5 hours up. Comments now closed. This is one of my favorite sets of comments EVER. I have such a respect for your relationships with Christ. Keep seeking Him and finding Him, Beloved Ones. You are the apple of His eye. We will announce the winner of the new ESV Study Bible tomorrow. Thank you so much for your participation on this post. If I could send every single one of you this new Bible, I’d do it in a heart beat. I love you so.
This is a pop quiz! Who got into the Word this morning? If you did, stay tuned to the remainder of this post and find out what we want you to do. If there is anything on earth Living Proof Ministries exists to do, it’s to encourage people to get into God’s Word and come to love Him through its life-breathing pages. I am a huge believer in starting the day with Christ in Scripture even if we only have ten minutes. I love Isaiah 50:4! It says, “The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.” SO, if you made time for a Word from God this morning, here’s what we’d like you to do. Please post a BRIEF comment with the following information:
1. One verse from your quiet time, written out for your Siestas to read and receive. (Even if you read a whole chapter, please write out only one of the Scriptures. It will be fun to see if any of us read the same segment!)
2. A one-sentence description of something you got from your time with God this morning (i.e., the assurance that He’s still on His Throne, or that He wants you to follow through with something, or that He’s simply with you in your struggle, etc.).
Absolutely no condemnation for those that didn’t get a chance to get into Scripture this morning; BUT, we are asking that all comments to this post be limited to ONLY THOSE WHO DID. We’re doing a drawing from those entries. We are giving away a copy of the brand new ESV Study Bible that hit the shelves only two weeks ago. We’ve been talking in our Lit class about the importance of reading several different versions especially if you’ve become so familiar with one that you can nearly anticipate what familiar portions are going to say. Not only is the ESV a great translation, this one is complete with study notes. SO, every siesta who had her quiet time this morning and posts her comment will automatically have a chance at the drawing. Get on quickly because we’re closing this post in five hours!! That’s the “pop” part in this quiz. We’ll post the winner of the new ESV Study Bible tomorrow and ask for her to contact us with her address. I love little incentives like this. Hope you do, too!
I love you, Siestas! Stay in the Word! You never know what God may have for you!
“And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst.” Ex. 25:8 (ESV)
I am doing the “A Woman’s Heart” Bible study and this spoke to me of how God loves us so much He chose to actually dwell among us and by the indwelling Holy Spirit, He still does!
Lynn in AB, Canada
“Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry” 1 Corinthians 10:14.
God spoke many things to me through 1 Corinthians 10. I was convicted of the idols I have in my life that I worship instead of God-myself,my comfort, people’s opinions of me, my work, etc..
For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is not seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we (I) hope for what we (I) donot yet have, we (I)wait for it PATIENTLY.
ROMANS 8:24-25
I have my eyes set on JESUS, my hope for the salvation of my son, whom I have been praying for the past 8 years. I AM HOPING AND WAITING PATIENTLY!
Thanks, Marilyn M.
O LORD, what is man that you care for him, the son of man that you think of him? Psalm 144:3
After hearing that we are more valuable than the birds in our sermon yesterday and reading this Scripture this morning, it reminded me how much He loves us!
I posted this on my blog-shirleygoodnessandmercy.blogspot.com
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corin. 4:18
Needed this so much this morning! Going through something and needed to be reminded that there is always more going on than meets the human eye! Press through!
“Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” Psalm 34:5
I taught 6th grade girls in Bible Study yesterday, and the Lord drew us to Psalm 34. They freely talked of some of their fears and worries. This morning, God reminded me of this verse in that same chapter. As I was driving to school preparing to teach my precious 2nd and 3rd graders, I prayed that He would make me radiant with Christ’s perfect love. All I want is to reflect His glory and for Him to live through me.
Proverbs 27:2 “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips.”
A reminder that I need to seek the pleasure of God. I often point out to my husband something I think he needs to praise me for.
“Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; They will still be praising you.” Psalm 84:4
God is reminding me that no matter how big or small my local church is; it (we) are placed here in this dry and barren land to praise His name and glorify Him throughout the whole CT lower valley!!
Loving every moment of the Psalms of Ascents. Finishing up week 5 and today I read, worked and prayed Psalms 132: 1-10. How amazing to know King David could not rest until he prepared the resting place for God’s covenant. I think of all the times I get so busy and forget to take the time to remember Christ and all he has done for me. I also thought about when I sit down to relax for a moment and maybe take a minute to watch my kids play or watch a good show on tv, I throw my feet up on the footstool of my chair and sit back and observe all that is going on around me. Usually I am content and feel blessed with all God’s given me. Today I considered this same scenario for Christ himself. He sits back in his heavenly recliner and observes all that is going on in the world. I am almost positive He does not have the same feelings of contentment as I do as he watches the world and all the sin in the world. I just praise Him that he is watching over us and caring for us. Psalms 131:3 People of Israel, put your hope in the Lord now and forever.
1John 4:16 And we have come to know and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him”HCSB
All else can fail everyone else can come or go but if I stay and remain in God, Well He is right there remaining with me; actually believing this for me has been a journey. never mind anything I have been down loaded with from my study of 1 John chapters 1-5
Iris
Okay – Here goes!
1. We started a new study on Ephesians so my verse for today was Ephesians 5:22 – Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.
2. A realization that God comes first in a marriage and that a wife should not submit to her husband if it goes against God’s teachings in the Bible (always thought submit meant no matter what but it does not if it goes against God and His teachings.)
Have a blessed Day!
Kelli in Colorado
Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
This morning I thought about how important this is for me to focus on, and then I had one of those days when I was tested all day to truly honor and love many “one anothers”; all I can say for today’s tests is that I’m glad I get to try again tomorrow!
Tina Broaddrick
Psalm 94:19 “When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul.”
There has been a lot of turmoil in our lives recently and it was just a reminder to keep my thoughts stayed upon the Lord and to delight in Him and to trust Him always.
Kim
Psalm 114:7-8
Tremble, O Earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, who turned the rock into a pool, the hard rock into springs of water.
I was just so amazed at reading this whole Psalm today, as it was about remembering the things God has done, particularly the Jordan being turned back. What was particularly interesting, was this psalm was my recommended daily reading from my Life Journal Bible Reading Plan, but it also fits completely in line with what I have been learning in the Believing God study that I am currenlty taking. God is amazing!!!
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills removed, yet my UNFAILING LOVE for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says teh LORD, who has compassion on you.” -Isaiah 54:10
I’ve been trying to really understand the loving heart of God…that he doesn’t love me like people on earth. His love is UNFAILING. Knowing that He will not fail me is hard to wrap my thick skull sometimes. I was reminded of that again this morning.
Philippians 4:6-7 -” Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God , which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
The Lord was reminding me not to be anxious about all the economic and political turmoil but to place my trust in Him for He is still in control. I just need to continue and be obedient to pray daily for our country and the world.
“I WAIT FOR YOU, O LORD; YOU WILL ANSWER, O LORD MY GOD.” Pslam 38:15 NIV
And what I heard and saw was His answer is just that, He does answer. Some times it’s a yes, and sometimes it is a no. BUT HE ALWAYS ANSWERS. He is faithful, He is committed.
Yeehaw, what a PROMISE.
“Should you not fear me?” declares the Lord.
“Should you not tremble in my presence? I made the sand a boundary for the sea, an everlasting boundary it cannot cross. The waves may roll, but they cannot prevail; they may roar, but they cannot cross it.”
Jeremiah 5:22
This gave me a prayer for those in the paths of hurricanes. And it also reminded me that if He created an everlasting boundary against the mighty seas, then He is able to work mightily in my life.
“What good will it be for man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul.” Matthew 16:26 (NIV)
This reminded me to submit my schedule, my day, my everything to Him and brought to mind and tongue one of my favorite song by Toby Mac!!! 🙂
“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21
Our family has been going through a rough time…, but it is so good to know that God has a purpose in all things and that we can trust Him with what’s best.
Proverbs 27: 19 “As water reflects a face,so a man’s heart reflects the man.”
I need to remember that my face is a reflection of my heart–especially to my children and my husband. I was once told that ‘your face confirms or denies your words’; I want my face to reflect His glory.
“This is how God showed His love among us: He sent his one ad only Son into the world that we might live through him.” 1 John 4:9
His love is an everlasting commitment.
Tess Martin
Ex 12.12b: and on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the Lord.
The Lord our God is far stronger than any idols or demonic powers, and he is the one who delivers us from Egypt.
Mys teenage son and I read from acts every morning before school. Here’s todays nugget about the idol makers in Ephesus afraid of their business being affected by christianity:
Acts 19:25,26a
“He called them togather, along with others employed in similar trades, and addressed them as follows: “Gentlemen, you know our wealth comes from this business, But as you have seen and heard, this man Paul has persuaded many people that handmade gods aren’t really gods at all…”
My takeaway is that if I ever have to “pedal evil” to make a dollar, then I will close up shop!
I did my devotional out of my new ESV Study Bible… I LOVE it, the Word with awesome resources.
Romans 8:1 – For there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
God is working on me in the area of fear of man… boy it can be BAD. He is teaching me how much He loves me. Sadly I’m hard headed.
“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.” Psalm 91:14
Encouragement for me to continue trusting Him with a new direction for our family and to keep Him and His purposes at the forefront of it all.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
At 2am this morning, I found peace for my pain and even conviction for my anger and own attitude reading this. When I knew I couldn’t do it on my own, I went to His word and found the strength to try. Sometimes the people that are closest to us – that we love more than anything! – hurt us the most with their words even when they don’t mean to, and we hurt them too. Wouldn’t it be nice if everything was just rosy ALL the time? If we weren’t so dern human, it could be. Thank you Jesus for Your Word to help us along the way!
I’ve loved reading through everyone’s encouraging scriptures.
What a nice treat today!
“God stands in the congregation of the mighty: He judges among the gods. How long will you judge unjustly, and show partiality to the wicked?” Psalm 82 1-2.
I read all of Psalm 82 today. My husband and I went away for the weekend to the mountains of New Hampshire. The breakfast place we frequented had a Bible open in the small room adjacent to the bathroom. When I inquired why the Bible was there the waitress stated that the owners of the restaurant were Christians and it was their way of witnessing to their patrons. Even if it was just a small reminder that God is still in control and ruler of all. The Bible was open to Psalm 82. I got a chance to read the whole passage this morning.
How relevent is this passage today. The Psalm calls the rulers and judges “gods” because they represented God in executing their judgements. Oh how our leaders fall short today. Especially during this time of elections this spoke to my heart. I am so glad that GOD is in control and not man. “Jesus shall come again to Judge the living and the dead and his Kingdom shall have no end.”
Amen,
Luv2Praise, Lori
Psalm 45:11″The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord.”
He reminds me that he is to be exhalted over any circumstance and difficulty I’m experiencing. He calls me to honor him over everything that’s going on. He knows best!
Numbers 3:13 “for all the first born are mine. When I struck down all the firstborn in Egypt I set apart for myself every first born in Israel, whether man or animal They are to be mine. I am the LORD.” Studying and reading Exodus, especially chapters 7-14, the plagues and exodus of the Israelites. Numbers 3:13 struck me so this morning. The Egyptian households all lost firstborn sons from Pharoah to slave girl, the Israelites were spared by the “Passover” But this is when God set apart all firstborn sons and animals for Himself. Later to be the Levites, but anyway, God set apart all the firstborn sons of Israel at this time, Passover, which is a foreshadowing of Jesus, Gods firstborn and only son who would be sacrificed for our sin. God never expects more from us than He is completely willing and able to do for us. Gods word is SO rich! I wish I could better tell you how God illumined my mind to this scripture, God is so, so, so , words cannot express, Oh, how I love Him so! michelle, Lebanon IN
“Now those who were scattered went about preaching the Word.” Acts 8:4
How thankful I am to the Lord that those early persecuted believers preached the Word!!!!
Linda from Ft. Collins
“So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.” (NIV)
In my study “Seeking Him” this morning, the focus was on being reconciled with God as well as with others. I’m thankful that God lovingly helps us in all ways – including dealing with those tough relationships that need reconciliation.
John 21:7, “Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord!'”
This reminded me to stay close to Jesus so I know when He’s working . . . . .so I’m not tempted to say it’s coincidence. And to always be faithful to point others to Jesus.
Proverbs 31:8-9 – Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
This verse God gives to me repeatedly (almost everywhere!) as He has me working to combat human trafficking.
“For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lietime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” psalm 30:5
We are struggling with finding a church family and its just so hard to visit fellowship after fellowship and wait on the Lord to guide us where he would have us to be. He promised that joy would come and I am comforted by that. I can be patient and wait.
“And we are instructed to turn from Godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God.” Titus 2:12 (NLT)
This spoke to me during this very unsure time in our political climate preceeding the ’08 presidential election!
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Phil 4:8 (ESV)
I’ve been living in Philippians for the past few months – memorizing and soaking it in. Thinking on ‘these things’ has been a great place to dwell!
Ps 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble…
Times are tumultuous, He never changes – PTL
“God has given us eternal life, and this eternal life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” 1 John 5:11-12
I received a reminder that eternal life is not just “added on” to our lives when we die, but instead it is new kind of life, full and abundant, that we receive the moment we receive the Son.
“Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs.” Isa 61:7
Spent time this morning meditating on forgiveness, bitterness and “being a victim”. I was reminded that forgiveness is a gift to ourselves and the need to be in constant conversation with our Lord to be aware of any unforgiveness in my heart. Also, that we don’t need to fret about wrongs done our way, as the Lord has proven many times over, He is our protector and our joy is in HIM!!
“While the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion.”
Luke 15:20 (NIV)
What a powerful reminder that I can not out run God’s love!! He looks for me to come back to Him and then runs to greet me! Wow – he runs – how cool is that!!
Kimberly in Northern Michigan – where we have been seeing snow showers on and off all day 🙂
Proverbs 27..read the entire chapter. (in honor of this being the 27th day of the month)
Great wisdom, as always in Proverbs! This chapter has a lot of references in relating to others. Good reminders to let us be sharpened by others in our lives…let others brag about me…no need to do it myself!
Michelle/Texas
Started day as usual, reaching for My Utmost for His Highest. Notes to self after reading – He is ABLE!!! and Boundless Confidence in Jesus!! Yes! I will not go to the left or the right, I will not waver, I will STAND. Read Matthew 18 today – become like little children: trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving. Thank you for this Word today, Lord Jesus.
Oh this is so cool! I just blogged on this this morning. We are on a “break” from our normal women’s Bible study group until this Thursday, so I’ve been enjoying reading through, studying, praying and digesting some of the Old Testament. This morning I read from the book of Judges. The verse that stood out to me was:
Judges 21:25 (NAS) “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes”.
I know that in my own life when I am acting as though there is no King in my life, and I am doing what is right in my own eyes, I fail! And God uses those times to teach me and train me and re-mold me. For that I am VERY THANKFUL! My King never gives up on me! He never is done with me, and His mercies are new every morning!!!! THANK YOU FATHER 🙂
Blessings,
Lori in Central California
Proverbs 27:1 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.
Not only have I seen this play out in my life and others, but it’s a great reminder to trust God’s wisdom whether you’re looking forward to or dreading a future event. In light of the recent financial crisis, I am reminded that God knows what each day brings and its in his sovereignty that I must rest.
”But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” I Tim 5.8
It reminded and encouraged me to call my family more often. We live 5 hours away and in the mist of busyness I don’t call them as much as I should. Powerful words to me this morning!
Rachel
“Lift up your hands in the holy place, and praise the Lord!” Psalm 134:2 (Day 4 of Week 6 of Steppin’Up – so don’t want it to end tomorrow)
I was reminded to break out into praise all day long – even for the little stuff – and even in the dark. Easy to do today as the leaves have changed and the sun is out. Praise the Lord!
Hi my darling Mama Beth! What a great “pop quiz” idea! The passage that I read today was from Luke 19:39-40:
“Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, rebuke your disciples!'”
“”I tell you,’ He replied, ‘if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out!'”
No stone is going to show me up in the praise from these lips of mine of my Jesus! Love you, Shawn
Mathew 8:17 He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sickness.
– thank you Jesus, I stand amazed at the wonderful provision of our Savior. ~ Malinda Wilson/Oregon
1 Timothy 1:5 The goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
Working in a Christian school this was a good reminder to me of my daily purpose. Good reminder for life whether we work in a school or any work environment.