Do Not Depart

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Jesus’ Prayer Lesson – Part Two

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Today is the second installment of our three-part series on Jesus’ model prayer. Yesterday, we discovered some general principles for praying found in the passages surrounding The Lord’s Prayer itself. Today we will cover the first three of six main components of the prayer and tomorrow we will cover the last three.

Remember, in this same encounter with His disciples (Matthew 6:7), Jesus told them not to simply repeat prayers without meaning. So, Jesus did not intend for this prayer to be something we recite over and over but He presented it as a model to show us the kinds of things we should pray about.

The first three components focus on God and help us give Him the proper place. Then as we begin to focus on our own needs in the last three components we can do so with the right priorities.

Our Father

The use of “Father” emphasizes our personal relationship with God. He is Creator of all people, but not “Father” of all. However, if you are a believer, Jesus’ blood has purchased the right for you to be called children of God. You have been adopted!

Matthew 6:9 adds the qualifying phrase “in heaven.” We do not pray to an earthly father. Our heavenly Father is kind and patient, but also sovereign and holy. The address “Our Father” sets the tone for our prayer. We are secure in our Father’s love and care yet we must also approach Him with respect and reverence.

Hallowed be your name

In ancient Hebrew thought, a person’s name is synonymous with their character. Whatever is done to the name is also done to the person. Therefore, if we hallow God’s name, we hallow Him. To “hallow” means to sanctify or keep as holy and sacred.

Practically, to hallow God means to acknowledge His holy character to Him and to others. In prayer, we should praise and worship Him for His nature. Praise and worship differs from thanksgiving. We thank God for something specific He has done for us. Praise simply acknowledges who God is.

One way we can praise God is by praying through His names the Bible gives us. Here are a few resources to help:

In addition to hallowing God with our mouths during prayer, our lives should also bring Him glory. We can certainly make this part of our prayers. Ask God to shape and mold your life so that it hallows His name!

Your Kingdom Come

God’s Kingdom exists wherever He rules and reigns! When we pray for God’s Kingdom “to come,” we are asking God to establish and manifest His rule and reign. Matthew adds the phrase “your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” God’s rule and reign is full and complete in heaven. His Kingdom is firmly and eternally established.

Here are a few applicable ways you can pray for God’s Kingdom to come on earth:

  • Ask God to completely fulfill on earth what Jesus initiated. That would include the spread of the Gospel and others’ salvation.
  • Pray specifically for individuals, groups, places, countries, etc. who need to acknowledge God’s rule and reign.
  • God’s Kingdom should also be manifest in our own lives! That means we should yield to His authority over our lives and submit in obedience to His reign. Daily and in every thing. Ask Him to show you His will and then obey it.

How has Jesus’ model prayer encouraged your prayer life today?

Blessings,  Kathy

Jesus’ Prayer Lesson – Part One

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Have you ever asked God to teach you how to pray? I have. The disciples also asked Jesus how to pray. Jesus’ response, which we refer to as “The Lord’s Prayer” is recorded in Luke 11 and Matthew 6. Over the next three days we will examine these two passages.

Today, we will consider the general principles Jesus gave about how to pray and how not to pray that are found in the passages immediately surrounding this model prayer. Then tomorrow and the next day we will break down the prayer itself as a guide for our own prayer life.

“Lord, teach us to pray.”

The timing of the disciples’ request is not insignificant. Luke 11:1 tells us that Jesus Himself had been praying. When He finished, one disciple, acting as spokesman for the group, asked Jesus to teach them to pray like He prayed. Jesus’ example and His relationship with the Father had fostered a desire for the same within the disciples. (This truth made me ask myself: “Does my prayer life foster a desire in my children, friends, and family to pray?”)

Motivation

Jesus’ teaching on the proper attitude regarding prayer is similar to His teaching about giving to those in need, which is found in Matthew 6:1-4. In a nutshell, He tells us to examine our motives. Are we praying to bring glory and honor to ourselves or to God? Spiritual “hypocrites” pray to gain respect for themselves and admiration from others. They want others to know how “righteous” they are.

Jesus also told the disciples not to “keep babbling” when they pray. I love the KJV’s translation of “vain repetitions” in Matthew 6:7. Jesus did not mean we shouldn’t ever repeat requests or specific prayers to God. Instead, He wanted us to understand that reciting prayers without meaning or using flowery speech to call attention to ourselves does not bring glory to God.

Prayer done with the right motives is all about God. This kind of praying is sincere and heartfelt. We will not attempt to hide anything from God because we realize He knows it all anyway. We will be focused on God alone and not distracted by other people or things around us.

Boldness & Persistence

Jesus told a parable immediately following His model prayer. (See Luke 11:5-8.) While we should not equate God with the irritated neighbor we can learn principles for prayer from Jesus’ story. First, we can approach God with boldness in prayer. We do not have to hang back or fear His reaction. Jesus’ work on the cross makes it possible for us to “approach the throne of grace with confidence” (Heb 5:16). Second, we should be persistent in our prayers. Not voicing “vain repetitions” without meaning, but faithfully sharing your heart and needs with your heavenly Father, knowing He has the power and resources to answer.

Trust in the character of God

Finally, in Luke 11:11-13, Jesus reminds us of the character of the One to whom we pray. If earthly fathers give good gifts to their children, how much more will our heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him? Brothers and sisters, we can fully trust that our heavenly Father has our best interests at heart. He does not hesitate to give us what we need and pour out His blessings on those who ask. Let’s ask!

Do you trust Him? Does your prayer life reflect that trust?

Come back tomorrow for Part Two of The Lord’s Prayer.

Blessings,  Kathy

Let God talk first

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A couple of weeks ago, I had the joy of sharing my quiet time spot with you. I even posted a photo of my desk! (See that post here.) In that post I gave a fairly general overview of the components of my time with God. Today, I’d like to linger a bit on how my Bible reading and prayer go hand in hand.

Occasionally I go to my desk to spend time with God with something specific weighing heavily on my heart. Those days I have to pour out my heart to God in prayer before I can do anything else. But those days are the exception.

Most days I begin my time with God by seeking to hear what He has to say to me through His Word. I ask Him to speak to me and to open my ears to hear. Then I begin to read the Bible. My goal is to make what God has to say my priority. I work to let Him begin and guide our conversation.

Because I’m a Type A personality, it’s easy for me to fall into the mistake of reading too quickly to make sure I “finish” the day’s reading assignment. So I have to remind myself that the purpose of reading is for God to speak to me. I need to stop when God prompts. When a verse or phrase “jumps off the page” I pause and linger there, meditating on that passage.

About a month ago, I wrote a post about meditating on God’s Word. (You can review that here.) Biblical meditation is not emptying your mind, but filling it with God’s Word. It includes asking God questions about the passage. For instance, does this text reveal something I should…

  • Believe about God?
  • Praise or thank or trust God for?
  • Pray about for myself or others?
  • Have a new attitude about?
  • Make a decision about?
  • Act on for the sake of Christ, others, or myself?

As I think deeply on the passage and ask God questions I “listen” for His answers. I want to understand what He is saying to me through His Word. I record what He says in a journal. This process is the heart of my daily time with God.

Usually there is additional prayer time to talk with God about things that have not already come up. And often there is also some “follow up.” Something I need to do, someone I need to talk to, something I need to make right. In other words, I need to be obedient to something God has told me during our time together.

Donald Whitney, author of “Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life,” writes that “meditation is the missing link between Bible intake and prayer.” He explains that meditation helps us digest what God says to us in His Word and then speak to Him about it in a meaningful way. He also quotes from several Puritan writers who passionately wrote about the same thing.

Although this type of interaction with God is my goal, I still sometimes struggle to let Him speak first and guide our time together. Some days my own schedule or own agenda gets in the way. Maybe you can relate. I forget that it’s not all about me! What about you? How do you focus on what God has to say to you?

Blessings,     Kathy

Call Me Crazy

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My friend Emily loves the Lord and loves to share His love through teaching and counseling others. Today, she shares thoughts about her quiet time with you. Dr. Emily Edwards is the author of Ready and Waiting: A Biblical Approach to Singleness, Dating, and Preparation for Marriage. The book and its companion workbook are powerful resources for helping singles put on their “biblical glasses” to find the one God has prepared for just for them. More information on Dr. Edwards and her books can be found at Living Hope Publishing. Dr. Edwards is currently working on a book on helping believers through the difficult problems and trials of life.

“In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” – Psalm 5:3

When people ask me about my quiet time with God, I almost don’t want to say because they often don’t believe me. Or they get mad at me. Yes, I’m one of those crazy people who gets up and spends 40 minutes in the morning with God.

When I told her I was writing this article, I have a friend who said, “Nobody wants to hear that because it makes them feel bad. It makes them feel guilty that they aren’t doing that (or don’t want to do that), too. It sounds like you’re bragging.”

That made me think about why I spend so much time in the morning. The honest answer is, it’s because it doesn’t do me any good if I don’t.

I’ve tried spending less time. Even now, there are some mornings I wake up late and I only have 15 minutes. I spend as much time as I can in prayer. I might read a verse or two, but I feel rushed. It almost feels like a chore instead of a desire. I don’t get anything out of it. (I don’t think God gets anything out of it, either.)

That’s why I try to take at least 40 minutes. This gives me time to reflect and really meditate on God’s Word. When I’m reading Scripture, I try to think about the application. I reflect on what I read for the day and ask, “How does this apply to my life”? or, “How can I apply this to my life”? This way, it becomes real to me instead of just more words on a page.

I am also very conscious of my sins. I spend time working through areas of unforgiveness and repenting where necessary.

This is critical time for me. What I do with my time at the beginning of my day affects the rest of my day. I need that time or I struggle.

Not everyone needs their quiet time this way. Some of my friends find their quiet time with God in other ways, like while driving to work or taking a jog. That time is as productive for them as my quiet time is for me. I can’t do that because I don’t multi-task very well. I am easily distracted by things I see and hear around me.

Everyone’s quiet time is different. Everyone is wired differently and God works in their lives in different ways.

That’s why I encourage everyone to figure out what type of quiet time is most productive for them. When can you focus on God most easily? What time is He able to reach through to you? When are you most likely to let Him break through the clutter so you can hear Him? It’s worth thinking about.

Break the Grip of the Rip

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I knew how to dog paddle when it grabbed me and pulled me away to danger, little match for the water of the Outer Banks in North Carolina. Rip currents surprise unwary swimmers and threaten to pull them from shore and to disaster.

Last week I saw a warning sign posted along the Gulf Coast:   Break the Grip of the Rip. If we’re going to swim in the ocean, we need to be aware of potential dangers and how to respond:

  • Know where the dangerous currents are and avoid them.
  • Know how to get out of a rip current if you’re in one. (Swim out and AWAY)
  • Know how to reach out and take a hand of rescue if offered.

Trying to have quiet time with the Lord can be like fighting the rip current of life’s distractions and interruptions. Just when we are enjoying the warm rhythm of God’s truth washing over us, something grabs at us and threatens to pull us away to the dangerous place of drifting without Him. It may look different for each of us, but Satan knows what to use to pull us under and away from our Lord.  The solution for facing these Quiet Time Busters is similar to facing ocean currents:

  • Know what distractions are dangerous and avoid them.
  • Know how to get away from distraction when it comes. (Turn out and AWAY)
  • Know how to take help when offered to you.

We can break the grip of the rip, because we have the Holy Spirit to empower us to face things that would pull us from God’s path. As we feed on His Word, we gain strength and wisdom to recognize and resist dangerous currents. As a child I was no match for the rip current, but God sent rescue in the form of an older, experienced, unselfish hand of rescue.  We hope we might be that hand here at Scripture Dig, and we pray you will be that for those around you.  Look around … someone may need a hand to break the grip of the rip in their lives.

Your distractions probably don’t look very different than mine, so I’ll leave you with my “Alphabet Priorities.”  Print them out and put them next to your towel in the morning, so you’ll be ready to “Break the Grip of the Rip” as you dive in.

ALPHABET PRIORITIES
No adoration, no agenda

No Bible, no breakfast

No Christ, no computer

No devotions, no duties

No exaltation, no errands

No Father, no fun

No God, no goodies

No heaven, no housework

No Immanuel, no itinerary

No Jesus, no job

No King, no Kindle

No Lord, no laundry

No Master, no memos

No kneeling, no networking

No obedience, no occupation

No prayer, no planner

No quiet time, no quality

No reflection, no rush

No Savior, no schedule

No trust, no tech

No understanding, no undertaking

No value, no vocation

No waiting, no work

No ‘xpectation , no ‘xercise

No Yahweh, no yoke

No Zion*, no zoe**!

*Zion refers to heaven, the hope and ultimate home for believers.

** Zoe = LIFE!

Click here to read more about overcoming the grip of the Quiet Time Busters in your life.

The Buddy System in Bible Study

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We are created to connect and called to encourage. We see this evidenced in almost every aspect of our lives, especially as women. Seriously, we even go to the restroom together! :)

But for some reason, we seem to ignore this obvious truth when it comes to our spiritual lives. Far too many believers lack the understanding that while our relationship with Christ is most assuredly personal it was never intended to be private. We need the support and encouragement we receive from others for continued growth as believers.

I believe this need is especially evidenced in spending time in the Word. Accountability is vital to success for most of us in this area. Julie’s post on Tuesday shared some great ways to gain that accountability.

WHAT ACCOUNTABILITY PROVIDES

Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 NASB

  • Sharpening – We all need people who will challenge us to grow spiritually. Those sharpeners in our lives are the people who say, “Dig deeper!”
  • Stretching – Another role that an accountability partner can provide is stretching us. The stretchers in our lives teach us to look at applying what we have read in new ways, pushing us outside our comfort zone.
  • Smoothing – Smoothers are the people who gently guide us into a deeper relationship with Christ. Often smoothers are unaware of their influence until they are specifically told.

Sometimes we find one person who meets all three of these but generally there are multiple people who perform these roles … being intentional about finding those who will sharpen, stretch, and smooth us is a vital part of accountability in our spiritual lives.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN AN ACCOUNTABILITY RELATIONSHIP

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NASB

When seeking someone to join with in an accountability-type relationship there are several characteristics that are important for success. Pray carefully for relationships with people who will:

  • Help – Developing a relationship with someone who is farther along in their spiritual walk is a key to successful partnering. Look for someone who already evidences those attributes you seek. For example, if you are wanting to grow in your prayer life, ask someone who is a prayer warrior to guide you. If you want to learn to develop spiritual disciplines, seek out a person who is already practicing them.
  • Warm – In addition to someone who can help you learn, you also want to find someone who is encouraging! An accountability partner should be quick to offer words that build up and guidance that is presented in a positive manner.
  • Protect – Finally, the best accountability partnerships allow for gentle correction. You want to seek someone who you trust enough to be completely honest with and who loves you and is willing to offer words of caution when you are veering off course.

Our friend Courtney, of Women Living Well, has a great ministry – Good Morning Girls. Courtney explains, “The Good Morning Girls is a title for a group of women who use email to keep each other accountable for their quiet times. For 2 years straight, I have been a part of 5 girls who email each other each weekday morning after we have our quiet time. We say “Good Morning” and then share what we read in our quiet time. Some of us have our quiet time first thing in the morning, while others squeeze it in during children’s naps or at bedtime.”

We know some of you are already involved in a Good Morning Girls group … and we would love to encourage those who are seeking this type of accountability to check out Courtney’s blog and the Good Morning Girls site as well. Courtney says, “Good Morning Girls groups will come to an end August 15th – then from Sept. 1-15 new groups will begin signups on the message board – so women can start thinking about who they’d like to invite to join a group for the fall. Also – there is no deadline – so they can sign up today if they want! We have one group with 68 ladies! It’s their women’s ministry group in their church! And another created a Facebook group with 32 women! So exciting! But usually the groups are between 3 and 11. We have over 100 groups going and over 600 ladies from 34 states!”

We are thankful for the ministry Courtney has through the Good Morning Girls and challenge to get involved in some sort of accountability for your own personal Bible study time.

Do you have a buddy system or accountability partner? How do you seek encouragement from others as you pursue spiritual growth?

How do I fit it in ~ Part 2

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It really helps to know your goal in spending time digging into God’s Word, so we don’t set ourselves up for failure by thinking we can do it all every time.  Yesterday we looked at making God’s Word physically more easily accessible in our lives.  Today let’s think about the Amount we tackle and the value of Accountability.

Efficient Amount ~

Mothers are careful not to overfill a sippy cup or put too much on a highchair tray.  If we try to manage too much spiritually while facing limitations physically, mentally, and emotionally, the portion size may determine if we end up in defeat or delight.  A wise woman chooses a reasonable size study to tackle, will consider intensity she can manage, and will select topics pertinent to life at hand.  Taking on too much for our life stage causes us to give in to temptation to bail out prematurely or leaves us feeling like spiritual growth is out of our reach.  With wisdom to choose an amount of study we can manage efficiently in our full days (and nights), we are more likely to be consistent, apply truth to life, reach our goals, and experience longer term spiritual health.  Better to give a small child what they can pick up and eat, rather than overload them with what is too much to handle and have them toss it to the floor or choke on it.

  • Focus on plans with short prison epistles or narrative portions of scriptures.
  • Use a word study.
  • Make use of a plan through Psalms and Proverbs.
  • It’s more important to be in the Word regularly and have the truth in you than to conquer a monumental portion of scripture or heavy theological topic … and give up.  If you have young kids around, you might pull out your copy of “The Tortoise and the Hare” to illustrate this principle ;)
  • If you study topically, choose what you will use and apply immediately, so truth is reinforced in your heart right away … before nursery rhymes or late night feedings or conference calls steal it away!

Encouraging Accountability ~

As a mother of young children is drawn to the park or story time or mother’s day out or MOPS group, we need encouragement and partnership in matters of the heart.

  • Other women offer insight from their study, and they need to hear what God shows you.
  • Older women offer perspective as they look back at the season you’re in.
  • It’s easy to let our circumstances become bigger than they are when we aren’t exposed to lives of others.
  • Fellowship of other women is essential to refreshment for our souls when we’re tired and discouraged.
  • Feelings of isolation fade when we meet over God’s truth and in prayer with sisters in Christ, pouring out our dependence on Him together.
  • God has given us all we need for life and godliness, even in young mother years, so don’t ignore feeding your spirit.
  • You’re going to need encouragement and wisdom and correction from God’s Word daily, so don’t fall into the trap of thinking you can go without it.

We can be deceived by others who tell us there isn’t time or energy to deepen our walk with God during years of young motherhood.  When we’re mindful of our own weakness, it’s prime time to go to His Word with a hungry heart, humble attitude, and eager spirit.  What better time to experience the nearness of our Father than when we have young, new lives entrusted to our care?  As we draw near to Him, He promises He’ll draw near to us.  “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young,” Isaiah 40:11. Even now, especially now, take His hand as you go to His Word and pour out your heart to Him, letting Him lead you and keep you close to His heart.  Every season is a great time to make time to dig!

Resources for daily devotions online:

Proverbs 31 – www.proverbs31.org/dailydevotions

Scripture Union – www.scriptureunion.org

Sharon Jaynes – www.sharonjaynes.com/devotions (weekly)

How do I fit it in? ~ Part 1

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You may not carry your devotions in a diaper bag, but you may find it hard to fit in time with the Lord between things like conference calls, errands, and appointments. Simple principles help us make time with the Lord part of our daily walk, no matter what our life’s season.  The season of young children, however, seems to have unique obstacles, so we’re going to give some extra attention to those challenges today & tomorrow.  Everything seems to be against us when we’re thirsting for time alone with the Lord or feeding from His Word, but have a hungry baby, a teething toddler, and young minds eager for activity and attention.  What’s a mom to do when she can’t get to the pure milk of the Word, but finds herself accessorized in sour milk?  This season of life calls for a modified approach to getting in the Word and with the Lord, just like it calls for unique approach to just about everything else in life.  If a woman will modify her access to the Lord, the amount she tackles, and the accountability in her life, she will enjoy time with the Lord and in His Word as only a young mom can.

Stephanie helped us to address the question of “How much time is enough” that often prompts guilt, and Kathy gave tips for how to make memorization part of everyday life.  But your window of opportunity to tackle this question may be passing, so let’s look at the value of Easy Access for Part 1 of the answer to “How do I fit it in?”  and tomorrow we’ll look at two more keys to fitting it in.

Easy Access  ~

Moms know that to leave without a well equipped diaper bag is a set up for trouble.  Easy access to essentials is not negotiable; it’s the same with easy access to tools for her heart. There may be a season when a basket of study supplies may be tucked with a journal and commentary beside a favorite chair in a quiet alcove, but the years of young children will probably not be that season.  Instead, it’s best not to be overcome by the demands, but adapt!  Increase the potential for satisfying spiritual thirst by making tools easily available.

  • Keep materials like a journal, Bible, verse cards, or notebook in a wider variety of places such as:  car, diaper bag, stroller, bathroom, rocking chair.  And if this isn’t your season of life, apply this to your briefcase, desk, or computer bag.
  • Be flexible with formats of truth:  internet, ipod, “flash cards,” CDs, small books, smaller notebooks, music, reading aloud, memorizing with children, to name a few.
  • Make materials mobile.  Don’t be discouraged by interruptions.  Pick up the Word and take it with you.  Instead of a heavy study Bible suited for your desk or later time of life, use a smaller purse size that goes anywhere.
  • Pray as you walk and as you drive and as you nurse and as you fold laundry and as you fall asleep.  There will be days to spend uninterrupted time in prayer, but during the sometimes crazy days of young motherhood, give yourself freedom to enjoy doing your day with your Heavenly Father who understands “children” can be demanding. :)

Well your sweet moment of time may be slipping away, and you may be hearing the call of your phone, your dryer buzzer, your voice mail,  or your 3 year old …. the list could go on, couldn’t it?  My kids are waiting for me, too :)  so let’s come back tomorrow to talk about more real ways to fit in time with the Lord.  He’s waiting, too.

What? Me memorize Scripture?

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I know what many of you are thinking. “There’s no way I can memorize Scripture.”  Or, “I don’t need to memorize Scripture because I have six Bible translations at home as well as Bibles on my laptop, phone, and Kindle.” But wait! Before you stop reading, let me give you a few things to consider.

Memorizing God’s Word solidly entrenches His truth in your heart and mind in a way that simply reading it cannot. When God’s truth becomes a part of you, He can use it to minister to you in powerful and very personal ways. Yesterday, Teri Lynne gave us several powerful reasons to memorize Scripture. I’d like to remind us of a few ways God can work in our life through His implanted Word:

  • Provide comfort, encouragement, peace, and strength (Colossians 3:15-16; Psalm 1:1-3; 119:28)
  • Give guidance and wisdom (Psalm 37:31; Psalm 119:24, 98, 105)
  • Foster spiritual growth (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Peter 2:2)
  • Equip for evangelism (1 Peter 3:15; Acts 18:28)
  • Source of joy and blessing (Psalm 119:24, 47, 103; James 1:21-25)
  • Strength to resist temptation (Psalm 119:11)

Now you may agree that memorizing Scripture is beneficial, but you are still overwhelmed at the idea. “Where do I start? How do I do it?” I have had the same feelings. For years, I knew God wanted me to purposefully work to memorize His Word. I tried it half-heartedly several times, with limited success. However with a renewed commitment and some helpful, practical tips for memorizing I have begun to successfully “hide God’s Word in my heart.” I’d like to share what I’ve learned with you.

How do I decide what to memorize? Choose a passage God is using in your life. He may emphasize it during your quiet time, a sermon, or Bible study. Start small with just a verse or two. You can work up to lengthier passages later. This verse or passage may:

  • Speak to an area of weakness in your life
  • Have special significance in your spiritual journey
  • Remind you of something important about God
  • Be useful for instruction or to help guard against sin

How do I keep track of the verses I’m working on? You will want to have a system to record and store the verses. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Index cards and a recipe box
  • Blank cards the size of business cards and a business card file
  • Card stock paper cut to fit a photo album with plastic sleeves (4 x 6 or 5 x 7)

What are a few tips to help me succeed? Before you begin the actual memorization, consider the following:

  • Read and reflect on the whole passage surrounding the verse for context and meaning.
  • Find a friend who will hold you accountable.
  • Learn each verse word perfect. And memorize the reference.
  • Learn all verses from the same translation. The one you are most familiar with is best.
  • Choose a memorization rate that is manageable and sets you up for success. It may be one verse a month or one per week.
  • Establish a review schedule. If we don’t review the verses regularly we will forget!

How do I actually go about committing the verse to memory? There is no one way that works best for everyone. Different people have different learning styles. Some of the following suggestions will work for you while others may not. Try a variety of the ideas to find out what works best and to keep things interesting. You may do one activity one day and something different the next:

  • Write the verse on a card – the type you have chosen for storage.
  • Read the verse out loud several times.
  • Rewrite the verse in your own words in a journal or scratch paper.
  • Rewrite the verse word perfect one or more times on scratch paper or on extra cards to put up in prominent places around your house.
  • Use key words – Identify several key words or “anchor” words in the verse. Circle these words on the front of the card and then write them on the back. Read the verse several times noting the key words. Then turn the card over and attempt to recite the verse using only the key words.
  • For visual learners – Draw a symbol or picture on the back of the card that will remind you of the verse in some way.
  • For auditory learners – Record the verse and play it back. Or put the verse to music and sing it!
  • For tactile learners – Pick an object in your home that reminds you of the verse. For instance a stone may help you remember that God is a “strong fortress.”
  • Pray the verse out loud to God.

Don’t give up on Scripture memory before you’ve even tried. You can do it and the effort is more than worth it. I’d love to know what verses you choose and how it goes!

Do I HAVE to memorize?

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“Do I HAVE to memorize?”

The short answer?  Nope.  There is no command for memorization.  However, there is great benefit to our spiritual growth and maturity from memorization.

The question I would ask in response is, “Why DON’T you memorize Scripture?” And I imagine the main answer I would receive is, “I can’t.” To which my pastor, who can be sort of dramatic, would say, “Then you better tear out Philippians 4:13 from your Bible because you don’t believe that Christ gives you the mental strength to memorize!”

Leaving the dramatics behind for a moment, I do think it is imperative that we acknowledge it is rarely that we CANNOT memorize Scripture … it is,truthfully, that would would RATHER NOT devote the time and energy to doing so. How do I know that we are all capable of memorizing Scripture?  Because no doubt many of you have books seared into your brain from reading them to  your children so many times.  Others of you may have countless extension numbers floating around your head from years worked at a specific office.   Still more of us have lines from movies, quotes from television shows, passages of books, and verses of songs readily accessible in our minds.

WE CAN MEMORIZE!

So, back to the main issue … the benefits of memorizing Scripture.

John Piper says in Desiring Joy that we should memorize God’s Word because, “It is the source of life and faith and power and hope and freedom and wisdom and comfort and assurance and victory over our greatest enemy” (152).

Scripture is our source of power and protection. Psalm 119:11 says, “Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I may not sin against Thee” (NASB).

Scripture gives us a standard for evaluating our thoughts and pursuits. Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things” (NASB).

Scripture offers us guidelines for relating to others. “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you,” Ephesians 4:32 (NASB).

Scripture provides us with insight into God’s character, “O Lord our Lord, how majestic is Thy name in all the earth, Who hast displayed Thy splendor above the heavens!” Psalm 8:1 (NASB).

These are but a few of the benefits we accrue when we spend time memorizing the Word of God.

So, while memorization is not a command, having the Word of God deeply implanted into our hearts and minds affords us a greater ability to be obedient to the Lord in all other ways.

Are you a memorizer?  Has imbedding Scripture into your heart always been a struggle for you?  Tomorrow, Kathy will be sharing some tips for memorizing.

What passages have you memorized?


How Much Time Is Enough?

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Many people ask how much time they should spend reading the Bible. It’s a good question, but there is no one-size-fits-all kind of answer. When it comes to the time we spend in God’s Word, there is no such thing as “too much” – there is no such thing as “too little.”

I remember not long after I became a Christian a sweet and godly man told me that there is a big difference between reading God’s Word and studying it and that I needed to strive to do both each day. That word of wisdom has stuck with me through the years. For better or for worse, I still strive to do both every day. I say, “for better or for worse” because, at times, I’ve weighed myself down with self-imposed expectations that were impossible to keep in light of what I was going through.

You see, it doesn’t take long on planet earth to learn that life happens and circumstances don’t always add up to an hour in the morning reading God’s Word and an hour in the evening studying it. Life happens. People get sick. Tragedy strikes. Schedules are altered. Children are up all night throwing up. Elderly parents need to be cared for. Newborn babies cry through the night. A house full of children make it impossible to find a quiet place.

We’re all in different seasons in our lives and we face an ongoing jockeying of our schedules trying to prevent our worlds from colliding with our time in the Word.

On the flip side of the circumstantial coin, it’s important that we don’t let our dailies dictate our agendas. If we’re not careful, our lives can become an excuse for not spending time in the Word of the Living God.

So, how much time is enough? As much as you can possibly invest! As much as you desire to grow given the season you are in right now. As much as you need comfort, courage, wisdom and strength in the circumstances you face today. As much as you need to build your faith and guard your heart during the storms that are sure to come. As much as you desire to leave a legacy of diligence and godliness for your children. As much as you can, dear one…as much as you can.

But if you’re anything like me, your attempts will be hit and miss without the benefit of a well-crafted plan. Fortunately, there are plenty out there for you to choose from. Biblegateway.com has several reading plans available. Another great source is Heartlight.org.

If you’re looking for ways to make time in the Word a priority in your life, here are some ideas that I hope will inspire you.

Choose a plan. I recommend you try beginning with a “read the Bible in a year” plan now. That normally takes about 20-30 minutes a day.

Commit to a timeframe that works for you. Evaluate your schedule and write down your time in the Word in your appointment book. That’s right…make an appointment with God and guard it at all possible costs. If you don’t think you have enough time, think about how much time you spend watching TV. Consider how many hours you spend on the computer…on Facebook, on Twitter, blogging and email. Think of the time you spend randomly talking on the phone to your friends. None of those things are bad, but they’re no comparison with our time in the Word.

Be accountable. Find a friend who loves to spend time in the Word and give her permission to keep you accountable. It may not be easy, but you have to be willing to allow others into your world and ask you questions that may aggravate you every once in a while.

Teach Someone. You will never learn more than when you teach someone else. Teaching puts you under the gun and literally makes you spend time in the Word. I’ve often said that speaking is selfish for me because it motivates me to diligently study God’s Word so that I’m able to present it clearly to others.

Be forgiving. Give yourself room to fail and room for life to happen without beating yourself up or giving up. If you miss a day, a week, a month…just look at your plan and begin reading where you are. Don’t try to catch up…just start where you are and get back on track.

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

Psalm 119:92-93  reminds us of the life-giving qualities God’s Word, “Unless Your law had been my delight, I would then have perished in my affliction. I will never forget Your precepts, For by them You have given me life.”

If you struggle with trying to figure out how much time is enough, just remember, when it comes to the time we spend in God’s Word, there is no such thing as “too much” – there is no such thing as “too little.” No time in the Word is wasted. So…dig in!


Time to mull, ponder, meditate

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According to Psalm 1:1-3, God will bless the woman who does not embrace the world and its ways, but instead finds her delight in God’s Word and “meditates” on it “day and night.” Sounds like we should all practice a little biblical meditation.

Unfortunately, while we are often encouraged to foster many of the spiritual disciplines, we don’t hear much about meditation. Why is that? I think many of us have misunderstood what it means to meditate on God’s Word because other forms of meditation carry a negative connotation. We don’t know what it is, why we should do it, or how we should do it. Well, let’s dig in and try to gain a little understanding of this overlooked spiritual discipline.

What is meditation?

Because of many New Age religions and practices like transcendental meditation, many of us picture “meditation” as emptying our minds of all thoughts. This is not biblical meditation. In fact, God’s Word makes it clear we are to meditate by filling our thoughts. A few things God tells us to meditate on include His law, love, mighty deeds, statutes, and promises. He also encourages us to “think on” whatever is noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, and praiseworthy (Phil 4:8).

In his book “Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life,” Donald Whitney helps us understand biblical mediation. He uses the analogy of a tea bag. While reading and hearing Scripture may represent a dunk or two, meditation is like letting the bag steep. It’s the idea of “mulling” something over or “pondering” a subject.

Whitney defines biblical meditation as “deep thinking on the truths and spiritual realities revealed in Scripture for the purposes of understanding, application, and prayer.”

Why should we meditate?

Charles Spurgeon said that anyone who wanted to possess the treasure of God’s Word “must dig into Scripture as one who seeketh for choice pearls.” Meditation takes dedication, time, and hard work. So why would we want to practice this spiritual discipline?

First, as we’ve already seen, the Bible establishes meditation on God’s Word as the example for His people. Second, our meditation on God and His truth pleases God (Ps 104:33-34). And third, meditation benefits us spiritually. Meditation helps us better understand and apply the truths of God’s Word. Someone who regularly meditates on God’s Word will not simply survive in this life, she will flourish.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. Psalm 1:3

Simply reading through or hearing a biblical passage will not affect our hearts, minds, and lives like steeping in its richness. We must immerse ourselves in God’s Word, holding onto it in our thoughts until its truth becomes a part of who we are. Then we will be like a tree whose roots reach down to an endless supply of living water. We will be sustained in drought and difficulty. And in God’s timing our lives will produce an abundance of fruit for His glory.

How do we meditate?

Let’s get hands on and practical so we can get a feel for how to meditate on God’s Word.

  1. Choose a passage. It may be one that God impressed on your heart during Bible reading or one that jumped out at you during a sermon. It should be small enough to work through thoroughly.
  2. Reread with different emphasis on different words and phrases.
  3. Rewrite the passage in your own words.
  4. Ask questions about what it teaches. For instance, does this passage reveal something I should:
  • Believe about God?
  • Praise or thank or trust God for?
  • Have a new attitude about?
  • Do for the sake of Christ, others, or myself?

5. Look for personal application then obey.

6. Pray through the Scripture.

7. Think on it throughout the day.

I want to be like that tree planted by streams of water. I long to please God and flourish through the truth of His Word. I think I’ll go ponder for a while.

Recommended Reading:

Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, by Donald S. Whitney

Meditating on the Scriptures, by Charles Spurgeon

What’s your goal?

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The Bible is to us what the star was to the wise men; but if we spend all our time in gazing upon it, observing its motions, and admiring its splendor, without being led to Christ by it, the use of it will be lost on us. Thomas Adams (1583–1652), English clergyman and religious writer

We are called to use our Bibles … our time spent in Scripture must alter us if it has truly been an encounter with God. Just as Moses’ countenance glowed upon his interaction with The I AM, so to must our light shine brighter upon our meeting with the Living God revealed through the Word.

The good news is … we are all wired differently!  In our unique personality and makeup, God has created us to interact and respond to His Word in multiple ways.  Each is valuable and we should all endeavor to engage in every way; but, rest assured, it is absolutely normal and appropriate that one or two of these will be more comfortable and natural to you!!

STUDY

For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord, and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel. ~ Ezra 7:10, NASB

When we study God’s Word we are investing focused time in a passage, word, character or theme.     Study is analytical.   Study requires concentration and focus.     Richard Foster explains, “In the study of Scripture a high priority is placed upon interpretation:  what it means” (Celebration of Discipline, 69).   This reflects back to the important truth Kristi explained, “The Bible is not about us.  The Bible is about God.”    Spending time studying God’s Word is our intentional determination to grow in our understanding of Him.   Simply put, the primary goal of study is UNDERSTANDING.

DEVOTIONAL

The second method we use to engage in the Bible is devotional.  This is perhaps the most common method.   Foster contrasts devotional reading from study in this manner, “In the devotional reading of Scripture a high priority is placed upon application:  what it means to me” (69).    In no way is there an implication that devotional reading is not important, but we must make certain this is not the ONLY way we interact with Scripture; for in doing so, we risk losing the truth that ALL Scripture is useful (2 Timothy 3:16).  The goal of devotional reading is APPLICATION.

MEDITATION

But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.  ~ Psalm 1:2, NASB

On Monday, Kathy will be sharing more detailed information about how to meditate.    But I wanted to share with you a few thoughts.  Again from Foster, “Christian meditation, very simply, is the ability to hear God’s voice and obey His Word” (17).   We have a tendency to make meditation a complex thing or something only the “super spiritual” can accomplish.  Or on the flip side, we shy away from this discipline because of it’s association with eastern religions.  I have heard it said that eastern meditation is the goal of emptying the mind while Christian meditation’s purpose is to fill the mind with Christ.   Honestly, I believe the goal of mediation is simple:  REFLECTION.

MEMORIZATION

Thy Word have I treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee.  Psalm 119:11, NASB

Familiar verse to most of us … but a powerful, powerful promise!  We will be digging deeper into the hows and whys of Scripture memorization next week.    For today, however, it is important to understand that Scripture clearly teaches and Christ clearly models the value and necessity of embedding Scripture into our hearts and minds.   Memorizing Scripture helps us achieve the goal of DISCIPLINE. Within this goal, we find that we are more self-controlled in our actions and protected from temptation to sin.

ACTION

But prove yourselves doers of the Word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.  ~ James 1:22, NASB

Clearly, we must be focused on DOING what Scripture teaches. For if we spend hours in study, delight in meditation, engage in devotional reading, and memorize countless passages but never DO anything in response, we have not truly encountered the Living Word of God.   We must be changed and compelled into action – whether in our thoughts and motives or our actions and mannerisms – spending time in the Word must lead us to OBEDIENCE!


Which of these five comes most easily to you?  Which is most difficult?

Sources for Further Reading or Reference:

Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster

Sacred Pathways by Gary Thomas (a great resource for understanding how you are wired to interact with God)

Seeking the Face of God by Gary Thomas

Intimate Faith:  A Woman’s Guide to the Spiritual Disciplines by Jan Winebrenner

Why should we read the Bible anyway?

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Would you agree or disagree with the following statement? “The Bible answers all or most of the basic questions of life.” Well, according to a Gallup Poll, 65% of Americans agree with the statement. However, according to that same poll, only 37% of those polled read the Bible at least once a week. (Twenty-one percent read it once a week and 16% read it daily.)

What we do more accurately reveals what we believe than what we say. I can tell you I believe the Bible is vitally important, but what I do will reveal what I really believe about the Bible.

The Bible is God’s revelation of Himself and His ways to mankind – the very words of God “breathed” through divinely inspired humans (2 Timothy 3:16). Think about that truth for just a second. The one true God, the Creator of everything that exists, makes Himself known to us lowly humans. Wow!

Here are just a few of the characteristics the Bible gives us about itself:

  • Sustaining (Deut 8:3; Matt 4:4)
  • Flawless (Ps 18:30)
  • Unfailing (1 Kings 8:56)
  • Right and true (Ps 33:4; John 17:17)
  • Eternal (Ps 119:89; Is 40:8)
  • Message of life (John 5:24; Rom 10:17)
  • It also preserves, strengthens, and guides. (Ps 119:25, 28, 105).

God intercepts our lives through the Bible. We encounter His presence in His Word. Through it we are encouraged, comforted, strengthened, and refreshed. But more importantly, the Bible reveals how we can have a saving relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ and then helps us live lives that please Him.

God’s ultimate purpose for each of us who have entered into a saving relationship with Jesus is for us to be transformed into the likeness of Christ (Rom 8:29). God uses the Bible to shape, refine, and mold our character, thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. God uses the Bible to carry out His purpose in our lives.

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

The Bible is not static or time-bound. God’s Word is applicable to our lives now and tomorrow. It breaks through our pretenses, prejudices, and pride and exposes what’s underneath. Painful? Sometimes. Beneficial? Always.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

God applies His Word to our lives personally and specifically. He rebukes us when we sin. He teaches us what we lack. He trains and equips us to do the work He has planned for us to do. All for His glory.

But we must immerse ourselves in His Word, submitting to and cooperating with God’s transforming power. Read it. Study it. Meditate on its truths.
What do you believe about the Bible? How often do you read it?

More resources & reading:

Why should we read/study the Bible? Got Questions.org

How to Read the Bible for all It’s Worth by Gordon Fee & Douglas Stuart

Free Bible reading plans for download at kathyhoward.org

Reading God’s Word

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Do you know God is jealous for you; that He sings over you…or that He yearns for you? Do you know He loves you with an everlasting love and He has given you precious promises that are yours because you’re His? Do you know God has anointed you to do something specific on planet earth? All of these wonderful nuggets of truth are unearthed when we begin our personal dig in the Word of God.

God’s Word is the life-changing source of faith, salvation, wisdom, power, purpose, peace, direction, protection, comfort, forgiveness, redemption, deliverance and direction. Our time in the Word is not something we have to do, it’s something we need!

But, if your day is anything like mine, your plate runneth over and you’re overwhelmed. So much to do, so little time and at times the Word of God sits on the table eager to be read, longing to find its proper place of prominence in your life.

Perhaps you’ve had seasons of structured, consistent time in the Word when you basked in the wonder of His presence and heard the echo of His still small voice. Or maybe you’ve never really known where to begin when it comes to reading the Bible. Wherever you are in your journey, one thing holds true…there is no substitute for time in the Word.

When I find myself drifting from the norm and struggling with my schedule, I sometimes end up neglecting my time in the Word. It’s not that I don’t want to spend time reading the Bible, it’s just hard to put the pieces of my scattered life back together in such a way that my priorities are in order. This I know…when my life is unorganized, my time in the Word tends to be the same way.

I once heard that if you aim for nothing, you will hit it every time. That’s true in life. That’s equally true in our approach to Scripture. To avoid those seasons of half-hearted, haphazard time in the Word we have to have a plan; we have to step back and reevaluate our lives and set things in their proper order.

If you’re not sure where to begin, there are Scripture reading plans readily available. In fact, Kathy Howard has a great chronological Bible reading plan on her website under “Discipleship Tools.” Another Bible reading plan can be found at Christiananswers.net.

If a “through the Bible in a year” plan is more than you can handle right now, there are other plans available. Or you can choose to tackle a specific book or group of books of the BIble. Whatever you do, be sure to set goals. Even if it’s a chapter a day…shoot for the target of time in the Word. Not for the sake of saying you did it or because you want to put a check on your reading schedule, but for your own spiritual growth, to strengthen your faith and to give you the tools and ammunition you need as you face each day.

If we’re going to prioritize our priorities then there are some changes we’ll need to make. But change is absolutely necessary if we’re going to be the women of God we long to be. And like everything else, it’s all about the choices we make.

Whenever we realign our lives to put God first and to spend time in the Word, there’s some juggling we may have to do and some choices we’ll have to make. Let’s look at the list below and begin making our way to the place where His Word takes its rightful place in our day and in our life.

QUESTIONS TO ASK MYSELF:

CHOOSE A TIME – When is the best time of the day to get alone with God? Do I have to wake up earlier?

CHOOSE A PLACE – Where is the best place to get alone with God?

CHOOSE A PLAN – What is a realistic reading plan for me during this season of my life?

CHOOSE YOUR TOOLS – What is the best way to take notes of how God speaks to my heart, directs my life and answers my prayers?

CHOOSE YOUR TEAM – Who can I talk to about God’s Word that will encourage and challenge me?

CHOOSE YOUR CHOICE – Just do it! Stay committed to the choice I make…even when I feel like I’m going through the motions, even when I’m not sure I’m getting it…I’ve got to keep reading…I’ve got to stay in the Word and continue to seek His face.

There is no substitute for the Word of God. Nothing else can change you from the inside out like the Word of the Living God. Nothing else can give you faith, strength, wisdom and courage like the Bible. So get ready to start digging…there’s nothing like it!

What helps you stay in the Word? Share your struggles or advice?

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