Turning Trials Into Triumph!

In a famous study by Victor and Mildred Goertzel, entitled Cradles of Eminence, the home backgrounds of 300 highly successful people were investigated. These 300 subjects had made it to the top.

They were men and women whose names everyone would recognize as brilliant in their fields, such as Franklin D. Roosevelt, Helen Keller, Winston Churchill, Albert Schweitzer, Clara Barton, Gandhi, Einstein, and Freud. The intensive investigation into their early home lives yielded some surprising findings:

* Three fourths of the children were troubled either by poverty, by a broken home, or by rejecting, overpossessive, or dominating parents.
* Seventy-four of 85 writers of fiction or drama and 16 of the 20 poets came from homes where, as children, they saw tense psychological drama played out by their parents.
* Physical handicaps such as blindness, deafness, or crippled limbs characterized over one-fourth of the sample.

How did these people go on, then, to such outstanding accomplishments? Most likely by compensation. They compensated for their weaknesses in one area by excelling in another.

Perhaps you have seen the bumper sticker: "When life hands you a lemon, make lemonade!" It is easier to smile at that statement than to practice it, but the basic philosophy is sound. In fact, it is Biblical! Throughout the Bible are people who turned defeat into victory and trials into triumph Instead of being victims, they became victors.

The Epistle of James tells us that we can have this same experience today! Whether we are dealing with trials on the outside, or temptations on the inside, through faith in God and Jesus Christ we CAN experience victory!

The key to turning trials into triumph is to obey four (4) imperatives:

a. COUNT (James 1:2 ASV);
b. KNOW (James 1:3 ASV);
c. LET (James 1:4 ASV);
d. ASK (James 1:5-8 ASV)

In your Bible, we will be reading from James 1:2-8 today. Starting with verse two, let's look at the first imperative.

"COUNT IT ALL JOY WHEN YOU FALL INTO VARIOUS TRIALS" (James 1:2). Notice that James assumes that we will experience trials. He doesn't say "if" but "when". This is because Christians must expect trials. So said Jesus in John 16:33, and Paul in Acts 14:22.

The nature of these trials are "various". Some trials come simply because we are human, such as: sickness, accidents, disappointments, and death. Other trials come because we are Christians (1 Peter 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:12). But because Satan fights us, and the world opposes us, we can expect trials!

Here's a question for you: "What is to be the Christian's response?" Answer: Count it all joy! This was the attitude of rhe apostles (Acts 5:41); Paul (Romans 5:3); Philippians 2:17-18); and the Christians (1 Peter 1:6-8; 4:12-14).

So the first step to turning trials into triumph is to immediately thank God, and adopt a joyful attitude! "But how," we may ask, "is it possible to rejoice in the midddle of trials?" For the answer to this question, let's look at the second imperative found in verse 3: "KNOWING THAT THE TESTING OF YOUR FAITH PRODUCES PATIENCE" (James 1:3).

The right knowledge concerning the value of trials makes it possible to have a joyful attitude. We are to understand that trials test our faith. And that, faith tested can bring out the best in us, just as fire purifies gold (1 Peter 1:7), and training makes the athlete stronger.

With this understanding, we can have joy in trials because we know that testing works FOR us, not AGAINST us (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:17), and that trials rightly used help us to mature.

Specifically, faith that is tested produces patience. You can see evidence of this in Romans 5:3-4. In fact, the Bible tells us that "patience" is NOT a passive acceptance of circumstances. The Greek word for "patience" is HUPOMONE. This comes From the preposition HUPO (under), and MENO (to remain, to abide). It denotes the ability to exhibit stedfastness and constancy in the face of the most formidable difficulty!

It tells us that it is a courageous perseverance in the face of suffering! It is the continuing on even when it is rough, despite the circumstances. Such a quality of stedfastness can come only through experiencing trials. The value of developing "patience" will be seen shortly.

Having this understanding about what trials can accomplish enables us to have a joyful attitude toward such trials. But to really benefit from our trials, we must also obey the third imperative, "LET PATIENCE HAVE ITS PERFECT WORK" (James 1:4).

This verse conveys to us that to truly turn trials into triumph, we must let "patience" do its work. Too often, we want to get our trials or difficulties over with quickly. Let's face it, who doesn't want this? But there are times when the best course is to bear up under the trial patiently. Instead of grumbling and complaining we should patiently endure the trial, doing good despite the trial. Why?

Because when patience has had an opportunity to work, it produces maturity. The word "perfect" (James 1:4 ASV) does not mean sinlessness, but "completeness, wholeness, maturity". In the New Testament, it is used of those who have attained to spiritual manhood in Christ, have reached full maturity and understanding in spiritual matters, and are no longer "babes" and immature persons in Christ.

Such maturity comes only when patience has had time to work! Consider, for example, an endurance runner in his training. To be a mature runner requires letting patience do its work. That is, patiently running mile after mile in training, right?

If we wish to run the race well spiritually speaking, we need to develop patience which comes only through a form of spiritual "resistance training". In other words, trials in which our faith is put to the test!

My dear friends, letting patience have its perfect work is not easy. It certainly requires wisdom which enables us to see the value of our trials. This brings us to the fourth imperative necessary to turn trials into triumph, found in James 1:5-8.

The fourth imperative, "LET HIM ASK OF GOD" (James 1:5-8), begins with: "IF WE LACK WISDOM, ASK FOR IT FROM GOD!" He has promised to give it liberally, and He will not reproach us for making such a request. This, even as Solomon's request for wisdom was well-pleasing to God (1 Kings 3:7-12).

Now, what exactly is this "wisdom"? First, we should be careful to distinguish "wisdom" from "knowledge". "Knowledge" involves information, facts, etc. "Wisdom" is the ability or insight to properly use those facts in the most expeditious way.

The failure to understand this distinction has led many into error! Many believe that this passage (James 1:5-8) teaches that God will give knowledge concerning His Will in answer to prayer. But knowledge comes only through His Word; we must carefully study it if we would know the Will of God!

Thus, if I may, the wisdom to "properly" use His Word can be received through prayer. And the wisdom to properly use trials and turn them into triumph can likewise come through "proper" prayer. Proper prayer is that asked in faith and with no doubt. Otherwise, the prayer will not be answered by God!

In summary, here is the key to turning trials into triumph. It is:

a. Having the knowledge and perspective that adversity can accomplish much good.
b. Letting the patient enduring of adversity acommplish its work.
c. All the while using the wisdom God gives in answer to prayer to help put it all together.

When this is done, even trials can be a source of joy for the Christian! Now, have we learned to make lemonade out of our lemons in life?

Note: Much of the material for this outline was adapted heavily from The Bible Exposition Commentary, Volume 2, by Warren W. Wiersbe, pages 337-340.

Scripture reference: James 1:2-8

Prayer:

Dear God, The little plans I tried to carry through Have failed. I will not sorrow. I'll pause a little while, dear God, and try, again, tomorrow. Amen

May God bless you,

Mackenzie

(Video) Beth Moore: Two Dimensions of Spiritual Revelation We Desperately Need!

Watch this video clip of Beth Moore talking about the divine revelation of Christ himself!

Saturday Scripture Gold with Bibi: The Need to Be Humble

Hello, and welcome to Saturday Scripture Gold!

Most of us, at one time or another, have experienced arrogance. It might have been with someone at work, at a store, a neighbor, or maybe even you! I'd like to share the following story with you, as an opener for today's message about arrogance and humility...

A husband came home and announced proudly to his wife that he'd been promoted to company vice-president. "Big deal!" she responded. "Vice presidents are a dime a dozen. Why, the supermarket where we shop has so many vice-presidents, I'll bet they have one who's just in charge of the grocery bags!"

Annoyed, the husband retorted, "All right, I'll call your bluff." He picked up the phone and dialed the grocery store. In his most sarcastic voice, he asked, "Let me speak to the 'vice-president in charge of bags.'"

A polite voice at the other end of the line inquired, "Paper or plastic?"
-Source: Reader's Digest, 6/1995, p. 84.

The Bible teaches us that humility precedes honor like arrogance goes before destruction. As we know from the Bible, Jesus did not limit His use of parables to instruct only His disciples. He also used them in casual settings. It is in such a setting that we find Jesus using a parable to teach our lesson today. This week, we will use the parable found in Luke 14: 7-11 as the starting point for our discussion which illustrates the value of humility.

Perhaps it would be wise to begin by analyzing the parable. Here is the setting. Jesus had gone to eat at the house of one of the rulers of the Pharisees on the Sabbath (Luke 14:1a). They had watched pretty Him closely (Luke 14:1b). Perhaps they did this to see if He would heal the man with dropsy? (cf. Luke 14:2). Jesus then posed a question about the lawfulness of healing on the Sabbath (Luke 14:3). They did not respond to this question (Luke 14:4), nor could they respond after Jesus healed the man (Luke 14:5). To which Jesus then psosed another question revealing their inconsistency (Luke 14:6).

Additionally, Jesus had also been watching them closely (Luke 14:7). He had noted how those invited were selecting the best places to sit. It is thought that the seating arrangements at that time may have involved three tables in the shape of a flat-bottomed "U". As a side note to this, I'd like to share some information regarding the seating arrangement which may be helpful putting this into perspective.

"The triclinia, or Grecian table, then in use had three sections which were placed together so as to form a flat-bottomed U. The space enclosed by the table was not occupied. It was left vacant that the servants might enter it and attend to the wants of the guests who reclined around the outer margin of the table." -(MCGARVEY)

"The central seat of each of these three sections were deemed a place of honor. This struggle for precedence was a small ambition, but many of the ambitions of our day are equally small." -(MCGARVEY)

This petty positioning around the tables prompted Jesus to teach a lesson using a parable. The setting is a wedding feast, a common social event in those days (Luke 14:8). Here, Jesus warns against sitting down in the best place (Luke 14:8b-9). Why? Because someone more honorable may have been invited. And when they arrive, the host will ask you to move. Then, with shame you will have to move to the lowest place (likely the only place left!)

Instead, He counsels them to sit in the lowest place (Luke 14:10). That way, the host will come along and say "Friend, go up higher." So instead of shame, brought about trying to sit in the best place, you will receive glory among those who sit at the table with you.

Jesus then concludes with this "maxim": "For whoever exalts himself will be abased, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 14:11). A "maxim" is a fundamental principle, general truth, or rule of conduct. It was one of our Lord's favorites! He used it in the parable of "The Pharisee And The Publican" (cf. Luke 18:14); it was spoken when teaching His disciples not to be like scribes and Pharisees (cf. Matthew 23:6-12).

It is also found in the Old Testament (cf. Psalm 18:27; Proverbs 18:12; 29:23. And repeated in the New Testament (cf. James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5). Remember that this is a parable; Jesus' purpose is not just to have us focus on the story (in this case, the advice about attending wedding feasts), but the main principle illustrated by the parable.

With that in mind, here are a few thoughts in regards to how the parable can be applied to our daily lives. First, it is important that we learn the danger of pride. The wise man wrote: "Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18); and "A man's pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor." (Proverbs 29:23).

The danger of pride is not just in social settings (as per the parable), but in our relationship with God! The Lord hates pride (Proverbs 8:13). It is defiles man (Mark 7:21-23). It is of the world, not of the Father (1 John 2:15-17)!

Secondly, it is important that we learn the importance of humility. The Lord blesses the humble (Psalm 25:9; Proverbs 3:34). Humility is a mark of wisdom (Proverbs 11:2). Humility precedes honor like arrogance goes before destruction (Proverbs 18:12; cf. 22:4). Therefore, as disciples of Christ, let us:

1. Be clothed with humility (Colossians 3:12)
2. Be humble before God (1 Peter 5:6)
3. Be humble in our dealings with our brethren in Christ (Philippians 2:3)
4. Be humble in our dealings with those around us, even those who oppose us (Titus 3:2; 2 Timothy 2:24-25).

In conclusion, through this simple parable, Jesus has taught us a most important truth: the need to be humble in our relations with God and those around us!

Humility is not a popular grace in our culture. It is considered a sign of weakness by many, and people fear that they will be made a floor mat by others. But we must remember that God is always watching. If we desire the Lord to dwell with us, then let us walk humbly before Him (Micah 6:8). May God give us the grace to so walk before Him!

Scripture reference: Luke 14: 7-11

Let's pray:

O Father, give us the humility which realizes its ignorance, admits its mistakes, recognizes its need, welcomes advice, accepts rebuke. Help us always to praise rather than to criticize, to sympathize rather than to discourage, to build rather than to destroy, and to think of people at their best rather than at their worst. This we ask for thy names sake. Amen

Until next time...

Have a blessed week!

Bibi

Bible Study Snacks, God's Plan of Salvation (Lesson 2)

Hi, everyone!

Welcome to another presentation of Bible Study Snacks. I hope that your week has gone well, and that today finds you in good health and strong in faith! As you recall (or you can visit our archives) in our last meeting together, I introduced a new series on Bible basics about God's plan of salvation.

In Lesson 1, we discussed some basic facts about both the Old Testament, and New Testament as we learned to become more familiar with the Bible. This week, in Lesson 2, we will continue to look at God's plan of salvation by discussing why the Bible is our only authority.

I have designed these studies to be brief, yet packed full of good information for everyone regardless of your level of biblical knowledge. I might add that these quick studies make perfect small group discussion starters, as well. Try them out and see!

As always, I whole-heartedly believe in the importance that any Bible study should begin with prayer. So, if you are ready to begin our lesson...

Let’s pray together:

Heavenly father, please guide us as we study your Word today; I pray that our hearts and our minds will be open so that we will not only receive your Gospel, but learn from it as well; you are the Light of the world, Lord, and your Spirit will illuminate our path as we journey through your teachings. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen.

As I mentioned above, our lesson this is based on the topic of why the Bible is our only authority. In order to get a good handle on this, I think it only makes sense that we should ask some questions. Our first question should be, "What is authority?" Authority is sometimes defined as "the right to rule". It might also be described as "the right to tell someone else what to do". Who has that right?

Our next question should be, "Who has authority?" The Bible makes this plain from the very first. "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." Anyone with the power to create heaven and earth certainly has the right to direct it!

God does not speak directly to each of us (Hebrews 1:1-2). How then can we know His will for us? Jesus helps us toward the answer. He said, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth" (Matthew 28:18). Who gave Jesus this power or authority? It was given by the only One who has it to give: His Father!

Jesus is in heaven and does not speak directly to us either. Yet the night before he was crucified, Jesus made a special promise to his apostles. He told them that, after he had gone, he would send them the Holy Spirit. He promised them that the Holy Spirit would guide them "into all truth" (John 16:5-14).

Later on, these same apostles began to teach and preach. Since they received the message by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, they were actually teaching and preaching the will of God (I Corinthians 2:10-13). Even their writings were directed by the Spirit of God, and are therefore the very Word of God (Ephesians 3:1-5).

In fact, these are the writings we now know as the New Testament. The Old Testament was written in a similar fashion, and is therefore also the very Word of God (2 Peter 1:20-21). This is why we accept the Bible as our only authority. The following chart summarizes this "chain of authority":

GOD --> JESUS --> HOLY SPIRIT --> APOSTLES --> BIBLE

Our last question should be, "Does anyone else have authority?" Sure they do! Parents, government and others have authority. But, they do so only because God (through the Bible) has given them that authority (Romans 13:1).

Now here are this week's study questions:

1. What did Paul say would happen to those who preached a message different from the gospel? (Galatians 1:8-9)

2. If a preacher claims that an angel from God told him to preach a different message, should he be believed?

3. What did Jesus say about those who follow their traditions instead of the commandments of God? (Mark 7:7-9)

4. What did Jesus say about those who follow the teachings of their parents instead of Jesus? (Matthew 10:34-37)

5. A preacher who uses a dynamic speaking ability INSTEAD OF the word of God to gather a following, is using what kind of allurement? (2 Peter 2:18)
6. Some preachers use more human philosophy than scripture in their sermons. What does God think about the use of human wisdom? (I Corinthians 1:18-24)

7. Many people believe that if they do not violate their conscience, they are pleasing to God. Did Paul have a good conscience when he persecuted Christians? (Acts 26:9)

8. Read the following scripture: Proverbs 14:12. Is it possible to think we are right, when we are wrong?

9. Some people believe that God will be pleased if we simply perform many "good works" in the name of Jesus. Those who ignore the will of God in order to do these "good works" will face what sentence on judgment day? (Matthew 7:21-23)

Finally, after answering the study questions, go back over them again. Take your time and read each question and verse as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that by doing this, you just might see something new that you overlooked the first time around.

As we journey through the Bible together, I will continue to pray that God’s message will come through to you loud and crystal clear. Thank you for joining me today. Until next time, I wish everyone a blessed week!

God bless you!

Sheri

(Video) Introduction to the Virtue Bible Study with Cathe Laurie

Two Types of Prosperity

"For several decades, a philosophy has been percolating in the 10 million--strong Pentecostal wing of Christianity that seems to turn the Gospels' passage on its head: certainly, it allows, Christians should keep one eye on heaven. But the new good news is that God doesn't want us to wait. Known (or vilified) under a variety of names--Word of Faith, Health and Wealth, Name It and Claim It, Prosperity Theology--its emphasis is on God's promised generosity in this life and the ability of believers to claim it for themselves.

In a nutshell, it suggests that a God who loves you does not want you to be broke. Its signature verse could be John 10: 10: "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." In a TIME poll, 17% of Christians surveyed said they considered themselves part of such a movement, while a full 61% believed that God wants people to be prosperous. And 31%--a far higher percentage than there are Pentecostals in America--agreed that if you give your money to God, God will bless you with more money."
-David van Biema and Jeff Chu. "Does God Want You To Be Rich?" Time Magazine 10 September, 2006

Among the many topics that we are asked about, the topic of Spiritual and Material Prosperity is one of the most popular. In today's message to you, I would like to present some material which, although it won't answer all of your questions, might inspire you to further study into this controversial, but very interesting topic! Open your Bible to 3 John, and let us begin...

3 John is an epistle addressed to Gaius, a man whom John would have prosper: "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers" (3 John 2). In this verse, John alludes to two types of prosperity:

a. There is spiritual prosperity ("just as your soul prospers");
b. And there is material prosperity ("that you may prosper in all things and be in health")

The manner in which John mentions and compares these two kinds of prosperity is interesting, and raises several questions worth considering:

a. What are the signs of spiritual prosperity?
b. What is the propriety of praying for material prosperity?
c. Would we want John to pray such a prayer for us?

In today's message, we shall attempt to answer these questions. Beginning with the first question, we need go any further than the context of Third John to look for "The Signs Of Spiritual Prosperity."

One sign is your "faithfulness to the truth." John rejoiced greatly when he heard from others of how the "truth" was in Gaius (3 Johnn 3a). That the "truth" was in Gaius was one indication that his soul
was prosperous.

You might be wondering, "What does it mean to have the "truth" in you? Let me present two possibilities:

a. It could refer to the abiding of Jesus in one's soul, as He is the truth (cf. John 14:6);
b. It could refer to the incorporation into our very heart and soul the teachings and principles of the gospel of Jesus. In other words, it pretty much means the same thing, for the latter brings about the former (cf. John 14:21-23; 1 John 3:24).

A prosperous soul, then, is one in which one's heart and mind has opened itself up to receive all that Jesus taught. And, that one is feeding daily upon the Word of God, whereby spiritual growth is possible (1 Peter 2:2).

Another sign of spiritual prosperity is that you "walk in the truth. John could also joyfully write of Gaius "walking in the truth" (3 John 3b-4). In a sense, there is a mixing of metaphors here

a. The truth abides in Gaius, and
b. Gaius walks in the truth

Perhaps that simply illustrates the limitation of human language to describe spiritual realities. The point to be made, however, is this: for there to be prosperity, there must be progress. It is not enough to simply sit and say "I have the truth in my soul." One must be acting upon it, living according to it, as illustrated by Jesus in His sermon on the mount (cf. Matthew 7:24-27). Friends, true blessedness comes in being a "doer" and not just a "hearer" (James 1:22-25; John 13:17).

Spiritual prosperity occurs as one feeds upon the truth of God found only in His Son Jesus Christ, and lives his or her life in harmony with that truth. So, Gaius prospered in his soul and so can we!

But Gaius' need was not spiritual prosperity, it evidently was material prosperity. This naturally brings up the question of "the propriety of praying for material prosperity."

For a possible answer, let's examine John's prayer for Gaius. John thought it was proper to pray for things other than spiritual needs (3 John 2). Whether it be family, business, or personal health, it is proper to pray that God might bless us in these areas. Besides, John was just following the example set by others (cf. Ps 144:12-15; Matthew 6:11.

Now here's the challenge of keeping it (praying for material prosperity) in proper perspective. First, if our desire for material prosperity is for personal gain, then we should not expect God to answer favorably (cf. James 4:2-4). But then there can be altruistic, or unselfish reasons for praying for material prosperity:

a. We can pray for health, that one might live longer to serve the Lord in this life;
b. We can pray for success in business, that we might have the means to help others;
c. We can pray for peace, that we might further the spread of the gospel.

Of course, it is much easier to pray with prosper perspective when it is others we are praying for, and not ourselves! With that, I would like to make a few final observations. The first one concerns "material prosperity in relation to spiritual prosperity."

Take a look at the statement in 3 John 2, "...even as your soul is getting along well." Here, John prays that Gaius prosper materially just as he does spiritually. In view of Gaius' spiritual prosperity (the truth abides in him, he walks in the truth), this prayer if answered would be a blessing to Gaius.

Would we want God to answer such a prayer in our behalf; to the degree that our souls prosper? Would we want Him to bless our physical bodies? Would we want Him to bless our families, our homes, our jobs, our nation? I dare say that in light of the spiritual condition of some Christians, such a prayer answered in their behalf would be a curse, not a blessing!

The next observation, I would like to make, is that "material prosperity is good, but spiritual prosperity is eternal." As Paul writes, godliness has "promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come" (1 Timothy 4:7-8; 6:6-7). We can't take material prosperity with us, and it takes spiritual prosperity on our part (i.e., wisdom from God) to properly use the material blessings we have (1 Timothy 6:8-10, 17-19).

In conclusion, I would like to leave you with these thoughts. While we may certainly pray for our material prosperity, may we never lose sight of the fact that our greatest need is spiritual prosperity which lasts forever. Concentrate your efforts on prospering spiritually, and may the Lord in His Divine wisdom and grace bless you in all other ways accordingly!

Scriptural reference: 3 John: 2-4

Prayer:

Father, You know the exact number of words that will flow from my lips today; some of them meaningful while others are simply forgettable words. Would You make me sensitive to those who need caring words. Help me to look not only to my own interests but also to the interests of others as I offer words fitly spoken to those who need to hear a word from You through a servant like me. Amen.

May you have a blessed day!

Marcie

(Video Sermon) Billy Graham: Born Again

We are proud to present, from the Billy Graham archives, a sermon by Rev. Graham on what being a born again Christian is, and how a born again Christian should be. May God open your eyes, ears and heart to this timely, and timeless message!