Spirit-led Encouragement

Howdy!  How are ya feeling today? *cheesy grin*

I have been going through some stuff lately (who hasn't??) and I have been really trying to open up my heart and ears to God. He is beyond amazing. No, nothing magically transformed, yet, though I have been blessed, in my situation. However, I know with deep assurance that He is with me every step of the way. He is leading and guiding. I don't know where we are headed first but I know that He has great things in store. I am super excited for 2020!

I was going to read my Bible this morning while it was quiet.  I started to grab my favorite go-to Bible, my HCSB Study Bible for Women. As I was reaching, He led me simply to the one next to it, my NIV Leadership Bible. I thought, "Okay, God." I figured there must be something that He wanted me to see. I heard, "Matthew 8." in my spirit. Okay.

Originally, in my mind it was going to probably be that or the book of Luke but He chose for me. Both Bibles have Matthew 8 but, like I keep telling my husband, the featured content or focus of each is different. So, I was curious to see what He was leading me to.

The short answer...authority.  He reminded me that we have authority through Jesus Christ. The same authority that God, Himself, has. God spoke the universe into existence one creature and feature at a time. The final creation was mankind, created in His likeness and to be a reflection of Him.  Therefore, just like the centurion mentioned in Matthew chapter 8,

"8The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” ~ Matthew 8:8-9 

we are able to speak with authority and bring things into being by command.  (No, not like Genie in Aladdin: "Poof! What do ya need?!")  We have authority to change the atmosphere around us. We have the authority to change our situation through prayer. We can change our attitudes and thoughts of ourselves and those around us with our words.

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words." ~Proverbs 18:21 (AMP)

We also have the authority to cast out demons.

"1When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick." ~Luke 9:1-2 (NIV)

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"16 “Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.”

17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”

18 He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.

19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”"   ~Luke 10:16-20 (NIV)

We need to stop allowing the devil to have a place in our hearts, minds, and lives.

"27 And do not give the devil an opportunity [to lead you into sin by holding a grudge, or nurturing anger, or harboring resentment, or cultivating bitterness]." ~Ephesians 4:27 (AMP)

We need to take authority of our thoughts, holding them captive and comparing them to the Word of God. "3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not [a]carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ," ~2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NKJV)

We need to take up our armor and we need to take authority over any demons that try to take over us or those around us, or our own situations.

"10 Finally, build up your strength in union with the Lord and by means of his mighty power. 11 Put on all the armor that God gives you, so that you will be able to stand up against the Devil's evil tricks. 12 For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark age. 13 So put on God's armor now! Then when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist the enemy's attacks; and after fighting to the end, you will still hold your ground.

14 So stand ready, with truth as a belt tight around your waist, with righteousness as your breastplate, 15 and as your shoes the readiness to announce the Good News of peace. 16 At all times carry faith as a shield; for with it you will be able to put out all the burning arrows shot by the Evil One. 17 And accept salvation as a helmet, and the word of God as the sword which the Spirit gives you. 18 Do all this in prayer, asking for God's help. Pray on every occasion, as the Spirit leads. For this reason keep alert and never give up; pray always for all God's people." ~Ephesians 6:10-18 (GNT)

Our Heavenly Father is a mighty, victorious warrior.

"“The Lord your God is in your midst, A victorious warrior. He will exult over you with joy, He will be quiet in His love, He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy." ~Zephaniah 3:17 (NASB)

We are created in His image.
"26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the [ak]sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the [al]sky and over every living thing that [am]moves on the earth.” ~Genesis 1:26-28 (NASB)

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"18 Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven." ~Matthew 18:18 (NASB)

So, let's remember that if we are obedient to Christ,

"13 The Lord will make you the head and not the tail, and you only will be above, and you will not be underneath, if you listen to the commandments of the Lord your God, which I charge you today, to [n]observe them carefully, 14 and do not turn aside from any of the words which I command you today, to the right or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them." ~Deuteronomy 28:13-14 (NASB)

We can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us. (Phil. 4:13).  

"10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." ~Ephesians 6:10 (NASB)

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"‘Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you." ~Jeremiah 32:17 (ESV) 

So, if you are feeling defeated or uncertain in a particular area of your life and unsure of the direction you need to go, take up your sword and trust that God is with you. If you be in Christ, the victory has already been won. He will give you the wisdom and direction if you only ask.

"11I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for.+ 12Then you will call to me. You will come and pray to me, and I will answer you. 13 You will seek me, and you will find me because you will seek me with all your heart." ~Jeremiah 29:11-13 (GNT)

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"5 But if any of you lack wisdom, you should pray to God, who will give it to you; because God gives generously and graciously to all. 6But when you pray, you must believe and not doubt at all. Whoever doubts is like a wave in the sea that is driven and blown about by the wind. 7-8If you are like that, unable to make up your mind and undecided in all you do, you must not think that you will receive anything from the Lord." ~James 1:5-8 (GNT)

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"7 “Ask, and you will receive; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. 8For everyone who asks will receive, and anyone who seeks will find, and the door will be opened to those who knock." ~Luke 11:7-8 (GNT)

💗 I hope that you were blessed and encouraged in this. I know that I certainly was!
I pray that you have a beautiful day and a fabulous week. God's got this and you.
He knew what was coming way before you did. 😎👍

My Weapon Is A Melody...

I'm really struggling with a few things right now that are really getting to me. They are stealing my peace. They are bringing my spirit down. I have to stop it. I have to get through it.

I have been listening to sermons on peace, which are helping. Yet, at 4:30 in the morning when I am tired and emotionally exposed, this song is filling in the cracks.  It is giving me strength.  Thank You, Jesus!  I raise a hallelujah!  Louder than my unbelief.  I raise a hallelujah.  My weapon is a melody!  Sing a little louder!!

Restoration Even Through Suffering

Powerful teachings, worship, and praise. Thank You, Father God!!

Trust and Patience for Restoration - Joyce Meyer


Suffering - Joyce Meyer


I Give Myself Away - William McDowell

Even Then by Micah Tyler

Here are a few songs to get you started this morning.  Up first are a couple of new favorites. Then an old favorite. Then, a song by Lauren Daigle. ;)

I hope you have a beautiful day!! God bless you!


Even Then - Micah Tyler



Stand In Your Love - Josh Baldwin


What Do I Know Of Holy? - Addison Road


O' Lord - Lauren Daigle

Play time. ;)

I finally got some more journaling done this weekend. I cannot take credit for the image ideas. I was inspired by Pinterest.  I have added details in a couple of places and changed colors here or there.

One of the things that I did this weekend was personalize the inside covers of my HCSB Compact Bible.  This mini Bible measures roughly 4 inches wide and 6 inches tall. It fits really well in hand. It is a nice size to for a purse or backpack. They come in a variety of colors. I also have a brown one with gold gilding.

This is my NASB NoteTaker Bible. It is primarily what I use for journaling.

Here are a few things I did in it recently. 

Romans 1:12

Luke 6:27-28

Isaiah 26:3

These are in The Study Bible for Women (HCSB).

These are both tip-outs. The one on the left is just notepad paper. 

The one on the right is actually a paper sack that I can slide papers, prayer requests, sticky notes, whatever in.  I used decorative duct tape to adhere the bottom side. I tried washi but it wouldn't hold. \

Here is what it looks like when they are tipped outward.

That is all for now.  What do you think?

Do you want to give Bible journaling a try, too?

Hopefully I will be able to do some more this week. I really enjoyed it. :D 

Blessings to you all!!

Bible Study: Luke

So, I have a Bible study group that I like to attend. I can't always make it due to work but I go when I can. Right now, we are studying the book of Luke. I am really enjoying being able to be back in the fold. I have missed my friends. However, it is even sweeter with my HCSB The Study Bible for  Women. I just love the layout.

Because I love the layout, the info, and even the blue hue to the pages, I find it extremely easy to just dive in and keep swimming through.  I love just grabbing my highlighters, my sticky notes and some gel pens. I feel like a kid with fingerpaints. lol Seriously.  I enjoy it. For right now and for this Bible, I have no color code. I just contrast so it is easier to pick out things.

I will say, though, that I have figured out why I should also be using larger sticky notes in tandem with the small ones. I had peeked at the Quest study notes while I was doing my study. Then, I was in group and trying to remember where they were to mention them. OOPsie! I got confused which Bible and the exact wording. I will have to write out the notes I want to remember and stick them into this Bible in the future. ;)  Problem solved.  I can even take a composition journal page, I believe would fit in it, roughly anyhow if not, and use the restickable glue stick.

I will leave details at the end if you are interested in this Bible. There are also NKJV and CSB versions.

Here is part of my marking for Chapter 11.  I know, I know. I highlighted a LOT of stuff. However, it is Jesus whom is speaking. How can you NOT mark that as important?  It is not red letter but it is read letter. ;)

I got mine at Christianbook Distributors. Mine is hardcover but LeatherTouch is also an option. Amazon may have it as well.  There are 2 versions from 2 different years. This is the updated one. It seems to have more notes. However, in order to get a LeatherTouch and to figure out the differnces, I got both slightly imperfect at Christianbook on a good sale. I paid about $15 for both together. This is large print not thumb indexed. The old version LeatherTouch is standard print.

Ha!  I added 4 more stickies and made a tip-in since this pic. We had another study and I love making notes of great comments during. This was so much fun. There was some great discussion!

I have already read Chapter 12 for the next meeting. I need to read the study notes in this and my other 2 study Bibles. I have highlighted different topics throughout the chapter and then used a glitter gel pen to underline things that stood out in that topic to me.

If you are interested in making your own sticky notes (out of just about anything- note pad paper, index cards, print outs, then check out this video.

I hope that you enjoy these posts. I would love to hear your comments or questions.

I hope you are having a beautiful week. It's a great day to jump into the Word. ;)

The Learning Bible

So, I finally received my other study Bible. I ordered it on May 13. It was supposed to have been here by 5/24. There was a shipping hiccup and it was a day late. Here it is:

I went for the NIV because it was a bit cheaper.  The CEV was more than twice as much.
The ribbon is only on the cover to hide the inscription. It did not come with the Bible. 

It seems to be in great shape. The spine seems a bit worn but it is also a heavy and thick Bible. 
By my measurements, it is about 9.5 " tall and the spine is roughly 2.5" wide.

Here are some pics inside.  

  

What I love about this Bible is all the pictures, notes as well as a buffet of cultural, history and other info.  I am looking forward to jumping into it.

Here is a list of features and the ISBN number.

I'm taking part in a challenge to only use one Bible this month, so I have not yet had a chance to check it out completely. If you would like a full review, my friend, Cat Woods, has a pretty indepth one here.  She also has a review for many others, including the Quest Bible I received recently on another order.

Restickable Glue Sticks

I don't know how many do and don't know about this, so I'm sharing. 

This is one of my absolute favorite Bible Journaling tools!! 

Seriously, this is in my Bible bag. It goes with me!

There are so many things that you can use this to stick into your Bible! 

I have also used it to make a master to do list and put it into my planner, so that I can move it with me through the week. Sometimes, I take a regular piece of notepad paper and write random things and put into my Bible. One of those is a list of books that I am currently wanting to write out.

They are pretty cheap. Amazon has them but it is cheaper and faster to go to Office Depot, if you have that availability. They are only around $2.50 there.

What is your absolute favorite tool? Any crayzee tips that we might not have thought of?

"Isn't One Bible enough??" And Buying Tips

A common question is "Why does anyone need more than one Bible? Isn't one enough?

The answer is dependent upon each individual. For some people, one Bible is enough. However, there are benefits to having more than one, even in the same translation.

😄My husband never seemed to understand before but I think he is starting to by now (I hope).  He is a "one Bible is enough" person.  I don't knock him for that.  I think one is all that is necessary.  That is enough to allow you access to God's Word to be able to read it and write it on your heart.  However, I definitely see the benefits of having multiples.  

The reason so many collect them and/ or feel a need to have more is because the extra helps and content are different.  There are devotional Bibles that are more leaning toward prayer and making you think on a heart and principal level. There are study Bibles that go in great detail about timelines and other facts about the culture, etc.  There are journaling Bibles that allow you to doodle and draw pictures to help you remember a verse or a time that was meaningful to you that God spoke to your heart.   Some people use journaling Bibles to write their notes on the side margins, instead of a separate notebook.  

I have multiple NIV but each has a different reason why I go to it.  It is easier to find what you are looking for with themes.  The Leadership Bible has where to find examples of leadership in the Bible. Another is for highlighting verses about my word of the year, all in one place, so that I am not sifting through different kinds of markings to find all of them by topic.  One is a devotional Bible dedicated to focusing on or improving your prayer life.  I just ordered 2 more from Amazon.  One is The Learning Bible and has tons of cultural and geographical info, etc., and the other is Quest Study Bible.  The last one has TONS of questions and answers to help your understanding of what you are reading.  Some only feel lead to have one Bible and there is NOTHING wrong with that.😊  These are just reasons why some keep buying more.  I hope this helps.

I told my husband, "Look. Collecting Bibles isn't your thing and that is fine.  You have things you collect and there are definitely worse things that I could be into." I think he finally somewhat understands at least. That doesn't mean he agrees.  Any time I mention wanting a new one, he says, "ANOTHER Bible?!" 🙈 lol Oy!

I don't pay full price, either. I try to limit myself to between $10 and $15. It is actually more like between $5 and $10 unless there is a special reason (like gifting).  I got my ESV Journaling single column at ChristianBook when it was 10.99 (marble) and I got the large, print thumb index version, of The Study Bible for women (HCSB) for my mom, slightly imperfect for 14.99.

Instead of getting the same Bible for me, I got the older version smoke leather (imperfectly imprinted) AND the hardback  large print not indexed- (I prefer to tab myself) -slightly imperfect- BOTH for about $15 total. This is the best way for me to expand.

You have to look SUPER close to the top left corner to see the tear in the spine. 

There is also a tiny wrinkle at the bottom. I haven't really noticed anything else. 

The imperfectly imprinted is when they engrave it but it isn't right. They cut the name out and put a similar piece of leather to kind of cover it. This leaves a cut mark on the cover of the Bible. You can see where it is cut out but the integrity of the book is absolutely fine. Here is how I handled that. ;) 

 I lucked out and found The Power Of A Praying Woman through Goodwill on Amazon for $4. 

I had seen The Life Application Study Bible, I believe, quite awhile back on Amazon (hardback) for about $5. I missed out because I didn't act quickly. I'm not trying to make a list.  I just wanted to help anyone else who might be wanting another Bible but wasn't aware of the types of deals you can get.

Places like Lifeway and Half Price Books are great but I know that they are a bit out of my range right now. Though, some LifeWay stores are closing. I'm sad at that but maybe, for those areas, it would be a good time to buy. 

A great option is to go imperfect or used. Most of them, I can't even tell they have anything "wrong" with them except a spine dent or wrinkle. The used The Power of A Praying Woman Bible was in mint condition but no box. I also like to browse the $5 sales. I'm hopefully going to be using some of these Bibles above more often with the reading plan. 

Sometimes a used Bible really has been used. It is up to you to decide if you are comfortable with possible markings from the previous owner.  I, for the most part, am good with it. I just figure it is coming "pre-loaded with character". lol  

I think that it is interesting to find out what that person was drawn to. What spoke to them? Did they leave any notes that will water my seeds of faith, like it did their own?  

My recent Quest Study Bible did come somewhat "pre-loaded" with regular orange highlighter. It bled through in some places.  I have not had a proper chance yet to see what passages they highlighted. I only know that, according to the reading plan, they had read quite a bit and maybe even consistently. However, the only books that have any heavy highlighting are some of the Gospels and a little bit in Ezekiel. For about $4.50, that is fine by me. I can still benefit from the rest of the information just fine.

 

 

I am still waiting for The Learning Bible.  It has had a major shipping hiccup.  It was scanned into the original USPS facility. It shows Denver, Co. (last week).  After 4 days of not moving so much as 2 hours instate, in any direction, I contacted the USPS. They told me to contact the sender because they didn't see it in the system. This was Friday afternoon. 

So, the seller (from Amazon) said they would contact the carrier. Fast forward through the weekend. I contacted support near the end of day on Monday. They apologized for not having been able to get to the bottom of it sooner but they would let me know. 

They contacted me to tell me that the USPS was working to find a way to get the info updated on my side. I don't remember the exact wording. It would seem to me that nobody has scanned the blasted thing since it arrived. Support told me it had been scanned internally but not specifically for the tracking ticket. 

Well, today was the last day of the original shipping window. I haven't heard anything since early this week. It is now Friday. I ordered on the 13th of May.  My Quest Bible was ordered the same day, with the same wait window and was delivered successfully (on May 16th), a day earlier than the expected window start time of  May 17th-24. I hope it is finally here today. If not, I think it is time to cancel. 

Blessings to you and I hope you have a beautiful start to a very blessed and beautiful weekend!


If you would like a full review over this Bible, my friend, Cat Woods, has one here. She has many other reviews and other types of videos as well.

On my wishlist...

 <3 I did not get these Bibles but I really like them. I just wanted to share in case it helped anyone else.

As I said in the previous post, the prices at Ollie's seemed on par with Christianbook to me. The upside was that I could see them, hold them, and look inside of some of them. Some were sealed.

I almost got The Everyday Life Bible from Joyce Meyer. They had it in paperback. It was only $4.99. I got excited but when I skimmed through, I didn't feel it. You know what I mean. Some Bibles you just feel a connection to. I am not cover picky on most Bibles and some I love that they are paperback. It makes me feel like it truly is a textbook. I was a study nerd in school, so I feel ready to dig in. However, I really thought before this was one I would rather have leather and I was right. Just my opinion. Having said that, if it was the only way I could ever get that one, I would have snapped it up at that price.

The first one that I looked into that I loved was the Zondervan Study Bible. Each translation and/ or publisher seems to have their own. I was curious about the differences. I picked it up and was in love with this one. The first reason is that it is a "chunky monkey." 😂 I don't know how to describe it. It just "felt" full of knowledge!! LOL I like that the footnotes are in a green background so that there is contrast from the scriptures. I like the color images sprinkled throughout. I just generally liked this one.

 

I have heard of both the Know The Word and the Apply The Word. Sometimes I forget which is which. They had the KJV Word Study Bible in store. 

The last one is the Faithlife Illustrated Study Bible. It's another great one. I love the pics of the fishing boats and the architecture/ structures. That is something I haven't seen so much of so far.

These are just a few of the Bibles on my wishlist. 

Do you have any Bibles on your wishlist? Which one(s)?

Ollie's haul...

I went to Ollie's for the first time the other day. For those who, like me, didn't know what Ollie's is, it is sort of like Big Lots. They have name brand buyouts. If a major store or brand is liquidating their stock, Ollie's might be a potential buyer.  Then, they pass the savings on to customers.

The books were on my list to look at but I was there to see other things, too. I walked in and the first thing I saw was the books to the right. I got giddy for a second. lol I was hoping I might find a super fantastic deal on a Bible. I remembered Elizabeth and John, in the book of Luke, when pregnant Mary walked into the house. lol I had a jolt in my spirit.

I will do a separate post on the ones I only looked at. I did end up buying a few books that I am excited about. I think some of you will be, too. I couldn't believe my 👀! Fervent for $2.99! 😍Yes, please! I wanted it when a couple of Facebook groups I'm part of did their challenges earlier in the year but it was 9.99. I also got Beth Moore's Audacious. I love the way she teaches. I skipped ahead and I know the answer. 🙃 That is okay, it only made me want to buy it even more. 














;)

The last one is a journal. It has a scripture and a reminder for mothers to take heart and have hope. <3 I think there has never been a mother who hasn't worried that they got it wrong or are doing it wrong. Mothers who are maybe a little worn or just need some encouragement. I couldn't pass this up. 😊It was the first thing in my cart. It Is beautiful inside and out. I am a journal geek and I love devotions and introspection. The pages have a gold gilding but I forget what type it is called. When the book is open, they have a design. When you close it, it is gold. It has one dark blue ribbon marker. I have made sure to include the ISBN for both, just in case anyone else was interested. I know Ollie's is trying to be open everywhere but, so far, they are not.

Here are some closeups of them. First is the back cover of Audacious.

Here is the back of the devotional journal and some of the other views, as well.

   

  

I hope that you enjoyed this post. If you have an Ollie's near you, it might be a good time to drop in and see what kind of deals that you can find. I don't know if they always have this many Bibles but I know they were advertising an Inspirational Buyout. I am not sure from whom. They seemed on some of the Bibles to be about the same pricing as Christianbook.com but in a Big Lots kind of setting. The plus for me was being able to see and hold them in person. Sometimes you just know what you like.

I will say that, perhaps, some of the deals were better than I thought. I can't recall which one but it was $24.99. I remember thinking that was normal on Christianbook. Yet, after I got home and was looking at the Christianbook website, the price had actually gone up. The sales fluctuate all the time between higher and lower sale prices. For right now, Ollie's would have been the better buy. However, I am not able to drop that much on one right now, no matter how awesome it is. I had just recently ordered 2 used ones from Amazon.  I will post those soon.

Blessings to you!!  I hope you have had a great week and are ready for a fabulous weekend!