Are You Putting In the Effort to Really Know God?

Warren Wiersbe, in his book on True Worship, says, "We must beware of trying to get chummy with God. I know the apostle John leaned on the bosom of Jesus in the Upper Room; but he fell at the feet of Jesus when he beheld Him in His sovereign glory (Revelation 1:17)." Then Wiersbe continues, "There is an undue familiarity with God that only proves that the worshipper does not really know God at all."    -Warren Wiersbe, True Worship, p.26. From a sermon by C. Philip Green, Close Encounter with God, 11/11/2010

Can I ask you a couple of questions, "What motivates you?" "What goals are you pursuing?" Gordon MacDonald tells about pursuing a doctorate in history at the University of Northern Colorado. He was in a seminar with a dozen other graduate students discussing the economic impact of changes in tobacco prices in 17th-century Virginia. The students offered their opinions, raised their voices, and gestured forcefully, evidencing true passion.

MacDonald reports, “When I left the room that day, I never went back. It was pointless to commit to an all-consuming goal for which I had no passion.” He was pursuing knowledge that ultimately was not worth knowing.

Students often question the value of what they learn, whether a bit of poetry, some algebraic formula, or even a theological position. Perhaps you wish to learn a foreign language, play a musical instrument, or win a marathon. Before tackling it, you must know if it is worth the effort.

In Philippians 3:4-16, the apostle Paul shares with us his passion for knowing the One who has eternal significance.

Great Accomplishments (Philippians 3: 4-6)
From a human perspective, some people have many reasons for confidence. In this passage, Paul was speaking to people who valued human effort and credentials. By outward assessment, Paul was a privileged person. Some advantages were his by birth and others by personal attainment: he was not a proselyte; he was heir to the covenant, from King Saul’s tribe, a native speaker of Hebrew, a member of the most legalistic sect of Jews, a mortal enemy to those who believed Jesus was Messiah, and a strict adherent to the regulations of the Law. Paul was one of the most promising young leaders of his day, recognized as a mover and shaker in Judaism. He was a doer, not just a talker. He had all the advantages and external trappings of success.

What sets you apart from other highly motivated people? Others may put great stock in popularity, influence, religiosity, education, ambition, morality, wealth, self-determination, or satisfaction of their desires. All of these are human accomplishments. What do they gain us? Do they impress God?

A Greater Knowledge (Philippians 3:7-11)
Are these truly advantages? If we just viewed life from the perspective of this earthly existence, these things might have value. However, we have an eternal perspective. We live not just for this existence, so we have different priorities. The important things are not what we have done or hope to do, but rather what Christ has done for us. By comparison, Paul says our human accomplishments are garbage.

We desire to know Jesus. It is not enough to have knowledge about Jesus or knowledge of Scripture; we must identify with Jesus Christ, even with his sufferings. Jesus reminds his followers daily self-crucifixion is necessary (Luke 9:23). We must deny ourselves and be willing to sacrifice just as Jesus did. Knowing Christ also means identification with his resurrection—not just belief in historic events, but transformational experience of God’s power (Ephesians 1:19-21).

What is most important to you in life? Before glibly answering, “Jesus,” consider how you spend your time and resources. For example, we can sing church hymns, and quote chapter and verse to exhaustion,  but our words are lies until we actually do something about them.

Patrick Henry (a founding father of the United States) declared in his will, “I have now disposed of all of my property to my family. There is one thing more I wish I could give them and that is faith in Jesus Christ. If they had that and I had not given them one shilling they would have been rich, and if they had not that, and I had given them all the world, they would be poor indeed.”

A Greater Reward (Philippians 3:12-16)
As followers of Jesus, we have different goals and different measures of our accomplishments. God’s heavenly future motivates our present. Like a runner straining toward the tape at the finish line, we lean forward into life in order to receive the accolades of God—not just starting well, but finishing well.

We seek God’s prize (1 Corinthians 9:24-27), even though his full blessing has not yet arrived. Are you seeking his reward and seizing the lifestyle for which God has seized you? Just as we cannot look back with pride, neither can our regrets hinder us. Free from sin and guilt (Psalm 103:12), we lay aside any encumbrance that keeps us from reaching the goal.

We look forward to what lies ahead, trusting in the promises of God to motivate us in the present. Our hope is more than a future attainment; it is a present reality that empowers our daily choices.

Scripture: Philippians 3:10; Romans 12:2; 1 John 4:6-7; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 3:18; Hebrews 4:12; John 3:36

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for this day. Grant me the wisdom to understand that if I want change in my life I must first look to myself. Amen

-special thanks to Rick D. Walston

Have a blessed day!

Shelley

Reward...or Loss? The Choice Is Yours

"If you feel that you have no faults, that makes another one."   -Unknown

Since the very first man and woman, it has always been convenient and guilt-relieving to blame someone else for our actions or circumstances. When cornered by God for breaking the commandment God had given Adam, Adam’s excuse was that Eve gave the forbidden fruit to him, so he ate it (Genesis 3:12).  Eve’s justification for committing the first sin was, “… The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat” (Genesis 3:13). The way out of avoiding guilt is often blaming another for our own transgression, but it does not work.

Husbands quite often blame their wives, when something does not go right around the house. Many wives have used the excuse for not submitting to their husband, “I can’t submit to my husband, because he’s not a good leader.” Teenagers have justified not obeying their parents with the excuse, “My parents aren't saved, so I don’t have to obey them.” Many steal from God (Malachi 3:8) and rationalize their behavior by saying, “I can’t afford to tithe, so God will understand that I don’t give to the local church.” Too many do not go to church with the excuse, “Someone at the church hurt my feelings, so I won’t go there anymore.”

The most famous of excuses heard by many teachers is, “I don’t have my homework, ‘cause the dog ate it.” Ignorance also has been used as an excuse, when it is said; “I didn't know, so it can’t be my fault.” Unfortunately, we all have excuses that we think justify our actions.

However, in a far, forgotten corner, an old, dusty Book whispers a verse that negates all excuses, “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). No matter what our excuse, God’s Word says we will have to give an account for our actions; and another’s actions will not be accepted for our not doing the right thing.

This verse is directed to Christians. It reminds believers, that any excuse that they have for doing or saying the wrong thing will not pardon them from one day giving a personal account before the most perfect Judge ever — God Himself.

For believers all sin is forgiven, and forgotten (Hebrews 10:17). Saved individuals will not be judged for their sin. Their sin was forgiven and forgotten when they received Jesus’ payment for their sins. Christians, however, will be scrutinized by God for what they did or did not do for the Lord.

Here is some of what the Bible says about a Christian’s judgment:

Believers will not be at the White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15) for their sins, but they will be judged by Christ:
“But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” Romans 14:10

Believers will have to give account for their own decisions:
“Who will render to every man according to his deeds:” Romans 2:6
“Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.” I Corinthians 3:8
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” II Corinthians 5:10 (The “bad” is not referring to evil deeds, but those deeds that were worthless, or done for the wrong motives.)
“Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.” Psalm 62:12   Also: II Chronicles 6:30, Romans 14:12, Galatians 6:4-5, Rev. 2:23

All will reap the consequences in this life for doing the wrong thing, no matter their excuse:
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7
“For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Galatians 6:8
“But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.” Colossians 3:25

All can reap good consequences for doing the right thing:
“Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.” Ephesians 6:8

Believers will receive rewards for doing the right thing or suffer loss for not doing the right thing:
“… Now if any man build upon this foundation [Jesus Christ] gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” I Corinthians 3:11-15
Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:24

Gratefully, not one saved individual will ever have to answer for one of his sins. They were all miraculously paid for when that person accepted Christ’s sacrificial death as payment for his sins. However, every child of God will one day answer for what they did for the cause of Christ after they were saved. Did they sit and sulk, or did they submit and serve? No excuses for not doing what he was required or shown to do will be accepted, when the believer is judged by God! Reward or loss? The choice is yours.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:15; Proverbs 15:13-14; Proverbs 15:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; Jeremiah 29:11; 3 John 1:2

Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray that I can manage my fear and move forward. Please give me the wisdom and strength to do what must be done. Amen

-special thanks to Bill Brinkworth

May God bless you,

Eileen

Video - Living Proof Live - Tucson, Arizona

Living Proof Live with Beth Moore and special guest Travis Cottrell.  Enjoy!  ~Eve

We Have Been Pardoned From Our Sins

Not long before she died in 1988, in a moment of surprising candor in television, Marghanita Laski, one of our best-known secular humanists and novelists, said, "What I envy most about you Christians is your forgiveness; I have nobody to forgive me."    -John Stott in The Contemporary Christian

Although no one has ever seen God in his full glory, over 2,700 years ago a man by the name of Isaiah received a glimpse of God’s splendor. In the year the king of Judah, Uzziah died, Isaiah saw the King that never dies. He saw God seated on a throne. Not just any throne, mind you, but a throne that was “high and exalted” soaring awesomely above Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1).

There was something else awesome about God’s heavenly throne room; it looked like a temple. If it was identical to Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem, it would have been about 30 meters long, or approximately the third of the length of a football field. That might not sound so impressive for a divine throne room but the temple didn't house God himself, only the train from his royal robe. Isaiah says that the train was so big and long that it filled the temple (Isaiah 6:1).

Like any king, God had attendants and they were awesome. Isaiah calls God’s attendants seraphs. We know them as angels. The Hebrew word “seraphim” means “burners.” That name must have described their appearance - bright and shiny as if they were on fire. Isaiah also tells us that the seraphs had six wings: two to cover their face, two to cover their feet, and two with which to fly. The song the seraphs sang might explain why they covered their face and their feet. “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory” (Isaiah 6:3) the seraphs sang.

The basic meaning of the word “holy” is “separate.” God is separate from his creation. He’s not like us. He’s without beginning or end. He doesn't have mood swings. He’s absolutely fair in everything that he does. And most importantly he’s without sin. God is so holy and great that not even his angels dare to look directly at him or expose their feet to him. Therefore in an act of humility, they cover their face and feet with their wings.

Isaiah says that the seraphs were so loud that the doorposts, even the very foundation of the temple shook! The doors of Solomon’s temple were made of pine, overlaid with sheets of gold, and were 10 meters high. It would take a lot to get a doorpost holding a door like that to shake wouldn't it? And it wasn't just the doorposts but the very foundation of the temple that was shaking – a veritable earthquake! While all that was going on the temple filled with smoke. Isaiah didn't just see and hear what was going on, he could smell and perhaps even taste it!

Can you imagine standing in Isaiah’s shoes? You will be some day. Standing before God, Isaiah saw himself with awesome clarity. In the glare of God’s holiness Isaiah realized just how ugly his sins really were. For once there was no one else to compare himself with other than God and he knew that he was deserving of God’s eternal punishment for his sin. Isaiah’s preview of God allows us to see God for who he is. God is love, yes, but God is also just. He doesn't accept plea bargains to reduce sentences. He doesn't compare us to others – only to himself.

When we realize that, Isaiah’s confession becomes our own: “Woe to me!” Not, “Whoa, I’m glad I’m not like other sinners.” If we’re not convinced of our guilt, look at how Isaiah described his lips. He called them unclean. Could we also not admit the same thing about our lips? Think of the kinds of things our lips take in that aren’t God-pleasing. Maybe it’s an excessive amount of alcohol, or an addiction to prescription drugs.

How about the things that pour out of our lips that make them dirty? Things like half-truths, hurtful remarks, and proud boasts. Why, we don’t even have to open our lips to make them impure. Just by smiling at a dirty joke, or frowning when someone asks for a minute of our time we show ourselves to be sinners deserving of God’s wrath. And that’s just our lips! We haven’t even talked about how unclean our eyes, our hands, and our heart make us.

So where does that leave us? It leaves us standing with Isaiah before the throne of God just waiting to be punished. But that’s not what happened. Before Isaiah had the chance to say more than “Woe!” the awesome God said, “No! Your sins will not condemn you.” God made this clear by sending a seraph over with a live coal from the altar with which he touched Isaiah’s lips and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for” (Isaiah 6:7).

How awesome! God gave Isaiah a pardon before he even had the chance to ask for one. Isaiah didn't even have to reach out to accept the forgiveness. God brought the pardon to Isaiah! But just how can a holy God, who must destroy sin like antiseptic must destroy bacteria, forgive sinners like Isaiah and us? The answer to that question lies in the coal the seraph held.

The seraph had taken that coal from the altar where animals were sacrificed. God had told his people that sin demands a payment of life. In his grace God allowed the Israelites to offer up animals instead of their own lives for their sins. Of course those animals couldn't really take away the sins of the people but they did point ahead to the Lamb of God, Jesus, who would take away the sins of the world. By dying on the cross Jesus took the blame for our sins allowing God the Father to give us a pardon.

Scripture: 1 John 1:9; 1 John 2:1; Romans 3:23; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 11:6; Matthew 9:13

Prayer: Dear Lord, I long to be true to Your Word, and pray that You will love me and come to make Your dwelling place within me. I promise to give You praise and glory in love and in service all the days of my life.

May God bless you always!

Monica

Saturday Scripture Gold with Bibi - Are YOU Where God Wants You to Be?

"God our Father has made all things depend on faith so that whoever has faith will have everything, and whoever does not have faith will have nothing."   -Martin Luther

In the Bible, Egypt is always presented to us as a picture and a type of the world. It was where the children of Israel were held in bondage to Pharaoh for 400 years. Even after they were delivered by the power of God, they still longed for what they had left behind in Egypt (Exodus 16:3). That's just like us! Regardless of how the Lord blesses us, there is still a part of us that looks back longingly to the world we have left behind.

We have before us this week, what is probably the saddest event in the entire life of Abraham. We see him making a decision that will bring tremendous trouble into his life and into ours as well. The Bible (Genesis 12:10-20) tells that during a time of famine in Canaan, Abram took his family and moved to the land of Egypt. As we see this man make his journey into Egypt, there are some truths about the path he took to Egypt that we need to notice.

First, I refer you to Genesis 12:10. When you follow in the footsteps of faith, like Abram, it's always a downward path. Let me clarify this for you. When a believer leaves Canaan (The place of victory and blessing) to go to Egypt (The world), it always leads him down. (Refer to Jonah - Jonah 1:1-5). Note: Amos described it as a low place as well (Amos 2:10; 3:1). Why?

It Led Him Down From The Land Of Promise - The land of Canaan represented God's Best for Abram. Canaan land was where he was supposed to be! (Note: There is no place more precious than the place God wants you to be! (Refer to Joseph - Genesis 50:20).

It Led Him Down From The Land Of Preparation - The famine in Canaan was not a punishment for sin, rather it was a test of faith. (Contrast with Ruth 1) He left God's best and ran away from God's test. Real faith will always be tested. The great test is to submit to the test and trust God instead of running away! (Refer to The Widow of Zarephath - 1 Kings 17) Abram was to choose the uncertainty of Canaan over the abundance of Egypt.

It Led Him Down From The Land Of Provision - God had promised to bless Abram in Canaan, Genesis 12:2. Canaan was also the place of God's rest for Abram. Only there could he rest in the arms of providence and trust God to take care of him. (Ill. The best place to be is where the Lord places you, even if it is difficult (Refer to Elijah - 1 Kings 17:4, 9).

Secondly, we find that when we follow in the footsteps of faith, it's always a dishonest path (Genesis 12: 11-15). Why?

Abram Birthed A Lie - It is a sad day when a believer turns away from the truth o embrace a lie. This may be the saddest episode in Abraham's life, and it forever preserved in the word of God. We can learn from his mistake! (Note: We all have those times when we birth a lie in our hearts to try and justify the things we do and allow in our lives.. It is a sad day when it happens!)

Abram Became The Lie - After he told the lie, he began to live the lie! One lie always leads to another! (Ill. This is clearly seen in David's lies and actions following his adultery with Bathsheba - 2 Samuel 11.) Your lies always affect your life!

Abram Believed The Lie - He came to believe the lie he had fabricated more than the truth he had received from God. Verse 12 tells us that Abram was worried about something that could never happen. He could not die because God's promise to him had not been fulfilled (Genesis 12:2-3). (Note: This always sin's way, Genesis 3:1-6 - Eve sinned because she believed the devil's lies more than she believed God. Peter fell because he believed his own lies more than he believed the Lord's word - Mark 14:30-31.)

Thirdly, following in the footsteps of  faith is always a disastrous path (Genesis 12:15-17). Why?

Because Of The Potential - Abram's sin had the potential to cause others to fall. Pharaoh could have taken Sarai to be his wife! (Note: When a believer goes to Egypt spiritually, it causes others to fall away or stay away. For example, Ghandi said that the reason he never became a Christian was other Christians!)

Because Of The Punishment - Abram's sin brought God's hand of judgment into the situation! (Note: Wouldn't it be a shame to know that our sin caused a believer to stumble or a sinner to be confirmed in his decision for hell? (Matthew18:6)

Because Of The Profits - The Bible tells us that Abram left Egypt with more than when he entered. This is not always the case (Refer to The Prodigal - Luke 15: 11-24), but sometimes the believer will prosper in the far country. However, those things that people think are gain are really often loss!

Among the servants Abram acquired while there was an Egyptian girl named Hagar (Genesis 16:1-3). She became a problem for Abraham and Sarah and Abraham's sin with her still has consequences in the world tonight. The lesson here is this, "What we think are the world's best blessings often become life's greatest burdens." (Matthew 6:19-21)

And finally, when we follow in the footsteps of faith, we find that it's always a disappointing path (Genes 12: 18-20. Why?

Because Of The Testimony It Forfeits - Abram lost his testimony in Egypt. He is even told by Pharaoh, "Take her and go!" He was literally kicked out of the world by the world! Lost people never forget a ruined testimony! They may never remember your good works, but they will never forget your failures! (Ill. What gets more air time, Peter's preaching at Pentecost, or his denial of Christ? What about David and the Ark, or David and Bathsheba?)

Because Of The Things It Forgets - In Egypt, Abram had no altar, he offered no sacrifices and he lifted up no prayers. He totally left God out of all that he was doing! When in the world, the child of God lives like the world. That is a tragedy within itself! God, and all that pertains to Him are neglected and ignored! You see, no man can serve 2 masters (Matthew 6:24).

Because Of The Tragedy It Fosters - Instead of bringing the light of the one true God into the darkness of Egypt, Abram only brought more darkness! He was not "salt and light" as he should have been! (Note: When we walk out of Canaan in Egypt, we cannot be what God has called us to be (Matthew 5:13-16)! It is always a tragedy when believers leave the world worse off than it was when they found it!

In closing, I ask you...where is your tent pitched today? Are you camping Canaan, firmly fixed in the land of blessing, victory and testimony, or have you gone down to Egypt? All it takes to get to Egypt is a little compromise here and there and before you know it, you are miles away from the Lord.

You will never prosper as long as you are not where God wants you to be! My advice is for you to come home, rebuild your altars and live for Jesus like He saved you to do.

Now, let's pray...

O Father, give us the humility which realizes its ignorance, admits its mistakes, recognizes its need, welcomes advice, accepts rebuke. Help us always to praise rather than to criticize, to sympathize rather than to discourage, to build rather than to destroy, and to think of people at their best rather than at their worst. This we ask for in thy name's sake. Amen

Until next time...

Have a blessed week!

Bibi

Bible Study Snacks, Acts 25:1-12

Hi, everyone!

Happy Friday, and welcome back to Bible Study Snacks! I hope everyone had a nice week. It's great to be here with you again! As always, I thank you so much for joining me as we walk together through the richness of God's spoken word, and wisdom. I pray that today finds you in good health and strong in faith!

This week, I would like to continue our study of the Book of Acts, with Chapter Twenty-five, Verses 1-12.

I have designed these studies to be brief, yet packed full of good information for everyone regardless of your level of biblical knowledge. I might add that these quick studies make perfect small group discussion starters, as well!

As always, I whole-heartedly believe in the importance that any Bible study should begin with prayer. If you have your Bible ready, let's pray together...

"Heavenly father, please guide us as we study your Word today; I pray that our hearts and our minds will be open so that we will not only receive your Gospel, but learn from it as well; you are the Light of the world, Lord, and your Spirit will illuminate our path as we journey through your teachings. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen"

If you are taking notes for yourself, or using this for a bible study with others, here are the objectives for this week's lesson...

OBJECTIVES: This week, the reader will...

 1) Consider the circumstances in which Paul appealed to Caesar.

For your convenience, here is a summary of Acts 25:1-12...  

Shortly after Festus arrives in Caesarea, he goes to Jerusalem. The high priest and chief men inform Festus of Paul. They petition him, asking Festus a favor, to bring Paul back to Jerusalem. The Jews plan an ambush to kill Paul along the road as he travels. Festus indicatea that he will shortly be traveling back to Caesarea, and invites those Jews in authority to travel there as well. They could accuse Paul there. After remaining in Jerusalem about ten days, Festus returns to Caesarea. He calls Paul before the judgment seat the next day. The Jews attends and lay serious complaints against Paul; however, they cannot prove them. Paul answers, "Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I offended in anything at all."

Festus then asks Paul if he will go to Jerusalem with him. He suggests that he will judge Paul there. This is recommended to Paul because Festus wants to do the Jews a favor. Paul responds that he stands at Caesar's judgment seat, "where I ought to be judged."  He tells Festus he has done no wrong to the Jews, "as you very well know." Paul is willing to die, if he has committed anything worthy of death. But, he has no guilt of the things for which the Jews accuse him. Paul is not going to be delivered to the Jews - he is a Roman citizen. Paul then appeals to Caesar. Festus replies, "You have appealed to Caesar? To Caesar you shall go!"  (1-12)

REVIEW QUESTIONS:

1) After arriving in the province, how many days was it before Festus went from Caesarea to Jerusalem? (Acts 25:1)
2) Of what did the high priest and chief men inform Festus? (Acts 25:2-3)
3) What was the real plan of the Jews for Paul? (Acts 25:3)
4) How did Festus respond to the Jews' request?  (Acts 25:4-5)
5) When did Paul come before the judgment seat of Festus? (Acts 25:6)
6) The Jews laid many serious complaints on Paul.  Were they able to prove them? (Acts 25:7)
7) List the three things Paul had not offended against. (Acts 25:8)
8) Why did Festus ask Paul to go to Jerusalem? (Acts 25:9)
9) Where did Paul believe he should be judged? (Acts 25:10)
10) Did Paul recognize that Festus found no wrong in him? (Acts 25:10)
11) What was Paul trying to avoid by appealing to Caesar?  (Acts 25:11)
12) How did Paul have the right to appeal to Caesar?  (Acts 25:11)
13) How did Festus respond to the appeal? (Acts 25:12)
 

After completing this week's study, I encourage you to go back and read through the material again. Take your time and read each topic and scripture reference as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that by doing this, you just might see something new that you overlooked the first time around!

As we journey through the Bible together, I will continue to pray that God’s message will come through to you loud and crystal clear. Until next time, I wish everyone a blessed week!

God bless you!  

Sheri

Video - Beth Moore: You Gotta Want It!

In this message, Beth Moore explains why discipline alone won't sustain us in good things. Enjoy!   ~Eve

God Does Care, and Will Work In Your Need

"There are no hopeless situations; there are only people who have grown hopeless about them."    -Clare Boothe Luce

Do you every feel trapped? Have you ever felt like you were at the end of your rope? What do you do when you reach that point? The realist would say, “Just tie a knot and hang on.” The pessimist would say, “You might as well let go; it’s only going to get worse.” The optimist might say, “Just tie another knot and keep on climbing.” Each of those has its merits but, in reality, what can you do?

Some are in that very place today! You are at the end of your rope and there is a long drop beneath you and you do not know what to do.

·    What do you do when you are facing problems with your children that you cannot solve?
·    What do you do when your marriage is on the rocks and the crashing waves of hopelessness are unrelenting?
·    What do you do when there are problems at work and it seems that there is no way out?
·    What do you do when you have too much month left at the end of your money?
·    What do you do when you have followed a loved one’s body to the graveyard and you cannot escape the loneliness, the grief and the pain?
·    What do you do when your heart is broken, your dreams are shattered and your hopes have been dashed to bits on the cruel rocks of reality?
·    What do you do when you are walking through a spiritual wasteland and there seems to be no way out?

I don’t think anyone but the Lord has the answers to all those questions. Yet, there may be some help in 2 Kings 4:1-7. This passage tells us about a poor, widow woman who was at the end of her rope. She did not know what to do or where to turn. In her pain and her poverty she did the only thing that she knew she could do: she turned to the Lord. When she did that, God came through for her in a very big way!

This passage teaches us the glorious truth that God has a plan for our problems. These verses show us that just as God took care of this widow, He will take care of you. This passage lets us know that when we reach the end of our rope, there is help and there is hope.

Need some proof? Look at 2 Kings 4:1. This verse tells us that God knows our problems. In the case of this poor, widow woman...

A.  There Was Despair In Her Family – The word “cried” means “to moan; to weep uncontrollably; to shriek out of grief.” This word identifies the sound of a broken heart. This woman comes to the man of God at the lowest moment of her life. She is in desperate straits! Have you ever been there?

B.  There Was Death In Her Family – She was married to one of the “sons of the prophets”. These were the men who were in training under Elisha to be the prophets and preachers in Israel. Her husband, her lover, her friend, her provider, her protector, had been taken away from here in death. She is broken because a loved one has been taken away. Have you ever been there?

C.  There Was Debt In Her Family – Since her husband is dead she cannot pay her bills. As a result, her creditors are coming to take her sons away as slaves so they can work off the debt. This was allowed under the Jewish Law, Leviticus 25:39. She has been deprived of her husband, now she is about to lose her sons as well. She is over her head in debt and she doesn't see how she can make it. Have you ever been there?

D. There Was Devotion In Her Family – In spite of all her problems, she is still held firm in the grip of faith! She needs help, but she does not turn to her family or her friends. She does not try to find someone to loan her more money. In her desperation she turns to the man of God for help. Elisha was God’s representative on earth and he was her best hope. She reminds Elisha that her husband “did fear the Lord.”

Her life has been a life of devotion to the Lord and in her trouble, she still trusts Him and turns to Him for the things she needs! In spite of her pain, her problems and her lack of possibilities, she still looked up to God for the help she needed! Even though she couldn't see a way out, she knew that she couldn't see everything. Even though she didn't understand everything she was facing, she still believed that God cared and that He could do something about her situation, so she cried out to Him in faith!

At some point, we all will arrive at that low point of life. There will come a day when you will reach the end of your rope. Some have already been through it and can testify about it. Others are there right now and are looking for some help. Others will arrive there someday. We will all have our days of trouble and trial, Job 14:1; John 16:33.

When you reach that point, the world, the flesh and the devil are all going to tell you that God doesn't see and that He doesn't care. The fact is, He does see, Proverbs 15:3; 2 Chronicles 16:9.  He sees everything you are facing. Not a single thing is hidden from His view. And, He does care, Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 5:7. He cares more than you know about what you are facing.

Verses such as 2 Kings 4:1-7, are designed to teach us that our problems, while they may appear to be insurmountable in our eyes, are really just God’s opportunities in disguise. Therefore, no matter what you are called on to face in this life, learn to turn to the Lord first for the help you need. He cares! He is able! He will work in your need!

Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7; Philippians 4:13; Revelation 21:4; John 6:37; Philippians 4:19; Romans 15:13

Prayer: Heavenly father, I am your humble servant, I come before you today in need of hope. There are times when I fell helpless, There are times when I feel weak. I pray for hope. I need hope for a better future. I need hope for a better life. I need hope for love and kindness. Help me to walk in your light, and live my life in faith and glory. In your name I pray, Amen.

May your day be blessed,

Jodie

Video - Holly Wagner: Rise Against the Darkness

Holly Wagner talks about the Proverbs 31 woman who "rises while it's yet night."
Enjoy!    ~Eve

How Will You Spend Eternity?

A little girl was taking an evening walk with her father. Wonderingly, she looked up at the stars and exclaimed; "Oh, Daddy, if the wrong side of heaven is so beautiful, what must the right side be!"    -Charles L. Allen in Home Fires

Everyone who is born into this world will also have to leave it and for most people their deepest instincts and convictions tell them there is something beyond the grave. Creation teaches us that our instincts point to reality. The carrier pigeon when transported from its home has an instinct within it that guides it back no matter the time or the distance involved. And man is worth much more than a bird. Creation also teaches that life can pass through different forms and that life may even come out of death.

The common butterfly lives the first part of its existence as a crawling caterpillar. After fulfilling its course, the caterpillar curls up and seemingly dies and lies in a death like state for many days. Then out of that body a beautiful butterfly comes to life. No longer forced to crawl on the ground, it spreads its wings and flies upwards. Men and women also spend a short time on earth and then have to move on. For each one of us there comes a moment when time ceases, a moment when we leave the realm of time and enter another realm, the realm of eternity.

Since God is eternal, His dwelling place is also eternal. God Himself describes His own eternal nature and realm as “Being the One who inhabits eternity”. Eternity is an aspect of God’s own nature, the realm in which God has His being. Many people are confused by the word "eternity". They commonly tend to think of eternity as being merely an immensely long period of time, beyond the power of the human mind to conceive. Eternity, however, is not merely the endless extension of time. Eternity differs in its nature from time. It is an altogether different realm, a different mode of being.

Eternity is God’s own nature and mode of being, the uncreated realm in which He exists. God out of eternity, by the act of Creation, brought into being the present world and with it the order of time, past, present and future. By another divine act, God one day will bring this present world to an end, and with it time as we now know it, will again cease to be.

As individuals we cannot wait for the end of this present world order. A moment lies ahead for each one of us when time shall be no more, a moment when each one of us shall come to the end of time’s course and step out from time into eternity.

Death is our universal fate because of our descent from Adam, but death is not the end - a resurrection follows. Death is the vehicle that takes us home. We should always remember that here on earth we are pilgrims on our way home. Unfortunately many of us call the wrong place home and live our lives as if everything ends here. This place with so many troubles, pain, anguish and hurt cannot be home.

None of us are going to heaven because we have been good and have lived charitable lives. We are going to heaven because Christ died on that cross for us – because He paid the penalty for our sin. For each of us a time is coming when we will step from time and into eternity. But is it eternity with the Lord? We can only be sure when Jesus Christ is our Savior.

The time we spend here on earth though short determines where we spend eternity. Where will you spend eternity? Will it be in the presence of God? Jesus said, “I am the Resurrection and the Life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. I died, and behold I am alive forever more, and I hold the keys of hell and death. Because I live, you shall also live.”

Scripture: Psalms 39:4-39:12; Revelation 21:1-21:4; Matthew 25:46; Romans 10:13; Luke 23:43; 2 Peter 3:9; Hebrews 9:27

Prayer: Merciful God, we have sinned in what we have thought and said, in the wrong we have done and in the good we have not done.We have sinned in ignorance: we have sinned in weakness:we have sinned through our own deliberate fault. We are truly sorry. We repent and turn to you. Forgive us, for our Savior Christ's sake, and renew our lives to the glory of your name. Amen

Bless you always,

Marilyn

Saturday Scripture Gold with Bibi: What Do You Do When the Hurt Has Piled Up?

"I am spellbound by the intensity of Jesus' emotions: Not a twinge of pity, but heartbroken compassion; not a passing irritation, but terrifying anger; not a silent tear, but groans of anguish; not a weak smile, but ecstatic celebration. Jesus' emotions are like a mountain river cascading with clear water. My emotions are more like a muddy foam or a feeble trickle."
-G. Walter Hansenin, Christianity Today

This week, we are going to discuss how to deal with our damaged emotions. Let's be honest. We all need our souls restored from time to time. We get hurt not just physically but also emotionally and spiritually. Life is tough. We get beat up. We get discouraged, depressed and disappointed. We have failure, fatigue, frustration and fears. We all have hidden hurts from our past. We carry wounds, battle scars and emotional garbage. But there is good news. God wants to restore our souls!

How does He do this? He does this by making three changes in your life: First, He removes your guilt. Second,  He relieves your grief. Third, He replaces your grudges.

For starters, how do I let God remove my guilt? We all have plenty of reasons for guilt. Correct? We can’t get away from it. So, how do we deal with guilt? Well, there are lots of options:

- We can deny it. We can try to pretend that it doesn't exist. We can try to bury it – but that doesn't work. It’s still alive. Denying guilt doesn't deal with it.

- We can minimize it. We can say, “It’s no big deal.” But we know that it is. If it was no big deal why do we still remember it? Why can’t we forget it? Why can’t we move beyond it? Minimizing it doesn't work.

- We can rationalize it. We say, “Everybody does it.” But we know that is not true; everybody doesn't do it. Even if they did – that doesn't make it right. When I try to rationalize it – I am trying to put my head over my heart – but the heart always wins out. “Rationalize” means “rational – lies.”

The most common thing we do with guilt is that we beat ourselves up with it. We administer self-punishment. We don’t see ourselves as God sees us. We feel less then human – less then God values us. We see ourselves with little importance or worth. We tell ourselves, “I don’t deserve to succeed.” We live in our guilt.

None of these work. Seriously, nothing destroys a soul faster then guilt. There is only one solution to guilt. You have to give it to God.

Next, how do I let God relieve my grief? Sometimes we suffer not because of what we have done but because of what others have done to us. Sometimes we suffer when we see other people suffer. This is not heaven; this is earth and people hurt. Sometimes we feel lonely. Sometimes our heart is broken. Sometimes we experience sorrow, loss and grief. We have all experienced these things at one time, or another.

Do you remember that Bathsheba became pregnant? She had a baby boy and when it was born it was very sick. David grieved over what he had done. He fasted and prayed. He said, “God the baby has done nothing wrong. I’m the one who messed up. I’m the one who made the mistake. Save the baby. He has done nothing wrong.” The baby died anyway. (2 Samuel 12:22-23)

What did David do with his grief after the baby died? He did three things: a) He accepted what he could not change; b) he focused on what was left not what was lost; c) he turned to God. When we grieve we can remain a prisoner of our pain or we can turn it over to God. That’s our choice.

Lastly, how do I let God replace my grudges? Grudges come when we hold on to hurts that other people have caused us. We get mad at them and we won’t let that anger go. The people may not have even planned to intentionally hurt us. But we got hurt just the same. So we develop a grudge and won’t let it go.

I feel guilt when I have hurt people, I feel grief when I have suffered lose, but I hold on to grudges when someone has caused me pain. Guess what? In this world you are going to be hurt. Life isn’t fair. You are going to suffer pain. You are going to get bumped, bruised, scratched, scraped and dinged up in this world. How you handle it will either make you "bitter" or "better." The difference between the two is “I”.

What do you do when the hurt has piled up? What do you do with all the emotional garbage? You can become angry with the people who have hurt you – you can hold a grudge. Romans 12:19 instructs us not to hold a grudge – don’t take vengeance into your own hands – that’s God job – not yours – He will eventually make everything right. That’s His job. He is the judge of the world – your not!

Get rid of all your bitterness. Stop holding grudges. Doesn't the scripture say, "Forgive as you have been forgiven." How have you been forgiven? Completely, totally, absolutely. If you have been forgiven; God expects you to forgive. So let go, and let God.

My dear friends, you don’t need a self-help book to deal with your guilt, your grief or your grudges. You need a Shepherd. You need a Savior. He is ready to help you deal with your damaged emotions. All you have to do is ask him. 

Scripture: Psalms 23:3;  Psalms 38:4-5; 1 John 1:9; Psalms 51:11-12; Job 5:2; Romans 12:19; Matthew 6:12

Now, let's pray...

O Father, give us the humility which realizes its ignorance, admits its mistakes, recognizes its need, welcomes advice, accepts rebuke. Help us always to praise rather than to criticize, to sympathize rather than to discourage, to build rather than to destroy, and to think of people at their best rather than at their worst. This we ask for in thy name's sake. Amen

Until next time...

Have a blessed week!

Bibi

Bible Study Snacks, Acts 24:22-27

Hi, everyone!

Happy Friday, and welcome back to Bible Study Snacks! I hope everyone had a nice week. It's great to be here with you again! As always, I thank you so much for joining me as we walk together through the richness of God's spoken word, and wisdom. I pray that today finds you in good health and strong in faith!

This week, I would like to continue our study of the Book of Acts, with Chapter Twenty-four, Verses 22-27.

I have designed these studies to be brief, yet packed full of good information for everyone regardless of your level of biblical knowledge. I might add that these quick studies make perfect small group discussion starters, as well!

As always, I whole-heartedly believe in the importance that any Bible study should begin with prayer. If you have your Bible ready, let's pray together...

"Heavenly father, please guide us as we study your Word today; I pray that our hearts and our minds will be open so that we will not only receive your Gospel, but learn from it as well; you are the Light of the world, Lord, and your Spirit will illuminate our path as we journey through your teachings. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen"

If you are taking notes for yourself, or using this for a bible study with others, here are the objectives for this week's lesson...

OBJECTIVES: This week, the reader will...

 1) Observe Felix's delay in rendering judgment of Paul.

For your convenience, here is a summary of Acts 24:22-27...  

Given that Felix has a "more accurate knowledge of the Way," he adjourns the proceedings. He states that he will make a decision on the case when Lysias the commander comes to Caesarea. Paul is held by the centurion, but is given liberties - his friends are allowed to visit him and provide for him. Later, Felix and his wife, Drusilla, call for Paul.  Drusilla is Jewish.

They hear Paul "concerning faith in Christ." Paul reasons before them about "righteous, self-control, and the judgment to come." This causes Felix to become afraid. He sends Paul away; he indicates he will call for him at a more "convenient time." Felix hopes for a bribe from Paul to release him. Felix sends for him often. After two years, Porcius Festus succeeds Felix as governor. Felix wants to do the Jews a favor, so he "leaves Paul bound."  (22-27)

REVIEW QUESTIONS:

1) Felix adjourned the proceedings. When did he say he would decide the case? (Acts 24:22)
2) When Felix commanded the centurion to keep Paul, what did he allow? (Acts 24:23)
3) Why did Felix and Drusilla send for Paul? (Acts 24:24)
4) What did Paul reason about before Felix and Drusilla? (Acts 24:25)
5) How did Felix respond to Paul? (Acts 24:25)
6) What did Felix hope Paul would do? (Acts 24:26)
7) Who succeeded Felix after two years? (Acts 24:27)
8) How did Felix leave Paul?  Why? (Acts 24:27)

After completing this week's study, I encourage you to go back and read through the material again. Take your time and read each topic and scripture reference as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that by doing this, you just might see something new that you overlooked the first time around!

As we journey through the Bible together, I will continue to pray that God’s message will come through to you loud and crystal clear. Until next time, I wish everyone a blessed week!

God bless you!  

Sheri

Do You Possess True, Saving Faith?

Alexander Graham Bell was an amazingly talented person. He invented the multiple telegraph, the audiometer - which is used to test your hearing, the tricycle landing gear you find on planes, and a host of other less well-known machines. In addition to this he was co-founder of the prestigious magazine Science, served as President of the National Geographic Society, and spent his life working with deaf people. But, most famous of all his creations was the telephone. It also made his family and his descendants enormously wealthy. However, he almost lost it all.

You see Bell never seemed to get around to submitting a patent application. Finally, his father-in-law, who had financed a lot of the research, got so impatient that he filed the patent on Bell’s behalf on the 14th of February 1876, Bell’s 29th birthday. And it was a good thing he did, because just a few hours later, another scientist by the name of Elisha Gray went to the patent office to get a patent on a machine he’d been working on for many years – you guessed it, the telephone.

This story reminds us that sometimes its not enough simply to have great ideas. We need to act on them. Bell and his father-in-law are a good example of the relationship between faith and works. Bell had faith in his telephone but did nothing about it. His father-in-law had faith and works to go with it.

Faith is certainly an essential element in the Christian life. Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). It's important to note that the Christian is saved by faith (Ephesians 2:8); and the Christian is to walk (live) by faith, as well (2 Corinthians 5:7). In fact, whatever we do apart from faith is described as sin (Romans 14:23).

It is important to realize, however, that there are different kinds of faith, but only one that is truly "saving faith." In James 2:14-26, James discusses the different kinds of faith, with an emphasis upon that faith which works to the saving of the soul.

Let's take a look at James 2:14-17, for different examples of faith. The first type of faith is "dead faith." This kind of faith substitutes words for deeds (consider James' example). People with this kind of faith know the correct vocabulary for prayer, and sound doctrine. They can even quote the right verses from the Bible. But, their "walk" doesn't  measure up to their "talk." Why?

It's only and intellectual faith. This is where in one's mind, he or she knows the doctrine of salvation; but they have never really submitted themselves to God and trusted in Jesus for salvation. They know the right "words," but they do not back up their words with their "works."

Now, can this kind of faith save? No! Three times, James emphasizes that "faith without works is dead" (James 2: 17,20,26). Any declaration of faith that does not result in a changed life and good works is a false declaration:  A "dead faith!" Dead faith is counterfeit faith and lulls the person into a false confidence of eternal life.

So, do we have this kind of faith? We do, if our "walk" does not measure up to our "talk!" We do, if our "works"  do not measure up to our "words!"

The next kind of faith is found discussed in James 2:18-19. It is "demonic faith." Maybe to shock any complacent readers, James reminds us that even "demons" have a kind of faith. They believe in God (no atheists or agnostics here!) They even believe in the deity of Christ (Mark 3:11-12). They also believe in the existence of a place of condemnation (Luke 8:31). And, they believe Jesus will be the Judge! (Matthew 8:28-29)

Then, what kind of faith do "demons" have? We saw that the man with "dead faith" was "touched only in his intellect." The demons are "touched also in their emotions" (note that they "believe and tremble"). This is one step above a "dead faith," it involves both intellect and emotions.

Okay. Can this kind of faith save? No! A person can be enlightened in his mind, even stirred in his heart; yet still be lost forever! True saving faith involves something more, something that can be seen and recognized:  a changed life! (Jame 2:18) Being a Christian involves trusting Christ and living for Christ! You first "receive" the life...then you "reveal" the life!

How do we know we have this kind of faith? We do, if we just "believe" the right things; and "feel" the right things.We do, if our service to God does not go beyond intellectually adhering to the right doctrines, and emotional experiences while attending services.

Up to this point, we have talked about two kinds of faith that can never save:  "dead faith"  (involving the intellect alone), and "demonic faith," (involving the intellect and the emotions, but stopping there). In James 2: 20-26, he discusses the only kind of faith that can save..."dynamic faith."

What kind of faith is this? Well, we know from other passages that such faith is based upon the Word of God (Romans 10:17). "Dynamic faith" involves the "whole man." "Dead faith" touches only the intellect. "Demonic faith" involves both the mind and the emotions. "Dynamic faith" involves the intellect, the emotions, and the will! The mind understands the truth; the heart desires and rejoices in the truth; the will acts upon the truth.

True, saving faith, then, leads to action. It's not intellectual contemplation; it's not emotionalism. No, it's that which leads to obedience in doing good works. That's why it's important that each professing Christian examine his or her own heart and life, and make sure that they possess true, saving faith, which is a "dynamic faith."

Satan is the great deceiver; one of his devices is imitation. If he can convince a person that counterfeit faith is true faith...then he has that person in his power! Certainly, not every Christian has the same degree of faith; those who have had more time to grow should be stronger in faith. But for the most part, I hope that the spiritual inventory, we just went over, can assist a person in determining his or her true standing before God.

Scripture:  Hebrews 11:8; Titus 3:5; 2 Timothy 1:9; Acts 16:31; Galatians 2:16; John 6:28; John 3:36

Prayer:  Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Amen   -Psalms 139:23-24

God bless you!

Abbey

Don't Let Prayer Slide By In Your Day!

"He who runs from God in the morning will scarcely find Him the rest of the day."   -John Bunyan

The importance of prayer in seeing people come to Christ is often minimized today in our fast-paced society. That's probably why people aren't moved by the message. Their hearts haven't been prepared first by the convicting power of the Holy Spirit to see their need. You know what I mean. "I don’t need to go to church," "I don’t need the Lord." "I can handle it by myself."  Sounds familiar, doesn't it?

Paul didn't think he had any need of the gospel either; until he was confronted on the Damascus Road that day. His heart had been prepared to receive. Prayer is necessary if we are to see people’s hearts prepared to receive the truth because up until that point they are blinded. (2 Corinthians 4:3,4)

1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to pray continually, or pray without ceasing. This does not mean non-stop praying but rather recurring prayer throughout the day--lifting our hearts to God while we are going about our daily routine. You don’t have to have your eyes closed or be kneeling in prayer every time you pray.

You can pray when you are driving your car--and you better not have your eyes closed! The point is that prayer should be a spontaneous part of your everyday life--it should be important enough to you that you would be earnest, persistent, and active. Don't let prayer slide by in your day.

Matthew Henry says, “Keep up your constant time of prayer without being diverted from it by other business.” He also said “Prayer will punctuate one’s daily schedule.” Continue to pray and thank the Lord for answers. Pray on rainy days as well as sunny days. Pray on bad days when everything is going wrong for you, as well on days when everything is flowing smoothly.

Paul prayed that God would open doors of opportunity for him to speak to others about Christ. In 1 Corinthians 16:9 he said, “a great door and effectual is opened to me.” A great door for effective work has opened to me. Prayer is what makes it effective so that people will not only listen but understand what is being said. 

Let's face it. Many pray because they have a shopping list that needs to be addressed. But, the primary reason for prayer is fellowship and relationship. Jesus prayed all night several times and it was not because He was in want or need. Jesus wanted fellowship and relationship with His Father. Additionally, some feel as though prayer is up to a few who are super spiritual, but nowhere in the Bible is prayer called one of the Spiritual gifts. 

No, prayer is a personal discipline that has to be done by every believer! Not only should we pray – we should trust. We will have peace when we pray and give our anxieties to God – we should trust that He will take care of them. 

Scripture: Romans 8:26; Matthew 6:6; Jeremiah 33:3; Colossians 4:2; Psalm 34:17; Psalm 145:18-19 

Prayer:  Lord God, may all that we see and discover lead us to grow in wonder and appreciation. Amen

Have a blessed day!

Carrie Lynn

Trials Are Just A Part of Life

"My life is but a weaving between my Lord and me;. I cannot choose the colors He worketh steadily. Oft times he weaveth sorrow, and I in foolish pride;  forget He sees the upper, and I the underside. Not till the loom is silent, and the shuttle ceases to fly; shall God unroll the canvas and explain the reason why."   -Source Unknown

James reminds us of the reality that even in the Christian life, there are trials and temptations. However, the Christian does not have to be a victim of his circumstance, but can have victory even in times of trials and testings. James tells us No matter what the trials on the outside, we can experience victory through faith in Christ. Allow me to share a few considerations regarding trials in life with you.

Consider the facts about trials. James does not say if trials come, but when they do come. Expect them! Do not hide your face inn the proverbial sand. Notice that just because you are a believer, you are not exempt. The Proverbs tell us that "rain falls on the just and the unjust alike." Satan fights us, the world opposes us and makes this life full of battle!

Consider many different trials: James says we face trials of many kinds. This can refer to two things. Firstly, it can refer to types of trials. Emotional trials, trials at work, physical trials etc. Or it can refer to the source of trials. Trials generally come from one of two sources. 

There are the trials that we experience as a result of living the Christian life. For example, there are still many in our world who are experiencing persecution for their faith. Christian World Report, says that in China alone, 1100 people are executed monthly just because of their faith. The other source is the unknown, unexpected experiences of life. For the most part, people do not have control over such experiences. 

Consider your response to your trials. James says, "Count it joy when you face them." The Apostle Peter also says, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through as if something strange were happening to you. Instead be very glad (rejoice) because these trials will make you partners with Christ in His suffering, and afterward you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory when it is displayed to all the world.”

Warren Wiersbe made this observation -  that the trials of life are not all alike. They are like multicolored yarn that the weaver uses to make a beautiful rug. God arranges and mixes the colors and experiences of life. The final product is a beautiful thing for His glory.

The only way God can develop patience and character in our lives is through trials! (not reading, prayer, sermons) When we go through trials, when we trust God and obey Him, the result is patience and character. This is how we can face trials with a positive attitude –– we know what trials will do in us and for us –– that the end result will bring Glory to God.

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:10; James 1:12; Romans 12:12; 1 Corinthians 10:13; John 16:33; Romans 5:3; Proverbs 3:5-6; Philippians 4:6-7 

Prayer: Dear Lord, sometimes I just want to give up. I feel that no matter what I do it is not good enough. Please give me the wisdom to know that it is okay to feel these things but remind me that giving up will never get me to where I need to be. Amen

God loves you!

Erica

Your Bible: The Inspired Word of God

Some seem to expect the Word of God to hit them like a jolt of adrenaline each time they read or study it. Although the "jolt" may hit us periodically, the benefits of the Word of God act more like vitamins. People who regularly take vitamins do so because of their long-term benefits, not because every time they swallow one of the pills, they feel new strength surging through their bodies.

They have developed a habit of consistently taking vitamins because they have been told that, in the long haul, vitamin supplements are going to have a beneficial effect on their physical health, resistance to disease and, general well-being The same is true of reading the Bible. At times it will have a sudden and intense impact on us. However, the real value lies in the cumulative effects that long-term exposure to God’s Word will bring to our lives.

We, as Christians, believe in the God of the Bible; the Christ of the Bible; the plan of salvation revealed in the Bible; and everything else written in the Bible. We hold up our Bibles and we say, “This book is the Word of God!  I believe it is true from cover to cover. It is without error and it is absolutely perfect.” I believe that too, but I fear that many do not know why they believe that. 

For certain, everything we believe either stands or falls on the accuracy of the Bible. Therefore, it is imperative that we know why we believe what we believe about the Bible. And that is precisely what I'd like to touch lightly upon today.

A good word that describes the Bible is the word “unique."  The dictionary defines the word “unique” as follows: a) only one: being the only one of its kind. b) better than others: superior to all others. c) unusual: different from others in a way that makes something worthy of note.  It is the only book of its kind in existence! Here are several features that point out its uniqueness.

• The Bible was written over a period of 1,500 years
• The Bible was written by over 40 different authors (Among them were kings, military leaders, peasants, philosophers, fishermen, tax collectors, poets, statesmen, musicians, scholars and shepherds.)
• The Bible was written in many different places, at many different times and by people experiencing many different moods.
• The Bible was written on three continents: Asia, Africa and Europe.
• The Bible was written in three different languages: Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic.
• The Bible is written with many different literary styles: Prose, poetry, historical narrative, romance, law, biography, parable, allegory and prophecy.
• The Bible addresses hundreds of difficult issues without a single contradiction.
• The Bible is a book of great diversity, yet, in spite of this, it unfolds a single continuous story, and it does so without ever contradicting itself.
• The Bible has for its main character God Himself, made known through the person of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Yes, the Bible is a unique book!  But, this uniqueness was not accidental, it was purposeful. If God has given His Word, delivered by His very breath, then it stands to reason that the scripture He has given us is absolutely perfect.

We know what inspiration is and we can see the God’s fingerprints all over His Word. If we accept the Bible as the inspired Word of God, what does that teach us? What can we take away from such an examination? We are left with three precious truths that must never be taken for granted.

A.  The Bible Is Infallible - This word means that the Scriptures are incapable of failing!  Everything the Bible says is truth and all everything it promises will come to pass! The Scriptures are in every sense perfect and they are a perfect revelation of the mind of God to man!

B.  The Bible Is Inerrant - E.J. Young defines inerrancy this way, “By this word, we mean that the Scriptures possess the quality of freedom from all error. They are exempt from the liability to mistake, incapable of error. In all their teachings they are in perfect accord with the truth.” 

When people say that the Bible contains mistakes and errors, they are calling the very character of God into question! We are told that God simply cannot tell a lie, Hebrews 6:18. If He claimed inspiration for His Word, then that Word must be inerrant. If it isn't then God lied when He claimed to have inspired the original text.

C.  The Bible Is Complete - When the Apostle John laid down his pen at the close of the book of Revelation, the revelation in the Scriptures was perfect and fully complete.  There has not been a single inspired word since that time and there never will be. God has finished His Scriptures and we hold in our hands the perfect and complete record of that revelation. 

If you lived 10,000 life times and read every book ever written and that would ever be written, you would never again encounter another book like the Bible.  In fact, you would never again encounter any other Scripture. The Bible is complete!

The final analysis is this: when you read your Bible, you are reading the very words of God!  You can base your faith upon it!  You can trust your eternity to it. You can embrace its message knowing that it reveals the very mind of God to man! It cannot fail! It cannot err! It will never be corrected, updated or amended!  It is complete and it is perfect!

I hope this message has served to help to further anchor your faith in the blessed Word of God. I thank Him for His perfect Word! I am thankful that this book has revealed the sin of my heart. I am also thankful that God illuminated my heart to allow me to see not only myself and my need, but also Jesus Christ, the solution to my problems.

Scripture: Genesis 18; 19; Luke 1-2; Matthew 28;  Isaiah 6:1-6; Daniel 7; 8; 10; Acts 16, 19; 2 Timothy 3:17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Hebrews 1:1

Prayer: Lord our God, you are help, comfort, and life to us in everything we have to endure. We gather before you as poor, weak people, but you can make us rich and give us new life so that our lives prove we hold to your will and to the justice you bring on earth. May we be one in spirit through all we experience in our hearts, to the glory of your name. May the praise and thanks of many people ring out into all the world because you are help and deliverance from all evil. Amen

May God be with you always, 

Albany

Saturday Scripture Gold with Bibi: Not Really Feeling Your Faith These Days?

We've all been there at one time or another. I'm talking about feeling less than enthusiastic about your faith, attending church, reading your Bible, doing things you know you shouldn't, and not caring that you do, etc. You know what I'm talking about. Maybe you recognize these symptoms by another name: backsliding.

Backsliding is when a born-again believer in Christ turns back to sin or becomes stubborn in his heart and refuses to submit to the will of God in his life. The outward actions are only symptoms of the real problem -- the attitude of the heart -- which must be dealt with in order to change the actions. Backsliding is like carnality, in that your own desires and devices are acted out as opposed to God’s will (1 Corinthians 3:3; Proverbs 14:14).

Now, what does scripture tell us about "backsliding?" Let's take a look, here are a few examples: Revelation 2:4,5; 1 John 1:9; Hebrews 7:25; Luke 15: 17,18; Isaiah 55:7; Hosea 14:4.

Next, let's examine some causes of backsliding. The causes of backsliding are many and varied. Some are hidden; others are obvious. But the usual tendency is to emphasize the externals: pornography, illicit sexual relationships, drunkenness, etc. The lack of positive, spiritual input (prayer and Bible study), however, has just as detrimental an effect upon the soul as the introduction of evil influences. Starvation can be as deadly as the ingestion of any lethal substance.

Jesus condemned the Pharisees not for what they did, but for what they failed to do: "...you neglect the weightier matters of the law," such as mercy, He said. He also told his disciples that they would be judged not just according to their relationship with him, but also by their neglect of "the least of these" (Matthew 25:35-45).

Not everything "lawful" is "expedient" or beneficial, Paul writes. Reading romance novels, for example, might not in itself cause one to go out and sin. (It could). But neglecting the Word of God certainly will. The "lust of the flesh," the "deceitfulness of riches," "the love of the world" – all these can entrap us and cause our downfall. But the pride of life, and hatred toward a brother, eat away from within and are just as destructive.

Want to hear some good news? The Lord does not condemn us for backsliding! Yes, God does not condemn us -- our own wickedness and backsliding do that (Jeremiah 2:19). Nor did Jesus come to do so, but to give us life abundantly (John 10:10). Therefore, if you will confess your sins, God will forgive you (I John 1:9). Accept His forgiveness and then forgive yourself.

Forgive those who have wronged you. Go to anyone you have wronged or resented and ask their forgiveness. Make restitution in whatever ways you can for any wrongs your backsliding has caused. If you are not baptized with the Holy Spirit, ask for and receive it (Luke 11:13). Then grow in Jesus and the way of the Lord. The Holy Spirit gives a Christian the ability to overcome sin. He gives power to be a Christ-like person. He guides, comforts, teaches spiritual truth, and equips with the gifts and qualities of God (Acts 1:8; John 14:16; I Corinthians 12; Galatians 5:22,23).

Sounds great, doesn't it? However, there are some consequences of backsliding that we need to be aware of. Backsliding often carries its own punishment (Proverbs 14:14; Jeremiah 2:17, 19; Romans 13:4). And its effects often extend far beyond the experience of the offender alone. Causing a brother to stumble is a serious offense. We will be held accountable not only for our own relationship with God, but for our conduct before men as well. Our life is "an open book," Paul writes, "known and read of all men."

People who do not hear what we say cannot help but observe the way we live. "Your actions speak so loudly," the saying goes, "that I can’t hear a word you’re saying." Therefore, we are to "love not in word, but in deed..." (1 John 3:18). Anyone who has experienced the Presence of God will never find lasting satisfaction outside of His will. This accounts for the inner frustration and bitterness of soul accompanying the abandonment of one’s soul to the unruly state of life without God.

Believe it, or not, there is a recovery process from backsliding. But, the road back to God is never long. As the father of the prodigal "ran to meet him," God always meets us at least half-way. Deciding to return, however, has often proven most difficult. While falling asleep is a gradual process, waking must be sudden – usually by an alarm, or a shaking. Recovering from a spiritually backslidden condition is no different. Depending on the degree of our fallen state, God often must use extreme measures to bring us back. He strives with the backslidden (2 Kings 17:15), and lovingly will use anything; sickness, misery, grief to get us to return. (Psalm 107:11-16).

Always keep this in mind. Falling away is essentially a heart condition. Though its manifestations may be primarily external, the root of the problem lies much deeper. And, even as many health problems can be caused by neglect as well as abuse, the Christian who neglects the Bread of Life can hardly expect to grow in the nature and admonition of the Lord.

If backsliding has been, or is a problem for you, let me leave you with the following prayer:

Heavenly Father, I come to you in Jesus name, and I confess that I have fallen away from you. I ask you to forgive me and to restore to me the joy of my salvation. I forgive those who have sinned against me, and I ask you to give me the grace to walk in forgiveness every day. I invite you to be Lord over every area of my life. Baptize me in your Holy Spirit, and give me the power to live my life in obedience to your will. I ask these things in the name of Jesus. Amen

-a special thanks to R. Kosaraju

Until next time...

Have a blessed week!

Bibi

Bible Study Snacks, Acts 24:10-21

Hi, everyone!

Happy Friday, and welcome back to Bible Study Snacks! I hope everyone had a nice week. It's great to be here with you again! As always, I thank you so much for joining me as we walk together through the richness of God's spoken word, and wisdom. I pray that today finds you in good health and strong in faith!

This week, I would like to continue our study of the Book of Acts, with Chapter Twenty-four, Verses 10-21.

I have designed these studies to be brief, yet packed full of good information for everyone regardless of your level of biblical knowledge. I might add that these quick studies make perfect small group discussion starters, as well!

As always, I whole-heartedly believe in the importance that any Bible study should begin with prayer. If you have your Bible ready, let's pray together...

"Heavenly father, please guide us as we study your Word today; I pray that our hearts and our minds will be open so that we will not only receive your Gospel, but learn from it as well; you are the Light of the world, Lord, and your Spirit will illuminate our path as we journey through your teachings. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen"

If you are taking notes for yourself, or using this for a bible study with others, here are the objectives for this week's lesson...

OBJECTIVES: This week, the reader will...

 1) Consider Paul's defense before Felix.

For your convenience, here is a summary of Acts 24:10-21...  

Paul is given an opportunity to provide his defense before Felix. Paul indicates that he is happy to speak for himself. He recognizes Felix to be a judge of the nation for many years. Paul reviews the events as his defense to the Jewish accusations. He had gone up to Jerusalem to worship about twelve days prior. The Jews did not find Paul disputing with anyone nor inciting the crowd, either in the synagogue or in the city.

Paul states that they could not prove these accusations. He confesses that he worships God "according to the Way" - which they call a "sect." He believes all the things written in the Law and Prophets. Paul states that he has "hope in God," just as they do, "that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust." As a result, he strove to have a "conscience without offense toward God and men."

Paul returns to Jerusalem after many years to bring alms and offerings to his nation. This was the time when some Jews from Asia (who had not come before Felix), find Paul "purified in the temple," and "neither with a mob nor with tumult." If they have an accusation against Paul, they should come before Felix at this time. Paul asks those Jews present if they had found any wrongdoing in him, when he stands before the Sanhedrin council. The only statement that Paul thinks they might have objected to was what he had cried out among them, "Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged by you this day." (10-21)

REVIEW QUESTIONS:

1) How many days prior had Paul's situation occurred in Jerusalem? (Acts 24:11)
2) How did Paul answer their accusations? (Acts 24:12-13)
3) According to what did Paul say he worshipped God?  What did the Jews call this? (Acts 24:14)
4) What did Paul say he had a hope in God to happen?  (Acts 24:15)
5) Who did Paul say would be resurrected?  (Acts 24:15)
6) Because of the resurrection, what did Paul always strive to do? (Acts 24:16)
7) How did the Jews from Asia find Paul in the temple? (Acts 24:17-18)
8) Where did Paul say those Jews from Asia ought to have been if they had anything against him? (Acts 24:19)
9) What statement did Paul cry out while before the Sanhedrin council in Jerusalem? (Acts 24:21)
 
After completing this week's study, I encourage you to go back and read through the material again. Take your time and read each topic and scripture reference as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that by doing this, you just might see something new that you overlooked the first time around!

As we journey through the Bible together, I will continue to pray that God’s message will come through to you loud and crystal clear. Until next time, I wish everyone a blessed week!

God bless you!  

Sheri

Jesus Is Worthy of Our Faith

Faith for my deliverance is not faith in God. Faith means, whether I am visibly delivered or not, I will stick to my belief that God is love. There are some things only learned in a fiery furnace.   -Oswald Chambers in Run Today's Race

God in His faithfulness allows affliction, and He even puts in our path what some might consider to be stumbling blocks. For the believer, however, obstacles can become steppingstones to the higher ground of Christian victory and blessing.

I refer you to Hebrews in your bible. These Hebrews were having a tough time. They were undergoing intense persecution where many were tortured and some killed for their faith. At the very least, they were ostracized in the community and couldn't buy and sell like others in the towns. Their faith was a daily struggle and many felt like giving up. Some were very tempted to give up the public profession of their faith.

While we aren't being persecuted to any great extent now, we are still tempted to live outside absolute faith in the Lord Jesus. We are tempted to look to every other source of help, rather than turning to the Lord. May I remind you that Jesus Christ is still vastly superior to any other form of assistance? God’s plan is still that His people live by faith (Romans 14:23; Hebrews 11:6; Habakkuk 2:4). It is easy to lose faith, but we must avoid the temptation of falling into doubt.

Today, I want to show you why Jesus is worthy of our faith. I want you to see that He can be trusted with anything you will ever have need of in this life. After all, if we can trust Jesus to wash our sins away and give us eternal life by faith, then surely we can trust Him with life’s smaller issues.

First of all, He has the ability to see your pathway (Hebrews 4:13).  God is constantly watching your path. The eyes of the Lord miss nothing (Proverbs 15:3).

1. He sees your trials.

2. He sees your temptations.

3. He sees your tears (Psalm 56:8)

Additionally, God is continually working out your path. There is no such thing as coincidence in the life of the child of God. There is only providence! Not everything God does is pleasant, but everything God does is right!  God knows what He is doing when He throws curves in our lives. They are meant to draw us closer to Him, not to drive us from Him. He is not cruel.

Certainly, almost everyone would rather have sunshine than showers. But just imagine what our world would be like if it never rained again. So it is with God's children. To make us fit for His work and the instruments of His praise, He puts us through the kiln of trial and places us in the testing room of life. Pressures are constantly applied to sanctify us and to reveal the weaknesses which only His grace can remedy.

Keep this in mind, God is confidently waiting at the end of your path. Everything God does in your life, or allows to happen your life, is simply His way of maturing you into the image of His Son Jesus (Ephesians 4:13). God’s desire is that we decrease that He might increase!

Secondly, He has the ability to sense your pain (Hebrews 4:15). It's true, He feels our pain. In fact, He feels your pain right now. When you have a need in your life, Heaven is moved to take care of it. Jesus knows what you feel and He loves you. When you hurt, He hurts!

He is familiar with our problems. Some may ask, "How can Jesus know what I am going through? He is perfect and way off up in Heaven. How can He possible feel what I feel?" He is able to know what humans feel because He has lived life as a human and has experienced the same hardships that you face at this very moment. Need proof? Here are some examples...

1. He understands temptation (Matthew 4:4-11; 1 John 2:16). Jesus was tempted in all the same areas where we are tempted today. Although, His temptations may have been more severe because of the fact that He was sinless. You see, Jesus was not only sinless, but He was, and is, incapable of sinning! He has a hatred and repugnance for sin that few of us can imagine. Therefore, coming face to face with sin was a horrible event for Jesus. He can help you when you are tempted.

2. He understands rejection (John 6:66; Matthew 27:69-74).  He knows what it is like to have the world turn its back on you. In fact, He knows what it is like to face something that no one in this room will ever experience, if you are saved. He knows what it is like to have God turn His back to you (Matthew 27:46). He endured these things so that He might help you when you face a time of need in your own life.

3. He understands poverty and need (Matthew 8:20; Matthew 17:24-27). Jesus knows what it is like when the ends won’t meet no matter how far you stretch them. He understands need and is able to offer help during those tough times.

4. He understands grief (John 11:35; Luke 19:41). Jesus knows exactly what it is like to lose someone you love. Therefore, He can help you when you face those times of loss. Jesus understands human heartbreak.

5. He understands loneliness (Matthew 26:39; Matthew 27:46). He knows what it is like to have no one around Him who understands what He is going through. He knows what it means to hurt alone and He knows how to help you through those troubled times of loneliness also.

Thirdly, He has the ability to solve your problems (Hebrews 4:16) by prayer, His power, and His promise to us. 

Prayer - The Lord gives man an open invitation to come unto Himself for help to get through life. (Why is it that He who should be our first resort is often our last? We are so guilty of trying everything else before we seriously seek help from the Lord. We will try worry, pity, self-effort, etc, then when everything else fails us, we will run to Jesus and look to Him for the help we could have received a long while before.) Here is God’s plan for you in trouble (Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Peter 5:7).

Power - Those enthroned during those days held absolute sway over the issues of life, and death. Earthly kings possessed great power, but all their power combined is nothing next to the power of the Lord Jesus Christ! Why? The power of any king is only as great as the power of the kingdom behind him! With that in mind, just what kind of power does Jesus have?...

1. He has exceeding power – Ephesians 3:20

2. He has need-meeting power – Philippians 4:19;

3. He has cleansing power – 1 John 1:7;

4. He has healing power – Numerous times in the Gospels;

5. He has load lifting power – Matthew 11:28;

6. He had mountain moving power – Matthew 21:21

7. He has all power – Matthew 28:18. His power is all summed up in one phrase from Ephesian 3:20, "He is able."

Promise - His promise to us is that when we come to Him by faith, we will find all that we need to meet the need of our heart and life. He will give us exactly what we need (Luke 12:32; Psalm 23:1; Matt. 7:7-11; 2 Corinthians 12:9).

In conclusion, have you been tempted lately to "lose faith?" Does it seem that the load you are called to bear just gets too heavy at times? Maybe Satan, or foolish people have encouraged you to give up. Don’t give up, come to Jesus! He is ready, willing and able to give you all that you need to get you through whatever you are faced with at this moment. If you will trust Jesus with your problem, by faith, He will never fail you. He is all you will ever need!

Prayer: Dear Lord, fill my mind with loving thoughts today. Grant that I may spend the hours of the day gladly working with you according to Your will. Amen

Have a blessed day!

Arianna