Pulpit Pages
Connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, or watch Messages on Vimeo!
  • Home
  • Old Testament Outlines
  • New Testament Outlines
  • Sermon Series
  • Most Recent
  • Preacher's Thoughts
  • What we Believe
  • About Preacher Chris
  • Contact Us
  • A Word about Shady Grove
  • Helpful Links
  • Ministry Resources
  • Bookstore

Joy Cometh in the Morning

9/22/2012

 
I have been working on my message for in the morning, dealing with the trial of Job. We all know of the burdens Job was forced to face while living upon this earth. In a few moments time he lost all that he had: his wealth, his family, servants, and flocks. Soon to follow would be the loss of his health. 

During this trial, Job was visited by "friends" that accused him of some great sin, resulting in the wrath of God being poured out upon him. Through it all Job held fast to his faith and continued to worship the Lord. His life stands as a great example for us today. We all face troubles and trials in this life. We have all been falsely accused of things we did not do. We need the faith and resolve of Job to trust the Lord and continue to serve Him even in the midst of trials. 

As you study the life of Job there is a very interesting aspect revealed in the last chapter of the book. Job 42:12-14 - So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses. [13] He had also seven sons and three daughters. [14] And he called the name of the first, Jemima; and the name of the second, Kezia; and the name of the third, Keren-happuch. 

The Bible records only the names of the three daughters of Job. There is great significance in these names. God has reminded Job of His faithfulness and it is reflected in his daughter’s names. 


He named the first Jemima, which means “day.” Job had endured a long night of suffering, but the day had dawned again. Psalm 30:5 – weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. You may be in the midst of a dark night of affliction, but joy will come when the new day breaks! 

He named the second Kezia, which “comes from the name of a bark used for fragrant perfume.” The life of Job had endured the stench of suffering and death. There was little fragrance to enjoy in his misery, but God had provided a sweet smelling savor at the end of his trial. Job’s sorrow had been replaced with the sweetness of God’s grace. 

He named the third Keren-Happuch which literally means “a box of eye paint.” It spoke of her radiant beauty. This word was also used in reference to the face of Moses as he descended from the mountain with his face aglow of the glory of God. Much of what Job had endured was of misery and dread. He had suffered much pain and despair, but now he enjoyed the radiant glory of God. 

Our lives will have those dark hours, but aren’t you glad for those times when the storm has ended and we are able to enjoy the glory of God once again? Child of God this life will have its share of difficulty, but one glorious day we will enter in to that heavenly city to enjoy the glory of our Lord forever more! There is a better day ahead. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning!



Preacher Chris

Thankful and Blessed

9/14/2012

 
It has been a few weeks since I've dropped by to blog. I don't have any excuses, so I won't offer any other than I didn't have much to say. I like to us this format as a way to share thoughts that I have been impressed with, but I am not a big "talker" and I suppose that applies to the blog as well. 


Anyway, things have been going well at Fellowship. I continue to stand amazed at how God blesses us, in spite of our human frailties and failures. I am honored to have the opportunity to serve such a wonderful Savior and such a great congregation. We have been at Fellowship for 2 years now and the people have been very gracious and loving to us. We are working on several aspects of ministry that seem to be effective in reaching our community. I am not satisfied with where we are, but I am thankful for the blessings of the Lord and the willingness of His people to share the gospel. 


I am also very thankful for my family. Tanya and I will celebrate our 22nd anniversary tomorrow. I would not be so bold as to say our marriage has been perfect, but I think it has been pretty close. She is my best friend as well as my wife. I am blessed to have someone that supports me the way she does. I know that I could not do what God has called me to do if she wasn't willing to follow me and support me. Time has flown by, but I am thankful for every day that God has given us together. 


While I am on that thought, I must praise the Lord for the two wonderful daughters He has blessed us with. They have grown up way to fast, but I am excited to see how God is working in their lives as well. They too have been very supportive of my ministry and I am thankful. 


Fellowship has been very loving and appreciative of my family. I think they understand the importance of the pastor's family in the work of the church. I would suggest, if your pastor's wife and family are supportive of his work, you ought to let them know how much you appreciate them. I fear many times they are taken for granted within the church. You need to realize that God didn't call them into the ministry; they are simply following their husband and father. Living in a pastor's home is not always the easiest. They see him everyday, not just on Sundays and Wednesdays. Many times they sense the burdens he carries, even if they don't fully understand them. Let them know that you appreciate their support of your pastor. I know they would appreciate hearing from you. It takes all of us working together, using the gifts we've been given. 


Just a few random thoughts,
Preacher Chris

    Picture
    I am Chris Benfield, pastor of Shady Grove Baptist Church in Boonville, NC. Here you will find some of my thoughts, particularly relating to the church and serving our Lord.                                                   

    Archives

    June 2015
    February 2015
    September 2014
    July 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    September 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

    If you would like to subscribe to the blog, click the RSS Feed tab above and it will allow you to subscribe.


Home

Old Testament Outlines

New Testament Outlines

Sermon Series

Most Recent

Preacher's Thoughts

Bookstore

What We Believe

About Preacher Chris

Contact Us

A Word about Shady Grove

Helpful Links

Ministry Resources

Copyright © 2011-2023 by Chris Benfield