Planning Ahead: Valentines Day
February 4, 2010
Here are some ideas to plan a fun day for celebrating the holiday of the heart.
Do something totally different this year; a unit study of the human heart:
Purchase a beef heart at your local butcher. You can discuss the chambers of the heart, and the blood vessels. Compare this heart to a human heart diagram or model. Talk about the differences and likenesses.
Linkage:
History of Valentines Day Videos
Printable Valentine Stationary
Printable Puzzles and Activities
The following is one of my favorite posts from February 2009
The fruit of the Spirit is love. This is the first quality of the Spirit divinely inspired by God. You will find two kinds of love in scripture. Philos love which is a friendly love or the love one has toward a friend or companion. Agape love which is a caring love, the first quality of the Spirit. Agape is a divine capacity to love. Only God is capable of perfect Agape but we should strive to love as He loves us. Agape is patient, kind, does not envy, does not boast, and it is not proud. 1Corinthians 13:4-8
Agape seeks the highest and best for another. It is not self seeking, thus the ability to be slow to anger. Psalm 145:8. Agape keeps no record of wrongs and does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Praise God for His Agape upon us!
If you want to learn more about Agape love and other qualities of the Spirit, I recommend taking Beth Moore’s study Living Beyond Yourself, Exploring the Fruit of the Spirit.
Happy almost Valentines Day!
Here are some bible verses in the romantic King James version to help you celebrate this holiday of love:
Fill your heart with Gods word
Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:11
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
For man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness. Romans 10:10
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. Mark 12:30
Search me, oh God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts. Psalm 139:23
Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Psalm 37:4
Verses that speak of God’s Love
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee. Jeremiah 31:3
God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
Behold, what manner of love the father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. 1 John 3:1
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 4:10
We love Him, because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19
“No Bible, No Breakfast” ~ In His Word 2010
December 31, 2009
2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” (ESV)
Job 23:12 – “I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth More than my necessary food.” (NKJV)
“No Bible, no breakfast.” Watchman Nee
As we reflect on this past year and contemplate the new year, we’re considering our plans for reading His word daily. We just read an encouraging sermon about the “Morning Watch”. There isn’t a more biblical or beneficial way to begin the day.
My husband and I have recently found that we can learn better and stay more focused by combining sight and sound, listening to the bible being read while reading along or reading out loud ourselves. Did you know it only takes about 70 hours to read the entire Bible out loud? I didn’t. And we can normally read silently much quicker than that.
The internet provides a myriad of ideas for reading and listening to God’s word. Below are several Bible reading plans:
- Bible On Radio ~ You can listen through the Bible in a year with Tom Dooley. It’s free. Simply go to this site and push play while you are near your computer. This is a great addition to your own reading. Turn it on while working on the computer.
- Bible Reading Plans ~ You can have your daily reading emailed to you.
- One Year Tract Bible Reading Plan ~ You can read, listen, or both.
- Bible Reading Plans from the beginner to the advanced reader. I will be using the 180 Day Plan Guided Tour of the Bible first this year.
- Choose your own plan ~ Many choices of different books to read through the year.
- Discipleship Journal Plan ~ “Few things discourage us more from reading the Bible through in a year than falling behind. This plan gives five catch up days every month. This is absolutely golden!”
- Bible Reading Plan for Shirkers and Slackers ~ The advantage of this plan is that it provides guidance as you read each day but does not put you on an internal guilt trip if you miss a day.
- Prof. Horner’s Bible Reading System ~ Unusual, challenging, and life-changing (click read more from the facebook info page for details of the system). The Ten Lists is a great little application for the web or your internet enabled mobile phone or iPod that sets up and keeps track of this system’s daily readings.
“I ought to pray before seeing anyone. I feel it is far better to begin with God, to see His face first, to get my soul near Him before it is near another.” – Robert Murray M’Cheyne
May God grant us all a deeper relationship with Him through the reading of His Word.
Alphabet Memory Verses
May 6, 2009
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1
Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29
Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right. Proverbs 20:11
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that
whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
He who comes to me I will never drive away. John 6:37
I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me. Proverbs 8:17
Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to
the Father except through me.” John 14:6
Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Psalm 34:13
Let us love one another, for love comes from God. 1 John 4:7
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9
Now is the time of God’s favour, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2
Oh, how I love your law! Psalm 119:97
Peace I leave you; my peace I give you. John 14:27
Quench not the Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:19
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice! Philippians 4:4
Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be
given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5
Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given. Isaiah 9:6
Verily, verily, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has
eternal life. John 5:24
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14
eXcept you change and become like little children, you will never enter
the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3
You did not choose Me, but I chose you. John 15:16
Zacchaeus, come down immediately, I must stay at your house today. Luke 19:5
As for God, His way is perfect. Psalm 18:30
Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved. Acts 16:31
Commit your way to the Lord. Psalm 37:5
Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. Psalm 34:14
Every good and perfect gift is from above. James 1:17
For with God nothing is impossible. Luke 1:37
Glory to God in the highest. Luke 1:14
Honor your father and mother. Deuteronomy 5:16
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me. Matthew 19:14
Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us. Psalm 100:3
Love is patient, love is kind 1 Corinthians 13:4
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:2
Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. Hebrews 13:5
Obey your parents in the Lord for this is right. Ephesians 6:1
Praise be to the Lord. . .who made heaven and earth. 2 Chronicles 2:12
Quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools. Ecclesiastes 9:7
Rejoice in the Lord always. Philippians 4:7
Sing to the Lord a new song. Psalm 96:1
The heavens declare the glory of God. Psalm 19:1
Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it. Proverbs 16:22
Victory rests with the Lord. Proverbs 21:31
Well done, good and faithful servant
eXalt the Lord our God, worship at his footstool. Psalm 99:5
You shall have no other gods before me. Exodus 20:3
Zealous always for the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 23:17
Passion Narratives
April 6, 2009
Jesus before Caiaphas
Good Friday, also called Holy Friday or Great Friday, is the Friday preceding Easter Sunday. It commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus at Calvary.
In the morning, the whole assembly brings Jesus to the Roman governor Pontius Pilate, under charges of subverting the nation, opposing taxes to Caesar, and making himself a king (Luke 23:1-2). Pilate authorizes the Jewish leaders to judge Jesus according to their own Law and execute sentencing, however the Jewish leaders reply that they are not allowed by the Romans to carry out a sentence of death (John 18:31).
Pilate questions Jesus, and tells the assembly that there is no basis for sentencing. Upon learning that Jesus is from Galilee, Pilate refers the case to the ruler of Galilee, King Herod, who was in Jerusalem for the Passover Feast. Herod questions Jesus but receives no answer; Herod sends Jesus back to Pilate. Pilate tells the assembly that neither he nor Herod have found guilt in Jesus; Pilate resolves to have Jesus whipped and released (Luke 23:3-16).
It was a custom during the feast of Passover for the Romans to release one prisoner as requested by the Jews. Pilate asks the crowd who they would like to be released. Under the guidance of the chief priests, the crowd asks for Barabbas, who had been imprisoned for committing murder during an insurrection. Pilate asks what they would have him do with Jesus, and they demand, “Crucify him” (Mark 15:6-14). Pilate’s wife had seen Jesus in a dream earlier that day; she forewarns Pilate to “have nothing to do with this righteous man” (Matthew 27:19).
Pilate has Jesus flogged, then brings him out to the crowd to release him. The chief priests inform Pilate of a new charge, demanding Jesus be sentenced to death “because he claimed to be God’s son.” This possibility filled Pilate with fear, and he brought Jesus back inside the palace and demanded to know from where he came (John 19:1-9).
Coming before the crowd one last time, Pilate declares Jesus innocent, washing his own hands in water to show he has no part in this condemnation. Nevertheless, Pilate hands Jesus over to be crucified in order to forestall a riot (Matthew 27:24-26). The sentence written is “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” Jesus carries his cross to the site of execution, called the place of the Skull, or “Golgotha” in Hebrew and “Calvary” in Latin. There he is crucified along with two criminals (John 19:17-22).
Jesus agonizes on the cross for three hours while the sun is darkened. With a loud cry, Jesus gives up his spirit. There is an earthquake, tombs break open, and the curtain in the Temple is torn from top to bottom. The centurion on guard at the site of crucifixion declares, “Truly this was God’s Son!” (Matthew 27:45-54)
Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Sanhedrin and secret follower of Jesus, who had not consented to his condemnation, goes to Pilate to request the body of Jesus (Luke 23:50-52). Pilate asks confirmation from the centurion whether Jesus is dead (Mark 15:44). A soldier pierced the side of Jesus with a lance causing blood and water to flow out (John 19:34), and the centurian informs Pilate that Jesus is dead (Mark 15:45).
Joseph of Arimathea takes the body of Jesus, wraps it in a clean linen shroud, and places it in his own new tomb that had been carved in the rock (Matthew 27:59-60) in a garden near the site of crucifixion. Another secret follower of Jesus and member of the Sanhedrin named Nicodemus (John 3:1) also came bringing 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes, and places them in the linen with the body of Jesus, according to Jewish burial customs (John 19:39-40). They rolled a large rock over the entrance of the tomb (Matthew 27:60). Then they returned home and rested, because at sunset began the Sabbath (Luke 23:54-56).
Borrowed from a past blog post on Accredo Christian
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True Love ~ Agape Love
February 8, 2009
The fruit of the Spirit is love. This is the first quality of the Spirit divinely inspired by God. You will find two kinds of love in scripture. Philos love which is a friendly love or the love one has toward a friend or companion. Agape love which is a caring love, the first quality of the Spirit. Agape is a divine capacity to love. Only God is capable of perfect Agape but we should strive to love as He loves us. Agape is patient, kind, does not envy, does not boast, and it is not proud. 1Corinthians 13:4-8
Agape seeks the highest and best for another. It is not self seeking, thus the ability to be slow to anger. Psalm 145:8. Agape keeps no record of wrongs and does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Praise God for His Agape upon us!
If you want to learn more about Agape love and other qualities of the Spirit, I recommend taking Beth Moore’s study Living Beyond Yourself, Exploring the Fruit of the Spirit.
Happy almost Valentines Day!
Here are some bible verses in the romantic King James version to help you celebrate this holiday of love:
Fill your heart with Gods word
Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 119:11
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
For man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness. Romans 10:10
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. Mark 12:30
Search me, oh God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts. Psalm 139:23
Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Psalm 37:4
Verses that speak of God’s Love
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee. Jeremiah 31:3
God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
Behold, what manner of love the father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. 1 John 3:1
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 4:10
We love Him, because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19
Scripture Memorization
January 17, 2009
A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education
Theodore Roosevelt
A friend of mine invited me along with a large group of women to listen to a wonderful message about scripture memorization presented by her friend Margaret Luke. She was very inspiring to me and led me to think about this more and determine a plan to do what God calls us to do.
Why should we memorize scripture? To know Him, to answer life’s questions, to know His path for us. To draw near to Him in times of blessings, trials and every day life. It is not only worth the effort, but it is essential and it is expected of us! What is better to memorize than the very words of God himself? What reason could you give for not memorizing it to the best of your ability? As our children memorize scripture in their schooling why not do it right along with them. God hadn’t meant memorization to be merely for kid’s only.
10 Reasons Why We Should Memorize The Bible:
- It will help us to focus on God – Ps. 33:11
- It will help us with our time – Eph. 5:16-17
- It will help us to overcome temptation – Ps. 119:9-11
- It will give us a working knowledge of the Scripture – 2 Tim. 2:15
- It will assist me in sharing our faith – 1 Pet. 3:15
- It follows Jesus’ example – Mat. 4:4, Mat. 4:7 , Mat. 4:10
- It is a great source of peace and joy – Jer. 15:16
- It will enable the Holy Spirit to speak – John 14:26
- We are commanded to – Prov. 7:1-2
- We will know the Lord loves us and has a great plan for our lives – 1 Cor. 2:9
Here are a couple of links to further your journey into hiding His word in your heart:
In the His Word 2009
January 3, 2009
Here are some great ways to be in His word everyday this year:
Bible On Radio ~ You can listen through the bible in a year with Tom Dooley, it’s free. Simply go to this site and push play while you are near your computer. This is a great addition to your own reading. Turn it on while working on the computer.
Bible Reading Plans ~ You can have your daily reading emailed to you.
One Year Tract Bible Reading Plan ~ You can read, listen or both.
Choose your own plan ~ Many choices of different books to read through the year.
Discipleship Journal Plan ~ “Few things discourage us more from reading the Bible through in a year than falling behind. This plan gives five catch up days every month. This is absolutely golden!”
A book recommendation:
Christmas Pageant
December 2, 2008
You can act out the Christmas story right in your own living room. Your children will be thrilled to play the parts of Mary, Joseph, the Wise Men and the shepherds. This is a beautiful tradition that can keep your eyes focused on the meaning of Christmas as you play parts and sing songs together as a family. I have had this script that may be useful to you. Depending on the number of participants, you will need to alter it a bit to fit your family. This can be done using simple props around the home or if you start early enough you can put quite an elaborate act together with full costumes and homemade props. Feel free to comment and give ideas and tips that have worked for you or that you have considered trying.
- A baby doll wrapped in a blanket
- Blue fabric or scarf for “Mary”
- 3 crowns (made with construction paper)
- 3 boxes for the gifts to Jesus
- angel wings
- 2 walking sticks for shepherds
- 3 hand towels for Joseph and the shepherds heads
You can view the script here in PDF format. Of course, reading the nativity story to your children is a wonderful tradition too. The Christmas story can be found in Luke 2:1-20 and Matthew 2:1-12. If you have a manger scene, sit around it as you read. I also recommend watching the movie, The Nativity Story
Psalm 113:13-16
October 26, 2008
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
VOTE!
October 22, 2008
Please go to Value Voters USA for more information.
Will you pray for America?
We believe that God raises up men and women of His choosing to promote and champion His causes and His righteousness. We believe that God instructs His people to Pray “for all who are in authority…” (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
We believe that “Righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to any people.”(Proverbs 14:34) As such, we are deeply concerned over our nation’s continued departure from its spiritual roots and foundations.
Root Causes of America’s Darkness
We believe that the root causes to America’s looming darkness are many and they may be vigorously debated. However, one truth we have confidence in is the instruction God gives His people in 2 Chronicles 7:14, to:
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” If there is to be healing in our nation today, it will not occur without a spiritual renewal resulting from following God’s clear and direct instruction
We believe that in order to communicate with God, one must have a right relationship with Him. So, first and foremost, our personal relationship with Almighty God must be pure, whole and in proper alignment. To that end, we are calling God’s people to join us in daily seeking God through humility, prayer, repentance, and turning from our wicked ways.
Join with us
Will you join with us in praying for our nation and encouraging others in Voting Values?
