Creative Bible Study Blog

Dec 4, 2009, Christian Christmas Tradtions

A friend of mine was sharing her family's tradition of having several Christmas trees in their home.

One she told me about was her "Kitchen Christmas Tree." She decorates it with cookie cutters and treats for her grandkids. When they visit they go straight to the "Kitchen Tree" for a yummy snack of their choice from it.

It caused me to start thinking that maybe I need to add a tree to our Christmas decor. Instead of filling it with edible treats though, it could be decorated with Bible verses.

When my kids come home for Christmas, each day they could take a Scripture on which they could meditate and focus on the true meaning of Christmas.

In fact the whole family could decorate and add their own favorite verses for each other! New traditions can be fun - especially when they keep Jesus in the center!

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Nov 30, 2009, The Light of Christ at Christmas

This morning as I was reading God's Word, out of the corner of my eye I saw the light over our little nativity set go off. It struck such a chord of urgency in my heart!

We live in such a time of grace with God's Holy Spirit moving! Time is ticking... Let's let this Christmas season be a time of sharing the love of Christ with those which we come in contact - while we have time! Do you sense the urgency?!

Here are a few creative ideas I found for us to use to help us be intentional in letting the light of Christ shine this Christmas season...and beyond!

How Can We Share Christ at Christmas?

Sharing Christ at Christmas

Christmas Object Lessons

No matter what the world says, Jesus is the reason for the season! Merry CHRISTmas!

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Nov 21, 2009, Free Bible Lessons from Samaritan's Purse

Many of us have been packing up shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child in hopes to touch lives for Christ.

What you may not know is that Samaritans Purse also offers five free Bible lessons for children. These Bible study lessons are designed to help teach kids the importance of reaching out to others while also being good stewards of clean water. How much we take for granted!

Use these and other great children's Bible study lessons to impact our kids for Christ!

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Nov 10, 2009, Thanksgiving Bible Lessons

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to teach children to be thankful to God.

Try this really cute lesson from "Hem-of-His-Garment Bible Study."

More great ideas for Thanksgiving crafts, coloring sheets, object lessons, and more have been collected together - HERE!

Let's give Him praise!

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Oct 26, 2009, Max Lucado's Newest Children's Book

The Tallest of Smalls By Max Lucado / Thomas Nelson

“Don’t give up! I believe in you all! A person’s a person, no matter how small!”

This famous quote from Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who came to mind as I began reading Max Lucado’s newest children’s book – The Tallest of Smalls. Max has created a rhyming rhythm for his latest story about our worth in God’s eyes.

Ollie is the smallest of Smalls and desires to matter, to be special in some way. So each night he waits and hopes that he’ll be chosen to receive the gift of stilts. Yet Ollie finds out that walking on stilts is not all its cracked up to be! In the end, Ollie finds out that he is special in the eyes of Jesus, and that’s what really matters.

Lucado’s rhyming text in this story make it a fun read aloud for any age! Joined with the colorful and whimsical illustrations of Maria Monescillo, this book is destined to be a treasured addition to any family’s library. After all, which of us doesn’t need to be reminded that we are special in God’s eyes? Just as Matthew 10:31 says: “So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

Although The Tallest of Smalls is a fairly short read, it carries a very large message! Again the words of Dr. Seuss ring true as he said: “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” God is the One who matters, and He thinks... you’re pretty special!

Share this encouraging message with others of any age with this enjoyable tale!

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Oct 20, 2009, A Lesson from Tennis Applied to Life

Here are some wise thoughts from our daughter who is an Athletic Trainer & loves Jesus! :)

______________________

Today I was working a tennis tournament and heard a coach from another team telling a player "There are only two things you can control during the match: intensity and attitude. You can't control the weather can you? The wind? The temperature?"

And while it may seem random- I decided that may apply to life too. In a typical day- can you really decide when to go to work, who you will see, what's on your to-do list? I don't know about you- I can't and it sometimes changes last minute anyway (rain, construction on courts, rehab scheduling, etc.) so even planning doesn't always work. But pretty much, it seems like the same ole same ole sometimes.

But, you know, I don't feel like we are giving God all we have when this happens. I mean, the same ole same ole never wins matches/games right? (ok...maybe for some it does, for others there is always room for improvement and to compete). The "same ole same ole" usually is more like being stuck in a rut--why would we live life that way??

So...what do you think of when you think of intensity? When I think of it, I think of it as that extra drive, that focused passion and love for what you are doing. Does that describe our Christian lives? Honestly?

Here is the dictionary definition:1. the quality or condition of being intense.2. great energy, strength, concentration, vehemence, etc., as of activity, thought, or feeling: He went at the job with great intensity.3. a high or extreme degree, as of cold or heat.

(side note: I dislike definitions like #1- what does that tell you??)

For #3...these verses come to mind:Revelation 3:16-17I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth."

Obviously, God wants us to be intense for him- Christians to a high or extreme degree. He doesn't want us to be seen as just people who sit on pews or say "I'll pray for you". He wants more because He knows that if our focus is really on Him- we can't be any less than intense.

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Oct 14, 2009, Ted Dekker's Green

Is it the end or is it the beginning? It's ground zero. It's both...it's the missing piece of the circle.

Green,The Beginning & the End, Circle Series #0 By Ted Dekker / Thomas Nelson

This fourth and final piece to Ted Dekker's Circle Series, has been the beginning point of my reading the Circle Series & an amazing journey! Dekker has woven a story that is a continuing circle - written as a fantasy, yet revealing spiritual truths.

What I like most about entering this circle of books is the way they give you new insight into our spiritual reality. Dekker takes you outside the realm of the everyday normal and gives you a new perspective of God's amazing plan of grace.

Green, is a tale of two worlds, both struggling to make sense of the battle of good and evil. In one the spiritual is physical.

In the other, like ours, the spiritual is unseen and many times forgotten and overlooked. The imminent danger of evil is underestimated and the truth and hope of salvation almost lost to many.

Find yourself in Green. Are you Thomas Hunter seeking God's answer? Are you Billy or Janae caught in the lure of evil? Or are you Qurong depending on your on capabilities and blind to God's grace?

Let it bring to light the reality of sin and evil, but also the power of God's saving grace. Although a piece of fiction, it will cause you to think and dig into God's Word!

Oct 12, 2009, Our Source -The Vine

This story comes from Africa and illustrates a great point! I used it with a Sunday School lesson on John 15.

_________________

There are many that live in large cities there, but most live in small villages with no running water or electricity. A young boy went to visit his brother in one of the cities. His brother was so excited to show him a switch on the wall. He flipped the switch and light flooded the room; it was like a miracle. It was the first time the young boy had ever seen anything like it. While he was in the city he saw a man in the market place that sold electrical items. The boy was amazed at how cheap these "miracle" items were and bought some. He carefully packed them in his bags without telling his brother. When he arrived home, he made a batch of thick mud and carefully attached the switch to the wall in his families thatched hut. Then he attached the bulb to the ceiling and called for the whole village to come and see these miracle items he had brought from the city.

___________________

What do you think happened? He didn't know there had to be a source of electricity and a connection made!

How many times do we live our Christian lives as though we're not connected to our source? Let's find time today to connect with Christ and allow His power, love, grace, mercy, etc.....His very life to flow through ours.

John 15::5 "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing."

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Oct 7, 2009, Choose Life - Bible Study Lesson

Are we living the abundant life? This Bible study lesson is great for youth or adults on God's offer for us to

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Oct 4, 2009, Bible Object Lessons - Trinity

The Trinity is a difficult concept to even begin to grasp, yet we can use Bible object lessons to help children, youth, and adults have a better understanding of what the Bible teaches about God.

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Oct 2, 2009, Book Review Blogger - Thomas Nelson

Great opportunity for those of you that love to read and blog!

I just signed up for Thomas Nelson's book review program. You can apply to becoma a Book Review Blogger and receive a complimentary copy of the book you choose to read and review.

My son actually found out about this program and filled me in on the fun! As an avid reader, blogger and Christian school librarian, I just couldn't pass up on such a great offer!

Thomas Nelson offers a wide variety of books to review including Christian books for children, young adults & adults - both fiction and nonfiction.

Take a look and apply if your interested!

Click for more info

Sep 30, 2009, Walking in My Rabbi's Dust

Becoming a disciple - what does it look like? What does it take? In the Jewish heritage it took a lot!

By the age of ten - the first five books of the Bible had been memorized.

By the age of fourteen - the Old Testament had been memorized.

At the age of fourteen - the "best of the best" were chosen by a Rabbi that believed they had what it took to become who he was - to do what he did.

Only the "best of the best" were chosen as disciples; chosen to follow; chosen to walk in the rabbi's dust.

Yet Jesus didn't choose the "best of the best." He chose those who hadn't made the cut. Those that were average and didn't rise to the standards of what it took.

He chose ordinary men. And He believed in them!

He has chosen us too! Chosen us to follow Him. Chosen us to walk in His dust. He believes we can become who He is and do what He does!

Are we willing to walk in His dust? To follow Him so closely we're covered in His dust? I say - let's do it!

"I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

"And all of us have had that veil removed so that we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us,we become more and more like Him and reflect His glory even more." 2 Corinthians 3:18

For a more in depth look at what it meant to walk in the Rabbi's dust, here is an article written by Rob Bell.

Sep 25, 2009, Treasure Hunt

Use Scripture to create a fun Christian treasure hunt. This is a great Bible activity for children, youth, or even adults!

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Sep 13, 2009, Inspirational Videos for Bible Study & More

Source of online inspirational videos including Bible study lessons, sermons, devotions, & Christian video clips to use in teaching.

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Sep 11, 2009, Youth Bible Study Lessons

Well, I'm on a mission. One of our readers is looking for some great Bible study lessons for grades 5-8 dealing with Bible characters such as David, Paul, etc.

I'd love to find them some free online material. If anyone has suggestions, please contact me through our "Contact Page" and let me know.

As I was searching though, I did find several free Youth Bible lessons that look great...just none specifically on Bible characters.

There are series of Bible study lessons on the Books of James & Philippians, Bible Basics, Evangelism & more.

Take a look on our Youth Bible Studies page...

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Sep 9, 2009, Object Lessons - Simple & Easy

Object lessons don't have to be difficult or take a lot of preparation. Try these about prayer, relationships, God's love & more! These could also be short individual Bible devotions.

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Sep 7, 2009, Using Our Spiritual Gifts

Is God not awesome how He has created each of us as such unique individuals? Not only that, but as we become new creations in Christ, we are given a spiritual gift or gifts to use to build up the Body of Christ - the Church!

My husband has been preaching on the Spiritual gifts; many are listed in 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12. Although I already had discovered the gift God has given to me, it has really opened my eyes to see the uniqueness of how God uses us. I love verses 4-7 of 1 Corinthians 12: "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good."

Not only are there different gifts, there are different manners & ministries in which God uses us. Two people may both have the gift of teaching, but one may teach one-on-one and the other to a crowd of people. Still someone else may have this same gift, but use it through writing books or lessons.

We must remember it is God who brings about all results. It is all by His grace.

So I guess my question is: How are we allowing God to use us with the gifts He has given us? Have we become stagnant or are we vitally living out our faith and using the spiritual gifts He has given us?

There are many different Spiritual Gift Inventory Tests to help us discover the gift or gifts God has given us. Following is a link to one of them.

However, most importantly, seek God's face in prayer and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you in this important discovery of how God wants to use you for His Kingdom. It's an awesome journey with Him!

Something else my husband pointed out is that if we're not actively engaging the gifts God has given us, we're missing out on His joy that He brings to our lives when we do.

I want to be fully used by Him! How about you? We're a team; let's get to work right where He's placed us!

Click for more info

Sep 2, 2009, A Life of Worship - Are we living it?

Aug 17, 2009, Making a Difference!

Well, back-to-school is here! I'm really ready too!

What a great ministry field where God can use us to touch lives! At one of our teacher in-service meetings someone shared once again the familiar story of Teddy Stoddard.

It's told as a true story; others say it's fiction, but the truth of its meaning rings true no matter! May it encourage us to allow God to use us to touch lives and make a difference for His Kingdom. Whether you're a teacher or not, God can use each of us right where He's placed us.

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Aug 9, 2009, Video Bible Study Lessons

It's amazing what the World Wide Web places at our finger tips! I've always enjoyed reading Max Lucado's books. Of course, everyone isn't a reader though.

Check out the link on our Bible Studies page to access more of Max's Bible teaching videos.

Here's a sample of of one based on his book "Facing Your Giants":

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Aug 6, 2009, Apology!

It was brought to my attention this morning by one of our readers that an inappopriate ad was on one of our pages. I so appreciate them letting us know and apologize for that!

We use Google Ads to help pay for this site so that we are able to offer materials free. However, we do not want to compromise or be a stumbling block to anyone. We are in the process of changing all ads to text only to avoid this problem.

Please know though that your input as our readers is welcome! We want this site to glorify our Father in everything and be a tool to be used to help build His Kingdom.

Therefore, please use our contact page. Whether it is positive or negative we'd like to hear from you. If you have ideas or lessons you'd like to share, let us know.

As believers in Christ, we are One Body in Him - a family. Isn't that awesome that we can work together with each other, but also have the Creator of the universe working with and through us! To Him be all glory and honor!

Thanks again to Mat! We always appreciate others that help to be our eyes.

1 Cor. 10:31 - "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

Colossians 3:17 - "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Colossians 3:23 - "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,"

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Aug 1, 2009, Do We Know Our A,B,C's?

Recently we had a guest preacher who was challenging us to assess our spiritual growth and whether we were still acting like spiritual babies.

Hebrew 5:12-14: "In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil."

He then listed some of the A,B,C's we should have mastered as a growing child of God -

A - Salvation (although it doesn't begin with an "a"; it is the beginning!)

B - Baptism

C - Church Attendance

D - Discipleship

E - Evangelism

F - Fellowship

G - Giving

Although only salvation is necessary for eternal life, all these others play a vital part in us growing more and more like Christ.

Hmmmmm....do we need to "brush-up" on some of our A,B,C's?

Jul 22, 2009, Christian Testimonies on Video

Use these videos of Christian testimonies by well-known Christian music artists, authors, actors, etc. to enhance Bible study lessons & sermons or to share Christ!

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Jul 22, 2009, Christian Video Clips for Bible lessons or Devotions

Use this source of Christian video clips as a creative way to enhance Bible study lessons or devotions.

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Jul 15, 2009, Learn to Study the Bible - 40 Methods!

"Add some variety to your Bible study time by trying one of these forty Bible study methods!"

Sounds enticing, doesn't it?! I totally agree with author, Andy Deane, - "Bible study doesn't have to be boring!"

This week I've been reading his book Learn to Study the Bible. He gives 40 different methods for studying God's Word for yourself. Isn't it time we started feeding ourselves as God's children and not depending on others to feed us all the time?

Some of these methods many of us may have used before, but still others are new and will bring an excitement and renewed thirst to dig a little deeper!

These are Biblically sound and yet simple to understand and apply. They can help us to experience God's Word in our everyday lives.

At Andy's website you can see the table of contents along with a sample chapter. Don't miss out on these creative methods to studying God's Word!

Remember - "Variety is the spice to Bible study as well as life!"

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Jul 14, 2009, Video Devotion for Women by Jennifer Rothschild

If you're not familiar with Jennifer, then you may not even realize she is blind. Following is Jennifer Rothschild's testimony of God's grace:

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Jul 7, 2009, Thank You!!!

I wanted to take a minute and thank each of you that visit CreativeBibleStudy.com!

Many of you have shared with me what a blessing it is to you, and by doing so you have been such a blessing to me!

God gives each of us different spiritual gifts and abilities. This site has been a venue in which He has allowed me to use what He has given me.

Therefore, all the credit goes to Him! How blessed I am to know that He welcomes me to join Him in His Kingdom work!

1 Corinthians 12:4-6 "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men."

If you have never thought about what spiritual gifts God may have given you, here is an online spiritual gift survey that may help you.

Thanks again, & God bless you!

Click for more info

Jul 4, 2009, Laus Deo

Awhile back someone sent me the following information in an email.

This being the birthday celebration of our nation, I thought it appropriate to post it here also. This Fourth of July let's celebrate the freedom for which America was founded along with the Mighty God who provides us with true freedom in Jesus Christ, our Lord.

"Laus Deo!" One detail that is not mentioned, in DC, is that there can never be a building of greater height than the Washington Monument. With all the uproar about removing the Ten Commandments, etc.... this is worth a moment or two of your time.

I was not aware of this historical information. On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in Washington DC, are displayed two words: Laus Deo. No one can see these words. In fact, most visitors to the monument are totally unaware they are even there and for that matter, probably couldn't care less.

Once you know Laus Deo's history, you will want to share this with everyone you know. But these words have been there for many years; they are 555 feet, 5.125 inches high, perched top the monument, facing skyward to the Father of our nation, overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia, capital of the United States of America.

Laus Deo! Two seemingly insignificant, un-noticed words, out of sight and, one might think, out of mind, but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the most successful nation in the world.

So, what do those two words, in Latin, composed of just four syllables and only seven letters, possibly mean? Very simply, they say "Praise be to God!" When one stops to observe the inscriptions found in public places all over our nation's capitol, he or she will easily find the signature of God, as it is unmistakably inscribed everywhere you look.

You may forget the width and height of "Laus Deo", its location, or the architects but no one who reads this will be able to forget its meaning, or these words: "Unless the Lord builds the house its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." (Psalm 127:1)

Jul 2, 2009, House of Prayer

Isaiah 56:6-7 records God saying,"And foreigners who bind themselves to the LORD to serve him, to love the name of the Lord, and to worship him, all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and who hold fast to my covenant-- 7.these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations."

Has your prayer life ever felt like it's become stagnant or lifeless? Prayer is not to become a formula or a matter of repeating phrases. It is to be conversation with our Heavenly Father.

In Deuteronomy 6, God teaches that we are to teach His commandments to our children when we sit at home, when we walk along the road, when we lie down, and when we get up. It's to be an everyday part of life - continuous.

Prayer also is to be a continuous journey. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says: "pray without ceasing - continuously".

So how can we do this? One practical way is to use your home as a model for prayer.

I don’t know about you, but one of the first places I head in the morning is the shower and to brush my teeth! Let your bathroom become a place of spiritual cleansing too; ask the Holy Spirit to show you areas of your life where you may need to confess sin, repent, and receive forgiveness.

The Living Room - time spent enjoying His presence in worship, praise, & fellowship.

The Kitchen - As you prepare food for the family, also lift up their needs and the needs of others.

The Dining Room - Incorporate the spiritual food of His Word into prayer.

The Bedroom - Share your private needs and praises with Him.

The Den/Study - Spend time seeking His Will; listening for His voice.

The Laundry Room - As you unload the clothes, give thanks for His cleansing, His provision, etc.

Use your imagination - be creative as you spend time with the Master Creator! He certainly isn’t boring; how in the world could communicating with Him be!

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