Which Source?
“I need to get back into reading Joel Osteen,” my husband said one evening as we were talking together after work.
I paused for a moment to consider what he said and then offered these words, “We need to get back into reading the Bible instead of going to another source to tell us what Jesus said.”
His eyes shifted up from the mail he was thumbing through as he said, with raised eyebrows, “You’re right.”
It was as if the thought hadn’t really occurred to either of us until that moment in time when we had an “ah ha” moment.
What better source to go to than the Bible itself, though. Really. Honestly. Truthfully. No one is going to express it better than God’s Holy Word.
I know that there are many that do not like Joel, and I am not here to hold a debate on that at all. I will say that Joel speaks with encouragement and inspiration, as well as from a Biblical standpoint, and it helps my husband. That’s enough right there to convince me that Joel can’t be all bad if he got a man that used to never dive into books of this sort to have a stack of them now on the night stand or coffee table in our home. And what’s more is that they aren’t just dust collectors sitting there. He actually reads them!
For me, my excuse, at times, has been that the King James Version is so hard to understand. With the NIV bible. the English Standard Version, and The Message Bibles, that excuse goes right out the window now because they help to make it easier to absorb and apply to your life.
Which source is better for you to gain a clearer understanding of what God wants for us and has in store for all who believe in Him? For me, I’m going back to the Bible!
I have a fancy journaling Bible now with a beautiful print on the front that looks like branches, leaves, and even grapes. The crisp, clean pages invite me to carefully turn them to reveal God’s promises.
I even joined a Bible Journaling Facebook Group!
Feeling determined, I am choosing the source which will feed my soul and light my path in life. I am choosing the one that offers hope, Salvation, and eternal life through Jesus.
Picking up my weapon, I am arming myself with the Word of God!
Which source will you choose?
Life Change
We are 19 days into January 2016. Can you honestly say that you’ve been successful with keeping your New Year’s Resolutions? Most cannot.
Have you realized, like I have, that it is about making a life change instead?
What did you set out to do on January 1st of this brand spanking new year? Was it a weight loss challenge that you issued for yourself? Maybe you wished to save more money? Or, perhaps, you wanted to appreciate each new day that God has given you and be present; in the moment with those that you love. Here is a really good one, too: Getting right with God by praying more, focusing on His Word, feeding your soul with His goodness and filling your mind with all of the wonderful things God says about you?
All of these things are still possible. You CAN still achieve greatness in this new year. Please do not throw your hands in the air and give up at this point. If you haven’t stayed on track, today is a new day! Get right back up, dust yourself off, and vow to try again tomorrow. You CAN do this, and God will provide strength for you each and every day to ensure that you achieve the goals you set for yourself on implementing these life changes!
I’ll be honest and admit that I haven’t stayed on track. But, I am determined to try again. This time, I will succeed because I am focusing on God and drawing from His strength. I know that I cannot do this alone. God wants me to turn to Him in ALL things, so why not turn this area of my life over to Him, too?
And I am … right here, right now. Today!
Are you with me? You, too, can make a life change!
The Plans I Have For You
On Christmas morning, along with all of her other presents, my daughter unwrapped The Plans I Have For You Devotional and Journal set. Her little face lit up as she realized she had a “big girl” set similar to the one that she sees me with.
I wondered if she would be thrilled with this devotional and journal for the first few days after Christmas, but then toss it aside as she lost interest. Much to my surprise, though, she has continued reading this devotional and writing daily in her journal. She was so excited by it and what all the devotional had to say that she read a few days ahead as well.
Today, I asked her what she thought of the set. She smiled and said she really liked it a lot and uses it daily, even if I do not see her with it. She said she will go into her room to have her quiet time with God’s word. That touched my heart when she said that.
How reassuring for them to know that as little as they are, God has a plan for their lives! He has given them all unique qualities, gifts, talents, and characteristics that no one else on this earth possesses. God molded and crafted them with His own hands and has set forth a distinct purpose and plan for their lives.
Do you have a special little one in your life that you think would be blessed by the devotional and journal set? If so, please enter our giveaway below.
Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.
Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller/FlyBy Productions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.
