God Is the Real Deal!

“The truth is the Super Bowl long ago became more than just a football game. It's part of our culture like turkey at Thanksgiving and lights at Christmas, and like those holidays beyond their meaning, a factor in our economy.”  - Bob Schieffer, journalist

Super Bowl XLIX is over. The game winner has been decided. Parties, special media events, celebrity sightings, and endless T.V. updates are now history. It's time to take a deep breath and ease back into normal life again.

The Nielsen Company, reported that more people watched the Patriots defeat the Seahawks than any other program in United States television history. Approximately 114.4 million people tuned in for Super Bowl XLIX.

My family, like millions of others, enjoys watching big, colorful, exciting sporting events like the Super Bowl. It's thrilling to view all of the emotion and buzz that accompanies something of this magnitude. However, as is the case with any hysteria-filled celebration, there is a downside, too.

There are the stories of people who were ripped off by dishonest ticket sellers, drunken brawls that broke out over team loyalties, arrests for solicitation, tresspassing, and credit card fraud; which are only a few of many examples. Unfortunately, this type of behavior is pretty common for a party of this size.

My purpose is not to berate, or admonish anyone here. What I would like, is to have us reconsider something that is easy to overlook. It can be something so obvious, yet hard to see. It could be standing right in front of you, yet ignored. What is it? Idolatry.

Now, I ask you to please hear me out before clicking off the page. I know that idolatry is a topic that is about as much fun to talk about as having a root canal. But all I ask for is a little of your time. Also, I only use the Super Bowl as an example because of it's sheer impact on a very large population of people.

In our modern times, many things compete for our attention. We have the internet, satellite television, video games, and cell phones, which can demand our consideration. Celebrities, sports teams, and reality shows may easily be addded to this list. Even the church and religion can become an idol. We can become so absorbed, captivated, even addicted by them; to the point of "idolizing" them.

Taken in moderation, and used with judgment, they aren't necessarily bad. It's when we turn these things into "idols," and treat them as such; that's when we get into trouble. Saint Augustine wrote that: "Idolatry is worshiping anything that ought to be used or using anything that ought to be worshiped."

I'm not saying that we have to stop watching games, enjoying parties, following our favorite celebrities, hanging out with friends, etc. That's not it at all. What I am saying is to be  conscious that, although these can enhance our enjoyment of life, they can also undermine it if we're not vigilant and focused.

Rebecca Manley Pippert (Hope Has its Reasons, p.50) put it this way: "Playing God is not just difficult, it's impossible." So "we have to look elsewhere for a backup, a homemade God-substitute. We thus spend our lives swinging between the impossible (playing God) and the inadequate (relying on anything short of God to be God.")

In the end, it's fine to enjoy the fun of following our favorite sports teams, celebrities, television programs, etc., just as long as we keep it real. Be mindful that we can easily let these things take over our lives; even to the point of believing that they are life (Leviticus 26:1; Exodus 20:4; Deuteronomy 4:16; Deuteronomy 5:8).

Scripture: 1 John 5:21; Psalm 16:4; 1 Corinthians 10:14; Exodus 23:13; Judges 10:14

Prayer: Dear God, may You always remain close to my heart; may my thoughts and prayers keep me from putting other things ahead of You; may You have mercy on me if I begin to stray from You and worship this world, instead of You. How awesome it is to know that Your love for me is real, and true; and that, unlike things of this temporal world, it is eternal. Amen

God bless you!

Lacee

Fear, Don't Mess with Me!

"Keep your fears to yourself; share your courage with others."  -Robert Louis Stevenson

We're all afraid of something. Fear is one thing we all have in common. Our world is filled with plenty of things to fear. There is sickness, famine, political unrest, and war, to name just a few. And, yes, these things scare me, too.

On top of all of this, we each have personal fears that affect us directly. Things like the fear of losing our jobs, our homes, failing health, acceptance by others, and aging, keep many of us up at night, and rightly so. Oh, some might say that they aren't afraid of anything. But, I don't believe it. They're probably just better at hiding their fear(s) than the rest of us.

Yes, many of us try taking precautions against some of our fears, such as taking out insurance policies, putting bars on our doors and windows, and installing alarm systems on our automibles, or moving to a safer neighborhood. And why do we do this? We do this because of fear.

No matter which way you turn, fear is always there. There's just no avoiding it completely in our lives. So how can we handle our fears? After all, so many things that I mentioned above are simply out of our hands. This, of course, doesn't mean that God has abandoned us. Nor, does it mean that we should sit passively, waiting for some kind of sweeping miracle by God that cures us of all of our fears.

Even great people in the Bible had some pretty shaky beginnings due to fear. For example, God gave Moses a huge assignment in asking him to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt. What did Moses say? "God, I can't do this...I can't even talk! I'm nobody! Why choose me?" Gideon was given the assignment by God to lead His people in battle, overcome the enemy, and win for the Lord. What did Gideon say? "God, I can't do this...I can't even march. I'm only a farmer! Why would you choose me?"

Probably the best example of someone overcoming their fear would be Mary, mother of Jesus. God chose her for the biggest, most important assignment of all: to give birth to the Son of God; to raise Him in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; to train and teach Him in the ways of God.

Do you think she was afraid? I'm sure she was, but her faith was stronger. When God told her, "Fear not, Mary...I have chosen you," she, in simple faith, surrender and trust, became the mother of our Lord.

What is the common bond in these examples? It's God. He was there with Moses, Gideon, and Mary. And, He is always there with us in our darkest, scariest moments, too. In Exodus 14:14, Moses told the Israelites that, "The Lord will fight for you..." Because God knows our innermost thoughts, He knows there will be things in this world that will frighten us. We need God in our corner, helping us fight through our fears.

Author, C. JoyBell C. said, “Don't be afraid of your fears. They're not there to scare you. They're there to let you know that something is worth it.” There's much truth in her words.

When we face our fears, with the knowledge of God's comforting presence, we see our fears not as something meant to paralyze or immobilize us, but as a signpost telling us that something life-changing awaits just around the bend. As the believers of old, go on, step forward...take that chance. God is with you...always.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7; Isaiah 41:10; Proverbs 29:25; Psalm 56:3-4; Joshua 1:9

Prayer: Dear God, please help me confront my fears today; let me walk right up to them and look them square in the eye. Let me show them that they can't control me any longer. My life is in You, not in my fears; I refuse to waste one more day in fear; when I have a beautiful, God-given life to live. Amen

Have a blessed day!

Claudette

Saturday Scripture Study with Bibi: Comprehensive Review

Hello, everyone! Thank you for joining me again for Saturday Scripture Study. During this particular study series we have been 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 have arrived at Week Thirteen and the conclusion of our series. I have provided a comprehensive review of the entire Bible study series. The questions that follow will challenge you to return to the Bible studies* in order to answer them. It is my hope that by doing so, this review will further anchor the information, not only in your mind, but in your heart as well.

Before we begin, 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.

*The complete Bible study series can be found here on the Coffeehouse Bible Ministry blogsite.

Questions:

1. From lesson one: How is a parable like a beautiful casket or a tantalizing piece of fruit?
2. From lesson two: When discusing the growth of the kingdom, Matthew 13:3 must never be overlooked. What is necessary for the kingdom to expand? Compare this to Romans 10:14-15?
3. From lesson three: When that pearl of great price is located, what should we do about it (Proverbs 23:23)? What things might one have to sacrifice in life to become a Christian?
4. From lesson four: Why did Jesus call his disciples the "salt of the earth?"
5. From lesson five: How many times should I be willing to forgive a brother who trespasses against me?
6. From lesson six: What should a man do before building a tower? How does this apply to becoming a disciple?
7. From lesson seven: What realization finally struck the prodigal son when he hit rock bottom?
8. From lesson eight; What is represented by the old wineskins? What is represented by the new wineskins?
9. From lesson nine: The parable given in Matthew 7 is preceded by a discussion on false religionists. What is the true test of discipleship given in verse 21?
10. From lesson ten: How should we live every day of our lives? What are some things this should make us do?
11. From lesson eleven: Does the Bible really teach that some people will be punished in the day of judgment?
12. From lesson twelve: What became of the first two servants who stewarded their talents well?
13. From lesson thirteen: What becamed of the first two servants who stewarded their talents well?

I would like to thank all of you who particpated in the series with me. It was my pleasure to study God's Word with you!

May you all be blessed!

Bibi

True Contentment Is God

A man became envious of his friends because they had larger and more luxurious homes. So he listed his house with a real estate firm, planning to sell it and to purchase a more impressive home. Shortly afterward, as he was reading the classified section of the newspaper, he saw an ad for a house that seemed just right.

He promptly called the realtor and said, "A house described in today's paper is exactly what I'm looking for. I would like to go through it as soon as possible!" The agent asked him several questions about it and then replied, "But sir, that's your house your describing." -Source Unknown.

Being discontented is a universal problem. It really doesn't matter what your circumstance in life is either. You can be young or old, rich or poor, black or white, etc. Every human heart struggles with this at one time or another.

There was an article written a while back which basically said that from about 13 years of age to age 40, we find ourselves in a slow, downhill slide in terms of being content and happy. And, if you are fortunate to live long enough, 74 is the age where you have your best chance of being content. Not real encouraging news, is it?

But, getting back to the problem of our struggle with contentment; it has to do with our trust in God. You see, we aren't struggling with discontement because we're single, or because of our job, spouse, bank account, or whatever. We struggle first and foremost because we fail to trust God.

Discontentment is always lurking around close by; searching for an opening where it can creep into our lives. And somewhere deep down inside, you and I wrestle with trusting God and our belief that He is what's best, and always does what is best, for us. We strive constanly to not only trust, but to hope in Him. Therefore, it's because of this internal strife we find ourselves discontent in inumerable ways.

How then, does one find contentment? To begin with, contentment has to be nurtured. It doesn't just magically occur. Nor are you going to stumble across it one day. It's going to take a little bit of work on your part. It's got to be cultivated. You have to contend for it. Think for a minute, what it would mean for you to do this?

What would it mean for you to nurture and promote contentment? What would that look like? Who are the groups of people, or individuals that actually encourage you toward contentment?  What are the activities that help foster and nurture contentment in your life? Do them. Be a part of those activities.

What are the places and environments that help you nurture contentment? Get yourself there. What would it look like for you to position and set your heart and mind on ways and things that you know will nurture contentment in your life? Think about it, and then do it.

Conversely, think about those things fuel your discontment. What are you prone to? Is it movies, television programs, magazines, websites, music, etc., that throws fuel on the fire of discontentment that's already raging in your heart?  Maybe it's certain people who cause you to be discontent? Maybe they cause you to lean towards putting your hope in things other than God?

As I close this message, I would like for you to take stock at what the sources of discontenment in your life might be. Also, remember that contentment needs to be nurtured and cultivated, or it won't grow. Contentment grows from the inside-out, not the other way around. Your heart needs to be transformed, or it won't last very long.

Most importantly, the power and motivation which we need to fight for contentment only comes from our hearts embracing God and His Gospel. In addition, our hearts need to see God for the true, gratifying abundance that He is.

Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6-8; Hebrews 13:5; Matthew 6:33; Philippians 4:11; 1 Timothy 6:6

Prayer: Holy Father, whenever I begin to feel discontent, I pray that You will lift me up and remind of all that You have blessed me with; and guide me past the cold grip of discontenment towards the the comforting warmth of Your embrace. Amen

Have a blessed day!

Mindy

What's Your True Motivation?

"Despite the "Do Not Touch" signs, a museum was having no success in keeping patrons from touching--and soiling--priceless furniture and art. But the problem evaporated overnight when a clever museum employee replaced the signs with ones that read: "Caution: Wash Hands After Touching!"  -Today in the Word, March, 1990.

May I speak freely to you? What's your true motivation for religious devotion? Even right things can be pursued for the wrong reasons. Why you or I do things might not be as obvious as we think.

For those of us who desire to be good disciples of Christ, we should always practice religion from the heart, and not to receive accolades from others (Matthew 6:1-4). The question that we must each ask ourselves is: “Do I want the approval of God, or the approval of others?” The truth is that it's next to impossible to have both.

You can either have the approval of God, or the applause of others. That's either/or, but not both. If we choose the applause of others, then that applause becomes our reward. Let's break this down a little further. Here are some clarifications regarding rewards.

Is it wrong for the Christian to be motivated by rewards? There's a misconception that many Christians hold to, that we should never be motivated by reward. It just so happens that one of the prominent doctrines of the New Testament is the Doctrine of Rewards and the Judgment Seat of Christ. 

The judgment seat of Christ isn't a place and time when the Lord will hand out punishment for sins committed by us. More precisely, it's a place where rewards will be given or tossed out depending on how you used your life for the Lord. That means that our decisions and words in this life directly affect our eternal status.

Will you be great in heaven, or minuscule? Are you investing daily in eternity so as to earn rewards to enjoy forever, or are you simply living for the temporary earthly rewards of the here and now?

In conclusion, why do we do the things we do? Why do we serve in the church? Why do we help others? Why do we pray? Are we serving out of a humble sense of gratitude for everything that Christ has done for you and I?

Or, are you doing this for the applause and/or recognition by others? If this is the case, then you have already received your reward (Matthew 6:2, 5). But, to those who truly do these things from their heart for God alone, you will receive your reward by Him personally (Matthew 6:4, 6).

Scripture: Colossians 3:23;Proverbs 3:5; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Matthew 19:26; Philippians 4:19

Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray that I may never get so full of myself that I forget your words and teachings on devotion. It's too easy to get carried away seeking the attention and approval of this temporal world and forsake the true reward of a place in Your eternal home. Please keep me grounded and focused on what is really important; and that, is You. Amen

May God always bless you!

Trisha

The Attitude of Christ

“Compassion can’t be measured in dollars and cents. It does come with a price tag, but that price tag isn't the amount of money spent. The price tag is love.” -J. C. Watts Jr.

Each and every one of us, who is a follower of Jesus, can't help but be impressed with the basic attitudes and feelings toward others which He taught and symbolized.

Using His sermon on the mount as an example, Jesus demonstrated and illustrated His desire to change people's attitudes to follow those who belonged to Him. Additionally, those attitudes not only affect our relationship with Jesus, but also relationships with others.

Speaking realistically, one can't be a Christian without the proper attitudes and conduct toward others (Matthew 22:34-39). To see a fundamental portrayal of the required attitudes turn to Colossians 3:1-15. Colossians 3 describes a "new man" that is to be continually developed after the image of the Lord.

This particular passage also presents three excellent qualities and necessary attitudes exemplified by the Lord: compassion, kindness, and forgiveness. If I may, I'd like to briefly touch on each one of these today, beginning with compassion.

By far, compassion reflects the deepest of human feelings. We, as children of God need to have deep compassion toward one another (1 Peter 3:8). We might demonstrate this in physical and material circumstances; times of spiritual weakness (Galatians 6:1-2; Romans 15:1); or stressful situations.

Turning to kindness, a Christian could be characterized as a kind person who consistently exhibits a "kindly spirit." In fact, it is required of the Christian (Ephesians 4:32; 1 Corinthians 13:4; Galatians 5:22; Colossians 3:12), and can even be added to faith (2 Peter 1:7). Kindness can play an important part in everyday life, such as: wherever there may be a difference of opinion, or understanding, personal comments (gossip), or just to be a person of goodwill.

Forgiveness is a "must" attitude for every Christian (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13). This attitude enables us to be willing to forgive others. Sadly, many who call themselves Christians are unforgiving because of a selfish, inward view of life. They mostly feel sorry for themselves, and partake of hurt feelings and criticism of others. It's important to point out that if you want to be like Jesus, you have to develop a forgiving spirit. There are no shortcuts!

In closing, if we are truly Christians, and follow the teachings and example of Jesus, there is no reason that we can't be compassionate, kind, and forgiving people!

Scripture: Romans 8:1; James 2:5; Romans 12:20; Lamentations 3:22-23; Matthew 7:21-23

Prayer: Holy Father, I pray to be more like You; to see and treat others with the same kind of compassion, kindness, and forgiveness that you did; and to always carry Your spirit within me wherever I may go. Amen

May your day be blessed!

Bonnie

Joyful Living Through Christ

"As a third-century man was anticipating death, he penned these last words to a friend: "It's a bad world, an incredibly bad world. But I have discovered in the midst of it a quiet and holy people who have learned a great secret. They have found a joy which is a thousand times better than any pleasure of our sinful life. They are despised and persecuted, but they care not. They are masters of their souls. They have overcome the world. These people are the Christians--and I am one of them." Today In The Word, June, 1988, p. 18.

There are an awful lot of us who believe that happiness is based on perfect circumstances. In other words, if everything is perfect, I will be happy. Maybe there's some truth in that. After all, we like to find ourselves in good situations and circumstances, right? Who doesn't? But, having joy shouldn't be based only on perfect circumstances. You see, happiness is external; joy is internal.

Here's what I'm talking about. In the Book of Philippians, the apostle Paul talks a lot about joy. For four years his life was what we would call a living hell. His circumstances were far from being perfect, for sure. He spent two years imprisoned in Caesarea on false charges. He was put on a ship bound for Rome, not to be set free, but to appear in front of Nero who didn't particularly like Christians.

While on the way there he was shipwrecked on an island, and bitten by a poisonous snake while spending the winter there. He then sets out for Rome again, spending another 2 years in prison there, waiting to be put to death. Did I mention that during this time he was chained to a guard for 24 hours a day, having no privacy whatsoever. And, having a new guard watching over him every four hours!

How in the world is Paul able to show joy? How does he manage to remain positive in prison? How does he overcome his troubles? How does he find joy in his difficulties? How does he stay so happy, positive, and joyful even though the bottom has fallen out of his life? Despite being in some pretty rough circumstances (to say the least), he still managed to talk about joy.

You and I know that we all have problems, too. That's a fact. Some are big, some are little. But they're still problems just the same. However, the way you look at that problem is much more important than the problem itself. Your perspective about the problem makes a difference.

Your view of your problems, your understanding of your problems, your focus of your problem can make all the difference in the world. That's one thing that Paul did. Another thing he did was even more important. He depended on God's power to live on. Life can drain you completely. One crisis after another will deplete your energy, resulting in loss of both energy and power over time.

How did Paul refresh his power? Look at Philippians 1:19. Paul says: "I have two things that give me strength and keep me going." The prayers of other people; and God's supply through His Holy Spirit (the Spirit of Jesus Christ). Prayers are powerful. Jesus said that we need to pray for strength (Luke 21:36). God also wants to give you power to live by. He wants you to live a life full of joy. We need God’s power in our lives (Ephesians 6:10).

Dear friends, God is big enough to take terrible circumstances and turn them around. He's big enough to turn them inside out. flip them over, shake them up,  and make a bad situation good! If He can do it with the cross of Calvary, He's big enough to do it in your life too!

Scripture: Romans 12:12; James 1:2; Philippians 4:4; Galatians 5:22; John 16:22

Prayer: Dear Lord, I know that true joy in life does not come from others, or is found in things. True joy only comes from knowing You. True joy comes from hearing your song in my heart, and feeling Your presence throughout my day. Amen

God bless you,

Jadyn