Kathy Howard's Blog: Unshakeable Faith for Life, page 22

Has More Time at Home Meant Less Time in the Bible for You?

Five months. That’s how long it’s been we were all told to stay home in order to stay safe. While the quarantine has protected the physical health and even lives of many, there have also been unavoidable negative consequences. The mental, relational, and economic stress on individuals and families has been distressing, but not necessarily surprising. However, the spiritual impact was a bit more unexpected. For many, more time at home has meant less time in the Bible.

According to the recent study, “State of the Bible 2020,” overall Bible reading and engagement continues its decline in America. Not too surprising. But, the big impact the quarantine has had was surprising. For instance, regular Bible reading among women who have previously been deeply engaged with Scripture dropped 7% since the quarantine began. (For more information on the state of the Bible in America and the rate of decline during the quarantine see “Bible Reading Drops During Social Distancing.”)

Reasons for Less Time in the Bible

So, why would women (and men) who had previously been regular students of God’s Word move it to the back burner during quarantine? Although not based on an official study, here are some reasons I’ve heard or read about:

Less Time – For moms specifically the quarantine has increased the demands on her time. Many, who are now working from home, also have to home school their children.
Less Personal Space – Everyone is home all the time. It’s hard to simply find the time to be alone with God. (For some practical tips see “How to Have a Quiet Time When You Have No Time that’s Quiet.”)
Less Community – Yes, our virtual circles have really expanded. But these are no substitute for sitting with people face-to-face in real life. God created us for Christian community and when we don’t have it we suffer. Loss of our local church community equals loos of encouragement, support, and challenges to stay close to God. We spiritually feel the loss of worship services, small groups, and Bible study groups.

Consequences of Less Time in the Bible

The Bible is our source of spiritual nourishment. It’s the primary way we hear from God. Along with prayer, it is the primary way we commune with God. So, when we aren’t regularly filling our minds with God’s truth there will be consequences. Here are just a few:

Distance from God – Just like we need to spend time with our spouse or best friend to keep that relationship strong, we need to spend time with God to remain close.
Thinking more like the World – What we put into our mind shapes our thinking, which then shapes our attitudes and actions. Without Scripture, what will shape your thinking? (See “What are You Feeding Your Mind?”)
Lack of wisdom and guidance – Without God’s Word we are left to our own limited human “wisdom” to navigate life. And we sure need God’s clarity more than ever right now! (See “Four Spiritual Benefits from God’s Word.”)

What Can We Do?

We can’t wait until things “get back to normal.” We need to adjust, adapt, and accept a “new normal.” At least for now. Here’s a few ideas:

Develop a new routine – Life at home is different. Perhaps you let “schedule” go out the window. It’s time to develop a new schedule. A routine that works for your family now. Find a time during the day when you can get alone with God. Let your family know and then protect it!
Stay, or get back in, community – I know, some churches still aren’t able to meet in person. But some are. If your church is meeting then go. In person. Virtual church has been a blessing, but it is NOT good enough for the long run. Some churches aren’t having large group worship but are now meeting small groups. GO!
Seek extra encouragement – In addition to your local church, there are many virtual resources to help you get in and stay in the Word. (Again, not a substitute, but a supplement!) I lead a daily Bible reading group for women on Facebook. I would love for you to check it out. Also, Hello Mornings starts an online study of Ezra today!

I’d love to hear from you! How has the quarantine impacted your time in the Bible? If you have tips for staying in the Word, please share them in the comments below! If you’re struggling, tell us that too so we can encourage you!

Has More Time at Home Meant Less Time in the Bible for You? by Kathy Howard.

Get Ready to Praise God

There’s a lot we don’t know about heaven. We don’t know exactly what heaven will look like – or what we will look like! But, praise God, I do know how we will be spending much of our time. We will be praising God for all eternity!

 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: “To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb Be praise and honor and glory and power, forever and ever!” Revelation 5:13, NIV

We will be in the visible presence of God. Freed completely from our sinful, earthly shackles we can praise God with total abandon. That will be our primary heavenly activity. And it will be glorious!

Yet how often do we praise God here on earth? God deserves it. He also commands it. And frankly, I need the practice. What about you?

2 Reasons to Praise God

He is worthy – God deserves our praise. In fact, He alone deserves all praise: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being” (Revelation 4:11). 
He commands it – Throughout Scripture, the summons to God’s people to praise Him is most often in the imperative form. God commands us to praise Him. And like all His commands, praising God is not only fitting because He is worthy, it’s also for our good. (See “9 Benefits of Praise.“) He created us to worship and praise Him. So when we do, we are fulfilling the purpose of our lives.

What does it mean to Praise God?

I looked up a few of the words used in the Psalms as a call to praise – words like praise, extol, bless, exalt, glory, and laud. I will attempt to wrap it all up in one summary.

Praise is an act of humbling and submitting ourselves before the One who is worthy. It is recognizing God’s high and lofty position and expressing adoration for Him and His divine qualities. It is voicing sincere and deep gratitude for who He is and what He has done.

What does “praise” look like?

Our creative God has given us a variety of ways to praise Him. Praise can be expressed through speaking, singing, dancing, and music:

Praise the LORD. Sing to the LORD a new song, His praise in the assembly of the saints. Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King. Let them praise His name with dancing and make music to Him with tambourine and harp. Psalm 149:1-3, NIV

Let’s Practice Praise

Is your praiser a little rusty? Spend a few minutes practicing today. If you need help getting started, turn to the end of Psalms. The last six, 145-150 are particularly heavy with praise.

King David was the ultimate worship leader. The Psalms are filled with his songs of praise. Not only are they models for us, they can also “prime the pump” for our own praise. Here are a few ways we can use them:

Prayerfully read them out loud back to God.
Reword them as your own and pray them back to God.
Use David’s praise as your starting point. Elaborate on them in prayer.

Let’s fill the comments with praise today! God calls us to individual praise and corporate praise. Today, let’s share words of praise with each other here in the comments. You can use a verse from one of the Psalms that reflects your heart or use your own words. 

BIBLE STUDY OPPORTUNITY –  ECCLESIASTES! STARTS TODAY!

You are invited to join me for a slow, devotional journey through this book of ancient wisdom. We will explore what’s important in this life and what’s not. This 4-week study will happen in this closed Facebook group. Readings & questions for discussion are posted Monday-Friday. Check in daily or follow at your own pace! To join, follow the link and answer the 3 quick questions.

Get Ready to Praise God by Kathy Howard.

15 Characteristics of Grace

Grace bookmark

The stress of the last few months has had far-reaching effects. On our emotions. On our health. And on our relationships. When you’re forced into almost constant proximity with the same people, for days on end, sometimes it’s hard to be civil, much less gracious.

But that’s exactly what God calls His people to be – gracious. And not just when it’s easy. In fact, being “gracious” when it’s easy, when they deserve grace, really isn’t grace at all. Real grace is extending God’s loving kindness when they don’t deserve it. When it’s hard.

Instead of being a channel of God’s grace to others, I’m like a stagnant pool. I fail to pass along God’s undeserved loving kindness to others and instead hoard His grace like a selfish child. But God calls me to be a channel, not a pool. As someone who receives His constant supply of glorious grace, I should willingly share it with everyone around me. To be a “channel” that shares the grace with others that God has lavished on them. What about you? Are you a channel of grace or a stagnant pool.

Be a Channel of Grace

Anytime we find ourselves more “pool” than “channel,” it’s time to reflect again on God’s underserved grace in our own lives. In his book Putting a Face on Grace, Dr. Richard Blackaby writes that when we truly grasp its depth we would not dare withhold it from others.

“We are not called to just bathe in grace; we are called to shower it upon others. Grace has not been fully experienced until it is fully expressed to others. The deeper our understanding of grace, the more we see the necessity of making it the fabric of our Christian life.”

Everything we have, everything we are, and everything we will be depends solely on God’s lavish grace working in our lives. When that truth sinks into our hearts and minds, we will live our lives as a grateful responses to the grace God so generously pours out on us.

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15 Characteristics of Grace from Scripture

Grace often feels a bit abstract. What does it look like to extend grace to others? The following characteristics of grace – which are straight from Scripture – can be used to evaluate whether your words and actions reflect God’s grace to others. Also, download the free, printable bookmark! Keep it in your Bible as a reminder to be a person of grace:

Doesn’t insist on being right; seeks to make things right (Eph 4:3)
Willing to be inconvenienced (Eph 5:2)
Seeks the welfare of the other person (Phil 2:3)
Speaks words that build up, not tear down (Eph 4:29)
Doesn’t demand to be heard, but strives to listen (Prov 18:2)
Focuses on others needs instead of our own (Phil 2:4)
Acts with humility, not pride (1 Cor 13:4)
Doesn’t keep score (1 Cor 13:5)
Looks for ways to help and encourage others (Rom 12:10)
Freely forgives (Eph 4:32)
Seeks to understand (Rom 12:18)
Doesn’t expect a return (Rom 12:14)
Focuses on the important over the urgent (Phil 3:13-14)
Doesn’t pick and choose whom to show grace (Philemon 1:17)
Doesn’t overlook sin, but encourages holiness (1 Cor 13:6)

Do these characteristics of grace seem overwhelming? Remember, God has given us everything we need to live a life that pleases Him (2 Peter 1:3). In those moments when it’s hard to show grace to someone else, ask God to help. And remember we did not deserve His grace either.

When do you find it most hard to show grace? What are some things that help you show grace to others?

Want to learn more about God’s lavish grace. Kathy’s Bible study, “Lavish Grace” is a unique nine-week study of Paul’s experiences with and teachings about grace, Lavish Grace will guide you to recognize, rest in, and share the glorious grace of God. This study will help you:

Submit to God’s grace for continued spiritual transformation 
Learn to share God’s grace with others in practical ways
Rest in and rely on God’s grace in the inevitable difficult seasons of life

 

15 Characteristics of Grace by Kathy Howard.

Do You Read the Bible All Wrong?

Many of us often struggle to understand the Bible. And many sincere Christians understand some parts of Scripture differently from each other. While there are many reasons for our individual struggles and the doctrinal differences between groups and denominations, there is one problem that affects many of us: We often read the Bible incorrectly.

Christians have a God-given responsibility to handle God’s Word with the utmost care. “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).” But even those of us who genuinely long to be good stewards of God’s Word are susceptible to faulty handling of Scripture.

We truly want to know the Bible. We commit time to reading and studying it. But if we employ unsound interpretation methods, we will misunderstand the passage and miss what God has for us. While there is no end to how we might misuse and misunderstand Scripture, there are three interpretation trends in widespread use today.

3 Faulty Ways to Read the Bible


Applying culture to Scripture instead of applying Scripture to the Culture

We’ve all seen examples of this popular trend. And it isn’t just those outside the church who follow it. Some Christians today – even prominent Bible teachers and ministers – have allowed pressure from the culture to shape the way they see the Bible.

Sometimes this happens as a misguided attempt to be relevant. Sometimes we focus on God’s love and grace while ignoring His justice and holiness. And other times, we give in because we simply cannot handle the push back from the culture. But none of us have the authority to reshape or rewrite God’s divinely inspired Word.

God’s Word reflects His character. God is truth and determines truth. Therefore, His Word is truth (John 17:17). God does not change; His character does not shift or move to reflect the tides of time (James 1:17). Therefore, His Word is unchanging, established forever.

“’I the Lord do not change’ (Malachi 3:6a).”

The Bible is relevant today and forever. It is not static or bound by time. It crosses all cultural barriers, language differences, and geographical borders. Culture constantly changes, but God’s Word never changes. The Bible is the constant against which everything should be measured. When culture conflicts with the Bible, God is always right.

“Yet you are near, Lord, and all your commands are true. Long ago I learned from your statutes that you established them to last forever (Psalm 119:151-152).” 

Me-Centered Focus

The Bible is God’s revelation about Himself to us. It is by God and about God. Yes, His Word is for us, but not primarily about us. The Bible’s objective is to reveal God, His character, His purposes, His plans, and His ways, including His provision for salvation through Jesus.

“…and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:15

Yet in our 21st century, western mindset – even if it’s unconsciously – many of us make the Bible about us. We read it with ourselves as the main character because that’s what our culture – and our sin nature – has taught us to do in our everyday lives.

But reading the Bible this way causes us to miss the main point of Scripture – to know the Author. Going to the Bible with a me-centered perspective hinders us from understanding God’s true meaning. Instead, let us keep our focus on God. Let us approach Scripture looking for truths that elevate and glorify Him. Let us search for what the text teaches us about God’s character, purposes, and ways. When we do this, we will learn about ourselves, but it will always be through God’s perspective.

Straight to Application

This is probably the most common trend in incorrectly interpreting the Bible. This faulty tactic often begins with the question – “What does this mean to me??”  Or, if in a group, “What does this mean to you?” – We want to go straight to how the passage impacts us, to application. Sometimes, it’s because we are looking for a quick emotional lift to get us through the day. But asking this question has the potential to lead us far astray.

Honestly, it does not matter what a Bible verse or passage means to us. It only matters what it means to God. We must find the original meaning of Scripture before we can apply it. Yes, the Bible has endless application for our lives, but only one original meaning.

A passage can never mean what it never meant. Every part of Scripture means the same thing today as it did when it was written. If we fail to discover the original meaning, we will misuse, misapply, and possibly even abuse God’s Word. In our desire to understand the Bible, our goal should be to discover that one original meaning. To grasp the eternal truth God gave us through the pen of man. (For help on discovering the original meaning of a Bible passage, see “4 Guidelines to Help You Understand the Bible.”)

Instead of asking “what does this mean to me,” let us ask “what does this mean for me.” After we understand God’s original meaning of a passage, with the Holy Spirit’s help we can determine how God wants to apply His Word to our lives. God wants His Word to impact us, encourage us, shape us, equip us, and lead us to Christ. Yes, His Word is for us.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  2 Timothy 3:16-17

You can understand the Bible

Not all Christians have seminary degrees. Few of us can read the Bible in its original language. But all Christians can comprehend its truths. (For a simple method for reading and understanding the Bible, see “The 4 R Bible Study Method.”) God wants us to understand His Word. He has given Christians the capacity for understanding the Bible through the Holy Spirit dwelling within us (1 Corinthians 2:10-12). He is our Teacher (John 14:26). Unfortunately, the biggest hinderance to correctly understanding God’s Word is usually ourselves. Let us not fall back on faulty ways of interpreting Scripture. Instead, let’s read and study the Bible with the right attitude and proper focus, and rely on the Spirit to help us understand and apply God’s truth to our lives.

Have you ever fallen into one of these faulty traps? What other faulty methods have you seen?

 

Do You Read the Bible All Wrong? by Kathy Howard.

Should Christians Judge the World?

Should Christians judge the morality and behavior of the world around us? The cultural norm in America has shifted dramatically in the last few years. In fact, almost every day, another story pops up in the news revealing an ever-widening gap between the world’s values and God’s standards. Our culture glorifies and increasingly normalizes attitudes, values, and behavior that blatantly contradict biblical standards for godliness. But should Christians engage in this cultural clash? And if so, how?

A Christian’s Purpose in the World

Sometimes Christians get so distracted by cultural skirmishes we lose sight of our prime directive. A quick reminder of God’s purpose for Christians in the world will help us better determine how we should respond to our culture’s changing values:

Christians are “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14).
Christians are God’s priests, declaring His praises to the nations (1 Peter 2:9).
Christians are Christ’s ambassadors, imploring the world to be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).

Sometimes #Christians get distracted by #cultural skirmishes
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In Acts 20:24, the apostle Paul beautifully described this God-given task in the world as “testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” A Christian’s God-given purpose in the world is to introduce non-Christians to Jesus and His salvation. God has reserved judgment of the world for Himself (1 Corinthians 5:12-13), but we Christians often attempt to take His job. We expect non-Christians to share our standards, values, and viewpoints. When they don’t, we sometimes try to force them to accept and live by our Christian standards and worldview. (Note: God does command Christians to hold each other accountable in regard to sin. For more on this see “To Judge or Not to Judge.”)

But forcing Christian morality on our culture focuses on the symptoms of the problem and not the cause – the need for Christ. It’s like a doctor prescribing aspirin for a brain tumor. We cannot change the world and its ways from the outside in. Non-Christians will naturally act like non-Christians. Without the indwelling Spirit, God’s standards seem foolish to them (1 Corinthians 2:14). A true change of values and behavior must begin with a heart change.

The Danger of Fighting Like the World

Christians often use the world’s tactics in an attempt to fight a spiritual battle. We flood our status updates and tweets with shock and indignation over the latest symptom of a spiritually dead culture. We demand a secular business conform to God’s standards with a boycott. The usual result? The culture labels us intolerant hypocrites and closes its ears to the message that can change their eternity.

We can’t use the world’s tactics to fight a #SpiritualBattle
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Even if our efforts are deemed “successful” by the world’s standards, we must ask how a one-time temporary victory in a cultural skirmish impacts the greater spiritual battle. How do our efforts impact the name of Christ? Jesus invites the world to come to Him but we often throw stumbling blocks on their path. Rather than expressing Christ’s unconditional love for the sinner, our words and actions sometimes imply they must be “good enough” before they can come to Jesus.

What is our goal as Christians in the world?

Ed Stetzer describes this danger in an article at ChristianityToday.com:

“Our desire must not be to prove ourselves right or to force our way on the world around us. Instead, our goal is to show Christ to be true and worthy. Just as wrong as running away from our culture is driving people away from the church. Countering culture doesn’t mean attacking it. Countering culture means engaging culture with conviction and compassion.

We stand firmly on the truth of God, empowered by the Spirit, to extend the love of Christ to the world. Our desire isn’t to conquer but to redeem. It matters what we do, how we do it, and why we do it… A wrong response to culture is more than unhealthy or unhelpful. Engaging our culture is literally a matter of life or death.”

Christians Can Share Jesus and Counter a Godless Culture

Making the Gospel message our first priority doesn’t mean Christians simply go with the cultural flow. Armed with the proper goals, attitudes, and purpose, we can extend the grace of Jesus to the lost and stand firm on godly values. Whether we’re considering a boycott, picket line, or social media statement, these guidelines can help us evaluate our cultural engagement:

Keep the cause of the Gospel primary – Will our actions and words help or harm the spread of the Gospel? If I refuse to purchase Starbucks coffee or shop at Target will it help me engage my neighbor about spiritual things or hinder my opportunity to share Jesus?


Model a godly lifestyle – When Christians refuse to conform to the world, the world notices. A Christ-like life points people to Jesus and causes them to glorify God (1 Peter 2:11-12). We don’t want the tone of our cultural engagement to negate our lifestyle witness. Will the way we choose to engage the culture foster respect or derision? (See “4 Reasons Christians Compromise with the Culture.”)


Engage in gracious conversation – Public words of condemnation only close down lines of communication. But honest, grace-filled conversations within the context of relationship can spark interest in Jesus (Colossians 4:5-6). Always be prepared to lovingly, respectfully, and biblically speak to specific topics when asked (1 Peter 3:15).


Do not support ungodly behavior –Sometimes Christians condone sinful behavior in a misguided attempt to be tolerant or relevant. For instance, after the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold same-sex marriage nationwide, many Christians added a rainbow to their social media profile photos.


Do promote social change in positive, non-confrontational ways – Christians can vote, donate time and money, engage in politics, and support community efforts in ways that don’t invite confrontation and incite anger. Respectfully choosing to shop at a different store because of personal faith convictions elicits a different response from our culture than public words of condemnation. Supporting a crisis pregnancy center builds more relationships than an angry protest at an abortion clinic.

As we seek to share the Good News with the lost, let us be marked by our good deeds, not our opposition to the world. Let us be seen as for Christ, not as against the world.

 

Should Christians Judge the World? by Kathy Howard.

What are You Feeding Your Mind?

It’s common knowledge that our diets directly affect the health and working of our bodies. And while we may not eat right 100% of the time, most of us try to do what’s best for our bodies overall. Unfortunately, we aren’t always as careful with what we feed our minds. And it shows – not only in our view of the world, but also in our spiritual health.

What we put into our minds shapes our thinking. The way we think directly affects our character and behavior. For instance, if we repeatedly and exclusively hear society’s view that God’s teaching on sexual relationships is outdated and waiting for marriage is ridiculous, then we are likely to have sex outside of marriage. But if we learn about God’s perfect design for sexuality and marriage and accept His Word as timeless truth, it’s more likely our behavior will line up with that thinking.

What We Think about Matters

What our culture considers “good, moral, and acceptable” is a far cry from the truth of God’s Word. When we watch, read, and participate in things out of line with God’s truth our thinking becomes desensitized. As our thinking shifts and conforms to the world our character and behavior will follow.

The Bible shows the direct correlation between the way we think – our worldview – and our spiritual well-being. (See also, Do you have a Christian Worldview?)

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2, ESV

The Greek word translated as “renewal” in the ESV in Romans 12:2 means the “adjustment of the moral and spiritual vision and thinking to the mind of God, which is designed to have a transforming effect upon the life.” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary.) Basically, as we study God’s Word, His truth reshapes the way we think, aligning it with God’s. As our thinking aligns with His, His Spirit shapes our attitudes, motivations, and behavior to match Christ’s.

A Challenge to Evaluate Your Brain Food

Only the Holy Spirit can transform us (Titus 3:5), but we can cooperate with His work by feeding our mind with truth. Let’s ask God to show us where our thinking is out of line with His truth. Let’s ask Him to renew our thinking and transform our spiritual health. And let’s cooperate with Him in practical ways.

God’s Word tells us to think on things that are true, noble, right, pure lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). Could these characteristics describe the things you’re allowing into your mind?

Want to be spiritually fit? Start by honestly evaluating what you’re allowing into your mind. Use this downloadable worksheet BRAIN FOOD to evaluate the “food” you’re feeding your mind and how it may be shaping your thinking. Be as honest and as comprehensive as possible.

If you long to breakdown a secular worldview and build a biblical one, respond to what you discovered when you filled out the BRAIN FOOD worksheet. Consider these questions:

What things on your list do you feel have the most negative impact on your thinking?
Does God want you to reduce or eliminate any of these?
How can you manage your time to include more time filling your mind with God’s truth

Feeding Your Mind with Spiritual Health Food

 Ready to start “renewing your mind” but aren’t sure how to get started? There are countless ways to feed on the truth of God’s Word, but here are a few to get you started:

Read the Bible regularly
Listen to God’s Word (sermons, podcasts, audio Bible, etc)
Memorize Scripture
Meditate on Scripture
Join a Bible study group – I lead one on Facebook I’d love for you to check out. “Reading the Bible Together.”
Listen to worship and praise music while you work or drive

Feeling overwhelmed at the thought of change? Be patient with yourself. Just like it takes time and determination to improve our physical condition, our spiritual maturity doesn’t happen overnight.  Ask God and other Christians for help and accountability.

I’d love to help! My website is packed with free Bible study material and discipleship tools like Bible reading plans, quiet time tips, Scripture memory helps, and prayer helps. Check out the Free Resources page.

What other ways you can think of to feed our minds with the truth of God’s Word and override the lies from our culture?

 

 

What are You Feeding Your Mind? by Kathy Howard.

Why Are There So Many Bible Translations?

So. Many. Choices. Really, why do we need so many different Bible translations? Isn’t one enough?Unless we read Hebrew and Greek – the original language of the Bible – we must choose from the many English translations of the Bible. But there are dozens and dozens to choose from. How do we decide? Do we need more than one?

Why do so many different Bible translations exist?

If you speak more than one language, you know that everything doesn’t easily translate between one language and the other. Sometimes you have to make choices. And, if these languages are based in very different cultures, you also know that even if the words translate, the meaning may still get lost.

The Bible was not only written in a different language than ours, it was written in the context of a very different culture and time in history. Translators of the Bible have to consider not only the language but also the culture and the many changes brought by thousands of years. Even everyday things like units of measurements, money, calendars, and the way we keep time have changed.

Range of Translations Philosophies

Bible Translations are usually done by a team of biblical scholars. (There are a few exceptions. For instance, The Message was done by an individual.) The primary reason English translations differ depends on the philosophy of translation used by the translation team.

The translation philosophy determines how far the translator will go to bridge the gap between the two languages. They must decide what balance they’ll find between staying true to the original language and making it understandable to the reader.

Four Basic Groups of Bible Translation Philosophies

There are some defined groupings of translations, but they all fall along a spectrum from highly literal to highly paraphrased. (Feel free to download this Bible Translation Chart PDF!) There is no perfect literal translation from one language to another because of inherent differences in the structure and vocabularies of languages.

Formal Equivalent (also known as Word for Word, literal) – These translations are the closest to the grammar and syntax of the original language, but they can often sound wooden. Also, this kind of translation makes no consideration for cultural changes. (Ex: Amplified, KJV, ESV, NASB, RSV, ASV.)
Dynamic Equivalent (also known as Thought-for-thought) – These translations work to keep the overall original thought rather than attempt a literal word for word translation. Although not as technically accurate as the Formal Equivalent, they are much easier for 21st century westerners to understand. For instance, Dynamic Equivalent translations change idioms, figures of speech, and measurements into “equivalent” terms that we will understand. But also try to maintain historical and factual accuracy. (Ex: NLT, CEB, REB) Example of a need: Translating “it’s raining cats and dogs” into another language.
Optimal Equivalent – This “in-between” philosophy group is not on all the lists. But the NIV is the prime example. Desire to soften the stilted reading of the Formal Equivalent but still stay closer to the original language than the Dynamic Equivalent. (NIV, NJKV, CSB, NRSV)
Paraphrase (Free) – This translation group departs the furthest from the original language but it provides a fresh reading experience. A paraphrase is more of a big-idea-for-big-idea translation. It takes liberties with the literal words to create a “storytelling” feel. This translation group is fine for casual and inspirational reading but not recommended for study. With the paraphrase’s “storytelling” format, it would be great for family devotions with young children. (Ex: The Message, The Living Bible, Phillips)

The Translations I Use

When I read my Bible each morning, I usually read from two different translations to expand my understanding of the passage. First, I read it from a Word-for-Word translation since that will be more literal. I use the ESV. Then I read it in the NLT, a thought-for-thought transition, to help explain some of the more “stiff” places in the ESV. However, I use the NIV for memorization because that’s the translation I used for decades and many passages are more familiar to me from the NIV. There are so many great translations. And the good thing is, we don’t have to use just one!

A more literal translation is best for study, but a thought-for-thought or paraphrase is great for devotional reading or family devotions.

What translation do you use? Which one would you like to try?

Why Are There So Many Bible Translations? by Kathy Howard.

3 Tips to Help You Understand Proverbs

Want to live wisely? Then read the book of Proverbs. These timeless sayings are chock-full of biblical wisdom and insight. Proverbs are easy to remember and often fun to say. For instance, men love to quote Proverbs 21:9: “Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.” (Ladies, unfortunately this is sad, but true!)

However, believers today often misunderstand or misuse this ancient form of wisdom writing because it’s a bit odd to our modern ears. So first, let’s take a quick look at what a proverb is. Then we’ll touch on 3 tips to help us better understand proverbs so we can practically apply their godly wisdom to our lives.

What is a proverb?

Proverbs are short, pithy sayings that impart instructional, practical wisdom. They are observations of life stated in memorable ways. Life experience proves these general principles to be “usually true.”

Proverbs are not unique to the Bible. Many ancient cultures made us of this literary device. However, biblical proverbs are unique in that they acknowledge that true wisdom comes from God (Proverbs 1:7) and apply His spiritual principles to everyday life.

The goal of a biblical proverb is to help us make wise, godly choices in life.

How can we better understand Proverbs?

Like the rest of Scripture, the Proverbs must be understood in light of their purpose, literary genre, context, and original meaning (For more help on understanding the Bible see “4 Guidelines to Help You Understand the Bible” and “How Biblical Genre Impacts Our Understanding.”) Since proverbs are a unique literary style, we cannot interpret them in the same way we do a historical book or an epistle.

Although the tips below are just a tip of the interpretation iceberg, they will get us off to a great start in understanding the Proverbs and applying their wisdom to our lives.

3 Tips to understanding Proverbs:

A Proverb is a Principle, Not a Promise

A biblical proverb seeks to apply God’s wisdom to the situations of life. They are guidelines for living, general principles, not promises from God. While generally accurate, they can’t be applied to every possible scenario or specific circumstance. Therefore, they are not guarantees of a certain outcome, but rather pointers for the best chance for success.

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6

Many of us have known Christian parents who claimed Proverbs 22:6 as a promise and then were disillusioned when a child turned away from God and never returned. This demonstrates how important it is to understand the nature of a proverb: If we follow their wisdom they are generally true, but they don’t guarantee specific outcomes.

A Proverb is Pithy Poetry

A proverb is a saying that encapsulates a broad observation about life. Its primary goal is to state an important, simple truth about life in easy-to-remember terms.

“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” Proverbs 27:6

Brief and memorable, this proverb is about something much deeper than flesh wounds and kisses. True friends tell us the truth for our good, even when it hurts. “Enemies” simply tell us what we want to hear or butter us up to get something they want.

Let’s look beyond the figurative language and past the simple, catchy words of a proverb to find the deeper truth.  The practical principle that fosters godly living. Then apply that godly wisdom to our lives.

A Proverb has a Proper Perspective

Ancient standards guide these ancient proverbs. They usually speak of simple desires and basic needs. Yet, often we subconsciously impose our modern, Western mindset and values.

“Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord” (Proverbs 16:20).

Just imagine how the influence of our affluent culture can affect our understanding of “prospers” and “blessed.” The typical ancient Israelite considered himself blessed if he had shelter and enough food.

We could talk a lot more about proverbs. However, if we remember these 3 tips, we will be well on our way to wise living!

Did any of these 3 surprise you? In light of these 3 tips, have been misunderstanding a particular proverb?

 

3 Tips to Help You Understand Proverbs by Kathy Howard.

10 Observation Tips for Better Bible Study

Want to get more out of your personal time in God’s Word? You can do better Bible Study through being an active observer.

Every Scripture passage in the Bible has just ONE meaning – what God meant when the Scripture was first written. Our task as students of the Bible, is to discover the original meaning of Scripture through proper study techniques (See “4 Guidelines to Help You Understand the Bible” and “The 4 R Bible Study Method”) and observation.

A Few Tips for Observing a Bible Passage

Read the passage multiple times – Focus on one area of observation at a time so you don’t miss anything important.
Choose a way to record what you observe – Depending on your preference, you can mark these in your Bible, takes notes in a journal, or record them in some other way. I use a journaling Bible with an extra-wide, lined journaling column. I make study notes there and I use a highlighting system to help me observe the passage.
Develop your own system – If you have your own way of doing things, the system will work better for you in the long run. For instance, always look for the same area of observation first (maybe truths about God). Or use pen or highlighter colors that are significant to you. (I use purple to highlight truths about God because the color reminds me of royalty). Decide how you will take notes.

The observation tips below are not exhaustive, but they are a solid place to start. You won’t spot everything in every passage. But in every passage your observation will help you do better Bible study.

10 Things to Record for Better Bible Study

Truths about God– The Bible is first and foremost a book about God. He is everywhere – in every passage, on every page. It may be blatant or subtle, but He will be there. Looks for truths about His nature, His character, His ways, and His purposes.
Key Words & Phrases– Repetition in God’s Word is not accidental. If you see words and phrases repeated, take note. God is trying to point to something important.
Important facts – Mark any facts you see in the passage that will help you understand what’s happening. Things like people, places, numbers can be key to comprehension.
Connecting or Transition Words – You may have heard the saying, “when you see a ‘therefore,’ ask what it’s there for.” Words like “now, because, therefore, so, since, but” show a relationship, an explanation, or a cause and effect. When you see a connecting word, determine its purpose for being there.
Questions and answers – We find this powerful teaching tool throughout the Bible. Jesus often asked questions and then fleshed out His answer (see Matthew 6:25-34. The apostle Paul also used questions and answers in His letters (see Romans 6:1-14). When you see a question in Scripture, be sure to look for the answer.
Commands – The Bible is full of commands. Some are one-time commands for specific individuals at a specific time. Others are for all God’s people for all time. For instance, “love one another” is applicable to us today!
Lists – When I read/study God’s Word, I watch for lists and groups that will help me understand a spiritual truth or topic. I mark things like characteristics, qualities, and reasons in the text and then list them in the margin of my Bible. For instance, in John chapter 5, Jesus told the Jewish leaders that the testimony/witness about Him was strong and came from multiple sources. Then He began to name those witnesses – John the Baptist, the signs Jesus performed, God the Father, and the Scriptures.
Spiritual principles– There will be a lot of overlap here with “truths about God.” However, eternal spiritual principles impact our daily lives. For instance, Psalm 1 teaches that those who meditate constantly on God’s Word will thrive spiritually and live fruitful lives for God’s Kingdom.
Contrasts and comparisons – The Bible often compares and contrasts to show how people or things are alike or different. These literary tools can more clearly show the reader the way that pleases God. For an example, see the contrast between godly Mordecai and prideful, evil Haman in Esther 6:10-12.
Word pictures – Similes and metaphors paints pictures that help us better understand spiritual truths. For instance, Jesus’ description of Himself as “the true vine” in John 15 helps us understand what it means to constantly abide in Him.

What other things can we “observe” in Scripture? What helps you better understand a passage?

 

10 Observation Tips for Better Bible Study by Kathy Howard.

Who Controls Your Calendar?

I use the Apple calendar. I love that an addition or change on one device syncs with my other devices. Before the Apple calendar I had a Palm Pilot. Before the Palm Pilot, I faithfully kept a paper calendar I referred to every day.

That just confirms what I’ve known for a long time. I am a planner.

Drives my husband nuts. It sometimes frustrates me too. Changes, cancellations, and delays tend to upset my Apple cart.

For years now, God has been teaching – and patiently re-teaching – me a lesson about my planning, my time, and Who’s really in control.

Apparently, I needed a refresher on that lesson. Before COVID-19 hit the U.S. my spring calendar was packed. A trip to New York with my daughters and daughter-in-law. Multiple speaking and teaching events. A conference or two. A couple of weddings, a couple of concerts – my husband is a big music buff.

And then, just like your calendar and plans, everything was wiped off in one clean sweep.

God’s Perfect Sense of Timing

God does indeed have a perfect sense of timing. I just finished reading through the book of James. The whole book is packed with practical wisdom and direction for our faith today. But one passage in particular is so relevant to my need to plan.

Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.”  How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” Otherwise you are boasting about your own pretentious plans, and all such boasting is evil. James 4:13-16, NLT

That doesn’t mean we can’t make plans. It simply means we should seek God’s direction and then hold our plans loosely. Be ready and willing to change. James wrote that making plans without seeking God’s will and direction is “boastful.” Why?

First, we don’t know what tomorrow will bring. We have no control over the future. And, second, our time, resources, and talents all belong to God. He has the right to dictate how and when they are used.

God Owns Our Calendar

For years now, God has been working to teach me this truth: My time belongs to Him for His purposes. Leaving God out of my planning reveals an attitude of pride and willful independence. God wants me to be humbly dependent on Him. And that’s really the best and safest place to be anyway.

Only God knows what tomorrow will bring. And, thankfully, He is in total control!

I want to be a humble, God-seeking planner. What about you?

Other posts you may find helpful:

The Sacred Cow of Busyness
Three Practical Steps for Right-side Out Faith
When Busyness Crowds Out Stillness

Who Controls Your Calendar? by Kathy Howard.