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Creative Bible Study Blog

Welcome 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!



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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Jun 22, 2009, Dr Seuss Books

Horton 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.

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Jun 19, 2009, Christian Childrens Books

Beautiful illustrations and Bible lessons are combined together in these wonderful Christian picture books. Let us help you locate the best Christian childrens books for you and your family.

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Jun 19, 2009, Resting in the Shadow of His Wings

Have you ever stopped to think about shadows? God has had me think about them the past couple of weeks. Shadows cover.

David speaks several times in the Book of Psalm of being in the shadow of God's wings.

Psalms 17:8 "Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings."

Psalms 36:7 "How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings."

Psalms 63:7 "Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings."

As a cloud passed over while I was having my quiet time the other day, God's Holy Spirit reminded me that God covers me with His grace, His peace, His love, His mercy, His protection, etc.

For something to cast a shadow it must come between the light and the object. It must be over or in front of the object. I can rest in God's shadow when I rest under His authority and allow Him to go before me.

As you see a shadow today, let it remind you that God, just like a loving parent, desires to cover and protect us. Truly, we can rest in Him!

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Jun 13, 2009, Technology Tools to Build the Kingdom

One of the reasons I started this website was because as a school librarian, I saw not only the potential of the Internet, but also its "trash." It made me think.. why not use the Internet as a tool to further God's Kingdom?! Many of you have websites or blogs too that lift up the name of Jesus; way to go! I know they all encourage me!

There are other ways to use technology toolstoo:

* Email - I know of several churches as well as Sunday school classes that use email for prayer chains and encouraging each other.

* Facebook - About a year ago I set up a Facebook account because my four kids (ages 15-23) had one, and I wanted to keep in contact with them. What I've found out is that it's a great communication tool and a way to stay connected with friends and family!

Our church has set up groups for our youth ministry, college ministry, children's worship team, and just recently I started one for the women of our church.

With our busy schedules, this is one way we can stay connected, share our lives, our prayer requests, praises, encourage one another in our Christian walks, etc.!

You can also put a Scripture or encouraging note as your status! :)

*Text Messaging - Are your kids into texting? Then use it to not only send them encouraging messges, but others too!

*Cell Phones - Use the "notes" tool on your cell phone to type in Scriptures that you want to memorize and have with you.

_________________

Yes, Satan can use the Internet for many evils,cell phones & texting as distractions, etc., but we as believers in Christ Jesus can also use these tools of technology to help build God's Kingdom and for His glory! Be creative!

1 John 4:4 "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."

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Jun 11, 2009, Great Christian Books for Teens

Recently I picked up a few teen Christian books at our local library for my daughter and son to read and ended up liking them so much, that I wanted to let others know about them.

The first is a book by Bill Meyers, the author of the "Wally Mcdoogle - My Life As.." series. This book, however, is a nonfiction book called Hot Topics Tough questions: Honest Answers to Your Hardest Questions. Meyers does an outstanding job of giving Biblical answers including Scripture references to 14 topics and questions that not only teens think about, but we as adults too. This book is no longer in print, but is available through this link to Amazon.com -

Another that is great to use as a devotional is

This book takes 60 different words such as assurance, beauty, courage, success, belief, and expounds on each one in a way that brings growth as a Christian. I also found out there is one just for women too...I'm ordering it for myself!

Still one other teen devotional that my daughter has loved (me too!) is

It is so important for us to equip our kids and help them to grow in their relationship with Christ. These are but a few of the great tools out there to help us do this.

For more...

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Jun 6, 2009, Vacation Bible School 2009 - Boomerang Express

We just finished a fantastic week of Vacation Bible School! Boomerang Express by Lifeway was a blast with its Australian theme!

The whole week of Bible lessons focus on the life of Peter and how Jesus impacted him. They were very practicle to the kids' everyday life!

Find out more about how to use Vacation Bible School to impact children & their families for Christ...

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Jun 1, 2009, Ideas for Prayer Meetings

Here's a great idea sent in by one of our readers; thanks, Pastor Joe!

One idea I am using in our prayer meetings is place various items in a large fabric bag (paper of plastic will do)and allow people to put their hands inside and take the first thing they touch. Then they are to find a partner and pray for the person, place or thing that item represents.

Examples: Handcuffs - Those incarcerated Band Aid - Those physically hurt/sick Gavel - Law makers Small toy globe or folded world map - Missionaries (You can circle a specific country Star - Hollywood Stars Apple - Teachers

Be extra creative and place small toy/items found around the home, church or at a dollar store and ask people to pray for whatever the item reminds them of.

Check out other great ideas to liven up prayer times...

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May 27, 2009, Bible Object Lesson - Cooking

Teach children how we can trust what we believe to be true in God's Word by using a Bible object lesson on cooking and using recipes. Christian object lessons are great ways to illustrate Bible truth!

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May 16, 2009, Bible Study Lessons

Bring variety to your Bible time with free Bible study lessons for children, teens, or adults. Great for Sunday school, Children's church, youth ministry & more. Even great for homeschooling!

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May 12, 2009, Keeper of the Spring

"Keeper of the Spring" is an inspirational story told by Peter Marshall as a spiritual illustration of guarding hearts - the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23

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May 8, 2009, Invisible Mom

Have 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.

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May 6, 2009, Christian Object Lessons

Use free Christian object lessons to teach creative Bible lessons! Teach children, youth and even adults powerful Bible object lessons with everday objects!

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Apr 27, 2009, Listening Will Transform Your Relationships

Recently I suscribed to email devotionals from Christian Women Today.

Following is an excerpt of one written by Rick Warren, the author of A Purpose Drive Life:

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Three things hinder our hearing:

Presumption: when we think we already know it all. "He who answers before listening?that is his folly and his shame" (Proverbs 18:13 NIV).

Impatience: when we interrupt and jump to conclusions. "There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking" (Proverbs 29:20 NLT).

Pride: when we're defensive and unteachable. "The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice" (Proverbs 12:15 NIV). You can learn from anyone if you know the right questions to ask.

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He points out that listening is a learned skill, and also gives three suggestions for hearing aids. This devotional may be found in its entirity at TheLife.com.

Many other great devotionals as well as quiet time helps may be found right here on the Internet. If you have time, take a look at our Devotional Page.

And let's all make the time to really listen to others today, but also time to listen to our Heavenly Father. :)

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Apr 20, 2009, Prayer Life

Talking to God is exciting & essential! Bring creativity to your prayer life with these free Bible study lesson ideas and Scriptures.

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Apr 16, 2009, Christian Books for Teens

Impart Biblical principles and Christian morals to teens using Christian books! Try these recommendations for the best Christian books for teens from a mom of four and Christian librarian.

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Apr 6, 2009, Easter Object Lessons and More!

With Easter becoming as commercialized as Christmas, it is vital for us to point our children to the true meaning of Easter - the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ!

As our own kids were growing up, we created our own version of a single "Resurrection Egg." We took one of the large eggs that stockings came in (or any extra large plastic egg) and filled it with a small cross made from sticks, a stone, and a piece of gauze. Then we wrapped rainbow curly ribbons around the egg and tied a big bow.

The one who found the egg got to tell the story of Jesus' crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection using the items in the egg and leaving it empty to show that He had risen! They also received a special prize.

There are also other options for creating your own Resurrection Eggs. Or use a variety of Easter eggs - hard boiled, chocolate, and plastic to share a wonderful object lesson for Easter or a fun Easter devotion for children. You can also use a tea bag to teach an Easter object lesson on Christ's crucifixtion and resurrection.

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Mar 31, 2009, Resurrection Eggs

Make your own Resurrection Eggs to share the true meaning of Easter! These are simple to make with everyday objects; Scripture verses are included.

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Mar 31, 2009, Resurrection Cookies

Try this fun activity of making resurrection cookies to focus your children on the true meaning of Easter.

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Mar 21, 2009, Bible Study Tools & Resources

Just found a new great Bible study resource available on the Web - Jesus Central.com.

If you're needing sound historical facts from Scripture, this is a great place to look. It has been recommended by Lee Strobel, Rick Warren, and other well known Bible teachers.

JesusCentral.com offers various free quick start Bible study guides that range from 2 minutes to 60 minutes in study time.

And they also offer free Intro Courses and more; join a world-wide Bible study group!

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Mar 14, 2009, Free Bible Studies

Get actively involved in Bible study with free Bible Studies that are interactive. Free, printable Bible lessons for personal use, Bible study groups, or Sunday School.

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Mar 14, 2009, Bible Study Magazine - Give Away

Bible Study Magazine and Mars Hill are giving away 20 copies of Mark Driscoll’s new book, Vintage Church. Not only that, but they are also giving away five subscriptions to Bible Study Magazine and a copy of their Bible Study Library software! Enter to win on the Bible Study Magazine Mark Driscoll page, then take a look at all the cool tools they have to take your Bible study to the next level!

Download Chapter 2 of the Vintage Church and see what it has to say.

Click here to subscribe to Bible Study Magazine!


Mar 12, 2009, The Boggy Bayou Honey Co.


Psalm 119:103 "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!"

For those that didn't read about these special folks in my previous blog, I wanted to repost this:

About a year and a half ago, at our local festival, I met Judy & Rick and was introduced to their wonderful products. Judy has used her God-given gifts to create a gift that is really neat and useful, but also holds a spiritual message. The Boggy Bayou Honey Co. of Arkansas City, Arkansas not only sells delicious honey, but also "lotion in a bar" - a lotion in a solid form. It mosturizes unlike other lotions I've tried. They come in a variety of frangrances for both women and men, and also unscented.

Each little tin also holds a word of encouragement from God's Word. One special fragrance - "Frankincense & Myrrh," encourages you to let the fragrance of the lotion remind you to draw near to God. It's the kind of fragrance that whispers for you to slow down and make time for worship all during the day.

When speaking to Judy about her product, she shared with me how she was looking for new ways to share Christ. God told her to look around at what she had. She and her husband, Rick, own and operate a Bee Farm that has been in their family for five generations.

At their daughter's suggestion, Judy began adding fragrance to her "lotion bars" along with special messages from God's Word. These are not only affordable, but also a great little gift to pass on the love of God and the hope found in Christ. The "Frankincense & Myrrh" lotion bar tin also contains the plan of salvation.

Since The Boggy Bayou Honey Co. doesn't have a website right now, I wanted to share this with the rest of you here on mine. For more information, you can contact the Boggy Bayou Honey Co. at 870-877-2469.


Mar 11, 2009, Tools for VBS...Time to Start Planning!

Vacation Bible School will be right around the corner again! Check out these reviews for the 2009 VBS curriculum offered as you begin preparing to share Jesus with the hearts of children ages preschool through teens.

Some may be looking for a free Bible school curriculum or maybe extra ideas to go along with what you have. We'll be trying to provide you with exciting and FREE ideas including lessons, crafts, games, object lessons, and more to assist you in this very special ministry.

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Mar 9, 2009, Christian Devotions

Jump 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!"

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Mar 9, 2009, Christian Children's Books for Easter

The true story of Easter can be taught and experienced through Christian children's books. Here are some of our favorites!

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Mar 7, 2009, Christian Easter

Keep 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.

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Mar 4, 2009, M&Ms - Being on a daily "Ministry Mission"

Okay, I am a big fan of "m&ms!" I love to eat them, but also I just think the dispensers are just plain cute! Anyway, I also tend to try to connect "M" words for this reason. For instance, my "life-theme" this year is "Moment by Moment."

When I think of Women's Ministry, I think of "Marys and Marthas" or "Mentoring Moms."

My husband has been preaching a series on the basic callings of what the New Testament Church should be. Recently he talked about two - Ministry (a call to service) and Mission (a call to lead others to Christ). There's an "M&M!"

I love what 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 says: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God."

When I think of how Jesus spoke of all the commandments being summed up into basically two things (Matthew 22:37-40) - fully loving God and loving others, it brings to my mind a picture of how we are to carry out this "Mission of Ministry." It's as though we need to remain in a constant posture of one hand reaching up to God and the other reaching out to others.

That's our call as Christians in a nutshell...or rather a candy coated shell of an "M&M" - "Ministry Mission!"


Feb 28, 2009, Kirk Cameron Sharing Christ

I experienced a treat the other night; I got to hear Kirk Cameron speak. He did a wonderful job sharing his personal testimony and also challenges on having a God-honoring marriage. If you haven't seen his latest movie Fireproof, take the time...it is so worth it!

He is also a part of a ministry called "The Way of the Master" which focuses on equipping Christians in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Find out more on our "How to Witness Page" and view Kirk's personal testimony...

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Feb 22, 2009, Bible Study Resources

Great collection of Bible study resources including creative additions such as illustrations, Children church & Sunday school ideas, Christian biographies and more!

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Feb 16, 2009, Bible Memory

Memorizing 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.

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Feb 12, 2009, Christian Object Lesson from Silver

Do you have any silver lying around? Use it to teach (or learn) a Christian object lesson about how God works in our lives to make us into something precious.

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Feb 10, 2009, GodTube is now Tangle.com...Don't Miss It!

Don't miss out on this incredible new Christian movement across the World Wide Web! We've known it as GodTube; now it's Tangle.com.


Feb 10, 2009, My Friend, Jesus...He is Real!

Our daughter has a friend she's never met face to face. They've seen pictures of each other, and a mutual friend told them about each other. They text almost everyday and dream about the day they may actually get to see each other. Right now there's quite a bit of distance between where they live. But...just because they've never seen each other, it doesn't make their freindship any less real than any other.

______________________

I have a friend whose face I've never actually seen. A mutual friend of ours told me about Him; He already knew about me. We talk everyday, and I read His letters. I dream about the day when I'll see Him face to face.

But just because I can't see Him, doesn't make Him any less real. His name is Jesus. You may know Him too.

If not, He knows You and would love to become your friend too.

Proverbs 18:24 "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."

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Jan 30, 2009, Louie Giglio - Laminin (Amazing Protein Molecule!)

My daughter came home and showed me this video after youth group.

Our God is SO amazing and truly ..."I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14

It takes less than 10 minutes to view this; be amazed at God our Creator.

"For by Him(Jesus) all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." Colossians 1:16-17


Jan 30, 2009, Preschool Bible Lessons

Are you tired of searching through hundreds of pages to find quality, FREE ideas to teach preschool Bible lessons? Make us your one stop for all your Bible study needs!

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Jan 30, 2009, Object Lessons

This index listing of object lessons can help you find just what you need for that special Bible lesson or devotion. Object lessons are indexed by objects used and lesson topics.

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Jan 19, 2009, Creative Devotional Moments on the Internet

Are we taking time to experience God's presence? If you're reading this, you probably are on the computer a great deal of the time like me.

Let this techno-venue become a creative way to experience God's presence! There are some amazing people sharing there God-given talent and creativity right here on the Internet to encourage us and glorify our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ.

Here are a couple I've enjoyed today as they have helped me to enter God's presence and stay focused on Him.

Godtube is basically a Christian "Youtube.com" in which there are some really amazing videos like this one of a Christian artist sand painting:

I also found a new Christian music artist I had never heard before after reading one of the devotions on our devotional page. Gwen Smith makes her music available on her MySpace page.

Enjoy!...But most of all, enjoy His presence!

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Jan 7, 2009, One-minute Audio Messages by Max Lucado

The beginning of a new year is a great time to recommit to spending daily time with God in His Word and prayer!

If you don't know where to start...check out our Bible Devotions Page.

We've just added one-minute audio messages by Max Lucado to our many other devotions which include Bible readings for outdoorsmen, women, families, youth, children and more!

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Jan 3, 2009, Moment by Moment - the M&Ms of My Life

I just love how God works! At the beginning of each year, I ask God for a focus, a theme, a phrase that will keep me mindful of Him.

This past year it was "Joy in the Journey." God would remind me not to worry, not to get too caught up in the busyness of life, but to enjoy the journey with Him everday.

This year, He gave me the idea - "Moment by Moment." It's funny because during these holidays I've kept our M&Ms dispenser going! That's been my "splurge." I fill it up with a variety of M&Ms and never know what may come out.

Each moment is a moment to enjoy and be in awe of Jehovah God. Each moment has a purpose in His plan for my life. Whether it is a moment of joy or a moment of grief, a moment of excitement or a moment of boredom,...every moment is important because every moment can be lived in Christ.

During the past three days of 2009, I have found myself stopping and thinking - "let me make this moment count;" it may me a moment to pray, a moment to hug one of my kids, a moment to say a kind word to a worker at the local grocery store, but it's a moment I purposefully stop and take hold of it for Him.

The Scripture God gave me was, what I felt, a little strange. I was looking for a Scripture like "make the most of every opportunity (or moment)," which is a great one. But He led me to 1 Corinthians 15:52 - "in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet ; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed."

But this morning as I was reading Max Lucado's Upwards devotional, it became clear. It is for that moment I am to be constantly watching and waiting. The moment Jesus will come back. It is for that moment all my other moments should point to whether I am praying, sharing, serving or just smiling.

"Moment by Moment"...the M&Ms of my life are important to Him for He has given me each one.

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Jan 2, 2009, Creator of Veggie Tales now offers "jellytelly!"

After reading Phil Vischer's children's book listed in my last post, I "googled" him.

To my delight, he has a new project underway to impact our children for the Kingdom of God again!

How much is it worth to us to have our children filled with God's Word and a passion for Christ? Many of them have probably grown up with Veggie Tales, and we saw Bible knowledge & spiritual benefits reaped in their lives.

Now for as little as $2.99 a month, again they can impacted by doctrinely sound Bible lessons that are FUN,FUN,FUN!!!

Try "jellytelly" for a month FREE and see what Phil Vischer has created!

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Jan 2, 2009, Children's Book Review - Tale of Two Pigs

I was in our local Fred's store the other day and found the following Christian children's book on sale. Well, I'm a sucker for children's books, and this is a great one written by the creator of Veggie Tales!

308348: Sidney & Norman: A Tale of Two Pigs Sidney & Norman: A Tale of Two Pigs
By Phil Vischer / Tommy Nelson

Once upon a time there were two little pigs. Clean, neat, punctual Norman believed he was better than everybody else. Sidney was messy, always late, and felt inferior. One day they both receive a very special invitation--and learn the true meaning of God's unconditional love.

This multi-layered tale of two very different pigs is both funny and very thought-provoking. Sidney & Norman uses the simple context of two pigs living next door to each other to communicate a profound truth about how we judge each other and often judge ourselves. On the surface, Sidney & Norman appears to be a picture book that will entertain kids. But this story has deeply moved adult audiences in informal readings, leading to deep-thinking discussion. It's a delightful parable from Phil Vischer, co-creator of VeggieTales ®.Recommended for ages 5 to adult.

Listen to the audio clip below to hear a special message from Phil Vischer revealing the inspiration behind Sidney & Norman.

This is an ideal book to read aloud to children or any age person! It could be used to introduce a Bible lesson based the Parable of the Pharisee & the Tax-gatherer - Luke 18:9-14.

"To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men--robbers, evildoers, adulterers--or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

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Dec 30, 2008, New Youth Bible Lessons from Genesis

Check out the three new free youth Bible lessons on creation from Breakaway Ministries!

Each lesson includes step-by-step lesson instructions along with other leader helps.

They address 1) The God of Creation, 2) The Creation of Man, and 3) The Fall.

All three are found on our Youth Page!

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Dec 30, 2008, Chris Tomlin - "Hello Love" MP3 Download

I could listen to Chris Tomlin all day, and now I can! Amazon.com has some really great deals, and this is one of them.

I was just able to download this complete album in MP3 format for $5.00 - that's less than 50 cents a song!

Even if you aren't interested in having the album, take time to listen to a few via Youtube.com.

"God of This City" and "I Will Rise" are a couple of my favorites! Of course, they're all great though!


Dec 26, 2008, CHRISTmas is Only the Beginning!

I read someone's status on Facebook last night at 12:08am. (Yes, I am a Facebook Mom, and I was still up after midnight uploading Christmas pics! ) Anyway, their status said..."Christmas is over!"

It seems many go through the blues after Christmas when all the excitement is done; but as the LORD reminded me this morning, it's really just the beginning! Just as Jesus came into the world in a moment over two thousand years ago, His birth was only the beginning of what He came to do.

It's really a picture of our salvation, and what He does in our lives as believers. At the moment we accept Jesus as our Lord & Savior, He comes into our lives to begin a work and we are "born again!" [John 3] Salvation doesn't end there though, it's only the beginning of what He came to do in our lives!

So don't get the blues during these days after Christmas; let it be a time to begin looking forward to all God has in store for you. He is the God of new beginnings, and "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." [Phil. 1:6]

Now, if you have never come to know Jesus in a personal relationship, find out more on our "How to Know Christ" page. Also, find out how He has changed so many others lives too...

He loves you SO much and is waiting with open arms!

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Dec 24, 2008, His Birth


Dec 19, 2008, Casting Crowns Christmas Album - Online!

Are you needing something to help you refocus on what's important about CHRISTmas?

All week I've enjoyed listening to Casting Crowns' Christmas album!

Let Casting Crowns lead you into worship with their Casting Crowns "Peace On Earth" Christmas CD!

It's available to listen online, and you can also hear Mark Hall share the background of it.

Merry CHRISTmas!!!


Dec 19, 2008, Christmas Bible Lessons

In looking for a Christmas Bible lesson for my youth girls' Sunday school class, I found a couple I really liked.

Both are called "Responding to Christmas" - how are we responding to CHRISTmas this year and all year round?

"Responding to CHRISTmas" - Matthew 2:1-12

"Responding to Christmas" - Luke 1-2; Matthew 2

Thank you to all those that help share God's Word on the World Wide Web! Merry CHRISTmas!

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Dec 9, 2008, Great Christmas Gift Idea!

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Unlike the Bible on CD or tape, the GoBible is searchable by book, chapter and even individual verses!

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The Original GoBible™ is an easy-to-use portable audio Bible fully preloaded with the New King James version of the Bible, nearly 75 hours of unabridged audio. It is portable, small enough to fit in the palm of your hand or in a shirt pocket; versatile, and searchable by book, by chapter, and, for the first time in an audio Bible, by over 31,000 individual verses. The GoBible™ is accesible to everyone since there is no software, computer, CDs or downloads to deal with! New King James Version. Narrated by Stephen Johnston. Over 70 Hours. This is a voice-only narration.

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Also try the available audio samples.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."..."The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:1;14


Dec 8, 2008, Our Window View

Someone sent me the following through email. It's simple, but really makes you think about how we view others.

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A young couple moves into a new neighborhood. The next morning while they areeating breakfast, the young woman sees her neighbor hanging the wash outside. 'That laundry is not very clean', she said. 'She doesn't know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs better laundry soap.'

Her husband looked on, but remained silent. Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, the young woman would make the same comments.

About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband: 'Look, she has learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her this?' The husband said, 'I got up early this morning and cleaned our windows.'

And so it is with life. What we see when watching others depends on the purity of the window through which we look.

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"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." Matthew 5:8

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