Pastor Baker's Blog

Entry for September 25, 2006

Daily Reading: Genesis chapters 13 thru 16

Key Verse: Genesis 14:21

The question was posed last week on why is it hard for believers to commit to the service of God. A major contributing factor to believers lack of service is indulgence in the things of this world. Abram gave Lot a choice in where he wanted to make his residence. Lot chose the choicest property, the green pastures, although it was on the border of Sodom, a place well-known for its sinfulness. As someone has said, "he got grass for his cattle while Abram got grace for his children."

Because of Lot's decision to live real close to sin, he was taken captive by the enemy. In saving Lot, Abram was tempted by the evil king of Sodom. Sodom offered Abram material possessions in exchange for the lives of people. So Satan still tempts us to be occupied with toys of dust while people are perishing around us. Abram recognized the temptation. He had already received his promise from God. He realized that if he took the king's offer the king could then remark that he was responsible for Abram's blessings. Besides, are not people more important than possessions?

It is understandable that it may be hard to witness to others, but could it be that it is hard to witness because we are not confident in our beliefs. If we totally dedicated ourselves to the service of God, which is in essence being obedient to Him (1 Timothy 4:13-16), isn't it possible that we would be so confident in the things of God that the world would know who is our source?

2006-09-25 14:15:41 GMT

Comments (3 total)

Author:Anonymous

I am not sure that it is a lack of confidence in our beliefs, but more so a lack of confidence in our knowledge about different biblical principles, history, and scripture. A lot of times in the past when I've tried to witness to unbelievers, I've been challenged about, 'where that is in the bible' or 'how something came to be that way' or even things that they view as 'contradictions' and I find myself at a loss because I can't always answer those questions. In my opinion, when you lack the knowledge to answer those questions for the non-believer it makes them question the validity of everything that you're trying to convey. It's just like when you go in to take an exam; if you know that you have only studied the day before, you won't be nearly as confident as someone whose studied the whole week before the test. So, in essence, the only way to combat this is to commit to really engaging in the Word of God and spending more time with Him so that our spirit man will be strengthened and able to confidently minister to people about our faith.
--Stephanie

2006-09-25 16:10:27 GMT

Author:Anonymous

Whether it is a lack of confidence in our beliefs or a lack of confidence in our knowledge, people all around us are suffering severely. We have the tools, resources and the help of the Holy Spirit available to us at all times. I truly do not believe the average Christian is aware of Satan’s offer on the table. “You take the stuff – and give me the people.” I am amazed at the reports I get from Christians (from all over) on why they missed an opportunity to gain more knowledge and confidence in the Lord. It ranges from dedication to their work to sporting events (stuff). So who wins in the end when the non-believer can’t be won by a Christian’s words or walk?

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-16

--Pastor Baker

2006-09-25 16:51:04 GMT

Author:Anonymous

I just read a scripture from the last devotional that blessed me and I thought that I might share it with everyone else. It is in reference to what I said earlier about not feeling equipped enough to spread the Word of God to people you feel will challenge the validity of your statements. Jesus, in Matthew 10:19-20, says, "But when they hand you over do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say. "For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. Reassuring isn't it? Thank you too Pastor for your statements and scripture.
--Stephanie

2006-09-26 02:58:17 GMT

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		Pastor Baker's Daily Devotional

		Entry for September 25, 2006 Daily Reading: Genesis chapters 13 thru 16 Key Verse: Genesis 14:21 The question was posed last week on why is it hard for believers to commit to the service of God. A major contributing factor to believers lack of service is indulgence in the things of this world. Abram gave Lot a choice in where he wanted to make his residence. Lot chose the choicest property, the green pastures, although it was on the border of Sodom, a place well-known for its sinfulness. As someone has said, "he got grass for his cattle while Abram got grace for his children." Because of Lot's decision to live real close to sin, he was taken captive by the enemy. In saving Lot, Abram was tempted by the evil king of Sodom. Sodom offered Abram material possessions in exchange for the lives of people. So Satan still tempts us to be occupied with toys of dust while people are perishing around us. Abram recognized the temptation. He had already received his promise from God. He realized that if he took the king's offer the king could then remark that he was responsible for Abram's blessings. Besides, are not people more important than possessions? It is understandable that it may be hard to witness to others, but could it be that it is hard to witness because we are not confident in our beliefs. If we totally dedicated ourselves to the service of God, which is in essence being obedient to Him (1 Timothy 4:13-16), isn't it possible that we would be so confident in the things of God that the world would know who is our source? 2006-09-25 14:15:41 GMT Comments (3 total) Author:Anonymous I am not sure that it is a lack of confidence in our beliefs, but more so a lack of confidence in our knowledge about different biblical principles, history, and scripture. A lot of times in the past when I've tried to witness to unbelievers, I've been challenged about, 'where that is in the bible' or 'how something came to be that way' or even things that they view as 'contradictions' and I find myself at a loss because I can't always answer those questions. In my opinion, when you lack the knowledge to answer those questions for the non-believer it makes them question the validity of everything that you're trying to convey. It's just like when you go in to take an exam; if you know that you have only studied the day before, you won't be nearly as confident as someone whose studied the whole week before the test. So, in essence, the only way to combat this is to commit to really engaging in the Word of God and spending more time with Him so that our spirit man will be strengthened and able to confidently minister to people about our faith. --Stephanie 2006-09-25 16:10:27 GMT Author:Anonymous Whether it is a lack of confidence in our beliefs or a lack of confidence in our knowledge, people all around us are suffering severely. We have the tools, resources and the help of the Holy Spirit available to us at all times. I truly do not believe the average Christian is aware of Satan’s offer on the table. “You take the stuff – and give me the people.” I am amazed at the reports I get from Christians (from all over) on why they missed an opportunity to gain more knowledge and confidence in the Lord. It ranges from dedication to their work to sporting events (stuff). So who wins in the end when the non-believer can’t be won by a Christian’s words or walk? “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 --Pastor Baker 2006-09-25 16:51:04 GMT Author:Anonymous I just read a scripture from the last devotional that blessed me and I thought that I might share it with everyone else. It is in reference to what I said earlier about not feeling equipped enough to spread the Word of God to people you feel will challenge the validity of your statements. Jesus, in Matthew 10:19-20, says, "But when they hand you over do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say. "For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. Reassuring isn't it? Thank you too Pastor for your statements and scripture. --Stephanie 2006-09-26 02:58:17 GMT Site Home