Running On Empty

It is normal to go through high and low periods in your relationship with God. This is usually referred to as spiritual dryness, or a spiritual funk. Because as Christian disciples we get used to a certain level of intimacy with God, and dryness puts a damper on things doesn’t it? We feel separated from God, and no one likes to go through separation because it can be painful and lonely.

Thankfully, we have an extremely loving and patient God that understands us very well. We should always strive to have the best relationship with Jesus Christ that we can possibly have. However, we have to be realistic. After all, we are only human. The reality is, spiritual dryness comes, and it simply may be a clue it’s time for you to slow down and re-evaluate what’s happening in your life.

Some possible reasons for your spiritual dryness might be:

1. Unconfessed sin in your life: Because sin causes a barrier between ourselves and God. It breaks our fellowship by grieving and quenching the Spirit of God from working in our lives. So, if unconfessed sin is an issue, if it is where we are at – then to resolve things, to get back on track with God, we must agree with God where we have blown it and restore the relationship, the connection with God.
2. Due to your emotions or feelings; an affective breakdown: We may not feel alive to God, but it does not mean God is not alive to us. From God’s perspective, the Lord still treasures our fellowship. And the good news is, God’s presence remains, though we may not feel it.
3. Physiological: Do we really feel like praying when we have a cold, or sinus problems, or allergies, or feel run down, or are exhausted from lack of sleep? When we physically are not at 100%, it affects our whole being.
4. Underfeeding or starving our souls: Perhaps our walk with God is a hit and miss relationship. We have a devotional time when we can fit it in with our hurried schedules. But most of the time - God gets squeezed out of the picture. We lack the intentionality and regularity of communing with the Lord.
5. Trying to imitate the pattern of someone else: The good news is, we can get some great ideas from others, its not necessary to always reinvent the wheel. But our spiritual formation is personalized to fit us. What works for someone else, may not work for you and me.
6. Life Changes: Things such as a death in the family, a life-threatening disease, a severe illness, moving to a new area, changing schools, establishing new friendships and saying goodbye to old friends, divorce, unemployment, pregnancy, newly married, the birth of children and so on.
7. Spiritual Changes: The book of Hebrews in chapter five (5:11-14), discusses the need to move from the milk of the word to the meat. As we grow deeper in our relationship with God, we can’t stay where we are at. That will not satisfy us. We will need to try something new or move to a new area of spiritual learning where we will be stretched beyond our comfort zones. Or, God might be saying to you in your situation, that is enough studying for now, you need to apply some of your learning so I can teach you more.

The good news is, if you are going through a period of dryness, the rivers of life will flow again. Your task is to remain persistent, to practice the spiritual disciplines faithfully, whether you feel like it or not. You are to expose yourself to God’s Spirit, allowing God‘s grace and anointing to touch your life. Whether you sense the growth or not, as long as you place yourself in the Sonshine with plenty of water, like a plant, you will eventually grow. You must remind yourself always, God has not left. The Lord is more eager for your fellowship that you are of His. -Dr. Gary R. Glanville, Pastor

See Scriptures: Psalm 66:18; Psalm 32:1-5; Lamentations 3:40-42, 44; Isaiah 1:15-16; and Isaiah 59:2

Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord, I pray that you will lead me out of this spiritual desert that I find myself in;
For this is a most desolate place, where I find myself at the moment, this spiritual dryness;
But I draw comfort in knowing, that you will soon take my hand and lead me back to your fertile ground; where love, peace, and understanding abide together under your glorious care.
Oh, Holy Father, please don’t be long, for I thirst for the quenching taste of your eternal waters. Amen.

Have a blessed day!

Kristen

Bible Study Snacks: Romans, Chapter 1

We would like to share a selected bible study adapted from our own popular Coffeehouse Bible Ministry bible study sessions. These concise bible studies are called Snacks because they are just enough to nourish your soul and refresh your spirit without being too filling.

Keep in mind that the key here is to read for understanding, not quantity! Our Bible Study studies can be used for either individual, or small group study. It is our sincerest hope that you will find this material helpful in your journey with Jesus Christ. May God bless you!

The Coffeehouse Bible Ministry Bible Study Snacks

Selection: The Book of Romans, Introduction

Written by: Paul, the Apostle; around A.D. 60 from Corinth, just before his return to Jerusalem. He was the earliest and most influential interpreter of Christ’s message and teaching; an early Christian missionary; correspondent with several early Christian churches.

Background: He had always wanted to visit Rome but, except for a few friends, he was unfamiliar to the Christians there. So in anticipation of that visit, Paul wrote to introduce himself to the church at Rome; and to assure the Roman Christians, contrary to false rumors they might have heard, that the gospel he was preaching was, indeed the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Focus Question: The opening statement of this letter is very powerful. What message is Paul trying to get across to the Christians in Rome?

Prayer: O Lord, we delight in You and rejoice in Your presence with us as we worship You today. We take delight in Your written word, and we thank You for helping us keep our hearts and minds focused on loving and serving You each day. Amen.

Reading: Read Romans 1: 1-7

Food For Thought:
What tone does Paul set in his introduction to this letter?
What does this say about his purposes in this letter?
How would you define “gospel”?
What aspects of the gospel does Paul use in this introduction? How are these related to his purpose?

Think About It:
To whom has God called you to be a witness?
What will you do this week to fulfill this call?

Next Time: Romans 1: 8-17

Can You Remember?

Two middle-aged couples were enjoying friendly conversation when one of the men asked the other, "Fred, how was the memory clinic you went to last month?" "Outstanding," Fred replied. "They taught us all the latest psychological techniques, such as visualization, association and so on. It was great. I haven't had a problem since."

"Sounds like something I could use. What was the name of the clinic?" Fred went blank. He thought and thought, but couldn't remember. Then a smile broke across his face and he asked, "What do you call that flower with the long stem and thorns?" "You mean a rose?" "Yes, that's it!" He turned to his wife, "Hey Rose, what was the name of that memory clinic?"

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary defines memory as: "The act of recollecting, or recalling to the memory; the operation by which objects are recalled to the memory." It happens to everyone past a "certain" age. Our memory goes a little flat along with other things. So, we begin looking for tricks to help remind us of things much like the gentlemen in the story above.

The Apostle Paul wrote a letter to the church in Thessalonica several months after his first letter. The purpose of this was to reemphasize the coming return of Jesus Christ. Some of the folks living there thought Jesus had already returned. He wrote this letter to straighten out any misunderstandings they might have.

He (Paul) gently asked them "if they did not remember what he had taught them before?" 2 Thessalonians 2:5 It seems that they had already forgotten certain parts of Paul's teachings since his original letter.

In the book of James, Jesus' half-brother wrote to Jewish believers to encourage them to endure and live bold Christian lives. He reminded them that it wasn't enough to just listen to the word because that could be deceiving. You have to do what it says! This makes perfectly good sense because if you simply hear and not act on something, it is easier to forget; than if you actually practice what you heard. James 1:22

This applies to most things in life, but it is especially so with the Bible. There is a lot of excellent advice for living within its pages. However, as James reminds us, we need to not just read about it; but put it into action. How about today?

Let's pray:

Dear Lord, as I go through my day;
help me to remember your teachings, and
remind me that I should apply what I know
towards others, in everything I do;
In this small way, I will help spread your message
of love, understanding, and compassion wherever I go,
and in whatever I do.
Amen

Love,

T.J.

For Whom We Serve

Charley, a new retiree-greeter at Wal-Mart, just couldn't seem to get to work on time. Every day he was 5, 10, 15 minutes late...but he was a good worker--really tidy, clean-shaven, sharp-minded, a real credit to the company and obviously was good at demonstrating their "Older Person Friendly" policies.

One day, the boss called him into the office for a talk. "Charley, I have to tell you: I like your work ethic, you do a bang up job; but your being late so often is quite bothersome." "Yes, I know boss, and I am working on it."

''Well good, you are a team player. That's what I like to hear. It's odd, though--your coming in late. I know you're retired from the Armed Forces. What did they say if you came in late there?" 'They said, "Good morning, Admiral, can I get you coffee, sir?'''

Remember when Jesus washed his disciples’ feet in John 13? It happened just before the Passover Feast. They had to be just a little confused when he got up from his meal; took some of his outer garments off; wrapped a towel around his waist; poured water into a basin and began washing and drying their feet.

I can just picture in my mind the expressions on all of their faces as their leader, Jesus, calmly proceeded to do this. But, it must have seemed odd enough in that it intensified Simon Peter’s curiosity. In fact, he was the only one with enough curiosity (and courage) to ask Jesus, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” (John 13:6)

Now to put this all into perspective you have to realize that the washing of the feet was an eastern duty of hospitality made necessary by the hot, dusty climate. None of the apostles volunteered to do this because it was usually performed by a servant. Therefore, Jesus took it upon himself to do this service.

Jesus did not go into one of his usual lectures with Simon Peter. He simply told him that he would not fully realize the reason for all of this at the present, but that it would become clear later on. Understandably, this whole episode might be somewhat difficult for a few of us to wrap our hands around. Here we have Jesus Christ on his hands and knees washing and drying the feet of his disciples as they sat there and, I am quite sure, watched in what must have been puzzled amazement!

But you see, isn't that the point? This was another example of how Jesus used simple, everyday things to teach a lesson. None of the disciples thought that they should lower themselves to do this menial task. But Jesus did! Yes, he was their leader, but he did not think of himself so superior that he was above serving others himself. John 13: 12-17

That was Jesus' way! As he said in verse 16, "I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him." Imagine putting others needs ahead of your own? What an awesome concept! I think more of us should try applying this simple concept in today's world. I think Simon Peter would be proud, don't you?

Let's pray:

Jesus, I pray that I will never think of myself so much better than others that I would not pray, help, or comfort them when I have the opportunity to do so.

As you so humbly taught us, we are never greater than the One who made all of this possible. When we serve others, we are truly exemplifying your teachings and spirit. May we always carry your light within us in everything we do. Amen.

Have a blessed day!

-Debi Lynn

Life's Obstacles or God's Opportunities?

Thomas Edison, while a boy, received a blow on his ear which impaired his hearing. What a tragedy! Later he felt his deafness was a blessing, for it was a tool by which he was saved from distractions. This allowed him to concentrate on his work, and out of that concentration emerged some of the greatest inventions of all times.

Victor Hugo, a literary genius of France, was exiled from his country by Napoleon. What a tragedy! Out of that period of exile arose some of his most creative works. When he later returned home in triumph, he asked, "Why was I not exiled earlier?"

Helen Keller, born blind and deaf, faced obstacle after obstacle in her life. However, on more that one occasion she confided, “I thank God for my obstacles, for through them I have found myself, my work and my God."

George Frederick Handel was at a low point in his life. His money was gone, and his creditors hounded him, threatening him with imprisonment. His right side became paralyzed, and his health deteriorated. For a brief time he was tempted to give up. In the midst of the darkness he picked himself up and began to do the only thing he knew to do--write music. Out of that despair he wrote the oratorio known as The Messiah, which many consider the greatest piece of church music in history.

The fiber tying Edison, Hugo, Keller and Handel together is that these people refused to be defeated by their problems. They saw their misfortunes and bad luck not as dilemmas to destroy them, but as opportunities to grow and develop in ways that otherwise would have been impossible. It happens to all of us at one point or another in our lives. There we are, plugging along, enjoying the ride when all of sudden our life hits an obstacle, be it physical, emotional, financial or spiritual. And just like that, it seems like everything we know has come to a grinding halt. WHAT HAPPENED!!??

In Psalms 119:67-71, David shares his own similar personal experience with this. When things are going great, and life is good, we can sometimes become a little conceited, self-indulgent, maybe even forgetful of God? It’s very easy to fall in love with the world when it’s telling us what we want to hear, even though others might be warning us not to listen. I mean, think about it. It’s easiest to wander from God when you have the world at your fingertips. But maybe, just maybe, God allows this to happen for a reason!

Every now and then we all need a reality check. And who better to provide that reality check than God? We might think we know what’s best for us, but if that were true, we wouldn’t find ourselves in the jams that we get ourselves into. In other words, we should leave our concerns to the disposal of God, seeing we know not what is good for us. Let’s face it, no matter how you look at it, God deals with us better than we deserve, amen!

So, when you hit those low points, or that dry season or two in your life, think of it as God wanting to make a positive and loving adjustment in your life. Even a race car has to come in for a pit stop every now and then during a race! God always wants the best for you. Sometimes he has to throw an obstacle out there to get you to stop! But you know what? We always come out better for it in the long run.

As David said, “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.” I couldn’t agree more. Remember this... “Don’t ever give up. Even when life gets so hard that it seems like there is no hope, there is hope. When everything else is stripped away and all that is left is you, God is there. He is holding you and wiping your tears. He will never leave you or abandon you. Just remember that he loves you. Please don’t ever give up.” –thanks to Kyle, a student

Much love,

Sheri

A Little More Patience and Humility, Please!

Our quest for faster service makes us more impatient and demanding. That's the conclusion of a recent series of experiments about fast food. Three experiments with college students were conducted. In the first experiment, researchers flashed ever so briefly (below conscious thresholds) on a computer screen the logos of well-known fast food franchises ((McDonald's, KFC, Subway, Taco Bell, Burger King, and Wendy's) while research participants worked on another task.

A comparison group did the same task without the fast food logos appearing. Then all participants were asked to read a brief passage. Although there was no time pressure or time limit mentioned, the "fast food" participants read more quickly.

In the second experiment, participants were asked to remember either the last time they ate fast food or the last time they went grocery shopping, then all completed an ostensibly unrelated marketing survey. Exposure to fast food reminders led participants to express a preference for time-saving products.

And in the third experiment, participants were asked to rate the aesthetic appeal of different corporate logos, some of fast food franchises and some not. Exposure to fast food reminders reduced the willingness of participants to delay gratification at a later task.


As W. H. Auden wrote, "Perhaps there is only one cardinal sin: impatience - Because of impatience we were driven out of Paradise, because of impatience we cannot return." The results led the researchers to ask, "What's the point of saving time if we don't use it to savor what makes life worth living?" -thanks to Psychology Today, April 13, 2010-

While we’re on the subject of patience, do you remember Job? He was the Arabian patriarch; who while living in the middle of great prosperity was suddenly overcome by a series of painful trials. As terrible as all of this was on him, his faith never wavered. He kept up his integrity and was eventually rewarded by God who blessed him with even greater prosperity than he enjoyed before; living a long good life after. (James 5:11)

That sounds amazing in itself, but here’s the kicker. Job survived the period of trial for one hundred and forty years! In today’s fast-paced, immediate-gratification, its-all-about-me world, this would not be acceptable to most of us. Can you imagine if any of us were in Job’s position today? Would we be able keep it together that long? Yep, that's what I thought.

A little bit of humility added to the mix wouldn’t be such a bad thing, either. Humility, as used here, is a Christian grace that is a state of mind well pleasing to God (1Peter 3:4); it preserves the soul in tranquility, (Psalm 69:32), (Psalm 69:33), and makes us patient under trials (Job 1:22).

Christ has set us an example of humility (Phil. 2:6-8). I know that’s a hard act to follow for sure, but it gives us all something to shoot for, doesn’t it? And I don’t know about you, but I could sure use some more practice with patience and humility!

Let's pray:

Heavenly Father, Praise be given to Your Holy name for Your forbearance and mercy. You have dealt gently with Your children in love. You have been patient with me in my humanness and stubbornness.
Lord, through the work of Your Spirit, prompt me to be more jubilant in hope, more patient in times of trouble, and more consistent in my prayer life.
Teach me, Lord, to wait with faith and expectancy, and may my trials be seen as times for growth in grace. Through Christ our Lord, I pray. Amen.

Love and peace always,

Maryann

No Time for Greed!

An Australian bank was forced to shut down its entire network of ATM cash machines after a technical glitch meant they started issuing "free" money. Long lines began to form at machines as word spread that unrestricted withdrawals could be made, with reports of people walking off with thousands of dollars. The bank said the problem arose following overnight maintenance on the system. Police warned that customers who failed to return the money could face criminal charges.

"People should realize that, even though an ATM has dispensed cash, they are not entitled to that money and are committing a criminal offense if they keep it," said a police spokesperson. "They should also realize that ATM locations are covered extensively by surveillance".

Sometimes we think we can get away with it, and may even convince ourselves that bad is good, but we should remember that God says, "Be sure your sin will find you out" (Numbers 32:32). -thanks to Sky News, 3/1/11

Jesus warned people many times about the pitfalls of greed. I suppose you could say that we have always been susceptible to greed. It is sad, but unfortunately true. The news is rife with stories about greed and how it ruined the lives of those who succumbed to it. (1 Timothy 6:10)

Greed doesn't occur only when money is involved, either. It can creep into your life in many different forms such as: commercialism, materialism, possessiveness; gluttonousness; self-centeredness; egotism; etc. Do any of these sound familiar to you? As you can probably figure out by this short list, greed basically revolves around someone thinking only about himself.

What have you done to help someone other than yourself lately? (Proverbs 29:7) Jesus wanted us to help, care for; and love one another. (John 13:34) It is a simple message, really. If we are truly thinking about the needs of others, greed wouldn't have any way to weave its way into our thoughts or minds. (1 John 2:15)

If you haven't tried it lately; help someone who is in need. I guarantee you that there is no shortage of people who could use a helping hand. And the feeling you will get afterwards is priceless. That much I can promise you!

Let us pray...

Show us, we beseech Thee, O Lord,
in Thy clemency,
Thine unspeakable mercy,
that Thou mayest both cleanse us from all our sins,
and deliver us from the punishments which they have deserved.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son,
Who livest and reignest
world without end.
Amen.

Have a blessed day,

~Gabriella~