The Dixon's Devotions: Recent Episodes
Pastor Calvert Dixon
At best, we chose not to have enemies. It is always our desire to avoid having enemies, but sometimes, no matter how hard we try, we end up encountering them. Even worse, we may not realize that we have made some in the process. It can be devastating when people plot against us when we least expect it, especially if there are multiple conspirators involved. So, what should we do when we find ourselves in such situations?
The answer can be found in the Bible, in the story of King Ahaz in Isaiah 7:1-10. Here, two kings plotted to bring him down, but God intervened and revealed their plan through His prophet Isaiah. This narrative is a reminder that even when we face difficult situations, we are not alone. We can always seek guidance and support from a higher God. With faith and perseverance, we can overcome any obstacle, no matter how big or small.
Many Christians do not understand the work of the Holy Spirit as it relates to salvation. Also, many do not understand the concept of being sealed by the Holy Spirit as a guarantee and security of salvation. This message hopefully will bring clarity to this misunderstanding.
Have you ever watched the old tv series Cloak and Dagger? Ps. 59 is a Psalm of intrigue, suspense, and action. It is a Psalm of evasion and skillful deliverance of David from King Saul.
When you have been summons to court, their must be charged levied against you to which you are your lawyer will get th opportunity to make a difference. So it is with the book of Malachi. God issued a summons to the children of Israel. In court the people were given the opportunity to make their difference. Let us see how well they did in court.
The book of Malachi is a an Old Testament book that holds no punches as it calls God's people to appear in court before him.
Betrayal is difficult because it happens at the of a trusted friend. In Ps. 55 King David is expressing his emotions when he was betrayed by one of his closest companions.
When going through the valley of depression, it is important to note that the light of God's word and the songs of praise are the winds that blow the cloud of depression away.
The excitement of love and the splendour of a wedding procession is what Ps. 45 is all about. It also pictures the sacredness of marriage and Christ's eternal love for His church.
Have you ever suffered an expected defeat without understanding and answers? So it was with the Psalmist in Ps. 44.
When facing difficulties, do you exercise the art of patience? David in Ps. 40 illustrated how God delivered him when he was going through his trials. It is good to wait on God He will come through for you. Patience is an art and a skill, exercise it.
In this Psalm, one of David's closest friends betrayed him which is also a type of Christ.
Depression is an emotional monster that lives in the shadows of the dark pits of the mind and the cave of despair. It lurks around mental disappointments and feeds on the slime of self-pity. King David and many great men and women of God battled with depression, but they conquered it by encouraging themselves in the Lord.
When faced with tragedy, disappointments, or being caught in a sinful condition, they can cause us to think about our immortality as seen in the life of David recorded in Psalm. 39.
How do you react when you have done wrong? In this devotions, Pastor Dixon will look at the art of repentance as illustrated by King David.
Do not worry or envy the ways of the wicked, but concern yourself with working in God's path.
Evil runs in the heart of all men, and the only cure is God's redemption. Those who do not have a fear of God are desperate to do evil. Here, the wicked is portrayed as a person who does not know God and revolt against His laws.
Have you ever found yourself in a very difficult situation caught between two options and both have dire consequences? So was David when he was running from King Saul into the hands of Abimelech the enemy of Israel.
True worship can only happen in righteousness and in truth. When we have been forgiven by God and are made whole, only then we can worship God freely and correctly.
We are all sinners and even the best of us believers in Christ fail. David is the greatest example of the art of repentance and making things right with God. So let us learn from this man of God.
The Christian walk is faced with moments of victories and moments of difficulties. There are times when we are going to be on the mountain top and other times when we are going to be in the valley. So keep on trusting God and He will give you hope.
God is the only being that all Glory and Majesty is ascribed to. He is the only being that can speak things into being because He is the eternal is.
There are times you pray and plead to God for answers but nothing. Persists in prayer and the answers will come.
True, our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost. In Ps. 27, the text is clear in that going to a physical house to worship and focus on God has value.
The Christian work is a work of maturity not a work of self-righteousness. In Ps. 26, the Psalmist David is making the point that after we are being cleansed by God in Ps. 25 it should reflect in our conduct. Therefore let us examine our hearts and live worthy of our calling.
In order for us to grow in grace, righteousness and have prosperity and posterity we must be humble and teachable.
The invasion of Russia into Ukraine caused an international stir having NATO nations scrambling to defend Ukraine without causing World War 3. The question many are asking is, "Does this has anything to do with Biblical prophecy?"
The role of a shepherd is to protect the flock at all costs. What made Jesus Christ our Good Shepherd is because He laid down His life for His sheep. Saints, in your suffering, remember that Jesus laid down His life for you, and His presence, provision, and protection will be there to guide you.
It is one thing to say we trust in the Lord, but do the Lord has you? If He is your Lord, He will shepherd you. The trust of the sheep is when the shepherd is guiding them through difficult circumstances and they trust in His protection, provision, and lean on His staff.
As much as Christ was forsaken by God, He was in the center of God's will uniting estranged people back to God. Saints, sometimes you might feel abandoned by God but His silence does not mean that He is not present and engaged in your suffering.
Have you ever felt abandoned or forsaken by family or friends? What about God? Remember, Jesus felt the same way on the cross yet it was for a reason and he was not forgotten by His Father.
Have you ever set goals for the future and years after and looked back and seen how God has blessed you? This is what Ps. 21 is all about, rejoicing over the accomplished goals of David prayed for by one of His subjects.
A prayer of victory to the King as David was inaugurated to the throne of Israel. The subject wished him blessings. So too, we are to wish each other blessings.
God reveals Himself in the book of creation and in the book of the law, one in nature and the other in His word.
When you look back at your life you will be able to see God's goodness and deliverance from your enemies whether physical or spiritual. You will be recognized that God is your true champion.
In this passage, Christ healed a Centurian Servant based on the faith of the Centurian. The Centurian Gentile displayed the correct faith needed for healing and salvation. Sad to say that the Jews God's chosen people did not display such faith.
The relationship between Christ and God the Father is depicted in this Psalm. So are we to emulate Christ.