Messiah Missionary Baptist Church - From The Pastor's Desk

The Will Answer

1/14/2025

TODAY’S VERSE
I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray. Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways.
Psalms 17:6-8 (NLT)

TODAY’S THOUGHT
Some things only God can do. That is why we need to come to Him. When we do, we must put our faith in His ability to answer our prayers. In his book, “Living From The Heart,” Dr. James Wilder elaborates, “God is the only one who can ultimately save us, sanctify us, and deliver us from evil. – When we let God do His work, things happen rather perfectly. But when we presumptuously take over His territory, things tend to crumble all so quickly.” Today, like David, may we pray to God because we know He will answer. If we do, He will show us “His unfailing love in wonderful ways.”

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, thank You for Your unfailing love. You have shown it to me in so many ways. Today, I bring you my needs and all my cares. I come to You because I know You will answer. Your grace is amazing, Your love never-ending, Your power all-sufficient.
AMEN

The Holy Spirit

12/7/2024

TODAY’S VERSE
We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love.
II Corinthians 6:6 (NLT)

TODAY’S THOUGHT
Paul was sharing all the hardship and suffering he and the church were experiencing. Even though the times were rough, he writes that the Holy Spirit still produced the attributes that God desired in their life. Attributes like purity, understanding, patience, kindness, and love got them through the most challenging times. In another passage, Paul writes, “The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” How is this done? Paul answers, “Let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” Today, commit your way to Him. Ask for the leading, direction, and influence of the Holy Spirit in all that you do, think, and say. When you do, He will produce the desired effects in your life.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit, lead me today. I desire Your fruit to be evident in my life. Please guide me, direct me, influence everything I do.
AMEN

Take No Revenge!!!

11/7/2024

TODAY’S VERSE
Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God.
Romans 12:19 (NLT)

TODAY’S THOUGHT
Revenge. What a toxic emotion. What a deceptive motive. It is so easy to slip into this deadly trap. It starts with a wound—perhaps a deep hurt, humiliation, or betrayal. Life isn’t fair, but this is just too much! Soon, our wound festers, and anger becomes an obsession. But what makes revenge so deceptive is that we don’t have to murder someone to get revenge. Instead, we feel justified in slandering the person, shunning them, campaigning against something they are doing, or a million other ways of getting nasty. But this is not revenge. It is getting even, giving them what they deserve, or settling the score. No, it is revenge. It is hard not to go there. What can we do? Paul shares the only thing we can do. Let go. Give it to God. Let Him take over your case. The author of Hebrews was serious when he wrote, “Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.” Today, follow that advice. Let God search your heart and pull out any bitter root that has taken ground in your emotions. Don’t let a wound fester into something worse.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, search my heart. Show me any toxic bitterness I may have. Show me any attitude or behavior of revenge. Forgive me and help me change my attitude. In Jesus’ name.
AMEN

Forgiveness

10/2/2024

TODAY’S VERSE
Lord, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive? But you offer forgiveness.
Psalms 130:3-4 (NLT)

TODAY’S THOUGHT
It is easy to keep a record of sins. How many times have we found ourselves caught up in bitterness over someone’s repeated offenses against us? How many times should we continue to forgive? Jesus addressed that very question when Peter asked Him how many times we should forgive someone. In a magnanimous gesture, Peter suggests seven times, but Jesus said seven times seventy was more like it. The truth is God’s love is greater than we can imagine. David was trying to make that point in this passage. He was amazed that God was justified in keeping a record of all our wrongs but chooses not to. Instead, what does God do? He offers forgiveness. Forgiveness is a powerful healer. Is there something weighing heavy on your heart? Is there a secret sin or something from the past you need to repent of? Today, bring it to God—the God who does not keep a ledger of your wrongdoings but instead offers complete forgiveness
.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, thank You for not keeping a record of my wrongs. Instead, I bring my sins to You and ask You to forgive me, and set me free. In Jesus’ name.
AMEN

Don't Be Deceived!!!

9/4/2024

TODAY’S VERSE
You say, “I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!” And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.
Revelation 3:17 (NLT)
TODAY’S THOUGHT
It is so easy to deceive ourselves. Look at the Pharisees. They thought they were doing everything God required of them to be holy, and yet Jesus constantly pointed out how far they had missed the target of true Holiness. It was that way with the church in Laodicea. In Revelations, it says they were rich and had many things and felt they didn’t need a thing. However, God pointed out to them that they were deceived. In reality, they were spiritually wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. What about us? How can we avoid becoming deceived? We must spend time with God. We open ourselves to hear His voice, read His word, and spend time in introspection. We humble ourselves before God, spend time with Him, and listen to His leading. When we do, He will guide us. He will correct us. He will help us discern what we need to change. Today, ask God to make you aware of your spiritual condition. Might we pray what David prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.”
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, help me be honest with myself and with You. Help me see if there is any offensive way in me and then lead me in a more spiritual path. In Jesus’ name.
AMEN

MERCY

7/1/2024

TODAY’S VERSE
He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
Proverbs 28:13 (NIV)

TODAY’S THOUGHT
Confession is good for the soul. If done right, it is a tremendous spiritual discipline. As a counselor and Pastor, I have heard many “confessions” in the form of remorse, sadness, guilt, and fear. As a person struggling with my “sinful” nature, I have had the blessing of confessing my “sins that so easily beset me.” There is something about cleansing our hearts that gives us life. The Apostle John shares, “If we confess our sins, he (Jesus) is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Jesus listens with never-ending love and forgives with His matchless grace. And yet, even with His forgiveness only seconds away, many of us end up with a false suspicion that we are unlovable, condemned, and damaged goods. So we work harder and put on our “Christian” mask to ensure we make the mark. Where does that come from? From God? No. This false condemnation and poor sense of God’s love comes from our own hearts. Today, let go of that nagging doubt and self-condemnation. God loves you. Period! He completely forgives you! It is finished. You have found mercy; don’t give it back. Keep it. Treasure it. Believe it. Hear Jesus say, “Go, your sins are forgiven, be whole!”

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, You know my sins. I confess them to You. You know my struggles, fears, and masks I have put on. Help me believe you so I can put down this heavy burden of shame and condemnation and live in the freedom of your mercy. In Jesus’

The Lord's Church

6/2/2024

TODAY’S VERSE
The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)

TODAY’S THOUGHT
At first, this just seems like a benediction you hear after Sunday church—a nice platitude to give you some hope throughout the week. But when you stop to read this passage, it becomes a tremendous reality you must consider. Why? Because believing this passage can change your life. It starts out by stating that God wants to bless and keep you. What a wonderful reality. You can come to God knowing that His full intent is to bless you. But then the author adds a very personal twist. He is saying that God wants to make His face shine upon you. This means that God Almighty is fully aware of you and is turning His face deliberately toward you so you can make full contact with Him. What an invitation. Today, right now, God has turned His face toward you. His goal is to be gracious toward you and give you peace. He is looking; will you look up? Stop now, experience the presence of the Lord.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, thank You for taking such a personal interest in me. I want to know You better. Please be gracious toward me, help me experience Your face shining upon me, and give me peace.
AMEN

The Joy of His Presence

4/1/2024

TODAY’S VERSE
You have given him the joy of being in your presence.
Psalms 21:6 (NLT)

TODAY’S THOUGHT
What a gift. God has given us the capacity to experience His presence. Like an antenna picks up the signal sent to it, God has given us His Holy Spirit, enabling us to experience Him. But no antenna in the world would pick up a signal if none were sent. This passage is more about God than us. It is God that sends His presence out to us. It is God who desires our fellowship. It is His grace that causes Him to seek us out. Does that grab you? Let me repeat it, the God of the universe not only allows us an audience with Him, He comes to us and seeks us out! And when we respond, we find out what David knew. There is extreme joy in being in His presence.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, thank You for seeking me out and for allowing me to enjoy Your presence. I pray that I experience the joy of Your presence more and more.
AMEN

Are You A Friend Of God???

3/4/2024

TODAY’S VERSE
I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.
John 15:15 (NIV)
TODAY’S THOUGHT
There are many things to aspire to in life. The world holds up honors, riches, and fame as worthwhile goals. There are many things we can do, and many roles that we can become, but there is something extraordinary and unique about being a “friend” of God. Being a friend of God is the only relationship that can fully fill the empty spot in our hearts. In his book “Surrender To Love,” Dr. David G. Benner explains our need for unique friendship. He writes, “The deepest ache of the soul is the spiritual longing for connection and belonging. – We seek bridges from our isolation through people, possessions and accomplishments. But none of these are ever quite capable of satisfying the restlessness of the human heart. To be human is to have been designed for intimate relationship with the Divine.” God has made it clear that we can have friendship with Him. Christ’s life, death, and resurrection paved the way for you and me to be friends with our Heavenly Father. Today, listen to the words of Jesus and let them sink deep into your heart – “I have called you friend.”
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, I desire to know You more. I long for Your intimacy. I yearn to know Your love deep in my heart. Thank You for loving me. Thank You for calling me Your friend.
AMEN

Love God!!!

2/4/2024

TODAY’S VERSE
You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.
Luke 10:27 (NLT)
TODAY’S THOUGHT
God created us for a relationship with Himself. His purpose is for us to love Him. Specifically, we are to love Him with all our heart, soul, and strength. But how do we do this? In his book “Sacred Companions” Dr. Benner writes, “To know God we must think of Him, not simply about Him. We must learn to spend time gazing on Him, being still before Him and focused on Him. And we must learn to listen to Him. These disciplines of loving attention form the basis of the development of a love relationship with Him.” But what do we do if we find it hard to love God with all our hearts? Dr. Benner suggests, “God doesn’t want me to try to be more loving. He wants me to absorb His love so that it flows out from me. And so I return again to knowing myself as deeply loved by God. I meditate on His love, allowing my focus to be on Him and His love for me, not me and my love for Him.” Today, let your love for God grow by being still before Him and focusing on His incredible love for you.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, thank You for Your love for me. Help me to understand it more fully so I can learn to love You with my whole heart.
AMEN