Weekend Message | Becoming Who We Are - Session 3 of 5 | Beth Moore

Welcome to the Weekend Message! 

It has always been our 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 weekend, we continue a 5-part series by American evangelist and author Beth Moore. These are full presentations of one of her teaching sessions, not video clips, so be prepared to receive lots of great information!

© Living Proof Ministries with Beth Moore

Here in Session 3, Beth teaches us what it means to deceive, to be deceived, and how the difference between a liar and a deceiver often comes down to success rate. But more importantly, she says, "We faced a more personal truth: we all carry an imposter within us!"

Rather than shaming that part of ourselves, let's lean into the understanding that wrestling is a form of intimacy. We see Jacob engage in his first honest fight in Genesis 32:24-32, a powerful moment not because it gave him all the answers but because, in Beth's words, "It brought him into contact, face to face with God." 

We discover a powerful truth: when we build relationships from our false selves, we often get trapped because those relationships can't truly hold the real us. So, let's break that pattern by remembering the three perimeters: Authenticity with all, transparency with most, and intimacy with some.

These guidelines will help us stay true to who we are becoming, heed the inner warnings, and avoid falling into old traps. It's not about having it all figured out—just about showing up more honestly, together.

May God richly bless you,

~Eve

In What Do You Base Your Self-Worth?

"You say, 'If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied.' You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled."  - C.H. Spurgeon, English Particular Baptist preacher (1834-1892)

A large proportion of people's self-worth is often influenced by external forces such as social approval, engagement in meaningful activities like work or academics, appearance, and the successes of their family and children. 

Without question, all of these are certainly good and valid reasons. But allow me to add a point to ponder, if you will. For the believer in Jesus Christ, we need to remember that our true worth cannot be determined by earthly standards.

Rather, it is found in the transformative power of seeking first the kingdom of God. In other words, our true worth or self-value should instead come from a deep, spiritual relationship with Christ, which truly supplies life-changing power.

This is a directive to prioritize spiritual growth over material success, acknowledging that only by knowing and abiding in Him can one build a life of lasting significance. Here are some bible verses to reinforce our discussion:

• Philippians 3:7-9 - points out the Apostle Paul's perspective of his worldly accomplishments as rubbish compared to knowing Christ.
• Matthew 6:19-21 - motivates the pursuit of spiritual wealth over earthly wealth, accenting or stressing that your heart follows your treasure.
• Colossians 3:1-2 - advises focusing on divine affairs in contrast to earthly ones.
• Romans 12:2 - implores for transformation through the renewal of the mind, rather than compliance to the world.
• Ephesians 2:10 - maintains that believers are God's creation, intended for good works.

Essentially, this message is to remind all of us to shift our perspective from external results to internal spiritual reality, recognizing that true identity and security lies in Christ, not material wealth, possessions, and worldly goods. 

Scripture: Proverbs 3:13–15; John 10:10; Romans 8:38–39; Colossians 2:9–10; 1 Peter 2:9

Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for showing my true value through your unconditional love and grace through the eternal truth that I am your creation and your beloved child. Amen."

May God bless you always,

Liana

Bible Studies To-Go | Jesus, A Physician for Spiritual Sickness

"Let us understand that God is a physician, and that suffering is a medicine for salvation, not a punishment for damnation.." - Augustine of Hippo, theologian, writer, preacher, rhetorician, and bishop (354-430 A.D.)

The ©Bible Studies To-Go series presents abridged Scripture studies that are tailored for the contemporary believer who desires to enhance their Bible learning, but is limited by a demanding daily routine. 

Our short studies focus on themes, topics, and in some cases are even developed by questions we gather from our work with others. Detailed Bible studies can easily be obtained from other sources, if one prefers that.

The topic for study presently is: Jesus, the healer of spiritual sickness. Mark 2:13-17 will serve as our focal point. It would be most advantageous to read this passage before proceeding with the subject.

In the verses mentioned above, the center of attention is on Jesus' mission to heal spiritual sickness, that is, those who are spiritually broken and need salvation. Thus establishing Himself as the Great Physician.

Thought-Provoking Questions: Do you see yourself as spiritually "sick"? Or, do you consider yourself spiritually "healthy"? 

Consider these questions carefully. You may want to write your thoughts down to help you stay on task and limit diversions. There are no "right" or "wrong" answers here, just be upfront.

Below, I have provided some scripture passages that are associated with this topic of discussion. You will find these related verses will help to clarify some of the points raised in the discussion.

• Isaiah 55:7
• Matthew 9:13
• Luke 5:32
• Luke 15:7 
• 1 Timothy 1:15

Mark 2:13-17 draws attention to Jesus' invitation of Levi, a tax collector, and his following meal with other tax collectors and sinners. This important event challenges the social and religious norms of the time and makes known a core aspect of His mission.

Contextual Questions:

1. Who was Levi in the passage and why were tax collectors despised in that society?
2. Who were the Pharisees and what was their primary concern?

Evidence-Based Questions:

1. What does the call of Levi reveal about Jesus' mission and character?
2. What made Jesus's acceptance of people deemed "unclean" so offensive to the religious establishment?
3. How does the metaphor of a doctor for the sick explain Jesus' mission to call sinners to repentance?
4. In Luke 5:32, Jesus says "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners..." What is meant by His statement, given that all have sinned?

Questions for Personal Insight: 

1. In what ways does engaging in genuine fellowship with non-believers, as Jesus did, serve as a form of evangelism?
2. How does religious pride prevent us from seeing our own sinfulness and need for Jesus?
3. Why is the comprehension of Jesus as a physician for the spiritually ill, rather than the morally upright, crucial for spiritual growth?

Food For Thought:

• This passage calls us to maximize our abilities by moving beyond familiar boundaries. How can you show Christ's love to someone who may not feel accepted or seen by the church?

I trust that this condensed study format opens the way for more time to incorporate additional activities, methods, and reflections in deepening your understanding and retention of God's Word, the Bible. 

I'm excited about our next Bible study, and eagerly look forward to our next meeting!

Closing Prayer: "Dear Lord, we are thankful for the insights and truths shared today. Thank You for Your faithfulness and for the way Your Word transforms us. May You guide us and keep us safe. In Jesus' name, Amen."

The Lord Jesus bless you,

Danielle

Sanctification: A Lifelong Journey

"The growth of trees and plants takes place so slowly that it is not easily seen. Daily we notice little change. But, in course of time, we see that a great change has taken place. So it is with grace. Sanctification is a progressive, lifelong work."  - John Owen, English Puritan Nonconformist church leader, and theologian (1616-1683)

During the course of our lifetimes we can experience many major events that occur only once. Becoming a parent for the first time, getting married, graduating from a school or university, and buying a first home are some examples.

When it comes to our relationship with God, however, He is never finished working on, in, and through us. And so it is with our sanctification. In biblical terms, "sanctification" means being "set apart" for God's special use and made holy.

Our sanctification is a continual journey that starts after salvation, and is both lifelong and enduring. It is where a believer, in a slow, step-by-step change, is transformed into the likeness of Christ with the help of the Holy Spirit.

This evolution occurs in different phases, as briefly indicated below,

1. Positional (Past) Sanctification: This takes place at the moment of salvation when a believer is proclaimed to be righteous and "set apart" in Christ.
2. Progressive (Present) Sanctification: The process of growing (maturing) spiritually and becoming more holy with every day of our lives.
3. Perfect (Future) Sanctification: This is the final product, so to speak. It is the total, concluding sanctification occurring when believers receive their eternal bodies and are completely unified with Christ in heaven.  

As noted, sanctification is a process of growth and maturity. It may be gradual and even difficult to perceive, but the general trend should always show an advancement toward holiness.

In a nutshell, it develops through spiritual practices (disciplines) such as reading the Bible, prayer, and active participation in church. By our yielding to God, whereby we voluntarily submit our will to God and His will and trust the process.

There is also our spiritual growth, or the process where there is an increase in our faith, humility, and obedient self-control. Finally, the process is ultimately fulfilled when we are glorified and conformed to the image of God, becoming like Jesus.

As discussed, this dynamic process includes both divine initiative and human response. In the end, ongoing sanctification is a testament to God's faithfulness and a commitment on the part of the believer to grow in Christlikeness. 

I highly recommend that you explore this central and crucial doctrine in Christian theology further!

Scripture: John 17:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Timothy 2:21

Prayer: "Dear Lord, create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me, Amen. - Psalm 51:10 (NIV)

Yours in Christ,

Emily

Weekend Message | Becoming Who We Are - Session 2 of 5 | Beth Moore

Welcome to the Weekend Message! 

It has always been our 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 weekend, we continue a 5-part series by American evangelist and author Beth Moore. These are full presentations of one of her teaching sessions, not video clips, so be prepared to receive lots of great information!

© Living Proof Ministries with Beth Moore

This complete lesson centers around a single, transformative truth: “Everything about becoming who we are hinges on absorbing how we are loved.” 

The full extent of this series is devoted to becoming undisguised, and as Beth mentioned, for the person in Christ, the most ill-fitting of all possible disguises is walking as one UNLOVED. 

May God richly bless you,

~Eve

God's Mystery Is Our Salvation

"Father, son, and Holy Spirit mean that the mystery beyond us, the mystery among us, and the mystery within us are all the same mystery."  - Frederick Buechner, American author, Presbyterian minister, preacher, and theologian (1926-2022)

A general definition of the word "mystery" may be: something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain. Or, something kept secret, such as a phenomenon, person, or event that arouses curiosity or speculation. 

In the Bible, a "mystery" is not something that is unknowable, but rather a divine truth, God's plan, or a secret purpose that was previously hidden and later revealed through special revelation to God's chosen people. 

In Ephesians 3:2-6, Paul addresses the Gentile (non-Jewish) believers in Ephesus, explaining his role as the apostle to the Gentiles and the revelation of God's "mystery." 

The "mystery" is that God's eternal plan has brought Jews and Gentiles together as co-heirs and members of the same spiritual body, the Church, through Christ. Jesus Christ revealed the "mystery of Christ" to the apostle Paul through a direct revelation by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 3:3).

This truth was obscure to prior generations but is now clarified by the Holy Spirit. Although the Gentiles were blessed through Israel in the Old Testament, Paul's revelation makes known they are now equal partners in God's covenant.

How did the Jews feel about this? There was a deeply divided and often negative reaction to his teaching. After all, his "mystery of Christ" involved the radical inclusion of Gentiles as joint heirs with them in God's plan, disputing the prevailing religious separatism.

Bear in mind that the Jewish people did not generally accept the revelation of the "mystery of Christ." Instead, the majority rejected Jesus as the Messiah due to differing theological beliefs. Also, they initially feared Paul due to his fierce persecution of the early church before his conversion.

It should be noted that the truth was foreshadowed through prophecies, shadows, and "types" like the Passover lamb in the Old Testament, but it was not fully understood until the revelation of the Gospel in the New Testament era. 

A synopsis of Ephesians 3:2-6 is presented below:

• Ephesians 3:2 - Paul affirms his spiritual mandate to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles, considering his role a gift of God's grace.
• Ephesians 3:3-5 - The apostle explains that God imparted this "mystery" to him, a vague, perplexing truth in former times but now disclosed to the prophets and apostles through the Holy Spirit.
• Ephesians 3:6 -The "mystery" is openly declared: that "through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus."

Essentially, this passage brings to light the "secret" that God's plan for the church is to integrate Jews and Gentiles under Christ, thereby forming a single, unified family that takes part in the inheritance and promises of God.

Scripture: Jeremiah 33:3; Matthew 13:11; Romans 16:25; Ephesians 1:9; Colossians 1:26-27

Prayer: Dear God, thank You for revealing Yourself to me in Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for the gift of Your Word, which gives me truth and understanding, and for the guidance of Your Holy Spirit. Amen."

May God bless you,

Dorit

Bible Studies To-Go | Give Your Burdens to the Lord

"The daily troubles we have are meant to drive us to God, to drive us to the promise, and also to show us where our weak points are, in order that we may contend with all our might against them."  - Charles Spurgeon, English Particular Baptist preacher (1834-1892)

Our ©Bible Studies To-Go series presents abridged Scripture studies that are tailored for the modern believer who desires to supplement and enhance their Bible learning, but is limited by a demanding daily routine. 

More intensive Bible studies can easily be located, if one prefers that. Our studies will focus on themes, topics, and in some cases are even developed by questions we gather from our work with others.

The topic for this particular study is: taking our burdens to the Lord. We shall examine the Divine command to cast our cares on God and find peace in His sovereignty.

It's no secret that we all carry burdens in our daily lives. These can include personal responsibilities, spiritual and emotional weight, afflictions or failings, and sin. 

Question: What does it feel like to carry a heavy burden? Think carefully about this question and respond honestly. You may want to write your thoughts down to help you stay on task and remove any distractions.

Allow me to provide some key scriptural passages that demonstrate how to relinquish control and trust God's sustaining power for encouragement, comfort, and guidance. 

• Psalm 55:2 - This verse relates a deep emotional struggle and a plea for God's attention during personal strife, highlighting a need for God's intervention and presence when feeling abandoned.
• Matthew 11:28-30 - Here, Jesus invites the weary and burdened to find spiritual rest in Him, not by yielding to harsh religious laws or self-effort, but by taking on His gentle and light yoke of discipleship, which provides freedom and true refreshment for the soul.
• 1 Peter 5:7 - This verse is a command to entrust your concerns to God's capable hands, as He is sovereign and ultimately seeks to exalt (honor) those who humbly submit to Him. 

Questions for a more in-depth analysis of these verses:

• What promise of God is highlighted in Psalm 55:2?
• What does Jesus offer in Matthew 11:28-30?
• What are we encouraged to do in 1 Peter 5:7?

Realistic actions for casting our burdens can include: 

• praying, or making petitions or requests concerning our worries, 
• undertaking deep contemplation and meditation on biblical texts to understand their meaning, connect with God, and apply the truths found within them to your life
• seeking the support of others.

Food For Thought:

• Which "heavy load" feels most challenging for you to let go of?
• God's promise to sustain us can mean different things to all of us. What does it mean to you?
• How does the gentle nature of Jesus determine your willingness to share struggles?
• How does knowing God cares about you help with worries and concerns.
• How can you actively engage in prayer and seek help, guidance, or assistance from others his week?

I genuinely hope this condensed study format opens the way for more time to incorporate additional activities, methods, and reflections in deepening your understanding and retention of God's Word, the Bible. 

I'm excited about our next Bible study, and eagerly await the next time we meet!

Closing Prayer: "Dear Lord, thank You for the wisdom and truths we've shared today May our hearts remain open to Your Word and may we continue to grow in our faith. Help us carry Your teachings into our daily lives. Amen."

The Lord Jesus bless you,

Danielle

Total Dependence on God For Salvation and Life

“We are a long time in learning that all our strength and salvation is in God.” - David Brainerd, American Presbyterian minister (1718-1747)

We depend on many things for our existence and welfare. For example, we all require air, food, and water. Even the social order in which we interact with others like family, friends, and groups meets specific needs.

For the true believer, however, one must consider an even more important concept than the above necessities. That is, the concept of total dependence on God for both our salvation and our daily lives.

A total dependence on God inspires us to transcend self-reliance and accept an unworldly trust in His authority, discernment, and equipping us. Let's consider what this means to our faith life.

Salvation is the pinnacle of God's grace and a divinely bestowed gift that is obtained by faith, not human endeavors. The basis of total dependence on God starts with admitting and accepting our spiritual bankruptcy in His presence.

The free gift of salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ, a constant theme throughout the Bible. Here are some scriptural references concerning our dependence on Him for salvation: Acts 4:12; Romans 6:23 Ephesians 2:8-9.

What happens after salvation? By way of Divine calling, God encourages us to depend on Him daily for our fortitude, supply of everything we need, and direction. This is a how we show our dependence is not just a one-off decision.

I've included some additional scriptural references to clarify the points mentioned above.

Our Dependence on God for:

 Direction/Guidance

• Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trusting in God's guidance instead of our limited knowledge puts our faith to use.
• Isaiah 55:8-9 - His thoughts and ways are higher than our own, likewise so His direction and guidance.

Fortitude/Strength

• Isaiah 40:31 - Those who wait for the Lord shall change and renew their strength, empowering them to face life's challenges head-on and overcome.
• 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's grace is made perfect when we acquiesce to our own imperfections. Only then will we learn to depend on God's power in our weakness.

Provision/Supplying Our Needs

• Matthew 6:25-34 - Our Heavenly Father is sympathetic to all of our needs. By worrying we show that we do not trust Him.
• Philippians 4:19 - God will most assuredly provide for us according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

The core point here is that, because of our limitations, we rely on God for strength, purpose, and capability in life. Our total dependence on Him for existence, spiritual power, and the ability to achieve things of divine importance is crystal clear.

Scripture: Psalm 91:1-2; Isaiah 41:13; Proverbs 16:9; Ecclesiastes 7:14; John 15:5

Prayer: "Dear Lord, help me always be aware of how much I need You in every situation. Open my ears to hear what You say and grant me the grace to trust Your wisdom and timing, even during periods of hardship. Amen."

Grace be unto you,

Charlotte

Weekend Message | Becoming Who We Are - Session 1 of 5 | Beth Moore

Welcome to the Weekend Message! 

It has always been our 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.

Beginning this weekend, we present the first of a 5-part series by American evangelist and author Beth Moore. These are full presentations of one of her teaching sessions, not video clips, so be prepared to receive lots of great information!

© Living Proof Ministries with Beth Moore

Hold this thought in your mind as you watch. "Let's know who we are in Christ so deeply that no denial, doubt, or mockery can shake us." 

And let's hold fast to this truth: "Who we truly are in Him is greater than anything the world or anyone could offer and more than we could ever hope to be on our own."

May God richly bless you,

~Eve

God Alone is My Rock and My Salvation

"No man is excluded from calling upon God, the gate of salvation is set open unto all men: neither is there any other thing which keepeth us back from entering in, save only our own unbelief"   - John Calvin, French theologian, pastor and reformer (1509-1564)

As I read through the Bible, it is reassuring to know that even major figures mentioned therein experienced similar problems and/or challenging times like the rest of us. 

Some tend to get the impression that they all had their acts together. But this is not necessarily true, especially in the case of King David. His life was anything but a straight and uneventful path to God. Sound familiar..?

Psalm 62 offers a perspective on some similar things we might wrestle with, such as trusting in God, waiting on Him, and understanding the fruitlessness of placing faith in the temporary and undependable nature of people, wealth, and power.

King David, in all likelihood, penned this psalm during a time of deep treachery and political unrest. Here he expresses his firm faith in God as his rock, refuge, and salvation among scheming, slandering enemies.

Because of its brevity (only 12 verses), this psalm is a sound choice to dip into the topics mentioned above. For our aims here, we can simplify it for understanding by dividing it into three portions.

1.    Steadfastness (vv. 1-4)

        a.)  Patience and Quietness while waiting for God.

        b.)  The vain opposition of the enemies.

2.    Unwavering confidence in God (vv. 5-8)

        a.)  A Personal Directive.

        b.)  A Plea to others.

3.     Comparison of Certainties (vv. 9-12)

        a.) The futility of worldly pursuits.

        b.) The immutability (unchanging character) of God.

The primary message in Psalm 62 is that the only trustworthy source of soundness and reliability in life is God. Regardless of the opposition’s aggressiveness or the appeal of earthly pleasures.

Genuine hope and shelter for the believer are found only in the divine power and mercy of God. The continuous declarations of the psalmist represent a powerful demonstration of conveying truth to one’s heart amidst apprehension.

Scripture:1 Chronicles 22:13; Isaiah 40:31; Ephesians 6:10; Philippians 4:13; Hebrews 13:5

Prayer: "Dear God, my salvation and hope come from You alone. You are my rock, my salvation, my fortress, and I will not be shaken. Amen."

Blessings always,

Vaunda

God Forgives the Sinner

"You will never forgive anyone more than God has already forgiven you."    - Max Lucado, American author and minister (1955- Present)

Although Psalm 130 is not a lengthy composition, it contains an abundance of useful guidance for the careful reader. And while the author of the psalm is not openly revealed, most attribute it to King David.

The eminent nineteenth century preacher Charles H. Spurgeon said, "Psalm 130 is a powerful expression of a soul crying out from the depths of despair to God, finding hope in His forgiveness."

Because of its emphasis on sin, forgiveness, and redemption, it is generally known as a "penitential psalm," where the psalmist expresses their sorrow over sin and spiritual failure.

Understanding the importance of sin and receiving God's forgiveness is necessary for one's spiritual well-being. We can reserve redemption for another discussion where it can be properly discussed. 

Most importantly:

• All are guilty of sin. No exceptions!
• The awareness that God's immense compassion and forgiveness is permanently accessible.

Let's briefly look at how they are linked together. First, sin is the offense that necessitates forgiveness. While God's forgiveness is the divine act to release the debt, consequence, or grasp of that sin.

Believing Christians are familiar with this as the forgiveness of God obtained through faith and the "repentance of our sins". Thereby re-establishing good relations between God and us (Acts 3:19).

The repentance of sin is necessary in order to receive salvation. We must change our attitude, actions, and thoughts about sinning. In other words, we must be willing to clean up our act and demonstrate a willingness to change.

Our sin is deep (Jeremiah 17:1; 9). And it doesn't help that we enter this world already at a disadvantage (Psalm 51:5), then spend the rest of our lives trying to deal with it. 

Psalm 130, in its brevity, touches on the importance of our discussion here: our sin and God's forgiveness. But it leaves any further investigation up to us. Here, it directs our attention to:

• The depth of our (human) sin (Psalm 130:3).
• The infinite mercy and complete forgiveness of God (Psalm 130:3-4).
• The value of having patience with the Lord, including faith and confidence (Psalm 130:5-6).
• Even when feeling overpowered by sin, God's unfailing redemptive love is always accessible (Psalm 130:7).

Written for the O.T. nation of Israel, Psalm 130 resonates and applies to all of us today. It teaches us to have faith in the Lord, repentance, receiving salvation in God through our admission of sin, and reliance on His compassionate forgiveness.

Scripture: Psalm 32:5; Isaiah 43:25; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Mark 7:20-23; Romans 3:23

Prayer: "O Lord, I stand before you with a repentant heart, confessing my sins and weaknesses. I admit my need for your forgiveness and mercy. Cleanse my sins, and create in me a pure heart. Amen"

Grace and peace,

Marlowe

True Worship Is About God!

"If our knowledge of God is superficial, our worship will be superficial."  - R.C. Sproul,  American Reformed theologian and Christian apologist (1939-2017)

Welcome to our 2025-2026 ministry blog year! It's so nice to be back, revitalized, and ready to continue our service to the LORD in this capacity. I hope that you had the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful summer season, as well!

Here's a question for you, "How would you place YOUR worship to God?" Carefully reflect on this. Do you give Him supreme honor, passion, and faithfulness? Do you, above all else, praise and acknowledge Him as the Creator? 

Naturally, this is not a definitive list, but it's just enough to make one pause and think. Most can appreciate that there are certain aspects of our lives that require and receive our time and attention over others.

One won't deny that there is a lot to process in the present-day world. Very frequently for many, their commitment, effort, and priority to things are stretched thin. Among these is our worship of God.

This includes the proper worship of God on a "daily" basis. Once a week on Sunday, is neither deferential nor reverent to Him. If we are bold enough to say that God is part of our lives, then we should make it so. 

With that being said, a February 2025 Pew Research Center study shows that 44% of U.S. adults say they pray or worship no less than once a day. This number has been fairly consistent since 2021.

Disappointingly, it signifies a marked downturn from 58% in 2007! Some reasons for this drop may be attributed to: 

• Hurry in life and competing demands.
• Unbelief or doubt in God.
• Misconceptions or a distorted image of God.
• Internal remorse or a guilty conscience.
• Anxiety or consternation.
• Rejection by others or being a religious outcast.
• Living in a religiously underserved area.
• Practicing multifaceted devotion, and
• one's soundness of mind and body.

It's quite apparent that the regular worship of God is not fixed or typical for everyone. Naturally, we have to ask ourselves, "What can be done to increase or boost the worship of God?"

As you might imagine, the list can be a long one. But here a few suggestions that anyone can implement, such as:

• Living a life that glorifies God and demonstrates his character through our actions, attitudes, and words.
• Practicing intentional prayer in a purposeful and heartfelt manner rather than viewing it as a hasty obligation. 
• Setting aside intentional quiet time to reflect on scripture and be still in God's presence. This creates space for reverence and helps calm the mind.
• Voluntarily dedicating personal time to ponder scripture and rest in God's presence.
• Expressing  gratitude for God's blessings helps shift our attention to the positive instead of negative.
• Demonstrating obedience and repentance to God by always approaching Him with an unpretentious heart and a remorseful attitude.

Worship is a central tenet (core principle) to the Christian believer. It is the basis for our creation, a manner in which we express our love and gratitude to God, a way to deepen our relationship, and connect in Divine communion with Him, to name but a few.

Moreover, worship reminds us of God's power and love, assists in finding inner peace and navigating adversity through faith, and empowers believers to live a life of devotion to Him.

I feel that the table has now been set for our ministry blog year. If you're feeling anxious or overwhelmed by any of this, or if this has encouraged and inspired you, then you're in the right place! 

All are welcome to join us on our spiritual journey, and we are delighted to have you. We are blessed with a marvelous group of contributors that can't wait to share their love of God with you. We're so glad you're here!

Scripture: Psalm 150:6; Matthew 4:10; John 4:23-24; Romans 12:1; Hebrews 13:15 

Prayer: "Dear God, we praise You for Your goodness and mercy, and ask that You will pour out Your Holy Spirit upon us as we study Your Word. May You provide us with wisdom and help us to understand the truths within Scripture, and apply them to our lives. Amen."

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you,

~Eve

Summer Break | See You In September 2025!

“The Scriptures are the lifeline God throws us in order to ensure he and we stay connected while the rescue is in process.” - J.I. Packer, English-born Canadian evangelical theologian (1926-2020)


As has been tradition every summer since our beginning, The Coffeehouse Bible Ministry will now take pause for its annual summer break.

And though the blog itself will temporarily be on hold, the task of teaching and sharing the Word of God never stops. During this time we will continue to carry on His important work with our own local churches, groups, and organizations.

As always, it has been an honor and blessing to share the Word with all of you during the past year. I pray that our messages have provided and helped you with spiritual growth, encouragement, education, and comfort when needed.

First and foremost, we thank Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior, for the opportunity to serve him in this capacity. I also want to thank all the incredible people in our ministry who worked tirelessly, both at the forefront, and behind the scenes. And, of course, thank you for your fellowship during this past year!

Finally, our blog archives are always available (as is The Daily Bible Podcast and Truth For Life Devotional Podcast) to use as the Spirit moves you. On behalf of The Coffeehouse Bible Ministry we wish you a safe, healthy, and richly blessed summer season!

The Coffeehouse Bible Ministry blog will resume in September 2025!

May God always be with you,

~Eve

Weekend Spiritual Insight | True Repentance Is An Ongoing Process

"Repentance is a characteristic of the whole life, not the action of a single moment."  - Sinclair Buchanan Ferguson, Scottish theologian (1948-Present)

There are many things in life that may be considered as "one-and-done" experiences. These are usually unique events that occur only once and never again. 

For example, our physical birth and death. Others are: first loves, first kisses, first jobs, first time holding a child, and first time experiencing a significant loss. All are special and unrepeatable.

While this is mostly the case in the secular world, in the life of a believer of Jesus Christ there are some things that are continuous and on-going. One of these is the Christian doctrine of "repentance."

The term "repentance" comes from the Greek word "metanoia" (μετάνοια), which means a change of mind or an impactful change of heart. In the Hebrew Bible, it is often conveyed by the word "shubah" (שׁוּבָה), meaning to return or turn back.

In short, it is a turning away from sin and turning toward God. Repentance is crucial for salvation and the Christian life, but, we are not saved by repentance alone! For believers this means that repentance is not a one-time event but an ongoing process.

The reason it is a continuous process throughout our lives is because of sin. Therefore, we are obliged to admit our sin, turn away from it, and seek God's forgiveness as part of our life-long spiritual growth and sanctification.

So how does one demonstrate ongoing repentance? This can be done in various ways, including:

• The rejection of sin. This calls for the casting aside of sinful habits and supplanting them with virtuous and moral living, enabled by the Holy Spirit.
• Consistent self-scrutiny and acknowledgment of sin. Inspecting our hearts and confessing sins helps to maintain a clear conscience and our relationship with God.
• Appreciating God's grace. Repentance concerns actively receiving His forgiveness, mercy, and grace despite our flaws.
• Founding truth as the criterion. Conforming our lives with God's Word as the absolute truth is vital for profound change.
• Striving for righteous connections. Building relationships with other believers who uphold and encourage spiritual growth is indispensable for ongoing repentance.

It is critical to highlight that as part of being "born again" or experiencing spiritual rebirth, repentance is regarded as a pivotal first move. And, it is usually seen as an integral start to receiving the Holy Spirit and partaking in a new life in Christ.

In closing, repentance entails admitting to past morally objectionable thoughts, and that one is now set on turning their life around. It is also a crucial first step toward being cleansed of sin, and then being able to receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).

Scripture: Proverbs 28:13; Matthew 3:2; Romans 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9; Revelation 3:19

Prayer: "Dear Lord, help me turn away from my sinful ways and walk in your light instead. Grant me the strength to resist temptation and live a life that honors you. Amen" 

May God richly bless you,

~Eve

May Our Compassion Be as God's

"You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you."  - John Bunyan, English writer and preacher (1628-1688)

Compassion is an indispensable element of God's nature and is a requirement of anyone who obeys Jesus. To display or show compassion entails both recognizing the feelings of others (empathy), and making a decision to provide assistance and support.

As one reads through the Bible, it's not difficult to see what an important role "compassion" plays in Scripture. You get an intense, heartfelt feeling of sadness for the distress of others, usually with a desire to mitigate their misery.

Let's briefly explore some examples of what His compassion looks like. One illustration that stands out is God's deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery, motivated by their pleas for help in Exodus (OT).

In the NT, Jesus displayed compassion by mending the sick, providing sustenance to those in need, and eventually willingly enduring suffering and death to bring humanity back to God.

As long as we're talking about Jesus, mention should be made of his compassion for sinners. This particular theme is a core concept throughout the Gospels. He manifested this by offering help to the powerless, extending kindness and mercy, and providing a way to redemption through repentance.

This was demonstrated in the many ways he offered help to others, including:

• the impoverished (Luke 4:18); 
• the helpless (Luke 6:20); 
• the socially disadvantaged (1 John 3:17);
• the downtrodden (Luke 3:11); 
• the marginalized (Matthew 25:35-40); 
• the neglected (Mark 10:21)

Of course, this was met with resistance and skepticism. But Jesus's actions only served to reinforce his teachings and mission: that he came to seek and save the lost and not condemn them (Luke 19:10; John 3:17). 

It's also significant to note this is the same essence of His character and is a key factor that mandates how believers in Him are to live. Essentially speaking, God's compassion is defined by a deep love and sympathy for others, and a desire to help them.

But I must be clear that it's more than just "a feeling." One must actively engage with the suffering and needs of others, as well. This can be conveyed through forgiveness, mercy, and benevolence.

Lastly, while our discussion here in no way exhausts the subject of God's compassion, I hope, at the very least, that a mental picture of His compassion has already begun to take shape. I pray that you will follow God's example and show your compassion to the world!

Scripture: Luke 6:36; Galatians 6:2; Ephesians 4:32; James 5:11; 1 John 3:17

Prayer: "Dear God, help me  sympathize with the pain and struggles of others, and to respond with empathy and a desire to help. Amen."

Yours in Christ,

Emily

Video Lesson | God Calls Us To Cherish Our Body | Beth Moore

In this culture we are often made to hate our bodies and who we are. This makes it harder to become who we are in heart, soul, and mind. Granted, this has always been a problem, but our modern media, especially, has raised the bar ever higher. 

Today we are relentlessly exposed to "body-types" that are hopelessly unreachable. Most of which can, and do, cause many problems for both women and men alike!

© Living Proof Ministries with Beth Moore

As Beth Moore, American Anglican evangelist, author, and Bible teacher, calls to mind in this short video lesson "the Bible tells us that our bodies are marvelous and that we should not make idols out of them." 

Let's begin today asking God to help us cherish our bodies. Treat your body like a temple, but don't obsess over it! Be tender and warm with how you treat and view your own body. 

May God richly bless you,

~Eve

Walking By Faith | The Perfection and Truth of God's Justice

"Do not let your heart become troubled by the sad spectacle of human injustice. Even this has its value in the face of all else. And it is from this that one day you will see the justice of God rising with unfailing triumph."  - Pio of Pietrelcina,  Italian Capuchin friar, priest (1887–1968)

Oftentimes we see injustice happening in the world and wonder, "Where is God's justice in all of this?" We must understand that there is a difference between God's justice and human justice, of which the latter is what we are most familiar.

The difference lies in the fact that human justice can be defective and unreliable, while God's justice is flawless, unbiased, and everlasting. Even if we were to stop here, it's already quite obvious why human justice could never match God's.

In the Bible, God is described as the ultimate judge who implements justice with wisdom and fairness. Deuteronomy 32:4 emphasizes the perfection and righteousness that is innate in divine (God's) justice.

Another characteristic of God's justice is His omniscience. He is ever vigilant and is aware of the genuine intentions within our heart (1 Samuel 16:7). This spiritual insight assures that His judgments are founded on complete understanding.

Compare this to human judgments, which tend to be confined and shallow. Additionally, God's justice is often interwoven with His mercy. Nonetheless, he is impartial and must punish sin. Yet even so, God also ensures a way to salvation through Jesus Christ (Romans 3:25-26).

For a moment, let's turn our attention to human justice. In comparison to God's justice, human justice is a method designed by humanity to preserve order and remedy misconduct and offenses. This, however, makes it intrinsically restricted.

For we are too easily influenced by our own human perceptions, prejudices, and deficiencies. And although these systems (human justice) attempt to demonstrate standards of fairness and equity, they often disappoint because of our imperfection.

In short, human justice is earthly and often mechanical, taking action to fix things after they occur. Whereas, God's justice is provident and eternal, embracing both the present-day and the future.

There is no question that human justice is a vital part of societal order, but it is restricted by our human flaws and weaknesses. On the other hand, God's justice is immaculate, unbiased, and infinite, founded in His divine nature and includes both impartiality and mercy.

Scripture: Leviticus 19:15; Psalm 89:14; Ecclesiastes 3:16; Isaiah 30:18; Matthew 23:23

Prayer: "Dear Lord, I pray for those who are suffering from injustice, that they may find comfort and strength in You. I trust in Your perfect plan, and believe that You will bring about Your righteousness in your own time. Amen."

Sincerely with the Grace of God,

Sloane

Weekend Spiritual Insight | Pointing Fingers Solves Nothing!

"Life changing repentance begins where blame shifting ends."  - Timothy Keller, American Presbyterian pastor, preacher, theologian (1950-2023)

As of this writing, events around the world appear to be deteriorating. Political unrest, international conflict, financial instability, and threats of annihilation rule the day. Sadly, for us here on earth, it's business as usual.

No one should be surprised. What we're seeing today is no different than any other time throughout history. Granted, there are periods where things seem to calm down for a bit, then something stirs things up, and the cycle repeats.

Yes, one could place the blame on another country, another religion or ideology, another political organization, another people, etc. That's easy enough to do. We've always been good at "pointing fingers."

"We could point fingers at one another all day" is an old idiom that signifies blaming or accusing one another for a problem or snafu. It brings to light the ineffectiveness of bickering instead of concentrating on a corrective action (Proverbs 21:2).

Unlike others, I'm not trying to present myself as both judge and jury on this particular subject. My intent here is to show what the Bible has to say about it. And as you might have figured out, the Bible speaks negatively about it.

The scriptures teach that one should take responsibility for their own actions, and make a sincere attempt at reconciliation instead of accusation. They also strongly encourage directly handling problems with the other party, while refraining from public shame or blame.

Included below are a few examples from the Bible:

• Proverbs 6:12-19 supports the idea that using one's body (such as pointing fingers) to damage or hurt another is considered a negative behavior.
• Isaiah 58:9 implies that the "pointing of fingers" is rude and/or disrespectful behavior that impedes or delays spiritual growth and God's blessings.
• Hosea 4:4 strongly alerts against "pointing fingers" and blaming others, asserting that it will bring about spiritual obstacles and destruction.
• Matthew 7:3-5 uses the analogy between a speck in a brother's eye in contrast to a plank in one's own eye to emphasize the importance of self-examination before making judgment against others.

"Pointing fingers" at each other makes it too easy to pass on the blame to someone else without incurring any personal risk, and avoid having any responsibility or accountability. 

This world in which we live is marred by sin. We, ourselves, suffer in kind. As such, it's not too difficult to lay the blame on someone or something when we are distressed or grieved.

Of course there are occasions when another party may disrupt or infringe upon our life of their own volition. In these instances, the Bible, too, provides measures we can take to correct the problem (Matthew 18:15–17).

Nevertheless, we must never get into the bad habit of scapegoating or blame-shifting others for our problems. If you have truly done something wrong, then take responsibility for whatever role you played in it (Galatians 6:5). Never let blame become second nature!

Scripture: Proverbs 6:34; Proverbs 28:13; Ecclesiastes 7:29; Romans 2:1; James 1:14

Prayer: "Dear Lord, may I remember that Your forgiveness and grace are always available, and that I should never resort to blaming others to make myself feel better or justified. Free me from the cycle of blame and help me build healthier relationships instead. In Your name, Amen." 

May God richly bless you,

~Eve

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