Baptist City Blog

- Tuesday, 10/13/20  Hebrews 7:2, [Re Jesus] first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and AFTER THAT also King of Salem, which is, King of peace. Notice that

righteousness comes before peace. If we’re lacking peace we’re telling on ourselves that we’re actually short on righteousness.                                   James 1:4, But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. By definition, patience is distasteful (continuing cheerfully through trials.) But notice the word “let.” It seems to mean to hold on when it’s very hard and scary. Imagine a scary roller coaster at Great America or a scary movie: you hold on and endure it til it’s over. “Let patience have her perfect work.” Don’t bail out on your problems (and on God and those who need you to be what He’s making you into.) Allow the problems to have their complete work.

- Wednesday, 10/14/20  Psalm 31:22, For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee. Thank you Lord for being so understanding when I stomp my feet and pitch a fit like a bratty 2-year old!! Thank you for “nevertheless.”                                 James 2:10, For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. All of us are as bad as the worst of us, so none of us have ANY right to look down on some of us. But’s let’s be personal: is there any ONE person that you won’t help? The one who hurt you? The one who committed a crime? That former pastor or teacher? Or, is there any kind of people that are beneath you? Ask the Holy Spirit to point it out to you if there is.

- Thursday, 10/15/20  Mark 15:28, And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors. “Thank You Jesus for becoming sin for me that I could become righteous!!!” Couldn’t we resolve to tell someone about His love this week? Couldn’t we live a little more holy due to such love?                                 Psalm 107:1, O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Today, be aware of, and acknowledge God’s goodness, and while you’re at it, be aware of and acknowledge the goodness of your spouse, the goodness of your kids, boss, pastor, coworkers...old, bald, fat guys...everyone.

- Friday, 10/16/20  Psalm 34:18a, The Lord IS NIGH unto them that are of a broken heart.  Get close to someone who’s close to God, or, more accurately, get close to someone whom God is close to. (And while there, help them as He would have them helped. That way you both benefit.)                            Proverbs 11:4, Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death. We all could figure out what to do with a little more money. However, far too many of us, far too often, are satisfied with our current level of holiness. Honestly, just between you and God, are you striving to become more holy, or are you “good enough”?

- Saturday, 10/17/20  Psalm 108:1, O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory. “Fixed” has the connotation of “passionate about.” Most of us are passionate about sports, cooking shows, making money, vacations, family...not necessarily bad things, but not the best thing; not the deserving thing: His will and way; His righteousness.                          1 Peter 2:17, Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. “Honour the king.” It means to honor, to value, to prize. Regardless of your political beliefs, God demands that His people honor President Trump. And...we’re to honor King Jesus. In that light, how could a believer vote for the party that favors murdering babies? This season, (& forevermore) don’t vote Republican or Democratic: vote biblically. Well, if God is pro-life; pro traditional family; and pro-Israel: which party favors His platform? Just askin’...

- Sunday, 10/18/20  1 Peter 4:8, And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. If we love a lot, others will be more prone to overlook our failures. If we love a lot, we’ll be much more patient with others’ failures. If we love Christ a lot, we won’t rail on those He loves, i.e. the lost, the fallen, the rebellious, the discouraged.                                   1 Peter 2:17, Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. Basically the same truths are repeated in 1 Peter 3:8, Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous. Repetition for learning? Repetition for emphasis? Repetition because we are so prone to disobey? Whatever the reason, it’ll fill our plates this week.

- Monday, 10/19/20  1 Peter 5:7, Casting all your CARE upon him; for he careth for you. “Care” means something which distracts you. Is the virus distracting your Christianity? Is the election? An antagonistic coworker? A family member’s (lack of) spirituality? Take it to the Lord...quit trying to carry it.                          Psalm 37:11, But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. Meekness is adjusting our pace to another’s, or bowing our agenda to another’s. (I’m poor at it...) But, meekness will prevent conflicts, whereas demanding that another march in tune to my drumbeat will foster contention. March toward God and help another at whatever pace they are comfortable with.