Speedbumps in Bible Study {guest post month}

November 7, 2013 by Guest Post 8 Comments

This guest post is from Wendy Widder. See her full bio at the end of the post.

Have you ever been reading the Bible and run across a word or phrase that makes you scratch your head and say, “That seems kind of random.” There’s one in the second half of Daniel 1:2, where Nebuchadnezzar took some of the vessels of the Jerusalem temple “to the land of Shinar” to put them in his god’s treasury (ESV).

Many translations replaced the word “Shinar” with “Babylonia/Babylon,” because they’re pretty much the same place and who’s really heard of Shinar anyway? (This is a good reason to use a more literal translation, like the ESV, NASB, or NRSV, for serious Bible study.) But eliminating “Shinar” from the story is like leveling a speedbump – something in the text that slows you down long enough to look up and wonder if you have been missing something in an otherwise familiar story. If you’re really going to hear what the text says, you’ve got some homework to do.

Shinar – The Beginning of Babylon

Shinar is only mentioned a handful of times in the Bible, mostly in Genesis. It first appears in Genesis 10:10, where we learn that Nimrod’s kingdom got its start in the region of Shinar. Then in the very next chapter, it’s on the plain of Shinar that the city of Babylon is born. You probably know the story – a group of people decide to build a city with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so they could make a name for themselves (Genesis 11:4).

The tower of Genesis 11 was a ziggurat, part of a temple complex. Every Mesopotamian city had one. Such a tower functioned as a staircase for a god to make his way down to earth, where he could hang out in his temple and accept gifts from worshipers. Worshipers built ziggurats for the ease and convenience of their gods. But did you catch why the settlers at Shinar built their tower? To make a name for themselves. They are a little confused about their place in the hierarchy of beings. The builders at Shinar blurred the lines between the divine and the human.

Ironically, the God Yahweh did come down to Shinar (perhaps He even used their little staircase), and, after assessing the situation, put an end to their city-building by confusing their language – and so the name “Babel,” meaning “to confuse.” The people confused about their role as humans had their language confused and they scattered.

But the city does get finished by someone, and in the Bible, Babylon becomes the epicenter of all things anti-God. “Shinar,” however, essentially disappears.

Shinar – The End of Babylon

So why does Daniel 1:2 use the obscure word? I think it’s a speedbump to make you think about the story of Babylon’s beginning, because you’re about to learn the story of its end. Babylon emerged out of the blurring of the lines between deity and humanity, and it will end in the same way. The king who dominates the book of Daniel – Nebuchadnezzar – may worship his god in his Shinar temple, but he will act more like a god himself. And the ultimate end of Babylon will come on a night when a certain King Belshazzar will make even Nebuchadnezzar look almost saintly.

In the first verses of Daniel, we discover that the true God has come to Shinar again – but this time He’s on a covert operation: His temple vessels are tucked away in the treasury of the god there and some of His choicest human vessels are on their way to the palace of the king there. God will once again confront confused humans in Shinar, and before the city of Babylon falls, everyone will know who’s God and who’s not.

What speedbumps have you encountered while studying the Bible? How can you keep your eyes out for deeper learning?

Wendy Widder lives in the Pacific Northwest, where her easiest get-away is the Canadian border. She loves teaching and writing about the Old Testament, and she can be found online at wendywidder.com and wendylynnwidder.wordpress.com.

Learning to Be Thankful {guest post month}

November 5, 2013 by Guest Post 9 Comments

This guest post is from Lindsey Bell. See her full bio at the end of the post.

I never thought I would need to learn to be thankful.

As a teenager and young adult, I was typically cheerful. Of course, I had my bad days, but most of the time, I was positive.

Lately, though, I’ve realized I’m not as upbeat as I used to be.

The daily demands of being a stay-at-home mother, combined with multiple miscarriages, left me feeling less than thankful about my life.

About a year ago, after our fourth miscarriage, I decided something had to change. I was tired of crying all the time and tired of failing to enjoy the kids I have because of my constant desire for another.

Basically, I was tired of being discontent.

That’s what led me to this verse in 1 Thessalonians: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

What I love about this verse is that Paul wrote these words to a group of believers who were being persecuted for their faith.

He didn’t write them to happy-go-lucky believers who didn’t have to worry about anything. No, he wrote them to believers whose lives were being threatened, quite possibly on a daily basis.

These were men and women who—by appearance alone—had few reasons to be thankful. Torture was a very real possibility. So was prison and death.

Nonetheless, Paul challenged these people to be thankful in all circumstances.

A Thankfulness Challenge

As I thought about this verse over the past year and tried to wrap my head around how it’s possible to be thankful in situations like these, God taught me a few things:

1. We don’t have to thank God for the pain, but we do need to thank him in the pain.

In our day-to-day lives, this means thanking God for being with us in our trials and for helping us through the difficult days. It means recognizing He can use anything—even our most painful trials—to bring about something good.

2. We need to expect difficulties.

One of the reasons our miscarriages have been so difficult is because I mistakenly believed God would never allow this much pain into my life. I thought He would protect me from it.

Unfortunately, God never promised us pain-free lives. In fact, in John 16:33, Jesus promised the opposite: “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Pain is a part of life, and we’re not going to escape it simply because we follow Jesus. Learning to expect difficulties can help prepare us for when they come.

3. We need to count our blessings.

When we focus on what we don’t have, we fail to enjoy the things we do.

Pain has a way of blocking our view. It’s like driving into the sun as it rises in the morning. If you look directly at it, it will prevent you from seeing anything else. But take your eyes off of it, and you can see your surroundings more clearly.

Take your eyes off your pain and fix them instead on Jesus.

It won’t remove the pain, but it will help you get through it…It will help you see the blessings that were hidden by the tears.

What has helped you be thankful in all circumstances?

About Lindsey Bell:

Lindsey Bell is the author of Searching for Sanity, a parenting devotional that will be released in January 2014. She’s also a stay-at-home mother of two, minister’s wife, avid reader, and chocolate lover. You can find Lindsey online at any of the following locations:

Her blog: www.lindsey-bell.com

Her website: www.lindseymbell.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/LindseyMBell

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorLindseyBell

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/LindseyMBell01

Oh, Job {Learning to Abide with God When You Don’t Understand}

September 17, 2013 by Guest Post 6 Comments

Today’s guest post is from Angela Mackey.

My heart cried out, “No!” The cry bounced around my brain as I tried to make sense of the words I read.

‘So Yahweh said to Satan, “Look, all that belongs to him [Job] is in your power. Only do not stretch out your hand against him.” So Satan went out from Yahweh’s presence.”‘ (Job 1:8)

It seemed so unfair, wrong even, for God to let Satan “stretch out his hand against all that belongs to Job.” In fact it was God who – in what sounds like a proud parent moment –brought Job to Satan’s attention.

If that type of testing comes to those God brags about, I don’t want that type of recognition. Perhaps it would be best to blend in and be an average follower of Christ – a pew-flower…

How do I chew on the book of Job and remain there when there is so much that I don’t understand?

I must cling to who I know God is from all of Scripture. I cannot claim God is unfair based on a few verses in Job. Instead I must read Job in light of who God reveals Himself to be in the rest of Scripture. He is just, good, righteous, loving, etc…
I must remember God’s ways are not my ways (Isaiah 55:8). In other words, if I could completely understand God’s ways then He would not be God. I don’t want a god I can completely understand or I would have a weak God unable to save me.
I must remember Job is not perfect. I like perfect heroes and I enjoy taking sides. I read Job and find myself cheering for the man covered in sores, but he is not innocent in his words. I must be aware of when Job’s words turn against God.
I must see Satan’s limitations. Satan cannot do anything in my life that God has not allowed.
If God approves Satan’s activities, all Satan does will work out for my good. Romans 8:28 tells us God works everything together for good for those who love Him. And so even the things Satan does to destroy me and attempt to destroy God’s plans for my life will work out for my good.
I must learn with Job my insignificance compared with God. Job says he longs to argue his case before God, but God questions Job. God never answers Job’s questions; instead God questions Job. But Job doesn’t complain; he repents. Job admits he spoke of things he could not know. In the same way, I must admit that God is God and I am not.

I am slowly learning – with God’s help – that I will not understand all of God’s ways, but I can trust Him.

What have you found helpful to remember when you study Job?

Angela Mackey is passionate about teaching women to renew their minds through God’s word so that they may live transformed lives. Angela is a writer, speaker, nurse, and stay-at-home mom who openly shares her struggle with infertility. You can connect with her on her blog at www.rethinkingmythinking.com. She is also on Twitter and Facebook.

Using Inductive Bible Study With Kids {Let The Children Come}

September 11, 2013 by Guest Post 10 Comments

This guest post for our monthly Let The Children Come feature is by Katie Johnson.
Disclosure: This post includes some affiliate links. See the bookstore page for full disclosure details. Thank you for supporting this site!

About a month ago, I found myself with the task of choosing a new Bible study for my children to use each day in our homeschool. I have a 3rd grader and a 5th grader, and we have always used either a prepared children’s devotion book, Grapevine Studies, or some other version of a children’s Bible study or book to walk them through the word on a daily basis. These tools have always served us well, so I was considering the same type of options.

At the same time, a morning Bible study that I’m involved in called HelloMornings was about to begin a new session, using an inductive study of Ephesians called Glorious Grace. The study method used in Glorious Grace (from Quench Bible) looks at a short passage each week. Each day has a focus: on the first day you do an initial read, then each following day looks at truths, promises, or commands. The last day focuses on application, which I believe is the most important part of any Bible study. I have loved studying any book of the Bible using this method since I discovered it last fall; it has made a profound difference in my walk with God.

Inductive Bible Study With Kids

So, I found myself about to begin a new Bible study. I also found myself looking for one to do with my children.

Maybe you’ve already figured this out, but it took me a little longer to realize that I could just bring my kids along with me for the ride.

I don’t know why it didn’t occur to me sooner. I’m learning, though, that while children’s studies and devotions are wonderful tools, it’s a worthwhile effort to take older kids right into the word. Letting them experience firsthand how the Holy Spirit gives understanding (Colossians 1:9) is a priceless gift. I’ve seen this play out as we have gone through our first few weeks of studying the book of Ephesians. Both kids have shown an eagerness to discover what the passage is saying, and it has been thrilling to know that God is speaking to each of them through His word.

Patience and Practice

Practically, this isn’t a study method that kids master overnight. It’s not even easy for adults to master, if we’re not used to studying the Bible in this way. Right now, I’m leading my children to pray first, asking God to give them understanding of His word and the wisdom to know how to apply it. And honestly, there are days when I forget this step. But I’m trying to impress upon them the importance of praying before doing any Bible study. We ask God for wisdom and understanding as we read, and ask Him to reveal what He wants us to do with what we learn.

After praying, they read through the passage in their own Bibles. Then I ask them to see if they can find whatever it is that we’re looking for that day (truths, promises, etc), and we make a list together. They each keep a notebook and add simple notes as we go. On the last day of the week, when we look for application, I have been gently guiding them to think of things they can DO with what they have learned from the passage that week. Since I’ve been going through Ephesians with HelloMornings earlier in the morning each day, I’m able to share with them what I’ve learned through my own study. My hope and prayer is that they will gradually be able to do more of this on their own.

Especially after these past few weeks, I’m a believer of teaching children to go right into the Bible for themselves. It’s been an amazing blessing to see God working in the hearts of my own kids through the systematic study of His word. They’re learning that through His word, God can–and will–speak directly to them…and I pray that this will be the foundation of a sturdy faith in each of them.

Have you done inductive Bible study with your children? Can you do so while both incorporating your favorite children’s bible studies and with just the Bible at times? Share your ideas in the comments!

This guest post is written by Katie Johnson (@KJ_Clem on Twitter). Katie is a wife, homeschooling mom of two, and wannabe farm girl who lives in the South Carolina foothills. She’s learning what it looks like to love God, learn His ways, and lead others to do the same. She takes photos of sunsets, lives in flip flops, and gives too many treats to her backyard chickens. Connect with her onTwitter.

See Mom Abide {Let The Children Come}

August 21, 2013 by Guest Post 11 Comments

This guest post for our monthly Let The Children Come feature is by Ali Shaw.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5, ESV, Read John 15:1-11)

As mothers (or other important women role models), sometimes our task of spiritual instruction seems insurmountable. How do I teach my children everything they need to know about God, and His Word? And, how do I take head knowledge and transfer it to the heart? Over the years, I have felt overwhelmed with these questions at times. And I’m sure I’m not alone. Keeping in mind these three things while instructing my children has helped greatly:

I am not God (which highlights the obvious reality of my imperfection).
My children have to develop their own walk.
God has entrusted me to set the example, facilitate, and guide.

By abiding in Christ, I can keep those three points at the forefront of my mind.

I am not God

Abiding in Christ reminds me that I need Him; apart from Him I can have no spiritual fruit. I am an imperfect person in desperate need of Christ! I have to remember that as such, I can never teach God’s perfect Word perfectly or completely. The Bible is inexhaustible, and I am still learning! It is unrealistic for me to think that my children could ever learn His Word as perfectly as I’d like. So, I remember that I am not God. I remember that as I give them rich and plentiful opportunities to read, soak in, and study God’s perfect word, He will bless His perfect word in their hearts to grow the fruit He wants, and shape them (as His little branch) just as He sees fit (John 15:2b). I must fully trust Him to use His Word in their lives.

My Children Must Develop Their Own Walk

When I abide, I’m more likely to see growth. Just as a baby must learn to take his first, staggering, steps and even fall many times, or a baby bird must stretch its tiny wings and flutter along, my children must do the same spiritually. I have done this, and I’m sure you have, too. Of course I want to protect them from unnecessary pain, so I should take precautions to do just that. However, I must also be prepared to let them test their own wings and practice their own faith. This will look different at times. From the five year old who rushes through prayer to hurry and eat, then feels dissatisfied or embarrassed, to the teenager who is pained by a peer’s ungodly actions only to realize she’s done similarly, to the young adult who can’t find time for daily devotions only to realize they feel “dry”, or to the mother who thought she’d finished struggling only to fall, dust her hands, and rise again– God is still growing and developing each walk.

Guiding and Abiding

I set the example. I must abide in Christ, hide in His word, spend time with Him in prayer, and be enthusiastic about my love and desire for Him above all else this world has to offer. I must further my private relationship with Christ, yet provide glimpses into that time with God for my children to see. I’m often on the quest to provide opportunities for my children to join me in reading, study, prayer, and praise. Do your children “catch you” often in prayer, reading the Bible, journaling your spiritual thoughts, memorizing or reciting Scripture, singing praises, or being a witness? Do you get excited over something you’ve learned or something God’s doing and you can’t wait to share it with your kids or with others in their hearing? These are great ways to guide your children by abiding in Christ! I’ve learned that if my heart is right and sincere, my children will be blessed and hopefully will rise up and call me blessed someday. Wouldn’t that be a lovely inadvertent consequence of wholeheartedly pursuing your children’s spiritual instruction?

So, dear overwhelmed mother, take heart! Don’t feel overburdened by your task. Come to Jesus for His easy yoke (Matthew 11:30) and then abide. Stay. Remain in Him and let Him bear fruit in your life. Out of your overflow, lead your children to follow in your footsteps and then watch what our awesome, loving, precious God does. In the meantime, let your children see Mommy abide.

Alison Shaw can’t believe how blessed her life is! Wife of 20 years to her awesome, supportive soul mate, and momma to three beautiful daughters aged 19, 14, and 5, she’s learning to serve her Precious Lord more and more, day by day. You can catch her blogging at Heartfelt Reflections and see the latest of what God’s been teaching her!

The ACTS Model – A Simple Method of Prayer

August 14, 2013 by Guest Post 10 Comments

We are pleased to have Julie Reynolds guest-posting with us today. Julie is a seasoned women’s ministry leader who is very active in her local church and online. She has been involved with the HelloMornings ministry for several years. Today she joins us to share the ACTS method of praying, a simple framework that can help guide your prayer time. – Patti

How you pray is a very personal matter. I would not dare tell someone how to have a relationship with their best friend, so I won’t tell you how you need to have conversation/relationship with your most important friend, Jesus. But you can’t have a relationship with someone you never talk to, or take the time to listen to.

Still, sometimes it is hard to know where to start in prayer. The ACTS model is a simple method of prayer that I have used in my own quiet time.

With the ACTS model, we start by focusing on who God is, and praising Him for that (adoration). Then we move into confessing our sins and thanking Him for all He has given us. We conclude with our requests for others and for ourselves (supplication).

Adoration

We adore God and worship Him as we seek to fulfill the commandment to love him with all of our heart, mind and soul.

Spend time praising the Lord and adoring Him for who He is (Matthew 6:9)
Use scripture to praise Him (Psalm 103, Psalm 145, Psalm 150; Revelation 4:8, Revelation 5:12-14)
Be still before Him and enjoy His presence (Psalm 46:10, Psalm 16:11). Use this time to allow God to speak to you through His Word and Spirit (Psalm 40:1-3; Psalm 90:12-17)
Praise the Lord by praying scripture or hymns back to Him (Psalm 84; Revelation 4:8; Revelation 5:9-10, and “Great is Thy Faithfulness”)

Confession

Confession allows you to clear away the things in your relationship with God which are displeasing to Him. Confession should be an ongoing part of your walk with Christ (Matthew 6:9-13).

Spend time asking Jesus to search your heart for areas that displease Him (Psalm 139:23-24)
Spend time confessing and repenting of (turning away from) specific sins. All of us have sinned. John writes “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:8-9)
Allow God to cleanse your heart of any unconfessed sin (Psalm 51:10-13)
Accept His forgiveness and cleansing (Jeremiah 31:34)

Thanksgiving

God is blessing us constantly. Every minute we can recall the wonderful things that God has done for us, and the gifts that we have been given.

Giving thanks for all things should be a part of our everyday lives as God’s people (Philippians 4:6-7)
This includes thanking God for specific things such as blessings, people, open doors, guidance, etc. (Ephesians 5:20)
Also give thanks for His salvation and the privilege to serve such a wonderful Savior (1 Chronicles 16:23, Psalm 118:21, Acts 4:12)
Thank Him for his goodness, loving-kindness, and faithfulness (Psalm 100:4-6)

Supplication

Finally we ask God for our needs and the needs of others. We call this supplication, or intercession. There are many demands on our prayer time – many topics and issues that we could pray for, so we need to choose, and to be specific.

We are called as believers to intercessory prayer (Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 18:1; Colossians 4:2; 1 Timothy 2:1-4). Thus, we are to come before God on behalf of others (Hebrews 10:19-25; Revelation 1:4-6)
Spend time praying for specific people, events, states, countries, missionaries, etc. (Acts 12:5; Romans 10:1)
Spend time praying for personal needs (see Matthew 6:11-13)
Make prayer lists for your time of supplication. Be sure to include a place for answers to be recorded. Recorded answers can become items for praise and thanksgiving!

Whether you use the ACTS model or some other framework for prayer, remember this: God doesn’t want to give us something else for our do list. He desires relationship with us. Prayer is the doorway to that relationship, to open communication, and to hearing His voice.

Julie Reynolds is a bible study teacher, retreat speaker, and women’s ministry leader. She says “I love to see the look in a woman’s face when she gets it – that the Bible is alive and active for her too!” Julie is a working mom of three, and Gran to one amazing and adorable boy.

Save

Studying the Bible {for Little Learners}

July 17, 2013 by Guest Post 7 Comments

(Disclosure: Affiliate links are included in this post. Please see the end of the post for details. Thanks for supporting this site!)

That lovely spring day, as I was sitting in the lecture hall, the professor was saying something about COGS (that’s “Cost of Goods Sold” to you non-finance majors), income statements, cash flow statements, equity, and all that fun stuff. While the professor lectured, I, of course, was looking around the classroom, checking the time, doodling on the margin of my notebook–anything but taking in the words that he spoke. It wasn’t that I was bored with the subject (what can be more fun than studying finance!), but I was not and am still not much of an auditory learner! (I did pass the class, and go on to get my business degree.) I can’t even listen to audiobooks. Once I got home and I read through the chapter, it made more sense to me. There were charts and numbers to look at on the pages.

Kids are exactly the same way when it comes to learning. Some learn better through reading, and others by doing. Although there are serious topics that we can discuss about in the Bible, we also have to make it fun and interesting for kids (and adults) to want to learn it.

As a former Child Development student (yes, I almost also was on my way to getting this degree), we were taught about all the different learning styles. There are even combinations of the learning styles too. Today, I want to share with you three learning styles, and a few resources that are available for those types of learners.

Visual Learners

Visual learners learn best through seeing things. Maps, charts, sign language/hand motions, videos, outlines, flashcards, notes, and highlighting are all things that are helpful for visual learners to absorb the information.

Resources for visual learners

DVDs – [amazon_link id=”B00BBJ63IM” target=”_blank” ]What’s in the Bible DVD series[/amazon_link]
Bible Storybooks – [amazon_link id=”1414348304″ target=”_blank” ]My First Hands-On Bible[/amazon_link], [amazon_link id=”B007UQ46P2″ target=”_blank” ]The Beginner’s Bible[/amazon_link], [amazon_link id=”B007WRPUFE” target=”_blank” ]The Jesus Storybook Bible[/amazon_link]
Game – [amazon_link id=”B000CR7J32″ target=”_blank” ]Superbook[/amazon_link]

Auditory Learners

Auditory learners learn best through hearing things. They like things read out loud or set to music. Audiobooks, videos, and discussion are great ways to engage auditory learners.

Resources for auditory learners

Seeds Family Vol 7 album image

CDs – Seeds Family Worship, [amazon_link id=”B0002XVKLI” target=”_blank” ]PraiseBaby[/amazon_link], Songs for Saplings
Podcasts – Daily Audio Bible, Adventures in Odyssey

Tactile/Kinesthetic Learners

Tactile/kinesthetic learners learn best through through experiencing/doing things. Games, sports activities, experiments, role-playing, building models, crafts, dance, adventure books, field trips, and memory games are great for teaching a tactile learner.

Resources for tactile/kinesthetic learners

Awana clubs – Leaders teach creative Bible lessons using skits, visual, puppets, object lessons
Art – [amazon_link id=”B004PZWV08″ target=”_blank” ]See the Light[/amazon_link] (Drawing Children to Him), Mike’s Inspiration Station
Vacation Bible School during the summer
Putting on a play

Here are a few other resources and ideas that help guide kids in learning about the Bible or Biblical character:

We Choose Virtues
Journaling
GrapeVine Studies – Stick Figuring through the Bible
The American Bible Challenge on Gameshow Network

What resources have you found useful in teaching kids about the Bible? Share your ideas in the comments!

Joyce is a business major turned PreK teacher turned stay-at-home mommy to 2 little girls (ages 5 and 2.5.) She likes to dabble in a little bit of everything, from writing newsletters (for our family and for MOPS) to crafting to trying out new recipes…basically just trying new things.

She loves God, family and friends, date nights, board games, books, and blogging. You can visit her over at Keeping Up with the Moys.

Disclosure: Some affiliate links are present. If you click on those links and then purchase the item, we will receive a small commission. Regardless, we only share products we personally support, love, and think you would benefit from, too. Thank you in advance for supporting this ministry!

Losing the Weight When You Travel {Tips for Packing Scripture}

June 27, 2013 by Guest Post 5 Comments

I’m writing this on my way to 30,000 feet above the Rocky Mountains. When I planned this impromptu vacation a mere 24 hours ago, I took care of the essentials: a plane ticket on Priceline; a shuttle bus to the airport; a friend’s futon at my destination; a rescheduled doctor’s appointment; taking out the trash; packing a breakfast-lunch-dinner consisting of everything in the fridge that won’t be good when I get back in five days.

Most of my vacation destinations require that I take to the skies. Since traveling by air is a hassle unless you have your own plane and pilot, and since one of these days travelers will undoubtedly pay fees for every ounce they carry, I travel light – carry-on luggage only, if it can be at all managed.

When a friend and I went to South Africa for two weeks last summer, and we realized our itinerary involved nine different flights in a country famed for stolen luggage, we got creative. One of our space-saving plans was to pack “disposal clothing” – ratty underwear, holey t-shirts, and jeans that never get picked anymore. After we had worn them, we left them in hotel rooms along the way. (About a week into our trip we learned that our trash was the maid’s treasure – and we started to leave our things on the dresser with a note.)

Packing the Word

Packing light doesn’t have to mean leaving your Bible at home. Happily, it also doesn’t mean you have pack a small-print edition that your aging eyes couldn’t read if they tried. (When I pack that edition, I may just as well not have bothered.) Here are three simple ways to pack the Word when space is at a premium.

Pick one of the New Testament epistles that can be reasonably read in 15–20 minutes. Before you travel, make a photocopy of it. Read thought the entire book every day that you’re away. It packs light, and reading through the same portion of Scripture repeatedly will give you a chance to hear it differently. You will begin to notice things you never would on a single read or even in an in-depth study. You will be soaked in its language and message. Since it’s a photocopy, it packs easily and if it gets damaged, you haven’t ruined your good Bible. You could do the same with a portion of Psalms or any other passage of reasonable length.
Select one or two psalms that you want to memorize and make this the time to do it. Write the verses out on 3×5 cards that you can stuff in your purse or tuck in a book. The fewer cards, the better – remember, you’re packing light. Your devotional time could consist of reading the psalm several times, praying through it, and memorizing it verse by verse. If something about your vacation – or the situation you’ve left behind – is cause for anxiety, pick a psalm that can help fill your mind with God’s truth and refocus your thoughts. When I traveled halfway around the world by myself for a two-week teaching trip, I took Psalm 46 with me and memorized it. I often found myself anxious and fearful, and my defense was the psalm in my head. Its words of holy comfort got me through some very difficult spots.
If you really will read it, pack that Bible with small print – or a New Testament or a booklet edition of a single book – and strategically leave it behind when you travel home. Pray about where you should leave it. Maybe it will be for the hotel maid or for another hostess. Maybe God will impress upon you to leave it at the airport or in a restaurant. Let Him prompt you. He knows where His words need to go.

Flying the increasingly unfriendly skies can be a headache, and packing light usually involves a series of decisions that require psychic skills (e.g., Will it rain? Will I need a skirt?). But packing for your time with God doesn’t have to be part of the traveling dilemma, and it might be just what you need to deal with the headache.

How do you include the Word in your packing? Let us know your tips in the comments!

This guest post is written by Wendy Widder. Wendy lives in the Pacific Northwest, where her easiest get-away is the Canadian border.She loves teaching and writing about the Old Testament, and she can be found online at wendywidder.com and wendylynnwidder.wordpress.com.

Raising Kingdom Builders {with Scripture memory}

May 28, 2013 by Guest Post 14 Comments

We won’t always be within whispering distance of our children.

Does this shock any of you as it does me…?

I mean, I know my kids will grow up and leave the nest. And even though this truth is bittersweet, I really do want it to happen. My strongest desire as a mom is for them to go out into the world and become leaders, game-changers…kingdom builders.

However, with an 8 year old and an almost 10 year old–growing more independent daily, but still sweetly needing me for so much–it’s hard to imagine a day when they won’t be at my side. Right now, I’m there when they need help. I’m there when they need comfort. And I’m there to set boundaries and teach them everything I think they need to know. But that won’t always be.

Leaving the Nest

So, what is a mama to do? As they grow up, they’ll be out on their own more and more. They’ll need to practice independence long before they start their adult lives. As they head out into this world, who will be there when they’re faced with difficult decisions; when they have in-the-moment needs for wisdom, discernment, or comforting?

I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; (John 14:16 NASB)

If our children are in Christ, He promises that they have a Helper in the Holy Spirit, and that He will be with them forever. It brings me great comfort to know that my children will always have the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit, wherever their lives take them. Jesus goes further to say that the Helper, the Holy Spirit, will teach us all things, and bring God’s word to our remembrance (John 14:26). How cool is that? However, as moms, we do have a part to play in this. In order for the Spirit to bring God’s word to our children’s remembrance, we need to help them hide His word to begin with. Then He will have something to reveal to them when they need His guidance.

Memorizing Scripture to Prepare for Independence

I attended a wonderful convention recently. One of the speakers encouraged parents to help their children memorize scripture. She shared several examples of how her adult children were equipped to make important decisions because of scripture they had memorized as small children. She told of her daughter meeting a boy that she was interested in. He had an angry meltdown in front of her, and all she could think was “You shall not go with a hot-tempered man” (Proverbs 22:24). Because the Spirit brought this verse to her remembrance, the speaker’s daughter was able to make a wise choice in her personal life.

This, friends, is what I desire for my kids as they grow and become more independent. I want to present them with a gift that no one can take away. I want to give them a heart library of scripture, engraved on their very souls. Scripture so deeply treasured that they can’t help but hear the voice of the Spirit when He brings it to mind. Words from their Lord, guiding them with the wisdom and discernment that can only come from Him.

Have you seen the Holy Spirit bear fruit in your children as a result of hiding His word? Please share your story in the comments!

Thanksgiving in the Word: In Everything Give Thanks

November 6, 2012 by Guest Post 6 Comments

We’re delighted to welcome Brooke Espinoza from Rivers of Water today…

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18

I used to wonder about 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “How am I to be thankful for the headaches and heartaches of life?” Then I realized this verse doesn’t say “For everything give thanks…” but it says “in everything give thanks…” I love that! I am to thank God in everything, not for everything. Like Pollyanna’s Glad Game, the easiest way I’ve found to give thanks in everything is by looking for something I can be thankful for regardless of how my day is going.

A Reason to be Glad

No matter my circumstances, God always gives me a reason to be glad. Recently I was suffering big-time from a migraine. Even in the midst of my nauseating pain, I was glad that I don’t get migraines like that very often, and every migraine I’ve ever had always has an end point, so I knew it was only a matter of time when my debilitating headache would go away. Right there I had two great reasons to give thanks in the midst of my migraine. As I thanked the Lord, though in a lot of pain, my heart was glad that these times of suffering were only occasional, and temporary.

Thankfulness is a Choice

David proclaimed in Psalm 34:1 “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Thankfulness is a choice. Warren Wiersbe observed,

“We can’t control the circumstances of life, but we can control how we respond to them. That’s what faith is all about, daring to believe that God is working everything for our good even when we don’t feel like it or see it happening.”

When Paul and Silas were severely beaten and thrown in prison, instead of getting swept up in their terrible circumstances, they chose to give thanks in their circumstances by praying and singing hymns to God. (Acts 16:25) What an incredible testimony of faith they modeled to the other inmates, and now to us. Likewise, when we choose to give thanks in our discouraging circumstances rather than complain about our circumstances, we are a shining testimony of faith to others.

The Disciple’s Study Bible notes that “God’s will is that we gratefully acknowledge His hand in all circumstances, not for all circumstances.” Though I may not be clear on God’s will in my life regarding a particular situation, I can be certain of God’s will for me regarding my attitude and how I am to respond to the blessings and trials of life. “In everything give thanks—for this is the will of God for you, in Christ Jesus.”

Two Ways to Focus on Gratitude

When I get discouraged by a trial and catch myself complaining, two things help me to turn my focus back onto having an attitude of gratitude.

1. I choose to stop focusing on my problem, and start focusing on the promises of God.

These promises in particular always turn my discouragement into hope, despair into joy, and give me reasons to thank God in the midst of my trial:

God’s plans for me are for good—to give me a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)
God will not withhold good from me (Psalm 84:11)
God is working all things to good (Romans 8:28)
God will deliver me—it’s only a matter of when (Psalm 34:19)

Additionally, this summer I memorized Psalm 103 and since then if ever I need a little help in finding something to be thankful for while in a difficult time, I just think on the promises of Psalm 103 and find that it gives me plenty of reasons to praise and thank God.

2. I ask myself “What does this allow?” to turn my attention onto the blessings within my trial that I otherwise would have been blind to, had I continued to focus on how my problem is making my life difficult.

In Christ We Can Do It!

At first glance, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, looks like an impossible command. And truth is, in our flesh it is impossible. But in Christ we can do all things! (Philippians 4:13) As we seek to find the blessings in every trial, and habitually thank God in all things, we will experience a supernatural joy apart from our circumstances, like Paul and Silas, and find we always have a reason to give thanks.

Have you found a reason to be thankful in the midst of a trying circumstance?
Leave a comment!

Brooke blogs at Rivers of Water, a site dedicated to encourage and equip Christian women to fully trust in God and His Word so when their faith is tested, through trials, they will not be shaken. She has a Bachelors degree in Biblical Studies from Calvary Chapel Bible College, and is passionate about studying and memorizing Scripture.

Love Like Him: 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

May 28, 2012 by Guest Post 10 Comments

“Love is not affectionate feeling, but a steady wish for the loved person’s ultimate good as far as it can be obtained” C.S. Lewis

The breeze blows in as the sun sags low on the horizon. Dinner’s still unmade and words twist tangled in a mess in my head and my heart. I’m dying for some peace and quiet to try to undo the knots that have accumulated throughout this day. They’re all hanging on me this this late hour and emotionally I love them but my actions speak another emotion.

Annoyance. Frustration. Irritation.

When it comes down to it it matters little to them if I make their favorite pumpkin-chocolate-chip muffins, or those stuffed peppers he’s been begging for. That’s nice of me. It makes them smile and their smiles make me feel good, but those are just actions.

Anyone can make them muffins. A restaurant could deliver the craved stuffed peppers.

Who cares?

If I just move through the motions of loving my family but don’t actually love them with the selfless love of Christ, it’s all meaningless.

In 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 Paul says,

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

I’ve read and re-read this scripture repeatedly–with each reading I stand convicted.

Our motives matter. Obedience out of obligation is worthless.

Obedience on the outside is easy compared to obedience of the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us that God looks at our hearts. Christ commands us to love one another, not just for their benefit, but for our own as well (John 15:11). Paul says when we crash through life, gongs banging, we are nothing and we gain nothing. We make ourselves irrelevant by acting apart from love.

The Greek word Paul uses here for love is agape. This is not an emotional love. Agape is the love that went to the cross for us. Agape love says “I love you no matter what you do, whether you love me back or crucify me, I will love you”.

When I love selfishly, with my hand out waiting for my reward and acknowledgement, it’s worthless.

Galatians 5:22 names love as the first fruit of the spirit. 2nd Peter chapter 1, he says to add to our faith, (among other attributes) unselfish love. Peter goes on to say in verse 8, “for if these things are really yours and continually increasing, they will keep you from becoming ineffective and unproductive in your pursuit of knowing our Lord Jesus Christ more intimately.” To Paul’s point, when our motivation for our actions and behaviors is love, we are no longer clanging cymbals–ineffective, noisy nothings. Offering nothing, gaining nothing.

This term Paul uses for love is used roughly 228 times in the New Testament.

Love matters.

1 Corinthians 13:13 names love as the greatest gift. Christ demonstrated what that love looks like, as He made His way to the cross and bore our sins.

We are called to love like Christ–to love unselfishly. In John 13:34 Christ says,

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another”.

Christians are to make Christ known to the world not by flaunting their spiritual gifts, but rather by demonstrating the sacrificial love of Christ that places others before self and willingly bends low to raise another up.

Apart from this we’re just noisy–just hollow clanging, banging emptiness with no purpose, with no effectiveness.

We make our way from yard to kitchen, kicking off shoes and lumbering a dusty-sweaty trail of half-pints upstairs to the tub, these words press hard at my heart and I catch myself before I open my mouth. I must love them, even when I am tired and aching for quiet. I must love them because that’s Christ in me. Learning to love as He loves is no simple task. A thousand opportunities present daily and love becomes a choice to be made.

If you aren’t yet, consider joining us for the Love Like Him bible study? You are welcome to jump in any time!

What did you learn from the passage this week? What is God showing you about the way you love?

Kris is just a girl who loves Jesus with her whole heart. She is a stay at home mom, MOPS Coordinator and an Advocate for Compassion International. Kris winds through her days, homeschooling 4 kids, and playing wife to her amazing husband.The floors are covered in crumbs and the washing machine never stops running (never!) but she counts each day as a gift! In her spare time (ha!) she writes, reads and plays with her camera.