Encouragement and Tools to Abide in God's Word
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See you Thursday!
And to love to read.
Other than the Bible (it’s # 1), what book has helped you love God more? Driven you to a higher level of spiritual growth? Inspired in you a greater passion to serve others?
Here are ten favorite books among a few of the writers at Do Not Depart (in an incredibly informal poll—sorry, no Barna statistics here).
1. Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth
by Richard J. Foster
A gift from her dad, this is the book that sparked Teri Lynne’s interest in spiritual disciplines and the study of Christian classics. It’s one of my all-time favorite books, too, because of its practical approach listing things we can do to grow spiritually, yet its insistence upon a total dependence on God for that spiritual growth.
2. Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist
by John Piper
Heather says this classic Piper book opened her eyes to a different view of God, how He desires good for us, and how our enjoyment of Him brings Him glory. I agree. It taught me through multiple scriptures that the more I love God, the more joy I have.
3. Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God
by Henry and Richard Blackaby, Claude King
First published in 1990, this book has helped people all over the world listen to God more attentively, and respond to His voice more actively. The more we experience Him, the more we learn to trust and love Him. This is one of Kathy’s favorites.
4. Future Grace
by John Piper
Because I can be a worrier about the future, I re-read this book for a second time last year because of its strong urging to trust God not only for grace in the past, but also for grace in the future. I will continue to turn to its truths for practical scriptural advice on how to overcome a variety of sins and trust God’s grace more. God has, is, and will help us—past, present, and future.
5. The Knowledge of the Holy: The Attributes of God and Their Meaning in the Christian Life
by A. W. Tozer
Perhaps you’re familiar with this quote: “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” It’s from this 1978 book from Tozer about characteristics of God, all of which are worthy of our study and our honor. Learning more about God gives us more reasons to love Him. This is another favorite of mine and Kathy’s.
6. The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith
by Timothy Keller
I’ve yet to read this one (it’s on my list), but Sandra says it was a life-changer for her when she realized that the older brother in the story of the prodigal son was just as sinful as the younger brother. As a good-girl, rule-follower, she says this book showed her she was too much like the Pharisees, and like Paul, was “the chief of sinners.” Discover a message of grace here.
7. The Pursuit of Holiness
by Jerry Bridges
After Julie was given this book in high school, she realized for the first time that God’s Word should impact her thought life first, then everything else would flow from that. Realizing that God’s standard of holiness is a goal to be pursued changed the way she runs her race as a believer.
8. The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment
by Jeremiah Burroughs
Being discontent with your life’s circumstances isn’t just a modern-era problem. Burroughs wrote this as a Puritan in the 1600s but its strong message to find contentment in Christ alone is just as relevant today. I first read it two years ago and immediately felt its judgment in my own life (and I thought I was fairly content already!). It’s a challenging read—both in vocabulary and in conviction—but it is well worth the effort.
9. Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We Tolerate
by Jerry Bridges
Sandra and Kathy both were impacted by this book that shines light on the more “acceptable” sins (like unthankfulness, lack of self-control, irritability, judgmentalism). Bridges navigates through these to lead you back around to the gospel message of God’s forgiveness and grace.
10. Spectacular Sins: And Their Global Purpose in the Glory of Christ
by John Piper
This book can help you better appreciate and rely on the beauty of God’s sovereignty in all situations, good and “bad.” Seeing His hand at work through various stories in the Old and New Testaments can strengthen your faith that He is still active in the situations of your own life. Sandra and I both picked this one.
It’s hard to stop at just ten!
Please add your favorites in the comments—what books have influenced your faith?
Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links. Do Not Depart will receive a small percentage of your purchase, at no additional cost to you.
It’s been almost one year since tornadoes ripped through neighborhoods hauntingly close to mine. The weathermen had warned April 27 would be bad, but until my own trees and fence blew down, I didn’t believe them.
By the end of the day, it was a war zone. Wind versus everything else. On the outside, it appeared wind had won.
But on the inside—for those hidden in shelters—there was safety.
David knew wars. Enemies surrounded him. Yet he had the audacity to ask, “Whom shall I fear? Of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1).
Um, I could make a list, David. A long list.
And not just for him, but for me, too. I’m leery of new situations, confrontational people, even hints of danger. And that’s not even counting “evildoers assailing me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes” (Psalm 27:2).
So what do we do in times of danger, or perceived danger? In Alabama, many are buying tornado shelters. Our instinct is to protect ourselves from vulnerability.
David did one main thing. He asked the Lord, “Can I stay in Your presence?” (Psalm 27:4). There was safety. There was shelter.
In God’s presence, he could sing with joy, he could cry for guidance, he could learn His ways.
Can we be that dependent? Can we be vulnerable enough to stop striving after stronger fortresses, and instead trust the One already built for us?
Can we let go of trying to be more—if I pray more, study more, mop my kitchen floors more—and instead let God be more?
He didn’t tell us to build a spiritual storm shelter. He said He would hide us in His.
He didn’t say to bring our own tents. His can cover us just fine.
He didn’t even point toward a big rock and say climb up. He lifts us up and places us on top.
Let’s start by repenting. Instead of wasting resources building our own walls of protection, let’s ask His forgiveness for our attempts at self-sufficiency. And become dependent instead.
Then let’s stand firmer in our faith. Can we let down our guard in a relationship that needs more authenticity? Perhaps we can try a new ministry, trusting He will lead us. Or maybe “waste” more time with Him, simply delighting in His presence.
If we want more peace, more rest, more confidence—and God to receive more glory—let’s live and love out of the home base of His shelter.
We don’t have to design it.
We don’t have to manufacture it.
We don’t even have to pay for it.
We just worship in it with joy. God is our shelter. Nowhere else can be safer.
For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble;
he will conceal me under the cover of his tent;
he will lift me high upon a rock.
Psalm 27:5
Is it easy or hard for you to abandon self-sufficiency? In what areas do you most realize your dependency on the Lord?
Please share something that helped you this week from Psalm 27.
Whose words?We know God’s words are powerful. When He speaks, things happen (Psalm 33:9).
So what happens when we speak His words? Are things more likely to change if we pray His exact words?
Well, they’re not meant to be a magical “Abracadabra!” It’s only God’s power behind the words that make them work anyway. But when we reflect His words back to Him through our prayer conversations, we are ensuring we’re in agreement with His will.
Jesus said if we abide in Him, and His words abide in us, we can ask whatever we wish, and it will be done for us (John 15:7). Whose words? His words.
I’m not suggesting we forgo original prayers. God forbid. We need to talk things out using our own words with our heavenly Father just like we do in earthly relationships.
But we can effectively supplement those times by occasionally praying scripture.
1. Pick out a scripture.
Find scriptures that speak to you. (Can you stop reading and go find one right now?)
2. Make it personal.
Personalize it by substituting “I” and by addressing God directly, instead of as “He.” For example, Isaiah 55:6 says, “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call upon him while he is near.” You can pray that back to God by saying, “I will seek You, Lord, while You may be found; I will call upon You while You are near.”
3. Write it down.
Put a few in writing so you can pray more directly instead of converting in your head on the fly. Keep a notebook or a document on your computer with several scripture prayers you can automatically turn to.
4. Say it aloud.
You may find it helpful to say these prayers aloud. There’s something about hearing your own voice repeating God’s truths to Him that makes them even more real.
1. Psalms
It’s easy to begin with Psalms. Many are already in the form of prayers. As you read them, address them to God. My personal favorites include Psalm 16, Psalm 27, Psalm 139, and Psalm 145.
2. Jesus’ example
Jesus was the master prayer. The example He gave His disciples to pray—including us—is in Matthew 6:9-13.
3. Other Bible prayers
By substituting their specific circumstances with yours, you can adapt the principles in prayers found throughout the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17), including King Solomon’s prayer at the temple dedication (1 Kings 8:22-30), King Hezekiah’s prayer of deliverance from enemies (2 Kings 19:15-19), Elijah’s prayer for God to reveal Himself at Mt. Carmel (1 Kings 18:36-37), as well as the apostle Paul’s prayers in the epistles, including Ephesians 1:15-23, Ephesians 3:14-21, and Colossians 1:9-12.
4. Favorite scriptures
But don’t limit yourself to scriptures already clearly articulated as prayers. Do you have a favorite Bible verse that proclaims truths or promises? Be careful not to take it out of context, but if it does apply, let God know you believe His words by exclaiming them back to Him.
5. Prayer books
You may already have a favorite book (please share below!); many are available straight from scripture. My favorites are compiled by Kenneth Boa in his Face to Face books: Vol 1: Praying the Scriptures for Intimate Worship, and Vol. 2: Praying the Scriptures for Spiritual Growth.
By grounding your prayers in God’s living and active words (Hebrews 4:12), you will honor the Father, you will pray effectively (James 5:16), and you will strengthen your faith, drawing closer to God through His truths, being transformed into the woman of God you are designed to be.
Use Spirit-inspired words for Spirit-filled prayers.
Lord,
Your word that goes out from Your mouth does not return to You empty. May it accomplish that which You purpose, and succeed in the thing for which You sent it.
~ Isaiah 55:11
Do you do pray with scripture? Have a favorite verse? A useful prayer book? Let’s share our experiences.
The Word of God cuts through the fog of Satan’s lies and shows me where true and lasting happiness is to be found. And so the Word helps me stop trusting in the potential of sin to make me happy.
Instead the Word entices me to trust in God’s promises.
When faith has the upper hand in my heart I am satisfied with Christ and his promises. This is what Jesus meant when he said, “He who believes in Me shall never thirst” (John 6:35).
When my thirst for joy and meaning and passion are satisfied by the presence and promises of Christ, the power of sin is broken.
We do not yield to the offer of sandwich meat when we can smell the steak sizzling on the grill.
~ John Piper, Future Grace
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For the month of December we are sharing posts and quotes to help us escape the Cycle of Try Harder, through Believing Better.
Read more Believing Better posts here.
The majority defines faith as belief in the existence of God.
In earlier times, that was taken for granted. Rather, faith had to do with one’s relationship to God—whether one trusted in God.
The difference between faith as “belief in something that may or may not exist” and faith as “trusting in God” is enormous. The first a matter of the head, the second a matter of the heart.
The first can leave us unchanged, the second intrinsically brings change.
~ Brennan Manning, The Ragamuffin Gospel
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For the month of December we are sharing posts and quotes to help us escape the Cycle of Try Harder, through Believing Better.
I’m worrying good right now.
That means I’m believing bad.
When we stepped outside to feed our 1½-year-old Golden Retriever Tuesday morning, she lay perfectly still in her dog house and refused to come. A panicky trip to the vet proved that Kandie was a very sick dog.
I worried whether she would live or die.
But when the vet called with a surgery option, I worried whether I’d be a wise steward to spend so much money on a dog.
What does this have to do with “believing better”?
Well, maybe everything.
One of my spiritual resolutions for 2011 has been to release my worry into more dependence on God.
So when I find myself anxious about situations and choices, I remind myself there’s a crack in my belief.
Because I believe that what I believe about God affects the way I see everything else.
Do I trust Him or not? Can I honestly answer, “Yes!” if I’m actually living, “Sort of”?
When I read Jesus’ words from the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6:25-34, I detect the fissures that can break open my mountain of worry.
Does God really keep track of everything going on in my life? Is He even aware that my dog has some mysterious illness? Yes, He’s very aware, even of the next strand of my hair turning from brown to gray (Matthew 10:30). He knows every small and large thing I need (Matthew 6:32).
That means He also knows not only that my dog is sick, but what it is that is making her sick.
So if He does know (and I can easily believe He does know), then does He care? If He cared enough to feed every cardinal and mallard and crow outside my window this morning (Matthew 6:26), won’t He care even more about me, one made in His own image? Of course He will. And if He cares about me, He’ll care that I’m hurting over one of His creatures that is sick (Matthew 10:29).
So if I come to believe that He does care (I do believe), the next belief I have to challenge is in His willingness:
If He cares so much, why doesn’t He do something about it?
(This is the hardest one for me.)
He IS doing something about it. Whether I realize it or not, God is always at work for my good and for His glory (Romans 8:28). He keeps me fed, sheltered, and clothed (Matthew 6:30). I can see the evidence of that if I’ll look. I must remember to look.
But my dog?
My worries are that (a) she’ll die and I’ll be sad. But hasn’t God proven faithful to sit with me through much larger sadnesses already? Yes. And hasn’t He promised grace to cover those yet in my future? Yes. So even if Kandie does die, God has already strategically planted ahead gifts of grace to see me through it.
But I also worry that (b) I’ll overspend unwisely on a pet. But isn’t God at work here too? If I pray for wisdom (I am)—and if I believe He’ll give it (I do)—I can trust He’ll actively guide me with each decision that I have to make (James 1:5-6), one at a time.
So as I believe better—that God knows, God cares, and God works—even about a family pet, I turn away from my sin of anxiety, and become satisfied with how God will handle it all.
It’s not up to me to control the situation; it’s only up to me to believe in the One who can.
Whew. Doesn’t that take a load off?
I believe it does.
Do you have a problem with worrying, too?
What scriptures help you believe better and worry less?
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Ever been really thirsty?
You get a glass of crushed ice, pour a cold Diet Dr. Pepper (that’s my favorite) on top.
You believe this will quench your thirst. So there. Thirst quenched? Not hardly.
Believing is more than thinking. It is picking up the glass and drinking.
Belief is not merely an agreement with facts in the head; it is also an appetite for God in the heart, which fastens on Jesus for satisfaction. “He who comes to me shall not hunger and he who believes in me shall never thirst!”
Therefore eternal life is not given to people who merely think that Jesus is the Son of God. It is given to people who drink from Jesus as the Son of God. “The water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life” (John 4:14).
He is also the bread of life, and those who feed on him for nourishment and satisfaction live by him. “I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he shall live forever” (John 6:51).
The point of these images of drinking and eating is to make clear the essence of faith. It is more than believing that there is such a thing as water and food; and it is more than believing that Jesus is life-giving water and food. Faith is coming to Jesus and drinking the water and eating the food so that we find our hearts satisfied in him.
~ John Piper, Future Grace
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It was Pompeii.
AD 79.
As the story goes, the Roman sentry heard, saw, and smelled all of life crumbling around him. Vesuvius had erupted.
Yet he hadn’t been dismissed from his post.
So he stood.
Just stood.
Should we do any less?
There’s only one way—stay near the throne. It’s there we’ll receive mercy and find grace to stand firm (Hebrews 4:16).
Jesus showed us how. He was faithful to do his Father’s will (Hebrews 3:1-2). Tempted yet was without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Endured the worst to secure the best (Hebrews 12:2-3).
God keeps his promises.
So our confidence is in him. In his faithfulness. The only reason we can be faithful is because he is.
And our faithfulness—in big things and small things—will encourage others to stay in his presence too.
If we’ll stand.
Just stand.
What did you learn in your study of faithfulness? How can we encourage each other to be faithful?
“If I were the devil, one of my first aims would be to stop folks from digging into the Bible.”
~ James I. Packer
Which comes first?a. George Washington becomes president
b. Christopher Columbus sets sail from Spain
c. Abraham Lincoln signs the Emancipation Proclamation
a. Moses parts the Red Sea
b. Esther takes a stand for her people
c. Solomon builds the temple
If we can get the first sequence correct with ease (b,a,c), why not the second (a,c,b)?
And does it matter? Would better knowing the sequence of biblical events help us love God more?
It depends.
Do motives matter?
If you have your child in training to win a Bible Bowl trophy or you want to impress your Sunday School teacher or you’re trying to get an A in a seminary class, bone up on your Bible timeline. It will help you reach those goals, for better or worse.
But if you’re simply (simply?) trying to follow the greatest command (Matthew 22:36-40), then perhaps you also should consider a timeline.
Not to be smarter (1 Corinthians 8:1). But to love more.
Just as knowing the order of U.S. Presidents won’t necessarily make us a better American citizen, so knowing the order of Israel and Judah’s kings may not make us a better citizen in God’s kingdom.
But if the history of God’s people was recorded in the sacred Scriptures to build up our faith in Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15-16), every word God-breathed and valuable, then wouldn’t we benefit by putting it in order?
I admit, when I read through the Old Testament especially, I can lose track of where I am in the big story unless I look at a timeline of events and rulers. So I made a copy of a simple timeline (out of a Bible or reference book), and tucked it in my Bible. Now I pencil in my own cheat notes as I read and can quickly reorient myself from whatever Bible book I’m reading.
I can better see the finger of God writing his story, bringing his people to just the right place in time and space for Jesus to walk among us.
Our church participated in a Walk Thru the Old Testament workshop three years ago. It’s a memorable approach using hand motions (for kids AND adults) to sequence 77 events in the Old Testament. It gives you a great framework to piece together Bible facts. I highly recommend you attending one near you.
Just as the Israelites were told to rehearse their history often, we should too. I made a timeline of biblical dates for my children with important events. They then practiced each day putting the events in order until they (and I!) had them memorized.
Packaged products are readily available as well—as cards, strips, posters, etc. Many not only include biblical history, but incorporate concurrent world history as well.
And why not add in your own family’s spiritual heritage, too?
When we see God’s faithfulness throughout history, we can trust him more in the present, and be more hopeful about our future with him.
While God is not confined by time, he has chosen to work through it.
I want to appreciate that more. Be more wowed by his wisdom. Be more awed by his sovereignty. And if that means following his story more closely, then so be it.
Because the more we know his story, the more we’ll know him.
And the more we know him, the more we’ll love him.
And the more we love him, the more we’ll love others.
His legacy of love marches forward.
Do you have a favorite Bible resource for timelines? Please share!
How has knowing God’s history helped strengthen your faith?
If you’re memorizing Romans 8 with us—and you’re on Facebook—here’s one more way to stay connected:
You can watch for updates there when new resources are added here at the blog. You can also comment there as much or as little as you’d like. Post pictures; leave tips; share insights (and struggles).
Thanks for your great enthusiasm. May the Lord draw us all closer to Him as we journey through this Spirit-filled chapter.
Don’t we all just want a few minutes of peace?
No bickering between the kids. No stress with the husband. No to-do list left undone in a clutter-free house.
So if peace is a fruit of the Spirit, why do I often feel I lose mine? And where did mine go last week when my computer died—the very week I was studying peace?
The Jews in the Old Testament called it shalom. They used it as a common greeting (Judges 19:20) and still do today. Deeper than our typical “How are you?” shalom was more a blessing of “May you be prosperous in all things.”
But in the New Testament, peace (eirene) took on even greater depth. (Did you know peace is mentioned in every New Testament book except 1 John?) The apostle Paul coupled it with grace in his greetings—“Grace and peace to you.” And rightly so.
Through grace, we receive the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15) from the God of peace (Philippians 4:9). Christ not only left His peace with us (John 14:27), but He is Himself our peace (Ephesians 2:14).
So when our circumstances turn chaotic and our sons are sent to war and hearts are troubled from broken laptops, don’t look for your peace there. Our peace was never meant to rest in those things anyway.
Because our peace—peace the world can’t give—is more than a feeling.
It’s a person.
And in the person of Jesus Christ, our deepest peace can’t be disturbed (John 16:33). It’s secure. If we’ve come into relationship with Him, we have a wellness in our soul beyond our understanding, even when our outside is stressed.
God’s peace is above our intellect—don’t try to figure it out (Philippians 4:7). You won’t succeed.
But you can trust that it’s there. That He is there.
Because peace isn’t the absence of trouble.
Peace is the presence of God.
Even when the dog is barking and the car is overheating and the laptop is dying, God’s peace runs deeper still.
Trust Him to guard it for you. So you can worry less; worship more. Think on good things, not on figuring things out.
God’s got you covered.
He’ll keep giving you grace.
And He’ll always be your peace.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:2
What did you glean from studying peace last week?
Please share any insights from Philippians 4:4-9.
How do you see the fruit of peace in your life?
Behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
Luke 2:10
We’re diligent to take the Word in. Through daily Bible readings, sermons, books, memorizations, songs.
But how diligent are we to give it back out?
The Gospel—it is Good News!—isn’t meant to sit passively inside us. The Word is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12). What God gives to us He wants us to share with others, not hoard for ourselves.
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Hebrews 13:16
So how can we give the Word away?
How can we bless others with the words of God so they also can be encouraged and equipped?
Some believers are naturals at weaving in scriptures throughout their conversations with others. They make relevant connections between everyday conversations and applicable Bible verses, without being preachy. It doesn’t come as naturally to me, but we all can grow in this by becoming more intentional to share what we’ve received.
When we’re writing an e-mail or a birthday card, can’t we also jot down a scripture that would be meaningful to the recipient? We have opportunities multiple times a day—either on paper or on-line—to sweeten our correspondence with holy words. Think Facebook, blogs, Twitter, texts, letters, post-it notes. My friend Linda even writes scriptures on her blue jeans. We can let scriptures decorate our homes, our cars, our t-shirts, testifying for Jesus everywhere we go.
This one may seem obvious, but sometimes we drift from using the Word even in Bible classes. Let’s check our curriculum periodically to make sure God’s Word is receiving top billing. Whether teaching straight from a book in the Bible or with the aid of another’s writings, studying scriptures with others is a direct way to pour out biblical truths, strengthening each other’s faith.
God has blessed us with His words; can’t we bless Him back with them? We can include His inspired words in our praise to Him and our prayers to Him, either alone or when we’re gathered with others. It’s easy to find songs that come straight from scripture or we can create our own. As we read through the Psalms or any text, we can echo the words as our own prayers, straight from the heart.
Let’s keep the rivers of living water flowing, not just into us, but through us and out to others.
Jesus cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'”
John 7:37-38
How do you spread the Word?
Which ways are hardest for you? Easiest?
Related:
Look into The Seed Company. They translate the Bible into native tongues for people around the world.
I stayed in a hotel last week. I wanted to know the weekend’s weather. But I couldn’t find The Weather Channel.
So I had to laboriously flip through the channels, one by one, until I found it.
Do you ever drive through a new city but can’t find a radio station you want? Or go to your library but can’t locate Juvenile Biographies?
Or been asked to read Micah 6:8 aloud in Sunday School, but you can’t find it (it’s after Jonah, before Nahum)?
Just how well do we know the bones of our Bible?
But this is 2011, we whine. My Bible is on my iPhone; I look up a verse by typing in the name.
Or I can google a few key words and find the scripture I need. Or if I have to, I can always flip to the Table of Contents in my hardcopy Bible.
Who needs to memorize the books of the Bible anymore?
We do!
And now as much as ever.
When we trade in our human memory for a digital one, we lose advantages of knowing our way around a Bible.
1. See the big picture
Without knowing the overall skeleton, you can lose sight of the central theme of God’s consistent love that holds the Bible together. When you work a jigsaw puzzle, you look at the picture on the box first–and often, then you put the edge pieces in place for its structure.
2. Delight in details
But while the Bible is one big love story about God, it’s also a series. Many smaller stories are captured in its 66 individual books. Each story holds value. By keeping books in context (Song of Solomon is a book of poetry; Ezekiel is a major prophet), you can more accurately interpret what you’re reading and can better apply it to your life.
3. Look for help
Once you know the general order of the books, you can look more efficiently for specific helps. If you have a friend in deep mourning, direct her to the Psalms for comfort. Or if you’re struggling with a child’s rebellion, turn to Proverbs for wisdom. Be prepared for opportunities.
4. Use it easier
The more familiar you are with the books (Luke come before Acts), the easier it is to find your way around. You’ll be less frustrated when looking up verses to share and you’ll waste less time in your studies.
5. Find your story
Will you be more Christlike by memorizing the books of the Bible? Probably not. But the more you know the book, the more you’ll know the Author. And you’ll discover easier how he wants YOU to participate in the story.
Begin with the big bones. Memorize how the library is set up: two main divisions (Old and New Testaments), then subdivided into smaller sections (books of Law, books of History, etc). While these are man-made categories, they’re still helpful in interpreting that poetry books are more metaphorical, for example, and that Pauline epistles are doctrinally-rich and very practical.
Then, if you haven’t already, memorize all 66 books. It’s not too late. And it’s not that difficult (music helps greatly!).
To go even deeper, learn a summary from each book; read more about the approximate 40 authors; put together a timeline.
God has breathed life into the bones of the Bible.
It’s his book for our lifetime.
Let’s put it in our heart for eternity.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:21
Some of my favorites:
Bible Gateway – a searchable online Bible in over 100 versions
E-Sword – free downloadable Bible study software
Katie’s top 10 online Bible study tools
66 Love Letters by Dr. Larry Crabb
What the Bible Is All About for Young Explorers based on the classic by Dr. Henrietta Mears
Reproducible Maps, Charts, Time Lines & Illustrations by Gospel Light
How familiar are you with the overall structure of the Bible?
Are you teaching your children the books of the Bible?
What’s your favorite Bible study resource? Please share!
There are certain songs I just can’t sing anymore (the above isn’t one of them).
I may love the style and may even have beautiful memories attached to them, but when I really think them through, I don’t want to hear those words leaving my mouth headed to God’s ear.
Because they’re bad theology.
And I am talking about religious songs here. Granted, most songs that make it into our church services are there (hopefully!) because they hold God’s truths. And many songs that we sing along with on our Christian radio stations are also God-honoring.
But you can’t depend on it. Before you let the words stream out of your mouth, think them through. Are they pleasing to God? Are they true? Do they echo scripture?
This isn’t about worship wars, the debate between traditional hymns versus contemporary praise music. This is bigger than that. This is about accurate content versus false. Truth versus lies.
Songs we sing will either reinforce good theology or perpetuate bad theology.
Use songs as prompts for more Bible study. Take a song you absolutely love and trace its message back to its biblical roots. Then jot the scripture reference in your hymnal or CD insert, and write the song title in the margin of your Bible by that verse.
While songs that come straight from scripture are easiest to track (I love those!), don’t rule out studying those whose themes don’t necessarily match word for word passages.
Stuart Townend is a current songwriter who expounds on the central gospel theme in many of his songs. He has penned such greats as “In Christ Alone”, “The Power of the Cross”, “The King of Love”, “Beautiful Savior”.
“How Deep the Father’s Love” is one of my favorites for the way Townend weaves the story of redemption in his strong and emotional lyrics. Here are a few stanzas and a few scriptures:
How deep the Father’s love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
(See Ephesians 3:18-19; John 3:16; Psalm 135:4)How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One
Bring many sons to glory
(See Matthew 27:46; Luke 23:35; Hebrews 2:10)I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
(See Galatians 6:14)
In contrast, when I was a child my church sang many songs about “work.”
…Work thro’ the morning hours
Work while the dew is sparkling
Work ‘mid spring flow’rs…O land of rest, for thee I sigh!
When will the moment come…To the work! To the work!
Toiling on, toiling on, toiling on…Thro’ the long and toilsome day
‘Neath a blazing, burning sun
Bear the heat, pursue your way
Till your task is done
Work, work for Jesus
Work, work today
Yes, we are to work for Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:58). Many scriptures point to this. But the message I picked up from these songs was to work for my salvation instead of rest in Christ’s work of salvation (Hebrews 10:10,14; Matthew 11:28-29).
So when I hear those songs now, I can’t sing them in good conscience.
Some songs might only need a word change here or there to make the song biblically sound. At my church we’ve tweaked “Days of Elijah” from:
And these are the days of Your servant David
Rebuilding a temple of praise
to
And these are the days of Your servant Ezra
Rebuilding a temple of praise
because we know King David wasn’t allowed to build the temple even the first time (1 Chronicles 22:8), and Ezra was in charge of rebuilding the second temple (Ezra 7).
Occasionally I’ll just drop out from singing a stanza if I can’t sing the lyrics sincerely. And my friend Linda often changes the group pronouns to the more personal “I” when she sings.
So be diligent and study the words you sing to yourself, to God, to others. We’re just as accountable for the words we sing as the words we speak. Let’s use words of songs as the powerful tools they are to teach and encourage each other (Colossians 3:16) as we praise and give thanks to our Father.
Further reading:
10 Principles for Congregational Singing, Part 1, Part 2
How has a song helped you? What is one of your favorites?
It’s good to be good. I get that. God calls us to do good things so he can be glorified (Matthew 5:16).
But do we carry it too far?
Not in doing good things (let’s always want that!), but by incorrectly thinking that doing good things makes us good.
Immediately after Paul told the Philippians to fill up on joy (Philippians 3:1), he gave them a very stern warning:
“Look out for the dogs!
Look out for the evildoers!
Look out for those who mutilate the flesh!” (verse 2)
Who were those dogs? They were grace-stealers. They were Jews who were trying to pull the fresh Christians away from grace and back into law.
They were the voices we still hear today, whispering and sometimes shouting: “You’re not doing enough. You’re not good enough! Is that the best you can do???”
But Paul gave a confident and reassuring answer that we need to listen to. He said we don’t have to be good enough.
And he should know. If anybody had a beefy spiritual resume, it was Paul (verse 4). He had credentials. His Benjamite blood line was pure, traceable all the way back to Jacob, as far as a Jew could go.
He was a Pharisee on fire for obeying the law, far more zealous than any Sadducee. But…
Was it good enough? Could his credentials earn his salvation?
Can yours? What do you take pride in?
Maybe you have a stellar record of church attendance. Or you teach a Bible class or two. Or you make great sacrifices to homeschool your kids. Ah, great items for the resume, yes?
No.
While those may be good things, they’re still zemia compared to knowing Christ. Zemia is the Greek word Paul used for “loss” in verse 3. As in detriment. Disadvantage.
If you’re relying on your own credentials to build your joy, you’re at a disadvantage. You’re wasting energy trying to be perfect on your own.
Instead, concentrate on knowing better the one who already is perfect. Hang out with him and let his blood rub off on you. His perfection is the only one you’ll ever need.
When we try to be right by our own goodness, we’re wrong. But when we accept the righteousness from God that depends on faith (verse 9), we go all the way through suffering to the other side of resurrection.
It’s painful to try to be perfect on our own. And it’s unnecessary. Christ has already done it for us.
So let’s heed Paul’s warnings and do as he did:
Because it’s not what you do for him, it’s that you know him.
And that is reason to rejoice!
What have you gleaned from Philippians 3:1-11?
Do you still struggle with trying to do it all yourself?
How do you lean on Christ?
