God's Overflowing Generosity

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."  - Luke 6:38

King David wrote Psalm 23 to articulate (share) his feelings about his relationship with God during a time of hardship and adversity in his life. His writing was guided by the inspiration of Jehovah God's Holy Spirit.

Better known as the "Shepherd's Psalm," Psalm 23 is a compelling testament to God's love and care. It describes Him as a shepherd who leads, cares for, and provides for his followers; offering them solace and certainty.

It is no secret that the Bible stresses God's abundant love, blessing, and power; along with His desire to pour it out on His followers (Malachi 3:10; Lamentations 3:22; Psalm 108:4). 

God's abundance is famously referred to in Psalm 23:5. "My cup runneth over" is one of the most widely recognized phrases; often quoted in religious contexts and used metaphorically to express abundance and overflowing blessings. 

The Hebrew word "revayah" (רְוָיָה) suggests overflowing abundance or saturation. It emphasizes the completeness and sufficiency provided by God which is clearly evident in this Psalm.

In antiquity, Israel's idea of abundance was connected to agricultural prosperity and divine favor.  A land flowing with milk and honey, abundant harvests, and overflowing wine vats were seen as signs of God's blessing.

Therefore, the Lord not only gives His people what they need (Psalm 23:1-2), but provides abundance during periods of adversity (v. 5). But this "overflowing" is not only restricted to OT material blessings. 

In the NT, it also includes future outpourings from the Holy Spirit on any/all who ask (Luke 11:13; Acts 2:1-4). Jesus echoed God's generosity in John 10:10. The apostle Paul follows this theme Ephesians 3:20, and in Romans 8:37.

While these abundant blessings are available to believers through faith and trust in God, we must first empty ourselves of everything that may hinder the Spirit from working in us, such as sin, pride, or obstinance.

Only then, with God-filled hearts are we able to thoroughly attain everything He desires for us. The abundant grace of God is limitless for those whose hearts are completely His (2 Chronicles 16:9a).

Scripture: Psalm 36:8; Proverbs 3:10; Proverbs 10:22; Philippians 4:19; John 1:16

Prayer: Dear Lord, you are the provider of all good things, and I trust in your limitless grace. Amen.

In grace and peace, 

Betsy

Walking By Faith | Heeding Warnings Is a Biblical Mandate

"Most people do not take heed of the things they encounter, nor do they grasp them even when they have learned about them, although they suppose they do."  - Heraclitus, Greek philosopher of the late 6th century BCE

Many products that we use include warning labels. Even so, a lot of us simply choose to ignore them. We forget that the manufacturers have a reason for these messages: our safety and well-being.

A warning is something that alerts us to possible danger; that is, it serves to make one more cautious or vigilant. The Bible contains many warnings which are used in: complying to God's commands, heeding His counsel, or being alert to sin and temptation.

In the Scriptural narrative, the idea of “paying attention” or “giving heed” to warnings is an overarching theme that asserts the importance of obeying divine instruction, and the wisdom of well-informed individuals.

Also within the Bible are many occurrences where we see individuals and kingdoms receive warnings from God or His prophets. The consequences of their obedience to, or disregard of these warnings provide informative examples.

By and large, "heed," as used in the Bible, is the act of being attentive to, wary, or acknowledging the importance of something. The Hebrew word "שָׁמַר" (shamar), is often translated as "heed" in the OT. This can mean to keep, guard, or observe. 

A wonderful example of it being used as part of keeping God's commandments is shown in Deuteronomy 4:9. In Israel's history, prophets were sent by God to alert the people to the repercussions of defiance and idol worship (Jeremiah 25:8-11).

Sadly, the people often dismissed the prophets, leading to their eventual downfall and captivity. The Greek word "προσέχω" (prosechō), meaning to pay attention to, be cautious, or devote oneself to is frequently used in NT. 

More than once, Jesus exhorted his followers to heed his teachings, as in Luke 8:18. And we can't overlook John the Baptist cautioning the people to "Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near." This was an urgent call for repentance and spiritual readiness in preparation for the Messiah's arrival (Matthew 3:2).

Thus in the Bible, "paying attention to" or "heeding warnings" is more than just preventing negative consequences. It is deeply rooted in the sacred (covenant) bond between God and His people. 

Biblically speaking, today's believer is strongly encouraged to heed warnings, as they urge us to differentiate and obey. They are crucial to the Christian walk, encouraging believers to stay alert, follow God's commands, and agree with His objectives.

It demonstrates a heart that is sympathetic to God's voice, and is willing to voluntarily submit to His will. The admonishments (warnings) provide a way for grace, thereby allowing for the possibility of repentance and restoration.

Honestly, our discussion here by no means exhausts the usage of "heed" in the Bible. At the very minimum, I sincerely hope that I have conveyed the importance of this term as it is applied in Scripture.  

Scripture: Deuteronomy 11:26-28; Proverbs 8:36; Isaiah 55:7; Ezekiel 3:17; James 1:22

Prayer: Dear Jesus, provide me the strength to put your words into action, not just listen to them. Help me to live them, and walk them in my life. Amen.

Sincerely with the Grace of God,

Sloane

Rebellion Against God Is Sin

"Whenever you see confusion, you can be sure that something is wrong. Disorder in the world implies that something is out of place. Usually, at the heart of all disorder you will find man in rebellion against God. It began in the Garden of Eden and continues to this day."  - A. W. Tozer, American Christian pastor (1897-1963)

We (humans) have always had a problem with authority. It is evidenced everyday in the fighting of a parking ticket in court, or seeking satisfaction for being reprimanded at work by a superior, as examples. 

Many might see these as simple acts of rebelling against authority. That is, we are standing up for our rights, or defending ourselves. But when we do this to God it becomes something different. It is "rebellion against God."

Put very simply, rebellion refers to an open opposition to authority. When we rebel against, or are in open opposition to God Himself, we defy his authority; which often leads to serious consequences.

It is our inherently sinful nature that causes us to do so. Genesis 3:1-6 provides us with the account of the first sinful rebellion against God. To rebel against God's authority is always foolish and futile, not to mention sinful (Isaiah 1:2). 

If nothing else, we have always been creatures of habit. This is especially true when it comes to rebelling against God's authority. In the OT, the Israelites repeatedly rebelled against God, even after they had seen His mighty works many times.

Joshua and Caleb strongly encouraged the people not to rebel against God in Numbers 14:9. They stressed the importance of obeying and trusting in His promises. But, it was to no avail. 

Their continual rebellion resulted in the Israelites wandering the desert for forty years (Numbers 14:33-34). Rebellion against the authority of God takes a dark, ominous turn in 1 Samuel 15:23. 

In this verse, the OT prophet, Samuel, likens rebellion to witchcraft, carefully pointing out its seriousness. This carries over into the NT where the apostle Paul cautions against the rebellious nature of the flesh (Galatians 5:16-17). 

Paul pleads that believers should live by the Spirit and not satisfy their sinful natures. The conflict of selfishness and pride (a part of our rebellious nature) can cause us to sin against not only each other, but against God Himself.

What does this mean in our approach to authority today? Fortunately, God has provided some guidelines regarding the hierarchy of command within our civilization. Let's briefly examine this.

Romans 13:1 declares that believers are to "submit" to earthly government. However, this submission doesn't always equate to our "obedience" of governing authorities.

Within God's-ordained order of governing authorities, rebellion against it is considered sin. Still, this does not mean we are to blindly follow the governing authorities, especially if they unrighteously go against God’s authority (see: Acts 5:29). 

No doubt, complying with the truth can be difficult, especially if one has to challenge those in authority. But a total and unauthorized rebellion against any God-ordained authority can lead to anarchy and societal collapse.

A better alternative would be for the differing sides to meet and respectfully offer solutions for consideration. Perhaps increasing the possibility of peaceful and amicable options that might have gone unnoticed otherwise (Matthew 5:23-24).

I'd like to quickly note other examples of God's chain of authority as it applies: to the husband, or head of the family (Ephesians 5:23); the wife and children (Ephesians 5:22; 6:1; Colossians 3:18, 20), and even the church (1 Timothy 5:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:12; Hebrews 13:17).

We all carry the seed of rebellion in our hearts. This is demonstrated in our tendency to rebel against anyone who does not respect our rights. Therefore, we must find ways to settle our differences through peaceful avenues, as advocated in the Bible (Romans 12:18; Matthew 18:15-17). 

Scripture: Psalm 78:8; Proverbs 24:21; Isaiah 65:2; Romans 8:7; Romans 13:1-2

Prayer:  Dear Lord, don't let me be rebellious and self-sabotaging today; instead I mercifully ask that you place Your Spirit upon me. Amen.

Blessings always,

Breanna

Weekend Message | Shield of Faith - Part 1 | 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 weekend, we have the first of two teaching sessions from Bible teacher, author, and speaker Beth Moore. She bases her lessons on Ephesians, chapter 6, where she assures us that there is a vast, and divine strength that is available to human beings who are in Christ.

Many of us are familiar with studying the armor of God in Ephesians 6. But in this series Beth will help us look into the history of the shield. We'll travel back to the Old Testament to study the concept of the shield and make some fascinating discoveries. 

© Living Proof Ministries with Beth Moore

Scripture References: Ephesians 6:10-20, Genesis 15:1, Genesis 14:10-20, Genesis 14:21-15:1, Hebrews 11:6

In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. We are to be strong in that kind of strength, not just in our own human strength.

I encourage you to take some time from your busy day to listen to Beth's message. As always, her inspired teaching will always make your day a little brighter!

May God richly bless you,

~Eve

Walking By Faith | The Free Gift of Eternal Life

"You know, eternal life does not start when we go to heaven. It starts the moment you reach out to Jesus. He never turns His back on anyone. And He is waiting for you."  - Corrie Ten Bloom, Christian writer (1892-1983)

What comes to mind when you think about eternal life? For a non-believer, perhaps thoughts of "living forever" or "never dying" because of living a clean life are brought forth. These ideas are, for the most part, not that far-removed from those of a Christian's.

However, a crucial element is lacking that has a significant impact on what eternal life means to a believer. Eternal life isn’t attained by anything we can do to earn it. It is a free gift from God that comes to us through Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23).

An infinite, deathless life (eternal life), as presented in the Bible, is bestowed by God to those who believe in Jesus Christ. It means more than just an extension of time, but rather the quality of this unique and eternal existence.

For example, John 11:25 highlights the belief that salvation (eternal life) is through Christ alone. Further, John 3:16 sums up the promise of eternal life. God's love is the motivating factor for His offer (gift) of eternal life, and our faith in Jesus is necessary for us to receive it.

As mentioned above, eternal life cannot be earned by anything we do (Ephesians 2:8-9). On the bright side, it is something that Christians (believers) can know immediately! There isn't a waiting period involved with eternal life; such as until after death.

Eternal life commences the moment we believe and trust in Christ. It is something we can possess (claim) today (John 3:36; 5:24; 6:47). The main point of eternal life is not on what lies ahead, but on our present position with Jesus Christ.

The believer’s life is changed forever upon receiving the gift of eternal life. This is demonstrated by an intimate relationship with God, distinguished by the company of the Holy Spirit, and the conversion of his/her character to emulate Christ’s qualities.

Summarizing our discussion, eternal life is a key message of the Christian faith. It provides both, current reality and optimism for the future. We receive this gift from God through belief (faith) in Jesus Christ, marked by a deeply meaningful relationship with Him.

Lastly, it is also important to consider that the promise of eternal life offers comfort and inspiration for believers in Christ to abide in, and conform to, God’s will; thereby enabling them to represent Christ in the world (1 John 2:17).

Scripture: John 3:15; John 6:47; Acts 4:12; 2 Corinthians 4:17; Titus 1:2

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for the gift of eternal life, it is a promise that touches my heart, bringing me hope and joy. Help me live a life that shows your love and grace through my actions. Amen. 

Sincerely with the Grace of God,

Sloane

The Potency of Words

"Words—so innocent and powerless as they are, as standing in a dictionary, how potent for good and evil they become, in the hands of one who knows how to combine them!"  - Nathaniel Hawthorne, American Novelist (1804-1864)

Almost every everyone has heard about the "power of words" at one time or another. The potential power of words can be utilized to shape our thoughts, emotions, and actions for either good or bad.

We see the "power of words" implemented throughout the books and pages of the Bible, as well. The spoken word definitely had a transformative effect on the various individuals and communities, wherever and whenever, it was exercised.

What's more, words have the capacity to develop and increase, or take down and dismantle. They can remedy or restore, damage or incapacitate, reveal or communicate truth, or mislead and victimize.

Notice, at the outset of the Bible, how the power of God's spoken word lays the groundwork for the rest of Scripture, as He speaks the very universe into existence (Genesis 1:1). His divine act highlights the creative might of His words.

The power of words can be used as a tool for practical guidance; offering help and advice on how to do something or deal with problems relating to experiences, real situations or actions, rather than just ideas (Proverbs 18:21; 12:18).

Matthew 12:36-37 is a mindful example of how Jesus taught about the "power of words." These particular verses underscore how one must learn accountability (responsibility) for his/her spoken words as they carry eternal consequences.

An example of the destruction that words can cause is illustrated in James 3:5-6. The apostle James, the half-brother of Jesus, emphasizes the need for restraint (self-control) and the potentiality for words leading to grave damage.

Words can be used to compare and contrast one another for truthfulness and integrity, as in Proverbs 12:22. And words that sincerely align with God's character are vital for ensuring the reliability of His words.

On the positive side, the power of words can also be used to enlighten and instruct. Christian believers are directed in Ephesians 4:29 to use their speech meaningfully, to promote growth and grace throughout the community.

Neither can we forget the critical importance of words in prayer and worshipping. Investigate the Book of Psalms and you will encounter words conveying adoration, appeals/requests, and praise to God as in Psalm 19:14.

The teachings on the power of words in the Bible provide us with enduring reminders of how we are accountable for our words. Remember that words possess the potential to manifest God's love and truth, or to divide and destroy. Let us manage our words wisely.

Scripture: Proverbs 25:11; Isaiah 40:8; Isaiah 55:11; John 1:1; 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Prayer: "Dear Jesus, I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." - Psalm 119:11

Have a blessed day!

Colleen

He Is Our Refuge and Strength

"What a blessed truth to understand that, in the middle of all of our difficulties and calamities, we have a refuge."  - Aiden Wilson Tozer, American Christian pastor (1897-1963)

An essential thread woven into every part of Scripture is the consoling and fortifying idea that God is our shelter (protection) and might (strength). Countless believers have put their trust in this over the years in troubling times.

This thought enables us to assemble a mental picture through which we see God as a save haven and a source of mighty power. Thereby, drawing attention to His position as trustworthy and potent defender of His people.

The concept of God as our refuge and strength is especially conspicuous (noticeable) throughout the Book of Psalms; most of which act as hymns and prayers declaring confidence in God. 

Psalm 46:1 captures the central quality of God's protective Fatherly nature, emphasizing His ever-present willingness to help us during times of difficulty and helplessness.

We find even further use of the idea, or notion of refuge in the OT. Here it is identified with safeness and Divine guardianship. When David was being pursued by King Saul, he often looked to God for shelter and protection (1 Samuel 23:14).

The theme of God as a strength and refuge carries over into the NT, as well. For instance, we see the emphasis placed on holy protection and strength in Christ in the letters of the apostle Paul, where he talks about the strength derived from the Lord.

Philippians 4:13 underscores the believer's dependence on the power of Christ to surmount (overcome) hardships (barriers) and meet (fulfill) God's will. Also, Matthew 11:28 presents Jesus as the utmost (supreme) refuge for believers.

In Scripture, the characterization of God as our refuge and strength presents theological implications (assumptions) that are worthy of our attention. It proclaims God's supremacy and affectionate participation in the lives of His people.

When we (believers) grasp the idea that God is our refuge and strength, we find solace, and encouragement in that anytime difficult situations and unpleasant experiences confront us, we can trust in His protection, and find courage in His presence (Psalm 62:8).

Scripture: Genesis 7:7; Psalm 18:30; Proverbs 18:10; Ephesians 2:8; Hebrews 13:6

Prayer: "Dear Lord, How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you. Amen"  - Psalm 31:19

In Christ's Love,

Alissa