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

Give Me Oil in My Lamp  (Exodus 27:20-21)

What does a Garden Snail, a Banana Slug and a Three-Toed Sloth have in common? They all three either prefer to remain completely still, or when they move, it is always very, very slowly.

Now, what about if you compared a slug or a sloth with an ant? Are they similar or different? Let’s go to the Scriptures to answer this question. Proverbs 6:6-11 contrasts an idle sluggard with an industrious ant. In our text for today, we will see that there is a lot that a sluggard can learn from an ant.

Proverbs often exposes the dangers of a listless, motionless lifestyle by referring to this kind of person as a “sluggard” 14x (6:6-11; 10:26; 12:24, 27; 13:4; 15:9; 18:9; 19:15, 24; 20:4; 21:5, 25; 22:13; 24:33-34; 26:13-16).

Let’s enroll in a class in myrmecology for a few minutes and see what a sluggard can learn from an ant.

Cure of the Sluggard, v. 6a

Consideration of the Ant, v. 6b

Catalyst for Work, 6:7

Constancy of Effort, 6:8

Confrontation of Laziness, 6:9

Coasting toward a Habit, 6:10

Conclusion in Poverty, 6:11

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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/

What a Sloth Can Learn from an Ant (Proverbs 6:6-11)

Go call your friends who like to fish and tell them they will like this message!

Let’s look at Matthew chapter 13 where Jesus gives 7 parables. He begins sharing these seven parables in Matthew 13:3. What is a “parable”? The Greek term for parable is parabole, meaning something thrown (bole) alongside (para) for the sake of comparison. Jesus would draw a parallel or a picture that everyone understood from the physical realm in order to illustrate a spiritual truth. He was such a great communicator!

Since the Lord called at least four of His disciples from their fishing careers, He chose to use an analogy of a dragnet used to catch fish. What is ironic is that in this parable found in Matthew 13:47-51 He refers to casting a net into the sea just like Peter and Andrew were casting a net into the Sea of Galilee when He called them to follow Him.

Let’s see what we can learn from this parable comparing the Kingdom of God to a fishing net.

1. Comparison of the Kingdom to a Fishing Net, 13:47(a)

2. Casting for the Kingdom with the Fishing Net, 13:47(b)

3. Catches for the Kingdom within the Fishing Net, 13:47(c)

4. Closing of the Kingdom with the Fishing Net, 13:48(a), 49(a)

5. Culls from the Kingdom out of the Fishing Net, 13:48(b), 50

6. Contemplation of the Kingdom regarding the Fishing Net, 13:51

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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 Ultimate Fishing Trip (Matthew 13:47-51)

“One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.” Acts 16:14

Erick Weihenmayer reached the top of Mt. Everest on May 25, 2001. This was amazing since Erick had been blind since contracting an eye disease that left him blind since the age of 13.

How can someone climb such a high, treacherous mountain when they are blind? In his book, Blind to Failure, Karl Taro Greenfield points out that Weihenmayer was able to accomplish the impossible because he listened well. He listened for the little bell hanging from the backpack of the climber in front him. He heeded warnings given to him by teammates regarding how close the edge was to where he was standing. He even paid attention to the sound of the ice pick jabbing into the thick ice.

Lydia became a follower of Christ as the first European to receive the gospel all because she too was a good listener when Paul shared the gospel message with her and others in Philippi. Let’s see what we can learn from the account of her conversion recorded in Acts 16:11-15.

The Lord Sent a Witness, 16:10-12

The Witness Shared the Word, 16:13

One Was a Worshiper of God, 16:14

Her Heart Was Opened to Watch Closely, 16:14

Surrender of the Will for Baptism, 16:15

Began Her Walk with the Lord, 16:15, 40

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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/

First Disciple in Europe Begins by Listening (Acts 16:11-15)

A faulty foundation can be costly later. For example, if one starts to see stair-stepping cracks between brick and mortar, walls that begin to lean or bulge, cracks developing where the wall meets the ceiling, windows that stick or doors that jam, then you have a foundation problem.

The same can eventually happen in the life of a believer or the fellowship of a church. Apart from building upon the foundation of Christ, a church can later close its doors as it craters from within. Apart from follow-up and discipleship, a new believer can later collapse in his or her faith.

This bible study from Acts 17:1-10 takes us back to where it all began for a new church start in the province of Macedonia in northern Greece. We will take note of how Paul and Silas planted and founded this church in the city of Thessalonica during Paul’s second missionary journey, most likely in the Spring of AD 50.

Let’s apply piers and beams to the necessary vertical and horizontal relationships that are needed when grounding someone in the faith. Each pier will represent the stability of what only the Lord can provide. We shall compare beams to the necessity of connecting with other people that God sends into our lives.

Support, 17:1, 4, 6-7

Site, 17:1, 10

Strategy, 17:1-2

Supplies, 17:3-4

Stability, 17:5-10

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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/

Inspecting a Faith Foundation (Acts 17:1-10)

Have you made any New Year’s resolutions? Forbes posted some interesting statistics related to resolutions made by Americans at the end of 2023. According to a survey that polled 1,000 US adults on October 23, 2023, 48% made resolutions regarding physical fitness, 38% focused on personal finances, 34% desired to lose some weight, 32% promised themselves to do a better job with their diet. The remaining percentages dropped tremendously after these top four resolutions.

Thirty percent of those asked were honest enough to admit that they only 25% really anticipated keeping their resolutions beyond the first 30 days. Statistics reveal only 1% maintain their commitment through to the end of the year. I chuckled when I read that the second Friday of January has become known as “Quitter’s Day” since only 8-10% usually stay the course on their promises beyond the first couple of weeks in January. I wasn’t even aware of this special date on the calendar.

As believers in Christ, we have some priorities we value that are not related to the body or the budget. Scripture describes followers of Jesus as simply being “in Christ” a phrase mentioned over 160 times in the New Testament. So, why don’t we set New Year’s resolutions in keeping with spiritual goals that are related to our position and identity in Christ? If we did this, then the power of God would help us reach our goals all year long.

2 Corinthians 5:12-21 seems to provide us with five areas of blessing given to us the moment we place our trust in Jesus Christ. I challenge you, brother or sister in Christ, to make at least one goal this year related to one of the following five new initiatives Jesus is making in your life.

1. In Christ we are given new sight, 5:12, 16

2. In Christ we are given new significance, 5:13-15

3. In Christ we are given a new start, 5:17

4. In Christ we are given a new status, 5:18-19, 21

5. In Christ we are given a new call to service, 5:18-20

An Overlooked New Year’s Resolution (2 Corinthians 5:12-21)

According to some current projections, holiday spending may decrease in 2025 from the anticipated $1,007 dollars per person back in October to an adjusted budget of $778 for Christmas gifts. Many who completed the survey indicated they plan to reduce spending this year by 55% compared with 2024 expenditures. Of course, we must keep in mind that record high spending was marked in both 2023 and 2024 with spending surpassing $ 950 billion. For comparison, 2008 was $501.5 billion and 2010 was $528.8 billion.

So, I have a question regarding Christmas. My question is are we as a people actually like the description given by historian Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr., who said that he saw in American society an “inextinguishable discontent”? If so, we need to run to the words of Philippians 4:10-20 and learn the secret of contentment.

The letter written by the Apostle Paul from a prison cell as a thank you note has many lessons that contemporary Americans can and should learn, especially during the Christmas holidays. He speaks of a life lesson that he had learned regarding contentment in whatever circumstances he was in. Let’s pull up close to Paul and let his whisper in our ear the secret to contentment.

Rejoice in Christ's Sovereignty, v. 10

Readiness to Study, v. 11

Regardless of the Situation, vs. 11-12

Reflection upon the Sweet Things in Life, vs. 14-18

Riches of His Supply, v. 19

Refocus the Spotlight, v. 20

Learning Christmas Contentment (Philippians 4:10-20)

Have you started decorating your tree yet? I saw this year the Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center is 75’ tall imported from Norway. They hung 50,000 Christmas lights on the tree in celebration of the season.

As far as I can tell, many believe lighting the Christmas tree originated with Martin Luther in the 16th century, who lit his tree after walking in the woods and seeing the stars twinkling between the branches of the trees. It made him remember the wise men who followed the star to where Jesus was born in Bethlehem. So, he came back home and attached candles to his Christmas tree.

Galatians 4:4-7 reminds me of the illumination Paul gave to the churches across Galatia regarding the coming of Christ and the incredible impact His coming made on the world. His words form what could viewed as five strands of beautiful lights, summarizing what Christmas is really all about.

1. Incarnation of the Son, 4:4

2. Redemption out of Slavery, 4:4-5

3. Adoption into Sonship, 4:5-7

4. Reception of the Spirit, 4:6

5. Description of the Share, 4:7

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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 Hanging of the Christmas Lights (Galatians 4:4-7)

What would you say was the greatest Christmas gift you ever received? Among the greatest some people consider the best are gift like…a new vehicle, time, handmade cards from children, birth of a child, extension to life for one diagnosed with a terminal illness, visits from family, cash, voucher booklet from a teenager promising the completion of various chores, etc.

The angel told Joseph in a dream, “She (Mary) will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” An angel announced to a group of shepherds out in the fields, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Passages like these remind us that salvation through Christ is the greatest Christmas gift we will ever receive!

Peter wrote the letter known as 1 Peter to encourage a group of persecuted followers of Christ back in AD 63. He would remind them of the magnitude of their salvation in Christ despite the loss of material possessions and the cost of martyrdom of family and friends in Christ. As a matter of fact, over the next four years Peter and Paul would both be put to death for their faith in Christ. Yet, they died with courage and hope, cherishing the priceless gift of salvation given to them through Christ.

In this study of 1 Peter 1:10-12, the Apostle will focus on four beautiful aspects of salvation in Christ: the prophets’ investigation of salvation, the Spirit’s inspiration regarding of salvation, the apostles’ instruction about salvation and the angels’ interest in salvation.

Together, let’s admire this precious Christmas gift as we agree with Paul who wrote of it, “Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15.

The Prophets’ Investigation of Salvation, 1 Peter 1:10-11

The Spirit’s Inspiration regarding Salvation, 1 Peter 1:11

The Apostles’ Instruction about Salvation, 1 Peter 1:12

The Angels’ Interest in Salvation, 1 Peter 1:12

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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 Greatest Christmas Gift (1 Peter 1:10-12)

“I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord.” 116:17

Luke tells us in his Gospel account that during His last supper with the disciples, Jesus took the bread and the cup, and then, gave thanks. This was the night before His death. Obviously, He was not giddy in His emotions, but He was deliberate in the exercise of His will in obedience to Father’s plan as He offered what I would call, a “sacrifice of thanksgiving”.

Similarly, some scholars believe the historical setting of Psalm 116 was the trauma King Hezekiah experienced when Isaiah the prophet announced the king’s terminal illness. The background can be read in 2 Kings 20:1-11; 2 Chronicles 32:24-26 and Isaiah 38.

This psalm is extremely personal as the author refers to his own experiences 37x, ranging from the good, the bad to the ugly. Let’s run this psalm through a slow-motion replay and listen as Hezekiah gives us a frame by frame commentary on what he was going through spiritually.

William Bradford must have offered a “sacrifice of thanksgiving” as the Pilgrims offered thanksgiving in the early autumn of 1621. Less than one year before that Thanksgiving, while the Mayflower was anchored off Provincetown Harbor, the Pilgrims sent out several expeditions of men to explore the region to seek out the best place to build their colony. While William Bradford was away on one of these explorations, on December 7, 1620, his wife, Dorothy, fell off the Mayflower into the freezing waters of Provincetown Harbor, and drowned.

We can arrange our learning from this psalm around five fingers that King Hezekiah will slowly open up to the Lord as he offers to God his “sacrifice of thanksgiving.” As we approach Thanksgiving, perhaps this is a tougher year than unusual for you. If so, then follow Hezekiah’s example in offering thanks to God and praying about your hardships, praying not based upon feelings but faith. Giving thanks to God not because you are in a comfortable situation but because the Lord is worthy of praise.

Anguish beneath my praying, 116:3, 6, 10-11

Attention to my praying, 116:2, 4

Answer to my praying, 116:1-2, 6-9

Attitude with my praying, 116:5, 15-17

Advancing after my praying, 116:7, 13-14, 18-19

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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/

Offering to God the Sacrifice of Thanksgiving (Psalm 116)

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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