Heather Erdmann's Blog
October 26, 2024
The Main Message of the Bible
What if you could find one book that was an action, adventure, history, mystery, and romance in one? What if it also contained wisdom, poetry, and prophecy? This book has been written, and all of these are contained in the pages of Scripture. The Holy Bible is the greatest-selling book of all time with over five billion copies sold, and for good reason.
Not only is it divinely inspired, but it was penned over a span of at least 1500 years by around 40 different human authors! The one book we call the Bible consists of 66 smaller books written by around 40 different human authors from various occupations. Yet, there is still one main message of the Bible that God has revealed to us in the pages of Scripture.
Considering the duration over which it was penned and the sheer multitude of writers, it is truly a miracle that this collection of ancient writings tells one cohesive story. God’s plan of redemption for a fallen world, through His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, is what the Bible is truly all about.
Knowing the main message of the Bible helps us make sense of every story, proverb, poem, and prophecy we read. It was the Old Testament Scriptures that Jesus referred to in the Gospel of Luke when He appeared to the men on the road to Emmaus after His resurrection. As He explained the passages to them, He showed how the promises and prophecies all pointed to Him!
Then beginning with Moses and with all the Prophets, He explained to them the things written about Himself in all the Scriptures. (Luke 24:27, NASB95)
Key Themes of the Bible
Throughout these genres, we see four main themes repeated as the story progresses:
1. Creation
2. Fall
3. Redemption
4. Restoration
These themes play out repeatedly throughout the narrative. We start to see the pattern immediately in Genesis as it opens with creation, quickly followed by the fall of man into sin, and ultimately given the hope of redemption through a promised Messiah.
From Genesis to the final book of Revelation, God used people, places, ideas, and situations to foreshadow this plan of salvation and point to an ultimate victory and restoration when Christ returns to make all things new!
Types and Shadows of Christ
Because Jesus is the Hero of the book and the fulfillment of God’s promises of this restoration, the entire Bible points us to Jesus. It has been said that Christ is anticipated in the Old Testament, revealed in the Gospels, proclaimed in the book of Acts, explained in the Epistles, and returns in triumph in the book of Revelation. Throughout the text, types and shadows point to Jesus starting with how God chose the nation of Israel as His people through which He would send the promised Messiah and reveal Himself to the world. Other nations would see how God supernaturally blessed, protected, and provided for them as they worshiped Him, and they would know He was the one true God. The Old Testament details the history of the Jewish people through Abraham’s descendants. The promises and covenants God made with them ultimately led to His plan of salvation for all of us through Christ.
The Old Testament narratives are filled with symbolic references to Jesus. It is important to read the Scriptures with this Christo-centric lens to ascertain the full meaning of the text. For example, the elaborate description of the temple and the Old Testament sacrificial system all pointed to Jesus, the Lamb of God, who was the only fully sufficient sacrifice for our sins. Ultimately, the Old Testament altar points to the New Testament cross.
What is the Bible All About?
One of the keys to understanding the Bible is to realize that God has used many physical pictures of reality to point us to spiritual truths. As we read about Israel, we see repeated patterns of rebellion and disobedience, resulting in cycles of discipline, followed by repentance, forgiveness, and restoration. This foreshadows our own story and shows us how we fit into God’s plan. As fallen humans, we are all guilty of sin and have been separated from God. Yet His promises apply not only to Israel but to us, too, when we receive them by faith and also become God’s children as seen here:
Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” (Galatians 3:7-8, ESV)
Focusing on The Main Message of the Bible
The more we read and study God’s Word with this Christ-centered view, the more we see the repeated themes, elaborate connections, fascinating patterns, and symbolic images that all serve a purpose to advance the main message of the Bible. It’s like a treasure hunt and revealed mystery in one! As you seek God expectantly and diligently in His Word, He reveals more and more truth over time. The more He reveals, the more your faith in Him and love for Him will grow as you see just how you fit into His marvelous plan!
Want to learn more about how the main message of the Bible gives meaning and purpose to every aspect of our lives? Check out my Amazon Best-Seller “Why the Bible Makes Life Make Sense: Pursuing a Purposeful Life with a Biblical Perspective.”
· What Makes the Bible So Special?
· The Importance of a Biblical Worldview
· “Why the Bible Makes Life Make Sense”
September 13, 2024
What Makes the Bible So Special?
It’s been said that we can read many books, but the Bible is the only book that reads you. Maybe you’ve heard a sermon or Biblical message that speaks directly to your current situation or struggle. It’s as if the message was directed right at your heart or the preacher had a secret glimpse into your life. But it isn’t necessarily some special knowledge held by the one delivering the message. Rather, it is the sharpness and precision of the Word of God itself.
The Bible is not just an ancient collection of stories or fables. It has inherent life and power. The preacher doesn’t make the Word come alive—it IS alive! The Bible is so special because it is “living” and “active.” It is the mind of the living God in written form:
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).
Let’s Look More Closely at What Makes the Bible So Special:
The Bible is alive because it is “God-breathed” (see 2 Timothy 3:16). The Greek word for this is “theopneustos”, with “theo” meaning God, and “pneustos” meaning breathed. It is the only time this word is used in any Greek text including the New Testament. The Bible is divinely inspired, penned by men under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and because of this, it is a living book with the power to transform hearts, minds, and lives.
As the living, breathing Son of God, Jesus came to earth to show us the Father and give us the Word of God personified. He taught us who He is, and what He is like:
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)
Because Jesus is the Word made flesh, we should take His Word seriously as our foundation and source of truth and life.
The Bible is So Special Because…
We Can Interact with the Author
The Bible is also the only book you can interact with the Author whenever you read it. As you do, you can pause to pray, offer thanksgiving, ask questions, confess sins, or claim His promises as they apply. We don’t just read the Bible to gain information, although we do that as well. But, more importantly, He “meets us” in His Word, as the Holy Spirit works through it, and in and through us. As believers, we have the privilege of having the Author of Scripture, the Holy Spirit, living inside us to help us understand and apply it:
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.” (John 14:26)
What Makes the Bible Unique is that it has…
The Bible is also unique in that it spans the entirety of time from before time began, throughout all human history, and into eternity. It also covers the full range of human behavior and the complete spectrum of human emotion.
Remarkably, though it was penned by at least 40 different writers, over 1500 years, it has amazing continuity and tells one cohesive story—namely God’s plan of salvation for us through our Lord Jesus Christ.
And the Bible is So Special Because…
The Bible is not only profitable for our salvation, but it is food for our souls. It helps strengthen, equip, deliver, and transform us. The Bible is filled with prayers, poems, songs, and stories that can strengthen us when we feel weak or weary. It helps deliver us from temptation as we run to God in His Word and transforms our lives as we live by its truths. It equips us for the daily battles we face in this life and gives us the armor of God to protect our hearts, minds, and souls (see Ephesians 6:10-20).
Jesus, Himself, considered the Bible the Word of God and bread for our souls as He quoted the Old Testament Scriptures:
He answered, “It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)
The Bible is Unique Because of…
Fulfilled Prophecies
One of the most amazing features of the Bible is that it is filled with numerous prophecies that were fulfilled just as God promised. Most of those prophecies point to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Conservative estimates tell us that He fulfilled at least 300 prophecies regarding His first coming. The number is even higher when considering indirect references and allusions to Christ in the Old Testament. The mathematical probability of one man doing this is beyond human comprehension! If He had fulfilled only eight of the over 300 prophecies, the chance of doing so would be 1017 power—that’s a 10 with seventeen zeroes behind it! Forty-eight fulfilled prophecies would give us 10157 power!
Anyone can make predictions. But having them come true, especially hundreds or thousands of years after they were made, is something supernatural!
· It is a divinely authored living book
· Jesus is the Word made flesh
· We can interact with the Author
· Our unchanging source of truth
· Full range of human behaviors
· Complete spectrum of human emotion
· Food for our souls
· Fulfilled prophecies
What makes the Bible so special is that it is the only book ever written that is completely God-breathed, living, personal, transformative, protective, sanctifying, and comforting. It provides food for our souls here in this life and points us to the Lord Jesus Christ who has the power to save and give us eternal life. Our unchanging God is the Author, and because of that, we can trust it to make this life make sense!
Are you looking for a new Bible? Some of my favorites are linked HERE
· 7 Best Tips for Studying the Bible Effectively
· The Importance of a Biblical Worldview
· 8 Tips for More Quiet Time with God
August 30, 2024
20 Thanksgiving Prayer Points
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change (James 1:17).
Whether we are celebrating the holiday season of Thanksgiving, or just want to spend some time focusing on the many blessings for which we can thank God, I've made a list of Thanksgiving prayer points to help get you started:
For creating us and giving us the breath of life
Salvation through Jesus
Our faith ("I was blind, but now I see!")
His grace to help in our weakness
His Word
The Holy Spirit to comfort and guide us
The privilege of prayer and being able to talk directly with God
His peace that passes all understanding
His joy that can fill our hearts in any circumstances
The honor of being asked to partner with Him in sharing the Gospel
The spiritual gifts He has given us (to bless others and build the church)
Family (both earthly and our church family)
Friends
Health
Church
Home
Job/Career
Food
Clothing
Car/transportation
This list is just a beginning of ideas for Thanksgiving prayer points and not all-inclusive by any means. My hope is that it sparks some ideas of your own for which to pray and praise God!
But, perhaps you read this list and thought to yourself that you don't have some of these things, or feel lacking in some area listed above. If that is so, please know that our Heavenly Father sees you and knows your needs. He promises to give us everything we need to accomplish all that He has created us to do:
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8)
Keep seeking Him!
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you (Matthew 6:33)
I'm praying for you as you seek Him!
If you need help finding resources to help you grow in your faith or are looking for new prayer books to help you get started in your daily prayers, please check out my favorites HERE!
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What Does the Bible Say about God's Love for Us?
February 14 is celebrated as Valentine's Day around the world. It is said to have originated as a Christian feast day honoring a martyr named Valentine, but many folk traditions and ancient legends surround the story of how it came to be a holiday. It is often celebrated as a day of love between sweethearts, and different countries celebrate in various ways (including Japan, where the men take the day off work and women give chocolate gifts to them!)
And, although love between spouses and sweethearts is essential (so much so that I wrote an entire book on it! See "Unlocking the Mystery of Marriage: Loving Your Spouse the Way Christ Loves the Church"), the most important love of all is the love we share with our Lord. The Bible tells us that God, Himself, is love and describes love as "patient, kind, hopeful, humble, trusting, protecting, respectful, forgiving, forbearing, and not self-seeking". (See 1 Corinthians 13 for reference.)
What Does the Bible Say About God's Love for Us?
And, because love is such an important topic in the Bible and in our lives, I've compiled some important verses to share with you today.
Read below to see the verses and spend some time meditating on and praying to the One who loves us best! My hope is that it will help prepare your heart to celebrate true love and keep your focus on the One who IS LOVE, this day and always...
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13).
“For God so loved the world, that he gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love (1 John 4:7-8).
Let all that you do be done in love (1 Corinthians 16:14).
We love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God (1 John 4:7).
But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness (Psalm 86:15).
God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).
God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ - by grace you have been saved (Ephesians 2:4-5).
This is how God showed His love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us (John 4:9-12).
This list is just a beginning list of Bible verses about God's love for us to get you started!
Take some time each day to meditate on one or more of these truths and turn your heart towards Jesus.
If you found this helpful and would like more free inspirational, Bible-based articles like this, get on our monthly email list and don't miss anything!
Build a Strong Christian Marriage on the Foundation of the Gospel
“This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.”
(Ephesians 5:32)
Maybe you have read or heard Ephesians 5:32 countless times like I have over the past 30+ years. (And maybe, like me, you had it as one of your wedding verses)! But, as so often happens, God opens our eyes to reveal new insights to us on repeated readings as we learn and grow in our faith. It was at our church's women's retreat in 2019 when it hit me. I realized that the mystery of the Gospel that Paul was talking about here was not only one of significant spiritual meaning, but that we could live out that truth in practical ways as well. I mean, if our marriages are meant to represent the Gospel, and how Jesus, the Bridegroom, loves us, His church and Bride... then shouldn't we take those concepts and apply them to our real-life marriages here on earth?
Let’s look at some of the ways Jesus loves us, and how it can help us live out that love in our marriages.
Jesus loves us:
1.) Faithfully
Jesus made a binding commitment to us, when He made us His own, through the promises of His Word. When we come to Him in repentance and faith, He promises us we are His for now and eternity. And we can trust Him because He always has and always will keep His Word.
That should also be #1 in our marriages, that we always keep the promise we made to one another to be faithfully committed for a lifetime. The vows we made to one another before God and witnesses are a binding covenant. Let’s honor that promise and keep our word as Jesus does with us.
(Please note: This does not refer to cases where any sort of abuse of any kind, physical or mental, is involved. If that is your situation, please seek immediate help from trusted clergy and the proper authorities.)
2.) Intimately
When God designed earthly marriage to symbolize the relationship between Jesus and His Church, He gave us the beautiful expression of love and oneness we share in sexual intimacy with our spouses. That is why fidelity is of ultimate importance because He wants us to always be faithful to Him and not chase after other “lovers” or “idols”. Just as we never want our spouses to love another (besides God) more than they love us, He doesn’t want us to put any other love before Him either. Our hearts (and our bodies) belong to Him and our spouses only. The act of sexual relations in marriage is meant to be shared only by those joined to one another in that covenant relationship. It foreshadows the oneness we will eventually share more fully with our Lord when He takes us to be with Him forever. It is an earthly picture of a spiritual reality, just as the marriage covenant symbolizes our relationship with Christ in the New Covenant when we join ourselves to Him through faith.
3.) With Forgiveness and Grace
Jesus also loves us with an abundance of grace and forgiveness, which He demonstrated on the cross. Because He forgives us, we are then empowered to forgive our spouses when they sin against us. Are we quick to offer mercy or grace? Or do we “keep score” and expect them to “pay” for any wrongs they do? Are we willing to overlook the little annoyances or irritations (like leaving wet towels on the bathroom floor)? Or do we continually nag and “remind” them of every infraction?
Of course, serious sin must be dealt with and not overlooked. But, too often we are less than willing to offer grace for that which is not really sinful, but rather a preference issue.
4.) With Loving Communication
Jesus also communicates with us, because He loves us. He does this through His Word and prayer. This shows us that we should also develop healthy communication in our marriages. Are we responding with defensiveness or spending more time formulating our reply rather than carefully listening and considering their words? Thankfully, the Bible gives us ample guidance on how to communicate more positively and effectively. Using the Lord's prayer as our model, when Jesus taught us to pray and communicate with our Heavenly Father, we can learn how to speak with respect, share our needs, meet our spouses' needs, and more!
(See below for one more Christian marriage tip):
5.) Sacrificially
I think the most significant way that Jesus loves us is sacrificially. He put our needs—with our biggest being forgiveness and salvation—ahead of all of His. He demonstrated a servant’s heart so much so that He laid down His own life for our good and our salvation. If Jesus loved us that much, how can we not demonstrate more of that selfless love with the one whom we share the closest bond here on earth? When we consider the other person’s needs before our own and demonstrate that kind of sacrificial love with each other in marriage, many of the other areas are taken care of as well. Selfless, sacrificial love is at the heart of the Gospel. And, if the Gospel is at the heart of our marriages, they can't help but succeed.
What are some ways you see Jesus demonstrating His love toward us? How can you live out these examples in your own marriage and relationships?
(Concepts taken from: “Unlocking the Mystery of Marriage: Loving Your Spouse the Way Christ Loves the Church” . Read more HERE! )
And don't forget to pray daily for your marriage...
God wants our relationships to succeed!
7 Best Tips for How to Study the Bible Effectively
These 7 Bible study tips will help you learn how to study the Bible for yourself and how to apply what you read with these easy-to-use, yet thorough Bible study methods.
because Scripture tells us that when we draw near to God, He will draw near to us.
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you" (James 4:8a).
And, we do this primarily when we come to Him in prayer and in His Word. In fact, the better we know the Bible, the better we can know God and what He is like, because the Bible is a book about Him! AND, when we know who He is and what He likes and doesn't like, our prayers can be more effective, because they will line up closer with His will. He promises to answer all our prayers according to His will:
“Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son" (John 14:13)
SO, how do we study the Bible for ourselves?Read more below to find out!
Context: This is important because each verse and passage was written at a specific time, for a specific audience, and a specific purpose. Scripture can never mean to us what it did not mean to its original audience. First, look up the time of writing, location, author, and recipients using your Bible study notes, Bible app, or even Google--just be careful of your sources there. Check out location and consider the cultural circumstances of the original hearers. A good study Bible can give clues to the themes and historical background information you need.
Genre: Determine what type of literature the book of the Bible is that your passage is from. The Bible is made of 66 smaller books including: history, poetry/wisdom, Gospel, epistle (letters), prophecy, and apocalyptic. Knowing the type of book you are reading will help you more correctly interpret its meaning (whether literal or figurative).
Keywords: From your passage, look for important words, names, places, repeated phrases or themes, etc. and choose several words to explore further using a Bible dictionary, concordance, or Bible app. The original Hebrew and Greek manuscripts do not always have a perfect English equivalent word, so it helps to look up keywords to get their fuller meaning and better understand the text.
Cross-References: Check your Bible's margins or a Bible app to find cross-references related to the passage you are reading, This is important, because Scripture interprets Scripture--meaning that similar passages throughout the Word can help you get a better understanding of the verses you are studying.
Translations: As noted above, the original Hebrew and Greek texts of the Old and New Testaments do not always have a perfect word equivalent when translating into English or other languages. By reading other reputable Bible translations (such as ESV, KJV, NASB, NIV, Amplified), you can get a richer and deeper understanding of the passage. Some translations are written in a word-for-word style matching as closely to the exact words of the original texts as possible, while others are written in a thought-for-thought style helping you see the authors intended meaning. Try to stay away from paraphrases (such as the Message or Passion Translation) which insert more of the author's interpretation into the text. This is a huge topic, and it would benefit you to do more research on your own.
Commentaries: Study Bible notes and reputable commentaries can be great sources of additional insight and information to help you grow in your understanding of the Bible. It's important to choose quality, reliable sources, and to always remember that these are just man's opinions and not on the level of authority which Scripture alone has. Also, it's best to do your own research first (as listed in the steps above), so you have a better idea of what the text is saying, before looking at what others say about it.
Life Application: Scripture is God-breathed and is the only book that truly has the power to be transformative for our hearts, minds, and lives. But, it doesn't do us a lot of good to just gain head-knowledge without putting into practice what we've learned. Take some time to review your study notes, pray, and ask God how to best understand and apply what He has shown you. The Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth and point you to Jesus when you seek to understand with your whole heart and mind. Most of all, studying the Bible should point us to Jesus and draw us closer to Him because the Bible is actually a book about God. It tells one cohesive story about God's plan to save us through Jesus. Because of His grace, we live for Him and His glory!
These tips are just a broad overview of how to study the Bible for better understanding and heart transformation. It's my passion to help people learn how to better understand God's Word and grow in faith, because I know what it's like to not know and to be easily swayed by false ideologies and "worldly wisdom".
Because of this, I've created a FREE 5-Day Bible Study Tools Video Challenge that will help you put these tips into practice right away!
With exact "how-to study the Bible for beginners" examples using popular free Bible apps, and top Bible study tools you will be able to get more out of your study time each day.
If you want to apply what you've learned here, but aren't sure where to start--this is for you!!
Start today and get the FREE challenge HERE:
8 Tips to Help You Have More Quiet Time with God
Life is hard and we need that close relationship with the One who knows us best and loves us most. Yet, we get pulled in so many directions. There are so many distractions, and we have so many challenges—whether it is physical ailments, mental or emotional distresses, financial burdens, or even social or relational issues. Too many things compete for our time, attention, and energy. I know I get easily overwhelmed with "all the things", which distracts me from what is most important—our Lord and Savior, Jesus. I started Good Portion Promises as a publishing ministry to busy (and distracted) women like myself, to help us focus on sitting at the feet of Jesus, as Mary did in Luke chapter 10 when she chose “the good portion”:
“but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:42 ESV)
But, even when I'm trying to set aside quiet time and focus on Him, I find myself creating a to-do list in my mind or worrying about some future or current event. Can anyone relate? Do you find yourself striving instead of thriving? Yet, Jesus tells us to come to Him, and He will give us rest:
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:29-30)
So, what should we do to refocus ourselves on the Lord rather than us and all our earthly cares? First, we need to identify what it is that keeps us from our quiet time with God. Some of the things I’ve noticed myself include my phone and social media, forgetfulness, laziness, busy schedule, fatigue, and misplaced priorities. With that in mind, how can we refocus ourselves on what is most important?
I've found a few helpful tips that I use to have quiet time with God every day that I hope can help you, too:
Pray and ask God to help you prioritize Him above all things.
Turn my phone onto '"focus mode" or "do not disturb". (Check your phone settings, as you can set it to temporarily turn off all notifications and certain apps so that you can work without distractions.) This one is HUGE for me!
If I'm still having trouble knowing what to pray about or how to turn my attention to talking with God, I use prayer books with scripted prayers on different topics. This helps me get into a more prayerful mindset and focuses my heart on Him. If you are interested, I've listed a few of my favorites here: Prayer Books
Keep a notepad and pen nearby to write down anything that pops into your mind to distract you, and then get right back to your prayer and Bible reading time.
Keep praying for help to refocus if your mind starts to wander.
Listen to an audio Bible with your eyes closed to help keep out both visual and audible distractions.
Use a Bible reading plan or Bible study journal or guide to keep you focused on the Word. Study, memorize, and meditate on His truth. Let the words sink deep into your soul and transform your heart and mind, so you can reflect on them even when you don't have time to read.
Spend time in worship and thanksgiving. If you still need to get things done and cannot set aside larger quiet times, play praise music or hymns while you work. Pray and praise Him, and talk with Him about anything and everything throughout your day. Thank Him for even the small things you notice, like the food you have to prepare for yourself and your family, or an unexpected call or text from a friend, reminding you that He cares and He provides.
This should help you get started, but feel free to add to this list as the Lord leads. With these suggestions, your relationship with God should grow closer with each new day.
A popular hymn you may be familiar with tells us to focus on Jesus, and we will see that the things of earth grow less in importance:
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
1. O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!
Refrain:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
I'm praying for you as you prioritize what is most important, our Lord and Savior Jesus, and focus your heart and mind on Him—keeping an eternal perspective every day!
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Best Christian New Year's Resolution Ideas
As another new year begins, many of us reflect on changes we'd like to make and then focus on resolutions to implement those changes. Whether it's losing weight, eating healthier, quitting a bad habit, or starting a new habit like exercise or flossing regularly--(as a dental hygienist, I appreciate that one!)--so many people focus on matters with temporal value rather than eternal significance.
While many of these are excellent ideas to incorporate, this life is just a small amount of time compared to eternity. Christian New Year's Resolutions have eternal significance!
For the training of the body has limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come (1 Timothy 4:8, CSB)
The most important new start we can make in this life is to start a new life in Christ Jesus through salvation in Him. This happens when we trust that Jesus took all of our sins to the cross and paid the full price for them. No amount of good works we do could ever save us. Because He rose from the dead, He defeated sin, death, and the devil forever. Through faith in His finished work, we, too, will live forever with Him in heaven.
Have you come to this new life in Him? Do you trust ONLY in Jesus's work to save you, and not any merit of your own? (If you have any questions about this, please send me an email at: heather@goodportionpromises.com as I would love to hear from you and pray with you.)
My challenge to you this year is to make at least one Christian New Year's resolution that has eternal consequences, for you or someone you love.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Spend time in God's Word every day. (Even if just a few minutes, this living truth will transform your heart and mind.)
Attend a Bible-believing church weekly. (If you are physically able to attend, spending time with other believers can help you grow in your faith and be an encouragement to yourself and others.)
Set aside a prayer time every day. (Spend time talking to God, sharing your heart with Him, confessing sins, asking Him for your needs and for the needs of others, asking for His guidance, praying for your unsaved friends and family to come to faith in Christ, and praising and thanking Him for all He has done.) If you need ideas for prayer books to help you get started or are looking for a new Bible, check out my favorites HERE!
Share the Gospel with at least one person (per week, month, year, or whatever God lays on your heart.) Ask for opportunities and for courage to share your faith. This is definitely one that can have eternal impact!
Memorize Scripture. (Hiding God's Word in your heart will mean you have ready access to truth whenever you need it.) Choose how often you would like to memorize, for example one verse per week/month, and set a goal for the year.
Join a Bible Study. (Check your local church for offerings, or reply to this email for more suggestions of reputable online sources.)
Start Volunteering. (Find a Christian ministry you are interested in supporting and set aside some time to help as you are able.)
Invite a friend to church. (This one is an easy way to help someone hear the Gospel if you are timid about sharing it yourself.)
This list is just a beginning and not all-inclusive by any means. My hope is that it sparks some ideas of your own. Pray and ask God what He would like you to do.
Christian New Year's Resolutions Put God First and Bring Him Glory!
By putting Him first in all we do, He makes sure that not only the material and temporal needs of this life are met through Him, but the eternal ones as well.
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you (Matthew 6:33)
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August 29, 2024
7 Ways to Keep Your Focus on Jesus All Day
Prioritize Him Throughout Your Day with These Tips...
As Christians, we know that Jesus is of supreme importance to us both for this life and the next. Yet busy days and crowded schedules can make spending time with Him difficult to keep at the top of our priority list.
Jesus came to earth to do the will of the Father, so His highest priority was time in fellowship with Him. It was not something He tacked on to an already busy schedule--it was His lifeline! He considered it more important than anything else because this was where He got His "marching orders" for the day as He sought the Father's will. It was where His strength was renewed after ministering to the needs of others, and where He was empowered to do battle against Satan and win! Here He received grace to love the unlovable and the power to do the impossible.
Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed (Luke 5:16).
Spend some time looking up the prayer life of Jesus and be inspired and encouraged!
So, How Do We Keep our Focus on Jesus?
As believers, God created His children for a purpose. We can go to Him to seek His will, offer Him praise, ask Him to meet our needs, and just spend time enjoying being with Him in His presence. As we spend time in prayer and the Word, He gives us power and direction to know Him better, love Him more, and do His will. And, as we navigate this crazy world--we NEED His power and direction every day!
If Jesus needed daily time alone with the Father, how much more do we?! (I'm reminding myself of this as well!) By keeping our focus on Jesus throughout the day, our priorities will be more aligned with His, and He will give us the strength and grace to accomplish all He wants us to do!
Before you get out of bed, thank Him for another day of life and ask Him what HIS plans are for you today.
Pray over your food at every meal--thanking Him and asking Him to bless it.
Spend time in His Word and prayer before you start your daily activities or work. (This may include getting up a little earlier if possible.)
Meditate on a verse or passage throughout the day. (It helps to write it down and carry it along with you, or post it somewhere you can see it often.)
Pray for "Divine Appointments" where you can share Jesus with those around you. Or pray for the people you are interacting with such as coworkers, your children, your spouse, employees at the store, etc.
Listen to worship music whenever possible as you do your daily tasks. We are called to do everything as unto the Lord, and this is a great way to turn daily chores into an opportunity for praise!
Close your day in prayer (and more Bible reading if possible.) Thank Him for the day and ask Him to protect you and those you love as you sleep.
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What is God's Plan for My Life?
Can You Know God's Plan for Your Life?
It's an age-old question. "What is the purpose of life?" Or, maybe you've seen it worded as, "Does my life have any meaning?" Many of us want to know "What is God's plan for my life?"
To those, we can add: "Why are we here? Where are we going? How do we get there? Does it all really matter, anyway?"
The truth is, God's Word gives us the answers to all of these important questions. And, when we know the answers, every aspect of our life takes on a new, more hopeful perspective.
Some people think that the Bible is just a rule book for living. True, it does give ample examples and instructions on how the Creator designed us best to live--but, it is so much more than that!
The Bible is God's story of how He created humans to be in a relationship with Him, how man fell into temptation and sin causing that relationship to be broken, and how God provided a way for us to be saved and our relationship with Him to be restored.
A perfect, holy God cannot be in the presence of sin, so He provided His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to be the ultimate Lamb Sacrifice who paid for that sin. When we place our faith in Him alone to save us, His blood cleanses us and purifies us so we can then approach God again and be with Him forever. (See 1 John 1:7 and Hebrews 4:15-16.) Our relationship with our Creator is then restored, and our life has new meaning and purpose!
But what does that mean about God's will for me?
God's ultimate purpose for us is to save us by grace through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and to enjoy a restored relationship with Him now and for eternity. He does this because He loves us, and He wants us to love Him in return. Without His mercy, love, and grace, we would have no hope for this life or the next.
All He asks is that we repent (turn from our old sinful desires and turn our hearts toward God) and trust in Jesus Christ's perfect, finished work on the cross to save us rather than trusting our own efforts to try to merit God's favor.
Once we are saved, He gives us His Holy Spirit which empowers us to live according to His will. This process of sanctification is His way of helping us to become more like Jesus (and less like our old sinful selves). It is a process that continues until He brings us home with Him eternally and perfects us once and for all.
Once we are saved, God's will for us is to grow in holiness as He makes us more like Jesus in a process called "sanctification".
The Holy Spirit changes us from the inside out so that we long to live for Him more than for ourselves. As we grow in faith, He gives us the grace to glorify Him in our thoughts, words, and actions.
Many of these things happen all together. God saves us because He loves us. He saves us so that we have a restored relationship with Him, and so that our lives glorify Him in all we do. This means that when we need to make decisions or choose what to do in life, God gives us freedom within these guidelines as we seek to glorify Him in all we do.
When we know why we are here, where we are going, and how we get there, our lives have purpose and meaning. We can face each day with an eternal perspective focused on God's glory and His will. Earthly cares and concerns no longer hold the power they once did, because we know this life is temporary. Only what is done by and for God will last forever.
Of course, this spiritual growth is a life-long process, and we will fail many times along the way. But, knowing He is with us, empowering us, and loving us makes all the difference. It's what makes life make sense. It's what gives us a reason to get out of bed each day and live for and in Him, even when life is hard.
So, what is God’s plan for my life and yours?
To save us
To sanctify us
To love us and enjoy a restored relationship with Him now and forever
To give Him glory
What could be a better purpose for living than to love and be loved by the One Who created us for Himself? This gives our lives significant meaning!
It also helps us to make decisions and choices within these parameters. God's Word gives us guidance for living, and the more time we spend in the Bible and prayer, the better we know God and can determine God's will for our life. He doesn't tell us specifically which choices to make, but knowing His plan for us makes it easier to determine which choice to make.
We can ask ourselves:
Does it obey and glorify God?
Does it use the talents and gifts He has given me?
Does it draw me closer to Him?
One more question we should consider when trying to determine God's will for our life is to ask: Does it help me share God's message of love and salvation with others? Before Jesus went back to heaven after His death and resurrection, He commissioned us to share the Gospel with everyone:
Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
That is God's will for our lives!
I hope this has been encouraging to you, and if you have any questions about how to receive God's grace and His free gift of salvation, please let me know!
Just email me at: heather@goodportionpromises.com
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