Glory to God in the Highest! - Luke: 2:14

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord."  - Luke 2:8-11


Dear friends,

We, at CHBM,  traditionally take a brief hiatus during the Christmas and New Year holidays so that our ministry members are able to enjoy time with their loved ones. Our sincerest hopes and prayers go out to you, your family, and friends during this most joyous time of the year. From all of us here, at the Coffeehouse Bible Ministry, we wish everyone a safe holiday, and a blessed new year! Our regular blog will return on Monday, January 6, 2014.  ~Eve

"Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!"

"May you have a joyous season!"

A Christmas Prayer

Jesus, the Light of the World, as we celebrate your birth may we begin to see the world in the light of the understanding you give us. As you chose the lowly, the outcasts, and the poor to receive the greatest news the world had ever known, so may we worship you in meekness of heart. May we also remember our brothers and sisters less fortunate than ourselves in this season of giving. Amen

A Special Video for You...



-Peace be with you all!-  ~Eve

The Humanity of Christ

"The mystery of the humanity of Christ, that He sunk Himself into our flesh, is beyond all human understanding."   -Martin Luther, Table Talk.

Many people will tell you that Christianity is no different than any other world religion. If your children, or grandchildren take a world religion class in college, more than likely, the professor will tell them that there is no difference between the Christian God, and the gods of other religions. They will say that all religions are essentially the same. Well, they’re almost right. You see, all world religions are essentially the same. That is, all of them except one.

Every religion in the world—whether you’re talking about Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Mormonism, Paganism, or New Age—every religion in the world requires man to do something to work his way up to God. He has to achieve. He has to earn his way into some type of relationship with the deity. As a matter of fact, it’s not even a relationship with God. It’s actually becoming God. That's the thing that all religions have in common. They all require man to do things in an attempt to become divine. To become God. All of them except one. All of them except biblical Christianity.

You see, the goal of Christianity isn't to become God. It's to have a relationship with Him. God is God, and we’re not. And we never will be. We never can be. God is far too holy, perfect, righteous, just, pure and powerful for us to even imagine, much less attain. There's nothing we could ever hope to do to become God. We’re too frail, and imperfect, weak, and unfair. We could never become God, that’s why He had to become man.

God had to become man, not so we could become God; but so we, in all of our sin and imperfection, could have a relationship with Him. In order that God might have a relationship with us, His Son stepped down from His throne in heaven and became man. Jesus came to earth as a man because God desired to have a relationship with us. And when we see that, I'd us all to celebrate this Christmas knowing we have that relationship with Him.

In order to do that, we will look at the three relationships God desires with us. The first relationship He desires is a human relationship. Yes, God desires a human relationship with us. God is holy. He is high and lifted up. He is righteous. He is all powerful. He is all knowing. He is everywhere at once. He is infinite. That’s who He is. He is perfect. No words can accurately describe how far God is above man.

Because God is holy and perfect, He cannot tolerate profane and imperfect things in His presence. If He did, it would take away from His holiness. He would be tainted. So, how can an infinitely holy God have a relationship with weak, sinful and frail people like you and me? He can, because our relationship isn't based on what we bring to the table. It isn't based on anything we've earned.  Anything we do to earn a relationship with God is a stench in His nostrils. Our best effort falls that short of His holiness.

Our relationship isn't based on what we bring to the table. It’s based on what He brought to the table. His holiness, His righteousness is embodied in the person of His Son Jesus Christ. When Jesus saves us, He clothes us in His righteousness. So, if you’re saved, when God the Father looks at you, all He sees is His Son. He doesn't see your imperfections and frailties. He doesn't see your sin—He’s forgiven that as far as the East is from the West. All He sees is His Son. His righteous Son. His holy Son. But how does it all work?

God desires a human relationship with us, so He became a man. But if Jesus was only a man, He wouldn't have been able to be our Savior. So secondly, God also desires a holy relationship with us. Jesus cleanses us of our sins and clothes us in His holiness; the holiness He has as God the Son. But a holy relationship and a human relationship sounds like two different things. How can we put those two together? Because God also desires a holistic relationship with us.

By holistic, I mean that He desires a complete, total, whole relationship with us. If God had only sent us a man, He could have only sympathized with us, not save us. If God had only come to us as God, He could have only come to judge and condemn us, not save us. But God came down to us as both! He sent His Son Jesus Christ to be born of a virgin as a total man. He sent His Son Jesus Christ to be conceived of God the Holy Spirit, as God the Son, but fully God. Jesus Christ is both 100% God and 100% man!

I know this all might sound a little confusing. But, my God is powerful enough to do anything. He’s a whole lot more powerful than I am smart. I don’t have to understand everything. But I know that's the only way He could save us. That's the only way He could have a relationship with us without tainting His holiness.

What we celebrate at Christmas is an awesome event. We celebrate the fact that over 2000 years ago, the infinite creator God stepped into history. He stepped into time that He created but is not bound by. He reached down through His infinite power, majesty, might, and glory. And, He cried that first helpless cry of a newborn baby, wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. He was fully God; and He was fully man!

John 1:10-13 says, “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”

Jesus grew up, lived, and taught for 33 years. Most of the people rejected Him. Rejected Him to the point of hanging Him on a cruel Roman cross. But that was God’s plan all along. The baby whose birth we’re celebrating was born to die. He was born to die so you wouldn't have to. He was born to die, so you could have a relationship with our God Almighty.

But, not only was He born to die, He was born to live again! And He lives today, seated at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us, and making relationship possible between us and God the Father. Do you have a relationship with Him today? The relationship that Jesus provides is free to you. He paid all that could ever be paid when He gave His live on Calvary. He was born to die so that you, and I might live.

Scripture: Matthew 1:22-1:25; Luke 2:7; Deuteronomy 18:15; 2 Samuel 7:12; John 6:40-41 

Prayer: Dear Lord, let your joy be always in us, your children. Let your joy bring light and peace to our lives, no matter what happens around us. Amen

Have a blessed day!

Laura

Saturday Scripture Gold with Bibi: What Does Christmas Mean to You?

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.

At Christmas time we find ourselves getting all wrapped up with the business of the holiday rather than the true meaning of what Christmas is all about. This Christmas I pray that we can focus on the greatest gift of all, the gift that God sent to us through the Virgin Mary long ago.

It seems that throughout the years we, instead of realizing the true meaning of Christmas, have wrapped Jesus up with wrapping paper decorated with Santa, Sugar plums, Egg-Nog and the almighty dollar. It's high time we unwrap JESUS and realize what Christmas is all about! Let's get a better look at Christmas and unwrap the best present of all! To help us do this, we need to ask ourselves the following questions...

What do you think Christmas means to the non-Christian? To someone that has never accepted His love and forgiveness. To someone that lives in a far off region, living in a hut, who knows nothing of Santa, presents or Christmas trees? What do you suppose Christmas mean to them?

What do you think it means to little children in a third world country with no running water, and empty bellies? What does Christmas mean to them? What does Christmas means to each of you. Do you cherish the truths?

Now, I know that it means different things to different people.To store merchants it is the busiest time of the year. Stores stay open longer, and hire extra people to accommodate all the shoppers. It means more profit, hopefully enough profit to see them through lean times ahead.

For some employees it means a Christmas bonus, a little more money in their pockets to do things that they want to do. For many teen-agers and adults, it's a time of fun and parties. For children it is a time of impatience, with time seeming to pass so slowly, as they wait for Christmas morning.

But, somewhere in  between all of this, are we forgetting the who and the what Christmas is all about? The true meaning, not the fluff that engulfs us at every turn. I refer you Luke 2:8-14. The fact that God made the announcement to shepherds helps us to understand the real meaning of Christmas. "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son," and He chose to announce that to shepherds first of all.

Shepherds were at the opposite end of the society of the day. They lived in the fields with their animals. They weren’t respected. They had no power or prestige. Yet, God’s angel came to them and said, "Unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ, the Lord." Unto shepherds a Savior was born.

In that one simple announcement God made known some very important truths. First of all, it tells us, "No matter how insignificant you may think you are, God knows you, and you are important to Him." The second thing this passage teaches us is that life matters. Not only you, but your life counts with God. Finally, this. Your faith matters, too. Shepherds were men of faith. They probably had more faith than some of the scribes and Pharisees who went to the synagogue every day.

They believed in a Messiah. They prayed over and over again, "Let the Messiah come. Let Him come today!" There must have been many who quit praying, and quit having faith. But when the announcement came to shepherds, God was saying, "Your faith matters, and it is not in vain. I am a God who hears and who keeps His promises. Now the Messiah has come, and I have kept My promise."

How about us? Sometimes we become weary. There may be times when we wonder if it is worthwhile going to church. There are times when we wonder if it is worth sacrificing for God. Sometimes we wonder if our prayers are even heard. We wonder why He is waiting so long. We wonder if it is worth it all.

But one day He will come. He will come for all of us, shepherds & kings, wisemen and peasants. He will come for His people. He’ll dry our tears and take away our pain. There will be no more death, no more good-byes. Then we’ll say, "It was worth it. It was worth it all!"

Friends, the Christmas season is among us. This is also our time as Christians to share what it truly means to us. This is our time as Christians to take a stand and share the truth with a world that has accepted lies, and meritocracy for far too long. This is our time as Christians to get busy for the Lord, our Savior, The one and only Christ. This is our time to realize the importance of Christmas. What does it mean to you?

Scripture: Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:6; Luke 2:7; John 1:14; Galatians 4:4; John 6:40-41; Luke 1:35

Now, let's pray...

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

Until next time...

Have a blessed week!

Bibi

Bible Study Snacks, Acts 28:1-10; 11-16

Hi, everyone!

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

This week, I would like to continue our study of the final chapter in the Book of Acts, with Chapter Twenty-eight, Verses 1-10; 11-16.

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) Review the events on the island of Malta following the shipwreck.
2) Observe Paul's arrival at Rome.

For your convenience, here is a summary of Acts 28:1-10; 11-16...  

It was rainy and cold, as the shipwrecked travelers escaped onto the island of Malta. The natives showed kindness by kindling a fire and welcoming them. As Paul gathered sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper bit his hand. The natives reacted, "No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice does not allow to live." Paul shook off the viper and suffered no harm. After a time, the natives thought Paul was a "god" as no harm had come to him.

Publius, a leading citizen of the region, received and entertained the travelers "courteously" for three days. Publius' father was sick with a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed. He laid hands on Publius' father and healed him. Others on the island with diseases came and were healed. The islanders honored them in many ways and provided the necessities for them as they departed the island. (1-10)

After three months, an Alexandrian ship (the Twin Brothers) sailed from Malta - it had wintered there. They sailed to Syracuse, Rhegium, and then to Puteoli.  Paul found brethren at Puteoli and stayed with them seven days. As they traveled along, brethren heard about them and met them at Appii Forum and Three Inns. This gave Paul courage and he thanked God. Upon arrival at Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard. Paul was permitted to "dwell by himself with the soldier who guarded him." (11-16)

REVIEW QUESTIONS:

1) What was the name of the island they escaped the shipwreck onto? (Acts 28:1)
2) How did the natives treat the shipwrecked travelers? (Acts 28:2)
3) What happened to Paul while laying sticks on the fire? (Acts 28:3)
4) What did the natives say to one another? (Acts 28:4)
5) What did Paul do to the creature? What was Paul's outcome? (Acts 28:5)
6) Seeing that Paul suffered no harm, what did the natives think of him? (Acts 28:6)
7) Who was Publius? What did he do for the travelers? (Acts 28:7)
8) What was wrong with Publius' father? What did Paul do? (Acts 28:8-9)
9) How long did they remain on Malta? Why was a ship there? (Acts 28:11)
10) Name three places they sailed to as they continued to Rome. (Acts 28:12-13)
11) Name places Paul met with brethren along the way in Italy.How did this affect Paul?  (Acts 28:13-15)
12) At Rome, who was Paul delivered to? What was he permitted to do? (Acts 28:16)
 
After completing this week's study, I encourage you to go back and read through the material again. Take your time and read each topic and scripture reference as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that by doing this, you just might see something new that you overlooked the first time around!

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

God bless you!  

Sheri

Pray Always, And Never Lose Heart

An elderly lady was once asked by a young man who had grown weary in the fight, whether he ought to give up the struggle. "I am beaten every time," he said dolefully. "I feel I must give up." "Did you ever notice," she replied, smiling into the troubled face before her, "that when the Lord told the discouraged fishermen to cast their nets again, it was right in the same old spot where they had been fishing all night and had caught nothing?"   -Source Unknown

I'd like to use today's message to discuss the value of persistence in prayer. Persistence may seem a very humble virtue to consider. Persistence has nothing particularly shiny, or glamorous, or heroic about it. It's not a warrior in flashing armor astride a white stallion who gallops in to save the day. It's not a power broker in an expensive suit issuing commands from behind a bank of microphones. Persistence is much more modest than that, much more hidden and humble.

Persistence in prayer is like a helpless widow who just won't quit (Luke 18:1-8). That woman is tenacious. She is resolute, dogged, determined. She won't be put off and she won't take no for an answer. Push her down and she only springs back up like weeds. That widow so pesters the unjust judge -- she so wears him down with her repeated pleas for justice -- that the hard-hearted judge finally gives in and grants the request so that he can be rid of her at last!

Therefore, if a selfish, indifferent judge will relent and grant justice in the face of such persistence, how much more, says Jesus, will “God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to [God] day and night” (Luke 18:7)! God is nothing like that unjust judge -- God is generous, abounding in mercy, and eager to bring justice. Similarly, Jesus gives his disciples a word of encouragement. “Pray always,” he tells them, “and do not lose heart” (c.f. Luke 18:1). The Gospel writer tells this parable because Luke knows, Jesus knows, and God knows how easy it is to lose heart.

The early Christian communities were suffering persecution. They were praying, as Jesus taught them, “Thy kingdom come.” They were waiting anxiously for his return in glory. They were waiting for the consummation of all things, for the great day when justice and mercy and kindness would prevail at last on earth, and everything broken would be mended. In like fashion, everything alienated and estranged, would be reconciled and healed. But, that day never seemed to arrive. Christ's return in glory seemed to be delayed. Had God forgotten them? Would the peace and justice for which they longed never come? Was their faith a total lie?

Have doubting, inside voices also found a foothold in your soul? Are there times when you feel so overwhelmed by the darkness of the world, that you want to crawl into a safe little cubbyhole, and pull the covers over your head? Are there times when you want to raise a fist in cynicism and blame, or to drown your fears in too much alcohol, television, shopping, or busyness? If you're familiar what it's like to feel discouraged, disappointed, or just plain depleted, then this message is definitely for you!

Persistence is what we need in a time like this, persistence in faith, persistence in prayer. Persistence is useful in many human enterprises, and it is essential in prayer. Why is it essential? What is the value of persistence in prayer? For one thing, it brings us closer to God. Being persistent in prayer means that we keep showing up, keep making ourselves available for encounter, keep sharing what is truly on our minds and hearts.

Prayer is not like speed dating. I've never done speed dating, but I know that it is a kind of breathless, round-robin, event in which you meet a great many people, very quickly, on a superficial level. Persistent prayer is not like that. It's about taking our time and daring to go deep so that we can form a long-lasting relationship with the divine. Of course, the great promise of prayer is that we don't have to settle for second-hand information about God, or for concepts of God, or for ideas about God.

The promise of prayer is that we can come to know God directly, through our own experience. It's one thing to hear a pastor tell you, over and over, Sunday after Sunday, “God loves you. God is with you. God will never let you go.” But, it's quite another thing to discover that truth for oneself; to come to that knowledge oneself in the depths of one's being.

Besides, I can think of a couple of good reasons for us to be persistent in prayer. The first reason is because that's how we cultivate a long-term relationship with God. The second reason is that prayer changes us. Prayer makes us real. If we are honest with God, if we are candidly sharing our hopes and fears, our confusion and disappointment, then we're getting up close and personal.

In my own experience of trying to pray like the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8), and to bring before God my longing for justice and peace, I have discovered something. The more I weep over the suffering of the world, and the more ardently I long for the healing of our relationships with one another and with the earth, the more I sense that it's God's sorrow that is moving through me. And, God's longing for healing fills my soul, as well.

I hope that you've had that experience, too. It seems that the desire in our hearts for a world in which all beings can flourish is not a desire that begins with us. It's God's desire flowing into us, and God's desire that is being expressed in our prayer. When we hunger and thirst for righteousness, it is God within us who is hungering and thirsting; when we long for peace, it is God's longing that we share; when we pray with compassion for the poor and weak, it is God's compassion that we experience.

The importance of daily communication through prayer cannot be overestimated. It is so important that it's mentioned over 250 times in Scripture! Praying puts us in touch with inner resources that we never knew we had. It can fill us with energy, confidence, and determination. Yet, prayer also teaches us to let go. Contemplative prayer, in particular, in which we notice and accept every moment as it comes, can also ease the ego's addictive grasping and its urge to control.

In closing, dear friends, remember this. Jesus is saying to you,“Pray always, and do not lose heart. Do not lose heart.”

Scripture: Luke 11:9-10; Galatians 6:9; Proverbs 24:16; 2 Thessalonians 3:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Philippians 3:14; 1 John 5:15

Prayer: Guide me lord, you are my heart you are my strength, you are my hope. Teach me Lord, and guide my way I love you more each passing day. Amen

-a special thanks to Rev. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas

Have a blessed day,

Kim

Video - Beth Moore: Wrestling for the Blessing

In this message, Beth Moore emphasizes the importance of never letting go when struggling for God's blessings. Enjoy!   ~Eve

Bring Your Burdens to Jesus!

"Don't ever buy into the idea that everything God prompts His followers to do will be uncomplicated or low-cost. Sometimes God asks His children to carry heavy loads, as He did with the apostle Paul. But even--and often especially--under those backbreaking burdens, God's purposes are fulfilled. When our (whispered) task is tough, the reward of knowing we've helped further His Kingdom and bettered our broken world is all the sweeter.

"If you ever find yourself with a difficult assignment, why not try giving God thanks for trusting you with something that needs your particular strength. He assigns tasks to the right person every time. He did it throughout history, and He still does it today. As you walk whatever potholed path He has asked you to walk, never forget the tough journey that Jesus Himself once made. ...Christ was asked to bear the most difficult assignment of all--to lay down His life as a redemptive sacrifice for humankind. He chose to obey. And because of His obedience, you and I enjoy our redemption today."   -Bill Hybels' The Power of a Whisper (p.110-111)

Sometimes God will allow things to enter our lives that nearly devastate us. But, He does it to grow us and teach us more about Him. Now, we all know that trouble and trials are part of human life. After all, Job said it, (Job 14:1; Job 5:7). And so did Jesus, (John 16:33). Burdens, troubles, trials and difficulties are going to come our way! That is a given. Felix Neff said, “A Christian without affliction is like a soldier only on parade.” However, what is not a given is what you and I will do about the trials and troubles that come our way.

So, you're probably thinking, "Great, but how can I do this? How can I make this happen?" Here are some suggestions to help you. First, take your burdens to the right place. Seriously, fretting won't help you. Most people take their burdens here on Earth, but it's the wrong place to take them. After all, we're forbidden from worry by the Word, (Philippians 4:6; John 14:1).

Next, which will be difficult for many of you to agree to, but friends won't help you. For example, Job tried to tell his friends ab out his burdens, but he found that they were “physicians of no value”, (Job 13:4). The problem with friends is that they will lie to you! They will allow you to wallow in self-pity and tell you that you have a right to do so. They may even sympathize with you, but they can’t really help you with the real burdens of life! Did you know that a real friend is someone who tells you the truth, even when it rips your heart out? (Proverbs 27:6)

Third, fleeing, or running away won't help you, either. You'll never be able to run away from the problems and trials of life. Israel found this out the hard way (Numbers 13-14; Deuteronomy 9).

Fourth, which is really good advice, fighting won't help you. A lot of people try to live in denial and fight what they are called to face. Fighting against what the Lord brings into your life is dangerous! If you aren't careful, you might find yourself fighting against God.

And fifth, which is also very important, The Father will help you. Notice the invitation - “Come!” The Lord throws open the door to His throne room and invites all who are in need to come to Him for help, (Hebrews 4:16). He is our Father, and He is interested in helping us through the difficult passageways of life! He is our shepherd, and He will see to what we need, (Psalm 23:1-6).

In addition to taking your burdens to the right place, transfer your burdens to the right person! Believe it, or not, there is One who cares about your situation (1 Peter 5:7). Jesus has walked through loneliness, need, difficulty and death. He has been hated, loved, accepted and rejected. He knows what you are going through and He cares about you, (Hebrews 4:15). Don’t think for a minute that He won’t understand! He does! He knows what you need more than you know it yourself!

Following this train of thought, know that there is One who can do something about your situation. Yep, you heard right! Not only does He know what we face, He can change what we face and how we face it! His power is beyond imagination (Ephesians 3:20; Job 42:2; Luke 1:38.) Think about it. If He can place the stars in heaven with a spreading of the fingers, then your problems and mine pose no problem at all to Him! (Isaiah 40:12)

Here's a few more suggestions for you. Trust your burdens to the right provisions! Sometimes He will remove your burden. Yes, there are times when the Lord changes your situation in an instant, removing your burden. Sometimes He will relieve your burden. There are times when the Lord will leave the burden on your shoulders, but He will lighten the burden a little bit. He did this for Ruth when He allowed her path to cross that of Boaz, (Ruth 2-3!)

And finally, sometimes He will rest you in your burden. This is the most common aid we receive from Him. He gives us grace to carry the load we have been assigned, (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Remember this, however He decides to handle your situation, you can be sure that He will always do that which is right for your life, (Romans 8:28). And, you can rest on His promise that He will meet your need, (Philippians 4:19). In closing, what’s handling you today? Why don’t you just bring it to Him? He knows how to handle what’s handling you!

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-29; Psalm 55:22; Philippians 4:6; 1 Peter 3:18; Romans 10:9; Matthew 6:25-34;  Romans 12:2

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for this day. Sometimes I feel as if prayer does no good and I am talking to no one. Sometimes I feel all alone. Please let me feel your presence and know you are there. Amen

God bless you!

Stacy

How Faithful Are You to the Lord?

"God has not called us to success, but to faithfulness."   -Oswald Chambers

I refer you to Genesis 39:7-23 for today's message. When the sun sat each day on Joseph’s life, he could rest easy, because he has been faithful. When he was home with his father Jacob, he had been a faithful son. When he minded his father’s flocks, he had been a faithful worker. When he was sold to Potiphar, he proved to be a faithful servant. Because he had been faithful, the Lord blessed everything he did.

In this passage, we are allowed to see the faithfulness of Joseph very clearly. He remains faithful to His God, and to himself, in the face of some problems that would cause many others to fail.

Of course, there's a word here for our lives today. As we pass through this life many situations will arise that have the potential to throw us off course. The world, the flesh and the devil will all conspire to get us to quit on God. They will do everything in their power to cause us to drop out or to fall far short of our potential.

God wants us to be faithful. He wants us to stay the course and run the race for His glory until He calls us home. Joseph teaches us how to be faithful in spite of what we may face in this life. In today's message, let's examine the areas in which Joseph was faithful to the Lord. He expects no less from you and me! Let’s not disappoint Him.

In Genesis 39:7-12, we see how Joseph remained faithful to the Lord despite various temptations that presented themselves to him. The Bible tells us that Joseph was a good looking young man, (Genesis 39:6). Not that I would know, but beauty must bring with it its own set of problems! As Joseph ministered in Potiphar’s house, he caught the eye of Potiphar’s wife. She began to flirt with him, (Genesis 39:7). After a short time, she became downright brazen in her approach, asking Joseph to “lie” with her. He refused her advances, but she persisted, (Genesis 39:10).

Then, on a certain day, she was in the house alone and when Joseph came in she grabbed him by his outer garments and said “Lie with me”, (39:11-12). Joseph left his garment in her hand and ran away. In this “trial by fire” remained absolutely faithful to the Lord.

I'd like to point out here that there are several features of this temptation that would have made it very attractive to any young man: It was a temptation to fulfill a natural need – The offer from Potiphar’s wife was for sex, pure and simple. Joseph was a long way from home in a strange land – Some people might have adopted the motto: “When in Rome, do as the Romans”. A lot of people live like that.

Mrs. Potiphar was surely a beautiful woman – Egyptian women were renowned in that day for their physical beauty. Surely she would have appealed to the male in Joseph. It came on the heels of a big promotion – A lot of people would assume that they had arrived. After all, Joseph had the Midas touch. He had the favor of Potiphar. It came at the perfect time and opportunity – Potiphar’s wife caught Joseph when there was no physical reason why they should not and could not commit adultery. The only thing that stopped them was Joseph’s integrity.

In this passage (Genesis 39:13-19), we also see how Joseph was faithful in spite of trials. Mrs. Potiphar has been scorned and she sets her trap. When Joseph runs out, I can see her as she tossles her hair, smudges her makeup, and tears her clothes. She starts to scream and cry. The other servants come running to see what is going on. She tells them that Joseph tried to rape her.

She holds on to the garment and when her husband arrives home, she springs the trap. In essence, she blames Potiphar for the problem, (Genesis 39: 17). She says, “If you hadn't brought this slave home, none of this would have happened. Look what you have allowed to happen in our home.” To make a long story short, Joseph winds up in prison.

Put yourself in Joseph’s shoes for a moment. You have been a faithful servant to your master. You have successfully avoided committing adultery with his wife even though she has practically thrown herself at you every day. You have been falsely accused. What do you do?

Most of us would have launched a loud and long defense. We would have declared our innocence and we would have vowed to take our revenge when the opportunity presented itself. Not Joseph! In fact, there is no record of him even opening his mouth. In this respect, Joseph is once again just like Jesus, (Isaiah 53:7). He took the trial that came his way and he endured it with grace and faithfulness.

I am not saying that we should never defend our name and reputation when it is slandered. What I am talking about is the fact that trials are going to come along in this life. There will be times when you will be attacked, misunderstood and misrepresented. When those times come, remember that God knows the truth, and, eventually, that truth will come out!

What I'm saying is that you and I must learn to be faithful even during the trials of life. When everything goes against us, and the full weight of life comes crashing down on top of us, we must ever remain faithful to the Lord Who loved us, bought us and saved us. Trust God and stay the course, He is looking for faithful servants, (1 Corinthians 2:4). He is looking for people who will be the same regardless of which way the wind is blowing.

In Genesis 39:20-23, we see Joseph being faithful in spite of tragedies. There Joseph is back in the pit once again. This time he is not in a pit of earth, he is in a prison. Surely he felt like his star was on the rise, now, it looks like those dreams will never be fulfilled. Many people would have given us and quit had they found themselves in the same situation. Not Joseph!

He just did in the prison what he had done at Potipher’s house and what he had done at Jacob’s house. He remained faithful in spite of everything life threw at him. He did his job there in that prison and he did it so well that soon he was running the place. The jailer trusted Joseph to do the right thing and he turned the day to day operation of the place over to him. How was this possible? You see, Joseph was faithful to the Lord regardless of where he was; and regardless of where he was, the Lord was faithful to Joseph.

Dear friends, there are going to be times when the bottom will fall out of your life. That is the clear teaching of the Word of God, Job 14:1; 5:7; John 16:33. When that happens there will be the temptation to give up and quit on God. Many of us do. However, God wants us to remain faithful in spite of whatever we may face in this life. God knows what He is doing and He is working out a perfect, eternal plan, (Romans 8:28; Psalm 37:23). You can trust Him to do right by you, (2 Corinthians 4:17. Romans 8:18; Jeremiah 29:11).

I have seen people in the valley of depression be used by the Lord. I have seen people held in the grip of terminal illness be used by the Lord. I have seen people who didn't have a dime to their name and still God used them. If you will be faithful where He puts you, He will use you there for His glory!

The greatest thing that can ever be said about you and me, as far as our walk with the Lord is concerned, is that we were faithful. I want to be found faithful. How about you?

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:7; John 14:15; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Matthew 10:22; Titus 3:5; 2 Timothy 2:13

Prayer: Dear Lord, give me the wisdom to understand that it is not what I begin that counts, but what I finish. Amen

Have a blessed day!

Connor

Saturday Scripture Gold with Bibi: Wisdom and Knowledge Begin with God

Automaker Henry Ford asked electrical genius Charlie Steinmetz to build the generators for his factory. One day the generators ground to a halt, and the repairmen couldn't find the problem.  So Ford called Steinmetz, who tinkered with the machines for a few hours and then threw the switch. The generators whirred to life--but Ford got a bill for $10,000 from Steinmetz.  Flabbergasted, the rather tightfisted car maker inquired why the bill was so high. Steinmetz's reply: For tinkering with the  generators, $10. For knowing where to tinker, $9,990. Ford paid the bill.    -Today in the Word, MBI, April 1990, p. 27

Wisdom is a word of enormous importance in Proverbs. (Note: Wise and wisdom are used at least 125 times.) A purpose of the Proverbs is that the reader might "know wisdom" and allow it to govern his or her life. The word here is chokma and is the most frequent word for wisdom in Proverbs. It meant skill (Exodus 28:1-3; 31:25; 1 Chronicles 22:18), here skill in living. Originally the term was used to describe people skilled in working with their hands, craftsman. It was used in reference to the detailed work of Bezalel and Aholiab in constructing the tabernacle (Exodus 31:1-11).

God gave them and others skill for artwork, building, weaving, and carving. It came to mean the "use of life knowledge in practical and skillful ways." God crafts wisdom into a life so that one learns how to live skillfully, or successfully before Him. The emphasis is not on theoretical information but on a proper discernment for decisions between choices, to know good from evil, and right from wrong.

People with wisdom have the skill to face life honestly, courageously, and manage it successfully so that God's purposes are fulfilled in their life. Wisdom orders and directs life for proper purpose. It brings us into harmony with the priorities and principles of God. A purpose of Proverbs is to know or attain wisdom "and instruction."

Instruction is the teaching of priorities and principles. It's the corrective teaching which results in values or morals, but it is more than intellectual enlightenment. It refers to training and discipline for life skills. Instruction (Hebrew, musar) refers to the fact that training is needed so that one might keep themselves walking God's way, under His restraint and control and in His direction. Instruction is ordering life according to divine principles so that we can live skillfully.

Another purpose of Proverbs is listed as "to discern the sayings of understanding." "To discern" is to have insight into (1 Kings 3:9), to separate, to make distinct. These Proverbs give us insight into the sayings of understanding. These sayings are the pulling together of the observable knowledge from life or lives. The focus is not merely on what goes on in life, but the ability to understand it then apply that understanding to your life, so that life can be corrected or trained skillfully. Certainly, there will be much in-depth thought required to see the implications of many of the wise saying of Proverbs. But this attempt to absorb them is a healthy mental exercise which will sharpen the mind.

Now, there are many people who profess a belief in God, but demonstrate by attitude and lifestyle a total disregard for His wishes, and complete disdain for His Word. They show by their unwise behavior that the God they believe in has not been discovered through fear. God demands His due recognition of His sole right to be Lord of life, every life.

A man may fill his mind with facts until it overflows, But without wisdom he's a fool unless he knows the Lord. Foolishness is a liar. It promises pleasure, peace, and prosperity. But, as its victims discover, it delivers the opposite. What follows the pleasure is a gaping void and inescapable pain.

Wisdom, however, delivers more than we could hope for. She says from the beginning her way is hard. She demands our respect and requires discipline on our part. But in return she gives her children freedom, security, and joy (Proverbs 4:6-9) These jewels of wisdom are thrown away on him who has no heart for them. Achieving wisdom may seem difficult. But the end result is worth it. The fear of the Lord is the starting point and essence of wisdom.

In this information age, knowledge is plentiful, but wisdom is scarce. Wisdom means far more than simply knowing a lot. God's wisdom guide us in how to live our life right. It grows out of a daily walk with the Lord. The foundation for this knowledge of true wisdom is the fear of the Lord. Wisdom begins by honoring and respecting God, by living in awe of His power, and in obedience to His Word. Faith in God's revealed wisdom should be the controlling principle for your understanding of the world, your attitudes, and your actions. Trust in God and He will make you truly wise.

Always remember, God is the absolute final authority of everything and everyone. Wisdom begins with a submissive reverence to God Almighty, recognizing who He is. Once His greatness and holiness is reverend, lives will be lived in obedience to His revealed will. To too many people God is an after-thought, not the first thought. Therefore most do what is right in their eyes, with little of no concern for God's will or way or word.

This fear of the Lord is where knowledge begins. Satan has intellectual knowledge, but true knowledge, spiritual knowledge, the knowledge of self, the universe, eternity, Christ and man comes from God. For knowledge to become an eternal building block in one's life it must be based on this reverent acknowledgment and submission to Almighty God.

Scripture: James 1:5; Ephesians 5:15-17; James 3:17; Colossians 3:16; Ecclesiastes 8:1; Job 12:12-13; Proverbs 19:20

Now, let's pray...

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

Until next time...

Have a blessed week!

Bibi

Bible Study Snacks, Acts 27:39-44

Hi, everyone!

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

This week, I would like to continue our study of the Book of Acts, with Chapter Twenty-seven, Verses 39-44.

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) Contemplate how all were saved in the shipwreck at Malta.

For your convenience, here is a summary of Acts 27:39-44...  

At daylight, they saw a bay with a beach, though they did not recognize the land. They desired to drive the ship onto the beach. They let the anchors go into the sea, hoisted the main sail, and headed for the beach. The ship ran aground "where two seas met" and the "prow stuck fast" - the ship was immovable. The waves violently began to break up the ship. The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to keep any from escaping. The centurion stopped the soldiers' plan. He wanted to save Paul. The centurion commanded all who could swim to jump overboard and swim for shore. The rest floated on boards or parts of the ship. They all escaped safely to the island.  (39-44)

REVIEW QUESTIONS:

1) When it became day, what did they see? (Acts 27:39)
2) As they attempted to run the ship onto the beach, what happened? (Acts 27:40-41)
3) What did the soldiers plan to do to the prisoners? (Acts 27:42)
4) Did the centurion go along with the plan? What did he do? Why? (Acts 27:43)
5) How did the rest get to shore? How many escaped safely to land? (Acts 27:44)
 
After completing this week's study, I encourage you to go back and read through the material again. Take your time and read each topic and scripture reference as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that by doing this, you just might see something new that you overlooked the first time around!

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

God bless you!  

Sheri

Finding Grace In the Eyes of the Lord!

"There are many reasons God saves you: to bring glory to himself, to appease his justice, to demonstrate his sovereignty. But one of the sweetest reasons God saved you is because he is fond of you. He likes having you around. He thinks you are the best thing to come down the pike in quite a while…. If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If he had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He sends you flowers every spring, and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, he’ll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and he chose your heart. And the Christmas gift he sent you in Bethlehem? Face it, friend. He’s crazy about you!"   -God’s Favor toward Us, Citation: Max Lucado, A Gentle Thunder (Word, 1995)

In Genesis 6:5-7, we read about God's displeasure with the world and its wickedness. But as God pronounces judgment upon the world, and prepares to destroy it with a flood, we find encouraging words concerning one man: "But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord" (Genesis 6:8).

This simply means that Noah found favor in God's sight, and we know the result of that favor:  escape for him and his family from the flood! But why Noah? Why did Noah find grace in the eyes of the Lord? And how might we apply this to our situation today?

Examining this a little closer, we see several reasons why Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. First of all, he was "a just man" (Genesis 6:9). Some translations say "righteous." This likely refers to his moral relation to God (Keil & Delitzsch). Next, he was "perfect in his generations" (Genesis 6:9). Other translations (NASV, NIV) use the word "blameless. "Not that he was sinless, but that there were no blatant faults. He was a man of moral integrity among the people.

Additionally, he "walked with God" (Genesis 6:9). This is how he manifested his righteousness and integrity (Keil & Delitzsch). In walking with God, he imitated the example of Enoch, his great-grandfather (Genesis 5:24). Walking with God in Noah's case likely involved...Calling upon the name of the Lord (which began in the days of Seth (Genesis 4:26). And, offering sacrifices to God (which began in the days of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:3-4).

Noah also "did according to all that the Lord had commanded him. Twice this is emphasized in the Scriptures (Genesis 6:22; 7:5). Note here, we learn from the writer of Hebrews that this obedience of Noah came from faith (Hebrews 11:7). And lastly, he was "a preacher of righteousness" (2 Peter 2:5). He not only "lived" a righteous life; but he also "proclaimed" the need for righteousness, even though he lived in a very ungodly world.

From what we just discussed, Noah certainly was an unusual man. But, perhaps we now can see why only he and his family "found grace in the eyes of the Lord." What about ourselves?  Is there a need for us to "find grace in the eyes of the Lord" today?  Yes, you bet there is! And this is how "we" can find  grace in the eyes of the Lord.

We must be "just" in his sight. Fortunately, the good news of the gospel is that God sent Christ in order to make us "just" (righteous, forgiven) in His sight! (Romans 5:8-9) This blessing is available to all who demonstrate true faith in Jesus (Romans 3:24-26). Being justified, we can have peace with God (concerning which Peter wrote)  Romans 5:1; cf. 2 Peter 3:14.

We must be "perfect" in our generation. That is, to be complete, mature, to be everything God desires of us. Again, the good news of the gospel of Christ is that God has provided the necessary elements for us to be "perfect"! He has provided: the blood of Christ, to cleanse us of our sins (1 John 1:7-9); the Word of God, to guide us to completion (2 Timothy 3:16-17); the strength of the Spirit, to help us in our struggles (Ephesians 3:16; Romans 8:13); and the providence of God, who will work with us and lead us to victory! (2 Thessalonians 3:3; 1 Peter 5:10).

We must "walk with God." Of course, this would mean that we can "no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk..." (cf. Ephesians 4:17-20). Rather, it requires that we be "followers of God as dear children" (Ephesians 5:1), and that we..."Walk in love" (Ephesians 5:2); "Walk as children of light", exposing the sins of darkness (Ephesians 5:8-11); and "Walk as wise", with an understanding of what the Lord's will is " (Ephesians 5:15-17).

We must "do all that the Lord has commanded." This means, observing not just "some" things, but "all" things (cf. Matthew 28:20). For in so doing, we demonstrate our faith to be "a living faith" (cf. James 2:17,24,26).

And, we must be "preachers of righteousness." It is God's will that we "proclaim the praises of Him", which would include His righteousness (cf. 1 Peter 2:9). This can be done most vividly by example, in living  transformed lives (cf. Romans 12:1-2).

God does not want anyone to perish in the great conflagration, or great fire, that is yet to come. But, He does require all to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9; Acts 17:30-31). And when we turn from sin and turn to God, what do we find? The same thing Noah and his family found: "grace in the eyes of the Lord"!

Scripture: Ephesians 2:8; Romans 3:24; Titus 2:11; Romans 11:6; Romans 5:2; Acts 15:11; Ephesians 4:7

Prayer: Dear Lord, grant me the strength to allow my desire to succeed be greater than my fear of failure. Amen

May God be with you always!

Albany

Guilt Is A Heavy Burden to Carry

"Guilt upon the conscience, like rust upon iron, both defiles it and consumes it, gnawing and creeping into it, as that does which at last eats out the very heart and substance of the metal."   -South

We all carry baggage. It weighs us down and burdens us so that we aren't able to do what we would really like to do. What kind of baggage are you carrying right now? Guilt, broken dreams, broken relationships, hurt, etc. We should examine what the bible has to tell us about guilt; and how we can really be free from the guilt of our past.

Merriam-Webster defines guilt this way: a bad feeling caused by knowing or thinking that you have done something bad or wrong. I think most of us are all familiar with that feeling, correct? However, the good news is that God doesn't want us to live in guilt, but rather to overcome guilt through the blood of Jesus.

If I may be blunt for a moment, some of you have spent this past week living lives without any regard to God or, the things of God. Some of you have spent years living in such a way; and now the burden of guilt weighs heavy on your soul. You know, the only thing worse is not to feel any guilt about that at all. To be in such a position is to be spiritually dead. A dead conscience and a dead spirit are terrible ailments. God looks at the heart and he knows your guilt.

The guilt of our sin, made us spiritually dead. Humanity naturally sees out our own human desires and our own pleasures.That 's why we live with so much guilt; because we know deep down that what we are doing is not honoring to God. So if everyone is guilty, then doesn't it make sense we should live as though we are guilty? Only if you have never been forgiven. When you seek forgiveness and receive forgiveness, you no longer need to live guilty. Our guilt was dealt with by Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:4-7).

Are you going to add to the burden of guilt by coming to his table not knowing his forgiveness? God, because of his love for us, paid the price for our sin with the blood of Jesus. He freely gave us new life. When we accept God’s forgiveness, we are spiritually placed in heaven with Christ. Since we are raised with Christ in heaven we do not need to live in the guilt of our sin. In heaven there is no guilt.

When the bible talks about our living with God in eternity, it tells us that there will be no more weeping or pain or mourning (Revelation 21:4). For those forgiven of their sin through Jesus Christ, this should be the reality in which we live our lives. Of course, this doesn't mean we can simply do whatever we want and not worry about sin. God has called us to live as he does and he wants us to avoid sin at all cost (Romans 6:1).

Sin should be the exception in our lives.We are dead to sin and alive in Jesus (Acts 10:43; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:13-14). The reality is that for those forgiven by Christ, we are free from the bondage of guilt. Why should we not feel guilty about God’s grace? Our forgiveness is a gift from God. Since we didn't earn it, we can’t lose it. God never takes away his forgiveness from us (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Unhealthy guilt burdens us, and keeps us from being who God created us to be. Unhealthy guilt is an attack from our enemy who accuses us. Healthy guilt, or conviction, draws us to Christ (1 John 1:9). How do we overcome guilt?

• Admit your guilt;
• Take responsibility for your guilt;
• Confess your guilt and seek God’s forgiveness;
• Be assured of God’s forgiveness and then move to experience a restored relationship with God.

Guilt is a positive thing when it moves us to confess our sins and seek God’s forgiveness. When we have done that, we must believe and live according to what Scripture teaches – that we are forgiven and live in the freedom of that forgiveness. Too many Christians I know live as if forgiveness does not bring freedom.

Scripture: Romans 5:1; Luke 15:7; James 1:14; Psalm 103:11-12; 2 Peter 3:9; Romans 6:23; 1 Timothy 2:4 

Prayer: Dear Father, help me remember that love begins with me. Give me the wisdom to understand that it is not what I do, but the love that I put into what I do that matters. Amen

God bless you!

Gail

God Can Help You Cope In Any Circumstance!

"Some people will change when they see the light. Others change only when they feel the heat."   -Traditional

What are the 5 most important things in your life? Take a minute, or two, and write them down on paper. It's important to be honest when you do this.

Now, don’t write what should be the most important in your life, but what has been the most important in your life, based on your priorities, and on how much you would grieve if you were to lose them. These items can be your child/children, wife, husband, house, career, anything. So, go ahead, take a minute or two, to do this.

I realize that there are many factors outside of our control. Marriage is an example where two people marry the best of each other. After the first year, or the first month in some cases, one or both individuals in the marriage may decide no longer to put their best forward. Or, the care of children and the demands of work competes with the effort needed to demonstrate love to one another.

There are other examples illustrating life situations that are less than ideal, that are disappointing, even crippling: The couples that desire to have their own children but cannot. The death of a husband leaves behind his wife to care for their young children. The woman whose abusive parents leaves her emotionally scarred. As a result bitterness, envy, selfish ambition and other wrong thoughts fill our minds and paralyze our lives. Satisfaction, fulfillment, peace and contentment in life and relationships appear to be out of reach.

In today's message, we will take a brief look at the Apostle Paul’s reason for contentment in life (even in a prison cell), and the process through which he gained this contentment. We won’t find instructions from Paul for coping with life in today's passage (Philippians 4:10-13), but we will observe a life that has coped well in every circumstance.

The Apostle Paul leaves his role as their pastor, and rejoices in their common friendship with Jesus Christ, their Lord. What this passage tell us is not so much instruction from Paul, as much as his voicing aloud his thoughts about his current condition in prison. For a time in prison, he received no help from other Christians, not even from the church he loved, the Philippi Community Christian Church.

Paul’s instruction, in this passage, we will simply affirm the realities of life. Sometimes, affirming reality is the best help for moving on with one’s life and toward contentment. Someone said, "Denial is not a river in Egypt, but a rut in which many choose to walk in life." Christians are not perfect; they are forgiven by God and given the truth, even the Holy Spirit, to guide us through life. Therefore, denial is not encouraged in the Christians life!

Before moving on, allow me to shed some light on what the Philippians had to deal with in their lives. Remember they lived under Greek and Roman religious and philosophical influence. As Paul spoke about his own contentment, he exposes the wrong value for contentment, and the wrong process for attaining contentment, that was often taught by Greek Stoic philosophers.

The Greek Stoic philosophers taught that one could attain contentment by denial of one’s needs. In other words, if your child dies, it’s okay, because your child is external to you and should not effect you. If your company goes bankrupt, it’s okay, because, after all, it’s only a business. If you have cancer, it’s okay; everyone dies eventually.

This form of contentment denies the God-given ability to feel and discern injustice and evil. This form of contentment denies the presence of the ideal. And this form of contentment denies the value of effort, and the value of human life, including self. In a nutshell, the Stoics value the ability to transcend the harshness of life.

Paul, on the other hand, gave the reason that one can be content because God is in charge. Paul also gave the process for attaining contentment, which involves experiencing, and seeing God’s faithfulness in times of need, and times of abundance.

But, even Paul experienced discouragement, as all of us must in this life. If you go back and read Philippians 2:25, you'll see that the Philippians finally had the opportunity to send Epaphroditus to take care of Paul’s needs. Yet, Paul faced great discouragement and great need prior to receiving Epaphroditus.

To lose contact with your church because you've moved away might cause you to wonder how deep the friendships were. But to lose contact with your church, when you've been their pastor, and now are unjustly imprisoned, will certainly cause you to wonder if your church ever cared about you; and if your church knew anything about love.

How do we handle the sense of discouragement when we see that our investment into significant relationships will not produce the intended result? You could be a teacher, a parent, a spouse, and find that all the time you've invested into your students, children or spouse have not made a difference in their lives, or improved your relationship with them. 

When this happens, where do we turn to find our sense of significance? The term, midlife crisis, describes an evaluation of a life possibly wasted up to that point and potentially meaningless in the future. So, what do we do?

Do we start over? Do we set new goals? Do we give up in bitterness? Do we keep on doing what we are doing, and lower our expectation for meaning and significance in life? Do we pick up a book on dealing with discouragement in the self-help section at a local bookstore? I wouldn't be surprised that Paul had some of these thoughts when he struggled with discouragement in his prison cell.

Additionally, Paul not only experienced discouragement, but he also experienced the contrast of abundance to that of having very little, as all of us must in this life. Paul knew what having plenty meant. He was a pure Jew, highly educated and a member of the Pharisees, the Jewish leaders of his time. 

Paul also had Roman citizenship, possibly because his Dad was given such citizenship for his contribution to the Roman Empire. Paul had prestige, power and money, but he gave all that up when he decided to follow Jesus Christ after his encounter on the road to Damascus.

Maybe having very little to live on does not describe you at this point, but it may describe some people in your life. They were doing very well in life, until an unexpected business failure, or perhaps an illness in the family put them in a financial crunch. The question here is, "Can we have peace and contentment when some of these realities are our realities?" I believe we can. 

Let's go back to the beginning of this message. Look at the five most important things you wrote down? If disaster occurred in your life, a fire, an earthquake, a break-in, an illness, or whatever else could take away or destroy four of the five things on your list; and you could choose which four you would lose, what would you be willing to lose? Cross these four items off your list now. 

If what's left on your list is not a personal relationship with God, you will lose that item also, because only a personal relationship with God lasts forever. Everything else that brings you joy will be taken from you at one point or another in life, and everything at death. Only a personal relationship with God will be ours forever.

Referring back to today's passage (Philippians 4:10-13), Paul had several resources as he made his journey toward contentment. He had a personal relationship with God. This was certain. He had an on-going relationship with his church. This was uncertain at times. And he was willing to go through the experience of discouragement and lack.

If we find contentment to be mind over matter, then contentment might be found through the willingness to experience or accept discouragement and lack. But the willingness to experience discouragement and lack does not bring heart-felt satisfaction and fulfillment in life, unless a personal relationship with God, the truth of His Word and the encouragement of His people are a part of your list of resources.

One final word to you. If your primary purpose in life is happiness, or having everything your way, you will never be content this side of Heaven. But if your primary purpose is what God’s word says, that is to glorify God with your life, then you can be content in whatever situation. Just as a painting and a sculpture glorify or give credit to their maker, so is our purpose to glorify or give credit to our Maker, God. Any other purpose will leave us without peace and contentment.

Scripture: Hebrews 13:8; Joshua 1:9; Deuteronomy 31:6; Ecclesiastes 3:1; Proverbs 18:15; Philippians 4:6-7; James 1:17

Prayer: Dear Father, please help me to find inner peace. Help me understand that no matter what may come my way you are always with me. Amen

God bless you all!

Heather

Don't Let Stress Get the Best of You!

Pressed out of measure and pressed to all length;
Pressed so intensely, it seems beyond strength;
Pressed in the body, and pressed in the soul;
Pressed in the mind, till the dark surges roll.
Pressure by foes, and pressure by friends--
Pressure on pressure, till life nearly ends.
Pressed into knowing no helper but God;
Pressed into loving the staff and the rod.
Pressed into liberty where nothing clings;
Pressed into faith for impossible things.
Pressed into tasting the joy of the Lord;
Pressed into loving a Christlife outpoured.
-Author unknown

Okay, so we all know that the holiday season can be a period of major stress. No big secret there! The rubber-band gets stretched pretty thin. Maybe some of you are feeling the effects right now. I wouldn't be too surprised  to find out that a some of you have exchanged heated words with people you care about in the middle of holiday preparations.

In fact, I wouldn't be too surprised if a few of you are actually dreading, instead of looking forward to, the next few weeks. Yes, for many of us, it’s a difficult time of year. But stress in not exclusive only to the holiday season. Stress can, and does occur at any time!

Let's do a quick inventory before we go on.  Do the following symptoms of stress apply to you?

1. Plans day unrealistically.
2. First to arrive, last to leave.
3. Always in a hurry.
4. Makes no plan for relaxation.
5. Feels guilty about doing anything other than work.
6. Sees unforeseen problem as a setback or disaster.
7. Is always thinking about several other things when working.
8. Feels need to be recognized, and overextends because of this.

If so, you just might be "stressed out!" Luckily, Paul gave us some great advice for handling stress in Philippians 4: 4-8. Why don't we break this information down piece by piece, and take a closer look at it.

First, he tells us to, "Rejoice in the Lord always, delight, gladden yourselves in Him. Again I say rejoice!" It takes a willful decision to sing and make melody in our hearts to be happy in the Lord. Whether you're feeling depressed, anxious, or bothered by some annoyance, you can exercise your ability to rejoice. Encourage yourself in the Lord by recounting all the good things you have been given through Christ: His strength, His wisdom, His identity, His love, His purposes, His power, His truth, His ability to overcome temptations, His perspectives, His peace, His patience, His kindness, His gentleness, His faithfulness, His self-control, and His plans for your life.

Second, let everyone know, perceive, and recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit). When our rights are yielded totally to the Lord we are not so quick to become irritated when things don't go our way. We become an example to others in our teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, steadfastness, persecutions, sufferings and how the Lord delivers us from every problem. We can communicate in verbal and non-verbal ways that our God is greater than any problem.

Third, Paul tell us, "Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything. Let's learn to follow the faith, and the truth in the words of the famous hymn writer who sang, "Simply trusting everyday. Trusting in the homeward way. Even when my faith is small. Trusting Jesus that is all. Trusting as the moments fly. Trusting as the days go by. Trusting Him whatever befalls. Trusting Jesus that is all." Isaiah 26:3 says, "He will keep Him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on the Lord because He trusts in Him."

Fourth, and this is important. He tell us, "In every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests) with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God." Prayer in the morning programs our thinking, attitudes, spirit, and actions to call on the Lord for everything. Not only when you're feeling worried, bothered, or fearful, but even when you're waiting for your next action; ask the Lord to fill you with all spiritual wisdom in every situation. Trust Him to allow you bear fruit in every good work and to increase in the knowledge of God. Ask Him to help you to excel in love, faith, hope, and wisdom through every encounter.

Fourth, he says,  "And God’s peace shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from god and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace which transcends all understanding shall guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Take time to contemplate  the many ways that the Lord calms the stormy seas in your heart, mind and relationships. Thank God specifically for the ways that He enables you to be an island of calm in the middle of  the pressures of life’s problems.

Sixth, he tell us that,  "Whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things." Every good business takes regular inventories to see what resources are available to them. Without a recognition of one’s resources we can become timid, reactive, and uncertain of ability to cope.

Seventh, "Fix your minds on these things." Take time to memorize, study, read, discuss, and pray through the promises of God. Without a consistent habit of scriptural meditation we do not have the capacity in ourselves to live by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Finally, Paul tells us to  "Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living of it and the God of peace (of untroubled, undisturbed well-being) will be with you." Making consistent applications to the principles of scripture and the life of Jesus Christ will cement the stress reduction habits of a Christ like perspective. Without an honest effort to be doers of the word we may fall into the trap of being mere hearers who deceive themselves like the hypocritical Pharisees.

Stress can be very damaging not only to our well-being, but to our relationships with others. God understands our stress, and offers many different ways to help, if we allow Him to. I will close out this message by leaving you with another list of symptoms of stress overload.

1. Decision-making becomes difficult (both major and minor kinds).
2. Excessive daydreaming or fantasizing about "getting away from it all."
3. Increased use of cigarettes and/or alcohol.
4. Increased use of tranquilizers and/or other drugs to cope.
5. Thoughts trail off while speaking or writing.
6. Excessive worrying about all things.
7. Sudden outbursts of temper and hostility.
8. Paranoid ideas and mistrust of friends and family.
9. Forgetfulness for appointments, deadlines, dates.
10. Frequent spells of brooding and feeling of inadequacy.
11. Reversals in usual behavior.
-Keith W. Wehnert, Stress/Unstress, 1981, Augsburg

Take a close look at what's going on in your life. Stress is common to all of us. Some of us are able to handle it better than others. No matter what, don't let it get the better or you. God loves you, and offers the peace and calm that only He can bring. Why not take Him up on his offer?

Scripture: Philippians 4:6; John 14:27; Psalm 55:22; Romans 8:28; Psalm 118:5-6; Proverbs 12:25; James 1:12

Prayer: Dear Father, grant me the wisdom to understand that it is not what in front of me that matters, but the actions I take. Amen

May your day be blessed!

Kathy

Saturday Scripture Gold with Bibi: Live in the Freedom of Obedience to God!

"Instant obedience is the only kind of obedience there is; delayed obedience is disobedience. Whoever strives to withdraw from obedience, withdraws from Grace."   -Thomas A. Kampis

Life is full of warnings. It seems like someone is always telling us what we can’t do. Some think that's the essence of Christianity. God sits up in heaven on his throne issuing rules like lawyers. He commands, “Don’t do this! Don’t do that! And don’t you dare have any fun!”

Religion for many becomes drudgery instead of freedom. What a tragedy! You see, God is all about freedom; and only with Him can we experience real freedom.

Take these two statements from Psalm 119, for example, "I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free." HEY (Psalm 119:32 WEB) “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” (Psalm 119:45)

These two statements connect freedom and the Word. One says because we are free we are able to keep the commands of God. The other says that since we seek out the precepts of the scriptures we are able to live in freedom. Both verses say, "freedom and the Word go hand in hand." Does that sound like your life?

I know that I have not always experienced freedom in Christ. In fact, I think I have often slipped into living to please others, and to conform to religious expectations. Sound familiar? Often our culture defines freedom as being loosed from the shackles of religion. We talk of “free thinkers.” The Catholic Encyclopedia defines them as “those who, abandoning the religious truths and moral dictates of the Christian Revelation, and accepting no dogmatic teaching on the ground of authority, base their beliefs on the unfettered findings of reason alone.”

Young people often consider the Bible as restrictive. If they were to follow it they wouldn't be free to do what their friends do. But is freedom from God and the Word really freedom? No! It is really slavery. Let’s look at (John 8:31-38) to contrast true freedom from the actual slavery of rejecting God’s word.

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." They answered him, "We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?" Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. I know you are Abraham’s descendants. Yet you are ready to kill me, because you have no room for my word. I am telling you what I have seen in the Father’s presence, and you do what you have heard from your father."

Rightly, his Jewish listeners discerned that the opposite of freedom is slavery. They bristled at the suggestion that they were slaves to anyone. Politically and spiritually they prided themselves for being fiercely independent of others. But Jesus declares that they are really slaves.

Let’s take a moment this morning to consider some forms of slavery grasping the Pharisees. First, there is the slavery to sin. The obvious example of the grip sin had on them is that they were ready to reject and kill Jesus, the Son of God (John 8:37).

As much as we try to blank out the guilt of sinful disobedience, we are not really acting freely. When we stop obeying God, we become a slave to the devil. Have you ever tried to stop sinning? If you have, you know you are not truly free.

Another slavery is religious arrogance. Do you recall the story about two men praying in the temple? "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ’God, I thank you that I am not like other men — robbers, evildoers, adulterers — or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ’God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 18:10-14)

Unfortunately, we identify with the first character all too often. We judge others as inferior. We are certain that we are closer to God than other religious peoples. We are really slaves. We are slaves to tradition. Have you ever examined what you really believe and how you practice your faith? If you compare your life and beliefs, you will see a discrepancy with scripture. Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference because we are so wedded to our religious traditions. The Pharisees continually conflicted with Jesus with their traditions over ritual cleanliness and Sabbath regulations. Guess what? Traditions won out every time over the authoritative word of the Lord.

Christians can also be enslaved by their fear of men. As the Proverbs say: “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.” (Proverbs 29:25) We are so desperate for approval we will do all kinds of things to please others. This is one of the cruelest forms of slavery. But Jesus has come to set you free!

Freedom is found in careful obedience to God’s word. Psalm 119:45 says “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” It may sound strange but submission to the authority of God sets us free from a host of different slaveries. There is nothing quite like the inner peace associated with obedience to the Word.

The way of freedom is submit willingly to the Word of God. If we want to be free disciples, we need to hold on to the teachings of Jesus. I believe this means learning what Jesus teaches us in the scriptures, and letting it seep deep into our minds. The Word is powerful to loose us from slavery. The Spirit of the Word will empower us to live in the freedom of obedience to God.

Scripture: John 14:15; Luke 6:46; Romans 6:16; Matthew 7:21; James 1:22; Isaiah 1:19;  Romans 8:28 

Now, let's pray...

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

Until next time...

Have a blessed week!

Bibi

Bible Study Snacks, Acts 27:13-38

Hi, everyone!

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

This week, I would like to continue our study of the Book of Acts, with Chapter Twenty-seven, Verses 13-38.

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) Examine how the tempestuous sea became disastrous for the ship and all those aboard.

For your convenience, here is a summary of Acts 27:13-38...  

The south wind began to blow softly. Supposing this favorable, they put out to sea. They sailed close to Crete. Shortly after sailing, a "tempestuous head wind arose, called Euroclydon." The ship was driven south of an island called Clauda. The sailors secured the ship with cables/ropes by passing them underneath the hull. The following day, they lightened the ship. The third day, they threw the ship's tackle overboard.

After several days in the storm, all hope was given up. They had not eaten for many days. Paul reminded them that he had recommended to not sail from Crete. Paul then assured them there would be no loss of life; only the ship would be lost. This message came from an angel of God. Paul affirmed his faith/trust in God that this surely would come to pass. Paul further revealed that the ship would run aground.

After fourteen nights, the sailors sensed they were near land. They took soundings and determined they were nearing land. It was dark.They dropped four anchors to avoid running aground and prayed for daylight. The sailors lowered the skiff to appear that they were putting out more anchors; however, they intended to leave the ship. Paul told the centurion and soldiers, "Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved." The soldiers cut the ropes to the skiff and let it fall away.

As the day dawned, Paul encouraged them to eat. It had been fourteen days since they had eaten. Paul indicated they needed food for nourishment and survival. He reminded them they all would be safe. Paul then took bread, gave thanks to God, and began to eat before them. They were all encouraged by Paul and ate as well. After they had eaten enough, they threw the wheat into the sea to lighten the ship. There were two hundred seventy-six people aboard the ship.  (13-38)

REVIEW QUESTIONS:

1) What did the sailors use to undergird the ship?  Why? (Acts 27:17)
2) On the third day, what did they throw overboard? (Acts 27:18-19)
3) What did the angel say to Paul? (Acts 27:23-24)
4) What did Paul tell them must happen? (Acts 27:26)
5) When the sailors sensed they were nearing land, what did they attempt to do? (Acts 27:27-30)
6) What did Paul tell the centurion? What did the soldiers do? (Acts 27:31-32)
7) As Paul tried to convince them to eat, what did he assure them would not happen? (Acts 27:33-34)
8) What did Paul do in the presence of all of them? (Acts 27:35)
9) How many people were on the ship? (Acts 27:37)
10) What did they do after they had all eaten enough? (Acts 27:38)

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

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

God bless you!  

Sheri