Creative Bible Study BlogWelcome to our Creative Bible Study blog - a Christian blog dedicated to getting believers excited about God's Word and all it holds. We will update you on any new and exciting additions to our site as well as highlight items you might otherwise miss. Have you ever wondered if you were "creative?" Well, God is and we each were created in His image. Today is your day to be creative as you let the truth of God's Word impact your life and the lives of those around you. The dictionary defines creative as: cre·a·tive 1. having the quality or power of creating. 2. resulting from originality of thought, expression, etc.; imaginative: creative writing. 3. originative; productive (usually fol. by of). 4. Facetious. using or creating exaggerated or skewed data, information, etc.: creative bookkeeping.
Subscribe to our Creative Bible Study RSS feed and you can have creative Bible lessons, ideas, and updates delivered to you everyday. You don't have to fill out any personal information; just click the orange button marked "RSS" - (Real Simple Syndication)at the bottom of our navigation bar on our homepage and follow the instructions. We hope you'll join us! Side Note: My Windows browser has an orange RSS feed button on my toolbar that detects RSS feeds; I can just click it to subscribe to my favorite interest sites. It's so easy and fun! Feb 5, 2012 Great Christian Book for Young Teen Girls!
A new author of Christian books for teens that I've recently read is Angela Dusenberry. She addresses important life issues such as friendship, loss, self image, etc. on a level designed primarily for the younger teen girls.
Dusenberry's site describes this Undercover Angels series in this way: "With a strong focus on the adventure filled life of a true child of God, this Christian fiction book series for girls demonstrates through character role models what a young girl who is yielded completely to God can achieve. The emphasis is on what "tweens" should do, not only on what they should avoid. " If you're looking for a great read that is both appropriate and life-impacting for a young girl, check this author out! Also, note that 50% of royalties will go to benefit Gospel for Asia! Permalink -- click for full blog post "Great Christian Book for Young Teen Girls!" Jan 31, 2012 Valentine's Day Object Lessons & Ideas
Find great ideas to share God's love this Valentine's Day through object lessons and other fun ideas on our Christian object lessons page! Permalink -- click for full blog post "Valentine's Day Object Lessons & Ideas" Jan 18, 2012 Bible MemoryMemorizing Bible verses and the books of the Bible can be fun! We've located games, songs, and other Bible memory activities and creative ideas to assist children in hiding God's Word in their hearts. Permalink -- click for full blog post "Bible Memory" Jan 13, 2012 Come and Drink!It’s that time of year...I’m feeling the effects of winter dryness! It’s as if my body’s moisture is being sucked right out – leaving dry skin and chapped lips! Even my eyes feel dry! There are great skin moisturizers out there that help, or even using a humidifier in my house would bring some relief. The bottom line though – the best remedy – is to drink more water! Pretty simple, huh?
But how many times do we know what to do, but we resist doing it? God tells us over and over in His Word to come to Him and drink! Isaiah 55:1 ”Come, everyone who is thirsty, come to the waters;” John 7:37 ”On the last and most important day of the festival, Jesus stood up and cried out, "If anyone is thirsty, he should come to Me and drink!” Revelation 21:6 ”And He said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give to the thirsty from the spring of living water as a gift.” So are you feeling that spiritual dryness in your life? Come to Him and drink! The Living Water is free to all and waiting to quench our greatest thirst! Permalink -- click for full blog post "Come and Drink!" Jan 5, 2012 Softening Our Start Up!Last night at our ladies’ Heart to Home meeting, our Bible study lesson was on gentleness. This year we’re taking a close look at Colossians 3:12-15: ” Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” What a powerful passage of Scripture to model our life by this year! As I said, last night we focused on the “gentleness” aspect. I handed each of them an egg (uncooked of course); you should have seen how carefully they took it and held it! What if we were just as conscious of being that gentle with the people in our lives? It would probably save us from cleaning up a lot of messes and walking on egg shells! The Heart to Home lesson said we need to “Soften Our Start Up.” It said, “Marriage therapists say that many arguments first “start up” because a spouse sometimes starts the conversation with such harsh accusations and verbal attacks, that the conflict will end the way it started. However, if you begin with a softened startup – gentle without criticism – or attacking your spouse you’re more likely to end the discussion productively.” So many times we need to stop before we speak and “soften up” the start of conversations we have with others. Harshness only pushes others away and builds walls. Gentleness opens its arms like a warm blanket welcoming others with love. Aren't we thankful our Lord and Savior continues taking the time to be gentle with us; let's pass His great love along to others! Let’s “soften our start up” this year! What a great way to “start up” a New Year! Jan 3, 2012 One Year Bible Reading PlanFind several options for developing your own One Year Bible Reading Plan. Find ideas and plans that will help you read through the Bible in a year! Permalink -- click for full blog post "One Year Bible Reading Plan" Jan 2, 2012 S.O.A.P. Bible Study MethodThe New Year is a great time to begin things afresh! If you're not picking up God's Word everyday and experiencing the freshness of it, now is a great time to begin! Or does your Bible study time need a little “cleaning up”? Has your time with God become a clutter and mess - totally unfocused? Maybe it’s time for a little S.O.A.P.!
You may have already heard of this method, but if you’re needing a refocus in your quiet time with the Lord, this may be the time to use it. It’s a very simple acronym to give a little structure to your Bible study time so that it’s quality time no matter of the quantity. So get your Bible, journal and pen, and spend some time listening to our Father! S - Scripture...write down one verse that “jumps out” and speaks to you. You may want to begin by choosing a particular book in the Bible to read through or maybe a certain topic. Structure helps keep us on track, but a little randomness now and then doesn’t hurt either. :) O - Observations...jot down some notes on what God shows you through the Scripture. God’s Word is living and active...it’s never stagnant. Listen and pay attention to what the LORD wants to show you. A - Application...make note of some ways you can apply what the Holy Spirit is showing you. Remember...we’re to be doers of the Word not just hearers. What are some practical ways you can incorporate the truth of Scripture into your life. P - Prayer...take time to pray, asking God to help you carry out His will. Pray for others and how God wants to use you in so many ways! Thank God for speaking to you, for giving you His Word, for teaching you by His Spirit, etc.! Praise Him for being real and active in your life!
”Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:12-13 Permalink -- click for full blog post "S.O.A.P. Bible Study Method" Dec 28, 2011 Free Bible Study LessonsGet actively involved in Bible study with free Bible Study lessons that are interactive. Free, printable Bible lessons with several from Max Lucado, Charles Stanley & Adrian Rodgers! Permalink -- click for full blog post "Free Bible Study Lessons" Dec 24, 2011 SiteSell Christmas Special - Buy 1, Get 1 Free!I have been extremely satisfied with Sitesell over the past 5 years! If you're thinking about building your own site or blog - check out what they offer! Held over - now until Jan. 3rd!
Permalink -- click for full blog post "SiteSell Christmas Special - Buy 1, Get 1 Free!" Dec 19, 2011 M&Ms Christmas Poem - Witness ToolI LOVE M&Ms and I also love that someone (unknown to me) has used them to tell the Good News of the CHRISTmas story!
This is a great evangelism tool for this time of year with a simple bag of M&Ms! Talk about a supernatural treat!
As you hold these candies in your hand, Tipjunkie.com offers a great free printable version to use with gifts. Check out all their other great Christmas free printables too!
Permalink -- click for full blog post "M&Ms Christmas Poem - Witness Tool" Dec 17, 2011 A Great Christmas Word!This morning my husband commented what a great "Christmas word" ponder is! That's what Mary did that first Christmas night! "But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart." Luke 2:19
What if we took time to follow Mary's example?! Mary watched and took in each moment of that special night. She recognized the significance of a moment even in the midst of the chaotic busyness! Are you feeling a little stressed during this Christmas season? That's not what God intended for us! If we find ourselves spinning from the busyness, let's stop! Let's take in the wonder of it all! Let's ponder all this season means not only to us as believers, but to the world! ""For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16 Ponder the gift! Ponder the hope He brings! Ponder His blessings! And in our pondering, we'll find true worship this Christmas season. Let's not miss it! Dec 17, 2011 Christian Family Traditions at ChristmasWell, my life is moving into a new chapter – the kids are almost grown, and traditions are having to change a little. Normally our kids have always put out the manger set with all its many pieces, but this year they kept having plans that kept them away. Finally I decided to do it myself, and I really enjoyed it! I decided to do something different – instead of putting gifts under the tree, I put the Nativity around the tree. Now when we look at the tree, the “Greatest Gift” is our focus!
Another tradition we added a couple of years ago was the gift of memories. Unknowingly, my kids and I had the same idea! I made each one a memory book of photos of them as they grew up with all the different people God has used to touch their lives. They made my husband and I a book using Bookemon.com with photos and notes from each one of them. One year our oldest daughter gave me a calendar where she had written her favorite Scriptures and memories!
Traditions are great as they bond our families together, but sometimes there comes a time for change whether we like it or not! That’s a good time to start new traditions that keep the memories of the old but embrace the changes God brings into our lives. Whatever we do, let it be something that focuses on the true meaning of Christmas - Jesus! :) Merry CHRISTmas!
Permalink -- click for full blog post "Christian Family Traditions at Christmas" Dec 14, 2011 Christmas TraditionsLooking for ways to keep Christ in CHRISTmas? Try these family Christmas traditions to teach your children the true reason for the season and share the Good News with others. Permalink -- click for full blog post "Christmas Traditions" Dec 6, 2011 Christmas Object LessonGreat Bible object lessons can be found in so many Christmas items! Use a Christmas object lesson (or two) to teach the true meaning of Christmas - Jesus Christ! Permalink -- click for full blog post "Christmas Object Lesson" Nov 19, 2011 Free Thanksgiving Ideas for Children's Bible LessonsIt's that time of the year we try to instill in our kids that we have so much for which to thank God! (Of course this really should be a year round endeavor as we all know!)
But Thanksgiving does give us the focus on having an attitude of gratitude! And there are some great free Children's Bible lessons along with Thanksgiving crafts, games & snack ideas that can assist us in helping it all stick in those little hearts and minds! Look on our Children's Bible lessons page for just such free ideas and lets be ever so thankful to our Heavenly Father for His many blessings! Count your blessings, name them one by one! :) Permalink -- click for full blog post "Free Thanksgiving Ideas for Children's Bible Lessons" Nov 3, 2011 The Knots PrayerI just saw this for the first time on someone's Facebook. What a wonderful prayer to lead us to an attitude of gratitude as we approach this season of Thanksgiving!
How blessed and thankful we should be for the precious love of our Savior Who believes we are worth dying for...there is no greater love! Thank You, Jesus! :) Oct 15, 2011 Halloween AlternativesOctober 31st is still a day that the LORD has made. Find Christian Halloween alternatives that are fun and still glorify Jesus - the Light of the world! Also, free Halloween witnessing tracts... Permalink -- click for full blog post "Halloween Alternatives" Oct 9, 2011 Christian Object Lesson - Pumpkin GospelBring the light of Christ back to October with this Christian object lesson for the season of Halloween. Use a pumpkin to illustrate how through Christ we can get a new face and let His light shine! Permalink -- click for full blog post "Christian Object Lesson - Pumpkin Gospel" Sep 30, 2011 "Courageous" Movie Releases Today!Don't miss it! The movie, "Courageous" , is being released in theaters TODAY! I believe it will be a powerful tool in the hands of our powerful God to change both lives and families!
We got a peek previewing of the movie last night at the Southern Baptist Convention in Phoenix, AZ! I believe no matter where a person is in their life right now, they will identify somehow with one the amazing characters in the movie and be truly ministered to! You will both laugh and cry! More than that, you will leave filled with awe of our Father's love and want to share the message of this movie! We were also honored to meet both Stephen and Alex Kendrick of Sherwood Pictures, as well as Kevin Downes who plays Shane Fuller!
These men are truly humble and passionate about their work for Christ!Don't miss out on being a part of what God is doing here! The movie itself will be planting seeds in the hearts of people; it is then our great commission to water what God has planted. Be looking for the follow up Bible study material and other resources that will be offered! There is such power in the love of a father! The love of our Heavenly Father is proof of that! Sep 30, 2011 Let Me Off This Ride!!!The Fair’s in town! I think my least favorite ride (not that I really like any of them!) is the one that goes around and around and around really, really fast! It makes me nauseous; I get motion sickness! I feel like life gets that way sometimes too…I’m just spinning around and around…everything is just a blurr…and I want to cry out – “Let me off this ride!” Not that I want to leave life…I just want things to slow down a bit! We probably all get this way from time to time; so what’s the answer? How do we slow down even when life is a whirlwind, and we're trying to keep from getting spiritual "motion sickness?" One suggestion for avoiding motin sickness is to NOT watch the scenery rush by, but to focus on something - fix your eyes on a steady point in the distance or an object inside the car or ride. What a spiritual lesson for us too! How do we keep from getting caught up in the craziness of life? Hebrews 12:2 instructs us - "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus,the author and perfecter of our faith..." He is our "steady point!" James 1:17 calls God - "the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow." He is faithful and steady! When we focus on Him, His faithfulness, His love, His power, etc. instead of the circumstances of our life spinning around us, we can avoid spiritual motion sickness otherwise known as the state of being frazzled! Sep 1, 2011 New Favorite Website!I was just surfing the web looking for new Christian resources and found an incredible Christian parenting site with object lessons, memory verses, and other exciting tools to use to teach kids! Kids of Integrity is designed by Focus on the Family of Canada. Check it out and find some really great Christian resources! Permalink -- click for full blog post "New Favorite Website!" Aug 9, 2011 Christian DevotionsJump start your week spiritually with one of a dozen free Christian devotions with a weekly meditation and practical application. Live out your Bible study with these "Monday Meds!" Permalink -- click for full blog post "Christian Devotions" Aug 3, 2011 Free Christian Kindle Books...I'm Addicted!My sweet husband knows how much I love to read; so for my birthday, he gave me a Kindle! What I've found though is that there are so many FREE Christian books available for Kindle! There are free Bibles for your Kindle too! Right now the ESV translation or The Holman Christian Standard Bible are both available for free downloading. A free great Devotional that is available now that is published by Zondervan is Craving God: A 21 Day Devotional Challenge! Several free Christian classics by Andrew Murray, A.W. Tozer, D.L. Moody, etc. are also available!
Here are a few Christian Fiction that I found today; check them out! :) Veiled Freedom by Jeanette Windle A Kiss of Adventure by Catherine Palmer Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren It changes from day to day. I've found free Kindle books by Terri Blackstock, Lynn Austin, J. Mark Bertrand, Davis Bunn, and other well known Christian authors. I usually type in "Christian Fiction" or "Christian free" in the search under Kindle Books and then click to arrange them from low to highest price. If you're unsure it's Christian fiction, check the publisher. Enjoy! I am! :) Aug 1, 2011 Taking Time to Ask" If you need wisdom,ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask Him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind." James 1:5-6 NLV This morning as I am seeking to know God's will about a situation, these verses spoke newness to me. Normally I've read these verses and they confirm that I need to be constant in my faith of knowing Him as my Lord & Savior. But this morning God has reminded me that when I take the time to ask Him and let Him show me what He's calling me to do beyond a shadow of a doubt, He gives me a confidence in the call that goes beyond any circumstances (waves) that may cause me to doubt His call. Several years ago...in the mid 80s, my husband and I felt God's call to open a Christian bookstore. We had only been married a few months, had a bank account that was barely in existence, and it was when the economy was strained the most in south Louisiana because of the oil industry. Yet we knew we had heard God's call, and even three years into it when things looked impossible, we would cling to the knowing God had indeed called us to this. The confidence He gave us caused us to stand firm in His calling no matter the circumstances. We had the Christian bookstores for over fifteen years and were so blessed by so many of our customers and now lifetime friends! The business made a way for me to stay home with our children until they went to school as I was able to do the book work from there and schedule my own hours. Even today, this website is a result or fruit of this same calling. We no longer own the bookstores, but SonLife, Inc. is still in ministry. Let's take time today...to ask, to listen, and then be confident (by faith) to step out in what He's calling us to do. Have a great day! :) Jul 29, 2011 Hosanna - In Any Language
This song has been "stuck in my head" ever since youth camp...and we didn't even sing it there! On the way to camp, one of our inquisitive teens asked, "What does Hosanna mean?" All I really knew was it is a term of praise to God; so I began searching..."Googling it!" What I found was that the word hosanna in English was translated from the word "hosanna" in the Greek which comes from the Hebrew phrase "hoshiya na". John Piper goes on to say the following - "And that Hebrew phrase is found one solitary place in the whole Old Testament, Psalm 118:25, where it means, "Save, please!" It is a cry to God for help. Like when somebody pushes out off the diving board before you can swim and you come up hollering: "Help, save me" … "Hoshiya na!" But something happened to that phrase, hoshiya na. The meaning changed over the years. In the psalm it was immediately followed by the exclamation: "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" The cry for help, hoshiya na, was answered almost before it came out of the psalmist's mouth. And over the centuries the phrase hoshiya na stopped being a cry for help in the ordinary language of the Jews. Instead it became a shout of hope and exultation. It used to mean, "Save, please!" But gradually it came to mean, "Salvation! Salvation! Salvation has come!" It used to be what you would say when you fell off the diving board. But it came to be what you would say when you see the lifeguard coming to save you! It is the bubbling over of a heart that sees hope and joy and salvation on the way and can't keep it in. So "Hosanna!" means, "Hooray for salvation! It's coming! It's here! Salvation! Salvation!" So let's sing "Hosanna!" :) Jul 25, 2011 Blessings - His Mercy in Disguise
Jul 14, 2011 Slow to Write...Slow to Speak!
Last night at church I only had one of those little church pencils to write with - the ones with NO eraser. It caused me to slow down and really think before writing anything down because I knew I couldn't erase. I could write over, but then it was just a mess. This caused me to think that what if I thought of my tongue as one of these little pencils. I believe it would cause me to think before I spoke a little more! How many times do we say something harsh or rude and then quickly say "just kidding!" That's like having to write over our mistakes with the pencil...it leaves a mess! How I thank God that His forgiveness is an eraser! However, I do need to be more cautious about what I'm writing with my words and actions! If I think first & pray first, I won't need an eraser as much! James 1:19 points clearly to this when it says, "...be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." Jul 8, 2011 Walking in Christ's Waves - Thoughts from a Christian Teen :)Our youth of today continue to amaze me in a GOOD way...a GREAT way...as they connect with the Word of God and are bold in sharing it with others! The following is a BIG thought that my daughter's friend shared with his church in their Wednesday night church service. ------ Dillon shared - 1 John 1:6-9 " If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." He told how when he went to the beach he noticed that when he walked in the sand that the water touches - his footprints (no matter how deep) were washed away by the wave. However, when he walked in the dry sand that the water never touched, it was much harder and his feet just sank deeper and deeper into the sand.
He connected this everyday life event with the Word of God by saying if we live a life of sin and never know Jesus, it's like verse 6 or walking in the dry sand, but if we do know Jesus and confess our sins and are faithful and righteous like in verse 9, we are walking in the wet sand like in verse 7, and His blood cleanses our sins (no matter how deep), and we can continue a life with Him! ------- I asked Dillon what came first, the thought of walking at the beach or the Bible verse. He said - "Haha walking :) ,and yes I did do some heavy duty praying about it lol. And I had the walking concept in the back of my mind, and last week I read that part of first John and I just put two and two together! lol" Our youth are listening to God through His Word as well as in the everyday opportunities He brings into their lives! Hmmmm....I wonder if we as adults are doing the same?! :)
The world and the news may paint a negative picture of this generation of young people, but in reality God is doing amazing things through many of them. They are an awesome generation unafraid of sharing their faith in Christ! Jun 26, 2011 Raising the Sails of PrayerWe can't control where the wind blows or the power of it, but as a sailboat's sail can spread open wide and capture the wind's power, so prayer in faith can be filled with the power of God!
A sailboat with no sail will be tossed upon the waves with no direction. Yet when action is taken to lift the sail, the power of the wind can then move the boat across the waves. The boat itself still has no power of its own, but is completely dependent upon the wind's power. However, the action of lifting the sail, allows the power of the wind to affect the boat's movement. In our lives, the obedient action of raising the sail of prayer, invites the power of God to effectively make a difference in our lives and those around us. We have no power of our own, and God's is always available, but many times it takes prayer action on our part to allow it to effectively cause results to take place. Why are so many of us out on the water, but not raising our sails of prayer to invite God's power to direct us and fill our lives with His power? "Pray without ceasing;" 1 Thess. 5:17 "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:16b Permalink -- click for full blog post "Raising the Sails of Prayer" Jun 15, 2011 "Courageous" - the Movie - Honor Begins at Home!Mark your calendars!!! September 30, 2011 is the release for the new movie by Sherwood Pictures, the producers of "Fireproof" and "Facing the Giants"! It's called "Courageous" , and I believe it will be a powerful tool in the hands of our powerful God to change both lives and families!
We got a peek previewing of the movie last night at the Southern Baptist Convention in Phoenix, AZ! I believe no matter where a person is in their life right now, they will identify somehow with one the amazing characters in the movie and be truly ministered to! You will both laugh and cry! More than that, you will leave filled with awe of our Father's love and want to share the message of this movie! We were also honored to meet both Stephen and Alex Kendrick of Sherwood Pictures, as well as Kevin Downes who plays Shane Fuller!
These men are truly humble and passionate about their work for Christ! I'll include more soon, but please start "talking" this up! Don't miss out on being a part of what God is doing here! The movie itself will be planting seeds in the hearts of people; it is then our great commission to water what God has planted. Be looking for the follow up Bible study material and other resources that will be offered! There is such power in the love of a father! The love of our Heavenly Father is proof of that! May 31, 2011 Vacation Bible SchoolDiscover creative FREE Vacation Bible School ideas and lessons including crafts, games, object lessons, and more to add to your VBS curriculum or find free themed lessons to develop your own VBS! Permalink -- click for full blog post "Vacation Bible School" May 22, 2011 Treasure HuntUse Scripture to create a fun Christian treasure hunt. This is a great Bible activity for children, youth, or even adults! Permalink -- click for full blog post "Treasure Hunt" Apr 28, 2011 Invisible MomHave you ever felt like an invisible mom? Be encouraged by this uplifting story that can be used as a women's ministry monolog or skit. Permalink -- click for full blog post "Invisible Mom" Apr 15, 2011 Resurrection CookiesTry this fun activity of making resurrection cookies to focus your children on the true meaning of Easter. Permalink -- click for full blog post "Resurrection Cookies" Mar 30, 2011 Christian Children's Books for EasterThe true story of Easter can be taught and experienced through Christian children's books. Here are some of our favorites! Permalink -- click for full blog post "Christian Children's Books for Easter" Mar 25, 2011 Christian EasterKeep the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the center of your Easter celebration and teaching. Take these free Christian Easter ideas, games & Bible object lessons to teach the true meaning of Easter. Permalink -- click for full blog post "Christian Easter" Mar 21, 2011 Tale of Three TreesUse this free book lesson for The Tale of Three Trees to teach a wonderful Bible lesson. This Christian children's book is ideal for a children's sermon or devotional talk for any age. Permalink -- click for full blog post "Tale of Three Trees" Mar 13, 2011 Dr Seuss BooksHorton Hears a Who and other Dr Seuss Books can be used to teach creative Bible lessons for children and youth of all ages. These free Bible lessons include Bible verses & fun activities. Permalink -- click for full blog post "Dr Seuss Books" Mar 10, 2011 Getting Out the Door!My daughter came home for a visit and brought her sweet dog, Gracie. When Gracie is at her home, she's an indoor dog. When she comes to visit though, we have to make adjustments because of allergies in our family. At night Gracie sleeps in a crate at our house. The funny thing is when you open the door - she wants to come out, but she's afraid of the door! She just sits there looking pitiful.
This made me think of how many times I probably look that way to God. He's opened the door for an area of ministry or to do something new in my life, but I'm afraid to walk through the door to it! It's hard to leave our "comfort zones" even when we see how much is out there waiting for us. Are we living to our full potential in Christ? Or are we sitting in a place that's safe, but wishing we could move beyond. We're afraid to step through the door. What's holding us back in our walk with Christ? Is it worry...fear...hurt...feelings of inadequacy...rejection? "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1
"For you have been called to live in freedom -- not freedom to satisfy your sinful nature, but freedom to serve one another in love." Galatians 5:13 Recently my husband made a comment in his sermon - "God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 - "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness ; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. We have been set free by the blood of Christ and equipped by God; let's not hold back! Let's step through the door by faith and fully serve Him! Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Mar 9, 2011 The Skit Guys - "The Birdcage"
Permalink -- click for full blog post "The Skit Guys - "The Birdcage"" Mar 9, 2011 Christian Testimonies on VideoUse these videos of Christian testimonies by well-known Christian music artists, authors, actors, etc. to enhance Bible study lessons & sermons or to share Christ! Permalink -- click for full blog post "Christian Testimonies on Video" Mar 7, 2011 One Street Over - Another Object Lesson from New Orleans!On our Sister Trip to New Orleans, we did some major walking! Of course that's a good thing when you've also eaten some of the best food in the world! Friday evening was very interesting though. We strolled down Royal Street in the French Quarter where it was quiet and peaceful. There were many art galleries, shops, etc. But only one block over was Bourbon Street - a whole different world!
One of my sisters wanted to walk it; so we did for a couple of blocks. It was amazing how the noise level and sights changed! You've probably heard of Bourbon Street! It was actually still early when we were there; so it wasn't in full swing! As my other sister said though, the "cacophony" was unbelievable on Bourbon! Only one block separated such different environments! It made me think of how close sin lingers. Even from the beginning God warned that sin lingers close - "Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it." Genesis 4:6-7 How far are we distancing ourselves from the temptation of sin? Is it just a block away? Let's not become careless and let Satan deceive us into thinking we can play with sin and not fall into it! "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 "Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart."2 Timothy 2:22 Mar 1, 2011 New Orleans - A Lesson in Standing OutRecently I went to New Orleans with my three sisters for our annual "Sister Trip!" The weather was beautiful, and we so enjoyed being together! One of the things that struck us over and over was that the Crescent City is a city of contrasts! Looking down Chartres Street you can see the mixture of the old architecture with the new!
Another major contrast was to stand on the steps of the St. Louis Cathedral and be just feet away from fortune tellers - what a contrast! One of my sisters said it was like having a Walgreen's beside a CVS pharmacy both competing for business. In this case it is a competition for souls!
Just as in the streets of New Orleans, our lives should reflect contrast against the backdrop of this world. God calls us out to be unique and different and help others see that He is real and alive and loves them! "But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light ;" 1 Peter 2:9 Feb 11, 2011 Christian StoriesWhether you are needing Bible illustrations or just need to be inspired, take a look at these Christian stories that can give you a new perspective on life and add to your Bible study. Permalink -- click for full blog post "Christian Stories" Feb 7, 2011 Tacky the PenguinMany children's picture books teach wonderful life lessons. Use Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester to teach how it's okay to be different. God made us each unique! Permalink -- click for full blog post "Tacky the Penguin" Jan 27, 2011 Bible Object Lessons - TemptationThese great hunting and fishing Bible object lessons illustrate the dangers of temptation. Barrel nets, snares, & duck decoys can help teach the truth God's Word to children, youth, & adults! Permalink -- click for full blog post "Bible Object Lessons - Temptation" Jan 20, 2011 A Devotional that Takes You Beyond Reading!I think this is the first devotional where I’ve actually been able to become part of the stories! Each devotion begins with a scripture and ends with a prayer. In the middle of each though is a true story of real missionaries, in real places, doing real ministry right now! We are invited to join in these ministries through praying for them and the peoples they are serving. Their first names are given in each devotion along with the area in which they are serving. And each one’s story also challenges us to do what we can right where God has placed us on our own mission field. God can use simple encounters in our everyday lives to make a big impact when we are obedient to His call. There are stories of sacrifice and dedication on the mission field, but there are also stories of missionaries’ everyday life lessons - like a lesson on being persistent in prayer learned from their 2 year old toddler or a lesson on overcoming fear from a child of another culture. This devotional takes you out of the realm of just reading and into the realm of taking action and making a difference in the world in which God has placed us.
Permalink -- click for full blog post "A Devotional that Takes You Beyond Reading!" Jan 14, 2011 Christian Children's BooksTeach creative Bible lessons & Christian values using Christian children's books as well as other popular children's books. See how to combine Scripture with fun read alouds to impart Bible truths. Permalink -- click for full blog post "Christian Children's Books" Jan 6, 2011 Christmas Cards - All Year Long!Hang on to those Christmas cards…don’t pack them up or throw them away yet! Let those cards lead you in prayer for this next year!
I put all my Christmas cards that folks sent to us this year in a big zip lock bag and put them in the cabinet. Each week I’ll pull a couple out and post on our fridge to remind us to pray for whomever sent them to us! Let those cards keep on giving! Happy 2011! Let’s live it for Christ!
Jan 1, 2011 Bible Reading PlanAre you unsure where to begin studying the Bible? A Bible reading plan can help you focus and be consistent in your Bible study time. Here you will find several suggetions for where to begin. Permalink -- click for full blog post "Bible Reading Plan" |
