Baptist City Blog

Genesis 24:37

"And my master made me swear, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife to my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I dwell:"

Marriage is one of the greatest relationships you can have. Other than a relationship with Jesus Christ, a relationship with your spouse is the best and most rewarding relationship. Finding the right person to marry will certainly make marriage what God intended for it to be. When Abraham sent his servant to find a wife for Isaac, you find the qualities for what  a young person should look for in a spouse.

First, the verse above shows that you should look for a person who is not of the world. Abraham didn't want his son to marry "the daughters of the Canaanites." A Christian has no business looking in the world for a spouse. That will only bring heartache to your marriage.

Second, verse 38 shows that you should look for a spouse of your own kind. Abraham told his servant to find a young lady who was of his"kindred." In other words, it wasn't good enough that they were not of the world, but he wanted his son to marry someone who was like them. One of the greatest causes of marital problems is couples don't believe like each other. It is important when choosing someone to marry that you believe like each other spiritually and politically. These two areas have destroyed many marriages.

Third, verse 39 shows that you should look for a spouse who is willing to follow. I know this story is about a wife for Isaac, but I believe the principle of following is important in every marriage. If you are not done with the dating life, then you are not ready to be married. In other words, if you are not done looking around, then don't get married. You should only get married when there is no one else whom you would rather be with than the person you are dating. You should only want to be with them and no one else for the rest of your life.

Fourth, verse 43 shows that you should look for someone who is pure. Purity before marriage will carry on after marriage. I'm not saying that a person who lost their purity before marriage will be unfaithful after marriage, but I am saying that it gives a higher chance of that happening. You need to stay pure, and you need to look for someone who has kept themselves pure.

Fifth, verse 43 shows that you should look for someone who is a worker. You don't want to marry a lazy person. If they won't work before they are married, then they won't work after they are married.

Sixth, verse 43 shows that you should look for someone who is hospitable. You don't want to marry someone who can't get along with others and treat others right. Eventually they will treat you the same way they treat others. Look how someone treats those they don't know to learn how they will eventually treat you.

Finally and most importantly, verse 45 shows that you should look for someone who is spiritual. Rebekah was spiritual enough to follow the LORD's guidance to go at the right time and to also talk to Abraham's servant. An unspiritual person makes a poor spouse. On the other hand, a spiritual person will make a great spouse. More than anything, you want a person who walks with God.

These are some of the most important qualities you should look for in a spouse. However, if you are married, you should be sure that you represent these qualities. If you lack in one of these areas, then you should work on it so that you can be for your spouse what God would want you to be. These qualities in a spouse will make for a long and happy marriage.

Genesis 12:11

"And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon:"

Egypt is a picture of the world. It seems as if the world's intimidation has been a problem from the very beginning. Because of a famine in Bethel, Abram left to go to Egypt. Before he arrived in Bethel, he told his wife to tell people that she was his sister because he was afraid they would kill him to have her. Amazing, when you consider that God had provided for him for his whole life. Amazing, when you consider God's guidance from the time he left the Ur of the Chaldees. Yet, the intimidation of the world affected Abram, a man known for his faith in God.

The world has long made its affect on Christians through intimidation. You must realize that intimidation is all that the world can do. The world has no history to show for what it offers. In fact, when you look at the world's history, you see that it is filled with heartbreak, sorrow, broken lives and regrets. Everything the world offers is a smokescreen for what it actually gives. There is no reason a Christian should ever be intimidated by the world.

Christian, don't let the world intimidate you with their education. The world will often flaunt their educational degrees at Christians to intimidate them into believing that their education is inferior. You see Christian schools competing with the world's education system, when if you compared the graduates from the world to the Christian school, it is often laughable. Don't tell me that creationism is inferior to evolution. Don't tell me that liberalism is superior to the truths of God's Word. We could go on and on, but all I'm trying to get you to see is that you should not be intimidated by the world's education. Their education is not superior to the truths of God's Word.

Furthermore, don't let the world intimidate you with their lifestyle. The world's lifestyle is not as pleasurable as they would like you to believe. They try to intimidate you into believing that God's lifestyle keeps you from having fun. Consider the end of the world's lifestyle compared to the end of God's lifestyle. Don't tell me that abstinence is inferior to losing your purity. Don't tell me that drugs and alcoholic lifestyles are superior to being clean and having a clear mind. Don't tell me that partying with the world is better than having a happy family. The only reason the world will try to intimidate you into living their life is because they know their life does not produce happiness.

The only reason the world's intimidation works is because Christians are not confident in the ways of the LORD. If you were truly confident that what you were doing is right, then no level of intimidation would ever influence you. The only way you are going to build your confidence in the LORD's way of living is through reading and living the Scriptures. You will build your confidence in the LORD's way of living by watching the LORD answer your prayers. You will build your confidence in the LORD by remembering what the LORD's way has done for you.

I challenge you today to stop letting the world lure and intimidate you into following their pathway. Stop cowering to the world and look at what the world has done to others. Consistently remind yourself of what the LORD has done for you. When you do this, you will find the intimidation of the world will not influence you.

Revelation 18:2

"And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird."

It seems like a regular part of my week is trying to help the fallen get back up. Don't get me wrong, I want to do my best to help restore the fallen, but it gets wearisome hearing of those who have fallen. It seems as if someone falling is becoming more of the norm that it is an anomaly. Though throughout history it is common see people have fallen, it simply becomes tiresome and heartbreaking when those you love fall.

In the verse above, a voice cried out that Babylon fell. Babylon was the tool God used to judge sinful nations. What was once a nation that was used of God is now become a fallen nation. When God describes what will happen to Babylon when she falls, you see the symptoms of the fallen.

First, the fallen become a regular place of the works of the Devil. What are the works of the Devil? You will find that the works of the Devil are the same as the works of the flesh. Galatians 5:19 shows us these works. Sadly, a person who has fallen is one who will regularly perform the works of the flesh. What once was a tool used of God to help the fallen has succumb to their own flesh to become whom they once used to help.

Second, the fallen will have a bad spirit. Notice is says, "...and the hold of every foul spirit,..." When a person falls, it is amazing how their spirit changes from a sweet spirit to a bad spirit. Where they once used to be joyful, now they are one who regularly complains. Where they once used to see the works of God and praise them, now they've become one who criticizes everything that happens.

Third, the fallen will have a hateful spirit. Notice it says, "...and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird." Imagine, here was a person who used to be loving, but now they have become a person who is hateful towards others. No, I don't think it is intentional, but it is the natural result of sin.

These are just three symptoms of the fallen. But, what is it that leads to a person falling? Verse 3 shows us what leads a person to fall. First, pride sets into their heart. Notice is says in verse 7, "How much she hath glorified herself,..." Babylon became so confident in themselves that they wanted others to see what they did. This is nothing more than pride. You will find that a person who is about to fall will start pointing towards themselves and not towards God.

Second, they become a person who lives for possessions. Babylon became more interested in her "delicacies" than she did in serving God. She became a nation who focused on acquiring more. When you become possessed with possessions, then you are headed down the road of the fallen. When having money, fame, position and the best of material things becomes your central focus, then it won't be long before you are working the works of the flesh.

Christian, do you see any of these symptoms in your life? Do you see yourself justifying cutting back on what you do for God for the sake of worldly position and possessions? If you find these symptoms moving slowly into your life, then you are on the road towards falling. It happens so easily, and the best of people have succumb to these symptoms. Be careful that you don't think you're above these. Daily ask the Holy Spirit to convict and reveal these symptoms to you so you can change your actions. Be tender towards the Holy Spirit when He speaks to you, and change what you're doing so you don't become another fallen Christian.

Revelation 1:18

"I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death."

They often say that the man with the keys is the person who is in charge. Whenever I am at a church, I always know that the pastor will have the keys to every door because he is the person in charge. When the person in charge resigns or loses their position, they are always told they need to turn in their keys.

The verse above says that God has the keys. In other words, this verse is teaching us that God is ultimately in charge. When you got saved, you not only received salvation, but you also received access to the One Who is in charge of all things. I find there are several things to which God holds the keys.

First, God holds the keys to death. I don't know if you quite understand what this means, but God is ultimately the One Who determines when death will come your way. Psalm 116:15 says, "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints." Christian, just like God made you to fill a position in this world, He also prepares your death to give Him glory. We often talk about God preparing our ways in life, but we often forget to remind people that God also prepares our death. You have nothing to fear about death, for God conquered death and will only allow it to come your way when He has prepared you. That is why you often see those whom God has prepared not afraid when they are at death's doorstep. God prepared them for that time. When the shadow of death comes your way, you have nothing to fear for God holds the keys of death.

Second, God holds the key of knowledge. In Luke 11:52, Jesus rebuked the lawyers because they rejected the key of knowledge. Jesus is the key of knowledge. One of the biggest travesties we see today is how our education system has kicked Jesus out of the public school system. They wonder why grades are dropping, and the answer is they kicked the key of knowledge out. You will never gain the knowledge you need in any area without including God in your life. Yes, you may acquire some knowledge, but God holds the keys to unlock all knowledge.

Third, God holds the key to the house of David. This sounds strange, but it is important that you understand what these keys hold. This represents that Jesus is the royal possessor. In other words, Jesus will take the throne of David someday and will rule the world. Because He has the key to the house of David, it means that He is the stronghold against the enemy. It means that He is the One who can unlock the closed doors in your life. It means that He has the keys to the treasure house. In other words, God has the resources to supply all your needs. No matter what you face in your daily life, God has the keys to supply those needs.

One thing you can rejoice about today is that God is the One Who has the keys. He is in charge of everything in life, and when He chooses, He can unlock the doors to your needs. Whatever your need is today, you can talk to the One Who holds the keys to unlocking the resources to supply your need. Prayer is the key to unlocking the resources for your needs. Don't let there be a day when you forsake your opportunity to talk to the One Who holds the keys for your day.

Galatians 6:8

"For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting."

There are laws that cannot be changed no matter what you do. For instance, you will not change the law of gravity. What goes up must come down. There is the law of life. What is born must die. Then there is the law of breathing that mandates that after you breathe in you must breathe out.

Yet, there is one law that we must never forget and that is the law of sowing and reaping. The verse above teaches that whatever you sow, you will eventually reap. When you plant an apple seed, you will get an apple tree. Whenever you place a seed of corn in the ground, you will eventually get corn. The law of sowing and reaping cannot be changed.

One of the hardest things for a person to do is overcome a besetting sin. There are many Christians who become frustrated with themselves because they want to do right, but they find themselves doing the opposite of what they set out to do in overcoming sin. God says the only way you will overcome sin is that you must sow to the Spirit. The problem comes when we don't immediately reap what we have sown to the Spirit we become impatient and find ourselves yielding to the flesh. Waiting for the due date of sowing to the Spirit can become frustrating. Let me give you some thoughts that will help you while you wait for the due date of reaping what you've sown to the Spirit.

First, don't become weary with doing good. It is interesting that right after God talks about sowing to the Spirit He says in verse 9, "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." God is trying to encourage you not to become weary with doing good. When you feel like there is no progress from doing good, you must keep on doing good. You must not let the delay of the due date cause you to become weary with sowing to the Spirit.

Second, keep records of your progress. One of the reasons we become weary with doing good is because we don't see the progress. We want the fruit of sowing to the Spirit, but you must understand that it will not come immediately; however, there is still progress that could be seen if you were keeping records. Keep records of how you are overcoming the sins of the flesh and you will find that sowing to the Spirit is indeed paying off.

Third, set reminders to continually yield to the Spirit. It may be that you set your watch to beep every hour, and when you hear the beep you take a minute to yield yourself to the Holy Spirit. Little reminders of yielding to the Spirit so you don't become discouraged will help you as the Spirit of God helps you overcome your flesh.

Finally, remind yourself that the due date will come. You must realize that when you sowed to the flesh you weren't anticipating its due date, and that's why you didn't become weary with the due date of sin. Now that you want to do right, you can become discouraged when the due date of sowing to the Spirit when it doesn't come as quickly as you desire. Always remind yourself that the law of sowing and reaping is an unchangeable law, and you will reap good for sowing to the Spirit.

Don't let what seems to be a delay in the due date of doing right discourage you. Just keep on sowing to the Spirit and you will find that you will reap the harvest of conquering sin. The only way you will overcome the sins of the flesh is to keep sowing to the Spirit, and eventually the seeds of the flesh will die. Don't quit in your fight against the flesh. Your due date for doing right is near.

2 Corinthians 10:12

"For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise."

When I was in high school, I worked at a paper factory that often used scales to weigh the bundles of paper to determine whether we had enough paper in each bundle. On the scale was a certificate that certified the accuracy of the scales. Once a year a government agency would come in with their weights to be sure the scales were accurate so that customers were getting for what they paid.

In my childhood home, we had a piano that my mother would play. I remember watching a man tune our piano. He used an instrument that measured the pitch of each key to make sure that the piano was in tune. It would be easy to try and tune the piano by ear, but the comparison would not be an accurate comparison.

In the verse above, we are told that there are some things that are unwise for us to do to determine our spirituality. He said there were some who compared themselves to others to determine their spirituality. Then there were others who commended themselves for their spirituality because they used others to determine their accomplishments. In both cases the determination of these things were false measurements.

You cannot measure spirituality by comparing yourself to others. First, you don't know how much others have grown. Just because you may be more separated from the world than another person does not mean that you are more spiritual than they. For instance, I grew up in a Christian home. When I got saved, I was not living in a home where vices were present and where worldly living was a way of life. I grew up in a home where we went to church every service. When I got saved I didn't have to go far to "look" like a good Christian, whereas someone saved out of a wicked life would have to grow tremendously to get to the same level. Yet, for one to be saved out of a wicked life and to be close to where I was when I got saved means they had to grow more than I did just to get to where I started. In all reality they are the better Christian than I am because they've grown more than I have. This is why it's unwise to measure yourself with others.

Likewise, it's unwise to measure your accomplishments with the accomplishments of others. A younger person should accomplish more than an older person because they have more energy. God has blessed some people with more talents than others, and to measure your accomplishments with someone who has less talents is unwise, for you should accomplish more than they.

Romans 12:9

"Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good."

Love should not be a performance, but it should be that which you truly feel. Often people will watch actors in a show or play, and the better they act, the more real they portray themselves to be that person. Yet, actors are merely representing a character this is nothing like them. How often have you heard of an actor who gets in trouble with the law and you are shocked because of who they portrayed themselves to be on some show? You are shocked because the character they portrayed is the opposite of their true representation.

God says, "Let love be without dissimulation." The word "dissimulation" means, "without pretense." In other words, love should not be a performance, but love should be transparent. There should be no ulterior motives behind love. Love should come from the heart. Love should be expressed in actions. It should not have any hypocrisy in it. It should not be given with a deceiving motive. It should always be transparent.

God continues to show His feeling towards dissimulated love by saying we should "Abhor that which is evil;..." God is saying that it is evil to have ulterior motives behind your love. True love is the greatest picture of God's love towards mankind. The reason it is so evil is because you are teaching that all love always has ulterior motives. God has no ulterior motives with His love. He truly loves the world, and He truly wants the best for everyone. We must be careful that we don't paint a picture that love always has some motivation behind it.

In the home, you must always make sure that love is transparent. There should never be motives behind the love inside the home. For instance, you should not allow children to show affection towards you for the sole purpose of getting something from you. This is deceitful and wrong! Love is not given to get something in return. Likewise, married couples must be careful about showing love for the purpose to gaining something in the end. Your love towards your spouse should be transparent. If you want your marriage to grow and become sweeter, then don't allow yourself to show love with motives. Let your love towards your spouse be pure love. Let it be a love that has no motive other than you want them to know your truly care for them.

Moreover, love needs to be transparent in the church. We must not allow our churches to be filled with deceitful accolades for the sole purpose of getting closer to the leader. A pastor must be careful that he doesn't allow the praise of followers to influence whether he promotes someone. This only leads to dissimulated love. If you are not careful, a church can be filled with deceit because everything has a motive behind what they do. This will destroy your church.

Simply put, don't ever show love with ulterior motives. Let your love be pure. Let it come from your heart. Always refrain yourself when tempted to show love so you can gain something. Let your love be a transparent love. When people see that you love transparently, then they will never wonder what your motive is for loving them. This is the type of love that God has for us, and this is the type of love we should show to others.

Acts 20:24

"But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God."

The Apostle Paul made an impact for Christ with his life. There is no doubt that we are influenced today by Paul's ministry. I would imagine every Christian would want to make the same type of impact with their life that the Apostle Paul did. I find in the verse above the characteristics needed to make an impact with your life.

First, Paul wasn't easily moved from serving Christ. He said, "But none of these things move me,..." He was talking about his bonds and afflictions. Though he endured many hardships, they didn't move him to quit. You will never make an impact with your life if you allow hardships to move you to quit. Hardships are going to come, but you must determine to keep on going. When pain compels you to quit, you must keep on going. When disappointment in leadership calls for compromise, you must keep on going. When death tells you there is no more purpose, you must keep on going. When heartache pressures you to abandon your cause, you must keep on going. You will never make an impact if you are easily moved.

Second, Paul wasn't concerned with what happened to him. He said, "...neither count I my life dear unto myself,..." Paul had no restrictions on God's will for His life. He served God with every fiber of his being. You will never make an impact if you hold back effort. If you act with a concern about avoiding battles, then you will not make an impact. You can't live your life with a concern of burning out if you want to make an impact. If you are going to make an impact, you cannot put physical restrictions on your life. You must go all out if you are going to make an impact.

Third, Paul stayed focused on having a good attitude while finishing his course. He said he wanted to finish his course "with joy." You won't make an impact in your world if you allow the battles and heartaches of life to influence your attitude. Those who make an impact with their life keep a good attitude in spite of what they face.

Fourth, Paul made sure nothing sidetracked him from the ministry. He said that he wanted to finish his course in the ministry. You will find there will be many things that will try to sidetrack you from what God wants you to do, but you must not allow these things to pull you off course. Many times the things that can pull you off course are worthy of attention, but you must realize that the ministry God's called you to is of more importance.

Fifth, Paul stayed focused on Jesus Christ. You will never make an impact with your life if you get wrapped up in personalities. The only personality you should wrap your life around is the personality of Jesus Christ. He is Who we serve, and He alone is the only One Whom you should lift up.

Finally, Paul made an impact with his life because he never lost focus of the purpose of spreading the Gospel. You must realize that your purpose for being on this Earth is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It doesn't matter if you are a full-time servant of the LORD or if you are a layman, your purpose in this world is to spread the Gospel.

Christian, this world needs people who will make an impact with their life. Do you see an area where you lack in these characteristics? I challenge you to work on that area so that you can make an impact for Christ with your life.

Acts 13:32

"And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,"

You see them coming, and you're trying to find an escape route or an excuse to quickly get away from them. It is that person who is the bearer of bad news. It doesn't matter how good something can be, they are the one who always sees the negative. The biggest mistake you make is asking them how they are doing, for they will be sure to tell you all the bad going on in their life. Nobody enjoys being around this type of person.

The Apostle Paul was not a bearer of bad news; instead, he was a bearer of good news. Paul said in the verse above, "And we declare unto you glad tidings,..." Paul wanted people to walk away with the promise that they could go to Heaven. Let me make this clear, he wasn't a "prosperity gospel" type of preacher. Paul certainly told people there was a punishment for their sins, but he also encouraged them with good news.

Christians should be the bearer of "glad tidings." Throughout the Scriptures you will find that God wants us to encourage people. You are not going to be one who encourages others if you are always bearing bad news. If you always see the glass as half empty, then people are not going to want to be around you, yet, when you can look at every circumstance and see the good from it, then you will be surprised how people will want to follow you. The world is hard enough without Christians always bearing bad news. This world needs somebody who will bring sunshine to a dark day. Let me give you some suggestions on how to be a bearer of good news.

First, you need to yield yourself to the Holy Ghost. You will notice in verse 52 that the disciples were filled with the Holy Ghost. It is amazing how the Holy Ghost will cause you to see things in a different light. Our flesh tends to see the negative, so we need the Holy Ghost to point our eyes to see life in reality. In other words, the Holy Ghost will allow you to see both the good and bad. When you can see things that way, you will find that the good always outweighs the bad.

Second, look for the good in everything. If you are going to be a bearer of good news, then search for it. I have found that no matter how bad things can get, there is always something good in it. It may take me some time to find it, but there is always good. You must choose to find the good and focus on it if you are going to be a bearer of good news.

Third, avoid those who bear bad news. One of the reasons a person is a bearer of bad news is because they live in a world of bad news. You will never find the good in life if your are constantly feeding yourself with bad news. I'm not saying that you should not live in a world of reality, but you don't have to live in the world of bad. For instance, I rarely watch the news. Instead, I choose to read the news so that I can choose what I want to read. I'm current on world events simply by glancing at the news. If you live in the world of the negative, you will not be a bearer of good news.

Friend, this world needs you to be a person who bears good news. Yes, we ought to bear the good news of the Gospel, but I also believe we ought to be a person who bears good news about life in general. It is a choice to be a bearer of good news, so choose to be that one who brightens the dark days by bearing good news.

John 21:22

"Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me."

I find that the Apostle Peter was like most Christians. He often said or did things without thinking about the ramifications of his statement or actions. The statement above reveals the spirituality of the Apostle Peter before Jesus ascended. Jesus was trying to prepare the disciples for when He would go to Heaven. On the other hand, Peter asked Jesus about the man who betrayed him. Jesus responded by saying, "...what is that to thee?"

Peter's problem was that he was interested in the insignificant things of life. Jesus wanted Peter to get interested in what was important and that was following Him. Peter was more interested in things and situations than he was interested in something that could literally change lives. It is interesting that when Peter stopped being interested in the insignificant and started getting interested in the important thing of following the LORD, that is when he saw the great blessings in his life.

You must be very careful about getting interested in the insignificant things in life. We are all guilty of becoming interested in the insignificant things and missing the most important things that are right in front of us. Our sinful human nature wants to get interested in knowing the insignificant because we think it will cause us to be the source of knowledge to which people will come. Somehow we think knowing the insignificant will give us stature in our world.

What most don't see is that when you become interested in the insignificant, it causes you to miss the most important things of life. Peter was more interested in the insignificant when he should have been interested in Jesus' presence. What he didn't realize was that Jesus was about ready to ascend to Heaven, and with him interested in the insignificant he wasted time that he could have used to learn more from the Saviour.

Are you allowing the insignificant things in life to cause you to miss the most important things in your life? Are you missing the presence of your spouse because you are more interested in your preferences and hobbies? Are you missing your children because you are so busy with hobbies and making money? Are you missing the blessings of God in your church because you are listening to the gossip? One day when your spouse, children, parents or church is gone you will wish you had been more interested in what was truly important; their presence. Many people have lived a life of regret because they missed what was truly important in life.

Let me encourage you to not let the insignificant things in your life cause you to miss those who are around you. Don't let the insignificant things destroy your relationships. Don't let the insignificant things cause you to miss the presence of a spouse or child. Don't let the insignificant things cause you to miss what God is doing in your church. Get interested in the LORD and people, and you will find that the insignificant things are truly insignificant and unworthy of your attention.