Remedy Discouragement with God's Encouragement!

"The Christian's chief occupational hazards are depression and discouragement."   - John Stott, British Anglican pastor and theologian (1921-2011)

Everyone is familiar with discouragement. It commonly occurs when we've pinned our hopes on something or someone, and then the bottom falls out. This shared human experience affects even those of us with strong faith. 

Discouragement can leave us feeling unmotivated, lethargic, apathetic and spiritless, among other things. One may even believe that they have fallen into a deep, dark hole from which there is no escape. 

Unquestionably, feelings of hopelessness and despair can be overwhelming loads to carry. Mercifully, the Bible acknowledges that discouraging situations in life can, and do, result in these issues. 

And if you think you're alone in your discouragement, you couldn't be further from the truth! Scripture contains a long list of individuals who endured discouragement, including: Elijah, Moses, David, Jeremiah, Job, Hanna and Esther!

As stated above, discouragement can manifest itself in many ways. What can the Christian do when it does? During times of "discouragement" we need not look any further than the Bible for helpful "encouragement" and inspiration.

A good starting point is to focus on God's divine nature and promises. Recall His goodness, think about God's past blessings and faithfulness, and importantly, His steadfast love (Lamentations 3:22-23).

It's also essential to devote oneself to His promises, and believe in them even when things seem discouraging (2 Corinthians 1:3-4; Joshua 1:6). Of course, always include prayer, Bible reading, and casting your cares upon Him.

Other helpful advice worth mentioning is to persevere and not give up, put forth an unyielding spirit against negativity, find inspiration in the Lord, continue serving Him in work or ministry, and just be honest with God about your despair.

In the matter of discouragement, we've all been there. God understands what we're going through, and always offers His comfort and strength. Moreover, some also find the support of a trusted friend, counselor, or pastor to be helpful as well.

Don't let discouragement prevent you from living! Instead, think of it as a formative process and use it for spiritual and personal growth. Give your problems to God through prayer and trust in His care. He is standing by waiting to hear from you (Psalm 55:22).

Scripture: Joshua 1:9;  Psalm 56:3; Proverbs 3:5-6; Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 8:26 

Prayer: "Dear Lord, show me through this discouraging time and remind me that I'm not alone. Help me trust in your plan for my life, even when it's unclear to me. Fill me with your peace and hope, and help me see You in my life. Amen."

Blessings always,

Shelby

Video Message | How Jesus Can Be Your Safe Harbor | Beth Moore

What does it mean that "God is our safe place to be?" Beth Moore, American Anglican evangelist, author, and Bible teacher, explores this topic here in this short clip from a longer teaching series. 

Most understand that it can't guarantee that we won't ever experience anything bad in our lives. In fact, we've probably known faithful people have have undergone deep suffering, including Jesus Christ.

© Living Proof Ministries with Beth Moore

Jesus is all powerful, and will come back to judge the world…and yet, He is also your safe harbor. Come learn with Beth Moore about what it means for Jesus to be your safe harbor during every trial and hardship of your life.

As always, Beth shares some very good information to help us all in our walk with Jesus Christ. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and spend a few minutes to hear a good Word!

May God richly bless you,

~Eve

Does God Expect Perfectionism..?

"A heart perfect with the Lord is not sinless perfection, nor flawless obedience, but sincerity of intent and desire to do God's will."  - Keith L. Brooks, author and founder of the American Prophetic League of Los Angeles (1888-1954)

One of the most frequent questions I'm asked is this, "Does God expect us to be perfect?" I can see where this might cause some concern and even fear in some. But perhaps I can help ease some of the anxiety about it today.

One of the biblical truths is God receives us in our current state. He understands us completely; that is, He knows us inside and out. This includes all of our failures, sins, and bad tendencies. Nothing is hidden from Him!

The late Billy Graham once said, "If God required us to be perfect, then no one—absolutely no one—would ever be able to be a Christian! We’re all sinners, and no matter how hard we try, we still sin and fall short of God’s standard."

You see, God does not expect us to be spotless or immaculate in this life. Yet even with all of our serious issues He still loves us. And not only that, He desires to forgive us and invite us into His family. 

The Bible opposes "perfectionism," while stressing God's grace and His acceptance of flawed humans by way of their faith in Jesus Christ. When we attempt to be perfect we are trying to do something that only God can do.

It's fair to say that by thinking "perfectionism" is even possible, we are setting ourselves up for failure in a big way. Some might confuse being righteous with being perfect, but they are two different things altogether.

Righteousness, which is encouraged, includes living a life that demonstrates good moral character and following God's will. While perfectionism means being totally faultless and living in a state of moral excellence and wholeness. 

With its focus on self-reliance and the fear of failure, perfectionism is seen as a deception that inhibits spiritual progress and the development of relationships. Consequently, it's by the grace of God, and not human perfection, that our relationship with Him is based on.

When we maintain a mindset of perfectionism, we are only promoting stress and anxiety on ourselves. This in turn, leads to a life filled with discontent and disappointment, of which God definitely does not want for us.

As the gospel declares, we are unable to save ourselves. We need a Savior, and that’s why Jesus came. God will save us if we repent of our sins and accept Jesus Christ in faith for our salvation, imperfections and all. There is no other way. 

Finally, God doesn't expect perfection from any of us. Nor does He expect us to attain ultimate and infinite, saintliness in this life. He would prefer to see us work toward moral and spiritual growth, than an appearance of sinlessness.

Scripture: 2 Samuel 22:31; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Philippians 3:12

Prayer: "Dear Lord, I thank you that your love is not based on my perfection, but instead your perfect love for me. Remind me that my identity is found in you, and not in my own achievements. Help me to ease the pressure to be perfect and to accept myself as you accept me, imperfections and all. Amen."

May the grace of God be with you,

Andrea

Weekend Spiritual Insight | There Is Only One True God!

"Anything in life can serve as an idol, or a counterfeit god."  - Timothy J. Keller, American Presbyterian pastor, preacher, theologian, and Christian apologist (1950-2023)

To help understand the concept of a counterfeit or "false god," a concise explanation of what this means is in order. The term is commonly connected with "idolatry," the worship of idols or images. 

However, it can also include any thing or concept that we worship more than God in our lives. In today's context, we think of "false gods" as objects into which we place our faith and devotion, but have nothing to do with Him.

These can encompass many things, including, but not limited to: material possessions, social position, power, fame, pleasure, even self-reliance. It also involves anything that diverts you away from your relationship with God.

With the advent of technology, specifically the internet and then social media, we've seen a rise in people seeking instant gratification, and the dissemination of political ideologies. Both of which can easily be added to the list above.

Many false gods are also mentioned in scripture, for example: Baal, the Canaanite storm god, and Chemosh, the chief god of Moab. Still, the Bible emphatically condemns the worship of any false gods and/or idols, while stressing the one true God.

We have the ability to break from the hold of false gods and idols. First, we must admit that it is unrestrained and then denounce it in its many forms. This is a product of Satan and not of God! True fulfillment will never be achieved by following this course of falsehoods.

"For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world." - 1 John 2:16 (NIV) 

Then, it is crucial that we turn our attention toward God and to others. When we completely focus our love on Him and other people, there will be no place in our hearts for anything else but the One True God!

Scripture: Exodus 20:3; Psalm 115:4-8; Isaiah 43:10; Matthew 24:24; 2 Peter 2:1

Prayer: "Dear God, provide me with discernment to recognize the truth and protect me from the deception of false gods. Lead me on the path of righteousness and help me stay strong in my faith. In your name I pray. Amen."

May God richly bless you,

~Eve

Walking By Faith | Self-Control, A Signature of Christian Character

"The first and best victory is to conquer self."  - Plato, ancient Greek philosopher of the Classical period (429?–347 BCE)

Self- control (many times translated as "temperance" or "self-discipline") as described in the Bible is a core moral quality, an outward manifestation of God's character, and a signature of Christian character.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines "self-control" as: restraint exercised over one's own impulses, emotions, or desires. That is to say, it's the ability to control these things, which can often be done by checking our actions and/or behaviors.

Having said that, self-control is more than just moderation. For the Christian believer, he or she may direct these aspects of human motivation and experience toward God's will. I'd like to share what this looks like:

• First and foremost, one should always seek God's guidance; relying on His power to stand strong against temptation and help in making smart choices.
• Practice patience! I understand that this might be difficult for some, but God does not dance to our tune. We must wait for Him to move first, and not the other way around.
• Look before you leap! Resist the the desire to do something that could cause sin. (Refer to the first two suggestions!)
• Pray, pray, pray! This is the best advantage a believer has. Give God your concerns and let Him handle it. He knows what's best for each of us in any situation.

It's important to add that according to Christian theology, "self-control" is one of nine "fruits of the Spirit." These are visible positive character traits of God's character, and manifestations of the Holy Spirit's guidance emanating from within a believer.

Including "self-control," the Bible names the other "fruits of the Spirit" as: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness (Galatians 5:22-23).

There are many examples in the Bible of individuals who exhibited "self-control" when subjected to challenging circumstances. These include Nehemiah (Nehemiah 6), Daniel (Daniel 1:8), and of course Jesus.

Since we base much of what we know on what we see, it becomes glaringly obvious that when it comes to self-control, our world is a flawed model of what it should look like!

Thankfully, self-control is an important aspect of Christian living. Among other things, it helps us to resist temptation, follow a righteous life, and to cultivate and strengthen our moral and ethical qualities.

In closing, "self-control" is much like a wall against temptation and other negative desires or impulses. And while it does not make temptation itself go away, it enables a person to demonstrate control until it passes or is chased off.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:25; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Timothy 2:9-10; James 1:19-20; 2 Peter 1:5-9

Prayer: "Dear Lord, I pray for the strength to resist temptations and to show self-control in my words, thoughts, and actions. Help me to grow patience and gentleness, and develop a disciplined mind centered on positive, uplifting thoughts, Amen."

Sincerely with the Grace of God,

Sloane

Video Lesson | How to Put Off Our Old Habits of the Flesh | Beth Moore - Part 2 of 2

This week we present the second, and final installment of a 2-part series by American evangelist and author Beth Moore. In her last session, she set forth what it looks like to live practically in Jesus Christ.

This time, Beth declares, "We are utterly excellent at being our old selves, because we have practiced and practiced and practiced and practiced. So the reason we continue to feel those same old ways about those same old things is because we continue to operate out of that same old person."

Does this sound familiar..? You know you need to get to the root of the problem, but how do you do that? 

© Living Proof Ministries with Beth Moore

Scriptural References: Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 23:28; 24:10-12, 12-13; 28:16-20; Ephesians 4:32; 

Join us as Beth Moore explores this problem which many have dealt with, or are dealing with now. If we want to look for the root of the stronghold in any of our lives, look for the lie. It is always rooted, every stronghold is rooted in some kind of deception.

May God richly bless you,

~Eve

A Restoration of the Spirit

"Return to your fortress, you prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you."  - Zechariah 9:12 (NIV)

The Christian will suffer in various ways during the course of life. Many sins and hardships take its toll over time. And although we have received salvation, it does not block pain and heartache in our temporal existence.

As with any long-term endeavor, our determination, energy, enthusiasm, resolve, or whatever else you might want to call it, is subject to requiring maintenance, or even repair. 

If you've been a true and faithful believer for a while, you may have experienced this. And while some may sound the panic alarm, it's not unusual, nor is it anything to be ashamed of. 

What is needed is "spiritual restoration!" For the Christian, this has to do with taking action to return to a right relationship with God; usually after span of sin, disobedience, or spiritual decline.

The concept is well-established in Scripture, with God frequently trying to bring His people back to Himself. Some might ask, "Okay, well and good, but what does this require on my part?"

Here are some important points regarding "spiritual restoration" as featured in the Bible. This includes:

• Acknowledging sin, turn away from it, and seek forgiveness from God (repentance).
• A return to God, which can only happen through Jesus Christ (reconciliation).
• The desire to live in obedience to God that occurs by experiencing a change of heart (renewal of the heart).
• Finding joy and peace in the presence of God regardless of past hurts, (restoration of joy and peace).
• Wanting the pleasure and satisfaction of living a life that manifests God's character and purpose to the world (transformation).
• Always consider that "spiritual restoration" is not a one-time event, but a life-long journey. 

There are many excellent examples of these concepts in action throughout Scripture. For instance, after his sins, King David repented and desired God's restoration by praying for a pure heart (Psalm 51:10 ).

Another good example is the The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). The prodigal returns home to his father, then is joyfully welcomed back into his family. Thus, demonstrating a restoration of a broken relationship.

In the end, restoration is more than just a repair job. It's about getting back on track with God's plan for you. Think of it as a readjustment or reset that encourages you to thrive and flourish within His Kingdom.

"Spiritual restoration" then pertains to healing from the results of our sins, and reestablishing one's relationship with God. The outcome is being able to live a transformed life through repentance, reconciliation, and His mercy and grace.

Scripture: Job 42:10; Psalm 23:3; Proverbs 3:5-6; Zechariah 9:12; 1 Peter 5:10  

Prayer: "Holy Father, restore the joy of your salvation, renew my exhausted spirit, and fill me with your Holy Spirit. Help me find strength in your love and guidance, and guide me on the path of spiritual growth, Amen."

In Christ's Love,

Alissa

Weekend Spiritual Insight | Finding Joy in the Lord

"True happiness is to rejoice in the truth, for to rejoice in the truth is to rejoice in You, O God, who are the truth... Those who think that there is another kind of happiness look for joy elsewhere, but theirs is not true joy."  - Saint Augustine of Hippo, Theologian and philosopher (345-430 A.D.)

Considering the state of our present world, finding anything to be joyful about can be elusive at times. However, Jesus Christ in His infinite kindness and compassion doesn’t want us to submit to despair.

In fact, He urges Christians to be joyful at all times! Consider this before you reject it; it doesn't mean that we should walk around with a fake smile of superficial happiness on our faces! 

1 Thessalonians 5:16 (NIV) urges us to “Rejoice always.” What this suggests is a commitment to experiencing God’s presence or nearness in our lives. It is the perception of this connection that can bring us joy.

Understand that this can vary from individual to individual. There is no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to how we may respond to life, questions, others and most importantly, God. You may ask, "But, where can I find this kind of joy?"

It's how we view life through the lens of God's love and grace. This can look like many things. For some it might mean maintaining a constant awareness of God through regular daily prayer, meditating on Scripture, or simply seeking out God.

It's in the acknowledgement of God's immanence or nearness and recognizing His hand in routine activities, interactions, and situations. When it comes to finding joy in the Lord, we can always draw from His heavenly reservoir that never runs dry!

Scripture: Psalm 16:11; Proverbs 17:22; Romans 15:13; Philippians 4:4; Hebrews 12:2

Prayer: Dear Lord,  I come to You with a grateful heart, acknowledging Your presence as the source of all joy. May Your joy be a constant source of strength and inspiration, Amen."

May God richly bless you,

~Eve

The New Birth is Only the Beginning

"But regeneration does not perfect the image of God in you. The image of God must continue to grow and come forth, as an artist works on a painting."  - A.W. Tozar, American Christian pastor (1897-1963), "The Attributes of God."

The saving blessing of "regeneration," or "the new birth," is the capstone of the faith journey for many. The goal has been reached, and now it's time to sit back, put your feet up, and bask in the glory of your victory.

But nothing could be further from the truth! The "real work" has only just begun. My purpose today is not to pursue a full discourse on the theological concept of "regeneration," or "the new birth," but to explore what follows after.

This concept is the spiritual transformation brought on by God's Holy Spirit, where a person is given "spiritual life" and is made into a new creation in Christ, or "born again" from a previous state of separation from God and subject to suffering "spiritual death" (Ephesians 2:5).

Besides being a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit, several other things are also included in this move from spiritual death to new life in Christ, such as repentance, faith, and a renewed commitment to God's will.

Being "born again" is an immediate event, similar to an emergency. But as I alluded to earlier, it is only the start of a lifelong journey; one could look at it as discipleship or even sanctification.

Now, let's examine what this real work after "the new birth" looks like. For example:

• There is growth in Holiness. We are given a new nature that provides the power to obey God. Even so, Christians will still struggle with sinful desires. But because of the process of ongoing sanctification, we are equipped by the Holy Spirit to overcome these desires and grow in holiness.
• Obeying God's Commandments: This means that true faith is manifested through obedience to His commandments. This isn't done to earn salvation, but instead is a natural outflow of our new nature. It includes earnestly making godly choices and defying sin.
• Developing Spiritual Disciplines: To actively engage in practices, habits, and experiences that foster spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God, such as prayer and Bible study. "Regeneration" necessitates this intentional effort and commitment.
• A deep care and concern for other Christians: Being "born again" encourages a love for God and for others. This is expressed through being active in the Christian community, and offering inspiration and support, etc.
• Using Spiritual Gifts: Believers are empowered with spiritual gifts by the Holy Spirit. These can be used to serve God and educate the church. Discovering what these gifts are and utilizing them is part of the continual work and growth after being "born again."
• Sharing of the Gospel: After "the new birth" we possess a desire to share the Gospel with others. This includes an eagerness to proclaim the Gospel and having faith in the Holy Spirit to produce a "new birth" in others.

Lastly, although "the new birth" is both a miraculous and immediate experience begun by God, the ensuing Christian life must include some additional components, like strong involvement in spiritual growth and guided transformation enabled by the Holy Spirit.

Scripture: Ezekiel 36:26; John 3:3; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:3 

Prayer: "Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of salvation and the promise of eternal life. I pray that I will always be a faithful believer and a good example of your love in the world,  Amen." 

Yours in Christ,

Emily

Video Lesson | How to Put Off Our Old Habits of the Flesh | Beth Moore - Part 1 of 2

Here's a question for you: "We all desire to put off our old (bad) habits and instead put on new (good) habits in Christ. But how do we actually do that?"

American evangelist and author Beth Moore explores this question in a full-length 2-part series. This week in the first installment, using the Book of Ephesians, she sets forth what it looks like to live practically in Jesus Christ.

© Living Proof Ministries with Beth Moore

Scriptural References: Psalm 25:4-5; Matthew 24: 12-13; Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 4:17-32; Ephesians 5:1-2; Colossians 3:9 

When we practice living with our old selves, we get very good at it. But when we live instead in the new and renewed mind of the Spirit, we put off our old habits. Come join the discussion and learn how to practice putting off your old habits and living in Christ!

Lots of great advice here. You'll want to make sure you have something handy to take some notes!

May God richly bless you,

~Eve

Walking By Faith | Our Unchangeable and Perfect God

"One of two things causes a man to change his mind and reverse his plans: one is foresight to anticipate everything, or lack of foresight to execute them. But as God is both omniscient and omnipotent there is never any need for Him to reverse His decrees."  - A.W. Pink, English theologian (1886-1952)

Unchangeable. This is a word that should come to every mind when one considers the nature of God. I refer you to the opening verse in Psalm 119:89 (KJV): "For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven."

I've italicized the above words "For ever" and "settled" for illustration purposes. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible translates the former as a Hebrew noun (masculine) olam (עוֹלָם) meaning: eternity, everlasting, forever, perpetual, ancient, world. 

Regarding the latter, Strong's translates it as a Hebrew verb natsab (נָצַב) meaning: to stand, set, establish, station. It is clear that both examples imply a sense of permanence, lastingness, and enduringness.

You may be familiar with another term, "immutable," which is a synonym for "unchangeable." According to the Miriam-Webster Dictionary, immutable is defined as: not capable of or susceptible to change. 

We're always susceptible to indecision, unsureness, and uncertainty. Thankfully, God isn't. His nature, attributes (traits), and purposes are eternal and unchanging. They cannot be changed or altered in any way, shape, or form.

A wishy-washy, hesitant, or doubtful God would not be God at all. We'd like to embrace the fact that once God has said something, He will never go back on His word, or beat around the bush, leaving us guessing as to what He really has in mind.

The point of all this talk about God's unchangeableness/immutability, is that it provides a solid foundation on which we can base our faith and hope. It confirms that His promises and truths will never waver. They will remain the same forever.

In closing, some important takeaways from our discussion are that:

• God's unchangeable word assures us that His word is truth and is a dependable guide for life.
• His unchanging nature is demonstrated in His word, which is consistent and dependable.
• God's eternal word provides us with comfort and stability in world that is in is in turmoil.
• The reliability of His word offers direction and expectation for humanity.
• The unchangeableness of God's word is practical and can be relied on to guide us in our daily lives.

We have not exhausted this topic by any means, however, I hope that it has served to remind you of God's perfection, and that because of this He is beyond any need for growth or change, unlike you and I.

Scripture: Numbers 23:19; Isaiah 40:8; Malachi 3:6; John 17:17; Hebrews 13:8

Prayer: "Dear God, in a world that is always changing, You never change. You are ever present and always relevant because You are always perfect, current, and immutable,  Amen."

Sincerely with the Grace of God,

Sloane