The Bible in 90 Days--Day 20 "Words"

Hi Everyone!

I apologize for the long silence on my blog--but I've been busy! I know all of you have been too. I loved doing the Blogging through the Gospels, as it was a nice slow pace where I could read one chapter each morning and still have time to pick out a thought that really spoke to me and then write about it. But now I have shifted once again back to reading through my Bible in 90 days. I am even trying to help some others do the same by being a mentor this time. I am loving it--but it takes me all of the hour I have each morning for my quiet time. So. I have discovered I can do my Bible reading in that hour--or I can blog during that hour. But I cannot do both--that is, not when I am keeping up the pace of the Bible in 90 Days Bible reading schedule. . .

But I really will try and share on here a bit more. I have had lots of THOUGHTS I wanted to share. But have also been trying to get ready for the new school year, with ordering curriculum, assessing my choices, rearranging our school area, getting some testing done for my son, etc. It really doesn't matter what the paticulars are. I have discovered that ALL of us are ever so busy. We can just say "I have been busy with ________________", and then fill in whatever it is. It may be with caring for a sick family member. It may be with moving. It may be with home improvement projects or gardening or ANYTHING. But the end result is the same. We are busy. And I want to make sure that whatever I find myself busy with as I go through my day, I do not want to be leaving God out in my "busyness."

I was reading in 1 Samuel this morning, and ran across some words that really get my attention. I remembered when I read them today that they had also stood out to me last time I was doing the Bible in 90 Days program. It is 1 Samuel 3:19, and it reads like this:

"The Lord was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of his words fall to the ground."

Just think about that for a minute. Samuel did not let any of God's words fall to the ground. How many words do you get thrown at you every day? People speaking to you, radio and television broadcasts, e-mails, Facebook, music lyrics, bills, magazines, and other snail mail--words surround us all day long. Sometimes I get tired of all the noise. This past week I went shopping in the mall with my husband trying to help him find some shoes for him for work. The "background" music in the mall seemed to be anything but BACKGROUND. It was more like "in your face" music, and it was such a relief when we left the mall, even though we were unsuccessful in finding shoes. After a while, I just start to tune out some of the words that are around me all day, and I don't even notice them any more.

But there are words we do not want to tune out. God's words. His precious love letter to us. The Bible. The Truth. It does not take very much time in reading the Bible to discover how much God loves us. That is why Satan does not want us to read it. He crowds our lives with all kinds of things--he doesn't care if it is good things or bad things, as long as it is enough to keep us from reading God's letter to us. Because when we read the Bible, we are no longer in any doubt about how much God loves us. And we won't believe Satan's lies about God any longer.

So spend time reading your Love Letter today. And do not let any of God's words fall to the ground.

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Have you ever thought about reading your entire Bible through in 90 Days? It is an amazing experience! Learn more at Mom's Tool Box, www.momstoolbox.com

The Bible in 90 Days--Day 5!

Good Morning Everyone!

Can you guess what I have been up to lately? Yes--I'm reading the Bible through in 90 days--again! :) This will be my second time doing this. Those who have been reading my blog for a while will know that I just did this from January through March, 2011. It was a wonderful blessing, I learned so much and felt so good to have accomplished it--finally! But Bible reading is like eating. We need to do it every day! I can't just read the Bible through one time, and then say "Well, I've done it!" and then never read it again! I did the Blogging through the Gospels after I completed the Bible in 90 Days program, and that was wonderful as well because the slower pace gave me a chance to think and reflect more, in a way that it is not possible to do when you are reading through at a faster pace.

But--I was so blessed by participating in the Bible in 90 Days program, that I wanted to somehow help others be able to accomplish the same. So I volunteered to be a Bible in 90 Days mentor for this next session. It is fresh in my memory how challenging this program is, and I wanted to be able to encourage and cheer others on in their Bible reading. It made a big difference to me in sticking with the program when I knew my mentor was praying for me each day. How could I just lay in bed in the morning when my mentor was praying for me to accomplish my Bible reading that day???? Impossible! So now I am praying for all the ladies in my group--they each have their own unique challenges working against their being successful. There are SO MANY things, both big and little, that get in our way of quiet time with Jesus. . .

Anyway, I just wanted to share a verse that stood out to me in today's reading. We are currently on Day 5, which is Exodus 1:1-Exodus 15:18. VERY exciting part of the Bible! Moses in the rushes along the side of the Nile, the burning bush, bricks without straw, plagues everywhere. Finally, the first born are struck down and Pharaoh lets the people leave--and then changes his mind and decides to chase them!

Things looked pretty impossible to the Children of Israel--and they were. They had no way of escape, and here was Pharaoh and his army bearing down on them, getting closer and closer. Yet Moses tells the people "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." Exodus 14:13,14

Do not be afraid. Stand firm. See deliverance. Be still. These are things that God is still speaking to you and I today. When we are following His direction, we can be sure the He will fight our battles for us.

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P.S.--Yes, I realize that it says "Happy New Year" at the bottom of the kitty picture--but I thought he was adorable anyway, even if this is not January! And besides that--isn't each and every day from God a new day for us?

Great Homeschool Sale going on!

For all my Homeschooling Buddies--

Hi All!

Just wanted you all to know about a great sale currently going on. (We are in the South. So can you do me a favor and read that "you all" sort of run together--like "you-aallll"?) "This Old Schoolhouse" is one of my favorite homeschooling magazines, and they are currently having a nice deal where you can receive seven of their back issues PLUS their nice tote bag--and other freebies thrown in for good measure--all for a real good price. I just ordered this for me--those seven issues will give me lots of nice creative ideas for the coming school year!

I used to feel guilty for spending homeschool money on "the teacher." Not any more. In fact, I think I need it more than the "students" do. Afterall, it is up to ME to think creatively so I can give that customized education to them.

Anyway, if you are interested, check out their sale and have fun! :)

http://thehomeschoolmagazine.com/Warehouse_Wipeout/

Blogging through the Gospels: John 21!

Good Morning!

Did you know that we are here--at the very end of the Gospels--already? The time goes fast! So what can we learn from John chapter 21? The very last chapter in the last book of the Gospel set? Come and see!

Scripture:

Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written. John 21:25

Observation:

The disciples who were moved by the Holy Spirit to write down their testimony of Jesus did their best. They faithfully recorded their experiences. Yet even they realized that they could not record everything. There was too much to tell!

Application:

Since I cannot see and walk and talk with Jesus on a face to face basis like the disciples did, I get to know Him through their inspired writings--the Bible. This is what God has done for me--given me this Book so I may learn about His Son. So what should I do with this gift? Set it on the shelf? Or read it?

Thank you for joining me on my little journey blogging through the Gospels. Please prayerfully consider joining us as we read through God's Word in the next 90 days. More information is available at www.momstoolbox.com . It will not be easy. Your enemy will work against you, as he would rather have you leave God's Word collecting dust on the shelf. But I promise you--it will be worth it!

Prayer:

Dear Father--Thank you for Your wonderful gift of the Bible. Help us to not leave it on the shelf--but to open it and learn of You.

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Come read the entire Bible with us! You can do this--God will help you! It is His will that you read His Word. Help and support are available at www.momstoolbox.com

Blogging through the Gospels: John 20!

Good Morning!

Today the disciple's grief and sorrow has turned to joy--as they realize that Jesus has indeed been raised from the dead! Come and read the good report with me, in John chapter 20.

Scripture:

Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." John 20":29

Observation:

Jesus had died and been buried in the tomb. Some of the women and a few of the disciples reported that the body was gone. Jesus Himself had appeared and talked with Mary Magdalene, and later had come to a room where the disciples were meeting--appearing among them in spite of the locked door. But Thomas had not been there with the rest when Jesus came. How disappointed he must have been! But then, he had to make a choice. To either believe the testimony of the others--that Jesus was indeed raised from the dead, or to doubt. Thomas chose to doubt, and said that unless he saw the nail marks himself, and put his hand on Jesus' pierced side, he would not believe that Jesus was alive. One week later, Jesus appeared to the disciples again, this time specifically addressing Thomas and telling him to "stop doubting and believe!"

Application:

I cannot put my hand on Jesus' pierced side or see with my own eyes the nail scares in His hands. But I can read the testimony written down by those who did. I am not left to wonder if it happened. I can choose to stop doubting and to believe. And I will be blessed.

Prayer:

Dear Father--Thank you for the evidence You have given us of Jesus' resurrection. Help me to accept what You have given me. To trust You. And to stop doubting and believe!

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If you have enjoyed reading through the Gospels with us, consider reading the entire Bible in 90 Days! For more information go to : www.momstoolbox.com

Blogging through the Gospels: John 19!

Good Morning!

A hard chapter to read today. I hate reading how Jesus was treated--but I know He did it for me. I love Him for that! We are in John, chapter 19 today. So grab your Bibles, and catch a glimpse of how much Jesus loves you too. . .

Scripture:

.. . Jesus said, "It is finished". . . John 19:30

Observation:

Jesus was flogged, struck, spat on, dressed in a purple robe and crowned with a crown of thorns. Finally, He was hung on a cross, but even then he was not left to die in peace but rather insulted and jeered at. Even at that point, He was living for others--as He asked His disciple John to take His mother and care for her as if she was his own. Finally, Jesus bowed His head and died--peace at last.

Application:

It is finished. Jesus has paid the price for my sins. The wages of sin is death, and the price has been paid--Jesus died for me. The ultimate sacrifice has been made as He laid down His life for me. He died for me--so I wouldn't have to. But the choice is still mine. My sins have been paid for. I can chose to live with Him in heaven. But He won't make me come. I can choose to die a forever death if I want to. But why would I want to?

Prayer:

Dear Father--Thank you ofr saving me from the wages of my sin, even though I did not deserve to be saved.

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Reading through the Gospels with Mom's Tool Box! www.momstoolbox.com

Blogging through the Gospels: John 18!

Good Morning!

We are almost finished with our reading of the book of John--can you believe it? It seems like we just started. . .

Today we are in chapter 18. Jesus is arrested. The crisis is here. Jesus could have still backed out. He could have called for angel warriors to fight for Him. He could have saved Himself. But instead--He chose to save me.

Scripture:

"You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." John 18:37

Observation:

Jesus is being interviewed by Pilate. Just before this Jesus said that His kingdom was not of this world. Now He says the whole reason He came to our world was to testify to the truth. How important is truth? Important enough for Jesus to die for it.

Application:

Truth--Jesus IS truth. Satan is called "the father of lies." But beautiful Jesus is called "the Way, the Truth, the Light." Jesus loved me too much to leave me deceived by Satan. He loved me enough to die to show me the truth. But it is up to me to choose to follow Him.

Prayer:

Dear Father--Thank you for showing us plainly what the truth is. Help me to follow truth always.

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Blogging through the Gospels: John 17!

Good Morning!

Today we are reading John, chapter 17. The whole chapter is a prayer of Jesus. How wonderful to get a glimpse of how He prayed!

Scripture:

My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message. . . John 17:20

Observation:

Jesus knows He is soon to be arrested and crucified. In this great time of need--in this emergency situation--He prays. His greatest help for this time of crisis could only come from one possible direction--from His father. In His prayer, Jesus prayed for Himself, He prayed for His disciples, and He prayed for me.

Application:

Yes, Jesus prayed for me. And for you. He said "My prayer is not for them alone (referring to his disciples). I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message." John 17:20 That's ME! That's YOU! And not only did Jesus pray for me, He asked for me to live with Him. Continuing to read in the same chapter, verse 24 says "Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am. . . " Beautiful Savior. And He asked for me!

Prayer:

Dear Father--I have done nothing to deserve Your love--but thank you for loving me anyway. May I remember each day, Jesus asked for me!

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Blogging through the Gospels: John 16!

Good Morning!

Today our reading is John chapter 16. A beautiful promise is hidden in this chapter--way down at the very bottom, the last verse. . .

Scripture:

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Observation:

Jesus talking with His disciples, giving His "last minute" instruction. He did not want them to become discouraged. He needed to warn them, as He knew there would be hardships ahead of them. But at the same time, He did not want to leave them in discouragement. "Take heart! I have overcome the world" was His promise to them.

Application:

"In this world you will have trouble." Jesus knew. He is not surprised by the trials we face in this sin-sick world of ours. He knew what we would face. Cancer. Tornadoes. Families forsaking one another. Jesus knew. But He doesn't leave us there. He offers peace and strength. He carries us through the dark valley into the sunshine. The dawn will come. "I have overcome the world."

Prayer:

Dear Father--Thank you for loving us too much to leave us in misery. Thank you for Jesus--who overcame the world.

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Blogging through the Gospels: John 15!

Good Morning!

I thought I would share a picture of my little blueberry bush this morning--isn't it lovely? It is true that it is quite tiny, only around a foot and a half high. But it is bearing fruit already, and I am thrilled! O.K., I realize this is a BUSH and not a VINE, but I still thought it was a good picture to put with today's chapter. . .

Today we are reading John, chapter 15. There is a lot of gardening going on in this chapter, so grab your sun hat and come along with me. :)

Scripture:

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

Observation:

Jesus knows His time here is almost over. Soon He will face the cross for us. What can He say to His disciples in these last few hours? What will stick in their mind, something they will think of often? How can He tell them how much He loves them--how He can do wonderful things through them if they will only let Him? How without Him, they will surely fail?

Application:

Without Him, I can do nothing. So the opposite is also true--with Him, I can do everything. Whatever things God wants to do through me, is possible. Not because of any power I have, but because of His power. When I don't feel like making more meals or washing the family's laundry or answering that math problem one more time--I can. Because of Him.

Prayer:

Dear Father--Thank you for choosing to work through us, that we may cooperate with You and reap a great harvest of others. Remind me each day to not go running ahead--to wait for You, to abide in You, to only do things with You.

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Encouragement for Today

Happy Sabbath Everyone!

A friend of mine shared this with me today. Thought others might be encouraged by it as well. What a beautiful Savior we have--yet so often we hold on to our problems instead of letting Him carry them for us.

Philippians 4:6-7 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

"Jesus invites the weary and care-laden sons and daughters of Adam to come to Him, and lay on Him their heavy burdens. But many who hear this invitation, while sighing for rest, yet press on the rugged path, hugging their burdens close to their heart. Jesus loves them, and longs to bear their burdens and themselves also in His strong arms. He would remove the fears and uncertainties that rob them of peace and rest..." Lift Him Up 277 (by Mrs. E.G. White)

Blogging through the Gospels: John 13!

Good Morning!

Today we are reading in John chapter 13. I can hardly believe how fast we are going through the Gospels! We are almost done! If you are wondering what you will do when you finish reading through the Gospels, consider joining us as we read the Bible through in 90 days. We start July 11--more information can be found here: http://www.momstoolbox.com/blog/bible-in-90-days-reading-schedule/

Scripture:

I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. John 13:15

Observation:

The disciples gathered around a table. Preparations had been made. All was in readiness, and Jesus knew that He was about to return to His Father in heaven. He gets up, wraps a towel around His waist, and proceeds to wash His disciple's feet. It is His example to them of serving. It is a washing of their hearts, if they will accept it.

Application:

Jesus said this was our example, and that I should do as He has done for me. What did He do? He healed the sick. Fed the hungry. Visited the lonely. Told stories to the children. Treated the unworthy with love and compassion. "I have set you an example." This means me.

Prayer:

Dear Father--Show me this day, what You want me to do.

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