God Hates Injustice!

"Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity, and the rod of his fury will fail." - Proverbs 22:8 (ESV)

Whenever the subject of injustice is brought up, it is sure to cause anger and aggravation among some because of it's divisive and contentious nature. Even so, it is something that can't be ignored because it so conspicuous. 

Unfortunately, due to that fact that it presents itself in such a multitude of ways there is no single solution to injustice. The Christian, being a recipient of injustices throughout history, can always refer to the Bible for encouragement.

The Bible distinguishes injustice as the act of treating others unfairly or without equity, and involves the denial of God's moral law and character. Condemned in Scripture, injustice is contrary to His character and divine order.

Injustice is addressed in both the Old and New Testaments. Let's briefly examine a few helpful examples. The O.T. often calls our attention to God's concern for justice and His objection to injustice. 

In Israel's Law, God directs His people to act justly and tend to the defenseless (Leviticus 19:15). This edict emphasizes the importance of being impartial and fair in legal matters. 

Isaiah 1:17 demonstrates how the prophets often opposed the injustices in their day. This call to action clarifies how God's people are to diligently labor for justice, and defend those most vulnerable to ill-treatment and the forsaken.

Jesus Christ manifests and teaches fairness and equity in the N.T. Often times, His ministry challenges the social and religious unfairness and bias, as in Matthew 23:23. This verse illustrates that obedience to God's law involves dedication to justice and mercy.

Scripture also depicts God as the ultimate judge who will make right all problems (Psalms 9:7-8). This promise of divine justice gives hope to those suffering under human injustices. Additionally, we as believers are urged to demonstrate justice in our own lives (Micah 6:8).

In closing, the Bible reveals injustice as a heinous misconduct that goes against God's nature and His plans for all of us. Scripture demands that believers pursue justice, stand up for the oppressed, and live in such a way as to show God's mercy and righteousness to the world.

Scripture: Deuteronomy 27:19; Psalm 82:2; Proverbs 17:15; Proverbs 31:8-9; Lamentations 3:34-36 

Prayer: Dear Lord, may You help me to right wrongs and vindicate those who are treated unjustly in the world. Amen

In grace and peace always, 

Kenzie

Who's In Charge Here? - God's Sovereignty

"Most Christians salute the sovereignty of God but believe in the sovereignty of man."  - R. C. Sproul (1939-2017)

When I was child, I can recall one of my favorite go-to retorts toward someone who I thought was being abrasively bossy was, "You can't tell me what to do. You're not the boss of me!" As an 8-year old, this was my way of refusing to be bullied.

My childhood aside, throughout the history of mankind we've had problems related to authority. This doesn't mean that "authority" is a bad thing. It's just that there are some who are better at wielding it than others.

And there lies the problem. You never know what you're going to get with someone who is in a position of authority. We've all had positive and negative experiences in our work and personal lives that we can identify with.

There is One, however, whose authority and supreme power over ALL creation is beyond our comprehension. In fact, it is one of the central themes in Christian theology; better known as: the Sovereignty of God.

According to this doctrine, or teaching, God is the universal Creator and Sustainer Who generously employs his boundless will as He sees fit. The idea of divine sovereignty is embedded in Scripture, attesting to God's supreme authority over everything.

This is disclosed in Genesis 1:1. You'll find the same point impressed upon us in Psalm:115:3. The prophet Isaiah was also well aware of the Sovereignty of God, as he proclaims in Isaiah 46:9-10. 

Isaiah's passage draws attention to God's extraordinary ability to proclaim and carry out His purposes, establishing His control over world events and human progress. Let’s now examine God’s sovereignty as illustrated in the New Testament, as well.

Needless to say, the doctrine of God's sovereignty is notably evident in its connection to salvation (Ephesians 1:4-5). This verse underscores God's sovereign choice in regards to our salvation, while stressing His free choice and design in the redemptive process.

We see this concept also demonstrated for us in Romans 9:15-16. The apostle Paul calls to our attention that the concept of salvation is, in the end, a product of God's sovereign mercy, and not due to any effort on our part. i

As I mentioned, man has always had a problem with authority; unfortunately this includes our relationship towards God, too. And though this dilemma has been the subject of theological discussion for centuries, there is no viable answer. 

Perhaps the best thing we can do is stop resisting God's authority, and try working with, instead of against Him. The key here is to foster a cooperative relationship with God between our own endeavors and His divine plan.

Scripture: Exodus 18:11; Deuteronomy 4:39; Joshua 2:11; Acts 17:24-26; Romans 4:11

Prayer: "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." - Revelation 4:11

Blessings always,

Vaunda

Walking By Faith | Despair: No Pity to Myself

"I shall despair. There is no creature loves me;

And if I die no soul will pity me:

And wherefore should they, since that I myself

Find in myself no pity to myself?"   - William Shakespeare (1564-1616) - from: Richard III - Act 5, scene 3

When you hear the word "despair" what comes to mind? Maybe an utter sense of hopelessness? A feeling that the world is closing in around you? Perhaps a deep feeling of anguish, grief, or even sorrow? (2 Corinthians 4:8)

No matter how you may perceive it, despair is not beneficial to any of us. Vocabulary.com defines "despair" as: the feeling of not having any hope left. I would say that sums it up very nicely. 

One thing I've gathered, from my speaking to various groups and individuals, is that we can be affected by despair for many reasons. These can vary from person to person; their experiences, moral principles, life situations, etc.

Health concerns, broken relationships, work problems, even political upheaval, to name only a few, can give rise to despair. Whom among us wouldn't become discouraged after prolonged struggles with any of these, even to the point of giving up all hope?

Thankfully, the Christian believer can turn to Scripture for guidance in coping with or managing "despair." There, we find it meaningfully considered in personal or group experiences facing desertion, suffering, and yearning for divine intervention.

This tightly knit theme is embedded within the biblical narrative, pointing out the brutally harsh and genuine assertions of suffering humanity, and the search for Divine presence in woeful, unsettling times.

A noteworthy example is presented in the Old Testament Book of Job. There we find righteous, but lamenting Job in the throes of great suffering and loss. We experience his sorrowful cry through Job 3:11.

The Book of Psalms provides a multitude of illustrations concerning cries of despair acting as a testament to the nature of being human, and the quest for blessed peace and comfort (Psalms 22:1).

Now, let’s jump forward to the New Testament; stopping at the Gospels. In Matthew, we discover Jesus crying in despair from the cross (Matthew 27:46). The significance here being His humanly, yet prophecy-fulfilling suffering and despair.

The reality of despair in the life of a Christian was even acknowledged by the apostle Paul in his letters, or epistles. His open frankness about his own encounters with it provide inspiration. They also emphasize the abundance of God’s grace during times of trial (2 Corinthians 1:8).

We’ve seen how biblical “despair” is not just another term for hopelessness. Rather, it is often viewed as a forerunner of divine mediation and revelation. This reminds us of our need for God, and His promise that he indeed listens and responds to our cries for help.

Because we live in a fallen world, despair will always be with us. However, we don’t have to surrender to it. We have an open invitation from God to bring our despair to Him. And we can always trust in the comfort and hope offered by His love and sovereignty to put us right.

Scripture: Joshua 1:9; Psalm 55:22; Romans 15:13; Philippians 4:19; 1 Peter 5:7

Prayer: Holy Father, may you open my eyes that I might see the hope to which You have called me. Show me the richness of Your glorious provision, and excellent power for all believers. Amen.

Sincerely with the Grace of God,

Sloane

Weekend Message: Life Unhindered - Part 1 of 3 | Beth Moore

Welcome to the Weekend Message! 

As always, it's my 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.

This time we present the first of three video presentations of a new series featuring Bible teacher and author, Beth Moore. Here, she introduces this new series by presenting the question, "Are we ready to live our lives unhindered with bold love and faith?" These are days for boldness in the gospel! 

Beth then proceeds to carefully explain this calling on our lives as displayed throughout the Book of Acts. During the course of her teaching, she will show that the call will be upon us, as firm believers, to live an unhindered life with bold love, and faith that proclaims the great gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

© Living Proof Ministries with Beth Moore

Scriptural References: Deuteronomy 8:7-10; Acts 21, Acts 23:10-11; Acts 24:27; Acts 9, Acts 28:1-6, 11, 12-13, 15-16, 28, 30-31; Philippians 1:12

In Philippians 1:12, Paul says, "Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel." 

When was the last time you said to the Lord Jesus, "Leverage it all. My successes, my failures, my weaknesses, my strengths, my experience, my education, my lack of education, my skills, my work, my play, my friendships. Everything about me, Lord, leverage it for the gospel. Advance the gospel with it."

Take a little time for yourself, find a comfy place to sit, relax, and tune in to this inspirational, thought-provoking message.

May God richly bless you,

~Eve

Whistle-Stop Scripture Study: 1 John 5 (Conclusion)

"God is too good to be unkind, and He is too wise to be mistaken. And when we cannot trace His hand, we must trust His heart."   - Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892)

We've now reached the final chapter in this study of The First Epistle of John or 1 John. This session finds us examining 1 John 5 in this initial group of letters; most likely sent to believers among the churches in Asia Minor. 

Up to this point, the main focus of these epistles, or letters, has been on love, and heeding the word of God and carrying it out. Without a doubt, these are important in the life of a believer.

But the glue that holds all of this together is faith. And that's where we find ourselves in this lesson, as we turn to explore the significance of believing in the Son. This is shown here in chapter 5, seven out of ten times in all of 1 John! 

For those who do believe in Jesus Christ, they acquire the assurance of eternal life. Thus, some key points must be called to our attention here.

• that true faith is manifested through our love for God, and everyone else.
• it stresses that one who absolutely believes in Jesus Christ as the Son of God has been "born of God" or spiritually reborn.
• they (believers in Christ) gain possession of the power to overcome or defeat the world.

There is something else, however, that must be mentioned before moving on. If one chooses to dismiss or renounce this belief, they have effectively forsaken the word of God. Alas, this is a sad but all too common occurrence around the world.

As we usually do, let's briefly revisit the questions given at the end of 1 John 4. The answers provided are not meant to be regarded as exact, nor as the final word. They have been provided as a comparison and self-evaluation tool only!

Compare your answers below*:

#1. What are the main points of 1 John 4?

• Test the spirits to see whether they are from God 
• God is love.

#2. Why shouldn't we believe every spirit? 

• Owing to the fact that there are many false prophets.

#3. How can one recognize the Spirit of God?

• Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God.

#4. What did John remark about the coming of  the Antichrist? 

• The spirit of the antichrist, is already in the world. 

#5. What did John write about their ability to overcome?  

• The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

#6.  How can one tell the difference between the spirit of truth and the false? 

• As believers, whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us.

#7. Why should we love each other? 

• Because love comes from God and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

#8. How did God show his love for us? 

• By sending His one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.

#9. How can we make sure that God will abide or dwell in us? 

• By loving one another.

#10. What do we receive as a result of loving each other as we should? 

• We will have confidence on the day of judgment.

#11. If we say that we love God, but hate our brother or sister, what does that make us? Why? 

• It makes us liars. If we don't love someone whom we've seen, how can we say we love God if we've never seen Him? 

*verses for the questions were provided in the previous lesson.

In 1 John 5, John discusses faith in Jesus Christ, loving God, and surmounting (overcoming) the world (vv. 1-5). Then he comments on God's witness (testimony) that provides assurance regarding eternal life in Jesus Christ (vv. 6-13). He finally concludes with a discourse on prayer (vv. 14-17), and the confidence found in one's knowledge of Him (vv. 18-21).

Objectives of this lesson: 

After completing this lesson (includes reading the selection), you should be familiar with:

• The vital importance of faith, love, and being obedient.
• The character of eternal life in one's current possession.
• The difference between sin that does not lead to death, and sin that does.

Before we start, let us pray: "Dear Lord, send the grace of your Holy Spirit to strengthen me that I may learn well the subject I am about to study. Amen."

The questions below are provided to help you get the most out of the chapter study. The numbers enclosed in parentheses are the verse numbers relating to that particular question. 

I encourage you to first read the chapter thoroughly as many times as needed. Then take your time answering the questions, making sure you understand each one before moving on. 

Reading Questions:

1. What are the main points of 1 John 5? - (vv. 1-5); (vv. 6-13); (vv. 14-17); (vv. 18-21)
2. To be born of God, what must we do? - (v. 1)
3. How can we be certain that we the love the children of God? - (v. 2)
4. How can one defeat (overcome) the world? - (vv. 4-5)
5. What three things gave evidence toward Jesus Christ?  (vv. 6-8) 
6. What does one receive in return for their belief in the Son of God? - (v. 10)
7. What has God given us? Who has this? - (vv. 11-12)
8. Why did John mention these things in his epistle? (v. 13)
9. What confidence do we have in prayer? - (vv. 14-15)
10. What is described as the true God and eternal life? - (v. 20)

This now concludes our study of 1 John. I've purposely created these studies to be concise in order to accommodate most busy daily schedules. Even so, they contain enough content to promote actual learning.

I invite you to join me for our next study of 2 John. Until then, I hope this "whistle-stop" for Scripture study will become an established point of departure as you set out on your journey with Jesus Christ!

Thank you again for joining me, and I look forward to seeing you soon!

Scripture: Proverbs 8:35; Matthew 25:46; John 6:47; Acts 4:12; Romans 10:13  

Prayer: "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." - Psalm 139:23-24

May God richly bless you always,

Leia

Video Lesson Clip: Does Your Life Look New in Christ? | Beth Moore

In this brief video segment, Bible teacher and author talks about putting off, or discarding, our old selves and putting on our new selves in Christ. But why is that so hard..? 

We know that sometimes it's difficult to live in the newly renewed mind of Christ. In this clip, Beth, using Ephesians 4 as an example, tells us how we can do that! 

© Living Proof Ministries with Beth Moore

"But that is not how you came to know Christ, assuming you heard about him and were taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus, to take off your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires, to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth."  - Ephesians 4: 20-24 (CSB)

May God always bless you!

~Eve

Walking By Faith | God's Transformational Power

"Beware of harking back to what you once were when God wants you to be something you have never been."  - Oswald Chambers (1874-1917)

We're all aware that in life nothing remains the same. Change, or transformation is inevitable, and can be either a minor, or major upheaval. We also know that it could be for the better, or the worse. 

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines transformation as: “A complete or major change in someone or something’s appearance, form.” A "change" also occurs in the life of the Christian when, by virtue of God's Spirit, Christ abides within him or her.

This change or "transformation" indicates a life-changing renewal from living a worldly, unspiritual existence to a life that has been conformed (adapted) to please God (Romans 12:2). Let's turn to the Bible for more clarity on this.

According to the Bible, "transformation" means a change in our heart and character when we receive Christ. It forever changes who we are from that point on (2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Peter 1:23; John 1:12; Acts 2:38).

Our values (morals), conduct (behavior), and way of thinking (attitudes) are altered in the form of a new bond with God. It involves a shift in values, behavior, and attitudes, and is a result of a new relationship with God. 

This change can be evidenced by: a renewed (regenerated) mind; spiritual provision (nourishment); partaking in spiritual food (Jesus) and prayer, assimilating (adapting to) the life of God, and being guided by His Spirit.

The outcomes of these alterations can be powerful, such as: a fresh start with God, a more pleasing life to God, a life that exhibits His glory and likeness, a sin-free life, and a life that is vibrant and thriving in Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Lives that are transformed commence with the gospel message of Christ, and that, because the power of God is contained within it. Thus, salvation is delivered to us through the gospel (Romans 1:16-17).

A life transformed by God doesn't suggest that one can sit back and do nothing. It means continual restoration and evolvement in Christ, after being appointed with what we need to display the glory and design of God.

Scripture: Acts 1:8; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 3:21; Colossians 3:10; 2 Peter 1:3

Prayer: "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being."  - Ephesians 3:16

Sincerely with the Grace of God,

Sloane

Weekend Message: Q&A With Beth Moore | Colorado Springs

Welcome to the Weekend Message! 

As always, it's my 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.

This particular weekend message offers a slightly different take from our usual presentations. In this segment, Bible teacher and author, Beth Moore, answers questions from audience members as part of a Q&A at a Living Proof Live conference in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

© Living Proof Ministries with Beth Moore

It's an informative dialogue with the audience, and an opportunity for Beth Moore to interact with them in an informal manner. The questions are listed below for your convenience, and as you can see, they are a variety of both serious, and light-hearted! 

• What is Beth’s favorite Bible translation?
• Cremation versus burial: Are they both Biblical? 
• How can I have faith in what God has called me to do?
• How can I encourage the younger generation to grow in the faith?
• How can I learn to pray and make it more central to everyday life?
• What would Beth bring to my potluck?
• When is a time when God has felt far away for Beth, and how to overcome it?
• Why is it important to speak the name of Jesus out loud?
• How can I know that my prodigal children are secure in Christ?

Make it a point to watch and hear what this Spirit-filled teacher has to share. I know you won't be disappointed that you did!

May God bless you always,

~Eve

Whistle-Stop Scripture Study: 1 John 4

"It is the nature of all hypocrites and false prophets to create a conscience where there is none, and to cause conscience to disappear where it does exist."   - Martin Luther (1483-1546)

I'm so pleased to see you again as we pick up our Bible study of The First Epistle of John or 1 John. We've now reached the final two chapters in 1 John, including our current study 1 John 4. 

You've probably heard that old saying, "Don't believe everything you hear."  There's good reason for this valid, time-honored advice, especially in matters related to the teachings of Jesus Christ. 

There have always been unscrupulous characters actively seeking to push their false teachings on believers. This presented a big problem for John, too. In 1 John 4, he warns the readers not to blindly accept all spiritual claims.

Believers should always "test the spirits" to see whether they are truly from God. This includes false prophets as well as false teachings. Along with this, he again teaches on the theme of loving each other as God loves us, as manifested in the sacrifice of His Son.

Now, before we continue, let's briefly revisit the questions given at the end of 1 John 3. The answers provided are not meant to be regarded as exact, nor as the final word. They have been provided as a comparison and self-evaluation tool only!

Compare your answers below*:

#1. What are the main points of 1 John 3?: 

• That we should live as children of God.
• That we should love each other.

#2. What should inspire us to live chaste, decent lives? 

• The hope that when Christ is revealed, we shall be like Him.

#3. How is sin defined by John?

• Sin is lawlessness.

#4. What is a valid description of one who abides (dwells, endures) in Jesus? Of one who is born of God?

• They do not continue on sinning.
• They do not make a habit of sinning.
• They cannot continue sinning.

#5. What sets apart children of God from children of the devil?

• The child of God demonstrates righteousness and loves their brethren.

#6. What serves as proof that we have passed from death to life? 

• Our love for each other.

#7. How can we recognize true love? How can we demonstrate this in our own lives?

• By the example that Jesus left us; sacrificially, in both action and truth .

#8. How can we be assured and confident in that we are of the truth?

• By loving each other, having faith in Him, and keeping His commandments.

#9. How can we know that God dwells in us, and we in Him?

• By keeping His commandments, and through the Spirit he gave us.

*verses for the questions were provided in the previous lesson.

In our current study of 1 John 4, John warns his readers not to believe everyone who proclaims that they are led by the Spirit. Instead, they should test them (vv. 1-6). Subsequently, he encourages them to exhibit brotherly love in keeping with the nature and example of God' love as displayed in the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ (vv. 7-21).

Objectives of this lesson: 

After completing this lesson (includes reading the selection), you should be familiar with:

• How to distinguish the spirit of truth from the false.
• How the love of God should influence our love for each other.

Before we begin, let us pray: "Dear Lord, send the grace of your Holy Spirit to strengthen me that I may learn well the subject I am about to study. Amen."

The questions below are provided to help you get the most out of the chapter study. The numbers enclosed in parentheses are the verse numbers relating to that particular question. 

I encourage you to first read the chapter thoroughly as many times as needed. Then take your time answering the questions, making sure you understand each one before moving on. 

Reading Questions:

1. What are the main points of 1 John 4? - (vv. 1-6); (vv. 7-21)
2. Why shouldn't we believe every spirit?. - (v. 1)
3. How can one recognize the Spirit of God? - (v. 2)
4. What did John remark about the coming of the Antichrist? - (v. 3)
5. What did John write about their ability to overcome?  (v. 4) 
6. How can one tell the difference between the spirit of truth and the false? - (v. 6)
7. Why should we love each other? - (vv. 7-8)
8. How did God show his love for us? (vv. 9-10)
9. How can we make sure that God will abide or dwell in us? - (vv. 12-16)
10. What do we receive as a result of loving each other as we should? - (vv. 17-18)
11. If we say that we love God, but hate our brother or sister, what does that make us? Why? (v. 20)

This concludes our study of 1 John 4. I've purposely created these studies to concise in order to accommodate most busy daily schedules. Even so, they contain enough content to promote actual learning.

I invite you to our next study of 1 John 5. Until then, I hope this "whistle-stop" for Scripture study will become an established point of departure as you set out on your journey with Jesus Christ!

Thank you for joining me, and I look forward to seeing you again soon!

Scripture: Romans 16:17; Ephesians 5:11; Colossians 2:8; 2 Peter 2:1; Jude 1:4 

Prayer: "Dear Lord, help me to always hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught." Amen.

May God richly bless you always,

Leia

Seek His Direction

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."  - Proverbs 3:5-6

So many of us live our lives by relying on faulty human wisdom to make life decisions. And when this fails to produce desirable results, we are left sullen and even angered.

Friends, family, co-workers, even the cashier at the local market may provide guidance that is well-meaning. While their intentions may be sincere, this is not the life-changing guidance we truly seek and need in our lives.

"What can one do..?" It is fundamentally important for the believing Christian to rely on the wisdom of God, rather than flawed human understanding. Seeking God's direction is the dedicated practice of looking for God's guidance and wisdom.

The application of seeking God's direction is based on the belief that only the Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent God possesses absolute knowledge and discernment; including of the past, present and future. 

Thus, its indispensability is unquestionable when making life-decisions and choices. Numerous citations of this are given in Scripture. For example, James 1:5 prompts believers to request wisdom from God. 

David frequently asked of God prior to making a decision, as in 1 Samuel 23:2. And, in Acts 16:6-10 we see how God, through divine guidance, directs the apostle Paul and his companions in their missionary travels.

Thankfully, there are different methods that we can use when seeking God's direction in our lives. An obvious way is through prayer; as this is the primary means by which we can communicate our desires, and seek God's will (Philippians 4:6-7).

The Bible also provides an important source of His guidance within its pages (Psalm 119:105). A vital role in guiding believers is offered by the Holy Spirit (John 16:13). Insightful recommendation may also be found through mature, godly believers (Proverbs 11:14).

Finally, there are instances where God makes use of circumstances or "open doors" to show the way toward opportunities He provides for us (Revelation 3:8). I cannot stress enough, however, the importance of being patient and open to His direction, even if we might disagree with it.

I'd like to include a helpful piece of advice here. One must also be diligent to test any supposed guidance against Scripture. This is crucial in order to make certain that it agrees with God's revealed will.

As we have seen, seeking God's direction in our lives is essential. Its use is based on trust and confidence in His wisdom and supremacy. By practicing some of the methods mentioned above we can determine His will; allowing us to make decisions that bring him praise and honor.

Scripture: Job 29:21; Proverbs 16:9; Isaiah 11:2; Matthew 7:7-8; Romans 12:2

Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray for your guidance and wisdom in all aspects of my life. May no decision be made without first seeking your counsel; and receiving your blessing. Amen.

In grace and peace always, 

Kenzie

A Steadfast Faith Amid Life's Trials

"So surely as the stars are fashioned by His hands, and their orbits fixed by Him, so surely are our trials allotted to us: He has ordained their season and their place, their intensity and the effect they shall have upon us."       - C. H. Spurgeon

One of the hardest things for us to accept is hardship or trials in life. When the water is calm and sailing is smooth, there is no problem. But sooner or later, the water will become choppy and our way is tossed and set into turmoil.

Such is life. Most can easily maneuver the clear paths without effort or difficulty. The appearance of trials that put us to the test, however, will either make or break us depending on how we handle them.

No one is immune from trials in life. They present themselves in different manners, at random times, and in varying intensities. We should be aware that they will arrive at some point in time, but are you prepared to face them when they do?

A hallmark theme in the Christian life is a steadfast faith during times of trial. This includes maintaining firmness of purpose and keeping our hearts and minds centered upon Jesus Christ at all times. 

We can find many examples and lessons supporting what I've just mentioned in the Bible. These serve to demonstrate the importance of maintaining our faith and trust in Him no matter what challenges and adversity one might face.

Let's examine a few instances here today. When we think of someone being overrun with trials Job would probably be the first person to come to mind! Even so, despite losing everything and then some. he never turned against God (Job 3:15).

In fact, Job's faith is used as a powerful illustration to show what trusting God's sovereignty and righteousness should look like in the time of upheaval in life. Another powerful individual who stood strong in faith is Joseph.

Despite being sold into slavery by his own brothers and enduring imprisonment, he remained faithful to God. His good character and trust in God's plan for him symbolizes how God can use trials and tribulations for His greater intentions (Genesis 5:20).

Finally, the Apostle Paul met with a great many calamities, including being jailed, beatings, and surviving a shipwreck. Still, he stood firm in faith and continued on his mission of spreading the gospel.

The letters he left embolden believers to rejoice in suffering, knowing that it generates character and perseverance (Romans 5:3-4). I could continue with many more, but these individuals get the point across quite satisfactorily.

In order for the Christian believer to grow and mature in faith, it must be put to the test on occasion. His plan for you, however, is different than his plan for me. God never does this without having a greater plan in mind (Jeremiah 29:11).

Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887) once said, "We are always on the anvil; by trials God is shaping us for higher things." Trials are a part of life. They measure our faith in God, and expose its weaknesses. Let God do his work in you, as only He can!

Scripture: Psalm 34:19; 2 Corinthians 4:17; James 1:4; Hebrews 12:11; Revelation 3:10

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and be constant in prayer. Amen.

In grace and peace, 

Betsy

Weekend Message: Alexandra Hoover & Jess Connolly | Are You Pursuing God's Purpose for Your Life? | Better Together on TBN

Welcome to the Weekend Message! 

As always, it's my 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.

You're invited to take part in the conversation as Sheila Walsh, Faith Eury Cho, and Jeanne Stevens join Alexandra Hoover and Jess Connolly to discover why the events that we may view as detours are still all part of God's perfect plan for our lives.

© Better Together On TBN

We all have dreams and aspirations about what we want out of life, or what we what we would like our lives to be. However, sometimes things don't always go as planned. And when that happens, we might wonder: "What did I do wrong?"

In this video presentation,  Alexandra Hoover and Jess Connolly explore how we can best seek God's purpose in times of unexpected challenges and change; which includes letting go of our plan to make room for God's plan.

I think this is a good discussion to help start off a new year on a positive note. I strongly encourage you to actively listen to the message these wonderful ladies have to share. It just may be what you need for a better 2025!

May God bless you always,

~Eve

Whistle-Stop Scripture Study: 1 John 3

"Every one of us needs to show how much we care for each other and, in the process, care for ourselves."   - Princess Diana

Thank you for joining me once again as we continue our Bible study of The First Epistle of John or 1 John. I hope that you had a joyous holiday season spent with friends and loved ones! Now, we find ourselves examining 1 John 3. 

The human race has always struggled with the concept of loving one another. We talk about it much, even make attempts at it here and there, but it all inevitably falls apart. What are we doing wrong?

1 John 3 offers helpful insight into this as it continues the discussion of the importance of being a child of God and living suitably, as such. A major implication of being a child of God is also stressed here; that we are to love one another.

Before we go forward, let's briefly revisit the questions given at the end of 1 John 2. The answers provided are not meant to be regarded as exact, nor as the final word. They are provided only as a comparison and self-evaluation tool.

Compare your answers below*:

#1. What are the main points of 1 John 2?: 

• That He is Our Advocate and how we come to know Him.
• We are given an new commandment.
• The believers spiritual state.
• Love only The Father and not the world.
• Allow truth to dwell in you, and you in Christ  

#2. How can Jesus help us when we have sinned? He is both Our Advocate and our propitiation for sins.

#3. Name two proofs showing that we know Jesus, and live in a close relationship with Him.

• By keeping His commandments, and living as He did. 

#4. Name one commandment that is both "old" and "new."  

• Loving our brother or sister. 

#5. Make a list of the three groups of people of whom John describes their spiritual state (vv. 12-14).

• Children: sins are forgiven because they have known the Father.
• Fathers: having known Him (Jesus) who is from the beginning.
• Young men: their strength has helped them overcome the evil one.

#6. John lists three worldly things which we should not love. What are they? 

• Lust of the flesh.
• Lust of the eyes.
• The pride of life.

#7. What does John tell us about antichrist in?

• There will be more than one (many).
• Whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ; and denies the Father and the Son.

#8. How can we be certain that we will abide (dwell, endure) in both the Son, and the Father?

• by persisting in the truth that was spoken from the beginning, believing what he promised us, and practicing righteousness. 

*verses for the questions were provided in the previous lesson.

In our current study of 1 John 3, John recounts God's love for us, and how hope and trust as His children should serve to inspire us. When we are familiar with sin, righteous living should be expected. Christ came to defeat sin; thus, only one truly born of God will not continue in it. 

It is important to remember that true righteousness involves loving each other as Christ loved us. Likewise, we gain confidence and assurance that we are living a life that is fully immersed in his presence, and truthful in every way.

In order to truly appreciate Him, we must obey His commandments (vv. 1-6), and love each other (vv. 7-11). Giving an account of the spiritual state of his original readers (vv. 12-14), John warns against loving the world and being mislead by antichrists (vv. 15-23); and allowing truth to dwell in them, and they in Jesus Christ (vv. 24-29).

Objectives of this lesson: 

After completing this lesson (includes reading the selection), you should be familiar with:

• The love God has for us, and our love for others, sin defined;
• Our love for others, sin defined and the meaning of "does not sin" (vv. 6,9);
• The impact of love and how it factors into the assurance of our salvation.

Now let us pray before we begin: "Dear Lord, send the grace of your Holy Spirit to strengthen me that I may learn well the subject I am about to study. Amen."

The questions below are provided to help you get the most out of the chapter study. The numbers enclosed in parentheses are the verse numbers relating to that particular question. 

I encourage you to read the chapter thoroughly as many times as needed. Take your time answering the questions, making sure you understand each one before moving on. 

Reading Questions:

1. What are the main points of 1 John 3? - (vv. 1-9); (vv. 10-24)
2. What should inspire us to live chaste, decent lives?. - (vv. 2-3)
3. How is sin defined by John? - (v. 4)
4. What is a valid description of one who abides (dwells, endures) in Jesus? Of one who is born of God - (vv. 6, 9)
5. What sets apart children of God from children of the devil?  (v. 10) 
6. What serves as proof that we have passed from death to life? - (v. 14)
7. How can we recognize true love? How can we demonstrate this in our own lives? (vv. 16-18)
8. How can we be assured and confident in that we are of the truth? - (vv. 19-20)
9. How can we know that God dwells in us, and we in Him? - (v. 24)

This now completes our study of 1 John 3. I've intentionally made these studies concise in order to accommodate most busy daily schedules. Even so, they contain enough content to allow for actual learning to take place.

I invite you to our next study of 1 John 4. Until then, I hope the "whistle-stop" for Scripture study will become an established point of departure as you set out on your journey with Jesus Christ!

Thank you for joining me, and I look forward to seeing you again soon!

Scripture: John 15:12; Romans 12:9; 1 Peter 3:8; James 2:8; Jude 1:21

Prayer: "Dear Lord, provide me with a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." Amen.

May God richly bless you always,

Leia

Our Faith is Revealed Through Our Patience

"Patience is the companion of wisdom."  - Saint Augustine of Hippo (A.D. 354-430)

As I converse with different people one topic inevitably pops up. It appears that "patience," or a lack thereof, is something that stands out. And though there may be other things on our minds, patience is something we can all relate to.

Sarai, a prominent figure in the biblical story, discovered that a lack of a little patience can cause big problems. She is familiar as the wife of Abram (later Abraham) and is key to the advancement of God's covenant with her husband, Abraham.

Her story is interwoven with matters of faith, promise, human fragility (Genesis 16). However, it's her impatience, and eventual plan to fulfill God's promise of having a family by her own means instead of waiting, that is considered a significant point in Scripture.

We must always be mindful that patience doesn't happen overnight. God's power and goodness are vital to the development of patience. "Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming..." (James 5:7)

Through Sarai's life we are shown the importance of faith and patience in our own lives as believers. Her mistakes aside, she is ultimately recalled as woman of faith, in whom God later completes His promise through the miraculous birth of Isaac.

My intention here is not to dive into a deep study of Genesis, but rather to bring attention to the dangers of relying on our own wisdom instead of placing our trust in God's timing and steadfast loyalty (Psalm 27:14) 

Let Sarai's story of impatience serve as a good reminder of the sovereignty of God and His assurance of the fulfillment of His promises. In the end, God's grace is demonstrated to us by remaining faithful to His covenant through all of our human weaknesses, flaws, and mistakes. 

Scripture: Psalm 37:7; Romans 8:25; Philippians 4:6; 2 Peter 3:9; Hebrews 10:36  

Prayer: Lord, grant me strength and courage in patience through whatever difficulties, challenges, or setbacks I may encounter. Remind me that everything has its own time and that your timing is always perfect. Amen.

May God be with you,

Sophie

Video Presentation | Maryl Milo |5 Toxic Habits I’m Letting Go of in 2025 (To Stay Christ-Centered)

Welcome to 2025!

As the Coffeehouse Bible Ministry begins its 15th year of serving the Lord, I thought it would be helpful to start with some motivational information. Many individuals seek new and beneficial ways to re-boot their lives at the start of a new year.

This special video presentation by Maryl DeMilo, a spiritual formation coach with a Masters degree from the Talbot School of Theology, has some great information that may help you to do just that.

© Maryl De Milo

In this video, Maryl shares 5 toxic habits that she is going to eliminate from her life in 2025 in order to remain Christ-centered, and live a fuller, more abundant life. 

Let her show you how to shift negative patterns that can cause burnout, and inspire you to release that which hinders rather than serves you.

I've listed some links to resources that she mentions in her presentation below. Even if your life is in order and just the way you want it, I think you'll find some things that are worthwhile here!

Resources:

Study mentioned in this video: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles...

Recommended Books:

The 80/20 Principle: https://amzn.to/3DAwc9K

The Gift of Being Yourself https://amzn.to/3PL1DBx

Where Prayer Becomes Real: https://amzn.to/4ao8nNR

The Way of the Heart: https://amzn.to/3POKUgx

May your life be richly blessed in our Lord Jesus Christ,

~Eve

New Year's Day Message 2025 | Life Is Short: Billy Graham - Make The Best Use Of Your Time

Once again we say good-bye to another year, and prepare to welcome a fresh, new start!. Traditionally, this time is one of reflection, contemplation, and anticipation. "What will the new year bring?" "What can I do differently in my life than I did last year?" are a few questions we may consider.

Naturally, we all have things that are of personal importance, even so, there is a life question that is common to each and every one of us: "How can I make the best use of my time?" Time is a limited commodity that can never be replaced, it can only be spent.

Psalms 39:4-7 (NLT) reminds us of the brevity of our lifetime: "Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath." 

© The Spirit Above

In this message from Billy Graham, he urges us all to keep our thoughts on Jesus Christ and how we can best use our time here on earth to serve Him and others, as well. Our eternal destiny relies on what we do here and now!

If you are at a loss for a starting point, Micah 6:8 contains some good suggestions from which to build on: "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

The Coffeehouse Bible Ministry prays that you and your loved ones enjoy a safe, blessed, a fruitful 2025. From all of us here, Happy New Year!

"You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds;  and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."  - Ephesians 4:22-24

May God richly bless you!

~Eve