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This week in A Woman’s Heart:  God’s Dwelling Place, our topic of study was titled The Heart of a Servant.  Beth wants us to realize the meaning of a holy calling in today’s world.  Each one of us has a purpose.

The Heart of a Servant

Day 1:  The Altar of Incense

As we learned in previous lessons, the altar of incense was a square altar, over-layed with pure gold.  This golden altar was specifically for burning incense.  We learn in Psalm 141:2 that our prayers are line incense to God.

May my prayer be counted as incense before You; The lifting up of my hands as the evening offering. – Psalm 141:2

The burning incense represents the prayers of the saints.

When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. – Revelation 5:8 

Beth teaches in this lesson that prayer to God is like sweet fragrance and prayerlessness is actually sin.

Day 2:  A Hard Lesson in Holiness

We learn in this lesson that two of Aaron’s sons entered the holy place and burned a strange fire.  This was a fire or incense that God had not commanded.  We are not offered a lot of detail about what Aaron’s sons were trying to do, but whatever their intentions were, they were not holy intentions.  As a result, they died.  We serve a righteous and holy God.  He demands holy worship.

“To worship inappropriately will not likely cause our physical deaths because we enjoy the grace of Calvary, but it can indeed cause the momentary death of communication with the Almighty.” – Beth Moore

Day 3:  The Inheritance of a Servant

The priesthood came from the tribe of Levi.  Moses and Aaron were brothers from the tribe of Levi.  God commanded that Aaron and his sons serve as priests.  The rest of the Levites were servants to God.  The Levites did as God commanded so God bestowed a blessing on them.

Day 4:  The Gift of Support

In this lesson, Beth teaches us about the gift of support in ministry.  God called Moses to lead the children of Israel out of bondage in Egypt.  God called Aaron to serve as a helper to Moses and to serve as priest.  God called the Levites to minister as servants to Aaron and his sons who were also priests.  God called the Israelites to support the priests and the Levites.

Day 5:  The Garments of the Priests

The purpose of this lesson was to teach us what the priests garments were made of and what they looked like.  We learned the meanings of the garment pieces.  We learned that God is in the details.  Just like he had a purpose of the details of those garments, he has a purpose for the details of our lives today.

If you would like to complete the entire Bible study, A Woman’s Heart:  God’s Dwelling Place, you can get your copy here.  Beth goes into so much more detail.  I highly recommend this study.

Read all posts in this series here.

The entire leadership kit which includes the videos is available here.

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A Faith Makeover For a Failing Family (Faith Stories Series)

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Scripture Passage:  Hebrews 11:20, Genesis 25-28

 The following are my notes taken during my pastor's sermon.

Family is the launching pad of life.

A Faith Makeover for a Failing Family

Some things that attack the family or under attack concerning the family:  The sanctity of human life, marriage, transgenderism, etc.

1.  A messed up family is sad.

2.  There is a second chance for a family makeover.

The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more. - Romans 5:20

There is GRACE!

3.  The sovereignty of God is on display.

Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the counsel of the Lord will stand. - Proverbs 5:21

God has a plan for our family!  HIS plan if for the good of your family.

Then I will make up to you for the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the creeping locust, the stripping locust and the gnawing locust - My great army which I sent among you. - Joel 2:25

Real Faith (Study on the Book of James)

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Real Faith:  Faith and Works

What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him?  If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food,  and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?  Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.

 

 But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”  You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.  But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?  Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar?  You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected;  and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,” and he was called the friend of God.  You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.  In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?  For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead. – James 2:14-26

If you ask, 83% of Americans will say they are a Christian.

What is a Christian?  A Christian has real faith.  Christ has reformed their lives and it is obvious that Jesus has changed them.  That is real faith.

Does our lives show that we have real faith?  What is real faith?

Works do not save us, but real faith in our lives will reveal works that honor God.  Our real faith will result in works.

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. – Ephesians 2:8-9

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He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit. – Titus 3:5 

 The Question of Real Faith

Our faith is not passive, but active.  Active faith is real faith.  It is seen in trials and temptations.  It is visible in how we speak.  It is all life-relevant.  The results of an authentic real faith is authentic life works.

A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits.

Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. – Matthew 7:19-21

When there is no fruit, there is no faith.  When someone has real faith, there will be proof.  Evidence is given by fruitfulness.  If your were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you of being a Christian.  Would the evidence be overwhelming?

The Proof of Real Faith

Real faith is:

Not indifferent but involved.

Not passive, but actively engaged.

Not independent, but in partnership.

Not invisible, but displayed

But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? – 1 John 3:17

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. – Ephesians 2:10

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. – 2 Corinthians 5:17

Real faith is active, vibrant, and growing.

If Jesus has come into your life, people will know.  It will be visible.

Real faith is not intellectual, but from the heart.

Believing in God isn’t enough.  Even Satan and the demons believe in God.  They believe it so much that they tremble.  They believe in Jesus too.  They believe in the resurrection and ascension.  What they won’t do is commit their lives to Christ.  That’s the difference.

Real faith is demonstrated by not simply being a fan of Jesus but a follower of Jesus.

The Illustration of Real Faith

Abraham – Abraham demonstrated his faith in obedience to God.  God never wanted Isaac’s life but He wanted Abraham’s heart.

Real faith moves, acts, responds, and steps out.

Real faith is active.

“If you’re saved and you know it, does your faith surely show it?”

You'll find all my posts about this study on the book of James here.

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Whew!  This week has been busy!  I failed to summarize each Bible study for this week day-by-day, so I’m going to summarize the entire week.  This past week in A Woman’s Heart:  God’s Dwelling Place by Beth Moore, we studied the topic of Hearts in Fellowship. Each day’s topic reflected the different ways God encouraged hearts in fellowship with Him.

Hearts in Fellowship

Day One:  The Holy Place

We studied the tabernacle proper, the holy place, and the holy of holies.  Only priests were allowed to enter the holy place.  To apply this scripture passage to our lives today, we are reminded that if we have received Jesus as our Lord and Savior, then we have the privilege of entering the holy place in prayer.

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. – 1 Peter 2:9

And from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood  ^_ and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. – Revelation 1:5-6

On this day of the study of the tabernacle holy place, Beth led us through the study of the fine linen ceiling, with cherubim woven in.

Let me dwell in Your tent forever; Let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings. -Psalm 61:4

Let me quote a powerful passage from this day’s study:

How perfectly Christ portrays the nurturing wings of El Shaddai, the Caregiver.  God’s wings covered His children with safety, security, joy, and affection.  In His perfect parenting, God is both paternal and maternal, both the loving disciplinarian and the nurturing protector who covers His children with His life.” – Beth Moore

He will cover you with His pinions,
And under His wings you may seek refuge;
His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark. – Psalm 91:4  

 Day Two:  The Golden Lampstand

The lampstand was the only source of light in the tabernacle.  It was made of pure gold and its design emulated almond blossoms.  It had one middle shaft and three branches on each side.  The branches symbolized fear, knowledge, might, the Spirit of the Lord, counsel, understanding, and wisdom.

Day Three:  Filling the Lamps

You are the light of the world. – Matthew 5:14

The lamps were fueled with olive oil.  God commanded that the lampstand burn continuously.

If we have Jesus in our hearts and if He is our Lord and Savior, then we are a light to the world, much like the lampstand illuminated the holy place of the tabernacle.  Our light is to burn continuously.

We are the heavenly lampstands of this age to show Jesus to a dark world. – Beth Moore

How often we wear ourselves out by praying for more patience, faith, joy, or peace.  All of these are the supernatural response of a Spirit-filled believer!  A more appropriate prayer is “Lord, purify me and make me a fit vessel for Your presence.  Then, fill me to overflowing with Your precious Holy Spirit.”  The fruit will supernaturally and automatically be produced. – Beth Moore

One of the things that stood out to me most on this day as far as applying this study to my life was at the bottom of page 104 of this study:

Hear Him whisper those same words to you every morning when you open your eyes:  “Today, My precious child, let there be light.”  And at the end of the day, when He tucks you tenderly into your bed, may He delight to say, “There was light.” – Beth Moore

Day 4:  A Table Set Before Him

In the tabernacle, opposite the lampstand, was a table.  The table was made of acacia wood.  On the table was placed dishes, pans, jars, and bowls.  Also on the table was placed the Bread of the Presence.  The Bread of the Presence was to be on the table all the time.  The table was a place of communion and fellowship.

Day 5:  The Bread of the Presence

The Bread of God is He who comes down from Heaven and gives life to the world. – John 6:33

The Bread of the Presence that was to be placed on the table inside the tabernacle holy place was made with 2 tenths of an ephah of flour.  When God provided manna for the Israelites, they were to take an omer daily.  An omer was one tenth of an ephah.  On the sabbath, they were to take twice as much which was 2 tenths of an ephah.  According to God’s command, the Bread of the Presence was to be replaced with fresh loaves every Sabbath day.  God is consistent.

If you would like to complete this entire study in depth, you can get your copy here.  I highly recommend that you go through it.  In order to protect Beth Moore’s copyright and protect her ministry, I only summarize and highlight key points.  Her studies are much more in-depth.

Read all posts in this series here.

The entire leader kit which includes the videos is available here.

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Loving People Back to Jesus (Study on the Book of James)

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Today, we skipped ahead a bit to accommodate Valentine’s Day, since if fell on Sunday this year.  Our pastor talked about loving people back to Jesus.

The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. – 1 John 4:8

For God so loved the World that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. – John 3:16 

The one who wanders away. (James 5:19)

My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back  .  .  . – James 5:19 

Sometimes people wander because they get exposed to bad theology.  Think about someone you know who has drifted and resolve to bring them back to Jesus.  Love them back to Jesus.

The one who loves them back. (James 5:20)

Let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. – James 5:20 

Reasons people say they don’t like attending church:

The pastor is too conservative.

They are angry at God.

They are too busy.

They have issues at work.

They have no friends at church.

They feel unconnected at church.

They have fallen out of the habit of attending church.

There are too many hypocrites there.

They have bad health.

People are too judgmental.

They don’t believe in organized religion.

There are too many clicks there.

They live too far away.

Our pastor suggested that the next time someone tells us they live too far away to attend church, we should tell them that, “if the church is alive, it’s worth the drive.”  

For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls. – 1 Peter 2:25

  Loving People Back to Jesus

What we need to do to love people back to Jesus.

Be personally walking in the truth ourselves.

Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. – Galatians 6:1

*Pursue them with love.

*Pray specifically for them.

*Go to them in person.

If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. – Matthew 18:15-17

 You'll find all my posts about this study on the book of James here.

 

Favoritism (Book of James Bible Study Series)

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 *The following are my Bible study notes from my pastor's sermon titled "Favoritism" from his Bible Study on the Book of James Series.

We are continuing our Bible study on the book of James.  Today’s topic is “Favoritism.”  Today’s scripture passage is James 2:1-13.

Favoritism

My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism. For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes,  and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and you say to the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,”  have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives?  Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?  But you have dishonored the poor man. Is it not the rich who oppress you and personally drag you into court? ⁷ Do they not blaspheme the fair name by which you have been called?

If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.  But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not commit murder.” Now if you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment. – James 1:1-13

Favoritism is a shared struggle.   No one is exempt.  We all face this challenge.

We label people by the things we value.  We label people by appearance.  We label according to age, achievements, affluence, ancestry, etc.

Favoritism is a serious sin.

To show partiality is not good, because for a piece of bread a man will transgress. – Proverbs 28:21

For there is no partiality with God. – Romans 2:11 

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7 

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. – 2 Corinthians 8:9

 Favoritism stops when we see:

• our need for God’s mercy.
• others through the eyes of Jesus.

We need to see and treat others as Jesus would.

Net-worth does not equal self-worth.

Faith and favoritism are not compatible.

You'll find all my posts about this study on the book of James here. 

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*The following are my Bible study notes taken from my pastor's sermon titled, "Truth:  Bible Study on the Book of James."

Scripture Passage:  James 1:19-27

Truth:  Bible Study on the Book of James

Truth and information are not the same thing.  Too much information can sometimes cloud the truth.  We need truth in revelation.

I want to be a receiver of truth.  James 1:19-21

This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. – James 1:19-21

The same seed can yield different types of crops, depending on the care of nurture of the seeds.

Some people hear the truth and their lives change.  For some, nothing really changes for them.  We need to be receivers of truth.

How do we properly receive truth?

a.  Clearly listen.


b.  Be calm.  We don’t listen well when there is tension and anger.

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. – Ephesians 4:31

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c.  Be clean.  We know that some things in our lives are dirty and sinful.  Those things will prevent us from hearing the Word of God.  

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9

d.  Be compliant.  Ask God to talk to your heart.  Listen.

When God tells you to do something, do it.

I want to be a doer of the truth.  James 1:22-27

But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.  For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror;  for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was.  But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.

If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless. Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. – James 1:22-27

a.  I will see and do.  We need the Word of God to show us things so we can see.

But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? – 1 John 3:17

b.  I will have self control.  Control your speech.

c.  I will have spiritual compassion.  Always point people to Jesus and the Gospel.

d.  I will be pure from spiritual corruption.

The Bible will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from the Bible.

You'll find all my posts about this study on the book of James here

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*The following are my notes from my pastor's sermon titled "3 Weapons to Fight Fear."

3 Weapons to Fight Fear

1.  Supernatural Power 

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms.  Ephesians 1:18-20

a. God’s power equips us with supernatural abilities when we would otherwise be inadequate.

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.  2 Peter 1:3 

b. God’s power ensures us supernatural success when we would otherwise naturally encounter failure.

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”  Matthew 17:20 

2.  Love Like No Other

a. His love transforms our lives and defines our existence.

b. His love shines a light in the darkest heart, the darkest region, and the darkest circumstances.

3.  Self Control - A Disciplined Life

a. Godly discipline provides us clear goals and guidelines.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.  1 Corinthians 9:24-26

b. Godly discipline protects us from falling prey to temptations.

Temptation: A Study on the Book of James

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The following are my notes based on my pastor's sermon titled "Temptation:  A Study on the Book of James."

Walk in the fear of the Lord. Be afraid of sin. Sin is destructive. Don’t get hooked on sin. It is not a sin to be tempted, but temptation is sin presented.

Today’s Bible study lesson on the book of James is taken from James 1:13-18.

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. – James 1:13-18

 The Facts About Temptation (verses 13-16)

Facts are our friends. Truth is beneficial. Temptation is a lie. Facts are truth. Accept personal responsible for temptation and sin.

Temptation is always present. (verse 13)

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God;” for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. – James 1:13

We blame God when we are tempted, but God does not tempt anyone. We blame God. We blame others. We blame everyone but ourselves. We fail to take personal responsibility for temptation. In the Garden of Eden, Adam blamed Eve.

The man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate.” – Genesis 3:12

 Temptation is a process.  (verses 14-15)

But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. – James 1:14-15

The Bible teaches us that God does not tempt anyone, but rather we are tempted when we get carried away and enticed by our own lust.

Lust means “desire.”

Temptation is an “inside job.”

For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.” – Mark 7:21-23

Temptation comes from within.

Temptation doesn't tell the truth. (Verse 16) Temptation and sin over-promise, but under-delivers.

Don’t be deceived. Don’t be a spiritual moron.

Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. – James 1:16

 The Focus Needed to Overcome Temptation (Verses 17-18) 

Stop resisting sin. Instead, overcome it. When you’ve learned to overcome sin, you won’t have to resist it.

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13

God pours out good. Why would we want to continually subject ourselves to Satan’s lies?

Focus on the goodness of God. (Verse 17)

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. – James 1:17

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God never changes. Trust Him. What He gives is good. With temptation, we never get enough. What God gives is sufficient. What God gives is more than enough.

For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord gives grace and glory;
No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. – Psalm 84:11  

Feed on the Word of Truth. (Verse 18)

In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the Word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. – James 1:18

Recognize lies and reject them. To keep from being hooked, feed on the Book (The Bible).

Starve the flesh, but feed the spirit.
Fellowship with other believers. (2 Timothy 2:22)

Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. – 2 Timothy 2:22 

Sin thrives in secrecy. We don’t overcome temptation alone. Confide in another believer.
Flee temptation every time it pursues you. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13

The more we say “yes” to God, the easier it is to say “no” to temptation.

Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. – James 4:7

The next time sin rings your doorbell, send Jesus to the door.

You'll find all my posts on this study of the book of James here.
 

 
 

 

A Faith-Full Family (Faith Stories Series)

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 Scripture Passage:  Hebrews 11:23-27

A Faith-Full Family

 The following are my notes taken during my pastor's sermon.

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.  By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter,  choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin,  considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward.  By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen. - Hebrews 11:23-17

1.  The family needs to be full of vision.

His descendants will be mighty on earth;
The generation of the upright will be blessed. - Psalm 112:2

Train up a child in the way he should go,
Even when he is old he will not depart from it. - Proverbs 22:6

2.  The family needs to be full of courage.

Notice in Hebrews 11:23 that they were not afraid of the king's edict.

3.  The family needs to be full of conviction.

In Hebrews 11:24, Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter.  

Moses was educated in all the learning of the Egyptians, and he was a man of power in words and deeds. - Acts 7:22

 Family decisions should be based on conviction.

The Value of Trials: A Study on the Book of James

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Our prayer lives improve when we go through trials.

How to Pray Through Trials

 1.  Ask God for wisdom.

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. – James 1:5

It is not wrong to ask God for things. In fact, we’re told to ask God for things, especially wisdom.

Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king in place of my father David, yet I am but a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. Your servant is in the midst of Your people which You have chosen, a great people who are too many to be numbered or counted. So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” – 1 Kings 3:7-10 

It pleases God when we ask for wisdom.

Knowledge and wisdom are two different things. Wisdom is knowing God’s perspective and insight. Wisdom is knowing how to apply knowledge to our lives. Knowledge can fail us without wisdom.

We will never get God’s wisdom until we know God personally.  

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. – Ephesians 1:17 

Pray Ephesians 1:17 for your children and grandchildren.

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. – James 1 

2. Believe God when we ask.

But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. – James 1:6

 If we doubt that God will give us wisdom, he won’t give it.

For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord. – James 1:7

And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. – Hebrews 11:6

3. Watch God work.

God does his deepest work when we are in a trial.

During a trial, we grow closer to Jesus.

Trials open our eyes. We might see that our prayer life has suffered. We might see that we have been spending less time in God’s Word. We might see that we have become spiritually lazy.

*He washes our eyes with tears so that we can see better.”

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. – James 1:12 

Let God mature us through our trials. Pray through our trials.  

And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. – James 1:4

You'll find all my posts about this study on the book of James here.

Image Credit:  Naasom Azevedo - Public Domain Image - via Pixabay

 Trials:  A Study on the Book of James

Everyone has trials.

James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abBeloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:road: Greetings. Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, – James 1:1-2

Expect trials. It is a matter of when, not if. Grow through them.

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you. – 1 Peter 4:12

Christianity doesn’t mean immunity. We won’t live free from trials. We won’t live free from bad things just because we are Christians.

Everyone responds to trials.

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations. – James 1:2

Some responses are negative. When something terrible happens, sometimes we respond negatively. We might say curse words, gossip about someone who has offended us, blame God for the death of a loved one or a terrible accident. There are all sorts of ways we might respond negatively, but the Bible tells us to “consider it all joy.”

These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. – John 15:11

You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. – Psalm 16:11

Then he said to them, “Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10

Worship God IN our trials. Look ahead. Long for Heaven.

Every trial has a purpose.

Knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. ⁴ And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. – James 1:3-4


We experience trials:

to make us strong.

to grow us.

to clarify our life.

to humble us.

Read through the book of James here.

You'll find all my posts about this study on the book of James here.
 

Image Credit:  Public Domain Image - via Freely Photos

 Prayer Challenges: Improving Your Prayer Life

This year, one of our pastors encouraged us to improve our prayer lives by presenting three prayer challenges:

1. Fast and pray.
2. Pray for one hour for 7 days in a row.
3. Pray through the night.

I. Dethrone the god of your stomach. Set aside time to fast and pray.

Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. – Matthew 6:16-18

 II. Participate in the “Power Hour.” Spend one hour of your morning in prayer for 7 days.

In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch. – Psalm 5:3

I rise before dawn and cry for help; I wait for Your words. My eyes anticipate the night watches, That I may meditate on Your word. – Psalm 119:147-148

 III. Pull an all-nighter. Pray through the night. 

It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God. – Luke 6:12

They came to a place named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, “Sit here until I have prayed.” – Mark 14:32

  So Nathan went to his house.

Then the Lord struck the child that Uriah’s widow bore to David, so that he was very sick. David therefore inquired of God for the child; and David fasted and went and lay all night on the ground. The elders of his household stood beside him in order to raise him up from the ground, but he was unwilling and would not eat food with them. Then it happened on the seventh day that the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Behold, while the child was still alive, we spoke to him and he did not listen to our voice. How then can we tell him that the child is dead, since he might do himself harm!” But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David perceived that the child was dead; so David said to his servants, “Is the child dead?” And they said, “He is dead.” So David arose from the ground, washed, anointed himself, and changed his clothes; and he came into the house of the Lord and worshiped. Then he came to his own house, and when he requested, they set food before him and he ate.

Then his servants said to him, “What is this thing that you have done? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept; but when the child died, you arose and ate food.” He said, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, ‘Who knows, the Lord may be gracious to me, that the child may live.’ But now he has died; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.” – 2 Samuel 12:15-23

*The problem is not with unanswered prayer but unprayed prayer.

Pray with an open Bible, a notepad, and a prayer list. Turn off all technology. Keep praying. Pray in a quiet room, alone, and without distractions.

Prayer Guide:

P – Praise and Thanks

R – Repent. Confess (1 John 1:9)

A – Ask (1 John 5:14)

Y – Yield – Be quiet and listen. God wants to tell you something.