Making Disciples

This is a great two minute video on how to make disciples.
It is your giggle for today, but so true.
Enjoy.

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=verge+network+videos&view=detail&mid=9564979747EA9145D4329564979747EA9145D432&FORM=VIRE


Gratitude
1. Disciples
2. His word
3. Laughter

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all of you;
I always pray with joy.

Blessings,
Deborah

2 Book Reviews

I have two books for you today by the same author. The author happens to be my sister, J.E. Grace. I'm so proud of her.

The first is called "The Zarion" and is a Christian Sci-fi apocalyptic story. This is free on Kindle today.

https://www.amazon.com/Zarion-Saving-Mankind-J-Grace-ebook/dp/B01AYWGFKW/ref=cm_sw_em_r_dp_v_d_ZCfWxbSE4DJ8M_tt

The second is "Pacific Cove - Haunted Visions." This is a story of tragic loss, healing, spirits, faith and love. Not a scary haunting story, but one of suspense. This book is free on Kindle today.

https://www.amazon.com/Pacific-Cove-Haunted-J-Grace-ebook/dp/B01KECQ86S/ref=cm_sw_em_r_dp_v_d_QBfWxbCQWMFJH_tt

I hope you enjoy them.

Gratitude
1. My sisters
2. Writers
3. Good stories to read

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy.

Blessings,
Deborah

It is Well With My Soul

I am happy to say that my shakedown in faith is over. It is well with my soul.
To honor that, I would love to share my favorite song by Kristene DiMarco called, "It is Well With My Soul." Fancy that.

There are three lines that have seen me through many a rough spot.

The first is:
"And this mountain that's in front of me, will be thrown into the midst of the sea."
(This gives me chills and makes the hairs on my arms stand up.)

The second is:
"Let go my soul and trust in Him.
The waves and wind still know His name."
(These lines make me tear up; every time.)

Enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNqo4Un2uZI

Gratitude
1. Singers
2. Music
3. Songs that speak to my soul

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all of you;
I always pray with joy.

Blessings,
Deborah

Chapter 4, Verse 8

I shared with you a while back that I was doing a study of all the Chapter 4, verse 8's in the books of the Bible. I wrote them all down in a journal, chronologically, to see if there was any continuity or flow. Although I found there was none, it turned out to be a good lesson in scripture writing, never a bad thing in and of itself, and it was fun.
I did find more verses that have become my favorites.
My all time favorites have been Philippians 4:8 and Psalm 4:8, and I have now added:

Job 4:8  As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it.

Proverbs 4:8  Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you.

Luke 4:8  Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.' "

Romans 4:8  "Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them."

2 Corinthians 4:8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

James 4:8  Come near to God and He will come near to you...

1Peter 4:8  Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

1John 4:8  Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

I hope you find comfort in some of these as I have.

Leave me comment of your favorite Bible verse. It does not have to be a 4:8 verse.


Gratitude (prompts from aholyexperience.com)
3 gifts of endings
1. Old job
2. Old house
3. Old life

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy.

Blessings,
Deborah 

Book Review - Sarai

Today's book review is for another great Biblical fiction book I read called, "Sarai," by Jill Eileen Smith.
https://www.amazon.com/Sarai-Wives-Patriarchs-Book-Novel-ebook/dp/B006G2YPAM/ref=cm_sw_em_r_dp_v_d_5dYTxbFWW0ED5_lm

It is the story of Abram and Sarai later called Abraham and Sarah. The story is wonderfully told in a rich story line of faith, patience and perseverance. Page length is 322 pages. I highly recommend this book. It is free on Kindle today and is one of three in a series.
Again, I am not being paid to endorse this book.


Gratitude
1. Books to read
2. Stories of old
3. Great authors

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy.

Blessings,
Deborah

More Great Blogs

Last week I said I would share more blogs that I love. Today I am sharing three.

Fr. Drew Downs
http://drewdowns.net/
Fr. Drew is an Episcopalian priest living in Indiana.
A quote from his "about" page says, "Let's build a better church, a better faith, a better way of living. One full of creativity, hope and surprise. For our work is not to make the same ol' things, but a new thing. A freakin' awesome new thing."
What's not to love, eh?

Arabah Joy
http://arabahjoy.com/
Arabah's blog is another one full of resources to help you grow in faith. She offers many printables and she has started a new resource called "Grace Goals" Go check her out!

The Contemplative Writer
https://thecontemplativewriter.com/
A wonderful blog about contemplative prayer, writing and spirituality.
Ed Cyzewski is an author who offers soul care for writers and resources for practicing daily prayer.

I hope you will stop by and check them out.
More blogs next week.

Gratitude
1. Bloggers
2. Sharing faith stories
3. Christian resources

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy.

Blessings,
Deborah

Book Review - "The Centurion's Wife"

Scripture story.
The Faith of the Centurion
Matthew 8:5-13

Book review - "The Centurion's Wife," by Janette Oke and Davis Bunn

Loosely based on the above scripture.
Main characters are:
Leah - Pilate's niece/servant
Pontius Pilate
Porcula- Pilate's wife
Herod
Alban - The Centurion
The story takes place just before Jesus' death and after. It is well written and the story moves right along.  I enjoyed it very much and highly recommend it for those who like Biblical fiction.
https://www.amazon.com/Centurions-Wife-Acts-Faith-Book-ebook/dp/B00B5J4PZ6/ref=cm_sw_em_r_dp_e_n_WzNRxbNS6D893_lm

I am not being paid to endorse this book. I liked it and thought I'd pass that along.
It is free on Amazon for Kindles today.

Matthew 8:13
Then Jesus said to the centurion,
"Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would."
And his servant was healed at that moment.

Gratitude
1. Stories of faith
2. Christian writers
3. Redemption

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy.

Blessings,
Deborah

Jesus' Surprise Parties

My mother loved giving surprise parties. If she was in charge of a party it was going to be a surprise. You could almost count on this. She would invite you to dinner on your birthday, but the surprise was in who would be there.

Imagine the surprise when the two Marys went to the tomb of Jesus and instead of finding Him they found the stone rolled away and an angel sitting on top of the stone!! (Matt 28:1-7)

Imagine the disciples surprise when they went to Galilee and saw the risen Christ standing there talking to them! (Matthew 28:16-20)

Imagine the surprise when some of the disciples fished all night and caught nothing, but in the morning the risen Jesus appeared and filled their nets!!  (John 21:1-6)

Imagine, once again, the disciples surprise at Pentecost when tongues of fire appeared and came to rest over each of them, filling them with the Holy Spirit!! (Acts 2:1-4)

John 21:25 "Jesus did many other things as well. If every one were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

I can only imagine the joy these surprises created and they must of felt kind of like a surprise party.

A surprise party given by the risen Christ.

I can only imagine...


Joshua 24:15
 "...but as for me and my household,
we will serve the Lord." 

Gratitude
1. My mother's surprises
2. Jesus' surprises
3. Grace

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy.

Blessings,
Deborah

Sharing a Blog I Love

I read several Christian Blogs and had a hard time choosing just one to talk about today. I will feature others in the future. Today I am going to share Aimee Imbeau's, A Work of Grace. She has so many resources available that have helped me in different areas of my Christian journey. She is also a warm, caring lady. I hope you hop on over and check out her blog. I don't think you will be disappointed.

http://aimeeimbeau.com/blog/

Today's post is the last in a 7 day challenge I took from http://problogger.com. It has made me grow as a blogger and his podcasts and posts have been very helpful. If you are a blogger you might want to drop in for ideas on how to grow, market and enhance your blog.

I really appreciate everyone who stops by here. I pray daily for this blog and those who come here. If I can pray specifically for you, please leave a comment and I will add you to my prayer list.


Psalm 33:6-9
By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,
their starry host by the breath of His mouth.
For He spoke and it came to be;
He commanded and it stood firm.

Gratitude
1. Darren from Problogger
2. The blog challenge
3. Other blogs where I learn.

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy.

Blessings,
Deborah

I Have a Question

I have two questions actually.

A. Do you Bible journal?

1. Do you journal right in your Bible?
2. Do you keep a journal while studying your Bible for notes and quotes?

I do the second one. As I read each chapter I keep notes and jot down any verses that speak to me.
I love the new Bible journals that are made to journal right in them. Some people are so artistic! I chose the first picture I came across on Pinterest for this type of journaling. Isn't is great?! Although I love this type of journaling, it isn't for me. I am not that artistic.

This is my type of Bible journaling.

 I added a little art on this first page. Haven't done anymore.

B. What version of the Bible do you use and why?

There are so many versions I was just curious. I use the New International Version (NIV). I like the modern language; it is easier for me to understand.

Thanking you advance for answering for my questions.


Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed,
for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Gratitude (prompts from aholyexperience.com)
3 gifts in summer
1. Warm days
2. Gardens
3. Summer rains

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy.

Blessings,
Deborah

How to Become a Christian

In the YouTube video I have linked to is a very simple way to become a Christian. It really is just this simple. Please watch this two minute video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvyqceL6On8

I'm sure you will agree it is very easy to become a Christian.
If you are not a Christian I hope you joined this beautiful family of God.
Remaining one takes a bit of work on your part.


How to remain a good Christian:

1. Read your Bible
2. Follow the 10 Commandments
3. Pray without ceasing.

Gratitude (prompts from aholyexperience.com)
3 Miracles
1. Jesus' birth
2. Jesus' healing ministry
3. Jesus' resurrection

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy.

Blessings,
Deborah

A Day in My Spiritual Life

I'm working on getting back on track with my prayer life. I needed tools, because it just wasn't happening on it's own. I began to gather some books from my library to help me with the journey.

Journals
The top and bottom books are my journals. The small purple one on top is My Marriage Journal where I keep prayers, memes, and quotes on marriage. There is some great stuff out there on the internet for this.
The bottom is a journal where I keep my favorite Bible verses.

Bible
The biggest is my Bible. I am currently doing an on-line Bible study and following a program to read the Bible in a year.

Devotions
The third book down is my Kindle where I have my devotional, "Jesus Calling," that I read daily.

Prayer
The second book down is a book on prayer called, "365 Pocket Prayers," that I have quoted in posts and that I am now reading to help me pray.

I'm glad I have these tools. They are helping me recover from my shakedown in faith, (see July posts), and helping me to pray again.

A prayer I use daily from "365 Pocket Prayers"
A prayer about Meditation

Lord,
Teach me the discipline of meditating on You and on Your Word. How can I be spiritually focused if I can't control my thoughts? And how can I ever hope to understand Your will for me if I don't listen to what You say? Help me to push my own thoughts and desires aside and allow Your Spirit to speak to me. Guide my heart and remind me of Your presence. May my thoughts always be fixed on You.
Amen.

Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You,
all whose thoughts are fixed on You!

Gratitude
1. Tools to help me grow
2. Glorious rain today
3. Your Word

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy.

Blessings,
Deborah

Review - The Bible

I did an Amazon search for The Bible and there are 489,399 results. Wow.

The Bible is actually 66 books in one; 39 Old Testament books and 27 New Testament books. It is a book about God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. The Old Testament tells the story of God's chosen people, the Jews called Israel, their covenant with God and their wait for the Messiah. The New Testament is about Jesus the Messiah, although the Jews don't believe he is The Messiah. I do.

The Bible is a love story.

It is a love story from God to us.

It contains stories of love, war, giants, temptation, trials, good vs. evil, compassion, and God's steadfast love for us. It answers many questions on faith and belief in God.  It will give you hope for the future and comfort for today.

I suggest if you don't own one to buy one and if you do own one to open it and begin reading it today.
You will not be disappointed.

Hebrews 10:16
"This is the covenant I will make with them after that time", says the Lord. "I will put my laws in their hearts and I will write them on their minds."

Matthew 22:37-40
Jesus replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Gratitude
!. God's word
2. God's mercy
3. God's love

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy.

Blessings,
Deborah

Does God Answer Prayers?

I have been asked this question before and my answer is always yes.

Yes, God answers prayers. I know, because He has answered mine.

He has answered mine and those who prayed for my healing twice from cancer. He has answered my prayers for my children, grandchildren, other family members and friends.

Is His answer always yes?  No.
Sometimes it is no. Sometimes it is wait.
All good and perfect things come in His time.

We don't know His reasons, but we must trust in His answers. That is not always easy for us, as we have become a "want it now" world of instant gratification. But where God is concerned and His answering of our prayers, we must be patient.

He will answer.
He loves you.
Trust in Him.

Ezra 8:23
So we fasted and petitioned our God about this,
and He answered our prayers.

1Chronicles 5:20
(The last sentence says:)
He answered their prayers,
because they trusted in Him.

Gratitude
1. Answered prayers
2. The ability to pray
3. Family

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy.

Blessings,
Deborah

8 Ways to Pray When You Can't

After my shakedown in faith, (see July 7, & 26, posts), I still struggle with praying.  I'm good with short prayers, like asking for a safe trip to my destination and home again, or praying for a friend/stranger in need of prayers for something. Where I am still having trouble is with the in-depth and meditative prayers.

Here are a few things I am trying to help me get back on track.

1. Use a book of prayers.
I have two, "The Book of Common Prayer" and "365 Pocket Prayers." Both are full of prayers for all occasions and topics. Any you may have will work.

2. Read the Psalms. This needs no explanation.

3. Ask Jesus to pray for you.
I simply say, "Lord I can't pray today. Please pray for me."
I feel He does.

4. Read a verse or book in the Bible and offer it up as a prayer to God.

5. Sing your favorite hymn or pop Christian song. Do it loudly.

6. Read other Christian Blogs on prayer.
There are many out there with lots of inspiration.

7. Count your blessings.

8. Go to a place like Bible Gateway, (link on my right sidebar), and do a search on pray or prayer.

I hope these will help you if you struggle, at times, like I do.


1Thessalonians 5:16-17
Rejoice always, pray continually,

James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Gratitude
3 gifts in prayer
1. Confession
2. Forgiveness
3. Joy

Phil 1:4
In all my prayers for all of you,
I always pray with joy.

Blessings,
Deborah