Lessons Gained from Trials

 "No physician ever weighed out medicine to his patients with half so much care and exactness as God weighs out to us every trial. Not one grain too much does He ever permit to be put in the scale."  - Henry Ward Beecher

What strange days we are living in today. Not necessarily strange in the mysterious sense, but rather in how differently our lives are now than they were just a few, short months ago.

Routines and patterns have been upended, systems placed on hold, disquiet and confusion deepen our growing exasperation with the situation, and death counts rise while economies fall.

The pandemic, which the world is facing at this point in time, has served everyone notice that as much as we think, or act as if it is so, we are not the last word, nor have we ever been!

All of this and more may compel people to cry out this time-tested question, "How can God, if He is loving and righteous, allow such suffering to happen?" 

Job was a believer in God, he lived comfortably, and deeply cared for others. But, he too, had his world turned upside down, and wondered why God would allow this.

His life was radically changed in a relatively short period of time. His business was ruined, his wealth was gone, his health was poor, and, everyone except his wife was dead.

During his time of anguish, Job was no different than any one of us. He longed for better days in the midst of all that was going in his life.

Everything that Job experienced only made him that much more conscious of the vanished happiness that he had once known.

In Job 29:2, he looks back with aching sorrow to the pleasant joy and undisturbed peace he had when confident of the Lord's preservation.

Even his friends were unfair to him, and instead of comforting him they made things worse. Job's mistake, however, was in his implied doubt as to the Lord's trustworthiness.

It is quickly evident that he has not yet learned that God is immutable, or unchangeable, and that nothing but defection on their part can snatch His sons out of His hand.

During dark and dreary times we are all inclined to think the sun will never shine again. We wistfully yearn for past, brighter days.

Indeed, if our prayers in this matter were to be granted we would surely be all the more miserable. Why so..? Because it is not in gladness and brightness that the soul thrives most.

Integrity is developed when the stormy winds blow, pain makes it unbearable to press on, and disappointment tempts you to call it quits.

Additionally, our character, were it free of any trials and tribulations, would be sorely lacking in outstanding and critical components.

Our LORD does not duplicate his former mercies simply because we have outgrown our need for them. What's more, His present and future blessings are immeasurably greater.

God's riches are unsearchable and extend far beyond our understanding. Though there are many lessons we can learn from Job, one powerful message stands out.

God is completely supreme in the way He handles His people, and will never allow anything to enter the life of a devoted Christian that is detrimental to his own good and God's glory.

God owes us no explanation for His actions or conduct. It's sufficient enough for us to know that He loves us and that He is infallible. None of us live by explanations; we live by promises. 

The Book of Job clearly demonstrates how the righteous should suffer (James 5:11). Job maintained his faith in God during his times of suffering, strongly believing to the very end that God would justify him.

In the end, God always accomplishes His purposes (Romans 8:28). Therefore, in the midst of difficult situations we shouldn't ask for a way out. Instead, we should ask God what lesson should we gain from it.

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12; James 1:12; Romans 8:18; Romans 12:12; Philippians 4:6-7 

Prayer: Dear God, show me your ways, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Amen

May God always bless you!

Judith

Scripture Study with Bibi - Genesis 17:1-14

“God never made a promise that was too good to be true.”  - Dwight L. Moody

Abram was 75 years old when the LORD told him to gather his family and go to Canaan (Genesis 12:1-5). He was 86 years old when Ishmael was born (Genesis 16:15). As our study opens this week, Abram is ninety-nine years old when the LORD appears again.

Some may feel that as they age in years their usefulness and productiveness fades away; that their best years in life are behind them. Abram and his wife Sarai found themselves in such a situation.

We know that Abram had listened to God and practiced faith. But instead of waiting patiently for God, Sarai persuaded him to conceive a child with her Egyptian maid Hagar. As we have seen, the ramifications of this act were many.

God had already made a covenant with Abram (Genesis 15), all he and Sarai had to do was wait in faith for Him to fulfill it. However, oftentimes "the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26:41).

By conceiving a child with the maid Hagar, Abram unveiled his disbelief. The result was not an heir to Abram's lineage through divine design, but by the flesh instead. Hence, the long delay before God gave Abram and Sarai a child of their own.

Our impatience can cause us to push the limits with God, making us try to go at it ourselves; usually with less than stellar results. Abram and Sarai let their age affect their faith, although one certainly doesn't have to be along in years to stumble.

Abram hadn't heard anything from God since Ishmael's birth. Why the long wait? God had to wait for Abram and Sarai to die to themselves, that is, to rid themselves of depending on the flesh. Only then could God demonstrate His resurrection power in their lives.

Genesis 17 will be divided into two parts. In Genesis 17:1-14, we shall see God firm up His promise to Abram, among other things. Take note of the events here as they will be referred to many times throughout scripture. We will complete the rest of the chapter next time.

Before we start, I encourage everyone to read ahead before answering the questions. I believe it to be most beneficial and will definitely make your study time more instructive and fruitful!

Let's begin with prayer: Dear LORD, as we meet together to learn, grow, and change in study, help us move into a deeper understanding of Your truth. Amen.

Now this week's study...

Years ago there was a television commercial by a certain financial company that declared when they gave advice, people listen. We can apply this same attitude to our relationship with God. When He tells us something, it is imperative that we not only listen, but obey!

1.) After a long delay, the LORD finally speaks to Abram again. When He does He makes an important revelation to Abram for the first time. What was it? What was expected of Abram? What did God say He would do for Abram? (Genesis 17:1-2)

2.) It was Abram's unbelief in God that had caused him problems earlier. Now, God declared His generosity with Abram, which would be far more than only giving him an heir. What did God tell him? (Genesis 17:3-4)

3.) God continues His blessings on Abram, this time Abram is the subject of a special one. What did God do for Abram? What was the significance of it? (Genesis 17:5-6)

4.) Just when you'd think that God's promises to Abraham couldn't get any better, they do! What did God set up with Abraham, and what kind was it? What else did He give to Abraham? What was it that God required from Abraham? (Genesis 17: 7-9)

5.) God also required a sign from Abraham that would always serve as a reminder to him and his descendants. What was this confirming sign? What was its other purpose? (Genesis 17:10-11)

6.) Abraham was provided specific instructions regarding this special sign. What were these instructions? What was the end result of obeying these directives from God? (Genesis 17:12-13)

7.) Naturally, along with the positive there is negative. It is no different in our interactions with God. What happened to those who failed to meet God's specific instructions? (Genesis 17:14)

We have now come to the end of this week's Bible study. Next time we will take a look at the second half of Genesis 17, verses 15-27. There we will discuss the promise of Isaac.

Until then, have a blessed and safe weekend!

Scripture: Philippians 4:19; Jeremiah 29:11; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 37:4

Prayer: Dear LORD, strengthen me with the hope of my salvation and the many other blessings You provide with Your presence in my life. Amen. 

May you be generously blessed!

Bibi

Is Your Heart Right with God?

"Is thine heart right..?"  - 2 Kings 10:15 (KJV)

"Is your heart right?" How we answer this question can and does affect our relationship with God. Although there are many ways to respond, there is only one, meaningful way in which it can be genuinely answered, in front of God.

Certainly some may flippantly answer to "Is thine heart right? in a careless and indifferent manner. But as we shall see, there is only one meaningful and significant way to answer honestly from the deepest recesses of our heart.

A reply from the heart of one who has continually resisted the grace of God follows a familiar pattern. They find it rather easy to sin, are deceitful, have no remorse for it, nor do they care about any meaning of religion.

For example, when asked "Is my heart right?" They might answer, "Yes, I guess so. I'm really not that good, but I'm not that bad either." This reply serves little purpose, if any. In their "Yes," God sees "No." In their "My heart is right," God interprets it as "deceitful and wicked." 

Or maybe their answer isn't so much insincere and meaningless as it is impulsive and over-confident. If asked "Is your heart right?" a reply might be "Yes, I truly hate what is bad, and loathe myself for weakly giving in to it. But, things will be different from now on."

The problem here is that their answer is not one at all. True, the desire is stronger than a weak wish, still, there's more to it. It requires not only a strong desire, but a determined effort. Yet, it goes even beyond mere effort and includes an intense, overwhelming passion.

However, no matter the determination or dedication, if it is made in our own strength, what good is it? We need God's help, motivation, and inspiration to make it happen. I remind you of the often quoted proverb, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions.”

Let's consider one more answer to our question, "Is thine heart right?" We've seen that some reply to this question carelessly, and others arrogantly. Fortunately, this isn't across the board as many will answer in a deeper, submissive, heartfelt, and earnest manner.

"Even though my heart hasn't always been right, it's not made of stone. I know that my own strength is weakness, and my righteousness is total sin. Still, 'I lift up my eyes to the mountains-- where does my help come from?'" (Psalm 121:1)

If the heart isn't right, nothing else is. Without this crucial truth, even your most superior behavior will be offensive in the sight of God, who "doesn't see things the way you see them." 1 Samuel 16:7 (NLT)

In closing, if you're aware that your heart isn't right, remember "God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything" (1 John 3:20). While it may be safe from human inspection, it doesn't pass God's eye (Ecclesiastes 12:14). Set your heart right today!

Scripture: Psalm 51:10; Ezekiel 36:26; Jeremiah 17:9; Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 5:8

Prayer: Dear God, with my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Amen.  - Psalm 119:10

May God bless you,

Lainey

Jesus, Man of Sorrows

"Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy."   - John 16:20

About 2000 years ago there lived a man with a heart so pure that no sinful thought ever entered it. He never spoke one word of deceit or unkindness, nor did his eyes ever burn with unrighteous anger. His hands continually did only good.

Every virtue of humanity was manifest in all He did, His relationships with others were fulfilled completely, and only when He matured into manhood did He leave home to lead an independent life.

Wisdom was His, a wisdom that puzzled and amazed everyone. Power was His, power to comfort the miserable. But, more than anything else, love was His, a love that surpassed that of any human. His love being so intense that His only concern was demonstrating it wherever he traveled.

Along with all of this, there was a humble and confident trust in God, a devotion to His service that no temptation could ever cause Him to deviate from it, and a total surrender to His will, unbroken by any selfish complaint. In short, He loved God with all of His heart, mind, body, and soul.

Together with these qualities of mind and character was an personality of magnificent sweetness; it was everything that you could possibly admire of tenderness, sensibility, honor, courage, humility, unselfishness, and affection toward others.

He maintained the delicate exquisiteness of those finer qualities that we suppress by our self-gratification and contact with sin, both, in ourselves and in others. And never once was He weakened by common practices, or incensed to use any violence.

This man, however, was called to a life of suffering, suffering all the more because of the purity of His character, and the perfect balance of His whole nature. No polished, outer appearance, manner, or style could make sin pleasurable to His truthful eye.

He could neither be deceived or enticed, and no wrongdoing went unnoticed. All sins of pride, sensuality, and unbelief, that we have sadly become all to familiar with, must have stirred a horror and disgust beyond expression in His holy mind.

Taking all of this into consideration, how painful and unceasing the sufferings of Jesus must have been. Every possible burden of our lives became His. His lot in life was one of homeless hardship. His friends were often unkind, strangers were often insulting and disrespectful.

When He needed sympathy the most, it was withdrawn. The great, indescribable sorrow of the cross, a burden inconceivable to body, soul, and spirit, was constantly on His mind for years before it came.

And when it did finally arrive it squeezed out sweat-like drops of blood from His body, causing that anguished cry from deep in His soul, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me..." (Matthew 26:39)

I didn't attempt to adequately describe the sufferings of Jesus, nor arouse any mere feelings of sadness about them here today, nor could I possibly do so. However, there is one thing that we can be sure of, He was a Man of Sorrows.

And whatever we know about grief, whether considerable or small, we have not exceeded His experience, and that it does us well, therefore, to accept His teaching about sorrow, and to strive for what He learned from it.

The sufferings of Jesus, the Son of God, have shed a light of hope over the sorrows of the world, and have forever secured the presence of God, who is love, in the darkest hours of distress. Let us carry this reassuring message in our hearts always.

Scripture: Revelation 21:4; John 16:33; Romans 8:18; 1 Peter 5:7; Psalm 34:18

Prayer: Dear Lord, it can be difficult understanding today's stressful world events. Even so, I know that You are in complete control and that You will see us through these troubling times. Amen.

May God always bless you,

Judith

Scripture Study with Bibi, Genesis 16:1-16

"Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God."  - Corrie Ten Boom

What happens when we have a lapse of trust in God? Being human, and subject to the limitations/ conditions of being such, can provide many opportunities for shortcomings and vulnerabilities to manifest themselves.

As we shall see, our flaws can and do work against us in our relationship with God. Learning to trust God's word and wait for it can be problematic for some. This trust, however, is a crucial component in the growth and maturity of any serious believer.

It can often be hard to wait, after all, waiting is ingrained in our everyday lives. However, as it relates to God, many just don't understand how it works. It is entirely different than waiting for a traffic light to change, the coffee to be brewed, or sitting in the doctor's office.

As I mentioned earlier, waiting for God, trusting in His word, is something that is learned. There is no other way. All believers experience this, and though it can be hard to comprehend, we gradually learn that God takes his own time to bless us. He will not be rushed!

This week's study will illustrate this point. If you've followed us the past few weeks, Abram has pretty much been the focus of our studies. In Genesis 16, we bring his wife Sarai back into the picture and introduce two new individuals: Hagar and Ishmael.

The LORD had promised Abram a succeeding heir in Genesis 15:4. By the time our story opens it still had not been fulfilled, even after the covenant had been made (Genesis 15:18). Meanwhile, his wife Sarai grew ever more impatient, and this is where we shall begin.

Before we start, I always encourage everyone to read the material prior to completing the exercises. It always helps to be familiar about our topic of discussion. In addition, it will make your time in study more enjoyable and rewarding!

Let's begin with prayer: Dear LORD, as we meet together to learn, grow, and change in study, help us move into a deeper understanding of Your truth. Amen.

Now this week's study:

None of us are immune to stumbling in our faith. As we shall see, it's fairly easy to set out trusting in God, but the real test comes in sustaining it.

1.) We learned that Sarai was barren in Genesis 11:30. Now, ten years after their arrival in Canaan, the probability of providing an heir to Abram was fading away, Sarai decided to take action on her own. Who was the subject of her decision? What did Sarai do? (Genesis 16:1-2)

2.) A major theme in Genesis is the pursuit of generating descendants. When Sarai found out she was infertile it caused her great distress. In those days, it could even be a cause of divorce. Needless to say, Sarai was desperate to provide a child for her husband. What did she do, and what was the outcome? (Genesis 16:3-4)

3.) Ideas conceived in haste almost always turnout badly, and this one was no exception. After Sarai's maid Hagar had conceived a child with her husband everything changed. What feelings did Sarai experience, and how did she express them? (Genesis 16:5)

4.) With the relationship between Sarai and her maid Hagar now soured, Sarai turned her anger toward Abram, unfairly blaming him for the situation. Abram reminded her of something that she hadn't thought of in her anger. What was it, and how was it used? How did this then affect Hagar? (Genesis 16:6)

5.) We have seen what can happen when we get tired of waiting patiently for God to act, and try to take matters into our own hands. After fleeing from Sarai's anger, Hagar was headed back to Egypt when she stopped to rest at a desert spring on the way to Shur (just outside the eastern border of Egypt). Who did she encounter there? What questions was she asked? What was she told to do? (Genesis 16:7-9)

6.) Hagar was then given a promise in order to encourage her. What was it? (Genesis 16:10)

7.) In addition, Hagar was told some very special news. Who shared this report with her? What were the specifics of it? (Genesis 16:11-12)

8.) It was very likely that the Egyptian maid Hagar had come to believe in the LORD of Abram and Sarai. So, she probably was aware that no one had ever seen God and lived to tell about it. Yet, after the incident at the spring it dawned on her what had occurred. What was it that Hagar had received? In order to show her gratitude, what did she do? What did Hagar ask in order to verify all that had happened? (Genesis 16:13)

9.) In order to commemorate the blessed event at the desert spring's well, Hagar did something special. What did she do? What did it signify? (Genesis 16:14)

10.) Something happened upon Hagar's return to Abram's household. What was it? How did Abram react? How old was Abram when this event occurred? (Genesis 16:15-16)

This conclude this week's Bible study. Next time we will dive into the first half of Genesis 17, which includes: God's revelation to Abram, Abram's name change, the renewal of the covenant between God and Abram, and the establishment of the circumcision.

Until then, have a blessed and safe weekend!

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5; Isaiah 12:2; Romans 8:28; Exodus 14:14; Hebrews 11:6

Prayer: Dear LORD, strengthen me with the hope of my salvation and the many other blessings You provide with Your presence in my life. Amen.

May you be generously blessed!

Bibi

Video - J. I. Packer: Taking God Seriously

"Faith is the basis of Christian life, but the problem nowadays is that people don't know what faith is." So opens this brief video discussion by theologian J.I. Packer on the topic of: taking God seriously. 

It is vital that believers keep their faith strong during times of uncertainty, such as these. And the foundation of an unwavering faith is knowing what you believe in!   ~Eve

We Are Sailing on Troubled Waters

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."  - John 16:33

There's an awful lot going on in the world right now. Along with all of the usual problems (war, political unrest, natural disasters, etc.) a newly, declared pandemic caused by Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has now been added to the list.

Understandably, everyone is uncertain, confused, and afraid. These feelings are quite appropriate, as we are definitely in a crisis mode. But life on earth is like that, we can never completely rest while living here.

Long ago, on board a boat on the inland sea of Galilee, Jesus' and the disciples faced a real crisis, as well: a terrible storm. The fear and crying out that came from the twelve demonstrated that even they (who knew Jesus personally) were not exempt from difficulties (Matthew 8:26).

Using this example, let's imagine that sea is a picture of this world. And everyone who is afloat on it represents the voyage of life. The storm symbolizes the adversities and troubles we often run into during this voyage.

Thus, it appears at first that following Christ can sometimes lead you into some trying scenes. After all, he boarded the boat taking His disciples with Him right into the storm. But remember, Christianity doesn't exempt any from trials in this world (1 Peter 4:12).

Certainly, following Jesus may save one from many sorrows, however it can also lead to troubles. This was quite true of the first Christians. Earthly life is like that Tiberian lake, sometimes calm and beautiful, but can get downright mean and nasty, too (James 1:2).

Still, our way lies through that lake. The Savior himself said, " In this world you will have trouble;" and that's been true throughout history. If anyone expects to reach the joyous shore without meeting up with various storms and troubles, they will be sorely disappointed (John 16:33).

A great and miraculous calm was eventually produced by Christ for the weary and despairing disciples when they turned to Him in their time of need (Matthew 8:26). What He did for them on Galilee He will do in His own good time for all who turn to, and trust, in Him.

What I just mentioned prophesies the ultimate outcome of the work of Christ. One word says it all; and that word is "peace." To all fearful and distressed believers, Peace. To distressed and troubled nature, Peace. To growing and suffering creation, Peace.

Yes, we are presently sailing stormy seas. No one seems to be sure of anything, and our fears are mounting. But this too will pass. It is of the utmost importance that we have Jesus with us on our voyage over these troubled waters (Psalm 34:17-18).

Without Him no ship can endure the storms, or bring us safely across to the other shore. We might think we can make it on our own strength and wisdom; but we'll quickly find out just  how helpless we are against absolute despair without Him (Mark 5:36).

Therefore, we shouldn't think of it as strange when raging trials come, as though they were something out of the ordinary. Instead, we should look upon them as from God, meant to try, purify, develop, bless, and perfect us in the His likeness.

Scripture: Philippians 4:6; 1 Peter 5:7; Psalm 4:8; Romans 12:12; Psalm 34:19

Prayer: Dear Jesus, You are my lifeline to peace and calm in these troubling and uncertain times. And should I find myself floundering, You're always there to give me the strength and support I need. Amen.

May God always bless you,

Judith