Walking By Faith | Despair: No Pity to Myself

"I shall despair. There is no creature loves me;

And if I die no soul will pity me:

And wherefore should they, since that I myself

Find in myself no pity to myself?"   - William Shakespeare (1564-1616) - from: Richard III - Act 5, scene 3

When you hear the word "despair" what comes to mind? Maybe an utter sense of hopelessness? A feeling that the world is closing in around you? Perhaps a deep feeling of anguish, grief, or even sorrow? (2 Corinthians 4:8)

No matter how you may perceive it, despair is not beneficial to any of us. Vocabulary.com defines "despair" as: the feeling of not having any hope left. I would say that sums it up very nicely. 

One thing I've gathered, from my speaking to various groups and individuals, is that we can be affected by despair for many reasons. These can vary from person to person; their experiences, moral principles, life situations, etc.

Health concerns, broken relationships, work problems, even political upheaval, to name only a few, can give rise to despair. Whom among us wouldn't become discouraged after prolonged struggles with any of these, even to the point of giving up all hope?

Thankfully, the Christian believer can turn to Scripture for guidance in coping with or managing "despair." There, we find it meaningfully considered in personal or group experiences facing desertion, suffering, and yearning for divine intervention.

This tightly knit theme is embedded within the biblical narrative, pointing out the brutally harsh and genuine assertions of suffering humanity, and the search for Divine presence in woeful, unsettling times.

A noteworthy example is presented in the Old Testament Book of Job. There we find righteous, but lamenting Job in the throes of great suffering and loss. We experience his sorrowful cry through Job 3:11.

The Book of Psalms provides a multitude of illustrations concerning cries of despair acting as a testament to the nature of being human, and the quest for blessed peace and comfort (Psalms 22:1).

Now, let’s jump forward to the New Testament; stopping at the Gospels. In Matthew, we discover Jesus crying in despair from the cross (Matthew 27:46). The significance here being His humanly, yet prophecy-fulfilling suffering and despair.

The reality of despair in the life of a Christian was even acknowledged by the apostle Paul in his letters, or epistles. His open frankness about his own encounters with it provide inspiration. They also emphasize the abundance of God’s grace during times of trial (2 Corinthians 1:8).

We’ve seen how biblical “despair” is not just another term for hopelessness. Rather, it is often viewed as a forerunner of divine mediation and revelation. This reminds us of our need for God, and His promise that he indeed listens and responds to our cries for help.

Because we live in a fallen world, despair will always be with us. However, we don’t have to surrender to it. We have an open invitation from God to bring our despair to Him. And we can always trust in the comfort and hope offered by His love and sovereignty to put us right.

Scripture: Joshua 1:9; Psalm 55:22; Romans 15:13; Philippians 4:19; 1 Peter 5:7

Prayer: Holy Father, may you open my eyes that I might see the hope to which You have called me. Show me the richness of Your glorious provision, and excellent power for all believers. Amen.

Sincerely with the Grace of God,

Sloane

Weekend Message: Life Unhindered - Part 1 of 3 | Beth Moore

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 time we present the first of three video presentations of a new series featuring Bible teacher and author, Beth Moore. Here, she introduces this new series by presenting the question, "Are we ready to live our lives unhindered with bold love and faith?" These are days for boldness in the gospel! 

Beth then proceeds to carefully explain this calling on our lives as displayed throughout the Book of Acts. During the course of her teaching, she will show that the call will be upon us, as firm believers, to live an unhindered life with bold love, and faith that proclaims the great gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

© Living Proof Ministries with Beth Moore

Scriptural References: Deuteronomy 8:7-10; Acts 21, Acts 23:10-11; Acts 24:27; Acts 9, Acts 28:1-6, 11, 12-13, 15-16, 28, 30-31; Philippians 1:12

In Philippians 1:12, Paul says, "Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel." 

When was the last time you said to the Lord Jesus, "Leverage it all. My successes, my failures, my weaknesses, my strengths, my experience, my education, my lack of education, my skills, my work, my play, my friendships. Everything about me, Lord, leverage it for the gospel. Advance the gospel with it."

Take a little time for yourself, find a comfy place to sit, relax, and tune in to this inspirational, thought-provoking message.

May God richly bless you,

~Eve

Whistle-Stop Scripture Study: 1 John 5 (Conclusion)

"God is too good to be unkind, and He is too wise to be mistaken. And when we cannot trace His hand, we must trust His heart."   - Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892)

We've now reached the final chapter in this study of The First Epistle of John or 1 John. This session finds us examining 1 John 5 in this initial group of letters; most likely sent to believers among the churches in Asia Minor. 

Up to this point, the main focus of these epistles, or letters, has been on love, and heeding the word of God and carrying it out. Without a doubt, these are important in the life of a believer.

But the glue that holds all of this together is faith. And that's where we find ourselves in this lesson, as we turn to explore the significance of believing in the Son. This is shown here in chapter 5, seven out of ten times in all of 1 John! 

For those who do believe in Jesus Christ, they acquire the assurance of eternal life. Thus, some key points must be called to our attention here.

• that true faith is manifested through our love for God, and everyone else.
• it stresses that one who absolutely believes in Jesus Christ as the Son of God has been "born of God" or spiritually reborn.
• they (believers in Christ) gain possession of the power to overcome or defeat the world.

There is something else, however, that must be mentioned before moving on. If one chooses to dismiss or renounce this belief, they have effectively forsaken the word of God. Alas, this is a sad but all too common occurrence around the world.

As we usually do, let's briefly revisit the questions given at the end of 1 John 4. The answers provided are not meant to be regarded as exact, nor as the final word. They have been provided as a comparison and self-evaluation tool only!

Compare your answers below*:

#1. What are the main points of 1 John 4?

• Test the spirits to see whether they are from God 
• God is love.

#2. Why shouldn't we believe every spirit? 

• Owing to the fact that there are many false prophets.

#3. How can one recognize the Spirit of God?

• Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God.

#4. What did John remark about the coming of  the Antichrist? 

• The spirit of the antichrist, is already in the world. 

#5. What did John write about their ability to overcome?  

• The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

#6.  How can one tell the difference between the spirit of truth and the false? 

• As believers, whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us.

#7. Why should we love each other? 

• Because love comes from God and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

#8. How did God show his love for us? 

• By sending His one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.

#9. How can we make sure that God will abide or dwell in us? 

• By loving one another.

#10. What do we receive as a result of loving each other as we should? 

• We will have confidence on the day of judgment.

#11. If we say that we love God, but hate our brother or sister, what does that make us? Why? 

• It makes us liars. If we don't love someone whom we've seen, how can we say we love God if we've never seen Him? 

*verses for the questions were provided in the previous lesson.

In 1 John 5, John discusses faith in Jesus Christ, loving God, and surmounting (overcoming) the world (vv. 1-5). Then he comments on God's witness (testimony) that provides assurance regarding eternal life in Jesus Christ (vv. 6-13). He finally concludes with a discourse on prayer (vv. 14-17), and the confidence found in one's knowledge of Him (vv. 18-21).

Objectives of this lesson: 

After completing this lesson (includes reading the selection), you should be familiar with:

• The vital importance of faith, love, and being obedient.
• The character of eternal life in one's current possession.
• The difference between sin that does not lead to death, and sin that does.

Before we start, let us pray: "Dear Lord, send the grace of your Holy Spirit to strengthen me that I may learn well the subject I am about to study. Amen."

The questions below are provided to help you get the most out of the chapter study. The numbers enclosed in parentheses are the verse numbers relating to that particular question. 

I encourage you to first read the chapter thoroughly as many times as needed. Then take your time answering the questions, making sure you understand each one before moving on. 

Reading Questions:

1. What are the main points of 1 John 5? - (vv. 1-5); (vv. 6-13); (vv. 14-17); (vv. 18-21)
2. To be born of God, what must we do? - (v. 1)
3. How can we be certain that we the love the children of God? - (v. 2)
4. How can one defeat (overcome) the world? - (vv. 4-5)
5. What three things gave evidence toward Jesus Christ?  (vv. 6-8) 
6. What does one receive in return for their belief in the Son of God? - (v. 10)
7. What has God given us? Who has this? - (vv. 11-12)
8. Why did John mention these things in his epistle? (v. 13)
9. What confidence do we have in prayer? - (vv. 14-15)
10. What is described as the true God and eternal life? - (v. 20)

This now concludes our study of 1 John. I've purposely created these studies to be concise in order to accommodate most busy daily schedules. Even so, they contain enough content to promote actual learning.

I invite you to join me for our next study of 2 John. Until then, I hope this "whistle-stop" for Scripture study will become an established point of departure as you set out on your journey with Jesus Christ!

Thank you again for joining me, and I look forward to seeing you soon!

Scripture: Proverbs 8:35; Matthew 25:46; John 6:47; Acts 4:12; Romans 10:13  

Prayer: "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." - Psalm 139:23-24

May God richly bless you always,

Leia

Video Lesson Clip: Does Your Life Look New in Christ? | Beth Moore

In this brief video segment, Bible teacher and author talks about putting off, or discarding, our old selves and putting on our new selves in Christ. But why is that so hard..? 

We know that sometimes it's difficult to live in the newly renewed mind of Christ. In this clip, Beth, using Ephesians 4 as an example, tells us how we can do that! 

© Living Proof Ministries with Beth Moore

"But that is not how you came to know Christ, assuming you heard about him and were taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus, to take off your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires, to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth."  - Ephesians 4: 20-24 (CSB)

May God always bless you!

~Eve

Walking By Faith | God's Transformational Power

"Beware of harking back to what you once were when God wants you to be something you have never been."  - Oswald Chambers (1874-1917)

We're all aware that in life nothing remains the same. Change, or transformation is inevitable, and can be either a minor, or major upheaval. We also know that it could be for the better, or the worse. 

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines transformation as: “A complete or major change in someone or something’s appearance, form.” A "change" also occurs in the life of the Christian when, by virtue of God's Spirit, Christ abides within him or her.

This change or "transformation" indicates a life-changing renewal from living a worldly, unspiritual existence to a life that has been conformed (adapted) to please God (Romans 12:2). Let's turn to the Bible for more clarity on this.

According to the Bible, "transformation" means a change in our heart and character when we receive Christ. It forever changes who we are from that point on (2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Peter 1:23; John 1:12; Acts 2:38).

Our values (morals), conduct (behavior), and way of thinking (attitudes) are altered in the form of a new bond with God. It involves a shift in values, behavior, and attitudes, and is a result of a new relationship with God. 

This change can be evidenced by: a renewed (regenerated) mind; spiritual provision (nourishment); partaking in spiritual food (Jesus) and prayer, assimilating (adapting to) the life of God, and being guided by His Spirit.

The outcomes of these alterations can be powerful, such as: a fresh start with God, a more pleasing life to God, a life that exhibits His glory and likeness, a sin-free life, and a life that is vibrant and thriving in Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Lives that are transformed commence with the gospel message of Christ, and that, because the power of God is contained within it. Thus, salvation is delivered to us through the gospel (Romans 1:16-17).

A life transformed by God doesn't suggest that one can sit back and do nothing. It means continual restoration and evolvement in Christ, after being appointed with what we need to display the glory and design of God.

Scripture: Acts 1:8; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 3:21; Colossians 3:10; 2 Peter 1:3

Prayer: "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being."  - Ephesians 3:16

Sincerely with the Grace of God,

Sloane

Weekend Message: Q&A With Beth Moore | Colorado Springs

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 particular weekend message offers a slightly different take from our usual presentations. In this segment, Bible teacher and author, Beth Moore, answers questions from audience members as part of a Q&A at a Living Proof Live conference in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

© Living Proof Ministries with Beth Moore

It's an informative dialogue with the audience, and an opportunity for Beth Moore to interact with them in an informal manner. The questions are listed below for your convenience, and as you can see, they are a variety of both serious, and light-hearted! 

• What is Beth’s favorite Bible translation?
• Cremation versus burial: Are they both Biblical? 
• How can I have faith in what God has called me to do?
• How can I encourage the younger generation to grow in the faith?
• How can I learn to pray and make it more central to everyday life?
• What would Beth bring to my potluck?
• When is a time when God has felt far away for Beth, and how to overcome it?
• Why is it important to speak the name of Jesus out loud?
• How can I know that my prodigal children are secure in Christ?

Make it a point to watch and hear what this Spirit-filled teacher has to share. I know you won't be disappointed that you did!

May God bless you always,

~Eve

Whistle-Stop Scripture Study: 1 John 4

"It is the nature of all hypocrites and false prophets to create a conscience where there is none, and to cause conscience to disappear where it does exist."   - Martin Luther (1483-1546)

I'm so pleased to see you again as we pick up our Bible study of The First Epistle of John or 1 John. We've now reached the final two chapters in 1 John, including our current study 1 John 4. 

You've probably heard that old saying, "Don't believe everything you hear."  There's good reason for this valid, time-honored advice, especially in matters related to the teachings of Jesus Christ. 

There have always been unscrupulous characters actively seeking to push their false teachings on believers. This presented a big problem for John, too. In 1 John 4, he warns the readers not to blindly accept all spiritual claims.

Believers should always "test the spirits" to see whether they are truly from God. This includes false prophets as well as false teachings. Along with this, he again teaches on the theme of loving each other as God loves us, as manifested in the sacrifice of His Son.

Now, before we continue, let's briefly revisit the questions given at the end of 1 John 3. The answers provided are not meant to be regarded as exact, nor as the final word. They have been provided as a comparison and self-evaluation tool only!

Compare your answers below*:

#1. What are the main points of 1 John 3?: 

• That we should live as children of God.
• That we should love each other.

#2. What should inspire us to live chaste, decent lives? 

• The hope that when Christ is revealed, we shall be like Him.

#3. How is sin defined by John?

• Sin is lawlessness.

#4. What is a valid description of one who abides (dwells, endures) in Jesus? Of one who is born of God?

• They do not continue on sinning.
• They do not make a habit of sinning.
• They cannot continue sinning.

#5. What sets apart children of God from children of the devil?

• The child of God demonstrates righteousness and loves their brethren.

#6. What serves as proof that we have passed from death to life? 

• Our love for each other.

#7. How can we recognize true love? How can we demonstrate this in our own lives?

• By the example that Jesus left us; sacrificially, in both action and truth .

#8. How can we be assured and confident in that we are of the truth?

• By loving each other, having faith in Him, and keeping His commandments.

#9. How can we know that God dwells in us, and we in Him?

• By keeping His commandments, and through the Spirit he gave us.

*verses for the questions were provided in the previous lesson.

In our current study of 1 John 4, John warns his readers not to believe everyone who proclaims that they are led by the Spirit. Instead, they should test them (vv. 1-6). Subsequently, he encourages them to exhibit brotherly love in keeping with the nature and example of God' love as displayed in the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ (vv. 7-21).

Objectives of this lesson: 

After completing this lesson (includes reading the selection), you should be familiar with:

• How to distinguish the spirit of truth from the false.
• How the love of God should influence our love for each other.

Before we begin, let us pray: "Dear Lord, send the grace of your Holy Spirit to strengthen me that I may learn well the subject I am about to study. Amen."

The questions below are provided to help you get the most out of the chapter study. The numbers enclosed in parentheses are the verse numbers relating to that particular question. 

I encourage you to first read the chapter thoroughly as many times as needed. Then take your time answering the questions, making sure you understand each one before moving on. 

Reading Questions:

1. What are the main points of 1 John 4? - (vv. 1-6); (vv. 7-21)
2. Why shouldn't we believe every spirit?. - (v. 1)
3. How can one recognize the Spirit of God? - (v. 2)
4. What did John remark about the coming of the Antichrist? - (v. 3)
5. What did John write about their ability to overcome?  (v. 4) 
6. How can one tell the difference between the spirit of truth and the false? - (v. 6)
7. Why should we love each other? - (vv. 7-8)
8. How did God show his love for us? (vv. 9-10)
9. How can we make sure that God will abide or dwell in us? - (vv. 12-16)
10. What do we receive as a result of loving each other as we should? - (vv. 17-18)
11. If we say that we love God, but hate our brother or sister, what does that make us? Why? (v. 20)

This concludes our study of 1 John 4. I've purposely created these studies to concise in order to accommodate most busy daily schedules. Even so, they contain enough content to promote actual learning.

I invite you to our next study of 1 John 5. Until then, I hope this "whistle-stop" for Scripture study will become an established point of departure as you set out on your journey with Jesus Christ!

Thank you for joining me, and I look forward to seeing you again soon!

Scripture: Romans 16:17; Ephesians 5:11; Colossians 2:8; 2 Peter 2:1; Jude 1:4 

Prayer: "Dear Lord, help me to always hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught." Amen.

May God richly bless you always,

Leia