First Southern Baptist Church

Should we thank Christian's for coming to church? Does the rain of God's blessing come automatically?

https://www.facebook.com/robertevelyn.mu//826702757915671/

Engaging the Power of Testimony

Pastor Robert & Evelyn Mullen: Commotion In Your Emotion

Tuesday 26th May 2020. "UNWELCOME VISITORS" READ:... James 1:2-12 (Consider it pure joy.........whenever you face trials......., because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance - James 2:3). When trials come, we can easily panic or lose heart. But these difficult circumstances can become the instruments our loving heavenly Father uses to make us more like Christ. That's why James wrote, "consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work" (James 1:2-4). We are expected to enjoy trials or celebrate suffering. But when these unwelcome visitors arrive, we can look for God's hand in them and trust He can use them to make us more like His Son. "Thank you, Father, that You give to us each day What You know is Best. We're thankful that we can trust Your heart, Which is kind beyond all measure." *TRIALS MAY VISIT US,BUT OUR GOD IS ALWAYS WITH US.*

Friday 8th May 2020. RESCUING THE RELUCTANT " READ:... Genesis 29:12-25 (The men led them safely out of the city for the Lord was merciful to them - Genesis 19:16). When the two angels sent by God came to rescue Lot and his family from the impending destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen.19:12-13), they encountered resistance. Lot's sons - in - law thought the warning was a joke( v.14). When the angels told Lot to hurry and leave, he hesitated (v.15). At that point the two angels "grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters, " led them safely out of the city, for the Lord was merciful to them"(v.16). When we reflect on our journey of faith in Christ, we can see God's faithfulness in overcoming our "reluctance and resistance." When we encounter people lashing out in spiritual desperation and fear,may we have God's wisdom to show His love to them - and to every person who is reluctant to be rescued by Him. "Father, as I look at my own heart, I know I have resisted You and have been reluctant At time to come to You thank You for mercy. Help me to share with others who You are." *GOD'S MERCY CAN OVERCOME OUR RESISTANCE.*

Thursday 7th May 2020. "WISE WORDS" READ:... Proverbs 10:18-21;12:17-19 (The tongue of the wise brings healing - Proverbs 12:18). But do we know that the tongue is strong. This small organ can do a lot of damage. This active little organ that helps us to eat, swallow, taste,and begin digestion has a tendency to also assist us in saying things we shouldn't. The tongue is guilty of flattery, cursing, lying, boasting, and harming others. And that's just the short list. It sounds like a pretty dangerous organ,doesn't it? But here's the good thing: It doesn't have to be that way. When we are controlled by the Holy Spirit, our tongues can be turned to great good. We can speak of God's righteousness (Psalm 35:28) and justice (Psalm 37:30). We can speak truth (Psalm 15:2), show love (1 John 3:18), and confess sin(1 John 1:9). The writer of Proverbs 12:18 spells out of the best uses of the tongue: "The tongue of the wise brings healing." Imagine how we could glorify the One who made our tongues when He helps us use it to bring healing - not harm - everyone we talk to. "Please guard each word we say So we reflect You and Your love. Help our tongues speak words of healing and not harm." *ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER AND BUILD EACH OTHER UP.*

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Monday 27th April 2020. "DON'T DISCARD - RESTORE" READ:... Galatians 6:2-5 (If a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a person - Galatians 6:1). As Christians ought to have a good attitude toward believers whose testimony has been damaged by sin. When one of God's children falls into sin,our first thought should to restore, not to condemn. Tenderly and compassionately we must pray and work to bring that one back to spiritual wholeness and fellowship within the body of Christ. The word "restore" in Galatians 6:1 is the same word translated "repair" in Matthew 4:21, where we read that James and John went repairing their nets. It means "to make thoroughly fit." Condemning is easier than restoring. In disgust we may want to turn our backs on a sinning Christian. But the scriptural pattern is not for us to discard but to restore. *WE CAN'T EXPECT OTHERS TO SEE EYE TO EYE WITH US IF WE LOOK DOWN ON THEM.*