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You know you should, but maybe it overwhelms you

8/15/2019

You know you should read the Bible, but you don't usually. Maybe never. Maybe it is because it is a big book full of a whole bunch of words and you don't know where to start. Maybe you've tried in the past and it confused you and so you are afraid to try again. Maybe it's just cause you have tried when you're tired and really just wanting to relax. Maybe. Maybe. Maybe.

I don't know why you don't read the Bible, but I want to encourage you to try again (or for the first time). The Bible is different from every other book ever (or will ever) be written. It is living. Seriously! You don't need to feed or water it. It is self-sufficient. But, it will change you (for the better) if you give it time. It truly is filled with words straight from God's mouth! Words from the Creator of the Entire Universe! You won't regret any time you spend in it. I guarantee this. And God will give you the time back you spend trying to get to know Him better.

So! Here we are! What now? Get your Bible and ask God to open your heart to hear from Him.

Now, below I've listed the 15 shortest books in the Bible in descending order. I believe I got them right, but even if I didn't the ones I list are very short!

What if you took this list and told yourself I am going to read these 15 books by the end of the year. That sounds like a lot until you realize how short they are. The shortest one is just a few paragraphs long. The longest one on this list is just four pages long! If you can read you can read this list. Here is the list:

1. 3 John
2. 2 John
3. Philemon
4. Jude
5. Obadiah
6. Titus
7. 2 Thessalonians
8. Haggai
9. Nahum
10. Jonah
11. 2 Peter
13. Joel
14. 1 John
15. James

Now, there is no shame in using the Table off Contents! I do and I've been reading the Bible daily since 1988 (If you happen to be part of the church I attend I plan on giving everyone a copy of this list this coming Sunday).

Reading other people's thoughts on scripture is good. Listening to people speak about scripture and God and His principles is good, but none of this can take the place of you personally getting into the Word. God wants to speak to you directly.

Romans 15:4 says, "Even if it was written in Scripture long ago, you can be sure it's written for us."

Replace the word "us" with your name. It was written for you.

And here you go -- my guarantee. If you read the Bible and regret it, email me here. I'll do something for you. And if you don't have a Bible let someone know who can get you a copy. Or, email me about that too. I'll help you figure it out. But if you are on the internet you can access the Bible in tons of different version at Biblegateway.com.

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Maybe a few years ago

5/31/2017

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I don't know when I started it. Maybe it's been a few years now. Or maybe it hasn't been that long. No matter. I share this with you because it's been kind of amazing how God uses it, and you can do the same thing daily.

Every day I post a Bible verse on my Facebook timeline. I don't even know why I started doing this. I post something I read in my own quiet time or sometimes I just open up the Bible and find a verse I like. There is really no certain way I choose the verse.

Well, after I'd done it for quite a while I was thinking about stopping this practice. And then I heard from people. I've had people tell me it inspires them. I've had other people tell me that the verses I post speak to them directly every single time.

Again, read how I post them -- I don't have any set routine on how I do it. I just want it on the timeline in the morning. That's it.

Once I started hearing from people that it was being used in their lives I realized whatever else, if someone reads it, they get are getting scripture that day, and daily scripture is a necessity for everyone.

So I will keep posting, but I challenge you to do the same. Just post something you read in the Bible. Or open up a Bible and just pick one. Any verse will do. It is all living words. The writer of Hebrews writes in 4:12, "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

I know this is true. There are no other books in the universe like the Bible. There are no other words in the universe like God's very own words.

Post a verse today. If nothing else, if you're one of my facebook friends, share the one I post. It doesn't matter who does the sharing. What matters is that God's word gets out there.

You can do it!

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Back in Leviticus -- what a mother does

3/15/2017

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A dear friend often asks at the local ladies' Bible study if we read the Bible to our kids. Especially being a pastor's wife you'd think my answer would quickly be yes, but often I've thought they can read it themselves. Their whole lives they've seen their mother read her's every day so I just thought it was rubbing off.

But when my friend asked that, I thought it wouldn't hurt.

The big question is -- what do you read?

Oh sure, I could read about Jesus and His miracles but they hear about those in Sunday School. So, I go to texts they often don't read.

I like to approach it with a bit of humor. Last week when one of my children was really not honoring the fourth commandment, one of my favorites (Honor your father and mother), I read about the need to obey your parents. And I love to insert their names into the text, especially Pete's when he's been a real stinker.

This week I'm reading Leviticus to them, specifically Leviticus 13 which is called "The Test for Leprosy" in my Bible. In this often unread chapter we talk about sores; white and black hairs, and isolation of the the indivduals infected. Great fun to read. I read to Megan and Pete as they eat breakfast. I decided today I probably had leprosy and needed to be put into isolation for seven days (as long as I get to take my Bible, journal, a few other books; my coffee and coffee maker and computer -- oh yes, and my fountain pen and extra ink). My husband heard our conversation from the bedroom and told me when I walked in that I couldn't have leprosy without him cause he wanted to be isolated with me. Next week I think I'll read to my kids about when women had their menstual cycles. They were sent outside the camp for a week I think also. Unfortunately, I can't get sent outside the camp because I had a hysterectomy in 2006. Darn!

What does this accomplish in my kids?

I don't know. I find it funny. Plus, I know all of God's Word is "living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12

God's Word always accomplishes work in the reader's and hearers' hearts. I usually don't know what that is no matter what I read -- especially, I rarely know what God is doing in other people's hearts. I've learned that isn't my business. That is between them and God. Jesus even said this to Peter one time after Jesus came back to life. Jesus had just gotten done telling Peter to follow Him. Then, the text says (John 21:20-21), "Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them . . . (and) said to Jesus, 'Lord, and what about this man?'"

Jesus answers, "If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!"

(Did you notice that exclamation mark? Yeah, that's in the Bible.)

Essentially, Jesus told Pete it wasn't his concern, wasn't his business at all. Sometimes we think we need to know how God is working in others. We don't. We moms and wives are really bad at this at times. We love our children and husbands so much we sometimes overstep our boundaries and try to do the Holy Spirit's job. He doesn't need our help.

So, here's the question -- do you read the Bible to your kids? Why not try? Pick anywhere. How about Revelation or Daniel or Ezekiel. Oooo, the first few chapters of Ezekiel are great! A bunch of horses and angels and all sorts of stuff. It'd made for some conversation starters.

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Do we really need to read Leviticus?

8/1/2016

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So this morning I was sitting at my table outside praying, writing and reading. It depends on the day what I read. This morning I was using the PrayerPoint magazine from Samaritan's Purse. Today the scripture to read was found in Leviticus. I say to God, "Do I have to read Leviticus?" I'm thinking it is so darn tedious to read it. And I hear, "Give it a try."

Now one of the amazing things about God's word is that it is alive and God can show you new things every time you read. You could read the same passage every day for a month or more and God could show you something new every day. Seriously!

So, I decided to give it a try. Here's a little sample of what I read:

4 ‘These are the appointed times of the Lord, holy convocations which you shall proclaim at the times appointed for them. 5 In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month [a]at twilight is the Lord’s Passover. 6 Then on the fifteenth day of the same month there is the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the Lord; for seven days you shall eat unleavened bread. 7 On the first day you shall have a holy convocation; you shall not do any laborious work. 8 But for seven days you shall present an offering by fire to the Lord. On the seventh day is a holy convocation; you shall not do any laborious work.’” (Leviticus 23:2-8 taken from Biblegateway.com).

Not real exciting reading. And this little section isn't the most tedious of the chapters I read.

And do you know what I thought about? First, like I've thought in the past -- so glad we don't have to keep all the rules about days and sacrifices in our Christian faith. Second, and here is the new insight for me -- through all the regulations and the details God was teaching His people how think differently. They had been living in Egyptian society for hundreds of years. Yes, they were still Hebrew and they were slaves but living in a culture rubs off on you in ways you don't even realize. They had to learn how to think as free people. They had to learn how to follow God in everything. They had to learn how to trust Him. So much they had to learn - so much I can't even fathom.

And I realized this is what God is doing for each of us all the time. We are having to learn how to think like Him and view life from His perspective. We live in a culture that has permeated us deeply. It just happens. We need to unlearn how to live life. And this takes a lifetime. We are never done unlearning while on this earth. We can be serving God for decades and not realize somewhere along the way we picked up a very ungodly way of looking at a certain subject. God doesn't condemn this. He reveals this to us and then proceeds to help us think rightly.

And those problems that go on and on and come back over and over in your life are very likely areas that really need to be unlearned. And that takes a very long time.

"make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame, may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed." Hebrews 12:13

This is what God is doing with the life we have. In life we can sustain an injury -- a broken leg for example. In order to get that leg back to working order we have to focus on it and do the things that need doing so it can heal correctly. That's what's happening within us if we allow it.

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Is it betrayal?

7/8/2015

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You're doing things the way you're supposed to -- God says don't worry. So you don't. You don't allow worry to cloud your brain. You're handling life as it comes. You thank God for the little things in your life. You can honestly say you're loving those dear ones in your life, even enjoying them. You're making a great effort at choosing wisely and not being stupid.

So then how come there's still an emotional knot in your chest sucking you dry?

Did you know that your brain isn't the only part of you that thinks? Cells throughout the body have their own thoughts in a way.

And they might be betraying you.

Sometimes they know things you don't. Those other parts of you know you better than you know yourself. Maybe they have a line to the subconscious?

I'm not sure but I do know that I had that knot but I didn't know what it was from. I was and am doing that first paragraph, but as I was doing this the knot kept getting heavier and bigger and suckier.

I'm pretty sure God was trying to show me what was going on but it took a two hour car ride and tears leaking out before I knew what it was about. I'm one of those people who feel before I understand why I feel what I feel. Like, I might be feeling angry but have no clue as to what I am angry about. It takes me time to reconcile my feelings with my thoughts. It does happen. And when it does freedom follows or is in the process of taking hold of me. As Jesus says in John 8, "you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (okay, a side note here -- that is kind of taking the verse out of context but the power of it is still there and in a roundabout way it is perfectly in context)."

Even though I knew better that rapidly growing knot (or more like a rapidly growing rock) was worry! I know better! I know not to worry. I wasn't with my brain. But some part of me was worrying. If you know what's going on in my life you might think you know what I was worrying about. We are in the process of moving and selling our place and gaining new employment and health insurance -- a whole lot of unknowns.

The amazing thing is that I'n not worried about those unknowns. I know God has called us to Dupree, SD. When God calls us to do something He takes care of us. He makes sure we have what we need to do His work (which includes taking care of our families).

What I was worrying about (and still have to fight) is the choices my adult children will make (or not make). I've realized it is so darn hard to just let them fly off without trying to fly for them. Obviously, flying for them won't work. It will just frustrate them and me. It will hinder their growth and hurt our relationship.

When birds begin to fly they fall. They stumble. It's part of the process. Parent birds know their offspring will fall, and they let them. Parent birds are smart enough to give their offspring space to learn to fly. I need to do the same.

So, how do you know if your body is betraying you? Worrying for you? Ask yourself these questions:

Is your body carrying unnecessary tension?

Does your immune system seem weak?

Are you feeling heavy inside?

Do you have a short fuse or do you feel emotionally spent for no apparent reason?

Are you always tired?

Does everything feel like drudgery?

If you said yes to any of those questions, spend some time in prayer and the Bible. Ask God to reveal any hidden worry you might have. He'll do it. He doesn't want you to carry this kind of thing around. He wants you free.

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They Don't Help At All

7/27/2013

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There is one thing I can't seem to ever have enough.

Books.

I love books.

I can spend hours at the library or at a bookstore (if there aren't children with me).

And when I need help with something, need a new skill or need an answer or direction, I immediately try to find the perfect book to help me (thankfully I am not as impulsive as I used to be in this area-- my husband has a lot of patience with me).

But even when I get some new books and find out that they do indeed address my need perfectly, if I don't apply what I've read they don't help at all.

Right now I'm sitting in my living room with a stack of books beside me. There is one book in the stack I haven't used much at all. It would help me with my current art project if I opened it up and used what the author shares. Yet, I haven't (but I intend to).

Have you done this?

Maybe with an exercise program?

Or, a new way of eating?

What about with your faith?

Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 2:13d, "the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe."

Scripture can't perform its work if you don't believe it, if you don't act on it, if you don't give it a chance.

The Hebrews writer writes in chapter 4:12, "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

We can know a lot of stories from the Word and still not know the Word. It takes a lifetime and more to know what is written in it.

I read Oswald Chambers devotional today and found it so good. I want to share part of it with you:

"The golden rule to follow to obtain spiritual understanding is not one of intellectual pursuit, but one of obedience . . . spiritual darkness is the result of something that I do not intend to obey.

"No one ever receives a word from God without instantly being put to the test regarding it. We disobey and then wonder why we are not growing spiritually."

Act on the Word.

Act on the truths you know.

In A Grief Observed, C.S. Lewis writes, "You never know how much you really believe anything until its truth or falsehood becomes a matter of life and death to you. It is easy to say you believe a rope to be strong and sound as long as you are merely using it to cord a box. But suppose you had to hang by the rope over a precipice. Wouldn't you then first discover how much you really trusted it? The same with people... Only a real risk tests the reality of a belief."

Did you take my challenge to read the Word for 30 days? How's it going?

If you aren't doing it (and don't already read the Word daily) try it. Your life will change.

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Don't do this!

7/19/2013

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I had to look up a word this morning. Feeling pretty stupid but thankful for online dictionaries!

Once I looked it up I realized I already knew what it meant in another context.

Dissipate -- The rain dissipated.

The rain will dissipate soon.

The rain needs to dissipate.

The dye dissipated in the water.

Get it?

I'm sure you do (I find that my readers are a whole lot smarter than I am).

But what about using dissipate in reference to your life?

This is what confused me.

Jesus says in Luke 21:24a, "Be on guard, that your hearts may not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life,"

What the heck does dissipation mean in this context? This is what I had to look up. What I found out was so darn interesting.

From Thesaurus.com I got this great list of synonyms (I had to look up how to spell synonym too -- this 45 year old brain has holes in it!):

squandering of money, energy or resources; be wasteful with, blow, burn up, consume, deplete, dump, fritter away, indulge oneself, lavish, misspend, misuse, run through, squander, throw away, trifle away, use up, waste.

Golly, I read that and thought -- I've done that with some of my life. Squandering of energy really speaks to me because I have a limited amount everyday. I have to choose what I will use that energy on. If I use too much my 10 year old gets after me. She'll say, "Mom, you wore yourself out again!"

And she'd be right.

From this verse in Luke I find that I'm not supposed to do that. Energy is as important than our money and resources. So is time. Exchange the word energy for the word time. The "squandering of time."

Lots of people do this. We act like we have all the time in the world when in fact we don't. This might be your last day on earth. This might be your last hour. I saw this with my daughter Maggie. At 11 a.m. March 19 I was quizzing her on her spelling words. Three hours later she quit breathing and never woke up.

Listen though -- only you and God know what is squandering your time or money or resources or energy. It's so okay to enjoy yourself, to enjoy a laugh or two; or whatnot. And it is perfectly fine to go on vacation (spending too much time at work may be squandering your time).

Here's a good question to ask if it worth your time -- is it building relationships? Is it strengthening your relationship with God? With other? Even with yourself (in the way that it helps you become the person God created you to be)?

Or is it distracting you from really living? Is it mindless?

Don't waste time. Please. I'm so thankful for every second I had with my Moo (that was Maggie's nickname here at home). I don't regret one second (yet, I do wish that last day with her I would have held her on my lap until she had to go).

Think where you could be in your relationship with God if you begin today -- I am so thankful that in the fall of 1987 I started reading scripture regularly. In Feb of 1988 I began reading it every day. Since then I don't think there's been a day I haven't. And the wonderful thing about this is that how it has transformed my mind and heart and entire life because it isn't just another book. It is living.

OK. I'm really going on tangents this morning, but I have a challenge for you if you have the courage to take it: take up a Bible and read it every day for 30 days and see what happens. I am very partial to The Message. It isn't the one I read every day, but boy, Eugene H. Peterson gave the world a gift with The Message. Here's a copy you can get for under $6 on Amazon. With shipping it will cost you $10.

Try it. And if you do, let me know what you think after those 30 days. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

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Got A Great Idea from Rosella's Site

2/26/2013

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The last several days I always wake up with JJ Heller songs playing in my head. I can't explain this except that I kind of think God is putting them there to remind me of His love for me and that He is here. I have no idea really. The only time i listen to my JJ CDs is when I travel somewhere for a while so it isn't like I am listening to them every day. I have to drive a lot today so I ordered another of her CDs, but it hasn't come yet. Oh well (this is one of Jane's tangents she shares for no apparent reason but maybe it actually speaks to someone out there in cyber space).

Oh wait! I know why I shared that -- because it led me to a search that led me to Rosella's site. She is a Believer who is going through treatment for cancer. She shares her faith and her healing journey with readers. And one of her posts gave me an idea I wanted to share hoping someone will use it (More on that after I share with you something about VOM).

As I sat down at the table this morning I opened up the Voice of the Martyrs newsletter VOM faithfully sends out monthly. This month it tells several stories of Believers in other countries risking their lives daily to get Bibles to other Believers. One article says some Believers have been waiting ten years to get a copy! Ten years! They wait so long because they know it is God's actual words to people. They know the Bible is filled with words that will change their lives, their circumstances, their very cell make-up (well, maybe not everyone of them think like that....but you get the idea). Scripture gives them hope in horrific situations.

Yet, Scripture isn't just powerful for those in oppressed countries.

It isn't just needed by those who face persecution daily.

It isn't just needed by those who may lose their lives today for their faith.

It is needed by all of us. Truly.

It actually hurts to see Believers who struggle so much when I know those struggles would be relieved if they knew the Word better. Knowing the Word and knowing how to use it equips people to be able to withstand everything this life throws at them. Knowing and using the Word rightly protects people's hearts and minds from relentless attacks. And even when they are attacked, Believers who engage the Word in these situations will be able to stay in God's peace and not be rattled (or at least not be rattled for long).

But I know it isn't easy for many Believers to read the Word daily. It is a struggle. Life gets in the way. Busyness and all sorts of stuff tell Believers they will read it later, and later never comes.

So, here's the idea I got from Rosella's site -- something she is doing with her friends: If you have trouble reading the Word get two or three friends together and hold each other accountable to read the Word. Maybe you three can decide to read the same book or whatever....just PLEASE get in the Word. Equip yourself. Don't let the struggles of life overwhelm you and take your peace from you any longer.

Yes, truly knowing the Word and using it will do all this for you.

If you don't know it you can't use it.

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My Morning Recommendations

1/31/2013

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I had a disturbing conversation with someone I love dearly. This person has bought into some popular propaganda which has the potential to be dangerous and life-changing (and not in a good way). The emotional part of me wants to rant and rave and stuff but thankfully I didn't and I won't. Instead, I am leaving it in God's hands and talking to Him about it and also hopefully putting a plan in place to expose the truth.

Another thing that has happened that is kind of cool is my husband's college homework -- the stuff he is studying ties so well in what he teaches at work. We sure didn't plan that but as he is does the work a path is beginning to show itself. Proverbs 4:18 says "the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, That shines brighter and brighter until the full day."

We're seeing this happen in this schooling Shannon has taken on. Eventually his profession will change. Eventually all his past knowledge will be worked into his new job, into his future. It's happening now and it is quite exciting.

When we choose to follow God, often we have to take it step by step. As we walk in the way things become more clear. Think about Abraham. When God called him he didn't tell Abraham where He was taking him and his family. He just said go this way. As he went more was revealed. God works on a "need to know" basis.

Wow. What I really wanted to share with you this morning was neither of the things I already shared! That's okay. Here's what I wanted to share: if you have time read Isaiah 25 - 26. There are some incredible verses, some profound truth in these chapters. I'll share a few here:

"For Thou hast worked wonders, Plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness" 25:1

"For Thou hast been a defense for the helpless, A defense for the needy in his distress, A refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat;" 25:4

"He will swallow up death for all time, And the Lord God will wipe tears away from all faces, And He will remove the reproach of His people from all the earth . . . And it will be said in that day, 'Behold, this is our God for whom we have waited that He might save us. This is the LORD for whom we have waited; Let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation."
25:8-9

"The steadfast of mind Thou wilt keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in Thee." 26:3

"We have waited for Thee eagerly" 26:8b

Check them out if you have time today. Oh, reading the Word is never a waste of time. If you let it soak into you it will change you and it will be a lasting change.

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Dig out those gems

1/1/2013

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Are you ready to dig out the gems waiting for you this year?

I hope so.

Anyway, life is glorious -- another quiet morning for me. I'm thankful, so very thankful for it.

What am I going to read in this New Year and new month?

Isaiah is what I chose. I've read it many times before, but the thing about scripture is that it isn't just words like words in a favorite novel or nonfiction book. Words in scripture are alive.

The writer of Hebrews says, "For the word of God is living and active."

So, I open up to Isaiah and read my Bible's introduction to the book and the first chapter.

And a gem was waiting for me.

I'd read it before but it never spoke to me like it did today. The verse is Isaiah 1:29. This is what it says:

"Surely you will be ashamed (of what) you have desired . . . you will be embarrassed (at what) you have chosen."

I thought of things I'd desired in the past that I told myself could be God's will when in fact they weren't at all.

What if all those things were put on a big screen for everyone to see -- things I said I wanted so I could do God's work -- when really they were just to feed my own fear, lack of faith, lust for comfort, etc.

A passage in 1 John 2 came to mind:

"Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world."

We can talk ourselves into anything. We can take something that is not from God (and we'd see this if we were thinking clearly) and tell ourselves that it is from Him.

I've wasted so much time focusing on things other than God.

We can't get time back.

Wait, wait, wait!

Don't waste time putting yourself down either. We're told in Romans 8:1 there is no condemnation Christ.

It is a new day.

It is a new year.

God gives fresh mercy and love every morning (you can find that in Lamentations 3).

I'm not going to fool myself anymore (I'll try not to anyway). I just don't have the time. Let's do what Jesus said in John 9:4:

"We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work."

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Words

10/6/2011

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"Do not My words do good To the one walking uprightly?" Micah 2:7c

God's words do you good. Really.

But they won't do you good if you don't read them. Yes, I am shamelessly telling you to read your word. And don't just read it, ingest it. Apply it.

I am currently working on a book that gives the readers 100 ways the Bible benefits those who read it. Why am I writing this? Because a Believer who doesn't read her word, is a believer who isn't using one of the main weapons God has given her to fight this fight of faith and life. If you haven't experienced the power of the word then you haven't truly applied it.

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You know you should, but maybe it overwhelms you

Maybe a few years ago

Back in Leviticus -- what a mother does

Do we really need to read Leviticus?

Is it betrayal?

They Don't Help At All

Don't do this!

Got A Great Idea from Rosella's Site

My Morning Recommendations

Dig out those gems

Words

Who is Jane Hinrichs?

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