Mark 2:4. And when they could not come nigh unto Him for the press, they uncovered the roof where He was; and when they had broken it up,
They let down the bed whereon the sick of the palsy lay. Mark 2:5. When Jesus saw their faith, He said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. Good Wednesday morning. I trust that you all are doing well in the Lord. Today these passages in Mark have brought us to think once again how important it is that we pray for others and the importance of faith in the Lord. Winston Churchill, the former Prime Minister of Great Britain during World War II, had to rally the British people in the midst of a very low time for them in history. His inspiring speeches were laced with many notable and memorable expressions. One of his most notable points was the encouragement to PRESS ON. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER GIVE UP would be his expression for perseverance in the face of great doubt and fear. Certainly the Lord was in this matter and delivered the British people from destruction, and no doubt there were many prayers lifted up during this time that were noted by God as well. We may not be in a position as the Prime Minister was at that time, but each and every day we are confronted with many challenges that seem almost overwhelming. Without the grace of God and His abiding Love toward us we would be consumed. This story of the man on his sick bed and needing more help than could be imagined reminds us of God's ever abiding Faith and Love for us and that He will deliver those that are His! A few points to consider from this account. The man’s friends were truly seeking to help him and didn’t give up when one path was blocked. They continued to find other ways to get the man closer to the Lord.
The same is true for each of us; Only the Lord can deliver what we need in the end. But it is encouraging to think that prayers of the faithful carry so much and the Lord hears and grants those requests as well. Our faithfulness is not singular only including us but is to be shared to those who the Lord is their God. But certainly a priority should be prayers and thoughts sent forth for the faithful in the Lord that we know need his saving Grace. And He is faithful to answer and grant those requests. How encouraging it is to know the Lord is able to handle all of these needs and requests. It is encouraging to know the Lord is in control of the situation and His glory reigns now and forever! May the Good Lord bless you this day and those ahead. Brother Mike
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Ps. 34: 7. The Angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them.
34:19. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. 34:18, The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart: and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Good Morning and Hope that each of you are having a blessed day in the Lord. Our thoughts are brought to the small word ALL. Commonly used in our everyday conversation it has a particular effect in the scripture and in study of God’s Word. All is defined as the Entire Quantity, the Whole Extent, the Entire number of individual components, and with or without exception. From the abstract mathematical view this may be where the expression the Sum of the Whole is > than the sum of the parts. Which does seem rather obvious but we need to be clear on how we define the individual components and the Whole Extent. The same holds true for understanding God’s Word, that we need a good understanding of the language and meaning of the language the scriptures were interpreted in at the time and from what source. This is pertaining to man not the Holy Inspired Word of God. It is man that tends to corrupt meaning and intent with Satan’s influence. The psalmist presents a beautiful thought: The Angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them. This states the Angel of the Lord, a particular angel, sets His camp around and among those that fear the Lord. Not only is the angel right there among the Lord’s own, but He undoubtedly takes action when necessary to deliver them ( The Lord’s own) from the influence and harassment of Satan in this world. This isn’t the only deliverance mentioned in this psalm. The righteous cry and are delivered out of all their troubles. The writer of this psalm exclaims his state: “this poor man cried and the Lord heard him, and delivereth him out of all his troubles! Not some of the troubles or just a few; but ALL his troubles. The word ALL can be seen as the Entire quantity. The Entire number of individual components, with or without exception. Therefore when Christ states: John 6:37. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me: and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. The small word ALL has much meaning for us in this expression as it points to Christ’s saving grace that abounds by the will and power of the Heavenly Father. Just as there was the Angel of the Lord encampething with the Psalmist we find the Heavenly Father expressing His abounding grace and mercy. John 6:39. And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which He hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. Again this small word is carrying so much power and meaning and expresses the power of God’s love for His own. Can’t we be very glad in those small words the Lord chose even before time was when He set forth the plan for his people and that His Word; not just the small words but ALL His words stand fast and sure for His people. They have since the beginning and will continue to stand until time is no more. How we can live and rejoice in such great salvation and not only that, but we have this truth set forth and It has stood since the beginning and will continue until the Great Day Dawns. May we always be thankful for all the Word of the Lord gives us. May your day be blessed and full in the richness and grace of our Lord Love in Christ, Brother Mike Prov. 9:10. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the Lord is understanding.
Ps. 34:4. I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. Ps. 34:6. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard Him, and saved Him out of all his troubles. 7. The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them. 8. O taste and see that the Lord is GOOD. Happy Valentine’s Day to all. Hope that you are enjoying this day. It is certainly a much nicer Valentine’s Day than in 2021. Last Valentine's Day we were dealing with 7-8 inches of fresh snow, air temperatures of less than 8 degrees, plus the vaccines were just coming out and there was a lot of difficulty trying to get reservations for the shots. A lot of changes in 1-year and many good things the Lord has done and provided for us. I hope you take some time today to think about what all the Lord has done for you in this last year as I’m sure you will find a list longer than you first thought. Now as we look toward the coming of spring and all the freshness it brings, our thoughts are on how we seek the Lord. Christ told us in the Sermon on the Mount to seek Him and we shall find Him. He also tells us to seek Him first and the Kingdom of God and all things will be added (as needed). Consider the 4th verse of the 34th Psalm: Ps.34:4. I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. We all have many and different fears to face and deal with daily. Heaven's sweet thought is it is a place of absolutely NO Fear. We will not have any fears of any kind to face. The Psalmist makes a strong and endearing statement that the Lord delivered him from ALL his fears after He had sought the Lord. The Lord also delivered him from all his troubles. And the angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him and He delivers them. With such promise of Grace in deliverance why should we fear? Yet we do and though some may say, “Its all in your imagination, which may have some context; these fears are ever real to each of us as any other. If we tend to focus too much on these fears they do become more real and certainly can interfere with our lives and hinder us in serving the true and living God. Certainly they can rob us of rejoicing in His salvation. II. Tim. 1:7. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. These are the things Paul says that God has given us. A quick glance by anyone would estimate that these three qualities far outweigh the spirit of fear and can occupy much more of our time in a productive and God-honoring manner than abiding in the spirit of fear. A spirit of power of faith in our Lord and Saviour for Jesus Himself said if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed you can remove mountains. Sometimes our fears can literally become a mountain blocking us from enjoying the gifts of power in belief in Christ and God. And we enjoy the blessings of a spirit of love for as John says; we know we’ve passed from death unto life because we love the brethren. And not only love for one another but the spirit of a sound mind centered on Christ, His saving Grace, the wisdom of God, trust in the Lord, and rejoicing in His salvation. May you have a blessed day in the Lord and rejoice in all the things He has given us to live in and by in this life and especially the HOPE of salvation in Christ our Hope of Glory. God bless each of you. Brother Mike Wisdom is the main thing.Prov.8:11. For wisdom is better than rubies: and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. Prov. 8:14. Counsel is mine and sound wisdom: I am understanding, I have strength. The Gifts of Christ to Men.Ephesians 4:7. But unto everyone of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
Ephesians 4:11. And He gave some, apostles; and some prophets; and some evangelists; and some pastors and teachers. The church of Christ has been gifted and still is with the appropriate roles and responsibilities to convey and teach the gospel of Christ to His people. Individually we may not have held a recognized position in the church, but we are each gifted in grace according to the measure of Christ. Individually there are gifts given to the church that contribute to its learning, discipline, growth and most of all honor and glory to God. The church is that City Set on a Hill whose light cannot be hidden. As the church is focused on glorifying God each member grows in grace with the same focus. To solicit God’s grace and mercy that the gifts given are encouraged and allowed to grow in grace according as God would order. And most of all to honor and glorify God in every aspect of our daily walk here. We are and should be very thankful for the gifts he has given to the church. Just as praying fervently for the preaching message is an active engagement of the congregation before and during the service, the gifts God gives to the church are to be exercised to try them to see if they are of the Lord and if there is to be growth in those gifts, the Spirit will become evident. This is most evident and practiced in the exercise of a brother to determine calling in the ministry. But each member has a gift according to Christ and though it may not be a gift of preaching or ministry; the edification of the church is evident and most of all the glory of God is to be magnified first and foremost. Just as each of us desires to grow in grace and the Spirit, this points us as a collective congregation to the true manner of worship the Lord would have His church follow. Unity is a theme mentioned in scripture referencing the Unity of the Spirit the church should have as a focus. May the Lord give us grace and mercy to grow in the Spirit and truth. Please pray for the services tomorrow that they may glorify and magnify the Lord in our lIves and that each of us learn better how we might be better edified and learn more of Him. God bless and Love you all in Christ. Brother Mike Good Morning Dear Ones. This is hoping you are all doing well as this week is closing out and we are looking forward to being able to meet in service this Sunday.
Exodus 32:1 – 33:23. Psalm 33:1-11. Prov. 8:33-36. We continue to look at the Word of the Lord and His wisdom and counsel that we benefit from. Ps. 33:11. The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, His thoughts to all generations. Ps 33:6. By the word of the Lord were the heavens made: and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth. Consider the thoughts of God’s heart. God cannot even look upon sin, nor consider or think of sin. His heart is pure and whole with pure thoughts. Scripture tells us that at one time God looked upon man’s heart and saw that every thought was evil continually. This is a horrible condition to consider and for anyone who has awareness of God, this would be a very fearful condition to exist in even for a short time. How thankful we can be for the thoughts of God’s heart. His thoughts are upon us continually and they are full of mercy and grace. He tells us that His thoughts are not our thoughts. How thankful we can be that the Lord’s thoughts are independent of man. His thoughts are not influenced by all the emotions we have to deal with. When we dwell into God’s Word. We learn of Him, we learn of His wisdom, we learn of His counsel. And we have an advocate example to look to and follow. The Lord tells us of the purpose of His church, its structure, and its operation in our lives. Ephesians 4:/there is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling: One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all. Who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 11. And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 13. For the perfecting of the saints. 12. For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13. Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: With these gifts God gives us, with the indwelling of His Word, with the hope He gives us, and the Hope we have in our Lord Jesus Christ, we can go forward and serve the Lord each day looking unto Him, the author and finisher of our faith. May these few thoughts be blessed of the Lord to benefit our walk here this day and we be enabled to serve and honor Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. And rejoice in the joy of HIS salvation for us. God bless each of you. Bro Mike Prov. 8:133-36
Prov. 3:33. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. 34. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of doors. 35. For whoso findeth me, findeth life and shall obtain favour of the Lord. Prov. 9:1. Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars. Prov. 1:7. The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Ps. 1:11. In the Lord put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain? Ps.40:4. Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. Ps. 11:4. The Lord is in His holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in heaven: His eyes behold, His eyelids try, the children of men. Good Afternoon. Hope everyone is having a blessed day in the Lord. Our thoughts turn again to the Proverbs and Psalms to consider the many and great things God has done for us that we may be able to serve Him in this life. Having an awareness of God is a blessing beyond measure. Think of how many do not have that awareness of the GREAT and Sovereign God of all Grace and Mercy that are blessed to worship and learn from. And He speaks to us in that Still Small Voice filled with grace and mercy and brings comfort, peace, and assurance. In some of the Psalms we find David describing wisdom as almost a living entity. He speaks in the third person to emphasize the importance of seeking, finding, and applying wisdom in our life. Wisdom is the ability to discern or use correct judgement in directing our life. This not only has great influence on our life and how we think but how we approach life. The first point of wisdom is reverential fear of God. Therefore we must have some awareness of Him and who He is. This does not come by mans will but by the will of God and His Grace and Mercy upon us. What a blessing to have this awareness and dwell in the truth of God. David would say: Ps. 100:4. Enter into His gates with Thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His Name. This is not Thanksgiving that is observed once a year in November. It is a reverential Thanksgiving to the most High God for He is Good and His mercy is everlasting. It is to be observed at all times when we approach the Lord. His truth endureth to all generations. How blessed it is to enter into His courts with Praise to bow our Knee and head in prayer to give thanks unto Him. We can experience this Thanksgiving everyday in lifting our heart to Him and seeking Him. Ps. 31:23. O Love the Lord: for He hath shewed me His marvelous kindness in a strong city. 24. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that Love the Lord. May His mercy and grace comfort you in this evening and your heart be lifted to dwell again in the richness and joy of His salvation. God blees each of you and please pray for our Sunday services as they approach. In Christ’s Love; Bro Mike Good Morning and May the Blessings of the Lord be with You This Day.
Thought for the Day. Since Jesus knew what was before Him in His time here, how did He face that and what can we learn from His example? Matt. 26:39. And He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. 40. And He cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? 41. Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak. In these passages from Matthew we get a glimpse of the man Jesus who, like us was tempted and tried in all things yet He did not sin nor flinch from the work set before Him. It is always amazing to read these accounts of our Saviour who knew what was ahead and as the minutes and hours went by, how he kept His focus and carried on His work as the Good Shepherd. We may say, well HE was able to do that because He is the Christ, the Son of God. That is true. Yet God had His Son born of a woman as you and I and had Him grow up in physical, mental, and Spiritual strength as we do. We find Him doing what He seemed so accustomed to do: Pray unto the Father. His timely attention would always come back to prayer unto the Father. This had to be a difficult time now, it was close to His going to the cross and He knew what was ahead. He takes a few disciples with Him as He separates Himself from the others to have that communion with the Heavenly Father. He prays that prayer that we all pray, asking that this cup pass if it be the Father’s will. How we can each identify with that and yet he adds: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. That word wilt carries more depth and meaning than if He had just said: but as thou will. Wilt denotes It will be done. Will leaves an open decision that may or may not happen. This is not the case with the Lord. He will carry it out as He has decreed. Even in His time of great burden in what He was about to face, we find His love, compassion, and Grace stands sure for us and does not waver. He is obedient to the Father yet His love and compassion for those the Father gave Him are seen in His standing sure to carry out the Father’s will. O how we can be so thankful that he did accomplish this for us and that the Lord has shown it to us to reflect upon as we travel through this life. He not only sacrificed Himself for us but left an example of courage, strength, trust, and faith for us to carry on. In His example we find a ready weapon of faith and strength in prayer unto the heavenly Father. He knows what we need before we ask. But how good it is to stop and deeply reflect upon our needs and call upon Him who has promised to answer. And He will never leave us, forget us, nor forsake us. How Great is Our God! The Psalmist states” Pslam 31:24. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord. May you have a very blessed day in the Lord. Brother Mike Good Morning and pray everyone is doing well. We feel Spring is not far away after the recent cold and dark days with snow.
The coming of spring is like the rising of the sun. It brings a sense of newness and hope to the heart. Hope in the Lord: Ps. 31 :19. Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee: which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men! 23. O love the Lord, all ye His saints for the Lord preserveth the faithful and plentifully rewardeth the proud dooer. 24. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that love the Lord. Psalm 31:20. Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. Matt 26:41. Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Psalm 31:24. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord. Hope is a great expectation that the Lord has given us. It speaks of things that are better and greater than what may appear. It lifts the heart and sustains it in the lowest times we may endure. Hope is eternal of the Lord and what a blessing for us to have this hope, His Hope. Not an empty hope but a real and lively hope that carries us on in this world. When we think of Hope, our thoughts go back to Christ and the journey He had here on earth for us. One distinct characteristic of our Lord is that He knew the end from the beginning and still does. Therefore He had complete insight into what tomorrow would, or will, bring. Men have always wanted the ability to know the future before it is here. In reality we ae so blessed to NOT know what tomorrow will bring other than what the Lord has told us. If we had ability to know the future in detail our mind probably could not handle it. We would be consumed in some way which would certainly not be filled with happiness. Oh how fortunate and blessed we are that the Lord has the future in His hands and we can leave that to Him. He has taken care of the most important point of the future for us and now can live in that great expectation to come. Not is dread, concern, or fear. How Great a God is Our God! The Psalmist states He shall hide them in the secret of His pavilion sheltered from the strife of tongues. Have you ever been in a situation where you just wanted to be somewhere else away from all the negative words and thoughts and noise of peoples voices who are in strife and seeking only their self glory. Many times this coccurs for the Child of God. But rather than be overcome with it, the Lord has a secret hiding place for us. Even in the midst of chaos, uproar, and confusion, His still small voice can be heard and we find ourselves in that secret pavilion where He shares His truth once again to one of His own. The Lord is our counsel and counselor He reveals His work and grace to us in that pavilion where we are cointually safe and find a peace that passes understanding. For we are close to Him there and He abounds. Yes, let us be of good courage, for the promise is HE will strengthen the heart with HOPE beyond glory. And the expectations draw a little closer each time we are brought to that pavilion. What a Great God is Our God. May the Lord richly bless you in this day. Love in Christ. Bro Mike Good Afternoon Everyone:
Hope that you had a blessed day, weekend, and that yesterday’s services were blessed for you. Our thoughts are still brought to the Wisdom of the Lord. Prov. 8:11. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. 12. I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions. Psalm 31:16. Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies sake. The wisdom of God is an immense and deep topic and as Paul says: Rom 11:33.O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgements, and His ways past finding out! There is obviously more in the study and meditation of God’s word than we can ever imagine. It truly is a life long work that really never ends and is always beginning. Though in contemplating such a deep and endless work we might become discouraged and determine its not worth the effort. If this is your case, or perhaps the thought has crossed your mind as you started to study the word of God, be not discouraged or dismayed. Of all the things we can do in this life that would be profitable, the study of God’s Holy word is one of the most beneficial. The profit we gain from time spent in this endeavor is of more value than gold and more lasting than granite. And what is more amazing is that God has revealed so much of Himself, His work, His Son to us in his word that speaks comfort, peace, encouragement, strength to the Child of God. It is a miracle indeed that He has seen fit to reveal His truths in His word to us. Man is a frail and weak creature both in physical strength and overall intellect when we begin to consider God and His work. Yet He allows to receive the richness of His truth in our hearts. His truth and Grace melt the cold stony heart so that it becomes a heart of flesh that can receive the greatness of His word and feel the majesty of His mercies and divine presence. Nothing else in this world could ever be compared to the joy the heart receives at the sound of God’s truth; how rich in Hope is His word to the Heart of a Child of Grace. We can be lifted up yet cast down when made aware of our unworthiness. And yet He does not leave us to that state of hopelessness. Hope comes again and is stronger by the joy brought to us of His heart felt presence, the reminder of His deliverance for us, and the expectation of that glorious eternal day to come. A day of light and the Glory of God will be fully revealed. He has done this and set it to be ours. While we’re here we can learn more of Him, honor Him in Spirit and truth, and rejoice in the Joy of HIS salvation. May our desire be to draw closer to Him and learn more of Him each day. For there is joy untold in days spent in this way. May He bless each of you with a warm and comforting evening. Let us continue to remember and pray for the sick, afflicted, and troubled of heart that He may renew their joy as well. God bless and have a very blessed evening. Bro Mike Good Morning to all: Trust you are doing well and safe on this cold Saturday morning.
Our thoughts are turned to the Psalms again this morning. Psalm 29:2,4,7,11. 2. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name: worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. 4. The voice of the Lord is full of majesty. 7. The voice of the Lord divideth the flames of fire. 11. The Lord will give strength unto His people: the Lord will bless His people with peace. The voice of the Lord is truly a wonder displayed unto man. We may say we’ve never heard the voice of the Lord but I may dispute that by scripture as He tells us He speaks in that Still Small Voice that is clearly heard by those that are His own. His voice is known as Christ said of the sheep who know the shepherds voice. And it is not frightening, harsh, deafening, or distorted. It is clear, and comforting to the child of God. It is that still small voice at times but also can rend the rocks or His Word can come forth as a Flame of Fire when the Spirit is there. And that Word can be sharper than the two-edge sword dividing the un-truth from the truth. And we are blessed to hear this and by His grace receive it into our hearts. His voice, His word gives strength, encouragement, direction, correction, understanding in time of need. He makes His intent clear and it is heard by His own even in that Still small Voice that we so desperately need to hear in time of Need. How thankful we can be for His voice and His Word that stand sure for His people. Even the lightning is subject to His voice. And at the same time His voice brings comfort and Peace to the heart of His own. May our thoughts be brought to Him this day and give thanks for that voice that has been ours to hear in a small way and to have knowledge that we will hear it fully someday by His grace and power. Until then may we see His guidance and direction and honor Him in all steps of our life. May the Good Lord bless you and yours this day. Please pray for our services and all the Lord’s people especially the sick and afflicted. And may He have mercy on our land to remove this plague that we can worship as we should and be able to embrace our brethren once again. Love you all in Christ. Brother Mike |
Eld. Mike HughesPastor of Purcell Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church Archives
June 2022
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