Video Lesson: The Only Son | from the series: Here I Am | Part 3 of 4 | Beth Moore

In this third installment of four video sessions, Bible teacher, speaker, and author Beth Moore continues her series, which has covered up to this point: what it means to truly seek the Lord's presence; and are we hiding from God, or will we readily step into His presence?

Building onto these topics, this week Beth teaches that God will always show up when we cannot see a way out of our wilderness. 

©Living Proof Ministries with Beth Moore

Key Scriptures: Isaiah 58:6-9, Isaiah 65:1, Genesis 22:1-14, Galatians 3:8-9, Proverbs 3:5-6

Beth Moore always shares a message that seems to resonate with most of us because she's already been there. I know that I have never walked away empty-handed after hearing her speak. I hope that you can spare some time to view her message, too!

Enjoy!

~Eve

Sincere Scripture: Pleasing God is Eternally Rewarding

"The only path to pleasure is in pleasing God."  -  Richard Owens Roberts

Through the course of reading Scripture, attending church services, Sunday School, Bible study, etc., one central principle that you surely have become familiarized with is that "we are to please God."

Our highest goal, therefore, should be to attain the accomplishment of this outcome. Not only is it good for obvious reasons; the upshot of this is unquestionably both positive and beneficial to us.

It's safe to say that the result of our pleasing God leads to our utmost temporal (earthly) and eternal welfare, or well-being. By this agreeable action, we cannot but help to generate great happiness within ourselves.

“We often seek to please ourselves first, instead of God. What is interesting is that when we seek to please God first, very often we discover that we end up far more pleased than we did when we put ourselves first,” said Billy Graham.

In pleasing God, we become the recipients of his acceptance and the blessings therein, and are showered with the generosity of his grace. We are also considered blessed in this life, securing a crown of everlasting life. (Titus 1:2)

Needless to say, it does not fare as well for him/her who chooses not to please God. That person will suffer affliction and despair in life; contaminating and undermining any true joy they might have enjoyed otherwise. (Romans 8:8)

"How do I go about pleasing God..?" you ask. The answer is neither difficult nor impossible. You can live your life as best as you can, or whatever else, but nothing is pleasing to God unless it includes "faith." 

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)

Pleasing God enables us to continue on toward the supreme reward of those who love and fear Him. But our faith is the power that makes this possible. Always carry this in your thoughts and prayers. And may all of your days be blessed!

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:4; Proverbs 16:7; Colossians 1:9-10; 2 Corinthians 5:9; Ephesians 5:10 

Prayer: "I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.”  - Psalm 40:8

With you in Jesus Christ,

Kacey

Weekend Message: Sheila Walsh: Transform Your Sadness into Unshakable Strength | Women of Faith on TBN

 Welcome to the Weekend Message! 

As always, it is my 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.

Most of us have experienced a sad, life-changing experience that literally left us reeling in its wake. How did you handle it? Did it draw you closer to your faith, or alone and wondering where is God in all of this?

This week, evangelist, author, and inspirational speaker Sheila Walsh leads a group discussion in which she shares her insights on transforming sadness into unshakable strength. 

©Women of Faith on TBN

Discover how to turn your struggles into opportunities for growth and embrace the power of faith in your life.

An abundance of good information here. Set aside a little time to watch and listen to this brief presentation. I know you won't be disappointed that you did!

May God be with you always,

~Eve

God, the Absolute Owner of Creation

"I have a Creator who knew all things, even before they were made - even me, his poor little child."  - Saint Patrick

There appears to be some on-going confusion pertaining to ownership of various things in our lives. While it is true that we use the term "ownership" pretty freely, what is it exactly that we own..? (Isaiah 42:5)

We've created nothing, yet reap the benefits of everything that has ever been created. There is nothing in heaven or on earth that wasn't created by God. We owe all things to Him! (Job 33:4)

Psalm 24 lays this out very clearly for us. In the opening verse (Psalm 24:1), David comments on God's dominion over all the earth, and his divine presence therein. In short, the LORD is the true owner of everything.

Besides all of the earth, He owns each of us, too. This is affirmed by the use of "fulness" (multitude) in the KJV Bible. If one considers this to mean that God is claiming to be the Master, or Sovereign over us, that would be correct. Psalm 24:1 (KJV)

Moving on to another example, the first chapter of John recounts the apostle introducing Jesus Christ as God, by Whom all creation was made possible (John 1:3). 

The apostles had followed Him for three and a half years. Now they've been told that Jesus was God, the Creator of heaven and earth. One can only imagine what must have gone through their minds at this revelation! (John 1:1-5)

Turning back to "ownership," Dictionary.com defines ownership as: 1. the state or fact of being an owner. 2. legal right of possession; proprietorship. In essence, this is what we have been discussing here.

God, as the Creator of everything is the rightful and sole owner of it all (Genesis 1:1). He has the ultimate legal right to heaven and earth, and everything in it and on it. 

As such, he certainly could keep it all to Himself, but he chooses not to. Instead, the great Designer of the universe desires that all believers partake in his creation with Him ( Psalm 100:3); and that we care for it as our own (Genesis 2:15).

Scripture: Nehemiah 9:6; Psalm 8:3; Psalm 124:8; Psalm 95:4-5; Amos 9:6;  

Prayer: "Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy."  - Psalm 96:11-12

In Christ's Love,

Danni

Video Lesson: Send Me | from the series: Here I Am | Part 2 of 4 | Beth Moore

What would happen if we just let God be God over everything else that we cannot control? What if we stayed focused and didn't let social media distract us, or constantly check our phones during our time with God; be it church, Bible study, etc.

Here, in this second installment of a four-part series, Bible teacher, author, and speaker Beth Moore discusses the art of showing up. It doesn't matter what baggage we are carrying, we are encouraged to bring it all to God.

©Living Proof Ministries with Beth Moore

Key Scriptures: Job 38:35, Exodus 3:1-12, Isaiah 6:1-8

He knows everything there is to know about us, including our cares, burdens, and pains. God desires that we "show up," standing straight and focused, asking Him to speak to us. And you know what? He will.

Are we hiding from God, or will we readily step into His presence? Find a comfortable place, relax, and watch this uplifting message from Beth Moore. She never disappoints!

Enjoy!

~Eve

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

 **New!**

"Christ alone can bring lasting peace - peace with God - peace among men and nations - and peace within our hearts."  - Billy Graham

As was discussed in our last meeting, our lives in this world will not be trouble-free. All will be subject to many challenges along the way. Nor does one becoming a Christian ensure a tranquil, peaceful life (Psalm 34:19).

Peace is correlated, or connected, to our very thoughts and actions; ultimately, however, it is a gift from God (Isaiah 45:7; Leviticus 26:6; John 14:27). Its very presence reveals God's blessing on our submission to, and belief in him (Malachi 2:5; Isaiah 26:3).

I think it's important to point out that due to the value of peace, it is sometimes used deceptively. For example, delusions of peace can be utilized to exploit and manipulate. And false teachers may speak about peace, while covertly designing harm (Obadiah 1:7).

The peace referred to by Jesus differs from that which believers might think. It is not necessarily happiness, or material comfort; but rather, it suggests an assured calm that is gained by rebuffing anxiety, and trusting God to accomplish his will (Matthew 6:25-34; 11:28-30).

In Psalm 34:14 and Matthew 5:9, we are called by God to strive for peace; making every effort to do what leads to peace (Romans 14:19). Naturally, not all share this wish. Notwithstanding, that shouldn't deter us from trying to make peace with them (Romans 12:18).

We, as believers, are obligated to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts (Colossians 3:15). We must also decide whether to let His peace rule (God's promises), or pass on the truth he offers and rely on ourselves. 

The peace that Jesus offered to his disciples was established on the truth that he had subdued the world (John 16:33). Think of peace as a product of the Spirit of God. Therefore, if we let the Spirit rule in our lives we will encounter his peace (Galatians 5:23-24).

Jesus paid a heavy price in order for us to experience peace with God (Ephesians 2:8). Thus, we must also be willing to share it with others, too. That is, once it has firmly taken hold in our hearts, it is our duty to impart peace to others in this needy world (James 3:18). 

While the world (and us) will most assuredly experience many conflicts and clashes until Jesus returns (James 4:1-2); He will always furnish his peace to any and all who trust in, and call on, him (Proverbs 3:5; Romans 10:13). 

Scripture: Proverbs 16:7; 1 Peter 3:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 14:33; Ephesians 4:3

Prayer: "Dear Lord, may your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant."  - Psalm 119:76

In grace and peace, 

Betsy

Weekend Message: What Does It Mean to Be Born Again? | Billy Graham Classic Sermon (1982)

 **New!**

Welcome to the Weekend Message! 

It's my 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.

Are you seeking purpose in your life? This week, we bring you a sermon from Rev. Billy Graham that he preached in 1982.  Even so, the topic of being reborn in Jesus Christ is timeless and applies to all.

©Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

Jesus offers us a spiritual rebirth that opens our eyes to the Kingdom of God. Listen as the evangelist shares what it means to be born again.

"Jesus replied, 'Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.'"  - John 3:3

May God be with you always,

~Eve

Jesus Can Overcome Your Doubts

**New!**

"Doubting does not prove that a man has no faith, but only that his faith is small. And even when our faith is small, the Lord is ready to help us."  - J.C. Ryle

Can we talk about "doubt" for a moment, or two? Let me share some things about "doubt" with you. Some may sound familiar, of course, and others not. No matter, because this emotion is common to each and every one of us.

Doubt is defined as: a mental state that causes uncertainty about two or more opposing things offered for consideration or acceptance; likewise, indecision between belief and disbelief. 

What's more, it can incorporate uncertainty, distrust, or a lack of conviction about certain facts, actions, motives, or decisions. Doubt can even shut us off from everything; literally overwhelming our lives.

Believers are not spared from doubt, either! For the Christian, there may be times during certain seasons in life when one might ask, "Does God even care?" or "Does God still love me?"

But, doubt is not unusual by any means. Jesus' disciples themselves faced "doubt" as recorded in Matthew 14. This is the well-known scripture where Jesus walks on water.

As is reported, the disciples experienced some doubt as Jesus walked over the stormy waves toward their boat. This terrified them to the point that it caused them to cry out in fear (Matthew 14:26)! 

After Jesus calms the men down, Peter asks Jesus to command him to walk out to where he is. Which Jesus proceeds to do (Matthew 14:28). Peter starts out fine, but then doubt sets in and he starts to sink under the waves.

Jesus reaches his hand out to Peter and saves him, pointing out that it was his own doubt that caused him to flounder. Upon boarding the boat, the storm ceased altogether and the sea was again calm (Matthew 14:31-32).

It is evident through this episode that God provided Jesus with the power to control all natural elements. He was also provided with the ability to save us. And just as Jesus saved Peter when he called out to Him, we are given the same opportunity (Matthew 14:30).

Peter wasn't so different from many of us. In this instance, he demonstrated a lack of faith, and a lot of doubt. He took his focus off of the only real object of faith, losing sight of Jesus, which in turned caused him to sink (James 1:6).

Opportunities to doubt will certainly arise in life. But when it does, remember the Lord who gives us strength to overcome it. All we need to do is cry out to Him, and He will save us (Psalm 50:15).

Scripture: Isaiah 41:10; Proverbs 3:5; Matthew 28:17; John 14:1; John 20:29

Prayer:  Lord, I pray for your presence, strength, and help not only in the days when my doubt is heavy; but in my life always. Amen.

May your days be blessed,

Bev

Video Lesson: When is He Present? | from the series: Here I Am | Part 1 of 4 | Beth Moore

 **New!**

Thoughts of being able to do whatever, whenever, and to whomever we want probably flashed through our minds, at one time or another, as children. Then we grew up, matured, and realized that there were consequences to such behavior.

Beth opens this study by her use of 1 Samuel to place us in the mid-period of Israel's history. From here, she leads us through their breaking off from a single nation into separate tribes. 

©Living Proof Ministries with Beth Moore

Judges enter the picture and try and bring some order to the tribes, but sadly there is no consistency among them. Some judges are really good, others really bad. As a result, any changes are only temporary. Can you see a pattern forming..?

No longer working together as a unified people anarchy sets in. They have lost touch with their central, true covenant and with who God called them to be. 

In this first of four parts lesson, Bible teacher, speaker, and author Beth Moore leads us in a study looking at what it means to truly seek the Lord's presence.

Key Scriptures: 1 Samuel 2:12-18; Jeremiah 7:12-15; Jeremiah 2:1-8; 1 Samuel 3:1-10; Proverbs 3:5-6

Enjoy!

~Eve