Failed Miserably

Hey, remember that one time 90 of us women set out to read the Old Testament and we failed miserably?



We tried really hard.
We started off really good.
We met together, encouraged each other, felt proud of ourselves when we finished the first few books.

And then things got real.
It started getting harder.
Overwhelming.
Too much.
The task was too big.
The goal was too far to reach.
Life started happening.

We stopped reading.
We stopped meeting.
We stopped trying.

And then we started to fall off, one by one.
We were left feeling defeated, deflated, and well, like failures.

But wait . . . is that really failure?
Isn’t the whole point of the Old Testament to show us our need?
Our need for a Savior?
Our need for a Helper?
Our need for something more?

If you felt like you set a goal you just couldn’t attain this semester, good.
If you felt like you fell short, then good.
If you felt like you couldn’t do it in your own strength, good!

Then you understand.
You understand how we can’t do things in our own strength.
Even good things.

You understand we can never live up to the text.
It’s too much.
Too overwhelming.
Too far.

We can never fully reach God. And that’s why He came down to reach us.

So maybe in this place of feeling like a failure, in feeling like you fell short, in feeling like you just couldn’t really measure up, you’ve actually found success? You’ve found the foundation to the Christian faith!

Not being good enough.

So don’t look at this as a failure. If you set out to read every single chapter of the Old Testament, and didn’t, good. That means the taste of salvation is sweet to your lips, because you know. If you set out to read every chapter, and didn’t, but read more than ever before, then great! That means you’ve tasted and seen what is good and know God more!

I hope that for those of us who didn’t finish the reading this semester, we can begin to see just how beautiful His grace is instead of how awful our inadequacies are!

“23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:23-24)

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)

Journey through the Old Testament

This year, our church is teaching an overview of the bible in a series titled “Generations”. 15 of us ladies from life group decided to read along with the teaching team and set a goal of finishing the Old Testament by June!



It was a lofty goal, and we were far from perfect, but we did it! We met every week to discuss the reading and/or sermon. I don’t know if any of us read every single chapter, but we certainly completed more bible reading in 5 months than we’ve done in the past 5 years!

Most of the women in our life group have not read through the entire Old Testament before (especially not at such a rapid pace). It’s not my style to read so quickly through the bible, but because it’s a big picture/overview, I learned some new things along the way.

Some major themes I picked up on reading through the Old Testament like this were:

Idolatry
Throughout Israel’s history, you see them constantly looking to “other gods”, other things for fulfillment. Over and over they kept offering sacrifices at the “high places” to Baal, and ALSO worshipping YHWH. Finally, in 1 Kings 18 Elijah calls them out! “And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” (1 Kings 18:21)

The people were not living distinctly. It was not obvious to the surrounding nations/people groups which God (or god) they served. Sound familiar? What in my life confuses people? Where do I say I follow YHWH, but also worship other things? Materialism? Success? Selfishness?


Partial Obedience
Another big theme in the OT is partial obedience. God over and over instructs the people of Israel to “destroy completely” a certain people group, nation, high places, etc and they only do so partially. And we learn right away that partial obedience is not obedience. As a result, you see certain nations that remain a thorn in Israel’s flesh.

Where in my life have obeyed some of what God has asked of me, but not all? I’ll surrender 9/10 of things to you oh LORD, but oh this ONE, this one I’ll keep?

Repentance
Our God is a relenting God. He provides many opportunities for His people to repent, to turn and follow Him wholeheartedly. He sends prophets to His people who have one message “repent and be saved!” and they don’t listen. God desires us to repent and follow Him with everything so much that He will wait as long as He possibly can before judgment.

Remnant
Though much of the nation followed after other gods, or only partially obeyed, or did not repent . . . there was a little population that did. The remnant of Israel. We read about it in Isaiah 4 and other places. Probably the most beautiful picture of this is in the book of Ruth. The book of Judges is full of darkness, sin, and depravity. It describes what happens when everyone does “what is right in their own eyes” (Judges 21:25). And then comes Ruth. A picture of this family who is faithful to follow YHWH and serve Him and Him alone.

I want to be a part of the Remnant. I want to know that in the midst of darkness, chaos, sin, and depravity in the culture around me, I can keep my eyes fixed on the LORD and follow Him and Him alone.

Needless to say, we were all desperate for some HOPE after reading through the Old Testament. Story after story of sin, and judgment, and baals, and high places, and wicked kings . . . we were all weary by the end and eager for a Savior!

Isn’t that the point? We should read through the text and wait eagerly for a Messiah!

I love how one of the gals in our group put it . . . “If you had told me the bible was this salacious and scandalous, I wouldn’t have believed you! It has some REALLY good books. The bible is totally underrated.”

Couldn’t agree more. What a joy to journey through the Old Testament together, now on to the NEW!

Jesus All Over

My best friend from Jr.High School was Jewish. I remember her family celebrating things like Yom-Kippur and Hanukkah. I remember them praying and singing in Hebrew, fasting, and making weird food on Friday nights. I remember going to temple with her, and feeling so religious, so close to God even though I had no idea what their Rabbi was saying or why they read their bibles in the wrong direction.

Now I study through Leviticus and I see. I see how devout they were. I see why they practiced their traditions so closely. I see what Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur meant to them (it wasn’t just a funny word or weird holiday). I also see why I was allowed to watch and not fully participate. I was there, but not really invited.

You know what else I see?

Jesus.
All.
Over.
Leviticus.

I see Christ and I recognize that through the cross, as a Gentile (not a Jew), I not only get invited in, I get grafted in.

I read through Leviticus with new eyes . . . eyes that appreciate what my Jewish friend’s family showed me, but eyes that see beyond just tradition . . . eyes that see Jesus, the Holy root. The one who came to fulfill the law. The One whom these traditions, celebrations, feasts, offerings, all foreshadowed.

See for yourself. Look at the words that were repeated or stated in this book:

Offering
Male
Without blemish
Atonement
Pleasing aroma
Firstfruits
Portion
Sacrifice
Kill
Blood
Anointed priest
Guilt
Sin
In place of
Bear his iniquity
Restore
Become holy
Flesh
Unclean
Washed with water
Holy crown
Tabernacle
Consecrated
Sanctified
Glorified
Purification
Cleansing
Holy place
Inside the veil
Mercy seat
Redeem
Blessing
Covenant

Do you see Him too?

Jesus is all of these things. He is our High Priest, He is our offering, His blood is our atonement, a pleasing aroma, God’s firstfruits, He is our sacrifice, His death is in place of ours, He bore our iniquity, our flesh was unclean, He washed us with Living Water, restored us, consecrated us, sanctified us, invites us to dwell in the Holy place, tore the veil, redeemed us, blessed us in the New Covenant.

Jesus is all over Leviticus. Thankful to see, and thankful to be grafted in . . .

“Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.” (Hebrews 7:26)

“But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you.”
(Romans 11:17-18)

He IS our Fulfillment

{My Journey Through the Sermon on the Mount}

v.17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”
This section presents the heart of Jesus’ message, for it demonstrates His relationship to the Law of God. Jesus was not presenting a rival system to the Law of Moses and the words of the Prophets, but a true fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets—in contrast with the Pharisees’ traditions. “The Law and the Prophets” refer to the entire Old Testament.

Fulfill:
a : to put into effect : EXECUTE
b : to meet the requirements of (a business order)
c : to bring to an end
d : to measure up to : SATISFY

v.18 "For truly, I say to you, . . .
I tell you the truth is literally, “Surely (or Verily, KJV) I say to you.” “Surely” renders the word “Amen” (Gr. amēn, transliterated from the Heb. ’āman, “to be firm, true”). This expression, “I tell you the truth,” points to a solemn declaration that the hearers should note. It occurs 31 times in Matthew alone.

. . . until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished."
Jesus’ fulfillment would extend to the smallest Hebrew letter, the “jot” (lit., yôd), and even to the smallest stroke of a Hebrew letter, the “tittle.” In English a jot would correspond to the dot above the letter “i” (and look like an apostrophe), and a tittle would be seen in the difference between a “P” and an “R”. The small angled line that completes the “R” is like a tittle. These things are important because letters make up words and even a slight change in a letter might change the meaning of a word.

Jesus said He would fulfill the Law by obeying it perfectly and would fulfill the prophets’ predictions of the Messiah and His kingdom. But the responsibility of the people was made clear. The righteousness they were currently seeking—that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law—was insufficient for entrance into the kingdom Jesus was offering. The righteousness He demanded was not merely external; it was a true inner righteousness based on faith in God’s Word.

*Thank you Logos for the information above.

Have you, like me, thought that the Old Testament, was well OLD and that Jesus is NEW?? It’s texts like these that remind me, Jesus was not “new”. He is not Plan B. He is not a different way, a better way . . . He IS the way.

Jesus is fulfillment.
All that was taught in the Old Testament points to Him. He doesn’t abolish, he fulfills. Like the missing pieces to the puzzle, he fits it ALL together to see the big picture.

While in Israel, they encouraged us on the last day to rip out the page in our bible that says “Old Testament”. We were taught to see Christ throughout all of the pages in our bible, not just the “new”.

He IS the fulfillment of our OLD Testament and He IS our hope in the NEW!

100 Names of Jesus

Found this on Twitter a few days ago, posted by Emmanuel Fellowship's blog here

Too good not to share this post! How cool would it be to study each of these names this summer??

After personally experiencing the authority and power of Jesus as He spoke peace to a raging sea, the disciples were left sitting in the stillness, wet from the rain and wondering:

“Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!” –Matthew 8:27 (NLT)

Over and again the Bible answers this amazing question by giving us glimpses of the character of Jesus through the names and descriptions we find of Him.

Here is a list of 100 Names of Jesus we find in the pages of the Bible. You can find the verses and study the context of each name by accessing the Logos Online Bible.

Advocate (1 John 2:1)
Almighty (Rev. 1:8; Mt. 28:18)
Alpha and Omega (Rev. 1:8; 22:13)
Amen (Rev. 3:14)
Apostle of our Profession (Heb. 3:1)
Atoning Sacrifice for our Sins (1 John 2:2)
Author of Life (Acts 3:15)
Author and Perfecter of our Faith (Heb. 12:2)
Author of Salvation (Heb. 2:10)
Beginning and End (Rev. 22:13)
Blessed and only Ruler (1 Tim. 6:15)
Bread of God (John 6:33)
Bread of Life (John 6:35; 6:48)
Capstone (Acts 4:11; 1 Pet. 2:7)
Chief Cornerstone (Eph. 2:20)
Chief Shepherd (1 Pet. 5:4)
Christ (1 John 2:22)
Creator (John 1:3)
Deliverer (Rom. 11:26)
Eternal Life (1 John 1:2; 5:20)
Everlasting Father (Isa. 9:6)
Gate (John 10:9)
Faithful and True (Rev. 19:11)
Faithful Witness (Rev. 1:5)
Faith and True Witness (Rev. 3:14)
First and Last (Rev. 1:17; 2:8; 22:13)
Firstborn From the Dead (Rev. 1:5)
God (John 1:1; 20:28; Heb. 1:8; Rom. 9:5; 2 Pet. 1:1;1 John 5:20; etc.)
Good Shepherd (John 10:11,14)
Great Shepherd (Heb. 13:20)
Great High Priest (Heb. 4:14)
Head of the Church (Eph. 1:22; 4:15; 5:23)
Heir of all things (Heb. 1:2)
High Priest (Heb. 2:17)
Holy and True (Rev. 3:7)
Holy One (Acts 3:14)
Hope (1 Tim. 1:1)
Hope of Glory (Col. 1:27)
Horn of Salvation (Luke 1:69)
I Am (John 8:58)
Image of God (2 Cor. 4:4)
King Eternal (1 Tim. 1:17)
King of Israel (John 1:49)
King of the Jews (Mt. 27:11)
King of kings (1 Tim 6:15; Rev. 19:16)
King of the Ages (Rev. 15:3)
Lamb (Rev. 13:8)
Lamb of God (John 1:29)
Lamb Without Blemish (1 Pet. 1:19)
Last Adam (1 Cor. 15:45)
Life (John 14:6; Col. 3:4)
Light of the World (John 8:12)
Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Rev. 5:5)
Living One (Rev. 1:18)
Living Stone (1 Pet. 2:4)
Lord (2 Pet. 2:20)
Lord of All (Acts 10:36)
Lord of Glory (1 Cor. 2:8)
Lord of lords (Rev. 19:16)
LORD [YHWH] our Righteousness (Jer. 23:6)
Man from Heaven (1 Cor. 15:48)
Mediator of the New Covenant (Heb. 9:15)
Mighty God (Isa. 9:6)
Morning Star (Rev. 22:16)
Offspring of David (Rev. 22:16)
Only Begotten Son of God (John 1:18; 1 John 4:9)
Our Great God and Savior (Titus 2:13)
Our Holiness (1 Cor. 1:30)
Our Husband (2 Cor. 11:2)
Our Protection (2 Thess. 3:3)
Our Redemption (1 Cor. 1:30)
Our Righteousness (1 Cor. 1:30)
Our Sacrificed Passover Lamb (1 Cor. 5:7)
Power of God (1 Cor. 1:24)
Precious Cornerstone (1 Pet. 2:6)
Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6)
Prophet (Acts 3:22)
Resurrection and Life (John 11:25)
Righteous Branch (Jer. 23:5)
Righteous One (Acts 7:52; 1 John 2:1)
Rock (1 Cor. 10:4)
Root of David (Rev. 5:5; 22:16)
Ruler of God’s Creation (Rev. 3:14)
Ruler of the Kings of the Earth (Rev. 1:5)
Savior (Eph. 5:23; Titus 1:4; 3:6; 2 Pet. 2:20)
Son of David (Lk. 18:39)
Son of God (John 1:49; Heb. 4:14)
Son of Man (Mt. 8:20)
Son of the Most High God (Lk. 1:32)
Source of Eternal Salvation for all who obey him (Heb. 5:9)
The One Mediator (1 Tim. 2:5)
The Stone the builders rejected (Acts 4:11)
True Bread (John 6:32)
True Light (John 1:9)
True Vine (John 15:1)
Truth (John 1:14; 14:6)
Way (John 14:6)
Wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:24)
Wonderful Counselor (Isa. 9:6)
Word (John 1:1)
Word of God (Rev. 19:13)

I have personally experienced Jesus through many of the names found on this list, but one of my greatest treasures is to know Him as my friend.

Do you know Jesus? Which of these names have you discovered Him to be?

{Emmanuel Fellowship Church Blog: Monday Morning Review}

You Have Heard That It Was Said . . .

{Meditation Monday: My Journey Through the Sermon on the Mount}

In the beatitudes, Jesus sets up for us a picture of how we become truly blessed . . . by becoming poor in spirit, mourning, meek, hungry and thirsty, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, and persecuted. Not the list you were expecting right? I thought you were supposed to find happiness in the American Dream, outer beauty, intelligence, pride, fancy cars, successful careers, money, family, and all that jazz.

We've been taught that those things are what you're supposed to pursue and what you're supposed to delight in, then you can just add on God here and there when you feel like it. Then Jesus enters the scene and flips our entire world upside down. None of these things bring true happiness, this is not the way to being "blessed".

Jesus starts the Sermon on the Mount by reframing our thinking to who God is, who we are, and how we inherit the eternal life. And He knows us so that well, that even after teaching us how to bow low in order to be raised high, we will still turn to our religious way. We will still want to "perform" for God, we still want religion that is outward and shallow, rather than relationship and heart change that is inward.

So he is saying . . . Daughter, if you still think you can be "good enough" to earn eternal life, you don't understand. Let me teach you about trying to "keep" the law:

"You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment. . ." (v.21-22)

"You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (v.27-28)

"It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery." (v.31-32)

"You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." (v.38-39)

"You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. . ." (v.43-44)

"You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (v.48)

So what is Jesus doing? Setting up an impossible religious task? Giving us more law and rule to follow that are impossible?
NO!

He is showing us that if you think you're going to inherit the Kingdom through how you live . . . you've got a long way to go. If you think you can stand in the presence of holiness, that your "deeds", your "I'm a good person" line will work then you know what . . . you better be PERFECT as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Jesus, that's impossible!

EXACTLY.

That's why I died for you. I died, a perfect, complete, sinless, sacrifice so that you would stop trying to "achieve" eternal life, and rest in the finished work of the Cross. Don't look to the law to fulfill you, remember I fulfilled it already? Don't look "doing good deeds" as some kind of heavenly credit, I'm your credit.

Daughter, you have heard that it was said "Work hard at keeping the law to earn your salvation" . . . and I say "Stop working and trust in me".

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

3 Words, 1 Chapter

If I had to sum up what the LORD is teaching me in 3 words, they would be:

Service
Specifically serving the poor. How am I ministering to the oppressed, rejected, forgotten, needy, hurting?

Stewardship
How can I live on less to give away more? Rejecting excess for simplicity.

Sabbath
Do I truly delight in and rest in the LORD?

If I had to sum up my time with the LORD in one chapter right now, it would be Isaiah 58. And not because I'm studying Isaiah, but because it keeps popping up in my study time, sermons I'm listening to, books I'm reading, etc.

1 “Cry aloud; do not hold back;
lift up your voice like a trumpet;
declare to my people their transgression,
to the house of Jacob their sins.

2 Yet they seek me daily
and delight to know my ways,
as if they were a nation that did righteousness
and did not forsake the judgment of their God;
they ask of me righteous judgments;
they delight to draw near to God.

3 ‘Why have we fasted, and you see it not?
Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it?’
Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure,
and oppress all your workers.

4 Behold, you fast only to quarrel and to fight
and to hit with a wicked fist.
Fasting like yours this day
will not make your voice to be heard on high.

5 Is such the fast that I choose,
a day for a person to humble himself?
Is it to bow down his head like a reed,
and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him?
Will you call this a fast,
and a day acceptable to the LORD?

6 “Is not this the fast that I choose:
to loose the bonds of wickedness,
to undo the straps of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to break every yoke?

7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry
and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover him,
and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?

8 Then shall your light break forth like the dawn,
and your healing shall spring up speedily;
your righteousness shall go before you;
the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.

9 Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer;
you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’
If you take away the yoke from your midst,
the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,

10 if you pour yourself out for the hungry
and satisfy the desire of the afflicted,
then shall your light rise in the darkness
and your gloom be as the noonday.

11 And the LORD will guide you continually
and satisfy your desire in scorched places
and make your bones strong;
and you shall be like a watered garden,
like a spring of water,
whose waters do not fail.

12 And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;
you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
you shall be called the repairer of the breach,
the restorer of streets to dwell in.

13 “If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath,
from doing your pleasure on my holy day,
and call the Sabbath a delight
and the holy day of the LORD honorable;
if you honor it, not going your own ways,
or seeking your own pleasure, or talking idly;

14 then you shall take delight in the LORD,
and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth;
I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father,
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

Do you see the hypocrisy of the religious people here? They even liked to draw close to the LORD, but did not care about His people. They loved religious activity, but not people. They delighted to look religious, but rejected rest and honoring the Sabbath. Perhaps if we miss the point of Sabbath, we miss the point of it all?

The LORD is teaching me something. And he is asking me to respond. To not just learn about justice, but to seek it. To not just read about stewardship, but to give generously. To not just learn about Sabbath, but to rest.

Where does the LORD have you?
What are your 3 words?

Loving the Word

{Why we as Christians should love the Word the most}

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14

The Word was God.
The Word put on flesh and dwelt among us.

Spending time in the Word is the closest thing we have to spending time with Jesus himself. Talking with Him, chatting with Him, sitting with Him over a cup of coffee. God daily invites us to sit with Him, learn from Him, learn about Him, be comforted by Him, challenged by Him, loved by Him.

Just as with any relationship, we can't expect depth and intimacy without time. Time spent sitting with the other person, listening, learning, talking.

I think of my relationship with my father. Can you imagine if I went weeks running errands for him, doing chores around the house, getting my school work done, all the things a child should "do" . . . without ever talking with him? I wouldn't expect a deep relationship with my dad, the kind where I could cuddle up on his lap and he would read to me. And that's what I want! That's what he wants. A daughter who obeys out of delight and love for him. A daughter who talks to her daddy, who loves to listen to his wisdom, walk with him, hug him, and learn from him.

Or I think of my marriage. I can't tell you the number of times I'm cleaning, or organizing something, or folding laundry, or whatever to serve my husband and he says "Will you just come over here and sit with me?". He is thankful for all I'm doing, but really just wants me to be with him.

Intimacy in a relationship isn't developed in doing for, it's developed in being with.

Being still.
Being with.
Being present.

So it is with our Lord. We are not designed to go weeks, months, etc without communing with the Father, without talking with Jesus, without reading the Word. We are designed for intimacy, relationship, and fellowship with the LORD. He beckons us daily.

So do you accept the invitation? To sit with the Word? To sit with the Lord? To connect with Him?

"If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples." (John 15:7-8)

"How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!" (Psalm 119:103)

"The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
making wise the simple;
the precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is clean,
enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true,
and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward." (Psalm 19:7-11)

Why It's Good to Remember

Deuteronomy 8 tells us to remember, not forget.

"And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness. . . " (v.2)

"Take care lest you forget the Lord your God. . ." (v.11)

Remember where you came from, remember the LORD who led you out of the wilderness. Remember and do not forget.

Well, today, I remember. I was cleaning and gathering things to donate for our big outdoor sale and decided to gather bibles. I counted up a whopping 13 bibles in my home.



As I looked at the pile more and more, my heart would not let go. I started to remember very specific places I was while reading these bibles, very specific things the LORD had taught me.

Here is my very first bible. The only bible I've ever had with my name engraved. I asked for it for my 20th birthday in college, 2 months after my dad died. I was already hungry for something different, something more in life. Oddly enough, my atheist Grandpa gave this to me.



Needless to say, I was in the struggle of my life during this time. I wanted to pursue God and yet I LOVED to party! I was drunk nearly every day of my life for about 4-5 years. I remembered reading this bible when I'd come home after partying, drunk.



Noticed what I underlined. I can't even read my writing down at the bottom. Needless to say . . . I came undone. I remember.

No verse would better define my life during this time than this: "The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak" (Matthew 26:41) My spirit wanted God so bad, but my flesh wanted drunkeness. Thankful for God's patient and relentless pursuit.

When I got married, I got a new bible with a commentary! It even had red letters. I was stepping it up in my study.



I can specifically remember reading through Genesis at our kitchen table. Santino and I lived in different cities during our engagement, and since he led me to Christ, I was so excited to get married and pursue God together! Until I realized that him being isolated from church & fellow believers led him to a distant place with the LORD. I was growing and following hard after Jesus, and he was, well hard toward Jesus. I tried everything I could to get him back to loving God. I dragged him to church, left sermons in the DVD player, left bibles open, and scriptures on 3x5 cards all over the house.

Friends. Don't do this. He finally told me "I know what you're trying to do." And so did God. That's when the LORD used this NLT version of the bible to show me I was just like Eve.



I was trying to "control" my husband, living out the very curse of sin Eve struggled with too. This led me to deep repentance and prayer. It was here that I learned what 1 Peter 3 meant "Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct." (v.1-2)

Here that I learned to trust the LORD, here that I learned to pray and intercede. Oh LORD, I remember . . .

This next bible was so precious to me. I read it during my first life group. Then opened it again to read through during our first year of marriage.



It was this bible that the LORD showed me just how precious the women of the bible were. I remember reading Luke 8 and finding this:



Luke made the distinction between "disciples" and "women" that followed Jesus. I wondered why? I started to study the women of the bible. I noticed women like Mary, who once she was redeemed, just faithfully followed Jesus around, wanted to serve Him, be close to Him. I wanted that to be the story of my life. She became an example to me of how to know Christ intimately, follow Him closely, and love Him deeply.



And my most recent. The one where the LORD walked me through books like Romans, Jeremiah, Nehemiah, Ephesians, Psalms, and Proverbs. I used this bible during Residency, Academy, online seminary, and still today!



I thought because I do most of my bible study online now, that I'd be able to depart with these bibles. But, nope. These are just too precious to me. The other 9 I will give away. Not these. I can't. These 4 will remain as rocks of remembrance. Places I once stood in deep communion with the LORD. Places of pain, struggle, surrender, growth, sharpening, and faith.



It's good to remember . . . and rejoice.

"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

"He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." (Colossians 1:13-14)

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9)

"For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace." (John 1:16)

Fulfillment of the Law: Fulfilled by His Grace

My Journey through the Sermon on the Mount

{Matthew 5:17-20}

"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished." (v.17-18)

Fulfill: to carry out, to perform or do, to obey or follow.

Jesus was not coming to teach something new, He was coming to fulfill what was already being taught.

"Christ despised "the traditions of the elders," the religious leaders supposed Him to be a deceiver, going about to destroy the very foundations of piety. Because He threw far more emphasis upon great moral principles than upon ceremonial institutions, many were ready to imagine that He repudiated the entire Levitical system. Because He was the Proclaimer of grace and the Dispenser of mercy, the "Friend of publicans and sinners," the idea became current that He was opposed to the Law." (Pink, A.W. (2011-06-28). An Exposition of The Sermon on The Mount)

"Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven." (v.19)

Relax: to slacken, to make less strict, weaken, lessen, reduce.

Obedience flows out of belief. If we truly believe, we will obey! We will do what God asks of us and teach it to others.

"For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (v.20)

Exceeds: To surpass, to be superior, to go beyond.

There is a righteousness that exceeds that of “religious” people, it’s beyond external deeds . . . it’s a renewed heart, gifted through grace.

Jesus said He would fulfill the Law by obeying it perfectly and would fulfill the prophets’ predictions of the Messiah and His kingdom. But the responsibility of the people was made clear. The righteousness they were currently seeking—that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law—was insufficient for entrance into the kingdom Jesus was offering. The righteousness He demanded was not merely external; it was a true inner righteousness based on faith in God’s Word (Rom. 3:21-22). This is clear from what follows. (Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-). The Bible knowledge commentary : An exposition of the scriptures (Mt 5:17–20). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)

Though we are living in the New Covenant where His grace abounds, His law still matters. Obedience that flows from a renewed, thankful, changed heart is beautiful, it is great in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Are you trying to dismiss His law and His commands for your life?
Are you relaxing what is taught in scripture?
Are you trying to attain righteousness through external religion?

If so, stop.
Remember the Cross.
Remember who we are in Christ.
Remember Jesus fulfills the law and we are fulfilled by Him.
Obedience doesn’t earn righteousness, but is a result of righteousness.
His fulfillment of the law is our fulfillment of His grace.

Practical Tips for Studying the Bible

This month in life group we've been talking about the bible.


I know, weird, right? A bible study talking about the bible.

But we're talking about it in a different way.

Why is the bible reliable?

If it's reliable, why don't we rely on it?

And most recently, how do we rely on it?

That's today's post. Some practical ways to get into the Word, stay in the Word, rely on the Word, and live on the Word!

The bible should be so much more than something we read. It should be something we live. It is meant to be a book that points to Jesus Christ and the redemption of His people. It is meant to be a book that helps us to see who God is and who we are, as well as who we are not. It is meant to lead us to worship. It helps with practical, daily living. It's a source encouragement, comfort, and peace.

But many do not view bible reading this way. We view it as a task, boring, guilt-driven chore.

Hopefully some of these practical tips will breathe life into your time in the Word and most importantly, grow you closer to the LORD! They have certainly brought me freedom, excitement, and delight in my time reading the bible.

1. Pick one book to read through.
I have tried the reading plans where you read through a few chapters each day to try and get through the bible in one year. I have found that going slow through one book is much more meaningful and deepens my understanding more than devotional type reading.

2. Dedicate a block of time to read.
For some, they read daily for __ mins. I however, was much more consumed with checking the box, than reading and understanding the bible. So I pick 1-2 times a week and have a much larger chunk of time to study/read. I read through smaller portions of scripture, look up words in a dictionary, use commentaries, and journal.

3. Stay in the same book for the month.
Pick a book of the bible and read through it the whole month. Read a chapter a day until you get through the book. Then reread it! Try to summarize each chapter in one word/sentence. (Oh yes! Ephesians 1 is all about our blessings in Christ!). Take out what you're learning and meditate (think) on a few scriptures each week. The more you read through a book, the more you'll start to remember where things are in the book.

4. Journal/write what you're learning.
This is powerful for memory, reflection, and understanding. Write out what you're learning, a verse that stood out to you, etc. Record what God is impressing in your heart. Deepen your understanding by writing what you're learning.

5. Pick some scripture to meditate on or memorize.
Many of us think we have to read the bible daily. The bible talks about "meditating" on the Word daily. That doesn't mean you have to read something new every day! It means to think about what you're reading, what God's word says, and keep it on your mind often. You need to be in the word to do that, but you also need to spend time "chewing" on the Bread of Life not just ingesting it!

6. Accountability
Get in a small group that holds you accountable. Join a bible study that keeps you in the Word. Join our Scripture Memory Team. We memorize a new scripture on the 1st & 15th of every month. Join here!

7. Obey what it says.
You've heard it said "The bible is not just for information, but transformation." Reading the bible should challenge you to think and live differently. As you obey little by little, step by step, your faith and discernment will deepen. The more you obey, the more you grow. The more you dismiss and disobey, the less fellowship and intimacy you'll have with the Father which will hinder your relationship with Him. Obey what you know to grow!

8. Find someone to share with.
A lot of times, our bible reading is dry because we're not sharing what we're learning with someone. Find someone you can share with. Find someone to disciple-to teach about Jesus. There is always someone who knows less than you or someone you can "transfer truth through relationship" to. Let the Word flow through you, like a river not a reservoir. As you fill up, pour it out.

Just find something that works. Find a way to get into the Word and really spend time reading/studying. Someone said recently "A 10 minute quiet time 3 days a week isn't going to help you grow spiritually." And it's true! It's like trying to live on fast food, ya I guess it's better than nothing but it's not going to help you become healthy.

I hope some of these help. I'm praying that we become a people who not only "read" their bible, but understand it, delight in it, live from it, and fall in love with it!

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us . . ." (John 1:14)

What Do You Rely On?

When is the last time you've gone an entire day without eating?

What would you feel like?

Tired?
Cranky?
Sick?

In Matthew, Jesus himself says "It is written,“‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4)

He also says "Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst." (John 6:35)

So my question is, if we believe the bible to be true, if we know it's reliable, why don't we rely on it?

So much of our bible reading is rushed, hurried, are hardly there. We give God our last instead of firsts, what's left over rather than what's best.

Remember when Jesus said "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." (Matthew 5:6)?

God's people are supposed to hunger and thirst for Him! We are supposed to be filled by His word & His presence. But all too often, we seek fulfillment from lots of other things. We rely on physical food, wordly pleasures, approval of people rather than God and His word.

I wonder if the reason we don't seek God, is the same reason Adam & Eve didn't seek Him in the garden. There was too much shame, too much guilt, too much fulfillment from fruit of the world. The enemy would love for us to avoid time with the LORD. He knows that the less time with spend with God, the more time we are doing life on our own. And we can do NOTHING, no-thing, on our own.

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

If we are not abiding in Christ, what are we abiding in? Our own strength? Our own wisdom? Our own satisfaction.

So again, if we know the bible is reliable, why don't we rely on it?

Shame, maybe.
Guilt, perhaps.
Time, sure.

Whatever the reason, there's no greater time to start. Feast on the Bread of Life, enjoy Living Water, and fill up on the One who satisfies!

*I'll share some "how-to study your bible" tips that have helped me next week!

"How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." (Psalm 119:9-11)

Is the Bible Reliable?

1,500 years
66 books
40 different authors
3 different languages
3 different continents
1 message

*No other book in any other realm of study has that kind of consistency.

23,000 different archaeological digs, not ONE has ever disproved a claim from the bible.

An account of eye witnesses recording during the life time of other eye witnesses. You could check what was written in the Bible with people who were still alive!

Here's are some resources for further study.

Why the Bible is True by Voddie Baucham

Reliability of the Bible by Ravi Zacharias

Why We Believe the Bible by John Piper (Desiring God)

Reliability of the Bible by John MacArthur (Grace to You)

Is the Bible reliable? Posted by Focus on the Family

The Reason for God by Timothy Keller

Evidence that Demands a Verdict


Yes but aren't these mere men? Who are they to speak for God?

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1)

"knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." (2 Peter 1:20-21)

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

So is the bible is reliable? This is a foundational question that must be answered in the Christian life. Actually, in all of life.

If it is true, then it's authoritative, right? If we believe the bible to be true, it has an implication on our life.

If we believe it to be true, why don't we live as if it is?

All of these facts, articles, and books show us how and why it's true.

So the question is not "Is the Bible reliable".
The question is . . . will you believe it? Will you submit to it? All of it? The parts you like? The parts you don't like?

Will you see, believe, and obey?

Will you live on every word of God?

"How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." (Psalm 119:9-11)

"But he answered, “It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)

Peacemakers & Persecution

My Journey Through the Sermon on the Mount

{Matthew 5:9-12}
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you."



Do you wonder why verse 9 says blessed are the peacemakers and the next 3 verses have to do with persecution?

Could it be that when you're a peacemaker, you aren't seeking peace the way we understand it to be? Perhaps peace doesn't come from silence and people pleasing, but from speaking up and speaking truth?

I have been thinking about this for nearly 2 weeks. Why would God call peacemakers blessed and then give 3 verses following about persecution?

Perhaps it's because as Tim Keller has said, as an ambassador for Christ you should be "both attracting people and repelling people". There were times when Jesus was mocked, ridiculed, harassed. He warned His disciples that they will be hated by the world, just as He was.

But there were also times when it says He grew in favor with men. Same with the New Testament church, they grew in favor, the LORD was adding to their number daily.

So this peacemaker can't mean someone who just gets along with everyone, stays silent, and is a people pleaser. If the peace talked about here is peace between one another, than why would He give warning not to lose heart as we are reviled and persecuted by others? If we're making peace why would we be persecuted?

This peacemaker must be preaching a message of PEACE that is beyond this world.

True peace comes from reconciliation to the Father. Peace in our broken relationship, our sin, our hostility toward God. That is the GOSPEL. It's a GOSPEL of peace between us and God.


Real peacemakers tell others this message of peace.

Some will hear this message of peace and jump with joy, knowing they can have a peace beyond understanding. This peace comes from a right standing with God, righteousness. Others will hear it and think it's ridiculous, judgmental, naive. . . and they will persecute.

But ah . . . remember . . . blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake.

So we are to be peacemakers. To be a peacemaker means we must be willing to ruffle some feathers, say hard things, and be bold for Christ. It's a deeper peace beyond "staying civil" and "not wanting to offend anyone." It's a peace that points others to Christ, that stands for Him even in the face of persecution, because the love is stronger. It's a peace that comes from reconciliation.

Are you willing to be a peacemaker? Even if it's rejecting the peace that comes from "people pleasing"?

So, perhaps this isn't the symbol for peace:



But this is:


"What are you after? Approval of the people OR favor from the King?" -Tim Keller

Who Should You Trust?

I have heard many people say “follow your heart", “just do what you think is right” or “go with what your gut tells you”. Do you agree?

Is it wise to trust your heart? The bible has a lot to say about our heart. Trusting our heart verses trusting Almighty God and His word.

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” (Proverbs 14:12)

“Thus says the LORD: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the LORD. He is like a shrub in the desert,and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land.

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water,that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? “I the LORD search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”(Jeremiah 17:5-10)

"Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." (Proverbs 4:23)

You see over and over a contrast between trusting our heart and trusting God. One leads to life and the other, to death.

These passages take me back to the Garden, Genesis 3. After all, isn’t that what Eve did? She trusted her heart. She did what she thought was right, what looked good to her, and ate and it resulted in sin and broken fellowship with the Father.

Isn’t that what all of life is about, trust? Who will you trust? Yourself? Others? Or Almighty God?

Isn't that what sin is really all about, trust? Who will you trust? God? Or Yourself? Your own thoughts? Your own desires? Your own understanding?

Be careful “trusting your own heart” and following what you “feel is right”. Our own instincts and feelings can lead us into a path of danger, destruction, and devastation if we have not aligned them with the Word of God.

There is a time we can trust our heart, when it's fully and completely devoted to the LORD. When our hearts align with God's word, when they have been purified with His righteousness, and when we walk in pursuit of Him. Apart from the Holy Spirit dwelling with in us, our hearts are wicked, deceitful, and sick. We should never trust in our heart apart from God and His wisdom and discernment. *More on that tomorrow: Blessed are the pure in heart!

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. (Proverbs 3:5-7)

{Saturdays are for Seeing} Praising through the Pain

This week in Good News club, this was our memory verse:

“Rejoice in the LORD always; again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)

We read the story in Acts 16 about how Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into jail for doing the work of the LORD. In this extremely hard time, they still rejoiced in the LORD.

Wouldn’t you know, I avoided studying for this lesson every.single.day. How could I teach children to “rejoice in the LORD always” and explain that means in good times and in bad times, and not even do that myself?! Yes, I, me, had to stand in front of children and teach them that as Christians we are to rejoice in the LORD always, even in the hard times.

I mean Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown in prison and it says they “were praying and singing hymns to God” (Acts 16:25)

Do you know how convicting it was for me to have to teach this lesson, after last Saturdays post?? It was like God was holding up a mirror to my face saying, this isn’t just for the children to know and memorize, it’s for you too daughter of mine.

How quick am I to offer advice to someone struggling to see past the pain, and yet slow to take that advice for myself.

I offer Romans 8:28 to people and reject it in my own life.

Like Job said, “Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?” (Job 2:10)

If Romans 8:28 is really true, He works ALL things (good, bad, hard, ugly) for my good, then why do I always want to push my way out of the trial and hurry my way through the lesson? I celebrate the good, and want to flee from the bad.

I guess because I’m human, I mean no one seeks out pain, right?! But really, what if the trials are meant to be a blessing? (Oh now I sound like Ann Voskamp, just way less creative and poetic). I just can’t wrap my heart or my mind around that. How the painful can be beautiful. How the trial can be a blessing. How the journey can be refining.

Why do I always just want to run away instead of run to the LORD?

Then I remember, my life is not my own.
It’s not my kingdom, it’s His kingdom.
It’s not my plans, it’s His plans.

I have been given every spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3) and He is my all in all. The rest of my life is to be conformed into His image, and that means pursuing Christ more than pursuing comfort.

And you know what else is crazy about this little verse and story that I taught to a bunch of 5-6-7-8 year olds? In the midst of their pain, because Paul and Silas rejoiced in their suffering, the prison guard came to know the Lord Jesus and was saved!

So sometimes the best evangelism is rejoicing in the Lord, praising Him through pain. (Not for the pain, but through the pain). People see the LORD at work when our life is hard, painful, and messy and yet we praise Him always.

“Rejoice in the LORD always; again I will say, rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)

Identity in Christ

Ephesians 1. A passage I go back to often to be reminded of who am I in Christ. I took the time to memorize it last summer because it was so dear to me.

Read through and let the LORD sing it over you. Circle the verbs verses 1-14 and write them out in a list to be reminded of your identity in Christ. Read the last few verses and write out characteristics/promises of God and use that as a list to praise Him!

Greeting
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Spiritual Blessings in Christ
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Thanksgiving and Prayer
15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Strange Women: Godly Examples

I read this quote last week and it got me thinking . . .

"Go to church once a week and nobody pays attention. Worship God seven days a week and you become strange!" -AW Tozer.

Would I be considered strange?

This reminded me of a post I wrote a few years ago. It was about women in the bible who were godly examples to me. Women who were probably considered "strange" because of how they worshipped God. They were devoted, Kingdom-minded, servant-hearted, God-fearing, Christ-following women who have inspired me to worship the LORD in a deeper way.

(From the archives):
“Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases.” (Luke 8:1-2)

One day I was reading through the Gospel of Luke and got to Chapter 8, subtitled “Women Who Followed Jesus”. Sounds like nothing except for some reason it just really jumped out at me how the “group of women” was listed separate from the disciples. I was so amazed by this, why were they listed separate? It immediately challenged me to look at Jesus’ ministry with women, and most of all how we we’re different! And oh, what a treasure I found!

I was so encouraged by how women in the bible “followed Jesus”. Some of these women became great Godly examples to me, their immediate response to salvation, or their faithfulness and loyalty to our LORD. I even looked back to Old Testament women, learned from them, was encouraged and challenged. That’s why these women are heroes of the Bible in my eyes-their example has taught me so much about how to pursue my relationship with the LORD.

Mary (Luke 1:26-55)-She rejoiced in the LORD for her gift, even though she knew people would not understand, slander/shame her, she kept her eyes on the LORD and not what others might think or say.
-From her I learned THANKSGIVING and PRAISE even when we don’t understand our circumstances.

Anna (Luke 2:36-38)-She worshiped with fasting and prayer night and day. She recognized Jesus as Messiah when He was just a baby and began praising God for Him and telling others about Him.
-From her I learned DEVOTION.

Mary Magdalene (Luke 8:2)-he healed her from 7 demons, the rest of her life she followed him. She was the first one to see Him after His resurrection!
-From her I learned FAITHFULNESS.

Sinful Woman (Luke 7:36-39)-she anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive ointment, and washed them with her tears.
-From her I learned REVERANCE and WORSHIP-it may cost us much to worship, but it is worth it.

Mary of Bethany (Luke 10:38-42)-she chose to sit at Jesus feet and listen to him teach, to rest, to abide, rather than fill her days with busyness.
-From her I learned to ABIDE, to rest in Him, to take time to listen and fellowship with the LORD.

The Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-2)-she continued asking the judge for justice and it was granted.
-From her I learned PERSISTANCE in prayer.

The Widow and Her Coins (Luke 21:1-4)-she offered little, but the sacrifice was great. She trusted God would provide.
-From her I learned FAITH and TRUST

Ruth (Ruth 2:2-3)-she worked hard and gleaned each day
-From her I learned the value of HARD WORK-study, read, glean.

The Woman at the Well (John 4:28-29)-she was scandalous, but once she realized who the Messiah was, she left everything and ran to tell people about Him.
-From her I learned EVANGELISM-you don’t have to have everything figured out before you can tell people about our Savior.

These women have been such an encouragement to me. They were not philosophers or leaders of nations (in fact some of them didn’t even have their names mentioned). They were simple. They were simple in faith and faithfulness, yet their stories are so profound they’re recorded in scripture. They are my examples, my heroes. I pray that we would learn from these women, respond to the LORD the way they did, with loyalty, devotion, reverence, faithfulness, and love.

So again I wonder . . . If my story were recorded in history, would I seem strange because of my love for the LORD? Would my story stand out because I stood up for Christ? I hope so, and I'm grateful to have women like this recorded in history who challenge me to do so!

Proverb-A-Day

{Fun Friday}

Well I think this is fun . . .

When I first became a Christian I asked the Pastor that did my dad's funeral how in the heck do you even read the bible? Where do you start? What do you do?

He suggested that I read a chapter a day in Mark, and a proverb a day. He told me there are 31 Proverbs, so one a day and you'll get through them in the month! This just excited me because I thought it was so organized!

I still do it to this very day. Each month there are 31 days, I read through Proverbs. (I'd say it's my favorite book, but I say that about every book. Even the kids at Good News Club this very week called me out on that! I told them our memory verse was out of Isaiah, my favorite book, and they shouted "hey you already said Romans was your favorite book!" Busted!)

So Proverbs is one of my favorite books!

Another pastor who I love listening to, taught me a neat way to study the Proverbs. He makes a little chart with icons (mouth for words, a heart for scripture about the heart, a $ sign for scripture about $$money$$, etc.) You can listen to his sermons on Proverbs here: Proverbs

As he reads through proverbs, he groups the verses that talk about money, words, friendship, etc. Kinda neat, right?!?

So for this FUN friday activity, I'm going to make a little commitment to read through a Proverb a day in March!

Want to join me??

(Yes, today is Mar 2nd so you'll have to read 2 today :-)

The Way to A Blessed Life: Delight

{How to deepen your roots and grow in your faith through delight}

Psalm 1
Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoff
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.

The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.

One of the best ways to grow in your faith, to deepen your trust, and to seek comfort from the LORD . . . to have a blessed life . . . is to "delight in the law of the LORD and meditate on it day and night."

Delight: a high degree of pleasure or enjoyment, joy

To be able to delight in His law and meditate on it, you must know it. In order to know it, you must read it. God never promises we will grow in Him by simply going to church on Sunday. He promises we will deepen and grow in our faith when we spend time in His word.

When we spend time in His word, God is able to transform our thoughts and minister to our hearts. He may not always change our circumstance, but He will change our hearts to trust in Him.

When we delight in His word, we will trust in Him and bear fruit. We will remain on His path for us, and not be blown away. We will deepen our roots and be blessed!!

I had to ask myself after I read this . . . LORD, do I delight in Your word? Do I find great excitement, joy, and pleasure in seeking You and Your word? OR is it something else?

Father, would You help me to delight in You alone! Help me to delight in Your word and Your way and meditate on it day and night! Oh that Your word would help me to worship you more. That I may know you more, trust you more, love you more, and be deeply rooted in You!

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. (Colossians 2:6-7)

Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)

I long for your salvation, O LORD, and your law is my delight. (Psalm 119:174)