Kathy Howard's Blog: Unshakeable Faith for Life, page 6

This post about gratitude is adapted from “Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith,” Kathy Howard’s unique devotional that combines stories of faith with practical tips for spiritual legacy and helps for genealogy research.

A train whistle always stops Lloyd in his tracks. No matter where he is or what he’s doing, when he hears the whistle blow, Lloyd pauses to thank God. Sometimes, his prayer is a simple “Thank You, Lord.” Other times, he pauses longer to praise God and thank Him for specific acts of mercy and grace in his life. (Also see “Gratitude is Essential to Peace.”)

The seed for Lloyd’s “gratitude prompt” was planted long ago during happy childhood days spent on his grandfather’s Arkansas farm. One of Lloyd’s most vivid memories of that time was the sound of the logging train that regularly chugged across the property. Thankfulness filled those days. Thankfulness for his strong, gentle grandfather and his example of love and family devotion. Lloyd naturally connected those feelings of gratitude with the sound of the train.

Now, decades later, there’s another train that cuts a path across Lloyd’s Wyoming ranch in the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains. Everyone that visits the ranch hears the story of the train, its whistle, and the reminder it provides to stop and thank God. From family and friends to neighbors and the Wounded Warrior veterans Lloyd often hosts, everyone pauses to thank God when the whistle blows.

King David Practiced Gratitude

Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!  1 Chronicles 16:8-9, ESV

After King David triumphantly brought the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem, he encouraged the people of God to express their gratitude. He urged Israel to remember everything God had done and to thank Him for all His wondrous works. Like David, Lloyd knows that continuous gratitude fosters a deeper awareness of God and greater joy in the worshipper’s heart.

A Gratitude Prompt for Our Family

God still deserves our praise and gratitude. David’s and Lloyd’s examples encourage us not only to stop and thank God for His marvelous works and good blessings, but to also encourage our loved ones to express gratitude to God. Develop a “gratitude prompt” for your own family by identifying an everyday sight or sound as a reminder to thank God for His many gifts. You could also set a regular time for our family – perhaps around the dinner table – to share these “wondrous works” with each other.

Although thanking God is not hard, Lloyd knows how easy it is to forget. “People don’t take time to stop and thank God for all He’s done. We all need a little reminder.” Lloyd’s reminder is as faithful as the train.

Let’s Talk: What do you do in order to be intentional about gratitude? What are some ways you also encourage your family to express thanksgiving to God?

More about “Heirloom”

“ Heirloom: Living and Leaving a Legacy of Faith ”  tells stories of the past that will impact our faith today. These 52 heart-felt reflections  reveal the seeds of our faith―seeds that sprouted and took root, growing through the centuries to today. Heirloom  weaves these stories of faith and family history with Scripture, beautiful artwork, and ancestry research tips and techniques. Through these stories of persevering faith you’ll discover the potential your story has to impact future generations. “Heirloom” makes a lovely gift!  (See “ Heirloom” on Amazon .) 

The Gratitude Whistle Stop by Kathy Howard.

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You’re right. For most of us – me included – it’s hard to memorize Scripture.  It requires commitment, time, and purposeful effort. I’ll be honest, my own Scripture memory work has been sporadic. But I’ve experienced that the worth far outweighs the work.

A few years ago while preparing two messages for a women’s conference from the book of Philippians, the Spirit prompted me to memorize Philippians 4:4-13. The process deepened my understanding of the text, helped me embrace the spiritual truths, and personally connected me with that part of God’s Word. (See also “Why I Tackle Scripture Memory and How I Do It?”)

After the conference, I once again felt the Spirit’s prompting to memorize. This time, the whole book of Philippians! With a bit of apprehension, I said yes. It took me about two years, but I did it. Again, the process was hard, but I cherish the connection I have to God’s wonderful truths in Philippians. I want to jump into another large section of Scripture. I’m considering the Sermon on the Mount… or I’m also taking suggestions. What do you think? Leave me suggestions in the comments!

So, if you decide to try memorizing Scripture, how should you go about it? There’s no one right way to do it. Everyone learns a little differently. Keep reading to find out how I do it and to get some other ideas.

My Scripture Memory Cards

I’m really old school. First, I write out the verses on 5×8 index cards. Even though I now use other translations for study and devotional reading, I use the NIV 1984 for memory because I have other passages memorized from this translation. Use the translation you are most familiar with. (If you prefer a digital system, check out the BibleMemoryApp!)

Sometimes, when I know I’ll have a few minutes of downtime somewhere along the way, I carry the cards with me. But I also take photos of each card and put them in a folder on my phone. That way, if I’m out and have an unexpected few minutes to review and I get stuck, I simply look on my phone.

I work on a verse – or a thought if it carries over to another verse – at a time. After I read it out loud repeatedly, I begin to say it back from memory. I start phrase by phrase, working up to the entire verse with the reference. When I feel comfortable with that, I add the next verse.

I can summarize my basic memory method with three R’s – Read, Recite, Review. (If you need some direction on where to start memorizing, check out the various Scripture Memory Plans on my resources page.)

8 Helpful Activities to Help You Memorize Scripture

There are other things you can add to those Three Rs to enhance the memory process. The first two are the most important. The exact benefit of the other suggestions will depend on your learning style. (Also see “Scripture Memory Tips.”)

Consider the context – We want to have a correct understanding of any verse or passage we memorize. Taking Scripture out of its context is probably the most often cause for misunderstanding. (Also see “ How Literary Context Aids our Understanding,  “4 Things to Consider for Biblical Context” and “Do You Misuse Philippians 4:13?”)Reflect on Key Truths – Spend a few moments reflecting on the spiritual truths the verse teaches. This will help implant them in your heart and mind. (See also “The 4 R Bible Study Method for Everyday Use.”) For instance, what does the passage teach about God’s character, purposes, and ways? What does it teach about the nature of mankind or salvation or living a life that pleases God?Identify Anchor Words – Identify two to four key words or “anchor” words in the passage to help you remember it. For instance, in Psalm 46:1, three solid anchor words to remember could be “refuge,” “strength,” and “help.” Circle these words on the front of the Scripture card and then write them on the back. Use these words as prompts during the memorization process.Draw a Picture or Symbol – On the back of your Scripture card, draw a symbol or picture that visually represents the verse. For instance, for Psalm 46:1 you could draw a fort or castle. Along with your anchor words, this picture or symbol will be another prompt to remember the truths and content of the verse or passage.Record It (great for auditory learners) – Use your smart phone, computer, or another device to record yourself reading or reciting the passage. Play it back throughout the day to further reinforce it in your memory.Choose an Object (great for tactile learners) – Select an object around your home or office that will remind you of the verse or passage each time you see it. For instance, for Psalm 46:1, a rock or stone object would remind you that God is your refuge, a strong safe place.Use Multiple Cards – Write the verse on more than just your primary card. Place these extra cards wherever you will seem them throughout the day and can take a moment to review – the bathroom mirror, above the kitchen sink, your car visor, your computer monitor, above the washer and dryer, the refrigerator door.Reword it – Rewrite the verse in your own words. This will help you think about the meaning and how it should apply to your own life.

Let’s talk! Is there another activity that helped you memorize Scripture in the past you’d like to share?

8 Activities to Help You Memorize Scripture by Kathy Howard.

We see the verse on coffee mugs, t-shirts, and wall decor. It’s probably the most well-known and oft-quoted verse from Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13, NKJV

Unfortunately, it’s also one of the verses most often misunderstood and misused. We love that one verse so much we pull it out of its home in the surrounding verses. We hold it out on its own and say, “Jesus gives me strength to do all things.” But is that what it means?

Unfortunately, when we take it out of context we lose the original meaning. We even begin to assign meanings to it God never intended. (See “How Literary Context Helps Us Understand the Bible” and “What is the Metanarrative of the Bible?”)

Let’s say, for instance, I desire to do something big for the Kingdom of God. I have an idea, a vision, of what I’d like to do. But it’s big, really big! Well, if “Jesus gives me strength to do all things,” then doesn’t that mean He will give me the power and opportunities to not only pursue this dream, but also to succeed?

Is that what Philippians 4:13 means? Does it mean that Jesus will give me the power and strength to do whatever I desire to do for Him? Or maybe it means Jesus will give me the power and strength to do what He calls me to do?

Do you #misuse #Philippians 4:13? #context
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We know from other Scriptures that God does gift and guide, equip and empower His children to carry out His purposes for our lives (2 Thessalonians 1:11; Ephesians 1:19-20; 1 Corinthians 12:7; Ephesians 4:11-13). But Philippians 4:13 does not promise us that God will give us strength to follow our desires or even to carry out His purposes.

So what does Philippians 4:13 mean?

Let’s drop Philippians 4:13 back into the verses immediately surrounding it and see what it means in light of its context. (For more on the “context” of a biblical passage, check out this post: “4 Things to Consider for Biblical Context.“) In Philippians 4:10-14, Paul thanked the Christians in Philippi for the financial gift they sent him. He appreciated their gift, but he was not in desperate need at the moment. In fact, he had learned to be content no matter his physical circumstances. Paul had discovered the secret of contentment whether he was in physical want or plenty.

And what was his secret of contentment, whether he was well fed or hungry? Paul had experienced Christ’s strength within him to endure any and every situation. He found total sufficiency in trusting Christ. Paul gained strength from Jesus to be content with whatever God provided for him.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” never meant Paul could do anything because Jesus would give him the power to do it. It meant Paul could endure any difficult circumstance or physical need through the strengthening power of Christ.

#Philippians 4:13 does not obligate God to empower our #plans. #Context
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Great, incredible truth. Philippians 4:13 does not obligate God to empower our plans. Oh no, it’s far better than that! Jesus will give us the strength we need to endure desperate need. His empowering presence will be with us through every difficult circumstance.

Have you gained a better understanding of Philippians 4:13? Does it encourage you today?

Want to learn more about the proper approach to Bible study? See “4 R Bible Study Method.“

Other posts you might find helpful:

“What do I do with Philippians 3:14?”“The Real Promise of 1 Corinthians 10:13”“The Delight and Desire of Psalm 37:4” “Why Philippians 4:13 doesn’t Mean What You Think”

Do You Misuse Philippians 4:13? by Kathy Howard.

“What are your top two challenges when it comes to prayer, Bible reading, and study?” That’s the first question I asked on Facebook last week. Distractions and trouble focusing overwhelming topped the list.

So, I asked a second question. “What do you do to stay focused during your quiet time?”

I got so many great suggestions, I decided I had to share them with you here. (For some good general tips for having a quiet time see “11 Tips for a Quality Quiet Time with God.”)

Ways to Stay Focused During Your Quiet TimeTake advantage of your natural rhythm – Give God the most alert time of your day. If your brain is the clearest and sharpest first thing in the morning then schedule your time with Him then. On Facebook, my friend Mike said: “Most people have a natural rhythm in terms of being mentally alert. I am most productive in the morning, so I make prayer and study a priority during that time to help me stay focused. I plan meetings and interactions with people in the afternoon and evening. A regular routine is a must for me!” But Teresa said that late afternoon is her best time. “I save study time for late afternoon or evening so I can deeply absorb what I read.”Distance yourself from known distractions – We must be purposeful in reducing any possible distractions. For instance, email and social media pull me in. I had to commit – to God and myself – that I would not open my laptop before I spent time with God first. One Facebook friend said she leaves her phone in another room and closes the door. Obviously, we can’t eliminate all distractions but we can reduce them. Julie gets up before anyone else in the house so she can have quiet for her quiet time. What distracts you the most? If it’s your kids, you may have to get up before them or have your quiet time during nap time. (If kiddos is your biggest distraction, see “How to Have a Quiet Time When You have No Time that’s Quiet.” and “8 Tips for Moving Quiet Time from ‘Want to’ to ‘Get to.’“)Make Jesus as real as possible – When we pray and read our Bibles we are communicating with God! He hears us. We hear Him. Yet we sometimes lose sight of that reality. My friend Trenda works to keep that truth in mind. “I picture Jesus sitting there beside me, talking and listening. Sometimes we have coffee or tea together.”Write it down – Lots of Facebook commenters mentioned journaling and note taking. This is something that helps me too! There’s something about using my hand that keeps my mind focused on what I’m doing. For instance, I bullet or sometimes write out my prayers in a journal to keep my focused. I also use highlighters as I read my Bible and take study notes in my wide-margin journaling Bible. (See “Bible Journaling for Beginners,” “Bible Highlighting for More Effective Study” and “10 Observation Tips for Better Bible Study.”)Get Creative – There are different learning styles. Many of us need a more hands on approach. For instance, Melissa includes lots of artwork and color in her prayer journal. Others artfully depict Scripture in their Bible margins as they meditate on God’s Word. This can also involve traced or drawn pictures, archival quality writing/coloring pens. (For more about creative, artful Bible journaling, see “How to Start Bible Journaling for Beginners.“)Be vocal – I talk to myself all the time. It helps me concentrate. So, I heartily agree with Shanda’s experience that reading the Bible out loud helps her concentrate on what she’s reading. That’s true for praying out loud as well! If you’re having trouble concentrating try reading Scripture and praying out loud. And don’t worry about what anyone else in the house might think!Try shorter, intense times of prayer – Sometimes the longer I pray, the more my mind wanders. My friend Lucille has the same trouble, so she prays more often for shorter periods. Short bursts of intense prayer times. In fact, she prays as often as the Spirit prompts. Pray, stop, repeat often! Brain dump – I first saw this term used by Amy Hale and I started using it right away. Whenever I sit down with God in the morning, the first thing I do is open my journal and write down the top things occupying my mind. It’s a way of freeing up the space for Him. Others use similar tactics. When Kimberly is spending time with God, if a needed task pops into her mind she writes it down. That way, she won’t continue to dwell on it or worry she’ll forget it. Sheila does the same thing. She keeps a blank piece of paper handy to write down any random thought or chore she forgot. Those items are recorded for later and can be set aside for the moment.Train your heart and mind – Georgia has learned that the more she contemplates God throughout the day, the better she can focus on Him during the time she sets aside for prayer and Bible reading. For instance, Georgia listens to sermons while she works and hymns while she cleans. She constantly trains her mind to dwell on God, so when it’s time to focus, her brain more naturally lingers on Him.

Let’s talk! Do you struggle to stay focused? If so, what are some things you’ve tried to help? Which of these tips might be helpful to you?

9 Tips to Help You Stay Focused during Your Quiet Time by Kathy Howard.

I don’t know about you, but I tend to hesitate before jumping into reading or studying one of the prophets. In the past, I didn’t know how to correctly understand the prophets so I avoided them altogether. Now, I feel better equipped, but I also know I just can’t open up my Bible, read a short passage from one of the prophets and get an easy take-away. Of course, it’s not that easy with any Bible passage, but the nature of prophecy makes it a touch trickier. (Also see “6 Reasons to Read and Study the Old Testament.”)

For many of us, prophecy can be the most confusing type of literary genre. But the prophets are also filled with incredible spiritual truths we don’t want to miss. So, instead of shying away, let’s learn how to approach the prophets. (The Bible contains different forms of literary genres. For more on this see “Quick Tips for Handling 8 Different Biblical Genres.”)

What is “prophecy?”

“Prophecy” is God’s word given through His messenger to people – usually His own people, but sometimes others. The important thing to remember is that prophecy is a specific message from God through a human messenger to a specific people at a specific time. The Old Testament includes 4 major and 12 minor prophets. The “major” and “minor” designations are strictly based on the length of the book, not the value of the prophecy. Basically, there are two kinds of prophecy:

“Foretelling” – Refers to a prophet’s predictions about the future. According to the book Introduction to Biblical Interpretation, only 5% of biblical prophecy refers to events in the New Covenant age. And less than 1% refers to events still to come. In other words, 99% of all prophecy in the Bible has already been fulfilled.“Forthtelling” – Indicates messages for the prophet’s own audience about their time or the near future. The prophets were God’s covenant enforcers. Most often, the prophets boldly revealed the ungodliness and idolatry around them. They warned of God’s pending judgment and urged the people to repent before it was too late.A Few Tips to Help You Understand the Prophets

The following tips are just the tip of the iceberg. We could talk about each tip in great length. But, these tips will give you a good head start as you read the prophets.

Keep the context in mind – As we saw above, prophecy was given by God to a specific people at a specific point in history. If we pull the prophecy out of this context there is a good chance we will misunderstand it. Not all prophecy in the Bible has direct application to us today. However, we can apply the underlying spiritual truths of prophecy to our own lives. For more on context see “4 Things to Consider for Biblical Context.”Don’t get bogged down in symbolism – Symbolic language, word pictures, and poetry fill prophecy. Focusing on the symbolism can cause us to miss the big picture. Look for the major points and overall spiritual truths instead.Be aware of multiple levels of fulfillment – Prophecy often – if not usually – will be “fulfilled” more than once. First, near the prophet’s lifetime and again long after his life. Many of these “2nd fulfillments” are Messianic in nature. The first fulfillment in near history and the second finding its greater fulfillment in Jesus.Look for the “conditions” – Many prophecies are “if/then.” For instance, many of the prophets warned of God’s judgment and called people to repentance. If the people didn’t repent, God would bring His judgment. If they did repent, God would be merciful. The book of Jonah is a good example of this.

Note: Apocalyptic prophecy – primarily Daniel and Revelation – presents even more challenges and is beyond the scope of this post.

Don’t be afraid to read and study the prophets! They have value for our lives today. The underlying truths and eternal spiritual principles have solid application for our lives today. Not long God used the prophet Haggai to point out something very specific in my life. (See “Surprised by an Old Testament Prophet.”) You just may be surprised by what God teaches you through the prophets!

Who’s your favorite Old Testament prophet? Why?

4 Tips to Help You Understand the Prophets by Kathy Howard.

I thought I knew him. I followed his ministry. And over the years, I have read and reread his writings. But not long ago, I realized I didn’t know as much about the Apostle Paul as I thought. (For more on how to study the Bible see “The 4 R Bible Study Method for Everyday Use.”)

While studying Paul and his life for the 50-day devotional “Deep Rooted: Growing through the Book of Acts,” I discovered several “new” things about the apostle to the Gentiles. Of course they were there all along; I had simply overlooked them. Maybe some will be new to you too.

6 little-known facts about the Apostle PaulPaul didn’t jump right into long-term ministry (Galatians 1:13-18) – In my mind, Paul met Jesus on a dusty road, spent three days fasting in Damascus, regained his eyesight, then jumped right into ministry to the Gentiles and never looked back. But a closer examination of Scripture tells a little different story. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul wrote he “went immediately into Arabia (Galatians 1:17).” In fact, he didn’t return to Jerusalem for three years (Galatians 1:18). What did Paul do during all this time in Arabia? Many scholars feel this may have been a spiritual retreat for Paul, a time to reconcile everything he knew from the Old Testament Scriptures with his new reality in Christ. In Arabia, Paul could immerse himself in the reality of his Savior and focus on learning and growing in preparation for ministry.Paul’s nephew saved his life (Acts 23:12-35) – After Paul’s arrest by a Roman commander in Jerusalem, 40 Jewish men bound themselves in an oath to not eat or drink anything until they had killed Paul. The Jewish leaders agreed to help them by petitioning the Roman commander to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin for questioning. The assassins planned to attack Paul during the transfer. But the son of Paul’s sister heard of the plot and reported it to Paul at the Roman barracks. When Paul told a centurion, the Roman commander ordered a detachment of almost 500 guards to move him to Caesarea under the cover of night.Saul’s name was not changed to Paul (Acts 13:6-9)– During the biblical account of Paul’s first missionary journey, Luke writes: “Then Saul, who was also called Paul…” (Acts 13:9). From this point forward, Luke only refers to the apostle as “Paul.” This shift does not reflect a name change, as has often been said, but rather a conscious decision on Paul’s part to use a name he already had. Since Paul was a Roman citizen, he was given three names at birth. The third – Paul’s Latin name – better fit the predominately Roman environment. “Saul the Pharisee” chose to be known as “Paul, citizen of Rome.”God gave Paul more than he could handle (2 Corinthians 1:8-11) – Paul and his companions suffered such extreme pressure during a particular situation in Asia they “despaired even of life.” Scholars aren’t sure what event Paul referred to in these verses, but the situation was so dire Paul believed he and his companions might die. He saw no way out of the life-threatening encounter. And indeed, without God’s miraculous intervention, they would have perished. When all human hope was lost God delivered them by His grace through the prayers of the believers (2 Corinthians 1:11). Note: For more about God giving us more than we can handle, see “The Real Promise of 1 Corinthians 10:13.”Paul visited heaven before his death (2 Corinthians 12:1-10) – God gave Paul a glimpse of heaven during his early years as a believer, perhaps during his time of spiritual retreat in Arabia (Galatians 1:17). Paul didn’t know if he had been physically transported or was there in spirit. But he saw and heard “inexpressible things.” Pride would be the natural sinful response to an experience like this, but pride and conceit have no place in God’s servant. Therefore, God allowed something into Paul’s life to foster humility – a “thorn of the flesh.”Paul felt deserted by everyone but God (2 Timothy 4:9-18) – Throughout Paul’s ministry he suffered trials and persecution for the sake of Christ. He was stoned, beaten, imprisoned, shipwrecked, and betrayed. He often went without food, sleep, and shelter. During his Roman imprisonment, he also felt alone with no other person to support or defend him. Demas left him because he loved the world. Alexander did him “a great deal of harm.” Yet through it all, the Lord stood with him. Paul was comforted and strengthened by God’s powerful presence.

6 facts about #ApostlePaul you may not know
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#Saul did not CHANGE his name to #Paul and other little-known facts

Want to Learn More about Paul?

I would love to sit down with Paul and hear all his stories, find out all those things not recorded in Scripture. Perhaps he would recount all the gospel victories and tell me more about the suffering he endured for the name of Christ. Pain and struggle may have marked his life, but God’s lavish grace sustained him every moment.

Want to learn even more about Paul’s life and ministry? I have two resources to help. Check out this 50-day devotional through the book of Acts: “Deep Rooted: Growing through the Book of Acts.” Also see the 9-week Bible study “Lavish Grace” which explores Paul’s writings and life experience with God’s grace.

Was one of these facts about Paul new to you? If so, which one? Do you know any other little-known facts about Paul? What would you like to know about Paul?

Kathy also   speaks on the topic of grace and has an Acts retreat theme. She’d love the chance to share at your women’s retreat, conference, or event. 

6 Things You May Not Know about Apostle Paul by Kathy Howard.

You may have heard this term in a number of different contexts. But, are you familiar with the metanarrative of the Bible? The term is not strictly a biblical term, but when used to talk about the Bible or Bible study it refers to the “Big Story” of Scripture. Sounds important, but what is it?

Metanarrative of the Bible is the overarching story that ties all the pieces together. Scripture’s Big Story runs from Genesis to Revelation like a bright red thread. This Big Story tells the one, unified story of Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Restoration all under God’s sovereign reign and rule. (For a great and more complete explanation see  “Study with Purpose: Seeing the Big Story of the Bible” excerpted from “Women of the Word” by Jen Wilkin.)

An article on GotQuestions used the metaphor of a house to help explain metanarrative. When a house is under construction, various tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and carpenters contribute their individual pieces towards the overall project. But without the blueprints we miss the big picture of the house. (See “What is a Metanarrative?”)

The Bible includes books of history, law, prophecy, wisdom, and letters. If we miss the metanarrative we might only see the Bible as a disjointed collection of individual books instead of the masterful, divinely-crafted unit it truly is. (See also “Who Wrote the Bible and Why Does it Matter?”) If we miss the Big Story, we might see two “Gods” in the Bible – the one justice in the Old Testament and the one of love and grace in the New. But viewed under the umbrella of the metanarrative, from beginning to end we see our one, holy God working out His divine plan for our redemption and restoration.

The Bible Emphasizes its Metanarrative

All of Scripture links together to unfurl God’s one divine plan – mankind’s redemption through Jesus Christ. Consider these truths:

The Father planned for Jesus to provide for our salvation before Creation (1 Peter 1:20-21).God’s overarching purpose is to unite all things in heaven and earth to Himself through Christ (Ephesians 1:9-10).God sent Jesus at just the right time in history to carry out His plan (Galatians 4:4-5).God’s promise to Abraham was fulfilled in Jesus (Galatians 3:7-14).Everything God prescribed in the Old Testament was an earthly shadow of the spiritual realities fulfilled in Jesus (Hebrews 8:1-6, Hebrews 10:1-7).Jesus fulfilled specific Old Testament prophecy. (For a list of 39 fulfilled Old Testament prophecies see “Is Jesus the Promised Messiah?”)The Bible’s Big Story Aids Our Bible Study

Everything in the Bible comes into clearer focus when we keep the metanarrative in mind. (Also see “The 4 R Bible Study Method” and “4 Tips to Help You Understand the Bible.”) As you read and study the Bible consider the following:

Where does this story/passage fit in the Big Story?How does the Big Story help me understand this piece?The pieces won’t contradict the Big Story.

The metanarrative of Scripture tells us all about God’s desire to have an eternal relationship with us and how He has worked it all out in history to make it possible. It is really the greatest love story of all time. 

What is the Metanarrative of the Bible? by Kathy Howard.

Does Bible reading frustrate you? Do certain issues, roadblocks, or questions keep you from reading the Bible more often than you do?

In the 2023 State of the Bible report, “Bible users” were asked about their top frustrations with Bible Reading on their own. (Note: This annual report is compiled by the American Bible Society. They define “Bible Users” as adults who read the Bible at least 3 times a year outside church.)

Here’s a quick breakdown of the 6 specific frustrations by percentages:

26% said “Not enough time”17% said “Don’t know where to start”16% said “Lack of excitement about reading the Bible”15% said “Difficult relating to language” of the Bible9% said “Layout (of Bible) difficult to navigate8% said “Stories are confusing”Some Practical Help for these Frustrations

You may experience some of these same frustrations. I want to help by sharing some resources and direction for each of the frustrations named in the list. (We will save “not enough time” for last!) The Bible can be difficult to understand, but the good news is, with just a few practical tools and basic resources you can approach the Bible with confidence.

If you struggle with a “lack of excitement,” you may find this frustration falls away when you handle the other frustrations. Because, the more you understand Scripture, the more you’ll experience God. And that my friend, is exciting! So, here we go:

Where to start – If you’ve never read the Bible before or read very little, I suggest you start with the Gospel of Mark. It’s action-filled and fast-paced and All about Jesus! (If you’d like a little guidance for reading this book, see the meaty devotional book “Deep Rooted: Growing through the Gospel of Mark.“) I also highly recommend you find and use a Bible Reading Plan. You can find a variety of them on BibleGateway, You Version Bible App, and BibleStudyTools . But, I also have READING PLANS on my website. Go to the FREE RESOURCES page, click on “Bible Reading Plans” to expand the drop down menu and see the options. I have lots of year-long reading plans and a couple of short-term thematic ones. If you aren’t ready to commit to a year, each of the “Book-by-Book” year-long plans are comprised of multiple books. You can simply choose one book to read through.Language of the Bible hard to understand – This is an easy fix. There are a wide variety of Bible translations. (See “Why Are There so Many Bible Translations?“) My favorite easy-to-understand translation is the New Living Translation (NLT). If you’ve been reading the KJV, ESV, NASB, etc. then you would benefit from a less formal and more dynamic translation like the NLT. If you find the NLT still a bit difficult, try a paraphrase like The Message. Although not technically a translation, it will help you understand!Bible layout difficult to navigate – For many of us, the Bible is not organized in a logical manner. Most books are chronological in nature. They tell us a story in order. But the Bible is arranged more in categories. See “ How is the Bible Organized ” to find out more about how it’s put together. But, even thought the Bible isn’t arranged chronologically you can still read it in chronological order. Here is my year-long “Chronological Reading Plan” free to download. Or, you can buy a Chronological Bible! Check out this large-print NLT Chronological Bible on Amazon! Stories of the Bible are confusing – The stories in the Bible can be confusing and strange. Not only has a lot of time passed since the events of the Bible occurred, but we live in a very different culture. However, there are tons of resources to help us understand the differences of time and culture. My favorite print resource is the IVP Bible Background Commentary. Check out the New Testament volume and the Old Testament volume. But a tremendous FREE resource is the Bible Project. This site has video overviews for every book of the Bible, (see this one on the Gospel of Mark ), videos on themes of the Bible, and more! Use Solid Bible Study Techniques

There are some general reading/study principles that apply no matter where in the Bible you plan to read. If you arm yourself with the basics you will quickly discover you not only understand the Bible more, but that you also enjoy it! I have tons of resources on my website that can equip you with solid Bible study principles and tools. But the best place to begin is to take a look at the basic inductive Bible study method I teach, the “4 R Bible Study Method for Everyday Use.“

“Not enough time” for Bible Reading

“Insufficient time” was the single most prevalent frustration. This is a very real problem. We live in a culture that idolizes busyness and encourages us to overly commit ourselves and our children. It’s okay to say “NO” sometimes. It really is.

I acknowledge that there are some limited busy seasons in our lives when all the activity is from God. But this will be the exception rather than the rule. From beginning to end in Scripture, God calls us to know Him, to meditate on His Word, to sit in His presence. If we are too busy to obey His call then our priorities need to be re-evaluated. In the end, we usually make the time to do the things that mean the most to us.

So, what is your biggest frustration in Bible reading and study? Let’s talk about it!

Americans’ Top 6 Frustrations with Bible Reading by Kathy Howard.

Many of us have experienced a lot of grief and difficulty in the last few years. We’ve lost loved ones. We’ve experienced illness, job loss, and financial strain. About now, you may be wondering how much more you can take. But I do have some good news. God doesn’t waste anything He allows into your life – particularly trials and difficulties.

God knows every loss and heartache in your life, every detail. He sees every need and cares deeply about each one. However, as much as He cares about your physical needs, He cares even more about your spiritual needs. His primary purpose for His children is that we become more and more like Jesus. (See Romans 8:29.) The spiritual and eternal take priority over the physical and temporary. But how does God do the work?

Trials “Work” Our Faith

Let’s consider a physical analogy. If we want to strengthen our muscles we must add “stress.” When we lift a heavier load than our muscles have lifted before, a physical process begins to adapt the needed muscles to the new load. Without stress, our muscles are content with their current size and strength. Add stress, and our muscles begin to change to meet the need.

Our spiritual strength and character are similar. The difficulties of life “stress” our faith. Trials give our faith a work out like heavy loads work our muscles. As we faithfully endure, we grow spiritually stronger. Without difficulty, our faith tends to stagnate. Do you want stronger faith? You need stress. (Also see “6 Steps for Standing Firm on God’s Truth When Everything Around You is Shaking.“)

#Trials are a #SpiritualWorkout for a Christian’s #faith
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Trials work our faith. Like using our muscles to carry heavier loads make them stronger, the trials of life give our faith a workout. God will use them to grow and develop our faith so we will be spiritually mature, not lacking anything!

God never wastes a #trial He allows into a #Christian’s life
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Our gracious God never wastes a trial He permits to enter our lives. If we will cooperate, He will use every difficulty, heartache, and hardship for our good and His glory. (The apostle Peter is a great example of someone who grew strong through trials. Find out more about Peter in “7 Things You Might Not Know about the Apostle Peter” or check out my Bible Study about Peter called “Unshakeable Faith.” See a description and introductory video on my website or check out the book on Amazon.)

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,F)" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30269F"> because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4, NIV

 6 Ways God Uses Trials in Our LivesGod uses trials to break our independence and foster our dependence on Him (2 Corinthians 1:8-9).God uses trials to purify our faith and develop our moral character (Romans 5:3-5).God uses trials to test, prove, and strengthen our faith in Him (1 Peter 1:6-7).God uses trials to prepare us for His purposes (Romans 8:28-29).God works through trials to prove Himself powerful and reliable (2 Corinthians 12:8-10).God uses trials to prove our faith works (2 Corinthians 4:7-10).

God is not finished with you yet. And He is definitely not finished with me. I know more difficulties lie ahead. Honestly, I wish God had chosen to work another way. But I will choose to trust His infinite wisdom and submit to His refining process. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to waste any trial or difficulty!

In what ways has God used trials in your life to refine your faith and character? To make you more like Jesus!?

6 Ways God Uses Trials in a Christian’s Life by Kathy Howard.

Love Bible study? Love a bargain? This Bible Study Bundle is all about both! This big Bible Study Bundle is for anyone who loves to dig into God’s Word, loves Bible study resources, or needs a little help and encouragement to learn more. Katie Orr, founder of the Bible Study Hub and author of Focused 15 Bible studies is the gal who put all this together. She reached out to a bunch of her Bible teacher and author friends – including me! – and asked us to join in.

I am excited to get to be a part of this incredible offering. My contribution to this bundle is 3 Deep Rooted Daily Enhanced Bible Reading Guides. These resources are expanded Bible reading plans with questions and prompts designed to guide you to understand and apply what you read. Some readings have brief commentary that shares helpful information. The three guides I’ve included in the Bundle are for Ruth, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, and Daniel. And this is just ONE of the 30 resources in this BUNDLE! These resources alone are a $20 value! (Read more about the Deep Rooted Daily Enhanced Reading Guides.)

What IS the Bible Study Bundle?

Katie always works to provide Christian women with tools, helps, and practical encouragement to read, study, and apply God’s Word. The Bible Study Bundle is all that and more! This amazing Bundle is a collection of more than 30 different resources including Bible studies, guides, courses, conferences, memberships, coupons, and more from 25 conservative Christian contributors. And it’s all pulled together in one big bundle for one low price!

This Bible study Bundle is worth more than $700… but you can get it all for just $49!What are the Details?

When: The Bundle is only available Tuesday, September 26th through Saturday, September 30th.

Where: You can get more information about all the resources and/or purchase your Bible study bundle on Katie Orr’s site.

How: When you purchase you’ll receive an email with all the details for accessing and downloading all the resources.

GET MORE INFORMATION Don’t miss out! Get your bundle today for just $49! FREE Extras: 4 Live Bible Study Events

Tuesday, September 26, 2PM Eastern: Fighting Bible Study Overwhelm– I will be Joining Katie Orr and high school teacher Christie Connatser in a conversation on how to fight OVERWHELM when it comes to opening, studying, understanding, and applying the Bible. This live event is FREE for all. I’d love for you to drop in! It happens RIGHT HERE! Hope to see you there!

Wednesday, September 27, 2PM ET: Bible study live – Katie Orr will walk us through dissecting Hebrews 11:1-5!

Thursday, September 28, 2PM ET: Enjoy God’s Word Conference Watch Party – Learn how to study the New Testament epistles with Katie Orr and Natalia Drumm.

Friday, September 29, 2PM ET: Thinking Outside the Bible Study Box – Get some creative Bible study ideas in this chat with Katie Orr and Brittany Ann of Equipping Godly Women and Danna of Lean, Healthy, Ageless.

What is your biggest Bible study challenge?? Let’s share ideas here!

Bible Study Bundle: Huge Value for Low Cost by Kathy Howard.