Pass That Test

 

Tests that every leader will have to pass:

1. The Test of Temptation challenges leaders (and all believers) to resist the lure of worldly desires. 1 John 2:15-17 warns against loving the world or anything in it, emphasizing that the cravings of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, & the pride of life do not come from God but from the world. The test lies in choosing to follow God's will rather than being drawn away by temporary, worldly temptations, knowing that the world and its desires will pass away, but those who do God's will live forever.

Jesus passed this test in Luke 4:1-14

2. The Test of Tiny Tasks (Luke 16:10-12) highlights the principle that faithfulness in small responsibilities is crucial to being entrusted with greater ones. Jesus teaches that whoever is trustworthy in handling small tasks will also be trustworthy in handling larger ones, & whoever is dishonest in small matters will be dishonest in greater ones. This test emphasizes that how we manage the little things in life reflects our overall character & readiness to take on bigger responsibilities. Being faithful in "tiny tasks" demonstrates our reliability & integrity, which are essential for greater stewardship & blessings.

Jesus passed this test in John 13:1-7; Matthew 20:28

3. The Test of Time Delay, as summarized from 2 Corinthians 6:2, Psalm 69:13, and 1 Peter 1:11, emphasizes the importance of patience & trust in God's timing. These scriptures collectively highlight that while we may experience delays or wait for God's promises to be fulfilled, we must remain steadfast in faith, knowing that God's timing is perfect. 2 Corinthians 6:2 reminds us that now is the time of God's favor; Psalm 69:13 encourages us to trust in God’s timing for deliverance; & 1 Peter 1:11 speaks to the prophets who inquired about the timing of Christ's sufferings & glories. The test involves enduring delays without losing hope, trusting that God’s timing is always right & purposeful.

Jesus passed this test in John 7:6-8

4. The Test of Trustworthiness involves handling a situation with respect, discretion, & integrity, even when others are vulnerable. When Noah became drunk and lay uncovered in his tent, his son Ham failed the test by exposing his father's condition to his brothers. In contrast, Shem and Japheth passed the test by respectfully covering their father, demonstrating their trustworthiness. This test underscores the importance of protecting the dignity & reputation of others & acting with honor and respect.  (Genesis 9:20-23)

Jesus passed this test in John 17:9,12

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Daily Devotional - Guarding Against Being Easily Offended

Tuesday Devotional: Guarding Against Being Easily Offended

Proverbs 19:11 "Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs."

James 1:19-20 "Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires."

In our daily lives, we encounter situations that can easily offend us—whether it's a thoughtless comment, a misunderstanding, or a perceived slight. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to respond differently. Proverbs 19:11 teaches us that it is to our glory to overlook an offense. Instead of reacting impulsively, we are encouraged to be slow to anger & to extend grace, understanding that our emotional reactions can either build or destroy relationships.

When we allow ourselves to be easily offended, we give the enemy a foothold in our lives. Offense can lead to bitterness, division, & a hardening of our hearts. But when we choose to overlook offenses & control our temper, we reflect the character of Christ, who endured much without retaliating.

Application Steps:

1. Pause Before Reacting:
When you feel offended, take a moment to pause before responding. Ask yourself whether the offense is worth holding onto or if it is something you can let go. This pause allows you to assess the situation more calmly & make a Christ-like decision.

2. Pray for a Heart of Grace:
Ask God to give you a heart of grace & understanding. When someone offends you, instead of reacting in anger, pray for them. This not only softens your heart but also aligns you with God's desire for peace & reconciliation.

3. Reflect on Jesus' Example:
Jesus faced countless offenses, yet He responded with love, forgiveness, & patience. Reflect on how He dealt with those who opposed & offended Him, & strive to imitate His example in your own life.

4. Seek Understanding:
Before jumping to conclusions, seek to understand the other person's perspective. Often, offenses arise from misunderstandings. By clarifying & communicating openly, you can prevent small issues from becoming major conflicts.

5. Forgive Quickly:
Make it a practice to forgive quickly. Holding onto offense only hurts you & hinders your relationship with God & others. Release the offense to God, & allow Him to heal any hurt.

Prayer:
"Lord, I confess that I am sometimes quick to take offense. I ask for Your help in cultivating a heart that is slow to anger & quick to forgive. Teach me to respond to offenses with grace & understanding, just as You have shown me. Help me to overlook minor wrongs & to seek reconciliation where there has been conflict. May my actions reflect Your love & bring glory to Your name. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Ps. Russell & Beverly Hylton
www.russellhylton.com
www.bfwc.net
Leaguership

View sermon here: Don't Get OFFended (Wednesday, August 14, 2024) https://www.youtube.com/live/QuHzPfPRmmA?si=eMlaeZl4cp9K_OuG&t=2805 

Daily Devotion - Avoiding The Pitfall of Jumping to Conclusions

Monday Devotional: Avoiding the Pitfall of Jumping to Conclusions

Proverbs 18:13 "He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him."

James 1:19 "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath."

Jumping to conclusions is a common human tendency, often leading us to misunderstand situations, misjudge others, & make hasty decisions that we later regret. The Bible cautions us against this behavior, highlighting the importance of listening fully & seeking understanding before reacting. When we rush to judgment without all the facts, we risk causing unnecessary conflict & harm to our relationships.

Application Steps:

1. Pause Before Responding:
When faced with a situation or conversation that provokes a strong reaction, take a moment to pause. Resist the urge to respond immediately. This pause allows you to gather your thoughts, pray for wisdom, & ensure you are hearing the other person fully.

2. Seek to Understand:
Make it a habit to ask questions & seek clarification before forming a conclusion. This aligns with the biblical principle of being "swift to hear" & ensures that your understanding is based on complete information rather than assumptions or emotions.

3. Pray for Discernment:
In moments of uncertainty or when you are tempted to jump to conclusions, pray for discernment. Ask God to give you insight & understanding, helping you to see the situation from His perspective rather than reacting based on limited knowledge or personal biases.

Prayer:
"Lord, help me to resist the temptation to jump to conclusions. Teach me to listen fully & seek understanding before I respond. Grant me the wisdom & discernment to see situations as You see them, and guide my reactions so that they reflect Your love & grace. Protect my relationships from the harm of hasty judgments, & help me to be a person who values truth & understanding. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Ps. Russell & Beverly Hylton
www.russellhylton.com
www.bfwc.net
Leaguership

Daily Devotion - The Healing Touch

Thursday: The Healing Touch

When the woman touched Jesus’ garment, she was healed instantly. This shows the power of Jesus’ touch. We may not be able to physically touch Jesus today, but we can reach out to Him through prayer, worship, & reading His Word.

Action Steps:

1. Set aside time today to ‘touch’ Jesus through worship or reading the Bible.
2. Share with someone how Jesus has touched your life.

Prayer:
Jesus, I reach out to You today. Touch my heart, heal my wounds, and renew my spirit. Thank You for being always near to me. Amen.

Ps. Russell & Beverly Hylton
www.russellhylton.com
www.bfwc.net
Leaguership

Daily Devotion - The Importance of Persistence

Wednesday: The Importance of Persistence

Persistence is key in our walk with God. In Luke 8, the woman’s persistent effort to reach Jesus, despite the crowd, teaches us that we should never give up, even when it seems impossible. God honors persistence.

Action Steps:
1. Spend extra time in prayer today, specifically for something you have been persistent about.
2. Encourage someone else who may be struggling to keep pushing forward.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me to be persistent in my prayers & my faith. Let me not grow weary in doing good, knowing that in due season, I will reap if I do not give up. Amen.

Ps. Russell & Beverly Hylton
www.russellhylton.com
www.bfwc.net
Leaguership

Daily Devotion - Overcoming Obstacles

Tuesday: Overcoming Obstacles

The woman with the issue of blood faced many obstacles—physical pain, social isolation, & financial loss. Yet, she did not let these obstacles stop her from reaching out to Jesus. Her determination reminds us that no matter what challenges we face, we must push through to reach Jesus.

Action Steps:
1. Identify one obstacle that is holding you back from your spiritual growth.
2. Commit to overcoming that obstacle this week with God’s help.

Prayer:
Lord, give me the strength & courage to overcome the obstacles in my life. I know that with You, all things are possible. Amen.

Ps. Russell & Beverly Hylton
www.russellhylton.com
www.bfwc.net
Leaguership

Daily Devotion - The Power of Faith

Monday: The Power of Faith

In Luke 8:40-48, we see a powerful example of faith through the story of the woman with the issue of blood. Despite her circumstances, her faith led her to believe that if she could just touch Jesus' garment, she would be healed. This teaches us that faith requires action & persistence, even when the odds are against us.

Action Steps:
Reflect on an area of your life where you need to act in faith.
Write down one step you can take today to demonstrate your faith in God.

Prayer:
Lord, strengthen my faith today. Help me to trust You fully and take steps of faith even when the path is unclear. Amen.

Ps. Russell & Beverly Hylton
www.russellhylton.com
www.bfwc.net
Leaguership

Daily Devotion - The Blame Game

Tuesday: The Blame Game

Consider how the "comfort of blame" may be hindering your journey toward wholeness. Blaming others for our circumstances can keep us stagnant, just as the impotent man blamed his situation on his inability to reach the stirring waters first.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, free me from the shackles of blame. Help me to take responsibility for my life & the power You have given me to change it.

Application Steps:
1. Think of a recent situation where you blamed others. Reflect on how assuming responsibility could change your perspective.
2. Actively make a decision today to take responsibility in an area where you normally place blame.

Ps. Russell & Beverly Hylton
www.russellhylton.com
www.bfwc.net
Leaguership

Daily Devotion - The Visibility of Your Testimony

Thursday: The Visibility of Your Testimony

Reflect on the transformation from obscurity to notoriety that Jesus experienced, when He was baptized by John in the Jordan River.

Like Jesus, you may feel unnoticed or undervalued in your current environment. However, remember that God has a plan to bring your hidden gifts & testimonies into visibility at the appointed time & He will use someone to point you out.

Consider how you might prepare yourself for the moment when God chooses to elevate your platform for His glory.

Prayer: Lord, help me to remain faithful & diligent in the small things, trusting that You will elevate my testimony in Your perfect timing.

Ps. Russell & Beverly Hylton
www.russellhylton.com
www.bfwc.net
Leaguership

Daily Devotion - Standing Firm in Temptation

Wednesday: Standing Firm in Temptation

As Jesus faced temptations, He responded with Scripture, showing us the importance of arming ourselves with God's word. The devil often tries to use our desires & circumstances to lead us astray. Today, focus on memorizing Scriptures that resonate with your current life situations, which you can call upon when faced with temptation.

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, fortify my spirit with Your Holy Word so that I may stand firm against all temptations, using Your truths as my shield.

Ps. Russell & Beverly Hylton
www.russellhylton.com
www.bfwc.net
Leaguership