A Message for the Called

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Pastoral Calling

There are many pastors who read my thoughts each morning, and today's message is a word for you. I know that many of you are mighty in prayer and that God blesses you in this effort. I also know that you pray in all matters of the church regarding its edification and advancement, but this is a word of encouragement for those who are slow to enter their prayer closets, or find prayer time to be a struggle. Paul was sitting in prison when he wrote to the Ephesians, but in chapter three he went on to describe his calling to them. It is the same calling that ministers of the gospel receive today...

Church Discord and Flight

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Church Flight

A couple of days ago we discussed the topic of praying for our pastors, but today let’s turn our attention to our churches themselves. My devotional reading this morning was titled "The Church Equals Its Leaders" and the message, although not a hard one to grasp, warrants our attention, and has been a difficult one for me to write about. In my reading there were a couple of thoughts I felt worth repeating... "Preachers are pre-eminently God's leaders... They shape a church’s character and give tone and direction to its life.", and... "The church is divine, the treasure it holds is heavenly. But it bears the imprint of the human. The treasure is in earthen vessels."

Prayer, Belonging, and the Word Amen

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Prayer and Amen

This morning we are delving into the phenomenon of Christians who do not pray, and the ramifications of that lack of communication with God on their faith. We also will touch again on the fact that pastors should not only pray but request prayer of their congregations. Pastor E.M. Bounds wrote strongly of the disappointing fact that there are Christians who do not pray, or who pray very little. Here is an example of his thinking on this subject: "The more holy a person is, the more he values prayer; clearer he sees that God gives Himself to praying people." – E. M. Bounds.

Waiting on the Answer

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Mystery in Prayers

This morning we will revisit the story of the neighbor who would not get immediately out of bed when asked for three loaves. Jesus uses this story of persistent knocking to instruct his apostles on waiting for the Holy Spirit, but it is true also of all our prayers... we are to have perseverance, faith, and humility. Let’s look also at the death and resurrection of Lazarus, and what Mary and Martha expected when they asked Jesus to come, and later when He told them that He would raise him from the dead.

Goodness, Faith, and Holiness

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Goodness and Holiness

Goodness is our topic for consideration this morning. Let’s explore goodness and see how it relates to our faith and holiness. There are people who do good things and are considered good people, but have no, or very little, faith. There are people who have faith, but don't do good in their lives, and finally, there are those of faith who in their holiness do good many things. Which of these do we envision ourselves to be?

The First Bible that Sinners Read

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Human Bible

This morning while reading my daily devotional message written by Pastor E.M. Bounds I encountered a phrase I had heard several times before, but one that never ceases to cause me to pause and reflect on my Christian walk. We read the Bible online, and in paper or hardback form, but the very first Bible any unbeliever reads is covered in flesh… our flesh. We are the first introduction that sinners have to God’s Word.

Church, Marriage, and the Outpouring

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Passion in Faith

This morning as I read my morning devotional it posed a thoughtful question regarding the Holy Spirit. This is a question that those who diligently seek God and holiness undoubtedly ask themselves as their journey matures. It asked: "If the church is making advances on the lines of deep spirituality - if we are praying people, and if our people are hungering after holiness, why do we have so few mighty outpourings of the Holy Spirit?"

Mickey Mantle, Jesus Christ, Church, and Childhood

Richard Forbes
Christian , Daily Devotional, Bible Heroes

This morning let's reflect on whether we are either leading or growing into a holy life that is full and rich. Let's ask ourselves the hard questions such as... "Am I seeking out holiness and the presence of God in all I do?" In our quest for a more enduring faith we should long to be holy, and long to be like Jesus in everything we do. Our lives should be dominated by a constant motivation, provided by prayer, to obtain holiness, and through that effort; salvation.

Do We Wear the Jacket or the Ring of Holiness?

Richard Forbes
Daily Devotional, Becoming Holy

Have you ever been shopping or at a restaurant and seen an older couple walking together that have the same stride, have the same mannerisms, the same inflections in their speech, and in some strange way even resemble each other? It would be easy to mistake them as brother and sister, but they are in fact husband and wife. This is what years of love and living together does... it joins us in ways that we often can't explain and that are so subtle we barely realize it’s happening. Our faith and holiness should unite us with Christ in much the same way. 

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