Saturday, December 22, 2012
Video: Carrie Underwood with Vince Gill, "How Great Thou Art"
It has almost become a CHBM Christmas tradition to post this inspiring rendition of "How Great Thou Art" by Carrie Underwood and Vince Gill. Once again, I am proud to present this video to you. Enjoy! ~Eve
Video: Billy Graham Christmas Story
Honoring our Savior Jesus Christ, the Coffeehouse Bible Ministry presents a Billy Graham Christmas special. Originally broadcast in 1977; it is surprising how Dr. Graham's message resonates with us today. We hope you enjoy it!
Also, during this time of the year, our ministry staff takes time off to enjoy the season with family and friends. Our blog will return on January 7, 2013. On behalf of everyone at CHBM, we wish you all a blessed Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Friday, December 21, 2012
Bible Study Snacks, Acts 13:42-52
Hi, everyone!
Happy Friday, and welcome back to another presentation of Bible Study Snacks. As always, I'd like to thank you so much for joining me as we walk through the richness of God's spoken word and wisdom together. I pray that today finds you in good health and strong in faith!
This week, I would like to continue our study of the Book of Acts, with Chapter Thirteen (Verses 42-52).
I have designed these studies to be brief, yet packed full of good information for everyone regardless of your level of biblical knowledge. I might add that these quick studies make perfect small group discussion starters, as well!
As always, I whole-heartedly believe in the importance that any Bible study should begin with prayer. If you have your Bible ready, let's pray together...
Heavenly father, please guide us as we study your Word today; I pray that our hearts and our minds will be open so that we will not only receive your Gospel, but learn from it as well; you are the Light of the world, Lord, and your Spirit will illuminate our path as we journey through your teachings. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen
If you are taking notes for yourself, or using this for a bible study with others, here are the objectives for this week's lesson...
OBJECTIVES: This week, the reader will...
1) Notice that people judge themselves unworthy of eternal life, not God; and that people ordained for eternal life are those with good and noble hearts, willing to listen and heed the gospel.
Due to our absence last Friday, I have provided for your convenience a summary of Acts 13:13-52...
From Cyprus they sail to Perga in Pamphylia, where John Mark leaves them to return to Jerusalem (later causing contention between Paul and Barnabas; cf. 15:36-40). After they arrive in Antioch of Pisidia, they attend the synagogue of the Jews on the Sabbath. Invited to speak, Paul preaches Jesus by first reviewing the history of Israel from the Exodus to the time of David.
Noting God's promise concerning the seed of David, Paul summarizes the ministry of John the Baptist and then introduces Jesus as the Savior who was crucified, buried and raised from the dead, and seen by eyewitnesses. Offering further evidence of the resurrection from Old Testament prophecy, Paul proclaims forgiveness of sins through Jesus with a warning against unbelief (13-41).
The response is positive, especially among the Gentiles, and Paul and Barnabas are invited to speak the following Sabbath. When unbelieving Jews see that the whole city comes out to hear, they are filled with envy and oppose the things spoken by Paul. Declaring themselves unworthy of eternal life, Paul turns his efforts toward the Gentiles who are much more receptive.
The word of the Lord spreads through the region, but eventually Paul and Barnabas are forced to leave and thus go to Iconium. Their work in Antioch is not in vain, for left behind are disciples filled with joy and the Holy Spirit (42-52).
REVIEW QUESTIONS:
1) With what does Paul conclude his sermon? (Acts 13:40-41)
2) Who begged to hear more the next Sabbath? (Acts 13:42)
3) Who followed Paul and Barnabas? (Acts 13:43)
4) What happened on the next Sabbath? (Acts 13:44-45)
5) What did Paul say of those who rejected the gospel? (Acts 13:46)
6) What happened next, as foretold by the prophet Isaiah? (Acts 13:46-48)
7) What sort of people were ordained to eternal life and thus believed? (Acts 13:48)
8) What two opposite effects did Paul's preaching have in Antioch? (Acts 13:49-50)
9) Where did Barnabas and Paul then go? What about the disciples left behind? (Acts 13:51-52)
After completing this week's study, go back and read through the material again. Take your time and read each topic and scripture reference as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that by doing this, you just might see something new that you overlooked the first time around!
As we journey through the Bible together, I will continue to pray that God’s message will come through to you loud and crystal clear. Until next time, I wish everyone a blessed week!
God bless you!
Sheri
Thursday, December 20, 2012
What About the Power of Prayer?
The early church was a praying church. In Acts 4:24 we can read about their power of prayer. Now here's a question, "How can we pray with the same fervency and effectiveness today?" To understand how to pray, we must first understand the character of prayer. Simply put, "What is prayer?"
Perhaps to help answer this question we can look at 1 Timothy 2:1-3 and examine some components of this passage. (1 Timothy 2:1-3) “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;”
In the case of supplications; the Greek word indicates reverence before sovereignty. It was used in situations where petitions were made before kings. Regarding prayers; the Greek word indicates an attitude of worship–literally bending the knee.The word expresses the idea of wish–requesting the way we would want things to be.
Intercessions are usually used when trying to obtain something for another. Prayers made for the sick usually involve this type of prayer. The giving of thanks or thanksgiving are used for all blessings that come our way.
Another item of importance to understand about prayer is the circumstance of prayer or where to pray. How about in the assembly? Think: prayers around the Lord’s table. Or, around the dinner table. Think: the example of Jesus in the feeding of the five and four thousand (Matthew 14:19; Matt. 15:36). How about in private devotion? Think: The example of our Lord after the feeding of the five thousand (Mark 6:46). And let's not forget the example of Paul (Ephesians 1:16; Philippians 1:4; Colossians 1:9).
Secondly, is the content of prayer or what to pray for. First, you open with the address - to the Father. (Colossians 3:17; Matthew 6:9). Then, there is the body of the prayer. This is where we give thanks for:
a. The Christ
b. The Word
c. Our Jobs
d. Our Food
e. Our Families
It is in the body of the prayer that we request guidance for:
a. Self–to have attributes that God wants us to have (humility, wisdom, patience, forgiveness).
b. The church (local and universal)
c. Family (each role–Father, Mother, Children)
d. Government (Ours and the Worlds for peace)
e. In any other thing you want God to help you and others.
f. Specify people and situations to God.
In the body, we can also pray for specifics, such as:
a. Enemies (Matthew 5:44)
b. The sick (James 5:13-14)
c. More workers in the kingdom (Matthew 9:38)
d. That the gospel will go forth (2 Thessalonians 3:1)
e. That our love may abound (Philippians 1:9)
f. That God will open doors for the gospel (Colossians 4:3)
And, in the body there is the close. (Colossians 3:17; Hebrews 7:25; John 2:1)
Lastly, we must understand the consequences of prayer. This may include some physical consequences (James 5:15-18). Maybe, some spiritual consequences (Philippians 4:6-7). In the very least, your prayers will be heard (1 Peter 3:12).
In conclusion, look at Matthew 7:7-11. This passage tells us that God’s ear is open to the righteous, but his face is against those who do evil. Do you want God to continue to hear your prayers? Always remember that God will not hear your prayer with out the mediation of Jesus Christ!
Prayer: Almighty God, give us such a vision of your purpose and such an assurance of your love and power, that we may ever hold fast the hope which is in Jesus Christ our Lord who is alive with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and for ever. Amen
Have a blessed day,
Trish
Have a blessed day,
Trish
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Video - Beth Moore: The Law of the Harvest (Part 6): Conclusion
Join us for the sixth, and final installment, of this series as Beth Moore discusses the Law of the Harvest. This week: Part 6. ~Eve
Keep Our Faith and Trust In God!
When we experience difficult trials and tribulations, we normally pray to God and ask Him for immediate relief. However, as we all know, God answers prayer in His own time, so we may not receive immediate help from Him. We may have to go through many days, or weeks, or months or years of trying times.
And after suffering awhile we start wondering why God hasn't intervened. We begin questioning ourselves. What have I done to deserve this and then we begin to question whether or not God even cares. We feel as though God has abandoned us and that He is nowhere to be found. We feel alone and isolated from God.
Do you find it difficult to trust God through times of crisis? Even when it seems things are out of control, and it seems God is absent we can trust Him. You can trust God in times of crisis. We can learn this from our own experience. But we also learn this by observing Christ in his crisis.
God has good purposes that we don’t yet fully know for our troubles Does God usually tell us the outcome while we are in crisis? Not usually. We usually have to trust him without knowing the outcome. God knows the outcome so we can trust Him!
Tip: When we go through tough times, the most important thing for us to do is to keep our faith in God. Faith is important to God.
I’m sure God has already been speaking to you for some time in many ways. He is the one asking you to trust him. Some of you are afraid to make that leap of commitment. What is your alternative? Listen again to the call of God. He says, trust me. Jump!
Scripture: Joshua 1:9; Psalms 9:10; Psalms 13:5; Psalms 31:14; Psalms 84:12; Proverbs 3:5; John 14:1; Romans 15:13; Isaiah 12:2
Prayer: O Christ Jesus, when all is darkness and we feel our weakness and helplessness, give us the sense of Your presence, Your love, and Your strength. Help us to have perfect trust in Your protecting love and strengthening power, so that nothing may frighten or worry us, for, living close to You, we shall see Your hand, Your purpose, Your will through all things.
May God bless you always,
Colleen
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Hope Is Found In The Power of Christ
The saints should never be dismay'd,
Nor sink in hopeless fear;
For when they least expect His aid,
The Savior will appear.
Nor sink in hopeless fear;
For when they least expect His aid,
The Savior will appear.
Wait for His seasonable aid,
And though it tarry, wait;
The promise may be long delay'd
But cannot come too late. -Cowper
And though it tarry, wait;
The promise may be long delay'd
But cannot come too late. -Cowper
Have you ever come to a time in your life—a place in your life—when you just felt like everything seemed “hopeless?” Have you walked in those dark canyons of despair and those times of despondency when you feeling all alone. I mean nothing seemed to be going right, all things seemed to be going in the wrong direction for you in your life and you just felt so overwhelmed by the circumstances you found yourself in that “you just felt hopeless.”
Hopelessness is an awful feeling. When people feel hopeless, they become dejected, demoralized, despondent, and often desperate. The future seems dark and bleak, offering them no glimmer of light whatsoever. Can you recall ever being in a hopeless situation? Maybe you’re in one right now. Hopelessness happens when you find yourself in a situation where there is no confident expectation for a positive outcome. It’s being at the end of your rope.
Lots of things can bring us to a point of hopelessness. The death of a spouse or child, the loss of a job, a chronic illness, a marriage on the brink of divorce, the potential of financial ruin, a prodigal son or daughter. Perhaps some of you have lost all confidence in the future; you have no confidence that things are going to work out. You have tried everything, you have looked everywhere and things remain bleak.
But don't despair; there is good news! Hope is found in believing. You have to believe that the power of Christ is sufficient for your situation. You have to believe that God can change the heart of your child. You have to believe that Christ can heal you. You have to believe that Christ can save your marriage. That he can provide a job, that he can meet your needs.
In whatever situation you are facing, if you’re not confident that God is going to act graciously and powerfully on your behalf, you don’t have hope. You may really want things to turn out ok, but it’s not hope unless you believe confidently in the power of Jesus Christ to get you through, whatever it is you are facing.
Ask yourself this question. When I am facing a hopeless situation, do I go to sleep concerned but confident that God is going to work out my situation? Do I wake up in the morning concerned but confident that God is in complete control of what’s going to happen today, and I believe that he is going to work everything out by his plan, in his timing, for his glory
Where is your belief? All of us say we believe, but does your heart and life reflect that belief? If you are consumed with self-pity, you don’t believe Christ is enough. If you are constantly complaining about your situation you don’t believe the power of Jesus Christ is going to get you through.
My dear friends, if you truly believe, when the fear sets in and the worry comes it won’t overwhelm you, because your hope isn’t in the how things are going to work out. Your hope is in who is going to work things out.
Scripture: Psalm 25:5; Psalm 33:22; Psalm 52:9; Romans 15:13; 2 Corinthians 3:12; Ephesians 4:4-6; Isaiah 40:31
Prayer: Father, I give You all my worries and cares, for You are always thinking about me and watching everything that concerns me. I am well balanced and careful — vigilant, watching out for attacks from Satan, my great enemy. By Your grace I am standing firm, trusting You, and I remember that other Christians all around the world are going through these sufferings too. You, God, are full of kindness through Christ and will give me Your eternal glory. Amen
Have a blessed day!
Nancy
Monday, December 17, 2012
Life's Unexpected Valleys of Trouble
How do you find strength to continue when you feel like you are carrying the weight of the world upon you shoulders? Our life from start to finish is filled with unexpected valleys of trouble. One of the most difficult things about life is that trouble, trials and tribulations will always come.
Trials and test of our faith are allowed by God to mature us spiritually. We do not rejoice in the trials and trouble themselves, but in their possible results. Testing will prove whether we are genuine or not. Trials will serve as a discipline to purify our faith. Our life here on earth is a training program for eternity, and God allows us opportunities to grow or to use our faith to get the victory.
We need to know and accept the fact that there will be times and seasons in most of our lives when is seems like everything that can go wrong ....will go wrong. We need to know how to handle ourselves when things go from bad to worse. It is then that a person’s relationship with God is tested.
Now, what shall we do when trouble comes? Trouble does not discriminate..... it will rain on everyone’s life. Shall we be defeated by it, or shall we overcome it by the power and grace of Christ and make it a stepping stone to loftier spiritual heights?
Why is it that when many of us good Christians encounter troubles, trials or adversity we want to quit and give up?
Some people quit church, quit serving God, quit reading their bible and quit praying because of troubles. There are even some who become so bitter and angry with God because of their troubles as though God has done them an injustice. Many have expressed that God had been unfair to them.
When trouble comes, we must wait upon the Lord, or we shall faint and fall. We shall fail. When the storm arose and the tempestuous winds blew--When trouble came--Paul got alone and sought the face of God and came out with an answer from Heaven. Where can I go, but to the Lord? It is then that we come with no mask or hidden motive.
There are many Christians today who have surrendered to problems which could be conquered by getting alone with God. Someone has said believers should praise God for anything that brings us to our knees--to keep us depending on the Lord.
It is not correct to say that all trouble comes as a corrective measure from God, but it would be right to say that in a time of testing we should search our hearts. We will often find much excess baggage which needs to be removed from our lives. Satan has gained ground because we have given him a place to stand. We live as carnal Christians--with self in control, not the Holy Spirit--and are tossed around by the tempestuous sea upon which we journey.
Trouble gets our attention and brings us back. We often depend on our own skills and abilities when life seems easy--when the south wind blows softly--but we turn to God when we feel unable to help ourselves. Circumstances come along which help us rely on God, not self. Depending on God is a realization of our own powerlessness without Him and our need for His constant touch in our lives.
How often in His word, the Lord tells us that He will always be with us! How much it must have meant to Paul during this great storm, when the angel of the Lord appeared to Him in the night, and told him not to be afraid. When trouble comes, if the child of God will only remember that the Lord will be with him and that he can reckon on His presence, he will be sustained. (Exodus 33:14; Psalm 23:4; Hebrews 13:5).
Trouble is something that will come upon each of us. But, God wants you to ....
a) Know that patience is being worked in you.
b) Know that you are being made stronger and not weaker.
c) Know that you character is being developed and you are becoming more like Christ.
d) Know that these trials will make you more steadfast, persevering, and more enduring.
You must let patience work within you..... You must be steadfast.... you must persevere, endure and pray. It is a means of refueling, of falling into God’s presence so that we might once again be showered in God’s grace.
When we bow in prayer, even in our moments of greatest weakness (especially in our moments of greatest weakness!), we are connected with our life source. Through prayer we are brought into the presence of the One who knows us from the inside out and who can help us in a way that no other can.
In Christ we have strength for every weakness and the courage for every fear. God tells us that we can be strong and courageous because he has already guaranteed victory in Jesus. God has already prepared the land for his people. It's yours and mine for the taking. His kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven. He didn't say it would always be easy.
When we pray regularly, as Jesus did, we acknowledge our dependence on God’s Spirit to sustain us at all times. And it is God who can strengthen us; it is indeed God’s Spirit which can sustain us each and every day!
Scripture: (James 1:3-4; Romans 8:18; Job. 23:10; Isaiah 43:1, 2; 1 Peter 1:7; 1 Peter 5:7; Philippians 4:13; John 14:1; John 17:17 )
Prayer: Almighty God, whatsoever this life may bring us, grant that it may never take from us the full faith that Thou art our Father. Grant us Thy light, that we may have life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
May God bless you,
Cyndee
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Video: How Do You Spend Your Time?
Great question! A video that makes think about how we spend our time. ~Eve
Weekend Scripture Gold with Bibi: God: The Baby In the Manger
But the modern world's version of Christmas does just that. And consequently for the greater part of humanity, Christmas has no legitimate meaning at all.
I don't suppose anyone can ever fathom what it means for God to be born in a manger. How does one explain the Almighty stooping to become a tiny infant? Our minds cannot begin to understand what was involved in God's becoming man.
Nor can anyone explain how God could become a baby. Yet He did. Without forsaking His divine nature or diminishing His deity, He was born into our world as a tiny infant. He was fully human, with all the needs and emotions that are common to us all. Yet He was also fully God--all wise and all powerful.
For nearly 2,000 years, debate has been raging about who Jesus really is. Cults and skeptics have offered various explanations. They'll say He is one of many gods, a created being, a high angel, a good teacher, a prophet, and so on. The common thread of all such theories is that they make Jesus less than God. But the biblical evidence is overwhelming that this child in the manger was the incarnation of God. -excerpt from "What is the Real Meaning of Christmas?" - John MacArthur
In the days leading up to Christmas our expectations are high and a sense of joy fills our hearts. We often are much like children in the fact we dream of Santa Claus and his glittering gifts of joy and peace. But what happens after Christmas? Well the tree dries up, the decorations are taken down and it is back to the same old, same old. It’s back to life as we know it.
Unfortunately the joy begins to fade as we gaze about our homes seeing tossed aside toys, the mounds of dirty clothes and a large stack of dirty dishes. To make matters worse we go to the mail box only to be reminded of the mound of unpaid bills that accompanied Christmas.
So, what is it all about? We all know the Christmas story — the birth of Jesus. But is that it? Is the real meaning of Christmas reduced to a sweet story about a baby that we faintly hear through the noise of the lights, the packages and the ribbons? What is the true meaning of Christmas? In Luke 4:16-21 Jesus answers our question. He quotes Isaiah 61 and defines his ministry. Surely this is what Christmas is all about. Not just a birth story, but the celebration of one whose ministry sets people free!
The ministry of Isaiah 61, which Jesus applies to himself is a ministry of liberation, offering a joy-filled existence to its recipients. The joy of salvation is echoed again in 61:8-11. But what does this have to do with Christmas? Christmas is the celebration of the One whose life and ministry changes others. As followers of Jesus, we are the recipients of this grace as well as the body of Christ which bestows this grace on others.
Today I would like for us to back away from all the hype, build up and inevitable let down that comes with the world’s celebration of Christmas and gain a firm grasp of the very real hope that is woven through those years following Christ’s days in the manger. When we keep Christ at the center of Christmas we will soon discover that the true hope of Christmas never fades.
Scripture: Galatians 4:4-5; John 1:14; Psalms 51:5; Romans 6:23; Isaiah 7:14
Now, let's pray...
O Father, give us the humility which realizes its ignorance, admits its mistakes, recognizes its need, welcomes advice, accepts rebuke. Help us always to praise rather than to criticize, to sympathize rather than to discourage, to build rather than to destroy, and to think of people at their best rather than at their worst. This we ask for in thy name's sake. Amen
Until next time...
Have a blessed week!
Bibi
Friday, December 14, 2012
God Really Does Know Our Pain
G.K. Chesterton once said that it is often supposed that when people stop believing in God, they believe in nothing. Alas, it is worse than that. When they stop believing in God, they believe in anything. -Malcolm Muggeridge, Christian Medical Society Journal, Winter 78.
Due to the tragic events that occurred inNewtown , Connecticut
Due to the tragic events that occurred in
It is in times such as these that we often hear, “If there really is a God, why would he allow something like this to happen?" That question tells us more about our immature understanding of both God and this creation, than it does about anything else. We must admit today that we do not know enough about God to pose that question and we do not know enough about the forces of darkness to form an answer.
Professor D. Z. Phillips, in his book, The Problem of Evil and the Problem of God, cautions us against easy explanations for the problem of evil: “Such writing should be done in fear: fear that in our philosophizings we will betray the evils people have suffered, and, in that way, sin against them. Betrayal occurs every time explanations and justifications of evils are offered which are simplistic, insensitive, incredible, or obscene.”
So, today we do not cheapen the loss of life with easy answers. But there are some things we can know in the midst of our grief. The first thing we know is, this was not God’s will. In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus taught us to pray, “Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.” God’s will is not always done on earth, as the tragedy of this week reminds us. We also know that this tragedy is not a “wake up call,” nor did it happen so that we can learn something. These are the kinds of easy answers that sin against those who were killed.
Rather, the question we ask today is not “why” this has happened, but why does it not happen more often than it does? Why do we as human beings not abuse, violate, and kill each other more than we do. The mystery is not, Why is there evil? The mystery is, Why is there any good at all in this world?
And that is where God is.
To what degree can we rely on God to be with us? Is He really someone we can turn to at all...in times of crisis as well as times of calm? God is the Creator of the universe who yearns for us to know Him. That is why we are all here. It is His desire that we rely on and experience His strength, love, justice, holiness and compassion. So He says to all who are willing, "Come to Me."
Unlike us, God knows what will happen tomorrow, next week, next year, the next decade. He says, "I am God, and there is no one like me, declaring the end from the beginning." (Isaiah 46:9) He knows what will happen in the world. More importantly, He knows what will occur in your life and can be there for you, if you've chosen to include Him in your life. He tells us that He can be "our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble." (Psalm 46:1) But we must make a sincere effort to seek Him. He says, "you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
That doesn't mean that those who know God will escape difficult times. They won't. When a terrorist attack causes suffering and death, those who know God will be involved in that suffering also. But there is a peace and a strength that God's presence gives. One follower of Jesus Christ put it this way: "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)
Reality tells us that we will experience problems in life. However, if we go through them while knowing God, we can react to them with a different perspective and with a strength that is not our own. No problem has the capacity to be insurmountable to God. He is bigger than all the problems that can hit us, and we are not left alone to deal with them.
God's Word tells us, "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him." (Nahum 1:7) And, "The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them." (Psalm 145:18-19)
If you truly turn to God, He will care for you as no one else does, and in a way that no one else can.
God has created humanity with the ability to choose. This means that we are not forced into a relationship with Him. He allows us to reject Him and to commit other evil acts as well. He could force us to be loving. He could force us to be good. But then what kind of relationship would we have with Him? It would not be a relationship at all, but a forced, absolutely controlled obedience. Instead He gave us the human dignity of free will. Naturally, we cry from the depths of our souls..."But God, how could You let something of this magnitude happen?"
How would we want God to act? Do we want Him to control the actions of people? In the case of dealing with a terrorist attack, what could possibly be an acceptable number of deaths for God to allow?! Would we feel better if God allowed only the murder of hundreds? Would we rather God allowed only the death of one person? Yet if God would prevent the murder of even one person, there is no longer freedom to choose. People choose to ignore God, to defy God, to go their own way and commit horrible acts against others.
This planet is not a safe place. Someone might shoot us. Or we might be hit by a car. Or we might have to jump from a building attacked by terrorists. Or any number of things that might happen to us in this harsh environment called Earth, the place where God's will is not always followed. Yet, God is not at the mercy of people, but the other way around. We are at His mercy, fortunately. This is God who created the universe with its uncountable stars, simply by speaking the words, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky." (Genesis 1:14) This is God who says He "reigns over the nations." (Psalms 47:8)
He is unlimited in power and wisdom. Though problems seem insurmountable to us, we have an incredibly capable God who reminds us, "Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh; is anything too hard for Me?" (Jeremiah 32:27) Somehow He is able to maintain the freedom of sinful humans, yet still bring about His will. God clearly says, "My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all My purpose." (Isaiah 46:11) And we can draw comfort from that if our lives are submitted to Him. "For God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:6)
God knows the pain and suffering we encounter in this world. Jesus left the safety and security of His home, and entered the hard environment we live in. Jesus got tired, knew hunger and thirst, battled accusations from others and was ostracized by family and friends. But Jesus experienced far more than daily hardships. Jesus, the Son of God in human form, willingly took all of our sin on Himself and paid our penalty of death. "In this is love that he laid down his life for us." (1 John 3:16) He went through torture, dying a slow, humiliating death of suffocation on a cross, so that we could be forgiven.
He is our purpose in life, our source of comfort, our wisdom in confusing times, our strength and hope. "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him." (Psalm 34:8) It has been said by some that God is just a crutch. But it is likely that He is the only reliable one. For those who will rely on Jesus during their lives, He says it is like building your life on a Rock. Whatever crises attack you in this life, He can keep you strong.
No matter what happens in the world around you, God can be there for you. Though people do not follow God's ways, God is able to take horrible circumstances and bring about His plan anyway. God is ultimately in control over world events. If you are God's, then you can rest on the promise that, "All things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)
Jesus Christ said, "My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." (John 14:27; 16:33). He promises never to fail us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).
Prayer: Loving God, have pity on that terrible grief, that chasm of loss, the emptiness that stretches before the bereaved as they embrace their dead in their desolate hearts. Let them find hope in Your Son's resurrection even when their hearts are still frozen with grief.
In Your great love and mercy, please lead bereaved persons to find new hope and new direction that brings relief and peace to their lives. Guide them to live in loving kindness to all those around them, for all of us find times of loneliness and sorrow and loss in our lives. Let grief lead us to live in deeper compassion and greater practical kindness for each other person. Amen
With our deepest sympathies,
In Your great love and mercy, please lead bereaved persons to find new hope and new direction that brings relief and peace to their lives. Guide them to live in loving kindness to all those around them, for all of us find times of loneliness and sorrow and loss in our lives. Let grief lead us to live in deeper compassion and greater practical kindness for each other person. Amen
With our deepest sympathies,
The Coffeehouse Bible Ministry
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Video - Beth Moore: The Law of the Harvest (Part 5)
Join us for the next several weeks as Beth Moore discusses the Law of the Harvest. This week: Part 5. ~Eve
What Man Needs Is To Be Saved!
This time it will be God without disguise; something so overwhelming that it will strike either irresistible love or irresistible horror into every creature. It will be too late then to choose your side. That will not be the time for choosing; It will be the time when we discover which side we really have chosen, whether we realized it before or not. Now, today, this moment, is our chance to choose the right side. -C.S. Lewis
The Bible offers us two questions that are of eternal significance. These are the two questions that man should be asking himself. The first question is found in Matthew 16:15, “Whom say ye that I am?” God the Father answered it this way: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”, Matthew 3:17. Simon Peter answered it like this: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”, Matthew 16:16. Every person’s eternal destiny rests on how he answers that question! What is your answer to that question?
I think you would agree with me that that is an important question. The second important question offered in the Bible is found in verse 37, “What shall we do?” The question they are asking is this: “What must we do to be saved?” This was the same question that was asked by the Philippian Jailer in Acts 16:30. This is a question that arises out of a heart touched by God. It is this question that gets to the heart of man’s greatest need.
The word "saved" literally means to "rescue from all harm and danger; to keep safe and sound: to deliver; to save. It is a word that is special to every child of God who has experienced salvation. When we say that we are saved, we are saying a mouthful. It may be helpful at this point for us to consider just what some of the benefits of salvation are for the saints of God. Here is what being saved does for you:
1. Salvation brings deliverance from the wrath of God - John 3:36;
2. Salvation brings forgiveness of sins - Colossians 2:13; Ephesians 4:32. (
3. Salvation brings absolute security - John 10:28; Hebrews 7:25.
4. Salvation brings the promise of Heaven - John 14:1-3; 1 Corinthians 2:9.
5. Salvation brings about a changed life - 2 Corinthians 5:17.
There are dozens of other things that come our way when we are saved. Such as, we become the children of God, 1 John 3:2. We become the heirs of
You see, man doesn’t need more money. Man doesn’t need more things. Man doesn’t need better health or longer life. What man needs is to be saved! He needs to be in a right relationship with God!
Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-9; Acts 16:31; James 2:24; John 3:16; Romans 6:23; Luke 13:3; Mark 16:16; Romans 10:9; Acts 22:16; James 2:18; Revelation 14:12; 2 Peter 3:9
Prayer: Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
May God bless you,
Kristine
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Video: Shallow Small Group Bible Study
And now... something on the less serious side. Here's a funny video from RightNowTraining.org! ~Eve
Prayer Is Talking With God!
During the "dark nights of the soul" that Thomas experienced after his diagnosis, he began taking long walks in the country. One day, a sort of spiritual serendipity led him to a little church which had been built in 1868 by Czech settlers, but abandoned for the last 100 years.
As reported on KARE 11 News, "the foundation [of the church] was crumbling, the paint peeling, but it was there on the church steps, a man crumbling himself came to pray." Subsequently, Thomas contacted the foundation responsible for the upkeep of the church cemetery and told them he wanted to repair the church. The foundation called Thomas' offer "a godsend."
Today, as Thomas works, he also prays inside the church. "There's been a lot of tears shed on these [church] steps, and they've been tears of joy, tears of pain, but tears of blessings too." Miraculously, as the tiny church's exterior was restored, it seemed Greg's body was being restored as well.
"The old church is newly clothed in white," narrates KARE 11 News' Boyd Huppert in a video report, "And Greg's cancer is now in remission." "It's what He's done for me," Greg explains, referring to the Lord Jesus, "and this is my way of saying thank you." (Boyd Huppert - Kare 11 News, Nov 19, 2012, Teresa Neumann)
Prayer was instituted by God way back in the book of Genesis (Genesis 4:26). Way back then people learned they could pray and call on God and that He would answer! Isn't it wonderful to know that God is right there? He's there when we need Him and He's there when we don't need Him. He is just always there. All we have to do is call upon Him, and He'll be there to answer.
Read Matthew 7:7-8. Here we find a very simple promise. How can one fail when they claim a promise that guarantees an answer? If they merely ask, it shall be given them; if they seek, they shall find; and if they but knock, it shall be opened unto them. The promise may seem simple, but what a great promise it really is. It's a promise that encourages us to pray
Prayer is a matter of talking with God about the thing that's on our hearts. Now, this doesn't mean that you can just rush in making demands, such as: "God, Here I am! This is what I want." When I pray, I come into God's presence praising Him. I come thanking Him. I come worshipping Him, telling Him how wonderful He is and how good He is to me.
Before getting down to the business of the things you want to talk with God about, worship and praise Him. Offer up thanksgiving, glorying in Him. It's good to take time to just glory in His goodness, glory in His mercies, glory in how He has blessed your life. This is the right focus when we step aside to pray. Prayer is a matter of getting into the presence of God, where you can really feel at peace to ask Him to do something in the name of Jesus Christ.
In closing, remember these three things: Ask! Seek! and Knock! Understand that great things will happen when someone will ask; someone will seek; someone will knock; someone will show faith and hang on, no matter what it looks like. They know the Lord has said it, and they hold on to that and pray the door open.
Days and days and days may go by where they're still knocking, still holding on to God. They know God's will, and they're going to be believe God and pray for His will to come to pass. You never know when God is about to move, and it's important to be ready when the answer comes. You've got to stand and hold on in prayer.
Scripture: Psalm 100:4; James 4:8; Acts 14:27; Acts 18:9-10; Proverbs 8:17; Psalm 27:8; Psalm 34:17-18
Prayer: Holy, Righteous, and Only Living God, I hold you in the highest place in my heart. Forgive me when I do not hold you in the highest place in my life. Empower me with your Holy Spirit to give up all the little things that distract my allegiance to you and interfere with you being the Supreme and Sovereign God in my day-to-day life. In Jesus name. Amen. -Thank you Phil Ware
God bless you,
Lindsey
Christianity Is A Taught Religion
Almost two-thirds (64%) of the more than 1,800 people questioned said that children need to learn about Christianity to understand English history, while more than half (57%) said it was important if pupils are to understand the English culture and way of life.
The poll also revealed that more than two-fifths (43%) of the adults surveyed said that more attention should be given to teaching about Christianity in RE (Religious Education) lessons. More than half (51%) also said they felt Christianity distinguishes right from wrong. But just over a third (37%) said they believe that many RE teachers do not know enough about Christianity to be able to teach it effectively.
Andrea Williams, Chief Executive of Christian Concern, welcomed the findings:
"It is striking that so much of the public sees the need for Christianity to be taught properly. We are often given the impression that teaching about Jesus and His message is old-fashioned and irrelevant to a modern generation. But this survey shows that many people value the Christian framework.
"This is not surprising, given that our society is increasingly confused about a basis for moral decisions, for human dignity and for community. Jesus is the personal basis for this, as well as the foundation for so much of our nation's culture and history."
The poll was commissioned by Oxford University's department of education as part of a new project to support the teaching of Christianity in RE lessons, following concerns from inspectors and other quarters about how the subject is taught in schools. -Christian Concern, Nov 29, 2012, Peter Norris
Teachers are some of our most unforgettable characters. When Jesus walked this earth, He was called by a number of titles (e.g. Rabbi, Master, Lord). One of the most common was “Teacher.” In fact, forty times in the four gospels Jesus is called “Teacher.”
Christianity is a taught religion – it is not inherited, nor does it just randomly affect this person or that. Jesus charged His apostles to teach people all things that He had commanded (Matthew 28:20). That responsibility comes to us not only by implication from Matthew 28, but also from passages such as 2 Timothy 2:2.
To better understand, let's look at the Master Teacher so that we may better appreciate Him and imitate Him. We see in the gospels that Jesus taught with authority (Matthew 7:28-29). The scribes based their teachings on what various respected Rabbis had said (often cited a chain of Rabbis). As then, many today base their authority on what some man says, or on some book other than the Bible.
Jesus strongly appealed to Scripture (Matthew 21:42; Luke 24:27). He also strongly emphasized truth (John 8:40, 45-46). Our authority derives not from ourselves, our authority comes from God’s word (Colossians 3:17; John 12:48). Therefore, we must emphasize God’s word, and be loyal to truth.
Scripture: James 3:1; Hebrews 13:7; Romans 10:17; Colossians 3:16; Matthew 6:33; Acts 18:11; John 17:17; Titus 2:1-15; Acts 15:35; 1 Peter 4:10
Prayer:
Thanks be to thee, my Lord Jesus Christ,
For all the benefits thou hast won for me,
For all the pains and insults thou hast borne for me.
O most merciful Redeemer, Friend, and Brother,
May I know thee more clearly,
Love thee more dearly,
And follow thee more nearly:
For ever and ever. -St. Richard Chichester (1197-1253)
Grace be with you all,
Bonnie
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Video: Patsy Clairmont, "Let There Be Light!"
What an inspirational speaker she is! I encourage you to watch, listen, and learn from this spiritual message. ~Eve
Weekend Scripture Gold with Bibi: The Old Testament and Jesus
For Jesus and the first Christians, their Bible contained only the books that we now call the Old Testament. Like us, they taught that the Bible is the word of God. Many different people were its human authors. But they did not merely write down their own thoughts, like any other book. Instead, they wrote words that came from God himself (2 Peter 1:20-21).
That is why the first Christians described the authors of the Old Testament as ‘prophets’. A prophet is someone who speaks (or writes) God’s word. He declares God’s messages. The first Christians even described people like David as prophets. We do not usually call David a prophet today. But Peter did (Acts 2:29-30). And Peter added that David had described future events (Acts 2:31). God showed David what would happen to Christ.
The author of the Book of Hebrews teaches that this is true about each Old Testament book. A book may seem to be about history, for example 2 Samuel. Or it may seem only to contain songs and prayers, like Psalms. It may seem to be about law, like Deuteronomy. Or it may seem to be about rules for ceremonies, like Leviticus. But the author of Hebrews shows how passages from these books are really about Jesus.
The Old Testament authors did not always know that they were writing about Jesus. But God’s Holy Spirit showed them what they should write. And that was how they could write these things.
Scripture: Hebrews 1:1; Jeremiah 29:11; Matthew 11:28-29; Isaiah 40:29-31; Philippians 4:19; Romans 8:37-39; Proverbs 1:33; John 14:27; Romans 10:9; Romans 6:23 -thanks to Keith Simons
Now, let's pray...
O Father, give us the humility which realizes its ignorance, admits its mistakes, recognizes its need, welcomes advice, accepts rebuke. Help us always to praise rather than to criticize, to sympathize rather than to discourage, to build rather than to destroy, and to think of people at their best rather than at their worst. This we ask for in thy name's sake. Amen
Until next time...
Have a blessed week!
Bibi
Friday, December 7, 2012
Bible Study Snacks, Acts 13:13-41
Hi, everyone!
Happy Friday, and welcome back to another presentation of Bible Study Snacks. As always, I'd like to thank you so much for joining me as we walk through the richness of God's spoken word and wisdom together. I pray that today finds you in good health and strong in faith!
This week, I would like to continue our study of the Book of Acts, with Chapter Thirteen (Verses 13-41).
I have designed these studies to be brief, yet packed full of good information for everyone regardless of your level of biblical knowledge. I might add that these quick studies make perfect small group discussion starters, as well!
As always, I whole-heartedly believe in the importance that any Bible study should begin with prayer. If you have your Bible ready, let's pray together...
Heavenly father, please guide us as we study your Word today; I pray that our hearts and our minds will be open so that we will not only receive your Gospel, but learn from it as well; you are the Light of the world, Lord, and your Spirit will illuminate our path as we journey through your teachings. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen
If you are taking notes for yourself, or using this for a bible study with others, here are the objectives for this week's lesson...
OBJECTIVES: This week, the reader will...
1) Give special attention to the evangelistic methods and message of Paul and Barnabas .
For your convenience, here is a summary of Acts 13:13-41...
From Cyprus they sail to Perga in Pamphylia, where John Mark leaves them to return to Jerusalem (later causing contention between Paul and Barnabas; cf. 15:36-40). After they arrive in Antioch of Pisidia, they attend the synagogue of the Jews on the Sabbath. Invited to speak, Paul preaches Jesus by first reviewing the history of Israel from the Exodus to the time of David.
Noting God's promise concerning the seed of David, Paul summarizes the ministry of John the Baptist and then introduces Jesus as the Savior who was crucified, buried and raised from the dead, and seen by eyewitnesses. Offering further evidence of the resurrection from Old Testament prophecy, Paul proclaims forgiveness of sins through Jesus with a warning against unbelief (13-41).
REVIEW QUESTIONS:
1) Setting sail from Paphos, where did they (Paul and Barnabas) go ? Who left when they arrived? (Acts 13:13)
2) Where did Paul and Barnabas go next? What did they do on the Sabbath day? (Acts 13:14)
3) Invited to speak, what periods of Israel's history did Paul first review? (Acts 13:15-22)
4) Skipping from David to his descendant Jesus, whose ministry does Paul review? (Acts 13:23-25)
5) Focusing on the word of salvation, what does Paul proclaim concerning Jesus? (Acts 13:26-30)
6) What evidence does Paul provide for the resurrection of Jesus? (Acts 13:31-37)
7) What does Paul preach in the name of Jesus? (Acts 13:38-39)
8) With what does Paul conclude his sermon? (Acts 13:40-41)
After completing this week's study, go back and read through the material again. Take your time and read each topic and scripture reference as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that by doing this, you just might see something new that you overlooked the first time around!
As we journey through the Bible together, I will continue to pray that God’s message will come through to you loud and crystal clear. Until next time, I wish everyone a blessed week!
God bless you!
Sheri
Thursday, December 6, 2012
A Quick View of The Holy Spirit
Who or what is the Holy Spirit? Is the Holy Spirit a person, one that possesses "personality"? Or is the Holy Spirit simply an "influence", or "impersonal force" that emanates from God? It is my contention, that the Bible reveals the Holy Spirit to be a "personal" being; possessing every trait of what we call "personality," and not some "impersonal force" that emanates from God as some might have you believe. Let's consider some evidence for this view of the Holy Spirit, shall we?
THE HOLY SPIRIT'S WORKS MANIFEST PERSONALITY
The Holy Spirit speaks! He expressly says "that some will depart from the faith (1 Timothy 4:1). After all, the Spirit spoke and gave directions to Philip (Acts 8:29). He spoke to Peter and gave him charge concerning the Gentiles (Acts 10:19-20). And, He spoke to the brethren at Antioch concerning Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:1-4).
The Holy Spirit teaches! He was to teach the apostles all things (John 14:26). Please note that Jesus consistently refers to the Holy Spirit as "He", not "it" (implying a personal being, not an impersonal force) - cf. John 14:16-17.
The Holy Spirit bears witness! He was to testify of Jesus (John 15:26-27). Just as the apostles (who were "personal beings") would bear witness, so also the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit guides, hears, speaks, tells... He would carry on and complete the work started by Jesus (John 16:12-13). Notice again that Jesus consistently refers to the Holy Spirit as "He."
The Holy Spirit forbids! He prevented Paul and his companions from going into certain areas of Asia (Acts 16:6-7). This He did by "forbidding" them, and "not permitting" them, despite their initial efforts.
The Holy Spirit intercedes! The "Spirit Himself (note Paul's use of the personal pronoun) makes intercession for us" (Romans 8:26); just as Christ "also makes intercession for us" (Romans 8:34). As we have seen, all these works of the Holy Spirit manifest personality. But there is more to this as you will see.
THE HOLY SPIRIT POSSESSES PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
He has a mind! We see this in "the mind of the Spirit" as mentioned in Romans 8:27. This suggests thinking on His own.
He has knowledge! He "knows the things of God" ( 1 Corinthians 2:11); just as the "spirit of man (a personal being) knows certain things.
He possesses affection! Paul speaks of "the love of the Spirit" (Romans 15:30). My dear friends, when have you known of an "impersonal force" that could love?
He has a will! 1 Corinthians 12:11 tell us that "the same Spirit works on all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills." It was the Holy Spirit who decided what person received which gift.
Obviously, these are all characteristics of a being possessing intelligence and personality. Finally, consider this last piece of evidence...
THE HOLY SPIRIT SUFFERS PERSONAL SLIGHTS AND INJURIES
He can be grieved! Ephesians 4:30 tells us so. He can be made sorrowful through our willful neglect.
He can be blasphemed! That is, to be spoken evil of; as in attributing His deeds to the works of Satan, the "unforgivable sin" (Matthew 12:31-32).
He can be insulted! One who has "trampled the Son of God underfoot" has also "insulted the Spirit of grace" (Hebrews 10:29). This is done by sinning "willfully" (Hebrews 10:26).
He can be lied to! Ananias and his wife Sapphira were guilty of doing this (Acts 5:3).
He can be resisted! As Stephen charged the Jewish leaders of doing (Acts 7:51). They did this by resisting the message and persecuting the messengers who were inspired by the Holy Spirit - cf. Acts 7:52-53
Here are some final thoughts on our discussion today. First, a mere principle or influence cannot sustain these slights, only a personal being. So it is clear that the Bible presents the Holy Spirit as a personal being. And, we should regard the Holy Spirit as a "He", not an "it"!
But is this personal being also a supreme being? Angels are personal beings, but not supreme beings.What does the Bible say about the Holy Spirit? For now, have you considered your personal relationship to the Holy Spirit...? How He feels for you? What He has done, and is doing, for you in God's scheme of redemption? How He reacts to your reception or rejection of the Word He has revealed?
Scripture: John.6:63; Ephesians 1:13,14; 1 John.4:13; John.16:14; Ephesians 5:18,19; Romans 8:5-7; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; John.16:7; 1 Peter 4:14; John 16:13a; 1 Corinthians 2:12
Prayer: Speak, O Lord, for Your servant is listening, Your servant, because at last I am such. I am Your servant and I want to be; I want to walk in Your way all the days and nights of my life. Fill me with a spirit to understand what Your holy plans are for me. Amen
Have a blessed day!
Annette
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Video - Beth Moore: The Law of the Harvest (Part 4)
Join us for the next several weeks as Beth Moore discusses the Law of the Harvest. This week: Part 4. ~Eve
Consider Again the Event of Christmas
When Pope Julius I authorized December 25 to be celebrated as the birthday of Jesus in A.D. 353, who would have ever thought that it would become what it is today. When Professor Charles Follen lit candles on the first Christmas tree in America in 1832, who would have ever thought that the decorations would become as elaborate as they are today.
It is a long time since 1832, longer still from 353, longer still from that dark night brightened by a special star in which Jesus the king was born. Yet, as we approach December 25 again, it gives us yet another opportunity to pause, and in the midst of all the excitement and elaborate decorations and expensive commercialization which surround Christmas today, to consider again the event of Christmas and the person whose birth we celebrate. -Brian L. Harbour, James W. Cox, The Minister's Manual: 1994, San Fransico: Harper Collins, 1993, p. 254.
It is a long time since 1832, longer still from 353, longer still from that dark night brightened by a special star in which Jesus the king was born. Yet, as we approach December 25 again, it gives us yet another opportunity to pause, and in the midst of all the excitement and elaborate decorations and expensive commercialization which surround Christmas today, to consider again the event of Christmas and the person whose birth we celebrate. -Brian L. Harbour, James W. Cox, The Minister's Manual: 1994, San Fransico: Harper Collins, 1993, p. 254.
The prediction of the Virgin Birth (seed of a woman) of Jesus came immediately after Adam and Eve sinned. Though they were sentenced to die, God in His mercy gave a promise of redemption through the one who would be born of a virgin—Jesus Christ.
Simply put, God sentenced man to death because of our sin. He showed His love for us by exercising grace and took the punishment upon Himself. Jesus, being God, came into the world just like any other person—by being born. Yet Jesus lived a perfect life so that He could be the final sacrifice to cover all people’s sin. This is why Jesus was born and why Jesus had to die.
This is why Jesus is called “the last Adam” (1 Corinthians 15:45) —He in effect became a “new Adam,” a “perfect Adam,” so He could die for the descendants of Adam and offer them a free gift of salvation.
“God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son to the end that all who believe in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” That’s the promise of the Incarnate God. This extraordinary little baby grew up, lived a life of doing good and bringing a message of peace and justice to the people, and then willingly laid down His life so that we might have life everlasting.
The Bible says the greatest act of love is when one lays down his life for his friends (John 15:13). The God of the Bible displays this kind of love.
The great preacher Charles H. Spurgeon once said. "He was not born in this world as God's Son, but he was sent, or was given, so that you clearly perceive that the distinction is a suggestive one, and conveys much good truth to us."
When Jesus came to earth it was a low point in earth history, so His timing was very significant, but the mission was completed perfectly and we now have the opportunity to return to God as a free gift in Jesus Christ.
- Christmas should be a time when we remember that Jesus came to earth to save us from Adam’s sin.
- Christmas should be a time when we recall that God became lower than the angels to be born, live, suffer and die for us.
- Christmas should be a time for us to remember that we as Christians have an obligation to leave the comforts of our everyday life to help those less fortunate just as Jesus did for all of us.
Scripture: Matthew 19:25-26; Romans 3:23; Romans 8:38-39; Romans 10:9-10; Hebrews 7:25; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:8; Revelation 22:17.
Prayer: "Oh God in Heaven, I believe with all of my heart that Jesus has been raised from the dead. I receive your Word, and I repent of sin. I renounce the past. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus. I receive my forgiveness. I receive the new birth, cleansed and washed in the Word and in the precious blood of Jesus. Fill me with Your Spirit, in Jesus' name. Amen."
Have a blessed day!
Diedre
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Video: Lisa Bevere, Writing the Future
The Bible tells us to write His Word on our hearts. What does that mean? And what happens when we do? Watch this inspirational message from Lisa Bevere! ~Eve
The Long Walk is Part of the Gift
When Christmas day came, the boy brought the teacher a seashell of lustrous beauty. “Where did you ever find such a beautiful shell?” the teacher asked. The youth told her that there was only one spot where such extraordinary shells could be found.
When he named the place, a certain bay several miles away, the teacher was left speechless. “Why…why, it’s gorgeous…wonderful, but you shouldn’t have gone all that way to get the gift for me.” His eyes brightening, the boy answered, “Long walk part of gift.”
God came from heaven to a manger, from a manger to a cross, from a cross to the grave and from a grave back to heaven. And we ask, “Why all this trouble, God?” And God would say to us, “Long walk part of gift” (Sharon Jaynes, Celebrating a Christ-Centered Christmas).
To test him, God told Abraham to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac. On the way, Isaac asked his father why they took no sacrifice with them, and Abraham replied, “God himself will provide the lamb” (Genesis 22:8). On the mountaintop, Abraham built an altar, securely bound Isaac, and raised his knife to sacrifice his son.
At that moment, Isaac knew with certainty that his father would offer him as a sacrifice to God unless the LORD provided the lamb. At that moment, God intervened and provided a substitute for Isaac, a ram, a male sheep—just as Abraham had promised his son.
The sacrifice that God required of Abraham and the substitute lamb that God provided him, God intended as an object lesson. God saved Abraham from offering his sacrifice, but God could not save His only Son from His sacrificial death.
God provided Jesus the Messiah and His sacrifice as a substitute for the death sinners deserve as a consequence of their rebellion against God. Believers know that they deserve eternal separation from God because of their disobedience, and they thank God for providing a suitable substitute for them.
Jesus became the Lamb of God, provided by His Father, so God could uphold His perfect law of love with justice while offering mercy and forgiving all who repent of their sins and receive the risen Lamb of God as their Lord and Savior.
Scripture: Genesis 22:1-14; Romans 5:8; John 14:6; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 15:12-14; Romans 12:1-2; Romans 12:3; 1 Corinthians 13:4; 1 John 4:8; Matthew 10:39; John 12:25; 1 Peter 4:8 (L.G. Parkhurst)
Prayer: Lord, when we strive after healing in the world and nourishment for those who hunger, we find you at our side. Whenever we long to see your face, help us not to avoid the corners of our communities where you most often dwell. Stir our hearts that we might seek and find you today in those places where you have promised to be. Amen.
God bless you!
Nikki
Monday, December 3, 2012
We Must Do The Works of God While We Can!
Auntie Anne's pretzel franchise had small beginnings in a farmer's market stand in Pennsylvania. But today there are stores in over a thousand locations in 44 states and 23 countries. As the franchise founder told students recently at Liberty University: "My greatest success [however] is overcoming myself—overcoming Anne Beiler." According to a Charisma News report, Beiler's "storybook" world was shattered when one of her young daughters was killed when she was accidentally hit by a tractor. "It took me into a world I knew nothing about," said Beiler. "Emotional pain, physical pain, and spiritual pain."
Raised as an Amish Christian, Beiler shared her subsequent descent into destructive behavior. In the end, God used truth, confession, and unconditional love to bring her back and amazingly, "Auntie Anne's Pretzels" was birthed as a way for Beiler to support her long-suffering husband whom she had temporarily deserted.
In 2005, the franchise was sold, and today Anne Beiler devotes her time and energy on the Family Center—a community center in Lancaster County—that helps families in need. -Charisma News, Oct 18, 2012, Teresa Neumann
When the disciples asked why a certain man had been born blind, Jesus answered, “that God’s works might be revealed in him” (John 9:3). Most people know someone with disabilities in whom God has revealed His good works. God revealed His works in the blind man because Jesus took action toward his healing.
God healed the blind man after the blind man responded to Jesus’ treatment and washed his eyes in the pool of Siloam. God has revealed His works in many disabled and diseased people, because people of faith took action, and those they tried to help responded rightly to their efforts.
Jesus insisted that our open doors of opportunity to serve God and others might suddenly shut; therefore, we must do the works of God while we can. A time came in Jesus’ ministry when darkness descended upon His disciples, because His body lay in a tomb and they could not do the works of God.
After Jesus rose from the dead, He commissioned and empowered them to do the works of God again. Later, when each of His twelve disciples (except Judas and John) died a martyr’s death, their opportunity to do the works of God in this world ended.
Jesus spoke of the works of God, not the work of God. God has given believers many different works to do. Some of God’s works through believers may seem spectacular, but God does many works through believers quietly and unnoticed.
Whatever works God calls believers to do are important, but night may come when no one can work until Jesus Christ returns as He promised. (John 9:4).
Scripture: Hebrews 13:16; Philippians 2:4; Luke 6:38; 1 John 3:17; Galatians 6:2; John 15:12; Proverbs 19:17; Matthew 5:16; Romans 15:1; 2 Corinthians 9:12; Romans 12:13; Luke 10:27; Luke 3:10-11. -Thanks to L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.
Prayer: Dear Lord, All through this day, O Lord, by the power of Thy quickening Spirit, let me touch the lives of others for good, whether through the word I speak, the prayer I speak, or the life I live. Amen
Have a blessed day!
Jill
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