Bible – Inner Beauty Bible Study

DILIGENCE CH 5: STUDY THE BIBLE DILIGENTLY

I will never forget the first time I opened my Bible at the age of twenty-five. I had just returned to God. I had a difficult road of dealing with the sexual abuse I endured as a child and also my anger at my brother for committing suicide at the age of 21 when I was just 12. When I opened the Bible, my eyes fell on Job 23:10: “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” I found great comfort in this Scripture. In the years to come, I clung to this verse as I faced the pain of my past. I dug deeply into Scriptures which caused me to grow. After several years, I did indeed come forth as gold as I was stronger in my faith and Christian walk as God was there for me every step of the way. I thanked God for His Word which provided comfort and strength when I needed it the most.

MEMORY VERSE

“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17, NIV).

HIDDEN GEMS

Bible study is vital in a believer’s life. We will grow in our Christian walk when we dig deeply into God’s Word each day. God speaks to us through His Word. A verse will come to us when we need it the most. This will give us the strength and comfort to face whatever comes our way.

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night” (Psalm 1:1-2, NIV).

Read Psalm 1:1-2. Who should we not walk in step with?

What should we not stand in the way of?

Who should we not sit in the company of?

What should be our delight?

What should we do day and night?

When we meditate on Scriptures, we will be blessed. We can roll a verse over and over in our mind to get the full meaning of the verse. We can delight in God’s Word when we study His Word.

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11, NIV).

Read Psalm 119:11. What did the psalmist hide in his heart?

Why did he do so?

The Word of God guides and directs our steps. We all desire to not sin against God. When we spend time in His Word daily, we will know the right way to take.

“I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways” (Psalm 119:15, NIV).

Read Psalm 119:15. What did the psalmist meditate on?

What did he consider?

A precept is “a commandment or direction meant as a rule of action or conduct” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). When we study the Bible, we do indeed meditate on His precepts. This will guide us in the way we should go each day.

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15, NIV).

Read 2 Timothy 2:15. How should we present ourselves to God?

When we do so, what will we not be?

What do we correctly handle?

God illuminates the Scriptures to us through the Holy Spirit. We can correctly handle the Word of God through prayer and asking for wisdom for His truths found in Scriptures.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts” (Deuteronomy 6:6, NIV). God gave commandments to Israel in order to guide us. We are blessed with the New Testament in addition to the Old Testament to guide and direct our paths.

Name a time when you felt confused about the way to go in a certain situation.

How did you cry out to God?

What Scripture spoke to you during this time?

How did this give you guidance and direction?

How can you thank God this day for His magnificent Word.

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105, NIV). The Bible gives us guidance as a lamp for our feet and a light on our paths. We can praise God in thanksgiving for His Word.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word. I pray that You illuminate my mind to understand your precepts. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM

One of my great regrets is that I have not studied enough. I wish I had studied more and preached less. Billy Graham

No one understands Scripture unless it is brought home to them, that is, unless they experience it. Martin Luther

It be a certain truth, that none can understand the prophets’ and apostles’ writings aright, without the same Spirit by which they were written. George Fox

I know the Bible is inspired because it finds me at a greater depth of my being than any other book. Samuel Tayler Coleridge

We cannot rely on the doctrine of Scripture until we are absolutely convinced that God is its author. John Calvin

FEELING BUSTER CH 6: GOD’S WORD

I remember growing up with only hearing God’s Word during the church service. It was never read at home. I did not receive my first Bible until I graduated from high school. A short time after I graduated from graduate school, I moved to Tucson, Arizona and joined a church. I was humbled by the children knowing the order of the books of Scripture where I had no clue. However, I was blessed with a pastor who had a passion for teaching God’s Word. I soaked in his teaching. During this time, I was also going through the pain of dealing with the abuse I experienced as a child. God’s Word helped me fight the feelings of helplessness and depression. I thanked God for His Word as a feeling buster in my life.

MEMORY VERSE

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105, NIV).

HIDDEN GEMS

What a blessing it is to have God’s Word at our fingertips each day. We have many translations that we can read. There are those in other countries that treasure having one page of His Word to read. We can grow in our Christian walk by treasuring and reading God’s Word.

“Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them. The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple” (Psalm 119:129-130, NIV).

Read Psalm 119:129-130. How are God’s statutes described?

What does the psalmist do?

What gives light?

Who does God’s Word give understanding?

God’s Word is indeed wonderful. We are called to obey the precepts found in His Word. Reading the Bible gives light and understanding to us. We can look up topics in a concordance to get a better understanding on how to deal with a problem such as out-of-control feelings.

“For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life” (Proverbs 6:23, NIV).

Read Proverbs 6:23. What are His commands?

What is His teaching?

What is the way to life?

God’s Word shines light on our everyday lives. We are instructed in the way we should go. When we sin, God will correct us through His Spirit and His Word. This leads to life.

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:26, NIV).

Read John 14:26. Who is the Advocate?

Who will send the Holy Spirit?

In Whose name will the Holy Spirit be sent?

What will the Holy Spirit do?

What a gift we have in the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is indeed an Advocate on our behalf. The Holy Spirit teaches and reminds us of the teaching of Jesus. The Holy Spirit prompts us to gain a better understanding of God’s Word and obey His precepts.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

God’s Word is a blessing for us. The Word of God illuminates our mind to understand the ways of God. We are then prompted to obey what is found in the Bible. We also may be convicted of sin. It gives us hope and strength to live beyond our feelings.

Name a time when you struggled with a feeling.

How did you cry out to God?

What did God’s Word teach you?

What Scripture spoke to you during this time?

How did the Holy Spirit give you understanding?

How did God give you the strength to overcome the feelings?

Feelings can overwhelm us at times. The good news is that His Word gives comfort and understanding when we read it. The Bible helps us overcome the feelings that overwhelm us.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me Your Word to help fight the feelings which arise in my life. Help me gain understanding through the Holy Spirit. Help me to obey Your precepts. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM

I believe the Bible is the best gift God has given to man. Abraham Lincoln

If you want to understand Christianity, do not shut your Bible – open it, read it! M. Lloyd-Jones

Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ. Jerome

Hold fast to the Bible as the sheet-anchor of your liberties; write its precepts in your hearts, and practice them in your lives. Ulysses S. Grant

The Bible easily qualifies as the only Book in which is God’s revelation. Billy Graham

CH 8: JESUS IS…THE WORD

How can the Word become flesh? I asked God as a serious Christian who had just re-dedicated my life to God. Ever since that time, I became serious in studying God’s Word. It was the first time I dug deeply into His Word. As I read John 1:14, God helped me to see that the Word is another name for Jesus. Jesus fulfilled the law and was without sin. The Bible declares the Lordship of Christ from front to back. As the Word, Jesus helps us to understand through the Holy Spirit.

MEMORY VERSE

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14, NIV).

WHAT’S IN A WORD?

Word…

“‘The Personal Word,’ a title of the Son of God…His distinct and superfinite Personality…His relation in the Godhead…His deity…the reality and totality of His human nature, and His glory” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words).

HIDDEN GEMS

Jesus is indeed the Word. The Old Testament is filled with prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The Gospels record the accounts of Jesus while here on earth. The remaining New Testament describes the words inspired by the Holy Spirit. It is indeed God-breathed.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made” (John 1:1-3, NIV).

Read John 1:1-3. Who was in the beginning?

Who was with God?

Who was God?

Who was with God in the beginning?

Who made all things?

Jesus was with God in the beginning of time. Jesus is the Word. Jesus made all things. Jesus is the Son of God, who takes away the sins of the world.

“Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work” (John 14:10, NIV).

Read John 14:10. Who is in the Father?

Who is in Christ?

Who does not speak on His own authority?

Who lives in Jesus?

Who is doing Christ’s work?

Jesus and the Father are one, as part of the Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. While on earth, Jesus relied only upon the authority of His Father. Jesus did His work relying upon God Who was guiding and directing His steps.

“For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me” (John 17:8, NIV).

Read John 17:8. Who did Jesus give the words His Father gave me?

What did the disciples do with these words?

What did the disciples do with certainty?

What did the disciples believe?

This verse is part of the prayer Jesus gave for His disciples. Jesus wanted the Father to bless and protect them from the evil one. The disciples believed in Jesus and wanted to further the Kingdom of God.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

Jesus was the Word made flesh. In the flesh, He depended upon the Father in all He did. He came in the flesh to die for our sins as a perfect sacrifice. He took the place of us in dying for our sins.

Name the time when you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior?

What did you experience at this time?

How do you view Jesus?

How do you see Him as the Word made flesh?

What is your favorite Bible verse concerning Jesus?

Jesus came to set us free from sin and death. We have a priceless treasure in the Word of God. We can see throughout the Bible how Jesus is proclaimed.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your Son to die for my sins. Thank You for Your Word which describes Jesus through it all. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM

I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need. C.H. Spurgeon

Take hold of Jesus as a man and you will discover that he is GOd. Martin Luther

In Christ Jesus heaven meets earth and earth ascends to heaven. Henry Law

Miss Christ and you miss all. Thomas Brooks

Christ is not valued at all, unless he is valued above all. Augustine of Hippo

BLESSED HOPE CH 5: HOPE IN THE BIBLE

I will never forget the severe depression which followed my first manic episode. I felt lost and hopeless. I felt like I was in a deep hole with no way out. However, God was right there for me when I reached out to Him. He brought the Scripture to hold every thought captive. I replied, “that is hard to do when my thoughts are racing one hundred words a second.” However, I realized that this verse was invaluable to me as I faced subsequent manic and depression episodes. God taught me to head off a potential manic episode through bringing my racing thoughts to Him. This brought me peace. I thanked God for giving me this verse to cling to which brought me freedom and hope to face whatever came my way through His Word.

MEMORY VERSE

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope” (Romans 15:4, NIV).

HIDDEN GEMS

God’s Word is truth. It is reliable for us to depend upon. God desires to make the Scriptures come alive for us. We can praise God as He opens up His will for us through His Word.

“Never take your word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws” (Psalm 119:43, NIV).

Read Psalm 119:43. What did the psalmist ask of God?

What did the psalmist put his hope in?

We can place our hope in God’s Word. God speaks to us through His Word. God will guide and direct our steps as we come to Him in Bible study and prayer. We will have His peace to face whatever comes our way.

“Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them. The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple” (Psalm 119:129-130, NIV).

Read Psalm 119:129-130. How did the psalmist describe God’s statutes?

What did he do as a result?

What does the unfolding of God’s Word do?

Who does it give understanding to?

God’s Word is indeed wonderful. We can praise Him for giving us His Word. When we obey God and His Word, we will find true freedom. It will give light to the path of obedience that we take.

“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ” (Romans 10:17, NIV).

Read Romans 10:17. Where does faith come from?

How is the message heard?

God’s Word is all about Jesus from the very beginning of Genesis to the end of Revelation. We can share the hope that we have found through accepting Jesus to those who are lost in this world. We indeed have the good news of the gospel to share and give hope to those who are lost.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105, NIV). God’s Word brings light in a dark world. Those living without Jesus are walking in darkness. We can praise God for giving us His Word which is a light on our path.

Name a time when you felt hopeless.

How did you feel?

How did you reach out to God?

What Scripture spoke to you during this time?

How did this strengthen your relationship with God?

“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17, NIV). God’s Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12). It is part of our armor that we can use to fight the enemy. This will bring us victory as we read God’s Word and ask Him to illuminate the words on the page for us to apply them to everyday life and the trials we are facing.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that You illuminate my mind to understand Your Word that I am reading this day. Fill me with timely truth as I go about this day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM

I believe the Bible is the best gift God has given to man. Abraham Lincoln

Ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ. Jerome

Back to the Bible, or back to the jungle. Luis Palau

When the Bible speaks, God speaks. B.B. Warfield

I know the Bible is inspired because it finds me at a greater depth of my being than any other book. Samuel Tayler Coleridge

PURE RIGHTEOUSNESS CH 6: RIGHTEOUS WORD

When I studied Scripture, it began to speak to me. I realized it was alive and active. I also held it up in utmost adoration. I realized that God spoke through the writers to bless us with His Word. I also realized that His Word was holy and righteous. Psalm 119, which focuses on the importance of God’s Word, became my favorite Psalm. I began reading and studying the Bible early in the morning. As I placed God and His Word as first place in my life, I began to grow in my Christian walk.

MEMORY VERSE

“So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good” (Romans 7:12, NIV).

HIDDEN GEMS

Oh, how I love God’s Word. It guides and directs our steps in the way we should go. God’s Word is indeed righteous. We can thank and praise God for blessing us with His Word.

“I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws” (Psalm 119:7, NIV).

Read Psalm 119:7. How did the psalmist praise God?

What did he focus on learning?

We can praise God with an upright heart. When we focus upon reading and learning God’s Word, we will never be disappointed. God’s Word is a wonderful gift given to us.

“Your statutes are always righteous; give me understanding that I may live” (Psalm 119:144, NIV).

Read Psalm 119:144. What are God’s statutes?

What was the psalmist’s request?

Why did he ask this of the Lord?

We can live according to God’s Word. Our lives are peaceful when we live our lives directed by God’s Word. When we spend time daily in God’s Word, we will be filled with wisdom. God desires to impart wisdom to us. All we have to do is ask.

“For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous” (Romans 2:13, NIV).

Read Romans 2:13. Who are not righteous in God’s sight?

Who are declared righteous?

Obedience is vital in the life of a Christian. When we obey God and His Word, we will be blessed. We will be declared righteous in Christ.

“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” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV).

Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17. How is Scripture described?

What is it useful for?

What will the servant of God be equipped to do?

Scripture is God-breathed. It can teach us in the way we should go. It can correct our sin and wrongdoing. It can train us in righteousness. In this way, we can fulfill God’s plan for our lives and do good works which will be blessed.

Read Hebrews 4:12. What is the word of God?

What is it sharper than?

What does it divide?

What does the Word of God judge?

God’s Word is indeed alive and active. God blessed us with the Holy Spirit to guide and direct our steps. The Word of God blesses us when we follow its statutes.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

“You are righteous, Lord, and your laws are right” (Psalm 119:137, NIV). God’s Word is right. It will never let us down. It gives us direction every day when we seek God and His Word.

Name a time when you struggled during a trial.

How did you reach out to God?

How did God’s Word guide you in the way you should go?

What Scripture spoke to you during this time?

How did God’s Word draw you closer to God?

What was the result?

The Word of God is righteous. We can praise God for blessing us with His Word. We can have a heart of gratitude as the Word guides and directs our steps.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your precious Word. Please guide my life today as I spend time in Your Word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM

I would sooner a hundred times over be inconsistent with myself than be inconsistent with the Word of God. C.H. Spurgeon

It is extremely important to declare what the Bible holds, and be silent where the Bible is silent. Billy Graham

I know the Bible is inspired because it finds me at a greater depth of my being than any other book. Samuel Taylor Coleridge

I believe the Bible is the best gift God has given to man. Abraham Lincoln

If you want to understand Christianity, do not shut your Bible – open it, read it! M. Lloyd-Jones

BIBLE BLESSINGS CH 8: INCREASED PEACE

I had an important decision to make and I was getting more anxious by the minute. I didn’t know if I should go ahead with the brain surgery to remove scar tissue that was causing my seizures. I called a friend and asked if she could pray with me. She said that she would be right over. As we sat with Bibles in our laps, we prayed that God would speak to me through His Word. As I opened God’s Word, the word, come, came up twice in my reading. I felt as if the Lord was drawing me near to Him for His comfort and peace. As I continued reading His Word, I came across a comment in Max Lucado’s Bible which I was reading. It stated, “The Word of God is like a surgeon’s scalpel, both cutting and healing.” As I read this, peace filled me instead of the anxiety. I knew that God had spoken to me and that I was to go ahead with the brain surgery.

MEMORY VERSE

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27, NIV).

WHAT’S IN A WORD?

Peace…

Peace is “an undisturbed state of mind; absence of mental conflict; serenity” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). It is “a state of tranquility or quiet” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary).

HIDDEN GEMS

“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace” (Psalm 29:11, NIV). God desires to bless us with His peace. One way we can increase our peace is by digging deeply into the Bible. This is indeed one of the blessings of God’s Word. When we feel anxious, we can go to God in prayer and read His Word for His peace that passes all understanding.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, NIV).

Read John 16:33. Why did Jesus tell His disciples these things?

What will we have in this world?

What word of encouragement did Jesus leave with His disciples?

We can have peace in Christ instead of the anxiety and unrest of the world. It can be easy to fall into anxiety as we focus upon all that is not right with the world. The world clamors for our attention. However, we can go to God and His Word for His peace instead of anxiety the world offers.

“There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism” (Romans 2:9-11, NIV).

Read Romans 2:9-11. What will there be for those who do evil?

What will there be for those who do good?

What does God not do?

We may have grown up with a parent showing favoritism toward one of the children. However, God does not operate this way. He shows no favoritism. God loves each of His children in a unique way. He knows the best way to shower His love upon us. This will give us peace and strength to face whatever comes our way.

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:1-2, NIV).

Read Romans 5:1-2. Through what have we been justified?

What do we have with God?

What do we boast in?

“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace – as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people” (1 Corinthians 14:33, NIV). We can have disorder and disarray in our everyday lives. However, we can always go to God for His peace. God desires for us to read His Word in order to attain peace once again.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV).

Read Philippians 4:6-7. What are we not to be?

How are we to present our requests to God?

How is peace described?

What will this peace guard?

“Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you” (2 Corinthians 13:11, NIV). We can sum up this section by going to God for His peace that passes all understanding. We can thank God for His peace which lead us to live lives to glorify His name instead of the anxiety so prevalent in this world.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

Peace is something we all desire. In this world, we can become anxious about things that are happening around us. However, God desires for us to come to Him for His peace that passes understanding. When we read His Word, He will shower us with His peace.

Name a time when you became anxious about what was happening in your life.

What did you do?

How did you reach out to God?

How did Scripture speak to you during this time?

How did this bring you God’s peace that passes all understanding?

How did this strengthen your Christian walk?

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3, NIV). In addition to God giving us His peace, God desires for us to live with fellow believers in peace. When we live in unity, we will be strengthened to face whatever comes our way.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, I surrender my anxious thoughts to You this day. Fill me with Your peace that passes all understanding as I study Your Word. Help me to live at peace with others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM

Who except God can give you peace? Has the world ever been able to satisfy the heart? Gerard Majella

Christ alone can bring lasting peace – peace with God – peace among men and nations – and peace within our hearts. Billy Graham

Peace reigns where our Lord reigns. Julian of Norwich

If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other. Mother Teresa

We should have great peace if we did not busy ourselves with what others say and do. Thomas a Kempis

BIBLE BLESSINGS CH 7: INCREASED TRUST IN GOD

“God, I can’t trust myself!” I cried out to God after my first manic episode. I had made foolish choices which I was ashamed of. My trust in myself was completely shaken to the core. I had always proudly claimed my independence. However, that day, it all changed. I remember tears streaming down my face as I turned on the Christian radio station. A simple chorus spoke volumes to me: I’m trusting You, I’m trusting You, I’m trusting You alone. At that moment, I vowed to place my trust in God instead of myself. As I recovered from that first manic episode, I dug deeply into God’s Word and discovered that God was worthy of all my trust.

MEMORY VERSE

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV).

WHAT’S IN A WORD?

Trust…

Trust is “faith; reliance” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). It is “assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). It is “to have confidence” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words).

HIDDEN GEMS

“The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy” (Psalm 111:7, NIV). God’s Word is indeed trustworthy. When we place our trust in God and His Word, we will never be disappointed. God’s Word will strengthen our relationship with God and His precepts will guide us in the way we should go.

“But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation” (Psalm 13:5, NIV).

Read Psalm 13:5. What did David trust in?

What did his heart rejoice in?

God loves us so deeply and desires a personal relationship with us. We can talk to God in prayer about whatever we face each day. When we daily read God’s Word, we will grow in our Christian walk and trust in God.

“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this” (Psalm 37:3-5, NIV).

Read Psalm 37:3-5. What two commands did David start out with?

What will happen when we take delight in the Lord?

What are we to commit to the Lord?

We are to trust in the Lord and do good. In order to do this, we study God’s Word and apply it to our lives. When we read the Bible, it increases our trust in God. We read how God was there for those in the Bible and we can stand firm that God will be there for us.

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise – in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Psalm 56:3-4, NIV).

Read Psalm 56:3-4. What did David do when he was afraid?

What did David praise?

When David trusted in the Lord, what was he not?

What question did David end with?

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (Isaiah 26:3, NIV). Peace – something we all desire in this hectic, fast-paced world. When we trust in God and His Word, we will have His peace that passes all understanding. We can then face each day as we trust in God’s strength instead of our own.

“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. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:12-13, NIV).

Read Hebrews 4:12-13. What is alive and active?

How else is the Word of God described?

What does God’s Word judge?

What is hidden from God’s sight?

What is uncovered and laid bare?

God’s Word is indeed living and active. The Bible is alive in promises and is God-breathed. We can praise God for speaking to us through His Word. This deepens our relationship with God as we trust in Him.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

Trust may be difficult for those who have been abused. I found it difficult to trust in God because of the abuse I faced as a child. However, God met me right where I was at and strengthened my trust in Him as He proved faithful through the promises found in His Word.

Name a time when you were hurt as you trusted in someone.

How did this affect your relationship with God?

How did you turn to God’s Word for answers?

What Scripture spoke to you during this time?

How did God comfort you during this time?

How did His Word increase your trust in God?

When we read God’s Word, it will become alive in our lives. It will speak answers to the questions we have in our lives. We can praise God for giving us answers found in His Word.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for speaking to me through Your Word. May the Bible verses I read increase my trust in You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM

All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen. Ralph Waldo Emerson

He who trusts in himself is lost. He who trusts in God can do all things. Alphonsus Liguori

Trust Jesus, and you are saved. Trust self, and you are lost. C.H. Spurgeon

Trust the past to God’s mercy, the present to God’s love and the future to God’s providence. Augustine of Hippo

Only by trust in God can a man carrying responsibility find repose. Dwight D. Eisenhower

BIBLE BLESSINGS CH 6: INCREASED FAITH

“If you had enough faith, God would heal you of your bipolar disorder.” The words spoken by another church member hurt me deeply. It caused me to doubt if I had any faith at all. I had already been shaken to the core because of the bipolar disorder. However, as time went on, I discovered a definite change in my life. I discovered that when I had bipolar episodes, I leaned more heavily upon God to get me through the trial. I discovered that I actually had more faith due to the bipolar disorder. The trials actually became blessings in my life. I knew God in a special way that I could never have known without the bipolar disorder. Digging deeply into God’s Word helped give me the strength to endure the bipolar episodes. I thanked God for His hand at work in my life to increase my faith during the episodes of bipolar disorder.

MEMORY VERSE

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1, NIV).

WHAT’S IN A WORD?

Faith…

Faith is “unquestioning belief in God” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). It is “belief and trust in and loyalty to God” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). It is “a firm conviction, producing a full acknowledgement of God’s revelation or truth…a personal surrender to Him” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words).

HIDDEN GEMS

Faith is the cornerstone of our Christian walk. When we believe in Christ by faith, we are saved. We can then start our faith walk with God leading the way. Faith strengthens us in our trials. When we dig deeply into God’s Word on a daily basis, our faith is increased as well as our wisdom.

“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ” (Romans 10:17, NIV).

Read Romans 10:17. Where does faith come from?

How is the message heard?

The Word of God is vital in the life of a Christian. We can walk by faith as we learn to keep in step with God through the Holy Spirit. We can align ourselves with God’s will as we dig deeply into the Scriptures.

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13, NIV).

Read 1 Corinthians 13:13. What three things remain?

What is the greatest of these?

Faith is strengthened in our daily walk with Christ. This is especially true when we face trials. We can then reach out to God for His help and read His Word for strength.

“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:22-23, NIV).

Read Hebrews 10:22-23. How are we to draw near to God?

What does faith bring?

What are we to hold onto?

What is He who promised?

Faith brings assurance in our Christian walk. God is faithful to those who believe and reach out to Him. He will grant us strength to face whatever comes our way in our walk with Him.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4, NIV).

Read James 1:2-4. What are we to consider pure joy?

What does the testing of our faith produce?

Why are we to let perseverance finish its work?

I was confused by this Scripture for many years. When I faced trials, I was anything but joyful. I now know that God desires for us to have joy in the midst of our trials. I realize this now as I ask God for wisdom and lessons I can learn in my trials. This strengthens my faith in my Christian walk. I can then praise God for bringing good out of my trials.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

“For we live by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7, NIV). In today’s world, the motto is to rely upon what is seen. However, as Christians, we walk and live by faith. Our faith is increased as we rely upon God and His Word.

Name a time when you faced a trial which tested your faith.

How did you reach out to God?

How did you read His Word?

What Scripture spoke to you during this time?

How did this strengthen your faith?

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?” (James 2:14, NIV). We are not saved by works but we naturally want to do good works when we walk by faith. When we dig deeply into God’s Word, we will find the perfect example of Christ who shows us how to walk by faith and do good deeds.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for increasing my faith during my trials. Help me to read Your Word on a daily basis and give me understanding. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM

A simple, childlike faith in a Divine Friend solves all the problems that come to us by land or sea. Helen Keller

I do not want merely to possess a faith, I want a faith that possesses me. Charles Kingsley

We can never have more of true faith than we have of true humility. Andrew Murray

Faith expects from God what is beyond all expectation. Andrew Murray

The only way to learn strong faith is to endure great trials. George Muller

BIBLE BLESSINGS CH 5: INCREASED WISDOM

I thought that I had wisdom when I first became a Christian. However, that was far from the truth. When I got into a stressful situation, I would always ask God, Why me? This would only lead to more uncertainty and stress. This all changed when I had my first manic episode. At first, I wanted to question God like before. However, as God brought me through the difficult episodes of bipolar disorder, I began asking God, What can I learn from this? As I began asking God this question, He freely imparted wisdom that I gained through the difficult seasons in my life. He also opened my spiritual eyes to Scriptures that applied to my situation. I thanked God for His blessed Presence and the Word of God for the wisdom I gained from them.

MEMORY VERSE

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5, NIV).

WHAT’S IN A WORD?

Wisdom…

Wisdom is “good judgment; knowledge; wise discourse or teaching” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). It is the “ability to discern inner qualities…good sense” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). Wisdom is “the insight into the true nature of things…ability to discern modes of action with a view to their results” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words).

HIDDEN GEMS

“To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his” (Job 12:13, NIV). God has all wisdom. God desires to share His wisdom with us. This wisdom will guide us in the way we should go. We can thank God for His wisdom instead of relying upon our own intelligence.

“The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7, NIV).

Read Psalm 19:7. What is perfect?

What refreshes the soul?

What are the statutes of the Lord?

Who does the statutes of the Lord make wise?

“I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path” (Psalm 119:104, NIV). When we gain understanding from God’s Word, we will know right from wrong. God’s Word is a treasure chest that is living and active. The words of the Bible will speak to us as we spend time in His Word daily.

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6, NIV).

Read Proverbs 2:6. What does the Lord give?

What comes from His mouth?

“I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes” (Psalm 119:125, NIV). God implants within us a desire to know Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. We can ask for discernment to determine the right path to take instead of wrong paths that lead us astray.

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock” (Matthew 7:24-25, NIV).

Read Matthew 7:24-25. What two things does a wise man do?

How did Jesus compare a wise man?

Why did the house not fall?

We do not fall when our faith is built upon the Rock – Jesus Christ. We can obey God and hold fast to His wisdom for our lives. God will guide us in the way we should go during the storms in our life. We can then praise God for getting us through the storms in life.

Read Romans 15:4. What was the purpose of things written in the past?

What is taught in the Scriptures?

What do Scriptures provide?

“With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ” (Ephesians 1:8, NIV). We all desire God’s will for our lives. I remember getting so caught up in God’s will for my life that I missed out on the precious lessons God desired to teach me. When I asked God for wisdom in my everyday life, I found true strength and guidance to make every decision that came my way.

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

“Cause me to understand the way of your precepts, that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds” (Psalm 119:27, NIV). We can gain understanding of God’s Word as we spend time reading it. It will come alive and speak to our spirits.

Name a time when God’s Word spoke to you.

What Scripture came to mind?

How did it speak to your situation?

How did it guide you in the direction to take?

How did you gain wisdom through this time?

“Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her” (Proverbs 8:10-11, NIV). God’s Word is indeed more precious than rubies. We can thank God for the gift of His Word. We can gain understanding as we read it and pray that God speaks to us through the precious Bible. We can then know the path to take in our everyday decisions.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your precious Word. Please speak to me this day through Your Word and help me to gain understanding and wisdom in what to do in my everyday life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM

Wisdom is the application of knowledge. Obedience is the application of wisdom. Author unknown

Wisdom is knowledge, rightly applied. Author unknown

Abundance of knowledge does not teach a man to be wise. Heraclitus

Head knowledge is useless on the battlefield. Knowledge stamped on the heart makes one wise. Beth Moore

Knowledge is the power of the mind, wisdom is the power of the soul. Julie Shannahan

BIBLE BLESSINGS CH 4: DELIGHT IN GOD’S WORD

Growing up, I was not encouraged to read the Bible on my own. We went to church and that is where I heard the Word of God preached. I received my first Bible when I graduated from high school from my grandmother. She wrote in the inside cover, Always hold tight to your high morals and faith. Although I admired my grandmother, the Bible went straight to my shelf until I was 25. That was when I returned to God after being mad at Him for my brother’s suicide. I will never forget how I felt as I read the Word of God for the first time in my life. The Word became alive to me. I truly delighted myself in His Word and found great joy and contentment. From that time on, reading the Bible became a daily practice where God spoke great treasures to my spirit.

MEMORY VERSE

“I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word” (Psalm 119:16, NIV).

WHAT’S IN A WORD?

Delight…

To delight is “to be highly pleased; rejoice” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). It is “a high degree of gratification; joy…extreme satisfaction” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). It is “to rejoice with…to delight in” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words).

Rejoice…

To rejoice is “to be glad, happy or delighted; be full of joy” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary). It is “to feel joy or great delight” (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary). It is to have “exceeding joy” (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words).

HIDDEN GEMS

Delight – a word that was so foreign to me during my teenage years. I struggled with depression and seasonal affective disorder in addition to the constant anxiety due to being in a house filled with turmoil. However, when I returned to God, I delighted in Him and His Word. We can all find reasons to rejoice when we study God’s Word. God desires to bring Scriptures alive to us because His Word is indeed living and active. When we take the time to study His Word, we will indeed be filled with delight and rejoice in His Word.

Read Psalm 1:1-2. Who does one who is blessed not walk in step with?

What does one not stand in the way of?

What does one blessed not sit in the company of?

What does one who is blessed find delight in?

How often does one who is blessed meditate on His law?

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4, NIV). What freedom we experience as we delight in the Lord. This will give us such joy. Joy is different than happiness. Happiness is fleeting. It is based upon circumstances. However, delighting in God and His Word will bring us joy.

“In God, whose word I praise – in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Psalm 56:4, NIV).

Read Psalm 56:4. What did David praise?

In whom did David trust?

What question did David pose in response?

We can praise and delight in God. When we trust in the Lord, we will have peace. This brings joy and contentment in our lives. We need not be concerned about what other people think of us. We live life for an audience of One.

“Praise the Lord. Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands” (Psalm 112:1, NIV).

Read Psalm 112:1. Who are blessed?

What do they find great delight in?

When we delight in God’s Word, we will have joy. We will grow in our Christian walk by leaps and bounds as we study His Word. We can thank God for His wisdom that He imparts to us as we dig deeply into His Word.

“I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word” (Psalm 119:14-16, NIV).

Read Psalm 119:14-16. What did the Psalmist rejoice in?

What did he meditate on?

What did he consider?

What did he delight in?

What did he say he would not neglect?

“Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors” (Psalm 119:24, NIV). God’s Word counsels and guides us. We can thank God for the guidance and direction we receive from His Word. We can seek God’s will for our lives by studying His Word. “Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight” (Psalm 119:35, NIV).

YOUR HEART’S DESIRE

“Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice” (Psalm 105:3, NIV). Our heart’s desire is to follow God and His ways. These are found in His Word. We can delight in God’s Word as He guides and directs our steps. “For I delight in your commands because I love them” (Psalm 119:47, NIV).

Name a time when a Scripture spoke to your spirit during a trial.

What was the Scripture?

How did it bring you joy and delight?

How did it guide and direct your steps?

How did it draw you closer to God?

“Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them” (Psalm 119:129, NIV). God’s statutes are indeed wonderful. We obey God and His Word because they bring us such peace and joy into our lives. When we act in obedience, we will be rewarded.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, how I delight in Your Word. Guide and direct my steps this day according to Your will for my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

NUGGETS OF WISDOM

Our only business is to love and delight ourselves in God. Brother Lawrence

Every word of the Bible rings with Christ. Martin Luther

When the Bible speaks, God speaks. B.B. Warfield

A man has deprived himself of the best there is in the world who has deprived himself of the Bible. Woodrow Wilson

I believe the Bible is the best gift God has given to man. Abraham Lincoln