Shhh..! God Is Speaking to You

“Our failure to hear His voice when we want to is due to the fact that we do not in general want to hear it, that we want it only when we think we need it.”  - Dallas Willard

We all recognize the "voices" in our lives. The commanding voice of an authority figure at school or work certainly gets our attention. When we're children, it is the comforting voices of our parents during times of trouble and/or pain. But there is one "voice" that stands out among them all; the voice of God.

God's voice is mentioned in the Bible on several occasions, For example, In the Old Testament, Adam and Eve heard it in Genesis 3; Noah heard His voice in Genesis 6:13-21; as did Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3. Naturally there are others, but I use these to demonstrate that God does communicate with us.

Yet, the question on the minds of many is: "Does God speak to us in our modern age?" The good news is that He does! For some reason, we sometimes think that God left us after a certain point in time. After you read about all the wonderful things He did in the Bible, it's easy to assume that it all ended there.

However, nothing could be further from the truth! God still approaches us in different ways. Let's start with an obvious one. Look all around you. See that big, beautiful thing that surrounds us all? It's called creation. God did that! Yes, although it's not printed on paper it's still irrefutable evidence that He speaks to us everyday in many formats (Psalm 19:1-3).

Then there's the Bible, of course. It is the Word of God. Anytime you want or need to talk to Him; anytime you run across something that troubles or perplexes you; or anytime you just want to ask God a question, He is there, His Word is ready to comfort, inform, or inspire you anytime (2 Timothy 3:16-17). And, yes, this includes prayer, as well.

In addition to all the above, God has contacted with us through dreams (Genesis 20:3); visions (Isaiah 6:1; Acts 11:4-5); angels (Daniel 9:20-21); prophets, and most important of all Jesus (John 1:14). This of course is not a definitive list, but I hope you get the idea that God indeed is in constant touch with us. He probably won't walk up and tap you on the shoulder (although anything is possible), but His "voice" is always with us.

Though God does maintain contact with us, as shown in the Bible, it's very important that I make something clear to you. Unlike us, who can be wishy-washy or untruthful, God will never tell us anything different from what He has already said in the Bible. He is always straight and true with us. God is perfect, which means His Word will never change.

Be cautious of those who claim that God has contacted them. Remember the warning in 2 Peter 2:1 as it pertains to "false prophets. 1 John 4:1 tells us to "test" those who make such claims. Those who are genuine teachers of Jesus Christ will fit the description given in 1 John 4:2-3.

Rest assured that God does speak to us today as clearly as He ever did. If we don't recognize His voice, the fault lies with us not Him. "The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Hebrews 4:12)."

Scripture: John 10:27; Romans 10:17; Jeremiah 33:3; Isaiah 30:21; 1 John 1:7

Prayer: Dear Lord, I am ready to hear Your voice; I want to hear Your voice; I need to hear Your voice; and I pray for a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit everyday. Amen

Have a blessed day!

Renay

Friday Faith Check-up - "Is Your Faith Sliding Away?"

"Those who fall away have never been thoroughly imbued with the knowledge of Christ but only had a slight and passing taste of it."  - John Calvin

A peculiar thing about backsliding in our Christian lives is it occurs so gradually that we hardly notice it. It's similar to objects in the rearview mirror of your car. As you drive along, they gradually grow further and further behind. What was once right there in front of your eyes is now fading away in the distance.

Maybe, once you were a committed believer with a true hunger for Christ. Your passion and desire to follow and learn from Him fueled the fire that burned deep in your heart. Then something happened. What was once enjoyable about religion has now become a dreary task.

We can "backslide, or fall away" from Christ in a couple of ways. One involves the questioning of faith by a truly "saved" person. This is usually a temporary condition. The other, when the facade of an "unsaved" individual's faith begins to crumble, revealing what actually lies underneath.

Jesus' own disciples faced their crisis of faith in Mark 14:27. However, in this case, their's was only a temporary condition. Their hope and faith being later restored and strengthened even greater than before. In Hebrews 6:4-6 and Luke 8:13 we are presented with the other type of falling away.

I ask, "What originally lead you on the path to the Lord? "Were you genuinely "saved," or just test-driving a relationship with Jesus?" It's been my experience that you can ask a backslider about this, but more than likely their state of mind and heart will be set.

What can cause us to backslide? There are several things which might set the process in motion. Some of these are: ignoring God's Word; neglecting prayer; consistent and unrepentful sin; lack of Christian connections and/or activities, and denying to publicly profess our love to Christ.

The best thing that one can do, in either condition, is to start over fresh and new. You will have to rebuild your relationship with Christ again. This is necessary because if you don't, you will be rebuilding on top of an already compromised foundation.

Dr. John R. Rice put it best when he said, "Simply turn to God in your heart, confess your sin and backsliding, and He will receive you with open arms and forgive you of all your sins, failures and mistakes."

You must understand that it won't be easy. No matter which description fits the backslider, it will take some time, work, and committment. And even then, the matter is left in God's hands. Only He can determine if, and when restoration occurs.

Scripture: Revelation 2:5; 2 Peter 2:21; James 4:8; Galatians 6:1; 2 Timothy 2:12

Prayer: Dear Lord, I know that I have backslidden. please accept me once again into Your embrace. Help me so that I do not give in to temptation, or pull away from You again. Your Spirit is life and peace. I promise to glory, honor and praise You now and forever. Amen.

Have a blessed and safe weekend!

Kaye

The Good, the Bad, and the Stubborn

In the summer of 1986, two ships collided in the Black Sea off the coast of Russia. Hundreds of passengers died as they were hurled into the icy waters below. News of the disaster was further darkened when an investigation revealed the cause of the accident. It wasn't a technology problem like radar malfunction--or even thick fog. The cause was human stubbornness.

Each captain was aware of the other ship's presence nearby. Both could have steered clear, but according to news reports, neither captain wanted to give way to the other. Each was too proud to yield first. By the time they came to their senses, it was too late (Closer Walk, December, 1991).

When we think of the word "stubborn" we might imagine someone who is "unreasonably inflexible in will or opinion; or unbending to reason or persuasion." And, it's a good bet that this has suitably described you and I at one time or another whether we admit to it, or not.

One of the hardest things for us to do is to relinquish or give up control of ourselves. We value our human independence and the autonomy that goes along with it. There is a natural tendency to resist when something, or someone threatens to take it away. We see this happen all the time in one form or another.

Some might look at stubborness as a way of not being a push-over, or a sign of fighting back against dominating factions of society. Others might see it as a dangerous, or unpredictable trait capable of creating more damage than good. Both sides have their proponents and opponents, but how does it interact with God's desire for us?

The short answer is: "Not very well!" In fact, God doesn't care for it at all. He considers stubborness a form of defiance; of being obstinate towards him. Let me put it this way, in Hebrew the word "stubborn" can mean "turned away." If we are stubborn towards God, then we are in essence turning ourselves away from him.

The Old Testament shows us the disasterous results when the stubborn Jews turned their backs on God (i.e., forgot what He did for them, ignored His laws, and became idol worshipers). The Pharisees' stubborness in the New Testament both saddened, and displeased Jesus. In both examples, their blatant rebelliousness caused not a few problems between them and the Holy One.

God doesn't want to fight with you, nor does he want to strip you of your freedom. What He truly wants is your heart and obedience. We must constrain the urge to dig in our heels and kick and scream when it comes to following God's commands.

All of us need to learn to surrender to Him; to be flexible and workable in His hands. Sadly, not everyone will learn this lesson. For those who choose this path, God will ultimately give them over to their stubborness and stop imploring with them altogether (Romans 2:5).

In closing, don't be like the stubborn horse or mule in Psalm 32:9. Stubborness doesn't impress God at all. Besides, you don't want to get into a confrontation with Him. I can guarantee, it's a battle you're not going to win!

Scripture: Philippians 2:3; Psalm 81:11-12; John 5:30; Proverbs 29:1; Matthew 28:20

Prayer: Holy Father, my heart yearns for You always, Your words give me life and love. To You I offer myself completely and obediently all the days of my life. Amen

May God bless you!

Brandi

Video - Beth Moore: God In Our Past, Present, and Future

Bible teacher Beth Moore explains how the God who “was, is, and is to come” reigns over our past, present, and future. Awesome presentation!  ~Eve

Stressed?...Let God Give You Rest!

"Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act..." - Psalm 37:7

Like many of you, I sometimes find it difficult to be still for even just a few moments during the course of my day. Between raising a family, running a household, and trying to stay focused at my "paying" job, it can seem next to impossible!

Motion, movement, mobility, etc., is the name of the game in our modern society. If you attempt to slow down, or drop a step or two behind, you're probably going to be shoved aside and trampled over by others on their way to who-knows-what.

Often times we from hear older generations about how "things were much simpler back in the day." That we live in a world that seemingly never slackens up is is no big secret. We are all quite aware of how this impacts our relationships with others. But how does this stress-filled, pressure-driven life affect our relationship with God?

Perhaps we can learn something from the Israelites' experiences in the book of Exodus. Upon the Israelites' release from the bondage of Egypt's Pharaoh, Moses and His people were quickly on the move. The Pharaoh was not in a good mood after they left, and Moses knew it.

What transpired was very distressing. Their lives were totally up-ended. This would have been stressful enough had the story ended here, but it didn't. Afterwards, came the incident at the Red Sea, and then God's presentation of his Laws. All of this kind of makes our lives seem rather tame in comparison, doesn't it?

As the book of Exodus concludes, we see Moses giving God's instructions to the Israelites regarding the tabernacle, priest and worship. Their lives gradually began to slow down. The next book, Leviticus, opens and closes with the Israelites' parked at Mt. Sinai. Here they were given God's rules for worship in the tabernacle.

Though they didn't realize it at the time God had provided them an opportunity to de-stress from the Egyptians; the running away; and the uncertainty of their future (Exodus 33:14). He was also slowly weaning the Israelites from a way of life they had known, and guiding them towards the life He had prepared.

You may recall, there were occasions where the people turned against Moses. They reacted to the stresses that were pressing down on them from all sides. But, don't we do the same? Instead of Moses, we might snap at our spouses, children, or co-workers, Some may turn to drink, drugs, or worse

While it's important to recognize the symptoms of stress, and the importance of healthy ways to relax. we must not forget to include God. He recognized the Israelites' need for respite, and He definitely sees yours, too. If you're feeling stressed, why not let God give you rest (Hebrews 4:10)!

Scripture: Isaiah 30:15; Psalm 4:8; Philippians 4:6; Matthew 8:24; Isaiah 32:17 

Prayer: Dear Lord, Although I get caught up in my own life and neglect You, You never abandon me. I know when times are difficult, stress can blind our eyes to You. I thank You for supporting me even when I don't deserve it; and pray to always keep you first in my heart. Amen

Have a blessed day!

Heidi

United We...Don't Stand?

"Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair".  - G.K. Chesterton

I've often wondered how many in attendance "at" church are actually "in" church. In other words, how many worshipers are there sincerely seeking to connect with the Lord? Or, are they there because it's what's expected of them; perhaps even coerced into coming?

In an ideal world, we piously attend church because of our love and respect for God. But...in reality, not all share these sentiments. Should those of us who faithfully attend with heartfelt affection and gratitude be tempted to rebuke, reprimand, or admonish those churchgoers who are simply filling empty seats? The truth is, there is no simple answer.

To begin with, we cannot be "made" religious. In fact, history discloses many examples of the tragic outcomes of forced religion. There's an old saying, "You can lead a horse to water (but you can't make him/it drink)." Use of an irresistible, moral force is not only contraditory, but an impossibility.

Thus, it stands to reason that gathering together in church doesn't guarantee that everyone is united in the same spirit (1 Corinthians 11:17). You might have two people sitting together, listening to the same sermon, etc., and still be as far apart from each other as the earth is from Mars.

What's the critical, missing piece that causes this separation? They are missing "spiritual unity." It cannot exist without a supreme affection for Christ. Furthermore, without Him there can be no uniting of souls (1 Corinthians 11:18-19).

As an example, I direct you to 1 Corinthians 11. The apostle Paul noticed discord within the church in Corinth. Though they would gather as a church, there was disagreement and dissension among them. In this case, it had to do with the sharing of the Lord's supper. This garnered a rebuke from Paul (1 Corinthians 11:17)!

It seems that the rich, who disliked the poor, abused what should have been a covenant of mutal love and affection. So, we have two members of the same church, but one has totally different views of what is proper than the other (1 Corinthians 11:20-21). 

Clearly, the church in Corinth was missing spiritual unity. It's members were together, yet not. There were definite schisms within the church community, much like what we might see today. We are not all that different from the Corinthians. Times may change, but people don't. 

Separation within the church is a serious matter. It can lead to many negative consequences, such as: impeding the prosperity of the church; demoralization of its community. disapproval or disappointment among its members, and even cause us to dishonor Christ.

Things like hypocrisy, self-righteous pride, promising appearances or outward profession have always been with the church. We are saints or sinners, godly or ungodly. Humankind has always had their differences. But as bleak and dreary as this may all sound, there is hope. 

As it so happens, God provided us with supportive guidance to spiritual unity. We must not only follow God's word, but act accordingly, as well (Matthew 7:13-14). And although it presently continues to be elusive, we shouldn't give up on unity.

Let us press on "until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13).

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:10; John 17:21; Amos 3:3; Ephesians 4:3; 1 Corinthians 12:14     

Prayer: Dear God, may You always look upon us with mercy, for we are divided in so many ways, I ask for Your Spirit to make us united in love. Amen

God bless you!

Gretchen

Bible Study Snacks - Colossians 4:1-18

Hi, everyone!

Happy Friday, and welcome to Bible Study Snacks! Thank you for joining me again as we walk together through the richness of God's spoken word, and wisdom. I pray that you had a great week, and that today finds you in good health, and strong in faith!

This week, we will finalize our study of the Book of Colossians. These studies are brief, yet packed full of good information for everyone regardless of your level of biblical knowledge. I might also add that these quick studies make perfect small group discussion starters!

As always, I whole-heartedly believe in the importance that any Bible study should begin with prayer. If you have your Bible ready, let us 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) Consider the importance of prayer, and proper conduct toward those who are not Christians.
2) Appreciate the value of God's "second string", those workers in the kingdom who assisted key players like Paul and contributed so much to the spread of the gospel.

For your convenience, here is a summary of this week's lesson, specifically Colossians 4:1-18

Paul concludes his section on "The Christian Solution" as an alternative to the heresies being proposed at Colosse with exhortations to prayer and proper conduct. His desire is that they devote themselves to prayer with vigilance and thanksgiving. A special request for prayer in his behalf is made, that God might give him an open door for the word of God, and that he might make the mystery of Christ known. Their own conduct is to be with wisdom toward outsiders, making good use of their time. This includes speaking with grace, knowing how one ought to answer others (Colossians 4:1-6).

Paul then mentions several companions, starting with Tychicus and Onesimus who were evidently the messengers of this epistle, and who would inform them of Paul's circumstances. Special greetings are also sent from the brethren with Paul. These included three Jewish brethren (Aristarchus, Mark, Jesus called Justus), a brother who was from Colosse (Epaphras), a beloved physician (Luke), and one we know from another epistle (Demas, cf. 2 Timothy 4:9) who later forsook Paul (Colossians 4:7-14).

Finally, greetings are sent to those in Laodicea and the church meeting in the home of Nymphas, along with a charge to exchange epistles with the church in Laodicea. With a final exhortation (calling) for Archippus to fulfill his ministry, Paul signs off using his personal signature, asking that they remember his chains, and praying for grace on their behalf (Colossians 4:15-18).

REVIEW QUESTIONS:

1) In calling them to earnest prayer, what four things does Paul ask of them? (Colossians 4:2-4)
2) How were they to walk? (Colossians 4:5)
3) How were they to speak? (Colossians 4:6)
4) How is Tychicus described?  Why was Paul sending him? (Colossians 4:7-8)
5) How is Onesimus describe?  What was Paul sending him? (Colossians 4:9)
6) What three men were Paul's only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who were of the circumcision, i.e. Jews? (Colossians 4:10-11)
7) What is said about Epaphras in relation to the churches in Colosse, Laodicea, and Hierapolis? (Colossians 4:12-13)
8) Who else sends greetings? (Colossians 4:14)
9) To what two groups does Paul send greetings? (Colossians 4:15)
10) What was to be done with the epistle after it had been read to the church? (Colossians 4:16)
11) What was to be done with an epistle coming from Laodicea? (Colossians 4:16)
12) What special charge does Paul tell them to give to Archippus? (Colossians 4:17)
13)  How does Paul confirm that this epistle was from him? (Colossians 4:18)
14) What final request does Paul ask of the Colossians? (Colossians 4:18)
15) What final prayer does Paul offer in behalf of the brethren? (Colossians 4:18)

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!

I hope that you have enjoyed this study, and will continue to faithfully study God's Word. Until our next time together...

God bless you!

Sheri

Our Trial of Faith (Fighting the Good Fight)

"Satan, like a fisher, baits his hook according to the appetite of the fish."  - Thomas Adams

As most already know, this is a presidential election year in the U.S. Of course, the usual jockeying for position between candidates is well under way. And yes, that means plenty of media exposure, personal appearances, and displays of one-upmanship all the way around!

They say that it will be a "fight" to see who will be the next president. But did you know that Christians are engaged in a fight, too? It's true! But, this fight doesn't end after the debating has ended, the votes have been tabulated, and the confetti has been swept up.

This "fight" is a struggle that occurs on a daily basis throughout our lives. Perhaps you have heard of this "good fight of faith?" It's mentioned in 1 Timothy 6:12. The stakes here are much greater than simply who will be the next leader of the country. The outcome of this contest determines our eternal life.

Like most good conflicts, it won't be a cakewalk. The level of severity is high. Our many adversaries are strong, and united. We will be exposed to certain pain, as animosity and discord pull us in every direction. And, this duel for our hearts and souls is neverending. Our enemies never rest, nor tire. Therefore, it is imperative that we do the same!

Let's take a closer look at 1 Timothy 6:12 again: "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto you are also called…" Notice that "faith" is the main concern or interest in this fight. I point this out because it carries significance. It is our "faith" that allows us to press onward; and eventually emerge victorious (1 Peter 5:9).

We may confidently label this "fight" what it truly is; a "trial of faith." It is a "good fight" in that it strengthens our spiritual resolve, and keeps our spiritual faculties razor sharp. Certainly, God could easily have made our lives effortless and trouble-free, but it would have also made us too complacent, and spiritually listless.

I must add a cautionary note at this point. Not all will fight with the same motive, or for the same conclusion. They will fight a sinful, faithless fight; which will end in the ruination of their souls. Their actions are not too difficult to discern if you know what to look for.

For instance, they fight for what they can receive from the world, not to avoid being swallowed up by it. Also, their struggles lead them away from God's favor and even religion. Their lack of faith being the engine that propels their behavior.

What can you and I do to sustain our faith during this long, protracted spiritual conflict? We can begin by believing what Scripture declares: of the things we cannot see (Hebrews 11:1); that Christ is the only way to the Father (John 14:6); and, that we have received Jesus and will continue to walk in Him (Colossians 2:6).

In addition, we must commit our spirit to to the Lord, and let Him safely guide us to Heavenly glory (Psalm 73:24; Psalm 31:5); along with obeying his word, and giving ourselves totally to him who rules over all Heaven and earth (Psalm 83:18).

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:25; Philippians 1:30; Philippians 3:12; Zechariah 10:5; 1 Corinthians 9:25,26

Prayer: Dear Lord, let my faith be full and unreserved, joyful, and humble. May you give peace and gladness to my spirit always. Amen

May your day be blessed!

Charlene

Video - Beth Moore: The Hand of God

Why is it important to have God’s “hand” on your life? Listen as Bible teacher Beth Moore explores this amazing truth. Enjoy!   ~Eve

Commitment of Faith In God

"The Christian life is not adding Jesus to one's own way of life but renouncing that personal way of life for His and being willing to pay whatever cost that may require."  - John MacArthur

Have you ever noticed how much of life involves commitment? For example, we commit to our marriage; we are committed to our children; we are committed to our jobs; we may commit to helping others in our community; and so on.

As you can see, commitment plays a huge part in our personal, work, and communal lives. However, it doesn't stop here. There is another type of commitment that many, whether consciously or not, forget about. The commitment of which I am insinuating is the "commitment of faith in God."

Some might say, "But, there's not enough room in my day for more commitment!" "I'm stretched out too thin as it is!" Besides the usual list of excuses, many simply fear commitments of any kind. In all fairness, most commitments (such as those listed above) are quite tangible. On the other hand, committed faith (as it relates to God), requires an unconditional belief in Him.

Too many live by the old adage of "seeing is believing" as it pertains to faith (Proverbs 3:5-8). They may be waiting for something to manifest itself before they feel satisfied enough to commit. For those who are thinking along these terms, I have to tell you that you have a lot of time and patience. You'll need it (John 1:18)!

When we commit ourselves to God, we are admitting to our faith in His promises. This faith is usually expressed in adoration and worship; which in turn results in us submissively obeying His commands. There are no bells and whistles here, nor are there any compromises (Hebrews 11:6).

Commitment requires us to put in charge unto, or entrusting ourselves to something. By committing our faith to God we are doing exactly this. We are giving ourselves absolutely to Him in every respect. I ask you, truthfully, what could be more joyful and gratifying than that (John 14:6)?

Scripture: Matthew 22:3; 7; James 4:8; Romans 14:23; Hebrews 4:16; Romans 4:3-5

Prayer: Dear Lord, lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.  - Psalm 25:5

Have a blessed day!

Krystle

In Disobedience of 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

Think back to when you were going to school as a child. Things were pretty cut and dry. Your daily routine was already set for you. The biggest thing that was asked of everyone (the students) was that they follow the rules.

Teachers handled the instruction, students performed their work and followed the rules. It didn't matter whether they were school or classroom rules, if anyone defied them; there were consequences. I have to be honest with you, I, like most kids in school, tested the waters from time to time.

And, I, like most, lost my nerve to push the limits any further if my parents were notified of my behavior. But, as we all know, some tended to live on the edge on a regular basis. The rest of us simply watched in wide-eyed amazement as the offender(s) received the fruits of their unwise choices.

As adults, we too can be guilty of following the path of disobedience. However, in this case, the path we are foolishly tracking is leading us away from God's instruction. How could this be? It's not as difficult as you might think. As you will see in a moment, even God's people Israel were not immune from this.

God guided and supported Israel in their long journey from slavery in Egypt, to their arrival in the land He had promised to give them. No doubt, it wasn't a trouble-free journey, but the people were mostly faithful to God during this time. As such, He gave them possesion of the land and victory over the idolatrous people who lived there (Psalm 37:34).

Now, this remained so as long as Joshua was their leader, and then a few years after. But, as time went on, other older, faithful leaders passed. And eventually the generation that remembered God's miracles were gone, as well. The new generation were unfamilar and unconcerned with the past.

Things started to unravel for Israel because of their disobedience to God's commands. He permitted the godless tribes to invade their land; thus subjecting the Israelites to lives of poverty and suffering (Revelation 2:4). This, in turn forced them to turn to God and plead for His assistance.

Consequently, God would give them a leader who would unite and restore order to Israel. This proved to be a repeated pattern of their behavior for approximately three hundred years. The book of Judges pretty much reads this way all the way through. This recurrent conduct was a product of their willfull disobedience.

We can gain quite a bit from the trials and tribulations of Israel. You may have experiences where your defiance towards God led to less than satisfactory results. And, you know what? There is no one to blame but ourselves. It's the classic case of placing our own self-interests and achievements ahead of Him.

We are all falliable. The world is like the siren's call that lulls one into thinking that he can do it on his own. The self-made man is a myth! There is no such thing. Everything we have, materially and spiritually, is a gift from God. Don't be fooled into thinking otherwise. "For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it" (1 Timothy 6:7).

It would be unwise to maneuver around the obstacles that confront our mortal lives without the discipline that is grounded in God's word. He is like a stern, but loving parent who disciplines our disobedience not to harm us, but to allow us to see the folly of our vain and presumptuous actions (Proverbs 3:1-2).

George Mueller, a 19th century Christian evangelist said, "Nine-tenths of the difficulties are overcome when our hearts are ready to do the Lord's will, whatever it may be. When one is truly in this state, it is usually but a little way to the knowledge of what His will is." Listen to, and obey God's direction. Allow Him to guide your path (Psalm 119:105).

Scripture: John 14:15; James 1:22; Joshua 1:8; Hebrews 5:9; Deuteronomy 28:13   

Prayer: Holy Father, I surrender all I am to You today and pray that I may walk in newness of love and humble obedience all the days of my life. Amen

May your day be blessed!

Makinzie

Bible Study Snacks - Colossians 3:1-25; 4:1

Hi, everyone!

Happy Friday, and welcome to Bible Study Snacks! Thank you for joining me again as we walk together through the richness of God's spoken word, and wisdom. I pray that you had a great week, and that today finds you in good health, and strong in faith!

This week, we will continue our study of the Book of Colossians. These studies are brief, yet packed full of good information for everyone regardless of your level of biblical knowledge. I might also add that these quick studies make perfect small group discussion starters!

As always, I whole-heartedly believe in the importance that any Bible study should begin with prayer. If you have your Bible ready, let us 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) See what Paul offers as the Christian solution in dealing with the problem of sin.
2) Understand what our responsibilities are as "the elect of God, holy and beloved."

For your convenience, here is a summary of this week's lesson, specifically Colossians 3:1-25; 4:1

Having warned the brethren of the "Colossian Heresy,"and the need to be established in the faith of Jesus Christ, Paul now offers a detailed description of "The Christian Solution" to the problem of sin in their lives. Rather than being deceived or swayed by false alternatives, they need to seek those things above, where Christ is, to set theirminds on things above and not on the earth. This is because they have been raised with Christ (cf. Colossians 2:12) and their life is now hidden in Christ, awaiting the day of His coming in which they will appear with Him in glory (Colossians 3:1-4).

With minds set on Christ, they need to "put to death" those sins in which their earthly members engaged, and upon which the wrath of God is coming. This is done by "putting off" the old man with his deeds, and "putting on" the new man who is being renewed in knowledge after the image of Christ. The deeds of the old man and the characteristics of the new man are defined by Paul, followed with exhortations to allow the "peace of God" to rule in their hearts and to let the "word of Christ" dwell in them richly. He also charges them to do all things in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father (Colossians 3:5-17).

As so much of their daily lives revolve around the home, Paul also addresses the responsibilities of various family members as they serve the Lord (Colossians 3:18-4:1).

REVIEW QUESTIONS:

1) What two-fold charge is given to those who have been raised with Christ? (Colossians 3:1-2)
2) Where is our "life" at the present?  When shall it appear? (Colossians 3:3-4)
3) What sins are we to "put to death"? (Colossians 3:5)
4) Why must we put them to death? (Colossians 3:6)
5) What other sins must we "put off"? (Colossians 3:8,9)
6) What have we "put off", and what have we "put on"? (Colossians 3:9-10)
7) As God's elect (chosen), holy and beloved, what are we to "put on"? (Colossians 3:12-14)
8) What must we allow the "peace of God" do? (Colossians 3:15)
9) What must we allow the "word of Christ" do? (Colossians 3:16)
10) How are we to teach and admonish one another? (Colossians 3:16)
11) How are we to do all things, whether in word or deed? (Colossians 3:17)
12) What is the duty of wives? (Colossians 3:18)
13)  What is the duty of husbands? (Colossians 3:19)
14) What is the duty of children? (Colossians 3:20)
15) What is the duty of fathers? (Colossians 3:21)
16) What is the duty of servants? (Colossians 3:22-23)
17) What positive motivation is there for a servant to so act?  What negative motivation? (Colossians 3:24-25)
18) What is the duty of masters?  What motivation is offered to do this? (Colossians 4:1)

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

Serve God, Keeping His Commandments Always

"Those who are faithful to God are protected and prospered. That comes as the result of serving God and keeping His commandments. But with those blessings comes the temptation to forget their source. It is easy to begin to feel the blessings were granted not by a loving God, on whom we depend, but by our own powers."   - Henry B. Eyring

What may just be the hardest thing for us to overcome is desiring things of this world. This, of course, doesn't include our basic needs for survival, such as food, water, and shelter. I'm referring to those things that are valued to the point where they become dominated by sin.

You might be wondering, "What is she talking about?" I'm talking about major areas of concern like the lust of the flesh, love of money, personal vanity, and gain at any cost. I suppose that one could easily make the case that this is impossible for us to do. At the very least, it is an on-going battle that rages on within ourselves!

We (humankind) have always wrestled with temporal things. It's certainly nothing new. Here's a good example. When the Israelites finally entered the promised land and began to establish themselves there, they tried their hardest to protect their precious, worldy possessions. Old habits die hard. Sound familiar?

But, let me back up just a bit. Before they arrived there, God had promised that he would guide and protect them along the way. As an added bonus, He even sent his own special, personal angel ahead of them as they made their way to the promised land (Exodus 23:23). In other words, they didn't make it because of their own special skills or efforts!

There was one thing, though. As a condition of His promise to them, God commanded that they would serve no other gods or idols (Deuteronomy 4:39-49). They were to serve the only true god, which was: Him! If they could manage this, God would always provide for; protect; increase wealth to; continue the good health of; and prolong their lives. Even their enemies would become "non-factors" as per God's promise (Exodus 23:27).

As I mentioned, upon their arrival in the promised land the Isrealites suffered from short-term memory disorder (Deuteronomy 31:15-18; 20-21). It was hard for them to let go of the temptations of this world. And, as we tend to do. we start believing our own success, and let God slowly fade into the background. It's a classic mistake. Instead of serving God, we serve other gods, or idols; whatever they might be.

In Exodus 23:24-25, God makes it pretty clear what he wants from us. We can't pretend that we don't know, or He didn't make himself clear. Nor should we should we ever think of ourselves as equal to, or better than God. Sorry, that just won't cut it! We are to serve Him, not the other way around.

Does this all mean that God doesn't want us to go out to dinner and a movie? Have fun with our families and friends? Live successful and full lives? Of course not! God simply wants us to keep it all in perspective. Pay attention to, and obey his commands. Follow and trust Him. And, most important of all, serve and worship only Him (Deuteronomy 6:5). Never forget that God is number one! 

Scripture: Matthew 4:10; Leviticus 26:3; Deuteronomy 6:13; Exodus 20:5; Exodus 23:32

Prayer: Dear God, I offer my praise and worship to You alone, always. I am Your humble servant. You protect and guide me, provide for, and shelter me. There is no no one greater than You, my Holy Father. Hear my prayer and know that I desire to serve only You. Amen

God bless you!

Collette

Video - Beth Moore: When The Enemy Comes Against You

When the enemy brings "wind and waves" against your mission, how would Jesus respond? Bible teacher Beth Moore answers this and encourages you to stay strong! Enjoy!  ~Eve

God Is Free to Be Merciful

"Mercy is the apex of God's glory the way the overflow of a fountain is the apex of the fountain's fullness. God is free to be merciful because he is full and utterly self-sufficient in himself."  - John Piper

We hear a lot of talk about "God's goodness or mercy," but do we really comprehend what this means? We shall address this question in a moment. But for now, let's talk a little about mercy in our own interractions with others. Most likely, you've probably encountered displays of mercy during the course of your day without realizing it.

Do you remember when you let that young, exasperated mom and her restless children cut in front of you at the check-out line? How about when you gave that older lady your seat on the crowded bus, as there were no others available? Perhaps your waitress brought you wheat rolls instead of sourdough like you ordered, but you let it go? As you can see, acts of mercy, whether carried out by us, or someone else, are quite common.

When you or I fulfill an act of mercy; we just do it without feeling the need to be compensated for it. One could say that by displays of mercy we show our human compassion towards one another. And isn't that the whole point, after all? Acts of mercy don't have to be huge, just sincere and without compensation.

Now, what about "God's goodness or mercy?" In an easy-to-digest form, (God's) mercy is the result and effect of God's goodness (Psalm 33:5). What this is saying is that God is essentially good in himself and relatively good to us. This relative goodness is literally his mercy, which is an innate inclination in God to comfort and assist those in misery or distress.

Suprisingly, there are many who feel that one should somehow be repayed or reimbursed, for acts of mercy. This is not the case with God. His mercy is free! Furthermore, not only is His mercy free, but it is infinite (Psalm 86:6; Ephesians 2:2; Psalm 51:1), and eternal (Psalm 103:3, 37)!

But let's not kid ourselves here. Because we are sinful and undeserving, God doesn't have to extend his mercy or his love to us, yet he does (Hosea 14:4). This is a very important point to keep close to your heart.

In closing, when it comes right down to it, all of us should imitate God by exhibiting mercy whenever we can. As He is our Father of mercy, we as his children should follow his example; that is, being merciful in giving and forgiving as He is.

Scripture: Hebrews 4:16; James 2:13; Deuteronomy 4:31; Isaiah 64:4; Luke 6:36

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for your mercy; and even though I don't deserve it; You generously offer it to me with no questions asked! Amen

Have a blessed day!

Susan

Prayer Is a Privilege, Not a Right!

"We must begin to believe that God, in the mystery of prayer, has entrusted us with a force that can move the Heavenly world, and can bring its power down to earth."  - Andrew Murray

So, your favorite sports team didn't win the big game; someone else got that promotion at work that you wanted so badly; or that special person, whom you had hoped would finally take an interest in you, took an interest in someone else. You start thinking, "What else could go wrong?"

These are just a sampling of life situations that make many feel dejected, depressed, perhaps even despondent. I'm sure that most of you could share some experiences of your own. But, there's a specific type of dejection that can hit believers hard. It's commonly called spiritual dejection: a sadness that is caused by failure, loss, or lowness in spirits..

There are different causes of it, but how we pray may cause major problems that can lead to spiritual dejection. Let's refer back to the opening paragraph for a moment. When things don't turn out the way we had hoped, as alluded to in the examples, we tend to feel as if the bottom has dropped out, or dejected.

"Why didn't it work out?" "What could I have done differently?" "Did I not try hard enough?" These thoughts (and hundreds like them) swirl around in our heads as we try to make sense of it all. You might also feel this way when your prayers are not answered in a way that is not satisfactory.

What happens then? You might feel as if God wasn't listening to your petitions; or even worse, that He has abandoned you. Listen, I realize that we live in an instant-gratification society today. We want it our way, and we want it now! And, if it doesn't happen, we move on to something, or someone else better capable of getting things done.

Additionally, things seem to get tossed aside more easily nowadays if they don't work in our favor (relationships, material goods, jobs, etc.) We even do that with God. How many of us have quit prayer altogether because it didn't work in our favor? This is where "spiritual dejection" can likely slip in to our lives.

Interestingly, you can see how one-sided this is. It's all about "me!" We come off sounding selfish and self-centered in prayer. Instead of seeking God Himself, we demand an answer from Him. Insistence on an answer to our prayers is not the right way to connect with God.

We pray as if God is a bank automatic teller machine (ATM). A problem arises; we drop to our knees, tell him what we need, and "Poof!" it's done! Does this sound familiar? If this is the case, then you've missed the whole point of praying.

The primary purpose of praying should always be to get in touch with God, not get an answer. We build ourselves up in what we can receive from God. Then, when the walls cave in because our own self-interests are not granted, we lay the blame on Him.

Any kind of spiritual dejection is wrong. And, you know who's really to blame? You're right..it's us! The value of prayer can hardly be estimated. As Christians, if we are unable, or unwilling to seriously approach it as the gift that it is, then we might as well give up the Christian walk of life.

Prayer nourishes and strengthens our divine life. It's the energy of our life and soul. It also gives us power over sin and the world. But, most importantly, prayer provides us the privilege of coming into the presence of God and conversing with him.

James 5:15 tells us that we should offer our prayers in faith. Take a look at how you have been praying. Don't be afraid to change things if you need to. Call out to Him, but not in an imperative manner. Remember to always approach God as the loving, merciful Father he is (Psalm 37:23)!

Scripture: Colossians 4:2; Luke 18:1; Matthew 26:41; Philippians 4:6; Psalm 145:18-19  

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen  - Matthew 6:9-13

God loves you!

Janice

Bible Study Snacks - Colossians 2:1-23

Hi, everyone!

Happy Friday, and welcome to Bible Study Snacks! Thank you for joining me again as we walk together through the richness of God's spoken word, and wisdom. I pray that you had a great week, and that today finds you in good health, and strong in faith!

This week, we will continue our study of the Book of Colossians. These studies are brief, yet packed full of good information for everyone regardless of your level of biblical knowledge. I might also add that these quick studies make perfect small group discussion starters!

As always, I whole-heartedly believe in the importance that any Bible study should begin with prayer. If you have your Bible ready, let us 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) See the relation between understanding the "mystery of God" and having a strong assurance of our salvation.
2) Appreciate how baptism serves as our spiritual circumcision, and that it is a work of God which is performed, not a work of man.
3) Understand how Christ brought an end to the Old Law by His death on the cross.

For your convenience, here is a summary of this week's lesson, specifically Colossians 2:1-23:

Paul reveals his great concern for those at Colosse and others he has not seen, expressing his desire that their hearts be knit together in love, and that they may have the assurance that comes from an understanding of the mystery of God as revealed through Christ. He rejoices in their good order and steadfastness, and encourages them to be firmly established in Christ, abounding in thanksgiving (Colossians 2:1-7).

The word "Beware" in verse eight summarizes the rest of the chapter, in which Paul warns them of the dangers of "The Colossian Heresy." These  dangers include being cheated through philosophy and vain deceit, and defrauded of their reward by those who appeal to false humility, the worship of angels, false visions, and strict regulations according to the commandments and doctrines of men which really have no value against the indulgence of the flesh.

In Christ they are made complete, having undergone a circumcision not made with hands, in which God made them alive together with Christ. Since Christ has also nailed to the cross the "handwriting of requirements" that was against them and taken it out of the way, none can judge them regarding religious observances that were only a shadow pointing to the true substance of Christ
(Colossians 2:8-23).

REVIEW QUESTIONS:

1) What was Paul's strong desire for those he had not seen? (Colossians 2:1-2)
2) What is "hidden" in Christ? (Colossians 2:3)
3) What had Paul seen in the Colossians that caused him to rejoice? (Colossians 2:5)
4) How were the Colossians to walk in Christ? (Colossians 2:6-7)
5) What three things might be used to "cheat" us? (Colossians 2:8)
6) What is said about Jesus in relation to the Godhead? (Colossians 2:9)
7) What is our condition in Christ? (Colossians 2:10)
8) What sort of "circumcision" have we had in Christ? (Colossians 2:11)
9) What takes place in baptism?  Who is the one at work in baptism? (Colossians 2:12-13)
10) What did Christ take out of the way, having nailed it to the cross? (Colossians 2:14)
11) In what things should we not let others judge us? (Colossians 2:16-17)
12) In what ways might people seek to defraud us? (Colossians 2:18)
13) What sort of "basic principles of the world" might others try to regulate upon us? (Colossians 2:21)
14) What is the truth about such traditions of men? (Colossians 2:22-23)

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

What's Holding You Back..?

"Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it's amazing what they can accomplish."   - Sam Walton

Have you ever found yourself confronted with a situation where, after having a moment to think about it, you suddenly lost your self-confidence? My guess is: you have. Not to worry, though. It happens to all of us from time to time.

I'd like to begin today's message with an article by Paul Light, of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. A jet airliner captain was about to take off on a flight to London. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," he said over the loud speaker system. "This is your captain speaking. We'll be crossing the Atlantic this evening at an altitude of 37,000 feet. Our estimated speed is 730 mph. We should reach London in approximately 5 hours." After a moment of silence, the captain continued, "We will take off as soon as I get up enough nerve."

A deficiency of self-confidence is usually caused by a lack of trust in our own abilities. We are afraid that we are going to mess up. Some say it's due to not being assertive enough, or our inner strength is too weak. Whatever the cause may be, it holds us back like a giant roadblock.

Take Moses for example. When we think of Moses in the Bible, we picture a strong, wise, leader with a head of long, flowing white hair, a matching beard, standing on top of a rock with his staff in hand, looking authoritively at his people below. But, he really wasn't like this; at least not in the beginning.

As unbelievable as it might seem, Moses was a reluctant leader. He did not inherit his position as leader of Israel. I think that Moses would have been perfectly happy just to continue tending his father-in-law's (Reuel) sheep (Exodus 3:1). His life was peaceful, and predictable. But, God always has his own plans for us!

God saw something deep inside Moses; something that Moses didn't even know he had in him. God saw a "leader of His people." It began with a burning bush, and a request from God that, though he hesitated at first, Moses couldn't refuse (Exodus 3:3). God picked had chosen his leader. And what God wants, God gets!

We all have something in common with Moses. We are not perfect! Fortunately, God doesn't want perfection, In fact, the less perfect we are, the more He wants us. Obviously, Moses was not a born leader. So, why would God choose Moses for such an important job as being the leader of his people, Israel?

Let's take a look at some possible reasons. Moses was not a violent man, but he did possess a strong compassion for those who could not protect themselves (Exodus 2:11-12). Likewise, his kindness towards such meek and mild animals, such as sheep, could be applied to watching over God's people (Exodus 2:16-17).

Similarly, we too have inner qualities that God is quite aware of. It is our imperfection that allows fear to take over and stifle our confidence. We all have flaws, moments of weakness, and short-comings just like Moses. And, just like the rest of us, he was a work in progress

Although Moses dragged his feet at first, he rested his faith in God; letting Him guide his life. How about you? Is the lack of self-confidence holding you back from...a promotion at work? A loving, relationship with someone? A healthy, vibrant social life, etc?

Follow the example of Moses. Put your faith and trust in God's hands. You are worthy of His mercy, kindness, and blessings. Some might tell you otherwise, but there is only one voice that speaks the truth. God will never tell you anything other than the truth. With God, anything is possible (Mark 10:27)!

Scripture: Philippians 4:13; 2 Timothy 1:7; Hebrews 13:6; Joshua 1:9; Proverbs 3:6

Prayer: God, I am created in Your image.  I am happy with the way I am made.  I appreciate my unique qualities. (Genesis 1:27)

Have a blessed day!

Renay

Video - Beth Moore: Building Up the Church

This week, Bible teacher Beth Moore spotlights the dramatic benefits of building up God’s family instead of tearing each other down over our differences. She raises some nice points here! Enjoy!  ~Eve

Sin Loves The Procrastinator

"Sin wants to remain unknown. It shuns the light. In the darkness of the unexpressed it poisons the whole being of a person."  - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Sometimes a person has dealt with pain, or suffered from a malady for so long that they simply just get used to it. For them, it feels perfectly normal and they continue living in that condition. This is not unusual, as it happens more often than you think.

The same thing can happen to us when dealing with sin. Many of us have been living lives steeped in sin for so long, that we have become insensitive to it. Like the person who has grown accustomed to a chronically bad knee or shoulder, we shrug it off and press on through the pain of living a sinful life.

In many cases, some are actually unaware that they may be languishing in a spiritual malady. That probably explains why it seems that they are in no hurry to seek release from its grasp. After all, it they were aware of it, wouldn't it stand to reason that they would seek help?

We see a good illustration of this in John 5:1-6. We are not told how long the invalid rested in the five porches, lethargically waiting for healing. Apparently he wasn't totally incapacitated in that he somehow, perhaps by crawling, managed to make it to the healing pool (Bethesda) for thirty-eight years.

Whatever it was that ailed him, had been with him for a long time. Thus, for all intents and purposes, his plight might have seemed incurable. For sure, there were others around the pool, but Jesus singled him out. Why him? Maybe Jesus saw something in him that wasn't evident in the others.

For an insight to this, we can skip ahead a few verses to John 5:14. It appears from this verse that the man's dilemma was the result of a past, sinful lifestyle. Could it be that he had been living with his sin for so long, that he grew insensitive to it? Make no mistake, Jesus was well aware of his lengthy suffering.

We read in John 5:6: When Jesus saw him lying there and knew he had already been there a long time, He said to him, "Do you want to get well?" Jesus was questioning his seriousness in wanting to be helped. The man had obviously seen others cured over the years, so he knew that the possibility existed for him too, if he could just make it to the pool. The trouble was, he was hoping (waiting) for someone else to take him to it.

He had become too indolent, or lazy to seriously attempt it himself. He blamed it on others beating him to the task, in one way or another. Does this same inaction (spiritual malaise) keep us from earnestly seeking help from Jesus? Do we blame our procrastination or idleness on others?

Of course, the invalid was fortunate. He was cured by Jesus, even though he didn't specifically ask him to. This man's cure served as an example of the Jesus' mercy and grace to all that were present that day. He showed that there is help available by the power of Christ; as evidenced by his actions with the invalid.

Sometimes, as with the invalid, we want others to make our decisions for us. It doesn't work that way with, especially when it comes to our own sin. The invalid was lucky in that Jesus took it upon himself to cure him without being asked. Remember, one of God's gifts to humankind is free will. This means that it is up to us to either, choose to follow God, or not.

As I have mentioned, Jesus used this event to demonstrate his glorious power, which is available to all who ask. If we want the same help, we have to get up off the sofa, get down on our knees, and pray for forgiveness. Jesus will not show up at your door and ask you if you need his help.

Sin wants to remain unknown. It's perfectly happy just quietly lurking around inside of us, slowly taking over our lives while we go about our business. Before you know it, you have grown indifferent to it. Like aching joints, we shrug it off, and keep on going while the damage continues. Does it have to be this way? No!

Christ can heal us, too. Unlike the invalid, we have to ask for help (it's that free will thing again!) We have to approach Him and ask for forgiveness. But how do we know we have a problem? We all have a problem with sin! There is not one of us alive who isn't a sinner. Some just figure that it's easier to just deal with it ourselves (which is a big mistake) than to seek Christ's helping hand.

Here's an important detail. Just because you were born again doesn't mean that you'll be perfect. It may be true that when we're born again we receive a new, godly nature (Ephesians 4:24), but our old, sinful nature still exists. We will always need Christs' help. It's not a one shot deal. We will need His help as long as we live and breathe on this side of eternity.

Therefore, I urge you to earnestly seek Jesus' help and forgiveness for your sins. And as you do, remember to always give him all the glory and credit! He loves you, and wants to help you. But, you have to make the first move, no one else can do it for you.

Scripture: Revelation 3:15-16; John 5:39-40; James 4:17; 1 John 1:9; Ephesians 2:8-9

Prayer: Dear Jesus, I pray to you for the forgiveness of my sins; and the strength to resist temptation wherever and whenever it may strike. You are always foremost in my heart and mind; may Your merciful and gracious hand keep me from falling to sin. In Jesus name, Amen  

God bless you!

Emmie

Adversity Stimulates Growth in Faith

"Let me embrace thee, sour adversity, for wise men say it is the wisest course."    - William Shakespeare

We've all experienced adversity in our lives at one time or another. Many times we bring adversity upon ourselves through our own actions, and sometimes it is caused by others. Our adverse times may be long or short, but regardless of the length of our trials, they hit us hard and fast.

The late British journalist and satirist, Malcolm Muggeridge, said this about adversity, "Contrary to what might be expected, I look back on experiences that at the time seemed especially desolating and painful with particular satisfaction. Indeed, I can say with complete truthfulness that everything I have learned in my 75 years in this world, everything that has truly enhanced and enlightened my experience, has been through affliction and not through happiness.

Consider the times in your personal life when adversity, in one form or another, had you against the ropes. To whom did you turn to for comfort and support? Friends? Co-workers? Family? Of course, these are all good sources of consolation during times of difficulty and hardship, and are, no doubt, our first choice in many cases.

But, were you aware that adversity applies to our religious life, as well? Ecclesiastes 7:14 mentions adversity in regards to the good and bad times in our lives. Proverbs 24:10 refers to our strength, or weakness, in handling adversity. Job reprimands his wife in Job 2:10 after she blames God for his suffering and adversity.

As bad as adversity may be (after all no one looks forward to facing adversity) it does produce some good outcomes in our relationship with God. Believe it, or not, there's nothing like adversity to test the legitimacy, or authenticity of our religious life. I can personally attest to this, as I'm sure that many of you can, too.

It (adversity) can have an interesting effect on us; in that it can actually improve the quality of our religious life. After weathering a storm in our life, knowing that our faith in God sustained us along the way, we can confidently say that "I am better in so many ways for going through it." It gives us a fresh, new outlook on our sometimes wavering belief.

Adversity also makes our religious life more: thoughtful, vigorous or potent, intense and prayerful, rounded and complete, tender and sympathetic. Naturally, this list is by no means complete, as I am sure that you could easily add to it! In addition, it can promote the durability and growth of our religious lives. Think of how pruning a tree promotes stronger, hardier new growth!

Perhaps the most powerful benefit that can be derived from adversity, is that it enables us to better able endure, or withstand hardship and difficulty. Each of us, in our unrefined state, cannot fully appreciate the fullness of knowing God. Only passing through the tempering fires of adversity prepares us to accept and be thankful for his mercy and grace (Isaiah 43:2).

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:8-9; 1 Peter 5:10; Joshua 1:9; Romans 8:28; Jeremiah 29:11

Prayer: Holy Father, in times of trouble, as well as in times of prosperity, I will always place my trust and faith in You. May Your strength and loving had guide me through whatever may occur; and may my relationship with you be greatly increased and intensified. In Your name I pray. Amen

May your day be blessed!

Charlene