Video Lesson | Satan Wants You, But God Won't Let You Go - Sifting Season - Part 2 of 2 | Beth Moore

In this second of a two-part teaching series, “Sifting Season,” Beth Moore remarks, "Why did God choose Peter to be sifted and not Judas? We'll open up the Scriptures and understand the vast difference between these two men. And if we'll let him, God will bring success from our failure. Peter is living proof!"

The enemy still wants the saints, he still is looking to pick off the followers of Jesus. Particularly, those that have enough faith to sit at the table with Him, to dine with him, to want to be close to him. The enemy will do anything he can to pick us off.

   

© Living Proof Ministries with Beth Moore

Scriptural References: Luke 16:9, 22:31-32, 60-62; John 11:25, 12:4-6, 21:15-17; Romans 8:34; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8; 1 John 2:19; Hebrews 7:25; 

It's a powerful thing to know that if we can walk from Jesus for good, we have never known Him as Our Savior; we have never known Him as LORD. Something for all of us to consider!

May the Divine Grace Be with You,

~Eve

God's Refining Tests of Faith

"God doesn't test us because He doesn't know how strong we are. Instead, He tests us because we don't know how strong we are -- and we'll only realize it when times of testing come."  - Billy Graham, American evangelist (1918-2018)

Do you remember those "pop" quizzes in school? The teacher would subtly remind us beforehand that one could be given at any time. We never knew when there might be one, so we always had to be prepared.

God sometimes tests our faith, as well. You know the feeling. Everything seems to be going smoothly and on course in your life. Then suddenly, out of nowhere, it seems to all go wrong! "What did I do or didn't do to deserve this?"

The aim of these "tests of faith," however, are not to punish or pass sentence on us, but rather to enhance and develop our faith. As a result of God's tests, our true strengths and weaknesses are disclosed and unveiled (1 Peter 5:10).

God uses them to bolster our character and deepen our relationship with Him. When these tests are presented to us, in the form of trials or challenges, they not only expose flaws in our faith, but give us a chance to flourish and persist (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Saint Augustine of Hippo beautifully summarized it this way, "Trials come to prove and improve us." Think of being tested as similar to the refinement of precious metals in a furnace. 

There, our impurities are eliminated, leaving us purer and more desirable. This also helps us to grow spiritually, and cultivate our character, making us a more mature and consummate believer (James 1:12).

The results of these tests of faith can vary between individuals. Some may come away with a renewed strength in their faith, while others may stumble. Even so, God will not turn away from you. He will help you persevere and not quit (Joshua 1:9).

There are many examples in the Bible of people who were tested. For instance, Abraham was asked to sacrifice his son Isaac (Genesis 22), and Job who experienced immense suffering. 

He already knows the outcome of these tests, and is not doing this out of curiosity or to see if we fail. Testing can reveal whether we truly trust in God's promises or not and are willing to follow His commands, even when it might be hard to carry them out. 

The testing of our faith can be manifested in many different ways, of which some might be:

• Feeling confused, stressed out, having a sense of not being good enough, being irritated or uninspired;
• They may also involve unusual delays, being confronted with situations that appear difficult or impossible to resolve or accomplish;
• Facing adversity and hardship, feeling enticed to compromise, even experiencing silence from God.

In the end, God's tests are intended to increase our strength and character. They make manifest what we are made of, and are never designed to inflict harm on us. Faith is about trusting in God even when we don't fully understand His intentions.

Scripture: Deuteronomy 8:2; Psalm 37:5; Luke 1:37; James 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Prayer: "Dear Lord,  I turn to You for strength and comfort when facing trials. Help me to trust in Your plan, even when I don't understand. Give me patience and peace, and guide me through difficult times. In Your name, Amen."

May God richly bless you,

~Eve

Weekend Message | Ann Voskamp: How God's Love Can Heal Your Hurts & Trauma | Loved to Life | Sheila Walsh on TBN

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 week we present a full episode of Sheila Walsh on TBN, featuring Bible teacher, author, and television host Sheila Walsh and Canadian author, blogger, and memoirist on themes of Christian women's spirituality, Ann Voskamp. 

© Sheila Walsh on TBN

In this video presentation, both passionate ladies sit down to discuss how God's unconditional love can transform your life through the healing of your hurts and trauma. As Sheila Walsh comments, "When Christ shines light into the darkest places, it shifts everything."

May God richly bless you,

~Eve

Trusting in God's Faithfulness

"God writes with a pen that never blots, speaks with a tongue that never slips, acts with a hand that never fails."   - C.H. Spurgeon, English Particular Baptist Preacher (1834-1892)

Few things in life are totally trustworthy. And while they might be reliable most of the time, there is no guarantee that this will always be the case. It's safe to say that we take a chance in trusting them.

There is truly only one Whom we can trust wholly and confidently at all times. By trusting in God's faithfulness we have been granted confidence that He will support His promises, and act accordingly in any situation (1 Peter 4:19).

Looking at this in a biblical context, "trust" is defined as an unwavering belief in the dependability, certainty, capability, or power of someone or something, explicitly God (Psalm 33:4).

This firm belief, however, is not just a feeling. It is a conscious decision we make to rely on His character, assurances, and direction even when our world seems like it is spinning out of control.  

To say that we honestly trust in God entails truly believing that He is trustworthy and will make good on His promises through hardship and/or uncertainty (Deuteronomy 31:6). This can only come by our knowing His nature, Word, and commitment. 

Scripture provides many instances of God's reliability in fulfilling promises and caring for His people, even as they demonstrate unfaithfulness towards Him (i.e., Abraham and Sarah, His covenant with the Israelites, and promises made to David).

God's faithfulness is the cornerstone faith, establishing that His Word and promises are indeed reliable and trustworthy. It's also an essential quality that makes God an incorruptible source of comfort and hope, and a dependable source of love and grace who is worthy of our trust and devotion.

Scripture: Psalm 36:5; Lamentations 3:32-33; Philippians 4:19; 2 Timothy 2:13; 1 John 1:9

Prayer: "Dear Lord, help me to trust You fully, especially in times of uncertainty and doubt. Provide me with strength to stay true to Your path, even when it seems difficult or unclear. In Your Name. Amen."

May God richly bless you always,

Leia

Video Lesson | Satan Wants You, But God Won't Let You Go - Sifting Season - Part 1 of 2 | Beth Moore

What Satan intends for evil, God can use for good. This happened to Peter at the crucifixion—Satan “demanded” that he be allowed to sift the apostles like wheat. But Jesus prayed for Peter, that he would return to his faith. And boy, did Peter need some sifting!

© Living Proof Ministries with Beth Moore

Join us for this first of a two-part teaching series, “Sifting Season” by Beth Moore and learn about how Peter was sifted like wheat during the lead-up to the crucifixion, what it did for his faith, and how we can view the trials and sifting seasons of our own lives.

Scriptural References: Luke 22: 31-34; Ephesians 6:13

Enjoy!

~Eve

Through His Suffering, Our Salvation

"God had one son on earth without sin, but never one without suffering."  - St. Augustine of Hippo, theologian and philosopher (354-430 A.D.)

To quote the late American pastor Timothy Keller, "Suffering is actually at the heart of the Christian story." Having just observed Holy Week, we can see how especially impactful this statement truly is.

It's no secret that following Jesus Christ is not exactly a cakewalk. Broadly speaking, many good people have suffered and died because of their faith in Him. Jesus Himself suffered and died on behalf of our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3).

Our decision to follow the Lord Jesus Christ creates friction with the world (Galatians 1:10). In closely observing the teachings of the Bible, we position ourselves for non-acceptance, ridicule, isolation, even treachery (Matthew 5:10; John 15:18).

According to scripture, Jesus experienced suffering in many ways, both physically and emotionally. Apart from this, he also suffered spiritually, including being separated from His Father (Isaiah 53:4; Matthew 27:46; 1 Peter 2:23).

Many ask, "Why did Jesus have to suffer so horribly?" First, He didn't have to do anything! It was His choice and mission to do so (John 10:17-18). As far as the incredible suffering that Jesus endured, it was our collective sins that caused it. 

This, even more so than the beatings, whipping, and nails that were driven into His hands and feet on the cross. Jesus suffered and was sacrificed on our behalf so that we could have life. Suffering is an element of sacrifice, and Jesus was "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29).

Jesus’ physical torture was part of the necessary payment for our sins. We are redeemed or rescued from the bondage of sin through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:19). This important takeaway cannot be stressed enough!

His suffering on the cross revealed the disastrous nature of sin, God's anger, the savagery of humanity, and the detestation (hatred) of Satan. It was on a skull-shaped hill (Golgotha) in Jerusalem that humanity was enabled to do its worst to Jesus.

Satan probably began to celebrate a perceived victory over the Son of Man. But it was not to be! By way of the cross that was intended to execute and destroy, God subdued sin, death, and Satan (John 12:31; cf. Colossians 2:15). His suffering and death ensured salvation for all who would believe.

Scripture: Psalm 119:50; Matthew 10:39; Romans 8:18; Philippians 1:29 ; 1 Peter 4:1 

Prayer: "Dear Lord, in times of trial, I ask for Your strength. Lift me up when I am weak, and carry me through the dismal and somber moments, Amen."

In Christ's Love,

Alissa

Easter Message | Contemplating Easter Sunday | Beth Moore

Welcome to the Weekend Message! 

As always, it's our 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.

In commemoration of the Holy Week, we are delighted to present a special Easter Sunday video message from Bible teacher, author, and speaker Beth Moore. 

© Living Proof Ministries with Beth Moore

You're probably already familiar with the events that occurred on Easter morning. Mary discovered an empty tomb, and not too long after, meets the risen Jesus. But sometimes, a familiar story can take on brand new meaning when we hear it in a different way. 

Join in as Beth Moore delves into the interaction that took place between Mary and Jesus in this brief but powerful Easter Sunday message. I encourage you to follow along as Beth refers to John 20 as the the basis of her message.

May your Easter be filled with joy and love,

~Eve