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)

The Holy Spirit inspired James, the pastor of the church in Jerusalem, to equip the body of Christ to pass various tests in life. He had in mind practical, real-life trials such as persecution, patience, prudence, poverty/prosperity, pleasure, partiality and even profanity (or how we use our words).

By the time the author enters the 4th chapter, he is addressing advance planning tests. Since we are currently in the season of final exams for our students with many approaching their high school graduation, most of these are finalizing their plans for what comes next. Is ok to make plans for the future? If so, is there a certain way the Lord would want us to make our plans? Hmmm. Let’s ask James what he learned from Jesus.

James 4:13-17 is a good word regarding making plans for the future. These truths are timeless and can not only serve as a guide to students in their steps but will also lead those in business in drawing up their goals and marking their calendars. We will learn seven principles of planning that will help each of us chart our course in alignment with the will of our great Designer.

1. Imperative of God’s Will, v. 13

2. Indifference to God’s Will, v. 13

3. Invisibility of God’s Will, v. 14

4. Inevitability of God’s Will, v. 14

5. Instruction regarding God’s Will, v. 15

6. Iniquity over God’s Will, v. 16

7. Ignoring God’s Will, v. 17

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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/

Depending on Our Designer (James 4:13-17)

When I read Psalm 95 a couple of mornings ago, I immediately found myself quietly humming and somewhat silently singing one of my favorite hymns, Worthy of Worship. Compared to some hymns, this is a modern hymn, written in 1988.

Dr. Terry W. York of Truett Seminary in Waco, Texas wrote the inspiring lyrics to the hymn, while Mark Blankenship gave us the beautiful music. In the hymn, Dr. York tells us so much about God, listing 10 attributes and actions of the Lord. It is simply so refreshing!

I am afraid that we sometimes we make worship about ourselves, when really it should be about our God. Worship at its best directs all the attention to an Audience of One. After singing Worthy of Worship, one comes away knowing that the Lord is … Creator, Savior, Sustainer, Almighty Father, Master & Lord, King of Kings, Redeemer, Wonderful Counselor, Comforter and Friend.

Like Worthy of Worship, Psalm 95 recalibrates our hearts to focus life on the Lord not ourselves. It doesn’t even have a clear superscription informing us of its human author, although we are given a brief reference in Hebrews 4:7 that attributes this inspiring call to worship to David.

Let’s listen to this great psalm of praise. The first half of the psalm (95:1-7b) will explain how to practice true worship, while the last half of the psalm (95:7c-11) warns of the peril of false worship.

The Practice of True Worship:
• An invitation to worship, vs. 1-2, 6
• An incentive to worship, vs. 3-7

The Peril of False Worship:
• The admonition against false worship, vs. 7-9
• The condemnation of false worship, vs. 10-11

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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/

Worthy of Worship (Psalm 95)

Happy Mother’s Day!

During this message we are going to examine the life of a woman named Hannah who went from emotional agony over personal barrenness to victory over a precious baby. It will be amazing to watch Hannah go from emotional survival in life’s harsh circumstances to spiritual revival through life’s greatest comfort in the Lord.

I recall reading a harrowing account of a young couple in their 30’s who took their two children, 4-year old Penelope and 7-month old Sabine on a family vacation in the northwest. They took an old logging road called Bear Camp Road through the mountains of southwestern Oregon.

Through a series of unfortunate factors, the couple wrecked the car and became stranded in the wilderness as it began to rain and then snow. They ran the engine to keep the family warm until the car ran out of gas. They burned the tires after removing them from the car and ate berries just to survive. The husband became desperate and chose to try and walk out of the forest for help, but he strictly instructed his family to stay with the vehicle. After 9 days, the mother and her children were rescued, but unfortunately the father did not survive.

Hannah was experiencing a miserable life externally and internally, simply trying to survive the “wilderness” of dysfunction within her own home, but she made a series of good choices which changed everything for her internally, leading her to a personal revival. Let’s track her footsteps this Mother’s Day weekend!

Her Survival in the Wilderness of Life:
1. The Pain within a Wife without a Little One, 1:2, 5-6
2. The Precautions for a Woman in Lustful Surroundings, 1:3
3. The Provocations within a Family due to a Lashing Tongue, 1:6-7
4. The Problem of a Believer in Low Spirits, 1:7-8, 10, 15-16
5. The Presumptions at Church resulting in Lonely Isolation, 1:9-18

Her Revival in a Land of Promise:
1. The Privilege of a Wife with a Loving Husband, 1:1, 3, 5, 8, 19-23
2. The Prayer of a Woman with a Loaded Down Heart, 1:9-16
3. The Peace within a Believer with a Leaning Faith, 1:17-20
4. The Praise from a Mother with a Lord-Centered Focus, 1:20-2:10
5. The Pledge of a Mother with a Lending Commitment to God, 1:24-28; 2:11, 18-21

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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/

When Mom Moves from Just Survival to Revival (1 Samuel 1-2)

James, the half-brother of Jesus who eventually became the pastor of the church in Jerusalem, addresses in James 1:5-8 what may be the one thing you are missing in your trials – wisdom.

We often ask the Lord to remove the hardship, but what if that “ship” (even though it is difficult) is exactly the vessel that the Lord is bringing into your life to help you enter a new stage of spiritual growth and maturity?

A better approach is to ask the Lord for wisdom in your current circumstance. If you plan to implement this, then you may want to review HOW James says you need to ask for wisdom.

Awareness of the Need for Wisdom, 1:5

Ask for the Gift of Wisdom, 1:5

Assurance of an Answer of Wisdom, 1:5

Approach when Seeking Wisdom, 1:6

Analogy for Missing Out on Wisdom, 1:6

Assumption that Blocks Wisdom, 1:7

Ambiguity in Life without Wisdom, 1:8

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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/

What Am I Missing Here? (James 1:5-8)

The Apostle Paul wrote to his mentee, Timothy, these words in 2 Timothy 4:7 just a couple of months before he was martyred, “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

The writer of Hebrews urged his readers in Hebrews 12:1-2 to finish the race strong by keeping their eyes on Jesus and laying aside any weights or besetting sins that were hindering their run.

At 120 years of age, Moses was nearing the end of his incredible and commendable life’s race in Numbers 20:1-13, but unfortunately, like some other biblical heroes of the faith such as Samson or Solomon, he stumbled on what could be perceived as his last lap around the track. Yikes.

As I read through our text in Numbers, some possible stumbling blocks grabbed my attention. Oh, Moses didn’t trip over all of these by any means, and yet, each of these could hinder a man or a woman from finishing their race with excellence. Watch out for the following hurdles as you make run the course the Lord has for you in life.

Stumbling Block # 1 – Crises, 20:1-2

Stumbling Block # 2 – Complaints, 20:2-6

Stumbling Block # 3 – Compromise, 20:7-9, 11

Stumbling Block # 4 – Condescension, 20:10

Stumbling Block # 5 – Conceit, 20:10

Stumbling Block # 6 – Cynicism, 20:12

Stumbling Block # 7 – Carnality, 20:12-13

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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/

Stumbling on the Last Lap (Numbers 20:1-13)

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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