I'm afraid to say...this week will be sporadic too. I decided to paint my dining room, and have been cutting my study time a wee bit short so I would be able to finish before we go out of town today. It's red, so it required three coats. But I did (finally) finish!!
I hope each and every one of you are feeling as blessed as I am this week. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and I hope you continue on with the study of faithfulness (I will be--just in a place without internet! gasp!!).
One last thing. I know you probably all read Ann Voskamp's lovely blog. If you don't...please please please rush to that link and soak up her beautiful messages. She wrote a book called One Thousand Gifts, and it is wonderful. Perfect reading this time of year (or any time of year). There is an iPhone/Android app for her book, so if you don't want to write your own gifts you can use your phone to keep track. It is so neat!! I think you will all enjoy her blog so I just wanted to mention it today.
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Faithfulness, Day 1
This week, up until Wednesday, I won't have any kids around (they are at my in-laws) and so it will be easier to come back here and comment! Woo hoo! This week's verses are about faithfulness.
Day 1: INITIAL READ/CONTEXT
With an expectant heart, read this week’s passage. Keep a pen and your journal handy. On this
initial read, simply write down anything that jumps off the page and ministers to your own heart.
If you are unfamiliar with the passage, look into the context of the verses. Why were these words
written? By whom, to whom?
Read the passage again. This time write down any questions you may have about the passage.
The purpose of the initial read is to get familiar with the text, not to answer all of your questions.
Hope y'all have a wonderful day today!
Hebrews 10:19-25
New International Version (NIV)
A Call to Persevere in Faith
19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.Hebrews 10:35-39
New International Version (NIV)
35 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.
36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. 37 For,
38 And,
“But my righteous[b] one will live by faith.
And I take no pleasure
in the one who shrinks back.”[c]
And I take no pleasure
in the one who shrinks back.”[c]
39 But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.
Day 1: INITIAL READ/CONTEXT
With an expectant heart, read this week’s passage. Keep a pen and your journal handy. On this
initial read, simply write down anything that jumps off the page and ministers to your own heart.
If you are unfamiliar with the passage, look into the context of the verses. Why were these words
written? By whom, to whom?
Read the passage again. This time write down any questions you may have about the passage.
The purpose of the initial read is to get familiar with the text, not to answer all of your questions.
Hope y'all have a wonderful day today!
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Goodness Day (2 and) 3
I got behind again yesterday, and this will have to be fast since I'm behind again today. My parents and in-laws are coming tomorrow (!!!) and my husband is out of town for work. Stress! I have been praying (it's the only thing that keeps me sane) but haven't had as much time for study the past couple of days.
We are still on Proverbs 31:10-31
Day 2: TRUTHS
Lies fill our world and seep into our homes. If we don’t know His truths then lies will
take us captive. Lies have taken me captive. If lies bind us, we doubt God’s love and
question His faithfulness when difficulties arise. If lies fill our minds, we define God’s
character based upon our circumstance rather than based upon His revelation. We must
maintain an arsenal of truths in our hearts and souls in order to combat lies. - Savoring
Living Water
With your journal and pen ready, look for specific TRUTHS in this week’s text. Read the
passage three times, each time answering one of the following questions:
• What does this passage teach about God?
• What does this passage teach about the author?
• What can I learn about who I am in Christ?
As you find truths, list them in your journal. Consider making a master list of all you learn
through your studies about the Holy Spirit, the fruit that comes as you keep in step with the Spirit
of God, and what is true of those who are in Christ.
Day 3: PROMISES
At times He speaks conditional promises, meaning they will only be experienced when
a condition is met. For example, He promises to guard our hearts and minds with peace
as we lay all of our anxious thoughts before Him with prayer and thanksgiving. (Phil.
4:6-7) Peace comes after we come to Him.
Other times He gives unconditional promises, meaning that they will happen
regardless. For example He promises to never leave or forsake His children. Never.
Once His, He will not leave us. We may try to walk away from Him, but He remains
our Father. He promises. - Savoring Living Water
Today read your passage while looking for PROMISES. Remember to note whether a promise
is conditional or unconditional.
• What is promised to me in this passage?
• Are these promises conditional or unconditional?
• If conditional, what does He require for the promise to be fulfilled?
I'll try to come back later and comment. Know that I am praying for all of you regardless of whether I get back here and comment. I still read them and add your requests to my 'prayer list'... :)
We are still on Proverbs 31:10-31
Day 2: TRUTHS
Lies fill our world and seep into our homes. If we don’t know His truths then lies will
take us captive. Lies have taken me captive. If lies bind us, we doubt God’s love and
question His faithfulness when difficulties arise. If lies fill our minds, we define God’s
character based upon our circumstance rather than based upon His revelation. We must
maintain an arsenal of truths in our hearts and souls in order to combat lies. - Savoring
Living Water
With your journal and pen ready, look for specific TRUTHS in this week’s text. Read the
passage three times, each time answering one of the following questions:
• What does this passage teach about God?
• What does this passage teach about the author?
• What can I learn about who I am in Christ?
As you find truths, list them in your journal. Consider making a master list of all you learn
through your studies about the Holy Spirit, the fruit that comes as you keep in step with the Spirit
of God, and what is true of those who are in Christ.
Day 3: PROMISES
At times He speaks conditional promises, meaning they will only be experienced when
a condition is met. For example, He promises to guard our hearts and minds with peace
as we lay all of our anxious thoughts before Him with prayer and thanksgiving. (Phil.
4:6-7) Peace comes after we come to Him.
Other times He gives unconditional promises, meaning that they will happen
regardless. For example He promises to never leave or forsake His children. Never.
Once His, He will not leave us. We may try to walk away from Him, but He remains
our Father. He promises. - Savoring Living Water
Today read your passage while looking for PROMISES. Remember to note whether a promise
is conditional or unconditional.
• What is promised to me in this passage?
• Are these promises conditional or unconditional?
• If conditional, what does He require for the promise to be fulfilled?
I'll try to come back later and comment. Know that I am praying for all of you regardless of whether I get back here and comment. I still read them and add your requests to my 'prayer list'... :)
Monday, November 14, 2011
Goodness.
Goodness...meaning 1) MY GOODNESS what a couple of weeks I have had. I have fallen way behind, and 2) Goodness is the study topic this week.
Another one of my favorite verses is on the table this week: Proverbs 31:10-31.
It was actually one of the readings at church yesterday! How coincidental (or not *wink*).
Day 1: INITIAL READ/CONTEXT
With an expectant heart, read this week’s passage. Keep a pen and your journal handy. On this
initial read, simply write down anything that jumps off the page and ministers to your own heart.
If you are unfamiliar with the passage, look into the context of the verses. Why were these words
written? By whom, to whom?
Read the passage again. This time write down any questions you may have about the passage.
The purpose of the initial read is to get familiar with the text, not to answer all of your questions.
How was your week last week? What impressions does this verse give you? Is there any way I can pray for you this week? Your family? May God bless our efforts--and my efforts to get back on track!!
Another one of my favorite verses is on the table this week: Proverbs 31:10-31.
It was actually one of the readings at church yesterday! How coincidental (or not *wink*).
Day 1: INITIAL READ/CONTEXT
With an expectant heart, read this week’s passage. Keep a pen and your journal handy. On this
initial read, simply write down anything that jumps off the page and ministers to your own heart.
If you are unfamiliar with the passage, look into the context of the verses. Why were these words
written? By whom, to whom?
Read the passage again. This time write down any questions you may have about the passage.
The purpose of the initial read is to get familiar with the text, not to answer all of your questions.
How was your week last week? What impressions does this verse give you? Is there any way I can pray for you this week? Your family? May God bless our efforts--and my efforts to get back on track!!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Patience, Day 1
First off, I want to THANK YOU all for your incredible patience with me...I am so behind that even today this post is late. I'm so sorry!
This week's subject is patience.
9 Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on his chair by the doorpost of the LORD’s house. 10 In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the LORD, weeping bitterly. 11 And she made a vow, saying, “LORD Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”
12 As she kept on praying to the LORD, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk 14 and said to her, “How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.”
15 “Not so, my lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the LORD. 16 Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.”
17 Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.”
18 She said, “May your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast.
This week's subject is patience.
1 Samuel 1:1-18
New International Version (NIV)
1 Samuel 1
The Birth of Samuel
1 There was a certain man from Ramathaim, a Zuphite[a] from the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. 2 He had two wives; one was called Hannah and the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none. 3 Year after year this man went up from his town to worship and sacrifice to the LORD Almighty at Shiloh, where Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were priests of the LORD. 4 Whenever the day came for Elkanah to sacrifice, he would give portions of the meat to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters. 5 But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her, and the LORD had closed her womb. 6 Because the LORD had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her. 7 This went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the LORD, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat. 8 Her husband Elkanah would say to her, “Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don’t you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don’t I mean more to you than ten sons?”9 Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on his chair by the doorpost of the LORD’s house. 10 In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the LORD, weeping bitterly. 11 And she made a vow, saying, “LORD Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”
12 As she kept on praying to the LORD, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk 14 and said to her, “How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.”
15 “Not so, my lord,” Hannah replied, “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the LORD. 16 Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.”
17 Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.”
18 She said, “May your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast.
Footnotes:
- 1 Samuel 1:1 See Septuagint and 1 Chron. 6:26-27,33-35; or from Ramathaim Zuphim.
Day 1: INITIAL READ/CONTEXT
With an expectant heart, read this week’s passage. Keep a pen and your journal handy. On this
initial read, simply write down anything that jumps off the page and ministers to your own heart.
If you are unfamiliar with the passage, look into the context of the verses. Why were these words
written? By whom, to whom?
Read the passage again. This time write down any questions you may have about the passage.
The purpose of the initial read is to get familiar with the text, not to answer all of your questions.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Sorry guys
This week is just super crazy. I have been up, but not at the computer as much. I am still praying for y'all.
And still praying for peace. I have given myself enough leeway to scale down on what we have decided to do this week. For example, I'm going to buy my daughter a costume instead of making it, since she needs it for her school program tomorrow and not just for Halloween on Monday.
I will schedule a post for tomorrow AM so y'all can check in (I'll check in after the Halloween program and party). I am so sorry I have been so remiss this week.
{And just so y'all know, we don't do 'scary' or 'evil' Halloween. The theme for my kids' party is "It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown" which I think is adorable.}
And still praying for peace. I have given myself enough leeway to scale down on what we have decided to do this week. For example, I'm going to buy my daughter a costume instead of making it, since she needs it for her school program tomorrow and not just for Halloween on Monday.
I will schedule a post for tomorrow AM so y'all can check in (I'll check in after the Halloween program and party). I am so sorry I have been so remiss this week.
{And just so y'all know, we don't do 'scary' or 'evil' Halloween. The theme for my kids' party is "It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown" which I think is adorable.}
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Peace, Day 1 and 2
Peace....seems pretty elusive to me this week. Yesterday my girls had the day off from school, but we also had to take my oldest to her specialist appointment, and say goodbye to my mom who was visiting this weekend. We missed my daughter's class pumpkin carving in the frenzy.
There is not a single day this week that is free and clear. It is going to be one of "those weeks"...so you know what? Reading this is very timely for me.
Day 1: INITIAL READ/CONTEXT
With an expectant heart, read this week’s passage. Keep a pen and your journal handy. On this
initial read, simply write down anything that jumps off the page and ministers to your own heart.
If you are unfamiliar with the passage, look into the context of the verses. Why were these words
written? By whom, to whom?
Read the passage again. This time write down any questions you may have about the passage.
The purpose of the initial read is to get familiar with the text, not to answer all of your questions.
Day 2: TRUTHS
Lies fill our world and seep into our homes. If we don’t know His truths then lies will
take us captive. Lies have taken me captive. If lies bind us, we doubt God’s love and
question His faithfulness when difficulties arise. If lies fill our minds, we define God’s
character based upon our circumstance rather than based upon His revelation. We must
maintain an arsenal of truths in our hearts and souls in order to combat lies. - Savoring
Living Water
With your journal and pen ready, look for specific TRUTHS in this week’s text. Read the
passage three times, each time answering one of the following questions:
• What does this passage teach about God?
• What does this passage teach about the author?
• What can I learn about who I am in Christ?
As you find truths, list them in your journal. Consider making a master list of all you learn
through your studies about the Holy Spirit, the fruit that comes as you keep in step with the Spirit
of God, and what is true of those who are in Christ.
Sorry I'm so late posting all of this. I hope and pray y'all are having a great week so far and getting into better habits than me!
There is not a single day this week that is free and clear. It is going to be one of "those weeks"...so you know what? Reading this is very timely for me.
Philippians 4:4-9
King James Version (KJV)
4Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
5Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
9Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Day 1: INITIAL READ/CONTEXT
With an expectant heart, read this week’s passage. Keep a pen and your journal handy. On this
initial read, simply write down anything that jumps off the page and ministers to your own heart.
If you are unfamiliar with the passage, look into the context of the verses. Why were these words
written? By whom, to whom?
Read the passage again. This time write down any questions you may have about the passage.
The purpose of the initial read is to get familiar with the text, not to answer all of your questions.
Day 2: TRUTHS
Lies fill our world and seep into our homes. If we don’t know His truths then lies will
take us captive. Lies have taken me captive. If lies bind us, we doubt God’s love and
question His faithfulness when difficulties arise. If lies fill our minds, we define God’s
character based upon our circumstance rather than based upon His revelation. We must
maintain an arsenal of truths in our hearts and souls in order to combat lies. - Savoring
Living Water
With your journal and pen ready, look for specific TRUTHS in this week’s text. Read the
passage three times, each time answering one of the following questions:
• What does this passage teach about God?
• What does this passage teach about the author?
• What can I learn about who I am in Christ?
As you find truths, list them in your journal. Consider making a master list of all you learn
through your studies about the Holy Spirit, the fruit that comes as you keep in step with the Spirit
of God, and what is true of those who are in Christ.
Sorry I'm so late posting all of this. I hope and pray y'all are having a great week so far and getting into better habits than me!
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