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;
1 Chronicles 16:35
his love endures forever.”
Download the image to your phone as wallpaper or print it out to keep in front of you to help you memorize scripture.
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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:
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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new!! Every Monday The Kedge Anchor will be posting on Facebook Bible verses to memorize. There is so much false information around, most of it that’s just depressing. Memorizing scripture is something that can bring hope. In times of stress and and in those days when we are winning having a verse to recall can calm us, help us celebrate and maybe encourage someone else.
“They word I have hidden in my heart, that I may not sin against you.”
Psalm 119:11
Grab a pen and 3×5 card, a Post It note, put on your bathroom mirror, refrigerator or do it digitally, there are many apps to help, any way you prefer to help memorize scripture. Find a friend to hold you accountable and memorize to together.
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Waiting on the Lord when you need an answer from Him, or direction, or a healing can be difficult. It’s those difficult times it seems like we are walking in a wilderness, or in still waters and we need to do some kedging (see the About page). We can’t see the light, we don’t know in what direction to turn, we search for answers to the point we become consumed with the problem. We need to consume ourselves with THE problem solver. Jesus.
So often we hear people tell us to “just give it to God”, “hand your problems to Him”, and, I like this one, “Try not to worry about it.” All given with good intent and probably for a lack of not knowing what to say. Even the Bible does tell us not to worry – Matthew 6:25 -34, but God also gives us some instruction in verse 33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness“. So when we read or hear those words, “Give it to God”, what does that look like? I believe that handing it over to God is going to vary slightly for everyone. But I do believe there are two important practices with which we can start. First, we need to pray and read God’s Word. (Those two go hand in hand) Obvious I know, but it’s how we pray; pray specifically. God knows our situation, after all He is in control and nothing surprises Him, – Hebrews 4:13, but He still waits and wants to hear from His children. So perhaps we can pray specifically for putting the right people in our paths to encourage, speak truth to us, and that our eyes and hearts are open to them. There’s a quote in a book by Ruth Chou Simons titled Gracelaced, an awesome devotional, beautifully illustrated in watercolors and photographs that takes you through the truths from God’s Word as you transition through seasons of life. There is one quote that really stood out to me. “God is more interested in your desperate need for His lamp-lit direction than your path-paving skills.” By praying and reading God’s Word, getting to know Him more, and growing closer to Him, we will begin to focus less on our current situation and more on Him and what He has to say to us. We also begin to see the light on His path, just enough for the next step. That’s all we need. Any more would overwhelm us and if we knew more than we needed, we would be relying on that knowledge and not trusting God and “His lamp-lit direction”. Besides we only have today, not yesterday, and tomorrow is history. Focus on scripture, write out a scripture verse for the day, carry it with you, memorize it, draw it, paint it, sing it, whatever is going to help you remember it. This needs to be a daily practice. And when we come out of this wilderness, hopefully we are still practicing this important step.
The second thing we can do is serve. Text a friend ask them “how can I pray for you today?” and pray for them. A handwritten note is always encouraging and who doesn’t like to get a nice surprise in the mail? Ask to serve at church, a local non-profit, look to your neighbors, ask a friend if you can babysit so they can have a date night, mow a lawn, etc. I know serving may look different in this current state of lockdown and limited mobility. But there are ways to get creative. It may be just serving your family at home. Serving others helps get our minds off ourselves and our problems.
“God is more interested in your desperate need for His lamp-lit direction than your path-paving skills.”
Ruth Chou Simons
This is not to say that worry isn’t going to creep in. If you’re like me, “ok God, not going to worry about this, this is yours to handle, Amen.” LOL right? Ten seconds later, I’m back where I started. That’s ok. We. Are. Human. And once again, God isn’t surprised. So we need to recognize our worry and hand it back over to God with a prayer of asking for forgiveness and moving forward. Pick up the verse you wrote down and read it again, this time from memory, if you can. This is also not to say we can’t do anything at all. If it’s a financial struggle, a health issue, a relationship issue, a spiritual battle, whatever it is we are trying to navigate, we can still do a part. For example, if it’s a health issue, we can research healthy ways to combat it or search for a doctor that specializes in the health issue, but what we can’t do is obsess over it. And we will, from time to time, find ourselves obsessing. That’s when we need to repent and release it back to God. Walk away from it, regain our focus. As it was said in Hope for the Future Part 2, “While it’s good to plan and prepare responsibly, it’s bad to dwell and worry about all the ways our planning could go wrong.”
So when we feel like we are wandering or sailing in uncharted waters, seeking God’s “lamp-lit direction” by “kedging” (spiritual kedging) or pulling closer to Him, seeking Him in His Word daily, we allow God to show us the light and lead us in the right direction.
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This blog is all about Hope. God, the giver of Hope. When we find ourselves in troubled waters we need assurance there is Hope. God is in the troubled waters. The troubled waters can last for days to years. I know that doesn’t sound very hopeful. Take heart, things do change, some things take time to change and God is in control of that change. It’s in the movement, the uncomfortable places of transformation that we can find hope.
We all want to be in places of peace and calm, where there are no worries and things are going swimmingly. Our plans are unfolding nicely and we think we have it all figured out. Then, the tide changes. A storm suddenly wells up and churns our calm sea. Stop and pause for a moment. Where is the battle raging? The sea (your situation) or your mind? If you’re fighting the rough waters, trying to navigate, losing your way, trying to find some light, a way out and you’re starting lose hope, becoming weary and tired, depleted and discouraged, if that’s where you are, you’re fighting the wrong battle. You’re fighting something you have no control over. Stop.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
If God is in control, then you are wrestling God. Stop. Stop fighting God. Not that, that’s wrong. Now you’re probably about to say, “And just let the waters take me and toss me around?” Well, no. There are some things you can do. First recognize where the battle is really taking place. Be it a health issue, the loss of a loved one, a financial issue, an issue with a child, relationship, job related; those all represent the churning sea. God is using those situations to transform us. So what we need to do next, is fix our eyes, (verse) minds on Jesus, by the renewing of our minds (renewing of the mind verse) There is going to be little we can do to change our situation and wrestling God or the lies of Satan, that will just wear us out. Know that Satan is at work trying to keep you one degree off your navigation, but God says He will never leave us or forsake us. (verse) Sometimes the battle is harder to fight when the lines blur and we are trying to justify our situation so that we don’t have to change, because it’s just easier not to change. And really, who wants to change an already comfortable situation, perhaps? But, look at how hard you’re working NOT to change. Transformation can be painful. but, it’s worth it and once the transformation happens, life becomes easier. But, KNOW that God is working to use whatever situation you are in to transform you into more like Him. That’s His ultimate goal, but He is also working in other areas of our lives to grow us. – Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” NIV
Next, it’s the movement, even if you need to wrestle with God, and sometimes that’s ok, you’re not gonna win but what will come out of it is newness. Sitting in those calm still waters we can become stagnant, no change, no growth, really going nowhere. But it’s in the movement of those churning waters we learn to navigate uncharted waters or a new way to navigate in the same churning waters.
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It’s crazy. Isn’t it? The way things are going? What once was good is now considered bad. What once was bad is now good. And the Bible teaches us through prophesy in the Old Testament and in the book of Revelation about the end times. But yet, sometimes I gotta shake my head and say to myself, “Really?” Yah, really.
Often times, I am at a loss how to deal with things. It’s really confusing. And praying. Well, I really am not sure how to pray in these times. How does one pray for the days that are to come, if we are, and I believe we are embarking on the outskirts of the last days.
“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure …”
Hebrews 6:19 (NIV)
2 Timothy 3: 1-5 (NIV) “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
The KJV uses the word perilous for terrible. The greek word for perilous, *chalepos – hard to do or bear, 5467 xalepós (an adjective, derived from xaleptō, “to oppress, annoy,” J. Thayer) – properly, irksomely hard to bear (LS); fiercely difficult to cope with because so harsh (even injurious). Kinda what we are seeing and experiencing today, isn’t it?
Titus 2:11-12 (NIV) – “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,” Well, the Bible does teach us how we should live and be. Self-controlled, upright and live godly lives. But we need each other, we need encouragement from each other as Paul encouraged the people of Corinth and as he received letters of encouragement from the people whilst in prison.
The book of Titus goes on to say in verse 13, “… while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, there is Hope. Hope for the soul, Hebrews 6:19 – “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure …”
It’s hard not to be discouraged and just sad at the events that take place, the headlines, the social media posts, the injustice. And the Bible does tell us to not be discouraged. Joshua 1:19 reminds of that as well as Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” There’s that word again, hope. We have HOPE! And that HOPE will be with us wherever we go! The future I believe is our home in Heaven and for the present day, God has plans for us today, to live self controlled and upright godly lives. If we just love the Lord our God and our neighbor, the rest falls into place.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.“
Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
It sounds simple, huh? It is and it isn’t. Seek God and His Word for answers and comfort. And I encourage to seek counseling. There are many Christian counselors out there and meetings can be done remotely. If we try to do it in our own strength we won’t make it. There will be days we want to lash out, scream, shout, ggggrrrrrr! It’s not easy some days. We need encouragement in these terrible, perilous times. We don’t have to like it or agree with it. We need to resolve with ourselves to lead godly and upright lives. And we can only do that by walking with God and by encouraging each other.
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Resources
*https://biblehub.com/greek/5467.htm
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