Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

Psalm 90:12

December 23, 2015, Wednesday, 636 a.m.

Psalm 90:12 New Living Translation (NLT)
12 Teach us to realize the brevity of life,
    so that we may grow in wisdom.
-- New Living Translation (NLT). Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Psalm 90:12 Expanded Bible (EXB)
12 ·Teach us [Make us know] ·how short our lives really are [L to count our days]
    so that we ·may be wise [L gain a wise heart].
-- Expanded Bible (EXB). The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.

Psalm 90:12 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
12 Teach us to number our days carefully
so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts.
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

Psalm 90:12 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
12 So teach us to number our days,
That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.
-- New American Standard Bible (NASB). Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

If we truly realised how brief life was here on earth, we would live it drastically differently and would make every single moment count.

How do we make every moment count? Live it fully.

How do we live every moment fully? We find every single blessing we can of each and every moment, we thank God for them, and we capture them on the page to remember, review, and count again.

S.O.A.P. Bible Study of Psalm 141

Scripture:
Here are what I think the key verses are:
Psalm 141:1-4 New Living Translation (NLT)
A psalm of David.
1 O Lord, I am calling to you. Please hurry!
    Listen when I cry to you for help!
2 Accept my prayer as incense offered to you,
    and my upraised hands as an evening offering.
3 Take control of what I say, O Lord,
    and guard my lips.
4 Don’t let me drift toward evil
    or take part in acts of wickedness.
Don’t let me share in the delicacies
    of those who do wrong.
-- New Living Translation (NLT). Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Here is another translation or version:
Psalm 141:1-4 Expanded Bible (EXB)
A psalm of David.
1 Lord, I ·call [pray] to you. Come quickly to me.
    ·Listen to me [L Give ear to my voice] when I ·call [pray] to you.
2 Let my prayer be like incense placed before you [Ex. 30:7–8; Rev. 5:8],
    and ·my praise [L the lifting of my hands] like the evening sacrifice.
3 Lord, ·help me control my tongue [L set a guard on my mouth];
    ·help me be careful about what I say [L keep watch on the door of my mouth; Prov. 13:3; 21:23; James 3:1–12].
4 ·Take away my desire to do evil [L Don’t incline my heart to an evil matter]
    or to join others in doing wrong.
Don’t let me eat tasty food
    with those who do evil.
-- Expanded Bible (EXB). The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.
For me, the key verse is:
Psalm 141:3 New Living Translation (NLT)
3 Take control of what I say, O Lord,
    and guard my lips.
-- New Living Translation (NLT). Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Psalm 141:3 Expanded Bible (EXB)
3 Lord, ·help me control my tongue [L set a guard on my mouth];
    ·help me be careful about what I say [L keep watch on the door of my mouth; Prov. 13:3; 21:23; James 3:1–12].
-- Expanded Bible (EXB). The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.
Psalm 141:3 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
3 Lord, set up a guard for my mouth;
keep watch at the door of my lips.
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.
Psalm 141:3 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
3 Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;
Keep watch over the door of my lips.
-- New American Standard Bible (NASB). Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.
Observations:
Psalm 141:3 New Living Translation (NLT)
3 Take control of what I say, O Lord,
    and guard my lips.
I sure need this prayer. Especially today. It was another one of those everything that could possible go wrong, did, mornings. Hence, out of frustration, I flapped my mouth--internally and externally.
You know, Lord, it just hit me. Just because I think it, does it make it any.less bad? A bad thought is not as bad as a bad word. Both are ugly, are sinful, and get my eye and heart off of You.
And, as I complain, vent, gripe, it only leaves me feeling ugly and tarnished. Never mind who I vent to.
How does this help?
The personalized prayer of Psalm 141:3 would have made far more sense.
Application:
Allow God to speak through me.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to bite my tongue so You can speak through me instead. Your words, not mine.

S.O.A.P. Bible Study of Zechariah 1:3

Scripture:

Zechariah 1:3 New Living Translation (NLT)
3 Therefore, say to the people, ‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.’
-- New Living Translation (NLT). Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Zechariah 1:3 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
3 Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, “Return to Me,” declares the Lord of hosts, “that I may return to you,” says the Lord of hosts.
-- New American Standard Bible (NASB). Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

Zechariah 1:3 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
3 So tell the people: This is what the Lord of Hosts says: Return to Me”—this is the declaration of the Lord of Hosts—“and I will return to you, says the Lord of Hosts.
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

Zechariah 1:3 Expanded Bible (EXB)
3 So tell the people: This is what the Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; T of hosts] says: ‘Return to me, and I will return to you,’ says the Lord ·All-Powerful [Almighty; of Heaven’s Armies; T of hosts].
-- Expanded Bible (EXB). The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.

Observations:

This is what I need to constantly pray and remember. If I ever get off-track, and I return to the Lord, then He will return to me as well.

Application:

Pray this over me, my husband, our marriage, my loved ones, my city, my state,  the USA, the Church as a whole, and the world.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to remember this often and pray about it.

Matthew 7:6 S.O.A.P. Bible Reading and Bible Study

Matthew 7:6 on Sunday, December 20, 2015

SCRIPTURE

-- Memory Verses

Matthew 7:1-14 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
1 “Do not judge, so that you won’t be judged. 2 For with the judgment you use, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but don’t notice the log in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and look, there’s a log in your eye? 5 Hypocrite! First take the log out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. 6 Don’t give what is holy to dogs or toss your pearls before pigs, or they will trample them with their feet, turn, and tear you to pieces.
7 “Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 What man among you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! 12 Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them—this is the Law and the Prophets.
13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. 14 How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

-- Scripture for Today

Matthew 7:5 goes right along with Matthew 7:1-4, so look at those blog posts or journaling entries. The focus today is Matthew 7:6:

See above or in your favorite version (you also might want to look after this section for other versions or translations).

-- Initial thoughts of verse or passage

What does that mean... and why is it where it is in context of the chapter, book, testament, and Bible as a whole? Those are my questions and initial thoughts on the verse. Maybe reading other versions will help me with my understanding.

-- Multiple translations or versions of verse or passage

Matthew 7:6 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
6 Don’t give what is holy to dogs or toss your pearls before pigs, or they will trample them with their feet, turn, and tear you to pieces.
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

Matthew 7:6 New Living Translation (NLT)
6 “Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.
-- New Living Translation (NLT). Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Matthew 7:6 Expanded Bible (EXB)
6 “Don’t give holy things to dogs, and don’t throw your pearls ·before [to] ·pigs [T swine]. ·Pigs will only trample on them, and dogs will turn to attack you [L They will trample them and turn to attack you; C pigs were ritually unclean and dogs were considered scavengers].
-- Expanded Bible (EXB). The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.

Matthew 7:6 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
6 “Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.
-- New American Standard Bible (NASB). Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

I have heard this verse recited in the past. I read these different translations and have read the context and still have no idea what it means or why it is placed where it is. Sigh. I guess it is time to turn to cross-references... maybe.

Study link for Matthew 7:6:

http://biblehub.com/matthew/7-6.htm

-- Cross-References

The cross-references do not help with my understanding.

OBSERVATION

The context, different versions, and cross-references do not help me understand this verse. However, commentaries do.

Dogs and pigs were considered unclean animals at those times. Here both were used to represent those who do not believe. We should not waste our time trying to share the Word if God, or the Gospel, with those who resent them. If someone is put off by the Bible or the Gospel, we should save them and ourselves the time and keep our mouths shut until they are ready to hear it.

APPLICATION
N/A

PRAYER
Lord, help me know who to share with... and those not to.

Matthew 7:4 S.O.A.P. Bible Reading and Bible Study

Matthew 7:4 on Friday, December 17, 2015

SCRIPTURE

Memory Verses

Matthew 7:1-8 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
1 “Do not judge, so that you won’t be judged. 2 For with the judgment you use, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but don’t notice the log in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and look, there’s a log in your eye? 5 Hypocrite! First take the log out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. 6 Don’t give what is holy to dogs or toss your pearls before pigs, or they will trample them with their feet, turn, and tear you to pieces.
7 “Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

Scripture for Today

Matthew 7:4 (See your favorite version or translation of the Bible.)

Multiple translations or versions of verse or passage

Matthew 7:4 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and look, there’s a log in your eye?
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

Initial thoughts of verse or passage: I've said the same for a couple of days now: Look within first.

Matthew 7:4 New Living Translation (NLT)
4 How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye?
-- New Living Translation (NLT). Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

We all have blind spots. We might not see what is right in front of us. That's why it's important to pray daily:

Psalm 26:2 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
2 Test me, Lord, and try me;
examine my heart and mind.
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

Prayer: Father, help me know what I need to change and how. Help me to live a life of savoring the Bible in all I do.

Matthew 7:4 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye?
-- New American Standard Bible (NASB). Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

Matthew 7:4 Expanded Bible (EXB)
4 How can you say to your ·friend [L brother], ‘Let me take that ·little piece of dust [speck; splinter] out of your eye’? ·Look at yourself [T Behold]! You still have that ·big piece of wood [log; plank; beam] in your own eye.
-- Expanded Bible (EXB). The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.

Cross-References
N/A. See yesterday's blog post.

OBSERVATION
See yesterday's blog post.

APPLICATION
See yesterday's blog post.

PRAYER
See earlier in this blog post and in yesterday's as well.

Matthew 7:3 S.O.A.P. Bible Reading and Bible Study

Matthew 7:3 on Thursday, December 16, 2015

SCRIPTURE

The memory verses I'm working on right now are Matthew 7:1-6.

Matthew 7:1-6 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
7 “Do not judge, so that you won’t be judged. 2 For with the judgment you use, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but don’t notice the log in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and look, there’s a log in your eye? 5 Hypocrite! First take the log out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. 6 Don’t give what is holy to dogs or toss your pearls before pigs, or they will trample them with their feet, turn, and tear you to pieces.
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

I mostly have Matthew 7:1-5 memorized so far. I'm trying to read it often in my mind and out loud, listen to it and read it in my mind, and listen to it and read it out loud. I find it most helpful.

Now, I'm going to dig further into Matthew 7:3 and try to grasp everything it says. The best way to do this is to look at several versions or translations of the Bible.

Matthew 7:3 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
3 Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but don’t notice the log in your own eye?
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

My initial thoughts and impressions are: Have you ever noticed how easy it is to see a log in someone else's eye, because we turned it into a log, when it is really a speck? We magnify things. We make them bigger than they really are. The worst part is we don't just have a log in our own eye at the time, but have a whole tree.

That tree in our own eye, have we ever thought that the log we think in someone else's eye is really part of the tree in our own eye? Have we realized that what we see is an optical illusion, and we think it's their log, but it's really our tree?   And, the truth is, it was just a small speck in their eye all along. It's just easier to criticize others than to look in the mirror. It's easier to condemn someone else's speck than to remove the tree from our own eye.

This is when we need to listen to ourselves, internally and with our ears. Are we building others up or are we tearing them down? If we are tearing people down, is it because we do not want to face the tree in our own eye? Are we scared to face it... or are we just not willing to do the work? Or does it just hurt too much?

No matter why we don't want to face the tree in our own eye, we need to. We will never fully heal, never fully live until we do. And, when we do deal with our stuff, with that tree, log, and speck in our own eye, then we will see things a whole lot differently. We won't need to judge, or be harsh, because we can fully see and fully live. Finally.

How do we deal with the tree, log, or speck in our own eye? By savoring the Bible. Pure and simple. That's it. And that's everything.

Get in the Word... and stay there!

It really is the answer.

Matthew 7:3 New Living Translation (NLT)
3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?
-- New Living Translation (NLT). Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

If we truly counted someone a friend, we would love them as they were and would never hold that against them. We would love them through it and in spite. (See 1 Corinthians 13.)

Matthew 7:3 Expanded Bible (EXB)
3 “Why do you notice the ·little piece of dust [speck; tiny splinter] in your ·friend’s [L brother’s (or sister’s)] eye, but you don’t ·notice [consider] the ·big piece of wood [log; plank; beam] in your own eye?
-- Expanded Bible (EXB). The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.

Face the truth. You have a log at times. Deal with it. Don't let it dwell. Deal with it head-on so it doesn't deal with you any more than it already has.

That's what I get out of this verse.

Matthew 7:3 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
3 Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
-- New American Standard Bible (NASB). Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

Love your friend. Love your brother. Do not put conditions on that love. If you put conditions on that love, then you don't really love at all. If you were to really love them, you would never see the speck in their eye and you would face the tree in your own eye and would cut that baby down once and for all so you could love your brother or friend all the more... and so you could live fully.

Ouch.  Every time I said "you" it was me speaking to myself  and I reminded myself of these truths. I was not addressing you, my fellow journey traveller.

Focus on savoring the Bible instead. This is the answer to everything.

OBSERVATION

See the above.

APPLICATION

See the above.

Savor the Bible rather than judge and rather than seeing fault in another. If I am truly savoring the Bible, I would not have time to be harsh with another.

PRAYER

Lord, thank You for Matthew 7. Thank You in particular for Matthew 7:1-3 since I have just studied them.

Help me to savor the Bible morning, noon, and night, and not ever allow anything or anyone to get in the way of that.

Matthew 7:2 S.O.A.P. Bible Reading and Bible Study

Matthew 7:2 on Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Extras

I will add extras throughout this blog of hints, tips, thoughts, questions, etc. which help us live a closer walk with God and to savor the Bible all the more.

Today is one of those days. Since extras are included in this blog post.

Why Should You Read This Blog?

Why should you read this blog, when it is my personal Bible study, journaling, and notes? It is meant to be an inspiration, like a Bible study or journaling prompt, to help give you ideas on how to walk with God yourself and savor the Bible. If you were to use my S.O.A.P. as an example, then you could do your own S.O.A.P. and personalize if for you and your life.

This blog is meant to be a resource for you to help get you thinking and motivated to fully savor the Bible in your own life.

Let's face it. We live in a fallen world and fallen people do fallen things... you and me included. And, one of the things we have let slide is getting into the Bible and fully savoring it. We think a quick radio message during the day or a sermon on Sunday is enough. We also may be in Sunday school, or in Bible study, and we do not do our homework. Or, if we do our homework, we rush through it. Or, we think a verse of the day sent to us via email or an app is enough.

Do you see a common thread with all of those? We let someone else do the work for us. We do not do the work or the time. After all, we are too busy. After all, we... fill in the blank of excuses...

Moreover, after we do one or several of those things, we fail to review. We think one time of doing any of those things means we've got it, we've grasped it, and we will remember it. We've checked the box. At least we tried... We think... We justify to ourselves... We settle for a good enough faith. What we do is good enough, we say. We have more pressing matters: work, serving, exercise, hanging out with friends and loved ones, watching TV or movies, playing games, etc.

Do you see the problem here? We are not savoring the Bible.

What does it mean to savor?

Think of your absolute favorite food or dish. Or think of going to a fancy restaurant you can only afford to go to once or twice in your lifetime. If you want to get your money's worth, you will slow down to savor it and thoroughly enjoy it. You do not rush. You make sure the flavor hits every taste bud on your tongue and lingers. You do not chew fast, nor do you swallow fast. You make sure you savor it and thoroughly enjoy it. You take your time to acknowledge the true treat and blessing it is. You try to fully live in that moment. You savor the taste, the sustenance, and the experience of that food.

If we were to truly savor the Bible, just imagine how differently your walk with God would be. Imagine how different you would view the Bible.

This is the purpose of this blog and is why you should read this blog.

How Could I Have Missed This Truth for So Long?

How have I... How could I have missed this truth for so long? How did I miss this truth that I/we are to thoroughly savor the Bible?

I am ashamed. Upset with myself. How have I been so clueless and missed this?
SAVOR the Bible.

Look at Dictionary.com's definition of savor:

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/savor?s=t

To savor means it gives you delight, excitement, and enjoyment. It brings interest and you relish it.

Look at the synonyms of savor:

http://www.thesaurus.com/browse/savor?s=t

To savor is to treasure, taste, esteem, adore, bask, honor, appreciate, praise, etc.

If I read again the links and everything I wrote in the previous section, and in this section, then I get a fuller picture of how I am, of how we are to, savor the Bible. It is our most treasured and appreciated delight. Or, at least, that is what the very Word of God, the Holy Bible, should be. And that is how we should treat it.

We are to savor the Word and to keep savoring the Bible, every day, all day and night long, for the rest of our lives.

If I were to thoroughly, intentionally savor the Bible, I cannot imagine the sweetness I would experience.

I keep searching for something that brings my faith and walk with God as deep as possible. This is how. By savoring the Bible thoroughly.

What do you think? Seriously. What do you think? (You might want to journal your answer.)

How could I have missed this for so long?

Oh, the transformation this will bring my faith... and my life!

So, shall we? Shall we savor the Bible? Shall we savor the Bible individually... and together?

Evaluating Our Walk with God

As I write this, it is December 16th, and almost the end of the year. (However, no matter when you read this, you can look at the last year from your today, whether it is February or August or some other month.) I cannot help but stop and reflect on the past year and my walk with God, which extends to the last decade and beyond, and my walk as a whole the last four decades plus. This time of year makes me feel reflective and want to be reflective, after all.

How has my walk with God been? Is it working? What has gone well in my walk and why? What hasn't gone well and why?

What have I read, studied, journaled, memorized, contemplated, and applied of the Bible?

Have I always given thanks?

Have I prayed without ceasing?

Those are actually questions we should ask of ourselves daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly--and do so without fail. We should do so in a journal.

A HINT AND TIP: The truth is, unless we journal about our walk with God, what we learn, what we want to apply, and our evaluation of our walk, we will not remember the whole picture. We will remember what we only choose to remember. Therefore, it is important to journal as we walk with God.

I realize another year has gone by and I failed to stay loyal, and complete, the things God put on my heart with prayer, giving thanks, and savoring the Bible. Year after year, I have said the same thing. Ugh.

Do you ever feel this way? Have you ever?

Questions bubble up inside of me at this point. What am I not getting? What is the thorn that gets me so sidetracked? How can I tell when I am drifting off course? How can I add more prayer, thanks, and Bible in my life each and every day?

Yes. I need to ask myself seriously each of the questions I have listed up to this point. In my journal.

Hah! Something just hit me. The answer is right in front of me, at my fingertips. It's this blog. And something else just hit me, too. Let me explain.

How can I tell if I am actively walking with God each day? If I write and publish a blog post. I can tell just by opening up this blog. This is the first thing I just realized. The other thing I realized is this: If I am actively, intentionally savoring the Bible each day, I will be praying and giving thanks naturally. It will just happen.

Consequently, this blog (journal and Bible study) is the answer and it will be quite easy for me to consistently evaluate the state of affairs with my walk with God.

It really is that simple, thank You, Jesus.

If I am actively, intentionally savoring the Bible with every ounce of my being, and am doing so 24/7/365, I will be right where I need to be in my faith. I just need to fully and completely absorb my S.O.A.P. and memory verses each day, all day and night long.

The same is true for you. How can you do the same? Keep your own blog and/or journal. It really is that simple.

Why Keep a Journal?

I already addressed this in this blog post as a hint or tip. I also discussed it in the last section. Now, let me try to make it personal for you, not for me.
Our memories are faulty. We simply cannot and do not remember everything. Hence, journaling is essential. It helps us remember. Our jounals become our storage spaces or buildings. Journal and remember what God has said to you, how you savored the Bible each day, and what you want to apply to your life (or what you have tried to apply).

Journal as much as possible as often as possible each day as you thoroughly savor the Bible.

My Goal with This Bible Study and Blog

It is my goal with this Bible study and blog to create a resource of every interaction I have with the Word of God and have it in one place. It will be a Bible study and a personal journal of application and evaluation. I want to share a S.O.A.P. Bible study with every chapter and every verse of the Bible in time, and would love to do multiple S.O.A.P. Bible studies with each chapter and verse during my life. I think this will be an amazing resource and am thrilled I came up with the idea, with the Lord's guidance, on November 28, 2015.

This will be a Bible study, daily devotional, spiritual memoir, and journal of application all rolled into one and I think you will find it an amazing resource. In fact, I hope this makes you want to do the same and this blog and Bible study can encourage and inspire you.

Let me rephrase this another way. This blog is meant to be a resource of every S.O.A.P. Bible study I do and every note I ever take on each verse of the Bible. Needless to say, this is a work in progress and will take me decades to do so. Moreover, I hope I have another forty years or more to keep adding to the material on this blog. That way, I can keep sharing what I learn about each and every verse in the Bible.

It Figures

It figures. My husband and I woke up this morning and noticed it was awfully chilly in our house. Huh. We keep our heat at 67 at night and 68 during the day. When I went downstairs and looked at the thermostat, it said 61 degrees. Needless to say, I turned around and headed upstairs to tell my husband about our heater. He spend off and on over the next hour and a half trying to diagnose and figure it out. He got it working, though. Thank God. He was late to work as well, but called in and let his boss know. Figures. Heater issues when it was and is in the low twenties.

Then, I wrote this blog post, all the things prior to this point. The savoring the Bible part blew me away. I had to share it. Hence, I called my mom to tell her about it. I read those sections to her. I could tell she felt convicted, like I did.  Then, out of the blue, I smelled a burning smell. Yikes. I told her about it and started to walk through my house, trying to figure out where the smell came from. When I entered our HVAC room, the burning smell made my eyes burn. I called my husband and now the furnace is shut completely off and my husband will figure it out when he gets home from work (please, Lord). It is twenty-four degrees outside. Yikes.

That took almost an hour of my time. It was meant to get me sidetracked and forget what I have learned. Well, I won't let it. I reviewed my memory verses of Matthew 7 and am back here doing this "Matthew 7: A Thorough S.O.A.P. Bible Study." I learned how I am to savor the Bible and am going to, no matter what... even if I have icicles hanging from my nose shortly.

It figures.

This could make me frustrated and I could rant about how this stinks. Instead, I will savor the Bible. The frustrations of this world are temporary. His Word is eternal. Hence, which should I focus on? Savoring the Bible is the only way to counteract the things of this world. Savoring the Bible is the only way to find true joy and peace.
It might figure... having problems with our furnace. But, I will savor the Bible regardless. I have determined.

SCRIPTURE

Sometimes we need to listen to the Word, not just read it inwardly, and not just read it aloud. Sometimes, we have to hear it. Here's a link to listen to Matthew 7:

https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mcconachie/hcsb/Matt.7

It also helps to hear the Word and read it at the same time. This is actually my favorite way to read the Bible. There is something about reading it and hearing the Word at the same time that brings the Bible to life. It adds more depth.

Now, the focus verse for today is Matthew 1:2. I'm going to include more context here and more verses.

Matthew 7:1-4 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
1 “Do not judge, so that you won’t be judged. 2 For with the judgment you use, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but don’t notice the log in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and look, there’s a log in your eye?
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

Notice the verse doesn't say that we should fail to use discernment. Discernment deals with the facts and distinguishes between good and evil. Discernment deals with facts.

Judgment deals with opinions.

Distinguish between good and evil in an individual's actions, but do not condemn them for it. Keep the good and evil between you and God and do not vocalize it unless you have looked within and are praying, thanking, and meditating on the Word without ceasing. And then, you will acknowledge the behavior may be sinful, but it's not for you to say the person is sinful. That's between them and God alone.

Look in the mirror. Get right in your walk with God. Again, this is the drawing line.

OBSERVATION

Do not judge or measure someone else.

APPLICATION

See the above.

PRAYER

Help me to focus far more on You and Your Word than on the sins, wrongdoings, negative perceptions, of others.

Matthew 7:1: A Thorough S.O.A.P. Bible Study, Part B

Read Matthew 7. Here is a link:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7&version=HCSB

My memory verses today:

Matthew 7:1-2 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
“Do not judge, so that you won’t be judged. For with the judgment you use, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

SCRIPTURE

Read Matthew 7:1 again.

OBSERVATION

Do not judge.

Note how it doesn't say there is an exception. There isn't one.

We are to never judge. Never, ever.

Looking at Matthew 7:1... Questions I have... Do not judge so I won't be judged. Does this infer that if I judge, then I will be judged? Or, does it infer I would deserve to be judged? Is God judging? Or is He saying I deserve to be judged by others if I judge?

Hmm... And, what does judge mean in the original Greek?

To judge in the original Greek means: to decide, distinguish, separate... Honestly, that does not help me much.

Here is a cross-reference:

Romans 14:10-13 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
10 But you, why do you criticize your brother? Or you, why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before the tribunal of God. 11 For it is written:
As I live, says the Lord,
every knee will bow to Me,
and every tongue will give praise to God.
12 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.
13 Therefore, let us no longer criticize one another. Instead decide never to put a stumbling block or pitfall in your brother’s way.
--Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

Quit judging, criticizing, acting harsh with one another. It puts up stumbling blocks we create for others to trip over and fall. Our judgment makes others fall and fail. We do that, had have done that, through our judging. Ouch.

Now, here is another cross-reference:

1 Corinthians 4:3-5 New Living Translation (NLT)
3 As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don’t even trust my own judgment on this point. 4 My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t prove I’m right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide.
5 So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.
-- New Living Translation (NLT). Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Again... We must look within, not at others. Are we personally right with God in every way possible? Ask: Am I praying about all things, at all times, without fail? Am I always giving thanks about everything and everyone? Am I meditating, thinking, pondering, contemplating the Word of God, the Holy Bible, morning, noon, and night? Am I reading, studying, memorizing, and mediating on the Bible all of the time?

Let me give us a hint. The answer to each of the previous questions is a loud, "NO!" We are not perfect. We are sinners. We can always do more of each of those. Life is meant for us to keep trying to learn how to pray, thanks, and be in the Bible without ceasing. What we need to do when we judge is to try to find a new way to do each of these things so it refreshens our faith, so we do not even feel the inclination to judge (or be tempted or sin just in general).

Another cross-reference is:

John 8:7 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
7 But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”
--New American Standard Bible (NASB). Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

Who are we to judge?

Who am I to judge? I am not perfect. In fact, I am far from being perfect. I have no room to judge anyone. I mess up several times each day.

But, I know this. When I strive to always pray, give thanks, and be in the Word, I am tempted far less and sin far less. After all, it is then I feel peace inside. True peace. Not the peace the world seeks. And, when I feel peaceful on the inside, I do not want to judge. I just don't feel like it. For then, my eyes are on Him, not on this world. This world will fail me every time, but He has never, and will never, fail me.

APPLICATION

Pray and give thanks for everyone and everything always. Always be in the Word.

PRAYER

Lord, help me to always pray, give thanks, and be in Your Word.

Matthew 7:1 S.O.A.P. Bible Reading and Bible Study

Matthew 7:1 on Tuesday, December 15, 2015

AN INTRODUCTION TO MATTHEW 7: A THOROUGH S.O.A.P. BIBLE STUDY

I have decided to do an extensive study of Matthew 7 and want to memorize the chapter as well. Needless to say, I am going to slow down and take it all in as I study word by word, verse by verse, topic by topic.

Matthew 7 is a chapter that talks about how to live a life of faith. Therefore, I know I will get a great deal out of it and I want to meditate on it day and night.

I am not sure if I will study a verse per day or if it will take several days. We shall see.

Let's savor the Word of God, the Bible.

And, let's get as much out of it as possible. So, let's begin.

SCRIPTURE

Matthew 7:1 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Do Not Judge
7 “Do not judge, so that you won’t be judged.(A)
Cross references:
7:1-5 : Mk 4:24-25; Lk 6:37-42
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

Ouch. This is an in-your-face verse. It is a 2 x 4 to the side of the head. It's meant to capture the attention.

And, it is the very first verse of this chapter. I am not sure if I should run or continue reading at first. However, logic prevails. This is the Holy Bible and is the Word of God. I will continue reading, studying, meditating/pondering/contemplating, and applying... even if it makes me squirm and feel uncomfortable.

I know I judge and condemn. Even if I do not mean to be harsh or judging, the fact is that is precisely what I am doing. My words can be the most condemning, never mind my tone.

Just last night, I was critical and gave my husband biting words. I did it out of concern, and out of a good heart, but does that make me any less judging? Did my words, not meant to be critical or not, make him feel any better? Did my words life him up or tear him down? Can I take them back? My words judged, no matter if they were meant out of concern. The concern does not matter. My words matter.

My mouth has always gotten me into trouble.

Do not judge. With my words or in my mind. Or with a tone I use. Or with facial expressions. Period.

Do not judge. It simply doesn't get any clearer than that.

If I have time to be judgmental, whether I realize it or not, then I am not praying and I am certainly not thanking God or mediating on the Word day and night. If I were praying, thanking, meditating, (morning, noon, night, and without ceasing) then I would not have time to be judgmental.

Also, if I am judgmental, it is critical for me to turn around, look in the mirror, and evaluate where and how I am in my walk with God. How is my faith?

Ouch. Yep. This is convicting. Oh, how easy it would be to stop here.

Prayer of application: Lord, help my words, tone, facial expressions, and thoughts not to be judgmental in any way. Help me to be praying, thanking, in the Word without ceasing so I have no time to be judgmental.

Looking at the cross-references listed above. Here is the link:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%204:24-Mark%204:25,%20Luke%206:37-Luke%206:42&version=HCSB

I am reading them now and see how they are quite similar to Matthew 7:1-6.

I want to look at more cross-references as well. Here is a link for several more:

http://tsk-online.com//TSK/40/7/1

Here is one of the cross-references:

Romans 2:1-2 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
God’s Righteous Judgment
2 Therefore, any one of you who judges is without excuse. For when you judge another, you condemn yourself, since you, the judge, do the same things. 2 We know that God’s judgment on those who do such things is based on the truth.
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

Look in the mirror. Pray, give thanks, be in the Word instead.

I have no room to judge when I am the sinner that I am! I deserve death, for goodness sake.

Romans 3:23 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

Romans 6:23 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

I will study more of this verse tomorrow. There is a lot to take in and contemplate here in Matthew 7:1. I want to meditate on it today and memorize it as well.

OBSERVATION

See the above.

APPLICATION

See the above.

PRAYER

See the above.

Lord, help me not to judge and to focus on You instead.

Matthew 7: S.O.A.P. #7 of 1,189

Matthew 7 on Monday, December 14, 2015

SCRIPTURE

I read Matthew 7 at this link:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt+7&version=HCSB

Please read Matthew 7 from any source yourself choose before you read ahead here.

The key verses and passages are:

Matt 7:1-6, 7:7-8, 7:13-27.

Here is a link with good study information regarding the key verses and passages:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt+7%3A1-6%2C+7%3A7-8%2C+7%3A13-27%2C+&version=HCSB

When you use that link, click on the cog wheel at the top of the webpage, by the first Bible verse, and make sure all the boxes are checked for the options to read that Bible. Then, you will have cross-references and some footnotes.

Again, every single verse in this chapter of Matthew 7 should be read repeatedly. Each verse is important. It would be a good chapter to memorize.
Matthew 7:1-6 is about how we should not judge. Often times, we do not even realize we are judging. Yet, we are. This is what we also need to watch out for. Do you ever gossip and say unflattering things about someone? That's judging. Do you ever say, "What are they doing?" Or... "Well, that was stupid." Do you ever curse because of what someone did. Do you ever criticize someone, even if it is just inwardly? All of this is judging.

Often times we judge and are critical because we need to look within. Something is off with us, so we are more apt to find issues with another. If we spend more time in the Word and in prayer for the next several days to weeks, then we will be filled and will be closer to the Lord and we will not need to look at anyone else but Him. This helps us to not judge.

Matthew 7:7-8 is about asking God and prayer. These are my absolute key verses for this passage. More on them in a few.

Another key passage is:

///

Matthew 7:13-14 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Entering the Kingdom

13 “Enter through the narrow gate.(A) For the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction,(B) and there are many who go through it. 14 How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.

Cross references:
7:13-14 : Lk 13:23-24
7:13 : Mt 26:8; Mk 14:4; Jn 17:12; Ac 8:20; Rm 9:22; Php 1:28
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

///

Nothing in this life is easy or fair.

Hence, if anything is easy or fair in your life, you better evaluate it fast and immediately. You are off track. You might not be praying or reading, studying, applying the Bible like you could.

God never promised being a Christian was easy.

We are to pray all the time and never stop (see Phil. 4:6-8), always count our blessings and give thanks (see 1 Thess. 5:17-18) , and meditate on the Bible morning, noon, and night (see Psalm 1:1-2). The Bible tells us these things. Are they easy? Umm. No. But, there is a reason. If we were to do these things, our Christian life would be not easy, but deeper and will have more satisfaction.

If we are looking for the easy way, and the road everyone else takes, then we are not truly wanting to live the full Christian life. We are then looking for the convenient one.

Is your schedule yours or God's? Give any answer you wish. Open up your calendar and look at it. Apart from working, is the 75% of it or more full of godly activities (prayer and Bible) or is it full of busyness? This will tell which gate you use.

Are you too busy to pray? Are you too busy to read, study, and apply the Bible? Then, the wide gate appeals to your lifestyle.

Goodness. I am looking in the mirror, and at my calendar, and am feeling convicted.
Narrow or wide... Godly or ungodly. With Him or not. Faithful in lifestyle or not. With God, there are no grey areas, only black and white. Which will we choose this day?

How will I shape my calendar this week? Next year?
///

We are to pray and never stop. We are to pray about everything. All the time.

///
Matthew 7:7-8 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Keep Asking, Searching, Knocking

7 “Keep asking,[a](A) and it will be given to you.(B) Keep searching,[b] and you will find. Keep knocking,[c] and the door[d] will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds,(C) and to the one who knocks, the door[e] will be opened.

Footnotes:
Matthew 7:7 Or Ask
Matthew 7:7 Or Search
Matthew 7:7 Or Knock
Matthew 7:7 Lit and it
Matthew 7:8 Lit knocks, it
Cross references:
7:7-11 : Lk 11:9-13
7:7 : Mt 18:22; Mk 11:24; Jn 14:13-14; 15:7; 16:24; Jms 1:5; 1Jn 3:22; 5:14
7:8 : Pr 8:17; Is 55:6; Jr 29:12-13
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.
///

OBSERVATION

See above.

APPLICATION

I want to keep asking.

I want to live the life of the narrow gate and have my calendar reflect such.

I want to memorize this chapter and will start to do so today.

PRAYER

Lord, help me to live these things.

Matthew 6: S.O.A.P. #6 of 1,189

Matthew 6 on Thursday, December 10, 2015

SCRIPTURE

Read Matthew 6 here:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt+6&version=HCSB

Topics of Matthew 6: Giving, prayer, fasting, money, and worry.

Again, the entire chapter is one to read repeatedly and every verse could be a key verse. Nevertheless, here are my key verses for today:

Matthew 6:33-34 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. 34 Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
--Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

Cross-References of Matthew 6:33-34 are:

1 Kings 3:11-13 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
11 So God said to him, “Because you have requested this and did not ask for long life or riches for yourself, or the death of your enemies, but you asked discernment for yourself to understand justice, 12 I will therefore do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has never been anyone like you before and never will be again. 13 In addition, I will give you what you did not ask for: both riches and honor, so that no man in any kingdom will be your equal during your entire life.
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

2 Chronicles 1:11-12 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
11 God said to Solomon, “Since this was in your heart, and you have not requested riches, wealth, or glory, or for the life of those who hate you, and you have not even requested long life, but you have requested for yourself wisdom and knowledge that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king, 12 wisdom and knowledge are given to you. I will also give you riches, wealth, and glory, unlike what was given to the kings who were before you, or will be given to those after you.”
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 2:1-9 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
1 My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
2 listening closely to wisdom
and directing your heart to understanding;
3 furthermore, if you call out to insight
and lift your voice to understanding,
4 if you seek it like silver
and search for it like hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and discover the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He stores up success for the upright;
He is a shield for those who live with integrity
8 so that He may guard the paths of justice
and protect the way of His loyal followers.
9 Then you will understand righteousness, justice,
and integrity—every good path.
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

Lamentations 3:23 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
23 They are new every morning;
great is Your faithfulness!
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

Luke 11:3 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
3 Give us each day our daily bread.
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

Hebrews 13:5-6 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
5 Your life should be free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for He Himself has said, I will never leave you or forsake you. 6 Therefore, we may boldly say:
The Lord is my helper;
I will not be afraid.
What can man do to me?
--Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

John 14:27 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
27 “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful.
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

OBSERVATION

The entire chapter of Matthew 6 reminds us to apply the Bible in our lives, in other words do what it says, and do so in private. Do it as a relationship between us and God, one on one.

If we are intimate with Him, and seek Him first, He will take care of everything we need. We have no reason to worry.

We are to seek Him first. Not man. Not self. Not thing. Not activity. Not schedule/planner/to-do list. God first.

APPLICATION

Matthew 6:33-34 Expanded Bible (EXB)
33 ·Seek first [Be concerned above all else with] God’s kingdom and ·what God wants [L his righteousness]. Then all ·your other needs will be met as well [L these things will be given to you]. 34 So don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will ·have its own worries [or worry about/take care of itself]. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
-- Expanded Bible (EXB). The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.

Matthew 6:33-34: For years, I've learnt red these verses and have them memorized. I live them and apply them at times and don't at other times. I hope to live them every moment.

PRAYER

God, help me live and apply Matthew 6:33-34.

Matthew 5: S.O.A.P. #5 of 1,189

Matthew 5 on Wednesday, December 09, 2015

SCRIPTURE

Here is the link for Matthew 5:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt+5&version=HCSB

Matthew 5-7 is the Sermon on the Mount Jesus taught.

Matthew 5:1-2 The setting where Jesus taught and preached. It was near Capernaum on the side of a hill along the north shore of the Sea of Galilee.

Matthew 5:3-10 The Beatitudes.

Matthew 5:11-12 The persecuted.

Matthew 5:13-16 The Salt and the Light Teaching.

Matthew 5:17-20 Jesus teaches about the Law.

Matthew 5:21 and on: Jesus preaches about anger, lust, divorce, vows, revenge, and loving our enemies.

The truth of the matter is every verse of Matthew 5 is a key verse. This is a chapter that should be read in its entirety over and over. Nonetheless, I narrowed it down to these:

Matthew 5:3-10 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
10 “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
-- New American Standard Bible (NASB). Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

Matthew 5:14-16 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
-- New American Standard Bible (NASB). Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

Matthew 5:37 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
37 But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil.
-- New American Standard Bible (NASB). Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

Matthew 5:44 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
44 But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
-- New American Standard Bible (NASB). Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

Matthew 5:48 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
48 Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
-- New American Standard Bible (NASB). Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

Given the times in which we live, I am choosing to focus on Matthew 5:44.

Matthew 5:44 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

Cross-References of Matthew 5:44 are:

Romans 12:14 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
-- New American Standard Bible (NASB). Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

Romans 12:20-21 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
20 “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
-- New American Standard Bible (NASB). Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
4 Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, 5 does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, 6 does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
8 Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away.
-- New American Standard Bible (NASB). Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

1 Peter 3:9 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
9 not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.
-- New American Standard Bible (NASB). Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

OBSERVATION

Matthew 5:44 New King James Version (NKJV)

44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
-- New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

The beliefs of terrorists is that the Koran teaches that all infidels must convert or be killed. An infidel is anyone who does not believe what they do, and that includes other Muslims. They believe their god will come again, but only after all infidels are dead.

If I look at all of the verses in this Bible reading of Matthew 5, and all of the verses I have listed here in this journal and blog post, I read that:

I am to LOVE my enemies.

I am to bless my enemies.

And I am to pray for them.

This takes the beliefs of terrorists and flips it on its head. It refutes their thinking.
Who would want to believe in a god that wants most of the people on earth to die? And a god who depends on people to bring about his judgment since he cannot execute it himself?

Enough about them.

I have failed. I have not lived these verses, commands of my loving God. I have not loved, blessed, and prayed for my enemies (terrorists and some politicians) like I should.

Also, other enemies are ideas of this world.

Also, other enemies are the idols of this world.

I haven't lived Matthew 5:44.

APPLICATION

See the above.

PRAYER

Lord, help me to love, bless, and pray for my enemies (terrorists, some politicians, worldly ideas, worldly idols, and the temptations and idols in my life).

Help me, Father, to love my enemies like these verses say:

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 New Living Translation (NLT)
4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
-- New Living Translation (NLT). Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Lord, help me to pray all the time, night and day, day and night, for all of my enemies and to learn to love them so I can pray for them as You say I should.

What would happen in this War on Terror if I sincerely prayed, with love and blessing, for all the terrorists and terrorist groups and nations?

What would happen if we all did?

Matthew 4: S.O.A.P. #4 of 1,189

Matthew 4 on Tuesday, December 08, 2015

SCRIPTURE

I read Matthew 4 from this version of the Bible and at this link:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%204&version=HCSB

Matthew 4:1-11 The devil tempted Jesus Christ.

Matthew 4:12-17 Jesus started His ministry and went to Galilee, where He preached.

Matthew 4:18-22 Jesus asks four fishermen to follow Him while in Galilee (Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John).

Matthew 4:23-25 Jesus preached the good news and healed the diseases and sicknesses of the people throughout Galilee.

The key verses of Matthew 4 are: Matthew 4:4, 4:7, 4:10, 4:11, 4:19, 4:20, 4:22, 4:23, 4:24, and 4:25.

Here are the key verses:

Matthew 4:4 New Living Translation (NLT)
4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say,
‘People do not live by bread alone,
    but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
-- New Living Translation (NLT). Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Matthew 4:7 New Living Translation (NLT)
7 Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’”
-- New Living Translation (NLT). Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Matthew 4:10 New Living Translation (NLT)
10 “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say,
‘You must worship the Lord your God
    and serve only him.’”
-- New Living Translation (NLT). Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Matthew 4:11 New Living Translation (NLT)
11 Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.
-- New Living Translation (NLT). Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Matthew 4:19 New Living Translation (NLT)
19 Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!”
-- New Living Translation (NLT). Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Matthew 4:20 New Living Translation (NLT)
20 And they left their nets at once and followed him.
-- New Living Translation (NLT). Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Matthew 4:22 New Living Translation (NLT)
22 They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind.
-- New Living Translation (NLT). Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Matthew 4:23 New Living Translation (NLT)
23 Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness.
-- New Living Translation (NLT). Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Matthew 4:24 New Living Translation (NLT)
24 News about him spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to him all who were sick. And whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon possessed or epileptic or paralyzed—he healed them all.
-- New Living Translation (NLT). Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Matthew 4:25 New Living Translation (NLT)
25 Large crowds followed him wherever he went—people from Galilee, the Ten Towns, Jerusalem, from all over Judea, and from east of the Jordan River.
-- New Living Translation (NLT). Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Here is the verse that spoke the most to me this morning:

Matthew 4:4 Expanded Bible (EXB)
4 Jesus answered, “It is written in the Scriptures, ‘A person lives not on bread alone, but by ·everything God says [L every word that comes out of God’s mouth; Deut. 8:3].’”
--Expanded Bible (EXB). The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.

The cross-references for Matthew 4:4 are:

Deuteronomy 8:3 New King James Version (NKJV)
3 So He humbled you, allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna which you did not know nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.
--New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

John 6:63 New King James Version (NKJV)
63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.
-- New King James Version (NKJV). Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

OBSERVATION

We are to live first and foremost by the Word of God, which is the Bible. The Word of God gives me life, not anything I put into my mouth to chew. Rumination on the Word gives me life.

APPLICATION

Be a serious student of the Bible and meditate on it day and night as I do other things and in my quiet time.

PRAYER

Lord, teach me to live and remember Matthew 4:4 in all I do and at all times.

Matthew 3: S.O.A.P. #3 of 1,189

Matthew 3 on Monday, December 07, 2015

SCRIPTURE

I read Matthew 3 from this link:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt+3&version=HCSB

The key verses of Matthew 3 are: Matthew 3:1, 3:2, 3:3, 3:8, 3:10, 3:11, 3:12.

John the Baptist baptized people in the Jordan River and told people to repent in Matthew 3:1-12.

The baptism of Jesus in Matthew 3:13-17.

Key Verses:

Their original source is:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+3%3A1%2C+3%3A2%2C+3%3A3%2C+3%3A8%2C+3%3A10%2C+3%3A11%2C+3%3A12&version=HCSB

Matthew 3:1 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
1 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Wilderness of Judea
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

Matthew 3:2 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
2 and saying, “Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near!”
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

Matthew 3:3 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
3 For he is the one spoken of through the prophet Isaiah, who said:
A voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
Prepare the way for the Lord;
make His paths straight!
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

Matthew 3:8 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
8 Therefore produce fruit consistent with repentance.
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

Matthew 3:10 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
10 Even now the ax is ready to strike the root of the trees! Therefore, every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

Matthew 3:11 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
11 “I baptize you with water for repentance, but the One who is coming after me is more powerful than I. I am not worthy to remove His sandals. He Himself will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

Matthew 3:12 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
12 His winnowing shovel is in His hand, and He will clear His threshing floor and gather His wheat into the barn. But the chaff He will burn up with fire that never goes out.”
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

My top key verse of this chapter:

Matthew 3:10 Expanded Bible (EXB)
10 The ax ·is now ready to cut down [already lies at the root of] the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire [C a metaphor for judgment].
-- Expanded Bible (EXB). The Expanded Bible, Copyright © 2011 Thomas Nelson Inc. All rights reserved.

Cross-References of Matthew 3:10:

Malachi 3:1-3 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
3 “Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming,” says the Lord of hosts. 2 “But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. 3 He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the Lord offerings in righteousness.
-- New American Standard Bible (NASB). Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

Luke 3:9 New Century Version (NCV)
9 The ax is now ready to cut down the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”
-- New Century Version (NCV). The Holy Bible, New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Psalm 1:3 New Century Version (NCV)
3 They are strong, like a tree planted by a river.
    The tree produces fruit in season,
    and its leaves don’t die.
Everything they do will succeed.
-- New Century Version (NCV).  The Holy Bible, New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Psalm 92:13 New Century Version (NCV)
13 Like trees planted in the Temple of the Lord,
    they will grow strong in the courtyards of our God.
-- New Century Version (NCV). The Holy Bible, New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Jeremiah 17:8 New Century Version (NCV)
8 He will be strong, like a tree planted near water
    that sends its roots by a stream.
It is not afraid when the days are hot;
    its leaves are always green.
It does not worry in a year when no rain comes;
    it always produces fruit.
-- New Century Version (NCV). The Holy Bible, New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

John 15:2 New Century Version (NCV)
2 He cuts off every branch of mine that does not produce fruit. And he trims and cleans every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce even more fruit.
-- New Century Version (NCV). The Holy Bible, New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

OBSERVATION

Again, here is my key verse in a different translation:

Matthew 3:10 GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)
10 The ax is now ready to cut the roots of the trees. Any tree that doesn’t produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into a fire.
-- GOD’S WORD Translation (GW). Copyright © 1995 by God's Word to the Nations. Used by permission of Baker Publishing Group.

As I noticed in the cross-references, this is a theme repeated throughout the Bible. Also, let me add, how I didn't list all of the cross-references. Therefore, it's important for me to stop and recognize this theme. I am to produce good fruit in my spiritual walk and in my daily life. My fruit should show in all I do. In other words, do my thoughts, feelings, goals/dreams, actions bring glory to God?

Let all I do and think bring God glory. This is how I bear productive and healthy fruit.

APPLICATION

See the above.

PRAYER

Lord, help me bring You glory in all I do and think.

Matthew 2: S.O.A.P. #2 of 1,189

Matthew 2 on Saturday, December 05, 2015

SCRIPTURE

Read  Matthew 2 in your favorite Bible or see:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt%202&version=HCSB;NLT;EXB

Key verses are: Matthew 2:1, 2:2, 2:3, 2:6, 2:9, 2:11, 2:12, 2:13, 2:14, 2:15, 2:16, 2:18, 2:19, 2:20, 2:21, 2:22, 2:23

Here is a link to go to those verses and you can change the version of the Bible to your favorite:

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%202%3A1%2C%202%3A2%2C%202%3A3%2C%202%3A6%2C%202%3A9%2C%202%3A11%2C%202%3A12%2C%202%3A13%2C%202%3A14%2C%202%3A15%2C%202%3A16%2C%202%3A18%2C%202%3A19%2C%202%3A20%2C%202%3A21%2C%202%3A22%2C%202%3A23&version=HCSB

Note: I list each of those individually, and not in groupings of sequential verses, so they are looked at one by one. I get more out of them that way and am less likely to let them run together in my mind. This helps me look at them word by word.

My overall key verse is:

Matthew 2:11 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
11 Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary His mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
-- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

OBSERVATION

This entire chapter is about the threat on the life of Jesus Christ the Messiah and how that threat began when he was around two years old.

In both Matthew 1 and in 2, Joseph was told something by an angel and he immediately responded, without question, and he obeyed and trusted.

APPLICATION

When you as the last time I thoroughly worshipped Him? Isn't this something I should do every moment of every day? The answer is yes, so I will try.

I will also try to do what He says, when He says it, without hesitation or question.

PRAYER

Lord, thank You for going through such measures to protect Your Son. I know you do the same for me and for all of us. I thank You for that as well.

Teach me how to thoroughly worship You in every moment of every day. I want to do so, but am not sure how. I want to revere and worship You.

Also, help me do what You say, when You say it, no questions asked.

Thank You for this chapter. May this, and Matthew 1 continue to work on me. I hope to have to keep going back and making notes.

To You be all glory. May I bring You glory in all I do.