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Pray
The beauty of having your own blog is that you can ramble. That is precisely what I am doing in this blog. I am rambling about prayer and Bible study, my two favorite topics.
Since I accepted Christ 53 years ago, prayer and Bible study have been the foundation that has held me together. Through trials and triumphs, I’ve learned that growth and maturity in the Lord come through these very struggles. Life hasn’t always been easy, but God has faithfully used my challenges to shape my heart and spirit.
Today, I experienced an answer to a concern I’ve had for decades—an answer I longed for. It came through a person I visited with for the very first time! It reminded me that God works in ways we often don’t expect and in His timing. This blessing stirred my heart, reaffirming that waiting upon the Lord’s answers and direction is not passive; it’s active and leads to an exciting prayer life. But timing is everything!
Have you ever felt God’s presence while waiting for God’s answers?
The Struggle and the Call to Wait
I admit that struggling with my heart’s desires tests me. Yet, over the years, I’ve seen God’s faithfulness in answering prayers, sometimes in ways I don’t immediately understand. Even so, in moments of uncertainty, I continue to cry out to God, asking Him to enlighten my thoughts through His Holy Spirit. These times of prayer are vital. Perhaps you’ve felt this, too: the need to seek God’s wisdom when your mind is clouded or uncertain.
Prayer requires dedication and intention. Developing a meaningful prayer time takes effort and time. It isn’t always the same, but the process of prayer is transformative. As we wait for God to answer our prayers, we must also declutter our minds and focus on Him. Worship and adoration invite the Holy Spirit to cultivate His presence, allowing us to align our thoughts and hearts with His will.
Praying for Everything and Everyone
The Bible instructs us to pray about everything. We should pray even when we don’t understand what is happening, especially when our hearts and minds bounce around with different scenarios.
God hears us when we pray, and He will answer. Through prayer, we learn to release our burdens and trust Him fully.
Forgiveness is an essential part of our prayer lives. Repentance/confession brings peace. We are called to meditate on God’s Word, not through emptying our minds but by filling them with His truth. This meditation is an active, vibrant fellowship with God, where His Word becomes our guide and comfort. Interceding for others is another crucial aspect of prayer.
For almost 50 years, I’ve kept a prayer journal, even before prayer journals were popular. Looking back at those entries, I can see how God has guided me, comforted me, and answered countless prayers. It’s an amazing privilege to track the journey of faith and see how God has worked—both in my own life and in the lives of others.
Answered Prayers, Bible, and Transformation
Sometimes, prayers aren’t answered as we hoped, but they are still answered in God’s perfect timing within His will. From our perspective, we sometimes feel God is not moving when our prayers are unanswered. However, all prayers are answered (maybe not to our liking) but in ways that align with God’s more excellent plan. Through all of it, praising and thanking God strengthens our prayer lives and deepens our trust in Him.
Arnold Cole and Pamela Caudill Ovwighn conducted a study through the Center for Bible Engagement. They discovered that people who read the Bible once, twice, or three times a week experience nominal spiritual growth. According to their research, “If you read the Bible on more days than you don’t read the Bible, your chances for mature Christian behavior go way up.” ¹
When we commit to praying and studying God’s Word more often, we begin to change. The ultimate goal of prayer and Scripture is to be transformed into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). This process is exciting and fulfilling.
Prayer is not just about asking for what we desire, even though we can ask for that as long as it is not something Scripture has already proven wrong. Prayer allows us to become more like the One we are praying to; thus, His desires also become our desires. We must remember that God knows our hearts. And how exciting it can be when God pours His favor on us!
Holy Bible
Trusting God in His Timing
Many of us are praying specific prayers right now. I know I am. Waiting can be difficult, but it is in this waiting that our trust in God deepens. The goal is to learn to trust Him fully, and I long for this kind of trust—for myself and you, too.
I hope this blog makes sense since I am just writing and rambling!
God bless.
Bible Verses
If we live by the Spirit, let’s follow the Spirit as well (Galatians 5:17 NASB),
And [Jesus] opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures (Luke 24:45 NKJV).
Show me your favor, God. I go to you for safety. I will find safety in the shadow of your wings (Psalms 57:1 NIRV).
Prayer
Lord, sometimes I do not know what or how to pray. Teach me what the Holy Spirit is leading me to understand. Remind me daily to get alone with You for prayer and Bible study. Awaken me, and help me to be transformed into Your image. Keep me from temptations because the Spirit is willing, but my flesh is weak. Thank you for loving me and guiding me in Your timing. Give me the patience to wait on You.
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Title: Note Worthy New Testament: Read and Journal Through the New Testament in a Year. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2024.
[ISBN: 978-1-4003-38-559]
As a Thomas Nelson Bible Reviewer, I received an imitation leather soft edition of the 2024 Note Worthy New Testament as a gift, and I am pleased to offer an honest review of this New King James Version Bible.
First Impressions
Upon opening this Bible, I was immediately impressed. The size, tactile quality, and font size are perfect. The layout encourages readers to complete the New Testament in a year, but it offers the flexibility to read ahead by tackling multiple sections at a time. I particularly appreciate the absence of fixed reading dates, allowing anyone to start or resume their journey through the scriptures at their convenience.
Aesthetic Appeal
Measuring 6 ½ x 8 inches, this New Testament is a joy to hold, thanks to its soft, brown leather cover. It’s a delight for those who appreciate a sensory experience when engaging with their Bible. With its high-quality construction, it appeals equally to both men and women. The Bible is flat when opened, features a beautiful brown ribbon placeholder, and showcases gold-rimmed pages that elevate its elegance.
Note Worthy New Testament
Internal Appeal
Within its 378 pages, the Bible features a well-organized structure with six daily weekly readings. Although the page margins are only ½ inch, there’s ample lined space for notetaking, journaling, and prayer requests. Each daily reading is preceded by a short phrase, for example, Week 32, Day 3, ’Be ready to obey,’ along with the corresponding scripture address (e.g., Romans 7:13-8:17). The heavy white paper is conducive to highlighting, underlining, and note-taking with pens.
Note Worthy New Testament
Purpose of the Note Worthy New Testament
This Bible aims to draw readers closer to Jesus Christ through engagement with the Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and Revelation. It’s also an excellent challenge for those who have yet to embark on a Bible reading plan or those looking to rejuvenate their spiritual journey.
Drawbacks
Two minor drawbacks are that Jesus’s words are not printed in red, which some readers might prefer. There are many Old Testament prophecies throughout the Bible in the New Testament, but they lack their Old Testament address for reference if desired. I believe that would be helpful for many, including me.
Valuable Information
While this Bible may not satisfy those seeking in-depth study resources—such as notes, footnotes, references, dictionaries, concordances, images, or maps—it excels in helping personal interaction with God’s word. It is an excellent choice for everyday reading and makes a beautiful gift. Its moderate size allows it to fit comfortably in a medium-sized purse or backpack. For pastors and speakers, it’s perfect for holding while preaching or ministering. A helpful introductory page also explains how to make the most of this Bible.
Spiritually, the New Testament provides guidance, comfort, and the potential for growth in various areas of life, including work, relationships, parenting, and more. I hope this Bible—like any Bible—will lead you to a deeper understanding of God’s presence.
Note Worthy New Testament
My Plan
As I prepare to teach on the New Testament soon, I plan to encourage attendees to engage with this reading plan, even if that means tripling their readings to meet our timeline.
I also recommend this Bible as a thoughtful gift for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, birthdays, and other occasions.
Final Word
I wholeheartedly recommend the Note Worthy New Testament, which will be released on October 29, 2024, and will retail for $34.99.
Feel free to share this review with others. May it encourage hearts and remind us that we’re never alone on this path. The Lord is with us.
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Bible Verse
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV).
Bible Word Search Puzzlesby Patti Greene, available on Amazon
If you receive this article through email, you can click on the title to read it on the GreenePastures.org blog-Pics and all!
——————–
I love seeing a package from Thomas Nelson on my doorstep. I know that is my next Bible to review. Viewing multiple Bibles throughout the year is an honor, privilege, and pleasure.
External Appeal
I recently received the NKJV Study Bible FOR KIDS. It arrived in an elegant box perfect for gifting! The Bible’s appealing blue leather soft cover attracted me immediately. The front cover would look extremely lovely with beautiful engraving imprinted on it. Its size makes it convenient to carry, and the tactile experience of this beautiful soft cover is pleasant to the touch. The shade of blue is appropriate for both girls and boys.
Two Concerns
Before delving into its contents, I must highlight two concerns I have about this Bible.
First, while this Bible is labeled “FOR KIDS,” there is a need for more clarity on the specific age group it targets. I seem to always be concerned when a Bible says it is for a particular audience; in this case, the box, the cover, and the title page all say it is for kids, but “kids” can encompass a broad spectrum from young children to adolescents, potentially affecting its long-term appeal. For those browsing a bookstore looking at this Bible in its boxed form, there would be no indication on the box for the purchaser regarding the Bible’s age or reading level.
Second, I strongly believe that promoting the Bible “FOR KIDS” may confuse a purchaser. If someone buys this Bible for an 11-year-old, it implies that as the child grows into a teenager, they may not want to use it due to the “FOR KIDS” inscription on the front cover. As an alternative, I suggest it would have been better to keep the “FOR KIDS” on the title page but leave it off the front cover to not embarrass teenagers if they want to continue to use this Bible.
Age
The book details on Amazon say this book is for grades four through six, which would most likely be ages nine through 11. However, customers rate the reading age as seven to 11, a discrepancy when deciding upon the book.
However, I understand that education has been dumbed down over the years, so defining who can read this Bible is difficult.
What’s Inside?
Setting aside these considerations, the NKJV Study Bible For Kids impresses with its comprehensive features and design. Although the font size could be slightly larger across its 1,582 pages, the layout is well-organized with ample half-inch margins and sturdy paper quality. A striking yellow ribbon bookmark adds a touch of elegance. The margins all around the text are 1/2.” The paper quality appears nice and sturdy.
Educationally, this Bible excels with distinctive features color-coded throughout, giving extra information kids (and adults) would enjoy.
Book Review: NKJV Study Bible For Kids
1. Action Feature (purple) covers topics such as Friendship and Giving to God.
2. Epic Ideas (blue) explores themes such as A Man of True Wisdom and Don’t Be Afraid.
3. Spotlights (red) illuminate subjects like God Watches Over You and Jesus is God.
4. In Focus (purple) provides insights on terms like Demon-Possession and Prophecy.
5. Timelines (yellow) trace historical events from Genesis to Revelation. The print size could be made more reader-friendly.
6. On Location (green) includes maps detailing journeys and locations crucial to biblical narratives.
7. Starring Roles (yellow) profiles key figures Biblical characters like Moses and Titus.
Extra Features
Additionally, this Bible concludes with valuable resources such as a dictionary—concordance, book abbreviations, and detailed lists facilitating more straightforward navigation through its supplemental materials.
This edition of the Bible is currently in pre-order status on Amazon. It is listed for $49.99. It is also available in paperback and hardback at lower prices.
Valuable Resources
Despite my initial reservations about its target audience labeling, the NKJV Study Bible For Kids is a valuable resource for children and parents dedicated to imparting Biblical truths – especially to homeschoolers. Beyond its “FOR KIDS” designation, its depth and educational richness make it a commendable choice for serious Bible study and spiritual growth at any age.
In fact, I can see myself using this Bible in my quiet time and for the Study Bible tips and information.
God bless.
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NKJV Ultra Thinline Bible. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2024.
Disclaimer
I received a teal-colored softcover copy of the 1st edition of the NKJV Ultra Thinline Version from Thomas Nelson because I agreed to give an honest review of this Bible.
Publication
This publication is an updated version of the Bible’s original King James Version (KJV). Its update includes using today’s language for better readability for the times we live in. This teal version was published on February 13, 2024.
Content
First, after the copyright page, we find the Contents page. What I saw, which I liked, was that on the Contents page was the name of each book of the Old and New Testaments coupled with the page number of each book. This much-needed information benefits those unfamiliar with the order of the books of the Bible.
Second, the next page includes a list of the Abbreviations to all sixty-six books of the Bible with clarification as to whether the book is in the Old or New Testament.
Third, thePreface comes next. This is quite an advantage in helping the reader understand more about the original King James Version and why this new version was deemed necessary.
Fourth, Jesus’s words stand out in red lettering, which is always a good feature in a Bible.
Finally, the back of the internal Bible has eight pages for Notes and eight colored Maps from the world of the patriarchs through Jerusalem at the time of Jesus.
This NKJV Ultrathin Value Bible is an excellent choice for those who have enjoyed the original KJV version or feel comfortable using a derivative of the original version.
Format
“Simple” is what I would call this Bible. There is nothing within the text that is fancy or extra special.
The print is tiny, using an 8-point font. Made of imitation leather, it is not especially useful for long-term use. Within the Bible text, there is a chapter title for each chapter of the book, with some including subtitles. Its cover size is approximately 5 ½ x 8 ¾ x ¾,” which makes it perfect to include in a mid-size purse or backpack.
Pros and Cons — Not Mentioned Previously
Pros
This ultrathin version of the Bible is simply an attractive Bible, which, in my opinion, makes it desirable to give as a gift. Many would appreciate a Bible like this for special occasions such as salvation, baptism, a wedding gift, or even to lay in a casket before burial. It would also be ideal for church presentations.
Its Presentation page makes it extra unique.
Its simple wheat cover design surrounds the words Holy Bible. There are other colored covers with different designs that would be appropriate for either males or females, but this teal edition was the one I received.
I would also think this Bible would be a great one to use if you are a public speaker or pastor—to hold when speaking for confidence or to hide one’s notes. Of course, one should choose the color that best suits your style and preference because teal might not be appropriate.
The satin ribbon marker is always a plus in any Bible.
Cons
This Bible is not suitable for everyone. It does not have concordances, cross-references, or study notes, and there is limited ability for taking margin notes. Therefore, if you’re looking for a study Bible or one with extraneous notes, tips, and help, this might not be your best option.
Before Purchasing
In conclusion, as with all books, the reader should evaluate the Bible thoroughly and decide if it meets their needs. The Bible is an excellent option for people who prefer a lightweight, simple design, can read small print, and want to use it for gift-giving.
Please feel free to share, forward, or distribute as you’d like.
Jenkins, Michele Clark and Stephanie Perry Moore, eds. The Breathe Life Bible. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2024.
New King James Version (NKJV)
Disclaimer
I received a soft cover copy of The Breathe Life Bible because I am a Bible reviewer for Thomas Nelson. I agreed to give an honest review of this edition, first published on February 13, 2024.
Review
Upon opening this beautifully boxed Bible, I saw a stunning 1,696-page Bible adorned with soft imitation leather and expertly double-stitched with brown threading along the cover’s edges. The cover boasts a reassuring imprinted grip feature, ensuring secure handling to prevent accidental drops. The title, imprinted in beautiful gold lettering, reads “The Breathe Life Bible,” complemented by gold exterior pagination and thumb indexing. Additionally, Breathe stands for Believe, Reconcile, Exalt, Trust, Hope, and Elevate.
This Bible is beautifully laid out with ornate gold borders on supplemental information pages. At the bottom of each page, additional information is provided for cross-referencing. This Bible edition comes with a presentation page, making it an ideal gift for someone special. Additionally, it includes an index to authors, a table of monies, weights, and measures, a list of Jesus Christ’s parables, and a concordance at the back of the Bible. The Bible also features eight maps tracing biblical locations from the Old Testament Patriarchs to Jerusalem in Jesus’ time. Furthermore, the words of Jesus are printed in red to make them easily distinguishable. Finally, the copyright page permissions facilitate quoting and reprinting, benefiting pastors, writers, and researchers who wish to use the content for various purposes.
The Bible we are considering has some limitations you should be aware of. Firstly, there is no leather cover option available for this Bible. Secondly, the imitation leather cover may have some durability issues, especially if the Bible is used heavily. Thirdly, the margins on each side of the pages are only ½” wide, which limits the space for making notes. Fourthly, the print in the alphabetic concordance is quite small, making it difficult to read. Lastly, there is no glossary provided to define words, which can be inconvenient for readers.
This Bible carries significant meaning for the African American community as black contributors primarily author it. The topics discussed in the Bible are relevant to the community’s experiences, including Rev. Dr. Bernice A. King’s “The Peace I Give to You,” as well as discussions on slavery and the killing of George Floyd.
The Breathe Life Bible aims to bridge Scripture with personal experience and integrate biblical truth into daily life, empowering individuals to put their faith into action—a noble endeavor indeed.
For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. Colossians 2:5 from The Breathe Life Bible
Wright, N.T. The New Testament for Everyone: A Fresh Translation. 3rd ed., Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2023.
Disclaimer
I received a hardcover copy of the 3rd edition of The New Testament for Everyone: A Fresh Translation as a gift because, as a Bible Gateway blogger grid member, I agreed to review this updated edition by Zondervan honestly.
Initially published in 2011, The New Testament for Everyone by N.T. Wright is now in its third edition, and this third version is being reviewed.
Content
In this 526-page hardback book, the New Testament books are printed in full. On the “Contents” page, you can easily find the page number to access a List of Maps quickly, a Preface to the First and Second Editions, a Preface to the Third Edition, an Introduction, and a List of the 27 books of the New Testament. It is beneficial to read the prefaces and introduction to understand how the book came about and why there is a third edition, mainly because it notifies the reader that this edition now comes in an audiobook. The author notes that all four Gospels are “emphatically Jewish” in nature.
Format
The book’s format is enjoyable. It arrived with a nice slide-in book box, which showed the same front cover as the one on the book. Due to the book’s approximate 6×9″ size, it is suitable for sticking in a medium-sized purse, backpack, or briefcase. Inside the text, the subheadings within the Bible chapters are distinguished in a subtle and attractive green print. In addition, the page numbers and title of the Bible chapter include the same beautiful green print, creating a distinguishing feature from the easy-to-read and nicely spaced black print on crisp white pages. While I reviewed the hardcover book, one may choose a leather soft or an e-book version.
Pros and Cons
There are multiple pros and cons in this New Testament.
Pros
First, a description identifying important information about the Gospels, Acts, Letters, and Revelation occurs before each of the four sections mentioned. In this description, central themes are noted. Second, the maps are scattered within the book, mostly in Acts. Third, Bible teachers and readers gain needed knowledge with the glossary of words behind the text.
Cons
First, there was not an index of the chapter headings and subheadings. This would have helped a teacher and novice reader when looking for Biblical stories or topics. Second, the words of Jesus are in the same black print as the Bible’s content. Having Jesus’ words in red would have been a nice touch to include since many readers like the words of Jesus more pronounced.
Particulars
Per the author/translator, N.T. Wright states that this Bible is not a paraphrase but a translation. He admits he “tried to stick closely to the original language.” He also explains why this 3rd edition was needed. This author/translator informs the readers that this book is suitable for those who will probably never look at a commentary. That is why, he states, he gives background information necessary to those needing background knowledge. Wright says he “tried to use gender-neutral language throughout the Bible. He mentioned that when he refers to human beings, he may say “they” rather than “he or she.” Because of this last admission, I am rating this Bible a four-star.
Before Purchasing
As with all books, the reader should research the author/translator N.T. Wright to learn and discern for themselves his theological bent. Everyone can decide what Bible to read, so their choice might differ from this publication.
Capps, Matthew Z., ed. Timeless Truths Bible: One Faith Handed Down. For All the Saints. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2023.
I received a hardcover copy of the 2023 Timeless Truths Bible as a free gift because, as a Bible Gateway blogger grid member, I agreed to give an honest review of this New English Translation (NET) by Thomas Nelson Bibles.
First Impression
My first impression when I opened the Bible was that the print was too small. Upon further investigation, I learned that the Bible is printed in 9-point NET Comfort Print. In addition, the Bible is not set up like most Bibles, with two columns of Biblical content, which I usually like. However, there is a blank space on the side of each page for Bible art journaling or notes. This Bible is quite heavy, making it undesirable for people experiencing low muscle mass.
Different Bents
This Bible has different bents than most Bibles I have seen. First, it includes prominent Christian historians and their biographies and commentaries throughout the Bible. This input contains Irenaeus, Augustine, Wesley, Luther, Spurgeon, and more. Second, it also places a high emphasis on artwork. Scattered throughout the book are color photos of artwork. Third, random items are scattered throughout the Bible, such as critical creeds and confessions, Gregory of Nyssa, the Apostles Creed, and more. These additions allow those with a more profound interest in history and art to have a Bible, which might meet their intellectual longings.
Valuable Information
Although this Bible may not meet the needs of those who want a plain Bible to read, it contains valuable information that may help many in their Biblical research.
At the beginning of the Timeless Truths Bible, there is a list of abbreviations, a Bible books register, explanatory notes, an introduction to the New English translation, and a how-to-use Bible section.
In addition, there is an introduction to each book of the Bible for each sixty-six books. And as a bonus, this Bible has two silk bookmarks!
At the back of this 1682-page Bible, there is a bibliography, index, a descriptive list of the sacred artwork, and seven colored maps starting with the World of the Patriarchs through Jerusalem in the time of Jesus.
Consider before Purchasing
As I perused the Bible, I noticed no topic or verse index, which many Bible readers use and value immensely.
Overall, one should evaluate this Bible carefully before purchasing it to see if it meets their needs. For some, it might be a fantastic addition to their library. For others, they may be looking for a smaller content, larger print Bible.
I should have known that when my husband John left his suit and tie job, he would retreat to his roots. Yes, he majored in agriculture—a field I knew nothing about and still don’t.
Gratefully, John has found enjoyment in volunteering at the Coastal Prairie Conservancy for the past two years. This conservancy was formerly known as The Katy Prairie Conservancy. This group’s claim to fame is to sustain “a resilient Texas by preserving coastal prairies, wetlands, farms, and ranches to benefit people and wildlife forever.”¹
Today, I finally joined John to see what it was all about and to be his “personal assistant,” by pushing a computer key to advance the teaching slides while he taught a class. I passed with flying colors, and John was extremely happy!
I observed where he spends his Tuesdays and Fridays! And I took some pics while I was out there and matched them up with Bible verses. Yes, I am geeky that way.
However, as John says, “You can take a city girl to the country, but you can’t take the city out of the girl.” So true.
After today, I think I am ready for a church job in IT since I now feel qualified to push computer keys efficiently! I need to use my new DBU theological degree somewhere.
Is anyone hiring?
Have a blessed day.
¹ Coastal Prairie Conservancy, 21 October 2023, Coastal Prairie Conservancy.
Bible Verses
LOVE
This, I command you, that you love one another.” John 15:17
Love your spouse, your friends, the brethren, and others.
JOY
“For to a person who is good in his sight, he has given wisdom and knowledge and joy.” Ecclesiastes 2:26
Share what God has taught you with others.
PEACE
“You will go out, enjoy, and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12
It was peaceful and beautiful out in nature. I should do it more often.
PATIENCE
“Brothers and sisters, be patient until the Lord comes again. A farmer patiently waits for his valuable crop to grow from the earth, and for it to receive the autumn and spring rains. You, too must be patient….” James 5:7-8
God uses the times we “have to be patient” to grow us and get us ready for His next assignment. I can’t wait to see what that will be.
I do have some hopes and desires.
KINDNESS
“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer, another withhold what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing, will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” Proverbs 11:24-25
Be kind to others. We never know what kind of day, week, or life they have had.
GOODNESS
“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD, be strong, and take heart and wait for the LORD.” Psalm 27:13-14
Waiting is hard, but keep serving the Lord while waiting, even if it takes years and years.
FAITHFULNESS
“Flowers of your faithfulness are blooming on the Earth. Righteousness shines down from the sky” Psalm 85:11
God knows the paths He has for us! Travel His paths to see the flowers.
GENTLENESS
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
1 Peter 3:15
I was really gentle with the computer keys!
SELF-CONTROL
“For the spirit, God gave us does not make us timid; it gives us power, love and self discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7
Instead of going on the trails, I sat peacefully and with discipline to work on this post and study for Wednesday’s Bible study.
Do you feel that you are on the right path of life, following the Lord as closely as you know how? Or are you slowly slipping down the wrong path?
God has a path for believers in Jesus Christ. The Bible calls it the Path of Life.
As a child, I used to grab 10 to 15 Little Golden Books at a time and read one after another. But one which always attracted me, and still draws me to this day, is Scuffy the Tugboat by Gertrude Crampton.
Amazon’s book description mentions that Scuffy was an adventurous little tugboat who believed he was meant for bigger things. He leaves his home, the man with the polka-dot tie, and the little boy who cared for him and sets off to explore the world. After his daring and treacherous adventure down a brook and then a raging river, Scuffy realizes that home is where he’d rather be.
After traveling through dangerous situations, his life became more complicated. Eventually, Scuffy arrives home to the man with the polka-dot tie and his little boy, and he proclaims, “This is the life for me.”
Our goal should be to reach the point where we say, “This is the life for me,” right where we are on the path God has provided us. Scuffy used the quoted phrase twice: once in leaving the reasonable, sensible path of his prior life to seek adventure, and again when he realized he had already been right where he needed to be all along—at home, safe in the arms of the man and boy who love him.
God wants us to understand that we can know our path. And hopefully, it is the one He has set apart for us, but we must choose it.
Life Choices
In Psalm 16, King David declares that he wants refuge in the Lord. In his communion with the Lord, he writes:
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Ps. 16:11 ESV).
What path does God want us to be on for Him?
The late British Old Testament scholar Derek Kidner defined a person on the right path of life as “someone who takes refuge in God and knows life and joy.” This person finds satisfaction in God’s ways and does not pursue other gods. God’s protection and instruction bless him.
As believers, we have two major choices to make in life:
We must decide whether to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and then
2. We must follow God’s path, which leads us to joy in His presence.
We know we have eternal life, but sometimes we experience struggles. Jesus is the light of the world, but He always uses our struggles and sufferings for His good. There is a purpose for all He does. Suffering causes us to depend on Him in ways we never have done before. David trusted that the Lord would show him the righteous path of life.
Some call the path of life a journey or route. David knew that he would find total joy by following God’s directions. His suffering led him to heed God’s instruction.
God’s Instructions for Us
Stay in communication with our heavenly Father,
Read His word daily and let His principles and examples saturate our minds,
Be obedient to what you read in the Bible,
Confess sins and ask the Lord to help you in both your thoughts and actions so that those sins will not have a stronghold in your life,
Decide not to visit places that lead you into temptation,
Believe the Lord will guide us to Biblical principles and Scripture so we can know the right things to do, and
Seek His kingdom above all others.
Following the instructions above is easier said than done. I have been there, working through each and every instruction listed above. I also know it takes longer to heed God’s instructions than He or I would like sometimes. However, God has always been available to hear my concerns, thoughts, struggles, and desires. I have also learned it is best to converse with God about our plans before depending on or requesting guidance from others. It is in Him we must confide our deepest longings.
He is on the path of life who heeds instruction, But he who ignores reproof goes astray (Prov. 10:17 NASB95).
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; (2 Tim. 3:16).
Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak (Matt. 26:41).
If you obey the Lord your God and keep his commands and decrees that are written in this Book of the Law and turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach (Deut. 30:10-11 NIV).
Righteousness and Unrighteousness
“Wrong”, “Right” and question marks, Canva.
We will encounter testing and temptation on our path, but when we saturate our lives with God’s word and principles, we can be satisfied that we are following the right track. Even as believers, though, we must continually choose between righteousness and unrighteousness.
We want to walk in victory, but sometimes, we desire things God has proclaimed unsuitable for us. We have that struggle between our flesh and the spirit, so we must ponder the path our feet are on.
We cannot experience God’s true purpose for life when we travel the destructive path. We may find ourselves in a continuous cycle of sinning and confessing. To break that cycle, we must deny ourselves, take up Jesus’ cross, and follow Him.
And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me (Luke 9:23).
The hope of the righteous is gladness, But the expectation of the wicked perishes (Prov.10:28).
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
Results of Living Right—Joy and Heaven
Woman in poppy field, Canva.
Psalm 16:11 concludes by saying if we follow God’s path, we will have complete joy and pleasures forever.
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore (Ps.16:11 ESV).
When the temple restoration began in Jerusalem during the time of the prophet Ezra, we can understand the joy and what kind of joy God has in store for us. The builders had laid the foundation of the temple.
They sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord, saying, For He is good, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid! Ezra 3:11 AMP).
When we lay a Godly foundation in our lives, we can experience joy in the presence of the LORD. God cares about the path of life we choose. And when we strive to be on his team, we can live joyfully in his presence. We can also experience everlasting pleasures in this life and the next as we lift our eyes to Jesus.
It is a beautiful gift from the Lord that we can experience pleasures forever when our lives are over here. Living with our Lord and Savior in heaven is a deep gratification and satisfaction we can look forward to.
In this earthly life, we fail often, but God is always willing to pick us up and reroute and redirect our path.
Reroute and Redirect
307 Redirect, Canva
What is the purpose of a navigation system? A navigation system is an instrument that determines the position of a vehicle and the route to a particular place. The car’s navigation system tells the driver to turn left or right at a specific junction. The navigation system uses GPS signals to determine the vehicle’s location and direction.
It is a valuable tool with many benefits, such as helping people reach their destination, tracking packages, locating vehicles, and more. It guides the cars by directing the drivers through congested areas.
It is similar to the way God directs us in our lives.
He shows us which way to turn—to the right or the left.
He signals us on which way to proceed or not proceed.
He helps us to reach the destination and call of our lives, and
God guides us continually through the rough times in our lives.
However, our navigation system must take its orders from the Lord. He will reroute and redirect our thoughts or actions if we genuinely want to follow His path.
I love the story about how God rerouted one young boy. In sharing with another, one older man said:
__________
It’s true. I have had some terrible disappointments in my day, but none stands out like the one that came to me as a boy.
And what was that?
That was the night I crawled under a tent to see a circus—and found myself at a revival meeting!
__________
God continually tries to woo us back to him. Relief may be found in a Bible verse that comes alive to us. It may be a friend directing us back to a godly life. It may come about after agonizing prayers to remove wishes or desires that are not beneficial to our spiritual health. But, no matter how God chooses to get our attention, it is up to us to choose His path.
We need to listen and obey Him. Live in His righteousness. Get on the path he has prepared for us. And if surrendering areas of our lives to His will seems complicated, remember to talk to the Lord about everything. We can ask for His help and protection to rid ourselves of untimely thoughts or actions.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight (Prov. 3:5-6 NASB95).
A person’s mind plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps (Prov. 16:9).
This is the Life for Me!
After Scuffy’s journey away from his home, he says, “I wish I could find the man with the polka dot tie and little boy.” And soon, the man with the polka-dot tie reached out, picked him up, and brought him safely home. Scuffy learned that the grass wasn’t greener on the other side of the fence.
Scuffy’s path in life allowed him to experience adventures he initially enjoyed but became dangerous. He enjoyed some of life’s simple pleasures, but as he kept traveling along the river, he was jammed with logs and became scared of the river moving faster and faster. Then, the flood waters came until the little tugboat desired the warmth and safety of home.
And just like the man with the polka-dot tie who scooped Scuffy out of the water after his journey away and brought him home, God does the same for us when we choose to live for Him, decide against following unrighteous living, and allow him to reroute us when we stumble or get ahead of His will.
Let us live victoriously in his presence, along the paths He has prepared for us, because “this is the life for us!”
God bless you.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for loving me so much that I can be confident that You have a plan for my life. Thank you that I can trust that You will show me that plan in Your timing and in a way that honors You. Please give me the wisdom to acknowledge and follow Your plan quickly, without hesitation, so You can use me for Your glory before I meet You face-to-face. Why? Because Your way is the only life for me. Amen.
Bible Verses are located within this article.
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Notes:
Bible verses come from the New American Standard Bible 95, The English Standard Version, The New International Version, and The Amplified Bible.
Barry, John D., et al., Faithful Study Bible, Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016.
Chinemerem, Barabas Iwuala. “How to Stop Navigation Using Google Assistant, Feb. 3, 2023. https://techqlik.com/how-stop-navigation-using-google-assistant.
Crampton, Gertrude. Scuffy the Tugboat and His Adventures Down the River. New York: A Golden Book, 1946, 1983.
The Speaker’s Desk Book, ed. Lawrence Hembree and the staff of Quote. New York: Grosset & Dunlap, 1967.
If you receive this blog through an email subscription, you can click on the title to see the full version of this review.
I received Zondervan’s updated 2023 NIV Student Bible with notes by Philip Yancey and Tim Stafford as a free gift as a Bible Gateway Blogger Grid member. I was tasked to give an honest review of this Bible. This beautiful 1,600-page Bible comes in hardcover with a jacket cover, a teal leather soft cover, and a brown leather soft cover—to meet personal tastes.
Advantages
When I offered to review the book, I thought it might be a Bible like many others, with a few notes and illustrations slapped haphazardly in the Bible. However, I was pleasantly surprised as I perused this excellent Bible.
I first noticed the number of devotionals and applications that were well-written, easy to understand, and relatable to both students ages 14-18 AND ADULTS. For a serious Bible student, the extra resources treated teenagers as adults, with topics that dwell on higher-level Bible stories and explanations.
As I like to learn some of the more profound thoughts of the Bible, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of the doctrinal and study notes included throughout the Bible.
I am a certified librarian, so I look for location ease in non-fiction books I read and recommend. This Bible did not disappoint. It included various sections, which are listed below.
An introduction to each book of the Bible,
100 people you should know,
A glossary of people and places,
Well-known Biblical events,
An outline of the Testaments,
A lineup of rulers,
Notable Psalms,
Life Questions, and
An excellent subject guide.
What also impressed me was the inclusion of three different reading plans. This saves so much time for those looking for a quick resource in finding a plan to follow, thus, allowing more people to get right into reading the Bible without having to research multiple places and plans to find one.
There were also two different listings of the Books of the Bible, one alphabetical and one in the traditional order based on the Old and New Testament locations. The first listing is so much easier for someone just starting to read the Bible to locate the books of the Bible. No more do they have to scroll through both the Old Testament and New Testament in a mixed order to find Books of the Bible and page numbers.
The grand finale at the back of the Bible included eight maps starting with the Old Testament Patriarchs through Jerusalem in the time of Jesus. These two significant events are the Exodus and Conquest of Canaan, the Land of the Twelve Tribes, the Kingdom of David and Solomon, Jesus’ Ministry, and Paul’s Missionary Journeys.
One of my pet peeves in reading anything is looking up the definition when I don’t understand a term. While Bible dictionaries are great resources, I love how this NIV Student Bible defines many words along the way, i.e., plumb line, Golden rule.
Entire pages are dedicated to topics such as “Like an Angry Letter from Home” or “Who were the Gnostics?” These types of extras give such a valuable understanding of the Word of God.
Disadvantages
The disadvantages of this Bible were two-fold. First, Jesus’ words were not noted in red letters. While it may not bother some, it is one of the essentials I always look for when purchasing a new Bible. Second is that this Bible is titled the NIV Student Bible. I believe this Bible should be classified as a Bible for all age groups. The title NIV Student Bible makes one think it is only for teenagers. However, because of all the extras included, this Bible could be used and valued by all age groups.
Excellence is my word for this Bible. I highly recommend it.
Bible Gateway Blogger Grid (BG²) is an international network of independent bloggers who meaningfully blog—and who are serious—about matters relating to the Bible. Follow the members on Twitter using the BG² List.
