(New!!) The Determination to Be Victorious with God!

"Stand firm, and you will win life."  -Luke 21:19

In times of crises or danger one often hears the term "determination" used frequently. Determination, in such cases, is used to describe the resolve of the victims and those who offer assistance and aid. No matter, determination is not only a powerful noun but it one of the strongest of human characteristics.

We can find many examples of determination throughout the pages of scripture, as well. Some examples that come to mind are: The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:1-7), and The Parable of the Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10). Nehemiah; who was cup-bearer to the king, in the Book of Nehemiah, displayed great determination to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem even though many tried to discourage him.

How about you? How does determination play a part in your life? When life gets shaky, or uncertain it can be very easy throw our hands up and just give up. But think about it for a minute. What if you just hung in there a little longer? The great American writer Mark Twain once put it this way, "A few fly bites cannot stop a spirited horse."

In regards to our relationship with God, we must remain fixed on Him despite whatever else might be going on around us. Our strength to press on in difficult and/or trying situations comes from not allowing ourselves to waver or surrender. Our fortitude and determination must stay to true to the truth of God's Word (Philippians 4:13; Romans 15:4; Psalm 27:14).

Scripture: Romans 12:12; Colossians 1:11; Galatians 6:9; Revelation 3:10; James 1:12

Prayer: Holy Father, I know that real strength is found in setting ourselves toward your pursuits, and staying true to them, regardless of what lies before us. May I always stay on this path. Amen

May your day be blessed,

Ashlee

Good-bye Until September 2017!

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." - John 13:34

It never ceases to amaze me how quickly time flies. Summertime has arrived again, and as it has for the past several years, it signals the time when our blog takes its annual summer hiatus. We will return in September.

I cannot begin to tell you how much it means to all of us here at The Coffeehouse Bible Ministry to have been able to have you accompany us on our journey with Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ this past year. Thank you all for your support and following!

Also, there is no way that I could fully express my love and gratitude for everyone associated with TCBM that helped make all of this possible. Our super-awesome staff worked tirelessly to edit and post our blog writings, and make sure all ministry business went as smoothly as possible!

But, even more importantly, I'd like to thank, from the bottom of my heart, all of the wonderfully blessed and talented ladies with whom without their weekly contributions this blog would not be possible. It takes a whole lot of people to make this all work, and they certainly did!

I thank Jesus Christ for his many blessings, mercy, and kindness in all of our endeavors. He has been more than gracious with our ministry, and all who are connected to it. Once again. I thank all of you and wish you a fun, happy, safe summer!

As I mentioned, we will return in September with our batteries fully charged and ready to go again! As always, our blog archives are always available for you to use as God moves you. Thank you, and may God bless you in every way. Look for us in September!

God bless each and every one of you!

~Eve

Christ, Our Living Savior...and So Much More!

"Jesus is not one of many ways to approach God, nor is He the best of several ways; He is the only way."  - A. W. Tozer

Jesus Christ came into this world to do a whole lot more than simply die for our sins on a cross. He also came to save us from the inclination toward evil that has plagued human beings ever since Adam. The living Christ enters the heart and life of believers at the very moment they express faith in him (Revelation 3:20).

Needless to say, one of the greatest joys that comes as a result of receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is the gift of a new nature (2 Corinthians 5:17). God grants us a nature like his own (2 Peter 1:4). This new nature that is received in the miracle of the new birth causes us to hunger for the things of God and a strong dislike for all things evil (Matthew 5:6-8).

He lives inside each of us who look to him in faith, by his Holy Spirit, enabling us to crucify our old lives and thus become new creatures in him (Galatians 2:20). The indwelling Christ provides us with a foundation for hope in the present and in the future that we might become fully developed in him, living victoriously over evil (Colossians 1:27-29).

Christianity is the result of the early disciples' faith that Jesus Christ had conquered death, the grave, and was alive eternally. Christianity has continued as a dynamic faith because those who have put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ have found him to be a living presence and a continuing power in their lives.

In closing, I remind you that ours is a living Savior. Only a Savior who defeated sin and death can save us from the penalty of sin, which is death. The Savior lives inside all believers to save us from the penalty, power and presence of sin. He is alive forever, and advocates before the Father on our behalf. One day He will claim us for his own and take us to His heavenly home (John 14:2).

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:21; Acts 4:12; Romans 5:21; 1 John 2:2; Romans 6:23

Prayer: Dear Lord, what a joy and security that I belong to You with all that I am and possess in my work and everyday life, amen.

May the Lord bless you always!

Bibi

Our Salvation: A Reason for Optimism

"God proved His love on the Cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, "I love you."   - Billy Graham

Given the state of affairs in our world today, it's difficult to feel positive, upbeat, or optimistic. And no wonder. It seems that strife, unrest, and a general feeling of confusion has taken a toe-hold on society. Recent incidents of savage violence only add to the toxic mix.

Although it seems harder and harder to find to find occasions for exultation, there are still some things in which we can find joy and thankfulness. One of these is the joy of our salvation. Even with all of the negativity that abounds today there still is reason for jubilation.

We can follow the example of the psalmist, in Psalm 51:12, who declares: "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation." He is telling us here that even when it appears as if the walls are closing in there is a feeling of great pleasure and happiness if we just know where to look.

I mentioned the joy of our salvation above because it is easy for us to forget how great this gift truly is; how we tend to take it for granted because it did not cost us anything. Yet, we are greatly blessed because of it. Let's look at a few of its benefits which we enjoy.

First, the pardon of our sins. Without this, we would truly be floating down the proverbial "creek without a paddle" as far as our relationship with God goes. Our sins have been forgiven thanks to Jesus' sacrifice on our behalf.

This forgiveness has also given us freedom from the bondage of sin, from guilt, and fear of judgment. But, the real joy comes when we lay our resentment, guilt, neglect of God's Word, etc., at His feet and pray, "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation" He will (1 Peter 1:8).

As Christians, our joy depends on a total commitment to God. That is, He comes first and foremost in our lives. Our complete surrender to Him releases us from worry. We let God handle it, and let Him handle us. The responsibility of our lives belongs to Him.

Through our total commitment the Holy Spirit fills us to the brim with God's love. As a result, by loving God and others, we are restored by the joy of salvation (Acts 15:9). Which brings us to the peace of soul.

No matter how long or hard we may work, play, or love, it never seems to really bring us true joy. That elusive joy and peace we seek cannot be attained through material gains, power, or pleasure. We, Christians, can rejoice because in Christ we have the only peace of mind and soul that matters (Philippians 4:7).

Yes, there is much going on in our world to create uncertainty. But, no matter how dark the world may seem, there is always a light that shines brightly in it. That light is Jesus Christ and the joy of our salvation.

Scripture: Titus 3:5; Ephesians 2:8-9; Acts 4:12; Psalm 3:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:9 

Prayer: Dear God, by grace I have been saved through faith; not by my works, but by Your gift, amen.

May God bless you,

Cathryn

Video - Beth Moore: Hey Jesus, Follow Me!

Bible teacher Beth Moore explains how we strangle the enjoyment out of Christianity when we ask Jesus to follow us, instead of daring to follow Him. Amen!    ~Eve

His Love Is Limitless!

"God waits for you to communicate with Him. You have instant, direct access to God. God loves mankind so much, and in a very special sense His children, that He has made Himself available to you at all times."  - Wesley L. Duewel

How complete or exhaustive is Jesus' love? There's no way that we could ever measure or define His love for us due the total immenseness of it (1 John 3:1). But, we can know that His love encompasses everything in and about our lives.

I realize that this might be difficult for some to believe given the state of our hateful, violent, and unfair world, but it's true, the Lord really does care about our every detail. After all, Matthew 10:30 ; Luke 12:7 tell us as much.

Just imagine for a moment what might happen to us if He didn't care about us at all. Like they say, "It could always be worse!" I tell you that the heart of Jesus truly cares about even the most insignificant thing going on in your life. Nothing is too trivial or commonplace for Him.

The heart of Christ is so big that there is not only room enough for all those who believe, but for all of our different and countless concerns, too.  I don't have to tell you what a blessing His love has been for us. Are we not the recipients of justification, adoption, sanctification, and eternal life, to mention a few awesome examples?

Sadly, for all that Jesus Christ has given us, we don't always acknowledge or appreciate it near enough. He certainly deserves more than a tepid or anemic response from us. We can spend hours a day on our social media accounts, but not even give a passing nod to Christ for all He has done.

Don't fall into the mindset that that's what going to church is for. Once a week, for roughly an hour and a half out of your busy schedule is okay, but hardly breaking news. What if we were to apply the same amount of time to our weekly phone usage, or television watching?

Many of us don't think about Him until our world is falling apart around us. Yet, even then, He is always there, never bailing out on us. The richness and goodness of Jesus Christ's love for us is incomprehensible. Don't you think He deserves just a little more from us in return?

Scripture: Romans 5:8; Jeremiah 31:3; 1 John 4:16; Ephesians 3:19; Psalm 103:11

Prayer: Dear Jesus, Your faithful love is better than life; Your goodness and loving kindness, I can never repay. May my love and faith for You grow stronger with each passing day, amen.

May God bless you!

Amanda

Should I Fast or Not..?

"If you say "I will fast when God lays it on my heart," you never will. You are too cold and indifferent to take the yoke upon you."  - Dwight L. Moody

From time to time, the topic of fasting comes up in conversation with other Christians. And although it isn't as widely practiced as it once was, there is still enough interest about it out there to warrant a brief discussion on the subject.

It's probably a good idea to first define fasting as it applies to believers, so here goes. Fasting is the abstinence from food for religious purpose. Also, contrary to what some may think, there is no command to fast either in the Old or New Testament. God doesn't require it or call for it from Christians.

Meanwhile, the Bible does show fasting as something acceptable, profitable, and beneficial. For example, it was widely practiced in Old Testament times as shown in: Judges 20:26; 1 Samuel 7:6, 31:13; 2 Samuel 1:12; 12:22-23; 1 Kings 21:27; 1 Chronicles 10:12; Ezra 8:23; Nehemiah 1:4, to name a few references.

Acts 13:2; 14:23 are some New Testament examples showing believers fasting prior to making important decisions. Luke 2:37; 5:33 present instances where fasting and prayer are linked together. Far to often, the focus of fasting is placed on the lack of food. Which is where a lot of the confusion arises. One must careful not to fast for the wrong reasons.

The whole purpose of fasting should be to tune out everything else that's going on in the world and our lives and focus completely on God. In this way, our fasting becomes a means of showing God, and ourselves, that we are really serious about our relationship.

It also helps us to renew our dependence on God, and look at Him in a totally new way. The religious leaders of Jesus' day had reduced fasting to a system. This placed the merit of fasting on the act rather than God. In other words, it became more of a bragging point than anything else.

Naturally, if you do choose to fast, limit your fasting to a set time wherever food is involved. This is especially true if you have medical issues such as diabetes where an extended period of not eating might compromise your health. When in doubt, always consult your physician before any fast!

Here a few important details to keep in mind. We fast not to get God to do what we want. It (fasting) changes us, not God. Neither is it a way of showing-off how spiritual we are. It should be performed in a spirit of humility and a joyful attitude (Matthew 6:16-18).

And while it may not be practical to fast from food, for example, most of us can give up something for a short time in order to bring ourselves closer to God. The basic purpose of a biblical fast is to gain a deeper fellowship with God, plain and simple. And when fasting and prayer are combined...Wow!

Scripture: Matthew 4:4; Isaiah 58:6; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Jeremiah 14:12

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to stop and listen for Your direction. and thank You for offering gentle grace. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Have a blessed Monday!

Hailey