Deepening Your Relationship with God

Do you want to become closer to God? Do you feel a desire to deepen your faith? The suggestions below will help make your faith an integral part of your life, every day.

• Pray that the Lord would cause you to thirst to learn more about Him, to want to read His Word. 
• Read the Bible. There are many translations available;consider a study Bible, which has notes that will help you better understand the readings. Start in Genesis, and read straight through. Or start in Matthew, and read the New Testament first. Or read the chapter of Proverbs that corresponds to the date; read Proverbs 4 today, and Proverbs 5 tomorrow, for example. A Chronological Bible will allow you to read through the events in the order in which they happened. Whatever you read will increase your knowledge of God and His will, and what He wants from us. "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
• After you've chosen a Bible, make daily personal Bible study an absolute priority. You cannot develop a relationship without the Lord without spending time with Him! Write in your Bible, or use a notebook to journal what you learned and your observations and questions during your Bible study. 
• Begin your day with prayer. Thank Him for the blessings He has given you and ask Him to bless your day. Philippians 4:16 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."   1 Thessalonians 5:17 commands us to "Pray without ceasing." 
• If you haven't already, find a church home. Talk with friends, or local pastors or priests, about the beliefs of their church, and choose one to attend. Ask questions so you know what the beliefs of that denomination are. If you have a church home but haven't been regularly attending, attend church every week. Yes, you can be a believer without attending church, but worshiping with other believers strengthens your faith, teaches you about your faith and your Lord, and encourages you in your daily walk. 
• Become more involved with your church by attending Bible class, teaching Sunday school, or volunteering where needed. Being with other believers will deepen your faith. 
• Take sermon notes. It will help you remain focused during the service and give you a study reference. 
• Keep a prayer journal. List what you are thankful for as well as your requests for yourself and others. Date your list and record God's answers so that you can look back and see how He answered your prayers.
• Listen to Christian music. The encouraging messages and uplifting music will put a positive spin on your day, no matter what is happening. 
• Post Bible verses, written on notecards or sticky notes, around your home (on your bathroom mirror, on your refrigerator, and so on), so you'll read them several times a day. 
• Proceed with caution in choosing devotion books, websites, TV shows to watch, or programs to listen to. Many "Christian" authors and speakers seem to use the right buzzwords, but be very discerning--test everything you read or hear against the only Authority--the Bible. Subscribe to the Nebraska Family Times and you will receive a truly Christian newspaper in your mailbox every month!  

How do you make time with the Lord a priority? How have you deepened your relationship with the Lord? What's your favorite way to study the Bible? 

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This entry is adapted from the book "Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom's Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family, and Her Home", by Shelly Burke. To read more about "Home is Where the Mom Is" click the "Table of Contents" tab at the top of this page; to order, see the sidebar of this page. 

Chapters--my Favorite in the Bible
by Shelly Burke

Yesterday I shared my favorite verses in the Bible, and today I'm sharing my favorite chapters of the Bible. Many verses in the Bible are "stand alone", but it's also important to take them in the context of the verses around them. When reading these chapters throughout the years, I've gradually underlined more and more of them. I often put the date by my daily Bible readings and jot down my thoughts about the reading as well as what's going on in my life. As I shared yesterday, I'm awed by the way Bible readings, written thousands of years ago, apply to the happenings in my life. 

• Genesis 6-9 (OK, I know that's more than one chapter!) The narrative (our pastor calls them "narratives" because "story" implies fiction, and the Bible is not fiction!) of Noah takes my emotions from sadness (that the earth has so quickly become so corrupt), to fear (for the unbelievers who will die, and for Noah and his family, living through the flood), to joy (in God's promise, symbolized by the rainbow). To read my review of the movie "Noah", click here Review of "Noah."
• Genesis 45 In this chapter Joseph forgives his brothers for selling him into slavery many years earlier, and he cries as he forgives them and promises to provide for them and their families.
• Joshua 1 God's words to Joshua, as he prepares to lead the Israelites into the promised land after Moses' death, give me courage when I am facing something that seems too much for me (and if God gave Joshua the ability to lead 2 or 3 million people into an unknown land, I think He can equip me to do almost anything He calls me to do!)
• Proverbs 4 Full of "wise instruction" in almost every area of life. 
• Luke 2 This most-read narrative of the Nativity never fails to bring tears to my eyes! 
• John 3 Along with the beautiful words of John 3:16, read the other words of Jesus in this chapter, along with the unmistakable promise of eternal life for all who believe. 
• Romans 8 Comforting, encouraging, inspiring words about life in the Holy Spirit. 

Read one of these chapters and let me know what you think! What is YOUR favorite chapter of the Bible? 

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I'm also blogging at Nebraska Family Times.  Today's entry, "Comfort".  

Bible Verses, Some of my Favorite

I'm always awed by the fact that the Bible has the right words for any and every situation, emotion, and happening in my life. 

Here are a few of my favorite Bible verses:

• When I am sad: "Praise the Lord! He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:1,3
• When I am afraid: "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31
• When I am tempted to say something negative: "Set a guard, Lord, over my mouth;
  
  keep watch over the door of my lips." Psalm 141:3
• When I'm thinking of the past: "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:18-19 (these are my anchor verses for 2014)
•  When I am going through a difficult time: "Consider it all joy, my brethren,when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." James 1:2-4
• When I am feeling down about my short-comings: "For we all stumble in many ways." James 3:2
• When world happenings seem overwhelming: "For in the days of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle and set me high upon a rock." Psalm 27:5
• When I am facing a hard thing: "For this commandment that I command you today is not too hard for you...the Word is very near to you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it." Deuteronomy 31:11, 14
• When I am discouraged in my work: "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." Colossians 3:23-24
• When I am anxious: "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7
•  When I am thankful: "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! And His love endures forever!" Psalm 136:1
• When I am excited to share my gifts: "Let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16
• When I want to help others: "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." 1 Peter 4:10
• When I want to say the right thing: "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6
• When I need to focus on what is right: "Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil." Proverbs 4:25-27
• When I need a reminder of God's love: "The Lord has chosen you to be a people for His treasured possession." Deuteronomy 14:2

What is one of your favorite Bible verses? 

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I'm also blogging the A to Z Challenge at Nebraska Family Times. The verse for the devotion today is "He makes everything beautiful in its time." 

A to Z Blogging Challenge

A is for...All About the A to Z Challenge! 

I'm so excited to be starting the A to Z Blogging Challenge today! I will be blogging every Monday through Saturday in April, with the theme of each entry corresponding with the letter of the day. I'm so excited to blog this month! I love to write but due to "life circumstances" haven't been writing as much the last year or so (read more about me at About Shelly and the "Nebraska Family Times"). 

My theme for the month is "lists"; the main part of each entry will be a list of bullet points. I tend to be wordy in my writing, so this will be a challenge for me! My goal is to give you practical information you can put to use immediately (Favorite Financial Sites and Advice, How to say "NO", Making Sunday a Day of Rest), with a few fun lists thrown in (the letter "Q" will feature a list of my quirks, and I'll ask you to share some of your quirks too!). 

I'm re-writing the book that inspired this blog; I wrote Home is Where the Mom Is; A Christian Mom's Guide to Caring for Herself, Her Family and Her Home several years ago. I've talked to several moms in just the last few days and my conversations with them solidified my decision to make the book into downloadable form. I love being a mom, and now that I'm in a different phase of my life (read more about that by clicking the link above, "About Shelly and the "Nebraska Family Times"") I especially want to encourage moms whose kids are young and at home with them.  

If you want to receive notification of every post by e-mail, sign up in the sidebar, just under the A to Z Blogging Challenge badge. 

This Month My Blogging Entries will Include: 

• Lists that will deepen your faith (Developing a Personal Relationship with God, Making Sunday a Day of Rest)
• Lists that will help moms (Life Skills to Teach Kids, Preparing for Sick Days)
• Lists that will make your life easier (Favorite Financial Sites and Advice, How to Say "NO")
• Lists that will make you laugh (Quirks)
• Giveaways! Comment on selected posts and you'll be in the drawing to receive a selection of devotion books and accessories! Several will be given away so check every day! 

I look forward to blogging (almost) every day--and hope you enjoy reading my posts! 

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Review of "Noah"

Have you seen the movie "Noah"? Are you thinking of seeing it? I saw it last night with a friend.

Short review: The movie has very little in common with the Biblical account. However, I think the movie leaves a lot of room for discussion with believers or those weak in their faith. In the review I've given suggestions for preparing to see the movie with your kids, discussion after the movie, and discussing the movie with friends and others. To read the review, click below.

Review of the movie "Noah"

CAUTION: There are a several intense and potentially disturbing scenes in the movie; I wouldn't suggest it for kids under the age of 13!

6 Ways to Strengthen Your Faith in 2014

By Shelly Burke

•             Whether a single verse, a chapter, or more, read God’s Word, the Bible, every single day.  2 Timothy 3:16 tells us, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man (and woman!) of God 
  may be competent, equipped for every good work.”  (If you’d like to read through the Bible in a Year, just type “read the Bible in a year” into your search engine. If you’d like to extend that to two years, type in “read the Bible in two years” There are so many different plans available you’re sure to find one that will work for you!
•          Gather your Bible, journal, devotion book, pens, etc. in one place so when it’s time for your personal Bible study and devotions, everything is in one place.

•          Write your favorite Bible verses on notecards and post them where you’ll see and read them frequently—on the bathroom mirror, refrigerator, office, wallet, etc.
•                   Listen to Christian music on the radio, Pandora radio, a TV station, or CD. You’ll be surprised at how listening to positive music affects your day! 
•                   Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). How? Just talk to God. Any time…all the time.

  

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  About everything…and anything. Nothing is too big, or too small. Thank Him for the blessings He has given you. Ask Him for guidance. Ask Him to bless those around you. Tell Him your concerns. He cares about all parts of your life. 
•                    Go to church. Yes, hypocrites go to church…and no, you don’t have to go to church to go to heaven. But if you are serious about strengthening your faith, attending church is vital. At church you’ll worship the Lord and thank Him for all He has done for you, you’ll be with other believers, you’ll  learn more about God and you’ll be strengthened through the sacrament of Holy Communion. If you don’t have a church home, search for one.

 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”

Deuteronomy 6:5-6

8 Verses to Guide You in 2014

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• Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
• Do not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.Galatians 6:9-10
• Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24
• Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.                                                  1 Thessalonians 5:23
• Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8
• Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18-19 (Read more of my reflections on this verse in "New Beginnings")