Be Merciful Always

A mother once approached Napoleon seeking a pardon for her son. The emperor replied that the young man had committed a certain offense twice and justice demanded death. "But I don't ask for justice," the mother explained. "I plead for mercy." "But your son does not deserve mercy," Napoleon replied.

"Sir," the woman cried, "it would not be mercy if he deserved it, and mercy is all I ask for." "Well, then," the emperor said, "I will have mercy." And he spared the woman's son.

What does it mean to be merciful? According to the Bible, being merciful can: involve love (Epheisans 2:4); involve satisfying needs (Isaiah 49:10); involve forgiveness (Daniel 5:9); and involve loving your enemies (Luke 6:35, 36). In short, mercy is the out-flowing of love that seeks to satisfy another's true needs with a willingness to forgive their faults.

Taking these things into consideration, one might ask, "Who are the merciful?" Turning to scripture we find that: the one who provides for the needy is merciful (Psalm 14:31, Daniel 4:27); the one who tends to the sick is merciful (Matthew 9:27-30, Matthew 17:15); the one who pardons the guilty is merciful (Psalm 51:1, Psalm 123:3). One could definitely say that these are they who are truly merciful.

Then "Why is it a blessing to be merciful?" According to the Word: it is an attribute of God (Psalm 86:15, Joel 2:13). Because it is an attribute of God it means it is simply the right thing to do.

Therefore, If we desire to be like God, then we will be merciful. Luke 6:36 says, "Be ye merciful, even as your Father is merciful."God desires mercy and not sacrifice (Matthew 9:13).

Also, mercy satisfies the golden rule. Others are aided as we would want to be aided. When we show mercy to others they receive what is needful from us (Luke 10:25-37, Acts 20:35) and we will, in turn, receive mercy by being merciful (Matthew 5:7, James 2:13, James 3:17). God wants us to have mercy, and it is wise for us to do so. We need God's mercy, as well. Therefore, let us draw near and do what we need to do to receive God's mercy.

Scripture verses: Genesis 19:16; 1 Kings 20:31; Psalms 117:2; Psalms 119:76; Isaiah 57:1; Jeremiah 3:12; Exodus 34:6;

Let's pray:

Lord, remember Christ your son who is peace itself and who has washed away our hatred with his blood. Because you love all people, look with mercy on us. Banish the violence and evil within us, and in answer to our prayers restore tranquility and peace. Amen.

Have a blessed day,

Lynette

Saturday Scripture Gold: Romans 12:15

Dear friends, I have been given a wonderful weekly assignment here at The Coffeehouse Bible Ministry. Beginning this week, I will be taking a verse or two from the Bible; and attempt to scratch beneath the surface to uncover nuggets of truth, wisdom, and knowledge withing its words. I suppose it's very similar to what you do as you read your Bible and come across a particular verse that really stands out in your mind. I am very excited, and looking forward to many interesting sessions together. I hope to inspire you to keep on digging into that scripture!
- Rochelle

This week's Bible verse: Romans 12:15

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Romans 12:15 (NIV)
"Be happy with those who are happy. Be sad with those who are sad." (God's Word Translation)

Rejoice with them that do rejoice. Take a lively interest in the prosperity of others. Let it be a matter of rejoicing to you when you hear of the health, prosperity, or happiness of any brother.

Mourn (Weep) with them that mourn (weep). Let your heart feel for the distressed; enter into their sorrows, and bear a part of their burdens.

Are you aware of what others around you are going through? Are you learning to be happy when they’re happy? Are you learning to be compassionate and weep when they weep? We need to be sensitive to those around us and respond accordingly.

The professed love of Christians to each other should be sincere, free from deceit, and unmeaning and deceitful compliments. We must not only do that which is good, but we must cleave to it. All our duty towards one another is summed up in one word, love.

Love to God and man, with passion for the gospel, will make the wise Christian diligent in all his wordly business, and in gaining superior skill. God must be served with the spirit, under the influences of the Holy Spirit.

I am aware that sometimes we can hide from our problems by getting involved in everyone else’s problems. However, I’m not talking about that, nor am I advocating running away from your problems.

Sometimes we are so caught up with our own problems that we become useless to God. We’ll even tell ourselves things like, "I have so many problems that God could never use me". But the truth is that God uses people with tons of problems ALL THE TIME!

Keep in mind there are going to be times when you need to let others weep with you. Or rejoice with you. You can’t be the hero all the time. True Christian love will make us take part in the sorrows and joys of each other.

Scripture: Luke 10:20; Philippians 4:4; 1 Peter 4:13; Revelation 19:7; Psalm 68:3; John 16:22; Ezekiel 24:23; Amos 8:8; Jeremiah 4:28; Ecclesiastes 3:4; Isaiah 66:10.

Let's Pray:

This is the day the Lord has made. I rejoice and I am glad in it! I rejoice in You always. And again I say, I rejoice. I delight myself in You, Lord. Happy am I because God is my Lord! Amen

God bless you,

Rochelle

Bible Study Snacks, Romans 4:13-25

Hi, everyone!

Thank you so much for joining me this week as we continue our journey through the Book of Romans. We will be studying Chapter 4, verses 13-25. I sincerely hope that you find these Bible Study Snacks helpful and spiritually enlightening.

Now, before we move on with our study we should briefly review the scripture that we covered during our last meeting together. I feel that reviewing what we previously touched on helps prepare us for our current study.

Last time we:

1) Understood how Abraham was justified in God's sight.
2) Saw that the "righteousness" God imputes to man is actually
justification (i.e., forgiveness).
3) Comprehended the nature of justifying faith by considering the
example of Abraham.

Some excerpts from this week's study...

-For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through law, but through the righteousness of faith. Romans 4:13
-For this reason it is by faith, that it might be in accordance with grace, in order that the promise may be certain to all descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all. Romans 4:16

Let’s pray:

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.

Carefully read through Romans 4:13-25. Here again, I must stress the word “carefully” because if you aren’t “careful” you will miss Paul’s point. Let Paul speak to you through his writings as if he were right there sharing his story in person.

This week’s study questions:

1. What was the promise to Abraham and his descendants (Romans 4:13)?
2. What does the Law do (Romans 4:15)?
3. For what reason was salvation (God’s promises) by faith rather than by Law (Romans 4:16)?
4. How is God, the giver of promises, described in verse 17?
5. What was the promise given to Abraham, or at least the portion quoted here (Romans 4:18)?
6.Describe the steps of Abraham’s faith during the crisis time (Romans 4:19-21)?
7. Step #1 (Romans 4:19)
8. Step #2 (Romans 4:20)
9. Step #3 (Romans 4:21)
10. To what degree was Abraham sure that God would accomplish what He had promised (Romans 4:21)?
11. What was the result of this kind of faith (Romans 4:22)?
12. For whom was the OT phrase written, “It was reckoned to him as righteousness” (Romans 4:23-24)?
13. What do they need to believe (Romans 4:24)?
14. Why was Jesus raised from the dead (resurrected) (Romans 4:25)?

Finally, after answering the study questions, read Romans 4:13-25 again. Pause and read each question and verse as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that you might see something new that you overlooked the first time around. As we go along in our studies together, I will pray that God’s message will continue to come through loud and crystal clear to you! Until next time, have a great week!

God bless you!

Sheri

Adversity Is Common to the Christian Life

On the shores of the Baltic Sea, after a great storm has passed, the fishermen go down into the water and rake the beach for the precious ambergris which has been cast up on the shores by the tumult of the waves. Life's storms have their treasures that they bring with them, and we are wise fishermen if we go out after the great billows have been raging and gather up the heavenly ambergris with which they have strewn the shores of our life.

Who knows but this is the real treasure that we are intended to glean in life, instead of those lesser things whose destruction we so lament but the possession of which brings us no abiding joy.

Some people live with the false belief that when you are a Christian you have smooth sailing or problem free living. But the Bible teaches that adversity is common to the Christian life. I'd like to share some principles to help deal with the troubles when they come.

Principle #1 - Adversity is often just around the corner after success. Listen… “Be careful as you travel your way in life.” When you are successful… lest you forget who brought you out of difficult times because temptation and adversity may be lurking around the corner.

Principle #2 - To persevere along that good ol’ way of faith all of us have to learn how to deal with adversity. C.S. Lewis in his little book, The Screwtape Letters, has Wormwood, saying, “Discouragement is my most valuable weapon. I can wedge an opening with discouragement that will let me insert in someone’s life any other tool.”

Principle #3 In the midst of adversity be honest about your feelings. “Do you have a trusted friend in whom you can confide? Do you have someone in who you could call at 2:00 AM in the morning and know that that person would be willing to listen to you?”

Principle #4 - In the midst of adversity, let God restore you before you make a major decision when you are hungry, angry, lonely or tired! Have you ever made a major decision when you were hungry, angry, lonely or tired? If ever try to make a major decision when you are hungry, angry, lonely or tired, you probably will live to regret it.

Principle #5 - In the midst of adversity we lose touch with reality and our perspective becomes distorted. Be careful– because in the midst of adversity you may think you are the only one who’s trying to keep things together. But there are others!

Finally, Principle #6 - In the midst of adversity listen for the still small voice of God. Sometimes in the midst of adversity we want God to make a dramatic sign to speak to us so that we know God’s will … God’s will is revealed to us most often however in the still, small voice of God!

So, keep on keeping on when the way seems hard and the road seems narrow. Adversity is a part of life and faith. I know this is difficult to hear but don’t you see…when we hang in there, when we persevere, we become a stronger, more beautiful witness for Jesus Christ!

Scripture: Hebrews 13:13; Judges 10:14; 1 Samuel 1:6; 2 Samuel 22:7; Psalms 18:6; Psalms 37:39; Ecclesiastes 7:14; Isaiah 30:30; Jeremiah 15:11; Zephaniah 1:15.

Prayer:

Father, You grow and stretch our maturity through circumstances that don’t always reflect our choosing. It helps us to gain needed perspective and experience in situations not of our own choosing, but to our overall benefit. Help us to be patient as we search Your Scripture and seek to understand Your plan as it unfolds in our lives. Align our desires with Your own as we submit our will to Yours. May we not be overcome by adversity but ask You, Father, to use adversity as a tool by which You carve Your image and character deep into our hearts. We may make our plans but we realize that, as Your children, You will have the final say. Amen.

Bless you,

Tory

Some Reasons for Gratitude

In the midst of the storm, when the storm-battered vessel was plunging at its four anchors off the coast of Malta, Paul "gave thanks to God in presence of them all" (Acts 27:35). He could do that because he had faith in the word and promise God had given him.

Paul's reasons for gratitude to God cover the whole territory of human life and experience. He gives thanks for:

1) His daily bread (Acts 27:35)
2) Men who have faith in Christ (Rom. 1:8)
3) Deliverance from anxiety (II Cor. 2:14)
4) Deliverance from temptation (Rom. 7:25)
5) The memory of his friends (Phil. 1:3)
6) Kindness in the day of trouble (Acts 28:15)
7) The "unspeakable" gift (II Cor. 9:15)

As you can see, not only are we to be thankful in everything, but for everything (Ep 5:20)! To understand why this is God's will for you let's consider the following few items, for example:

The need to give thanks because ingratitude displeases God.

1. It is included among other sins that would be prevalent in "perilous times" - 2Ti 3:1-5
2. The wrath of God will be revealed against those who are unthankful - Ro 1:18-21

We are to have the attitude of gratitude.

1. Be thankful for what the Father has done for us - Col 1:12-14
2. We should be abounding in thanksgiving - Col 2:7
3. It is a part of the "garment" we are to put on - Col 3:12-15
4. It is a complement to our prayers - Col 4:2; 1Ti 2:1

And remember that thankfulness is key. To overcoming anxiety - Php 4:6; to obtaining the peace of God which surpasses understanding; to pray without ceasing, and to rejoicing always - 1Th 5:16-18. Why? When we give thanks in everything, we will pray without ceasing; when we pray without ceasing, we will rejoice always!

If we desire to have the peace which passes understanding, that joy which is inexpressible (1Pe 1:8), then we need to develop the attitude of gratitude, being thankful in everything!

Remember... give thanks in everything! - 1Th 5:18

Let's pray:

Lord I come before You, desiring to provide thanks. Father, I have so much to be thankful for, things unseen and seen, that You have done in my life. Lord, mostly I am thankful for the relationship that I have with You. Lord, words do not express my thankfulness. For Your mighty power is at work in me, transforming me, renewing my mind. To You Lord belong thanks eternal. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Bless you always,

Elaine

By Faith Only!

Pursuing a "fountain of youth" is a timeless tale that plays out in our lives in many ways. For example, you see this everyday in our grocery stores, in the form of "functional foods" such as cereals that promise to lower your cholesterol, milk that improves brain function, or vitamin-enhanced water that boosts your immune system. Attaching scientific and medical claims on food products seems to be more and more appealing to an aging population, often accepting the supposed added benefits with blind faith. - Dr. Jeffrey H. Toney educator and scientist

So how does the Christian look at faith? Every word in the Bible is important. Every word in the Hebrew Old Testament and Greek New Testament is a word chosen by God both as to its form and use. Many New Testament passages speak of salvation by faith, and I believe every one of them exactly at they are written. John 3:16

Perhaps a better question to ask, would be: "How are men saved by faith?"

If you turn to Matthew 8:5-13, you will see a great example of faith in action. This centurion was a heathen, a Roman soldier. Though he was a soldier, he was a godly man. No man's calling or place will be an excuse for unbelief and sin. The servant got a cure of his disease, and the master got the approval of his faith.

According to the scriptures, salvation can be attributed to many things. Such as:

Belief (Acts 16:31)
Confession (1 John 4:2)
God (2 Timothy 1:8-9)
Grace (Ephesians 2:8)
Gospel (Romans 1:1)
Hope (Romans 8:24)
Repentance (Acts 11:18)
The Holy Spirit (Titus 3:)
Blood (Romans 5:9)
Works (James 2:24)
Jesus (Matthew 1:21)
Baptism (1 Peter 3:21)

It's easy to see how this could become a bit overwhelming to some; enough so, that they might even just throw their hands up and walk away. But it really isn't that complicated at all. There is a common theme running through all of this. It all boils down to this, believe, and ye shall receive; only believe.

Let's pray:

Dear Lord Jesus,
From this time forward, I want to change the direction of my life and follow you. Give me a hunger for your Word and a desire to spend time with you every day. I pray that I would love you with all my heart and all my soul and all my strength. Help me to obey you without hesitation and be faithful to you until the day that I die. Help me to love others and to demonstrate my love through concrete actions. Protect me from all evil. Give me wisdom to make right decisions that honor you.

May God bless you,

Myree

The Spiritually Impoverished

Poverty is the state for the majority of the world’s people and nations. Most of humanity lives on just a few dollars a day. Whether you live in the wealthiest nations in the world or the poorest, you will see high levels of inequality.

The poorest people will also have less access to health, education and other services. Problems of hunger, malnutrition and disease afflict the poorest in society. The poorest are also typically marginalized from society and have little representation or voice in public and political debates, making it even harder to escape poverty.

By contrast, the wealthier you are, the more likely you are to benefit from economic or political policies. The amount the world spends on military, financial bailouts and other areas that benefit the wealthy, compared to the amount spent to address the daily crisis of poverty and related problems are often staggering.

What does the Bible tell us about poverty? Any references to the poor, in scripture, must be understood as referring to spiritually poverty, the lack of truth and understanding, love and compassion.

Among those who are spiritually poor are those who will inherit the kingdom, for they acknowledge their need of God. But they are also spiritually poor who dwell within themselves, who reject God and neglect the neighbor, who seek their own good from their own perspective.

Poverty is used in scripture to describe an inner state of emptiness. But the symbolism is not arbitrary, or accidental. Natural, material poverty corresponds to inner, spiritual poverty because it is spiritual poverty, a lack of compassion and justice, that is the cause of natural poverty. And natural poverty, the unnecessary lack of basic material needs, is the effect of spiritual poverty.

The issue of wealth and poverty is one of the most important issues facing the church today. Themes woven through the biblical texts are especially helpful reminders for the church at a time when society would abandon the poor. I have included a few examples here:

God can be trusted to meet our needs.
God cares for the poor.
God calls the church to be a community, for richer, for poorer.

Even so, with all this, the church alone cannot adequately respond to the systemic nature of poverty. We would do well to call upon our government to help create an economic environment that provides opportunities to earn a living wage and a safety net to protect the most vulnerable. But for that call to have integrity, it must be rooted in our life and practice as a church.

Scripture readings: Galatians 2:7-10; Proverbs 14:31; Psalms 41: 1-3; Psalms 10:1-2; Matthew 5:3-12; Luke 1:51-55; John 12:44-50; Deuteronomy 15:7-8; Job 5:8-16; 2 Cor. 8:13-14; Psalm 140:12.

Let's pray:

Dear God, you taught us to speak out for what is right. Make us content with nothing less than a world that is transformed into the shape of love, where poverty shall be no more. Amen.

-special thanks to Anup Shah

Have a blessed day,

Joan

Is Our Time Well Spent?

How would you like to spend 2 years making phone calls to people who aren't home? Sound absurd? According to one time management study, that's how much time the average person spends trying to return calls to people who never seem to be in. Not only that, we spend 6 months waiting for the traffic light to turn green, and another 8 months reading junk mail.

These unusual statistics should cause us to do time-use evaluation. Once we recognize that simple "life maintenance" can chip away at our time in such huge blocks, we will see how vital it is that we don't busy ourselves "in vain" (Psalm 39:6).

Psalm 39 gives us some perspective. In David's complaint to God, he said, "You have made my days as handbreadths, and my age is as nothing before You" (Psalm 39:5). He meant that to an eternal God our time on earth is brief. And He doesn't want us to waste it. When we do, we throw away one of the most precious commodities He gives us.

Each minute is an irretrievable gift--and unredeemable slice of eternity. Sure, we have to make the phone calls, and we must wait at the light. But what about the rest of our time? Are we using it to advance the cause of Christ and to enhance our relationship with Him? Is our time well spent?

The walk of the Christian is to be with "wisdom" as we go through life (Ep 5:15-17). Since our time is fleeting, and the days are evil, we must make the best use of our time. There are far too many people today who are wasting both their time and their lives by failing to exercise wisdom in their daily lives.

The Word of God claims to equip man unto every good work (2 Ti 3:16-17). Therefore, it is only natural to assume that it provides us with sound advice concerning daily living. How rare it is for us to stop and appreciate the brevity of our lives! We assume that things will continue the way we they are day in and day out. We simply assume that tomorrow will be like today and today will be like yesterday without thought about the brevity of life and that our time is truly a vapor.

We need to understand that how fleeting our lives are. We need to understand the measure of our days to be short. We need to appreciate the day and not assume tomorrow is available to us. We leave so much unsaid and undone. How often we see people who have lost loved ones wishing they had another few hours to say or do some final things. They never imagined they would not have time to offer those final important words. They assumed tomorrow would come.

We must seize each day that is given to us. Paul said as much to us in Ephesians 5:16, telling us to “redeem the time, because the days are evil” (NKJV). Other translations help us understand this phrase “redeem the time” by saying, “making the most of every opportunity” (NIV) and “making the best use of the time” (ESV). The pursuit of the things in the world is vanity. We need to pursue the things that are most important: God and our relationships with family and believers.

Related Scripture: Genesis 3:17; Romans 8:6; John 3:36; Romans 6:23; Colossians 1:16; John 14:6; John 10:11; Galatians 2:20; Psalm 21:4; Proverbs 10:27.

Let's pray:

My heavenly Father, I pray that my life on this earth will not pass in vain without using it to to glorify your name and exemplify your teachings. Help me to efficiently use each day that you have so graciously blessed me with to help those in need; those who are suffering; and those who are lost so that they too will know You and be comforted by Faith that they are saved through You and by You. In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.

May God bless you,

Val

Bible Study Snacks, Romans 4:1-12

Hi, everyone!

Thank you so much for joining me again as we journey together through the Book of Romans. This time, we will be studying Chapter 4, verses 1-12. As always, I sincerely hope that you will find these Bible Study Snacks helpful and spiritually enlightening.

Before we move on with our study, we should briefly review the scripture that was covered during our last meeting together. I feel that by reviewing what we previously touched on helps us prepare for our current study.

Last time we learned:

-Faithful human doing is neither contributable, nor acceptable toward, nor a sure result of an individual's justification unto eternal life.
-Paul declared that there is only one gospel and one God for all mankind Who will justify the Jew and the Gentile through a moment of faith alone in Christ alone.
-The Law enables one to become conscious of one's sins before God.

As we take a look at this week's material you will discover:

-Abraham was justified by faith, and not by the works of the law; for his faith was ascribed to him for righteousness.
-David also bears testimony to the same doctrine.
-Abraham, the father of the Jewish race, was justified by faith, even before he was circumcised; therefore salvation must be of the Gentiles as well as the Jews.

Let’s pray:

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.

Carefully read through Romans 3:21-31. Here again, I must stress the word “carefully” because if you aren’t “careful” you will miss Paul’s point. Let Paul speak to you through his writings as if he were right there sharing his story in person.

This week’s study questions:

1. Which forefather of the Jews is mentioned in verse 1?
2. Write down the Genesis 15:6 Old Testament passage quoted in verse 3.
3. When one works, his wage is considered ___________.(Romans 4:4)
4. What kind of people does God justify (Romans 4:5)?
5. What famous Jewish ancestor is mentioned in Romans 4: 6?
6. What word did David use to describe the benefit of receiving forgiveness of sin (Romans 4:6-8)?
7. Was Abraham considered or declared righteous before or after he was circumcised (Romans 4:10)?
8. What is circumcision a sign of (Romans 4:11)?
9. What kind of people does Abraham become the father of because of their faith in Jesus? See: Romans 4:11;12
10. What do you answer to those who say, “Salvation is too easy. It should cost something.”

Finally, after answering the study questions, read Romans 4:1-12 again. Pause and read each question and verse as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that you might see something new that you overlooked the first time around. As we go along in our studies together, I will pray that God’s message will continue to come through loud and crystal clear to you! Until next time...

God bless you!

Sheri

Jesus Will Give You Endurance

The headline reads: Iowa State University Senior Graduates After 19 Years! “Kathy Vitzthum has taken about one class each and every semester since 1992, while juggling family and career. About half way through the 40 semesters, she promised her terminally ill father that she would continue until she graduated. On May 7th, the 48-year-old Vitzthum graduated summa cum laude from Iowa State with a bachelor's degree in accounting."

Have you ever caught yourself doing something halfway, not much commitment, not because you enjoy it, but “just because”? Kathy wouldn’t understand you. Doing things halfway isn’t what God calls you to either.

How happy we are when something is all done--the trial is all finished, the work is all completed, sundown has come. We love it when the work is done, when the trial is over. We like to be happy. We like the feeling when we have made it through a tough situation, that it is past and over! There is a sense of joy and of well-being once again.

But, often here on this earth, the trial is not over. We are not finished--we are just starting. We often wish we were at the end when we have only begun. There was a time when the Israelites were in the wilderness. It was years before they would be in Canaan. They had to go through the middle of the wilderness. Sometimes you may feel like you are in a hot, dry wilderness, or in an ocean of difficulties.

Jesus has promised, "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee." Isaiah 43:2. Jesus will always be with you--how we need that today. We need His presence to be with us, because we are not there yet. We still have many mountains to climb.

In the midst of trials we have moments of peace, moments when we feel that for now everything is okay. But trials on this earth come again. We find ourselves in the furnace again and again. We need endurance. Look to Jesus. He can give you hope. If you look to Jesus, He will give you comfort. He will give you endurance. He will give you joy. You will have peace in the middle of the trial, because He is sufficient to take you through.

Scripture reading: 2 Timothy 2:10; Hebrews 12:7; Psalm 104:31; 2 Timothy 2:12; Ezekiel 22:14; Proverbs 27:24; 2 Timothy 4:5; 1 Corinthians 4:12.

Prayer:

Most Precious Lord Jesus, Gentle and Wonderful God, Truly Awesome and Ever-present Holy Spirit, Precious Lord Jesus, I love you.
Precious Lord Jesus, I commit my life to you even in the pain and suffering of this world. I know you call me every second of my life.
May every hardship I must endure be lived out for your glory.
All these things I humbly pray in the name of my most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ, my Mighty God, and my Ever-present Holy Spirit upon whom I can rely. Amen

Have a blessed day,

Dallas

Heaven Is Closer Than You Think

There is a story told of a dying man who asked his Christian doctor to tell him something about the place to which he was going. As the doctor fumbled for a reply, he heard a scratching at the door, and he had his answer.

"Do you hear that?" he asked his patient. "It's my dog. I left him downstairs, but he has grown impatient, and has come up and hears my voice. He has no notion what is inside this door, but he knows that I am here. Isn't it the same with you? You don't know what lies beyond the Door, but you know that your Master is there." -Alan Carr, Biblical Facts about a Place Called Heaven

Everyone wants to know about heaven and everyone wants to go there. Recent polls suggest that nearly 80% of all Americans believe there is a place called heaven. That statistic is encouraging because it says that even in this skeptical age there is something deep inside the human heart that cries out, “There’s got to be something more.

There is another fascinating statistic that should be mentioned. Not only do most Americans believe in heaven, most people expect to go there when they die. Not very many people would say they aren’t going to heaven. Perhaps one modest point is in order. Whenever you talk about living forever somewhere, it would help to know for sure where you are going.

The only things we can know for certain about heaven are the things revealed in the Bible. Everything else is just speculation and hearsay. The Bible tells us everything we need to know and I believe it also tells us everything we can know for certain about heaven.

The most important fact is that heaven is a real place. Listen to the words of Jesus on the night before he was crucified: John 14:1-3; Philippians 3:20; Luke 23:43; Hebrews 12:22-24;

Under the old covenant no one could come near God except under very strict conditions. But now in Christ we have been brought near to heavenly realities. Consider these things:

We’re not that far from heaven.
We’re not that far from the angels.
We’re not that far from our loved ones in heaven.
We’re not that far from God.
We’re not that far from Jesus himself.
Heaven is a real place, it’s where Jesus is right now, and it’s not far away from us.

-Special thanks to Charles F. Ball

Scripture readings: John 3:13; Matthew 16:19; Revelation 21:1; Revelation 11:12; Deuteronomy 30:12; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; 1 Peter 3:22.

Prayer:

Father, deliver me in Your arms, Let me rest near You, Sanctify me, Father, When you receive me, Forgive my sins as I forgave others, Glory be to God, my Father. Amen

Bless you always,

Aneta

So, What About YOUR Priorities?

Soon after Angie and David's sixth anniversary, the couple's home burned to the ground. Angi's first act, when they were allowed to hunt through the blackened remains, was to search for their photo albums. When she went to tell David that the pictures had indeed survived, she found him carefully placing in a box some charred, folded pieces of paper -- their courtship love letters.

"As I watched David kneeling there in the ashes," she says, "I was overcome with the certainty that we were meant for each other. There, in the face of our greatest tragedy, our first thoughts were not of our material loss but of the potential loss of these precious parts of our life together. As I knelt to help him with the letters, I was certain that we hadn't lost anything that mattered after all."

What about your priorities? Are you developing good ones? Establishing right priorities in life will make or break us. A good example of this is Psalm 112, which is in essence a psalm having to do with right priorities. In light of this psalm, it would benefit each of us to consider carefully the kind of priorities we establish in life.

For starters, I think that one should have a healthy fear of the Lord. According to the Disciple’s Study Bible, “the fear of the Lord appears to be a Hebrew idiom referring to a reverential attitude, which leads to obeying God’s law and revelation.” Simply put, the most important priority in life is to develop a reverential attitude toward God.

Speaking of priority, Psalm 112 in its entirety is concerned with the blessedness of the God-fearing man or woman, and is closely related to Psalm 1, “Blessed is the man . . . ,” and with Jesus’ Beatitudes found in Matthew 5:3-11. Fear of the Lord is the way that leads to happiness. One writer said, “Fear of God brings happiness.”

The late Matthew Henry gives us commentary on this passage. He has written, “It is not only reasonable that we should fear God, because His name is reverend and His nature is holy, but it is advantageous to us . . . Men can never begin to be wise till they begin to fear God.”

Certainly there are some men who claim to be wise, but according to Paul in Romans 1:22, “They become fools.” It was the fool who said in his heart, “there is no God.” Therefore, don’t you think that the wise thing to do is to establish right priorities? That is to say, have a healthy fear of God, obey Him fully, and be rightly related with Him forever.

One’s first and foremost priority is to trust Jesus as Lord and Savior. That is the first priority for the unsaved person. This is the starting point for an intimate relationship with the Father. Will you put your trust in Jesus today?

-Special thanks to Dr. Benjamin F. Woods

Scripture: Psalm 111:10-112:1b; Proverbs 1:7; Exodus 20:20; Psalm 25:12; Psalm 112:1; Psalm 112:1-10; Job 1:8.

Prayer:

Holy Jesus, every day
Keep us in the narrow way,
And when earthly things are past,
Bring our ransomed souls at last
Where they need no star to guide.
Where no clouds Thy glory hide. Amen

Have a blessed day,

Emily

Are YOU Prepared?

During the American Revolutionary War, a loyalist spy appeared at the headquarters of Hessian commander Colonel Johann Rall, carrying an urgent message. General George Washington and his Continental army had secretly crossed the Delaware River that morning and were advancing on Trenton, New Jersey where the Hessians were encamped.

The spy was denied an audience with the commander and instead wrote his message on a piece of paper. A porter took the note to the Hessian colonel, but because Rall was involved in a poker game he stuffed the unread note into his pocket. When the guards at the Hessian camp began firing their muskets in a futile attempt to stop Washington's army, Rall was still playing cards.

Without time to organize, the Hessian army was captured. The battle occurred the day after Christmas, 1776, giving the colonists a late present--their first major victory of the war.

During Paul's time, being Christian was unpopular and even outlawed in certain places. Many times when someone made the decision to become a Christian, they had to leave their family behind and live in hiding. As you could imagine, a Christian needed all of the encouragement they could get to keep the faith.

That's a big reason why Paul wrote to the Christians at Thessalonica. Since he couldn't make their situation any easier, and he couldn't promise them it wouldn't get worse before it got better; he promised them that one day Jesus would return and make things okay.

The coming of Christ will be sudden, and unknown before hand. He will come when we least expect it. The Thessalonians knew this fully, so it was pointless for Paul to write about the time and season of His return. 1 Thessalonians 5:2 tells us that "the Lord shall come as a thief in the night," suddenly and unexpectedly, as a robber breaks into a home.

A thief comes without giving any warning, or any indications of his approach. He is careful there is no forewarning of any kind. It is a point with him that, if possible, the man whose house he is about to rob shall have no way of knowing he is coming until he suddenly shows up. See: Luke 12:39-40; Matthew 24:37-40.

This is how the Lord Jesus will return to judgment; and this proves that all attempts to determine the day, the year, or the century when he will come, are simply false. He wants us to know that his coming to this world will be sudden and unexpected. You might be thinking, "So, what are we supposed to do?" See Acts 1:7.

A Christian should always live so that the coming of the Son of God in the clouds of heaven would cause the least amount of alarm. We should live with such alertness and clarity as to always be prepared to meet the Son of God. The coming of the Lord should always be treated as an event that could occur at any moment. Are YOU prepared for Jesus?

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8; Mark 13:33; Colossians 4:2; 1 Corinthians 16:13; Luke 21:36; Matthew 24:42; Revelation 3:3; Mark 13:35; 2 Samuel 5:24.

Let's pray:

Heavenly Father,
I offer you my efforts in order to obtain that all hearts may acknowledge your Sacred Royalty, and that thus the Kingdom of Your peace may be established throughout the universe. Amen.

May God bless you,

Cindy

Saturday Scriptures with Sahara - Give Me Some Good News!

In today's society, it seems like everywhere we turn we are introduced to some type of bad news. Before we go to bed at night, many of us watch the evening news; and usually the first thing we hear about is bad news. When we wake up in the morning, many of us read the newspaper; and normally, the first thing we read about is bad news. When we come home from work, and ask our spouse about their day, frequently, the first thing they talk about is the problems they encountered while at work; more bad news.

With so much bad news in the world; it's no wonder so many people have a gloomy outlook on life. It's no wonder so many people have a negative attitude towards others. It's no wonder so many people live their lives with no joy or hope.

Today, I am going to share with you, not some more bad news, but some good news that we find in the bible. The Bible is filled with good news that we need to hear and meditate on.

The first piece of good news that we find in the Bible is that Jesus Christ died on the cross so that we can recieve salvation.

Before Jesus took His last breath on the cross, mankind was sinking in sin. In fact (Eph. 2:1) teaches that mankind was dead in their sins. But listen to the good news of what God did for us...

-(Eph. 2:4) “But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions.”
-(Rom. 5:8) “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
-(Col. 2:13) “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins…”
-(2 Cor. 5:21) “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”

What does this mean? Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose again, and through His sacrifice, we can have our sins washed away and be free from the bondage of sin, so that one-day we can live in heaven!

The second piece of good news that we find in the Bible is that if we are living our lives for Jesus, we can have assurance of our salvation.

What does the Bible say about assurance of salvation?:

-(John 5:24) "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.
-(1John 5:13) These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, in order that you may know that you have eternal life.

The Bible clearly teaches that we can know (eidete; perfect tense; here and now present certainty) that we have eternal life. We can know that we are in a saved relationship with God.

How do you know if you are saved?

If you have given your life to Jesus Christ by:
(a) Believing in Him
(b) repenting of your sins
(c) confessing Him to others
(d) being baptized for the remission of your sins; and If you are living a faithful and Godly life; and walking in the light, then you can have assurance of your salvation!

Isn’t that great news? What a great burden that has been lifted off our shoulders.

The third piece of good news that we find in the Bible is that one day Jesus is coming back to take us to heaven.

Read (John 14:1-4). From this passage, we notice that Jesus is preparing a place for us and He is coming back to take us with Him.

Today, we have seen three pieces of good news:

(a) Jesus Christ died on the cross so that we may receive salvation.
(b) If we are living our lives for the Lord, we have assurance of our salvation.
(c) One day, Jesus is coming back to take us to heaven.

In closing, every day we should fill our souls with good news; especially good news from the Bible!

Let's pray:

Dear God, I am a sinner and need forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ shed His precious blood and died for my sins. I am willing to turn from sin. I invite Christ to come into my heart and life as my personal Savior. Amen

May God bless you,

Sahara

Bible Study Snacks, Romans 3:21-31

Hello everyone!

Thank you so much for joining me again as we journey together through the Book of Romans. This time, we will be studying Chapter 3, verses 21-31. As always, it is my most sincere hope that you find these Bible Study Snacks helpful and spiritually enlightening.

Before we move on with our study, we should briefly review the scripture that was covered during our last meeting together. I feel that reviewing what we previously learned helps to set the tone for our current study session.

This is what we learned:

As Paul continued to demonstrate the Jews' need of salvation, he proceeded to answer questions that he envisioned protesting Jews might ask. He explained the advantage of being a Jew, the faithfulness of God in spite of the Jews' unbelief, and the right of God to condemn the unrighteousness of man even though it magnified His Own righteousness (1-8).

Though the Jews had the advantage of possessing the oracles (the Holy Scriptures of God) Paul still concluded that the Jews as well as the Gentiles were in sin and proved his conclusion by listing a series of Old Testament scriptures that spoke to those under the Law (the Jews) as sinners (9-19). His conclusion: a law (like the Law of Moses) could not save, but only revealed the knowledge of sin.

As we take a look at this week's material you will learn:

-Paul now carefully begins to explain the "good news" of God's plan of salvation.
-to see the difference between a law of works and the law of faith.
-God's way of making man right through faith in Jesus Christ is now made clear, and made available to all who believe, whether Jew or Greek, for all have sinned.
-justification of man is explained in terms of redemption, made
possible through the blood of Christ, and offered to those who have faith in Christ.
-this "justification" is a gift of God's grace to those who have faith, which prevents anyone from boasting as though they, through the works of a law, deserved it.
-this does not void the need for law, but rather meets the requirement of law.

Let’s pray:

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.

Carefully read through Romans 3:21-31. Here again, I must stress the word “carefully” because if you aren’t “careful” you will miss Paul’s point. Let Paul speak to you through his writings as if he were right there sharing his story in person.

This week’s study questions:

1. Since we aren’t justified in God’s sight by perfectly completing the law, how is it possible to attain the righteousness of God (Romans 3:21-22)?
2. How is this method different or similar to the way it is revealed in Romans 1:16-17?
3. For this method of being justified (declared to be righteous) to be effective, does it matter to which race or background you belong (Romans 3:22)?
4. Why is it that one’s background does not influence how one is saved (Romans 3:23)?
5. Explain what Romans 3:24 says about the way we are saved?
6. How did God display or present Jesus Christ (Romans 3:25a)?
7. Why is it that even though the blood and sacrifice of animals could never forgive anyone, that God didn’t judge everyone right on the spot before the time of Jesus (Romans 3:25b-26)?
8. What cripples a man’s attempt to boast before God about his righteous works (Romans 3:27-28)?
9. Is the Jew (circumcised) and the Gentile (not circumcised) justified and saved in the same way or in different ways (Romans 3:29- 30)?
10. All the laws in the Old Testament can’t save us. Should we then despise the law (Romans 3:31)? Why or why not?

Finally, after answering the study questions, read Romans 3:21-31 again. Pause and read each question and verse as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that you might see something new that you overlooked the first time around. As we go along in our studies together, I will pray that God’s message will continue to come through loud and crystal clear to you! Until next time...

God bless you!

Sheri

Destructive Works of the Flesh

Hideyoshi, a Japanese warlord who ruled over Japan in the late 1500s, commissioned a colossal statue of Buddha for a shrine in Kyoto. It took 50,000 men five years to build, but the work had scarcely been completed when the earthquake of 1596 brought the roof of the shrine crashing down and wrecked the statue. In a rage Hideyoshi shot an arrow at the fallen colossus. "I put you here at great expense," he shouted, "and you can't even look after your own temple."

Works of the flesh pose a grave danger to the Christian. Why? To begin with, works of the flesh can destroy the liberty we enjoy in Christ (Ga 5:13-15). They prevent us from following the Spirit and doing the things we wish (Ga 5:16-17) They also keep us from inheriting the kingdom of God (Ga 5:21).

That is why it is imperative that we know what the works of the flesh are. For example, they can be those things that are contrary to the Spirit (Ga 5:17) or, those sins which wage war against the soul (1Pe 2:11).

I am here to assure you that we are not alone. To aid us in this battle, Paul provides a list of sins that are quite evident (Ga 5:19-21). At the top of the list are:

FORNICATION: It includes any sort of sexual intercourse between partners who are not married; e.g., premarital sex, adultery, homosexuality, prostitution, incest

UNCLEANNESS: In the Greek OT, it is used to denote ritual and ceremonial impurity which made it impossible for the worshipper to approach God.

LEWDNESS: Lasciviousness, licentiousness,sensuality.

IDOLATRY: According to Ro 1:18-23, the basic error of idol worship is the worship of the 'created thing' rather than the 'Creator of all things'!

SORCERY: The practice of sorcery and witchcraft, which often used drugs to cast spells and alter the behavior of others. The practice of witchcraft and sorcery is strongly condemned. (Exo 22:18; Re 21:8).

William Barclay observed that each of these sins is a perversion of something good. Because of the power of sin to corrupt, we need divine help to break
free from its bondage. Jesus promises freedom from the bondage of sin (Jn 8:31-36). That is why He sent the Holy Spirit to deliver on that promise (Romans 8:12-13; Galatians 5:16).

Scripture references: Gen 35:2; Exo 20:3; Lev 19:4; Deu 4:16; 1 Sam 15:23; 2Ki 18:4; 1 Sam 42:17; Jer 19:4; 1 Co 6:9; Col 2:18; 1 Jo 5:21; Rev 2:14

Let's pray:

I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders.
I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
The LORD reigns forever; he has established his throne for judgment.
He will judge the world in righteousness; he will govern the peoples with justice.
The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you. Amen

Bless you,

Jeanine

Waiting For God

Waiting for God is not laziness. Waiting for God is not going to sleep. Waiting for God is not the abandonment of effort. Waiting for God means, first, activity under command; second, readiness for any new command that may come; third, the ability to do nothing until the command is given.

Waiting is not something most of us enjoy doing in life. We often wait because we have no other choice. If you were supposed to meet someone at a particular place and time, and you get there and that person is not there, you begin to wonder if one of you got something wrong as to the time or place you were to meet. The longer you wait, the deeper you wonder.

If you think of the strength of a rope and how it only gets stronger as other strands are twisted together, that is how it is when we wait on God and allow ourselves to become intimately connected to Him. Suddenly there is unlimited power and strength from Him that comes into our life. We as the weaker strand are made strong by His strength.

Our strength is renewed as we wait on the Lord. What does that really mean to wait on the Lord? Waiting on the Lord is something that will bring these results: strength, renewal to change, ability to produce fruit, recovery, endurance and energy.

The Scriptures contain many instructions to wait on the Lord, for example:
Ps. 27:14; Prov. 20:22; Is. 40:31; Lam. 3:25; Hab. 2:3; Acts 1:4; Rom. 8:25.

Clearly, God intends His people to wait on Him. Whatever He has called us to do, he promises to give us success in it if we will wait on Him. At the core of waiting on the Lord is obedience. The root idea of waiting is not devotion, it is obedience. We wait on God when we say, “not my will but yours be done Lord.”

Let's pray:

Savior, teach me, day by day, Love's sweet lesson to obey; Sweeter lesson cannot be, Loving Him who first loved me.
With a child's glad heart of love, At Thy bidding may I move, Prompt to serve and follow Thee, Loving Him who first loved me.
Teach me thus Thy steps to trace, Strong to follow in Thy grace, Learning how to love from Thee, Loving Him who first loved me. Love in loving finds employ, In obedience all her joy; Ever new that joy will be, Loving Him who first loved me.
--Jane E. Leeson, 1807-1882

--thanks to Rev. David Koch

May your day be blessed,

Samantha

Perfection Is a Rare Commodity

Stradivarius violins are known as the best violins in the world. Famous musicians love to play them. These violins can be strong and powerful, soft and expressive, energetic and brilliant. Said one performer: "It's like a great race car. There's more power than you need, and it responds to the slightest touch."

Antonio Stradivari was a master artisan who lived in northern Italy about 300 years ago. Many people have tried to imitate his unique way of crafting stringed instruments, but none have succeeded. That's one reason why "Strad" violins today are often worth millions of dollars.

Many would say that Stradivarius violins come close to musical perfection. Perfection is a rare commodity. (Today in the Word, June 2007)

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary defines "perfection" as: the quality or state of being perfect or complete, so that nothing requisite is wanting; entire development; consummate culture, skill, or moral excellence; the highest attainable state or degree of excellence; maturity; as, perfection in an art, in a science, or in a system; perfection in form or degree; fruits in perfection.

W.L. Walker tells us, "Perfection is the Christian ideal and aim, but inasmuch as that which God has set before us is infinite-"Ye therefore shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matthew 5:48)-absolute perfection must be forever beyond, not only any human, but any finite, being; it is a divine ideal forever shining before us, calling us upward, and making endless progression possible."

Read: Phil. 3:12-16; Matt. 5:48

What does all of this mean? Can we become perfect? Is God asking what appears to be impossible, here? If we are not perfect, are we Christians? A lot of confusion has been generated by men who cannot or will not study this concept out. One thing is sure, either we can become perfect, or we cannot become perfect and these passages must be referring to something that may not be evident at first glance. Most of the confusion comes about from an imperfect understanding of the word that we have, translated into English as, “perfect”.

As confusing as the Greek language may be to some, there are times when we must get an accurate and complete meaning from the Greek word or words that are being translated. This is one of those times. If we do not have a proper understanding and simply operate with the English word, “perfect," we will generate all kinds of false doctrine. The Greek word that is used in each of these passages is the word teleios (Telios).

Depending on the form used, this word can be rendered as follows:(In the base form - Telios)-Complete {in job performed, in growth, in character}, completeness, of full age. Teleistas - completeness, perfection; Teleiao - To complete, accomplish, consummate, consecrate, finish, fulfill, (make) perfect. Teleios - Completely, without wavering, to the end. In all of this, are we struck with the idea of infallibility?

A much better word to be used in place of the English word, “perfect,” would be the English word, “mature" which some translations use. Can a Christian become mature in Christ, of full age, complete in character, consecrated, without wavering? I suggest, then, that in many of the passages in which we encounter the word “perfect,” we simply need to insert the word, “mature”.

We can become perfect and yet, there is a perfection that we will not attain to until we have drawn our last breath. We certainly can grow to the point where we realize; deeply realize; personally realize, what our sins have cost and the price tag that they still bear. We need to realize that we are not our own.

We have been bought with a price and we need to consecrate our lives to God. We can grow in character, we can come to full age, we can grow to the point that we will be able to resist the pull of this flesh. And yet, we know that our human weakness will cause us to slip and fall, from time-to-time. Our loving Savior has even covered this contingency with His blood.

Should we, or can we simply depend upon the blood of Christ to take away sin-after-sin? If we have grown to maturity, and if we have grown in our love and appreciation, we couldn’t possibly continue in willful sin. Our hearts should break every time we sin; every time we fail our Lord; every time we listen more to our flesh than we listen to the Spirit of God that has been so richly and freely given to us.

Scripture: Heb. 6:1; Rev. 20:13; Matt. 25:23; John 14:15; Matt. 28:19-20; I Peter 2:11; Rom. 8:1-9; Phil. 4:13; I John 1:8; I John 1:7; Romans 6:1-2.

Let's pray:

Holy Father, This day I pray for strength and courage that I might follow You and do Your will no matter what comes my way in life. I need You every day. I need You to show me what is right and good, to be my source of wisdom in deciding how to act and respond in any given situation, and to provide the strength and courage to do what is required. I thank you for Your love and the constant presence of Jesus in my life.
In His name I pray, Amen

Bless you,

Patti

The Value of a Mother

In the United States, Mother's Day is an annual holiday celebrated on the second Sunday in May. The holiday was declared officially by the state of West Virginia in 1910, and the rest of states followed quickly. On May 8, 1914, the U.S. Congress passed a law designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day and requesting a proclamation.

On May 9, 1914 President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation declaring the first national Mother's Day as a day for American citizens to show the flag in honor of those mothers whose sons had died in war. Mother's Day recognizes mothers, motherhood and maternal bonds in general, as well the positive contributions that they make to society. (Wikipedia.org)

With the exception of Adam and Eve, every human has a mother. Mothers and motherhood are very prominent throughout the Bible, literally and symbolically, in both Bible History and Prophecy.

Here are some famous Mothers of the Bible:

Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist.
Eve, the mother of Cain and Abel.
Hannah, the mother of Samuel.
Leah, the mother of Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun and Dinah.
Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ.
Rachel, the mother of Joseph and Benjamin.
Rebekah, the mother of Jacob/Israel and Esau.
Sarah, the mother of Isaac.
Bathsheba, the mother of Solomon.
Hagar, the mother of Ishmael.

We all know how valuable a mother is in our lives. Some have even tried to put a price tag on a mother’s value. A mother does not expect anything in return for her work. She receives no pay; works long hours; rarely has a day off or holiday; and receives few accolades.

Day in and day out, she tirelessly performs her duties, mostly behind the scenes, to keep her family running smoothly; rarely missing a beat. Without mothers this world would be vastly different, and not necessarily in a positive way.

In comparison with other professions or jobs, a mother’s work is probably the most challenging. On the one hand, you could say that she's "priceless." On the other? "$61,436 a year." That's according to Amy Danise, senior managing editor of Insure.com, a website that supplies insurance information.

Danise and her colleagues divided up mom's function into 14 different jobs (cook, driver, nurse, etc.), then used U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on hourly wages to see how much you'd have to pay if mom were outsourced in 2011.

If you didn't have her, for example, you might have to spend $6,285 a year on transportation (taxi driver or chauffeur, priced at $13.43 an hour). For cleaning, you'd have to pay a maid or housekeeper $9.40 an hour, or $7,104 a year.

Certainly, no one could ever place a monetary value on a mother's heart and love. I agree that a mother is not only "priceless," but irreplaceable. Let us honor our mothers and all of the things that they do to enrich not only our lives, but our world as well. Happy Mother's Day!

Scripture readings:

Genesis 4:1; Psalm 139:13; Luke 1:41; Luke 2:6-7; John 16:21; Psalm 131:2; 1 Samuel 1:23; Exodus 20:12; Proverbs 6:20.

Let's pray:

Loving God, we thank you for the love of the mothers you have given us,
whose love is so precious that it can never be measured,
whose patience seems to have no end.
May we see your loving hand behind them and guiding them.
We pray for those mothers who fear they will run out of love
or time, or patience.
We ask you to bless them with your own special love.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Have a blessed day,

Amanda

There Is Victory in Perserverance

The word perseverance means endurance, steadfastness, to persist in, to continue, to stand firm, to put up with, and to bear up bravely. While preparing for this blog entry, I came across an excellent list that illustrates perserverance using a jig-saw puzzle as an example. I would like to share it with you today:

Don't force a fit. If something is meant to be, it will come together naturally.

When things aren't going so well, take a break.

Everything will look different when you return.

Be sure to look at the big picture. Getting hung up on the little pieces only leads to frustration.

Perseverance pays off. Every important puzzle went together bit by bit, piece by piece.

When one spot stops working, move to another. But be sure to come back later (see above).

The creator of the puzzle gave you the picture as a guidebook.

Variety is the spice of life. It's the different colors and patterns that make the puzzle interesting.

Establish the border first. Boundaries give a sense of security and order.

Don't be afraid to try different combinations. Some matches are surprising.

Take time to celebrate your successes (even little ones).

Anything worth doing takes time and effort. A great puzzle can't be rushed.

During trying times, the assurance we have will keep us living for the Lord. We never know whether someone is watching us. As we endure the difficult times, our example is stronger. A weak Christian may see us suffering. Unknowingly, we help them.

Perseverance also strengthens our faith in the Lord. We find in Hebrews 3:14," For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end."

As Christians we are to persevere unto the end, enduring all suffering that comes our way. In II Timothy 2:15 we read, " Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a workman who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." When someone has perseverance, a deep commitment is shown.

In the early church, they wrestled with the problem of renouncers. These people waited until they were about to be severely persecuted physically, and then before the persecution was to take place, they would not confess to being a Christian. They did not persevere. There is a saying that is very true: When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

In 1 Corinthians 15:58 we are told," Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." A comforting scripture and one we need to always remember is John 14:1-6.

In Romans 5:3-5 we are told that tribulation produces perseverance. With the added strength found in the study of His Word, we can face these trials in life. They will not make us weaker but stronger.

Scripture readings:
Hebrews 10:36; 1 Corinthians 13:6-7; 2 Thessalonians 3:13; Romans 5:3-4; Galatians 6:9; James 1:12; Revelation 2:13; James 1:2-3; 1 Timothy 4:16; James 5:11.

Let's Pray:

Father, You bless those who revere Your name and delight in Your commands.
In the midst of inner turmoil or outer conflict I will not be shaken, for my heart remains steadfast trusting in You and Your overall plan for my life. Amen.

Have a blessed day,

Kristen

Our Actions Do Have Consequences!

We are reminded that every one of our actions has consequences and ramifications of which we must be mindful. When we justify sin by declaring, "…but I'm not hurting anybody!" we deceive ourselves.

Read the following Old Testament passages: Exodus 21:12; Exodus 21:15-16; Exodus 22:18-20; Exodus 31:14; Leviticus 20:9-13.

I think it's pretty clear from these passages that there was a stronger cultural view on the death penalty than what we see today. In our modern day, capital punishment is viewed as more political than religious.

Although the death penalty isn't always enforced for killing someone, there is usually some type of price paid for committing a crime. This price might be better defined as a consequence.

For most of us, the decisions we choose to make probably won't result in the death penalty; but the consequences may result in causing pain, broken relationships, and other hardships.

Remember, life was created to be lived. Try thinking through your decisions and their consequences so you can life a full life starting today!

Let's Pray:

Lord Jesus, forgive me, for I am a sinner. Please wash me clean and baptize me with your Spirit. Come into my heart and fill me. Take control of every part of my life. I give everything over to you. Amen

May God bless you,

Dallas

Bible Study Snacks, Romans 3:1-20

Hello again!

I hope that you are doing fine. Thank you for joining me as we journey together through the Book of Romans. This time, we will be studying Chapter 3, verses 1-20. I always say this, but it is my sincerest hope that you find these Bible Study Snacks helpful and spiritually enlightening.

Before we move on with our study, we should briefly review the scripture that was covered during our previous meeting. Besides, it never hurts to review and I feel that it helps set the tone for our current study session.

In our last meeting we studied:

I. The Gentiles need of Salvation (Romans 2:1-16)
a) Even the "Judges" will be judged. (Romans 2:1-11)
b) Not having a "written" law does not exempt from judgment. (Romans 2:12-16)

II. The Jews need of salvation (Romans 2:17-29)
a) The Jews were condemned by their own law. (Romans 2:17-24)
b) The limitation of circumcision. (Romans 2:25-29)

As we take a look at Romans, Chapter 3; keep these objectives in mind. You will learn:
-to understand the particulars of God's righteousness; grace, redemption, propitiation, faith in Jesus, and justification.
-to see the difference between a law of works and the law of faith.

Let’s pray:

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.

Carefully read through Romans 3:1-20. Here again, I must stress the word “carefully” because if you aren’t “careful” you will miss Paul’s point. Let Paul speak to you through his writings as if he were right there sharing his story in person.

This week’s study questions:

1. List one advantage that the Jews had over the Gentiles. (Romans 3:2)
2. Even though the Jews had the Word of God, some of them didn't actually believe God. How did God treat them? (Romans 3:3-4)
3. Although every man might be wrong, God will "be found __________" (Romans 3:4)
4. What arguments do some non-Christian believers use to cover up their sin? (Romans 3:7)
5. What is another way to state this misconception? (Romans 3:8a,b)
6. Are the Jewss, who have God's Word, better off than those who do not have the Bible? (Romans 3:9)
7. Why is this so? (Romans 3:9)
8. What is said in verses 10-18 about human thought, human direction, human speech, human action?

Finally, after answering the study questions, read Romans 3:1-20 again. Pause and read each question and verse as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that you might see something new that you overlooked the first time around. As we go along in our studies together, I will pray that God’s message will continue to come through loud and crystal clear to you! Until next time...

God bless you!

Sheri

Jesus Christ is Our Life!

What is the Christian life? I was recently involved in a lively discussion with some of my colleagues about this very topic. Many interesting points were raised which provided a wealth of material for thought-provoking debate and discussion.

I absolutely love those days when we can bounce ideas, topics or concerns off each other. I strongly feel that it sharpens our thinking and clears out the clutter, which makes us much better servants of the Lord!

This is precisely why it is essential that every believer examines the Scriptures persistently to see what God teaches concerning the Christian life and how it is to be lived. The Christian life is based, not on a work which we must do, but on a work that has already been accomplished by Christ.

I have included just a few of our discussion points and scripture references below, which I hope might help you to better understand the Christian life, what it is all about and how it is to be lived. The teaching of the New Testament epistles is very clear. may God help us to understand these things.

The Christian life is nothing less than the life of Christ. The Christian life is manifesting and outworking His life in the believer. See: John 15:5; Romans 6:4; Gal. 2:20; Phil. 1:21; Col. 1:27, 3:3-4; 2 Cor. 4:10-11; Gal. 4:19.

The outworking of the life of Christ is accomplished by the power of the indwelling holy spirit. See: John 14:17; John 15:26; 16:14; Acts 1:8; Acts 14:33; Romans 8:2; Romans 8:4; Gal. 5:16; Eph. 1:18-19; Eph. 3:20.

The dynamic of the Christian life is God's great working in me. See: 1 Cor. 1:29; Eph. 2:10; Gal. 6:15; Philippians 2:13; John 5:15; Col. 1:29; Heb. 13:21;

The Christian life is based upon the finished work of Jesus Christ. The key is not what I do, but what Jesus Christ has already done. Jesus Christ has already done the work, we simply need to believe it and claim it! See: Gal. 2:20; 2 Cor. 5:17; Col. 3:9-10.

The great truths of identification. To be saved we must believe the glorious fact that Jesus Christ died and rose again for us. To live the Christian life I must believe the glorious fact that I died with Christ and rose again with Christ. See: Romans 6:2; Romans 6:6; Gal. 2:20; Col. 2:20; Col. 3:3; 1 Peter 2:24.

I hope you can see that in regards to the Christian life, the Lord Jesus Christ is our life. May God open the eyes of our understanding to see how Christ's finished work on the cross relates to our daily walk with Him.

Let's pray:

Direct me now, O gracious Lord,
To hear aright Thy holy Word;
Assist Thy minister to preach,
And let Thy Holy Spirit teach,
And let eternal life be found
By all who hear the joyful sound. Amen.

May God bless you,

Eve

A Total Commitment

Robert Turner told a story about a hen and a pig who became very good friends. One seldom saw them apart. One day as they strolled about the barnyard lot, the hen suggested that since they had never eaten breakfast together, that they do that the next morning. Never being one to turn down a meal, the pig readily agreed and asked, “What will we eat?”

The hen stood in deep thought for a while, then said, “It appears to me that if each of us contributes something to the meal it will be more meaningful to each of us.” “Fine,” said the pig, “and what do you suggest?”

Again, the hen stood as if in deep thought for a while and then said, “I have an idea, let’s have ham and eggs. I’ll provide the eggs and you the ham.” “Hold on,” said the pig, “What you offer to contribute is the fruit of your labor, but what you’re asking of me requires total commitment!”

Here are several ways to define commitment: roll together, yield, surrender, serve, submit, trust, commend, abide, agree, respect, entrust, dedicate oneself – in which a person or a thing is set aside or consecrated to God’s service.

God has entrusted or committed a valuable deposit unto each believer that is to be guarded and protected, that is to be faithfully proclaimed, followed, or exercised, and that in turn is to be committed to others. Each believer is responsible to respond to God’s call by committing their heart, mind, body, and life to serve Him, to share the Gospel, and to be His ambassadors in this world.

When we submit ourselves to God, we submit to the Word of God. Remember God exalts the humble (James 4:7-8, I Pet 5:6-8). God has delivered us from the kingdom of darkness and has translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son. (Col 1:13) and tells us we serve the Lord Christ (Col 3:24, I Tim 6:20). Jesus did the legal side; we must do the vital side by belief and confession.

A lot of people want Jesus as Savior, to deliver them from a fiery hell, but it’s when we commit ourselves to God, He becomes our Lord. Jesus said, “Why call me Lord and do not the things I say” (Luke 6:46). Paul tells us in Gal 5:16 : ”this, I say then, walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh". Walking in the Spirit is living by the Word of God. Committing to do what God says.

Properly following God’s teachings will make you a better father, mother, husband, wife, employee, business owner, or friend. It is not a promise of a life of ease, but of greater service to God and our fellow men. God does require a total commitment of us, even to the point of dying for him if called to do so.

Many of us believe we are that strong, but total commitment also means a dedication to God even when nothing opposes us, when cares of this world distracts us, when friends and relatives conspire against us. How committed are you to God?

Scripture readings: Lk. 23:46; 1 Tim. 1:11; 1 Tim. 1:18; 1 Tim. 6:20–21; 2 Tim. 1:12, 14; 2 Tim. 2:2; Ps. 37:5; Prov. 16:3; Ex. 20:14; John 8:34; 1 Peter 4:19; 2 Cor. 5:18–20; Gal. 2:7

Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ,
I know that I have sinned
and done things that have hurt you.
I am willing to turn away
from what is wrong in my life.
I want to go where you lead in the future.
Thank you for dying on the cross
so that I might be forgiven.

Come into my life this day;
Come in as my Saviour and Lord:
Come in to be with me for ever.

Thank you Lord Jesus.
Amen.

Have a blessed day,

Adele

The Righteous and the Wicked

"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful" (Psalm. 1:1).

The First Psalm is one of my favorites because of the way that it simply and clearly contrasts the difference between a righteous person and a wicked one. This Psalm contains an abundance of information about the two types of persons within its six verses of poetic structure. They are described both literally and figuratively; as are their attitudes, actions and respective destinies. In fact, the first and last words of this Psalm point out what is waiting for the righteous and wicked.

The righteous will be “blessed” and the wicked will “perish”. I must mention here that there is so much that can be learned from this particular Psalm that I could not possibly discuss it all today. Instead, I will concentrate only on verse 1 and attempt to concisely dissect it.

Looking at verse 1, “Blessed” signifies complete happiness. It is used here to convey that complete happiness can be found by turning away from certain unrighteous activities, such as walking “in the counsel of the wicked”, standing “in the way of sinners”, and sitting “in the seat of mockers”. How much we avoid these activities determines the extent of our true happiness. Since none of completely avoids doing these things, none of us will experience true happiness.

The words “walking”, “standing”, and “sitting” describe the three postures of man as he carries on his daily life. What this means is that if all of these actions are performed in an unrighteous manner, the direction of one’s entire life is affected.

Note the progression of the actions. One “walks” least frequent; one “stands” a little more often; one “sits” most often. The three activities appear to form a progression in a person’s life from infrequent to repeated engagement in unrighteous activity.

Lastly, focus your attention on the accomplices of the unrighteous activities: "the wicked", "the sinners", and "the mockers". Do you see the progression? The wicked are those who knowingly violate the command of God. Sinners are those whose way of life falls short of the Godly standard. Many do not even know they violate God's command. Mockers are those who openly show their contempt for God's law. They not only stumble through the law, they despise it.

What does this mean for us? We must stay alert! Remember, the path to unrighteousness is progressive. You don't fall into unrighteousness overnight. First you participate, then habituate, then dwell; one stumbles then sins then mocks. Don't go there! Turn around before its too late!

Let's pray:

Praise the Lord, faraway space,
glorify God,
every home and family!
For God has brought us to the beginning of this day,
and God will see us to its end.

Praise the Lord, world of today,
come with your blessings;
come with your struggles. Amen

Praise the Lord!

Robyn