Ezekiel 36:26 NIV
"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."
Another translation says, "I will remove your stubborn hearts and give you obedient hearts".
This verse makes it sound like a one-time transaction, but I think it feels more like a daily battle. My heart keeps wanting to dry up, to become hard and impermeable. Only the work of the Holy Spirit can make this rock-heart turn to flesh, to soften up and love the people around me like Christ did.
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Verse 16
Ephesians 2:10 NIV
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
A friend recently wrote a blog post containing this verse. She used a translation that used the word "masterpiece" instead of "workmanship". It really stuck out to me that God made me with intention and purpose. I'm not just another human on the assembly line of creation, but I'm one of His masterpieces, and he has good works ready and waiting for me (and you, too!).
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
A friend recently wrote a blog post containing this verse. She used a translation that used the word "masterpiece" instead of "workmanship". It really stuck out to me that God made me with intention and purpose. I'm not just another human on the assembly line of creation, but I'm one of His masterpieces, and he has good works ready and waiting for me (and you, too!).
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Verse 15
I Corinthians 8:1-3 (God's Word Translation)
Now, concerning food offered to false gods: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge makes people arrogant, but love builds them up. Those who think they know something still have a lot to learn. But if they love God, they are known by God.
There is a lot to learn from this chapter of the Bible. It is primarily about food that had been sacrificed to idols and about how Christians treated each other over the matter. I chose these particular verses and translation, though, as a reminder about pride. For those times when I think I have things figured out, I want to remember that I "still have a lot to learn" and that my priority should be loving God.
Now, concerning food offered to false gods: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge makes people arrogant, but love builds them up. Those who think they know something still have a lot to learn. But if they love God, they are known by God.
There is a lot to learn from this chapter of the Bible. It is primarily about food that had been sacrificed to idols and about how Christians treated each other over the matter. I chose these particular verses and translation, though, as a reminder about pride. For those times when I think I have things figured out, I want to remember that I "still have a lot to learn" and that my priority should be loving God.
Saturday, August 15, 2015
Verse 14
Do you always memorize your verse in the same translation? I usually memorize in NIV or ESV, but as I'm studying and meditating on my verse I love to read it in lots of different translations. It's amazing how many different nuances and meanings you can get from the same verse just by changing one word or one piece of punctuation.
My verse for this time is II Timothy 3:16-17 NIV
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
My verse for this time is II Timothy 3:16-17 NIV
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Saturday, August 1, 2015
Verse 13
This morning I was listening to a Christian book while I ran. The author was talking about how as parents we have to learn to listen to our children, and as believers we have to learn to listen to God. He said people are always asking how to discern God's will in major life decisions, and part of the answer is to practice listening to Him in the everyday decisions.
I don't take the time to listen to God in the daily things. I simply rely on my own knowledge and common sense. While those things are gifts that God has given me to use, I also want to remember that I have the Holy Spirit to guide me. I want to practice listening to God and knowing His will daily.
Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.
On a side note, earlier today there was a devastating typhoon in Saipan. A friend from college is living there with her husband and two small children. They are safe, but lost their home and most belongings. She says there is no electricity and water on the island. Please pray for their safety, immediate needs, and peace.
I don't take the time to listen to God in the daily things. I simply rely on my own knowledge and common sense. While those things are gifts that God has given me to use, I also want to remember that I have the Holy Spirit to guide me. I want to practice listening to God and knowing His will daily.
Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.
On a side note, earlier today there was a devastating typhoon in Saipan. A friend from college is living there with her husband and two small children. They are safe, but lost their home and most belongings. She says there is no electricity and water on the island. Please pray for their safety, immediate needs, and peace.
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Verse 12
This is verse 12 out of 24! You're halfway there! I'm going to take a shorter verse this time and try to spend a lot of time in review.
Last time Allison's verse stood out to me, so I copied it: "Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him." So this week I'm going to add on the next verse:
Proverbs 30:6 (ESV) "Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar."
Last time Allison's verse stood out to me, so I copied it: "Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him." So this week I'm going to add on the next verse:
Proverbs 30:6 (ESV) "Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar."
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
Verse 11
I'm copying Allison's verse. :)
Proverbs 30:5 NIV
Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Proverbs 30:5 NIV
Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
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