Kathy Howard's Blog: Unshakeable Faith for Life, page 17

12 Ways to Stay Motivated to Read the Bible

I’ve started a lot of things that I never got around to finishing. Reading “Moby Dick,” learning to speak Spanish, and crafting the next great American novel are just a few of my unfinished projects. Okay, in the spirit of full transparency, I never even began the novel.

Starting things can be far easier than sticking with them for the long haul. Even if it’s something wonderful or vital or life-changing. God’s Word is all of those things and more, yet we often struggle to study and read the Bible on a regular, ongoing basis. We start with good intentions, then life gets in the way. But, we can stay motivated. Try one or more of the following tips to keep you in the Word day after day and for a lifetime.

Remember why – Reminding ourselves of the value of the Bible for our lives is a good first step. According to Psalm 1:3, when the truth of God’s Word is our regular diet, we not only thrive spiritually and produce fruit for His Kingdom, we develop a deep relationship with God. (See also “4 Spiritual Benefits from God’s Word.”)Get a new perspective – For too many years, I felt obligated to read the Bible. Even though I developed a strong habit of reading every day, it was based on an attitude of “have to” rather than “get to.” I felt guilty when I missed a day because I was acting out of legalism. But God showed me that spending time with Him is a great privilege and joy, not an obligation. Every time we read the Bible, it’s an opportunity to encounter the God of the universe and know Him better.Have a plan – Haphazard reading only sets us up for failure. We are more apt to read each day if we know in advance where we’ll be reading. Our plan can be as simple as reading through a book of the Bible. There are also hundreds, if not thousands, Bible reading plans available. I have several free plans on my website. Some Bibles include built-in reading plans. There are also lots of plans on websites and in apps. “She Reads Truth,” com, and the You Version Bible app are three of my favorites. Daily devotional books can be a helpful tool if we use them correctly. (See “How to Get the Most Out of Your Devotional Book” for some tips.)Find your sweet spot – Dictionary.com defines “sweet spot” as the “particular set of conditions that will achieve the most desirable or effective outcome.” If our desired outcome is a daily – or almost daily – time with God in His Word, then we need to discover the conditions – the time and place – that will best foster that. For instance, I am a morning person, so I start my day in the Bible. For you it may be your lunch break or after the kids go to bed. The important thing is to set a time that will generally work for you every day and when interruptions will be minimal. The setting for your quiet time is just as important. Find a place that is comfortable, private, and doesn’t depend on the weather. Best time, best place, your sweet spot.Organize your tool box – In a kitchen drawer, I keep a small hammer with different sized screw drivers built into the handle. Whenever I see a loose screw I don’t put off tightening it because the tool is at hand. Likewise, keeping our quiet time tools together in one place removes another roadblock to getting in the Word. We are always ready. Gather the needed tools – your Bible, your reading plan, a journal, pens, highlighters, or whatever else you need to study the text. Then put them in a ready container. You can use a basket, a tote bag, or even a tool box! (See “Bible Highlighting for More Effective Study.”)Find a cheering section – Everything is better when we share it with a friend. That’s why some form of accountability for our Bible reading will keep us coming back. It could be a friend, a spouse, or a formal accountability partner. Use the same reading plan and set a regular time to talk about what God has been teaching you. An organized study group is another effective way to help you stay in the Word. I lead a Facebook group for women called “Reading the Bible Together.” Women from all over the world read the same passage each day and discuss it online together. It certainly encourages me to stay in the Word every day.Plan for success – In our excitement to commit or recommit to God’s Word, we may set lofty goals like spending an hour every morning or reading the Bible through in 90 days. But unrealistic goals only set us up for failure. Instead, let’s set goals that are achievable, but also keep us moving forward. Start with what you feel you can do, then build on it. If you’ve had success at spending ten minutes each day in the Bible, bump it up to fifteen, not thirty. When fifteen becomes a solid, doable habit, add time. If you’ve been getting in the Word three days a week for a while, bump it up to up to four or five, not seven.Keep it interesting – Prayer and God’s Word are the foundation for our regular time with God. But, adding other elements here and there will keep things interesting. Music can turn our hearts to worship. Journaling can focus our prayers and be a lasting reminder of how God is working in our lives. One day we could read a large portion of Scripture and another day mediate deeply on just a few verses. Something as simple as reading from a different translation can enhance our time with Him.Take advantage of technology – Putting our daily time with God on the calendar and setting an alert is a good start. Many online sites and apps not only offer Bible reading plans, they’ll also send reminder notifications. The You Version Bible and She Reads Truth are two great ones to check out. Some of these sites will even “read” the passage out loud. That’s a great tool for audible style learners.Celebrate small accomplishments – Meeting short-term goals – like reading through one Bible book – is a great reason to celebrate! We could enjoy a scoop of ice cream or a Facetime call with a friend. Choose a reward that will be incentive for you to keep moving toward the next goal and the next.Implement offensive measures – Distractions fill our world, our homes, and our daily lives. They wage war against our good intentions to be in God’s Word. Since email, social media and the like are big distractions for me, I committed to not opening my lap top until after I’ve spent time in God’s Word. Determine your biggest distractions and time-suckers then set some boundaries to eliminate the threat.Give yourself grace – Legalism will push the joy out of our relationship with Christ. Yes, we want to do everything to honor our commitment to spend time with Him, but some days are harder than others. When your daily time in the Word doesn’t happen, simply try again tomorrow.

What are some things you do to stay motivated to read the Bible?

 

 

12 Ways to Stay Motivated to Read the Bible by Kathy Howard.

5 Benefits of Living a Holy Life

Does your church talk much about living a holy life? It doesn’t seem to be a very popular topic – even in Christian circles. And yet hypocrisy is the number one reason people give for not wanting to have anything to do with Christianity. Or Christians. When we claim to follow Christ, but don’t look like Him we push people away from the One source of eternal life.

In his book “The Pursuit of Holiness,” Jerry Bridges defines holiness like this:

To be holy is to be morally blameless. It is to be separated from sin and, therefore, consecrated to God… To live a holy life, then, is to live a life in conformity to the moral precepts of the Bible and in contrast to the sinful ways of the world.”

The apostle Paul described it as “putting off our old self,” which belongs to our life before Jesus, and to “put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24).

Sometimes we compare ourselves to the world or other Christians and think we’re doing pretty good. But, God doesn’t call us to “pretty good.” His holiness is our standard (1 Peter 1:16).  Jesus died so we could be holy. (For more on living a life of holiness see my study “Embraced by Holiness.”)

5 Benefits of Holiness

Holiness may seem hard, but the benefits far outweigh anything we might need to “sacrifice.”  The gain is far greater than the loss of any worldly activity, behavior, or attitude.

Usually what it comes down to is simply our desire. Why would we want to live a holy life? The following five benefits are not the only reasons, but they’re ones Scripture mentions repeatedly.

Holiness fosters intimacy with God and builds spiritual strength and stability (Psalm 15:1-6).Holy living makes us useful and effective for God’s purposes (2 Timothy 2:20-26).Our holy life causes people around us to glorify God (1 Peter 2:9-12).Holiness builds peace with God (2 Peter 3:10-18).A holy life pleases God and produces “fruit” (Ephesians 5:1-17).

I especially like the first benefit on that list. Perhaps you too long to experience a deep, intimate relationship with God, but often feel disconnected. According to Scripture, there is a direct connection between a holy life and experiencing God’s presence.

Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts.  Psalm 15:1-2, NLT

The opposite is also true. Unholy living floods believers’ lives with the natural consequences of sin, including distance and strain in our relationships with God.

5 Ways to Foster a Holy Life

Humanly speaking, holiness is an impossible task. Only the Holy Spirit can spiritually transform us and produce holiness in our lives. Here are a few practical things we can do to cooperate with His ongoing work:

Practice an awareness of the presence of God– God is always with us. He knows our thoughts, attitudes, and motivations. Intentionally reflecting on this truth will nourish holiness in our lives. Stay in the Word– The Creator of the universe has revealed Himself, His will, and His ways to us in the Bible. It describes the holy life to which God calls us. But we cannot live by God’s Word unless we know God’s Word. Be proactive in our battle against sin– Sin takes root in our lives, growing and multiplying. To be holy, we must dig it out by the roots and get rid of it. Ask God to also help you recognize areas of weakness in your life so you can guard against potential sin. Respond quickly to the Spirit– Have you ever responded to the prompting of the Spirit with “in a minute?” I certainly have. If you’re a parent, you understand that “delayed” obedience is simply disobedience. Sometimes, we even intend to obey – later. Unfortunately, our delayed obedience causes us harm and dishonors God. We may miss out on God’s best plan for us or even put ourselves in danger. Immediate obedience is always best! Make the most of trials– God uses persecution and the common trials of this life to refine our faith and shape our character. Rely on His strength and trust Him with the process. Keep an eternal perspective– If we allow the things of this physical world to dominate our thoughts and priorities, the temporal will drive our emotions and responses. But if we stay focused on God’s bigger, eternal picture we will be able to reject sin and stand firm in trials.

How have you thought about holiness in the past? Have you thought a holy life was too hard? Simply undesirable? Would love to hear your thoughts!

 

5 Benefits of Living a Holy Life by Kathy Howard.

10 Characteristics of Faith from the Hebrews Hall of Faith

Faith is an abstract concept. Sometimes difficult to define and hard to describe. So how do we know if we are “doing it right?” How do we know if our faith is strong and genuine?

Although there is no official “faith test,” the eleventh chapter of Hebrews gives us a long list of real-life examples. These men and women, while not perfect, lived lives that demonstrated abiding faith in God. Faith that endured through any and every trial and into the eternity.

The individuals described in this “hall of faith” are different. They came from different backgrounds, faced different trials. God delivered some from their temporal struggles and others He delivered to glory. While their lives may have been different, their faith exhibited common characteristics.

A Faith Example for Us

The following faith characteristics, demonstrated in Hebrews 11, form a picture of what genuine, enduring faith looks like. We can evaluate our own faith by the faith of those who walked before us. But don’t be discouraged if you feel your faith falls short. These examples are from a lifetime, a life well-lived over time. Instead, let their faith encourage and challenge you to keep moving forward, to keep trusting, to continue to abide.

(By the way, I love the book of Hebrews! There is a free Bible study through this beautiful book on my website. Check out “A Superior Savior” here!)

10 Characteristics of Lasting Faith

If you have time, read Hebrews 11:1-40 before you read through the list below.

Assurance of God’s Promises (vs 1) – Faith is not living with our fingers crossed, it’s a firm confidence in God and His promises to us.Sacrificial lifestyle (vs 4) – Faith gives God our first and our best.Continuously seeds God (vs 6) – Faith is not a one-time decision. Faith chooses to believe in God and follow Him each day.Obeys in hard things (vs 7) – A life of faith is rarely “easy.” Obedience to God often runs contrary to our culture, and maybe even your family.Trusts God when we don’t understand (vs 8, 17) – We don’t often see God’s big picture. Usually we just see the next step, then the next. Sometimes the next step doesn’t even make sense to us, but faith trusts God has a plan and the power to carry it out.Keeps an eternal focus (vs 10, 13) – The best of God’s promises to us are eternal, they won’t be fully realized in this life.Trusts God to do the impossible (vs 11, 19) – Circumstances may feel insurmountable, but faith knows God is all-powerful.Fears God rather than man (vs 23, 27) – Faith doesn’t allow threats by man to keep it from obeying God.Doesn’t run after temporal pleasures (vs 25, 26) – Faith chooses God over the pleasure of sin and the love of money.Endures persecution for the sake of Christ (vs 35-38) – Although faith doesn’t seek persecution, it stands firm in God when it comes.Faith Needs an Object

Our faith – our “belief, trust, and confidence” – needs an object. Our faith must be in something or Someone. The one true God, the Creator of all that is, is the only One worthy of our faith. Let’s us put our faith in God. He will not let us down.

You may also find these articles helpful:

6 Surprising Characteristics of FaithWhat does the Bible Say about Faith?A Simple Definition of Faith by Billy Graham5 Signs of Authentic Faith

 

10 Characteristics of Faith from the Hebrews Hall of Faith by Kathy Howard.

The Armor of God is More than a Prayer

The Bible is full of word pictures to help us understand spiritual truths. One of the best known and most loved is the armor of God Paul describes in Ephesians.

I know some Christians who “pray on the armor of God” every day. While we definitely need that level of awareness, the spiritual armor we need to “stand against the schemes of the devil” is not simply a rote prayer before we start our day.

Christians are Fighting a Battle

This passage (Ephesians 6:10-20) is a battle call. Our opposition is real. Satan and his forces are fighting to prevent us from experiencing everything God has for us. They want to shake our faith, to make us fall. They scheme to derail us from living the full life of faith Jesus died to give us. Satan is powerful, wicked, and cunning. But he is no match for God.

Yes, God calls us to pray at all times (Ephesians 6:18). And prayer is the over-arching key to winning the spiritual battle. But this prayer is active. We are not simply to “pray” the armor but to “put on the whole armor of God.” Then get in the trenches and join God in the fight.

God provides His strength as we fight with His armor.

The “Armor of God” Represents Spiritual Principles

Paul was very familiar with the armor of the Roman soldier. While the list in Ephesians 6 is not exhaustive, the elements Paul cites were key to the soldier’s protection and victory. Let us “put on” the armor of God represented by these ancient pieces and fight alongside God for the spiritual victory! (If you’d like to study more about the armor or even the whole book of Ephesians, see my free study of Ephesians here.)

6 Pieces of God’s ArmorKnow God’s Truth (Belt of truth) – Here we find two-levels of meaning. First, we must know God’s truth in order to recognize and reveal Satan’s lies. Second, when we maintain sincerity and integrity in our lives, we will not give Satan any ammunition to use against us.Live a Holy Life (Breastplate of righteousness) – Like the soldier’s breastplateprotected him from and back covering all the vital organs, a Christian’s righteousness protects her spiritually. Commitment to holy living and purposeful guards on our hearts and minds help us resist Satan’s temptations. (See “5 Benefits of Living a Holy Life.”)Keep the Gospel Central (Gospel Boots) – When we keep a constant awareness of the Gospel of Christ our firm footing is established and we are equipped to share the Gospel with others, rescuing them from an eternity separated from God.Hold on to Faith (Shield of Faith) – Our faith in God – knowing who He is and remembering His promises for us – will quench all the arrows of doubt, guilt, and fear the accuser shoots at us. Remembering who you belong to and what He has done for you will protect you like the soldier’s shield covered his whole body.Rejoice in eternity (Helmet of Salvation) – The enemy of your soul has no power over your eternity. If you have a saving relationship with Jesus, you belong to God and are protected by His Spirit. Reflect on this truth and rejoice!Use the Word (Sword of the Spirit) – The Word of God is a powerful, two-edged sword. God not only uses it to reveal our hearts and refine our faith, it is also our weapon of offense against the enemy. Study it. Dwell on it. Root yourself in the Scripture so you will be equipped to defeat Satan and his schemes.

So, let us pray as we fight the spiritual forces of evil. Always, without ceasing. But let us also live the spiritual principles represented by the armor.

Is this way of looking at the armor of God helpful to you? If so, in what way?

The Armor of God is More than a Prayer by Kathy Howard.

The 5 Most Challenging Bible Verses

There’s a lot of “take it or leave it” in life. When my grocery store sends me coupons, I clip the ones I want and toss the rest. At the salad bar, I can pile on the mushrooms and skip the chickpeas. But God doesn’t give us a “take it or leave it” option with His Word. We can’t accept what we like and reject the rest. We can’t embrace the easy stuff and ignore the hard.

Every book of the Bible has value for our lives today. Even Leviticus. Every passage, no matter how controversial in our culture or hard to understand is still relevant. In his article “How to Read Hard Bible Passages,” Kurt Buhr wrote:

“I have to admit, some parts of the Bible are tricky to understand and much easier to simply skip past–or cut out… But if we align with Paul’s instructions that “all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16), then we must resist the urge to grab our kitchen shears…”

What’s true for hard-to-understand passages is also true for challenging Bible verses. I mean, some verses in the Bible are easier to swallow than others. Even though I wholeheartedly believe them all, there are some I honestly just don’t like very much. In fact, some Bible verses feel too demanding.

Let me explain.

Some verses, like “He gives strength to the weary…” and “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine…” cause me to throw my arms open wide and yell “Bring it on, Lord!”

But others cause me to sigh and take a deep breath and think, “Really? Isn’t that kind of difficult?”

Five Challenging Bible Verses that I Want to Embrace

Below are 5 verses that I find really challenging to fully embrace and live out every day. Oh, there are others too – and I may have a slightly different top 5 tomorrow – but these will definitely stay in at least the top 10 for the indefinite future.

Matthew 6:33 – I really like the last half of this verse about God supplying my needs, oh yes! But when we read the whole thing in the context of the passage, we see the primary topic is worry. Jesus said we spend too much time and energy worrying about our needs. We allow worry to keep us from pursuing Jesus and His Kingdom. The challenge: To turn off the worry and turn to Jesus. Or better yet, turn to Jesus to turn off the worry!James 1:2 – James doesn’t waste any time with small talk in his letter. Essentially he says, “Dear Jewish believers, be full of joy when life punches you in the gut.” (My paraphrase of course.) Sounds unrealistic right? James says we can be joyful in spite of our circumstances because we know God plans to use them for our spiritual good and for His purposes. The challenge: To keep our eyes on the spiritual and eternal rather than the physical and temporary.Romans 12:2 – God wants us to be like Jesus, not like the world around us. But truly, it’s a daily battle. Our culture constantly bombards us with values and behavior that is contrary to the character of Christ. (See also “What are You Feeding Your Mind.“) The challenge: To strap on that spiritual armor, refuse to compromise, and yield ourselves to the Spirit’s transforming power. (See also “The Armor of God is More than a Prayer.“)John 15:12 – Okay, let’s be honest. Sometimes our fellow believers aren’t easy to love. Plus, did you notice that Jesus said we should love each other “as I have loved you.” Well, Jesus gave His life for us, so this is really extreme. He wants us to be willing to die for each other. To put others’ needs ahead of our own. To honor others over ourselves. The challenge: To take off pride and selfishness and put on humility and selflessness in order to genuinely love others.Galatians 2:20 – Wait a minute. My life isn’t my life? Nope. Jesus purchased my life on the cross and it’s His to do with as He sees fit. But if I can remember this, the previous 4 challenging verses suddenly get a lot easy to live out. The challenge: To consciously choose every minute of every day to give my life to Jesus.

Jesus’ way may seem challenging. But the reality is, He only wants what’s best for us. His way is abundant and satisfying and joyful. His way is life.

Please feel free to disagree with my list. Or add to it! What Bible verses would you add to the “challenging Bible verses” list and why?

The 5 Most Challenging Bible Verses by Kathy Howard.

Do You Misuse Philippians 4:13?

We see the verse on coffee mugs, t-shirts, and wall decor. It’s probably the most well-known and oft-quoted verse from Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13, NKJV

Unfortunately, it’s also one of the verses most often misunderstood and misused. We love that one verse so much we pull it out of its home in the surrounding verses. We hold it out on its own and say, “Jesus gives me strength to do all things.” But is that what it means?

Unfortunately, when we take it out of context we lose the original meaning. We even begin to assign meanings to it God never intended.

Let’s say, for instance, I desire to do something big for the Kingdom of God. I have an idea, a vision, of what I’d like to do. But it’s big, really big! Well, if “Jesus gives me strength to do all things,” then doesn’t that mean He will give me the power and opportunities to not only pursue this dream, but also to succeed?

Is that what Philippians 4:13 means? Does it mean that Jesus will give me the power and strength to do whatever I desire to do for Him? Or maybe it means Jesus will give me the power and strength to do what He calls me to do?

Do you #misuse #Philippians 4:13? #context
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We know from other Scriptures that God does gift and guide, equip and empower His children to carry out His purposes for our lives (2 Thessalonians 1:11; Ephesians 1:19-20; 1 Corinthians 12:7; Ephesians 4:11-13). But Philippians 4:13 does not promise us that God will give us strength to follow our desires or even to carry out His purposes.

So what does Philippians 4:13 mean?

Let’s drop Philippians 4:13 back into the verses immediately surrounding it and see what it means in light of its context. (For more on the “context” of a biblical passage, check out this post: “4 Things to Consider for Biblical Context.“) In Philippians 4:10-14, Paul thanked the Christians in Philippi for the financial gift they sent him. He appreciated their gift, but he was not in desperate need at the moment. In fact, he had learned to be content no matter his physical circumstances. Paul had discovered the secret of contentment whether he was in physical want or plenty.

And what was his secret of contentment, whether he was well fed or hungry? Paul had experienced Christ’s strength within him to endure any and every situation. He found total sufficiency in trusting Christ. Paul gained strength from Jesus to be content with whatever God provided for him.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” never meant Paul could do anything because Jesus would give him the power to do it. It meant Paul could endure any difficult circumstance or physical need through the strengthening power of Christ.

#Philippians 4:13 does not obligate God to empower our #plans. #Context
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Great, incredible truth. Philippians 4:13 does not obligate God to empower our plans. Oh no, it’s far better than that! Jesus will give us the strength we need to endure desperate need. His empowering presence will be with us through every difficult circumstance.

Have you gained a better understanding of Philippians 4:13? Does it encourage you today?

Want to learn more about the proper approach to Bible study? See “4 R Bible Study Method.“

Other posts you might find helpful:

“What do I do with Philippians 3:14?”“The Real Promise of 1 Corinthians 10:13”“The Delight and Desire of Psalm 37:4” “Why Philippians 4:13 doesn’t Mean What You Think”

Do You Misuse Philippians 4:13? by Kathy Howard.

Family Vacation Devotional Guide

Getting away with the family this summer? COVID has lots of families taking to the road instead of flying. Time together with your family is a great time to be intentional about passing a legacy of faith to your children. This 7-Day Family Devotional Guide, developed just for the family, is perfect for car trips and lazy days on the beach!

The theme is travel. The devotions highlight a big move, a shipwreck, and even a spy mission! Each day features a Scripture passage, brief comments, and questions to get family discussion about God’s Word rolling! Read the passage and the commentary, then ask your family the questions and encourage them to share. Close in prayer!

(For more about being intentional in sharing your faith with your family see my soon-to-be-released book “Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith.“)

You can either use the guide straight from here or download and print the PDF.Print the Devotional PDF 

7-day #Family #Devotional Guide! Great for your #summer road trip!
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Day One: Follow Me                                                                      

Genesis 12:1-9

God called Abram to move away from the only home he had ever known. It meant he would have to leave his father and other family behind too. God had an exciting plan that would help all the people on the earth. But Abram had to obey to be part of it. So Abram obeyed and followed God. And he didn’t even know where he was going!

Have you ever moved from one town to another? How did you feel?Has God ever asked you to do something you didn’t really understand? Abram obeyed God quickly. Do you sometimes have difficulty obeying God right away?Day Two: Get Out Fast!                                                                 

Exodus 12:31-42

God’s people had been in slavery in Egypt for 400 years. He promised to bring them out and lead them safely back to the land He had given Abram. Pharaoh did not want to let them go, but after God sent 10 terrible plagues, he finally told them to “get out!” Hundreds of thousands of people had to pack up everything and leave in a hurry.

What are some of the things the Israelites took with them from Egypt?In what ways did God provide for their long journey ahead?Has God ever provided for you during a trip or vacation? How?Day Three: Two Spies on a Mission                                            

Joshua 2:1-16*

After 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, the people of Israel are about to enter the Promised Land. Their leader, Joshua, sent two spies on a mission to gather information about the first city they would fight.

How did God protect the spies? In what ways has God protected you?What had Rahab heard about God? Do you ever tell others about God’s works? What could you tell them?How did the spies get away?

*Note: Parents, depending on the age of your children, you may just want to skip the description of Rahab in verse 1!

Day Four: Long Way to Go to Have a Baby                                  

Luke 2:1-20

It was about 70 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Even though we see pictures of Mary riding a donkey, there’s no mention of one in the Bible. They probably walked the entire way and it would have taken them several days. That’s a long, tiring journey.

What’s the longest trip you’ve ever taken?What exciting thing happened while Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem?Why did Jesus come? How can you spread the news like the shepherds did?Day Five: Detour to Help Someone                                             

Luke 10:25-37

Jesus told many stories, called parables, to help people understand things about God. This parable shows us that if we truly love God we will also love other people. Real love isn’t just words. Real love helps others who need help.

What dangerous thing happened to the traveler? Who didn’t help him?What did the Samaritan do to help? How did that show real love?Do you know someone that needs help? What can you do to help them?Day Six: Quick Trip                                                                           

Acts 8:26-40

After Jesus went back to heaven, His followers began to tell people everywhere about Him. God sent Philip to meet the man from Ethiopia on a road so he could learn about Jesus.

How did Philip know who he was supposed to talk to about Jesus?Has God’s Spirit ever guided you like He guided Philip? How?What decision did the man from Ethiopia make?Day Seven: Shipwreck!                                                                  

Acts 27:13-42

Paul was under arrest for preaching about Jesus. He was being taken to Rome to stand trial when the ship got caught in a terrible storm. They battled the sea for two weeks before it finally sank!

What was lost at sea? What was not lost?In what ways can you see God at work in this seemingly hopeless situation?How did Paul use it to tell others about God?How can you use difficult times to tell others about God?

 

Family Vacation Devotional Guide by Kathy Howard.

Who Wrote the Bible and Why Does it Matter?

If you expect me to answer “God wrote the Bible,” you’d be right. And wrong. God did write the Bible. Every word originated in the heart and mind of God. He is the source. But God chose to deliver His Word to us through human instruments. And it matters. Knowing the identity and background of each human author helps us understand what God wrote through him. In this post, we’ll touch on divine inspiration, then look at the impact of God’s human writing tools.

The Bible: God’s Inspired Word

The Bible declares itself to be “inspired by God.” In Paul’s second letter to the young pastor Timothy, he wrote, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.  God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NLT).

The Greek word translated as “inspired” means “breathed out.” God breathed the Scriptures. They are His voice, His life, His Spirit. He breathed them on, into, and through His human instruments.

The apostle Peter also sheds some light on this process of inspiration. “Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God” (2 Peter 1:20-21, NLT).

The human authors did not simply decide to write. God initiated it and accomplished it by the Holy Spirit moving them along and working through them. The Greek word translated as “moved” or “carried” in 2 Peter 1:21 was used to describe a ship that is moved along by the wind. The Spirit moved the writers from where they were to where God wanted them to be.

Shaped by the Human Authors Who Wrote the Bible

The human authors in no way compromised the Word of God. God’s intent, meaning, truth, and authority are completely and utterly preserved. But, the human authors were more than scribes for dictation. Their personalities, experiences, education, and feelings come through. For instance, David’s experiences as a shepherd color the 23rd psalm and Paul’s thorough knowledge of the Law undergirds his argument against its ability to save in his letter to the Romans.

God used more than 40 human authors over a period of more than 1,500 years. When we consider that from the beginning to the end the Bible tells one cohesive story of redemption, this fact testifies to the divine nature of Scripture. (See also “3 Reasons We Can Trust the Bible” and “Are Christians Rejecting the Bible?“)

Types of Authors Who Wrote the Bible

Sometimes we assume every book was written by one, easily identifiable person. And that’s true in many cases, but not always. Here’s a brief rundown of the variety of human tools and methods God used.

Individuals – Some books – like Paul’s letters – were penned wholly by individuals. Others were penned primarily by an individual with notes added by an editor. For instance, scholars believe Joshua wrote the historical book named for him. But it’s obvious someone else – a later editor – recorded Joshua’s death in the last chapter.Prophets – These human tools were both authors and scribes. They recorded their story, but they also proclaimed & recorded the exact words of God. Much of the books of prophecy include sections “Thus says the Lord.” Here the prophet is acting as scribe for God.Compilers – Some books were put together by using pre-existing material. Compilers often used both written material and content that was handed down through oral tradition. Many scholars believe Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, and 1 & 2 Kings were the work of compilers. Here’s an example of some sources available to compliers:“Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel” and “Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah” – These historical documents are referred to in the Bible books of Kings and Chronicles. They give information on the kings’ rules, wars, conspiracies, and building projects.Formal documents – Many of the Old Testament historical books include genealogies, lists, government edicts (Cyrus King of Persia), and official royal letters (Darius in Ezra).Personal memoirs – Ezra and Nehemiah both include sections from their respective memoirs.Oral Transmission – Ancient cultures preserved events by passing detailed stories from one generation to the next. Moses is credited with writing Genesis, but he lived centuries later. Scholars believe he received much of it through oral transmission.What about Anonymous Books?

Many of the Bible books don’t name the author and are technically anonymous. However, usually there is strong evidence within and outside the book allowing scholars to make educated guesses. For instance, none of the four Gospels name the authors. But between clues in the text and strong testimony by the early church, scholars are confident about who wrote each Gospel. Some authors have been handed down by ancient tradition and are widely accepted. For instance, Jewish tradition holds that Mordecai wrote the book of Esther. A couple of books – like Job and Hebrews – remain anonymous. But we don’t need to worry about our lack of knowledge. God is the ultimate author!

Can’t We Just Go by the Title of the Book?

The titles of the book often, but not always, identify the author. Sometimes it means the book is about that person, like Job and Ruth. Sometimes the title describes the content, like Genesis and Kings. The New Testament letters are sometimes named after the author, like 1 and 2 Peter, and sometimes after the recipients, like Titus and Philemon.

What Difference does the Human Author Make for Us Today?

Knowing the human author, his background, and purpose deepens our understanding of a book or passage. Consider Psalm 51. King David wrote this song of repentance after his sin of adultery and murder. Knowing these facts, gives us a glimpse of the feelings and motivations behind the psalm. And consider the book of Ephesians. This beautiful treatise on the grace of God was written by a Paul, a man who persecuted and killed followers of Jesus before his was saved. Knowing the background of the author adds a dimension to God’s grace we might otherwise miss. Learning that most scholars believe Mark wrote his Gospel based on Peter’s eye witness testimony shifts our perspective.

Here are a few ways to get this kind of background information on a Bible book:

The book introduction in a study BibleOnline Bible study helps – Check out this helpful list on my website of online study tools.Printed resources – I don’t know about you, but sometimes I like to have the physical resource in my hand. Here are a few resources I use that are helpful no matter what book of the Bible you’re studying. The Wilkinson & Boa Bible Handbook Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible The New Testament in its World The IVP Bible Background Commentary – this is a 2-volume set, Old and New Testaments. You can get the volumes separately if you want. I use these ALL the time. They are also great for cultural background.

For your reference, here’s a list of all the Bible books and who wrote each one. Look for the link in the page for the downloadable PDF.

In the past, have you given much thought to the human authors of the Bible?

 

 

Who Wrote the Bible and Why Does it Matter? by Kathy Howard.

8 Activities to Help You Memorize Scripture

You’re right. For most of us – me included – it’s hard to memorize Scripture. It requires commitment, time, and purposeful effort. But the worth far outweighs the work.

A couple of years ago while preparing two messages for a women’s conference from the book of Philippians, the Spirit prompted me to memorize Philippians 4:4-13. The process deepened my understanding of the text, helped me embrace the spiritual truths, and personally connected me with that part of God’s Word. (See also “Why I Tackle Scripture Memory and How I Do It?”)

After the conference, I once again felt the Spirit’s prompting to memorize. This time, the whole book of Philippians! With a bit of apprehension, I said yes. It took me about two years, but I did it. Again, the process was hard, but I cherish the connection I have to God’s wonderful truths in Philippians. And I’m ready to jump into another large section of Scripture. The Sermon on the Mount is next! (By the way, you can hold me accountable.)

My Scripture Memory Cards

I’m really old school. First, I write out the verses on 5×8 index cards. Even though I now use other translations for study and devotional reading, I use the NIV 1984 for memory because I have other passages memorized from this translation. Use the translation you are most familiar with. (If you prefer a digital system, check out the BibleMemoryApp!)

Sometimes, when I know I’ll have a few minutes of downtime somewhere along the way, I carry the cards with me. But I also take photos of each card and put them in a folder on my phone. That way, if I’m out and have an unexpected few minutes to review and I get stuck, I simply look on my phone.

I work on a verse – or a thought if it carries over to another verse – at a time. I read it out loud until I can begin to say it back from memory. I start phrase by phrase, working up to the entire verse with the reference. When I feel comfortable with that, I add the next verse.

I can summarize my basic memory method with three R’s – Read, Recite, Review. (If you need some direction on where to start memorizing, check out the various Scripture Memory Plans on my resources page.)

8 Helpful Activities to Help You Memorize Scripture

There are other things you can add to those Three Rs to enhance the memory process. The first two are the most important. The exact benefit of the other suggestions will depend on your learning style. (Also see “Scripture Memory Tips.”)

Consider the context – We want to have a correct understanding of any verse or passage we memorize. Taking Scripture out of its context is probably the most often cause for misunderstanding. (Also see “4 Things to Consider for Biblical Context” and “Do You Misuse Philippians 4:13?”)Reflect on Key Truths – Spend a few moments reflecting on the spiritual truths the verse teaches. This will help implant them in your heart and mind. (See also “The 4 R Bible Study Method for Everyday Use.”) For instance, what does the passage teach about God’s character, purposes, and ways? What does it teach about the nature of mankind or salvation or living a life that pleases God?Identify Anchor Words – Identify two to four key words or “anchor” words in the passage to help you remember it. For instance, in Psalm 46:1, three solid anchor words to remember could be “refuge,” “strength,” and “help.” Circle these words on the front of the Scripture card and then write them on the back. Use these words as prompts during the memorization process.Draw a Picture or Symbol – On the back of your Scripture card, draw a symbol or picture that visually represents the verse. For instance, for Psalm 46:1 you could draw a fort or castle. Along with your anchor words, this picture or symbol will be another prompt to remember the truths and content of the verse or passage.Record It (great for auditory learners) – Use your smart phone, computer, or another device to record yourself reading or reciting the passage. Play it back throughout the day to further reinforce it in your memory.Choose an Object (great for tactile learners) – Select an object around your home or office that will remind you of the verse or passage each time you see it. For instance, for Psalm 46:1, a rock or stone object would remind you that God is your refuge, a strong safe place.Use Multiple Cards – Write the verse on more than just your primary card. Place these extra cards wherever you will seem them throughout the day and can take a moment to review – the bathroom mirror, above the kitchen sink, your car visor, your computer monitor, above the washer and dryer, the refrigerator door.Reword it – Rewrite the verse in your own words. This will help you think about the meaning and how it should apply to your own life.

Let’s talk! Is there another activity that helped you memorize Scripture in the past you’d like to share?

8 Activities to Help You Memorize Scripture by Kathy Howard.

Are Christians Rejecting the Bible?

The relationship has felt strained for some time now. Once it was close, built on trust and acceptance. But in recent years, we’ve allowed doubt to creep in. I’m not referring to a friendship or a marriage. No, I’m deeply concerned about the relationship between American Christians and the Bible. It’s on shaky ground and deteriorating fast. We don’t know God’s Word like we used to. And what we do know, we don’t necessarily buy into. Some of us don’t really believe the Bible is God’s revealed Word. Some believe the culture when it tells us the Bible is an old, intolerant, irrelevant book. And some of us are simply rejecting the Bible because we want to do our own thing our own way.

3 Symptoms We May be Rejecting the BibleBiblical Illiteracy – The most obvious symptom of our deteriorating relationship with God’s Word is that we don’t know what it teaches. For example, according to a 2018 survey conducted by the Barna Group, 51% of American churchgoers didn’t recognize Jesus’ Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20. Another example: According to a 2017 survey by the Pew Research Center, 52% of American Protestants believe salvation requires faith and good works. Sadly, this shows many of us don’t even know the most fundamental spiritual truths.Cultural Compromise – Over the last few decades, our culture has not only accepted but now also applauds certain behavior the Bible calls ungodly. Rather than side with Scripture and take the inevitable persecution from the world, some in the church have sided with the culture, essentially calling God’s Word outdated and irrelevant. We hear it from churches, popular Bible teachers, and from the pew. “The church needs to change with the times to be relevant.” But God does not change and neither does His Word (Malachi 3:6).Human-Centered Teaching – The Bible is a book by God and about God. The Bible reveals God’s character, purposes, and His ways. Yet somehow, we make the Bible about us. This me-centered attitude shows up in the list of best-selling “Christian” books, particularly those written for women. These popular books tell us that we “are enough,” that we are “okay just like we are.” Sounds great, but it’s not biblical. This kind of teaching starts with a human, self-centered focus rather than a God-first focus. The Bible tells us that no one is enough. That’s why Jesus came. We cannot carry out God’s purposes for us without His power. And we are not okay like we are, that’s why God works constantly to transform us into the image of Christ.

So, is rejecting the Bible justified? If the Bible is just another ancient book written by a few guys who died a really long time ago, then let’s put it in a display case in a museum. But… what if the Bible isn’t just another ancient book?

4 Things to “Re-Believe” about the BibleThe Bible is literally the words of God – The all-powerful Creator God has revealed Himself to us. The Bible teaches that it is the inspired Word of God. God breathed out His Word through humans, for humans (2 Peter 1:20-21). If we believe this to be true, then we cannot accept some parts of the Bible and reject others. (Also see “3 Reasons We Can Trust the Bible.”)The Bible is relevant today and forever – God’s Word is not bound by time, cultural, language, or geography. It speaks powerfully to today’s human condition. God’s Word guides, comforts, and strengthens. God’s Word is “true” and “founded forever” (Psalm 119:151-152).The Bible is a living mirror for our hearts – The Holy Spirit holds up God’s Word like a mirror for our souls. He wields the Word like a sword to pierce our hearts and reveal our sinful thoughts, attitudes, and motivations (Hebrews 4:12-13). This spiritual conviction through the words of Scripture testifies to the power and truth of the Bible.The Bible is God’s tool for refinement – Thankfully, God not only reveals our shortcomings through the Bible, He also uses His Word to grow and mature us. God lays it out beside our lives as a measuring rod to teach, correct, and equip us in preparation for His purposes (2 Timothy 3:16-17). (See also “4 Spiritual Benefits from God’s Word.”)Renew Our Relationship with the Bible

God is not surprised by our strained relationship with His Word. God knew that we would be easily drawn away by “teachers” who say what we want to hear, that give us “permission” to indulge our sinful nature (2 Timothy 4:1-5). But rejecting the Bible is not the answer.

So, what do we do now? How can we renew our relationship with God’s Word? First, let’s acknowledge the truth about the Bible. It is God’s inspired revelation of Himself. It is unchanging and true, relevant for today and every day. Second, let’s commit to learn it and live by it – without compromise, without selectivity. And finally, let’s hold the Bible out to others as God’s unchanging Word.

How would you describe your relationship with the Bible?

Need a little help renewing a good Bible habit? Check out my 40-day devotional through Mark. “Deep Rooted: Growing through the Gospel of Mark” provides structure that will help you get in and delight in God’s Word! 

Are Christians Rejecting the Bible? by Kathy Howard.