Don't Miss Your Motivational Memo....

Starting on January 7, 2013, the first issue of our monthly Motivational Memo will be published! It's designed to encourage and challenge you to reach the goals you have, discover the dream God has for you and to finally fulfill His purposes! Don't have any goals yet? Not sure what God's dream is? Still wondering about God's purpose? Don't worry - we'll help you with that. Remember, it's never too late and you're never too old to be and do what you were created for!

I'd love for you to share with me what area of your life you need the most motivation in order to be successful. Is it in the area of your faith? Your family? Your finances? Your fitness? Your friendships? Your Fun (or lack of it?) This will help me know what information you will benefit from most! Just leave a comment below.

Each month you can tell us how you're doing with the coaching challenge - right here on this page. It will keep you accountable to your comittment as well as encourage others! I look forward to seeing the progress you'll be making!

Would you like to receive the Motivational Memo directly to your inbox? Just sign up here!

Tonia

Is Your Mind Right?

Sometimes in our prayers we are "me" centered and see God as a genie to be conjured up to fulfill our every wish. Then when we don't get what we want we think He doesn't hear, doesn't care or maybe doesn't exist.
James says, "You do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures." (James 4:3) Selfishness is at the root of many unanswered prayers.

The first petition in the Lord's Prayer is "Hallowed be Your name;" the second, "Your Kingdom come;" and the third, "Your will be done." (Matt. 6:9-10). Note, our first concern in prayer should be what God wants, not what we want. The purpose of prayer is not to conform God to our will, but to conform us to His!

Here are some suggestions for praying with the right mindset:

1) Ask God to slay your sinful nature. As new creatures in Christ we wrestle daily with our old nature. And as long as that nature has the upper hand, our prayers will be hindered.

2) Ask Him to cleanse you with His blood. You can't come to God's presence tainted by sin; (Psalm 66:18) you must confess it and ask Him to forgive you (I John 1:9).

3) Ask Him to fill you with the Holy Spirit. The indwelling of God's Spirit enables you to overcome temptation and live according to His will.

4) Ask Him to guard and guide your steps. God's plan for our lives is always better than anything we could ever devise. (Ephesians 3:20).

5) Ask Him to use you for His glory. Make yourself available as a servant with a willing heart to do whatever He asks.

Bottom line: when you pray with the right mindset you'll get answers you never imagined possible!

*from The Word for You Today Daily Devotional
August, 28, 2012

A BIG Question Often Asked...

How does God speak through the Holy Spirit? What happens if I don't hear and obey? The Bible explains that rejecting the words of the Holy Spirit has consequences. Are you willing to face those?

The following are ways you can be disobedient to what God tells you by His Spirit:

1) Resisting the Holy Spirit. At times, the word may come as a challenge to confront something in your life. It may be a reminder of how you have been wrong in your dealings with others. At times, He will give you clear direction as to what you should do in order to avoid trouble. Proverbs 16:25 reminds us, "There is a way that seems right to man, but in the end it leads to death."  The choice is yours. Resisting God's word is willful disobedience.

2) Grieving the Holy Spirit. In Ephesians 4:30, Paul simply states, "Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God." Resisting the Spirit focuses on our disobedience; Grieving the Spirit focuses on the results of our disobedience. Every time you willingly sin, God views it as a rejection of Himself. How does that make you feel? It should cause us to be heartbroken over our sin, for we realize that we have not just broken a rule, we have grieved the Holy Spirit.

3) Quenching the Holy Spirit. "Do not quench the Spirit." (I Thess. 5:19) The word quench means to" put an end to, stop, put out. When we allow unconfessed sin to fill us, the Spirit's work is quenched. We cannot be filled with the Spirit and filled with sin at the same time. When you find the Spirit's activity and words to you becoming increasingly rare, you need to examine the condition of your heart.

A BIG question often asked: "What about blaspheming the Holy Spirit? What does that really mean and am I capable of doing it? " The following is taken from the study, When God Speaks by Henry & Richard Blackaby.

"At times people fear thay are not experiencing God speaking to them because they have inadvertantly blashphemend the Holy Spirit. Matthew 12:31-32 tells us, 'And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.'

The Spirit of God had worked mightily to heal a man who was demon-possessed. This was an occasion for the Spirit of God to reveal to the people watching who Jesus was.

However, instead of recognizing and accepting the word from God, the Pharisees declared that Jesus had healed by the power of Satan. This was not an insult to Jesus but to the Spirit of God. They were refusing to accept the testimony from God as valild.

Jesus warned that to reject and scorn the person and work of the Spirit of God could never be forgiven. This is not something a Christian can do. To become a genuine Believer, you must first acknowledge the absolute lordship of God over your life.

To reject a word openly, repeatedly and defiantly from God indicates you have not submitted yourself to Christ's lordship. If you are truly a Christian, you will not have blasphemed the Holy Spirit. However, if you are not experiencing God as you think you could, check to see if you have not resisted, grieved or quenched the Holy Spirit."

You Need a "Word"....

It's not a matter of IF God speaks, it's more, do we hear Him when He does? As we begin our new, 6-week series, When God Speaks: How to Recognize God's Voice and Respond in Obedience by Henry and Richard Blackaby, we'll discover that God indeed is always speaking and we need to be always listening.

It almost seems like listening well is a learned behavior. It requires a concentrated effort on our part. It sometimes requires our undivided attention and most of all, it takes a willingness to want to hear! Do you really want to hear God speak or are you afraid of what He may have to say to you?

Today, I want to share my devotion from The Word for You Today "A 'word' from God can bring you the solution you need. God created the world with a word, so imagine what a word from Him could do for your situation. The Bible says,"Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying 'This is the way, walk in it. Whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left.'

Notice the words, 'Your ears shall hear a word.' But if your spiritual ears are not open, trained and attuned to God, you won't hear what He is saying to you. Furthermore, if you filter what He's saying through human intellect in order to harmonize it with your own opinions, you will get nowhere. God gives a 'word' to those who have an open ear and an open heart!

When you pray, what are you looking for? A spiritual high, or a time of intimacy with God in which He speaks and you listen? When you read your Bible, are you seeking confirmation of your own thoughts or are you seeking God's will? Imagine what one of God's ideas could do for your life!

If you dream of doing great things in life, get to know God and His voice. He will reveal Himself to you through His Word. You'll hear a lot of different ideas each day; some will benefit you, others won't. But when you get a 'word' from God, it's like a seed; it has the potential to produce a tree; or better yet, a whole orchid of fruit!"

RESOURCE: Here's a great video/lesson from Charles Stanley: Listening to God - Walking with God

SHARE: As God did in the Old Testament, He continues to speak in a variety of ways. In what ways do you hear His still, small voice? (worship service, Christian books, prayer, while walking, Chrisitan films and conferences, music, nature, tragedy, world events, Bible studies, meditation on Scripture, etc.)

Can God Be Trusted?

Have you ever been at a crossroad - not sure which way to go? Is it all a matter of chance? Do all paths lead to the same place? As we come to the end of our study on trusting God, we see the promise from Proverbs 3:6b - "He will direct our paths."

Can God really be trusted to have our best interest in mind?  Is there anything required on our part? In fact, yes there is. We see in the first part of Proverbs 3:5, we are commanded to 1) Trust God with all our heart. 2) Don't lean on our own understanding of God and situations and 3) Acknowledge and consult with God about everything, THEN He will direct and make our paths straight.

In order for us to know the paths God wants us to follow, we have to be willing to:

1) Be Taught - David asks God to "Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths." (Psalm 25:4)Isaiah 2:3 says "...He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths." God will make His paths known to us, we just need to ask and be willing to be taught. Are you teachable?

2) Be Lead - God wants to lead us and He needs us to be willing to follow Him. "I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths" (Prov. 4:11).  Do you trust God to lead you along the best pathway for your life? Are you leadable?

3) Be Guided - Isaiah 42:16a tells us that God "will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them..."  That's where our faith and trust in God comes into play. Our entire life is a "blind and unfamiliar path" and we are in need of a guide. Are you guidable?

David gives us a perfect example of God's trustworthiness when we dedicate ourselves to being taught, lead and guided by Him. "You (God) have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand" (Psalm 16:11).

God can be trusted. God wants us to lean on Him when things don't make sense. God deserves to be acknowledged in all our ways and God desires to lead us along straight paths...paths that take us where He wants us to go! Are you willing to be taught, lead and guided?

Are You Trustworthy?

Can you be trusted with a secret? Are you reliable? Are you willing to complete something you promised you'd do? Week 3's verse - "In all your ways, acknowledge Him..." we see the importance of recognizing God in everything we do in order to fully trust Him.

But what about God's trust for us? Are we trustworthy when it comes to what He's given to us? We never really own anything, it's just a loan. It was God's property before we arrived and He'll lend it to someone else after we're gone.

Our selfish culture says, "If I don't own it, why should I take care of it?" Those who understand God's will and ways live by a higher standard. Because God owns it, we should take even better care of it. God's Word tells us in I Cor. 4:2, "Those who are trusted with something valuable must show they are worthy of that trust."

When we make the most of what God has given us, He promises three rewards: (Matt. 25:21)

1) Commendation - "Well done, good and faithful (and trustworthy) servant."

2) Promotion - "I will put you in charge of many things."

3) Celebration - "Come and share in your master's happiness."

How well are you using what God has loaned you? What about your time - are you using it wisely? What about your talent - are you using it to bring glory to God? What about your treasure - are you using it to benefit others?

There is a direct correlation between how you use your time, talent and treasure and the quality of your life. So the question is: could the way you're handling them be preventing God from trusting you with more blessings?

Worry or Concern ~ Is There a Difference?

What are you depending on to give you direction? Who are you seeking wisdom from? Where is your own understanding leading you? Week 2 of our In God We Trust...Or Do We? study looks at "leaning on our own understanding."  I find that when I try to figure everything out (even God), it can lead me to places I know God doesn't want me to go...how about you?

Worry is one of the by-products of trying to lean on or depend on what we know and understand. When our knowledge of a situation or the future is limited, we feel the need to worry in hopes that we'll gain more insight! Jesus specifically tells us in Matthew 6:25 not to worry about anything in our life; He's got it all under control. He then goes on to ask in v. 27, "Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"

Sometimes in our attempt to not let anyone know that we worry (i.e. disobey God), we disguise it by saying that we're "concerned" about someone or something. Is there a difference between worry and concern? Yes there is! Worry has no benefits whatsoever. Whereas, concern can be very beneficial...Let's look at a few:

Worry immobilzes us emotionally and often, physically.
Concern causes us to take action.

Worry focuses on self and its' fears and anxieties.
Concern focuses on others and their needs.

Worry has a negative effect on our health.
Concern produces a positive effect on our well-being.

Worry ignores relationships by withdrawing from others.
Concern ignites relationships by reaching out to others.

Worry stifles productivity.
Concern stimulates productive action.

Worry is self-serving.
Concern is others serving.

Worry takes our control.
Concern gives control to God.

What are you spending your time and energy on - worry or concern? You can worry or you can trust God; you can't do BOTH!  What's your choice today? The next time you sense the need to worry, ask yourself - "Who am I trusting in? Myself and my limited understanding or God and His infinite understanding?"

COMMENT: Share with us what you have learned about the effects of worry in your own life.

In God We Trust...Or Do We?

We say we trust God, but do our actions show it? We want to trust God with every area of our lives, but what keeps us from actually doing it? Trusting someone we can't see can be a challenge. Trusting in something we can't touch or feel is difficult. But are those good enough reasons not to do it?

I recently took a survey where I asked women to tell me in what area of your life do you struggle most with trusting God? Their responses were not surprising, as they reflect many things I struggle with as well. The results showed that #1was money, followed by future, family, health, relationships and safety. Questioning pain, affliction, misfortune and situations that don't make sense topped the list as well.

What exactly does trust mean? Webster's defines it as: to believe; to have faith in; to have hope in. These are all great things we should be doing and showing God - especially if we say we love and want to obey Him. Our key verses for this study are from Proverbs 3:5-6 - where we're not given a suggestion or helpful hint, but a command! Let's look at part one: Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart (actions).....

What keeps us from trusting (believing, having faith in, having hope in) God with ALL our heart (actions)?

1) Our need to control everything.

In our attempt to try to "fix" other people, situations, circumstances, etc., we are in fact showing God we do not trust Him to fix what needs fixing. (In some cases the person who needs the most fixing is us!) God wants us to live by faith, not head knowledge. In our effort to control everything, we want to know how everything is going to work out - ahead of time. This is not faith. This is not trust. This is not obedience.

2) The choices we make.

In Isaiah 26:3. we're told that God will keep in perfect peace those whose mind is steadfast, because they trust in Him. A steadfast mind is not confused, but confident. It knows the right choices to make. Choices that will please God. Choices that allow our actions to prove our faith in God - regardless if we understand all the facts or not.

3) We put our confidence in the wrong people/places.

Are you putting your trust in the wrong things? Psalm 20:7 says, "Some trust in chariots and horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." We can't say we trust God and at the same time, hold tight to our money and possessions. God can be trusted with all the people and things we value most. We can't trust man to come to our rescue like God can.

Psalm 118:8 is in the exact middle of the Bible. It can be considered the central verse of the entire Word of God. "It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man!" How appropriate!

Here's a great quote to think about - "Don't trust to hold God's hand; let Him hold yours. Let Him do the holding and you do the trusting!"

WHAT DO YOU THINK?  Share with us an area you struggle with when it comes to trusting God. Do you relate with any (or all )of the 3 reasons we looked at?

A Significant Life - What's It Look Like?

We all want to live a life of meaning, purpose and significance, but do we really know what it looks like? As we wrap up our study of John 10:10, Jesus tells us He came to do the total opposite of what the Thief came to do...."I came that you may have life and have it to the full (in abundance, rich, satisfying, overflowing,)".

What does a significant, full, rich, satisfying, abundant life look like? Is it even possible to attain?

1) A life of giving. The Thief came to steal; Jesus came to give. He is our example of a life of giving and serving. Mark 10:45 reminds us that "even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many." Rick Warren, in his book The Purpose Driven Life, clearly states that "Significance comes from serving others." Are you living a life of giving or just receiving?

2) A life of living. The Thief came to kill; Jesus came that we might live. He didn't die to save us from our sins so that we might sit around waiting to get to heaven. He wants us to live while we're here. According to Colossians 1:10-12, He wants us to bear fruit, grow in the knowledge of God, be strong with God's power to endure and joyfully give thanks to the Father. Are you truly living or just counting down the days?

3) A life of winning. The Thief came to destroy; Jesus came to give us the victory. A significant life is not lived in defeat. Jesus knows a victorious life is possible, if we depend on Him and His power. We must recognize who is fighting our battles. "For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory!" (Deut. 20:4) Are you living in victory or content with defeat?

A significant life is possible! It's about giving and serving. It's about living, not just surviving. It's about being victorious. Claim the life Jesus gave for you to live - not the one the Thief wants to destroy!

Victory is Yours...Claim It!!

Victory is yours today...are you claiming it or accepting another day of defeat?  The Father of Lies would love nothing more than to see you continue to be distracted, discouraged and ultimately, destroyed. But we do have hope. There is a way out of the Enemy's trap.

John 1:14 says that Jesus came from the Father, full of grace and truth. If we want to claim the victory, we need to believe the Father of Truth. Here's 3 steps that will get us started. I have to choose to do these every day - how about you?

1) When we are distracted, we must re-focus.
If we've lost our focus on God and have turned it onto ourselves, we must re-focus! In order to claim your victory, ask God to "guide me in your truth and teach me...for my hope is in you all day long." (Ps. 25:5) We have to choose to focus on being guided and taught by God and to focus our hope in Him all day long.

2) When we feel discouraged, we must renew.
If we find ourselves in the Thief's pit of despair, we need to renew: Our mind (Romans 12:2) and not allow ourselves to dwell on our problems. Our commitment (2 Cor. 4:16) and not lose heart. How encouraging to know that our strength is renewed when we hope/wait on the Lord (Isaiah 40:31).

3) When we've been defeated, we must be revived and restored.
When we give up the fight and accept defeat, the Enemy thinks he's won. But we don't have to stay down for the count. God wants to revive and restore us. As the Psalmist said in Psalm 119:25, "I lie in dust (despair, defeat, depression); revive me by your word."  Don't stay in the dust - let God lift you up!

The victory is yours today. Are you ready to take these steps and claim it?

Next Week: The Father of Life (John 10:10b)

Father of Lies vs. Father of Truth

Father of Lies vs. Father of Truth  (Part One)

Lately, I've encountered an onslaught of lies. Not lies about my character or myself spread by others. But lies that only I hear within my own head. And the sad thing is, I know I'm not alone. I know others fight this battle every day! Unfortunately, it's not something we like to talk about. We don't want others to know we have weaknesses. Questions. Doubts and fears. But we can igonore them; we must recognize where this lies come from.....

According to John 10:10a, the main goal of the Father of Lies (John 8:42-45) is to steal, kill and destroy. In order to accomplish this goal, the Thief (Satan, Enemy, Devil, Deceiver, Serpent, etc) uses a 3-step process!

1) Steal your focus by getting you distracted from God, His Will and His ways. We allow our mind to be consumed with busyness, lies, selfish ambitions, sin, life's challenges, hurts, disappointments, past failures, etc. If the Father of Lies can get our focus off of God and onto ourselves, Step One has been completed!

2) Kill your dreams by getting you discouraged. Step Two leads us to a place of depression, sadness, worry and anxiety. We start to believe the Thief's lies and doubt God really has a plan and purpose for our lives. We become angry, hopeless and weak. And when dreams die, so does the dreamer.

3) Destroy your life by allowing you to accept defeat. When we see defeat coming, we give up. We quit learning. We stop growing. We seclude ourselves from others and withdraw from living. When we get to this point, Step Three has been accomplished and the Thief's mission has been successful.

Are you believing the lies of the Enemy? Have you allowed the lies he's spreading to distract and discourage you? Do you fear that defeat is close at hand?

Hang on. There is hope! Tomorrow, I'll share the 3-step process we can use to gain our own victory by believing the Father of Truth!

How's Your Love Life? - Week Six

How Do We Love Others?

As we wrap up this six-week series looking at loving God, loving ourselves and loving others, we're at the point where we ask "How do we love others?" Is it really as difficult as it seems? Is it even possible to love everyone? Let's look at 3 simple things we can do in order to fulfill God's greatest commandment.... "to love one another as I have loved you!"

1) Care - Simply showing people that we care about them shows love. Paul tells us in I Corinthians 13:3, "If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it: but if I didn't love (care for) others, I would have gained nothing." Are we walking the talk of love?

2) Bear - Are you willing to love others by bearing their burdens; by taking time to focus on their needs instead of your own? Better yet, what about following Colossians 3:13 - "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Hmmm....

3) Share - We show others our love by sharing our time, talent and treasure with them. Hebrews 13:16 reminds us "...to do good and share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God." Sometimes sharing requires sacrifice on our part, but know that's the kind that makes God smile!

How's Your Love Life? - Week Five

Did you know that 79% of US adults think that Christianity is more about organized religion and a list of rules than it is about loving God and loving others?  How are you showing love for God, yourself and others to 79 out of 100 people today?

WHY do we love others?

1) Because God said so!  The Bible is full of commands, but according to Romans 13:9-10, the law of love fulfills all the other commands. In the book of John, Jesus reminds us that "If you love me, you will obey what I command" (14:15). What is that command? "Love each other as I have loved you" (15:12).

2) So the world will know God's love!  Just before Jesus went to the cross - to show His ultimate love for us - He gave His disciples a new command: "Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men (the world) will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:34-35).  It doesn't get any simpler than that!

3) So that peace prevails!  Proverbs 17:9 tells us that the person who covers over an offense promotes love. Why do we love others? To keep the peace in our lives, in the lives of others and ultimately, in the world.

I ask you again - How is the world seeing your love for God and others today? Are they seeing you follow a "religion"; a set of rules and regulations or are they seeing God's love lived out through you?

How's Your Love Life? - Week Four

How Do We Love Ourselves?

Did you read all the things God loves about you in the photo above? In order to recognize our worth, we have to truly grasp and believe how valuable we are to God!  We are so special to Him, that He sent His Son to die for us - even while we were still sinners....don't forget this important truth!

So how do we love ourselves in a healthy and balanced way?  Three things we must do...

1) We must choose to receive God's love = His gift of salvation
God's gift of eternal life is for everyone - not just those who appear to have it all together. Romans 6:23 reminds us that the wages of sin is eternal death but the gift of God is eternal life! Have you received His gift? If you have questions on how to do this, please don't hesitate to contact me.

2) We must choose to refuse to be deceived into thinking we have to be more or do more to deserve love. The Enemy wants us to think we have to do more good or be more "spiritual" in order for God to love us, in order for us to be worthy of loving ourselves and capable of loving others. Don't fall for his lies - he is the deceiver and father of lies. Ephesians 5:6a reminds us not to be deceived with empty, useless words.

3) We must choose to believe God's Truth.
Scripture is full of the truth of God's love for us and the value that comes from being His workmanship (Eph. 2:10)...we just have to choose to believe His Word or believe the lies of the Enemy. The world is full of ways that get us to focus on how we don't measure up to its standards of looks, money, success, worth, etc. These are traps we must not fall into - instead set your mind and focus on God and His Truth about you.

Action: Receive God's Love......Refuse to be Deceived...and Believe God's truth that you are worth loving!

How's Your Love Life? - Week Three

What Does Loving Yourself Look Like?

Mark 12:31 continues Jesus' greatest commandment with..."Love your neighbor as yourself..." Here you have another example of how we are to love others - the same way you love yourself. But what does loving yourself look like? I can tell you what it's NOT. It's not a self-absorbed, "the world revolves around me" type of attitude. It's not focused only on what you can get from everyone and everything without a thought of giving back and so much more.

This week's lesson looks at the familiar "love chapter" - I Corinthians 13:4-8. These verses are normally noted for the attributes of love we are to show others, but let's turn it around for a minute and look at how they can help us know how to love ourselves in a healthy and balanced way and then we will know how to, in turn, love others.

Take a minute to download the handout and listen to the audio lesson --> here!

Love in Action:: Choose one attribute of love from this lesson and focus on it this week. Search for scriptures related to it, ask God to help you strengthen this area of love for yourself and others and then SHARE it with us here!

How's Your Love Life? - Week Two

We Love God.....

1) With all our heart --> our actions.  One of the ways we show our love for God through our actions is by watching what comes out of our mouths! For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. Matt. 12:34b

2) With all our soul --> our feelings. God wants our love through our actions, but now emotionless actions which can turn into simply going through the motions for the sake of motion. He wants us to do what we do for Him with passion!  But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to obey his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul.  Joshua 22:5

3) With all our mind --> our thoughts. God knows our thoughts (Psalm 94:11) and the motives behind our thoughts. We need to be more than just an intellectual believer - we are commanded to love God with our actions, feelings and thoughts. And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him (action) with wholehearted devotion (feeling) and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts.  I Chronicles 28:9

4) With all our strength --> our entire being. We cannot compartmentalize our love for God - it has to come from everything we are made up of - heart, soul and mind! Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.  Psalm 150:6

"Everything in your Christian life; everything about knowing Him and His will, depends on the quality of your love relationship with God."  ~ Henry Blackaby, Experiencing God

How's Your Love Life? - Week One

Welcome to Week One of our study, How's Your Love Life? Loving God, Yourselves and Others. This study will be recorded live every Tuesday at 7:30p (EST) for the next 5 weeks. Please join us anytime - it's FREE and flexible. You can sign up ------> here!

Before we can love God, ourselves and others, we have to recognize and receive God's love for us. This is something many of us struggle with - comprehending how He can love us the way He does? Let's look at three ways God loves...

God's Love For Us Is....

1) Unconditional = without conditions or limits. God doesn't have a check-list He's using to see if we're ready or deserving of His love. He's not waiting for us all to get our act together before He'll love us. Romans 5:8 tells us that "But God demonstrated/showed His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." 

2) Unending = without end; forever faithful. God loves us with an unfailing love! Psalm 100:5 reminds us "For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." Not only is God's love unending, so is His faithfulness.

3) Unmistakable = cannot be mistaken; a clear example. One of the last commands Jesus left with His disciples is found in John 15:12, "...Love each other as I have loved you." He didn't just leave it at "Love one another." He used himself as a clear, unmistakable example of how to love.

* Application: Have you recognized and received God's love as unconditional or are you still trying to earn His love? Have you recognized and received God's love as unending or are you fearing that He will give up on you? Have you recognized and received God's love as unmistakable or are you wondering if He really does love you?

* Action: Spend time this week reading and meditating on I John 4: 7-21. Underline the words love / loved / loves.

The Spit of the Soldiers

As we prepare to remember the painful death of our Savior and celebrate His triumphant resurrection this week, I want to share a devotion from one of my favorite authors, Max Lucado. Don't miss the another great resource at the end.....

The Spit of the Soliders: The whipping was the first deed of the soldiers.The crucifixion was the third. (No, I didn’t skip the second. We’ll get to that in a moment.) Though his back was ribboned with wounds, the soldiers loaded the crossbeam on Jesus’ shoulders and marched him to the Place of a Skull and executed him.

We don’t fault the soldiers for these two actions. After all, they were just following orders. But what’s hard to understand is what they did in between. Here is Matthew’s description:
Jesus was beaten with whips and handed over to the soldiers to be crucified. The governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the governor’s palace, and they all gathered around him. They took off his clothes and put a red robe on him. Using thorny branches, they made a crown, put it on his head, and put a stick in his right hand. Then the soldiers bowed before Jesus and made fun of him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They spat on Jesus. Then they took his stick and began to beat him on the head. After they finished, the soldiers took off the robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him away to be crucified. (Matt. 27:26–31 NCV)

The soldiers’ assignment was simple: Take the Nazarene to the hill and kill him. But they had another idea. They wanted to have some fun first. Strong, rested, armed soldiers encircled an exhausted, nearly dead, Galilean carpenter and beat up on him. The scourging was commanded. The crucifixion was ordered. But who would draw pleasure out of spitting on a half-dead man?

Spitting isn’t intended to hurt the body—it can’t. Spitting is intended to degrade the soul, and it does. What were the soldiers doing? Were they not elevating themselves at the expense of another? They felt big by making Christ look small.

Allow the spit of the soldiers to symbolize the filth in our hearts. And then observe what Jesus does with our filth. He carries it to the cross.

Through the prophet he said, “I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting” (Isa. 50:6 NIV). Mingled with his blood and sweat was the essence of our sin.

God could have deemed otherwise. In God’s plan, Jesus was offered wine for his throat, so why not a towel for his face? Simon carried the cross of Jesus, but he didn’t mop the cheek of Jesus. Angels were a prayer away. Couldn’t they have taken the spittle away?

They could have, but Jesus never commanded them to. For some reason, the One who chose the nails also chose the saliva. Along with the spear and the sponge of man, he bore the spit of man.

The sinless One took on the face of a sinner so that we sinners could take on the face of a saint.

*Want to read more by Max? Here's a great article entitled - The Passion, The Pain and The Promise. Print it off and read it this week....HAPPY EASTER!!

No More ......

                                   
As we come to the end of our Know the Bible study, we're encouraged once again to see what the future holds for Believers. The book of Revelation is just that - the revealing of who Christ was and is and is to come. He is the righteous Judge who will punish the wicked and the triumphant King who will return to establish His kingdom for all eternity.

One of the privileges of being part of His kingdom is found in Revelation 21:4 - "He (God) will wipe all tears from their eyes, and there will be no more death, suffering, crying or pain. These things of the past are gone forever."

We "hear" God's words of comfort in this devotional from the book Heaven Calling: "Beloved, one day I will gently touch your face and wipe away your tears. Tears you've shed in sorrow over sin. Tears over the pain in your heart from regret. Tears for the loss of loved ones to sickness and death. Tears from the hurt that people inflicted upon you. Tears of frustration and anger.

I know about tears. My Son wept at the grave of His friend, Lazarus and in the garden before His own death. One day tears will be no more. There will be no more reason to cry, for I will remove all of that regret and loss and hurt and frustration and anger.....Gone!  I will replace your sorrows with myself, my love, my presence. I will make all things new." 

As soon as I finish this writing, I will go attend the funeral of a close friend's 6-month old grandson who passed away last Friday. One minute he was sleeping peacefully and the next he was in the arms of Jesus. There will be tears. There will be questions. There will be doubts about God's purpose in all this sadness. No one has the answers - and in times like this, we wish we did.

This song came to mind last night as I was thinking about what to write today and I wanted to share it as an encouragement and a reminder of that day when all tears, questions, fears, and doubts will disappear.

* Lyrics to No More Night :
Words & music by Walt Harrah

The timeless theme, Earth and Heaven will pass away. It’s not a dream, God will make all things new that day. Gone is the curse from which I stumbled and fell. Evil is banished to eternal hell.

No more night. No more pain. No more tears. Never crying again. And praises to the great "I AM." We will live in the light of the risen Lamb.

See all around, now the nations bow down to sing. The only sound is the praises to Christ, our King. Slowly the names from the book are read. I know the King, so there’s no need to dread.

No more night. No more pain. No more tears. Never crying again. And praises to the great "I AM." We will live in the light of the risen Lamb.

See over there, there’s a mansion, oh, that’s prepared just for me, Where I will live with my savior eternally. There will be no more night. No more pain. No more tears. Never crying again. And praises to the great "I AM." We will live in the light of the risen Lamb.

Download the lesson from Revelation

True or False?

Can you identify a fake? Do you know what to look for when it comes to telling the difference between who is lying and who is speaking the truth? In his short letter to the Jewish Christians, Jude wanted to celebrate their shared salvation and belief in Christ, but found it more urgent to warn them about the threat of false teachers invading the church and how they should respond to them.

Jude's warning was not just for the people of his day, it's a warning for us as well. He wants us to be aware of what these false teachers look like, act like and want to see happen. Many of them are looking to turn us away from God's truth and to embrace their false teaching - also known as apostasy. Jude sought to motivate his readers to wake up from their complacency and take action - and it's his call to us as well!

* Who They Are: Jude 4 describes them as "godless men who have secretly slipped in among you." Their goal is to get Christians to believe that they can do whatever they want without fear of God's punishment. They have made God's grace a license for immorality and make light of God's holiness and justice.  Even today, wome Christians minimize the sinfulness of sin, believing how they live has little to do with their faith.

* What They Do: False teachers's attitudes represent a rebellion toward God's truth and a desire to promote themselves and their beliefs. Jude warns that this only will lead to their own corruption and destruction (v.10b). Their attitudes include pride, selfishness, jealousy, greed, lust for power and control and a disregard for God's will.

* What They Are: False teachers promise much but produce little, like rainless clouds and fruitless trees. Verses 14-16 describe them as ungodly in their acts, their ways and with their words. They are grumblers, complainers and faultfinders following their own lusts. They speak evil of anyone who disagrees with them and their "swelling words" boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.

* What We Must Do: The Jewish believers had been warned. They had been told what to look and listen for...and so have we! Jude gives us a plan of action in v. 20-21. 1) Build yourselves up in the faith - know what you believe and why you believe it. 2) Pray consistently in the Spirit of God's will and 3) Keep ourselves in God's love by living close to Him and not listening to false teachers who want to pull us away.

Do these false teachers exist today? Yes! As long as Satan is alive and well, false teachers will threaten the church with error. We must do what we need to do to know the truth! One of the revealing characteristics of a false teacher is his fearless and disrespectful disregard for God's truth and ungodly behavior. They act as if God will not punish them for what they say and do....but the truth is - God always punishes rebellion against Him. Know that genuine servants of God will faithfully point to Christ with their words and actions.

We must be able to tell the difference between true vs. false teaching. As in Jude's day, the false teachers slipped in secretly, not making a big announcement of their arrival, and then slowly started getting people to question God's truth. It's not an option to be complacent. We are to earnestly fight for our faith. You've heard that a frog won't know it's boiling to death when the heat is turned up a little at a time - so we must not let our faith die, one lie at a time.

Knock! Knock! Who's There?

Do you know who's at the door? John warned the believers not to receive false teachers into their homes.  (2 John 10) By doing so, they were approving of what these deceivers were saying and how they were living. (In John's day, these false teachers did not affirm that Jesus actually came in the flesh - that He was only a spirit.) John admonished them to be alert because deceitful people will appear to be saying the right things and will seem sincere and believable. They attract people with their eloquence and likability...so beware!

Do we invite false teachers into our homes today? We may physically allow people of other religions in, in hopes of "converting" them, but we must be careful that we are strong in what we believe and why before we do.  Aside from this, most times, we don't invite deceivers in intentionally. Remember though, they are deceitful. They are doing the work of the enemy and his main weapons are distraction and disillusion. We too must be alert and aware of what/who we are allowing into our homes. One of the easiest ways for deceivers to enter is through our eyes.

What we watch and/or allow to be watched on television is an easy way for deceivers to enter our homes. Are we distracted with false teachers preaching a false "gospel"  even though it sounds alot like what we believe? Are we allowing our children, and even ourselves, to be drawn into the disillusion that success and fame - the Hollywood lifestyle - regardless of its cost, is what they should be dreaming of and pursuing? Soon, the things we watch and the people we admire become idols we can't live without.

What about books and magazines? Are we distracted by the flash and fashion, promises and potions, gossip and glamor that we are disillusioned into believing that everything we read is true? Or are we strong enough in the real Truth, that we can tell the difference? Do our teen age girls (and boys) know the people on the covers of magazines are not "real"? Yet sadly, they are deceived and disillusioned into thinking they must look like them in order to be accepted and loved.

What about computers/phones? The false teachers we allow into our homes through the computer/phone screens are just as deceiving, but easier to hide. We spend more time looking at these screens then we do anything else it seems! We allow them to distract us from the actual people and "real friends" around us. Some become disillusioned and struggle identifying what is real and what is virtual reality. We no longer use the phone to talk to people and the social skills of our children are becoming non-existent.

So do we know who's at our door begging to be let into our home? Are we leaving our doors unlocked and allowing anyone and anything to come in and make themselves comfortable? Have the deceivers become a part of the family that we can't imagine life without them?

We must be aware and alert  - as Peter warns us - because our enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour (I Peter 5:8). He wants to devour our faith, our family and our future. Do not give him a foothold into your home or a place to settle! (Ephesians  4:27)

Download this week's lesson from 2 & 3 John

It's Spring Cleaning Day!

Is it cleaning day for you today? Are there some things in your own life (attitudes, actions, affiliations) that  need to be removed? Can you see where these things are interferring with your fellowship with God?

John, the only remaining original disciple of Jesus, reminds his readers in I John, about the importance of walking in the light (with God), the benefits of fellowship and the need for cleansing of sin.

In I John 1:7, John writes, "If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin." This verse gives us three ways to stay clean in a spiritually polluted world:

1) By walking in the light. This means striving to be so honest before God and man that you wouldn't be embarassed or ashamed to have anyone read in tomorrow's newspaper , what you did today! Walking in the light means following what is good, pure, holy, right and true = folllowing God! Who or what are you following today? Is it leading you to closer fellowship with God or in the opposite direction?

2) By being accountable. To grow strong in an area of weakness, sometimes you need someone mature enough to deserve your confidence, gracious enough to put up with your inconsistencies and honest enough to confront you. Above all, they should be commited to you  in love. Who we fellowship with should make our walk with God stronger. Do you have such a person in your life? Are you this person for someone else?


3) By dealing with your sin right away. The moment that you recognize you have sinned, should be the moment that leads you to confession. You must believe that Christ's blood cleanses us from all sin and that according to I John 1:9 - "If we confess our sins, He (God) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrightesousness." Confess today - then get up and continue your walk with God.
 
If there's something rotten in your refrigerator you know it every time you open the door. You may not know exactly where it is, but the smell tells you it's in there. Our lives are like that. If there's something wrong within us, those we come into contact with are going to sense it. It gives off an "odor" that's detectable. That's why we must continually open ourselves to God and allow His Spirit to cleanse our hearts and remove whatever is hindering our walk with Him.
 
What are you going to clean out of your heart and life today? An action that you'd be ashamed of if it were on the front page of the paper? A weakness that continues to overtake your best intentions to change because you are trying to do it all on your own? Unconfessed sin that will continue to rot and cause others to sense somthing is wrong, even if you're doing your best to cover it up?
 
Make today a cleaning day that will leave you not only clean on the inside but shining bright on the outside :)
 
Download this week's lesson from I John

What's Your Reason?

Mixed with encouragement and inspiration, Peter firmly instructs the suffering Jewish Christians to always be prepared to give a reason for their hope. These new believers were experiencing severe persecution, testing and trials for their new faith in Christ. Their lives were being watched by unbelieving neighbors, family and friends, employers, etc and they needed to be ready to answer the question, "What is it that you believe that gives you such hope amidst your suffering?"

We have no idea the extent of pain and suffering these Jewish Christians endured. We will never know what they gave up in order to follow Christ. Our suffering may not compare to theirs, but we are still required to be prepared when people ask us for the reason for the hope we have.  What's your reason?

"...Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." (I Peter 3:15)  Let's break down this verse:

1) Always be prepared to give an answer ....
This is not an option; this is a command. God expects it from us. It doesn't mean that we have to have all the answers to deep, theological questions, but we do have to be prepared to give an answer. Not a "Just because" or "I'm not sure" answer, but one that's sincere; a true testimony of your relationship with God.

2) ...to everyone who asks you....
It doesn't say, "in case anyone ever asks you" or only to people who understand where you're coming from (i.e. fellow believers, etc.). We are to be prepared to answer anyone and everyone - regardless of who they are and what they believe or don't believe. If they are asking, they are looking for an answer!

3) ....to give the reason for the hope that you have.
You know you have hope...in your salvation, in Christ, in your future, etc., but can you explain it so others will understand it? You may be going through a trial and people are noticing how you're handling it and they are asking about your hope - what do you say? 

In order to know the reason, we have to understand it ourselves! We need to understand God, His Word and what He wants to do for others. We need to understand our own, personal relationship with God and be able to explain how our life has changed because of it. We need to understand other people and recognize that when they ask, and they will, they are searching for something. They want and need the same hope you have and if we're not ready to give them a reason, they will move on to someone and/or something else.

4) But do this with gentleness and respect.
Responding with gentleness means not getting in their face when they ask, condemning them of their unbelief, etc. Nor do we  brush someone off by saying, "Oh, you wouldn't understand" or "I don't know how to explain it to you." - this is disrespect and will be interpreted as such immediately!

Do you know the reason for your hope and are you ready to share it when, not if, someone asks? Being prepared with your answer takes an effort on your part and the enemy will do all he can to distract you from completing it. Don't give him another victory today.

Take time to write out your response in your own words, recalling personal experiences where God has been and continue to be your comfort, support, strength.....your hope!

Is Your Faith Starving?

Do you realize that our faith needs to be fed just like our physical body?  Do you recognize that God allows things in our life to help us grow in our faith? Is God trying to strengthen your faith and you're not paying attention?

Just as Hebrews taught us what faith is - being sure that God is who He says He is and certain that He will do what He promises to do, the book of James instructs us on what we are to do with this faith. James 2:17 states that "...faith by itself, if not accompanied by action/works, is dead/useless." In other words, if we are not feeding our faith with action, deeds and good works, than our faith will dry up and become useless. Know that we cannot earn our salvation by serving and obeying God. But such actions show that our commitment to God is real. Deeds of loving service are not a substitute for, but rather a verification of our faith in Christ.

In addition to our good works, how is our faith fed? James shows us several ways that our faith is developed and strengthened.

1) Through trials. James 1: 3 tells us - "...you know that the testing of your faith develops patience / perseverance."  James doesn't say if we face trials, but when we face trials. We have to recognize that trials or testings in our life are God's way of developing our faith. We must turn hardships into times of learning. Tough times teach us perseverance!! What are you being taught today? How is your faith being fed?

2) Through temptations. Although God does not tempt us to do evil, He will allow Satan to temp us in order to refine our faith and help us grow in our dependence on Christ. We can resist temptation to sin by turning to God for strength, choosing to follow Him by faith and obey His Word. Are you struggling with a temptation today? Recognize it as another way God is trying to get your attention  - and focus on Him!

3) Through taming our tongue. How many times have we praised God and shared our faith with our mouth and in the next sentence torn someone to pieces? James 3:10 reminds us - "Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing...this should not be."  When we feed our faith with godly wisdom, our speech will be filled with mercy, love and consideration for others, peace, sincerity, integrity and righteousness.

Is your faith starving? Have you allowed your trials to give your faith new life? Are you continually giving in to the enemy's temptations because your faith is not strong enough to believe God can and will help you? Are the good deeds and great works you do for God overshadowed by an out of control tongue?

Feed your faith today. Don't allow it to die from lack of exercise, malnutrition and disease of the mouth.

Download this week's lesson on James.

What Are You Sure and Certain Of?

                               
Were you sure that the New England Patriots were certain to win this year's Super Bowl? Are you sure that the abundance of snacks you consumed last night are certain not catch up with you later? Can you be sure that the score you saw on the scoreboard as the final seconds ticked away was certainly true?

You may not be a Patriots fan or a football fan of any sorts and you may not relate to anything I've said so far, but one thing I know we all can relate to is the question of where and in whom we put our faith. As we look at the book of Hebrews this week, we see the author's explanation of faith and a biography of Old Testament heroes who demonstrated great faith (Hebrews 11).

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (Hebrews 11:1) Two words describe faith - sure and certain.  Faith is believing God's character - being sure that He is who He says He is. It is also believing in God's promises - being certain that He will do what He says He will do. When we believe God's character as one who is faithful and trust He will fulfill His promises - even though we don't see those promises materializing yet - we demonstrate true faith and TRUE faith is based on what God says and is shown by what we do!

The author of Hebrews wanted the Jewish Christians to know that living by faith is far better than merely fulfilling rituals and rules. Let's look at how we can live out faith in our own lives:

F - Focus:  Fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, (Hebrews 12:2). Our focus should be on the only One who is certain to be faithful and will strengthen and perfect our faith.

A - Act: ...so faith without deeds is dead. (James 2:26)  Are you talking the talk of faith, but your actions speak worry, anxiety, fear, pride, control, depression, etc?

I - Increase: The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!"  (Luke 17:5). When's the last time you asked God to increase your faith? If the disciples, who walked and worked with Jesus needed their faith increased, how much more do we?

T - Take Up: ...take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. (Ephesians 6:16).  Our faith is a shield that protects us from the attacks of the enemy. If our "shield" is down, we will suffer from the flaming arrows of doubt, discouragement, dismay, etc.

H - Hear: ... faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17) What are you doing to strengthen your faith? Are you hearing God's Word through Bible study, prayer and His messengers? If the seed of faith is not being watered, it and YOU cannot expect to grow.

Make today the day you begin to Focus, Act, Increase, Take up and Hear God's message in order to be sure and certain that what you hope for and what you cannot see is in God's hands and more than any person (or team) is faithful - To the faithful you show yourself faithful.... (Psalm 18:25).

Download this week's lesson from Hebrews

Perhaps the Reason....



 Have you asked the question, "Why?" lately? Are you wondering why things are happening as they are? Have you stopped to think about the reasons why God allows certain events and people into our lives?

In the book of Philemon, Paul addresses his friend, Philemon, regarding his runaway slave, Onesimus. Onesimus had stolen money from Philemon and had fled to Rome where he met Paul. Paul shared the Gospel with Onesimus and his life was changed. Paul now pleas with Philemon to forgive Onesimus and to accept him back, not as a slave, but as a brother in Christ.

A couple verses in this little book stand out to me...."Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good...no longer as a slave" (v. 15-16). Are there any "perhaps" when it comes to God's providence? The fact that Onesimus and Paul actually came in contact is not a coincidence. We don't know the details of their encounter, but do know it was one that bonded them together (v.10) and their relationship was life changing for both of them.

What about your "perhaps"?  Are there things happening in your life that make you wonder - "perhaps this is God's way of getting my attention."  The next time something occurs that you weren't expecting, stop and acknowledge that this is God's hand at work. God is not a God of happenstance. Everything He does is for a reason ~ we just need to be aware of what it is and what we are to learn from it.

Are there people in your life that are there "perhaps for a reason"? Possibly to develop your character? To strengthen your love, patience, perseverance, understanding, listening skills, humility, etc. They may enter your life for just a season, but know that they are they for a specific reason! Learn what God is teaching you through them and then pass on your new found knowledge to others.

Take a minute to look at your surroundings today. Perhaps you work where you work and with the people that you do for a specific reason. Perhaps you are encountering uncomfortable situations for a specific reason. Perhaps you've had people come into your life during this season for a specific reason.....

CHALLENGE: Watch to see how you can make a difference, as Paul did with Onesimus, in the life of someone else this week ~ be their "Perhaps the reason......."

Download this week's lesson from Philemon

Do As I Do!

                                
Have you ever done or said something that you wish you could instantly delete? Are you aware of just how many people are watching your Christian example? In Paul's letter to Titus, he emphasizes the importance of living a life of integrity, soundness of speech and doctrine - one that could not be condemned.

Titus 2:7 says, "In everything, set them an example by doing what is good."  What kind of example are you setting for others today? Do you have fellow employees observing your actions and responses? Are there young children in your midst that love to mimic what you say and do? Is there a friend or family member listening to your conversations and taking note of your deeds?

It's said, "If you want someone to act a certain way, be sure that you live that way yourself!" How do you want the people in your life to act and/or treat you? Do you find yourself saying - "Do as I say and not as I do." (ouch!) Why don't we switch that up a bit and make it our goal to "Do as I do!"

What can you do in regards to our words and deeds? What can you work on in order to be the example of doing good? How can you "do to others what you would have them do to you." (Matthew 7:12)

1) Your words should be uplifting and encouraging. We get plenty of negative feedback throughout our day, don't be a contributor. Research shows we need 5 positive interactions a day for every 1 negative. Who can you uplift and encourage today?

2) Your words should be wholesome and worthy of being heard. Don't waste them on foolish talk, senseless debate and stupid arguments. Words can help or hurt instantly and many can never be taken back.

3) Your deeds should be sincere and self-less. People know when we're faking it and can usually identify insincerity a mile away! Actions done for others with humility and with no expectations are the best received and the most rewarding.

4) Our deeds should be out of obedience to God and love for others. Jesus left this earth with a new command, "Love one another, as I have loved you...." (John 13:34) Some people are easier to love than others. Some people make loving them enjoyable and pleasant; others present a challenge. Either way, we are to love as Jesus loved - unconditionally.

Let me leave you with this as an encouragement to set the example that you want others to follow today:

"May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
(2 Thess. 2:16-17)

Go be an example of uplifting, encouraging and wholesome words - Doing sincere and self-less deeds out of obedience and love :)

What Good is the Bible?

Some consider the Bible to be a collection of stories, fables, myths and human ideas about God. Some think it's just made up of rules and lists of do's and don'ts. What do you consider the Bible to be good for? If you've been following us through our Know the Bible study, I hope you'd be able to answer that question with bold confidence!

From the Old Testament, we learned about the origin, obedience (and much disobedience) and opportunities of God's people, the Israelites. We saw who God is and among many of His attributes, we witnessed over and over again that He is.."a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love." (Nehemiah 9:17).

In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, we are reminded of what the Bible is good for. "All Scripture is God-breathed, and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man/woman of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

1) God-breathed: The Bible is not a human book. Through the Holy Spirit, God revealed His person and plan to certain believers who wrote down His message for His people. Scripture is completely trustworthy because God was in control of its writing. The Bible is God-breathed!

2) Teaching: Because the entire Bible is God's Word - we need to read it, learn it and apply it. It is our standard for testing everything else that claims to be true. It is our safeguard against false teaching and our source of guidance for how we should live. What are you learning from God's Word?

3) Rebuking: (To find fault, to scold sharply) There are times when God's Word will point out faults in our life. Is that always pleasant? No. But is it necessary? Yes. How we respond to our "scolding" will determine our next step...

4) Correcting: When God's Word opens our eyes to areas that we need to correct and change, we know we can turn to the Bible to show us what to do differently. It doesn't just tell us what we're doing wrong, it gives us instruction and...

5) Training in Righteousness or "Right-Living". We should not use the Bible as just another textbook to increase our knowledge or to prepare us to win senseless arguments! It is a training manual for right and God-honoring living, so that we are....

6) Thoroughly Equipped for every good work. We must remember the purpose of the Bible is to educate and equip us to do good. The Bible is good for showing us and preparing us to do Christ's work in the world. Our knowledge of God's Word is not useful until it strengthens our faith and leads us to do good!

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do". ~ Eph. 2:10

So, what good is the Bible to you? Are you treating it with the respect it is due? Are you relying on it to teach you the way to live? Are you open to its rebuking and then following through with correction? Are you allowing it to be your guideline for righteous living? I hope so!

BLOG COMMENT: Share with us how you would answer the skeptic who asks - "What good is the Bible?"

Keep Practicing

Would you consider yourself a diligent person? Do you stick with something that you know is right even though it is difficult and challenging? Or do others' successes intimidate you and tempt you to give up?

Timothy was a young leader, the pastor of the church in Ephesus and a friend/mentee of the Apostle Paul. In the book of First Timothy, Paul presents pastoral advice as well as personal encouragement to his disciple, Timothy.

In 1 Timothy 4, Paul instructs Timothy on several things: "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young. But set an example in (your) speech, life, love, faith and purity." "Devote yourself to preaching and teaching." "Do not neglect your gift." and "Be diligent in these matters so that everyone may see your progress."

As we start a new year, I'm sure you have things you want to change about yourself, your life, etc. Are you determined to be diligent in reaching these goals? Are you visualizing what it will be like when you are successful? The average person gives up on their "resolutions" by mid-February! Resolve today not to be among the "average."

A person could double their production/reach their goals, in they began to practice what they know they should do instead of doing what they know they shouldn't do! (Eat too much, spend too much, sit around too much, talk too much, sleep too much, etc.) Success comes from diligently practicing the right things. Dr. John Maxwell shares pillars of practice that we should incorporate into our daily lives in order to succeed:

1) The right influence. We need to surround ourselves with people who will help, influence and encourage us. Paul was that person for young Timothy. He helped him succeed for God, influenced his behavior and encouraged him when he doubted himself. Who do you have in your life that is a help, positive influence and encouragement?

2) Your best effort. Paul instructed Timothy to "give yourself wholly" to the things he needed to do and be. Are you giving your goals your best effort? In I Timothy 4: 16, Paul encourages Timothy to "persevere ...because if you do, you'll save both yourself and your hearers." Are you practicing new behaviors and giving yourself incentives for when you succeed?

3) A clear purpose. Be certain about what you're trying to accomplish. Effort without knowledge is like speed without direction. In Timothy's case, it was important for him to be an example by how he spoke, lived out his faith, loved others and valued purity. His purpose in pursuing these behaviors was so that "everyone may see your progress." Isn't that why you want to change?

You only play well if you practice well. So, where are you on the practice continuum? Just starting out? At the phase of rapid progress? Have you already made great gains, now you're just fine-tuning? Knowing where you are, helps you know what you need to do. So keep practicing!

BLOG COMMENT: What's your biggest challenge in being diligent with practicing new behaviors?

5 Ways to Move into Your New Season!

This is one of my favorite posts by life coach, Valorie Burton and I wanted to re-visit it as it's a great reminder of the new season/new year we are entering. Hope you are inspired! Tonia

"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." - Ecc. 3:1

Dear Friend, As we usher in spring (New Year), I feel led to ask you, "Is it time to usher in a new season in your life?" There are few things more frustrating that remaining stuck in the old when it's time to embrace something new. Sometimes the new thing is an inevitable change or transition, whether it was something you wanted or something that was thrust upon you.

At other times, your new season is a goal you've been working towards, but now it's time to notice that the thing you wished for is here. You'll have to shift your thinking so you can enjoy the vision that has finally come to fruition. Whether your new season is related to your career, relationships, finances or health, consider these five ways to successfully step into a new phase of your life:

1. Say good-bye to the last season. In order to fully embrace what's new, mark your passage from one season into the next. If a child is about to head off to college, plan for a celebration to mark the milestone. If you are moving from one place to another, acknowledge it in a meaningful way. If you have lost someone or something important to you, grieve your loss so that you can eventually move forward in a healthy way.

2. Embrace the new season. Once you've said good-bye, say "hello" to what's new. Dive in. Consider the things you are able to do now that you couldn't before. If you're entering a difficult season, identify and embrace the help you will need to give you strength and perseverance. Acknowledge your challenges, but be sure to open your eyes and notice the blessings, too.

3. Ask, "What new habits do I need in this new season?" What worked in the last season, may not work in this new season. It's like using your old house key to try to open the door to your new home. What got you in the door there won't work here. Be flexible and adopt the new habits that will empower you to thrive in this new season.

4. Ask, "Who do I need to connect with in this new season?" Relationships matter. Don't go it alone. Reach out and connect with those who can help you and whom you can help. When facing a major change, it's your ability to connect with the right people that can make the difference between a smooth transition and a bumpy one.

5. Ask, "What vision am I moving towards in my new season?" Often a new season means a new identity in some way. Perhaps your role has changed, relationships have been severed, a job was lost or a move has put you in a totally new environment. You may have had a vision - and even achieved it - in the previous season of your life, but now it's time for something different. Your old vision may not work in this new place. What's your new vision now?

My challenge to you this week: Let go of the old. Take hold of the new!