Extraordinary Living Through Scripture

Flipping open a random book at the library, this quote leaped off the page at me:
Tell children, to have an extraordinary life they should read the word every day.

I mean, wow...what an idea! It makes sense doesn't it? If we believe that faith, hope, healing, redemption, joy, peace, etc. come from the word of YHWH, then it certainly would be a wise investment of our time to find these things in order to live our best lives. 

It's such robbery that society sends the message to all of us that living a good life means you have to be famous, have a high profile job, be really wealthy, or have a ton of friends. We can look at the divorce rate in Hollywood, the average life-expectancy of famous musicians (42 years), or the amount of celebrities checked into rehab and see that money and fame don't give you a good life. Being rich doesn't mean you're joyful or have peace and being famous doesn't mean you have healthy relationships. None of the things that the world deems as success means you are walking as YHWH wants or that you'll have eternal life. 

On the flip side, no matter what someone's life looks like learning truth and how YHWH wants us to live will make their life better! Regardless of age, location, income, or whatever else, we all need the love, joy, and peace that come from the Holy Spirit, because that's how we have a good life: through relationship with our Savior. And that starts with learning his Word: what he says, his promises, what he says about us, instructions on how to live, and encouragement.

I was driving through town and reminded of how much Scripture can impact us. I wasn't really having a bad day, but I was beginning to feel a little frazzled. Several small frustrations had happened, and things were taking longer than I had planned...you know how things like this can turn into a bad day, if you let them? Well, I had just turned around because I realized I had forgotten something and I drove past a church in town that is known for their sign being...snarky. Well, this is the only time I can remember in my whole life they had a Bible verse on their sign. It said, "Hold onto hope, for he is forever faithful." I read that and it instantly brightened my day and I felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. That day could have spiraled downward, but being reminded of truth stopped that. Just from reading one verse while driving past. Scripture really can transform a bad day into a great one, and it can inspire and equip you to live your best life. Who can't use more of it?

Who doesn't want more good days? Who can't use more peace in their life? Who doesn't need more wisdom about how to live? The place to get these things is Scripture!

Ways to get more Scripture in your life:

-Read it. Seriously, it's time to be done with excuses and start reading YHWH's word. Even if you're not great at reading or don't like to read, pick it up and start. It's so worth it! Even if you don't make it far or you go slow, it will impact your life.

-Sabbath. If you consistently read Scripture throughout the week that is awesome! Consider reading extra or doing some type of study on Shabbat. If you're not good about consistently being in the Word, start with making it a point to at least read on the Sabbath day.

-Make it a habit. Things are a lot easier once we have a pattern established, so make it a point to make reading Scripture a habit. Try reading first thing in the morning, after lunch, or as part of your nighttime routine. Figure out what works well for you and in about three weeks you should have a habit made if you stick to it!

-Listen to an audio Bible. I know there are plenty of times when reading isn't an option but you can still saturate yourself with the peace of the Word when you're driving, making dinner, playing with the kids, out for a run or whatever else you're doing. Listen to an audio Bible or a teaching on Scripture when your eyes and hands are occupied elsewhere. Even if you don't catch everything, it's better than nothing and can brighten up your day. It's also a great example to set for children or anyone else who sees this habit.

-Listen to music that focuses on Scripture. This is the same idea as listening to an audio Bible, you can do it at times when you can't sit down and read. But it has the added bonus of making Scripture verses easier to recall. I often have songs in my head while I'm working or running errands, so I'd much rather they be songs filled with truth! If you're working somewhere that plays the radio, put on a Christian station. If you're somewhere that is playing good music let them know how much you appreciate that.

-Leave your Bible out and open. This is a simple way to sneak in some reading. When I am busy I'm not going to go take a heavy Bible off the shelf when I don't have time to read it anyway. But if it's laying open on the counter? You can read a verse or two when you're on the phone, cleaning up, or packing lunches.

-Get a verse of the day app or set your homepage to a verse of the day website. You might as well make your screen time a more life-giving experience, right? Get an app that will pop up with a verse or find a pretty Scripture for your lock screen on your phone. Setting your internet browser's homepage to a Bible website will help to start your day off on the right foot. Make your desktop background a Scripture verse that encourages you, and share verses on social media to inspire others.

-Place Bible verses around your home. There are many beautiful printable Bible verses that are free or inexpensive. Get a few and place them around your home where you will see them...on the fridge, near the door you walk in and out of the most, the bathroom mirror, etc. If you have an office or desk space at work, put some there as well. Change or move them when they stop catching your attention.

-Put Scriptures on a chalkboard. Same idea as the printable verses but with the added opportunity memorization and meditation when you take the time to write it out. They are easy to make too, here's my DIY version.

-Be accountable. Do you struggle to find motivation to pick up your Bible? Joining a study group can help a lot! Jotting "Bible study" in your planner reminds you that you have some reading to do, plus it's nice to look forward to talking to others about it. You can also share your goal of reading more Scripture with family and friends and ask them to remind you and encourage you in it.

-Talk about it! Even living in a conservative Christian area, Scripture doesn't get brought up a lot. If that's going to change it starts with me. Make it a point to talk about a Bible verse or story at the dinner table or ask a friend what Scriptures have been on their mind lately. Or share what you have been learning or thinking about. It doesn't have to be in a 'thus sayeth' style and you don't need to quote the verse address anytime a spiritual discussion comes up. Practice talking about faith and Biblical truths naturally and it will impact you and your community.

Open My Eyes - Psalm 119 Printable

"Open my eyes that I might see the wonders from your Torah." -Psalm 119:18

What an amazing statement! If you haven't read through the 119th psalm to see the author's reverence for the words and instructions of YHWH, it's definitely worth a look. The unknown author waxes quite poetically about the beauty of the word, the goodness of Torah's instructions, that it's worth more than millions in gold, how the word is a lamp to our lives. He or she has nothing but praises for the Torah, and this is the longest chapter in the whole of Scripture...nothing but praises.

And yet, still they are asking to see more.

There is so much more richness and depth to Scripture than what we realize. And the more I see, the more I am aware that there is more that I haven't yet understood. No matter where you are in your faith, you can have more. This printable is available to you for free in hopes that this reminder would stir in your heart to ask to see more of the beauty from YHWH's word.

Click here to download this printable. It is free for your personal use and easy to print off on a regular printer. Enjoy!

1 Corinthians 8:13 and Not Eating What Causes to Stumble

Paul wrote very plainly that he would not eat something if it caused someone else to stumble in their faith. Are believers today following his example?

"If food causes my brother to stumble, I will not eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble." -1 Corinthians 8:13

My friend Christopher wanted to show others that all things are truly possible with YHWH. So he became a vegetarian. People were floored that he was able to give up eating meat, and that he did so joyfully. His choice to forgo meat eating was a powerful example to his friends and family who felt they couldn't give up the thing that was keeping them back from the Messiah. His vegetarian diet was the spark that ignited freedom from drugs, addiction, sinful relationships, and lies in the lives of many people. Does Scripture teach that you have to be a vegetarian? No, many passages make it clear which animals are permissible for eating. But Chris's choice to not eat those animals helped many encounter the truth and love of YHWH.

I don't share this to say that you have to become a vegetarian, because you don't. Scripture gives you the right not to. But as Paul said, "Watch out that this right of yours doesn't become a stumbling block."

Scripture gives us certain instructions regarding what we are to eat. Mainly we are to avoid unclean animals (pigs and shellfish, as well as other creatures like bats, camels, and ostriches). You can see more on this here or in Leviticus 11.

We are not going to get into the debate of if YHWH's word still stands today or not. So regardless of if you are eating clean or unclean animals and foods, let's look at this verse again: I will not eat what causes my brother to stumble. (1 Corinthians 8:13)

When my husband and I started making changes away from the mainstream Christian faith, many people started working very hard to explain why following Scripture's dietary instructions was unnecessary. To this day, we are regularly questioned, teased, or told we are wrong by well-meaning believers. Even if this were true, how is this a good use of anyone's time? I would so much rather they would spend that time and energy to share the Gospel with the masses who desperately need it, than to to try and give me more dinner options.

The entire chapter of 1 Corinthians 8 explains that people have different sensitivities when it comes to what they eat. It's worth noting that this is in regards to Biblically clean animals that have been offered to idols, not if unclean animals are acceptable to eat. Many translations use the word 'weak' but sensitive better encompasses the meaning of this passage. This entire chapter of Scripture tells us, "Not everyone is going to agree with you on this, be respectful anyway." You know what is not in this passage? Some sort of clause that says if someone is more sensitive than you are about what they eat, just go ahead and explain why they are wrong. Or belittle them until they agree with you or try to trick them into eating bacon. Be kind to those who are sensitive, their faith is on the line.

Is what you're eating causing someone to stumble? Let's look at who your dietary choices can impact:

-The roughly thirteen million Jewish people in the world who have not accepted the Messiah. One of the major set backs is that Jews see Christians representing the Messiah as someone who did not keep the commandments. Additionally many Jewish people are uncomfortable or unwilling to sit at a table with someone who is eating something that Scripture says not to, which obviously hinders relationship development and a chance to share truth. 

-Those frustrated by the confusion and hypocrisy of the faith. While Christians are used to how they do or don't apply certain passages of Scripture, this is truly confusing for someone new or outside the faith. I've been in churches where before the sermon everyone holds up their Bible and says that it is the inerrant word of God, and then the pastor's sermon explains that well, actually a good chunk of it is out of date. We can all think of people who have left the faith because of hypocrisy in others. 

-People who have decided not to eat meat for ethical reasons. In the mass food system there are many horrible things that happen during the factory production of meat. Many believe that the Messiah would not take part in this system, and therefore they choose not to as well. Does anyone benefit by debating this decision? Why try to convince them that the one whose eye is on the sparrow doesn't care about the welfare of his creatures? 

-Those who need to see a demonstration of love and power. Like Christopher's friends and family, who doesn't want a tangible example to point to of the transformation that happens through the Holy Spirit? Who doesn't need to see that change is possible? Being respectful of someone's dietary choices is a great way to show that person love. It is so meaningful to go to a friend's for dinner knowing that they have gone out of their way to make sure the meal is something I am comfortable with. There are too many believers claiming to love others, but aren't willing to give up any of their own rights to support another's faith.

Pick up any cookbook or flip on any food related show and you will hear how food has an amazing power to connect people of different cultures, ages, nationalities, lifestyles, etc. But the quickest way to break that connection is to be disrespectful of someone's dietary restrictions. Don't let your food choices cause someone else to stumble. Make sure your table is one you can invite them to.

More about eating the Bible's way: 

What is Biblically Clean Eating?
Did the Messiah "make all foods clean"?
What Scripture Teaches About Peter's Vision
Understanding 1 Corinthians 10:27

Praying Scripture: Luke 8:48

It's been a while since our last praying Scripture post, but I think this one is too good not to share!

The story of the woman with the issue of blood is so encouraging. Twelve years of struggle, countless visits to doctors, spending her life savings to try and find a solution, nothing that helped, no beneficial remedy, so much frustration...and it's fixed as soon as she comes in contact with the Messiah.

Who doesn't need to be reminded of this story? Maybe what you need healing for isn't an issue with blood, or even a physical ailment. Maybe you've struggled with depression or anxiety. Perhaps there is addiction or an ongoing battle with a specific sin in your life. Have you been plagued by doubt or fear? Is there a family history of heart disease that worries you? No matter how resigned you may be feeling to whatever struggle you have, contact with the Messiah can bring healing and transformation to you!

I wonder about the rest of this woman's story. We know she was desperate for healing, to the point where she had spent everything she had trying to get help from doctors. Did the people in her life realize her desperation? When they learned of her plan to touch Yahusha, were they supportive or did they think it was yet another waste of time? Maybe they even tried to talk her out of going to see him that day. Did they tell her she just needed to accept this issue and get used to it? I'm sure they had a long list of reasons why the Messiah wouldn't help her. Nevertheless she persisted. And Yahusha healed her that day.

And he said to her, "Take courage, daughter. Your belief has healed you. Go in peace." -Luke 8:48

There can't be a lot of sentences more beautiful than that. When the Messiah calls you daughter and tells you that you can have peace and that you're healed...there's not a lot more you could ask. I find myself wanting that kind of faith, the kinds that heals. We all need that.

A prayer from Luke 8:48 (along with other Scripture):

YHWH, thank you for the incredible honor and gift of being called your child! Help me to live out of the courage that comes from knowing I belong to you. I ask that you would transform my mind by changing the way I think, so that I might have the kind of faith and beliefs that are healing - not only to myself but to those in my life as well. Thank you that all things are possible with you, and that just a touch from you is healing. Help me to be persistent in getting to you, no matter what anyone else says. Your word says that your garment fills the Temple. Thank you that it is plenty wide enough for each of us to grab onto for healing. Let your peace rule my heart and help me to live in the wholeness you have for me.

Scripture Reading for the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot)

Here is a list of Scriptures to read during and in the time leading up to the Festival of Sukkot. This set apart time is also known as the Feast of Tabernacles or Booths, the Festival of Ingathering, and the Season of Joy, so there are certainly lots of Scriptures that would be appropriate for this time of year! This time is a reminder that YHWH dwells with us, and calls to mind both Yahusha's life and also his return when he will once again be physically present with us.

Scriptures to read for Sukkot:

Exodus 23:16 - the first mention of Sukkot in Scripture, before the Israelites even got to the Promised Land.
Leviticus 23:34 - details on Sukkot.
Deuteronomy 16:13-15 - talks about rejoicing during the Festival of Booths.
Psalm 27:5 - a promise that YHWH will secure us in his sukkah.
Ecclesiastes - this is a traditionally read during Sukkot.
Ezra 3:4 - the celebration of Sukkot after the Temple was rebuilt.
Nehemiah 8:14-18 - the Torah is read after many years of neglect and the people see the instructions on keeping the feast.
Zechariah 14:16-20 - a prophecy of the feast of Sukkot being celebrated in the millennium.
Luke 2 - the story of the birth of the Messiah, which is evidenced to have happened at this time of year.
John 7 - Yahusha's time at the festival of Sukkot.
Revelation 21:3-5 - when the sukkah of YHWH comes and dwells with us.

More on Tabernacles:
The Feast of Tabernacles: Everything You Should Know
8 Things Scripture Says About the Feast of Tabernacles
Activities for Tabernacles

How Scripture Says to Handle Anxiety

What does the Bible say about how to handle feelings of anxiety or panic? Many people write off concerns about anxiety and depression by simply instructing to just pray about it, when Scripture gives more insight and direction than that! We are going to take a look at what the Bible says, so that we can know how to handle anxious feelings.

Caroline Leaf says, "When God said he gave you a sound mind he wasn't joking." But what do you do when you're not feeling that? It's no secret that anxiety and depression have skyrocketed in recent years. And obviously, life is stressful and sometimes our concerns can feel overwhelming. It's normal to feel that way sometimes, but if we don't know how to handle anxiety and depression that can be a vicious cycle to try and break free from. So what do we do?

Did you know that Scripture tells us exactly how to deal with this?

"Do not worry at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to YHWH." -Philippians 4:6

"Don't worry about it," That's definitely easier said than done, but when Paul said this he meant it. Mentally running through 'what ifs' and worst-case-scenarios does absolutely nothing beneficial for us. It's a miserable way to spend time and it's definitely a downward spiral of negativity that's hard to get out of. So how do we stop this when we're worried? Take a look at the rest of the sentence: start praying and be thankful!

If you're in a bad situation, pray about it and ask YHWH to help you get through this in a healthy way. Ask him to transform your thinking so you can look at things from his perspective. Ask him to show you what he's doing in this and in you. Thank him for his promise to work all things together for good. Praise him for his faithfulness. Pray that others would have their eyes opened to truth through this. Ask him to help you trust in him and have peace in this.

And don't miss the "with thanksgiving" factor. Start thinking about what you do have to be thankful for...and get really specific with the details. Start with small things like seeing flowers growing outside or wearing your favorite top, and go from there. When you're having a bad moment this is a great reset, reminding you that while you may have had a rough shift at work or bad ten minutes your life isn't bad. There are good things. Literally count your blessings by making a list to look over when it's hard to remember.

"And the peace of YHWH, which surpasses all understanding, shall guard your hearts and minds through the Messiah." -Philippians 4:7

Maybe you're skeptical about prayer being helpful or don't see a point in mentally enumerating things to be thankful for. That's okay. YHWH's peace goes right on over our understanding. It might not make sense, but thanks to the Messiah, that's how it works. I like the bit about this peace guarding us. This compounds. Start praying and being thankful when you don't feel like it, and peace will come in and you will be better protected for next time something stressful comes up.

"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is righteous, whatever is clean, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good report, if there is any uprightness and if there is any praise - think one these." -Philippians 4:8

Literally. Do this. Think about good and lovely things. Happy family memories. Visiting a beautiful garden. Think about the dreams you have for your life. Memorize an encouraging verse. Make up plans for a dream home or vacation. Remember your time at a beautiful lake or in the mountains. Scripture tells us that we need to take our minds off the negative and sad thoughts and replace them with good things. Don't just take a two minute prayer break and go back to focusing on the difficult or disappointing. Work to reroute your focus to righteous and clean things. Fill your mind with Biblical truth. Maybe you make a list of things to turn to. You could read a favorite book or watch a happy movie. The things you direct your thoughts to absolutely affect your emotional state.

"And what you have learned and received and heard and saw in me, practice these, and the YHWH of peace shall be with you." -Philippians 4:9

So all the stuff we just went over? Put that into practice, even when you're not feeling down or anxious. Think of things that you're thankful for from each day. Pray continually. Ask YHWH to help you have a grateful heart. Make it a point to find encouragement and peace in Scripture.  Don't inundate yourself with garbage from television or toxic people, instead let your thought life be filled with the righteous and the lovely.

Try these things and see YHWH work in your life!

Related posts:
Five Ways to Have a More Peaceful Sabbath
How to Pray for Our World
Fifty Ways to Love Your Neighbor

Ark Encounter Tour - Part 2

Back today with part two of my photos from visiting the Ark Encounter. Even with all of these pictures I don't feel like this really does the Ark justice. It is just so big with so many things to see, each of which is a masterpiece itself. If you are ever near Williamstown, Kentucky I would highly recommend stopping by to see the Ark! 

These ramps were how you went from floor to floor in the Ark.

Obviously, Noah and his family had carpentry skills enough to build the Ark but they must have been talented in many other things as well. Everything from animal care to midwifery and healthcare to farming to making things like soap, blankets, and bread. Stone-working and metal working. Probably writing and artistic abilities as well.

Directions for the Ark in Scripture!

The center of the ark was open so that light could come down from the windows above.

Wow, was this an incredible piece! It was a timeline of world history, broken off by different civilizations and cultures. It would take hours to go over the entire thing. After we got home a friend told us you could buy a copy in the gift shop.

The yod-hey-waw-hey. YHWH in Hebrew.

Before seeing the beautiful living quarters I had sort of pictured Noah and his family huddled together in the dark surrounded by animals, with sleeping bags, and maybe a pot of soup. But there's no reason to believe they would not have put care into designing their own living space. They spent six months on the Ark, possibly longer if they lived on it for any time before or after the flood.

Seriously - what craftsmanship! Interesting to think about too is that they chose all the relics that survived the flood. Practical things like tools and clothing were on board but they were also entrusted with the entire library of their age, hence Noah's library.

The kitchen area. They would have brought along produce that stores well. See those carrots on the left? Orange carrots are actually a pretty recent creation in the world so I was pleased to see they had the older red variety.

Who ever thought of there being a kitchen on the Ark? Of course they would have needed a space to prepare meals for themselves and maybe even to break down vegetables for the animals. They even included something similar to a tandoori oven on board.

Potting bench with space for drying herbs.

I absolutely loved this - indoor gardening! There was an explanation that the light that came in from the top of the Ark could have been used to grow foods like lettuces for Noah's family. Or even just to keep plants alive for replanting after the flood.

Explanations of other culture's flood legends.

The proposed methods of survival in the legends. There were many details about why these would not have worked but the Ark in Scripture would have!

There was a special exhibit of various Bible manuscripts when we visited.

Near the end this exhibit explains salvation.

The dove coming back with the olive branch.

To give you a better idea of the massive size of the Ark - the first floor is underneath the structure! It was so moving to see the Ark built to scale and like I said, there are so many things I didn't even get pictures of. There are more exhibits, two theaters, pony rides, a zoo, restaurant, and a huge gift shop. I am so glad we had the opportunity to visit!

See part one photos here.