The Need for God in Our Lives

A consciousness of our powerlessness should cast us upon Him who has all power. Here then is where a vision and view of God’s sovereignty helps, for it reveals His sufficiency and shows us our insufficiency.  - A. W. Pink (1886-1952)

As with all living things here on earth, we need certain things in order to stay alive. We are born into this world with needs, and it never stops until our physical lives come to an end. This is the way of all earthly life across the board.

Allow me to briefly touch on a few basic truths common to all. As babies and children we are highly dependent on others to provide our needs. Usually, our parents or providers are responsible for this function.

Beginning in adolescence, we start thinking more on our own. The dependency on others for certain needs starts to diminish, as our self-sufficiency grows. Our independence is growing and continues as we mature. 

Under closer examination, however, we find that we are never truly as self sufficient as we may think. Outwardly, all appears fine. But if one were to look under the surface, past all of the denials; many deficiencies still exist.

This brings us to our topic: "The Need for God in Our Lives." On the assumption that a person believes in God, it leads to the question, "Why do we need God?" Perhaps it would be best to answer this in small segments.

Foremost, God is Our Creator. He created heaven and earth (Genesis 1:1; Exodus 20:11; Hebrews 11:3). God created man and woman (Genesis 1:27; 5:2). He formed us while in the womb (Psalm 139:13-16; Jeremiah 1:5). God made us; we played no part (Psalm 100:3).

As our Creator he knows everything about us. We cannot hide our strengths and weaknesses from him. God knows us better than we do ourselves; even more. Thus, we need God because he's the only one who can help us make sense of our lives.

Next, God is Our Redeemer. Sadly, we've all made a mess of our lives; some more than others, and need help in that respect (Romans 3:23; Romans 3:9). Fortunately, God offers Himself as our Redeemer (Psalm 34:22). 

With God as Our Redeemer, we have help with our lives. He makes having a fresh start possible (Psalm 103:1-5); which He did for us by sending His Son, Jesus (Galatians 4:4-5; Titus 2:11-14). We are redeemed by the blood of His Son whom He offered (1 Peter 1:17-19).

This demonstrates our need for God as our Redeemer because He provides the way to forgiveness of our sins, and a new beginning in life. Finally, the last point I'd like to make about why we need God is because: God is Our Provider.

He is the Provider of our physical lives (Acts 17:28; Psalm 66:6-8), and of all that nurtures and strengthens it (Acts 14:17; Matthew 5:45). God also provides all the spiritual power that we require (Ephesians 3:16, 20; 6:10).

The Bible tells us that as Our Provider, God has promised to fulfill our physical needs (Matthew 6:25-32), if we prioritize Him along with His righteousness in our lives (Matthew 6:33-34).

Additionally, He has promised to satisfy our spiritual needs (Philippians 2:12), if we will dress in His armor (Ephesians 6:11-18). I have presented you with some good reasons why we need God in our lives.

But for those who choose to reject God altogether, the outlook is very dim. What a shame it would be to go through life without purpose, or self-knowledge. Or to have no means to make good on, or remedy, any mistakes made in life.

Probably the worst outcome would be having a life that is lacking the fullness of His divine care. No, it's much better to live an "abundant life" knowing God has met our needs for: wisdom, guidance, forgiveness, renewal, divine care, and spiritual potency.

Scripture: Job 38:41; Psalm 107:9; Proverbs 10:3; Philippians 4:19; 2 Corinthians 9:8

Prayer: "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Amen."  - 2 Peter 1:3

Have a blessed day!

Colleen

Weekend Message: When Do We Move? | Beth Moore | God is on the Move Pt. 3

Welcome to the Weekend Message! 

As always, it's my 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 week, we continue a new study series featuring Bible teacher, author, and speaker Beth Moore.

In this third of four video presentations, Beth shares this thought, "The Lord will tell you when to move, and when to stay still."

Beth opens with a quick review of the three previously discussed points about how we can get on the same page with God, in the same move of the Spirit through his Word, and working around us. That we would move when He is wanting us to move with him.     

© Living Proof Ministries with Beth Moore

Key Scriptures: John 19:25-27, 1 Corinthians 15:58

What were those points? They were:

#1. MOVE

#2. MOVE ON

#3. MOVE FORWARD

Beth introduces Point #4 by telling us that, "there are times that in order to be able to walk with God, and keep step with the Spirit, we have to move back from something, or maybe someone, or maybe even something. It could also be some organization, or a some particular part of our social life."

I hope you've been enjoying this series by Beth Moore! Her messages are always just what is needed in these rough, unpredictable times. So put your feet up, relax, and listen to her thoughtful and inspirational word. 

Enjoy!

~Eve

Whistle-Stop Scripture Study: 1 John - Introduction

"This Jesus Christ is the center… of the whole Scripture.  The sum of divinity is the Scripture; the sum of the Scripture is the gospel; the sum of the gospel is Jesus Christ."  - Thomas Adams (1583-1652), From “Semper Idem, or, The Immutable Mercy of Jesus Christ”

According to Wikipedia, a "whistle stop" is a stopping point where trains stop only on request, as in an unscheduled visit. Or, as in politics, it describes a series of short visits to multiple locations in a short amount of time.

I will be presenting a series of Scripture studies from time to time that will incorporate a bit of each of the above. This means that they will not necessarily follow the usual order found in other studies, nor will they be too lengthy.

It's my sincere intent to quickly get to the essence of the material in a concise, yet informative way; while at the same time encouraging more thorough, independent study; at the reader’s discretion.

Our first stop along the way is at 1 John, or The First Epistle of John. I chose this particular book in Scripture for a few reasons. First, though only five chapters long, it deals with the topics of the Father, fellowship, and the family of God.

Additionally, at this time of the year many are looking for a favorable way to finish the year. This First Epistle of John provides an excellent path to do so in a promising and inspirational manner.

Now, keeping to my word of not going into a major study, I will provide only the facts necessary to ensure a profitable learning experience. I will let you decide the manner and method to explore this subject further, as you like.

Naturally, the best place to start any journey is at the beginning. Allow me to first provide some background information on where we will be going. The apostle John is generally assumed to be the author of 1, 2, and 3 John.

1 John was written somewhere between A.D. 85-95. There is also a good possibility that John was living in Ephesus at the time. Which could be why some think this was a general epistle to Christians around what is now Turkey (Asia Minor).

So what was John's purpose for writing 1 John? It mainly had to do with the troubling conditions that were widespread throughout the Churches at the time he wrote the books. These were generated by a pagan cult known as Gnosticism.

Gnosticism comes from a Greek word meaning "to know." The members known as Gnostics professed to have knowledge of the mysteries of the universe. Their teachings declared that material (physical) and spiritual things existed in separate worlds without any interaction.

The physical could exist in a physical world, take part in their pleasures and sins, lusts and desires. But the spirit could be allowed to surmount over them. This, of course, enabled carnality to enter and create havoc with Christian morality.

This tainted doctrine would not allow the acceptance of the Deity of Christ, because God, Who is a Spirit, could not enter the human (physical) world. Thereby, negating any chance that man could share in the nature of God.

It was due to these inaccurate teachings penetrating into the Church that John composed his Epistles; and why they are just as relevant today. The danger of corruptible teachings has never really disappeared. 

Only by the reading and acknowledgement of the content of John's writings will Christians learn to recognize and strengthen themselves against such flawed doctrines. The Word of God is there to be used!

We've set down a solid foundation to build on from here on out. You are encouraged to read 1 John 1 and 2, as that will be our opening topic for study. At that time we will discuss "fellowship" and "knowing Him."  

Thank you for joining me in this preliminary installment. I look forward to seeing you again!

Scripture: Isaiah 42:8; Habakkuk 2:14; John 1:14; Romans 1:20; Romans 11:36

Prayer: " You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."  - Revelation 4:11

May God richly bless you always,

Leia

It's the Law...Or is It?

"For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it."  - James 2:10

Laws are created for many reasons. They serve to keep us honest, safe, and morally right by enacting fixed limits that establish or limit how something can, or must, be performed or occur.

On any given day we will somewhere, somehow, or in someway encounter a law, or laws. We can't avoid them. Do we agree with them? No doubt this is one question that is always up for debate.

Mixed feelings aside, laws are necessary because of who we are: imperfect humans. And nowhere is this shown more plainly than in the Bible; more specifically in the Old Testament.

It's there we read that God gave Moses a sweeping set of rules, or instructions, to see to it that the conduct of the Israelites expresses their prominence as His chosen people.

These included different types of things, such as: moral behavior, their situation as a pious, devoted example to other nations, and practices and procedures for recognizing God's holiness and humanity's sinfulness.

Of these, the moral law seems to cause the most frustration; as in The Ten Commandments. Perhaps it's because it doesn't really take into account the fact that we are basically weak in substance. 

Nor does it take into account our deficiencies or sinful traits. It lays on us the impossible task of being perfectly moral. The moral law is immutable; it never changes. It applies to one and all across the board irregardless. No exceptions!

This fact that it is eternally absolute makes it totally impractical for you or I to abide by. We can try to live by it for a time, but eventually we will relapse into our old, sinful ways again. Then the process would start over again. 

Eventually, we would either cut corners, or simply quit trying. The late C. S. Lewis, once said that, "People make excuses for not keeping the law of God, which is proof how deeply they believe in the law."

Knowing this, we can greatly appreciate what Jesus Christ did for us. He saved us from the "running wheel" of trying to follow laws that we could never fully comply with, or assent to. 

The laws are still there and in effect, but not as an inaccessible way to God except for a few holy men. Instead, we can use these as guidelines whereby to live our most holy and productive lives in conjunction with Jesus Christ. (1 John 5:3)

We must free ourselves of thinking that the only way to get right with God is exclusively through obedience. Guilty sinners like us cannot hold to the law on our own. We can only approach God by the death of His Son, Jesus Christ. (John 1:17)

Scripture: Romans 7:7; Romans 10:4; Matthew 5:17; Acts 13:39; Galatians 3:19

Prayer: "Dear LORD, I thank You who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of Your own purpose and grace, which You gave us in Jesus Christ. Amen" 

May God bless you!

Brandi

Walking By Faith | Prayer Is Our Link to God

"The Bible is a letter God has sent to us. Prayer is a letter we send to Him.  - Matthew Henry (1662-1714)

Communication is important to our daily lives. No doubt that without it, chaos and confusion would run rampant; creating havoc on everything from world markets to education, grinding everything to a halt.

And somewhere amidst all the uproar and clamor in the world, God is quietly trying to speak to us. He is also patiently waiting to hear from us. It's definitely worth briefly giving this some thought.

We may talk to God through our own speaking voice, silently in our minds, or by our written words. Only the situation will dictate which choice or method we use. The easiest way to make contact, however, is through prayer. 

Prayer opens a clear channel to speak directly to God. To put our minds at ease about praying, there are a few key principles that we should be aware of. God is always truthful in word, He never lies, nor would ever He deceive us.

Many spoke to God through prayer in the Bible, including Jesus: Matthew 14:23; Mark 1:35; Luke 9:18; 22:39-41; John 11:41-42; 12:27-30; Matthew 26:26; Mark 8:6; Luke 24:30; John 6:11 and Matthew 26:36-44, etc.

Can God hear us? We are told in Scripture that He can (Psalm 17:6, 77:1; Isaiah 38:5). If we are in a right relationship with God, we can be sure that when we speak, He will respond in kind. 

What is a right relationship with God? It's really not that complicated. It includes: repenting or turning from our sins, having a humble heart, and living a righteous (being penitent, loving, and faithful to God) life, and most importantly, believing that Jesus Christ died for our sins.

Will God ever appear to us in person? It's unlikely, but He doesn't need to. The Bible contains His spoken words. If we are in a right relationship with God, we are hearing Him speak to us anytime we read it (Isaiah 55:11).

Volumes have been written about prayer, thus verifying its importance to a healthy, Christian life. In fact, we couldn't enjoy a fully, Spirit-filled life as a believer without it. Communication with God is vital to our faith in all areas.

We live in an age where communication is available at anytime. But this is nothing new. We've always had the availability to connect with God. Our direct link to and from Him is powered by prayer, and its reliability is without fail (James 5:16).

Scripture: Psalm 145:18; Jeremiah 33:3; Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; James 4:3; 

Prayer: "Dear God, may You grant me patience and contentment in all circumstances. Amen "  

Sincerely with the Grace of God,

Sloane

Billy Graham's 1952 Thanksgiving Message

A Message to our friends from The Coffeehouse Bible Ministry:

Here in the U.S., we annually observe Thanksgiving Day on the last Thursday of November. It is a time of deep reflection and thankfulness. We, too, at our ministry, use this time to be thankful to God for all He has done for us, and those we love. 

Thus, it is tradition that we break for the holiday so that we may have this time to spend time with our loved ones, as well. Of course, God and all his blessings are always at the forefront of our hearts as we gather for this holiday.

© Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

"Whatever hardships you’ve experienced this year, there's always a reason to be thankful." - Billy Graham

As Colossians 3:17 reminds us: "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." 

The Coffeehouse Bible Ministry blog will return on Monday, December 2, 2024. From all of us here, including the staff, and contributors, we hope that you will take the opportunity to give thanks to the LORD for even the smallest things in your life. 

Lastly, we are thankful for you blog readers and your prayers!

In gratitude and with love,

~Eve

What Spiritual Responsibilities..?

"God has given us the ability to direct our lives, either according to intelligence in recognition of our obligation to God and our fellowmen, or according to selfishness and unintelligence in the supreme seeking of our own happiness."  - Gordon Olson (1907–1989)

We are all familiar with responsibilities that are related to our lives. There are, for example, work responsibilities, financial responsibilities, family responsibilities, and legal responsibilities, and so on. 

Although the word "responsibility," may be defined several different ways, we will fixate on just one today: "the state or fact of being accountable or to blame for something." 

Adding the adjective "spiritual" before the word, in effect, raises the stakes considerably. Unfortunately, a good number of us have no clue what our "spiritual responsibilities" as Christians are. 

An uncomplicated way of describing "spiritual responsibility" might be this: to know what God and others expect from me, and doing it. This can be easier said than done. Still, it is essential.

I realize our lives are chock-full of various responsibilities as it is. The last thing we need is to add one more "responsibility." But this isn't just one more routine responsibility. This particular responsibility matters to God.

With the holiest of seasons rapidly approaching, perhaps there's no better time to bring this up than the present. In our pursuit of material wealth and personal comfort, we can become distracted from, and indifferent toward, others. 

1 John 3:17 tells us, "If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."

An unsympathetic, compassionless attitude is not acceptable to God. We can inform ourselves about our "spiritual responsibilities" by reading the Bible. Obedience to His Word, loving and forgiving others, and meeting practical needs are highlighted therein.

And while God is not against anyone living comfortably and having the means to do so, He wants us to be "responsible" in our awareness of, and empathy toward, the indigent or ailing. 

When Jesus was here, he gave us a template regarding "spiritual responsibility." We, as believers in Him, are responsible to carry on His work, of which this is a part of. We are not being asked to do the impossible, only to do what is expected of us.

Scripture: Proverbs 19:17; Ephesians 4:32; Galatians 6:2; Zechariah 7:9; Romans 12:13

Prayer: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,"  - 2 Corinthians 1:3

Have a blessed day!

Colleen