Category: Bible

Bible, Goals, Jesus

Fruit Display

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“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.  Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.  Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.  If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.  If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

-John 15:1-8 NKJV

So much in this portion of scripture to study and apply to our lives. Jesus is speaking to us as much today as He was when He said those words to the disciples.

If and only if we are truly abiding in the Vine will there be fruit to bear. Notice we do not make the fruit but we are bearing the fruit. I like to think of this as the fact that as branches we are displaying or holding the fruit. I picture anything that has the purpose of displaying something else. When you look at a vine full of fruit you will notice the fruit, not the branch that is holding the fruit.

Keeping this in mind should help us be quick to give all glory to God. Let’s live each day seeking to bring attention to Jesus, not ourselves.

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Bible, Jesus

Risen Indeed!

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But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him.   -Mark 16:6

The precious blessing of Easter is that we have a living Saviour! The Lord is risen. He is risen indeed! We yearn to keep the precious blessing of Easter in our hearts throughout the year. Lord Jesus. Will You, through Your Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with the knowledge and surety that You live.   – Corrie ten Boom

I serve a risen Savior, He_s in the world today;I know that He is living whatever men may say;I see His hand of mercy, I hear

Please open your Bible and join me in reading Luke chapter 24.

Wow, don’t you love this chapter?

The disciples must have been overwhelmed with uncontainable joy.

And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy,  and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God.   –Luke 24:52-53

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Ask Jesus to show Himself to you today as you walk along with Him.

I pray we respond to our Risen Lord Jesus in the same way the disciples did.

Blessings

Lynn

Bible, Goals, Morning devotions, prayer, Quiet time

First 5

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“Ten minutes spent in the presence of Christ every day, aye, two minutes, will make the whole day different.”  – Henry Drummond
If you have read only a few posts here on Every Day with the King, you surely know there are no subjects mentioned more than starting your day with Jesus and Bible studies. Today I would like to suggest an option that is designed for when you have very little time and yet is very adaptable for when you have more time. So whether you have 5 minutes or 30, this is designed to fit your life.

It is – First 5

If you are not familiar with First 5, please take the time to check it out. The app is free. Join and get started today. You will find the daily reading each morning on the app. If you want to order the Experience guide you will find lots of material to expand your study. The guide is completely optional.

The app includes many features to explore. Past studies are always accessible along with the current study. You can comment and be involved at what level is best for you. There are community groups. These are groups where you can meet to discuss the study right there on the app.

The First 5 studies are extremely well written and presented. My favorite thing about First 5 is that it is designed to make everything about starting your day with Jesus so simple!

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Check out the First 5 Help Page to find so much more information.

Have you experienced First 5?

Leave a comment below 🙂

Bible, Faith, Goals

Simple

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Do you feel overwhelmed with   (fill in the blank)  

  • too much information
  • too many choices
  • too much stuff

I could keep adding to the list but I’m sure you get the idea of what I’m talking about. We seem to be drowning in too much everything! It is the cause of a huge amount of the stress people have come to accept as normal.

Recently this overload has been recognized as the cause of terrible stress, resulting in poor physical and mental health. One of the biggest problems is the overload of social media. Are smartphones really a smart idea?

Great that the problem has been identified. Next comes the challenge of what to do about it. It is pretty easy to find some help today. There are books, articles, videos, even entire websites devoted to returning to a simpler lifestyle. You will easily find much on the subject of living better with less, minimalism, and many practical tips to make much-needed changes.

However, I do not think we have explored the problem from the Christian perspective. Many of us are living with an overload in areas like Bible study, prayer, Church activities… There is a constant flood of information, too many choices, and excessive social media options available to the believer today! The availability of all things “Christian” sounds good, but is it all too much? I think so. What do you think? The explosion of instantly available materials, social media and more in the Christian world has contributed to our loss of focus. We begin to drift from the simple basics of our faith.

Here’s what I asked on Facebook this week ↓

Question:
What comes to mind when you think of the word SIMPLE? 

I was writing this post and wondered if SIMPLE was the right word to use. After reading comments that people shared I feel encouraged. I think I’m starting to hear the rumbling of a move toward returning to the simple basics of the Christian life! 🙂

First, let’s define simple

1. easy to understand, deal with, use, etc.

2. not elaborate or artificial; plain:

3. not ornate or luxurious; unadorned:

4. unaffected; unassuming; modest: a simple manner.

5. not complicated: a simple design.
6. not complex or compound; single.

7. occurring or considered alone; mere; bare: the simple truth; a simple fact.

 (Go to Dictionary.com-simple to find more on the definition of simple)
Looking at definitions causes me to wonder why simple has been so undervalued. It seems that it should be especially desirable for followers of Jesus.

 Let’s take a look at a portion of scripture that might be helpful in understanding how we go off track.

Then the foreign rabble who were traveling with the Israelites began to crave the good things of Egypt. And the people of Israel also began to complain. “Oh, for some meat!” they exclaimed.  “We remember the fish we used to eat for free in Egypt. And we had all the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic we wanted. But now our appetites are gone. All we ever see is this manna!”

 The manna looked like small coriander seeds, and it was pale yellow like gum resin.  The people would go out and gather it from the ground. They made flour by grinding it with hand mills or pounding it in mortars. Then they boiled it in a pot and made it into flat cakes. These cakes tasted like pastries baked with olive oil.  The manna came down on the camp with the dew during the night.

Numbers 11:4-9  NLT

 How could it be that God’s provision of daily bread from heaven was not satisfying to the people? Manna was not good enough? These verses seem to indicate an influence from other people and a looking back at the world they left behind. God set these people apart but instead of praising God for His care they craved something more… Simple manna didn’t seem like enough.
Today there is a call from the world to join in a quest for the latest new thing. The push is for constant updating. The result of this influence causes us to think we need to read the latest book, use the newest prayer model, follow the latest Christian social media, join multiple Bible studies… Meanwhile, maybe you never got around to just sitting down with Jesus and reading His word for you today.
Sometimes what we need is to let some things go and cling to what truly matters. Is Jesus enough for you_
In 2 Corinthians 11:3 Paul warned against drifting from the simplicity that is in Christ.
God’s word is never outdated.
Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.
The Holy Spirit has a training course that is perfectly designed for you!
We have the written word = Bible

                         Living Word = Jesus

Jesus said

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and over-burdened, and I will give you rest! Put on my yoke and learn from me. For I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30  J.B. Phillips New Testament

Let’s listen to someone who never seemed to forget the power of the simple basics.

Click on one of the links below to watch ↓
Apparently, some are now debating if Billy Graham’s theology was too simple. What do you think? Who wants to join me in a return to the simple basics?
Please comment below ♥
Is Jesus enough for you_ (1)
Bible, Morning devotions, Quiet time, Uncategorized

Morning Manna

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While reading my Bible and having coffee early in the morning, I see the birds getting their breakfast of seeds from the ground and feeder. I love supplying seed and watching the birds come each day. It brings me true pleasure to watch them arrive, feed and linger awhile. Add heading

I often think about the comparison of the bird’s morning feeding with the way I start my mornings. What a delightful thought to see myself similar to a little bird coming to spend time with my heavenly Father. My food, morning manna, is His Word and He is always there. He is always present, watching, providing, caring and even enjoying my coming to Him.

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Come early in the morning and start your day with the King!

Bible, Goals

The Shepherd’s Way

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It seems that often the shepherds are overlooked. Maybe because they don’t seem as interesting as the wise men who followed the star. We picture the wise men in royal robes surrounded by mystery.

The shepherds were uneducated men of low status. They would certainly not stand out in a crowd. These ordinary shepherds bring to mind a lowly shepherd boy by the name of David. He was not special in appearance but God selected him to become King. But more importantly, the shepherds remind us that Jesus is the Great Shepherd who will be returning as King of kings and Lord of lords.

Please open your Bible to the familiar passage in the Gospel of Luke or read below in one of my favorite versions.

There were some shepherds living in the same part of the country, keeping guard throughout the night over their flocks in the open fields. Suddenly an angel of the Lord stood by their side, the splendour of the Lord blazed around them, and they were terror-stricken. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! Listen, I bring you glorious news of great joy which is for all the people. This very day, in David’s town, a Saviour has been born for you. He is Christ, the Lord. Let this prove it to you: you will find a baby, wrapped up and lying in a manger.” And in a flash there appeared with the angel a vast host of the armies of Heaven, praising God, saying, “Glory to God in the highest Heaven! Peace upon earth among men of goodwill!”

– Luke 2:8-14   J.B. Phillips

As far as we know these shepherds were not looking for or expecting anything out of the ordinary on that night, as they were caring for their flocks. But, their lives were forever changed in a moment, when their eyes moved from watching sleeping sheep to seeing and hearing angels! 

When the angels left them and went back into Heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Now let us go straight to Bethlehem and see this thing which the Lord has made known to us.”

 So they came as fast as they could and they found Mary and Joseph—and the baby lying in the manger. And when they had seen this sight, they told everybody what had been said to them about the little child. And those who heard them were amazed at what the shepherds said. But Mary treasured all these things and turned them over in her mind. The shepherds went back to work, glorifying and praising God for everything that they had heard and seen, which had happened just as they had been told.            Luke 2:15-20    J.B. Phillips

As soon as the angels leave, the shepherds go without delay to find Jesus. We don’t know what they said or how they reacted when they saw newborn baby Jesus lying in a manger. I am certain that they knelt in silent worship.

Next, they begin telling everyone. Then they go back to work. This amazing beyond description experience has just been theirs but yet they have to return to the same old life. What is different is inside of them. They return to work but they are glorifying and praising God!

The Shepherd’s Way

  1. Go
  2. Tell
  3. Return
  4. Glorify and praise God

Thinking about the response of the shepherds leads to some questions for us.

Are we eager to spend time with Jesus?

Are we telling others about Him?

Are we living praise-filled lives that bring glory to God?

Merry Christmas

Please click on the link below to watch a beautiful film 

Joni and Friends Blog – film “The Shepherd”

 

Bible, Corrie ten Boom

Corrie’s Christmas Memories

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Corrie ten Boom shared her thoughts and memories about Christmas in her book Corrie’s Christmas Memories. She loved to share about the birth of Jesus and the visit of the shepherds.

When I think of this story it makes me so happy. Do you know why? Because I know that the baby Jesus was born in Bethlehem for the whole world — also for you and me. You and I know much more than the shepherds — or even the Wise Men — knew. We know that Jesus died on the cross for the sins of the whole world — also for your sins and mine. He will give us forgiveness when we tell Him of our sins. That is possible because Jesus not only died for us — He lives! He rose from the dead and has said I am with you till the end of the world. I believe it. I don’t understand it, but that does not matter. For at the same time He is with you and me, He is with the Father in heaven and there He pleads for us. Is that not a joy?

Jesus will come again, though not as a little baby but as a mighty King, who will make everything new.

The best is yet to come. We will see Him face-to-face.

But I won’t tell you more now. Would you like to know it all?

Then read the Bible!

Corrie ten Boom   from the book  Corrie’s Christmas Memories

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 Do we know more than those for whom Christmas means only “Jingle Bells” and Santa Claus or who only prepare for Christmas by getting cards off at the right time and presents wrapped? They are trying to do their yearly duty, for they have done this ritual every year, afraid of what others will think if they don’t.

Christmas is not a duty! Jesus’ coming was a free gift to all of us. The only thing we can do is to prepare ourselves for His coming.

Christmas is a remembrance of His coming as a little baby. Let us be ready for that feast so that we can prepare others too.

What a joy to know Him, Jesus Christ, who was born in Bethlehem, died at the cross for our sins, was resurrected, and is with us always unto the end of the world.

Let us do what the shepherds did, and tell everyone who will listen.

Corrie ten Boom  from the book Clippings from My Notebook

Merry Christmas!

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Bible

Purpose of Bible Study

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As we enter the season of Fall many of us are excited to be starting new Bible studies!

So, let’s stop and think for a moment about our motivation.

What is the purpose of Bible study?

Choosing to study the Bible is obviously a wise use of your time. You might describe this activity as having eternal value and it’s worth truly priceless.

However, we must always keep in mind the true purpose of studying the scriptures. For those of us who enjoy the process of study, there is the danger of becoming consumed with the study itself. Take a look a what Jesus said in John 5:39-40.

You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.                -John 5:39-40      

You search and investigate and pore over the Scriptures diligently, because you suppose and trust that you have eternal life through them. And these [very Scriptures] testify about Me! And still you are not willing [but refuse] to come to Me, so that you might have life.       John 5:39-40 AMPC

Why do you study the Bible?

This is an important question to ask yourself.

And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.   – John 17:3 NKJV

And this is eternal life: [it means] to know (to perceive, recognize, become acquainted with, and understand) You, the only true and real God, and [likewise] to know Him, Jesus [as the] Christ (the Anointed One, the Messiah), Whom You have sent.   -John 17:3 AMPC

This is eternal life:
that they may know You, the only true God,
and the One You have sent – Jesus Christ.   -John 17:3 HCSB

 

 

Surround your study time with prayer and make sure your motive is all about Jesus!

 

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Bible

September Bible Studies

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August is rushing by and we will soon find ourselves flipping a page on the calendar.

SEPTEMBER

calendar-2633812_640Back to school, cooler weather, scarves, jackets… September is also time for new Bible studies. There are many groups, local and online offering Bible studies beginning at the end of August or within the first two weeks of September.

Now is the time to research what is available and make a choice so that you’ll be ready. Be sure to ask God what study He has planned for you to join. Don’t just ask but listen for the answer. Pray about it now and then begin exploring the options. In the course of your research, you will likely come to realize the particular study God is directing you toward.

We have an abundance of Bible study choices today. The search can become an overwhelming task. That’s why I’m providing a listing in this post of online Bible study groups. Follow the links for all details. You will also find more about Bible study options on the Every Day with the King Facebook page.

Explore and enjoy!September Bible Studies

The List

Womens Bible Cafe

  • Discerning the Voice of God: How to Recognize When God Speaks – by Priscilla Shirer

Proverbs 31 Ministries     

  • Worthy: An Online Bible Study based on She’s Still There – by Chrystal Evans Hurst      

Inductive Bible Studies from Precept Ministries (Kay Arthur)

  • Scroll through a list of inductive studies and groups  

Heart to Heart – Shari Lewis Ministries            

  • Sermon on the Mount – by Jen Wilkin         

 Read Thru the Word – with Wendy Pope     

  • this is a read through the entire Bible plan that begins each January 1
  • Join in at any time of the year! Learn all about it at the website.
  • September 24th will be the first day of New Testament reading 
 [For year-round Bible study links and resources, visit the Bible Study Page ]

Do you know of a great study group that I’ve not included? You are welcome to share in the comments below.

What study are you planning to do?

Please leave a comment 🙂

 

 

 

Bible, prayer

Aware

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Before Jesus died, He told His followers that He would leave them. BUT He promised that they would receive the Holy Spirit who would be with them forever (John 14:16). After His death and resurrection, He told His followers that they would receive power through the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8). Jesus did not leave His followers as orphans but sent the Holy Spirit to indwell them (John 14:18). The Holy Spirit did come (Acts 2:1-4, 18, 32-33). Also see Ephesians 3:14-19. See the blog post Acts 1:8

Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.  – 1 John 3:24

If Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior, you are living daily in His presence. You are never alone because He is always with you. Do you live like this is true?

When we live aware it leads to a life of Adventure with Jesus

 “The Presence of God is the central fact of Christianity. At the heart of the Christian message is God Himself waiting for His redeemed children to push into conscious awareness of His Presence.”    – A. W. Tozer

The Problem

As I said in the blog post, Constant Prayer, one of the marvelous things about a relationship with Jesus is that He is constantly present.

Our problem is forgetting He is there!

Why do we forget?

We forget because we cannot SEE!

Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples, therefore, said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” So he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.    – John 20:24-31  NKJV

There is so much for us to drink in from the above passage of scripture. Please take the time to explore it beyond a quick read. Don’t do it alone. Ask Jesus to reveal Himself through the Word and make you aware of His presence there with you. The Living Word and the written Word are meant to go together.

I don’t want to settle for being awake. I want to live awake and aware!

How about you?

Are you interested in practical steps to help live in the awareness? Sign up to follow the blog. Also, follow on Facebook for even more.

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