Overcoming Stress https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/11582

Click on this link to see this Reading Plan on You Version. Let God speak to you through His Word. Have a blessed day.

The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament sheweth his handywork. Psalm 19:1 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.19.1.KJV

When we look at the sky and all of the stars, the moon, the sun, the clouds, and all of the planets, we know that they were not made by man’s hands. We know that God created all of these things for us and it is for our enjoyment, but not to be worshipped. When we hear the birds sing their songs, we know God created that bird and gave him or her their voice, their wings, their feet, and the ability to fly. When we see everything around us, including the smallest little creature, we know that God created all of these things that has the breath of life in them. When we look at the flowers, grass, and the trees, we know that God created those things. When we look at ourselves, we know that God created us to. Everything God created shows His handywork on this earth. There is nothing that man can say that their hands created except what was created by man such as buildings, roads, and robotics, and other things that are worldly. God is the Master Creator. Everything He created will forever stand. His Word will remain always and forevermore. ©2022

https://shop.prayerandpossibilities.com/collections/resources-on-how-to-pray?sort_by=title-ascending#MainContent

Click on the link above to visit this site. There are so many beautiful resources that will help deepen your relationship with God. I thought this would be something you would enjoy looking into. Have a blessed day.

https://blog.youversion.com/2022/04/ryan-ellis-story/

Click on the link above to read the story about Ryan Ellis.

give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Luke 6:38 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/luk.6.38.KJV

One of the biggest benefits of learning about ancient biblical life is the ability to better apply what you read. It can help shape the way you view the rest of the passage, book, or even the Bible—equipping you to understand God’s Word and apply it to your life. So, below we listed 14 facts you most likely don’t already know! We found these inside the Chronological Study Bible, which comes in both NIV and NKJV versions. Ancient Health Practices So, how did people living during Bible times take care of their health? What kind of diseases did they face? 1. Although there was no theory of communicable diseases, the isolation of the leper looks very much like quarantine (Lev. 13:45). Today, the infection that causes leprosy medical professionals call Hansen’s disease. The symptoms are different from the leprosy mentioned in the Bible. 2. Balm is a kind of resin taken from trees by cutting the bark. People used it as a perfume. And the community also considered it a medicine (Jer. 51:8). Although Gilead is mentioned together with balm (Jer. 8:22; 46:11), the substance was not produced in Gilead. It may have been transported through Gilead or sold there. Ancient pharmaceuticals consisted mainly of plant products recommended by tradition. Ancient Food Practices So, what did they eat in biblical times? 3. The salt used in ancient times wasn’t refined. And there was always some proportion of chemicals present in addition to sodium chloride. If the fraction useful for flavoring food was leached away by dampness, what remained was without value. Then, people sometimes threw it on paths like gravel, since it was “then good for nothing” (Matt. 5:13). 4. The custom of eating while reclining seems to have come from Palestine from the East. People ate from common dishes on a low table as they reclined on large couches. The banquets of the rich included musicians, fine foods, and perfumes for the guests. Ivory inlays decorated the wooden parts of luxurious furniture (Amos 6:4). Examples of such inlay survive, showing how it artisans carved it. 5. Fasting appears in the Bible as a natural expression of feeling distress, sorrow, and guilt (Deut. 9:18). It does not play a large part in the Law of Moses, where only one mandatory fast is found – on the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:29-31). The apostle Paul called this day “the Fast” (Acts 27:9). Ancient Marriage & Family So…were family structures similar to the structures we have today? 6. Jewish people regarded marriage as the natural duty of men and women. In line with Jewish tradition, Paul suggested that a person should marry in order to avoid sexual immorality (1 Cor. 7:9). The apostle also understood marriage and celibacy to be gifts of God (7:7). When he advocated remaining single (7:8), he was conscious of people’s usual expectation that adult men, and especially religious leaders, would marry. 7. A marriage was a union of two families, not just of two people. The formalities and celebrations could continue for several days, or even into the night. Jesus told a parable of a midnight procession that took place during wedding festivities (Matt. 25:1-6). One could never know exactly when someone would return from a wedding feast (Luke 12:36). 8. The status of women in the ancient world was not the same in every culture. For example, Roman women were more independent than Greek women. The Book of Proverbs describes the “virtuous wife” (Prov. 31:10) as a woman who has authority over her household economy and is free to do many different things. She is industrious (31:13-15) and resourceful (31:16-19). Ancient Fashion & Clothing So, what was cool to wear during Biblical times? 9. Sandals were such personal items that they symbolically represented their owner in some legal transactions. In one type of business transaction, removal of the sandal confirmed an exchange of buying and selling. Such an exchange could even include the acquisition of a wife (Ruth 4:7-10). 10. Ancient societies did not change their fashion of clothing every year. Certain garments and styles could persist for generations. At the same time, there was room for people to exercise vanity and to advertise their rank in society (James 2:2). Rings and other items of jewelry clearly had such functions. 11. A wedding party was a substantial, almost public affair. Guests wore their best clothes as participants in an important ritual of the social order. A person who attended without being properly dressed proclaimed indifference. Not so much to the one holding the party, but to the people of the village and their common interests. Jesus’ hearers would sense the dishonor of a guest lacking the appropriate wedding garment (Matt. 22:11). Ancient Music & Literature So…what were the arts like during Biblical times? 12. Traditionally riddles were important tests of someone’s wisdom, insight, and skill. In some cases a riddle was offered as a test whose outcome was of far-reaching importance, if not life and death. Samson married a Philistine woman. But relations between Israelites and Philistines were strained. The Philistines were serious about finding the answer to Samson’s riddle (Judg. 14:14). 13. The ancient world had wind, percussion, and stringed instruments. The main instruments of the Israelites seem to have been small harps and percussion instruments, not including drums (1 Chr. 13:8). The percussion instruments include the metal rattle called a sistrum that was a favorite in Egypt. The titles of the psalms probably include some names of musical tunes. 14. Ministers today often use sermon illustrations to help their hearers understand a sermon’s point. In the same way, ancient Jewish teachers used stories to illustrate whatever moral principle they were trying to communicate. Sometimes these parables had one central point. In other cases, such as Jesus’ parable of the sower and the four soils (Mark 4:2-8), parables included several points of comparisons. Because Jewish parables were usually stories, we understand Jesus’ parables best when we consider them as stories. Learn More About Biblical Life You can learn more about the historical context of Scripture by using a resource like the Chronological Study Bible. It comes in both NKJV and NIV versions. Chronological Study Bible (NIV) Chronological Study Bible (NKJV)

I just finished day 2 of the @YouVersion plan ‘Living Changed: Purpose’. Check it out here: http://bible.com/r/4q1

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Esther 4:14 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/est.4.14.KJV

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/rom.8.28.KJV

Gifts from God Have you ever stopped to consider how all the pieces of your life fit together? Whether you realize it or not, God put certain things in your path and gave you opportunities to strengthen different skills, so that He could prepare you for your purpose.  As a 30-year-old woman, I remember thinking back on my cheerleading years and wondering how it connected to my adult life. For 13 years, from kindergarten through my senior year of high school, I cheered for my school and led pep rallies. As an adult, I couldn’t see the reason God had for giving me those experiences.  Not long after that, I went to a conference where I heard women speak passionately about leading others to Christ. I thought to myself, “I want to do that someday.” Right then, God connected the dots for me. Because of cheerleading, I’m comfortable in front of large crowds and able to hold their attention. In all those years, God had been preparing me for the role He created for me. Every one of your life experiences makes you uniquely you. Consider the natural talents God has given you, the different opportunities you’ve had, and the skills you’ve acquired. Think about where you grew up, where you’ve traveled, what you’ve learned. Maybe you understand different cultures and can relate to people around the world, or maybe you create art that inspires and moves people to action. The various experiences you’ve had in your life may seem irrelevant on their own, but together, they’re leading you toward something meaningful that you can use to glorify God.  We see this in the book of Esther, which tells the story of a Jewish woman who is in the unique position to save her people from mass genocide. Even as the wife and queen of the Persian King, she didn’t see herself as special or more important to God’s plan than anyone else. She was just doing her best to survive. But because of who she was, where she lived, the time she lived in, who she had influence with, and the wisdom God gave her, He used her to save the Israelites from death. There’s no question that God has given you skills, talents, education, financial power, status, or influence that is special to you. The question is how you will use it. You don’t have to be in full-time ministry to do God’s work. You can work for God in business or in the home, with many or with few. Most of us won’t be famous someday, but we all have circles of influence and unique gifts that those in our circle of influence need. Ask God to reveal how these things equip you for His purpose. God, thank you for everything you’ve given me and for every opportunity you’ve placed in my path. Show me all the strengths, characteristics, learnings, influence, and provisions you’ve given me that are unique to me. Reveal how they all come together to point to your purpose for my life. I want to use the things in my past for your Kingdom. Help me bring glory and honor to you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

I just finished day 1 of the @YouVersion plan ‘Living Changed: Purpose’. Check it out here: http://bible.com/r/4q1

Delight thyself also in the LORD; And he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Psalm 37:4 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.37.4.KJV

Living Changed: Purpose https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/18601

Created for Purpose Each of us was born to fulfill a specific purpose in this world. Even though we might not choose to acknowledge it, or have it figured out yet, God designed every single person with an incredibly unique combination of gifts that He wants to use to grow His Church. Thankfully, God has placed clues in our hearts and, through the Holy Spirit, guides us to discover our purpose. As children, we have such big imaginations. We create characters and whole worlds where we see ourselves as capable of anything. The sky’s the limit! We haven’t learned what to fear or been told we can’t. We’re not yet confined by life’s harsh realities or worried about status. We’re confident in who we are and free to play out our dreams. I can remember playing in the front yard in my superhero pajamas with the matching top and bottom. I was Wonder Woman, rescuing the world from danger! I’d stand guard on the porch with my hands on my hips, and at the first sign of trouble, I would jump in to save the day. Even after playing all day long, I wouldn’t get tired of it. When I got older, I wondered why I’d had that particular desire when I was little. It became clear to me that even as a child, I wanted to help those who couldn’t help themselves. As a pastor, that’s exactly what I get to do today. I work tirelessly to rescue people from the gates of hell by leading them to The Rescuer. I know God put me on this earth to help save people. He put that desire in me from the beginning. Maybe you didn’t want to be a superhero. Instead, you followed a nightly bedtime routine for all your dolls, or set up a class of stuffed animals to teach. Maybe you pretended to heal the sick, report the news, or explore new worlds. Whatever dreams you had as a child, they weren’t in your heart by coincidence. God placed them there for a purpose. Even though the world may have convinced you to dismiss them as imaginary, they’re still there—woven into the fabric of who He made you to be. If you’re unsure of God’s purpose for you, look at what you’ve dreamed. Consider the things that draw you to tears, pull on your heart strings, get you fired up, and bring you to a righteous anger. He put those things in you, uniquely creating you for a purpose that only you can fulfill.  God, thank you for creating me with a specific purpose in mind. Thank you for believing in me and giving me exactly what I need to fulfill your calling on my life. Reveal to me the passions, hopes, and desires you’ve placed in my heart, and clearly show me how to use them for your Kingdom Lord. Help me to live in your will and bring you glory with everything I say and do. In Jesus’ precious name, amen.

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 1 John 5:14 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/1jn.5.14.KJV