Tag: new christian

Bible “phobia”

I received this Bible for free in exchange for a review as a BibleGateway Bible Grid Blogger. I have amazon affiliate links that I receive a commission from the sales, but all of my opinions are my own. My Full Disclosure Policy

2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV) For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline

Bible “Phobia” can be a real source of trepidation

I remember growing up reading the King James Version of the Bible and thinking it was the equivalent of Shakespeare. Eloquent words strung together that I couldn’t understand or follow; It was intimidating, to say the least. Then I grew up spiritually. I enjoyed listening to sermons, reading books about devotion and faith, but when it came to the Bible. I will have to admit it became intimidating and scary. I joined a Bible studies group and still owned that same KJV Bible I had been carrying with me since I left for college.

While in Bible Study people would read the verses clearly in a language I could understand. Say what? I would try to follow along with my KJV still lost and confused. Until one day, I noted their version of the Bible and immediately sought the help of Amazon.com. Oh, the options, so many to choose from; deciding on an NIV (New International Version) for myself and NLT (New Living Translation) for my daughter. Since then, I have purchased an Amplified Bible, too (AMP) and have become a little Bible-obsessed.

Trying something new

After a few years with my NIV Bible, I finally purchased my favorite version thus far, (NASB) New American Standard Bible. I LOVE IT!! I’ve tried other Bible and keep coming back. I have to admit I purchased this Bible because of a Bible Teacher that I love and follow Kim Cash Tate said she uses it. Now that I have my own, I understand. I love this translation and my specific Zondervan and all the extra information it provides.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Finding what works Best

Before, I was afraid of not knowing enough or understanding the Bible. I didn’t have my favorite verse memorize or couldn’t pull a verse out of my head to comfort someone in need. My fear of the Bible kept a significant barrier between me genuinely knowing God. I never participated in Bible-based conversations because I had no idea what they were saying. Once I started reading the Bible (in a version I could understand), I was fascinated with it. There are so many stories, heroic, scandalous, educational, motivational, directional stories. I think every topic you could think of is covered in the Bible. I began to use the Bible to answer my questions on faith, how I should go about situations, even on the type of marriage I wanted, and how to raise my children. It’s all in there waiting to be discovered and study. Now I try to get into the word at least once a day, and I always have my Bible near (I downloaded the Bible app).

Psalm 119:130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.

What about a Bible for those who have more questions?

Recently, I received the NIV Study Quest Bible made by Zondervan. It is the first Bible that has Questions and Answers throughout. I was so excited to receive this new version and immediately began exploring the Bible. This Bible “breaks-it-down” and is a great Bible for someone who has lots of questions or newly exploring studying the Word. After seeing all the references and resources, I gifted it to my daughter. She is at a point where she needs more substance in her walk with Christ, and I think this Bible is a fantastic source of more in-depth discussion about the Bible but intimidating like my NASB Study Bible. I have been catching her studying more often. She told me she loves the questions and answers. She said she usually has questions when reading the Word and its nice to know she is not the only one. The further explanation of passages and verses has allowed her to grow and become more in-depth in her study. It’s a pretty cool Bible!

A little extra help is, okay!

A Bible Commentary is another way to gather more understanding of the Word. Whether its separate sources or included in your Bible notes. Bible Commentaries are a fantastic way to dissects verse by verse and bring more knowledge to the meaning. Some Bibles’ include the commentary, but you can buy a separate one too that usually goes into greater detail.

It tells you what was happening during that time the verse was written, information about the author, and some may even give you physical location reference points for a greater understanding. Don’t let your lack of knowledge keep you away from the Word. It is fundamental to growing your relationship with Christ and creating a deeper understanding of your faith. It’s the WHY and the HOW that you sometimes need.

We need the Truth from the Word

When I first came to Christ, no one took me under their wings and showed me these things or told me I could use a different version of the Bible. Not that I needed permission, but I did need guidance. I was looking for a mentoring program but never found one. Wouldn’t it be amazing if we had a Titus Women type mentorship in the Church? Many churches have it, but mine does not, I even asked and never was connected with anyone so I had to seek out mentors myself. Online Bible Teachers became a great source. It’s not ideal but in this disconnected world. It’s nice to find a community somewhere even if it is virtual. In this modern world, we must use every tool necessary to get the Truth. There is salvation in the Word and so much to learn and grow you need to find a Bible the one that allows you to understand. I am grateful for apps like the Bible Gateway that has over 150 version right in the palm of your hand. They also have the BibleGateway.com/plus, which is a membership that offers expanded Bible studies, resources, and more for those who are looking for more ways to connect in the Word.

Have you let your lack of knowledge or understanding keep you from the word?

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Tags anxiety, awakening, bible, choices, chrisitan mom blogger, Christian, christian mom, christianity, confidence, devotion, fear, foundation, growth, knowledge, new christian

Faith Journey faithfueled friday Family

Understanding God’s Love

Psalm 127:3 (NIV) “Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him.”

He Gives Us Real-Life Examples

Sometimes, I wonder does God give us children to understand His frustrations, unconditional love, empathy, and desire for more than we want for ourselves. I can remember my mother telling me, “I can’t wait till you have children of your own.” Of course, it wasn’t until I had children of my own; I could understand her perspective.

Reminders in the Word

When reading the word, I sometimes relate to motherhood. It is something that is a part of my identity and that I can easily relate and understand. For example, my children’s selective hearing. I will tell my daughter specific instructions, at which she will do something entirely different or my favorite, nothing at all. Then, it ends up messed up, and I either have to help her or tell her again. Then by “GODcidence”, I am reading Jonah how God told him to flee Ninevah.

[“Cliff Notes” version, although Jonah is a very short yet powerful chapter in the Bible] He does his own thing deliberately disobeying God and sets out for Tarshish (for those new to the story which is thousands of miles in a different direction). Jonah ends up in the belly of a big fish (aka whale). God the Father delivers Jonah and again tells his hard headed child to go to Ninevah and deliver a message.

Jonah 3:1-2 (NIV) “Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.”

As I am reading this, of course, I think “man Jonah sounds like my daughters’.” There is a difference, though; our God has so much more compassion and patience than I. He is slow to anger (which I am working/praying on).

More than I deserve

Jonah 4:2, 4-5 (NIV) 2 “He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.

4 But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?”5 Jonah had gone out and sat down at a place east of the city. There he made himself a shelter, sat in its shade and waited to see what would happen to the city.”

It even angered Jonah to think after all he had done God still provided. Even though Jonah had no right to be angry, God still provided Him shade from the sun. Just like when my twelve-year-old gets mad at me for doing what’s right for her but not the way she wanted me to. Doesn’t make me stop loving or caring for her. I am her mother, who still loves her and will always do anything to provide.I sometimes sit back thinking I am so undeserving of His grace. God reminds me of the grace and unconditional love through my girls. Comparing God’s love to a mother’s love is the only way I can make sense of His unwavering love.

None Like Him

Now, I know the story of Jonah is not about how to love your children, rather obey the Lord and to forgive everyone. Comparing it to my kids helps me gain perspective. (Since, coming back to my faith I have found several different applications of the story of Jonah.) There is no man that would give their Son for me much like how I would give up everything for my girls, (which “Godcidentally” God has given me them too). I am grateful for my Heavenly Father’s unconditional love and although sometimes I feel I am not worth it or don’t like how things are done. At the end of the day, He loves me for who I am, and that will never change.

What helps you understand God’s love?

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christian mom christianity Faith Journey

Growing Faith Muscles

FaithFueled Friday

Changing old habits

When I first came back to Christ, I was a stressed, worried mess. I worried about everything I had no control over, (which is everything) making myself physically sick. It may even have been the cause of me losing one of my twins in my last pregnancy. I would go over scenarios over and over again in my mind, making things worse each time. Then, after speaking with an excellent friend and mentor about my constant anxiety; She suggested a “God Box.” A “God box” is to place all my worries. First, I would write down my issues, pray, and then deposit it in the box. Anytime I began to worry, or what she likes to call “mentally masturbate” (that’s why I love her so) I would look at my box and acknowledge that I had already given it to God.

Matthew 6:34 (NIV) ³⁴Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Growing Faith Muscles

This small gesture brought me great peace. At the time it was hard for me to trust completely in the Lord. I still sometimes struggle with this. In the world, you are so used to leaning on yourself for solutions when problems arise. In Christ, He will carry your burdens (Who does that? Not your fellow man!) which are something I am not used too. Breaking old habits is hard. Being a child of God, is just that, a child where you must learn new skills.

Matthew 11:28 (NIV) “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.

Pumping My Muscles

Faith, Grace, and Mercy seem to be a like a muscle you need to grow; You must continually exercise it to see results. My friend’s suggestion of a “God Box”, which I now call my “prayer box” was exactly what I needed to increase my faith and truly understand God’s grace. Constructing my first box was simple. I took a tissue box covered it in shimmery paper and cut a hole in the top. All my worries were placed in it. I would still worry; it wasn’t an instant fix, but instead of continually going over the scenarios the box reminded me to pray.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)¹⁶Rejoice always, ¹⁷pray continually, ¹⁸give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus

GrowingYourFaithMuscle

Seeing Results

Eventually, my stomach subsided, things began to get better, prayers were being answered, and I wasn’t worrying. Months went by, and I continued to exercise my new coping mechanism. One day, in the midst of prayer, God told me to open the box. First, I didn’t realize how much stuff I worried about. Secondly, I didn’t know how many prayers God had answered in less than three months. His grace and mercy brought to fruition in my life. Rewind two years later, prayer (and of course God) has changed my life, health, and stress. I still break out the box when I need to release my burdens. I also use it to praise Him when I open it up to see all the things that he has done for me. If only I knew of His sovereignty sooner (not just in theory but actual application) in my adult life.

GrowingYourFaithMuscle.