Monthly Archives: April 2015

No Other Book

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We are such a blessed generation and a blessed people group in our country that we have such unending access to God’s Word.  Not every country has this abundance of Bibles (or Bible apps!) and not always were they found at every bookstore and on every bookshelf.

We’ve been studying Moses in my BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) class and when I think back to that time I try to vision myself there.  Not only void of the Holy Spirit but with no Bible at hand.  In fact, they only came together once every 7 years to publicly read the words of the law…can you imagine only hearing Scripture every 7 years??  Oh how wayward I think I would be without the anchor of His Word during life.  This was why they wrote it on their foreheads and bound it to their bodies…so they wouldn’t forget; this was why Moses stressed over and over teaching the Law to their children and why they all practiced memorizing it- to carry it from generation to generation.

When was the last time you memorized a Bible verse as an adult?  It’s been a while for me but something I want to start doing again on a regular basis; after all, memorizing scripture isn’t just for our children, we never stop needing the words of God and what better place for them to be than written on our hearts.  We do this by reading them, memorizing and meditating on them, letting them sink deep into our souls so they are there when we need them for ourselves or even to help others.  (some ideas below!)

“The Word of God is alive and active…” Hebrews 4:12

Not only is the Bible one of a kind in it’s physical appearance (don’t you just love the sound and feel of the pages?), it’s the only book whose Author is always present.  No other book has the power to change lives, to save, to offer grace, hope and encouragement like the Bible does.  No other book speaks from God’s heart or of His love like the Bible does.  It’s one big book made up of a treasure of books; His Words with the purpose of showing us His love, mercy and the desires and many promises He has for us.  It breathes of our need for a Savior and tells of the fulfillment of this Savior’s many wonders while He came to save the lost and desperate.

The Book tells of the faith of those who knew Him and walked with Him…and of those who didn’t.  A collection of biographies of the lives of imperfect individuals (and One extremely perfect individual!), the Bible reveals promises of blessings in obedience and consequences of sin, with every word pointing towards Jesus Christ.  Weaved throughout the thin pages is a thickness that can’t be described, only experienced for oneself.

It brings life, it changes lives, it brings conviction, salvation, sanctification…it brings heaven to our souls, it brings HOPE.  It directs our steps and shows us the way.  No matter where you are in life, it’s never too early or too late to open and learn of the greatest Book filled with the most amazing love story that leads the Way, shares the Truth and gives us Life.

“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105

Ideas for Scripture memorization~

  • Index cards– write the verse on an index card and carry it everywhere with you; your car dashboard is a great place for Bible verses!  Currently on mine I have a verse card with 2 Corinthians 5:9, “Whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please Him.”  Much needed in the car! 🙂
  • Post-it notes– post them on your bathroom mirror and practice memorization while you brush your teeth
  • ABC Scripture cards—  26 verses on individual cards they are great for both kids and adults!  They come with an easel and can be put anywhere (we have ours on our breakfast counter)
  • ABC Printable Scriptures— we love these to give as gifts too! We print them off, laminate, cut accordingly, punch hole in corner of each one and bind together with metal ring and decorate with ribbon
  • Scripture Jar– on small pieces of paper, write out several verses that are general or even more specific for the season of life you are in.  Fold them up and put them in the jar.  Pick one a week to focus on and memorize (or more if you want!)
  • Music– listen to Christian music.  So many of the songs are actually verses put to music.  Listen to some kids music too, we love the Rizers, they take scripture and put music to it in catchy fun songs (you tube has several videos or you can buy the CD’s on amazon).  We love Pandora stations like Cedermont Kids Worship, Totally Kids Worship, Praise Baby, Veggietales Radio, and Jesus Loves the Little Children.

I’m praying the Words of God become more alive than ever to each of us and that we never cease growing in our faith!  Blessing friends! 🙂

Give Them Grace

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17925949_mlGIVE THEM GRACE

We never know what someone is walking through…but we can give them grace

We don’t know what they have been through…but we can give them grace

We may not know why they do what they do…but we can give them grace

If God looks at the heart…then shouldn’t we try to, too?

Just give them grace, just give them grace

By praying for them, not whispering about them…we can show them grace

By lifting them up, not putting them down…we can show them grace

Being tender-hearted, kind and forgiving…we can show them grace

With humility, compassion and love…we can show them grace

If any of this we lack, we can ask of God…who gives us grace and shows us grace

Unending

Unfailing

Abundant

Grace…after grace…after grace

So give them grace, just give them grace

“As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34b

Rolled Away

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“And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb” (Luke 24:2)

The tomb where Jesus’ body lay took on a different appearance that third day after His crucifixion.  No longer was there a huge stone sealing it up hiding the beaten, bruised and bloody body of the King, the stone had been rolled away and Jesus was ALIVE.  This is the day we celebrate; this is the day we call Easter.

Mary Magdalene and Mary, bringing spices and oils to anoint Jesus’ body, found the stone rolled away and discovered the empty tomb.  I’m intrigued by the fact that the stone was rolled to the side and no longer sealing the entrance when the women arrived.  If you think about it, God could have left that one action out and the women would have had the guards move the stone…but the Lord, taking certain measures, took it upon Himself to roll the stone out of the way.

This makes me think of all the stones that have stood in the way of my relationship with Jesus…and it has not been me that rolled them away, but Jesus.

About 5 years ago I distinctly remember a conversation with a good friend from college; she had just given her life to the Lord and was a completely different person.  I was so proud of her and a little jealous, I wanted and needed to be back with Jesus, living for Him and not myself.  I had strayed but my goodness the thought of coming back to Him was daunting…I remember crying and telling her how many things I would have to change in my life before I could commit myself to Him again.  I just didn’t think it was possible, I was too far from Him, too many stones in the way…

Little did I know that exactly 4 months later I would return to the Lord.  Completely, wholeheartedly, back in His arms.  All those things that I thought I had to be the one to change, were His to change.  And change them He did.  Radically.  Amazingly.  An earthquake happened in my soul, I was ALIVE again and all these huge stones were rolled away.  Not by me but by my God.  Oh friends I am emotional just reliving this!

“‘Not by might nor by power but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord.” (Zechariah 4:6)

Are there stones in your life that need to be rolled away?  Does the task seem too much to bear?  It’s not your job to do it, you possibly can’t; only by the power of our Risen King can the stones that hold us back from Him be removed.  All you have to do is say Yes, Lord, I’m in.  I give.  I’m done trying to do this without You it is TOO HARD.  Then seek Him and you will find Him, draw near to Him and He will draw near to you.  Pray to love Him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and you will know a love and freedom like never before.  Just wait and watch as He transforms you from the inside out…I want to hear about it too, OK!!!?

I love you all so much.  Happy Easter friends.

“I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.” (Ezekiel 36:26)