Morning Devotional June 28, 2017

Isaiah 53:1

“Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?”



O how many times we are discouraged when we hear the gospel presented to the unsaved and to hear it so clearly. So clearly the most simple minded person should be able to understand. Yet, even though they sit there listening attentively, they do not hear and they do not believe.
In our sinful state in this life we tend to think we can help the Lord with those who do not believe. Some will sing all five verse of “Just as I am” multiple times during the invitation at the end of the service, begging the lost to come. Some preachers will purposely change their sermon when they see the unsaved sneak in the back door after service has started. And still others will preach nothing but the gospel message service after service while the saved sheep starve from lack of being feed.
It is the Lord who gives the increase. Not us. Not our preaching/teaching. Now, the Lord does use us and our preaching/teaching of His Word to spread the Gospel. But, it is only in His time and for His purpose and glory.
Please understand, as God's children, He has given us a desire to see others saved. He has instilled that within us. God has given us a heart to see the lost saved. And even though we know not who His lost sheep are we are commanded to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all the world. But, we are called only to preach the Gospel. We are not called nor do we have the power to save lost souls. Only Christ has this power. It is through His blood they will be saved and not of their works and certainly not of our works.
We often times forget that ministers are also called to feed the sheep. The saved sheep. He is to make disciples for Christ of them. Teaching them in the ways of our Lord. Teaching them the commandments of our Lord. He is to minister unto their needs. Physical, mental, and spiritual needs.
Certainly there are times the Gospel needs to be preached every service. Not only for the lost, but God's people need to be reminded of who they are and who's they are and why. But we must make certain it is of the Lord and not our own wants and desires.

Praise ye the Lord!!!