| Good morning everyone, Our theme for this month: “Be the church” Our Bible verse for today: “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12 (NIV) Our thought for today: “Live a noble life” Yesterday I quoted the words of Psalm 121:1-2 “I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” I noted that the Psalmist had faith that he could turn to the Lord for help with whatever he was facing. And even if the Lord didn’t actually take away the difficult circumstances the writer was facing, He would enable the man to face his trials with strength and courage and to handle them in a noble and dignified manner. I once had a friend and church member named Tom. As a relatively young man he had a major stroke which left him bedridden in a nursing home. They told him he would probably never be able to get out of that bed again. But he refused to accept that conclusion and immediately began working on his strength and mobility. Soon he was getting out of bed. They told him he would never be able to walk again. But he asked for a walker and some help, and soon he was slowly walking. They told him he would never be able to drive a car again. So, he taught himself how to drive. They told him he would never be able to work again. So, he went out and got a job. Tom never gave-in to his disabilities nor did he give-up. He moved slowly, and he did use a walker, but that never stopped him. If the doors of the church were open, Tom drove himself to church (and he refused to park in the handicapped spots, “Leave those for someone who needs them” he would say). Instead, he parked on the other side of the parking lot and with his walker he slowly made his way across the parking lot and into the church. When I asked him why he did that he said, “Because the walk is good for me.” And whatever activity was going on at church, Tom found a way to be involved in it – from workdays, to mission projects, to mission trips. I’ve watched Tom slowly push his walker up and down the rows of pews, straightening the books and visitor’s cards in the pew backs. He has helped weed flower beds, pushing his walker with one hand and dragging a rake through a flower bed with the other. He has gone on mission trips. Despite tremendous challenges and trials, Tom lived his life with strength and courage, with dignity and grace. His was a noble life. No whining and complaining. No excuses. And no victimhood. Tom was not a victim. Instead, he was an overcomer through Christ who enabled him to do all things. He just kept pushing forward, doing the best he could under the circumstances as they were. And why did he live that way? Because that’s what resilient Christians do. That’s how spiritually mature, determined Christians live. I encourage you to resolve to live your life with courage and dignity and grace. Despite the challenges and trials you might be facing, you are not a victim. You are more than a conqueror through Christ who enables you to live victoriously in all circumstances. Resolve to live a noble life. God bless, Pastor Jim (If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00, in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville |
| Copyright © 2023 Oak Hill Baptist Church, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you requested to be included in the Daily Devotional email reader group. Our mailing address is: Oak Hill Baptist Church 3036 Genesis Road Crossville, TN 38571 |
- Comment
- Reblog
-
Subscribe
Subscribed
Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
Oak Hill Baptist Church 