Nothing Can Separate Us from the LOVE of GOD!

Romans 8:35-39

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  
Shall tribulation, 
or distress, 
or persecution, 
or famine, 
or nakedness, 
or peril, 
or sword?

As it is written, 
For thy sake we are killed all the day long;
we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

For I am persuaded, that neither
death,
nor life,
nor angels,
nor principalities, 
nor powers,
nor things present,
nor things to come,
nor height,
nor depth,
nor any other creature,
shall be able to separate us from 
the LOVE OF GOD
which is in Christ Jesus our Lord!

22 Ideas to Help Your Children Study And Love the Bible

http://www.as4me.net/22-ideas-to-help-your-children-study-and-love-the-bible/
by Michelle Brock
Used by permission

(Note from Lois: This is an excellent article and grandparents, we can do our part by making a Bible verse booklet for each of our grandchildren, consisting for scriptures to memorize.  For me, this is a work in progress.)

Download the 22 Ideas as a PDF

The first time I became aware of my mom’s love for God’s Word, my brother and I were racing around the living room playing hockey. At some point, I noticed my mom calmly reading her Bible on our bright orange couch, and I ran to get my little Gideon New Testament to “read” next to her. I probably sat 20 seconds before getting up and running somewhere else.

Today I laugh with understanding, thinking of my mama reading the Bible with noisy children running around, and I have a strong desire to pass on the love of God’s Word that she shared with me that day.

As an educator and mother, I have noticed that children learn to love God’s Word differently than adults. They’re still learning to read, and lack many higher-level thinking skills adults use as they study the Bible.

Children learn to love God’s Word
differently than adults. 

Children can also respond in surprising ways when parents teach them about spiritual things. They may get bored quickly. If you ask them if they want to hear what God taught you that morning, they might say no. They don’t pick up the Bible with the combination of discipline and joy that we parents have developed. Instead, we may see periods of interest and delight, followed by apparent disinterest.

If we confuse their developmental limitations with a lack of interest, we may miss the very real ways that children are responding to the work of the Holy Spirit within them.

For the last few years, I’ve been gathering the ideas we’ve found helpful for nurturing our children’s interest and skill in reading the Bible. My children don’t yet read the Bible voraciously, and I’m still asking God for wisdom, but perhaps some of our approaches may encourage you to try some new ideas with your own family.

Here are 22 ideas to help children study and love the Bible:

(1) Help children write out favorite verses in a handmade book, or on index cards to tape on their wall next to their beds. They may enjoy making and printing “business cards” with verses and clip art. These also make good gifts!

(2) Consider allowing children to stay up later than normal if they are reading or listening to their Bible in their rooms. This reward is highly motivating to my night owl, although not as motivating for my child who goes to sleep within two minutes of laying his head on the pillow.
(3) Download an audio Bible (here’s one free resource) and give children the means of listening to it in their rooms. I used to think that my son was not interested in the Bible, but when he could listen to it, I got a better sense of his actual interest level. Listening also enables children to understand more of the Bible than reading alone, because of pronunciation and dramatic/auditory cues.
(4) Teach them that a child doesn’t have to be a good reader to love and obey the Bible! Ask them how the foolish man who built his house on the sand was different than the wise man who built his house on the rock (Matthew 7:24-27). Hint: It isn’t “build your life on the Lord Jesus Christ”!
(5) Show children how to search for verses on a topic online (such as BibleGateway.com), or with a concordance. Teach them the Bible study tools and apps that you use. Some of my best Bible memories as a child were of my dad helping me use the Bible reference works in his library.
(6) If children use an electronic Bible, help them use it more effectively. Show them how to use the search function, or pronunciation/dictionary features, and so on. I grew up loving the center margin cross references in my Bible, and I look for a Bible with cross references for my children. I’ve shown them how cross references help them find an original prophecy, similar verses, or the  harmony of the gospels.
(7) Help children make a chain of verses in their Bibles by writing another reference on the same topic in the margin. Making connections is one way children (and parents) learn to be active and happy students of God’s Word.
(8) Encourage your children to memorize the books of the Bible. Sword drills are a simple and enjoyable way for children to practice locating verses in a print Bible and grow in confidence as they increase skill.
(9) Teach them to use the maps in their Bibles. I spent one day helping them find places in the maps at the back of their Bibles when we were reading through Acts. Helping children locate the exact location communicates that the Bible is reliable and true, and is especially helpful for spatial learners.
(10) Help children identify Bible synonyms for everyday concepts. For example, if they want to know what the Bible has to say about “fighting,” show them how the Bible includes other words like strife, wars, contention, and so on.
(11) Help children identify Bible opposites as they study. Ask, “What is the opposite of love? What is the opposite of pride?” Show them the Bible opposites in Ephesians 4:25-32.
(12) Talk about the process of actively reading: “After I read a passage, I wonder how…” and pause to see if they can finish the sentence. If not, you can supply your own ideas. For example, if I’m reading where Jesus tells me to take up my cross and follow him, I am going to ask myself (and my children), “When I read this verse, I wonder how to obey it. What does that mean, to take up my cross? Is there something else in the passage that gives me a clue?” Then we can turn these questions into prayers or further discussions.
(13) When I want to guide children into applying Scripture, I’m more successful when I share three or four possible responses and ask them to pick one to pray about, or apply in some specific way. Children also do well if we supply a scenario and ask them how to apply a particular verse. If I ask how they might apply God’s Word when someone yells at them on the soccer field, or when a sibling is mean to them, they can usually take the next step. Children need to know good doctrine, but they also need to see how they can actively read and respond to the text on their own.
(14) Help young children find and highlight verses they have memorized, even if they haven’t yet become fluent readers. Show them how highlighting these verses makes it easy to scan the Bible and find them again quickly. Verses that are already memorized are the easiest verses for new and struggling readers to find in the Bible and actually read. Yes, they may highlight strange verses, or highlight too many, but I have always enjoyed having a glimpse into my children’s independent spiritual life when they proudly show me what they’ve marked. My youngest daughter, Laurel, was especially delighted when I helped her find her favorite verses and showed her how to use a card to highlight in a straight line. Then she could read her Bible just like her older siblings.

(15) Teach them verses that correspond to their interests. My son loves bird verses. On the other hand, my daughter Bethel likes horse verses, and I don’t yet have a good sense of the verses that my youngest daughter likes. Every once in awhile, I tell one of them, “I have a verse for you.” and then I read it to them, or give them a paper with the reference on it.
(16) Teach them verses that can help them in their specific circumstance. When Bethel told me she was having a hard time being afraid at night, I showed her some Psalms about going to sleep. I discovered later that she highlighted those verses and learned them well. Another time, I helped David label some Psalms—“when I am discouraged,” “when others are being mean,” “when I can’t sleep,” and so on. Like my children, I am excited when I see the relevance of God’s Word to my life, when I see that God has given me everything I need for life and godliness. However, I’m learning children don’t always get the connection without someone specifically teaching it.
(17) One of the motivations I had growing up for reading God’s Word was watching my mom and dad love and study God’s Word. It challenges me to remember that I am teaching my children to love, by what I love.
(18) I have been especially challenged to remember that  I can nurture a love for God’s Word, but I cannot create it. Only the Holy Spirit can do that. Remembering the work of the Holy Spirit drives me to pray more fervently for my children, and also to rest in his provision for the results of my labor.

Remembering the Holy Spirit’s work
drives me to pray more. 

(19) If you like to read, check out I Read It, But I Don’t Get It by Chris Tovani, and How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler (I’m partial to the old, out-of-print edition). Neither of these books is about reading the Bible specifically, but they both address the process of becoming an active reader. You may find them inspiring as I did. One important idea from these books is that good readers aren’t terribly concerned about gaps in their understanding as they read. In fact, those gaps actually cause them to be more alert and more active as they read. Help your children not to fear how much they don’t understand. Teach them that good readers have lots of questions as they read, and encourage them to keep going and to keep asking questions when they don’t understand.

(20) When it comes to choosing a translation, remember it’s not just about the reading level. Children who grow up in Christian homes learn at some point not to worry about what is too difficult. Some verses will be difficult regardless of the translation; likewise, even a more difficult to read translation will have passages that most young readers can read. For any translation, parents can help the child by finding places that he can read and understand.
(21) Consider purchasing for your children the translation your church uses. New readers have great difficulty following along with public reading of God’s Word when their Bible is different than the one being read. In fact, our ability as adults to read and listen to two different texts is quite complex.
(22) One of the projects our family worked on together was compiling Scripture verses on topics we were interested in. When the children discussed certain problems, we would add a new topic. Talking about Bible topics and collecting verses was a rewarding and happy time for our family. Gradually, the topics grew into a book that we decided to share with others.

Learn more about the Topical Bible for Kids below. And if you’d like a PDF version of this article to take with you or share with others, download it now: 

Download the 22 Ideas (PDF)

Michelle Brock is the author of the Topical Bible for Kids. She comes from a family of Bible lovers, and is passionate about sharing that love with her husband and three children. She also loves the coffee her husband roasts weekly, the poetry of TS Eliot, rocks, and seashells. Send Michelle a note at brockme@gmail.com or on Twitter @michelleebrock.

Psalms “ GOD IS”

The source of who compiled these scriptures is unknow, but of course, the original source is God's Holy Word, the Bible.

 

(Psa 7:11) God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the 

wicked every day.

(Psa 10:4) The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not 

seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.

(Psa 14:5) There were they in great fear: for God is in the generation 

of the righteous.

(Psa 33:12) Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the 

people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.

(Psa 37:31) The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall 

slide.

(Psa 45:6) Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the scepter of thy kingdom is a right scepter.

(Psa 46:1) To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in 

trouble.

(Psa 46:5) God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God 

shall help her, and that right early.

(Psa 47:5) God is gone up with a shout, the LORD with the sound of a trumpet.

(Psa 47:7) For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.

(Psa 48:3) God is known in her palaces for a refuge.

(Psa 48:14) For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our 

guide even unto death.

(Psa 50:6) And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah.

(Psa 54:4) Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that 

uphold my soul.

(Psa 56:9) When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: 

this I know; for God is for me.

(Psa 59:9) Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defense.

(Psa 59:17) Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my 

defense and the God of my mercy.

(Psa 62:7) In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my 

strength and my refuge is in God.

(Psa 62:8) Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart 

before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.

(Psa 68:15) The hill of God is as the hill of Bashan; an high 

hill as the hill of Bashan.

(Psa 68:20) He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto GOD 

the Lord belong the issues from death.

(Psa 71:19) Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!

(Psa 73:1) A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God is good to Israel, even to such 

as are of a clean heart.

(Psa 73:26) My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of 

my heart and my portion forever.

(Psa 74:12) For God is my King of old, working salvation in the midst 

of the earth.

(Psa 75:7) But God is the judge: he putteth down one and setteth up another.

(Psa 77:13) Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God 

as our God?

(Psa 84:11) For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

(Psa 89:7) God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, 

and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.

(Psa 94:22) But the LORD is my defense and my God is the rock of 

my refuge.

(Psa 99:9) Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for 

the LORD our God is holy.

(Psa 115:3) But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.

(Psa 116:5) Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is 

merciful.

(Psa 118:27) God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.

(Psa 144:15) Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is 

that people, whose God is the LORD.

Life Principles to Live By

A Message from In Touch Ministries

Do you ever wonder what God is doing in your life?  Do you wrestle with doubt when your prayers seem to go unanswered?  Almost every believer can relate to the struggle you may feel during challenging times.  While the Christian life is an amazing adventure, it is not without suffering at times.

Even in the midst of difficult seasons, we can be grateful for the wisdom and encouragement found in God's Word.  Over the years, Dr. Stanley has discovered biblical lessons that have helped him navigate the challenges of his life and ministry.  It is our pleasure to share these Life Principles with you on the enclosed bookmark (see below).

Of course, these principles are not shortcuts to knowing God or replacements for in-depth Bible study.  And there is no substitute for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  However, we pray these Life Principles will become tools that God will use to teach you more about His character, draw you closer to His heart, and bring powerful transformation to your life.  May God bless you as you obey Him and leave all the consequences to Him.

Twelve Principles to Live By
by Dr. Charles F. Stanley

1.  Our intimacy with God--His highest priority for our lives--determines the impact of our lives.

2.  Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.

3.  God's Word is an immovable anchor in times of storm.

4.  The awareness of God's presence energizes us for our work.

5.  God does not require us to understand His will, just obey it, even if it seems unreasonable.

6.  You reap what you sow, more than you sow, later than you sow.

7.  The dark moments of our life will last only so long as is necessary for God to accomplish His purpose in us.

8.  Fight all your battles on your knees and you win every time.

9.  Trusting God means looking beyond what we can see to what God sees.

10. If necessary, God will move heaven and earth to show us His will.

11. God assumes full responsibility for our needs when we obey Him.

12. Peace with God is the fruit of oneness with God.

13. Listening to God is essential to walking with God.

Recall Notice

Author unknown

The Maker of all human beings (GOD) is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart.

This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed "Sub-sequential Internal Non-Morality," or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed.

Some of the symptoms include: 1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions 
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish or violent behavior 
6. Depression or confusion in the mental component
7. Fearfulness
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion

The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this defect.

The Repair Technician, JESUS, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required.

The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R.

Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure.

Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component.
 
No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:
1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9 Self-control
 
Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.

WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on Jesus.
 
DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility. Thank you for your attention!

Ministering to Those Who Are Hurting

by Diane Fenlason (Niece of Lois)
Used by permission

 

 This year, I am reading through the Bible chronologically. I also decided to get a journaling Bible (found one on sale at the Christian bookstore last month - YAY!). I'm not an artist, but I love the idea of being able to make notes and highlight specific things I want to remember as I go along.

Reading in Job, there are a few things that jumped out at me this time through; things that I didn't really latch onto before. For instance, we all know that Job's three "friends" are really accusatory toward Job, and we don't like them. We don't like those kind of people in our own lives! 

BUT.....if you pay attention to Job 2:11-13, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar really seemed like they had the best intentions of "being there" for their good friend! 

They had to coordinate the trip, since they all lived in different locations. They were approaching Job's home, and when they saw him from a distance, it broke their hearts! When they finally got to him, they just SAT with him for seven days and seven nights! So...how many of us would do that for a friend? They were just coming along side of him and BEING THERE. When Job finally started sharing from his heart, and was letting his friends know how he was struggling, they just couldn't keep their mouths shut. It's like they couldn't take the pain, so they wanted a fix for it. The problem is, in the process, they completely overlooked God's sovereignty in the situation and made the assumption that they knew God's purpose in allowing Job to suffer.

Here's the scary thing: I easily condemn those three men for how they treated Job and were so judgmental. But, how often do we do the very same thing? It is a gross failure in the art of compassion. We aren't called to judge someone's suffering. We are called to show compassion and lovingly .... LOVINGLY .... speak the truth to them while just BEING there for them, realizing that we don't need to have the answers, but gently pointing them to the One who does! 

We can have the grandest of intentions to minister to someone who is hurting. But let's prayerfully come alongside and not ruin that ministry by trying to act like we need to have the answers for that person.

HE Is

Words by Jeoffrey Benward & Jeff Silvey, ©1994 Star Song

Thanks to Coralie McLay in New Zealand for sending this!

In Genesis, He's the breath of life

In  Exodus, the Passover Lamb

In Leviticus, He's our High Priest

Numbers,  The fire by night

Deuteronomy, He's Moses' voice

In Joshua, He is  salvation's choice 

Judges, law giver

In Ruth, the kinsmen-redeemer 

First and second Samuel, our trusted prophet

In Kings and Chronicles,  He's sovereign

Ezra, true and faithful scribe

Nehemiah, He's the  rebuilder of broken walls and lives 

In Esther, He's Mordecai's courage 

In Job, the timeless redeemer

In Psalms, He is our morning song

In  Proverbs, wisdom's cry

Ecclesiastes, the time and season

In the Song of  Solomon, He is the lover's dream 

In Isaiah, He's the Prince of Peace 

Jeremiah, the weeping prophet

In Lamentations, the cry for Israel 

Ezekiel, He's the call from sin

In Daniel, the stranger in the fire 

In Hosea, He is forever faithful

In Joel, He's the spirit's power 

In Amos, the arms that carry us

In Obadiah, He's the Lord our Savior 

In Jonah, He's the great missionary

In Micah, the promise of peace 

In Nahum, He is our strength and our shield 

In Habakkuk and  Zephaniah, He's pleading for revival

In Haggai, He restores a lost heritage 

In Zachariah, our fountain

In Malachi, He is the sun of righteousness  rising with healing in His wings 

In Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, He  is God, man, Messiah

In the Book of Acts, He is fire from heaven

In  Romans, He's the grace of God

In Corinthians, the power of love

In  Galatians, He is freedom from the curse of sin 

Ephesians, our glorious  treasure

Philippians, the servant's heart

In Colossians, He's the  Godhead Trinity

Thessalonians, our coming King

In Timothy, Titus,  Philemon, He's our mediator and our faithful pastor

In Hebrews, the  everlasting covenant

In James, the one who heals the sick

In First and  Second Peter, He is our shepherd

In John and in Jude, He's the lover coming  for His bride

In the Revelation, He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords  

The Prince of Peace

The Son of Man

The Lamb of God

The Great I  Am

He's the Alpha and Omega

Our God and our Savior

He is Jesus  Christ the Lord

And when time is no more

He is  

Meet Him in the Morning

Used with Permission by Pamela Spurling www.achristianhome.com

Dearest Sister~ 

It truly is a joy to me to share with other sisters in the LORD the good things He has done and is doing in our midst.  Though we cannot always see or understand the workings of the LORD, He is, indeed, at work and all God’s ways are good.  We can count on Him for that.

Consider being at the threshold of a brand new year, a clean slate, and unblemished path lies ahead.  By the time a week or two passes, however, you may have already crossed off a number of “New Year’s Resolutions” and you may have “slipped” a bit in your resolve to stay away from treats and snacks, you may not have gotten to the exercises you intended to do and you may already be behind eight or twelve chapters in your “Read-through-the-Bible-in-a-Year” program.  You may have spoken harshly to the children and you may have already stayed up too late to rise early in the morning. 

 So, all in all, you might resolve that you’re off to a very good start.  Really.  You know… really, it’s a very good thing for us to acknowledge… to take a look at our frailties and failings and stand right in front of our mirrors and see our sorry states of affairs.  It’s a very good thing to stand right there with our amended and scratched out list of “meant to do’s” and see that we truly “cannot do this.”  I think you know what I’m talking about.  I say it to my husband from time to time and I say it to the LORD, too: “I cannot do this!”  And then you know what?  It’s as if the LORD is just standing right there with His comforting outstretched arms saying: Come here, I have been waiting to help you… I have been waiting to carry you through this.  Come here… lay your burdens down and come to Me.

 Well, then, that’s what I must do.  And that’s what you must do, too.  We need to just set that paper down and put down the pen filled with the ink of good intentions and just get on our knees and wait on the LORD.  And so that’s what I am suggesting be your thought and your best hope for the year ahead: God being your Helper, that you will just do one thing—for only one thing is needed and that is to sit at the Feet of Jesus and hear His Word.

Remember Martha, all caught up in the well doing, the busyness of the day — the murmuring and the fretting over what needed to be done?  Remember how the LORD addressed her and her situation?  What did He tell her?  At first blush, it might seem as though He didn’t show consideration for all she was doing or attempting to do and it hardly seemed as though He valued her effort.  But you know, the more I read and mull over what He said to her, how He addressed her and how He advised her, I see that He gave her the most loving and helpful words He could’ve offered—  sort of an invitation and direction at once. 

(From Luke 10. 40-42) There she was working [murmuring], cumbered about with much [murmuring]  serving, and came to him [murmuring], and said [murmuring], “Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve [and murmur] alone? bid her therefore that she help me [murmur, murmur].   And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”

You see, He did see and understand her plight, her hard work and her feelings about it all. He did address the very things that were troubling her — though it may not seem so at first glance.  He acknowledged her work (O, yes, and her troubles), but He also showed her that what she was doing was *troubling* her and was not done in restful adoration or in service to Him.  Yes, Mary’s actions were in adoration and service — it’s just that when someone is sitting at the feet of Jesus it might seem to others to be a waste of time and yet, if done in sincerity and in truth, that very sitting at the feet of Jesus and hearing His Word is of the greatest importance and tremendous value.  The benefit of that time spent sitting at the feet of Jesus hearing His Word, will be reflected in the time of serving — that waiting on the LORD, hearing His word will be reflected in every step of the way.  Instead of being troubled and careful about many things, you will have chosen that good part— remember? …that part that Jesus says cannot be taken away. 

So, where is the sitting at the feet of Jesus, hearing His Word?  It’s your quiet time with Him every morning — it’s that most important time of your day: time in the Word of God.  And so, I offer this bit of encouragement to you as we begin the New Year together.  Take that tablet and that pen filled with the ink of good intentions and just set them aside.  In my best New York accent: forget about it.  But this one thing… please consider this one thing and don’t let anything dissuade you from implementing this one thing, for this one thing is needful: establish or reestablish a daily quiet time with the LORD.   Change your schedule, or change your habits or change your discipline… but don’t allow yourself to be too busy, too late or too tired to daily sit at the feet of Jesus, hearing His Word.  For in doing so, you will have chosen the good part, that shall not be taken away from you.   

You may have many things on your heart and mind; many trials, troubles and regrets.  You may be weary in the battle and the task may seem too arduous for you to carry on.  The temptations  may seem too great to resist and the tension too intense to bear any longer.  You may be a mother of many young children and believe that you have no time to read and no time to pray.  It may be that you feel at the end of your rope.  In all these things that loom dark on the horizon I know Jesus will already be there to bear the load and the burden you cannot carry.  Taste and see that the LORD is good.  Maybe you already know this full well and are joyfully looking forward to the sunrise as you meet with the LORD. Whatever the case, when you meet Him in the morning He’ll already be there and will linger long after you’re gone.  He will fill you, refresh you, equip you, strengthen and guide you.  And you will then see there is nowhere you can go that the LORD will not already be waiting… waiting to demonstrate Himself strong on your behalf. 

Blessings to you as we journey through the door and onto the path of this new year.
with love, your sister in Christ, — Pamela

Ten Ways to Study the Bible

by Erin Davis - Used by permission

My Name Is Erin: One Girls' Journey To Discover Truth

Erin's twitter handle is @eringraffiti

 

Here are ten practical ways you can stand in God's truth.

1. 365 Days of Truth
The best way to study the Bible is to make it a part of your daily life. Simply setting aside ten or fifteen minutes every day to learn more about God through His Word will go a long way toward helping you stand for truth. There are lots of great resources available to break the Bible down into 365 smaller sections; that's one for every day of the year! Pick up a one-year Bible or check out this article that's loaded with info on how to read the Bible in a year.

2. Thirty-one Days of Wisdom
There are thirty-one chapters in the book of Proverbs and thirty-one days in each month. Simply choose the chapter of Proverbs that corresponds with the day of the month. (For example, I would read Proverbs 9 today because it is January 9th.) After thirty-one days, I promise you will gain a lot of wisdom. You can start today!

3. Mirror, Mirror
I bet you look in your bathroom mirror at least once every single day. (Hey, that's what girls do!) That makes your mirror a great place to soak up God's truth. Place several key verses on note cards, or write them on your mirror with a write-and-wipe marker. Then read them out loud as you fix your hair or apply your makeup. It's a great idea to change the verses out after a few weeks in order to expose yourself to more truth.

I've got some adorable cards that you can simply print and cut on my website.

4. Get Technical
Download a Bible app on your phone or iPod, and ask your parents to do the same. That way when you find yourself waiting in the car, at the doctor's office, or at a restaurant, you can pop open God's Word for a dose of truth. (Sure beats spending all of your free time with those Angry Birds!) You can also sign up to have Bible verses texted to you daily through websites like godlythoughts.com or bible-sms.com. There are also apps available to do the same thing. Here's a list of apps designed to help you memorize Scripture.

Do you know about a great Bible app? Leave us a comment below with the scoop so we can check it out.

5. Flip Out
In addition to going high-tech, you can pore over God's Word old-school style—that is by using actual pen and paper! Write ten to fifteen of your favorite Bible verses on 3 x 5 cards. Punch a hole in the corner of each card and attach them with a ring. Flip through the cards several times a day for a rapid-fire dose of God's truth. Exchange the cards for new verses every few months.

6. Work Together
Everything is more fun with friends, even getting into God's Word. Ask a friend or two to hold you accountable for reading God's Word. Text or call each other daily to remind each other to read the Bible.

7. Stick to the Stories
Jesus taught tough truth using stories or parables. This teaching style helps break down complex truths about God into bites that are easier to digest. To hear truth straight from the source, focus on reading Jesus' teachings in one of the gospels. Here is a list of all of Jesus' parables.

8. Hear Him Preach
Jesus was more than a great storyteller; He was also a powerful preacher. His most famous sermon is known as the Sermon on the Mount (because He preached it on a mountain). Jesus covered everything from prayer to salvation to worry in that single sermon. If you're the kind of student who likes to listen to someone break lessons down for you rather than searching out all the right answers on your own, the Sermon on the Mount is a great place to start. With so much truth packed into a single sermon, this passage is like God's Truth for Dummies (not that I'm calling names). Take your time pouring over it, and ask God to use this sermon to help you build a foundation of truth. The Sermon on the Mount can be found in Matthew 5–7.

You can also listen to the Bible on CD or mp3. No, you can't hear the sermon actually read by Jesus (that would be way cool!), but you can listen to this passage being read by some other great voices. (You might hear the voices of some of your favorite celebrities on this audio version of the TNIV Bible.) This is a good option if you learn best by hearing.

9. Speaking of Stories . . .
We girls love to connect with other people. We are more likely to study someone's story than we are to memorize facts. That's good news, because the Bible is filled to the brim with stories of people standing for God's truth. Here are folks who took big stands for God's truth. You're gonna love their stories.

Noah: Genesis 5–10
Joshua: Book of Joshua. (He got his own book!)
Hannah: 1 Samuel 1–2
John the Baptist: Matthew 3, 11, 14, 16, 17; Mark 6 and 8; Luke 7 and 9; John 1. He is also referenced several times throughout the book of Acts.
Paul: Read about Paul's radical collision with truth in Acts 9:1–22.

10. Get a Coach
It's okay to get help from others as you make the move to get into God's Word. There are great Bible studies available that can guide you as you learn more about the Bible. You can choose Bible studies that help you focus on a single subject (such as boys, friendship, or service), Bible studies that break down a single book of the Bible, or Bible studies that hone in on a specific biblical character (such as David, Mary, or Paul). I could never list all of the Bible studies that might be helpful to you, but here are a few of my favorites.

• Becoming God's True Woman . . . While I Still Have a Curfew by Mary A. Kassian and Susan Hunt
• God Girl: Becoming the Woman You're Meant to Be by Hayley DeMarco
• James: Faith Under Pressure by Pam Gibbs

And here are a couple Bible studies written by yours truly.

• True Princess: Embracing Humility in an All About Me World
• Beautiful Encounters: The Presence of Jesus Changes Everything

When it comes to searching for truth, there isn't a "right" way or a "wrong" way. The important thing for you to remember is that God's Word is truth. In order to tap into the power of that truth, you must find a way to get into the Word and get the Word into you!

A Fresh Perspective

by Stacy Miller - Used by permission

 

Recently I've been going through a lot of adversity, sickness, and trials.  My husband hasn't had any work for over a month, so I am carrying the full weight of the bills.  On top of this, I found a $400 error in the checkbook, and it wasn't in our favor.  I've been dealing with a sinus infection for over ten days and it just doesn't want to let go.  And there are all kinds of rumors going around at work regarding upcoming changes that are enough to twist your stomach in knots.  I hate to admit it, but in the midst of all of this, I've failed to faithfully read the Word.  Instead, I've been guilty of running to the Wii to vent my anger and frustration through exercise.  If I don't do the Wii, then I want to escape through watching television.

 

Now I have to admit -- the Wii has been really good for me.  It has helped to increase my lung capacity to where the asthma issues aren't quite as intense or as frequent.  And the exercise has nearly alleviated my monthly female issues, which is all the more reason to want to keep using the Wii.  However, I read something the other day that made me realize that when I run to these other things instead of the Lord, I am making it a god.

 

I decided to make a change and get back to reading the Word.  I felt led to read Psalm 91 in The Living Bible because sometimes reading a familiar portion of scripture in a different version can give me a fresh perspective.  There were a few things that really stood out to me. 

 

Psalm 91:1 

We live within the shadow of the Almighty, sheltered by the God who is above all gods.

(If I want to be sheltered by the God who is above all gods, I need to LIVE within His shadow -- I need to LIVE in HIM, not running to other things that can so easily become a functional god for me.)

91:2 This I declare, that He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I am trusting Him.

(I need to focus on Him being a refuge for me and remember what safety there is in dwelling in Him.  I need to remind myself that HE is my God, and I WILL trust in Him, instead of focusing on my problems.)

91:4  His faithful promises are your armor.

(There is no armor like the armor of God.  I need to be meditating on His promises because they are the armor that will deliver me from the fears that assail me.)

91:9 For Jehovah is my refuge!  I choose the God above all gods to shelter me. 

(The word "choose" really stood out to me in this verse.  It is MY choice how I am going to respond to the daily frustrations and fears.  Am I going to run to the refrigerator and gorge on junk food?  Am I going to escape through watching TV?  Am I going to play on the Wii for hours just so I can focus on something besides my problems?  It is MY choice.)

91:12 They (the angels) will steady you with their hands to keep you from stumbling against the rocks on the trail. 

(When I'm on a "rocky trail," those angels are there to help me and keep me from stumbling and losing my way.)

91:16 I will satisfy him with a full life and give him my salvation.

(Nothing on this earth has the ability to satisfy me and give me a full life like the Lord.)

 

Viewing this portion of scripture in a different version really did give me a much-needed, new perspective.  I have noticed a difference already in my thoughts and my attitude.  While my body may still feel the effects of this nasty sinus infection, at least my spirit has been refreshed.  I may still have the same trials before me, but now I don't feel so alone and overwhelmed.

Practical Tips - Torn Pages & Free Heat

by Lois Breneman

How to Repair Torn Pages in Your Bible (or any book) ~ Years ago my husband repaired several torn pages in my Bible for me.  To do this, two pieces of waxed paper, a toothpick and Elmer's glue are needed.  Lay one piece of waxed paper under the torn page.  Place the torn pieces side by side, fitting them together as they should be, matching the words properly. This works even if part of a page is completely torn away, as long as you still have it, of course.  Dip the toothpick into the glue and spread the glue along the torn line.  Lay the second piece of waxed paper on top, close the Bible, and lay another book on top to weight it down.  Allow it to dry for about 24 hours.  Check to see it it is completely dry and carefully remove the waxed paper and you'll have a nicely repaired page!  Much better than Scotch tape which will yellow over time.  Just test out this tip!

"Free Heat" ~ We can cash in on free heat while doing certain household chores by strategically choosing specific times to get them done.  Running the dishwasher, drying clothes in the dryer, baking a roast in the oven that can be spread out over several meals, cooking on the stove top, or running a water distiller for pure water during the times when you heat your home will not only do the job but provide some heat for your home.  Burning candles, using candle warmers, or running a small indoor fountain also help, as well as running a dehumidifier or even simmering water on your stove or in a simmering potpourri pot.  My HVAC engineering husband tells me that when the humidity in your home is higher, a lower temperature is more comfortable than when you have low humidity.  That's why a built in humidifier is a money saving tip.

Wondersurf

Please check out this great site for your children and their friends!  www.wondersurf.com 

        Have you or your children ever gone to a Good News Cub or Five Day Club?  Have you ever seen a wordless book or wordless bracelet?  If so, all this originated with Child Evangelism Fellowship.  We used to have both clubs in our home and were blessed to see children invite Jesus into their hearts.  It was after a Good News Club in our home that one of our own young children asked me questions and became a Christian.

         If you want to encourage your teenage children to do something very worthwhile this summer, call Child Evangelism Fellowship in your area and see how you can help.  They may be able to use you or your children as helpers, teachers or provide another opportunity to win boys and girls to Christ.  It would be a way to make your time count for eternity!

Quotes and Scriptures of Hope

Though a million prayers go to God at once, He listens to each one, and He listens to each one as if it were the only one.

Be assured, if you walk with Him and look to Him, and expect help from Him, He will never fail you. -- George Mueller

This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.  It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.  They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.  The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.  The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.  It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. - Lamentations 3:21-26        

Coal Basket Bible

contributed by Joyce Cronin in Virginia

The story is told of an old man who lived on a farm in the mountains of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson. Each morning, Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading from his old worn-out Bible. His grandson who wanted to be just like him tried to imitate him in any way he could.

One day the grandson asked, "Papa, I try to read the Bible just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Bible do?"

The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and said, "Take this coal basket down to the river and bring back a basket of water."

The boy did as he was told, even though all the water leaked out before he could get back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, "You will have to move a little faster next time," and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again.

This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was "impossible to carry water in a basket," and he went to get a bucket instead. The old man said, "I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You can do this. You're just not trying hard  enough," and he went out the door to watch the boy try again.

At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got far at all. The boy scooped the water and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty. Out of breath, he said, "See Papa, it's useless!"

"So you think it is useless?" The old man said, "Look at the basket." The boy looked at the basket and for the first time he realized that the basket looked different. Instead of a dirty old coal basket, it was clean. "Son, that's what happens when you read the Bible. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, it will change you from the inside out."

That is the work of God in our lives. To change us from the inside out and to slowly transform us into the image of His son.  Take time to read a portion of God's word each day.

A Great Example of the Definition of "Oxymoron"

"Oxymoron" -  Removing the Ten Commandments from the courthouse while making people in court swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you GOD.  While your hand is on the BIBLE!