Faith Baptist Church In Madison, Fla.

Faith Baptist Church In Madison, Fla. A small "down-home" feeling Baptist Church where "Love Knows No Bounds!" Everybody is Welcome at Faith!

03/07/2023

Coffee Break

"Make A U Turn"

"Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works..." Revelations 2:5a

We hear a lot about breakthroughs in the Christian community. There are times when we all need a breakthrough-- something needs to change, we need to go past where we are, we need to see something happening in our lives, we feel hemmed in and need to have freedom. We look forward to a breakthrough that will take us where we hope to go and get us out of where we are.

The thing about breakthroughs is we are always looking for God to bring them to us supernaturally. We expect Him to intervene and instantly miraculously we have a sudden breakthrough. And many times that is how they happen. There are times when only God can give us a breakthrough. But more times than not, we have the power to bring about a needed breakthrough in our own lives. Let me explain.

Often, a breakthrough would come if we would do a "turn around". If we would turn back and do the things we know that we should be doing but aren't. Our breakthrough would happen if we would stop going in the wrong direction-- the direction of our flesh instead of the Spirit. Many times we need a breakthrough that restores our joy, our peace, our power, our zeal, our excitement about Jesus, etc. because we wondered off the right path and got on the wrong path. We got slothful and careless and stopped having our prayer time, communion and fellowship with God, reading our Bibles, giving God praise and worship. This being the case, we need to make a "U Turn" and turn around and get back on the right path.

Stop waiting for God to do the breakthrough for you if this is the reason why you need a breakthrough. Ask Him for His help, ask Him for His grace and strength, but get up and do it... you have the power to do that. Your breakthrough will come if you do.

Have a great day. If you think you need a breakthrough, you might actually need to make a U Turn, and turn around, instead.

03/06/2023

Coffee Break

"Be Contagious"

"Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." 1 Corinthians 11:1



Last week I went with a friend to her doctor's appointment out of town. There was a lady sitting in the doctor's office when we walked in, and she was talking to some of the other patients. This lady was so upbeat, joy and peace just exuded from her. Confidence and wisdom were in every word she spoke. It was obvious that she was a Christian and wasn't ashamed to talk about Jesus. The whole room was lit up by her words and presence. I haven't been around someone like her in a long time. My spirit immediately connected with hers. I felt recharged and energized just talking to her. What she had, made me want to have it too.

The definition of the word contagious is: to spread from one person to another by direct or indirect contact; likely to spread and affect others. She is what I call a "contagious" person. This woman's whole demeanor was such as you couldn't help but to want to be like her. Let me ask you, are you a "contagious" person? I am talking about contagious for Jesus. When others get around you, are you living your life in such a way that they want what you have-- Jesus. Do they want the love, peace, joy, grace, wisdom and confidence that you have? We should be living in such a way-- through our words and lifestyle-- so that others want what we have. We should be "rubbing off" on those who don't know Jesus- and those who do- to the point where they are affected and want Him in their lives too. Does this sound like you? I want it to be me. I want my life to touch, impact and make someone desire and hunger for Jesus and to be like Him. Every born-again Christian should want this.

Have a great day. Is your life contagious? Do others want to "catch" what you have--- which is Jesus.

03/03/2023

Coffee Break

"Wishful Thinking"

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

There is a difference in wishful thinking and faith. More times than not, what we think is faith is really wishful thinking. So, what's the difference? Wishful thinking wants something to be so, and hopes it is, but isn't sure that it will be. Faith on the other hand, knows so; it's thoroughly convinced that what it hopes for it has. It knows that the thing it hopes for will come to pass. Wishful thinking has no basis, no foundation to stand upon. Faith does. Its basis is the Word of God. It has a foundation; therefore, it is not shaken when doubt or a negative report comes against it. Wishful thinking is a "head" thing- you know it in your head. Faith is a "spirit" thing- you know it in your spirit.

Are you really standing in faith on a matter? Or is it just wishful thinking? Not sure? Does it fit the definitions we have talked about? Ask God to give you faith, real faith, and show you when you are just "wishful thinking".

Have a great day. Is it faith or wishful thinking?

03/02/2023

Coffee Break

"God's Plan"

"The counsel of the Lord standeth forever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations." Psalms 33:11

The Lord's counsel (His purpose) stands forever; it does not change. God has a plan, and He plans to carry it out. What is His plan? The first glimpse we saw of it was in the Garden of Eden when He said that the seed of the woman would bruise the head of the serpent. God knew before the foundation of the earth that Adam would disobey Him and bring sin upon all mankind. He knew we would need a Savior. In the course of time, He sent His only begotten Son into the world to pay the price for our sins so that we might go free. It's in God's plan that all men be saved, and He provided a way that it was possible. God's plan has not changed. It's His will that men in every generation be saved. He does not want anyone to perish. He loves the senior citizens, the youth, and the children. None are excluded from His plan of eternal life. "For God so loved the world"- everyone who occupies planet earth, whether young or old.



It doesn't matter what age you are this morning; God loves you and wants to give you eternal life- this is His plan and desire for all mankind. But God also has a plan for your individual life. His plan for you stands forever; it does not change. The Bible says that the gifts and call of God are without repentance. That means that God doesn't change His mind about what He has called you to do.

Have you received God's gift of eternal life? If not, you can today. Call upon the Lord in faith believing that Jesus paid the price for your sins so that you might be forgiven. Do you know what God's plan for your life is after you have been saved? Seek the Lord about it. Ask Him to show you what He would have you to do. He will show you.

Have a great day. God's plan stands forever...it does not change.

03/01/2023

Coffee Break

"Stand In The Temptation"

"It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4

Jesus had just fasted for forty days and forty nights. The Bible says that He was hungry after the fast. It also tells us that the devil came to tempt Him to turn stones into bread so He could eat.

Did you notice when the devil came to tempt Jesus? He came to tempt Him after the fast was over, after Jesus hadn't eaten in forty days, after He was hungry. He came to Jesus at a weak point. Jesus was physically weak, and hungry, from having gone without food for forty days.

This is when the devil will come to us also. When we are at a weak point. Remember, he is our enemy. He doesn't play fair. He doesn't show us any mercy. He doesn't wait until you get up off the mat to hit you again. He hits you while you are down. He doesn't wait for you to gain your strength back either. The Bible says he roams throughout the whole earth seeking whom he may devour. That means he is constantly on the lookout for an opportunity to tempt you so that he can destroy you.

"Every person is tempted when he is drawn away, enticed and baited by his own evil desire (lust, passions)". Then the evil desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully matured, brings forth death." (James 1:14,15- Amplified Bible) How does satan tempt us? Through the lust and desires of the flesh. He knows that if he can get us to take the bait, then it will cause us to sin, and sin will lead to death. He looks for those weak moments in our flesh that he can entice us with.

So, what are we to do? How do we stand against the enemy when he comes to tempt us, especially when we are already in a weakened condition? You face him the same way Jesus did. What was Jesus's response to the devil? "Man cannot live by bread only, but by every word that comes from God." You pick up your sword (the Word of God- Ephesians 6:17) and stand against him. "For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword." (Hebrews 4:12) You can't fight him in your own flesh. It's not a battle against flesh and blood. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Ephesians 6:12)



Through Jesus's time of temptation in the wilderness, He showed us:

1) We will be tempted. None of us are above being tempted. Even Jesus was tempted. ("Then was Jesus...tempted of the devil")

2) We will be tempted when we are at a low point. ("Afterwards, He was hungry.")

3) We don't have to give in to the temptation. ("Man shall not live by bread alone.")

4) There is a way of escape and victory over the temptation. ("It is written.")

Being tempted is not a sin. It's when we give into it, that it becomes sin. But God has provided a way of escape for us in every temptation. God loves you. He doesn't want you to be destroyed by the temptation. He has given us everything we need to be able to stand against the enemy and resist the temptation. He even gave us an example to follow...Jesus.

Have a great day. There is a way of escape and victory in the temptation.

02/28/2023

Shelia Shares

"Missed Opportunities"
(First published 20091020)

I just recently saw a sign for "Dollhouses and Miniatures." It is on a major road that I take most days to go to work. It is the same road that I take to my church and to many other places. I had not seen the sign before.

I had some time on a Saturday morning, so I stopped in at the shop. The dollhouses are wonderful, any child's dream, and filled with all kinds of miniatures. Although it is a store that sells the dollhouses and miniatures, I felt like I was in a museum that people pay to visit. It was well worth my time.

I asked if the shop was new in that area. No. She had been there 26 years!

So often we are on the way to something important. We don't even see the places and people that we pass. They are just a part of the unimportant scenery.

Who do we pass by? What needs are before our eyes but never seen? Who needs a friendly word or a smile? Who needs to see Jesus in us? Who needs to know that someone cares? What opportunity has been set in our path, so that we could make a difference in someone's life?

This week, look around. What have you been missing? Where are you needed?

- Shelia Heil

02/28/2023

Coffee Break

"Trusting In The Temporary"



"He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch." Proverbs 11:28



It is amazing how many people put their trust in the "all-mighty dollar". They act like as long as they have plenty of them it will save them, protect them and solve all their problems. The Bible says that riches will make themselves wings and fly away. You can be rich today and a pauper tomorrow. All it takes is for one catastrophe to hit and wipe out a life's savings. One bad decision can bankrupt you. A crash in the stock market and it could all be gone. There was a period in our history when Confederate money was valuable- it was "real" money. But now it is sold as souvenirs in stores or lives as a reminder of the past in our museums. A fire could burn it all up; a flood could wash it all away. Why would a person put their trust in paper, gold or silver? It is all temporary.



The bottom line is-- why would we put our trust in anything that is temporary? Why would we put it in things that give us no guarantees? There is nothing in this life that gives us any guarantees for happiness, security or hope. This is a depressing thought if I were to just leave it at that, but there is a place where we can put our trust. It is in the Lord Jesus Christ.



When we place our trust in Him, we are placing it in one who is not temporary- He is eternal. We are placing it in one who is not affected by what is happening in the natural. When we place it in Him, we do not have to worry, or wonder, if we are secure. He won't take wings and fly away. He isn't affected by the stock market, laws of Congress, the economy, fire, water, wind or storms. He won't cave in when catastrophes come. Our bad decisions or nothing we do changes, minimizes or depletes Him. He will remain if everything else is gone.



So where are you going to place your trust? In something that is temporary and subject to change and failure? Or will you put your trust in the Eternal One who does not change or fail?



Have a great day. If you put your trust in temporary things, they will fail you. But when you put your trust in Jesus, He will never fail.



For further reading:

Proverbs 23:5; 11:4; 13:7; 27:24

Psalm 62:10

Matthew 6:19

02/27/2023

Coffee Break

"The Ark Of Rest"

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Mathew 11:28



This scripture has come up several times to me over the last couple of weeks. The Lord keeps bringing me back to the subject of rest. I believe that is because rest is not an "event". It is not something that happens to you one time. It is not something that happens periodically like a holiday. Rest is not a thing, or an emotional state, rest is a place. It is a place where we are to dwell. As Christians we should be living in a place called "Rest".



Where is that place you ask? To find it you must realize that it is not just a place either, it is a person-- the Lord Jesus and God the Father. He is the place of rest. He is our dwelling place. That place is found in Him because it is Him. "Come unto Me, and I will give you rest."



The place of rest is not to be misunderstood as deliverance "from" problems, trials, temptations, heartaches. Instead, it is safety "in", or during, problems, trials, temptations and heartaches. The rain was falling, the flood waters were rising, people were screaming and dying all around Noah, he wasn't delivered out the flood, but he was safe and protected during it. He was in a dwelling place-- the ark. It was now his home, it was now his shelter, it was his refuge. As long as Noah stayed in the ark he was protected during the rain. As long as he remained in the ark the flood waters could not drown or destroy him. It was his safe haven; therefore, he had nothing to fear. He could "rest"- be at peace inwardly.



The Lord is our "ark"-- our place of safety, shelter, refuge, protection and rest. As long as we "abide" in Him, we can rest knowing that He surrounds us and keeps us safe. Even though there may be "flood waters" all around us, as long as we dwell in Him, we don't have to worry or fear that they will drown us-- that is rest.



Have a great day. The Lord Himself is our place of rest.



For further reading:

John 15:4,7

Psalm 91:1

1 John 2:28

02/25/2023

Fulfill Your Purpose

Today's inspiration comes from:

The Weekly Purpose Project

by Zondervan

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” — Isaiah 6:8 NIV



Thinking, planning, and preparing are all well and good, but none of those things will actually fulfill your purpose. To do that you have to act. God doesn’t instruct us to overthink everything to death. He instructs us to obey. To hear His call, accept His instructions, and get to work.



In the parable of the two sons (Matthew 21:28-32), a father told each of his two sons to go work in his vineyard that day. The first son at first refused to work, but then he later changed his mind and went and did what his father asked of him. The second son promised to go, but then he never did the work he committed to doing. Jesus asked the crowd, “Which of the two did what his father wanted?” The answer, of course, was the first son. The second son said all the right things, but he never acted. Thinking about your purpose and making plans don’t count. When God calls us, He expects action.



You will always be able to find a good excuse not to act. After all, life is busy and complicated, and there will always be a lot of demands on your time. It is up to you to choose: to keep up with the demands and expectations of society or to obediently say yet to God. Even if, like the first son, you have said no to your purpose time and time again, it is not too late to change your mind and go do what your Father has asked of you.

Live Your Purpose

He has saved us and called us to a holy life — not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. — 2 Timothy 1:9 NIV



God called you to a holy, purposeful life with Him to fulfill His greater plan and purpose. There’s nothing you could have done or not done to earn such a distinction. It was given to you because of His grace and love. That is huge!



God is trusting you to do something for Him, to further His plans, to bring glory to His Kingdom. Not because He needs the help, but because He wants to do it with you. Can you think of a bigger honor? Even if you feel unprepared or scared or uncertain, it’s time to accept that trust and step into the purpose that He has prepared for you alone.



God has put His faith in you, so it’s time to put your faith in Him.

02/24/2023

Coffee Break

"What Are You Doing?"



"He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him." Proverbs 11:27

When I read this verse, two other scriptures come to mind: "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." (Galatians 6:7) "But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out." (Numbers 32:23)



If we are diligent to seek after and do that which is good, then in the end we will reap favor- the favor of God. There are always blessings attached to doing what is right in the sight of God. Obedience to His Word is the greatest "good" we can do. And when we are obedient we reap a harvest of blessings. I know, it may not always seem like blessings are upon us when we obey. Sometimes it seems like it causes us more problems and gets us into trouble. Paul and Silas obeyed God and they were thrown into prison. Many are obeying God yet they are facing persecution. This may be the case, but never stop seeking to do good. Never stop obeying. As I have said, there will always be blessings that are attached to doing good and we will reap them in due season. These blessings include favor, peace of mind, freedom (mentally and emotionally) and in the life to come a crown of life.



Those who seek to do "mischief" (also interpreted evil, wrong, injury) will reap the mischief they have done. Whatever you sow you will reap. It will come back on you. You will not be able to hide it. Thus, the second scripture that came to mind. You may do mischief and think you have gotten away with it, but you are only deceiving yourself--- "be sure your sin will find you out". So many are living a life of self-deception thinking they are on top of the world and are getting away with the evil they are doing or have done. But there comes a reckoning day for all. If a person doesn't "get caught" here, they will in the life to come. And then it will not be man that they are standing before but God Himself... and nothing is hid from Him.



Whatever we do- good or bad- we will reap either blessings or consequences for it here and now and in eternity. Therefore, it should compel us to do what is right and live our lives seeking to do what is pleasing in God's sight because God keeps good records and will reward us accordingly one day.



Have a great day. Whatever you do- if it is seeking to do good or seeking to do evil- you will reap the same.



For further reading:

Mark 4:22

Hebrews 4:13

Luke 8:17

02/23/2023

Coffee Break

"Who's My Enemy?"

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12



I have noticed over the past few weeks that in most of my Bible reading there are passages about "enemies". These passages are either talking about being pursued by an enemy, enemies rising up against them, or defeat and victory over an enemy.



We all have an enemy. But it is important to identify who the enemy is if we are going to overcome them. Let me start off by talking about who your enemy is not. Your enemy is not that co-worker who is trying to make you look bad to your boss. Your enemy is not your spouse even if they are mistreating you. Your enemy is not that rebellious child. Your enemy is not the friend who has betrayed you. Your enemy is not that person that keeps lying about you. Your enemy is not that person who has been stealing from you. They are all being used by "the enemy".



As I said earlier, we all have an enemy-- this enemy is very real. This enemy is out to steal, kill and destroy us. This enemy was present in the Garden of Eden and is still present today. The enemy is the devil. He will use human beings to try to "attack" each other. He uses flesh and blood beings to carry out his plan of destruction. He is a liar and prompts others to lie. He is a deceiver, he is evil, he tries to destroy homes, character, reputation, relationships and lives, and mostly your relationship with God.



It is important that we recognize who our real enemy is so that we aren't fighting the wrong battles. If we are fighting/wrestling against each other then the real enemy is ignored and left to continue his destruction. Get your eyes off of the person who is against you, who is causing you grief, causing you pain, causing you all sorts of problems. And remember that they aren't your problem, the devil behind it is, they are only being used as an instrument in his hands. Once you identify who it really is, then fight him with the weapons that God has given you. And remember also that Jesus already gave you victory over him.



Have a great day. We all have an enemy, but it is not that human person-- they are only being used by the real enemy.



For further reading:

John 10:10

1 John 3:8

Hebrews 2:14

1 Peter 5:8

Revelation 12:9

02/22/2023

Coffee Break

"Anxiety Free"

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6 (NKJV)



We could keep from having a lot of anxiety, grief and heartache that we encounter if we would seek the Lord in prayer about everything we do; if we would pray before we make any move or decision; and if we would pray when we are seeking a solution to a situation that we are facing.



"But I have prayed". Did you? How did you pray? Did you pray with your mind already made up? Was your prayer a request asking God to bless what you had already decided to do? Was your prayer more of an effort to try to convince God that this was the right thing, or were you earnestly and sincerely seeking His will and guidance? More often than not, when we pray about a matter we have already decided what we are going to do and we are just trying to get God on board with our plans.



As long as we continue to pray like this, we will continue to keep making mistakes and doing the wrong thing. And the result will be anxiety, grief, suffering, confusion, etc. There was a reason why He said to acknowledge Him in all our ways. We don't have the ability to direct our own steps. We don't know the outcome before the beginning. We don't know what is around the corner or in the future. But God does and He has a promise attached to acknowledging Him in all our ways-- He will direct our paths.



If you want to have the right answer, go in the right direction, do the right thing, and have peace in your decisions, then stop going to God in prayer with your own plans and preconceived ideas of His answer. Humbly and sincerely seek Him, laying your own answers aside to hear from Him. If you will, you will stop anxiety from entering into your life.



Have a great day. How can we stop a lot of anxiety in our lives? By going to God in prayer and sincerely seeking His answer, not having our minds already made up about the situation.



For further reading:

Proverbs 3:5,6

Jeremiah 10:23

John 15:5

Isaiah 29:13

Address

Madison, FL
32340

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Faith Baptist Church In Madison, Fla. posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Place Of Worship

Send a message to Faith Baptist Church In Madison, Fla.:

Shortcuts

Share

Category