Friday Faith Check-up: Sin Can Deceive Us All!

"One great power of sin is that it blinds men so that they do not recognize its true character."  - Andrew Murray

One of the major traits of sin is that like an obnoxious weed, it can gradually overrun our thoughts, actions, even our hearts. It keeps reproducing itself until the only thing emanating from it is ugly, hurtful, evil sin. What's worse is that it stands in the way between us and Jesus Christ, keeping us from  enjoying the full external blessings of his grace.

You've probably heard the old saying, "Beauty is only skin deep." In the case of sin, our outward spiritual condition is masking our sinful inner condition. We may put on a brave face, showing our "hardcore Christian" side to the world. But it's all a sham! If you could peel away the outer layer, you would find that on the inside we are rotting away with sin (Isaiah 53:6).

Many of us are contentedly living life in this condition. We falsely believe that because we attend church faithfully, read our Bibles, participate in Bible study groups, and even help little, old ladies cross the street, that we are genuine, 100% Christian, through and through. I hate to burst your bubble, but there's more to it than this!

In John 5, this is illustrated beautifully for us in the story of The Pool of Bethesda. The man in this story had been an invalid for thirty-eight years (John 5:5).  You might think that's a long time... and it is! But as I mentioned before, many of us have been walking around "sick" with sin for a long time, too.

When one lives with a chronic sickness or injury it is possible to grow accustomed to the ailment. So much so, that after a while, even though you know all is not well, you just get used to it and keep moving along. That can be the case with sin. We know it's there, but we think it's not really affecting anything. So, we keep on as if nothing was wrong.

Getting back to the gentleman at the pool, it's a good guess that he had been coming to that pool for a long time hoping for relief from his situation. Days grew into weeks, weeks into months, and months grew into years. Still, nothing had changed. Thus, it is with our sinful condition.

What made the difference for this poor, suffering man? Jesus entered the picture. Merely lying by the pool hoping for some type of assistance from the world never worked for this man. He couldn't depend on himself, and he couldn't depend on others to help him into the healing waters of the pool (John 5:7).

Like him, we are helpless against "sin" unless we let Jesus help us.  Christ, after seeing the man lying next to well, and probably noticing his poor state, asked him, "Do you want to get well?" I like the way this is stated in the KJV Bible: "Wilt thou be made whole?" (John 5:6)

Dear friends, Christ is asking you and I the same question. Do you want to remain broken in sin, or do want to be made whole in his mercy and grace? Jesus warns about the consequences of sin.

We cannot enjoy the external blessings of Christ's grace without heeding the spiritual condition of the inner person. And this is only possible with the salvation offered to us by Jesus Christ (John 5:14).

Scripture: 1 John 1:9; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:1-2; Romans 5:12; John 8:34

Prayer: Dear Jesus, I know I have been born into sin, but I don't want to die in it. Please wash me clean of sin with Your Holy grace, and have mercy on my sinful heart as I pray to You today. Amen

Have a blessed weekend!

Kaye

There's Nothing Ordinary with Jesus

“As you walk with Jesus, resting your head on His heart, you will learn to know His Word, His will, and His ways. You will want to obey Him, not out of forced compliance, but out of heartfelt connection. Your joy will abound as you remain in His love.”  -Sue Detweiler, 9 Traits of a Life-Giving Mom: Replacing My Worst with God's Best

Sometimes even the most mundane, ordinary actions can result in an unexpected change of direction. When we wake up in the morning we have no certainty what the day will bring us. Granted, we may have plans for the day, but as we all know they are tentative and fragile at best; exposed and vulnerable to change whether we like it, or not.

In John 4:1-42, we see such an example in the Samaritan woman and her encounter with Jesus.  This simple, meager woman probably went to the well at the same time every day to retrieve water for her household. However, little did she know, as she left her home to go to the water well, that her life would be changed forever.

The Samaritan woman, who was drawn into a conversation about eternal life with Jesus, would normally not have had any type of interaction with a Jew. But, Jesus Christ can do that sort of thing to us. He knows our hearts and thoughts, and whether we are receptive to him, or not (Psalm 139:4; Hebrews 4:13).

Did Jesus necessarily need the woman to draw water from the well? Of course not. He was more than capable to do it himself either naturally or supernaturally. But, what he did do was "draw" her into listening to his teaching. Which afterward, she used to witness to others in her city (John 4:28-29).

We just never know how Jesus will use us. Maybe we are needed to help a friend who is going through a bad time and needs emotional support. It could be that elderly neighbor who is unable to do some needed, minor repairs around their house. Perhaps there is a family member who is in dire straits, but is too proud and ashamed to ask for assistance.

There are numerous ways in which Jesus can and wants to use us. But, we will never know if we are unapproachable and unreceptive to him. We may not find him waiting for us by a well, but then we don't have to. If we are filled with his Spirit then he is with us always. Let Jesus into your heart today. And as the Samaritan woman discovered, your life will never be the same!

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11; 1 Timothy 2:3-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Luke 9:23; James 1:5

Prayer: Holy Father, I pray for a heart that is open to Your word; and for application of Your word to my life, that I may share with others. Amen

Have a blessed day!

Monique

Video - Lysa TerKeurst: There's a Lady at the Gym Who Hates Me

Lysa TerKeurst, the author of "Uninvited," tells a humorous story of perceived rejection and its painful trap of negativity. An awesome message that we all can use. Enjoy!   ~Eve

Surviving the Turbulent World of Today

"The blade itself incites to deeds of violence."  -HOMER, The Odyssey

It is no big secret that we live in a violent world. The prevalence of violence throughout our planet leaves one shaking their heads and wondering when the next occurrence will be. Wars, terrorist attacks, racial unrest, and various other atrocities against mankind seem to rule the headlines.

Unfortunately, for us who inhabit this planet, it has always been so. Granted, there have been periods of peace interspersed among periods of strife and unrest. But, that's about the extent of it. Truces, laws, and treaties may provide us a brief respite. But again, the keyword here is "brief."

Is there any hope for us? Are doomed? There are many different voices giving many different takes on questions such as these. Most of the time, it only serves to add to the confusion. But in one short answer: Yes, there is hope!

First, let's understand that there are some in the world who are good and others who are wicked, or evil. We could go into all sorts of deep, theological and philosophical arguments about this, but that's just the way it basically is. However, this doesn't mean that we cannot change. Anything is possible with Christ!

I refer you to what happened to Saul on the road to Damascus in Acts 9:1–9; Acts 22:6–11; and Acts 26:9–20. Saul, who became the apostle Paul, had been one of the worst persecutors of the early followers of Jesus. While on his way to the temple in Jerusalem to arrest followers of Christ, he was dramatically converted and commissioned by Jesus Christ in what is known as the "Damascus Road experience."

In this particular instance, we see that it is possible for a person to change their ways from evil to good, or be converted through Christ. Does it work for everyone? Unfortunately, there will be those who, being misled and misguided by sin, will not be open to receiving him. Their sins have hidden His face from them.

Was Jesus under the impression that the world could be changed? He encouraged his disciples to go out and spread his gospel. He knew the only way to present any hope of change was to get his Word and teachings out to the masses (Mark 16:15).

But Jesus knew he had his work cut out for him. There are definite challenges, especially when dealing with those who are bent on being evil (Isaiah 57:28). Evil is always festering underneath even those of us who consider ourselves intrinsically good. That's what makes it so difficult to acquire true, lasting peace as a species (Isaiah 59:8).

Jesus was aware that in order to create change he was going to have to put himself out there. Change will not happen if one is simply standing in the shadows. He knew that there will be conflict between good and evil. Jesus was not as passive as many think he was. He saw a fight and came prepared. He told us as much in Matthew 10:34–36.

Good and evil will always clash with one another until the day when Jesus Christ returns and sets all right again (Matthew 24:30; Revelation 19:11-16.) Until then what can we do? We can hold on tightly to God's Word, which he gave for our benefit. Read and study the Bible. Regular prayer, and fellowship with other Christians are definite helps, too.

Scripture tells us: "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21).  "Do not repay evil with evil" (1 Peter 3:9). "Be slow to anger" (Proverbs 16:32). "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you" (Luke 6:27). These are all good starting points to follow.

And, if you find yourself becoming weak and beginning to lean the other way, don't beat yourself up over it. When going through a bad experience or rough patch of road, even good people are tempted to have second thoughts about God.

Give your troubles to the Lord. Let him help you out of whatever pit you are in (Psalm 55:22; 1 Peter 5:7). Place your trust with Him (Psalm 37:5). He does hear us, and doesn't get angry at us for coming too often. In fact, the more frequently we do,  the more welcome we are.

The world we live in is definitely not a paradise. Many things can happen that are not within our control. Being sinners living in a sinful world doesn't make it any easier either.Yet, we are not alone in all of the chaos and confusion (Psalm 27:14; Psalm 130:5). The comforting and strengthening voice of Christ is only as far way as your Bible and prayer.

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5; Philippians 4:19; Jeremiah 33:3; Micah 2:1; Romans 6:23

Prayer: Dear God, in a world filled with so much bad and suffering, I need You to take my hand and guide me along in Your loving mercy and grace. I know You will never forsake me nor give me more than I can handle. Amen

May you have a blessed day!

Linzie

Do You Want a Showman...or Savior?

"Faith is the ticket to the feast, not the feast."  -Edwin Louis Cole

Who doesn't like to be entertained? One only needs only to look at how much money we spend on entertainment annually. For example, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statics, the average American spent an estimated $2, 827 on entertainment alone in 2015. That's almost 6% of their total annual income!

As such, it's not too hard to see that entertainment is a big part of our lives. What entertains one person may differ from another. Movies, sporting events, concerts, vacations, video games, etc., are but a few things that we like to dabble in. As long as it is done legally. and within the boundaries of social standards we are good to go.

Entertainment in itself is not bad. But, when it's more distracting than helpful to understanding something, it then becomes a problem. This is not something new or uncommon at all. Take the crowds that followed Jesus around the shore of the Sea of Galilee, and across to Capernaum (John 6:1; 24).

There were some who truly liked hearing Jesus' teachings and learned from him. Then there were others who followed Jesus purely for the entertainment value. They saw him as a walking, talking dinner show, if you will. It's true that Jesus performed miraculous acts, but not to entertain the crowd like a Las Vegas showman. They were always done to convey a message, or make a point.

Yes, by doing this he drew crowds who followed him, but not always for the right reasons. Many disciples lost sight of Jesus' message and became confused (John 6:60). Some were there because they wanted to see what his next act was, and maybe get a meal along with it, too. (John 6:26).

This was all fine until it came time to make a hard commitment to follow Jesus out of faith. Without true faith, it's not hard to imagine what the outcome was. Those who followed Christ because of his entertainment value had no real faith. Faith is not something gained from a flashy presentation, or sleight of hand.

When Jesus was asked what it would take to follow him they didn't like what they heard (John 6:44). No surprise here at all. They didn't hear, or didn't want to hear, what Jesus had been trying to tell them. It would take some commitment on their part, but they wanted no part of it. They wanted a showman, not a Savior (John 6:64-66).

Does this sound like you? Are you following Christ because of a strong belief in who he is and what he did for us? Or is Jesus just another source of entertainment to you? Are you following him expecting to be served instead of serving him?

Scripture: Proverbs 16:3; Matthew 22:37; Hebrews 11:6; James 4:8; Romans 1:21

Prayer: Jesus,  my commitment to you is real and without any doubt. May you guide and instruct me in Your ways every day of my life. Amen

God bless you!

Amanda

The Easy Path or the Right Path?

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference."  -from The Road Not Taken, by Robert Frost

The men who would become the disciples/apostles of Jesus Christ each made a life-changing decision when they chose to forsake their comfortable and familiar lives to follow him.

There was nothing unusual or special about them. They were just ordinary men used by God in an extraordinary manner. Among the twelve were fishermen, a tax collector, and a revolutionary. The Gospels show the constant failings, struggles, and doubts of these twelve men who followed him (Matthew 10:2-4).

I suppose "ordinary" is the keyword used to describe them. They were much as you and I are today. Just regular folk living regular lives. I often wonder what would happen if I were in their place. For once they took Jesus up on his offer, their lives, from that point on, would never be the same again.

If they had known the difficulties and hardships that were ahead of them, would this have dampened their enthusiasm? I feel that since they were living, breathing, feeling human beings they probably had their days of doubts. After all, we are only given glimpses of their journey with Jesus in the Bible.

But, if one of them had kept a daily journal I am sure we would have seen many instances of uncertainty. We too, are confronted with making a choice to follow Jesus Christ or not. The difference being is that now his offer is available to all of us, and not just a select few.

As it was then, it is now. If you choose to follow Christ, there will be troubles and travails (John 16:33). Don't get me wrong! There will be hills and valleys in life anyway. But today we can either choose to go at it alone, or with Christ (Matthew 16:25).

Thus, at some point in time we will encounter a fork, or divide in the road. It is familiar to each of us. On one side is the "easy" way. There, we may continue on living life as we have been. Living only for self and today. Not wanting, nor caring to be bothered or inconvenienced too much. Yes, it appears to be the "easy" way, just remember: appearances can be deceiving!

The other path is the Way offered by Jesus Christ. Yes, there will be rocks, potholes, and pitfalls waiting ahead. Some days will greatly try your patience and faith. You will be tempted, and may even succumb to temptation along the way. There might be days when you question or second-guess your decision. This is a somewhat more challenging route, for sure.

The path you select is totally up to you. No high-pressure salesman will (or should) try to force you to take one or the other. Before you make your decision, consider a few points. The "easy" path is one you will travel on your own. Friends, family, acquaintances will come and go along the way. And anything gained during your journey will remain behind after it is over.

The other path, taken with Christ, is quite different. There are no pretensions here. He only asks that we place our faith in him, and let him guide us. As mentioned, the path is not easy, but we will become stronger in faith and character with each obstacle we meet. Christ will never forsake you. He is right there, with you, every step of the way. If it ever gets to be too much, just call on him and he will be there (Deuteronomy 31:8).

And when our journey through this life is over, wouldn't it be nice to be assured that it really isn't over? That you will be given something better than anything imaginable here on earth? Through Jesus Christ, by his life, death, resurrection, and ascension into Heaven, we have been given the promise of eternal life (Jude 1:21; John 3:36).

Oh! I almost forgot! As you arrive at that fork in the road there are two signs marking the paths. They may be a little worn and dirty, and hard to read, But if you wipe them off, you will see some writing there. One sign has "Life" written on it. The other says "Death." Which path will you decide on?

Scripture: John 3:16; Romans 6:23; John 17:3; Romans 10:13; John 5:24

Prayer:  Holy Father, I pray for your presence, guidance, mercy, and grace, not just today, but every day of my life. Amen

May your day be blessed,

Julie Ann

God's Wonderful Plan

“The will of God is not something you add to your life. It’s a course you choose. You either line yourself up with the Son of God…or you capitulate to the principle which governs the rest of the world.”  - Elisabeth Elliot

The end of summer here in the U.S. traditionally means that life slowly transitions from vacations, long, warm, sunny days, wearing flip-flop sandals and shorts, and enjoying the sights and sounds of the season. Additionally, it's the start of another school year, and knowing that cooler weather is just around the corner!

Isn't it fabulous when certain things just fall into place because we are so familiar with a routine that we can put our life on automatic pilot and simply fill-in the blanks? Very few of us would disagree on this point. The only thing that can break up this happy thought is when something happens that makes us deviate from the familiar path have been on.

Thus it was for the nation Israel in Exodus. Life was pretty straight-forward in that their daily routines were fairly well set. They led lives that were familiar and comfortable, although not happy ones. It wasn't until God heard their pleas for help that their lives were thrown for a loop.

God recruited Moses and Aaron to become his spokesmen to plead their case to Pharaoh on behalf of Israel (Exodus 7:1-2). Israel watched the battle between God and Pharaoh's gods, which really wasn't much of a battle at all because the outcome was already known to God. In the end, the Jewish nation was set free from the tyrannical grip of Pharaoh.

However, I'll bet that Israel, as badly as they wanted freedom from their Egyptian slavery, hadn't given much thought to what they would do from that point on. Similarly, many of us become so entrenched in our day-to-day lives that we, like the Israelites, tend to put God on the back burner until things start to heat up.

You might be familiar with the scripture, "knock and the door will be opened to you..." (Matthew 7:7; Luke 11:9). Sometimes, when we are in our living-for-today mode, we become so wrapped up in what we are doing that we can't hear God knocking over the commotion and clatter in our lives.

And naturally, the next time God may even cross our stressed out and cacophonous lives is when we are at our wits end. Thankfully, God is very patient with us. He knows our thoughts and everything else that is going on in our lives (Psalm 44:21). Long before we reach the breaking point, God is already aware of it.

Like the Israelites, who cried out to God for his help, we too can submit our petitions no matter what they might be. But it's up to you and I to make the initial effort. God will not walk up to you and ask what is wrong. He doesn't need to. He's waiting for us to come to him as a child would approach a parent.

If it is His will to do something about it, he will.  Now, we may not be thoroughly satisfied with his reply, but that's because his thoughts are not ours. Besides, we wouldn't understand them in our pitifully, human minds anyway (Isaiah 55:9). However, He always has our best interests at heart.

Yes, it's great when a plan falls into place and everything works out. But, we have to be cautious and not become complacent. Troubles and sorrow are always lurking nearby as we go through our lives here on earth (Psalm 90:10). Fortunately, God has a plan for us. His plan, unlike any we may come up with, is unchangeable, and perfect.

Won't you allow God to change the course of your life today? I guarantee that you won't regret it. How can this all come about? Shhh..listen! Hear that knocking? .He's standing there, waiting for you to open the door to and let him in. And once you let Him into your life, it will never be the same.

Scripture: Ephesians 1:9; Jeremiah 29:11; Proverbs 16:9; Job 42:2; Philippians 4:6-7

Prayer: Dear God, take ownership of me, guide me, prompt me, teach me, and instruct me in the way I should go. May your great plan for my life be fulfilled so I may be closer to you. Amen

May God bless you,

Amy

Welcome Back! Video - Beth Moore: The Most Powerful Prayer

Thank you for your patience and continued support during our summer hiatus! We, at the Coffeehouse Bible Ministry are thankful that you have taken time out of your busy day to visit us. We hope that our ministry blog entries will continue to comfort, inspire, and instruct you. May the Lord Jesus Christ bless us in our efforts to spread the gospel around the world!
~Eve




Bible teacher and author Beth Moore discusses spiritual warfare, overcoming strongholds, and effective prayer. She shares some wonderful advice for all here!  ~Eve