Growing in Grace Devotions and Inspirations  
Hosted by Pastor Victor Morrison  
First Baptist Church
1700 Milam Street
Columbus, TX, USA 78934
http://fbccolumbustx.org/

Comfort in a Crisis (2 Corinthians 1:1-11)

If you enjoy the award ceremonies of the Olympics, or the Academy Awards in filmmaking, the Grammy Awards in music, the Emmy Awards for television, The Tony Awards for Broadway, etc, then you will love the first nine verses of the third chapter of First Corinthians as they introduce us to the context for the award ceremony of the ages presented in 1 Corinthians 3:10-15, the one that will take place in front of the Judgment Seat of Christ (Romans 14:10-12).

From 1 Corinthians 2:12-3:4, we are reminded that congregations usually have a mix of three different levels of devotion to the Lord: the natural man (2:14), the spiritual man (2:13, 15; 3:1) and the carnal man (3:1-4). Often times all three types are “serving” the Lord.

The church in Corinth was heavy with carnal Christians, making it clear why they divided up over which preachers they liked best. Paul, however, shifts the discussion in verses 5-9 to the Lord not man. Pastors are there on God’s assignments (v. 5) as He causes growth (vs. 6-7) in His service (vs. 8-9). Paul mentions His rewards to His servants in verse 8 with these words, “…and each will receive his wages according to his labor.” Paul will take the next six verses (vs. 10-15) to explain how these rewards will be given by Christ and on what basis or criteria.

Motivation towards Labor for the Lord, 3:10
Illustration of Labor for the Lord, 3:10
Maturation for Labor in the Lord, 3:10
Foundation when Laboring for the Lord, 3:10-11
Edification in Laboring for the Lord, 3:10, 12
Evaluation of Labor for the Lord, 3:13
Remuneration for Labor for the Lord, 3:14
Salvation is not Labor for the Lord, 3:15

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Growing in Grace Devotions and Inspirations  
Hosted by Pastor Victor Morrison  
First Baptist Church
1700 Milam Street
Columbus, TX, USA 78934
http://fbccolumbustx.org/

The Reward Ceremony before Christ (1 Corinthians 3:10-15)

The letter to the Romans has been divided by most bible scholars into two primary sections – a doctrinal section presented in chapters 1-11 and a practical section that begins in chapter 12 and unpacks the Christian life until the end of the letter in chapter 16. I would like for us to look into that last section where we are instructed in how to live a victorious Christian life today.

Romans 15:4 is a parenthesis in which Paul reminds the reader of the validity of citing Old Testament texts as a basis for ethical exhortation to Christians, whether they were living in Paul’s day in the city of Corinth, an ancient day described in the Old Testament such as David’s time period or in our day in any of our modern cities.

Citations from the Scriptures
Inspiration of the Scriptures
Generations for the Scriptures
Exhortation from the Scriptures
Fortification through the Scriptures
Consolation through the Scriptures
Expectations based upon the Scriptures

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Growing in Grace Devotions and Inspirations  
Hosted by Pastor Victor Morrison  
First Baptist Church
1700 Milam Street
Columbus, TX, USA 78934
http://fbccolumbustx.org/

The Relevance of the Word of God	(Romans 15:4)

An Inside Look at a Burden for the Lost	(Romans 9:1-5)

When Life Hurts (Psalm 5)

On the LifeWay Research website I discovered an interesting article regarding Gen Z (ages 13-28, born between 1997-2012). It stated that this generation is sensing uncertainty in life and are turning to trusted relationships to share their anxieties. Only 29% of those interviewed by Springtide Research Institute said that they turn to a church. One reason stated is that they do not find a listening ear nor do they find someone that they are certain really cares about them.

In some ways, parenting could be compared to shepherding. As a matter of fact, Tedd Tripp wrote a book called, “Shepherding a Child’s Heart”. I just finished joyfully investing in the hearts of over 100 children during a week of Vacation Bible School. Kids are precious and so fun to be around. My two girls are now 28 and 25 years of age, but I believe that I am still shepherding their hearts even now. Although a pastor, my family is my most important flock.

Third John is the shortest book in the New Testament and was written by the Apostle John to a younger pastor he had mentored named Gaius. John sent the brief epistle by another trusted man named Demetrius to warn Gaius of a spiritual wolf named Diotrephes who would harm the flock that Gaius was watching over for Christ.

Third John offers us a glimpse of six types of people in your child’s life (if they are not there now, they will be there eventually). Most of these we should pray enter our child’s life after they leave for college or begin to work in the adult world. We should pray for their protection from the wolves similar to Diotrephes, who will only spiritually harm our little lambs. The other five types of people will join with you in protecting your child from “Diotrephes”.

Trainers, vs. 1-4

Teachers, vs. 3-5

Trailblazers, vs. 3, 5-8

Team Players, vs. 6, 9-10, 15

Transformers, v. 12

Troublemakers, vs. 9-10

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Growing in Grace Devotions and Inspirations  
Hosted by Pastor Victor Morrison  
First Baptist Church
1700 Milam Street
Columbus, TX, USA 78934
http://fbccolumbustx.org/

Parenting: Keeping Watch Over Your Flock (3 John)

Three times in Acts 8:4-25 Luke uses the same compound Greek word (prosecho = pros, meaning, before or towards + echo, referring to holding), which came to mean, “pay attention”. Check out verses 6, 10 and 11!

There is a big difference in the way we lived when we were still in darkness compared to the changed lifestyle once we stepped over into the spiritual light through faith in Christ. We cease to draw attention to ourselves and long to magnify the Lord. Like John the Baptist said long ago, “He must increase, and I must decrease.” John 3:30.

Our text today illustrates this difference in what and who we long to glorify in life once we are genuinely born again. Simon the magician or sorcerer didn’t quite get this and always longed to be noticed, but many Samaritans did get it, and their lives were changed. Keep your eye on who craves attention and what each of the biblical characters in this account focused their attention on.

1. Attention to What Was Being Shared, 8:4-8

2. Attention to What Is Done by Self, 8:9-13

3. Attention through What Was Accomplished through Signs, 8:13

4. Attention to What Was Missing without the Spirit, 8:14-17

5. Attention to What Might Be Done with Silver, 8:18-19

6. Attention to What Should Accompany Salvation, 8:20-23

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Growing in Grace Devotions and Inspirations  
Hosted by Pastor Victor Morrison  
First Baptist Church
1700 Milam Street
Columbus, TX, USA 78934
http://fbccolumbustx.org/

Attracting Attention (Acts 8:4-25)

The last five words of our National Anthem say, “…the home of the brave.” The stanza actually asks a question if our nation is still “…the land of the free and the home of the brave?” The reason we are a free nation is because of so many Americans were courageous under various difficult circumstances throughout the 249 years of our history.

It is important to have positive role models who demonstrate character traits like courage. The Bible is full of men and women who displayed confidence even under tremendous pressure. I think of characters like Joshua, David, Ruth, Esther, Daniel, Mary, Jesus, Stephen, Paul and many, many others.

Today I would like to introduce you to a brave young leader named Hezekiah. His story can be found in different passages of the Bible, but the condensed version is located in 2 Kings 18:1-8. Let’s look at this passage as we reflect back upon our nation’s history and leaders, and may this in some way strengthen our resolve to remain a nation known as … “the home of the brave.”

Brave Leaders Accept Responsibility, 18:1-2

Brave Leaders Do What Is Right, 18:3

Brave Leaders Aren’t Afraid to Make Removals of Evil, 18:4

Brave Leaders Gladly Submit to the Lord’s Rule, 18:6

Brave Leaders Wait for God’s Reward, 18:7

Brave Leaders Know When to Resist, 18:7-8

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Growing in Grace Devotions and Inspirations  
Hosted by Pastor Victor Morrison  
First Baptist Church
1700 Milam Street
Columbus, TX, USA 78934
http://fbccolumbustx.org/

The Home of the Brave (2 Kings 18:1-8)

In honor of Father’s Day, we shall look at 2 Samuel 23:8-23 where it introduces us to five of the soldiers who served in the Special Forces that protected King David. You could call these men, “The King’s Mighty Men”. Our first verse today says, “These are the names of the mighty men whom David had…” 23:8.

By the way, how would you define a “mighty man”? A wise theologian from the past named J.C. Ryle doesn’t actually define a mighty man for us, but he does disclose a list four common dangers that can weaken men, such as pride, pleasure, presumption and peer pressure. He also identifies four dependable resources which can strengthen a man like scripture, prayer, community and Jesus.

When wild geese take flight, they usually fly together in a V-formation. This natural structure of cooperation and unity helps them fly farther than they would have had they flown solo. As a matter of fact, researchers estimate that flying in a V-formation increases their range by 71%. Plus, have you ever heard geese honking as they fly through the air? These “honkers” are located in the back not the front of the wedge, perhaps saying to those near the point, “Stay at it! Stay at it! We are with you! We can do this together!”

Let’s learn some valuable lessons from these mighty men of the past who lives are saying to men of any generation, “Stay at it! Stay at it!”

A mighty man is a valiant man, 23:8
A mighty man is a vigilant man, 23:9-10
A mighty man is a vital man, 23:11-12
A mighty man is a voluntary man, 23:15-17
A mighty man is a vigorous man, 23:18-19
A mighty man is a victorious man, 23:20-23

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Growing in Grace Devotions and Inspirations  
Hosted by Pastor Victor Morrison  
First Baptist Church
1700 Milam Street
Columbus, TX, USA 78934
http://fbccolumbustx.org/

The King’s Mighty Men  (2 Samuel 23:8-23)

A news report dated June 17, 2022 entitled, “American’s Crisis Is a Lack of Fathers” states, “Data from the US Census Bureau shows that nearly 18.5 million children grow up without their fathers, which has led to the US owning the title of the world’s leader in fatherlessness.” These numbers concern me as a pastor. I believe fathers are  so important to the family.

The Fatherhood of God is such a refreshing study that reminds us on His great love, provisions, protection, comfort, etc. As a matter of fact, the most references in the Bible to our Heavenly Father are found in the Gospel of John where it is referred to 118 times. Perhaps this is why John gave more information on his father Zebedee than on any other disciple’s dad.

Psalm 127 offers us something similar to a fatherhood formula that I would like to review in light of Father’s Day approaching. The psalmist is identified as Solomon, the son of David, who followed his father in becoming the king of Israel. He wrote two psalms – Psalm 72 and Psalm 127. Out of all the themes that he could have written about in this psalm, he was led by the Spirit to write of family life. We read terms like “house” “womb” “children” and “man”.

By the way, the author wasn’t perfect in his family life. Perhaps that is why this psalm is a part of the “Pilgrim Psalms” (Psalms 120-134) that the men of Israel would sing with their families on their way to Jerusalem. It is not that we have arrived in parenting, we are on a journey and are moving in the right direction toward a focus upon the Lord.

The formula is as follows:

life - the Heavenly Father = vanity for anyone

children + an earthly father = value to the child and the father.

The Minus Side of the Fatherhood Principle, 127:1-2
    · Working – the Father guiding = vanity, v. 1 (a
    · Warring – the Father guiding = vanity, v. 1 (b
    · Worrying – the Father giving = vanity, v. 2

The Plus Side of the Fatherhood Principle, 127:3-5
    · Investing in our kids is valuable = they are our heritage, v. 3
    · Investing in our kids is valuable = they are our helpers, v. 4
    · Investing in our kids is valuable = they are our happiness, v. 5
    · Investing in our kids is valuable = they are our honor, v. 5

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Growing in Grace Devotions and Inspirations  
Hosted by Pastor Victor Morrison  
First Baptist Church
1700 Milam Street
Columbus, TX, USA 78934
http://fbccolumbustx.org/

The Fatherhood Formula (Psalm 127)

Weekly Biblical devotions that help us Grow in Grace. Real stories and absolute truths from Scripture that provide strength, hope and encouragement. Hosted by Victor Morrison, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church, Columbus, Texas, USA.

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