But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

Luke 2:10

“Do not be afraid…” the words from the angel that visited the shepherds in the field the night Jesus was born. Jesus was born during time where there was violence, chaos, social and political unrest, much of what we see today. Over 2000 years ago three wise kings followed a star that was the alignment of three stars. Fast forward to today December 21, 2020 where the Winter Solstice will bring us two planets, Jupiter and Saturn aligning on the day where the daylight is the shortest and the night sky is the longest.

How appropriate that this should happen today as a reminder that Jesus came into the world at that time on literally the darkest day. He came as a light in the middle of the chaos to bring us peace. Reminds me of that song, “Here I am to Worship” by Tim Hughes, Randy Travis sings it. “Light of the world, You stepped down into darkness, opened my eyes, let me see. Beauty that made this heart adore you, hope of a life spent with you …”

That’s what the shepherds did in the field that night. They went to “see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” – Luke 2:15. They sought Jesus laying in a manger, bowed down and worshipped Him.”O Come Let Us Adore Him.”

Let today December 21, 2020 be a reminder to us that Jesus came to be a light, seek and save the lost and bring peace. This is the “good news that will cause great joy for all people.”

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Silent Night, The Little Drummer Boy, Hark, the Herald Angels Sing! What is your favorite Christmas song? Perhaps you lean toward a more contemporary version such as Where is Christmas or maybe the child in you comes alive when you hear the Peanuts theme song (Linus and Lucy) or Frosty the Snowman. Whatever style comes alive in you, song and music play an important part in Getting Hooked.

Throughout the Bible, music is used to celebrate, bring comfort to our souls, and glorify God. In 1 Samuel 16:23 David played the lyre for Saul when he was troubled and it would calm Saul’s soul. The angels sang in Luke 2:10-1. While the angels may not have been actually singing as some believe, I do believe they were praising God the night Christ was born. Their praises may not have been a song of organized notes but perhaps that like a Gregorian chant but more majestic and full of a harmonious sound. Then there’s Mary’s Song in Luke 1:46-56, can be described as a poem, a hymn of praise, a song to God glorifying God for the wonderful thing He was doing through her for the salvation of the world.

Putting words to music is one way to help us remember. Think of ad jingles. Once those are in your head you can’t shake them. Many contemporary Christian artists have written songs that have been inspired by scripture. How Great is Our God by Chris Tomlin was inspired by 2 Chronicles 2:5 and Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God Almighty can be seen in Isaiah 6:3 and Revelation 4:8.

Even God sings over us in Zephaniah 3:17 – “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;  in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” Wow! God sings over us! The God of this universe sings over us! We sing to Him and He sings over us!

Now if you are musically inclined and very creative, putting a scripture verse to music can help you memorize. And if you don’t have a musical bone in your body, who says the composition has to be perfect as long as you can remember it. What song has God put in your ear or on your heart today? A Christmas song? A song of praise or a song of worship? Practicing praising God in song whether you sing it or just listen to it will Get you Hooked.

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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

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“I don’t need easy, I just need possible.”

Bethany Hamilton

“I don’t need easy, I just need possible.”

“I don’t need easy, I just need possible.” One of my favorite quotes. I try to recall it when I am faced with things I am trying to do and either don’t have the skills or even a clue to begin the task, or sometimes just trying to overcome a fear, managing chronic pain, or dealing with a difficult person. When I am faced with such challenges, Bethany Hamilton comes to my mind and I am reminded that all things are possible with God – Matthew 19:26. Bethany to me is a prime example of being anchored in Hope, anchored in God’s Word.

Bethany faced the biggest challenge of her life at the age of thirteen. While surfing with her dad and best friend on sunny Hawaiian Halloween day, Bethany was attacked by a shark. Biting off her left arm and almost dying from the blood loss, one may have thought her surfing days were over. One shark bite wasn’t stopping Bethany from doing what she loved most, her passion. Surfing. It would have been easy to give into fear and call it a day, hang up the surf boards and give up. Just sharing her story of survival may have been enough but forging through the physical and emotional challenges of losing a limb … what an impact her story has had on so many people! Bethany considers her passion a gift from God and it’s what got her back to surfing. I really believe that God gave her that passion and the desire to glorify Him, to let Him use her despite and in spite of her injury. Abandoning all fear and figuring it out with God’s help, she was determined to surf again. I highly recommended watching her movie Soul Surfer or reading the book.

Bethany’s biggest obstacle in learning to surf with one arm was what surfers call “duck diving.” Duck diving is much what it sounds like. Have you ever seen a duck dive under water and come back up again? Well, having never surfed before I imagine it’s not easy and even less easy with one arm. Bethany had a hard time holding on to board while duck diving. So her father modified her boards. He attached a rope handle in the middle of the board at the top so that Bethany could hold on to it better. It may not have been easy, but it sure was and is possible. She still had to relearn how to do things. I have seen her tie her shoes and the strings on her bikini with one hand. I can’t tie my shoes with two hands on some days. But with the help of physical therapists and God’s provision, Bethany leads a pretty normal life. Now married with two beautiful boys and one on the way Bethany shares her story and has started has an organization – Friend’s of Bethany that helps and encourages people that have lost limbs or have no limbs. Unstoppable is her second movie that I also recommend, it’s more of a documentary that continues where Soul Surfer left off.

God really does get us through the tough times. I know He does for me. I believe this is so evident in Bethany’s life because she allows God to be the first and foremost in her life. I’m sure she gets fearful and worries, she has two boys and she’s human but I am also willing to bet she harnesses that fear with the power of God that is anchored in her surfing soul.

Get Hooked is going to be my motto for 2021. Anchoring in God’s Word is going to be my M.O.. I want an unstoppable life. Matthew 19:26 is my “I don’t need easy, I just need possible” verse, because with God ALL things ARE POSSIBLE.

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Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Isaiah 7:14

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Studying God’s Word on a daily basis is one way to Get Hooked and anchor in Hope. At least it does for me. How about you? How do you study God’s Word? Do you select a topic or a verse and study its meaning? Is it a word study? What authors inspire you to study and learn what God has to say to you? Do you use apps and websites to guide you? Do you do it alone or with a friend?

It’s great to have a life group or a small group from church and learn together. But, do you take time, one on one with God. Do you sit down, open your Bible and what ever you are using to guide you and just study? I have to say, for me most days, I get into bed and I can’t remember what I had for breakfast, let alone what I read in my devotional. So I started making notes in a journal and it does help. I may not remember what I studied or read that day, but now I at least have it written down for me to go back to to read.

I get upset with myself when I can’t recall something like where I left my car keys. I really get upset with myself when I can’t recall what I read in God’s Word five minutes ago. Then I think about Mary giving birth to Jesus, our Savior. In the humble setting of Bethlehem with shepherds coming “to see this wonderful thing that has happened” – Luke 2:15. “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (NIV) – Luke 2:19. She treasured them up in her heart and pondered them. That takes intention and in some cases application. Sometimes just writing it down isn’t enough for it to stick. I have to ponder. When someone compliments you or surprises you with something, that’s a significant moment, one you mostly will remember and won’t want to forget. You probably think about it throughout the day and perhaps for days to come. What does it take for scripture, for things to stick for you?

There are many ways to learn what God has to say to us. He wants that one on one with us, alone, no distractions, just you and Him.

In this age of technology, there is so much out there. Books and study guides, websites, apps, social media, podcasts; it can be overwhelming. I find myself on social media with all of these offers calling me to join a free online Bible study that include a free downloadable PDF. My email and my iPad are flooded with PDF’s and books that I have collected, because I may want to study them some day when I am not distracted by whatever it is that’s catching my eye at the moment. There are a lot websites and authors that speak to me. So many that I had to pare down what and who I would follow on social media. That’s not to say I am not open to new sites and authors.

These online Bible studies have a benefit. Usually when you sign up, every week an email pops up with a link to the next session. It can keep you on track and somewhat accountable. FaithGateway has lots to choose from for men and women as well as the whole family. You can find Bible studies, devotionals, and free resources.

So what style of learning works for you? Is it just listening to a podcast, a sermon online, or partaking in a free online study where you can join in a chat, discuss and share prayer requests? Share in the comments below which resource you use and what works best for you.

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Keeping it easy this week after all the preparations for Thanksgiving.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.”

1 Chronicles 16:35

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Happy Thanksgiving !!!!! 2020 has been a challenge for us all.

The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (NIV) We’ve all heard it before. But, it says to be thankful IN ALL things. Not for all things.

Pour out your heart to God today if you are struggling. He can take your pain, discouragement, broken heart, He wants you to give Him your struggles and for that we can be thankful. Pour out your heart to God and praise Him if your not struggling. He deserves to be praised and what better day than Thanksgiving,

Choose to be thankful today, choose the Hope in Jesus Christ. Get hooked.

Be healthy, Be blessed,

– The Kedge Anchor

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If you’re like me, remembering anything is, well, challenging. I can’t remember why I walked into a room, much less memorizing a Bible verse. I surprise myself every now and then when I can remember paraphrased versions of verse and surprise myself even more when I can recall where it resides.

Most of us can recall, John 3:16 – “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. “(NIV), the Lord’s Prayer and Psalm 23. Those are great verses to remember. But God tells us to meditate His Word Joshua 1:8 – “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” And Matthew 4:4 – “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Spending time in God’s Word daily, as we covered in the previous post, and memorizing scripture are two ways to “get hooked.” So, how are some ways to get scripture to stick in our heads and our hearts? What are some way to help memorize verses?

Living in a digital age there are a plethora of apps. There are free apps such as The Bible Memory App and the Verses: Bible Memory App. Apps have the advantage of not losing an index card that on which you may have written the verse. And who doesn’t always have their phone with them or at least within reach. For me, my phone and I are usually in the same room, that is if I remember where I put it.

There is always the old fashioned way of writing it out. Ok, so maybe not five hundred times but write it out a few times; fill a sheet of college-ruled notebook paper. Write it out on an index card a put it where you can see it; the refrigerator, bathroom mirror, or somewhere you are likely to see it through the day. If you’re a visual learner, make some art. Grab some art supplies and draw the verse. For example, this week’s verse- 2Corinthians 9:11- “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” (NIV). It’s Thanksgiving so perhaps maybe drawing some fall leaves or a harvest scene with the the verse written on it that you can keep somewhere where you’ll see it. Perhaps a collage or something abstract. If you are Photoshop savvy maybe make a wallpaper for your phone. I will be adding digital wallpaper for phones with the Memorize Monday FaceBook posts soon. Stay tuned to Facebook for more details.

Accountability is another way that helps us memorize verses. Find a someone who will hold you accountable. Your friends, a family member, and/or your kids; get them involved and memorize together. Reciting the verses out loud to each other will help reinforce memorization.

I have often wondered how actors  memorize long pieces of dialog when there are days I can’t remember what I ate for breakfast. But I know it is possible and it just takes the right process and consistency.

Do you have a unique way to memorize scripture? Please share your favorite apps and what works for you in the Comments section.

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Anchor in Hope – Read the Bible

Lately in the Christian arena it’s hard not to hear someone speak on the end times and the rapture. With the division among citizens, the pandemic and all the continuing strange things happening, it’s easy to wonder if we are living in the end times. Not knowing can cause uncertainty. And while only God the Father knows the return of His Son (Mark 13:32). We can only be vigilant and prepare ourselves for Him coming to get us, the rapture and His Son’s return. We can prepare ourselves by learning of the events and prophesy. When we are informed we become less fearful.

So what can we do? We can anchor ourselves in Hope. The next several posts will provide some ways in which we can become anchored in Hope so that we won’t drift and lose our course and can remain steadfast in God’s Word when the storms of life begin to rise.

How do we anchor ourselves in Hope? We can do three things:

1. Read the Bible.
2. Memorize His Word, scripture
3. Study His Word, learn

Read the Bible. I know sounds simple and obvious but the easiest. We carry the internet in our back pockets. And thanks to the internet we can carry the Bible with us wherever we go.

There are tons of free apps to download to read and have the Bible read to you. There’s the YouVersion that allows you to read many versions of the Bible. Some of those versions can be read to you so if you’re driving or just relaxing somewhere, pop in your ear buds and have someone read to you. (Note of caution, don’t wear ear buds while driving). Like many other apps, the YouVersion app offers short devotional plans that you can do in three days or seven. It also has a community where you can connect with your friends and do a devotional together. There’s a Bible for Women and Daily Study, The NIV Bible app if that’s your version of choice. There is one for men, MIM Devotions for Men. (These links are available for Apple and Android and there are so many out there).

There’s always the old fashion way of just picking up a Bible with actual pages. And don’t be afraid to write in it. Highlight, underline, make notes on words and phrases that stand out to you. A study Bible will usually cross reference passages and verses so that you can gain a better understanding as well as maps and break outs of further reading.

Read a verse, a chapter of a book, a Psalm or a Proverb. We can listen on our phone in the car, while we walk or work out, or doing the lawn. In the morning, afternoon, or at night before going to bed. Just try to commit to it daily. This can be transforming if you allow yourself the time and commit to it daily.

Anchoring yourself in God’s Word, getting hooked, will give you what you need to navigate through these uncertain times.

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Romans 10:17 (KJV)

The next post we will cover memorizing scripture. Stay tuned.

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