When Bad News Strikes!

I was looking for a good illustration to open my discussion about bad news. Although I had found several that I considered using, none of them seemed quite right; so I began to wrap things up for the day. As I was getting ready to leave, I shared my dilemma with a friend. She offered me a small book of poetry to take home and see if there was anything in it that I might be able to use.

As I sat there quickly thumbing through it, I came across a short poem that was exactly what I had been looking for! Now, greatly relieved, I would like to share it here with you as my message opener...

"All the water in the world
However hard it tried,
Could never, never sink a ship
Unless it got inside.

All the hardships of this world,
Might wear you pretty thin,
But they won't hurt you, one least bit
Unless you let them in."
-Author Unknown

Let's take a look at what the Bible teaches in regards to handling bad news. Because if and when bad news occurs, at least we will know how to manage it.

A suitable starting point for our discussion is Genesis 37:31-36, the story of Joseph. Moved by jealousy, Joseph’s brothers sought to destroy him. They brought him to a remote area and cast him down into a pit, with the intention to kill him.

Fortunately one of his brothers, Judah, had better sense than to do this and instead they sold him into slavery. They dipped Joseph’s coat in blood and brought it back to Jacob. They told Jacob that Joseph had been killed by wild animals. So Jacob believed the lie and mourned Joseph for many years.

Now, what do we do when we get bad news? How do we deal with it? What tools do we use to manage it? Some bad news is relatively inconsequential. And, other bad news can be terribly tragic. How do we handle bad news?

In this regard, the Bible teaches us a remarkable number of things that can help with dealing with bad news. Let’s check out a few of those things...

Verify it! When we get bad news, the first thing we want to do is verify it. We don’t want to make the same mistake that Jacob made. Sometimes when we receive bad news we overreact. We want to believe the worst.

We should take care to verify that bad news is really bad news (1 Thessalonians 5:21). If we fail to verify the bad news, we could make things worse for ourselves as did Jacob.

Act on it! Ask yourself: Is there anything that I can do to help the situation improve? What is the bad news that is distressing us? Is it anything that we can do something about?

If so, then instead of sitting around doing nothing, we ought to get busy doing something (Romans 12:11; Colossians 3:23; James 4:17). Doing nothing when we can do something will only make things worse.

Pray! When we have verified the bad news and done something, if there is anything to do, we must turn to God in prayer. God wants us to pray to Him in difficult times (Luke 18:1). God doesn’t want us to faint, but take courage in Him to do the right thing. We have to be humble enough to turn to the Lord with problems that are out of our hands (1 Peter 5:6-7).

Think about it! Part of working through any bad news is thinking about such things. Our mind tends to replay the bad news over and over again. It is easy to allow that to happen. But in order to deal with bad news we’ve got to stop the cycle of negative thinking. This means that we must focus on good things instead of bad. The Bible encourages this behavior as well (Philippians 4:8). Counting our blessings goes a long way toward dealing with bad news.

Talk about it! Talking to others about our bad news also helps us to deal with it. Talking is therapeutic and helps to alleviate anxiety that we build within ourselves. This also brings us into deeper relationships with our Christian friends and family (Romans 12:15). In order to do this with others we need to talk about such things (1 Corinthians 12:25-26).

Accept it! In order to handle bad news, we’ve got to accept it. Sometimes it takes a long time for us to do this depending on how bad the news is (Romans 8:28). Regardless how bad a situation may seem to us, God is able to use it for good. When we recognize this, it will help us toward accepting the bad news that has come into our life. We will always see bad things that happen as working for good in the Lord’s hands.

For example, when we look at dirty dishes, do we only see a great mess or do we see that we’ve had food to eat? When we look at rowdy children do we only see a constant source of irritation or do we see healthy, active, vibrant youth? Even when we look at the death of a fellow Christian, do we see it as our loss or his, or her gain?

God is able to make all things work for his good. Knowing this helps us to accept bad news and live with it.

Rejoice! We don’t rejoice without reason, that would be insanity. We rejoice knowing that God is in control of all things good and bad. We rejoice knowing the blessings we have as Christians. We rejoice in the future and hope of all who are children of God (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

In summary, How do we handle bad news? We should:

1) Verify it!
2) Act on it!
3) Pray!
4) Think about it!
5) Talk about it!
6) Accept it!
7) Rejoice!

Prayer:

My Father, I pray that if I meet with difficulty, I may not go backward, nor stand still, and fear to go forward. Unfold to me the depth and breadth of the ideal and beautiful, that I may not be content to succeed in the shallowness of life: but may I aspire to the height of the soul, even if I fail to acquire great things. Amen.

May God bless you always!

Kaycee

Where Did Integrity Go?

It's always wonderful to hear or read a "good-news" story. Sadly, it seems as if these types of stories are too few and far between in today's world. Fortunately, every now and then you do come across a story that gives you hope...

A New York state woman who tracked down a woman to return a lost purse said the good karma from her deed did not stop her from being hit by a car.

Jessica Wieczorek, 26, manager of the Coffee Culture cafe on Elmwood Street in Buffalo, said she found the purse Feb. 11 when it was left behind by a customer and used a Sam's Club card inside and Google to find the phone number of the owner, Lidia Couzo, The Buffalo News reported Wednesday.

Couzo said she was overjoyed to get her purse back, especially since she had just cashed a $1,800 check and the money was inside.

"I think it's amazing," Couzo said. "That just shows you the type of people we have here. In an economy that has people reeling, to me this was significant."

Wieczorek was rewarded by Couzo. -UPI, February 22, 2012

I am thoroughly convinced that we need to spend more time in thinking and talking about the importance of integrity. By definition, integrity means “soundness of moral principle and character, complete honesty and uprightness with no masking of intent.” Its opposite is hypocrisy. Integrity demands that a person put on no false front, that he wear no artificial mask, and that he play no deceptive role.

It means that a person must be openly honest, making certain that he conveys no false claims either in word or in life. Integrity excludes lying, stealing, cheating, and every form of deception. It is a broad, inclusive term referring to one of the deepest and most important qualities of a worthy life. It describes the man, or woman who is worthy of complete trust.

The scriptures often speak of integrity, sometimes using the word itself, but often referring to the idea without using the word. For example: Proverbs 19:1; Proverbs 20:7; Deuteronomy 16:19-20; Psalm 15:1-4.

Similarly, when one turns to the Bible he finds several striking examples of the lack of integrity. One of the most striking examples is the story of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis 37:31-35.

In the New Testament we find an incident in Matthew 22 which shows a shocking lack of integrity even among some of the religious leaders of the day! (Matthew 22:15-17; Matthew 22:21)

A further example of deception and dishonesty of purpose among the religious leaders of Christ’s day is seen in a conversation, which followed the healing of a lame man at the gate of the temple. (Acts 4:16-17)

It is right here that I would like to pause and think about the great cost of hypocrisy and deception. It is so vitally important that parents not deceive their children, yet many of the younger generation feel that their parents have lied to them. Sometimes the lying has been in words.

More often it has been in terms of hypocrisy--paying lip service to certain ideals of conduct, but denying those ideals in daily living. One of the complaints of the younger generation is that the older generation has deceived them!

But all is not so dismal! There are other examples in the scriptures, however, which demonstrate the beauty and the power of integrity. The story of Job is but one example that comes to mind (Job. 1:1; Job 1:20-22; Job 2:9-10; 42:10).

In closing, open honesty, no false-front, no mask, this is what is needed in society today. May our lives be such that people will be able to trust us fully and completely. May there be no deception or ploys. Christ lived such a life before us. He taught the highest of principles and then lived his life in perfect conformity to those principles.

He was the same to all men. He was the same on every occasion. He was openly honest, hiding nothing, and ashamed of nothing. Eventually, his life so contrasted with those about him that it engendered hatred and jealousy, which ultimately caused his death. How great the cost! But, how inspiring the example!

Let's Pray:

Father in Heaven, You made me Your child and called me to walk in the Light of Christ. Free me from darkness and keep me in the Light of Your Truth. The Light of Jesus has scattered the darkness of hatred and sin. Called to that Light, I ask for Your guidance. Form my life in Your Truth, and my heart in Your Love. Amen

God loves you!

Jerri

Think God...Not Greed!

I ran across this story the other day. It is as follows... "We told you earlier about riot police being called in at an Orlando mall to disperse an unruly crowd that was waiting for the release of new Nike shoes last night. Now CNBC's Darren Rovell tweets that Foot Locker has called off seven such events.

That includes one in Maryland, where WJLA reports a release of Nike Foamposite Galaxy sneakers was called off at The Mall at Prince George's in Hyattsville this morning.

The TV station says a huge crowd had been waiting for hours, and that at one point a large group rushed the locked mall doors but was unable to enter. The Washington Post says there was one arrest.

Why all the frenzy about these shoes? Greed is an obvious factor, since the shoes sell for $220 from Nike but can command much hire prices when re-sold online.

WJLA and others have estimated the markups can be be for more than $2,000, but Rovell had a stunning tweet about the furor for this model. Rovell pointed out that on eBay there's a $70,000 bid for one pair." -USA Today, February 24, 2012, Tom Weir

The online dictionary, www.thefreedictionary.com, defines greed as: An excessive desire to acquire or possess more than what one needs or deserves, especially with respect to material wealth.

What does the Bible have to say about greed? As it turns out, PLENTY..!

1 Timothy 6:10; Proverbs 28:25; Hebrews 13:5; 1 Timothy 6:9; Luke 12:15; 1 John 2:16; Matthew 6:24; James 4:3; Proverbs 11:24; 2 Peter 2:14; Proverbs 15:27; Matthew 13:44; Jeremiah 6:13; Psalm 10:3; Matthew 6:33; John 12:6; Proverbs 1:12-13; Ephesians 5:3-5; Proverbs 20:21; Mark 7:20-23; Malachi 3:10; Proverbs 11:6; Colossians 3:5; Proverbs 1:1-33; Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Corinthians 3:11; Ephesians 5:5; 1 Thessalonians 2:5 Exodus 20:11-18; John 3:16.

Greed whispers in our ear that we would be happier if we had more money, more things, and more power (cf. Proverbs 27:20 AMP; Ecclesiastes 1:8 AMP). It creates discontent and a growing desire to do whatever it takes to gain position and possessions. But the Bible commands us to trust in God, not in”uncertain riches” (1 Timothy 6:17).

Paul told Timothy that the way to overcome greed is to flee from it and to “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness” (1 Timothy 6:11). And those “who are rich in this present age, who have more than is needed, should be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share” (1 Timothy 6:17-18).

Surprisingly, the Bible says a great deal about money. It speaks about earning and spending, saving and giving. It even tells about wasting our money! The Bible puts to rest two commonly held misconceptions about money. First, that money provides ultimate security (Proverbs 23:4-5; Luke 12:15); and that God condemns the rich for being rich.

Yes, God certainly hates false gain, wrong motives for getting rich, and lack of compassionate generosity among the wealthy. But some of the most godly people in the Bible were rich (Job, Abraham, Joseph, David, Solomon, Barnabas, Philemon, Lydia). The Bible also teaches that both the rich and poor must fight similar battles, such as envy of others, and greed for more.

However, let me share one important point with you. It is an all too common mistake that many make. Don't think religion is just a way to get rich!:

1. As did some in Timothy's day - 1 Timothy 6:5
2. As some do today (cf. "The Gospel Of Health And Wealth")

Religion (godliness) is of value only when joined with contentment (1 Timothy 6:6). Godliness with contentment is the great gain! And what is that..? It is that which constitutes true wealth (1 Timothy 6:6); a consistent, authentic walk with God; and is combined with satisfaction and peace within (regardless of finances).

Remember..the key is contentment! It is a quality that is learned (cf. Philippians 4:11-12). How is it learned? It is learned by having:

1) A proper perspective on life - 1 Timothy 6:7
2) An understanding of the true physical necessities of life - 1 Timothy 6:8

Matthew 6:24 tells us that, "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."

What you desire most you don't own, but it owns you. Ask yourself this, "Does God own you or does money (possessions) own you?" God always gives and gives freely to us. On the other hand, have you ever known a greedy, wealthy person who isn't trying to get more and more and is struggling?

Since we are given everything from God we own nothing. This is a difficult concept for many to understand. Everything we have, and will have belongs to God! We cannot earn or gain anything more for ourselves. This is precisely why the key to true wealth is: godliness with contentment!

In closing, when we love Jesus more than money and possessions, we find that He is the greatest treasure of our lives. We discover that knowing Him is the true source of genuine satisfaction.

According to Hebrews 13:5, keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

Prayer:

Almighty and most Merciful God, graciously hearken unto our prayers; and free our hearts from the temptations of evil thoughts; that we may worthily become a fit habitation for Thy Holy Spirit. Amen

Have a blessed day!

Athene

(Video) Lisa Bevere: The Confident Woman Fights Like a Girl (Part 4)

Enjoy this 4th excerpt from Lisa Bevere's series, "The Confident Woman Fights Like A Girl." ~Eve

Saturday Scripture Gold with Bibi: Are YOU Controlled By Sin?

Hello, and welcome to Saturday Scripture Gold. Thank you for taking time out of your busy weekend to drop by!

The past three years haven't been easy for Shelbyville Mills Baptist Church. But the congregation found some closure in a restoration service for its former minister of youth and church administrator, Charles Lohn, on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012.

The church discovered in July 2009 that Lohn had embezzled more than $75,000 over a three-year period. When the investigation was completed, the amount proved to be more than $100,000.

Pastor Jonathan Sims, who thought of Lohn as a son, said, when he found out "it was difficult, very heart-wrenching."

Addressing the congregation for the first time since he was charged with embezzlement, Lohn read from a prepared statement. "I would like for you to know that I am truly sorry for what I have done," he said. "I have been convicted and I have repented to God. I know that I have been forgiven by God. I stand before you today to ask you for your forgiveness."

"I was no longer in control. The sin was controlling me," he told Shelbyville Mills members.

At the end of the restoration service, which also included a question-and-answer time with the pastor and Lohn, Sims issued a charge to the church.

"I call upon you to forgive and to forgive completely Bro. Charles," the pastor said, noting that Lohn would be baptized in a few weeks.

When asked by a reporter why the public service was held, Sims noted that because Lohn was publicly disciplined by the church, he needed to be restored publicly.

"Because this was a highly publicized and reported sin, we felt the church as a whole needed to come publicly and declare we had forgiven him," Sims said. "We wanted to be completely transparent." -Baptist Press, February 23, 2012, Lonnie Wilkey

Do you remember the joy and the relief you experienced when you were baptized? Knowing that your sins had been washed away by the blood of Christ? Knowing that you then stood before God holy and without blame? Wouldn't it be great to experience that same joy and relief, time and again?

There is no reason why you can't; even though you may have sinned terribly after your baptism! Dear readers, God has made provision whereby we can enjoy the continual cleansing of the blood of Christ!

How..? Not by being baptized again and again, but by confessing our sins to God (cf. 1 John 1:9). For God who is faithful and just has promised to forgive our sins! Just as we were raised from the grave of baptism cleansed by the blood of Jesus, so we can rise from our prayers knowing that we have been cleansed from all unrighteousness!

The key is to confess our sins. But how does one do that effectively? Are there some things to keep in mind as we confess our sins? In Psalms 51, we have what David wrote after he was guilty of adultery with Bathsheba. He provides an example of how one should confess their sins to God. He provides what I like to call "The Art Of Confessing Our Sins"

Now you're probably wondering, "How should one go about confessing their sins to God?" From the example of David, a good place to begin is appealing to God's mercy and love (Psalm 51:1-2).

Note the basis of David's plea of forgiveness.

1. "according to Your lovingkindness"
2. "according to the multitude of Your tender mercies"

David sought forgiveness based upon God's lovingkindness and tender mercies. The pardon we seek should have as its basis, not in the merit or worthiness of man, but in the goodness and grace of God!

As we seek "washing" and "cleansing" from our sins, let's not base our appeal on our past accomplishments. (For example, how much we have done for the Lord, or how long we have been a member of His church). Instead, base it upon the goodness and mercy of God! Appeal to His mercy and grace! Knowing that He is slow to anger and abounding in mercy! cf. Psalm 103:8-10. Remember the parable of the Pharisee and the publican! -Luke 18:9-14

And of course, as we seek forgiveness, we must also acknowledge our sins to God (Psalm 51:3-4). Note how David acknowledged his sin. He did not try to hide it: "my sin is ever before me." He admitted that it was a sin against God Himself: "Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in your sight."

While it is true he had sinned against Bathsheba, Uriah, his own wife...David knew that it was ultimately against God Himself! He accepted the condemnation of God against him. That God was both "just" and blameless" in judging him, as God did when He sent Nathan to condemn him.

In closing, as we confess our sins, we can follow David's example:

a. Appeal to God's mercy and lovingkindness (Psalm 51:1-2)
b. Acknowledge our sins to God (Psalm 51:3-4)
c. Understand where we are and where God wants us (Psalm 51:5-6)
d. Pray for renewal and restoration (Psalm 51:7-12)
e. Resolve to offer grateful service (Psalm 51:13-17)
f. Pray for God's purposes (Psalm 51:18-19)

As we confess our sins, we should appreciate that this is key to receiving God's grace (cf. 1 John 1:9). We should also acknowledge the sin; while we may at times simply confess to be sinners, it never hurts to actually mention the sin for which we seek forgiveness. Understand that all sin is ultimately a sin against God Himself! And above all..don't fault God (His Word or His messengers) when we are exposed and condemned for our sins!

The Christian who confesses his sins is the truly happy individual ("Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven..."), for they have the assurance of salvation (cf. 1 John 1:9). Have you confessed your sins to God today?

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 thy name's sake. Amen

Until next time...

Have a blessed week!

Bibi

(Video) Beth Moore - Strength Through Self-Discipline

In this short, but inspiring message, Beth Moore explains the Biblical definition of a "sound mind" and how we can attain it. Enjoy!
~Eve

Bible Study Snacks, Acts 3:1-26

Hi, everyone!

Welcome to another presentation of Bible Study Snacks. I'd like to thank you for joining me again as we walk through the richness of God's spoken word and wisdom together. I hope that your week has gone well, and that today finds you in good health and strong in faith!

This week, we will continue our study with the Book of Acts, Chapter Three.

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...

CHAPTER OBJECTIVES: The reader will...

1) Study the healing of the lame man, noting various aspects of the miracle;

2) Examine Peter's second gospel sermon, his call to repent and the blessings to follow.

For your convenience, here is a summary of Acts, Chapter 3:

The chapter opens with Peter and John going to the temple where they encounter a man lame from birth begging for alms at the gate called Beautiful. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Peter commands him to rise up and walk. Taking the lame man by the right hand and lifting him up, the man is healed instantly and completely. Walking, leaping, and praising God, he accompanies Peter and John into the temple to the wonder and amazement of the crowd (Acts 3:1-11).

On Solomon's porch, Peter explains that the healing occurred by faith in the name of Jesus. God has glorified His Servant Jesus, the Holy One and the Just, the Prince of life, whom they denied and killed, but whom God raised from the dead as witnessed by Peter and John. While their crimes were done in ignorance, even foretold and fulfilled by God, they are commanded to repent and turn.

Those that do are promised to have their sins blotted out and experience other blessings from Jesus who will remain in heaven until the times of restoration of all things. Those who do not heed Jesus will be utterly destroyed as foretold by Moses (cf. Deuteronomy 18:15,18-19). As sons of the prophets, and of the covenant God made with Abraham to bless all families through his seed (cf. Genesis 22:18), to them first God has sent Jesus to bless them in turning them away from their iniquities (Acts 3:12-26).

REVIEW QUESTIONS:

1) What are the main points of this chapter? (Acts 3:1-11; 12-26)
2) When did Peter and John go up to the temple? (Acts 3:1)
3) What was the name of the gate of the temple where the lame man begged for alms? (Acts 3:2)
4) When Peter and John spoke to the lame man, what he expecting? (Acts 3:3-5)
5) As Peter prepared to heal the lame man, what did he say? What did Peter then do? (Acts 3:6-7)
6) How soon was the lame man healed? How did the lame man respond? (Acts 3:7-8)
7) Who saw the lame man walking in the temple? What was their reaction? (Acts 3:9-10)
8) Where did the crowd gather in the temple area? (Acts 3:11)
9) What did Peter first deny? (Acts 3:12)
10) What had God done through this miracle? (Acts 3:13)
11) Of what did Peter accuse of the crowd concerning Jesus? (Acts 3:13-15)
12) What did Peter then proclaim regarding Jesus? What evidence does he provide? (Acts 3:15)
13) To what does Peter attribute the healing of the lame man? (Acts 3:16)
14) What does Peter say regarding their guilt? What else about their actions? (Acts 3:17-18)
15) What two commands does Peter give to the people? (Acts 3:19)
16) What three blessings are extended to those who obey? (Acts 3:19-20)
17) How long must Christ remain in heaven? As described by whom? (Acts 3:21)
18) What did Moses promise to the fathers? What did he also warn them? (Acts 3:22-23)
19) Who else foretold of these days? (Acts 3:24)
20) How did Peter describe his audience? (Acts 3:25)
21) What promise did God make to Abraham? (Acts 3:25)
22) How was God seeking to bless the people? (Acts 3:26)

After completing this weeks' study, go back and read through it 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

Grief Is NOT An Illness!

Grief following the death of a loved one isn’t a mental illness that requires psychiatrists and antidepressants, according to editors of The Lancet, who oppose “medicalizing” an often-healing response to overwhelming loss.

Routinely legitimizing the treatment of grief with antidepressants “is not only dangerously simplistic, but also flawed,” says the unsigned lead editorial appearing in Friday’s edition of the influential international medical journal. “Grief is not an illness; it is more usefully thought of as part of being human and a normal response to the death of a loved one.”

In rare cases, a bereaved person will develop prolonged grief or major depression that may merit medical treatment “or sometimes more effective psychological interventions such as guided mourning may be needed,” they wrote. However, they suggested that for the majority of the bereaved, “doctors would do better to offer time, compassion, remembrance and empathy, than pills.” -Matzav.com Newscenter, February 17, 2012

The loss of loved one is a difficult burden to bear. Only those who die young and before others escape this burden. All others will bear this burden at some point in their life.

The Lord certainly knows our grief. He wept when as He saw those weeping over the loss of a loved one (John 11:33-35). He sought to prepare His own disciples for when they would lose Him (John 14:1-3).

Without a doubt, God can be a wonderful source of comfort both in the here and now (cf. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5), and in the hereafter (cf. Revelation 21:4). In the death of my mother. I found God to be the God of all comfort. In fact, I found that He provided many avenues of comfort.

As I reflected on my mother's passing, I found myself thankful for His many comforts. Perhaps you might find my thoughts helpful should you find yourself losing a loved one.

Let's define some of these sources of comfort...

a) HOPE IN CHRIST - As Christians, we grieve, but not as those with no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). In Christ, we have the hope of resurrection and reunion (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17). This hope is a wonderful source of comfort (1 Thessalonians 4:18). I was comforted to have a mother who died in Christ.
b) PRECIOUS MEMORIES - Memories can be a source of comfort (e.g., Phillipians 1:3), especially when they involve one's faithful service to Christ (Philippians 1:4-5). Such memories add to the confidence of our hope (Philippians 1:6). I was comforted to have a mother who was a faithful Christian.
c) LOVE OF FAMILY, BRETHREN, FRIENDS, ETC. - One way that God comforts us is through other people who, in turn, comfort us with comfort they have received from God (2 Corinthians 1:4). In times of loss and suffering, it often brings out the best in people. I was comforted by many expressions of love and kindness from others.
d) THE WORD OF GOD - The Word of God is a source of peace and strength (Psalm 119:165; 1:1-3). If such was true of the Law, how much more the words of Jesus and His apostles! I was comforted by God's words of peace, love and hope.
e) PRAYER - Prayer is also a source of peace and strength (Philippians 4:6-7). It is an avenue in which to find grace and help in time of need (Hebrews 4:14-16). Many people wrote to tell me that I was in their prayers. I was comforted by both personal and public prayers, offered by so many.
f) SONGS - Like the songs of joy, faith, and hope that were sung at the funeral. With hymns, psalms, and spiritual songs, singing both praises God and edifies one another (Ephesians 5:19; Col 3:16). I was comforted (and moved most, providing an outlet for my grief) by songs of hope and faith that we have in Christ.

With so many sources of comfort, I found the loss of my mother to be a reminder of how richly blessed I am, and how kind God has been to me. Yet I am aware that not all enjoy such blessings during the time of their loss. Which leads me to say a few words about how these sources of comfort are developed. They are as follows:

a) HOPE IN CHRIST - Our wonderful hope is for those who are faithful to Christ till death (Revelation 2:10). If we desire to have this hope, and to leave it as a legacy for those left behind, we must be faithful servants of Christ. Do not wait until it is too late; you will only add to the grief of your loved ones!
b) PRECIOUS MEMORIES - Now is the time to be making memories, especially memories of your faithful service to God, your kindness to others, etc. What kind of memories have you been creating lately?
c) LOVE OF FAMILY, BRETHREN, FRIENDS. Loving relationships take time to develop. Don't think only of family, you might outlive all of yours; remember brethren and friends. What kind of relationships with people are you developing now?
d) THE WORD OF GOD - It also takes time to become familiar with the Word of God; to learn where to turn to find comfort, peace, and strength. Are you familiarizing yourself with the Bible so it can help you in your grief?
e) PRAYER - Prayer is of value only if we are right relationship with God (1 Peter 3:12). Prayer is comforting only if we are already close to God. Are you drawing closer to God by frequently talking to Him in prayer?
f) SONGS - Like the Word of God, songs comfort us when they are familiar to us; when we've had time to reflect, to understand what we are singing about. Do you sing spiritual songs enough to find comfort in them now?

In conclusion, the death of a loved one has been made easier to bear because of God's grace. Remember, Jesus died to deliver us from the fear of death (Hebrews 2:14-15). The death of a righteous person is precious in God's sight (Psalm 116:15). The loved one has finally gone home; if we remain faithful, the separation will be temporary.

The blessings that God affords His children in time of death are so many, but they must be received and acted upon. We must act now to benefit from them in the future!

Are you preparing for the reality of death? Are you doing things today that will make the "death-day" of your loved ones (and your own) easier to bear, even a cause for celebration...?

Prayer:

We give them back to you, O God, those whom you gave to us. You did not lose them when you gave them to us – and we do not lose them by their return to you.
Your dear Son has taught us that life is eternal and that love cannot die, so death is only a horizon – and a horizon is only the limit of our sight.
Open our eyes to see more clearly and draw us close to you – that we may know that we are nearer to our loved ones – who are with you.
You have told us that you are preparing a place for us. Prepare us, that where you are we may be – always. Amen

Have a blessed day!

Sharon

A Little Compassion Goes A Long Way!

An Oklahoma first-grader is proving that one person can make a difference. Although, it doesn't hurt to have a little help from your friends.

Alyssa Walker is not your average 7-year-old. She's not concerned so much about her stuff. She'd rather give stuff to others who really need it.

Just last week, Alyssa Walker encouraged her friends to bring food to her birthday instead of presents, food that she could donate to the homeless community. She got plenty. That food made its way to snack bags. Alyssa put her own special touch on each one.

Alyssa wasn't content to just hand her food over, and not know exactly where it was going. She wanted to come outside and meet people face to face. Her parents helped her make that happen.

"Years ago we donated some clothes and toys to the Jesus House, and ever since then, every night she prays to bless those people and watch over them," said Laura Walker, Alyssa's mother.

"I wanna help people. I have a lot of stuff, and I wanna help other people that don't have anything," Alyssa said. - 9 Oklahoma's Own, February 13, 2012

Compassion! When that word is used, many don’t have any idea at all what it means. Some people think of weakness when that think of compassionate people. Men especially are guilty of viewing compassion as something “weak, soft people do”. In truth, expressing compassion towards others reveals a strength of character that few people possess!

It certainly seems like we live in a compassion-less world today. Most people place themselves and their family above any other consideration in the world. The sad reality is that most people simply do not care what happens to others! They do not possess compassion. In fact, I would venture to say that most people don’t even know what it means to have compassion!

The word compassion, as it is used in the Bible means, “To be moved inwardly; to yearn with tender mercy, affection, pity and empathy.” It refers to the deepest possible feelings. The phrase, “moved with compassion” means to be moved in the “inner organs”. It has the same idea as our modern expression, “From the bottom of my heart.”

Someone has defined compassion as “Sympathy coupled with a desire to help.” Sympathy means “The capacity to share feelings, to enter into the same feelings, to feel the same thing”. So, compassion is “sharing the feelings of others and possessing a desire to help them in their trouble.”

When we read the Gospels, they tell us of Jesus and His great compassion for mankind. We see that our Savior was moved deeply in His inner being by the needs of those around Him. In this message, I would like to address this matter of compassion. I want to preach about The Compassionate Christ. I want to talk about what motivated Jesus to be compassionate and how we can become more compassionate ourselves.

I don’t know about you, but I surely need all the help in this area that I can get. Too often, I am selfish and self-centered, but I want to be; I need to be more like Jesus. Why don't we take a closer look a The Compassionate Christ and learn His secrets for caring about the needs of others?

First, let's talk about where His passion originated. You could say that it originated in His essence. I mean, how could Jesus reach out to all the people He did? How could He care about so many different people with so many different problems. What motivated Him?

Think for a moment about Who Jesus is. He is God in the flesh! He is not encumbered with a fallen nature. He is not selfish. He is not self-centered. He transcends all the faults and flaws that mark humanity!

Many people read the Old Testament and come away with the idea that God is mean, wrathful and harsh. Yet, Jesus, in the New Testament, reveals the exact nature of God (John 1:18; John 14:9). He is holy. He is a consuming fire. He is a God of wrath and judgment. Yet, He is also a God of infinite love, grace, mercy and compassion.

That is the essence of Christ and of His compassion. That is the spirit we need operating within us everyday!

Next, His passion originated in His experiences. One reason Jesus was able to express such sympathy for others was His Own experiences in life. Jesus did not come into this world to live an idyllic life! The life He lived was difficult at best! He grew up, lived and died in miserable poverty (Luke 2:24; Matthew 8:20). And when He died, His worldly effects consisted of just the garments on His back (John 19:23-24).

He knew about loneliness (Matthew 14:23; Mark 6:47). He was despised, hated and rejected (John 1:11; Mark 14:50). He even endured a time of severe temptation (Matthew 4:1-11). Jesus knew the feeling of pain. He knew what it felt like to hurt deeply and as a result, He is able to enter into our hurts with us. He is able to feel our pain (Hebrews 4:15)!

Okay...we have seen that Christ's passion originated in His essence and experiences, now let's look at the objects of His compassion.

A brief study of the gospels reveals the truth that His compassion knew no boundaries. Jesus felt the need of all classes and kind of people. His love and compassion are a challenge to each of us today! Here are some examples...

a) He Feels Compassion For The Scattered Ones (Matthew 9:36; 15:32)
b) He Feels Compassion For The Sinning Ones (Mark 5:1-20). If you recall, when Jesus arose, He sent special word to Peter, who had denied Him three times (Mark 16:7)!
c) He Feels Compassion For The Sick Ones (Matthew 14:14; 20:30-34; Mark 1:40-45)
d) He Feels Compassion For The Suffering Ones (Luke 7:11-13)
e) He Feels Compassion For The Seeking Ones (Mark 10:17-22)

Here's something to think about. Why was Jesus able to do this to so many different kinds of people in so many different settings and situations? Because Jesus, even though He knew all their faults, did not let that get in the way of His compassion and expression of love!

He did not look just at that which was apparent on the surface, He was able to look at these people and see their deepest need! He loved them at the deepest level of His being, as a result, He was never impatient with them or offended by their needs.

Now, how do we see people? We often base our evaluation of a person on what we see with our eyes or hear with our ears. What we need to learn is to look past a person’s exterior to see them as they really are. We must see their needs before we can express compassion to them! May we learn to see them as Jesus does.

Stephen Covey tells of an unusual experience on the New York subway. While people were sitting quietly in the car, a man entered with his noisy and rambunctious children. The man sat down and closed his eyes as though he was oblivious to his rowdy children. The once quiet subway car was now a disturbing place of chaos. The children's inappropriate behavior was obvious to everyone except their father.

Finally, Covey confronted the man about his children. The man opened his eyes and evaluated the situation as if he were unaware of all that had transpired: "Oh, you're right. I guess I should do something about it. We just came from the hospital, where their mother died about an hour ago. I don't know what to think, and I guess they don't know how to handle it either." Remember...compassion starts when we begin to understand the hurts of others.

We have just discussed the objects of Christ's compassion, now let's talk about the objectives of His compassion.

First, there's the objective of instruction. A brief look at the gospels reveals that the disciples knew nothing of compassion. James and John wanted to call fire down from heaven to punish a Samaritan village that refused to receive Jesus (Luke 9:54). Another time the disciples wanted to send a hungry crowd away with nothing (Mark 6:34). One can see by this that the disciples had no compassion for the people.

• They did not really see them at all.
• They were too caught up in the lives they were living.
• They were not concerned for the people.
• They had no thoughts of reaching outside their circle and helping the people around them.

It’s sad, but it is also easy to see ourselves in these men! Aren’t we often self-centered and selfish? If it doesn’t touch our lives our the lives of our family and friends, then it is no affair of ours! Why are we that way? Why did Jesus have to teach His disciples about compassion and why do we still need the lessons today?

I think the answer lies in the fact that compassion is against our very nature. We are selfish and concerned only with ourselves! That which does not touch us personally does not matter! That is why Jesus had to teach His men about compassion. That is why we still need the lessons today!

Jesus used two illustrations to teach the need for compassion. He used: the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37). And, the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-24).

Here's something else to think about...It may against our human nature to be compassionate, but it is not against our new nature! When we are saved, we are given all the resources we need to feel the needs and burdens of others (Ephesians 4:32; Galatians 5:22-23)!

In truth, when we love others as we should, we will not wait to be asked. We will be moved with compassion for them and we will get busy helping them for Jesus’ sake!

Secondly, there's the objective of involvement. Not only did Jesus want to teach His men about compassion. He wanted them to become involved in the ministry of showing compassion to others. He wanted them to start seeing people as He saw them. He wanted them to be moved by the needs of others. So moved that they were compelled to do something about those needs. He wanted them to become involved.

Compassionate involvement is the essence of the “Golden Rule." In Matthew 7:12, Jesus gives us the golden rule. He wasn’t the first to say something like this. In fact, the Jews, the Hindus, Buddhists and others has been saying similar things for years.

However, even though they all may sound similar, there is one subtle difference. All are negative in nature, only the words of Jesus are positive in nature. You see all those other religions warn men to withhold evil from others. They tell us what not to do. Jesus, on the other hand, tells us to be active in reaching to others in the same manner we would desire to be reached out to. There is a difference!

Think about this...how involved are in the ministry of showing compassion to others? I would just remind you that it is God’s will for every one of us (Galatians 6:2). As we do, we will demonstrate to saint and sinner alike that we are indeed the children of God (Matthew 5:16; John 13:35)!

In conclusion, give this all some serious thought. You never know what a little compassion will accomplish! I admit, I need help in this area! How about you? Remember, compassion is more than feeling sorry for someone. It is more than pity. Compassion is a desire to reach out and make a difference in the life of someone else. In truth, compassion is a desire to be Christ to someone else!

Prayer:

Lord, open our eyes
that we may see you in our brothers and sisters.
Lord, open our ears
that we may hear the cries of the hungry,
the cold, the frightened, the oppressed.
Lord, open our hearts
that we may love each other as you love us.
Renew in us your spirit.
Lord, free us and make us one.
Amen
-Mother Teresa

God bless you!

Brandi

Deception...So-o-o E-Z to Believe!

Italian police said a woman who collected $309,000 in benefits by claiming to be blind was busted when she was seen window shopping.

Investigators said the 66-year-old woman was photographed walking through markets in a town near Turin while crossing streets and window browsing without assistance, ANSA reported Friday.

Police said the woman, who claimed to be totally blind to collect benefits, also signed a receipt without even putting on glasses.

The police also said they sequestered the money in the woman's bank account and six properties belonging to her to ensure the government is reimbursed for the fraudulent benefits. -UPI, February 17, 2012

Deceive: "to cause to accept as true or valid what is false or invalid"..."synonyms beguile, mislead, delude." (Merriam-Webster)

a. Deceive - implies imposing a false idea or belief that causes ignorance, bewilderment, or helplessness (e.g., tried to deceive me about the cost).

b. Beguile - mean to lead astray or frustrate usually by underhandedness; it "stresses the use of charm and persuasion in deceiving (e.g, was beguiled by false promises)."

c. Mislead - implies a leading astray that may or may not be intentional (e.g., I was misled by the confusing sign).

d. Delude - implies deceiving so thoroughly as to obscure the truth (e.g., we were deluded into thinking we were safe).

Adam and Eve were deceived in Eden. Israel was deluded by idols. The early church was plagued by heresy. False understandings of God, God's Word, and God's mission have threatened His people throughout history, and the list goes on and on...

From the above examples, when it comes to deception there is a clear contrast and choice before us (2 Timothy 3:12-17). God repeatedly warns us!

Do not be deceived by…

SIN - (Hebrews 3:13; Romans 7:11; James 1:12-16). Do not be deceived by sin that it satisfies our desires (lusts) - Titus 3:3; that it gives us lasting pleasure (Hebrews 11:25); that it brings no eternal consequences (1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Romans 6:23); that it is not seen and punished by God (Galatians 6:7-8).

THE ERROR OF FALSE TEACHERS (Matthew 24:3-5,11,24-25; 2 Peter 2:1-3; 1 John 2:26). -"We are inclined to believe those whom we do not know because they have never deceived us." (Samuel Johnson) Do not be deceived by the error of false teachers that their teaching conforms to the faith (1 Timothy 4:1); that their teaching comes from Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3); that nobody can be sure about all truth (cf. 1 John 3:7; John 16:13; John 8:32); that they (teachers of error) are not deceivers (2 John 7-10; 2 Corinthians 11:3-4).

HUMAN WISDOM (Colossians 2:8). Do not be deceived by human wisdom in persuasive words (Colossians 2:4); empty words (Ephesians 5:6); smooth words (Romans 16:17-18).

RELIGIOUS FERVOR WHICH LACKS DIVINE APPROVAL (Colossians 2:18-19). Do not be deceived by religious fervor which lacks diving approval in the forms of testimonials, visions, experiences, emotionalism (Colossians 3:17).

THE INFLUENCE OF EVIL ASSOCIATIONS (1 Corinthians 15:33). Do not be deceived by the influence of evil associations where we live (2 Peter 2:7-8); where we work (Titus 2:9-10; Colossians 3:22-23); and where we play (1 Peter 4:2-3).

In Jeremiah 17:9, we have one of the best-known verses in the entire Bible. Here is a reality that we have to deal with. Jeremiah 17:9 - "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?"

He (Jeremiah) is referring to the kind of justifications or rationalizations that human nature will go to in order to convince the person that it is okay to sin; that it is okay to not pay attention to the law of God; okay to say to the self, "It really doesn't matter. I am only one person."

Human nature is going to try to reassert its dominance in a converted person's life. It's interesting that this word that is translated into the English word "deceitful" from the Hebrew means "tortuous, twisted, convoluted." That's the way human nature is. It is tortuous and twisted in its thinking. It is convoluted, or confusing in its reasoning.

For most, we recognize that for us to acknowledge and yield to truth is going to be personally costly and we don't want to pay the price, so we allow ourselves to be deceived into thinking it really does not matter if I yield to the wrong thing this time. I will fight the battle the next time it comes up.

In the end, what it boils down to is this...Do we really believe Him enough to live by faith? The person who lives by faith is one who believes God's truth and responds in obedience to it. The person who does not, departs from His truth. Jesus warned us: "Take heed, that no one deceives you." (Matthew 24:4). Are you listening to His warning?

Prayer: Lord, help us not to fall for Satan’s deceptive tactics that have brought down believers throughout the church age. We seek You for strength and discipline. We search the Scriptures for discernment and the true revelation of who Jesus is; the Son of the Living God. It is in His name that we pray, Amen.

May God bless you always!

Miranda

Do We Love As We Should?

If it hadn't been for his wife, 82-year-old George Murphy may not have survived his brutal encounter with a moose on Jan. 20, 2012.

Murphy and his 85-year-old wife Dorothea Taylor had just finished exercising their dogs near the Willow, Alaska, airport when a large bull moose began to charge Murphy. With no trees to hide behind, Murphy dove into a snow bank to hide. But the angered moose quickly found him and began stomping on the retired man's body.

Hearing the commotion, Taylor—who stands 5 feet tall and weighs 97 pounds—jumped out of the truck and grabbed a shovel from the bed of the pickup. With nothing but the shovel and some courage, Taylor managed to bludgeon the beast into stopping its attack. "I hit it with everything I had," she told the Anchorage Daily News. -World, January 25, 2012

It's pretty obvious that Mrs. Taylor had a deep love for her husband in the above story. Her love for her husband was strong enough that she risked her own life to come to his rescue. Similarly, God loved US so much that he even sent his own son to die for OUR sins (John 3:16)!

There are things in our lives that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report (Philippians 4:8). You might even say that they are virtuous and worthy of praise! As I sit here thinking about it, three things come to mind. They are: faith, hope, and love. These are virtues that are joined together in several passages (1 Corinthians 13:13; 1 Thessalonians 1:3). And yes, they are certainly virtues worthy of praise and careful reflection.

Today, I would like to focus our attention on one of these virtues: love. The Greeks had four words for love...

1. eros - carnal, sexual love, properly reserved for marriage (cf. Hebrews 13:4).
2. philia - the love of close friendship, such as brotherly love (cf. John 11:3).
3. storge - the love of family relationships
4. agape - that love which seeks the highest good of others

It's unfortunate that the English word "love" is not as clearly defined.

Let's take a closer at look at two of these types of love, philia and agape. It's common to make the following distinction between the two:

a. agape - active good will, as that which is commanded;
b. philia - fondness, heartfelt affection, as that which cannot be forced

Yet the distinction between the two is not always clear cut. "Agape" can also be defined as "brotherly love, affection" - Thayer, Strong. And "philia" is often commanded in the Scriptures (cf. Romans 12:10; 1 Corinthians 16:22). But, perhaps we shouldn't make too much distinction between the two.

Now let's reflect on the duties we have in regards to love. First, love is demanded of us! We are commanded to love God and Jesus. According to scriptures, we are commanded to love (agape) God heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30). We are also commanded to love (philia) Jesus, more than family (1 Corinthians 16:22; Matthew 10:37). As you can see, the greatest command of the Law, is definitely reinforced in the Gospel!

We are also commanded to love our brethren. We are to love (agape) one another as Christ loved us (John 13:34-35). We are to be kindly affectionate (philostorgos, love of family) to one another with brotherly love (philadelphia, fraternal affection) - Romans 12:10. Simply put, we are to love with brotherly love that is affectionate and demonstrative to others.

We are commanded to love our families. This means that husbands are to love (agape) their wives (which includes to cherish) - Ephesians 5:25,28-29. Wives are to love (philandros, to love as a friend) their husbands - Titus 2:4. And mothers are to love their children (philoteknos, to be fond of one's children) - Titus 2:4. We are love our families with heartfelt affection that should only be natural in families!

We are also commanded to love our neighbors and enemies. I know that this can sometimes be easier said than done. However, we are commanded to love (agape) our neighbor (Mark 12:31). And we are commanded to love (agape) our enemies (Matthew 5:4) with active good will that allows no distinction between friend and foe
.
As the people of God, we are certainly to be a loving people. But where love is weak, how can it be made strong...?

Our second duty, in regards to love, is how love is developed. There are several ways in which our love can be developed and made stronger. It is taught by God. This, of course, concerns brotherly love (philadelphia) to love one another (agape) - 1 Thessalonians 4:9. He shows us by way of example (how He sent His Son) - 1 John 4:9-10; Romans 5:8. It's should be pretty obvious that God teaches us how to love one another!

Love is taught by Jesus. We see this by way of example (how He was willing to die for us) - 1 John 3:16. We see this in how He loved (philia and agape) His disciples (John 11:3,5); in Lazarus, Mary, Martha (John 13:1,34); in the disciples (John 13:23); and in John (John 20:2). Through these examples, and many more, Jesus teaches us how to love one another!

Love is taught by Paul, who taught Christians how to walk in love (Ephesians 5:1-2); taught husbands how to love their wives (Ephesians 5:25-33); and who practiced brotherly love (agapetos, beloved, dear) - cf. Philippiansp 4:1. Paul teaches us how to love in word and example!

Peter teaches us how to love, as well. He taught us to love one another (philia and agape) fervently (1 Peter 1:22; 4:8); taught us to love (agape) the brotherhood, as brethren (philadelphos) (1 Peter 2:17; 3:8); and practiced brotherly love (agapetos, beloved, dear) - cf. 2 Peter 3:15. Peter too, teaches us how to love in word and example!

Did you know that Christians should teach each other how to love? Older women should be capable of teaching the younger women (Titus 2:3-4). Even young Christians can set an example of how to love (1 Timoty 4:12; 2 Thessalonians 1:3). Clearly, fellow Christians (young and old) can teach us to love one another!

Finally, we (ourselves) can develop heartfelt affection. We can enhance philia love by adding agape love to it (cf. 2 Peter 1:7). Additionally, by displaying agape (active good will), philia (heartfelt affection) will follow - cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:9. Either way, the key to having heartfelt affection towards others is to be kind to them!

Now, here are a few final thoughts on how true love manifests itself. It (love) can be demonstrated in several ways. It can exemplified by God and Jesus. God's love was manifested by sending His Son to die for our sins (John 3:16; 1 John 4:10). Jesus' love was demonstrated by dying for us (John 15:13; 1 John 3:16). One could say that true love is sacrificial!

Love can be explained by John. It can be demonstrated in deed and in truth (1 John 3:17-18); and demonstrated by obeying the commands of God (1 John 5:2-3). True love is demonstrative and exemplary!

Love is expounded by Paul. He taught us that:

1. Love suffers long and is kind
2. Love does not envy
3. Love does not parade itself, is not puffed up
4. Love does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil
5. Love does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth
6. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things
7. Love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).

True love is everlastingly kind, patient, humble, polite, and assumes the best in others!

In the end, we might ask ourselves, "What is love...?" It is heartfelt affection toward God and man. And it is active good will toward everyone! Where we lack heartfelt affection and active good will we need to acknowledge the deficiency (as an indication of spiritual immaturity). We need to be willing to relearn love.

When we need to learn to love others with a heartfelt love look to the Father, to Jesus, to the apostles, and to other Christians. Take the initiative to practice active good will, and heartfelt affection will develop naturally.

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “I like your Christ but I dislike your Christians. They are so unlike your Christ.” While we might find that assessment harsh, it nonetheless points up one of our great challenges in living our faith: Are we showing others Jesus in our lives by our actions? Are we letting Him work through us?

Dear friends, we have been born again, purified to have heartfelt, affectionate love for one another (philadelphia). But, do we love one another (agape) as intently as we should? (cf. 1 Peter 1:22-23).

Prayer: Lord, make me into the type of Christian who will bring honor to Your name. Amen

God bless you,

Jocelyn

Saturday Scripture Gold with Bibi: Stress...What Is It Good For?

Hello, and welcome to Saturday Scripture Gold! Thank you for taking time out of your busy weekend to drop by!

"Men create to themselves a thousand needless anxieties by a vain search after a thing that never was, nor ever will be found upon earth." -T. Adams

For many people these days stress has become a way of life. And the sad truth is all our experience with stress has taught us that not only does it eat away at the joy of life-it eats away at us as well because living with stress hurts us in several ways. Here are just a few examples:

> 12-hour work days steal precious family time damaging or even destroying FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS.

> Stress hurts us PHYSICALLY and can cause everything from panic attacks and heart palpitations to high blood pressure and coronary disease.

> It has even been linked to cancer.

> And-our panicked efforts to complete our endless "to do" lists also can do incredible EMOTIONAL damage.

All our "shoulds" and "oughts" and "musts" hit us like strong gusts of wind, driving our lives onto shallow reefs of frustration-and even despair. Thanks to stress, the suicide rate for Americans under thirty years of age has increased dramatically in the past decade. Here's some shocking news, every day in the United States over seventy people take their lives. That's more than three each hour, twenty-four hours a day!

How can we change this? We try to exercise, eat the right foods, get plenty of rest, etc., and yet we are more stressed out than ever! What can one do to help alleviate this stress that is killing us in droves? What is it that we are we missing?

We need to learn how to counter the root source of stress. We need to go back to the Bible, the "instruction manual for life" that God has given us! Dear friends, God's Word is the best place to look for help in dealing with any problem we face in life-including stress.

Here are some practical steps that we can take to help reduce stress in our lives outside of the healthy physical things we can do..

1. Read the Bible - Committing ourselves to God's safekeeping requires that we grow in our knowledge of God and love for Him. Thus, the most important thing we can do is study the Scriptures, pray, and meditate on God's promises to His faithful people (Romans 15:4).

2. Be realistic - Peace of mind does not depend on solving all the problems, righting all the wrongs, removing all the imperfections, or getting all we want - (cf. Ecclesiastes 8:16-17). Some things will not change. We need to be realistic enough to accept that there are problems that have no solutions and situations that must simply be lived through.

Realistic knowledge of our own limitations ought to cause us to relax and slow down. Besides the noble art of getting things done is the noble art of leaving things undone! We must learn to let go of some problems and allow the Lord to be in charge of them (1 Peter 5:7; cf. Proverbs 3:5,6).

3. Be flexible - Change is inevitable; we have got to be resilient, adaptable, adjustable (cf. Philippians 4:11-12). Under stress, if we can't bend, we will surely break. Our faith must be in Him who changes not. There are some changes we ought to resist without compromise; wisdom can tell us when to change and when to hold our ground.

4. Focus on the good cares, minimize the unnecessary ones - In the Bible, cares can be either good or bad:

1) Good - 1 Corinthians 12:25; 2 Corinthians 11:28; Philippians 2:20
2) Bad - Matthew 13:22; Philippians 4:6; 1 Peter 5:7

We tend to become distracted by many relatively unimportant cares, and don't care enough about the things we ought to (Matthew 13:22). When the mind is distracted by many pursuits, we get very little benefit from any of them. Really only one thing is necessary (Luke 10:41,42; cf. Matthew 6:33,34)

5. Learn to live one day at a time - Proper use of today diminishes anxiety about tomorrow (cf. Matthew 6:34). Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its worries and sorrows; it only empties today of its strengths.

Worry is the interest paid on trouble before it falls due. Many, if not most, of our fears will turn out to be unfounded. Winston Churchill said on his deathbed that he had a lot of trouble in his life, most of which never happened.

6. Stay busy - Anxiety and idleness often go hand-in-hand. Despair is a form of laziness. Blessed is the person who is too busy to worry in the daytime, and too sleepy to worry at night! Much good can be accomplished, even in adverse circumstances, if we will quit concentrating on what cannot be done and do what CAN be done.

7. Learn contentment - This is a lesson Paul had learned (Philippians 4:11-13). We need to be able to rejoice in the Lord, which we can do if we continually count our blessings (Philippians 4:4,6). The Christian ought to be able to see the silver lining in the darkest cloud.

The discontented Christian may lose his soul because of it (1 Timothy 6:6-8; Hebrews 13:5,6). Stress and anxiety often comes from having too much, rather than too little (Ecclesiastes 5:12).

Our wealth depends not so much on what we have, as what we can do without. When a problem produces anxiety within us, the very best thing we can do than bathe the problem in two things: reverence and gratitude!

To summarize all of this, the Christian is given the means to deal with anxiety...

a. Peace that comes through prayer (cf. Philippians 4:6-7)
b. Reassuring confidence from trusting in God (cf. Psalm 23:1-6).

Whenever the feelings of insecurity, helplessness, and isolation produce anxiety... Focus on putting your trust in God. Read the Bible, be realistic, be flexible, focus on the good cares, minimize the unnecessary ones, learn to live one day at a time, stay busy, and learn contentment.

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 thy name's sake. Amen

Until next time...

Have a blessed week!

Bibi

(Video) Lisa Bevere: The Confident Woman Fights Like a Girl (Part 3)

Another inspiring message from Lisa Bevere. Enjoy! ~Eve

Bible Study Snacks, Acts 2:1-47

Hi, everyone!

Welcome to another presentation of Bible Study Snacks. I'd like to thank you for joining me again as we walk through the richness of God's spoken word and wisdom together. I hope that your week has gone well, and that today finds you in good health and strong in faith!

This week, we will continue our study with the Book of Acts, Chapter Two.

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...

CHAPTER OBJECTIVES:

The reader will be able...

1) To carefully consider the events surrounding the outpouring of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost.

2) To examine Peter's first gospel sermon, and the evidence presented in it for the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

3) To observe the response to the sermon, and what people were told to do in order to be saved.

4) To note the establishment and characteristics of the church in Jerusalem.

For your convenience, here is a summary of Acts, Chapter 2:

Ten days after Jesus ascended to heaven, on the Jewish feast day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit is poured out as promised. With the sound of a rushing mighty wind, and with tongues of fire appearing above their heads, those filled with the Holy Spirit begin to speak in other tongues (Acts 2:1-4). Devout Jews visiting from other countries are attracted and amazed as they hear wonderful works of God proclaimed in their own languages (Acts 2:5-13).

Peter, standing with the rest of the apostles, explains that what has happened is a fulfillment of Joel's prophecy (Joel 2:28-32), who foretold that God would pour out His Spirit in the last days (Acts 2:14-21). He then preaches Jesus of Nazareth to the crowd, reminding them of His miracles, their involvement in His death, and proclaiming that God raised Him from the dead.

As proof for the resurrection, Peter offers three lines of evidence: 1) the prophecy by David, who foretold of the resurrection (Psalm 16:8-11); 2) the twelve apostles as witnesses; 3) the Spirit's outpouring itself , indicative of Christ's exaltation and reception of the promise of the Spirit from the Father. In conclusion, Peter pronounces that God has made Jesus, whom they crucified, both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:22-36).

Cut to the heart, the people ask the apostles what they should do. Peter commands them to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins and gift of the Holy Spirit. With many other words he exhorts them to be saved, and about 3000 souls gladly receive his word and are baptized (Acts 2:37-41).

Thus begins the church in Jerusalem, which continues steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and prayers. Signs and wonders are done by the apostles, while the believers display their love and devotion through acts of benevolence and frequent worship. They enjoy the favor of the people, and the Lord adds to the church daily those being saved (Acts 2:42-47).

REVIEW QUESTIONS:

1) What are the main points of this chapter? (Acts 2:1-4; Acts 2:5-13; Acts 2:14-21; Acts 2:22-36; Acts 2:37-41; Acts 2:42-47)
2) What day had arrived? Who was gathered in one place? (Acts 2:1)
3) What audible and visible signs were evidence of the Spirit's outpouring? (Acts 2:2-3)
4) What did those filled with Spirit begin to do? (Acts 2:4)
5) Who was present in Jerusalem at that time? (Acts 2:5)
6) What indicates that the "tongues" were known languages of men? (Acts 2:6, 11)
7) What evidence is that those speaking were only the apostles? (Acts 2:7)
8) What was the reaction of those who heard? (Acts 2:7, 12-13)
9) How did Peter and the eleven discount the charge that they were drunk? (Acts 2:14-15)
10) To what does Peter attribute the events of that day? (Acts 2:16)
11) When would the events described by Joel occur? (Acts 2:17)
12) Upon whom would the Spirit be poured out? (Acts 2:17, 18)
13) What did Joel prophesy would be some of the effects of the Spirit's outpouring? (Acts 2:17-18)
14) What other events were foretold by Joel? When would they occur? (Acts 2:19-20)
15) What reassuring promise was made by Joel? (Acts 2:21)
16) How was Jesus attested to by God? (Acts 2:22)
17) Could the audience deny that Jesus did these signs? (Acts 2:22)
18) Though crucified by lawless hands, according to what was Jesus' death? (Acts 2:23)
19) What is the main proposition of Peter's sermon? (Acts 2:24)
20) What first line of evidence did Peter present to prove his proposition? (Acts 2:25-31)
21) How was Peter able to prove that David did not speak of himself? (Acts 2:29, 34)
22) What two prophecies of David did Peter reference? (Acts 2:25-29, 34-35) What second line of evidence did Peter present to prove his proposition? (Acts 2:32)
23) What second line of evidence did Peter present to prove his proposition? (Acts 2:32)
24) What third line of evidence did Peter present to prove his proposition? (Acts 2:33-33)
25) What did Peter want his audience to know assuredly? (Acts 2:36)
26) How did this impact the audience? What did they ask? (Acts 2:37)
27) What two commands did Peter give them? (Acts 2:38)
28) What two promises did Peter offer them? (Acts 2:38)
29) To whom was the promise offered? (Acts 2:39)
30) What else did Peter say? (Acts 2:40)
31) What did those who gladly received his word do? How many? (Acts 2:41)
32) What did those who were baptized then do? (Acts 2:42)
33) Who were doing many wonders and signs? (Acts 2:43)
34) What did those who believe do with their possessions? (Acts 2:44-45)
35) What did the disciples do during those first days of the early church in Jerusalem? (Acts 2:46-47)
36) What did the Lord do during those days? (Acts 2:47)

After completing this weeks' study, go back and read through it 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

Dealing With Temptations

The Great Wall of China is a gigantic structure which cost an immense amount of money and labor. When it was finished, it appeared impregnable. But the enemy breached it. Not by breaking it down or going around it. They did it by bribing the gatekeepers.

One of the greatest challenges of living the Christian life is dealing with “temptations.” This is especially true for new Christians. Believe me, it can be frustrating to know that your sins have been forgiven...only to immediately find yourself bombarded by temptations to continue in your sins!

In James 1:12-18, we find helpful words for the Christian in dealing with temptations. They are in the form of:

a. A promise to those who endure temptations;
b. A caution not to wrongfully impugn the source of those temptations;
c. An understanding of how sin develops.

Beginning with verse 12 we notice the promise, THE MAN WHO ENDURES TEMPTATION WILL BE “BLESSED”...The Greek word for “blessed” is “makarios” which means “happy, blessed.” The nature of the happiness enjoyed is described as the verse continues...

FOR AFTER HE HAS BEEN “PROVED” HE WILL RECEIVE “THE CROWN OF LIFE”...The promise is that of “eternal life.” The promise is given by Him Who cannot lie (Titus 1:2). The promise is given to those who “demonstrate” (prove) their love for God by their endurance of the temptations.

And so, to Christians facing temptations, first we have an encouraging word. As we read on, though, we notice a word of caution. LET NO ONE SAY THEY ARE TEMPTED BY GOD... (James 1:13) That is, to blame God for their temptations. For God is so holy: He cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone to do evil.

SO DON’T BE DECEIVED INTO SUCH THINKING... (James 1:16-18) God is the source of good, not evil! Every good and perfect gift comes from Him! As an example, it was of His Own Will that He brought us forth. Which He did by the “word of truth” (the gospel) - 1 Peter 1:22-23. So we might be a kind of “first fruits” (the “cream of the crop”) of His creatures.

This being true, certainly God would not tempt us with evil! In fact, through the words of James God gives us insight into, or the understanding of, the development of sin which can help us to overcome sin.

Here's how it (sin) develops. The first stage is temptation (Luke 1:14). This stage involves two things:

1) Lust (desires, NKJV) - a strong desire for something
2) Enticement - an opportunity and encouragement to satisfy the desire

Put into a mathematical formula: Temptation = Desire + Opportunity! For example, a small child is tempted to steal some cookies...1) When he wants them (desire); 2) And has a good chance to get them and not be seen (opportunity). But remember, it is not a sin to be tempted (Hebrews 4:15).

The second stage in the development of sin is sin itself (James 1:15). Temptation leads to sin only when you yield and act upon it. Sin therefore requires the added step of action. Putting it again in mathematical terms: Sin = Desire + Opportunity + Action!

The final stage is the consequence of unforgiven sin: Death (James 1:15). This refers to spiritual separation from God, which is the “wages of sin” (Romans 6:23). Ultimately such “death” involves eternal punishment (Revelation 21:8). Putting it once more in the form of an equation: Desire + Opportunity + Action + No Forgiveness = Punishment!

Sin and Satan will have overcome us if we receive this final punishment. But with this understanding of how sin develops, we are in a better position to overcome sin.

Now that we understand how sin develops, how do we overcome it? First, we must change our desires. Since this is where the process of sin begins, it is the best place for us to begin. Bear in mind that it is a part of Christian growth to change our desires (Romans 12:1-2; Galatians 5:24).

How do we change our desires? Notice that the Word of God has always been instrumental in helping people overcome sin (Psalm 119:11; Matthew 4:3-10). Here's how the Word of God can change our desires...

- As we read of God’s love, longsuffering and mercy, we desire to serve Him (Psalm 116:12-14).
- As we read of sin and its damnable consequences, we come to hate it! (Psalm 119:104).

So the more we study God’s Word, the less likely we will have the desire to sin, thereby beginning to overcome sin by “nipping it in the bud”! But changing our desires takes time; while engaged in the process of changing our desires, what
else can we do?

Well, we can limit our opportunities to be tempted. Remember, we are tempted only when there is both desire and opportunity. So while we work on changing our desires, we should limit the opportunities to fulfill wrongful desires.

This can be done by asking for God’s providential help, as Jesus taught (Matthew 6:13; 26:41). We can cooperate with God by purposely avoiding situations that might excite wrongful desires. How? By following the example of David (Psalm 101:3-4), and the example of Job (Job 31:1).

We can also avoid those whose evil behavior encourages us to sin with them. Again, David sets a good example (Psalm 101:6-7), and Paul also adds his warning (1 Corinthians 15:33).

But even if we do everything above we will unlikely remove every desire and opportunity to sin in this life, what then?

We could try exercising self-control. Remember, it becomes sin when we yield to action in fulfilling our sinful desires. If we can control ourselves so as to not yield, then we can overcome sin! How does the Christian exercise self-control?

Self-control is but one aspect of the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23). When we become Christians, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit in our lives (Acts
2:38; 5:32). The Spirit is God’s instrumental agent by which He imparts strength to us (Ephesians 3:16). Strengthened by the Spirit, we are able to “put to death the deeds of the body” (Romans 8:12-13). As Paul said: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13).

It is through faith in God’s Word that the Christian believes that he has this divine help (Ephesians 3:20). It is certainly proper to pray for it, as Paul did in behalf of the Ephesians (Ephesians 3:16). But equally important, to act upon it, trusting that you are not alone as you try to do God’s will (Philippians 2:12-13).

As an exercise commercial once said: Just do it! The Christian, then, has no excuse for yielding to temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). But there may be times when we don’t take advantage of the strength God provides through His Spirit, and we sin; what then? We obtain forgiveness!

Remember that sin is victorious when it results in punishment. But if we obtain forgiveness through the blood of Christ, we can avoid that punishment and thereby still overcome sin! (1 John 2:1-2). Yes, Christ is truly the “propitiation” for our sins!

By His blood, we were forgiven of past sins when united with Him in baptism (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Revelation 1:5). By His blood, we can be forgiven of present sins when we repent, pray, and confess our sins to God (Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:9). At any time the Christian can overcome sins that were committed, by repenting and confessing them to God!

In conclusion, we can indeed overcome sin by stopping its development at any one of the four stages leading to the final punishment! If you noticed carefully, you should have seen that at each of the four points in the development of
sin, God is able and willing to help us overcome sin...!

a. God helps us to control our desires by providing His Word to renew our minds
b. God helps us to limit the opportunities through His Providence as we pray for such
c. God helps us to exercise self-control over our actions through His Spirit strengthening the inner man
d. God helps us to obtain forgiveness through the blood of His Son as we repent and pray

So how could anyone say that God would tempt us to sin? Certainly He is the giver of every good and perfect gift! (James 1:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; 1 Colossians 10:13).

Have you taken advantage of God’s way of escape for the sins you have committed? If not, why not do so by obeying the gospel, the Word of Truth, and become one of the “first fruits of His creatures”?

Prayer:

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy Kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever.
Amen

God loves you!

Jerri

Whatever Happened to Repentance?

The body of singer Whitney Houston has been taken home to her native New Jersey.

The 48-year-old pop star was found dead in her room at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Saturday. Prescription drugs were found in her room. Houston battled drug and alcohol addiction during her career.

CBN News spoke with Houston's godmother, Gospel singer Shirley Caesar. Caesar said regardless of how Houston died, she was seeking to overcome her troubles through her faith.

"I know she had been in Houston, Texas, and I don't know where else. She had met up with Kim Burrell, but they were together praising God, speaking in tongues, and giving God the glory," Caesar told CBN News.

"She wasn't there to try and put on heirs, to make somebody believe something. This girl was prostrate on the floor, on the floor crying out to God. Why? Because she wanted total deliverance and it's only the Lord who will judge her to say as to whether or not she makes it in," Ceasar said. -CBN News, February 14, 2012

Whatever happened to repentance? You rarely hear the word mentioned in most churches today — even in Baptist, Pentecostal or evangelical circles. Pastors nowadays seldom call for their congregations to sorrow over sin — to mourn and grieve over wounding Christ by their wickedness.

Instead, the message we hear from many pulpits today is, "Just believe. Accept Christ, and you'll be saved." The text used to justify this message is Acts 16:30-3.

In today's message, we will look at the Biblical doctrine of repentance: 1) Repentance is based on faith; 2) Repentance requires a change in mind and attitude; 3) Repentance requires a change in lifestyle; 4) Repentance results in forgiveness.

The main idea is to help everyone understand the truth regarding what repentance really is.

Let's open our Bibles and take a look at Luke 24:46, 47. We read in these verses some of the words that Jesus gives to his disciples after His resurrection. He says to them that His death and resurrection were all part of God’s plan. It is also part of God’s plan that these men now go and preach the gospel.

The message of this gospel includes the doctrine of repentance. The apostles were to preach to a lost and dying world that they were to repent. There are many people today who fail to see the need to repent of their sins. Many want Jesus to save them with no change required in their life.

Is this what the gospel teaches regarding repentance? There is a lot of confusion today as to what repentance is. Some just think that saying, “I’m sorry” means I have repented. Is this what the gospel teaches regarding repentance?

First of all, repentance is based on faith. One must know what sin is before one can repent. Look at it this way, one cannot repent of something of which he is ignorant. Fortunately for us, God’s word educates us as to sin (Romans 3:20).

One cannot repent of sin until he hears the word of God and believes it. If he hears, but does not believe, then he will not repent (Matthew 7:24-27 ). But, he cannot believe without hearing the word (Romans 10:17). This is the problem that the Israelites had in the wilderness (Hebrews 3:16-19; Psalm 106:24-26).

Next, repentance requires a change of mind and attitude. "Repentance" comes from the Greek word METANOIA which literally means to change the mind. However, in order to change the mind we have to change our thoughts. We have to change our thoughts: out of lawlessness and into captivity (2 Corinthians 10:3-6)); out of negativism and into positivism (Philippians 4:8); and out of fleshly thinking and into spiritual thinking (Galatians 5:24, 25).

To change our minds we also have to change our attitudes. We must be willing to fully give ourselves to God. This means we must love God with everything we have (Matthew 23:37). It means if we draw back and hold something back from God we will be lost (Hebrews 10:38, 39). It means we must be willing to go the extra mile. The attitude of doing just enough to get by will not save you (Matthew 5:41). We must ABOUND in the work of the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58).

To change the mind we have to change our heart. We must have a contrite heart instead of a proud one (Psalm 51:57; Psalm 24:18; Proverbs 16:18, 19). Added to this, we must have a circumcised heart instead of a corrupt one (Colossians 2:11; Romans 2:29).

A third requirement of repentance is that it requires a change in lifestyle. Repentance is not merely being sorry and just simply saying, “I am sorry.” (2 Corinthians 7:9, 10; Matthew 21:28-32) It requires stopping the sin that is in one’s life (Romans 6:1; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11). And choosing to do what is right instead of what is wrong in the future Romans (6:17-22; Colossians 3:5-17).

It also requires restitution where possible. (Luke 3:7-14) John the baptizer taught this. Jesus taught this (Luke 19:8). Even Paul taught this (Acts 20:26). Lastly, repentance results in forgiveness (Acts 2:38; Luke 17:4) and rejoicing in heaven (Luke 15:10).

To summarize, repentance is important and we must understand what it is. God commands it! (Acts 17:30)

1) It is based upon faith.
2) It requires a change in mind and attitude.
3) It requires a change in lifestyle.
4) It results in forgiveness.

Here's an invitation, if you are a Christian but have fallen away. Have you forgotten that you repented of sin before you became a Christian? You cannot live within it any longer. Repent today!

If you are not a Christian...repentance is part of God’s plan for your salvation. Follow the plan that it has for man’s salvation today! Hear the word (Romans 10:17). Believe with all your heart (Hebrews 11:6). Repent of your sins (Acts 17:30). Confess Jesus as the Son of God (Matthew 16:16). And, be baptized for the remission of your sins (Mark 16:15,16).

Prayer: God, my good and loving Lord, I acknowledge all the sins which I have committed every day in my life, whether in thought, word or deed. I ask for forgiveness from the depths of my heart for offending You and others and repent of my old ways. Help me by Your grace to change, to sin no more and to walk in the way of righteousness and to praise and glorify Your Name. Amen.

May God bless you always,

Bailey