Saturday Scripture Gold with Bibi: The All-Sufficient God!

“Self-sufficiency is a terrible place to be, because it is the worst deceit you can bring on yourself. You need God. You need God every minute of your life.” -Dr. Joseph Stowell

Being from Texas, I am especially aware that rugged individualism and self-sufficiency are hallmarks of the American spirit. As a matter of fact, it's downright counter-intuitive to the American spirit to be dependent (you've seen the movies!) Yet, the gospel calls on us to depend on God instead of thinking we are self-sufficient (cf. Philippians 4:13; Hebrews 13:5-6).

Whom do you turn to in times of plenty? In times of scarcity? Let's be honest for a moment, here. When everything's sailing along, it's easy to put God on the "back-burner." We tend to get real comfortable. And that's the trouble. We get too comfortable! Before you know it, we start to forget about God (Deuteronomy 8:11-20). This, my dear readers, is when stubborn, unthankful hearts develop toward God (Psalm 78:5-11).

Luke 12: 15-21 tells us about the danger of trusting in self and material things; unfortunately a sad, and all too common tale. 2 Samuel 11:1-2 and Amos 6:1, 3-6 point out the dangers of self-indulgence. This is precisely what happens when we start forgetting, instead of turning to God.

We live in a self-centered world. God’s Word tells us that "there is none good; no, not one" (Psalm 53:3 NASB). Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:1,4: "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, more than lovers of God." Clearly, man has no difficulty loving self; the real problem is truly loving God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength.

However, our plight is not totally hopeless. 2 Corinthians 3:5 says, "Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God." What is this telling you and I? All that we need is of God! He’s already placed within me, and within you, everything we need to be what God wants us to be, and what is needed to bring us to the place where God wants us to be! It’s already there!

All we have to do is learn to appropriate what God has already provided in us through his power, his presence, his Spirit and his blood! It’s all about Jesus; not about Me! I can’t do it myself; but Jesus within me can. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!

Of course, that doesn't give me the right to live in sin, or to live like the rest of the world that is lost in darkness; but sin has no dominion over me! All I have to do is trust in the power of Jesus’ blood and the power of sin is destroyed. All I have to do is take it to God and it’s g-o-n-e!

Look, I have to live in this world. I can’t always stop myself from the weakness of this flesh that constantly wants to have its way in opposition to what God desires of me. But though I may fail in this flesh; I am not overcome by the power of sin to condemn me. I am changed. I am an overcomer by the blood of the Lamb!

I don’t have to dwell in that sin, or live in condemnation; for Jesus in me is my hope and my salvation! He will lead me into righteousness. And by his blood I am set free; and he whom the Son has set free is truly free!

The power to overcome; the ability to live in sanctification; the power to be free is already there! Jesus said, “It is finished!”(John 19:30) The work of God in you is a finished work at Calvary. Jesus paid it all! He did for me what I could not do for myself. By the Grace of God, He set me free!

Christ in you is all sufficient. You lack nothing, need nothing more; and you never will. Everything is there already to give you an abundant life, an overcoming life, a victorious life in Christ.

The all-sufficient God will fully supply your needs when you make room for Him in your life (Philippians 4:19). For this we thank God forever and praise his wonderful name! (2 Corinthians 9:15)

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:5; John 15:5; Ephesians 2:8; Romans 12:3; Luke 9:23-24; Deuteronomy 4:2; Acts 4:12

Now, let's pray...

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

Until next time...

May your week be blessed!

Bibi

Failure Is Not a Four-Letter Word!

A football coach gave this advice on how to deal with failures. "When you're about to be run out of town, get out in front and make it look like you're heading a parade!"  -Bits & Pieces, April 30, 1992.

Failure. For many of us, that word might mean: relationships gone sour, businesses gone belly-up, bad experiences in school, or maybe our relationship with God. It really makes no difference what happened to you. Failure hurts. But, how a person handles failure can mean the difference between living a life of victory, or living a life filled with bitterness, hostility and anger.

How do you work through failure? Do you believe that failure isn't final; and failure has a purpose? When you go through failures what are your first questions? “Why are people doing this to me?” “Why is God allowing this to happen to me?” Or you may think: “I've been keeping my prayer life up to date, and I've been walking with the Lord and obedient to His Word. So, why should this happen to me now?”

You see, failure is common to everybody. Yes, it is! At various stages of our lives we all experience different kinds of failure. Some failures are out of our control. When I try something that doesn't work out I choose to look at the experience, not as a failure, but something that simply didn't work out. Then, I’ll try something else.

You might ask yourself, “What can I learn through this experience?” “What is God teaching me through this failure?” In the Bible, the Apostle Paul experienced failure after failure, but he came through every failure with victory. In fact, his experiences can help us all learn how to handle failure.

Paul grew up in Tarsus, a city of Cilicia, a city made up primarily of non Jews. He was born a Roman citizen, the son of a Pharisee, educated under a Doctor of Law, Gamaliel; and was a student of Greek and Jewish literature.

Paul experienced one failure after another (2 Corinthians 11:24-30). He gives a litany of failures…hardships, persecutions and pain. He could said, I've been down for the count, but I’m getting up.” “I've been knocked down but I’m not out.”

After all that Paul went through you wonder why he didn't just give up on life and hide away. When experiencing failure you may consider staying inside, pulling the covers over your head, and stay safe and out of harms way.

A common denominator for people that learn how to deal with failure and hardships in life is: they don’t give up! They refuse to focus on the failures and weaknesses and focus upon their strengths. Paul could testify: We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).

Even Jesus experienced failure (Mark 6:1-6). He experienced failure from a human point of view. From the world’s view Jesus was a failure. He didn't set up an earthly Kingdom and bring peace on earth. He died on a cruel cross rejected by the religious, and non-religious leaders of his day (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).

For 33 years Jesus was preparing for the cross – in the world’s view, the biggest failure of his life. Jesus was prepared from the beginning of his life on earth. Luke 2:52 says that Jesus grew in wisdom statute and in favor with God and man. Jesus developed a balanced life: grew in wisdom – mentally, in stature – physically, favor with God – spiritually, and favor with men, socially.

He walked with God; made prayer his habit; knew the Word of God – time and time again He quoted the Old Testament; and was looking toward an eternity of victory over sin and Satan – Jesus knew all his suffering and turmoil would be worth it all.

Paul, too, was prepared. His preparation started on a dusty, lonely, road on the way to Damascus. Jesus spoke to him and called him to a new mission in life. Saul was transformed into Paul. He also spent three years in the Arabian dessert (Galatians 1:17-18) – three years of preparing his mind, body and soul for the ministry God was calling him to.

When you're prepared, change and failure will not ruin your life! You will ask the right questions and take the right actions. Paul, like all of us, faced failure, but he was prepared and responded with renewed faith in the Lord. You can also look at it this way. Failures are a blessing when they push you toward higher goals (Philippians 3:13-14).

Paul could say: “I'm forgetting past hurts, past rejections, humiliations, suffering for righteousness, and I’m forgetting that for years my life was on the wrong road.”  He lived in the light of eternity. When you and I can begin to see the big picture, and life in the light of eternity; then we'll have an idea how to handle failures and change.

His greatest victory was his biggest failure, being sent to prison was his great humiliation – but prison was the beginning of God’s greatest work in his life. God chose the one experience in which he could not glory for His glory. Paul could say, “In my weaknesses God is glorified. When I am weak then I am strong.”

We all need to see failures from God’s perspective. If failure and change causes us to look up and make new commitments and surrender to the Lord – then we can praise His Holy name. In Christ you have His promise: “I will never leave you or forsake you.” Even in the valley of the shadow of death you have the promise: “I will be with you.”

You might find this hard to believe, but God really is interested in how we respond to failure! What you call failure God may call a window of opportunity for learning. In times of failure and change you may be given a new opportunity. Maybe a new door will open for you; you'll be given a chance to move out of your comfort zone; or an opportunity to respond in love and good will, instead of in anger, revenge, or gossip!

In closing, how you handle failure is critical to your life today and in the future. A common truth is that everyone experiences some kind of failure and change. To God, the important truth is how you respond to failure and change. Failure is a blessing, if it pushes you to humble yourself before the Lord, and begin to live in the light of eternity.

Scripture: Philippians 4:13; Ephesians 2:8-9; Acts 22:16; Luke 13:3; Proverbs 31:6-7; Revelation 14:12;  Proverbs 20:30

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Please guide me to be appreciative for what I have, and what is truly important. Amen

Have a blessed weekend!

Lori

That's the Truth! - Lord, Show Me the Way!

“My dreams had to be His dreams, the ones He placed in my heart. They couldn't be the ones I thought I should have, or needed for the purpose of making other people like me.”  -Stormie Omartian

Welcome to "That's the Truth!" Due to the Memorial Day (USA) holiday this past Monday, our blog schedule got bumped around a bit. But, it's all good, right? So, here's this week's bible study all prepped and ready to go!

Have you ever planned to do something, eagerly looked forward to it, then it all unraveled at the last moment? Though feeling frustrated and disappointed, the fact is, sometimes God has other things in mind for us. In this week's Bible study, we'll see how important our faith in God is when it comes to carefully listening, and trusting when He directs us. May you grow in faith, knowledge, and God's love!

Topic: Ways to Prove Your Faith - (Genesis 12:1-9)

Opening Prayer: God, you have made the heavens and the earth. You have revealed your beauty in creation and inspired the book that we are now about to study. Please help us now as we read together. Take us deeper into understanding more about you and your love for us. Amen.

“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee” (Genesis 12:1—KJV). 

 “The LORD said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your relatives, and your father’s home, and go to a land that I am going to show you’” (Genesis 12:1—GNB). 

“Now the LORD said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you’” (Genesis 12:1—NRSV). 

Abram (whose name God changed to Abraham) proved his faith in God by always and immediately obeying God’s commands and trusting in His promises. True, Abram did not always act wisely and rightly, for he committed sins with lasting consequences; however, every time he learned what God wanted, he obeyed in faith and believed that God would lead him rightly. Because Abram did not lead a perfect life, the Bible teaches how God considered Abram righteous because of his faith (see Romans 4).

Abram’s father, Terah, left Ur for the land of Canaan, but instead he settled his family in Haran. After Terah died, God told Abram to move with his family to the land that He would show him. Before he arrived, Abram did not know what the land would look like, but he believed that God would give him a better land, so he departed immediately. “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he
was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8).

Abram’s move required him to make many sacrifices, because God asked him to leave his country, his kindred, and the security of his father’s house. From that day forth, in a variety of ways, God taught Abram to find his security in God alone. Eventually, Abram became known as the father of all who share his faith (Romans 4:16-18). Since then, millions of people around the world have come to honor Abram for his
loyalty to God and his trust in God’s promises

Quick Study:

1. Have you ever had to move away from your homeland or father’s home? How secure did you feel? How did your faith in God influence your move?

2. Today, when you read about events that can create fear and uncertainty, how does your faith in God help you?

3. What are some of the things Abram did to strengthen his faith in God? What are some of the things you can do to strengthen your faith in God? 

4. Abram moved a lot of times in the Promised Land. How can moving often have an effect on people?

5. Have you ever thought that God wanted you to move? What did you do? What was the result of what you did?

Closing Prayer: Father, thank you that you have revealed Your love to us today. We invite You to send us out today in the power of the Holy Spirit. Fan into flame the gifts that you have given us, Come reveal Your grace and truth to us each day. For Yours is the Kingdom, the power and the glory, Forever and ever. Amen.

-a very special thank you to L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

May God bless you! 

Riley

Video - Patsy Clairmont: His Heart

Feeling like you can't make a difference? Patsy Clairmont offers encouragement to women who feel like they can't make a difference in the lives of others. Awesome message!  ~Eve

Living Everyday By Faith

"God does not expect us to submit our faith to him without reason, but the very limits of our reason make faith a necessity."  -Augustine.

The Bible tells us that we are to "live by faith." In verses like Mark 11:22 and Habakkuk 2:4, we are reminded that faith is to be the daily lifestyle of the believer. When we read Romans 14:23, we learn that anything that isn't a product of this faith life is a sin. In Hebrews 11:6, we see that without this quality called faith, we will never be able to please the Lord. We know that we are saved by faith, Ephesians 2:8-9, but just how do we go about living everyday of our lives by faith?

Thankfully, the Bible doesn't leave us in the dark concerning the walk of faith. It sheds much light on this vastly important topic. In my message today, I would like to tell you what faith is not; as well as what it is. Then, I want to show you what it does in our daily lives.

I'd like to begin with some of the fallacies surrounding faith. First, faith is not a blind leap! There are those who feel that a life lived by faith is the life of a fool. They speculate that faith is nothing more than a leap into the dark. However, faith is much more than just walking around blind waiting for providence to bump into you.

Faith is your response to the promises of God for your life. (God says, "I will lead you." Faith responds, "I will follow." God says, "I will feed you." Faith says, "I will eat." God says, "I will meet your need." Faith says. "It is done.") Faith is never a leap into the dark, it is always a based upon the firmest of foundations, The Word Of God. The person who really walks in faith never walks through life blind. He always knows what is ahead

Additionally, faith is not a blank check! This is commonly known as the "Name It and Claim It" philosophy that permeates much of the church today. People have been taught that if they want something from God, then they are to pray about it, and believe it, than look for it to happen.

Honestly, there are many who have become discouraged in their faith and disappointed with God because He didn't do it like they were told He would. Listen, "Faith is not a blank check!" God is not our little cosmic Santa Claus just waiting for us to place our orders, and then drive away with anything and everything we desire.

I shudder when I think about the implications of this way of thinking! If this is true then God is not more than a genie who has no other purpose than to grant our wishes by the thousands. May I remind you that this charismatic, "Name and Claim It" crowd have missed the mark! God is about far larger and greater things than just waiting for me to come up with a new want for my wish list!

Don't misunderstand me. Faith is not a bad choice. There are those who would say that it's foolish to walk in total and utter dependence upon the Lord. These people argue that God is an unknown. That He is an unseen force with which man cannot interact and have fellowship. They call the Christian who lives by faith a fool!

However, the Christian who determines to truly live his life by total faith in his Heavenly Father will never be disappointed with God, nor will he struggle through life blindly. There will be a deep settled assurance that God is in absolute control of all situations, and that His will shall always be accomplished in the life of the believer.

As believers, we can either choose to please the Lord, or we can choose to please ourselves. If we are determined that we are going to please the Lord, then we are going to have to walk by faith in Him and in His Word and will. It won't work any other way.

So, we've just discussed a few of the things that faith "is not." Now, let's take just a few minutes to look at what faith "is." We've seen the fallacies surrounding faith, now let’s examine the facts surrounding faith. If faith is none of these things, then exactly what is it?

Faith is defined and described in Hebrews 11:1. Notice that faith makes "things that are hoped for" as real as the things that are. And, it provides the unshakable "evidence" of those things that are ours as  a result of our relationship to Jesus Christ. In other words, it brings the future within the present, and makes the invisible seen.

Thankfully, the author of Hebrews didn't leave us in the dark concerning what all this "sureness and certainty" were to be based upon. In Hebrews 11:2, the writer speaks of the elders and says that by their faith, they earned a good report from God. Then, he goes on the speak of their faith and in every instance, either stated, or implied is the promise of God. Follow me here: Hebrews 11:3; Hebrews 11:4; Hebrews 11:5-6; Hebrews 11:7; Hebrews 11: 8-19; Hebrews 20-22; Hebrews 11: 23-29; Hebrews 11:30; Hebrews 11:31; Hebrews 11:32-40.

With these facts in mind, what is faith? Faith is the assurance that God will do exactly what He has promised to do! Anything based on guesswork, peace of heart, wishful thinking, etc., will end in failure. God is a God who responds to a people’s faith in Himself and His promises!

Allow me to reiterate, many people have become disappointed with God because He didn't do something they told Him to do. We must remember that faith is not some button we push to force God into doing what we want. Many have prayed for things they wanted or thought they needed and their requests were denied. Many of these people become bitter against God and cease to follow Him. Sometimes, the things they prayed for were legitimate, like the healing of a relative, a new job, some problem, etc.

However, when they forget that they haven’t been given a clear promise from God concerning that situation, they are in for disappointment. We can pray about anything we want to, then we can hope that it will come to pass, but we can only have faith in those things which God has already promised to bring to pass. Simply put, when I expect God to do as He has promised, that's faith. When I expect Him to do as I wish, then that's presumption! God will honor the first and ignore the second!

Our prayers of hope versus the prayer of faith! When I pray that my neighbor will be saved, I can have faith that God will save him, if he will turn to Jesus. However, I can only hope that he will be saved, because he may decide not to receive Christ.

When I pray that my need might be met, I can believe that it will be met because God has promised to meet it (Philippians 4:19). When I pray that a person will be healed, I can hope that it will happen. I know God has the power to heal, but I do not know that it is His will. I do not have His promise in the matter.

When I pray for the safety of my children, I can hope they will be safe, but I cannot have the absolute assurance that they will be safe, because I do not have the Lord’s Word on it! However, when God says it will be a certain way in His Word, then you can count on it being just as He has said. Therefore, anything that is promised in the Book can serve as the basis for genuine faith.

I know we just covered a lot of information. By now you have to be wondering, "So, what is faith?" Faith is simply the deep settled assurance that God will do exactly what He has promised to do. What exactly will faith do for you? After we're saved, there are certain functions which faith performs in our lives. As I look at these things, I cannot help but be encouraged. I'd like to share them with you, as follows:

1. Faith calms our fears. I'm not sheltered from bad things, but in the midst of them I have His promise (Romans 8:28; 1 Corinthians 15:57; 2 Corinthians 4:17).

2. Faith cushions our falls. I'm not immune from sin and temptations, but when, and if, I fall, I have His promise! It's possible for the Child of God to fall down, but we can never fall out (John 10:28). If we do fall, we have His Word that we will be forgiven when we turn to Him in repentance (1 John 1:9). This isn't an excuse to fall, but it is an encouragement to those who have and those who will!

3. Faith confirms our future. I don't know what I'll face tomorrow, but I know that when all my tomorrow’s are finished, I have a future secured in the Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:1-3).

4. Faith claims God’s finest. Faith doesn't gorge itself on the pig slop of the world. It sets it’s sights higher. Faith believes that God will be true to His Word. And once there, faith responds to that Word, acts upon that Word, and receives the fulfillment of that Word (Romans 4:21; Hebrews 6:18).

5. Faith challenges our failures. What I mean by that, is that faith believes (Philippians 4:13). Faith says that we can be all that God wants us to be. Faith accepts the notion that we do not have to settle for second best. Faith says that we can have everything that God has for us, and that we can have it right now. Faith says that we do not have to live to the lower standard of the world. Faith just takes God at His Word and serves Him.

6. Faith calls our friends. Faith says, to those around us, that what god has done here, He can do in your life too. Faith reaches out to those in sin, because it knows that everyone who turns to Jesus for salvation will be saved. Faith believes God’s promises concerning salvation by faith.

In closing,  God’s will is that we live by faith! Not the blind leap of the foolish, not the blank check of the misinformed, but the deep settled assurance that what God has said He would do, He is more than able and willing to do. Does that describe your life?

Scripture: Mark 11:22; Romans 4:20; James 1:25; Matthew 13:32; Galatians 3:21; Acts 14:22; John 5:25 

Prayer: Dear Lord, I ask that you please help me remember forgiveness begins in the heart, and is shown in how I treat others. Amen

God bless you!

Aileen

Jesus Is Our Hope!

"There are no hopeless situations; there are only people who have grown hopeless about them."   -Clare Boothe Luce, United States Ambassador and author.


In reference to Jesus Christ, Paul uses a title which is very unique in the New Testament. He calls Jesus "our hope" (1 Timothy 1:1). Nowhere else is Jesus so described, other than in Colossians 1:27. Yet it came to be a precious title used by some in the early church. For example, "Be of good cheer in God the Father and in Jesus Christ our common hope" (Ignatius, To The Ephesians 21:2). "Let us therefore persevere in our hope and the earnest of our righteousness, who is Jesus Christ." ( Epistle of Polycarp 8).

The Greek word for 'hope' is elpis. It means "a confident desire and expectation." It's closely aligned with the word 'faith' (cf. Hebrews 11:1). But, in what way is Jesus 'our hope;' our basis for 'confident expectation?' That's what we'll look at in today's message.

First, Jesus is 'our hope' for forgiveness of sins! As you probably are well aware of, man has a little problem...with sin. Scripture tells us that all have sinned (Romans 3:23; cf. 1 John 1:8,10). And, that the consequences are grave (Romans 6:23).

People deal with this guilt of sin differently. Oh sure, some try to ignore it. Others seek to compensate for it by doing good works. Many look to different 'saviors' or teachers (the Law, Buddha, Mohammed, Mary). However, Jesus is our only 'hope.'

He is the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). In Him we have "redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins" (Ephesians 1:7). Thus, Christians place their hope in Jesus' blood as the atonement for their sins. This may be accomplished in a couple of ways. It can be done by: believing and being baptized into Christ (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Romans 6:3-6); and by continuing to repent, confess, and pray (Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:7,9).

Question: Is Jesus your 'hope' for salvation from the guilt of sin? Unless you believe in Him, you'll die in your sins (John 8:24)!

Secondly, Jesus is also our 'hope' for reconciliation with God! You see, we all have a longing for fellowship with God. It's something put in us by Our Creator (Acts 17:26-28). Many seek to fulfill this longing with the wrong things, such as trying to satisfy it with material things. But, such things only leave an emptiness (Ecclesiastes 5:10). Others seek to fulfill this longing in the wrong way, such as: on their own, or through some man, or man-made religion.

But, Jesus is our only 'hope." He is the only 'way' to the Father (John 14:6). And, only in Him can we really come to know God (John 14:7-9; cf. John 1:18). In Him we are reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).

Question: Is Jesus your 'hope' for fellowship with God? Without Jesus, you can't have a close relationship with God (1 John 2:23; 4:15).

Thirdly, Jesus is also our 'hope' for power in holy living! People have long realized the need to live good lives.Yet, the ancient world admitted their inability to do so. Seneca, Roman Stoic philosopher said, "We hate our vices and love them at the same time."

Even the apostles described the difficulty of living godly lives. Paul described what it was like under the Law (Romans 7:21-24). He reminded Christians of the conflict between the flesh and the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-17). Peter wrote of the warfare between fleshly lusts and the soul (1 Peter 2:11).

This is precisely why Jesus is our only 'hope!' In Christ we are freed from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2). In Christ we have strength to do that which is good, and turn away from evil. Additionally, He is our only 'hope' because of the Spirit of God (cf. Romans 8:11-13);  and because He is the means by which God strengthens the inner man (Ephesians 3:16, 20).

Question: Is Jesus your 'hope' for power in holiness? In Jesus there is strength to do God's will (Philippians 4:13).

Fourth, Jesus is also our 'hope' for provision in daily living! Like you and I, people often worry about the necessities of life. They worry about their food and clothing. They desire basic contentment, with true joy and peace. This is no big news. Jesus acknowledged this concern was common among men (Matthew 6:31-32).

In daily provision, Jesus is our 'hope,' as well. His Father knows our needs (Matthew 6:32). Jesus provides the secret to God's care (Matthew 6:33; Mark 10:28-30). He also is the source to true joy and peace (cf. Philippians 4:4,6-7). In Him there is contentment, knowing that God will supply our needs (cf. Philippians 4:11-12,19).

Question: Is Jesus your 'hope' for God's providential care in your life?  If you trust in your own riches, you cannot please God (Luke 16:13)!

Finally, Jesus is our 'hope' for victory over death! I think we can agree that the fear of death is common to mankind. I mean, people try to avoid it, or delay it. Some try to ignore death, even refusing to speak of the dead. But fortunately, Jesus is our only 'hope' here, too! He came to deliver us from the fear of death (Hebrews 2:14-15). He did this by His own resurrection, and continues to do so through the promise of His coming again (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

In conclusion, Jesus is many things to those who love Him; let's make sure that He is 'our hope!' Have you made Jesus your 'hope?' If not, then you're still...in your sins; alienated from God; unable to live a truly righteous life; going through life without God's providential care; and unprepared for death, and not ready for the Judgment to follow. What are you waiting for? Why not let Jesus become your 'hope' today...?

Scripture: Ephesians 2:12; Philippians 1:20; 1 Timothy 1:1; Ephesians 4:4; Psalm 16:9; Psalm 119:166; Colossians 1:5 

Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for today, and all that you do. I love you Lord, with all my heart. Amen

May God bless your day!

Jenelle

Saturday Scripture Gold with Bibi: So, You Want to Be More Like Christ..?

When the wife of missionary Adoniram Judson told him that a newspaper article likened him to some of the apostles, Judson replied, "I do not want to be like a Paul...or any mere man. I want to be like Christ...I want to follow Him only, copy His teachings, drink in His Spirit, and place my feet in His footprints...Oh, to be more like Christ!"

According to Ephesians 4:11-13, God gave the church her spiritual leaders for the sole purpose of promoting spiritual growth within the body of Christ. The reason why growth is needed is obvious. As a matter of fact, the Bible is clear when it tells us that every Christian is a baby when they are saved. That's why the process is called "The New Birth" (John 3:3, 7; 1 Peter 1:23).

Just as every parent in the world is ecstatic when they see their children growing and maturing, God is blessed when He sees His children making the transition from babyhood into adulthood in a spiritual sense. God wants us to move from the spiritual nursery to the spiritual battlefield.

He wants us to leave the world of milk, bibs and diapers and He wants us to enter the realm of meat, battles and devotion (Ephesians 4:13; 1 Corinthians 3:1-3; 2 Peter 3:18; 1 John 2:12-14). God's plan for every one of His children is to see them all reach spiritual maturity! He just wants us to grow up!

A few do, some never will, and others reach for that goal daily. This week's message is not meant for those who have already arrived today. It would be of no use (since you're already confident in your achievements, proud of your humility, and are so sure of your advanced spiritual standing), for a foolish person like myself to try to say something to someone like you, anyway.

Neither is this message meant for those who are satisfied just to be saved. You, like the Lord's disciples, have merely entered the gate of His garden. From where you sit, the world and the things of God are both within easy reach. You're content to be saved and you do not wish to be bothered. Don't worry, I won't disturb you.

The people to whom I am talking to today are those who are genuinely saved by grace. You know Jesus is your Savior and you know you're headed to Heaven. You know you're far from what you should be, but there's a genuine desire in your heart to be all the Lord has saved you to be. Your life is filled with ups and downs, with the struggles of the flesh and the spirit. You're not self-righteous, self-confident or self-reliant. You merely want to grow! It's with you, those who fight the same battles I face, that I share this message!

Ephesians 4:11-32 contains information we need in order to make our desire to grow a reality. These verses point out very clearly the marks of a maturing Christian; and will tell you whether you're growing or not.

First, mature Christians are marked by calm steadfastness, or dedication (Ephesians 4: 14-16). They are steadfast in their doctrine. They're not constantly being taken in by the false teachings in the world around them. The maturing believer is one who knows what they believe and why they believe. They are spending time in the Word of God and are not deceived by the lies, tricks and traps of the enemy! (2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

They are steadfast in their development (Ephesians 4:15). The growing believer has a deep attraction to the truth of God. They are constantly adapting their lives to the teachings of the Bible. They take the time to find out what God wants from their lives and they change whatever it takes to line up with His will. (1 John 2:3-4; 5:3) they do this because obedience the to word of God produces genuine Christlikeness in their lives! The growing believer is steadily progressing in his growth relationship!

They are steadfast in their devotion (Ephesians 4:16). Just as our human bodies are knitted together in a wonderful way, so the body of Christ has been carefully "compacted" together. Each member in the place that pleased the Lord (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). The growing believer wants to find his place in the body and fulfill that place to the best of his ability. It's a sign of spiritual maturity when a believer does his/her best to carry out the assignments they have been given by the Father above.

Next, mature Christians are marked by clear separation (Ephesians 4:17-24). In other words, a maturing believer is easily identified because he/she is so different from the world around them.

They are separated from the works of darkness (Ephesians 4:17-19). Paul makes a distinction between how the lost man lives and how the saved man lives. When a person receives Jesus as their personal Savior and is born again, they literally receive a brand new life.

They can no longer walk as they once walked. They can no longer live as they once lived. You see, the lost man lives like he does because he is blind to the causes and consequences of his actions. He doesn't know where he is headed and he doesn't see the need to be different than he is.

The maturing believer, on the other hand, is no longer in darkness. The lights have been turned on in his soul! The old manner of living is not good enough any longer. There's a new desire to walk in the path the Lord lays out. Life has ceased to be about "self-will" and has become all about "God's will". That's why the Bible identifies the believer as "a new creature" (2 Corinthians 5:17).

They are separated from a walk of darkness (Ephesians 4:20-24). The believer has received a change of life that results in a change in his walk. We're called upon to "put off", once for all, the ways of the old man who is just growing worse day by day. (Note: The words "is corrupt" are present tense and speak of a corpse that lies rotting in the sun. Each day brings with it more evidence that the corpse is dead!)

We're called upon to "put on", once for all, the new man, who had been created in righteousness and holiness. When the new believer comes to faith in Jesus, he learns a new way of life (Ephesians 4:19-20)! He has experienced a change of heart that results in a profound change of mind (Ephesians 4:23).

God puts a new desire within His children that makes them want to live differently than they used to live. The bottom line is this: the maturing believer looks different, acts different, walks different and thinks different than he did before!

Finally, mature Christians are marked by Christlike standards (Ephesians 4:25-32). They are Christlike in how they act (Ephesians 4:28). Instead of taking what belongs to another to satisfy personal lusts, the believer is challenged to go to work so he can make money to help others. The whole point here is that self ceases to be great motivator in life! Others grow in their importance to us. The maturing Christian is one who has begun to look beyond self (Philippians 2:4), to see the needs of others.

They are Christlike in how they react (Ephesians 4:26-27; 31-32). These four verses all talk about the same thing. They speak of learning to control your anger when you are offended and of learning to offer forgiveness when you have been hurt! The maturing believer doesn't allow the hurts they suffer at the hands of others to cause them spiritual problems!

They are Christlike in how they interact (Ephesians 4:25; 29-30). These verses talk about how we relate one to another. We are to always speak the truth (Ephesians 4:25). When we lie to a fellow believer, we are lying to the body of Christ and to ourselves. We are to watch the lies that try to pour from our mouths.

When we speak it should be to edify, or build up someone else! Anything else grieves the Spirit of God and hinders the church! The mature believer knows this and seeks to control his tongue (James 1:26; 3:1-12). Whereas, the foolish speak and demonstrate their ignorance (Ecclesiastes 5:3). It's better to be quiet and allow people to think you are a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt!

This week I will close with a couple of thoughts for you to consider. Are you maturing? Do "you" possess the marks of a maturing Christian? Be honest as you answer these, and remember that Christ loves you!

Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-2; 1 Peter 2:21; Proverbs 3:5-6; Philippians 2:5; Philippians 2:8; Romans 6:4; Philippians 2:5   

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...

May your week be blessed!

Bibi

Are You Doubting God?

George Campbell Morgan had already enjoyed some success as a preacher by the time he was 19 years old. But then he was attacked by doubts about the Bible. The writings of various scientists and agnostics disturbed him (e.g., Charles Darwin, John Tyndall, Thomas Huxley, and Herbert Spencer). As he read their books and listened to debates, Morgan became more and more perplexed. What did he do?

He cancelled all preaching engagements, put all the books in a cupboard and locked the door, and went to the bookstore and bought a new Bible. He said to himself, "I am no longer sure that this is what my father claims it to be--the Word of God. But of this I am sure. If it be the Word of God, and if I come to it with an unprejudiced and open mind, it will bring assurance to my soul of itself."

The result? "That Bible found me!" said Morgan. The new assurance in 1883 gave him the motivation for his preaching and teaching ministry. He devoted himself to the study and preaching of God's Word.  -Wycliffe Handbook of Preaching & Preachers, Moody, 1984, p. 211.

We don’t like the feeling of doubt, or questioning our beliefs do we? Some have stopped going to church because of the doubts they have. Some feel like they don’t fit in with those that seem to have it all together in their faith journey.

As a Christ-follower, you may doubt God in circumstances such as a spiritual defeat or sin, sickness, suffering, injustice, opposition, economic problems, family problems, etc. Maybe you doubt that God has really forgiven you. Or, you wonder whether the Bible really is the Word of God.

Perhaps you have questions about how God created the world, or even how He’ll end it. Maybe you've said to yourself, “I think I’m a Christian, but sometimes I’m not sure.” Possibly, life is so busy that there’s just not time to reflect on your faith, so doubts creep in.

Here's some reassuring news: God is okay with your doubt; and asking Him the tough questions! The bible is full of those that experienced even the miracles of God, but later doubted. All of us will experience some doubt, but you are in good company, for sure.

Jesus’ own disciple, Thomas, doubted He had risen (John 20:25-27). Jesus was okay with ‘doubting Thomas.’ He provided the answer so he could believe and will do the same for us as well. This was all Thomas needed, for in the next verse he says, “My Lord and My God.” (John 20: 28).

John the Baptist had said Jesus is the Messiah (Look, the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world). Later, he is in prison for serving God and he has some doubts. So, he sends a couple of his disciples to Jesus. They ask, "Are you the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?" (Matthew 11:3-5).

Wow! What a tough question after all that John had witnessed. Does Jesus get angry and say that followers of mine are to never question, so you can’t be a follower of mine? Jesus answers: Go back and report what you see and that will ease his doubts. Jesus even turned to the crowd and told them that John the Baptist was the greatest man who ever lived.

These doubts did not affect Jesus thoughts about him. He was not condemned for doubting. Doubt and faith can co-exist. We can make the choice to believe and ask God to help us with our unbelief. Look, doubt can't hurt you, but unresolved doubt can. To work your way from uncertainty to certainty is no sin – if you’re doubt is honest, and you’re willing to believe.

What I'm saying is that doubt that leads to questions, that lead to answers and evidence, can be good for us. But, we must decide at that point to believe. We have to do something about our doubts. So, what can you do to resolve your doubts?

Here a few suggestions. You can: go to where people of faith gather; talk to a person of faith, and learn from them; put faith-building materials into your mind (Romans 10:17; John 20:31). Just keep in mind that faith can’t be proven with scientific precision. If it could, it wouldn't be faith would it?

What doubts are you wrestling with right now? Do you still have questions about whether to make Jesus your Lord and Savior? For Christ-followers what is holding you back from a sold-out life? Are you doubting that God is going to come through for you? Are you struggling with knowing that God is leading you in the right direction?

Having doubts is different from questioning God's sovereignty and attacking His character. In short, an honest question is not a sin, but a bitter, untrusting, or rebellious heart is. God isn't intimidated by questions. God invites us to enjoy close fellowship with Him. When we “question God,” it should be from a humble spirit and open mind.

“Can a mortal ask questions which God finds unanswerable? Quite easily, I should think. All nonsense questions are unanswerable. How many hours are in a mile? Is yellow square or round? Probably half the questions we ask - half our great theological and metaphysical problems - are like that.”  -C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed

The issue here is not whether we should question God, but in what manner—and for what reason—we question Him. To question God is not in itself wrong. Insincere questions, or questions from a hypocritical heart, are a different matter.

In closing, we can question God, but we shouldn't expect an answer unless we are genuinely interested in His answer. God knows our hearts, and knows whether we are genuinely seeking Him to enlighten us.

And, although God doesn't always answer our questions in the way we want, a sincere question from a passionate heart is welcomed by God. Our heart attitude is what determines whether it is right or wrong to question God.

Scripture: James 1:6; Matthew 21:21; Jude 1:22; Mark 11:23; Luke 24:38; Mark 9:24; Proverbs 3:5

Prayer: Dear Father, when happiness leaves my soul and I'm left with only a void, I say your name and my heart again fills with joy! Amen

May God bless your day!

Kandace

What Jesus Does for the Soul is Eternal

“The Lord's mercy often rides to the door of our heart upon the black horse of affliction.”  -Charles H. Spurgeon

Christ sure fills the Christian’s life with the best things for time and eternity, doesn't he? In today's message, we learn how He blessed a man who had been sick and needy for thirty-eight years.

Jesus asked the man if he wanted to be healed. He replied that no man ever came to put him in the healing waters. So Jesus said, “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.” And the poor man, after thirty-eight years of suffering, rose up and walked!

If you have your Bible close by, turn to John 5:1-9. Let's join Jesus as He delivers this man from the bondage of his affliction and, as we do, please know that He can do the same for you if you will allow Him the same opportunity!

There are some important events transpiring within these verses. We'll take a look at each one in succession starting with John 5:5. Here we are introduced to the sick, disabled man. According to the Scriptures, this man had lived with this infirmity for 38 years. He had been sick longer than Jesus had been on the earth!

The Bible says that this man had an "infirmity." This word means that he had some "weakness or frailness" that prevented him from walking about as other men. Notice his desperation. The very fact that he is here at this pool in his condition is proof positive that this man is desperate for healing. Imagine him dragging his broken body toward that pool.

He tells Jesus that every time he is about to get into the water, someone else beats him there and goes away with the healing instead. Year after year, he has seen his hopes and dream shattered as another person beats him into the healing waters (John 5:7).

Sadly, this man was surrounded by others who were in the same shape as himself. They offered him no comfort, and they offered him no help. They were as desperate as he was to be released from their own prisons. Even if these people had been able to help this man get into the pool when the time came, I am sure that it would have been every man for himself! They wouldn't have helped him, because they needed the healing for themselves (John 5:3)!

This is a sad, but true, picture of the lost sinner. These sad people picture the sinner in all of his helplessness, his brokenness, his blindness and his uselessness before the Lord (Ephesians 2:12). He is surrounded by others who are in the same boat. Others who are just as lost as he is and others who can no more help him than he can help them.

But, as they say, misery loves company! Often, sinners will surround themselves with others who are as bad, or often who are worse than, they themselves are. This is a vain attempt to justify their condition.

But hold on! In John 5:6, we see a sympathetic Messiah! Jesus is pictured here as the compassionate Savior. He is shown doing three great works that prove this true. Let's examine them....

First, He is shown choosing the sinner. According to the Bible's own witness, there was a "great multitude" there that day. Jesus could have gone to any person in that place, yet for His own reasons, He went to this man. This is nothing but pure grace! Second, He is shown caring for the sinner. Jesus knew everything there was to know about this man!

He knew that he was crippled, that he was unable to walk, that he was unable to stand and carry his own bed. Jesus knew that this man was totally dependent upon others for everything he had in life. Yet, Jesus reached out to him anyway! What a picture of His grace!

Jesus knows all about the condition of the sinner. He knows that we love our sins, that we cannot control our passions, that we desire the things of the world that gratify our flesh, yet He loves us still! Jesus refuses to look at man as he is and chooses, rather, to see man as he can become through the power of grace.

Jesus looks beyond our faults and our failures and cares for us in spite of our sins. Isn't it an awesome thought that Jesus knows every sinful thing we have ever done, yet He loves us? That, He knows all our evil thoughts yet He loves us? That, He knows we will fail over and over again as the years go by, yet He loves us?

Third, He is shown coming to the sinner. In what may be the greatest move of all, Jesus literally comes to where this poor man is lying and reaches out to him in genuine grace, and love. Now, it's one thing for Jesus to love us and to do so in spite of our wickedness. However, it isn't until He actually comes to us that we have the opportunity for salvation.

Finally, in John 5:6-9, we see a striking miracle! Now pay close attention here because these verses also contain three important components. First, there is an offer. Jesus asks the man if he would like to be healed. The man responds by appealing to the flesh and tells Jesus that he has no one to help him into the pool. This man is guilty of the same thing that so many others are guilty of; he is confusing the physical with the spiritual. Jesus came to offer him physical healing from a spiritual source, but this man still has his eye on the what he can accomplish.

Second, there is an order. Jesus tells the man to get up and walk. Jesus just told this man to do something that he hasn't been able to do in 38 years, if ever. To me, this is a pretty incredible command! However, all that was required on the part of this man is simple, child like faith and obedience to the call of Jesus. When the call comes to the sinner lost in his sins, the only necessary response is faith.

Third, there is an outpouring. When this man responded to Jesus' command by faith, he was immediately healed and he was able to get up an walk. This miracle required no in put from the crippled man, all he had to do was get up and walk at the command of Christ.

Salvation works the exact same way. Jesus comes to the sinner and calls him to salvation. All that is required of the sinner is humble obedience to the call of Jesus. When this obedience comes, the sinner is immediately and instantly made right with God, transformed into God's child, delivered from wrath and made an heir of all that Heaven has to offer. All of this simply because the sinner turns to the Savior in pure, humble faith.

Clearly, Jesus demonstrates His power as the Great Physician by healing this man's body. Yet interestingly, there is no indication that this man ever became a believer in Jesus (John 5:10-15). What a sad thing!

You see, the important thing to remember about Jesus  is not that He can heal the body, but that He can heal the soul! If he heals the body, that is wonderful, but eventually, the body will still perish. However, what Jesus does for the soul is eternal.

Scripture: Acts 4:30; John 4:48; Matthew 17:20; John 20:30; Exodus 14:31; Acts 14:10; John 20:31

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me be more understanding and forgiving as no one is perfect, least of all me. Amen

Have a blessed day!

K.C.

Video - Sheila Walsh: Nothing Can Separate Us

In this message, Sheila Walsh shares how a daily relationship with Jesus Christ changes lives. Enjoy!  ~Eve

Don't Let Anger Get the Best of You!

"Anger is never without a reason, but seldom with a good one." -Benjamin Franklin.

Anger is a universal human experience. It is an intense emotional reaction that may express itself through:  frustration, irritability, annoyance, impatience, blowing off steam, shouting, intimidation, insensitivity, fretting, quitting, back-biting, depression, even bullying.

Anger... can also be dangerously contagious. As Proverbs puts it, "Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul" (Proverbs 22:24-25).

Certainly, we're not the first to let anger make trouble for us. It happened to people in the Bible too. Moses, for instance, became extremely frustrated with his whining followers (Numbers 20:10). So, instead of speaking to the rock to get water, as the Lord had instructed him, he angrily struck it twice (Numbers 20:11). He did get water from the rock, but there was a problem; Moses had disobeyed God. Because of this angry response, God told Moses he could not enter the Promised Land (Numbers 20:12).

Like dynamite, anger is explosive. Unless it's handled with wisdom and self-control, it can do great damage. When a person's temper gets the best of him, it reveals the worst of him. That's why people should know better than to come to the rescue of an angry person. Proverbs 19:19 teaches us that anger stirs us to do foolish and destructive things. "A man of great anger will bear the penalty, For if you rescue him, you will only have to do it again."

It's easily one of the most common and destructive emotions. For example, in our hard-driving American society, anger is sometimes viewed as a virtue. We will be nice and friendly until someone crosses us, or we're calm and controlled until something doesn't go our way- and then we have the right to be angry! I have to admit guilt here, myself.

We're taught by some psychologists that spontaneous explosions of anger can be therapeutic (i.e, can help us to get things off our chest and to feel better). While it certainly is true that not all anger is wrong (Jesus got angry), the Bible also makes it clear that we're not to be under the control of anger. "A fool vents all his feeling, but a wise man holds them back" (Proverbs 29:11).

"Speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you will ever regret."  -Ambrose Bierce

Proverbs 22:24 warns us of associating with hot tempered people. "Do not associate with a man given to anger or go with a hot-tempered man," Proverb 22:25 tells us what happens to us if we do associate with hot tempered people. "Or you will learn his ways and find a snare for yourself."

The warning here is against being a friend or even associating with a hot-tempered man (lit. "an owner or possessor of anger"(Proverbs 19:19), or one easily angered. The reason for not associating because such an association leads a person to take on wrathful ways [which are foolish (Proverbs 14:17, 29), divisive (Proverbs 15:18), and sinful (Proverbs 29:22)].

Unfortunately, anger and bitterness are contagious. Don't be friends with angry people because you'll start to agree with them. When you do you become ensnared (Proverbs 29:6) in events and caught up in a way of life that is hard to get out of.

There, now you know some things (and only a few from a very long list) that are related to anger. You also know that anger is definitely not a good thing. The obvious question here is" "How can I deal with, or control anger so that it doesn't rule, or ruin, my life?" We just saw some great examples of "anger" from the Bible. Let's take a look at a few suggestions, in regards to handling anger, also found in the Bible.

Love contributes toward peace because it covers or forgives the faults of others (Proverbs 17:9). It doesn't dwell on those faults (1 Corinthians 13:5; James 5:20; 1 Peter 4:8). When we see shortcomings in others, the solution is to overwhelm them with love. For we who have been forgive so much must forgive others (Colossians 3:18). A promoter of strife magnifies the faults of other (and we all have them). If you love someone, you give them the benefit of the doubt. If you hate someone, you don't.

Remember...love covers a multitude of sins (Proverbs 17:9; 1 Corinthians 13:4–7; James 5:20; 1 Peter 4:8). The message of Jesus is simple yet astounding: Love your enemies. Do good to those who mistreat you. Repay evil with kindness. When Christians live by these principles, he will keep his heart free of hatred no matter how others feel toward him.

"There are two things a person should never be angry at, what they can help, and what they cannot." -Plato

Here are some other great suggestions: Proverbs 15:1 teaches that angry outbursts are divisive. Proverbs 16:32 tells us that having patience and a controlled temper is honored above being a great warrior. Proverbs 19:11 teaches us the value of discretion in controlling anger. 

Galatians 5:22 assures us that, "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace and patience." You can't have your life filled with those four things and be angry at the same time!

Look at it this way. When God's Word shapes our thinking and guides our choices, we'll discover that His way is always better than the way of the world. With gratitude, praise God that He has given up His anger against us because of Christ!

Scripture: Ephesians 4:26-27; James 1:20; Romans 12:21; Psalm 145:8; 2 Thessalonians 1:9; Proverbs 21:2; Ephesians 4:31

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you helping me find the patience to deal with issues as they come my way. Amen

God bless you!

Myra

That's the Truth! - God Uses Discipline to Get Results

"Without discipline, there's no life at all."  -Katharine Hepburn

Happy Monday to you, and welcome to "That's the Truth!" I often wonder what kind of world we would live in without certain rules and behaviors to follow.

Those of us who are parents have to discipline our children from time to time. Not to hurt them in any way, of course, but to guide them towards appropriate behavior. In this week's Bible study, we'll see how God disciplines his people from time to time, when needed. May you grow in faith, knowledge, and God's love!

Topic: God Created People Who Need Discipline - (Genesis 11:1-9)

Opening Prayer: God, you have made the heavens and the earth. You have revealed your beauty in creation and inspired the book that we are now about to study. Please help us now as we read together. Take us deeper into understanding more about you and your love for us. Amen.

“Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth” (Genesis 11:9—KJV).

 “Therefore it was called Babel, because there the LORD confused the language of all the earth; and from there the LORD scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth” (Genesis 11:9—NRSV). 

Imagine a world where no one ever does anything good, where everyone helps only themselves. Imagine a world where everyone practices only evil continually. The Bible calls Noah a preacher of righteousness, but no one listened to Noah’s preaching and no one began to live right, so God sent the great flood as a last resort to cleanse the earth from evil (2 Peter 2:5).

After the great flood, God commanded Noah’s descendants to “fill the earth.” But they too rebelled against God and refused to be “scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth” (Genesis 9:1; 11:4). Instead, in order to emphasize their greatness, they built a city with a great tower that reached into the heavens.

Therefore, God needed to discipline people once again. God’s discipline can lead some people to repent of their rebellion and return to God and obedience. God’s discipline can slow down or stop some who are intent on practicing and inventing greater evils. God's discipline can make doing evil more difficult. God’s discipline can also achieve His original purposes in spite of human rebellion.

When God confused people’s language, He achieved His original intention that Noah’s descendants fill the earth. When God confused their language, He used the perfect form of discipline, for now they needed to find those who spoke as they did and separate into different language groups to avoid continual confusion. Next, they needed to find new places to live as they grouped around their common language. Today, God still uses appropriate discipline and always achieves His purposes.

Quick Study:

1. What are some of the benefits when everyone speaks the same language in a group or nation?

2. What had God wanted the people to do that they refused to do when they built their city?

3. What did they do that indicated their cultural development? Was their cultural development wrong?

4. What did the people say that indicates they were no longer a God-centered people?

5. What did God say that revealed something about the way God made people?

Closing Prayer: Father, thank you that you have revealed Your love to us today. We invite You to send us out today in the power of the Holy Spirit. Fan into flame the gifts that you have given us, Come reveal Your grace and truth to us each day. For Yours is the Kingdom, the power and the glory, Forever and ever. Amen.

-a very special thank you to L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

May God bless you! 

Riley

Saturday Scripture Gold with Bibi: God's Word Is The Key to Growth!

“We spend most of our time and energy in a kind of horizontal thinking. We move along the surface of things….but, there are times when we must stop. We sit still. We lose ourselves in a pile of leaves, or in its memory. We listen, and breezes from a whole other world begin to whisper."  -James Carroll (author, historian, journalist, and Roman Catholic reformer)

In every area of our life, there should be signs of growth. We should experience growth in our marriage, in our families, at our jobs, at our churches, in regards to our income, and our relationship with Christ. So how do we experience growth in our lives? Let me share some very simple principles with you today. Let's begin with the principle of being faithful in the small things.

When we have the small things in life, we want the Big. But when we have the Big things, we want the Better, when we finally get the Better, then we can’t stand it if we don’t have the Best. Don' get me wrong! There's nothing wrong with wanting better, however, the problem comes when we despise the small things because they are small.

Keep this in mind. If what we are doing seems small and menial to us, it is important to someone else. If we are faithful to that small thing, Jesus says, I will put you in charge of great things. Next, remember to love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:36-39 explains this principle as the golden rule.

If everyone would treat people like they want to be treated, and you love your neighbor as yourself, the world would be a better place! This is a growth principle. If we could understand this principle, apply this principle, and act this principle out, then we would be bigger people.

The key to this principle is l-o-v-e. Jesus said, “This is how people will know that you are mine, that you love one another” (John 13:35). The Bible uses the word love 508 times throughout the entire Bible; 202 times in the New Testament. Specific examples are given to us on who we are supposed to love:

• Love your neighbors (James 2:8)
• Love your God (Mark 12:30)
• Love your spouses (Ephesians 5:25)
• Love your enemies (Matthew 5:44)

Now, when you can truly adapt this principle to your life, and look at the person that hates you in the eye, and say “I love you,” then you have grown.

The third principle, being content without complaining, can be a hard one to swallow for many of us. Why? Because we are humans; we live in the flesh. And, because we are flesh, we have desires for comfort, and for better (Philippians 4:11; 1 Timothy 6:6-10). Truthfully, if we want to grow, we have to learn to stop worrying and be happy with what God has blessed us with.

The fourth principle has to do with sowing and reaping. Now before you run off, hear me out. This principle found in the bible is a long lost principle. After all, we live in a world where we want something for nothing. You don’t get apple trees by planting tomato seeds. You can’t grow, unless you spend time doing things that create growth. For example: If I want to grow spiritually, and never read, pray, or go to church – it is impossible. Maybe you want your marriage to grow, but never spend time with your spouse – it too, is impossible. I could go on, but I know you get the idea.

Finally, our last principle has to do with "when much is given much is required." This means that when you have grown, your responsibility grows, too. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked (Luke 12:48) . Look at it this way, after you have grown, you can’t still act like a child spiritually. 

In The Last Days Newsletter, Leonard Ravenhill tells about a group of tourists, visiting a picturesque village, who walked by an old man sitting beside a fence. In a rather patronizing way, one tourist asked, "Were any great men born in this village?" The old man replied, "Nope, only babies." A frothy question brought a profound answer. There are no instant heroes--whether in this world or in the kingdom of God. Growth takes time, and as 1 Timothy 3:6; 5:22 point out, even spiritual leadership must be earned.

Therefore, in closing this week's message, I'd like to remind you that the key word here is: growth. And, God’s Word is fuel for the refiner’s sanctifying fire, water for the planted tree’s growth, and a rock-solid foundation for the builder. We need all three desperately.

I like the way Hebrews 6:1 lays it out for all of us. “Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity…" As Christians, we should always be pressing to grow spiritually!

Scripture: Colossians 1:9-10; 2 Peter 3:18; Matthew 5:6; Philippians 4:13; James 1:2; Philippians 1:6; Galatians 2:20   

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...

May your week be blessed!

Bibi

Video - Beth Moore: Nine Words To Change Your Life

In this message, Beth Moore reveals nine words that could completely change your perspective and alter the course of your life. Enjoy!  ~Eve

More Than Just A Pardon From God...

"What is justification? It is the declared purpose of God to regard and treat those sinners who believe in Jesus Christ as if they had not sinned, on the ground of the merits of the Savior. It is not mere pardon.

Pardon is a free forgiveness of past offenses. It has reference to those sins as forgiven and blotted out. Justification has respect to the law, and to God's future dealings with the sinner. It is an act by which God determines to treat him hereafter as righteous--as if he had not sinned.

The basis for this is the merit of the Lord Jesus Christ, merit that we can plead as if it were our own. He has taken our place and died in our stead; He has met the descending stroke of justice, which would have fallen on our own heads if He had not interposed."  -Albert Barnes.

Simply put, Christians are justified by faith alone, their standing before God is not in any way related to personal merit. Good works and practical holiness do not provide the grounds for acceptance with God.

God receives as righteous those who believe, not because of any good thing He sees in them--not even because of His own sanctifying work in their lives--but solely on the basis of Christ's righteousness, which is reckoned to their account. "To the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness" (Romans 4:5). That is justification.

"For so it is: you stand before God as accepted as Christ is accepted: and notwithstanding the inbred sin and corruption of your heart, you are as dear to God as Christ is dear, and as accepted in the righteousness of Christ as Christ is accepted in his own obedience." -Charles H. Spurgeon

Have you ever considered how to explain to another person the process of being justified by faith? Too many people assume that the process involves going to church, learning to cite particular creeds or observing certain rituals. However, Paul teaches the Romans in Romans 4:1-8, how Abraham was justified (established as right before God and acquitted from guilt) by faith apart from works. When a person is justified they are freed from blame, absolved and declared guiltless.

John Walvoord, said: “In theology, justification is the judicial act of God declaring one to be righteous by imputation of righteousness to him. It is judicial not experiential, and all believers in Christ are equally justified."

Abraham became exonerated in the eyes of God as a result of being justified by faith. Someone has said when you are justified it is "Just as if you've never sinned." Paul shows that both Abraham and David recognized that they could not be justified by works or by keeping the commandments. Neither one of these spiritual giants rested on their own righteousness, but in the grace and mercy of God.

Paul wrote, "Abraham believed in and trusted in God and it was credited to his account as righteousness (right living and right standing with God)." (Romans 4:3) Ask the Lord to help you pray with others showing them how to place their faith, reliance and trust in Christ’s righteousness to be justified in the eyes of God.

Contrary to some misconceptions, faith is not an abstract, intellectual acceptance of what we cannot see. Faith is the complete trust, reliance and dependence on God to do what we cannot do for ourselves. One man has said, "Faith is trusting God’s word and taking God’s way." Abraham’s faith made him acceptable to God. Many people spend much of their lives trying to be acceptable.

Saving faith makes a person acceptable through the righteousness of Christ. Ask the Lord to help you live more in light of the assurance that you are accepted in Christ’s love, grace and righteousness. When a person grows in faith they are able to fully realize that God is able to deliver them from any problem. Failure to believe in God’s power to rescue us from difficulties leads to fear, anger or disobedience.

Beloved, ask the Lord to help you grow in faith to a point where you can persuade others of God’s almighty power to deliver from any challenge. The truth of the scripture is a precious, unchangeable and powerful weapon that few learn how to utilize.

Scripture: Romans 5:1; Galatians 2:16; James 2:24; 1 John 1:8; Ephesians 2:8-9; Acts 13:39; Titus 3:5  

Prayer: Dear Lord, with you I know you are always with me, surrounding me in your love. Amen

Have a blessed day!

Pamela

Worrying Gets You Nowhere Fast!

"Worrying is like paying on a debt that may never come due."  -Will Rogers

Someone once said that worry is fear's extravagance. It extracts interest on trouble before it comes due. It constantly drains the energy God gives us to face daily problems and to fulfill our many responsibilities. It is, therefore, a sinful waste.

A woman who had lived long enough to have learned some important truths about life remarked, "I've had a lot of trouble -- most of which never happened!" She had worried about many things that had never occurred, and had come to see the total futility of her anxieties.

Did you know that over 100 diseases have been directly attributed to worry? Worry will not only take away your physical energy, it will also rob the soul of its stamina as well. Why? Worry is the ultimate act of rebellion against the rule of God in a believer’s life. How? Worry says that God is dead; and if He is alive, then He is incapable of doing anything about my situation!

Even though we may know these things, it doesn't change the fact that people worry. As a matter of fact, worry could be called the most popular pastime of the human race. One elderly lady said, “I always feel bad when I feel good, for I know that I’ll feel bad after awhile!” What a tragic outlook, yet many of us live right there.

When you get right down to it, although the calendar says that there are seven days in the week, there are really only three. Two of them should never cross our minds in worry. One of them is yesterday, and it can never be changed. The other is tomorrow and no man holds the power to affect tomorrow.

Today is really the only day we have; and with God's help, we can face anything that arises (Philippians 4:13). I guess you could say that worry is sort of like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but it doesn't get you anywhere!

If you have your Bible handy, turn to Philippians 4:6-7. In these verses, the Bible sheds some light on how we are to handle our cares. Let's see what God has to say concerning "worry!"

First, we'll examine what is said regarding problems. In Philippians 4:6, we are told to be careful. Nowhere does the Bible ever attempt to downplay the existence of problems.  In fact, it tells us quite plainly that problems will stalk us as long as we live in this world (Job 14:1; John 16:33; Ecclesiastes 2:23). Of course, you didn't need me to tell you that troubles and trials are real, did you? After all, you struggle with them every day of your life.

The phrase “be careful for nothing” literally means “Do not worry about anything!” As clearly as I can, I want you to understand that worry is a sin! When it comes to worrying over the problems we face in this life, God has one word to say: Don’t!

Philippians 4:6 also speaks to us about prayer. Instead of worrying, the child of God is counseled to pray. When Paul talks about praying, he uses three words in this verse. He talks about prayer, supplication and requests. Paul also says that we are to do this “in everything." Big things and little things alike are to be the subjects of our prayer lives. Nothing is too big for God, and nothing is too small for Him either!

In the same verse, notice that our praying is to be done in the attitude of “thanksgiving.” As we approach God with the worries, fears and burdens of life, we should do so with a thankful heart. Why? We have a God Who cares about us; Who hears us; Who loves us and Who had promised to answer our prayers when we call upon Him. Besides that, regardless of how bad life becomes, God has directed our path to that point, and He is actively working out His will in us (Romans 8:28).

Next, in Philippians 4:7, we are promised His peace. What is peace? The best definition I have ever heard is this: Peace is tranquility of the soul! This kind of peace “passeth all understanding.” This is a state of being where you are calm in the heart and mind, despite the fact that turmoil and strife are raging around you.

This is calm in the heart that exists even though your storm still rages. It is a mysterious thing, but it is God’s gift to those who will trust in Him “in everything”. This is the kind of peace that Jesus promised His disciples (John 14:27). It is a peace that is divine in origin. It is a peace that cannot be disrupted by the problems, disturbances and difficulties of life. It is a peace that cannot waiver, that cannot be shaken and that cannot be destroyed.

Additionally in this verse (Philippians 4:7), we are told that God’s peace will “keep your hearts and minds.” When Paul mentions the heart, he is referring to the seat of the emotions. The heart is the place from which our feelings come. When Paul mentions the mind, he is referring to the place where we do our thinking.

And, what is worry if it isn't wrong feeling and wrong thinking? When we see our burdens, our problems and our fears through human eyes, we will always develop wrong feelings and wrong thoughts about the things we face in life.

However, God’s promise is that His peace will “keep” our “hearts and our minds.” The word “Keep” means “to stand guard over.” When Paul wrote these words, he had a Roman guard on either side of him. They were “standing guard” over the man of God. Paul says that God’s peace is like a guard that protects the heart from wrong feelings, and the mind from wrong thoughts!

I'd like to conclude today's message with a quote by Dr. Charles Stanley (founder and president of In Touch Ministries). "Our heavenly Father understands our disappointment, suffering, pain, fear, and doubt. He is always there to encourage our hearts and help us understand that He's sufficient for all of our needs. When I accepted this as an absolute truth in my life, I found that my worrying stopped."

Scripture: Matthew 6:27; Jeremiah 17:7; Hebrews 11:1; Psalm 56:3-4; Romans 8:32; Joshua 1:9; Romans 15:13

Prayer: Dear Father, my heart is heavy at times. I worry about things I cannot change. I worry about what others think. Please take these burdens from me, and grant me peace. Amen

God bless you!

Lori

His Strength Can Be Yours, Too!

"When it is dark enough, you can see the stars."  -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Many of us know the pain of loneliness. We experience the reality of being on the outside looking in. Sometimes others turn their backs on us. On occasion, suffering separates us from others. Many of us can’t find good friends and companions who will share the journey of life with us.

Some of us are wounded by broken relationships with family and friends. There is great guilt in the way we seem to most often hurt the ones that we love the most. We need forgiveness and healing. No one escapes the torments of life. We are tormented by memories. We are enslaved by secrets. We are driven by fears that we are so bad we are unlovable—not even God can, or will love us.

Undoubtedly, we all have crises in our lives. Times when we feel there is neither hope nor anywhere to turn for relief. Many of us feel that we are living in a perpetual state of crisis and that God himself has turned a deaf ear toward us. We feel so defeated, depleted, and discouraged that we believe we just can't go on.

Eventually it affects us all. Take Elijah, God’s iron man of the Old Testament. He became so discouraged that he sat down under a juniper tree and prayed to die. According to Mark 8:12, even Jesus himself often “sighed” deep within his spirit. Paul had so many difficult experiences in Asia that according to 2 Corinthians 1:8 he, “despaired even of life.”

Winston Churchill confessed that he was often, “hounded by the black dog of despair.” Charles H. Spurgeon, one of the greatest preachers since the Apostle Paul, fought continual bouts of depression as a result of gout that finally killed him at age 58.

As we walk through this life, we face many trials and tribulations.There is much loneliness, discontent, disappointment and discouragement. But the glorious truth is, God has an answer to these problems. The answer is not found in our feelings, nor in the philosophies of man, but the answer is found in the Bible, God’s Holy Word.

Throughout the ages of time man has sought for peace. The peace that I'm talking about is peace with God. This peace is the peace that will calm the soul. This peace can't come by man. It can't come by power, prestige, or wealth. You can't satisfy inner spiritual needs with outward worldly things. Yet, people are seeking daily to find peace from temporal, or worldly sources.

I love watching classic movies. Sadly, there was a very prominent actor in Hollywood, during the 1940's and 50's, who took his own life. He had left a note which said, “I committed suicide because I am boring, and I have lived long enough.” You see, the passing glories of this world can't bring peace.

Inner peace comes only from God. The Bible says in (Psalms 29:11) “The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.” Here we see that God has promised peace to His people. This means that if we are to enjoy the blessing of God’s peace, we must be His people; that is, we must be saved. This leads us to the means through which God gives us peace, and that is through the Lord Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son. There can be no peace with God except through Jesus Christ.

We can see two things about the peace of God in Philippians 4:5-9. First, we see that we are not to panic when trials come.We are not to worry about things, because the Lord is at hand; that is, He is right here with us through all our trials. We are to pray and make our requests known to God, and His peace that passes all understanding will keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

The second thing we see is that if we will think of the good things, trust in God, obey His Word, then the reality of the God of peace will be with us. The presence of God will be a constant reality giving us strength during the storms of life.

Dear readers, the search for peace can end in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, because He is the source of all true peace. The strength of peace can be experienced and enjoyed by all the children of God. During the time of death, tragedies, disappointments, changes in our lives that come so hard, the peace of God will keep us.

In closing, remember that the Lord Jesus is always present with us. He will never leave nor forsake us. The problem is that we don’t trust in Him as we should. If we will continually draw from the promises of God, this will fill our hearts with power and strength for every trial that comes our way. It will also release the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and one of these fruits is peace. And, peace is one of the keys to living the Christian life.

Scripture: John 16:33; 1 Peter 2:21; Mark 11:23; Ephesians 6:12; Psalm 40:17; Hebrews 4:12; Romans 8:28  

Prayer: Dear Father, life seems so hard at times and I can hardly get through. I close my eyes and hand you my troubles for I know you can do much better than I. Amen

Have a blessed day!

Makinzie

That's the Truth! - "A Promise From God"

"No promise is of private interpretation. Whatever God has said to any one saint He has said to all. When He opens a well for one it is that all may drink. When He opens a granary door to give out food, there may be some one starving man who is the occasion of its being opened, but all hungry saints may come and feed too."  -Charles H. Spurgeon

Happy Monday to you, and welcome to "That's the Truth!" Did you know that a promise from God is a statement we can depend on with absolute confidence?

In this week's Bible study, we'll see how God gave the rainbow as the sign of the covenant; a promise that the entire earth would never again flood; and a reminder that He can and will judge sin (2 Peter 2:5). May you grow in faith, knowledge, and God's love!

Topic: God Created an Everlasting Covenant - (Genesis 9:8-17)

Opening Prayer: God, you have made the heavens and the earth. You have revealed your beauty in creation and inspired the book that we are now about to study. Please help us now as we read together. Take us deeper into understanding more about you and your love for us. Amen.

“And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth” (Genesis 9:16 - KJV).

“When the bow is in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth” (Genesis 9:16 - NRSV).

God promised He would remember His everlasting covenant when He saw the rainbow in the clouds, but God does not need a rainbow to aid His memory. Rather, every time we see a rainbow we need to remember that God will never forget to keep any of His promises. We can remember that God will never flood the entire earth again in order to separate those whose thoughts are “only evil continually” from those who follow God (Genesis 6:5).

The sign of the rainbow does not mean that God has resigned as the King of heaven and earth or quit as the Supreme Judge of the universe. God still judges every individual for their behavior. Jesus came to die and rise from the dead in order to save everyone who would believe in Him (see John 3:16). Before His resurrection from the dead, Jesus even visited those who had died in the great flood of Noah’s day (see 1 Peter 3:18-20).

However, not everyone will believe that Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah, and the Lord over all until after He visibly returns to earth. The Judge of all will do right, and Jesus promised that on some future day He would come in His glory and separate those who want to live in disobedience and rebellion from those who want to obey God (see Matthew 25:31-46). Someday, God will make all things right again, and “in accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home” (2 Peter 3:13).

Quick Study:

1. According to the Bible, why did God send the great flood upon the earth? According to the Bible, why did God save Noah and his family?

2. Do human beings need to do anything or stop doing something for God to keep His promise never to send a great flood again over all the earth?

3. Did God say that He would never judge or destroy the earth again as a just judgment for human evil and rebellion?

4. Why did God say that when He saw the rainbow that He would remember His covenant and promise?

5. Why do you think God emphasized repeatedly that when He saw the rainbow that He would remember His promise and covenant?

Closing Prayer: Father, thank you that you have revealed Your love to us today. We invite You to send us out today in the power of the Holy Spirit. Fan into flame the gifts that you have given us, Come reveal Your grace and truth to us each day. For Yours is the Kingdom, the power and the glory, Forever and ever. Amen.

-a very special thank you to L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

May God bless you! 

Riley