look at any small daily choice like this: Ask yourself, “What’s the larger decision behind the smaller choice I’m making right now?” (Remember that there are really no small choices. Each one plays a significant role in the overall direction of your life.) will you commit or put it off until a later time?
WEDNESDAY-APRIL 10TH "WAITING UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE"
Do you remember the two men who were crucified with Jesus? They were criminals of the worst sort, deserving death for their crimes. One of them bitterly mocked Jesus and refused to believe in Him, but the other turned to Him in faith and asked Jesus to save him. He was only hours from death, but Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). His was truly a “death bed conversion,” but God in His grace still saved him.
Don’t, however, draw the wrong conclusion from this. Yes, God can save us even at the last minute, but how do we know we’ll even have a “last minute”? A sudden accident… an unexpected heart attack… a slow dulling of our mental abilities — these and a hundred other things could keep us from turning to Christ.
In addition, think of all the years you waste, years you could have lived for Christ and known the joy of His presence. If you’ve never committed your life to Christ do so today, before it’s too late. The Bible says,
“Now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2)
THURSDAY- APRIL 11TH "SAY YES TO JESUS..."
The struggle of fear is a common
challenge for many individuals who are hesitant to fully follow Jesus. This
fear may arise from uncertainties about where God may lead them or the
sacrifices they may have to make. The opinions of others may also play a
significant role in shaping these fears.
Jesus understands these struggles, and in Mark 8:34, He called out to His
followers, saying, "If anyone would come after me, let
him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." This statement
urges us to make a conscious decision to surrender our lives, dreams,
wishes, and directions to follow Jesus Christ.
However, it is essential to acknowledge that following Jesus will always
come at a cost. In Mark 8:35, Jesus states, "For
whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life
for me and the gospel will save it." Jesus is asking us to center
everything in our lives on Him because we love Him, and in doing so, we lose
our lives. It is a decision we make daily to pursue Jesus Christ by putting
Him first in everything we do.
The reward for centering our lives on Jesus is life itself. Jesus said,
"I want you to pursue me because you love me. If
you center your life on me, you will receive life; you will find life
in me. Are you willing to give up everything for me?" (Mark 8:36 NIV).
This statement highlights the importance of being willing to give up
everything,
even if it means forfeiting worldly possessions, to gain eternal life in Jesus Christ.
FRIDAY - APRIL 12TH- "WAIT -WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?"
When it comes to waiting, here is what God wants us to do:
Wait for the Lord and keep his way, and he will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on when the wicked are cut off. (
The New Testament equivalent says it this way:
Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
(
“The most important fruit ever produced in our lives may come from faithfully doing good while we wait.”
Humble waiting looks like this: “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him” (
Psalm 37:7). And, yes, this can be difficult. God knows this. That’s why the Bible is full of examples of what difficult waiting looks like. God wants us to know that he understands, and he wants us to believe that “all things are possible for one who believes” (Mark 9:23).It is possible to wait with patience and peace of faith.
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Final thoughts FOR THE WEEK
THANK GOD FOR YOUR MANY BLESSINGS DURING THIS PAST WEEK! ATTEND CHURCH THIS SUNDAY, IT WILL BE GOOD.......
SATURDAY - APRIL 13TH, 2024 - "LET'S MAKE PLANS!"
LIGGETT BAPTIST CHURCH INVITES YOU. . .
SUNDAY SCHOOL FIRST . . .THEN MORNING WORSHIP
. . .JUST REMEMBER THAT GOD HAS GIVEN YOU "ALL" WEEK TO DO WHATEVER YOU PLEASED, AND ALL HE ASK IS JUST ONE DAY THAT YOU SET ASIDE SOME TIME TO COME FOR A VISIT TO HIS HOUSE. COME INTO HIS PRESENCE WITH PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING - HE'S BEEN GOOD TO YOU. . .CAN YOU NOT RETURN THE FAVOR? THIS WEEKEND IS A VERY SPECIAL WEEKEND FOR YOU TO WORSHIP THE LORD!
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND! AND DON'T FORGET BRING SOMEONE WITH YOU!
OUR CHURCH WILL PROMOTE SUNDAY SCHOOL TO THE FULLEST. AS WE CONTINUE TO SEE A DECLINE IN SUNDAY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE, WE MUST REALIZE JUST HOW IMPORTANT SUNDAY SCHOOL REALLY IS TO OUR CHRISTIAN WALK OF LIFE. THERE ARE MANY REASONS WHY EACH PERSON THAT ATTENDS CHURCH, SHOULD BE INVOLVED IN A SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS, AND NOT JUST THE WORSHIP SERVICE ONLY. HERE ARE A FEW REASONS WHY THAT YOU, IF YOU AREN'T ALREADY, NEED TO BE ATTENDING SUNDAY SCHOOL.
1. SUNDAY SCHOOL FULFILLS A VITAL FUNCTION IN HELPING THE CHURCH REACH ITS MISSION.
2. SUNDAY SCHOOL MOBILIZES THE CHURCH FOR EVANGELISM.
3. A MISSION IS BEST ACCOMPLISHED IN THE CONTEXT OF SMALL GROUPS - HENCE: SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES.
4. SUNDAY SCHOOL GIVES CHILDREN A SMALL GROUP EXPERIENCE.
5. SUNDAY SCHOOL EQUIPS THE SAINTS TO DO THE WORK OF A MINISTRY.
6. MOST IMPORTANTLY, SUNDAY SCHOOL DEVELOPS LEADERSHIP FOR THE CHURCH. SUNDAY SCHOOL IS WHERE YOU LEARN FROM A BIBLICAL LESSON ALL ABOUT GOD'S WORD AND WHAT IT SAYS TO EACH ONE OF US.
SO YOU SEE HOW IMPORTANT SUNDAY SCHOOL IS FOR YOU? YOU MAY ASK, "WHAT BENEFIT IS SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR ME?" HERE'S THE WAY YOU CAN FIND OUT - JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL THIS SUNDAY, ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS TO TRY IT. THEN YOU MAKE THE DECISION! THERE'S A CLASS FOR EVERYONE!
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BECAUSE HE LIVES!
SUPPOSE JESUS CHRIST HAD NOT RISEN FROM THE DEAD. WHERE WOULD THAT LEAVE US? WHAT ASSURANCE WOULD WE HAVE ABOUT ANYTHING IN LIFE? OUR CONFIDENCE? OUR THOUGHTS ABOUT DEATH? OUR HOPES? OR EVEN ABOUT EXISTENCE AFTER THIS LIFE - HOW WOULD IT ALL BE AFFECTED?
OF COURSE, IF YOU HAVE NEVER RECEIVED JESUS CHRIST AS YOUR PERSONAL SAVIOR, HIS RESURRECTION WOULD SEEM RATHER MEANINGLESS, AS FAR AS YOU'RE CONCERNED. AND GOD KNEW THAT JESUS' RESURRECTION WOULD RAISE MANY QUESTIONS. HOWEVER, THE ONLY QUESTION THAT IS REALLY IMPORTANT IS: DO YOU BELIEVE HE HAS RISEN?
THIS MEANS THAT IF THE RESURRECTION HAD NOT OCCURRED, OUR FAITH WOULD BE EMPTY AND WITHOUT FOUNDATION. WE SHOULD BE THANKFUL, BECAUSE AS BELIEVERS, OUR HOPE EXTENDS BEYOND THIS LIFE, BECAUSE JESUS HAS TRULY RISEN FROM THE DEAD. THE TOMB IS EMPTY. MOST IMPORTANTLY, JESUS HIMSELF TOLD OF HIS RESURRECTION. EVERYTHING HE PROMISED OR PREDICTED HAS COME TO PASS JUST AS HE SAID IT WOULD. THE FACT THEN, THAT JESUS ROSE FROM THE DEAD GIVES US THE ABSOLUTE, UNQUESTIONABLE FOUNDATION FOR EVERYTHING ELSE WE BELIEVE. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS, THAT WE HAVE THE CONFIDENCE THAT OUR GOD IS ALIVE. JESUS WAS NOT SIMPLY SOME PREACHER OR TEACHER, BUT HE CLAIMED TO BE THE MESSIAH, THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD. IN FACT, THAT WAS ONE OF THE REASONS HE CAME - TO REVEAL THE HEAVENLY FATHER, SO WE COULD UNDERSTAND WHAT HE IS LIKE. YOU MIGHT WONDER, IF CHRIST IS ALIVE, THEN WHAT IS HE DOING? HE IS SEATED AT THE FATHER'S RIGHT HAND, INTERCEDING ON OUR BEHALF. HE IS A LIVING GOD WHO CARES, LOVES, PROTECTS, AND HEARS OUR PRAYERS. HE IS A FORGIVING LORD, WHO IS CONTINUALLY ADVOCATING ON OUR BEHALF, AND WHAT'S MORE IS, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST IS PREPARING A PLACE FOR EACH AND EVERYONE OF US WHO BELIEVES IN HIM . HE IS A RISEN SAVIOR WHO ALSO PROMISED HIS DISCIPLES, THOUGH HE WAS GOING AWAY, HE WOULD NOT LEAVE THEM LIKE ORPHANS, BUT JESUS ASSURED THEM HE WOULD SEND THE HOLY SPIRIT TO TEACH AND GUIDE EACH OF HIS FOLLOWERS UNTIL HE RETURNED. TODAY EVERY SINGLE BELIEVER IS INDWELT WITH THE SPRIT OF GOD, STARTING THE MOMENT HE OR SHE RECEIVES JESUS CHRIST AS THEIR SAVIOR. ANOTHER GREAT PROMISE OF THE SCRIPTURES IS THE MOST BELOVED VERSE OF THE BIBLE - JOHN 3:16 - "FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE." THAT MEANS FOREVER. IRREVOCABLE 100% SURE THAT JESUS CHRIST IS THE RISEN SAVIOR. BECAUSE HE LIVES AND ROSE FROM THE DEAD, WE KNOW THAT HE WILL RAISE US, TOO, SO THAT WE CAN LIVE WITH HIM FOREVER. THAT IS WHY WE SING, "HALLELUJAH, CHRIST AROSE!" HE IS OUR RISEN SAVIOR!
THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST
NO ONE KNOWS WHEN THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST WILL HAPPEN. IT IS PLAGUED BY MANY FALSE TEACHINGS. MANY PREDICTION BOOKS HAVE BEEN WRITTEN SAYING THE EXACT DAY WHEN JESUS' RETURN WILL BE. A MOVIE RECENTLY RELEASED, DECLARED THAT THE YEAR 2012 WILL BE WHEN JESUS WILL RETURN AND THE WORLD WILL END. THESE BOOKS AND MOVIES HAVE MISLED A LOT OF PEOPLE, BUT ONE THING IS CERTAIN; NO ONE KNOWS THE DAY NOR THE HOUR THAT HE WILL COME AGAIN. ONLY GOD, THE FATHER, KNOWS WHEN THE SECOND COMING OF HIS SON, JESUS WILL HAPPEN. JESUS TOLD HIS DISCIPLES, "NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT THAT DAY OR HOUR, NOT EVEN THE ANGELS IN HEAVEN, NOR THE SON, BUT ONLY THE FATHER (MATTHEW 24:36, 40, 42). THIS IS WHY WE SHOULD KEEP WATCH. WE CAN EITHER STAY IDLE AND SIMPLY WAIT FOR JESUS' RETURN OR WE CAN BE PREPARED AND READY. THIS IS DONE BY KNOWING WHAT THE BIBLE REVEALS ABOUT UPCOMING EVENTS AND COMPARING THEM TO WHAT WE SEE IS HAPPENING TODAY AND TOMORROW, NOT ONLY IN THE UNITED STATES, BUT ALL AROUND THE WORLD. THERE ARE OVER 100 BIBLE PASSAGES THAT DISCUSS THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST. HIS FIRST COMING WAS IMPORTANT, BUT FAR MORE IMPORTANT IS HIS SECOND COMING; WHY? LET'S LOOK AT THE WORD S..E..C..O..N..D.. S-SUDDEN - ONLY THE FATHER IN HEAVEN KNOWS THE VERY SECOND AND CORRECT TIME THAT HIS SECOND COMING WILL TAKE PLACE. IT WILL BE SUDDENLY. . . QUICKLY - JUST AS A LIGHTENING FLASH ACROSS THE SKY, OR THE TWINKLING OF AN EYE....IT WILL BE SUDDEN. E-ESSENTIAL - THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST WILL BE ONE OF THE MAIN PILLARS OF CHRISTIAN FAITH. JESUS WILL COME AGAIN AS KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS, IN ALL HIS GLORY FOR THE FINAL JUDGMENT. C-CHRIST'S FINAL JUDGMENT - AS THE BIBLE SAYS, JESUS WILL BE THE FINAL JUDGE OF THE WORLD. O-OBVIOUS - IT'S OBVIOUS THAT THERE ARE BILLIONS OF PEOPLE LIVING ON THIS EARTH. AND ONLY GOD KNOWS THE TRUE CHRISTIANS. THOSE WHO LIVE BY A SET OF IDEALS THAT THINK THEY CAN ENTER HEAVEN BY THEIR GOOD DEEDS WILL OBVIOUSLY NOT. THE BIBLE PLAINLY EXPLAINS THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND LIFE ETERNAL IS ONLY BY ACCEPTING JESUS AS LORD AND SAVIOR. N-NO ONE KNOWS - NO ONE KNOWS THE EXACT TIME AND DAY THAT THE LORD WILL RETURN. GOD IS OUTSIDE OF TIME. TIME REALLY DON'T MATTER TO HIM. WE SHOULD NOT BE DECEIVED IN THINKING OR BELIEVING THAT ANYONE OTHER THAN GOD HIMSELF KNOWS THE VERY HOUR OF JESUS' RETURN. D-DOUBTERS BEWARE - AS THE TIME DRAWS EVER SO CLOSE TO HIS SECOND APPEARING, THERE WILL BE INCREASING AND WIDESPREAD DOUBT ABOUT WHETHER JESUS WAS EVEN REAL. PEOPLE WILL START WONDERING IF GOD REALLY EXISTS. DON'T GIVE IN TO DOUBT, REMAIN TRUE AND FAITHFUL AND GREAT WILL BE YOUR REWARD. THIS IS ONLY A GUESS, BUT HIS IMMENSE LOVE FOR US ALL IS MAKING HIM PUT IT OFF FOR YET ANOTHER DAY, BUT WHAT ABOUT TOMORROW? WILL IT BE THEN? ARE YOU READY? AS EACH DAY CLOSES AND WE'RE STILL WAITING FOR HIS RETURN YET ANOTHER DAY, HE IS GIVING US PRECIOUS TIME TO MAKE SURE WE'RE READY? PLEASE. . . BE READY AND WAITING!
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TO MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR EVERYONE TO ATTEND CHURCH NEXT SUNDAY, WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A SPECIAL “NO EXCUSE” SUNDAY. HERE ARE SOME THINGS WE WILL DO TO MAKE IT POSSIBLE.
1. COTS WILL BE PLACED IN THE FOYER FOR THOSE WHO SAY, “SUNDAY IS MY ONLY DAY TO SLEEP IN.”
2.
MURINE WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR THOSE WITH TIRED EYES FROM
WATCHING T.V. TOO LATE ON SATURDAY NIGHT.
3.
WE WILL HAVE STEEL HELMETS FOR THOSE WHO SAY, “THE ROOF
WOULD CAVE IN IF I EVER CAME TO CHURCH.”
4.
STEEL-TOED SHOES WILL BE PROVIDED FOR THOSE WHO DON’T WANT
THEIR TOES STEPPED ON.
5.
BLANKETS WILL BE PROVIDED FOR THOSE WHO THINK THE CHURCH IS
TOO COLD AND FANS FOR THOSE WHO SAY IT IS TOO HOT.
6.
WE WILL HAVE HEARING AIDES FOR THOSE WHO SAY “THE PREACHER
SPEAKS TOO SOFTLY” AND COTTON FOR THOSE WHO SAY HE PREACHES TOO LOUDLY.
7.
FOR THOSE WHO USUALLY GO FISHING ON SUNDAY, INSTEAD OF COMING
TO WORSHIP, THE BAPTISTERY WILL BE STOCKED WITH BASS AND BLUE GILL, (BRING
YOUR OWN POLE).
8.
SUNGLASSES WILL BE IN THE PEWS FOR THOSE WHO SAY THE LIGHTS
ARE TOO BRIGHT AND MINITURE FLASHLIGHTS FOR THOSE WHO SAY THEY CAN’T SEE
TO READ THE HYMNALS
9.
THE AUDITORIUM WILL BE DECORATED WITH BOTH CHRISTMAS
POINSETTAS AND EASTER LILIES FOR THOSE WHO ONLY ATTEND CHURCH TWICE A YEAR.
10.
SCORE CARDS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO LIST THE
HYPOCRITES PRESENT.
11.
THERE
WILL BE T.V. DINNERS AVAILABLE FOR THOSE WHO SAY THEY HAVE TO STAY HOME FROM
CHURCH AND COOK.
12. SOME RELATIVES WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE, FOR THOSE WHO SAY THEY LIKE TO GO VISITING ON SUNDAY.
FINALLY, TIME CLOCKS WILL BE INSTALLED FOR
