The Source of Conviction

- John 16:7-11

INTRODUCTION

Believing that one man can cause true biblical conviction upon another man serves as one of the greatest misconceptions concerning conviction. Obviously, one man can proclaim the truth to another, but only the Spirit of God can open that other man’s heart to convince him of the truth being conveyed (Acts 16:14
). Even when the scriptures reveal that Apollos convinced the people that Jesus was Christ, the Bible student understands that he did so only through the help of the Holy Ghost (Acts 18:28
). Apollos was merely the instrument. Thus, man is only responsible for giving the truth and doing so in a scriptural fashion. God then takes that word and makes it effectual in the hearers’ hearts.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Even though Paul preached the truth to Felix (Acts 24:24-25 ) and Agrippa (Acts 26:21-28 ), only the Spirit of God could convince them of sin (2 Corinthians 4:6
  ). Compare Paul’s experience with the Philippian jailor (Acts 16:23-34 ).
• (For everyone): How did the Spirit of God bring conviction in your heart as a lost person in need of salvation? How has He since that event used the same Bible to convict you of carnal living?
• Why is it important to realize that you cannot bring conviction upon another individual? How should we pray for the Lord’s working in those to whom we preach the gospel?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to convict those who are lost.
• Ask God to convict you when you are unwilling to witness.

HYMN

TAKE TIME TO BE HOLY

What Is Conviction?

- John 8:44-46

INTRODUCTION

Throughout the church’s two millennia of history, many people have weighed in on the definition and meaning of biblical conviction. Unfortunately, all of this talk has done little to provide insight into an accurate understanding. The word convict only takes place one time in scripture—in the past tense (John 8:9
). Yet, the concept appears quite frequently. Again in John chapter 8, one finds another key Bible word closely related to conviction. That word is convinceth. In fact, some have wisely defined conviction as the mental state of being convinced. In other words, one is never convicted or under conviction until he has first been convinced of sin or guilt. This should offer the Christian much comfort and understanding as to why the people could not convince the Saviour of sin. He was simply not guilty.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): When a copy of God’s law had been found during temple repairs, it was read to the king, Josiah. The king was convinced that he and his people had been disobedient to God’s word. In turn, Josiah promised the Lord that they would correct this sin (2 Kings 22:8-13 ; 2 Kings 23:1-3 ).
• (For everyone): Men could not convince the Saviour of sin. Why? Can you convince others of sin? Why or why not? Who is ultimately the only one who can convince of sin?
• How does conviction take place in the heart of an individual? Why must he first be convinced of God’s righteousness and his own guilt?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to teach you more about conviction.
• Ask God to convict you of any wrong presently within your heart.

HYMN

CLEANSE ME

Pray for Us

- Hebrews 13:18

INTRODUCTION

The apostle Paul knew the importance of having believers pray for him. Among the things for which he requested prayers, Paul specifically asked for prayer that he might maintain a good conscience, living honestly in all things. He did not trust the condition of his conscience to his own efforts but depended upon the Lord’s willingness to hear and answer the prayers of the saints. Unfortunately, far too many Christians have become entirely self-reliant and self-trusting. As such, fewer believers request or take part in prayer for another man’s conscience. Instead, prayer has generally been reduced to one’s needs whether they are physical, material, or financial. Scriptural Christianity places a greater concern for the conscience.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Paul not only asked for prayer to keep a good conscience, he prayed for others to do the same (Philippians 1:9-11 ; Colossians 1:9-11 ). Epaphras did likewise (Colossians 4:12
  ). We should follow their example.
• (For everyone): When is the last time you prayed for someone else’s conscience? When did you last ask someone else to pray for you and the protection of your conscience?
• What is the difference between scriptural prayer and the modern prayer exhibited by the average Christian? How does your prayer life match up?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to teach you how to pray.
• Ask the Lord to protect the conscience of those you love.

HYMN

APPROACH, MY SOUL, THE MERCY SEAT

Editor's Note:
Tomorrow starts a series of Devotionals concerning Conviction...

Tragedy in the Church House

(Editor's Note: SALVATION Is NOT The Product of GOOD WORKS... OUCH!!!

I've been waiting for over a week for this Devotional to lead into a new Series of Devotionals...

Thank You LORD,

Richard )

Matthew 5:14-15KJV 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

Every Sunday countless people all over the world sit in church buildings with a false sense of security. They assume that their morality, lifelong church membership, or baptism will earn them a place in heaven. While many of these folks sincerely desire to please God, they are confused about what the Christian life is all about. They think in terms of doing rather than being. So they imitate the actions of good Christians: going to a weekly service, praying, reading the Bible, and trying to be decent people.

However, salvation is not the product of good works. We come into the world with a corrupt nature, and all our wrongdoing is born of a heart turned away from the Lord. Because we are sinful people, we sin. It's that simple. The good news is that in the salvation experience, we are given a brand-new nature (2 Cor. 5:17). Our sin is wiped away because Jesus Christ sacrificed Himself for us. From the moment we trust in Him, the Holy Spirit dwells in our heart so that we can live righteously.

The world values action, but the Father prioritizes relationship--specifically a right relationship with Him. People who scurry about flaunting religiosity are missing out on the deeply satisfying and joyous intimacy between a believer and the Lord.

We can help turn others' tragic misunderstanding into triumph by being ready to explain why we have hope (1 Peter 3:15). Speak of the personal relationship with Christ that's possible when a person admits his need and trusts in the Savior. If your light shines, it reflects well on the church.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Starting Mother's Day Morning, May 14th, a series of Devotionals on CONVICTION will begin, a Necessary component of Salvation... It doesn't matter which Denomination or Belief you claim, if The HOLY SPIRIT did not put you under conviction of YOUR SINS... 

 

And JESUS said in:

Mat 7:20KJV Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

JESUS also said in:

Luk 13:24KJV Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

Luk 13:25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:

Luk 13:26 Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.

Luk 13:27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.

Luk 13:28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. 

 

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Thank You and Have A Blessed Day,

Richard

A Seared Conscience

- 1 Timothy 4:1-2

INTRODUCTION

An assault upon the conscience of man is indicative of the “latter times.” As men depart from the faith and give heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, their consciences become so weak that they show very little sign of life. The Bible describes it as a searing of their consciences with a hot iron. Initially, there is great pain in the sin and the conscience feels the pain. Yet, eventually, the conscience becomes so seared that it is numb. At that point, the conscience loses its ability to warn the believer of sin. It further loses the ability to get the believer’s attention when he is on the verge of danger. Eventually, men speak lies in hypocrisy and do not care or feel any remorse for their wickedness.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Demas had been a fellow labourer with Paul (Colossians 4:14
  ; Philemon 1:24
  ). He ignored his conscience and forsook Paul (2 Timothy 4:10
  ; 1 John 2:15
  ). There is no record of him ever returning. Ask God to guard your conscience and to help you never abandon God’s work as so many are doing today (Hebrews 10:23-25 ).
• (For everyone): Can you lie, gossip, curse, steal, or backbite without feeling any guilt or remorse? How long has this been the case? What was it like the first time you committed one of these sins and the Lord convicted you in your conscience?
• What are some evidences you have seen to indicate that men’s consciences have been seared with a hot iron?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to renew the strength of your conscience.
• Ask God to give you a desire to repent and draw nigh to Him.

HYMN

COME, YE SINNERS, POOR AND NEEDY

A Weak Conscience

- 1 Corinthians 8:7-13

INTRODUCTION

A man’s conscience is likened to a muscle. When a man exercises his conscience, it becomes strong and increasingly useful. It can protect when the enemy attacks and keep that man from being taken captive. When the conscience is ignored, it deteriorates and becomes weak and less dependable. The apostle Paul warned the believers at Corinth about defiling the weak conscience of others who might not be as strong in the faith. It was so important that they were to be willing to refuse to eat meat, a perfectly acceptable food, if eating it meant someone else’s conscience was going to be harmed. According to Paul, damaging someone’s conscience was to sin against that brother.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): Some people lack Bible knowledge and believe something is sin when it is not. These people are called weak (Romans 14:1-2 ). Christians who know the truth are not to offend the weak by tempting them to go against their conscience (Romans 14:3
  , 17-23).
• (For everyone): A conscience emboldened to sin actually becomes weakened and defiled. How is it that an emboldened conscience (a word typically used to describe strength) is actually made weaker?
• What kind of things have been done to you that might have weakened or defiled your conscience? How have you possibly wounded others?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to give you an awareness of the conscience of others.
• Thank the Lord for protecting your conscience.

HYMN

WHERE HE LEADS I’LL FOLLOW

The Testimony of Our Conscience

- 2 Corinthians 1:12

INTRODUCTION

A man’s conscience resides within, yet its expression can be witnessed by others. Because of the testimony of his conscience, Paul rejoiced. According to scripture, that testimony was manifest to the world but especially among the people of God. Those who knew Paul knew that he served the Lord “in simplicity and godly sincerity.” He did not do everything right, but he exhibited a passion of heart to do right in all that he did. No doubt, this was a wonderful example to other believers who looked to Paul for guidance. They saw a man who sincerely loved the Lord and others and also gave every effort possible not to offend either.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): The apostle Paul spoke of many people who had a good testimony: Acts 22:12
  ; Romans 16:1-4 ; 2 Timothy 1:16-18 ; 3 John 1:12
  . Even lost people will notice your testimony when you choose to obey God and do not do what they do (1 Peter 4:4
  ).
• (For everyone): What is the testimony of your conscience? How might you learn what that testimony is among the lost? How might you learn what that testimony is among the saved?
• Do you serve the Lord in sincerity? How important is it to you to have a tender and sincere conscience in everything you do for the Lord?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to give you a sincerity in your service for Him.
• Ask the Lord to show you the testimony of your conscience.

HYMN

TAKE TIME TO BE HOLY

A Good Conscience

- 1 Timothy 1:5

INTRODUCTION

Those with a broad understanding of scripture recognize that charity functions as the peak of Christianity (see 1 Corinthians 13:13
). Yet, few students consider the fact that a good conscience is mentioned within the same context (1 Timothy 1:5
). A good conscience was a key component of Paul’s charge to young Timothy (1 Timothy 1:18-19 ). It was also part of Peter’s admonition to the believers to whom he wrote (1 Peter 3:16
). In Paul’s own life, it was one of his chief concerns to serve the Lord with a good or a pure conscience (1 Timothy 3:9
; 2 Timothy 1:3
). It may require work, but the early believers saw the importance of putting forth the effort to maintain a good conscience.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): When we have a good conscience, we have obeyed God and have not offended God nor man. Paul gave some guidelines for a good conscience (Romans 13:8-10 ; 1 Timothy 4:12
  ; Titus 2:1-8 ; Titus 3:1-2 , 8). Is your conscience good right now?
• (For everyone): Why is a good conscience so important to the believer who desires to know more of the truth? How does a good conscience help the believer to please the Lord?
• The believers who put away faith and a good conscience were likened to those who were shipwrecked (1 Timothy 1:19
  ). Why is this such a wonderful comparison?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to protect your conscience.
• Thank God for reminding you of the importance of a conscience.

HYMN

TAKE MY LIFE, AND LET IT BE

Editor's Note:
Over the next five days, Today's Devotional will focus on the conscience...

When It Comes to the Devil… How to Think

“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” -

Romans 12:21

There are two mistakes people make about the devil. One, they get into demonology—always studying, wondering, and talking about demons. Their focus rests on Satan rather than on the Lord Jesus. The Bible says we’re to resist the devil; it doesn’t say we’re to chase him.

On the other hand, there are those who are flippant about the devil. They have nicknames for him and think he’s a cartoon or fantasy.

The truth is, we have a powerful adversary, the devil. Peter likens him to a roaring lion! A mature Christian recognizes that he has an enemy. He respects the power of the enemy. Then he clings to the power of the Lord Jesus Christ to overcome this great adversary.

Is the lion prowling around your life? Take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, and break free from his jaws of destruction.

from Love Worth Finding and Pastor Adrian Rogers, please visit www.lwf.org.

The Gospel Message

by Kunal Michaels

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God – John 3:18

Here is a crystal clear description of the justified sinner, from the lips of Jesus Himself, as well as a depiction of the unbeliever's state before God.

The repentant, bankrupt sinner who comes to Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, and trusts in Him is not condemned. He is justified, declared guiltless in the courtroom of heaven.

Notice that it is a present reality, although the believer still sins and falls short here on earth. When we strive to conquer sin, seek to follow Christ, and still find that we daily fall short of the mark, it is a great comfort to know that God already sees us through the perfection of Christ.

But he that believeth not is condemned already. It is interesting and revealing that this, also, is plainly and purposefully in the present tense. Jesus reflects the calmness and control of heaven, even over those who may loudly and persistently reject the claims of Christ upon their lives.

Why is the unbeliever condemned? Because he has not believed in the name of the Son of God. While God is sovereign in condemning the unbeliever, He does not condemn Him without reason. The unbeliever earns his guilty status by rebelling against the authority of Christ.

You have two unmistakable descriptions before you. Which are you? Are you trusting in the Son of God for salvation? If so, Jesus says, you have already been justified in the eyes of God.

SWEET REWARD!

Psalm 119:103
“How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”

 
Many years ago, my wife Joyce’s Aunt Grace was in our home for a visit. I made pancakes for breakfast and noticed that she failed to use any syrup. When we asked her about it, Aunt Grace related that growing up her family was quite poor, and for economical reasons, her parents would allow the children to use syrup or honey only on the very last pancake.
 
As Grace became a grown woman she had become so used to the practice that she still only used syrup on the last pancake. That might be a good practice for some of us who could use a little (or a lot) less sweet in out diet.
 
In today's scripture, the Psalmist points us in the proper direction to find a sweet taste that is not fattening and is ours for the taking. It is the precious Word of God. He says it is even sweeter than honey.
 
I want to fall more and more in love with this precious sweet gift that God has granted to us. As we open the pages of our Bible we will find that it is not only sweet, but it is alive and applies to what we are experiencing in the here and now. How sweet it is!
 
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
- - - Pastor Cecil

ANCHORED ON THE ROCK!

Psalm 94:22
“But the Lord has been my defense, and my God the rock of my refuge.”

 

It was 50 years ago when a violent wind storm struck the 921^st ACW Radar Site near St. Anthony, Newfoundland, Canada. The site was located on a hill above the small village of St. Anthony. It was beautiful to look out over the Atlantic Ocean and view small inlets and bays below us. But the location made us vulnerable to winds.
 
The storm began to build in the early morning hours. I was roused from sleep by something striking the windows of my quarters. As I opened the blinds I discovered that it was roofing material being blown off.
 
Our buildings had been constructed over granite rock formations. The builders had drilled deep holes into the rocks and inserted steel rods. These were securely attached to the buildings and hallways to keep us from being blown away. They worked and I am alive to attest to the fact.
 
We need to have the Rock of our salvation as a secure anchor in the storms of life. The winds of adversity may shriek and howl around us, but when we have sunk our “spiritual rods" into Christ Jesus, we do not need to fear the storms. We must insure that we are anchored on the Rock!

  
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
- - - Pastor Cecil

JUST FOR AWHILE!

James 5:7
“Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain.”

 

When we experience the death of a loved one, our hearts will surely feel the crush of separation. We may even find ourselves starting to speak to that precious one that has always been beside us  ... only to suddenly remember they are no longer here.

 

It has been almost two years since my precious wife Joyce went to be with the Lord. I have had the opportunity of dealing with the loss and applying God’s design for these times of loss. Back in 1991 when we lost our oldest daughter Brenda, we had each other. Now, even though I have my son and daughter living nearby, I face the times of loss alone.
 
I would like to share with you an illustration that has been an encouragement to me. When I was serving in the U.S. Air Force I was stationed on a remote assignment in Newfoundland and had to leave my family for one year. Our military troops still face that type of separation. As I bid a tearful farewell to my family, I was sustained by the reality that I would return and be with them again.
 
In like manner, I know I will see my wife, daughter, and all of my loved ones who have gone to be with the Lord. Through the tears of loss I am lifted by the hope that when I see them again there will be no more parting. Our separation is just for a little while!

 
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
- - - Pastor Cecil

WAKING UP!

Luke 15:17

“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! ’”

 

There is one phrase that never ceases to thrill me: “... when he came to himself.” Sometimes it seems as if a wayward person will never change and come to their senses. We hope and pray that there will be a change, but days become weeks, weeks become months, and months become years without evidence of a change.

 

This wayward son had hit the bottom. His money was gone, his friends were gone, his self-esteem was gone, and all he had for food was the same stuff the pigs ate. He was finally at a place where he could face himself honestly.

 

The young prodigal feeding the pigs began to recall what things were like back in the days when he was his father's pampered son. As he recalled the servants that he had once taken for granted, he suddenly realized that they had it better than he did in his present condition.

 

This son’s pride suddenly melted away and he began to be honest with himself. He had no justification for returning as a beloved son, but maybe he could get a job as a servant in his father’s house. That’s what he would do. He would apply for a position as a servant ... and the humbled young man began his journey home.

 

Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!

- - - Pastor Cecil A. Thompson

God Demonstrates His Love

God shows [demonstrates] his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

Notice that “demonstrates” is present tense and “died” is past tense. “God demonstrates his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

The present tense implies that this demonstrating is an ongoing act that keeps happening today. And will keep happening tomorrow.

The past tense “died” implies that the death of Christ happened once for all and will not be repeated. “Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18).
Why did Paul use the present tense (“God demonstrates”)? I would have expected Paul to say, “God demonstrated (past tense) his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Was not the death of Christ, when it happened, the demonstration of God’s love? And did not that demonstration happen in the past?

I think the clue is given a few verses earlier. Paul has just said that “suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame” (Romans 5:3–5).

In other words, the goal of everything God takes us through is hope. He wants us to feel unwaveringly hopeful through all tribulations.

But how can we?

Paul answers in the next line: “Because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Romans 5:5). God’s love has been poured into our hearts. The tense of this verb means that God’s love was poured out in our hearts in the past (at our conversion) and is still present and active.

God did demonstrate his love for us in giving his own Son to die once for all in the past for our sins (Romans 5:8). But he also knows that this past love must be experienced as a present reality (today and tomorrow) if we are to have patience and character and hope.

Therefore, he not only demonstrated it on Calvary; he goes on demonstrating it now by the Spirit in our hearts. He does this by opening the eyes of our hearts to taste and see the glory of the cross and the guarantee it gives that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:38–39).

Afraid of the dark?

"For You light my lamp; the Lord my God illumines my darkness." Psalm 18:28.

Why are children afraid of the dark? 

Maybe it’s a fear of-

- being left alone, 

- a feeling of separation, 

- their vivid imagination, or 

- shadows in the dark.

The fact is, children fear the dark for many of the same reasons adults do. 

It seems many fears intensify in the night-

- especially sleepless nights. 

But I have good news: 

God is with us wherever we go.

Listen to a portion of Psalm 139: 

“Where can I go from your Spirit? 

Where can I flee from your presence? 

If I go up to the Heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 

If I rise on the wings of the dawn, 

if I settle on the far side of the sea, 

even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”

Like a loving Father-

God offers us a hand to hold in life’s darkest hours. 

He’ll carry us through the darkness-

- and lead us where we need to go.