Wednesday's Word: Being a Witness

The other day when I was at one of our many doctors appointments, they kids were being remarkably good, and so I pulled out my little Bible and started reading my daily reading.

A lady, looked at me and asked me where I got my Bible and she explained that she is praying for her fiance to get back in church.

I was so thankful to be able to talk to her and be a witness for Him! It really made my day. So many times being a stay at home mom and being at church all the time, it is hard to be a witness, but praise the Lord for the internet and little moments at the doctors office!

I hate to waste time so I always carry by little Bible in my purse with my printed out daily reading plan.

John Macarthur's One Year Bible is also excellent as well. I also keep the book that I am trying to read in the car in case I ever get stuck somewhere.

What are some ways God has allowed you to be a witness for Him recently?

Wednesday's Word: Children

"Scripture teaches that children are a heritage from the Lord, a reward from God." (Ps. 12/3-5)

I am so thankful for my rewards!

From the Women's Study Bible (26). Also, from reading the Bible through in a year using This plan.

What have I been doing this week? Reading!

I wish I had time to blog this week, but I am sticking to my new goal this year, and I am reading. I am reading the Bible through in a year and then I am reading a Christian book after that. Most of our church is reading the bible through in 90 days which I think is fantastic. Go here to see more details.

I actually finished Counsel from the Cross today. I think this is the first book I have finished since 2007...sad. I guess blogging has taken up more time than I had realized.

My prayer for my family and for my readers and friends is that we will soak up on how much God loves us, and mediate on His love. I want my husband and children to feel how much a love them, loving them through His Holy Spirit.

I main point I learned from this book was how important it is not to forget that God loves us so much! "We are to love God consistently and passionately, and we are to love our neighbors---whether our spouse, child, or enemy---the way we already love ourselves. Real love---not just as a warm impulse washing over our minds but as a solid determination to lay down our lives and serve other though it may cost blood, sweat, or our very lives---is the royal command to the children of God who is love."

With people:

"I am commanded to love them and live in close relationship with them. I have to be patient and forgiving. I have to serve others when they don't appreciate me. And, even more shockingly, I discovered that my love for the Lord can be measured by my love for others!

"By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil; whoever, does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother." (1 John 3:10).

I new goal for me is to show my husband and children how much I love them. As well, as loving them with God's love which cannot be measured.

I highly recommend reading this book Counsel from the Cross, and I also recommend us ladies reading 15 pages a day Monday through Friday. It will be life changing (we have time for what we want to have time for)!

Wednesday's Word: Hebrews 12

Today's daily reading was Hebrews 12. Hebrews 12 is a special chapter for me because these are the verses we chose to be the main verses read at our wedding.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Wednesday's Word: Psalm 119:89-96

From my daily reading in The Mcarthur Daily Bible:

Forever, O LORD, your word
is firmly fixed in the heavens.
Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
By your appointment they stand this day,
for all things are your servants.
If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have given me life.
I am yours; save me,
for I have sought your precepts.
The wicked lie in wait to destroy me,
but I consider your testimonies.
I have seen a limit to all perfection,
but your commandment is exceedingly broad.

Wednesday's Word: 1 Thessalonians 5

What is the will of God:

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you,"

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Wednesday's Word: Philippians 2

Philippians 2: 13-15:

"for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Do all things without complaining and disputing that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the word, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain."

From my reading today in my MacArthur Daily Bible.

Wednesday's Word: One Year Bibles

One Year Bibles are great! It is so great to have a plan to read through God's Word. My favorite adult one is John MacArthur's One Year Bible.

For children, I am reading the One Year Children's Bible to Jackson every day before he takes his nap. It does not have that many pictures and usually I tell the story in a version that he can understand. A huge goal of mine is for me and Charlie to write a One Year Preschool Bible for ages 2-5 years old. Charlie is a phenomenal write (he could write for a living if he wanted to) and I can plan it all out. My sister is an excellent artist and I would love for her to do the drawings. I am not sure if the title "One Year" is copyrighted. Do you know of any One Year Preschool Bibles? I have seen one year devotions for preschoolers, but that is not what I am looking for. I want to read the actual Bible to Jackson every day.

How to have a Devotion with an 18 month old

God gets all the glory for me still reading the Bible through every day. I am still not behind on my reading…it really is a miracle. So, I am reading through Deuteronomy now, and Moses has a lot to say about teaching your children.

First did you know that Deuteronomy is really three huge speeches made by Moses? I guess I always forget this fact, but since I am listening to the Bible on cd, the voice is of the same person which is quite different then most all other books in the Bible.

Deuteronomy 11 verses 19-20 states, “Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home, and when you walk along the road, when you lie down, and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your house and your gates,”

I’ve always thought about the fact that we need to teach our children throughout the day about God and God’s ways and words. But, I have never really thought about that we need to teach God’s laws and ways to our children even when we get up in the morning.

Jackson thrives on schedule. My dad pointed out to me yesterday that Jackson will let you read his entire Bible book only after he has had his bath and is about to go to bed. He knows that after he gets his bath, it is time to read God’s Word. During the day, he does not have too much patience for sitting with you and reading because the day time is play time. Unfortunately, it is hard to get Jackson to do a new schedule of events.

Anyway, I really want Jackson to start attempting to sing a blessing song before each meal. What song do you sing before you bless each meal with your little ones? I would love to know! What are the words to the songs you sing to bless your food?

This is my advice with on how to have a devotion with an 18 month old

1. Always read the Bible to him daily. It does not have to be before bed, but this seems like a good time when the whole family can be there. If you do it every day for 3 days, you have created a new schedule!
2. Try to teach him how to fold his hands and pray before meals, and before bedtime.
3. Sing songs of worship all day long to him. In the morning, I sing “Rise and shine and give God the glory, glory, etc.” This will soon include a blessing song before each meal

What are ways you have devotions with little ones this age?

Reading Through the Bible in a Year

Well, this year I have done better than last year. After I had Jackson last year, it was not a habit to read the Bible every day. Habits, rather good or bad, stick. I have successfully read the Bible through in a year at least twice.

This year, I do not think I have missed a day of listening/reading the Bible (maybe I missed 1 day but made it up the next day). But, that does not mean it has not been without struggle. I have realized that I am so self centered/focused that I can daze off when I am reading Exodus and all the details of how the tabernacle should be. I think “what does this have to do with me?” Guess what, the world, and the Bible does not revolve around me. I guess I grew up reading the Bible for years from a “me” point of view and not from a point of view that saw the whole Bible as a story about Jesus. I was created to worship God, not myself, so I need to read about how to worship God and how to fear him.

I am now reading through Leviticus and it is interesting to read that when “the glory of the Lord” appeared to the Israelites they shouted for joy and fell facedown. Maybe that is what is going to be like in heaven. When we meet our maker we will shout for joy and fall facedown. Am I preparing for eternity today? Am I remembering to tremble and fall face down on the ground and realize how great and powerful our God is? Or am I spending all my time figuring out how to save money on our grocery bill? It is fine to spend time figuring out ways to cut back on our grocery bill (especially since I do not have a job and I look at this as my job) but when it becomes the only thing I think about and the only thing my heart and mind is set on, then that becomes idolatrous. I want to love God with my whole heart and mind no matter what is going on in my family’s life.

Leviticus has been a challenge - and I knew it would be - just because I knew I would be thinking “what does this have to do with me?” If I could have one word to describe this book is that God was very very concerned with the Israelites not being unclean. God really does have a lot to say about not being unclean.

Reading the Bible through in a year is a marathon not a sprint. But the rewards of learning what God has to say are more precious than jewels. Every year I read or notice something that God said that I did not notice the year before.

God has been teaching me so much this year and I am so thankful. I know he has me right where he wants me. If I had a full time job right now, I would have probably had to quit it by now since Jackson has been so very sick this winter and I would have had to taken off weeks upon weeks of work. God is always opening and closing doors for a reason.

Just wanted to give you an update on what God has been teaching me.

Ps- Since Jackson has been fussy the last couple of days and just wanted me to hold him for hours on end, while watching Mickey Mouse, I have been listening to my ipod and Mark Driscoll’s sermon series on the most frequently asked questions at his church (it has been a tremendous blessing!).

Reading the Bible Every Day!

This Week's Reading:

Monday Jan. 7th: Genesis 18-19
Tuesday: Gen. 20-22
Wed: Gen. 23-24
Thursday: Gen. 25-26
Friday: Gen 27-28
Sat: Gen 29-30
Sunday: Gen 31
Monday Jan. 14th. Gen. 33-35

You can also go to this site: http://eword.gospelcom.net/year/31/cjan01.htm

What I do:
1. I have a journal and I write the date at the top of my page, and sometimes a prayer at the beginning. I always write the titles down that are found in my NIV student study Bible, as well as what I learned from my readings that day
2. I listen to it through the NIV dramatized version on cd through the computer with my Bible in front of me taking notes.
3. Try to memorize Ps. 23 at the end of my devotion time, and try to think about the chapters I read throughout that day.
4. I try to make it a priority by not letting myself put makeup on or get dressed for the day, until I have read the Bible.

I am reading the Bible through in a year doing it chronically in my Bible Study that mets Tuesday mornings.

Solomon's Peak-2 Chronicles 6:14

"He said: "Oh Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven or in earth--- you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way."

God searches our hearts. Are we more worried about our children's perfect actions? Are are we concerned rightfully about our children's heart and their motive behind their actions.

Chronicles keeps on stating that the heavens cannot contain God. How much time do we actually spend thinking about God and His greatness? How much time do we spend worshipping in thoughts and by our words and songs? God has blessed me beyond what I can fathom, just by me trying to seek Him daily by reading/listening His word through in one year. We give a little, and God gives so much more back!

Does God Change His Mind?

I am still trying to read the Bible through again and I am in 2 Kings now. People ask me all the time, “How do you have time to read your Bible?” A very wise women told me in seminary and I believe she is right, “You have time for what you want to have time for.” I always think about this passage when I start thinking like a Calvinist (j/k) in that God has already decided what is going to happen, so why should I pray? Read this, this will rock your world if you have not read this glorious passage of Scripture before.

2 Kings 20

Hezekiah's Illness

In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, "This is what the LORD says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover."

Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, "Remember, O LORD, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes." And Hezekiah wept bitterly.

Before Isaiah had left the middle court, the word of the LORD came to him: "Go back and tell Hezekiah, the leader of my people, 'This is what the LORD, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the LORD. I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for my sake and for the sake of my servant David.' "

Reading the Bible Through in One Year

This weeks reading: Don't wait start today! The NIV dramatized Bible on cd makes all the difference in the world. The Word of God brought to life has been a huge blessing in my life.

16 2Samuel 17-18

17 2Samuel 19-20

18 2Samuel 21-22

19 2Samuel 23-24

20 I Kings 1-2

21 I Kings 3-4

22 I Kings 5-7

Well, 2 Samuel is all about David really. Who is Joab really, I keep asking myself? Wikiapedia sums it up well:

"Joab was the nephew of King David, the son of Zeruiah in the Bible. He was made the captain of David's army He had two brothers, Abishai and Asahel. Asahel was killed by Abner, for which Joab took revenge by treacherously murdering Abner (2 Samuel 2:13-32; 3:27). After leading the assault on the fortress of Mount Zion, he was promoted to the rank of General (1 Chronicles 27:34). He led the army against Syria, Ammon, Moab and Edom. He also took part in David's murder of Uriah (2 Samuel 11:14-25).

Joab played a pivotal role as the commander of David's forces during Absalom's rebellion. Absalom, one of David's sons, rallied much of Israel in rebellion against David, who was forced to flee with only his most trusted men. However, David could not bring himself to harm his son, and ordered that none of his men should kill Absalom during the ensuing battle. However, when a man reported that Absalom had been found, alive, caught in a tree, Joab ordered his men to kill him (2 Samuel 18:1-33).

In addition to the murder of Absalom, Joab also murdered Abner son of Ner against David's wishes (2 Samuel 3). David later replaced him as commander of the army with his nephew, Amasa (2 Samuel 17:25; 19:13). Joab later killed Amasa (2 Samuel 20:8-13; 1 Kings 2:5).

Near David's death, he told Solomon to have Joab killed citing Joab's past betrayals and the blood that he was guilty of, and for this Solomon ordered his death by the hand of Benaiah (1 Kings 2:29-34), who then replaced him as commander of the army. Joab was buried in 'the wilderness' (1 Kings 2:34). It is interesting to note that Joab fled to the Holy Temple and told Benaiah that he will die there. Benaiah, as ordered by King Solomon, kills Joab in the House of the Lord."

That is Good Bible Trivia.

I love reading about David, you really do see a man who seeks God with his entire heart. If we have another boy we will probably name him David Easterlin Wallace. Anyway, I love hearing his songs of praise.

2 Samuel 22:2-4:

"The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—from violent men you save me. I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.”

These verses remind me of all the tragedies going on this week with the Virginia Tech killings. My heart breaks for everyone going through this; I really cannot even imagine what they are remotely feeling. Charlie wrote a good post on Mr. Cho on his blog: http://chiefwallace.wordpress.com/