Is Your Faith Identifiable?

The girl at the gate said to Peter, "Aren't you one of the disciples of that man?" (John 18:17)

so others said to him, "Aren't you one of the disciples of that man?" (John 18:25)

he asked, (Peter), "Didn't I see you with him in the garden?" (John 18:26)

Webster's II Dictionary defines Christian as --noun. 1. A believer in Christianity. --adjective 1. of, pertaining to, or professing belief in Christianity. 2. Relating to or derived from Jesus or His teachings. 3. Relating to Christianity or in adherent.

Are people able to look at you and ask "Aren't you a disciple of Jesus of Nazareth?"

Is there evidence of you having been with Jesus?

Does your speech, like Peter's, give you away as someone being with Jesus and not of the world? (Colossians 3)

Would anyone at your workplace ask about your relationship with Jesus?

Would anyone at your school ask about your relationship with Jesus? 

What about where you shop, or bank, or get a hairstyle/cut, or where get your car repaired?

What about in your own neighborhood? Your home? Among your people?

When you're out and about in your part of the world does anyone apart from other Christians know you're a Christian?

Can other Christians brag about your witness? (1 Thessalonians 1:7)

What about the other side of the question? Are you ready to deny your relationship with Jesus when the opposition asks you?

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Who Did Jesus Die For

Ever think about the millions--billions--of people who have lived before us? All those who will live after us (if the Lord delays His appearing throughout our lives)

Ever think about all the rebellious in the tribulation period?

Christ died for the sins of the world to reconcile everyone to God the Father.

The Natives who met the Europeans who came across the Atlantic. The Vikings. Attila, the Hun. The people indigenous to Australia, Africa, North America, South Americans, and Asia. All the Mayans, Incas. Every nationality, tribe, and people groups.

All the slaves bought and sold before and after the War between the states--and their owners.

Everyone who have died or been buried at sea, since the flood in Noah's day--even those dead before and during that flood.

Everyone killed in WWI and WWII and every war the world has ever fought.

Every baby who died before birth, and in abortions.

Everyone who has been murdered and their murderers.

Everyone in your family tree.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. 
Romans 3: 23.

For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is
eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. 
Romans 6: 23

God came to earth as a man to die the death earned by everyone being a sinner. He died on the cross, was buried three days and rose again from the grave to prove His death was sufficient for the punishment of all sin.

You name the person and Jesus took their sin. You name the sin and Jesus wore it. He did it even though all of mankind didn't and doesn't know they are lost, from Adam to the last person who dies at Armageddon.

At some point after Adam chose to leave the worship of the true God by his singular disobedience, mankind went on to create false gods. This practice spread throughout the world as nations began leaving and growing apart from their origins in the fertile valley where God made Adam. Romans 1: 18-20 says ALL people have the reason and capability to see God in all His creation, and are without excuse not to seek the True and Living God.

The Bible says no one seeks God. Not one does good. (cf Romans 3: 10--18)

Salvation is God's Amazing Grace! Just because He chose to do it.

There is only one sin that will keep anyone out of heaven--refusing to accept the free gift of salvation God provided for all of mankind.

But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, 

but is in danger of eternal damnation" Mark 3: 29

But

For all who call upon the name of Jesus shall be saved. Romans 10: 13

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Commissioned to Give Jesus

Jesus came to the lost, unrepentant world, to save us to repentance. "For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give His life a ransom for many." Mark 10: 35

Jesus hates sin. Sin came into the world through Adam's willful rebellion in the Garden of Eden. Because of sin, no one can be in God's presence. 'For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.' Romans 3:23

Jesus loves sinners. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.' Romans 5: 8

• Christmas celebrates the gift God gave---His Son.

The gift we don't deserve. 'As it is written: 'There is none righteous, no not one; there is none who understands; there is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; they have together become unprofitable; there is none who does good, no, not one.' Romans 3: 10, 11, 12

But the Greatest Gift is: 'For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not die but have eternal life.' John 3: 16

Jesus, God, came to earth, was born of a virgin, died on the cross for the sin of the world, buried in a tomb, rose again the third day from the grave because His sacrifice, in the place of everyone, fulfilled the death penalty required. He ascended back to heaven to sit beside the Father, and He will return one day to take believers to live with Him forever and to judge the unbelievers to separation forever. Without Jesus, there is no hope of salvation. That is the Gospel taught in the Bible from Genesis 1: 1 to Revelation 22: 21

That is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He does not want anyone to die and be eternally separate from God in the 'outer darkness, where there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth'. He came and died so no one would have to be lost forever. 'In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and gave His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.' 1 John 4: 10 

• That is the reason for everyone to celebrate Christmas.

May it be every believing, born again, Christian's desire that no one be eternally separate from God in the 'outer darkness, where there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.' May we give Jesus this Christmas.

We attend church services, perform good works, and pray. We sing, fellowship and worship but He desires mercy for the lost from us, not the performance done in His name. He commands that we let others know about the wonderful miracle He gives to the whole world; eternal Salvation. Let us have mercy on the lost and dying world and tell them about the gospel of Jesus.

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:19

• Remember to wrap all your gifts with loving prayers for salvation of everyone you know.

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Guest Post-How to Handle Hurt Through the Holidays

By Linda Stitches--Guest Post

How to Handle Hurt Through the Holidays

When my husband died the children and I had no idea how we would make it through our first Christmas without him. He was killed on the 25th, a fact that hadn’t escaped any of us. How could we celebrate Christmas (or anything at all,) if he wasn’t there?

God gave wisdom and guidance that first year, and I did several things that I see now were ordained by His hand. So here I offer suggestions on how you can make it through your first Christmas (or any other big day) without your precious loved one:

1. Don’t skip Christmas.

I wanted to but knew if I did, I would still have to face it next year. So I resolutely plowed in. I got the totes of decorations out of the attic, and for the first time in months our children (ages 23, 21, 19 & 10) sounded excited as they offered to help with the decorating. I was thrilled! But a few minutes later I realized the room was quiet and everyone was gone. Glancing around I saw the family Christmas stockings had been pulled out of a tote, and there on top was a stocking that said “Dad”. One by one we faced each reminder of his absence head-on. I kept telling myself that it wouldn’t hurt so much next year, and it didn’t.

2. Bathe the season in prayer.

Ask your friends to pray too. Although your loved one’s absence is painfully evident in every moment of your life, others might not remember to pray. It’s okay to ask. And God is listening!

3. Ask for help.

Michael and I had an understanding about Christmas shopping. He bought the really ‘cool’ stuff —gadgets, gizmos and games. I bought the stockings and underwear. That first year I felt like a polar bear in the desert. I had NO idea how I was going to pick out ‘cool’ presents for the children! Then a friend asked if I wanted her to go shopping with me. I clutched at her suggestion like a drowning person grabs for a lifeline! Moral support! She was offering moral support! Corinne was a beautiful woman, with a very busy life of her own. But she dropped everything to go Christmas shopping with me. That night she gave me space, but offered suggestions. She was the perfect balance of not-too-much and not-too-little. I found a few gizmos and gadgets, but even more, I found courage! I have never forgotten Corinne’s kindness to me—the kindness of moral support! My friend if you are mourning, people want to help, but often don’t know how. Don’t be afraid to ask someone to go shopping with you, or to help bake those cookies, or to give a hand wrapping gifts. Moral support will carry you a long way!

4. Change things up.

We decided we couldn’t possibly do things the way we had always done them. We had always started partying on Christmas Eve, slept a few hours in the night, and then partied all Christmas Day. Not knowing what else to do, we took a chance and invited several families to drop in for refreshments and fellowship on Christmas Eve. We were surprised to find that most of them didn’t start their own celebration until Christmas Day, and they were glad to come to our house! That evening our home was filled with laughter and song. Although it was completely different from years past, it was much better than the dreaded reminder of what we didn’t have!

A few years later one of my daughters came to me, and asked if we could go back to having Christmas Eve the way we did before Dad died. This time there were boyfriends and girlfriends added to the mix, so it felt festive and cheerful!

If you know you can’t repeat the past, then do something different for the present. Pray for wisdom, and God will show you what to do!

5. Laugh a little.

The kids bought me a couple of comedy DVD’s by Ken Davis and put them under the Christmas tree. Later that afternoon we decided to put in one of those DVD’s. We laughed, and laughed…. And laughed! Solomon said laughter works good like a medicine. Solomon was a very wise man!

As the sun set that day we commented to each other that things had gone a lot better than we had ever dreamed they would. God had gotten us through the dreaded ‘first Christmas’ with very few tears and with lots of laughter!

After that day I quit dreading the next ‘special day’ that we would go through without Michael. God had shown me clearly that He is already in my tomorrow, making everything ready for my arrival, and He is doing it well!

God's Gift of Love

"Now abide these three, faith, hope,

and love but the greatest of these is love" 

1 Corinthians 13:13.

Amazing!

Ever really thought about LOVE? The greatest emotion, empathy, sympathy, action, or reaction we can have for anything or anyone is love. Love never fails.

Are you giving away love this Christmas or just gifts you bought with money? Is anyone expecting love from you or just materiel gifts? Are you just giving cash?

I'm not in favor of Gift Cards, either giving them or receiving them. As a donation for someone in need, yes, but it's a poor gift in my estimation. To me they say, "You're not worth the effort to learn more about you. I don't want to know your likes and dislikes. Here's money, go buy something you want, I don't want the relationship". If Gift cards are what someone asks for from me, it says to me. "You don't know me and I don't want you to. I don't want what you might buy me."

Neither am I fond of the excuse "I bought my own gift this year because my spouse wouldn't have bought it for me."

Is there something wrong with this picture or is it just me? Is there a disconnect in there somewhere? If you've been married for any length of time, your spouse should be able to buy you anything and you'd love it.

One year my husband gave me a flour sifter, measuring cups and baking dishes. Wonderful! I love them! I love to cook. He actually thought of something I liked and could use. Absolutely wonderful gift.

Love comes in many different packages, big, small, lumpy, soft, hard, smooth, and jiggly. Some make noise, some don't.

Try wrapping love this year, no matter what it is. Make it a surprise!

The greatest love you can give this year is to give Christ Jesus to your unsaved relatives and friends. Pray for them. When you are with them, ask if you may pray for them. Ask them if you can talk about Jesus. Make the Christmas story the main feature in your festivities.
My husband and I send a lot of cards and everyone of them had a handwritten Bible verse and signature. It is something we do every year. We take our time, beginning just after Thanksgiving and do small lots several days a week. Most of the people we send to do not know Jesus in a personal way. It's one way we send love each Christmas.

God's love for us came wrapped in rags on a bed of hay. The greatest gift in a simple package. How will you wrap Jesus to give Him away this year?

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I'm An Ambassador For Christ. WOW!

Jesus came to earth to show us the Father. (Hebrews 1:3) Everything that we see in Jesus, as described in the Bible, describes God. His power, His love, His mercy, His Grace, His Majesty, His Glory, even His wrath is manifested in all we can learn of Jesus.

As an ambassador of God, I am to imitate Jesus.

"Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us; we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God" 2 Corinthians 5: 20.

The Websters II Pocket Dictionary defines ambassador as a noun; A diplomat of the highest rank accredited by government as representative in residence to another.

WOW! I'm an ambassador for the government of God in this 'foreign' country, (Hebrews 11: 13-16), representing Jesus to the unsaved here. What a job! What a responsibility!

Peace, Peace, & Peace

"My peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you: not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, Neither let it be afraid" John 24: 27.

We sing songs about peaceful times at Christmas. Many people say they ask for world peace at Christmas. There have been large gatherings of multicultural groups striving to produce peace in the world. Musical groups have banded in huge members to try and sing peace into existence. Governments attempt to politic peace into existence. It is a very good thing to strive for and we certainly should do all we can to maintain peace everywhere.

We certainly need peace and almost all these reasoning people have a good idea of how this peace should be accomplished. The trouble with the reasoning is they have yet to find a way to endue everyone with a peaceful heart. For there to be peace throughout the world the peace must come first inside a person before peace comes forth in effective presentation.


We need a peace that does not come with conditions.

"My peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you: not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" John 24: 27.

The supernatural peace of God provides that peace. Accepting Jesus brings that inner peace. Born again into the family of God helps us have that peace. It is nothing we produced. It is something Jesus gives.

Yes, yes, yes---may there be peace on earth this year! May many people come to know Jesus as their personal Savior this year!

Amen.

"Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God" Romans 10:17.

My Husband Is Going to Iraq: Guest Blogger Lani Quimby

A touching letter from a wife who loves her husband through her love of God

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Dale's trip to Iraq and lessons the Lord taught me about letting him go.

A few months ago, Dale was working unexpectedly on a Saturday and I was home reading the news and having my heart broken for the people of Iraq and the atrocities that were going on there. I spent the afternoon looking up charities and praying and asking the LORD how we could help, what we could do or give. At that point, I felt the answer was to pray for the refugees, for the country, for the attackers. So when Dale came home from a Men’s conference weeks later and told me there was a work trip to Iraq to finish up construction on a refugee center I was so excited about the prospect of getting to help those we had been praying for. We don’t have much money we can send, but we do have a willingness to send and be sent.

We spent some time praying about if he should go, we asked the LORD to work out the details if He wanted Dale to go. We asked that he would be able to get 2 weeks off work, they approved it. We asked for the money he would need both for the trip and for us here at home. It came. And the scripture that we were reading in our daily readings kept saying “Do not be afraid”.

During that prayer time I got real with God, “Lord, what if Dale dies there?  My kids need a father.”  (As if the Lord doesn't know what my kids need even more than I do.) I felt like He told me that what my kids need the most is to see that the HE is worthy to be worshiped, served, and followed, no matter the cost. My kids need to know that their Papa is willing to obey wherever the Lord calls him to go. They need to know that the LORD is our safety, not our location. They need to know that HE is our Provider, our Comforter, our Refuge, our Protector, our Shield, our Buckler, our Savior, our Father, and our Friend.

“By this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Abide in My love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends. You are My friends, if you do what I command you" John 15:8-14.

Years ago, as a newly married woman trying to get used to being married and the new role I had as a wife, I read the story of Jonathan and his armor bearer from 1 Samuel 14. In this story the Israelite army is encamped against the Philistines and Jonathan asks his armor bearer to go with him and see what the Lord might do. He speaks out in faith saying, “Come, let’s go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the LORD will work for us, for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few.” And his armor bearer says, “Do all that is in your heart. Do as you wish. Behold, I am with you heart and soul."

They asked for the Lord’s guidance and went forward believing that He would deliver the Philistines into their hands and rescue them; and He did, amazingly.

I love Jonathan’s boldness in even the thought of going out, just the two of them, in anticipation of the LORD working on their behalf, conquering armies for them. So years ago, as a new bride reading this story, I felt the LORD speak to me and tell me one of my roles as my husband’s wife was to be like this armor bearer; so that in the future when my honey would come and say:

• “Let’s go see what the Lord may want to do."
• "Let’s move across the ocean while you’re pregnant."
• "Let’s move back across the ocean while you’re pregnant again."
• "I want to go to Uganda to help kids while you’re pregnant."
• "I want to go to the Philippines."
• "Mission trips to Ukraine and Austria?"
• "Let’s move south."
• "Let’s go see what the Lord wants to do…”

I wanted my response to be, “Do all that is in your heart…I am with you heart and soul…let’s go see what the LORD will do.” Sometimes I failed, sometimes I didn't.

Years passed, babies were born 15 months apart and I may have been pregnant again, and I grew forgetful. I was weary. I was home a lot nursing and changing diapers. Life was planned around nap times. When we went to church the kids would get sick and we would be out of commission for a few weeks and the cycle continued over and over.

Dale was working a full time job and then would go to all the services at church and I got jealous.  And felt unfruitful. Sometimes as Dale was getting ready to go to an evening service I would try to make him feel guilty for leaving me home alone with these sick kids again. It was ugly. I was angry when he left one night, and the Lord convicted me deeply.

I repented. I told Him I wanted to worship Him with my life; I wanted to give Him

something. I wanted to give Him my best but didn't even feel like I had a best in my weariness and busyness of motherhood. He asked me to give Him my husband and reminded me of my role as Dale’s armor bearer. Would I give Him my husband? Would I tell Dale, “Do all that is in your heart, I am with you heart and soul”, even if it meant time spent apart?

Yes, I would.

I did then and continue to do so now.

That heart change has given me such joy. I can stay home and do all this mothering in

worship to my Lord. I can let my husband know that I am with him and support him, and pray for him as he goes and worships the Lord with his life. As we each are ministering to the LORD, giving drinks of water in His name, we are unified and it is lovely.

I love that the Lord chooses to use foolish, weak vessels, in doing so His glory shines all the brighter.  I am so glad He shows me my sin and softens my heart. Yielding to Him is such a fight for me but is so wonderful when I do it. He has allowed us to take part in His work here on earth. There have been so many times I have allowed fear to hold me back from surrendering to the Lord, but there is such freedom to be found in constant surrender. The LORD is so worthy to be trusted.

"Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name. May Your kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; Matthew 6: for Yours are the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever" Matthew 6: 9-13.

"Amen"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Lani and Dale have been married 14 years. They live in southern Maine where they Homeschool their four children. They moved to Alfred five years ago and began Grace Fellowship where Dale is currently pastoring.  

Visit Grace Fellowship website @ http://www.gracefellowshipme.com/

Re-Post: They Missed Christmas. originally posted 12/14/13

They Missed Christmas

   The innkeeper missed Christmas. He turned away a woman heavy with child because she and her husband could not pay enough for him to bother to oust another paying guest.

   The guests of the inn missed Christmas. Not one of them took pity on the woman to give up their room for her comfort.

   The town of Bethlehem missed Christmas. When the shepherds came into the city seeking the wondrous thing proclaimed by the angels, no one ventured to search out why they were excited.

   Months later, the Priests and Scribes missed Christmas.

An entourage of men, Astrologers from another country, came because of a new star that had appeared. They knew the prophecy that this new star announced the birth of the King of the Jews. When questioned by Herod about what these travelers were talking about, the Priests and Scribes answered correctly that the King would be born in Bethlehem. Nevertheless, they never went to see for themselves.

   Herod missed Christmas. He believed the Travelers about the new King and out of jealousy, he tried to kill the baby to get rid of the threat to his reign.

   Many people on December 25 will miss Christmas. Millions will have parties; laugh and exchange gifts but they will miss the real gift of Christmas.

  

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulders. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son and whoever believes on Him will not die but have eternal life.

John 3:16

Let us not miss Christmas.

Anger and the Lost

"Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord,we persuade men" 

2 Corinthians 5: 11.

Ever get angry that your ministry is so hard? Ever feel like everything is working against you getting the gospel out? Ever feel like a total failure because it appears you're stumbling around and not gaining anything?

Anger is a first response.

• Why God? 
• If I'm doing this for you, why isn't it working? 
• What is all this trouble I'm having? 
• Why am I getting stonewalled?

I don't have any good answer, yet I know the enemy is angry at me for working for God to save the lost forever and ever.

Even in the face of troubles and hardships, I know what will happen to the lost for all eternity if they never accept God's salvation. So I strive through the struggles to get the gospel to the lost despite the enemy.

God wants all saved, so He will move to get them to hear the gospel. I am an instrument for that work. It's called work, service, serving, waiting, doing, walking. All these words are verbs, they mean you are going against stagnation, inertia, stickiness, friction, or deadness.

Though God's wrath is against His enemies and the sin of mankind, God is love, not anger.

It may not be easy. We may never see the fruit of our labor in this life but serve Him anyway.

We serve The Awesome, Almighty God

5 Bible Study Books for Groups or Individuals

(The Bereans), were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so" Acts 17:11

* * * * *

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" 2 Timothy 2:15

* * * * * 

When I became a Christian, I certainly didn't know what God had in store for me. Looking back over the way God has used me and the things He has taught me, I amazed where I am today. I am amazed that God has done things with me that I never dreamed possible before my salvation.

Bible study is an essential for any growth in a Christian's life. You cannot get out from your babyhood without at least reading the Bible. Taking me from my intense fear of people, in His sovereign knowledge, God has given me the privilege of disciplining others, a ministry I would never have picked for myself. Where God has put me, I now know how diligent teaching is a major ministry for the church. 

"The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, 

... teachers of good things, that they admonish the young women 

to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word 

of God may not be blasphemed" Titus 2: 3,4.

Here are five study books I recommend for teachers and students of the Bible. As a Home Bible study teacher, I have received approval for these guide books from my pastor and elders of my home church.

This list is in no particular order or preference.

* * * * * 

1. Design for Discipleship (Navpress).

Through a Discipleship class at our church, my Husband and I were introduced to this study first for our own benefit. When we opened our house for God's use, we used this series with a neighbor couple who would come once a week. Then the opportunity for me to lead a Ladies Home Bible study, I chose to begin the group with this series. There are seven books in this series, and includes a teacher's guide.
If you are new to leading a Bible study group, this is a great starter for teachers as well as new Christians. The layout is well presented and the Guide has many helps for the structure of the group and offers Leadership organization and tips.

Can be found at Navpress.com
or Amazon

* * * * * 

2. Ruth, Esther: (Shepherd's Notes published by Holman Reference)

This book was chosen by the girl's Sunday School class. They wanted to know more about Ruth and agreed on this study for the class. I enjoyed it, and the discussion among the girls was interesting as to Ruth's manners, way of life, and the extreme changes she went through to her maturity in worshiping God. Being teenagers, the changes were something the girls had a hard time accepting but the questions brought up during this study made the book of Ruth come alive for them. 

Found at Amazon & 

Bible Books stores

* * * * * 

3. Becoming a Woman of Influence: (Navpress) 

My former pastor's wife taught the Ladies Bible study group through this book. In this study, I discovered the joy of Scripture memorization. I learned the important fact that to disciple, or witness to anyone, Scripture memorization is major. Using the Bible as center in our conversations will help others in all aspects of life. I had to know Scripture to have the correct tools to teach/help/mentor others.

Found at Navpress & Amazon
* * * * * 

4. The Mind of Christ: (Discovery Series Bible Study) 

This little book brought out much conversation among our Home Study group. There were some in attendance who had never known so much about Jesus' character, and the depth of His sacrifice. I recommend this study for a group or individual who wants to learn about Jesus' example to His church. It is a good basis for explaining proper Christ-like conduct and discovering how to better serve one another in the church. Further, this is a good study if you desire to search out your own ministry.

Found at DiscoverySeries.org 


* * * * * 

5. Giving Christ First Place: First Place Bible Study  (Guiding Light)

This Study series was brought to my attention in our church as helpful in learning self control and moderation. It is a good guide for prioritizing holiness and prayer over the desires of self. It emphasizes accountability, kindness, and bearing one another's burdens.

I found it helpful in teaching me about the food I was eating and the manner I consumed it. I believe there are seven books in this series but I have only gone through the first two.

I still use two of the aspects of these books. Because I collect cookbooks, I like the recipe sections. Another thing I like is at the back of each book is a Commitment Record where the participant takes stock of certain aspects of food, exercise, prayer, Bible reading and memorization.

If possible, I recommend getting original copies that contain a CD of the memorization Scripture set to music.

Found at Amazon

* * * * * 

Bonus title:

6. A Life Changing Encounter with God's Word from the Book of PROVERBS  (Navpress)

There are multiple studies in the Life Changing Series that take lessons from specific books of the Bible, all of which are great for group study and discussion. I was introduced to this series as a participant in a Ladies Home group, and our teacher had us go through this particular study book of Proverbs. 

The questions presented ask for the participant to really dig deep for the knowledge of God in the word. As suggested in the title, it is designed for teaching a person to identify their needs to change and gives Biblical reasoning for the good of the change.

Found at Navpress.com

* * * * * 

There is no excuse for a Christian not to study the word if they have the freedom to do so. God desires all of His children to 'grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ'. (2 Peter 3:18)

The Best Man for the Job

"I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting" 1 Timothy 2:8.

Ever consider how much God knew and trusted Joseph to be the step-father of His Son on earth?

In the account of how Joseph became aware of his betroth's pregnancy, it says he thought about these things. At one point he even contemplated a private divorce. This man was hurting.

While their marriage was likely arranged, at some point, he must have loved this girl, even now pregnant with someone else's child. We can assume the situation estranged them from their families. It is possible they didn't have a big wedding party or feast among family and friends. Even though they hadn't been sexually intimate, with the exception of her cousin Elizabeth, it would be normal that no one else believed them.

God knew something about Joseph that no one else knew and He chose the man who would provide the early home for the baby Jesus. As Jesus grew into a young man, Mary and Joseph loved Him as their son. So much so, there came a day when Jesus had to remind them both of who He was and why He came. (Luke 2:41-49)

As little as we're told about him, though with a major roll to play, Joseph is easily overlooked in the Christmas story. There was no way around it, Mary needed a Husband. And with the most important infant to be born into the world on the way, she needed a strong Spiritual leader, and he had to be a man who would trust in God through the tough times. And here we see God's knowledge of men's hearts as He Mary Joseph. God knew Joesph's heart as well as He knew Mary's heart.

Matthew 1:20 says Joseph was thinking about the problem of the pregnancy and certainly his meditation included prayers for help, asking God what he's to do about Mary. His answer came through the dream appearance of the angel sent to tell him not to fear marriage to Mary.

The Scriptures says Joseph when he found out about the baby, he thought about quietly separating from Mary but the angel confirmed Mary's words of how she is pregnant. Joseph's response is a beautiful picture of a godly man trusting his God. He must have been looking for the Messiah and now he learns he's to be part of the fulfillment of prophecy.

And as Mary was obedient, Joseph also believed God and did all he was told.

God knew Joesph was the Best Man for the job

What an example of trust and obedience in times when a stand against the norm is needed.