"Snippets of Scripture" - True Peace is a Gift from God (Part 1)

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"If God be our God, He will give us peace in trouble. When there is a storm without, He will make peace within. The world can create trouble in peace, but God can create peace in trouble."  - Thomas Watson

In my recent Bible study groups, one of the most popular topics for discussion is "peace." And given the state of our world today, peace can appear to be an obscure and remote concept.

Though we may all desire it, not all will find it. Perhaps one of the biggest obstacles to acquiring peace is that we allow "the world" to determine the rules for us; this "world" being the sinful and corrupt world in which we live (1 John 5:5).

In John 16, Jesus is teaching to his disciples for the last time before his crucifixion. He realizes that time is running short and there is still much to say (John 16:12). Especially, that difficulties and dangers lie ahead for the believers.

So, "Where is 'peace' in all of this..?" A line of scripture I refer to when discussing peace in our gatherings, is John 16:33. If you read the verse, you will notice Jesus indicates that the believer resides in two distinct places.

These are: "in Me" and "in the world." As believers, having accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we are "hidden in Christ with God" (Colossians 3:3). This is our new, spiritual, righteous, and everlasting life with Him.

Sadly, for us, we also live in an ungodly and sinful world, or as Jesus puts it, "in the world." This is the world we wake up to every day. Though we may be safe in our homes, the moment we step outside it all changes (Romans 8:7).

Christians are still subject to everything immoral and wicked in this world. Even so, Jesus assures them that God is well aware of this, and will not be surprised whenever situations arise (Psalm 33:13-15). 

I feel we now have set the table for further consideration in our next meeting. I hope you'll join me again when we further examine the topic, "True Peace is a Gift from God." Until then, stay healthy and safe in Jesus Christ!

Scripture: Romans 12:2; John 15:19; Micah 2:10; James 3:15; Philippians 3:18

Prayer: "LORD Jesus, I pray that during the trials and tribulations of life, my heart and mind will reside with you always. And that your perfect peace will deliver me safely through them all. In your name I pray."

In grace and peace, 

Betsy

Video: Blynda Lane: How to Overcome Seasons of Loneliness | FULL EPISODE | Better Together on TBN

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It always gives me great pleasure to bring you quality presentations from some of the best Christian teachers in the world! Each video presentation can vary, but whatever the topic, you can be certain that it will be informative and Bible-based.

One of the biggest differences between alone and loneliness is you can be alone; or by yourself, and be just fine. On the other hand, you could be in a room full of people yet still feel lonely. Why is that..? 

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In this discussion from Better Together, Blynda Lane discusses loneliness, and how we can overcome it. Follow along as Laurie Crouch, Holly Wagner, Nicole C, and Donna Pisani join Blynda Lane to navigate seasons of loneliness.

Find a nice, comfortable place and enjoy!

The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you, 

~Eve

A Heart Filled with Love!

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"The greatest need in the world is the transformation of human nature. We need a new heart that will not have lust and greed and hate in it. We need a heart filled with love and peace and joy, and that is why Jesus came into the world."  - Billy Graham

After all is said and done, who knows us better than God himself! Scripture tells us that knew us while were were being formed in the womb, and even before that (Jeremiah 1:5; Psalm 139:13-18; Ephesians 1:4).

Thus, there isn't anything about us that He doesn't know (Psalm 139:1-4). Does this mean that God is a spy or stalker? Of course, not! It's just that He knows us so intimately, that he knows us better than we do. 

That God knows everything about us can be a scary thought to some, probably because they've never really thought about it before. Everything, includes: our thoughts, longings, intents (good or bad), and desires, among others. 

This goes for everyone across the board, everyone! But we don't ever have to worry that God will use our personal information against us like some sort of malicious hacker, or blackmailer. 

God's main concern lies with our hearts. He knows that what we carry in our hearts is what truly matters (Psalms 139:23-24; Jeremiah 17:9-10; Luke 16:14;Romans 8:27; First Corinthians 3:20). 

Think of our hearts as a spiritual gauge measuring how much God plays a factor in our lives. Let's say we knowingly did something cruel or hurtful then felt terrible afterward. That awful feeling you get is your heart condemning you (1 John 3:20). 

Some call this "guilt," but God does his best work in our hearts rather than our minds. And that's where we find our love, both for God and others (Romans 5:5). He knows our thoughts and needs even before we do (Genesis 6:5; Matthew 6:8).

God loves us so much, and wants us to feel the same (Isaiah 54:10). As we mature in our Christian lives through prayer and worship, we will find that the love in our hearts for Him will grow and prosper. 

In the end, it's all about God sharing his love for us through our hearts. A human being is a wonderful creation by God, but without love, that is, God's love, we are incomplete (1 Thessalonians 5:23).

Scripture: John 15:12; Ephesians 4:2; Proverbs 8:17; 1 Peter 4:8; 1 Corinthians 16:14

Prayer: "Help me, LORD my God; save me according to your unfailing love."  - Psalm 109:26

Grace and peace,

Alexis

We Are All Prisoners of Sin

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"Every part of the world bears testimony to the fact that sin is the universal disease of all mankind.”  - J.C. Ryle

We, meaning "the world," without a doubt, have a big problem with sin. Whether one knows it or chooses to ignore it, we are all literally prisoners to sin (Galatians 3:22)

We don't particularly want to hear this, as it is not a very pleasant thought. So we go through our days thinking that sin is something dark and distant, and that it couldn't possibly be a part of our being. But, it is. 

Like blood, sin is common to all humanity. Unfortunately, none of us can break the chains of sin on our own. It simply is not within our human capabilities to do so (Ecclesiastes 7:20). 

Ask someone on the street their thoughts on what it would require on their part to be right with God, or clear a path toward Heaven, you might hear, "Live a good, clean life," or "be kind toward others," or similar replies.

However, Scripture indicates that it takes something beyond what we know, or can do ourselves to provide an effective solution strong enough to save us from the grip of our sinful nature.

To be honest, any other course of action we might come up with, is pointless and ineffective against sin. The only viable and truthful option available is the path that Jesus Christ has presented to us.

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus" (Romans 3:23-24).

What once was hopeless is now hopeful. Faith in what He has done in the past, is doing presently, and will do tomorrow is our only real, changeless, and eternal hope (John 3:16-17).

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 5:12; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:28; John 5:14 

Prayer: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right[a] spirit within me." - Psalm 51:10

May God bless you!

Brandi

God Is Always Just!

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"What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all!"  - Romans 9:14

Sometimes it seems as though the most corrupt individuals catch all the breaks, while the righteous get none. This often leaves many a Christian shaking their heads and questioning their faith.

I wish I had a definitive answer I could share with you, but I don't. In fact, no one really does. God has his reasons for doing what he does. As creator of the universe and all life within, he doesn't have to explain his actions (Psalms 135:6; Job 23:13).

What I can tell you, however, is that we are not the only ones who have ever considered this. Long ago, Asaph, a Levite "seer" or "prophet" chosen as a worship leader by King David spoke about this in one of the psalms he composed.

In Psalm 73, Asaph expresses his discouragement and disappointment in this "psalm of doubt." Here he documents his struggle with doubt and a wavering faith. He too feels that the wicked seem to always prosper while he is left to suffer. 

We can have difficulty wrapping our minds around God's thoughts. This is understandable mainly due to our situation living here on earth. Neither is it not for us to know what God is thinking at any given time (1 Corinthians 2:11).

As the psalm opens, Asaph writes that "God is good" (Psalm 73:1). What he doesn't realize, however, is that his definition of "good," and that of God is very different. His version was based on what he could see, and not on faith.

It wasn't until later, when he entered the sanctuary of God, that he finally understood what things looked like from God's point of view (Psalm 73:17-20). Asaph, like most of us, allowed his pain to distract and disillusion him.

Few would argue that it's even more difficult to remain focused in our modern world where we are confronted with so many distractions. But this feeling of unfair treatment by God is not a new one, nor is it unique.

It is exactly at these times that we need to step back and worship; set our spiritual vessel upright again. Asaph eventually realized that he had a friend and refuge in God (Psalm 73:23-28). And, what goes for Asaph goes for us, as well.

Our relationship with God is not based on today's headlines or breaking news. There will no shortage of troubles or worries in our lives (Matthew 6:34). God will help us get through them if we allow him to (Hebrews 13:5).

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1; Hebrews 11:6; Philippians 4:6-7; Isaiah 41:10; Romans 8:18 

Prayer: "I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."  - Psalm 27:13-14

Blessings always,

Vaunda

Being a Christian Takes Commitment!

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"If you do not plan to live the Christian life totally committed to knowing your God and to walking in obedience to Him, then don't begin, for this is what Christianity is all about. It is a change of citizenship, a change of governments, a change of allegiance. If you have no intention of letting Christ rule your life, then forget Christianity; it is not for you."  - Kay Arthur

Time after time, we read in the New Testament what the followers of Jesus Christ were subjected to because of their belief (Acts 7:59; 8:1; 12:4-5). They were arrested, persecuted, and even stoned and killed. 

Choosing to follow Jesus Christ will definitely require some work, and perhaps even at a cost. Still, millions around the world have not hesitated to entrust their lives to Him. They have taken that leap of faith that changed their lives forever.

However, many risk falling away after reaching this point because they feel there's nothing left to be done. But pause and reflect for a moment, then ask yourself, "Did Jesus ever rest on his laurels?" Why should we..?

Scripture shows, for example, that Moses, Joseph, Joshua, Paul, Peter, the rest of the apostles, and yes, Jesus himself, all put their lives in jeopardy for the sake of the Gospel. They were all truly committed to their belief (Psalm 37:5).

Unfortunately, for many, commitment to Christ has been reduced to a drudgery of plodding off to church services on Sunday, reading their Bibles sporadically, if at all, and living lives of lukewarm Christianity; or whatever suits them best.

Don't you think Jesus Christ deserves better from us? After all, look at what he did for you and I (John 3:16). The apostles were only flesh, bone, and blood like us. They had good days and bad days, got sick, and suffered aches and pains, too (2 Timothy 1:12).

Do you think it was easy for them to commit to, and follow through with their faith? Of course not! Others around them, not understanding what it was all about, surely made it difficult to stay focused and resist temptation (1 Kings 8:61 ). 

Yet, they persevered and pressed forward. Keep in mind that a commitment made to follow Christ is only the beginning. Remember, it's a journey, not a temporary or short-term committal, but a lifetime dedication (Psalm 31:5). 

Jesus sacrificed his life on the cross for us. The very least we can do is commit some time and effort to him. Don't let your faith wither on the vine. Nourish it with your heart and soul. It will take some effort, but the work is eternally worth it!

Scripture: Proverbs 16:3; Mark 16:16; Acts 14:23; John 14:15; 2 Timothy 4:7

Prayer: "In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,"  - 1 John 5:3

In Jesus' love,

Taylor

(Video Lesson) - Brooke Ligertwood: The Bible is Your Anchor in Seasons of Unknowns | Women of Faith on TBN

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In this presentation, singer-songwriter Brooke Ligertwood joins the women of Better Together to discuss how to trust God when you aren't sure of the outcome. I'm sure that we can all relate to this feeling!

So go on, take a little time from your busy day, get comfortable, and let these ladies share some wonderful, and insightful information with you. I just know you'll walk away reinforced with some new, faith-building information!

Scriptural references: Exodus 17:5-6; 1 Corinthians 10:4

Enjoy!

~Eve

Trust in Him at All Times

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“O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out you heart to him, for God is our refuge.” -Psalm 62:8 (NLT)

May I present a question for your consideration? “Is there anyone, or anything that you can really trust in your life?” I’m not talking about might be able to trust, or think you can trust, even more, bet your life on their trust.

You have to admit, this is a question that requires some careful deliberation on our part. For most of us, in this day and age, we are inundated with information or individuals appearing to be authentic or truthful, but are not.

If things we thought were honest and/or legitimate turn out to not to be so, where does that leave you and I? King David would certainly understand where we are coming from. After all, he dealt with this “trust” issue throughout his life.

Here, in this particular Psalm, we learn that King David’s enemies were in close pursuit. These enemies were, more than likely, corrupt persons who were attempting to topple him from power.

Scripture itself cautions us on the folly of placing our trust in men (Psalm 146:3-5). Fortunately, he learned early on that the only one he could totally trust was God. Time and time again, David would turn to Him when all else fell by the wayside. 

While it is important to place our trust in God, we must also learn to wait for His answer. I realize that "patience" isn't easy for many of us. We're used to getting what we want now, rather than later. But it doesn't work that way with God.

Our trust in God exhibits a form of wisdom that plants our focus on him (Psalm 141:8). It also demonstrates the rejection of moral and spiritual values, even evil; as we give our attention to the pursuit of His way (i.e., the path He has set before us).

Thus, even while surrounded by difficulties, David was able to rest in God. While his deceptive and powerful enemies pressed hard against him, David managed to maintain his composure and remain undaunted.

Ultimately, David encouraged both himself, and his people to "trust" in God. Inspiring them to view their human antagonists from God's point of view. That is, as they truly appear: frail, worthless, and deceptive (Psalm 62:9).

Always think before you trust in someone or something. Only God can do what is needed or expected. By "trusting" God,  he will deliver, care for, and reward us as only He can (2 Corinthians 1:18–20). 

Scripture: Psalm 40:4; Psalm 118:8; Proverbs 28:26; Isaiah 2:22; 2 Corinthians 5:7

Prayer: "But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation."  -Psalm 13:5 (ESV)

May God be with you always,

~Eve