This week during my journal reading I focused on not only talking the talk but walking the walk.  It is easy to tell someone you are a "Christian" and then turn around and work for the devil.  In Matthew 7:24 it references a man that builds his house on rock versus a man who builds his on sand.  When storms come through the house on rock is stable where as the house on sand is destroyed.  What I took from this is that although you will encounter storms in life, if you build your foundation on the rock of Jesus then no amount of wind or rain can destroy you.  However, if you are weak and lack trust then your house of sand will be destroyed.  This journal is very helpful in that the journey it takes you on is useful.  Many Christian books only preach at you but you can't take anything personal from it.  Every time I read my journal and write in it I feel that it was made just for me and I can apply the teachings to my every day life.

The other part of my journal lesson was centered on James 1:22 which states "Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says."  Put what God is telling/showing you into action.  Don't just read the Bible, live it!

Reading Log

Mon- 45 mins
Tue- 15 mins
Thurs- 10 mins
Sat- 35 mins

I really focused my readings on what it means to properly "seek" God.  This was the topic in my weekly bible study as well as my PRABE journal.  I thought it was really great how what I was learning through my studies I was also learning in my journal.  The bible talks about seeking God and his righteousness.  That the road to righteousness is narrow and few will seek it.  I was so confused by this until I read more into my journal and found that there are a lot of answers to this in Matthew, Luke, and Corinthians.  For me, it all boiled down to my lesson on self-denial and dedication to fellowship, worship, and commitment.  My journal provided the following statement "God feeds the birds and dresses the grass.  Of course He is going to provide for His children. So don't worry-trust".

I am absolutely in love with this journal.  The studies are so personal and carry such a profound impact.  This week was about believing in the promises that God has stated that he will keep.  The first section I completed this week referenced Romans 4:25 "He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.  Also, Hebrews 6:9-20 which was an eye opening read.

My next study was teaching how to basically love one another regardless of who persecutes you.  There were two chapters in II Corinthians that literally had me in tears.  II Corinthians 12:9-11 and also all of chapter 13.  I really loved the passage that states if someone asks you to walk a mile with them, then walk two.  It is so easy to react to the negativity in the world with negativity but according to the scripture we must fight negativity with kindness, understanding, and love; all which are hard to do when faced with challenges.

The third study was in reference to how God will judge us and how his judgements are justified.  The scriptures referenced were Psalm 7:11 and I John 3:20.  Again through scripture we are challenged to whole heartily trust in God, his word, and the promises that are given.



Reading Log

Tues: 45 mins
Wed: 25 mins
Fri: 15 mins
Sat: 30 mins

Over the break I was able to locate my next text for PRABE.  I tried to get into the self-help book but it was just all over the place, not much help at all.  About 6 months ago I bought a journal/book is called "God's Promises for Women".  The journal gives you scriptures to read as well as a place to write down what you have learned from what you have read.  I have decided that sharing what I have learned would be more beneficial than a self-help book.

Each week I will go over 3 parts at a time so that I can have a way to break up what I have read/worked on.  For the first part I read about how God has assigned a "helper" for each and every person; whether that be a helper via marriage, via family, or even those who choose to do covenant work.  The scriptures that really stood out to me were John 15:16 "You did not choose Me, but I chose you." and also Hebrews 13:1-19.  I am reminded that God chose me to be his helper, to spread his word, to be his child just as he chose my husband, a special partner that was meant just for me.  This made me feel like I was special and so when I am down I remind myself that I am chosen for a greater purpose and this too shall pass.

The second part I read was about letting go of what we cannot handle and turning our worrries over to Christ as well as being encouraging to others.  The bible reference that came to mind during this part is Hebrew 10:23.

The third part speaks on the Lord being a shield around us.  Psalm 3:3 "But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the one who lifts my head.  The other scripture I read in relation to this was James 2:14-26.

Reading Log
Sund-45 mins
Mon-25 mins
Wed-30