Variety -- the spice of my devotional life

 

 I've alluded to this a bit before, but haven't gone into detail.  I seem to need creativity in my life on a daily basis, and even though I don't always get to work on a craft as I'd like to,  I do find joy in realizing a creative solution to an everyday dilemma or need.  Such has been the case with my quiet time.  

I love Bible study and journaling and there are just more studies that I want to do than I ever seem to find time for.   In 2024, things have been ever so slightly better in that regard and my devotional life has been spiced up with a little creativity.  I thought I'd share in case others might be interested in taking a similar approach.

This year, I determined that I wanted to journal through Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life, by Charles Swindoll.  It's one of his older books and I acquired a hardcover copy of it last summer.  Each reading includes a devotional lesson, a "Deepening Your Roots" section with Scripture to look up, and a "Branching Out" section with ideas for applying the lesson to real life.  This book, though, has devotional lessons only for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with a "Growing Strong" section on Saturday where one journals about how applying the lessons for the week has worked out.

 So, that leaves Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday to do something else for Bible study and quiet time.  In fact, it leaves Saturday too, because the "Growing Strong" wrap-up doesn't involve much, if any Scripture.  So this is how I'm using those four days each week:

 Tuesdays and Thursdays I work on SOAPing the Scripture from the Everything Beautiful Bible reading plan that I'm using for my Sunday Scripture blog posts.  You can read about the SOAP method of Bible study here if it is new to you.  

On Saturdays I'm working my way through a Bible study on Habakkuk.  You can find it here: Even If.

Prior to beginning this study, I completed another on the armor of God.  Although it may seem slow to work through a Bible study like this only one day a week, I find it is far, far better to do this than just to lament the fact that I don't have time to do all the studies I want to.  Far better to work on it once a week than not at all, and I do eventually complete them.

On Sundays, I usually work on making a new page for my prayer journal or a page in the prayer journal I'm making for my husband.  This involves either searching out and/or copying Scripture relating to a particular attribute of God or a relating to an issue in my life that I want to keep before the Lord in prayer on a regular basis.   For the longest time, I felt so frustrated that I wanted and needed to make new pages for these prayer journals, but it would never get done.  It finally occurred to me that this would be a good devotional exercise for Sundays.

(And by the way, if you don't have a prayer journal or the one you have isn't working for you, check out this post:  How to Make a Prayer Journal (which, interestingly, is the second most popular post of all time on my blog!).  You will probably also want to read this one: Using a Prayer Journal.  I find that there's pretty much an endless list of things I want to pray about regularly, like specific character flaws in my life, for example, so I am frequently adding to my prayer journal.  The posts I've linked to will show you how to do that.)
 

   This varied approach to my quiet time surely has been a blessing to me, and I hope others may be encouraged to try something different as well.

First Friday in September

 

What a wonderful start to our day as we took time to build, and sit by, a morning campfire at our little cottage!  Nearly always, we have some sort of time constraint for getting back home after spending the night at the camp.  

But on Friday mornings, that's seldom the case, so typically we've been doing our grocery shopping around 8 am on Friday.  This week, we had done the shopping on Thursday.   And that evening as we sat by the fire, my hubby suggested that we ought to build a campfire in the morning, and enjoy our time with the Lord out there.  

Friday dawned clear, crisp, and beautiful.  That's not anything we take for granted these days!  There has been so much rain.

My hubby lost no time in building a fire.  Soon we were sitting beside it, devotional materials and mugs of hot coffee in hand.

What a beautiful way to start our Friday, as well as the month of September!

We decided that this will be our new tradition for Friday mornings throughout September and October, any Friday that the weather cooperates with us.  It's a much sweeter start to the day than grocery shopping (which we can easily fit in on a different day).  Wouldn't you agree?

A simple pleasure

 

 I'm taking one question from this week's Hodgepodge to answer.  No time to work on the entire list, so I chose the question 

What's your favorite simple pleasure?

Oh, there are so many simple pleasures I enjoy!  I could go on and on for quite awhile:  summer ice cream dates, autumn leaves, snowy winter days, the first spring blossoms, breezes wafting through screened windows, sharpening times with friends, time with grandchildren and their parents, time at the lakes and mountains of our state, sunrises and sunsets, campfires, picking strawberries and blueberries, walking an ocean beach -- and so many, many more.  

But the question was what's my favorite simple pleasure, so that narrowed it down quite a bit.  In her Hodgepodge post, Joyce noted that her morning coffee is that for her.  Sometimes she even looks forward to it the night before.

And I have to say that when I go to sleep at night (especially at our camp) I will be thinking of that first cup of coffee the next morning, as it will be accompanying my time in God's Word.

Oh, the simple joy of brewing a cup (or three) of coffee and sipping it as I read through God's Word in my Daily Walk Bible -- now my absolute favorite way to read through the whole Bible.

And then to work on my current Bible study.  As many know, I'm trying to finish up a study of Psalms 101-150.  I think I have eight more psalms to complete.  That's the study pictured at the top of the page.

I'm also working on a couple of Daily Grace studies, and so enjoying them, but they are taking a bit of a back seat while I finish up Psalms.  One is a discipleship study and the other is in Lamentations.

Then I continue sipping coffee while I have my prayer time.  This often takes me between 30 and 60 minutes, but it is a precious time of dealing with sin in my own life, praising God for who He is, and interceding for others.

I especially love it when I can have my coffee and quiet time at our little cottage.  It's particularly wonderful when we can have the big screened windows open and the sweet woodland breezes and birdsong are wafting in.

And it can be a cozy time at home too, especially in the dark, quiet early mornings when we turn on the pretty white lights in the living room.

Sometimes, if we have to travel for our volunteer jobs and must leave early in the morning, my hubby and I pray as we travel down the interstate.  He did this for years whenever he had a long commute to a logging job.

And speaking of travel, it's always a blessing to have my coffee and quiet time in any cabin or Airbnb where we might have traveled for a getaway.

If we happen to be at our favorite getaway cabin in the Great North Woods, there is nothing like coffee, Bible study and prayer down on the dock right next to Back Lake.

As I've gazed at all these photos of some of my well-loved simple pleasures, it has blessed me even more to remember that God's Word will last forever.  I may not always  have coffee, but I can always have God's Word -- especially if I have taken time to memorize part of it.

And that's why coffee and quiet time is my favorite simple pleasure.  What is yours?

Quiet-time musings

 

 Just taking a moment on this January Monday morning to muse for a few moments about quiet times.  I've been wondering what others are doing this year. 

Last week I had the opportunity to ask a few ladies at church about their plans for spiritual growth in the new year.  Several planned on reading through the Bible, using various reading plans.  Some had a goal to improve their prayer lives and planned on starting a prayer journal.  A couple had purchased Bible studies they would be working through to begin the year.  Of course we do realize that attempting any of this in our own strength or determination would be impossible.  We must have God's guidance and help in this, as in all things.  Without Him we can do nothing.

I am personally reading through The Daily Walk Bible this year.  I've read through this several times.  In 2021 I journaled my way through all of the readings and devotional thoughts.  Last year I didn't read through the Bible.  I read in Proverbs every month and read through the New Testament a couple of times, but for 2023 I decided to read through the Bible again.  

I've done this a few different ways in the past, using a chronological Bible a couple times (which I loved), a plan that has you in both Old and New Testaments plus Psalms and Proverbs, other types of reading plans, and then a one-year Bible like this one.  I actually own two one-year Bibles, but the Daily Walk one is my favorite.

I'm also working through a Bible study from The Daily Grace Co.  I've done several of their studies and enjoy them so much.  They are not only well-written, deep dives into Scripture, they are absolutely beautiful and a joy to work on each day.  Currently I am working through their study on Lamentations, Between Grief and Glory.  

 
I am seeking to maintain a rich and meaningful prayer life in 2023, and my prayer journal is a wonderful help with that.  You can read much more than you may want to know about my prayer journal by simply clicking the "prayer journal" label in the label cloud.

Coffee is an integral part of my quiet time, and I'd like to share a fun little tip that I've recently tried. 

 We love flavored coffee, but the flavored creamers are not very healthy and the flavored coffees are sometimes artificial tasting.  I had the idea -- I'm sure I read it somewhere -- of adding a flavored tea bag to the coffee grounds when brewing. We enjoy the gingerbread coffee at our local supermarket cafe very much, so I tried adding a gingerbread spice tea bag to my coffee as it brewed.  It was very good!  Sugar Cookie may be up next.

The photo at top has really nothing to do with my quiet time -- in fact, it's from 2016 -- but it has a lot to do with my view right now.  We had friends over for brunch on Monday, and another set of friends over for lunch yesterday, and I brought out this gorgeous table runner and place mats for the first time this season.  I managed to snip some greenery to fill the heirloom pitcher, as I love the way it looks with these table toppers.  It makes me smile every. single. time I look in the direction of our dining table.  For many reasons -- the love of family, and friends,  the kindness of God to allow me to cherish some family heirlooms and to give me time and (admittedly limited) skill to create the runner and mats -- and also seeing the beauty of God's creation in the form of evergreens that symbolize growth.

We have so many wonderful resources available to us in 2023, including some that I haven't mentioned, such as Bible reading apps and a variety of excellent podcasts.  What is your quiet time looking like this new year?

A timely reminder ...

 

 I've shared this post before, but I'm feeling led to post it again this year and maybe make it an annual tradition.  I'd like to encourage my readers to do an Advent Bible study or participate in an Advent or Christmas themed Scripture writing plan.  It has never been more important for believers to become thoroughly grounded in God's Word.  You may have plans to get more serious about Bible study in the new year, but why not start now? 

 One of the easiest ways to do this is to participate in Abby's 25 Days of God-Given Gifts at Little Birdie Blessings.  Abby has beautiful free graphics -- like the one above -- for each day, as well as verses and illustrations for each God-given gift.  These readings are not lengthy but they are most meaningful, so you might wish to go over and look at this series each day, maybe writing out the verses and even journaling them using the SOAP method of meditating on Scripture.  I have done this in the past.  Abby also provides links to follow the series on Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram.

Another relatively easy way to do an Advent study  is by doing a Scripture writing challenge.  You can find  a number of Scripture writing and journaling plans at Rachel Wojo, among other places.  

The one shown below,  the Birth of Christ Scripture writing plan, is from Shannon at Sweet Blessings.

 

A couple more from Shannon are Gifts & Blessings, Peace, and a general December plan.  It looks like Shannon is no longer writing Scripture plans,  but the older ones are still easily available.

One plan I have done in the past is The Light, from Rachel Wojo.  It was such a blessing!

 
The Road to Christmas, from Love God Greatly is an Advent study I've done in the past and highly recommend.  God With Us is another Advent study I've done from Love God Greatly.  It seems as if the journal and reading plan may be downloaded for free on their site, but if you want to purchase the book it may be found on Amazon.

Another Advent study I have done which I greatly enjoyed in the past was this free download from Good Morning Girls: Keeping Our Hearts Focused on Jesus. 

In 2020, I used Peace, Be Still: A 31-Day Christmas prayer journal, from Women Living Well.  I'm thinking that I may use some of my thoughts from this study as Sunday Scripture posts during December, but we will see!

I definitely suggest starting an Advent study or Scripture writing plan if you can make the time.  You will gain so much.  It is never too late to begin a good Bible study that may impact your life for eternity!

For one final bit of inspiration, you might visit my Christmas devotionals Pinterest board.  Lots of good reads there, and also a Christmas-themed Scripture writing plan that, again, it wouldn't be too late to start.

I hope you will seriously consider an Advent study or a Scripture writing plan for December.  You will find it such a blessing!

Sunday scripture

 

All of my readers have surely noticed by now that I'm posting each Sunday about a simple study of Psalms that I worked on last summer.  It was such a good study to be working on amid the uncertainties of 2020 -- and some of it was done sitting at picnic tables as we camped in the midst of God's glorious creation.  There just couldn't have been a better backdrop --so awe-inspiring and so many great reminders of how amazing God is!

This Psalms study is another from Good Morning Girls.  As I've said before, these are simple studies but I really do enjoy them and get a lot from them.  I very much enjoy more in-depth Bible studies as well, but these simpler ones are also a blessing to do.  I like to use the SOAP method of Bible study, and the journal from GMG uses a very similar method.  I find this method a real blessing whether I am studying shorter passages or longer ones, so I hope you'll give it a try if you haven't ever done so. 

Today's study is from Psalm 119.  How, you might wonder, could one cover the 176 verses of this lengthy psalm in one quiet time?  The answer, of course, is that you can't.  I did read the entire psalm, and chose to focus in on four verses rather than just the one that was specified.  I think probably verse 105 was chosen because it summarizes so well how God's Word guides us through life -- and also because it's said to be the key verse of the psalm -- but I chose to add in a couple more of the verses that spoke to me.  Here goes:

S=  "Oh, how love I Thy law!  It is my meditation all the day.
"Thou, through Thy commandments, hast made me wiser than mine enemies...
"Through Thy precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." 
(Psalm 119:97-98, 104-105)

O=  In my Scofield reference Bible, C.I. Scofield titled this Psalm "In praise of God's Word".  He states that this psalm "extols the beauties and excellencies of the written Word of God in a way found nowhere else in the Bible."  

Verse 105 is said to be the key verse of Psalm 119.  A cross-reference to this verse is Proverbs 6:23 -- "For the commandment is a lamp, and the law is light, and reproofs of instruction are the way of life."

A=  I love the thought that the light of God's Word gives comfort, wisdom, and clarity [alluded to in the reflection question].  It is so true!  And I need it so badly!  Every day!  It's also very true, though, that sometimes God gives us light only for the next step.  This can be disconcerting and potentially scary, but that's where trust comes in.

P=  "Lord, I thank and praise You so much for the light of Your Word!  So many times it has brought me comfort in the darkness.  It has shed the light of Your wisdom and brought clarity in handling confusing situations.  I am so very thankful, and I pray that You will help me continue to rely on Your Word every day of my life.  In Jesus' name, Amen."

For this study I also answered the reflection question:

Every day, we turn on lights in our house.  In the same way, every day we need to turn to the light of God's Word to give us wisdom and clarity for life.  But God doesn't promise to light our entire path, sometimes He only gives us enough light for the next step.  How has God's Word been a light in the darkness in your life?  And how does God's Word guide your steps?

I wrote: I remember being in a very dark situation for a number of months.  The light of God"s Word, especially the book of Psalms, was truly comforting to me.  It was a blessing, too, to remember the promises of God's Word and all that we know of God's character.  All of this truly helped in dealing with serious difficulty.

On an everyday basis, the principles of God's Word give us clear guidance as to how we are to live our lives in a way that pleases and glorifies Him.  His promises encourage us daily.

There's the study for this week.  I hope it was a blessing to someone today.

Sunday Scripture

 

As I mentioned a little bit ago, I'll be posting each Sunday for awhile about a simple study of Psalms that I worked on last summer.  It was such a good one to be working on in 2020 -- and some of it was done at picnic tables while we were camping at places like Grand Canyon and Coral Pink Sand Dunes.  There couldn't have been a better backdrop --so awe-inspiring and so many great reminders of just how amazing God is!

This Psalms study is another from Good Morning Girls.  These are simple studies but I got so much from them.  I like to use the SOAP method of Bible study, and the journal from GMG uses a very similar method.  I find it a real blessing whether I am studying shorter passages or longer ones, and I hope that you will give this method a try if you haven't ever done so.  

Today's study is from Psalm 116.  The verse to zero in on was verse 15, but I chose to meditate on verses 7 through 9 as well as verse 15.

S=  "Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.
"For Thou has delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.
"I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living ...
"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints."  (Psalm 116:7-9; 15)

O=  Scofield titles this psalm "The gratitude of the redeemed."  Certainly we are filled with gratitude that God has heard our voice and supplication, as is the psalmist.  In this short psalm he enumerates many wonderful things that God has done for him:
• heard his voice and supplications;
• inclined His ear to him and helped him;
• delivered his soul from death, his eyes from tears, and his feet from falling.
And, when his death comes, it will be precious in God's sight. 

A=  As one whom God has redeemed, I too am filled with gratitude.  I will call upon Him as long as I live, offer thanksgiving to Him, and walk before Him as long as I am in this life.  I can trust Him to deliver my soul from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.  When death comes, I know that my passing will be precious in God's sight.

P=  "Lord, I am so thankful for Your bountiful dealings with me.  In Your grace and mercy, You have inclined Your ear to me and helped me when I called upon You.  I thank and praise You for loosing my bonds and delivering my soul from death.  I pray that You will help me to faithfully walk with You every day of this life, in Jesus' name, Amen."

This week's study also had a reflection question that I answered.  Here is the question:

"Death is no small thing for God.  He knows the number of days we will live.  Are you fearful of death?  How does knowing that God is close to you until your last breath and will see your death as precious, a comfort to you?"

My answer:

I am not fearful of death, although I will admit to an occasional concern as to how I will leave this life.  It's very comforting to me to know that God is with me to my last breath and beyond.  He will oversee every aspect of my passing from this life, and will be there to comfort me and others.

And there is the Sunday Scripture for this week.  Hope it was a blessing to someone!

Sunday Scripture

 

As mentioned,  I'm posting every Sunday for awhile from a simple study of Psalms that I worked on last summer.  It was such a good one to be studying in 2020 -- and some of it was done while we were visiting places like Grand Canyon and Zion National Park.  As I've shared before, there couldn't have been a better backdrop; it was completely awe-inspiring and there were so many great reminders of just how amazing God is!

This Psalms study is another from Good Morning Girls.  These are simple studies but I get a lot from them.  I like to use the SOAP method of Bible study, and the journal from GMG uses a very similar method.  I find it a real blessing whether I am studying shorter passages or longer ones, and I hope that you will give this method a try if you haven't ever done so.  

Today's study is from Psalm 115.  The suggested verse for meditating on was Psalm 115:1, but I chose to study Psalm 115:1-3 and Psalm 115:18.

S = "Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory, for Thy mercy, and for Thy truth's sake. 
"Wherefore should the nations say, Where is now their God?
"But our God is in the heavens; He hath done whatsoever He hath pleased.
"We will bless the LORD from this time forth and forevermore.  Praise the LORD." (Psalm 115:1-3,18)

O=  Scofield's title for this psalm is "To God alone be the glory".  Verses 1 through 3 rehearse this statement and allude to God's mercy, truth, and sovereignty.
Verses 4 through 8 describe the ineffectiveness of idols.  Verses 9 through 11 urge God's people to trust in Him, their help and shield.  Verses 12 through 16 begin with the words "The LORD hath been mindful of us" and describe how God blesses His people.

A= God's plan is for each of His children to bring Him glory.  Bottom line, that is His purpose in saving us.  Bringing Him glory, living out His purpose, may look different in each of our lives because of the various skills, abilities, and spiritual gifts He has equipped us with.  He has blessed me so abundantly.  May I take seriously the exhortations to glorify His name!

P=  "Lord, I cannot even begin to adequately thank You for all that You have done in my life.  Not only have you saved me from hell and a sinful life, but You have equipped me for life and service.  I know that You would have me use all that You've given me to bring glory to Your name.  I pray that You will help me to do just that in every area of life.  In Jesus' name, Amen."

There is this week's Sunday Scripture!  I hope it's a blessing to someone today.

Sunday Scripture

 

So I'm posting every Sunday for awhile from a simple study of Psalms that I worked on last summer.  It was such a good one to be working on in 2020 -- and some of it was done while we were visiting places like Grand Canyon and Zion National Park.  As I've shared before, there couldn't have been a better backdrop; it was completely awe-inspiring and there were so many great reminders of just how amazing God is!

This Psalms study is another from Good Morning Girls.  These are simple studies but I get so much from them.  I like to use the SOAP method of Bible study, and the journal from GMG uses a very similar method.  I find it a real blessing whether I am studying shorter passages or longer ones, and I hope that you will give this method a try if you haven't ever done so.  

Today's study is from Psalm 114.  The verse we were to meditate on was Psalm 114:7, but I chose to consider both verses 7 and 8.

S= "Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob,
"Who turned the rock into a pool of waters, the flint into a fountain of waters."  (Psalm 114:7-8)

O= This Psalm is titled by Scofield "In praise of the Exodus".  Verse 3 reminds us that the Red Sea saw God's power and fled before it; the flood-stage Jordan River was driven back.  

Verses 4 and 6 speak of mountains and hills skipping like sheep in the presence of the Lord.  Verse 8 speaks of how God brought water out of rocks for His people and how He makes springs in the desert.  All creation trembles at the presence of this mighty, majestic God (verse 7).

A= We must never forget God's majesty and might.  I think that can happen at times because we have such an intimate, comfortable, secure Father-child relationship with Him.  Yet we must always maintain that respectful awe: the fear of the LORD.  

And we must never underestimate His power.  As we remember all that He has done for His people in the past, and are reminded of His amazing power in creation, we know that He can prevail in any situation.

P= "Lord, the entire earth cannot help but tremble at Your mighty, majestic presence.  You are the God who drove back mighty seas and rivers, the One who moves mountains and causes water to gush out of rocks.  Truly, there is none like You!  That You love me deeply, that You are with me and will never leave me, should strengthen my faith and make it unshakable.  I thank and praise You that You are at work in our world, in Jesus' name, Amen."

Here's the reflection question:
"The Lord is the Lord of all the earth.  Not only are we called to fear Him, but all creation trembles at His mighty and majestic presence.

"Imagine being in the presence of the Lord in heaven.  What sorts of emotions do you think you will feel?  How does knowing that the God who causes the whole earth to tremble loves you deeply and is with you and for you?"

My answer: 
1) I think the prevailing emotion would be awe, fear and trembling at His majestic presence.  There would also be thankfulness, insignificance and humbleness .... likely more.

2) Knowing that God, who causes the whole earth to tremble, loves me deeply and is with me and for me, is the most amazing thought!  As I consider the potential difficulties ahead for God's people, I am truly encouraged as I consider His might and majesty -- and how these might be manifested in our situation. 

There you have it!  Hope you've enjoyed this simple study as much as I did.

Sunday Scripture

As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, I'll be posting each Sunday for awhile about a simple study of Psalms that I worked on last summer.  It was such a good one to be working on in 2020 -- and some of it was done while we were on vacation at places like Grand Canyon and Zion National Park.  There couldn't have been a better backdrop --so awe-inspiring and so many great reminders of just how amazing God is!

This Psalms study is another from Good Morning Girls.  These are simple studies but I got so much from them.  I like to use the SOAP method of Bible study, and the journal from GMG uses a very similar method.  I find it a real blessing whether I am studying shorter passages or longer ones, and I hope that you will give this method a try if you haven't ever done so.  

Today's study is from Psalm 113.   The reflection question this time is important to look at before we begin.  It notes: "Morning, noon and night, our God is worthy of praise.  He is unchanging and always worthy of continual praise.
"List 5 things you can praise the Lord for today, and then pause and give Him praise right where you are.  He is worthy!"

My list of 5 things:
* His sovereignty
* His omnipotence
* His goodness
* His omniscience
* His faithfulness

The verse to focus on was verse 3, but I chose to study Psalm 113:1-3.

S= "Praise ye the LORD.  Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.
      "Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore.
      "From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same, the LORD's name is to be praised."  (Psalm 113:1-3)

O= It is the LORD that we are to be praising -- the self-existent One who has always been and always will be.  His servants are to be praising Him! 
    This praise and blessing of God's name is to continue forever -- unceasingly.  And it will!
    God's name is to be praised from sunrise to sunset every day -- and as the earth turns, it is always sunrise somewhere!

Two cross-references for verse 3 are: Isaiah 59:19 -- "So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun."

and

Malachi 1:1 -- "For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same, My name shall be great among the nations, saith the LORD of hosts."

A= God is worthy of my continual praise.  Just considering the 5 things I jotted down to praise Him for ... just those 5 things alone -- make Him worthy of continual praise.  In fact, even the simple truth that He is God makes His name worthy of continual praise.  May I be continually praising Him with my lips and glorifying Him with my life!

P= "Lord, I praise You today that You are God alone!  I am so thankful that You are sovereign over all things in this crazy world.  You know everything that is happening, and You have a good purpose in all that you allow.  You are faithful to Your children through every situation in life.  Truly, Your name is worthy of my continual praise!  May I be doing just that with both my life and my lips.  In Jesus' matchless Name, Amen."

I hope that today finds you praising our wonderful Lord!

Sunday Scripture

 

As I mentioned last week, I'm planning to post each Sunday about a simple study of Psalms that I worked on last summer.  It was such a good one to be working on in 2020 -- and some of it was done while we were on vacation at places like Grand Canyon and Zion National Park.  So awe-inspiring and such great reminders of just how amazing God is!

This Psalms study is another from Good Morning Girls.  These are simple studies but I got so much from them.  I like to use the SOAP method of Bible study, and the journal from GMG uses a very similar method.  I find it a real blessing whether I am studying shorter passages or longer ones, and I hope that you will give this method a try if you haven't ever done so.  

This week's study is from Psalm 112.  The particular verse to zero in on was verse 6, but I chose to study verses 5-7.  I also thought that in this case it was important to include verse 1, so I wrote that out at the top of my journal page:

"Praise ye the LORD.  Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in His commandments."  (Psalm 112:1)

S= "A good man ... will guide his affairs with discretion.  Surely he shall not be moved forever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.  He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD."  (Psalm 112:5-7)

O= Verse 1 sets the tone for the entire psalm.  We're exhorted to praise the Lord and we're reminded that the blessed man is the one who fears the LORD and delights in His Word.  This person will then be able to guide his or her affairs with discretion.  He will have a heart that is firmly fixed on God and will be able to trust God fearlessly, even in the face of trouble and difficulty.

A= Fearing God and delighting in His Word gives me the wisdom to live life in a way that pleases Him.  Life right now is upside down and backwards, yet I still need to live life with discretion.  In my lifetime,  in this country, there has never been a more challenging environment in which to be a believer.  I need to stay my mind and heart on God and move forward.

P=  "Lord, I thank You that You are my steady Rock.  I pray that You will help me to cling to You in these uncertain times, delighting greatly in Your Word and staying my mind on You.  I pray that You will give me the wisdom I so desperately need to live my life in a balanced way in an unbalanced world.  Thank You for all You'll do, in Jesus' name, Amen."

This particular lesson had a reflection question (many of them do, in this study, but sometimes I end up answering them in my SOAPing of the verse) that I'll share my answer to.

Question: When trials come, the depth of our roots in God are revealed.  How deep are your roots?  Is there an area where you have been shaken?  If you have slipped, return to God and go deeper with Him.  He loves you and wants to be your steady rock.

My answer: My roots are deep. I have not, by His grace, been shaken.  Life can be scary right now as we see so many of our liberties being threatened and so many of our citizens believing lies.  Yet we need not fear trouble.  God is with us, and He will see us through anything that we may face.

I hope that this simple little study will be a blessing to someone else today!

Sunday Scripture

 

In last week's Sunday Scripture post (which ended my study of 2 Corinthians) I wondered if readers would like for me to continue this type of post.  Becki replied with the thoughtful comment, "I think writing this kind of post should happen whenever, and however often it suits you, Mrs. T. They will touch the right reader when they're posted."

I really appreciated this comment, and so I'm going to post each Sunday from a simple study of Psalms that I worked on last summer.  It was a good one to be working on in 2020 -- and some of it was done while we were on vacation at places like Grand Canyon and Zion National Park.  So awe-inspiring and such great reminders of just how amazing God is!

This Psalms study is another from Good Morning Girls.  These are simple studies but I got so much from them.  I like to use the SOAP method of Bible study, and the study guide from GMG uses a very similar method.  I find it a real blessing whether I am studying shorter passages or longer ones.  

So without further ado I am going to share my little study from Psalm 111.  Verse 10 was the one suggested to SOAP, but I looked at portions from verses 4 and 7-8 in addition to verse 10.

S= "The LORD ... hath made His wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion ... The works of His hands are verity and judgment; all His commandments are sure.  They stand fast forever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness...
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: A good understanding have all they that do His commandments: His praise endureth forever." (Psalm 111:4, 7-8, 10)

O= This psalm is filled with praise and reverence for God and all of His wonderful works which He has made to be remembered:

🌿 He is gracious and full of compassion
🌿 The works of His hands are truth and judgment
🌿 All of His commandments are sure
🌿 All of His commandments stand fast forever
🌿 All His commandments are done in truth and uprightness.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and all those who do His commandments have a good understanding.

A= How can we help but stand in awe of this omnipotent, omniscient Creator and all of His wonderful works?  Our awareness of God should lead to our putting into practice obedience to His Word, and to our praising Him forever.  It is an incredible blessing to remember God's graciousness and compassion and how He has shown these qualities to us personally.  Knowing that His commandments stand fast forever in such a comfort!

P=  "Oh Lord, what a great God you are!  Like David, I praise You with my whole heart.  I remember Your wonderful works in creation and also in my own life.  I pray that You will give me the wisdom and understanding to balance my life and to live it in a way that pleases and glorifies You.  I praise You in Jesus' name, Amen".

And there is my simple study for Psalm 111.  I hope it's a blessing to someone today.

Sunday Scripture

 

Here's another Sunday post from my study of 2 Corinthians with Good Morning Girls that I did in Fall 2020.  This is the thirteenth and last post in this series.  As mentioned previously, I used the SOAP method of Bible study here, since the GMG study guide uses a similar method.  I find this very helpful for a quick little study such as this one, but even more for digging into passages more deeply.

For today, the verse to study was 2 Corinthians 13:11.  I chose to study verse 14 as well.

S = "Finally, brethren, farewell.  Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind; live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.  Amen."  (2 Corinthians 13:11, 14)

O=  Paul concludes his letter with these words.  I chose to include verse 14 because I thought it was so meaningful that all three members of the Trinity are mentioned in it.   Greek scholars tell us that the word  translated "farewell" in verse 11 can also mean "rejoice", and that this is the most likely meaning.  So Paul concludes with instructions to the Corinthians to rejoice, to become mature in their faith, to comfort one another, to be like-minded and at peace with one another.  The God of love and peace was with them, after all!

A=  These closing thoughts from Paul should encourage me as well.  I should be rejoicing, should be maturing in the Christian life, should be of the same mind and at peace with others in the church.  It's a blessing to be reminded that God -- the God of love and peace -- is always with me and will enable me to do these things.  The God of love and peace will surely help me to love and comfort others and to live at peace with them.

P=  "Lord, I thank and praise You for being the God of love and peace.  I thank You too that You are the God of all comfort.  You are able to help me show Your love and comfort to others and to live at peace with them.   I pray that You will help me to continue to mature in my Christian life and to learn to rejoice no matter my circumstances.  I thank You for all You will do, in Jesus' name, Amen."

So ends this little Sunday Scripture series.  Thanks to all of you who have visited and left insightful comments on this little study.   What do you think?  Should I continue doing a similar type of post on Sundays?

Sunday Scripture

 

Gorgeous graphic by Abby at Little Birdie Blessings

Here's another Sunday post from my study of 2 Corinthians with Good Morning Girls that I did in Fall 2020.  This is the twelfth such post -- just one more after this!   As mentioned previously, I used the SOAP method of Bible study here, and their study guide uses a similar method.  I find this helpful for a quick little study such as this one, but even more for digging into passages more deeply.

For today, the verse to study was 2 Corinthians 12:9.

S = "And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee; for My strength is made perfect in weakness.  Most gladly, therefore, will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."  (2 Corinthians 12:9)

O = We don't know for sure what Paul's "thorn in the flesh" was, but we do know that it was painful.  It was enough of a difficulty that he besought the Lord three times to remove it from him.  God's answer, here in verse 9, was: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness."    He did not remove the thorn, but gave Paul His grace and strength to deal with the difficulty.

A = The same things are true for us in our difficulties.  God may not choose to remove them from our lives, but His grace will be sufficient for us.  In our weakness, we can depend upon Him to be our strength.  This is so comforting and encouraging!  Scofield suggests that the reason the specific nature of Paul's thorn is not mentioned is so that all believers with any type of thorn will realize that the same consolations are also available to them.  That's very likely the reason that Paul's thorn was not named, and what a blessing it is to know that that very same strength and grace is there for us too!

P = "Lord, I'm so thankful for the marvelously encouraging truths in Your Word!  It's such a blessing to know that, while You do allow difficulty and trials in our lives, You are in these situations with us.  Your grace will be sufficient for everything we face!  We are weak, but You are strong!  We can even glory in our infirmities, realizing that Your enabling power is resting upon us.  I thank You so much for these things, in Jesus' name, Amen."

Hope these simple thoughts about some profound truths have been a blessing to someone else today!

Sunday Scripture

 

 Here's another Sunday post from my Fall 2020 study of 2 Corinthians with Good Morning Girls.  This is the eleventh such post -- just a few more to go!   As mentioned previously, I use the SOAP method of Bible study , and their study guide uses a similar method.  I find this helpful for a quick little study such as this one, but even more for digging into passages more deeply.

For today, the verse to study was 2 Corinthians 11:14, but I opted to study both verses 13 and 14.

S=  "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ; 

"And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light."  (2 Corinthians 11:13-14)

O=  C.I. Scofield titles the section of chapter 11 from verses 3 through 15: "Warning against false teachers".  Here in verse 13 Paul calls them false apostles and deceitful workers who make themselves look and sound like apostles of Christ.  He then adds that this is not surprising, because Satan himself -- the very one these people are serving -- can transform himself into an angel of light to deceive believers.  It is just one of the devices he uses.

A=  More than ever, today false teachers abound -- and, I think mostly because of the internet, are able to deceive and affect more people.  That's why it's so important to know God's Word well so we can recognize false teachings when we hear or read them.  We also need to be willing to do our homework concerning authors, Bible teachers, and so on.  In light of recent events in our country, some who call themselves "evangelicals" are showing themselves to actually be false teachers.

P=  "Lord, I pray that You will help me to be wise and discerning when it comes to Christian authors, bloggers, and Bible teachers.  Help me to remember that not everyone who carries this label is truthful, and that I need to know Your Word very well to be able to recognize false teaching.  Help me to spend the time in Your Word that will help me to be discerning, and to take time to find out where these people stand before blindly following them.  I thank You for the wisdom You will give, in Jesus' name, Amen."

I hope that this simple study is as helpful to someone else as it was to me!

Sunday Scripture

 

 Here goes with another Sunday post from my Fall 2020 study of 2 Corinthians with Good Morning Girls.  This is the tenth such post.  (Since I had my own graphic for this verse -- made with Canva -- I can take a break from the fall-like graphics!) As mentioned previously, I use the SOAP method of Bible study , and their study guide uses a similar method.  For 2 Corinthians chapter 10, the verse to study was verse 5, but I opted to study both verses 4 and 5.  

S= "(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds),
"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

O= In verse 3 Paul notes that though we live and work in this flesh, our war with sin does not need to be fought with fleshly, carnal weapons.  Instead, the weapons of our warfare are mighty through God.  They are mighty enough for: 

* pulling down strongholds
* casting down imaginations
* casting down high things that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God
* bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

A= Our weapons include things like truth, righteousness, prayer, God's Word, and especially the shield of faith with which we quench Satan's fiery darts.  We cannot fight spiritual battles with fleshly weapons.  But when we put on the armor of God, we can effectively fight our spiritual battles and be victorious.  We can pull down strongholds in our lives.  We can cast down imaginations and lofty opinions.  It is even possible to bring every one of our thoughts into captivity and make them obedient and pleasing to Christ.

P= "Lord, I am so thankful for the practicality of Your Word.  I'm so thankful for the clear teaching that we cannot fight our spiritual battles in our own very limited strength, but can take up Your armor to fight effectively and win.  I pray that you will help me to pull down longstanding strongholds in my life and to make my every thought obedient to You.  I thank You for all You will do, in Jesus' name, Amen."

Sunday Scripture

 

 So here goes with another Sunday post from my Fall 2020 study of 2 Corinthians with Good Morning Girls.  This is the ninth such post.  I hope that people are not too annoyed by the autumnal graphics!  As I've mentioned before, I use the SOAP method of Bible study , and their study guide uses a similar method.  I find this helpful for a quick little study such as this one, but even more for digging into passages more deeply.

For today, the verse to study was 2 Corinthians 9:7, which has long been a favorite of mine.  It is one that my dad lived by.  

S= "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give, not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver."  (2 Corinthians 9:7)

O= Verse 6 notes that the person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will reap bountifully.  It's a great lead-in to this verse, reminding Paul's readers that they will be blessed by God if they give generously and cheerfully.  Verse 8 reminds that God graciously gives His children sufficiency in all things so that they can abound in good works.  Our giving is to be purposeful, cheerful, and not done in a grudging manner.

A=  I'm blessed to be a cheerful giver who is married to an even more cheerful giver.  We have always given of our money, time and talents to our local church, supported missionaries on our own, and shared funds, time, and material goods with other believers as needs have arisen in their lives.  God has always provided over the years.  The statement "You can't outgive God" may be thought of as somewhat of a cliche these days, but we have always found it to be true.  It is just a joy, a blessing and a privilege to be able to give of ourselves!

P=  "Lord, I'm so thankful that You've inclined our hearts to give cheerfully.  It's such a joy to be able to share what we have with others!  I thank You for Your generous provision of goods and finances that have enabled us to share generously with others.  I pray that You will continue to direct our giving as time goes on.  In Jesus' name, Amen."

Sunday Scripture

 

 So here we go with another Sunday post from my Fall 2020 study of 2 Corinthians with Good Morning Girls.  This is the eighth such post.  As mentioned previously, I use the SOAP method of Bible study , and their study guide uses a similar method.  For 2 Corinthians chapter 8, the verse to study was verse 7, but I opted to study both verse 7 and verse 9.  

S= "Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also ...
"For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich."  (2 Corinthians 8:7, 9)

O=  C. I. Scofield explains that in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9, Paul is emphasizing Christian giving.  It is a 'grace", something that the Holy Spirit inclines believers to do.  Here in these verses Paul is encouraging the believers at Corinth that just as they abound in faith, utterance, diligence, knowledge, and love, they should also abound in giving.  In verse 9 he gives them the example of Christ, who, though He was rich, became poor for our sakes -- so that we, through His poverty, might become rich.

A=  I'm so very thankful that over time, God has showed me the many blessings that come from giving.  Over and over He has inclined me and/or my husband to give generously to others.  In this, as in all other things, Christ is our great Example.  He left Heaven's glory to become poor -- to lose everything, even His life, for my sake, to provide eternal life and a transformed life for me.

K=  Lord, how thankful I am for all that You have given to me.  The gracious gifts of salvation and eternal life cost You everything.  I'm so thankful for Your example in this, as in all things.  I thank You for how You've inclined me and my husband to give to others over the years.  What a blessing it is to be used of You in this way!  I pray that You will help us to be continually sensitive to Your leading in this area, in Jesus' name, Amen.

I hope this simple study has been an encouragement to someone else today!

Sunday Scripture

 

Here goes with another Sunday post from my Fall 2020 study of 2 Corinthians with Good Morning Girls.  As mentioned previously, I use the SOAP method of Bible study , and their study guide uses a similar method.  For 2 Corinthians chapter 7, the verse to study was verse 10.  

S= "For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of; but the sorrow of the world worketh death."  (2 Corinthians 7:10)

O= A cross-reference for "godly sorrow" is Psalm 32:10 -- "Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about."  Godly sorrow over sin will result in our finding all-encompassing mercy.  

The Corinthians verse states that godly sorrow results in salvation not to be regretted.  "Salvation" in this context means "being saved from the habit and dominion of sin."  Worldly sorrow, however, leads to death, ultimately -- with bad consequences in this life as well.

A= I'm thankful that with the Lord "there is mercy and plenteous redemption" (Psalm 130:7)  It is a blessing to be reminded that when we genuinely grieve over our sin, and truly repent of it, sweet forgiveness is available to us.

P= "Lord, I pray that You will help me in considering my own life: Is there sin I need to repent of?  I pray that You will help me to think about this honestly and to deal with any sin with true repentance.  Help me also to be able to extend forgiveness to others when they truly repent.  I pray in Jesus' name, Amen."

Sunday Scripture

 

 Here's yet another Sunday post from my Fall 2020 study of 2 Corinthians with Good Morning Girls.  As mentioned previously, I use the SOAP method of Bible study , and their study guide uses a similar method.  For 2 Corinthians chapter 6, I chose to study verses 16 and 17.  

S=  "What agreement hath the temple of God with idols?  For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
"Wherefore, come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord."(2 Corinthians 6:16-17)

O=  Back in verse 11-13 Paul states that his speech to the Corinthians is candid, and his heart is wide open to them.  He asks that they open their hearts to what he is about to say -- then begins to instruct them not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers or idol worshipers.  As believers, they are the temple of the living God; He is dwelling in them; therefore, they must separate themselves from sin.

A= Obviously, this applies to me also.  God Himself is dwelling in me in the Person of the Holy Spirit.  My body is His temple; therefore I am not to defile it by allowing ungodly influences to gain a foothold in my life.  I must not have close associations with unbelievers.  I can build friendships with them to point them to Christ and show them His love, but I must not allow any worldly thinking to influence me.

P= "Lord, I am overwhelmed to think that You, the living God, are dwelling in me and that my body is the temple of Your Holy Spirit.  These truths should cause me to be deadly serious about the associations that I allow myself to have.  I pray that You will help me to pay close attention to this and to separate myself from ungodly influences of any kind.  I thank You for how You will work in this area, in Jesus' name, Amen."