I Will Wait Patiently On Your Word

“Waiting for God is not laziness. Waiting for God is not going to sleep. Waiting for God is not the abandonment of effort. Waiting for God means, first, activity under command; second, readiness for any new command that may come; third, the ability to do nothing until the command is given.” -G. Campbell Morgan

Most of us think that we're pretty patient people, don't we? After all, we wait in line for lots of different things, right? We wait for traffic lights, coffee, movies, sporting events, the newest iPhones, and even in front of schools to drop our kids off in the morning, and/or to pick them up afterschool. It seems that we spend a good portion of our lives waiting for something or other.

As bad, or annoying as it might seem to you, the Bible gives us several examples of people who waited -- and waited --- for God’s next move. Take Moses, for instance. The man herded sheep on the backside of the desert for 40 years before God returned him to leadership. And how about the apostle Paul? He cooled his heels for seven years before his ministry was up and running.

Why does God sometimes make us hold up and wait? Is it because we did, or said something wrong? Maybe we had the wrong frame of mind, or forgot too many prayers? As you probably know, God has his reasons for doing what He does. You can wrack your brain trying to figure it out, but you never will. So just trust that He knows what He's doing with your life.

Who doesn't know how difficult it is to get someone's attention when they're all over the place? It's the same thing with us. God can't get our attention either if we're moving around. So, in order to do so He puts us on "hold." But wait! He doesn't just have us sitting down somewhere twiddling our thumbs.

Usually, during this time, there's at least a couple things going on. First, He's putting us through a little character building. And second, He's testing our character. That’s the normal process God utilizes with the woman or man He wants to use.

Furthermore, the greater God’s desired use, the more He invests in His character building curriculum. Usually, it involves pain or affliction -- or waiting. God is more interested in what He can do in us, that what He can do through us. The question that accompanies these periods is: “How will I respond?” Will He grow me through this, or will I look for another way?

Being human, we may be tempted to do something to hurry things along while we're waiting. We might look for another job, move to another place, or try to manipulate our spouse. In other words, we get restless and want to kick start our stalled lives back into motion. But, we need to be patient. This is God's time to do good works within us. Remember what I told you earlier? God knows what He's doing. Trust Him!

Undoubtedly, different people react very differently to waiting, or pain. However, the person who trusts God, sees affliction and waiting as growth times. As a consequence, they grow because of deep confidence in God and what He’s doing.

On the other hand, people who don’t trust God view affliction or waiting like attacks, or threats to safety and security. Their response is to turn inward, to come up with their own resources, to trust in themselves. The result of a pattern of not trusting God is turning your back on Him.

No one likes waiting around for no reason. But, waiting for God when He tells us to wait, is a pretty good reason. He loves us, and has our best interest at heart. Whether there's something that needs a little tweaking; or even a major overhaul in our lives, He will put us on hold. But, if we're patient and trust in Him, we will come out better in the end.

Scripture: Romans 12:12; Romans 8:25; Galatians 6:9; Jeremiah 29:11; Isaiah 40:31

Prayer: Holy Father, I know that You have my best interests at heart; and that You have a bigger plan for me than I will ever know. I pray for patience as I wait, on Your word, while You do mighty works within me as only You can. Amen

God bless you!

Erica

Saturday Scripture Study with Bibi: Leave It In My Good Hands

Hello, everyone! Thank you for joining me again for Saturday Scripture Study. During this particular study series we will be discussing the parables of Jesus. He used parables as part of his teaching lessons. These parables contain powerful messages that are just beneath the surface of the story; which in turn motivate us to dig deeper, and learn how to better walk with Christ, Our Lord.

We are now at Week Twelve of our series. This week, we will discuss our importance as stewards of God. We must be careful as we spread the Gospel, as the tools we have been given to use are only borrowed. The grace belongs solely to God who gives it. Therefore, we must be faithful in the way we distribute the truth of Christ

Before we begin our study, let's pray together: God, you have made the heavens and the earth. You have revealed your beauty in creation and inspired the book that we are now about to study. Please help us now as we read together. Take us deeper into understanding more about you and your love for us. Amen.

We begin this study with a quote from scripture, 1 Corinthians 4:1-2. The apostle Paul composed this after a lengthy dissertation on the somewhat smaller role played by men in the the salvation of others. He argued that "we are only servants, not masters" to the Corinthians who had been attempting to denominationalize their young church after artificial followings.

For the best example of a steward, let's look at Joseph in the Book of Genesis. He went from being a slave to overseeing the house of Potiphar in quick time; bringing great blessings to the Egyptian captain's household. And though his master's wife attempted to seduce him many times, Joseph always remained a faithful steward; totally refusing her advances. Later, Pothiphar, trusting in his wife's version of the story, had Joseph imprisoned.

While serving his sentence, he became the prison trustee. Because Joseph was faithful to honor and duty, the Lord allowed him to flourish and prosper there. In time, his forewarnings freed him from imprisonment. He became Pharaoh's governor in Egypt, and the nation was blessed with prosperity even as a great famine raged all around them. Being a faithful servant, blessing seemed to follow Joseph wherever he went.

In Matthew 25:14-30 (the parable of the ten talents), Jesus teaches his disciples about stewardship. In spite of moving to a distant country, he will one day return and summon his servants to explain how they have handled God's blessings. He will reward those who were good and faithful servants by admitting them into the joy of their Lord. Those who, because of their laziness and wickedness, bore no fruit, can look forward to a punishment in outer darkness where there is much weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Luke 12:42-48 contains the parable of the faithful and wise stewards. Here, Jesus compares two stewards with different viewpoints on their master's absence. One understands his master's absence is only temporary and may end suddenly. The other sees the master's absence as an opportunity to conduct himself maliciously. However, Jesus will return unexpectedly to the faithless steward and punish his lack of success with many stripes. Thus, we are cautioned: "For everyone to whom much is given, from him much is required."

The parable of the unjust steward (Luke 16:1-13) teaches us the true value of physical resources in this life: sharing our blessings in order to bless those who are less fortunate. Certainly, every physical blessing we have is from God (James 1:17; Matthew 6:25-34). If we are faithful in our stewardship of earthly blessings, we can demonstrate that we are fit to steward eternal blessings.

In response to his disciples' plea to increase their faith, Christ alludes to the unprofitable servant (Luke 17: 7-10) who understands that full obedience to God's commands is merely his duty and no labor about which he should boast.

Finally, the parable of the minas (Luke 19:11-27) is similar to the parable of the ten talents. This lesson is meant to undeceive them of false ideas regarding the kingdom's appearance and nature. The end of it has special warning to everyone who doesn't know Christ, or who do not obey his gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:8).

Here's one final word before closing. Remember, we are stewards of the riches of the knowledge of Christ, and must share with all.

Questions:

1. What does Paul say is a requirement of a steward? What did he mean concerning his own stewardship? What were the Corinthians trying to do with Apollos, Peter and Paul?
2. Who is the great Old Testament steward? What made him so trustworthy and prosperous?
3. What did each of the stewards do with the talents his master gave him before leaving?
4. Was the effort of the third man sufficient? What excuse did he give (Matthew 25:25)?
5. What became of the first two servants?
6. What was the servant's reason for beating others and getting drunk (Luke 12:45)?
7. How does this passage compare to 2 Peter 3:9-11?
8. What is the standard given in Luke 12:48?
9. How can handling "unrighteous mammon" help lead us to an "everlasting home?"
10. What does Luke 16:14 say about the Pharisees' reaction to this parable? Is this idolatrous affection still alive today (Colossians 3:5)?
11. According to the parable given in Luke 17:7-10, can a Christian ever do so much for God that the Lord actually owes him? What should the Christian be diligent to do?
12. Is salvation then a debt God owes us, or a gift of grace we receive when we accept and obey Him?
13. What did the citizens of the parable in Luke 19 (the parable of the ten minas) think of the nobleman? What becomes of them?

Until next time...

May your week be blessed!

Bibi

Who Are You In Christ?

"So in case some left it out or forgot to mention it when they explained what it meant to be a Christian, let me be clear: There is no forgiveness without repentance. There is no salvation without surrender. There is no life without death. There is no believing without committing." -Kyle Idleman, "Not a Fan" (p. 35)

I'd like to begin by presenting a couple of questions to you: Do you really know who you are in Christ? How do you perceive yourself as a Christian?

Christians are commonly referred to as "saints." The word is derived from the Greek word hagios, which literally means "holy." Thus, in the New Testament sense of the word, to be a saint is to be a "holy one." And that’s who we are in Christ.

Consequently, according to God’s Word, all believers are already saints. From His perspective, we're saints not because of who men say we are, but because of what Christ did for us. We're not holy because of our own good works or righteousness. Simply put, we are Christians because of Christ.

The Bible tells us that "all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment." (Isaiah 64:6). The reality is that you and I are righteous because Jesus died on the Cross. By dying for us, He gave us His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). We are now the righteousness of God in Christ.

It was God’s will to choose us; to adopt us as His sons and daughters. Therefore, God has given us what we are undeserving of. He has freely given us His grace and made us part of His family. No wonder the apostle John could say, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!" (1 John 3:1).

In closing, I just want to reassure you that God truly loves us. He has accepted us, and given us security in life. God doesn't change you so that He can love you. In fact, He loves you in order to change you. You see, it's His love that changes you!

Dear friends, you can rest securely in your relationship with Christ. Because, in Christ you are secure; and you are accepted.

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:16; Luke 4:4; Acts 2: 37-39; John 6:44; Matthew 5:13-16

Prayer: Dear Lord, please help me throughout my walk as a Christian; and may I always be a shining example by my words, actions, and relationships with others. Amen

May your lives be blessed!

Mindy

Life Will Bring Encouragement or Discouragement

Edward Steichen, who eventually became one of the world's most renowned photographers, almost gave up on the day he shot his first pictures. At 16, young Steichen bought a camera and took 50 photos. Only one turned out -- a portrait of his sister at the piano. Edward's father thought that was a poor showing. But, his mother insisted that the photograph of his sister was so beautiful that it more than compensated for 49 failures.

Her encouragement convinced the youngster to stick with his new hobby. He stayed with it for the rest of his life, but it had been a close call. What tipped the scales? The vision to spot excellence in the midst of a lot of failure. -Bits & Pieces, February 4, 1993, pp. 4-5.

Who said staying encouraged was easy? Truthfully, we spend more time discouraged in life than we do encouraged. Take your own life for example. When we were children we had all sorts of dreams and aspirations for our lives. Our dreams were big; the sky was the limit. As time moved along, we grew up, got a little older, and maybe a little wiser, or more cynical.

Whatever the case, life continues forward. But, what happened to those childhood dreams? Many of us followed different paths than what we started out on. Some of us were even fortunate enough to be able to see our dreams come to fruition. If you were one of those lucky ones, then consider yourself truly blessed!

However, as for the rest of us, we may or may not get to realize our dreams. As they say, the jury is still out on that one. Is this discouraging? I think it depends on how you look at it, and how much you let it affect you. God has a master plan for each one of us. Of course, only He knows what that might be. Being human, and having only a human perspective on life, it's impossible for us to even try to think on His level.

Discouragement is part of this life. There really is no getting around it. Therefore, it's important to encourage, and be encouraged. Who couldn't use a pat on the back every now and then? As a matter of fact, the Bible has many stories of encouragement, and discouragement. Like the characters in the Bible, God knows that we, living today, sometimes need a gentle hand to lift us up. or swift kick in the pants to set us straight!

Personally, I think that it all evens itself out in the end. As we look back on our lives, we shall see that there were equal parts of encouragement and discouragement. Keep in mind that our lives transpire one day at a time. We tend to see our lives in chunks, which if you're looking for good and bad can be deceiving. Break your life down into small, daily pieces and you'll see what I'm talking about.

Look for opportunities to encourage someone today. Just this simple act will encourage you, in return. If you notice, both encouragement and discouragement contain the word "courage." The definition for courage is: the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery.

God will give you the courage to face anything that comes your way. He will give you the courage to press on despite feeling discouraged. He will encourage you to continue being an example of His life towards others. God loves you, and He loves me, That should be all the encouragement we need to live our lives as He meant for us to!

Scripture: Joshua 1:9; 2 Timothy 1:7;Proverbs 30:5; Philippians 4:13; Psalm 34:4

Prayer: Holy Father, I pray for your encouragement that I might be an example of your love towards others. Everyone deals with discouragement while in this world, but it's comforting to know that when the skies turn dark, and the wind blows cold; You will provide the warm sunlight that encourages our hearts; and lets us know that better days are ahead. Amen

May God bless you,

Sarah

Remain Optimistic

You cannot be optimistic with misty optics about spiritual things: you must have your vision clear and spiritual.  (Matthew 6:22; 2 Peter 1: 8, 9)

As we embark on a brand new year, it's hard not to look back and reflect on the old year behind us. No matter what kind of year it was, for some it was good, for others not so much. Either way, that was then, this is now.

How are you feeling at this moment? Are you optimistic about 2015? Do you think that this will finally be your year? Maybe you're thinking that this year will definitely top an extremely blessed 2014? After all, optimism is the ability to face the future with confidence. And, for believers this is possible because of their knowledge of God.

Nahum 1:7 assures us that "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him..."  In other words, God has your/our back, no matter what comes down the road. It's kind of hard not to be optimistic when you know that Our Lord cares enough about us not to leave us hanging. Psalm 46:1 conveys the same message.

Now, I know that some of you are thinking about some unpleasant things that might have happened in your life last year. And, you might be doubting all of this talk about God being there when you need Him. I understand that unpleasant, painful, gut-wrenching, unexplainable incidents can make it difficult to feel optimistic.

But, I also sincerely believe that passages such as those above wouldn't have been made available to us if they weren't true. Why? Because God doesn't lie (Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18). There's not enough time, or space to dive into it here, but God never does anything to hurt you, or I (Ephesians 2:4; Romans 9:14; 1 John 4:7-8). Besides having no reason to do so, He doesn't because He loves us (Romans 5:8).

Being optimistic is part of believing in God, and having faith (Luke 18:27). I like this quote by Lynne Austin, from Candle in the Darkness,  “Faith don't come in a bushel basket, Missy. It come one step at a time. Decide to trust Him for one little thing today, and before you know it, you find out He's so trustworthy you be putting your whole life in His hands.”

That's how we should proceed into this new year, one step, or day, at a time. Give your cares and troubles over to Him one at a time. I have no doubt that God is waiting for you to do this. His loving arms are extended toward you, waiting to help ease your burden (Psalm 68:19; Psalm 55:22).

There's no guarantee that only good things will happen because you do so. That's when faith kicks in (John 14:1). However, to remain optimistic is to know in your heart that God is there to help you when the wheels fall off. And, of course, He is there in the good things that bless your life, too!

As I close, I urge you to remain optimistic. No one knows what this year will bring. In fact, who knows about tomorrow (Proverbs 27:1)? But, because you know about God, and His love for all of us, it's very comforting and secure to know that He is with us, always.

Scripture: Psalms 52:8; Psalms 125:1; Psalms 91:2; Micah 7:7; Hebrews 13:6

Prayer: Dear God, only You know what this new year will bring for me, but knowing that You will be there with me every step of the way; encourages my optimism and deepens my faith. I also pray for the peace of mind that only the knowledge of You can give me. Amen

God bless you!

Riley

Video - Beth Moore: Go Forward

In this video message, Beth Moore challenges you to keep moving in your walk of faith. Worth a look!  ~Eve

From Different Ships, But On the Same Boat

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”  -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

We humans are a strange sort, aren't we? Why in the world do we discriminate against others based on things like: their birthplace, where they live, skin color, economic status, language, etc? God doesn't judge people like we tend to do. God looks at the inside, while we are more apt to look at only the outside.

The problems of stereotypes and prejudice are nothing new. These were major problems in Jesus’ day, too. But, what made Jesus so attractive to so many in his time was the way he demolished commonly held stereotypes of “us” and “them.”

Do you recall when Jesus talked with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:6-9)? His disciples had left him alone to go buy food. Now remember, Jews did not associate with Samaritans at that time. They traveled in completely different social circles. The two didn't hang out together, or talk to each other. Simply put, the did not get along.

What makes this scenario even more interesting was that He didn't reach out to just any Samaritan, but a Samaritan woman. The Jewish rabbis of Jesus’ day wouldn't even teach to women, let alone allow this kind of interaction. Yet here's Jesus reaching out to a Samaritan woman!

This incident makes a powerful statement by itself. But wait, there's even more! Not only was this person a Samaritan, and a woman, she was also an immoral woman. She had been married five times; and, on top of that, she wasn't married to the man she was living with at that time. (John 4:18).

You could say that she had three "dislikes" against her, And, these were three very good reasons (from the perspective of the Jews) why Jesus shouldn't even be giving her the time of day. But, he does. In fact, he was the one who initiated the conversation (John 4:7).

Considering the way things were at the time, not even a good Jew would associate with this woman, Additionally, because of who she was, there's good reason to believe that even the Samaritans themselves kept their distance from this woman. John 4:6 tells us that “it was about the sixth hour” (the sixth hour was noon) when Jesus met this woman at the well.

It would have been out of the ordinary for a woman to go to the well to draw water in the heat of the day. Usually they went to the well in the evening after it had cooled off. The fact that she was there at that time of day suggests she was probably trying to avoid the other women. Why? Because they didn't accept her due to her immorality.

The point here is this. She was an outcast among outcasts! If there was anyone on earth that Jesus shouldn't have been in contact with, it was her. However, he was willing to look past all of her exterior flaws, and look at who she was on the inside.

What about the disciples? They were stunned when they returned and found him alone, talking with an adulterous woman at a well. But, they didn't say a word until after the woman had left and gone back into town. At that point, they asked if he'd like to eat something. They obviously wanted to pretend that they didn't see a thing. Like many, they were hoping that if ignored, the problem would disappear. Poof!

As mentioned earlier, during his earthly ministry Jesus broke down the stereotypes of “us” and “them.” But, he had to pursue this alone. He didn't have the support of the religious leaders of his day, nor the support of his disciples. This was because they hadn't gotten past their own prejudices, yet.

In closing, you and I don't have to overcome our prejudices, or biases alone. We have our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to support and guide us. We were all made in God's image, all of us. To treat one another any less than that goes against everything that Jesus lived, taught, and died for.

Scripture:John 7:24; 1 John 2:9; John 13:34; Romans 2:11; 1 Samuel 16:7  

Prayer: Holy Father, I pray that I will treat everyone I meet today with respect, dignity, and love. You created us as one family, in your image. Therefore, I ask you for forgiveness of any previous sins I have committed against others involving prejudice, and that you instill my heart with your love for all. Amen

Have a blessed day!

Shelley