Video and Message: Christmas 2016

During this joyous holiday season, as you get together with family and friends, I hope that you pause for just a moment and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Sadly, this tends to get mixed up, and even lost during the unashamed commercialization of the holiest time of the year.

There is an incredible story behind Christmas. It is the account of God becoming a human being, like us, in the Person of Jesus Christ. Did He have to do this? Not at all. But because he loved us so much, and we desperately needed a Savior, he sent his Son into the world not to condemn it, but to save it through him. -1 John 4:8

By this graceful, merciful, and unselfish act, God provided a way, the only Way, for us to spend eternity with him. By this I mean, He gave his Only Son to receive our punishment for our sins. Thus, he paid the price in full, delivering us from condemnation. One can surely see that the true meaning of Christmas is love. -John 3:16-17

While you exchange gifts, worship, and remind yourselves of those less fortunate, keep in mind that these things are done in remembrance of what he did for us. None of this should ever overshadow the significance of the birth of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

God is love, and he did for us was an act of pure love. So, let's celebrate his priceless gift. Feel free to shout out, as that multitude of angels did on that holy night, so long ago: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." - Luke 2:14 (KJV)

****A message to you from Eve:****

Dear faithful followers of our ministry blog, It is at this time that our ministry goes on its annual Christmas/New Year's break. A time for celebrating Christ, helping out with various church and community endeavors, and, of course, enjoying time with our loved ones.

2016 has been an incredibly blessed year for The Coffeehouse Bible Ministry, and I pray to Our Lord that he will continue to bestow his blessings on us in 2017. I also want to thank all of you for your love and support by following our blog.

Our ministry blog will return invigorated, and ready to continue spreading the Word on Monday, January 9, 2017. I hope you will continue to come along on our walk with Jesus Christ together. Until then, I sincerely wish all of you a happy, safe, and blessed Christmas and New Year's!

May God bless you always!

The Coffeehouse Bible Ministry

The Gift of All Gifts!

"The central miracle asserted by Christians is the incarnation. They say that God became man." - C.S. Lewis

All around the world, many will soon gather to celebrate the birth of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Christmas sermons will be given in many languages, and in many different locations. Some might prefer going to those offered in the morning, while others would rather attend in the afternoon or evening.

No matter whether we congregate in large, mega-churches, small, intimate, houses of worship, or even in humble, homes of fellow believers, the important thing is that we all share a common bond with one another, regardless of place or situation. And that is our shared belief and faith in Christ.

There are some interesting facts pertaining to the first Christmas that tend to get overlooked in all the hustle and bustle of the season. This would be a great opportunity to revisit them, and maybe steer our focus back onto that blessed event of long ago.

The first Christmas service was celebrated at night. It wasn't observed in a church, synagogue, or temple. It took place in the Judean hills. There were no candles or lamps to light the meeting. As a matter of fact, the scene was illuminated only by the stars and the glory of God.

Those in attendance were not rich, famous, or favored. Instead, only a handful of lowly shepherds made up this congregation. The music for this special occasion was provided not by a house band or a church gospel group, but by a heavenly choir.

Yes, it was night in Bethlehem. But, it was also night (the night of hopelessness and despair) all over the world. Oh, there was peace in the land, alright. However, it was the kind of solemn peace one might associate with a cemetery. It was during this time, that Rome held God's chosen nation under its heel.

Meanwhile, the people longed for a lasting peace, God, hearing their pleas, sent then an eternal Prince of Peace. God had a message of good news to deliver to the world. He didn't have any modern conveniences, such as the internet, or social media. So how did he get the word out?

He used something even better...an angel...to deliver the most astoundingly, incredible message ever heard. That night, a baby was born in Bethlehem, and his name was Jesus! But this was no ordinary baby we are talking about here.

What made this child especially unique from any other that was that it was the incarnate Son of God, the promised Messiah. This tiny newborn was sent by God Himself to save his people from sin. Jesus came to save sinners from the greatest curse on the human race...sin.

Scripture: Luke 2:10; Matthew 16:16; Philippians 2: 9-11; Revelation 19:6; John 1:14

Prayer: Gracious and loving Father, during this time of the year we are reminded over and over of Your generous gift to us in Your Son, Jesus Christ. May we remember, and be thankful for this always. Amen

May your holidays be blessed!

Genevieve

A Birth Unlike Any Other...Before or Since!

"You can never truly enjoy Christmas until you can look up into the Father's face and tell him you have received his Christmas gift." - John R. Rice

Let's play a little name game, shall we? "Who is the greatest person of all time?" Hmmm..? Let me narrow it down a little more. "Who is the greatest teacher of all time?" Still scratching your head??

How about this..."Who is the greatest leader of all time?" No?? Maybe this will ring a bell..."Who lived the only perfect life ever lived?" I think we would agree that there is only one possible answer to all of these questions: Jesus Christ! No one can compare with him.

Unquestionably, the birth of Jesus Christ is the most consequential birth of all time. It totally upended the historical narrative of this planet. Even more, it introduced the greatest One who ever blessed the world with his presence. He is definitely one-of-a-kind!

"But wait...there's more!" The teachings, miracles, parables, precepts, example, life, death, resurrection, and purposes of Jesus Christ also serve to reveal his uniqueness. No doubt, this is all very powerful and vital information. Yet, it is his birth that is quite extraordinary. And that is the focus of today's message.

When most of us think about the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ, we tend to overlook an important part of the blessed event. I know it's easy to get caught up in the shepherds, manger, the Star of Bethlehem, etc. However, it's the part that we don't always consider that is essential to the rest of it. Jesus' life didn't begin with his birth!

He existed in the beginning with the Father God. His birth was an advent, or a coming into the world from heaven on a very special mission. (John 1:1-2; John 1:14) Think of it this way. Jesus didn't come to be, or into existence, in the way we think of it. He already was. By way of his birth he came to earth as a real, breathing man of flesh and blood; just like you and I.

One of the biggest questions, if not the biggest, revolves around the Virgin Birth of Jesus. It is a relevant question which has to do with miracles. After all, the birth of Christ was certainly a miracle! We can think of the Virgin Birth as the keystone of the arch of history. If Jesus isn't born of a virgin, he is not God but man. The Virgin Birth is recorded in the gospels of Matthew and Luke. (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38)

Christian tradition maintains the Virgin Birth. It's even incorporated in the Apostle's Creed. Which curiously enough was not actually written by the apostles themselves, but is so named because it consists of a brief summary of their teachings. Furthermore, about 80% of professing Christians around the world believe in the Virgin Birth.

As we approach Christmas, let's not get so distracted by the shopping, lights, trees, smells, gifts, and parties that we forget the great truth of Christmas. The truth is that God has come to be with us. This is so important, that the Bible gives 256 titles to Jesus to demonstrate his majesty, deity, and humanity to us! (1 Timothy 3:16; Matthew 1:23; Hebrews 1:14-15; John 10:10; Luke 2:34)

In closing, I leave you with this. The first Christmas presents to us the Christ. Let's always seek him, believe him, and serve him. I wish each and every one of you and your families a most blessed, joyous, and safe Christmas and holiday season.

2016 was made even more special because I had the opportunity to share my love for Jesus Christ with all of you. If God wills it, I look forward to being with you again in 2017. God bless you!

Scripture: Luke 1:35; Luke 1:37-38; Luke 2:11;  Matthew 1:21; 2 Corinthians 5:21

Prayer: Holy Father,  as we gather with family and friends during this holiest time of the year; I want to thank you for Your most precious gift to us; Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen

Have a blessed Monday!

Hailey

Friday Faith Check-up: Yes, Jesus Is an Optimist!

"The condition of an enlightened mind is a surrendered heart." - Alan Redpath

When one deliberates on what constitutes an optimist, something like this may come to mind: a person who thinks the best possible thing will happen, and holds onto the hope for it despite the chance it might not turn out. For our purposes here, I think this definition will suffice.

Have you ever thought of Jesus Christ as being an optimist? For some clarity on this, let's review a few important points regarding his optimism. I feel we should begin with his attitude. Most would agree that attitude plays a huge part in a positive outlook on anything. And, let's face it, Jesus had a pretty, positive attitude. Don't you think?

This can be evidenced through his teachings, for example. His lessons are for the most part contradictory or opposite of the dismal, pessimistic, forlorn, and defeated spirit that quite often manifests itself in the name of Christianity. Frankly, if he were alive and breathing today, he'd find he had very little in common with a good portion of us Christians.

In and around the church today, there are many "forecasters of doom" who have declared the death of the kingdom of God, and have all but performed its final rites. But stop the bus! The church is not dead. In fact the kingdom of God is very much alive and well. It even continues to march on as the church triumphant!

Our Lord believed in the cause of his kingdom so much that he gave us four parables which articulate his optimism of which we are discussing today. The first of these parables regards the phenomenal growth of the kingdom of heaven. This is the well-known Parable of the Mustard Seed found in Matthew 13:31-32.

Here, Jesus ingeniously employs the mustard seed as an analogy using the contrast between the smallness of the seed and the enormity of the plant that comes from it. Thus, Christ is able to spiritually stimulate his followers with this illustration of the exceptional growth of the kingdom of heaven.

The Parable of the Leaven, found in Matthew 13:33; Luke 13:21, compares the kingdom of heaven to a woman making bread. Here, Jesus' optimism wasn't based on a flashy, or dazzling display of power by the kingdom of heaven. Rather, it was based on the quiet, unpretentious, yet relentless and undeniable influence it would impart on millions of lives and enumerable civilizations through time untold.

The last two parables are the Parables of the Treasure and Pearl, found in Matthew 13:44-46. These parables both serve to display the optimism of Jesus not only by the growth and spreading influence of the kingdom, but also its infinite wealth. The point of both parables is the great richness and abundance of his kingdom.

Clearly, the optimism of Jesus Christ speaks of the boundless worth of the kingdom of heaven. And he joyfully offers it to you today. What does he require from you? Not a thing, other than your unconditional surrender. And you will find that when you give all, he gives all. There is no other way to find the kingdom.

Scripture: Romans 15:13; 1 Corinthians 2:9; Revelation 21:4; Psalm 43:5; Matthew 6:8

Prayer: Holy Father, I will put my trust in Your sovereign plan always; over what my own circumstances tell me. My hope is with You and I will wait for it patiently. Amen

Have a blessed and safe weekend!

Kaye

A Vain Religion Is Not Religion!

"To become Christ-like is the only thing in the whole world worth caring for, the thing before which every ambition of man is folly and all lower achievement vain."  - Henry Drummond

There are many things in this world that are either empty, cheap, or weak in substance. Some are pursued, purchased, or construed and adopted without a lot of forethought by many. Whatever the case may be, a true believer in Jesus Christ mustn't allow himself to become another statistic.

One of the biggest threats to a Christian's journey is to acquire, or participate in vain religion. And while it may sound complicated, it really isn't. Sadly, there are a lot of folks walking around out there practicing vain religion and may not realize it.

Vain religion dupes a person into straying off the path upon which Jesus has set us forth. Rather than heeding the straight teachings of Christ, the deceived believer falsely inserts his own thoughts and actions instead. This, as you may have guessed, can be a very dangerous course to take. (James 4:17)

Religion itself is not a vain thing. However, when, for example, one becomes more concerned about how they are seen "religiously" by others, it is a sure sign of vain religion. Some other indications of a tainted view of religion are: acts of belittlement and criticism toward others, and self-righteousness, to name only a few. (Romans 3:23)

Many times, a vain religion isn't always so obvious. Someone who practices vain religion may exhibit symptoms which, to the unassuming world might seem perfectly normal. Take the Pharisees for example. Their zeal for religion was seen as quite pious, but their strict practices were done just as much for keeping up appearances, as they were for religion. (Matthew 23:13)

There's nothing wrong with diving headstrong into religion if it is done with a true heart. But, too many times it is used as a platform to appear better than others, or worse. Any religion, if used for a self-serving agenda, is totally unacceptable. Jesus Christ taught us better than that. His lessons emphasized love, compassion, and sacrifice for others. (Matthew 7:5)

I urge you to examine your heart today. Does any of the above describe you? I certainly am not condemning, or judging anyone here. I, definitely am not the one to do this. If anything, I hope that I brought the possibility, and our vulnerability of slipping into a vain religion to your attention.

To diminish the risk, continue reading the Bible daily, establish and maintain a regular prayer routine, and always be aware that the Great Deceiver (Satan) loves nothing more than ensnaring us with his lies and false promises. (1 John 3:10)

They only serve to feed destructive, self-righteousness and hypocritical behaviors, especially as they pertain to hindering or disrupting our relationship with Jesus Christ. Remember, vain religion fools and deceives the heart. In the end, you will only be consumed by your own deception.

Scripture: James 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 11:1-2; 2 Timothy 3:16; Psalm 118:8; Matthew 23:29

Prayer: Dear Jesus, I know that a loving, true, and believing heart is pleasing to You. May my heart always be so for You. Amen

May God bless you!

Charlene

Wednesday Video - Sheila Walsh: Conviction vs. Condemnation

In this week's video clip, Christian speaker Sheila Walsh talks through our brokenness to find healing. Nicely done!  ~Eve

The Decision of A Lifetime

"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

On any given day of the year, people around the world make the decision to come to Jesus Christ.  And though they may have many different reasons for doing so, it is the love for who Christ is, and what he did for us that is the common thread which binds us together.

I've found that almost everyone whom I have ever asked about their journey as a Christian, remembers the year, day, and sometimes even the time of their commitment. You have to admit, accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior is a decision that is not to be made lightly. It is a choice that will produce eternal consequences.

There are numerous resources out there for both, those who are considering accepting Christ, and the newly converted Christian. Instead of adding to that list, I'd like to simply offer a few suggestions to an often asked question, "I've accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, what now?"

Deciding to come Christ is a great responsibility. Here are some basic points to help you along in your relationship with Our Lord. The biggest piece of advice I can offer is to live your life worthy of the Lord, pleasing Him in every way (Ephesians 4:1). I don't have to tell you how difficult this can be, but definitely worth the effort.

In spite of what we see going on in the world at large, we must also conduct ourselves in a manner that is worthy of the gospel of Christ (Philippians 1:27). It pains me to see how ugly we can treat one another, but it doesn't surprise me. Remember, we only walk on this earth for a short time, then the bill comes due, as they say.

Regarding your faith, stand firm, be courageous and strong, do everything in love, be alert at all times (1 Corinthians 16:13); and don't yourself to be burdened by sin (Galatians 5:1). Living a true Christian life is not a cakewalk. But then gaining something of real value rarely is. There is going to be a cost involved with it.

Christ truly loved us, which is why he died for us, And though he isn't here in person, he now lives in each of us; which is so much better. This means that the life we live is by faith in Him. And, in order to live by faith, it will require the sacrifice (death) of the life you live now. This is where many hesitate and walk away (Matthew 19:21-22).

Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross was the price he paid for our freedom from sin (Galatians 2:4). We must never forget this. Don't waste it by indulging in fleshly and earthly pleasures. Take advantage of it instead, to humbly serve each other in love (Galatians 5:13).

Don't use your freedom from sin as a license to go wild. Though we are no longer slaves to sin, we must live as God's slaves. In other words, to do His will (1 Peter 2:16). Finally, take care to always put forth a good example, especially to those weaker in faith than yourself (1 Corinthians 8:9).

When a person makes the life-changing decision to come to Christ, he will find himself in excellent company. Innumerable others have followed this well-worn path. There definitely will be highs, lows, bumps, and bruises along the way. But, we must "press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14).

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:8; John 8:32; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 3:13; Galatians 2:20

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me persevere in my walk with You; when I stumble and fall, Your mighty hand lifts me up; when I grow weak and afraid, You strengthen and comfort me. Because of Your mercy and grace, I have been given a second lease on life, and I am eternally grateful to You for that. Amen

May God bless you always!

Brandi

God: The Only Real Truth!

"To secure one's freedom the Christian must experience God's light which is God's truth." - Watchman Nee

It's a good bet that you've probably heard the phrase "if truth be told" at one time or another during your life. The Macmillan Dictionary defines it as: "used when saying what something is really like or what you really think about a situation." Basically, it means "telling the truth."

We humans, don't particularly have a very good track record when it comes to saying, or telling the truth. Now, I'm not saying this applies to every single person on earth today, but it covers a pretty good swath of the population. No doubt, truth can be hard to find, but it's out there if you seek it.

One of the surest places to find truth can be found in the Bible. Naturally, the truth found within its pages pertain to religion. All truth is real, but as it applies to matters of religion, this raises the stakes by leaps and bounds. After all, truth is the foundation of true religion. (2 Timothy 3:16)

When it comes to God's truths, we can think of it as an immovable force.  And, as the foundation of true religion, these truths attest themselves to our understanding through clear reason. Additionally, we become more of what God desires us to be as we respectfully and righteously put them into practice. (2 Timothy 2:19)

Unfortunately, there are some who, no matter what, will never accept it . As you might guess, this creates an obstacle to God's truths. They may have a million reasons why this is so, and I'm certainly not going to attempt to go there today. But, what I can do is point out some of the most common reasons for opposing it. (1 John 5:1 )

A frequent cause is ignorance. This does not mean someone is dumb, or stupid. Rather, I think of it as jumping to conclusions before all the facts have been reviewed. This may be more familiar to you as close-mindedness, or not being open to new knowledge. Think: an arrogant or bold ignorance. (Ephesians 4:18)

Next, some follow old, familiar roads because it's always been so. They don't, or won't, consider any other way of doing things. They may also pick up their religion, not by listening to God's truths, but from their social circles, which could be problematic. This is careless and blind thinking. (John 3:33)

Then we have prejudice, which is an easy trap to fall into. Again, this occurs due to the reliance of the opinion, thoughts, or beliefs of others without looking into the evidence that is presented by God's foundational truths. (Jeremiah 9:3)

Last, but not least, a really, big reason God's truths get brushed aside by some, is due to plain, old, rotten behavior. These folks like to push the limits of living sinful, immoral lives while falsely believing they are within their rights to do so; religious or not. I don't understand this one, but it's pretty common. (Psalm 1:6)

Human truth can be hard to find, and more often than not, it disappoints. However, when it comes to God's truths, the type of complications that arise with human truths, are non-existent. (1 Corinthians 8:3) You see, God never lies. He can only tell the truth. The only real truth, God's truth, is right there in your Bible whenever you need it! (Numbers 23:19; 2 Timothy 2:13; John 14:6)

Scripture: Romans 1:18; 1 Thessalonians 1:9; 1 John 5:20; Matthew 13:11; 2 Corinthians 3:15

Prayer: Dear Jesus, no matter what life's situations may bring, may You always guide me into truth, grace, and knowledge of You. Amen

Have a blessed Monday!

Hailey

Bible Study Snacks - 1 Thessalonians 5: 1-28

Hi, everyone!

Happy Friday, and welcome to Bible Study Snacks! If this is your first time with us, I welcome you! If you're a regular follower of this blog, then it's great to have you back again! Either way, I thank you for joining me as we walk together through the richness of God's spoken word, and wisdom. As always, I hope you had a great week, and that today finds you in good health, and strong in faith!

This week, we end our study of The First Epistle To The Thessalonians, or 1 Thessalonians. First Thessalonians is regarded as one of Paul's earliest epistles, if not the first. It seems that Paul wrote this letter shortly after arriving in Corinth on his second journey. This would date it somewhere around 52 A.D.

The general theme of 1 Thessalonians is unique in that every chapter ends with a reference to the second coming of Christ (1 Thessalonians 1:10; 2:19; 3:13; 4:13-18; 5:23). In his writing, Paul places an emphasis on steadfastness and holy living.

The studies presented here 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 some things to think about for this week's lesson...

This Weeks Objectives: You should be able to...

* note the unexpected nature of the coming of the Lord, and how we should prepare for that event.
* see what our responsibilities are toward those who are over us in the Lord, and what responsibilities we have to one another.
* appreciate what the will of God is for us as it relates to joy, thanksgiving, and prayer.

For your convenience, here is a summary of this week's lesson, specifically 1 Thessalonians, Chapter 5...

Continuing his apostolic instructions, Paul knows he does not need to write to the Thessalonians concerning the timing of the Lord's coming, for they know full well that He will come as a thief in the night and with sudden destruction catch many people unexpectedly (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3).

This shouldn't be the case for Christians, however, for they are "sons of  light" and "sons of the day"; therefore they should watch and be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and having as a helmet the hope of their salvation (1 Thessalonians 5:4-8).

Knowing that God has appointed them to obtain salvation through Jesus Christ, they know that whether dead or alive they will live with Christ. Through such hope they should therefore comfort and edify one another, just as they were doing (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11).

A series of exhortations follows.  First, to recognize and esteem those who labor among them and are over them in the Lord, and to be at peace among themselves (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).

Then, exhortations related to our concern for one another, along with a call to rejoice always,  to pray without ceasing, to give thanks in everything, to quench not the Spirit nor despise prophecies, yet testing all things, holding fast to what is good and abstaining from all that is evil (1 Thessalonians 5:14-22).

Paul concludes his epistle with a prayer for their sanctification as it relates to the coming of Christ, a reminder of the faithfulness of God, a plea for prayer in his behalf, and final instructions concerning greeting one another and having the epistle read to all the brethren. He signs off with a prayer for grace from the Lord Jesus in their behalf (1 Thessalonians 5:23-28).

REVIEW QUESTIONS:

1) Concerning what did Paul feel no need to write to the Thessalonians? (1 Thessalonians 5:1)
2) What did they already know? (1 Thessalonians 5:2)
3) What will people being saying when the Lord comes? (1 Thessalonians 5:3)
4) What will come upon them when the Lord comes?  Will they escape? (1 Thessalonians 5:3)
5) Why will the Day of the Lord not overtake Christians as a thief? (1 Thessalonians 5:4-5)
6) What is our responsibility as "sons of light" and "sons of the day"? (1 Thessalonians 5:6)
7) What are we to put on? (1 Thessalonians 5:8)
8) To what has God appointed us? (1 Thessalonians 5:9)
9) Why did Jesus die for us? (1 Thessalonians 5:10)
10)  What is our responsibility to one another in view of such things? (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
11) What is our responsibility to those who labor among us and are over us in the Lord? (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)
12) What six charges did Paul give concerning those around us? (1 Thessalonians 5:14-15)
13) What three things does Paul say is the will of God for us in Christ Jesus? (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
14) What five admonitions does Paul give related to the Spirit and prophecies? (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22)
15) For what two things does Paul pray in behalf of the Thessalonians? (1 Thessalonians 5:23)
16) What assurance is there that God will do this? (1 Thessalonians 5:24)
17) What two final admonitions does Paul give the Thessalonians? (1 Thessalonians 5:26-27)
18) What is Paul's final benediction? (1 Thessalonians 5:28)

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've found our examination of 1 Thessalonians both enriching and helpful to your spiritual walk. As always, I will continue to pray that God’s message will come through to you loud and crystal clear. Until our next Bible study...

God bless you!

Sheri

Live Abundantly God's Way!

"God bless the good-natured, for they bless everybody else." - Henry Ward Beecher

Personally, the student's questions are the best part of teaching adult Bible study classes. Their questions and responses regarding the material are not only interesting, but engaging. As a matter of fact, I truly find myself learning a lot from them!

There are some popular topics during our discussion sessions that are raised on a fairly, consistent basis. I'd like to share one of these with you here today. Though it might vary in the way it is asked, the question goes something like this: "What can I do to make my life more full and meaningful?"

You have to admit, it is a good question. After all, it's a question that can easily apply to all of us. A typical answer might be: more money, a bigger house, or an expensive, luxury car. But, is that really what it's all about? For some help with this, why don't we turn to the Bible.

In John 10:10 (NLT), we're told, "...My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life." What the Lord is talking about here is familiar to us as the "abundant life." Not abundant in the worldly, sinful sort of way. Rather, it's the kind of abundant life that the Lord wants you and I to have.

The "abundant life," the way God sees it, is a happy, useful, and fruitful life. This kind of life can't be bought off the shelf, or obtained through other sources. It's the result of upright, pure, and clean living. Many search hard for this kind of life, but, they're looking in the wrong places.

To lead a full and meaningful life, we must be right, think right, and do right! Let's begin with our thoughts. A healthy mindset is one important component of the abundant life. People who have a negative attitude tend to be miserable, as opposed to those who are positive in thought. Lose the doom and gloom, and you'll flourish and bloom! (Proverbs 23:7)

An abundant life also has spiritual depth. This refers to our relationship with God. How can you ignore God and expect to have a happy life? We human-beings are created to have a fellowship with God. If you enjoy having misery as a companion, then by all means turn your back on Him. To deny God, is to deny true happiness in life (Romans 15:13).

Who we choose to associate with can affect our acquiring an abundant life, or not. We should be kind and courteous to all. We can't expect to find the right friends if we are snobbish to some, while being friendly to a selective few. We must think like Christ did towards others (1 Timothy 6:18-19).

The places where we socialize may also hinder our abundant life. Our choices can make us, or ruin us (Psalm 1:1-3). And finally, respect the opinions of others. We see a lot of people out there flying off the handle saying that they don't get any respect. Where I come from, respect is earned, not handed out like candy!

Yes, God desires happy, and victorious (abundant) lives for us. The problem is that we mess ourselves up. Luckily, he's made the abundant life available to any and all who make a total commitment to him, and walk in his Spirit. Give him a chance to show you how to get it (Jeremiah 33:3)!

Scripture: Romans 15:13; 1 Corinthians 2:9; Ephesians 2:8-9; Proverbs 14:12; Proverbs 4:20

Prayer: Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes! With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. - (Psalm 119:12-16)

God loves you!

Shayna

God's Good Plan For Us!

“For each one of us, there is only one thing necessary: to fulfill our own destiny, according to God's will, to be what God wants us to be.”   - Thomas Merton, No Man Is an Island

Plans, plans, plans! From planning a birthday party to starting a business, careful planning is an important part of our lives. Most of us wouldn't even begin to set out on a new venture without making plans, and even backup plans!

Naturally, not everyone feels that plans are necessary. These adventurous, risk-takers like the thrill of flying by the seat of their pants, without a safety net, letting the chips fall where they may! As for the rest of us, we feel safer with a plan of action tucked in our back pockets.

We also acknowledge that plans don't always work out. You know what they say about the best laid plans! Yes, simply because we plan something doesn't necessarily mean that it will work out. Just look back at all of the things you had planned, but fell through for one reason or another.

We don't have a lock on plans, though. Did you know that God has a plan for us, too? It's true! I realize that this isn't something that most of have actually sat down and considered. Maybe it's because we don't think of God as having to make plans. After all, only us silly human-beings do such things.

But, if you think about it you might start to wonder: "What is God's plan for me?" And, if you're one of those critical thinkers, you may even ponder: "How do I know God actually has a plan for me?" and "How can I find out what it is?"

The answers to your questions about God's plan for us is not hidden, or available only to a few, privileged souls. A treasure trove of answers can be found on the pages of your Bible! God has made it very clear for all who care to make the effort to check it out.

1 Thessalonians 5:6-18 is one good example of how God has a plan for all believers. It lays out three activities that are His will (plan) for all believers, no matter the circumstances. We can count on understanding God's plan for us because His Word is absolutely flawless!

We can learn much from following the good example of others. Similarly, if you want a better appreciation of God's plan for us then follow His example. Romans 12:1-2 promises that we will be more prepared to accept His plans when we commit ourselves to God, and not the world.

Then, there's nothing better than prayer to help us grow in understanding of God's will. And while you're at it, pray for God to disclose His plans for others. There's nothing wrong with that! (Philippians 4:6-7)

Finally, I have to mention that sometimes God makes His plans known in other ways, such as: dreams, relationships, and personal situations. Just keep in mind that these can be more subjective and must be examined carefully. Always compare these to what God has said in scripture!

No matter what, you never have to worry about God's plans. Unlike our plans, His never fall apart, or fail to materialize. Nor are they subject to the whims of others, or circumstances out of our control. If we pray, study His Word, and follow His example, He will impart His plans for us in His own time, and His own way.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Peter 4:2; James 4:8; Jeremiah 29:11; Proverbs 19:21

Prayer: Dear God, I pray for Your  guidance, instruction, strength, and courage in all areas of my life. Reveal Your purpose for me, and help me follow through on it. Amen

God bless you!

Genevieve

Be Wary of Faith On Auto-Pilot

"Why are you sleeping?" he asked them. "Get up and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation." -Luke 22:46 (NLT)

There are many examples where maintaining a high state of alertness is necessary and critical. A soldier in enemy territory cannot afford to ease up as long as danger might be right around the next corner. A surgeon must stay fully conscious of, and concentrated on, what he is doing in the operating room.

An pilot of a passenger airliner has to be prepared and ready for any type of situation or emergency. The safety of his passengers and crew depend on it. Even the average, everyday driver needs to be aware at all times of not only himself, but the other drivers on the road, too.

Our world is full of potentially dangerous events if we become careless and indifferent to them. Throughout our lives, we've all been told things like: be alert, stay vigilant, keep your eyes open, and watch out, in regards to various aspects of our lives, especially when it comes to our safety.

We really should apply the same cautiousness in our religious lives, as well. It is far too easy to reach a certain level of comfort and become nonchalant. When one reaches this juncture they might tend to let their guard down, which leaves them wide open to temptation and then sin. The topic of alertness, in various situations, is mentioned many times in the Bible.

1 Thessalonians 5:6 (NLT) warns us to, " ...be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded." One of my personal favorites is this verse found in 1 Peter 5:8 (NLT), "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

1 Corinthians 16:13 (NLT) says to, "Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong." I could go on and on all day long with verses just like these. But I think you can see how crucial it is for the believer to stay on their toes and never give in to the temptation to just kick-back in their faith.

No one is immune from feeling too confident (or should I say, too cocky) in their spiritual life. Believe me, it's not that hard to do. But it's right about this time that it can all fall apart on you. It's a short walk from self-confidence, to temptation, then sin. So how do we keep ourselves running at optimum, spiritual performance in order to avoid, or remedy this?

The short answer is: watch and pray. That's right! In other words, keep your head up, eyes open, and pray, pray, pray! Luke 21:36 (NLT) stresses, "Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man."

To help awaken and revitalize your heart, "Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart" as it is written in Colossians 4:2(NLT). Just cruising along is great if you're taking a road trip. However, if you do this with your faith and belief in Our Lord, you are definitely headed for trouble!

In closing, don't fall asleep at the wheel when it comes to God! Stay alert, be wary, and stay sharp. Sin never falls down on the job, nor does it slack off. Be intelligent about this. "Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere" Ephesians 6:18.

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13; Mark 14:38; 1 John 1:8; Matthew 24:13; Ephesians 6:12

Prayer: Dear Jesus, please help me to always be on the alert, and to stand firm in the faith. In your name I pray. Amen

Have a blessed Monday!

Hailey

Bible Study Snacks - 1 Thessalonians 4:1-18

Hi, everyone!

Happy Friday, and welcome to Bible Study Snacks! If this is your first time with us, I welcome you! If you're a regular follower of this blog, then it's great to have you back again! Either way, I thank you for joining me as we walk together through the richness of God's spoken word, and wisdom. As always, I hope you had a great week, and that today finds you in good health, and strong in faith!

This week, we continue our study of The First Epistle To The Thessalonians, or 1 Thessalonians. First Thessalonians is regarded as one of Paul's earliest epistles, if not the first. It seems that Paul wrote this letter shortly after arriving in Corinth on his second journey. This would date it somewhere around 52 A.D.

The general theme of 1 Thessalonians is unique in that every chapter ends with a reference to the second coming of Christ (1 Thessalonians 1:10; 2:19; 3:13; 4:13-18; 5:23). In his writing, Paul places an emphasis on steadfastness and holy living.

The studies presented here 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 some things to think about for this week's lesson...

This Weeks Objectives: You should be able to...

* understand how the Christian should increase more and more in such matters as obedience, holiness, love, and diligence.
* appreciate the precious hope and comfort we have for those who have died in Christ.

For your convenience, here is a summary of this week's lesson, specifically 1 Thessalonians, Chapter 4...

With this chapter Paul begins a series of apostolic instructions related to the Christian's walk in holiness, especially in view of the coming of Christ. Urging them to abound more and more so that they might please God, he first focuses on their sanctification and the need to abstain from sexual immorality (1 Thessalonians 4:1-8).

He then urges them to increase more and more in brotherly love, even though they had been taught by God to love another and did so toward all the brethren throughout Macedonia (9-10). That they might walk properly toward outsiders, he urges them to lead quiet lives, mind their own business, and to work with their own hands (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12).

Paul then addresses the matter of those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. He did not want the Thessalonians to sorrow over them as others who have no hope. For just as God raised Jesus from the dead, even so He would bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14).

This leads to a description of the Lord's coming, especially as it relates to how those who are alive and remain until His coming will in no way precede those who have died. Indeed, when the Lord comes from heaven, the dead in Christ will rise first, and we who are alive and remain will at that time be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air, to be with Him forever. Christians should therefore comfort one another with these words (1 Thessalonians 4:15-18).

REVIEW QUESTIONS:

1) What did Paul urge and exhort them in the Lord Jesus to do? (1 Thessalonians 4:1)
2) What is the will of God regarding our sanctification? (1 Thessalonians 4:3)
3) What should each person do regarding "his own vessel"? (1 Thessalonians 4:4-5)
4) Why should we be careful not to defraud our brother in this matter? (1 Thessalonians 4:6-7)
5) If we reject Paul's warning, who is it we are really rejecting? (1 Thessalonians 4:8)
6) Why did Paul not need to write to the Thessalonians about brotherly love? Yet what does he urge them? (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10)
7) What three things does Paul encourage them to do in order to walk properly toward outsiders and be lacking in nothing? (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)
8) Why did Paul not want them to be ignorant concerning those who have fallen asleep? (1 Thessalonians 4:13)
9) Who will God bring with Jesus? (1 Thessalonians 4:14)
10) What is said of those who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord? (1 Thessalonians 4:15)
11) List the order of events that will occur when Jesus comes again (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
12) In view of these coming events, what we should we do? (1 Thessalonians 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!

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 our next Bible study...

God bless you!

Sheri

God's Promises Are All Divine!

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."  -2 Peter 3:9

As I was flipping through the channels on my T.V., I stopped for a moment or two on a news story where some gentleman was complaining about the value of another person's word. He was specifically talking about how untrustworthy, or dependable many have become in today's society.

There was once a time where one's handshake was good enough to guarantee, or secure a deal. A promised word from one person to another was actually almost as valuable as a signed document. Maybe you still do this with family or really, good friends, but as far as most business transactions go, papers are usually drawn up and signed by agreeing parties.

And although assurances and pledges may not carry the same weight of reliability as they used to, we never have to worry about such a thing with God's word. You or I might waver between "Yes" and "No" when trying to reach an amicable agreement. But not God! He always does what he says (2 Corinthians 1:19-20)!

A promise from God is a done deal. There is no renegotiation, back-pedaling, or indecisiveness. The Bible is jam-packed with promise after promise made by God. Throughout these, he vows that either something will or won't take place, or occur. Mind you, God just doesn't  facetiously make promises, he makes things happen! (Numbers 23:19)

Let's start with some promises from the Old Testament. Remember in Genesis 12:2-3 when God promised his blessing on Abraham and the whole world through his descendants? This may be more familiar to you as the Abrahamic Covenant. Which by the way, foretold of the coming Messiah for whom Abraham anticipated.

How about God's promise to Israel that he would be their God, and they His people (Leviticus 26:12-13)? In Psalm 121, God promised to protect His children. God even promised a good and happy life to Israel for their obedience, and a miserable one for disobedience under the Mosaic Covenant (Deuteronomy 30:15:18).

If we very quickly skip over to the New Testament, I will point out a few examples there.  In Romans 1:16-17, salvation is promised by God to all who believe in His Son. Romans 8:28 reveals God's promise that all things will work out for good for us who are His children. This promise keeps us going when our circumstances are not the best.

As you can see from the sampling of promises that I have shown here, God's promises are rock-solid. There are couple more promises from the Gospels that are important to all believers. Jesus promised eternal life to all who trust Him (John 4:14); and that he will return for us so that we can be with Him forever (John 14:2-3).

We make a big deal about our broken promises, and the dishonest words of others. But there is one thing that will never change, and that is God's word. We can see the fulfillment of His promises all wrapped into one, beautiful gift to humanity, that is His Only Son, Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 16:34; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 1:1-3; Philippians 4:6-7; Ephesians 1:3

Prayer: Dear Lord, I am thankful for your promise of blessings, both physically and spiritually. You do nothing halfway. Once You promise something, You graciously complete it! I can receive no greater reward than this. Amen

May God bless you always!

Kasey