We Must Not Rest in Our Faith

"Faith is different from proof; the latter is human, the former is a gift from God.”  - Blaise Pascal

We must not rest in our faith. Many are quite satisfied by the status of their faith. The plain truth of the matter is, with respect to our faith, we can easily get lulled into a false sense of security. This is especially so if we are naive, or arrogant enough to believe that we have acquired all the faith we need.

This point was of such importance that the apostle Peter expressed this in his letter to the scattered groups of Christians that resided in the Roman provinces. Perhaps they too were satisfied with the level of their faith, as some are today (2 Peter1:5-10).

Even though they had attained precious faith, and were sharers of the divine nature; they were encouraged to press forward toward even more abundant faith. Peter was hoping to motivate and challenge them to pursue even greater faith in grace and holiness (Hebrews 11:6).

In order to generate any real progress in religion one must diligently work at it. It isn't enough to simply read a Bible, and/or attend church. As is the case with any worthy endeavor, you will have to give it your all. No headway can be made without hard work. If you're not willing to do this, then you will gain nothing from it (Psalm 119:4).

What does this mean? It means that faith just doesn't drop from the sky; it is acquired. And it is obtained in small steps. Spiritual growth occurs slowly. This might be why some become frustrated. In these times of instant gratification, we want full-blown faith, and we want it now! It's not going to happen (Proverbs 4:23).

Amy Wilson Carmichael (1867-1951), a Protestant Christian missionary in India said this about spiritual growth: "Sometimes when we read the words of those who have been more than conquerors, we feel almost despondent. I feel that I shall never be like that. But they won through step by step by little bits of wills little denials of self little inward victories by faithfulness in very little things. They became what they are. No one sees these little hidden steps. They only see the accomplishment, but even so, those small steps were taken. There is no sudden triumph no [sudden]spiritual maturity. That is the work of the moment."

Here's a newsflash for those impatient foot-tappers, in regards to faith. God is more interested in the process than the product (Philippians 2:13). He recognizes our differences in spiritual growth. This is even more so when it comes to faith. But, we won't get penalized for our rate of progress. Spiritual growth is not a sprint, it's a marathon.

And don't worry if your goal of perfection in faith seems unreachable. It only serves to point out how far you have yet to go. Above all, it's about diligence and obedience (2 Corinthians 7:15). And it's your obedience that signifies how far you've truly come. For one's faith will grow step-by-step if you are obedient to what God commands of you today (Hebrews 6:11).

Scripture: Colossians 1:9-10; 2 Peter 3:18; Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Philippians 1:6

Prayer: Holy Father, I want you in the center of my life. And I commit, through your power, to serve, honor, and obey you always. Amen

May God bless you!

Alexa

Closed For Thanksgiving Holiday (U.S.)

In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday in the U.S., the Coffeehouse Bible Ministry blog will return on Monday, November 30th. On behalf of all of us here at CHBM, we wish everyone a blessed weekend, and may God watch over you always.  ~Eve

Trials Show Us What We Are Made Of

"Life is not always easy to live, but the opportunity to do so is a blessing beyond comprehension. In the process of living, we will face struggles, many of which will cause us to suffer and to experience pain."  -L. Lionel Kendrick

The famous 19th century preacher Charles H. Spurgeon stated this regarding life's trials: "Trials teach us what we are; they dig up the soil, and let us see what we are made of." I have known many who claimed to have a strong faith in God. and did not hesitate to let everyone know about it. But, at the first sign of trouble they collapsed like a house of cards.

Why? Perhaps their faith was not firmly rooted in God and scriputure. Or, like many of us, maybe they thought that simply warming a seat in church on Sunday mornings would sufficiently satisy the minimum daily requirements of faith. On the surface, everything seemed to be in great shape; but the real problem lies underneath.

Much of our our suffering is due to trials. Some are caused by external forces, which lie beyond our control. Others are caused by our own hand; as a result of our actions or desires. I suppose that it really doesn't matter because either way demonstrates our readiness to enact evil, or create hurt and/or anguish on one another.

But trials can also be beneficial for us; especially our faith. They tend to bring out the best that we have within us. Trials force us to press on when the going gets rough. It enables our faith, hope, and goodness that God in his loving-kindness has deeply embedded into each of our souls. These traits also provide the clarity we need to see things through to the end.

If trials did not shake things up every now and then, our spiritual muscles would grow weak without the exercise. Think of life's trials as a wake up call to an anemic, or floundering faith. They serve as a jolt to our spiritual well-being; like a quick plunge into icy water. Without trials to challenge us our faith suffers. It is through trials that we learn who truly is in control -- God.

Trials are great purifying agents. They help us burn off spiritual impurities due to lethargy or apathy. Thus, what is left behind is a stronger, more pure faith. It rids us of our old, stagnant, non-performing faith; thereby allowing newer, more durable spiritual growth to take place. In addition, our faith is refreshed by renewed inspiration from God and scripture.

In closing, trials help enrich and enhance our faith in God. After the dust settles, and another trial subsides, the true beauty and genuineness of our faith shines brightly. We have entrusted our lives to God knowing that they are in good hands. Our faith in Him will not be disappointed. We will have endured the fiery furnace; our faith, in the end, more secure than ever (Daniel 3:23-25; Isaiah 43:2; Hebrews 11:34).

Scripture: Romans 15:13; Proverbs 3:6; Joshua 1:9; Psalm 9:10; Romans 15:13

Prayer: Dear Lord, teach me to treat all that comes my way with peace of soul, and with firm conviction that Your will governs all. Amen

God bless you!

Emmie

Submit Humbly to God

"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans."  - Proverbs 16:3

You cannot read, listen to, or watch the news without having something pertaining to animosity and discord toward one another command your attention. It shouldn't surprise anyone, then, that the true source of this immoral and sinful behavior comes from within ourselves. James 4:1 tells us as much.

Both worldly and fleshly lusts, which are deeply ingrained in each of us, impel us to do many things to one another (James 4:2). So much so, that this infirmity will not allow the satisfaction of it (Romans 7:23). Our propensity toward this behavior causes other negative consequences; namely, it tends to halt both prayer and the engagement of our very devotion toward God.

And, on the occasion that we do receive mercies, we must be cautious that we do not abuse, or misuse them by the demeanor of our heart when prayers are answered. Many times when pleas of prosperity are rendered to God, they are often presented with the wrong intentions. Therefore, is it any wonder that God justly denies our requests for worldly things (James 4:3)?

Mistrust and unsympathetic desires implore rejection. Thus, we can rest assured that when our petitions are entered for consideration in an unchaste rather than graceful manner, they will come back to us unfulfilled. This should serve as a wake-up call to steer clear of any disgraceful worldly bonds. Worldly-mindedness is contemptible to God (Proverbs 1:28).

An enemy may be conformed, but antipathy cannot. One may have many possessions, and still remain within the love of God. Conversely, another who commits his heart to the world, conforming to it rather than forsaking it, is an adversary of God (Romans 8:7).

Natural moral perversion displays itself through enviousness. The spirit of the world emboldens us to hoard or squander our possessions selfishly. God, instructs us to share our wealth and blessings with others as we are able. The loving grace of God will gracefully straighten out our corrupted spirit and bring it back in line with his (Romans 5:10).

The prideful are resistant to God. They mindfully resist his truths and laws. They also fervently resist his omniscience. Is it any wonder that God opposes them? How woefully tragic for those who choose to make God their enemy. The humble, on the other hand, will receive an abundance of God's grace because they pray for it, understand they need it, and are thankful for it. As such, they shall have it (1 John 3:22).

I pray that you will submit to God. Submit your understanding to his truths. Give yourselves to the will of His law. He is more than ready to deliver benefit into your life. If we give in to things that tempt us, Satan will gladly tag along. But, if we don the whole armor of God and resist him, Satan will withdraw.

Beloved, I urge you to submit yourself to God, and call for his grace and favor. Ultimately, all sin must be grieved over; whether here, in godly sorrow, or, hereafter, in eternal misery. The Lord will not refuse to comfort those who truly mourn for sin, or to praise them who humble themselves before him.

Scripture: Numbers 23:19; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 2 Corinthians 6:16; John 15:19; Romans 8:7

Prayer: Thank You Loving Father for answering my prayers. And thank You for the consolation, the strength, and the wisdom to see it and understand it. Amen

May your day be blessed,

Kristina

Deepening Faith - Volume 1: Number 1 - Answered Prayer

"By turning your eyes on God in meditation, your whole soul will be filled with God. Begin all your prayers in the presence of God."  -Saint Francis de Sales

"Is God really listening to me when I pray?" How many times have you asked yourself this question after submitting your supplications to him? After all, prayers are not always answered...or are they?

There are many excellent scriptural passages we can refer to when searching for an answer to this question. Granted, sometimes answers are not so easily culled from chapter and verse. However, you will find that with a little prayer and patience your request will be so graciously granted.

I have selected one such selection from the Bible for us to explore in regards to this inquiry: Psalm 116:1-8. Here we find a general account of the psalmist's experience during a time of great difficulty. At this point, death was a very real possibility.

Still, the Lord listened to his petitions and rescued him from harm. Thus in joy and loving gratitude he wrote: "I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. (Psalm 116:1-2).

Response to prayer, however, is not something extended only to the psalmist. For we are also accorded the same through Jesus Christ. After all, it makes complete sense that when we are in need we should call on the ulitmate source of grace and mercy.

The psalmist writes in Psalm 116:3: "The cords of death entangled me," but he did not perish spiritually. Christ died in his place. Grace also plays a large part in answered prayer. We find this was made manifest to the psalmist in Psalm 116:5-6: "The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The LORD protects the unwary; when I was brought low, he saved me."

God disentagled him from the grip of certain death, and stifled his tears. He bolstered and steered his steps so that he did not falter. I must admit that my hearing is not what it once was. At times I find myself having to move closer to the speaker in order to hear in relative clarity.

Now, imagine God doing this at times with his children. Picture Him bending down closer in order to hear all. Make no mistake, He can hear us as good as he ever could. But, there is another reason for Him moving in closer. He does this not only to hear us, but to help us (Psalm 116:6).

You see, my beloved, God comes down to where we are to both deliver us, and to make us all that He wants us to be (Psalm 116: 8). We can rejoice in the fact that God absolutely hears our prayers and helps us. He provides everything we require with His generous hand. Above all, He is gracious and merciful. Therefore, you need never be hesitant to call on Him; for He will deliver you.

Scripture: John 15:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Genesis 18:14; Micah 7:7; Psalm 50:15

Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank you for listening to my every prayer; and even though it may not always be the answer I am expecting, nevertheless, I am still grateful for Your answer  because I know that it is what You feel is best for my circumstance at the time. Amen

May you have a blessed weekend,

Constance

They Hunger for Food and Jesus

"Hunger knows no friend but its feeder."  -Aristophanes

With the holiday season fast approaching, I thought it would be an appropriate time to address the issue of hunger. Quite frankly, one of the most distressing and desperate conditions in our world today is world hunger.

Millions die each year from starvation and related diseases. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that about 805 million people of the 7.3 billion people in the world, or one in nine, were suffering from chronic undernourishment in 2012-2014. Most of these are children five years of age and under.

Yet, the hunger-related problems are not new. The people of biblical times were no strangers to hunger, either. For example, I refer you 2 Kings 7:1-11. The text tells of a time when there was hunger and starvation in Samaria. Benhadad, king of Syria, surrounded the city with a vast army. His blockade was completely successful; bringing the entire population closer to a horrible end with each passing day.

Cannabalism was widespread. Mothers killed their children for food. The king looked upon the agony of his people and put on sackcloth beneath his royal robes. What could be done to help the starving masses? The situation looked quite hopeless. Little did the king know that help would come from a very unlikely source: four lepers.

Eventually, the famine was broken, and the blockade lifted. Even though being outcasts from their own people, the unselfish and compassionate lepers helped save their city from total annihilation due to starvation at the risk of their own lives.

But, there's more here than meets the eye. That's what I love about scripture. One can learn something new no matter how many times you might read a familiar passage! And as you will see, there are a few helpful lessons that we can extract from the lepers' experience.

First, people are hungry, and we have bread. Best-seller lists almost always include a books on dieting or suggestions for losing weight. However, people in deprived nations of the world don't have a problem with being overweight. While people in other countries are dying from malnutrition, many families stuff themselves and throw enough food away to keep another family alive.

Secondly, there are people in our world who have never heard of Christ. We also have the Bread of Life (John 6:35). We've found that he satisfies our inner hunger. We've heard about Jesus over and over again. Many even have several Bibles in their homes. In Bible study and church we hear the message weekly. How can we be satisified to hear the message repeatedly when some haven't heard the message even once?

Yes, world hunger is a problem that persistenly confronts us who are blessed enough not to experience it in our homes. It is a war that is being fought against around the clock, everyday of the year. I pray that one day hunger will no longer cast its dark shadow over humanity; and not a single person will have to ever go to bed wanting for food again.

And finally, there's another hunger that goes unsatisfied in the world: the hunger for Christ. Jesus commands us to take the gospel to everyone in the world. The small band of first-century Christians took him seriously, and they came closer to winning their world than we have ever done since.

I urge you help spread the Word, not only during the holidays but all year long. You don't have to set up a soapbox on a street corner and shout, unless that's your preference. We have so many tools available to us today that were not years ago. Whether it's through social media, print, or even simple conversation; let's get the Word out there!

Remember: Our Christian compassion constrains us not only to share the bread from our tables.but to share the Bread of Life, as well.

Scripture: Deuteronomy 15:11; Isaiah 58:10; Matthew 25:35; James 2:15-16;Revelation 7:16

Prayer: Lord, you made us to know what hunger is, but also to know the goodness of your provision. We pray for those who share this earth with us, but for whom hunger is a crippling, life-threatening danger. We pray for those who have nothing and those who have too little to eat: would you help them and allow us to be part of the solution? Amen

May God bless you!

Meredith

Video - Beth Moore: Eternity's In Our Hearts

Why do you feel like you don't fully fit in here on earth? Find out why as Bible teacher Beth Moore insists that God has placed an eternal longing in our hearts. Enjoy!  ~Eve