John 16:2: Is this a verse about terrorism today?

Lord, I started to look at cross-references on Matthew 24, a chapter on Bible prophecy. [In fact, check out the previous journal entries today on verses about Bible Prophecy.]

And, look at the one I just found:

///

John 16:2 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
2 They will ban you from the synagogues. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering service to God.
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

///

Today is the day where arrests have been made after three states were impacted by terror over the weekend (New Jersey, Minnesota, and New York).

John 16:2, in the second half, from "in fact" on, this describes what the terrorist Jihadists think. They think they are killing all infidels in the name of Allah, their god. Furthermore, they think they will be rewarded for doing so.

Did this verse talk about today's age? 

Did Jesus Christ, in John 16:2, refer to the Islamic terrorists of today?

I am going to study this verse now. 

Here is a place to read several commentaries on this verse:

http://biblehub.com/commentaries/john/16-2.htm

It's hard fining more information on this subject. Ugh.

I will continue to try to dive into this verse. 

#BibleProphecy

This journaling blog: What more to expect

I will journal about every day life here in this journaling blog. 

What else will I share on this blog? I'll share my reading, studying, journaling, and praying through the Word of God, the Holy Bible.

The prophecies of the Bible is another topic I will address. given everything going on in this world, it's a good idea to focus on one-quarter of the Bible a lot of us do not know much about, if we were to be honest (myself included). 

Furthermore, I will capture my life on the page in this journaling, which I will publish on this blog. 

So, stay tuned. 

An Honest Discussion about the Bible and the Church

THE WAY WE READ AND STUDY THE BIBLE JUST ISN'T WORKING:

RUSHING THROUGH THE BIBLE OR IN BIBLE STUDY

Why do most Christians fail to study the Bible thoroughly each and every day? 

Why do we not get as much out of the Bible as we could? 

Why are we not making the reading and studying of the Bible the priority and the bulk of our day?

Look in the mirror. I know I am. Do I thoroughly study the Bible each and every day? Hardly. 

If you are in a Bible study, like I am. Or, if you are reading through the Bible, I bet you are reading and studying far too much and much too fast. 

How can I state anything I have up to this point? It is because it is true for most of us.

Rushing through the Word of God, the Holy Bible, is a pandemic in our society today. Whether we admit it or not, we either are going through the motions to check off the box or we want a fast food and buffet style of faith. We want our faith to fit into our schedule. We refuse to read our Bibles like God wants us to and the effects are being shown everywhere in our world today. 

Until we get serious about the Word and make it our priority and make it the bulk, and majority of our day, then our lives and our world will continue to not be what the could or should be.

And I think it all stems from reading and studying the Bible far too quickly. 

If  we were to get the most we can out of our Bible reading and studying, and do so each and every time, then we will be far more likely to get into the Word to begin with and make it our priority.

Let's be real here. It is rather difficult to want to do something, never mind make it the priority and majority in our lives, if we are not getting a lot out of it. 

If we slow down and really think on something we read or hear, all night and day long, then we will be more likely to remember it and apply what we learn to our lives. Moreover, we are more likely to read it again and we are more likely to make reading our priority and majority. 

The same goes with the Holy Bible, the very Word of God.

Let me know if you can relate to this story of confession:

More often than not, I hear a sermon and then don't think on it like I should over the course of the next week. I might read my notes once or twice, and think on it once or twice, but it really does not go any further.

Moreover, if I do a Bible study in the morning, I might think on it once or twice that day, but not much. Then, I do the same thing the next day.

Do you hear me? 

Honestly... How do I expect to get the most out of a sermon or a day in Bible study if I do not think on it much after my first exposure to it this time around in the Word?

Or, worse yet. I get together with my Bible study group and I take great notes. How often do I read those notes again? Not much if any. And, I certainly do not think on it as much as I should over the course of the next week.

Can you relate?

Why do I not invest in the Bible like I could or should?

I think I have the tendency on rushing through the Word of God. 

We are supposed to read the Bible every year, right? (Nowhere is that a command in the Bible by the way. And, my comment was sarcasm.)

Seriously, though. Isn't this how we approach the Word, if we were to be fully honest? Don't we rush through the Word? We do have other things to do, after all. Right? (More sarcasm.)

What would happen if we were to really slow down and take a year to get through one or two chapters of the Bible?

What if we were to truly and intentionally mediate on the Bible morning, noon, evening, and night, even as we roll over in bed or every time we cannot sleep?

What if we were to intentionally look at a verse to four verses of the Bible, and the same verse or verses, at least every hour all day long and journal our thoughts and prayers about it at least three times that day? And, what if the next day, you went to the next verse or four verses tops, and did the same thing? Wouldn't we then look at the Holy Bible, the Word of God, very differently? 

And, what if one day per week, we looked at our journaling and notes about the other six days in review and to see what more we can get out of the previous readings and journaling? 

How can we expect to get a lot out of the Word if we barely put any effort into the Word? 

If you do a Bible study every single day, and one already written, what would happen if you took three days to think about, pray about, and journal about that daily lesson?

What if you made a 12 week Bible study take 36 weeks instead, where you make the effort and commitment to study each day, every hour, and all day long? 

What if at least five minutes of your fifteen minutes break at work consisted of you reading the verse and verses in which you studied earlier that day?

There is a rule I have discovered in this life and it works every single time: The more you put into something, the more you will get out of it. Bible reading and study, prayer, and journaling certainly apply here. 

So, what about being more intentional and deliberate about reading, studying, praying, and journaling one to four verses of the Bible every single day? 

How much more would you get out of the Word if you did? 

Stop rushing. Be deliberate. And, above all, never neglect the Word. There is too much at stake. 

Intimidated

The Story of the Prophecies of Daniel

As I step out in this adventure of writing book one of this series, I will share my journey with you.

I have been called to study the Word of God, the Holy Bible, and to write a series of novels based off of a book of the Bible. 

This is beyond intimidating. I do not want to fail. I do not want to mess anything up. I do not want to miss or overlook anything. 

I have actually read that in order to write historical fiction, it is okay not to spend too much time in doing research. It's more important to flesh out the characters and what daily life was like back then and how it's much the same today, in that the lessons learned are much the same. 

I have an issue with that kind of thinking as a writer. If I am called to write about the Bible, and I am, then I better know what I am talking about. I had better be a subject matter expert--or at least very close. This is the WORD OF GOD we are talking about here. THE HOLY BIBLE. I better give it my all and no less. Only excellence is what I shall strive for in this endeavor. 

No pressure. 

I have started at least a six year adventure of traveling through the book of Daniel in my personal study and then writing a series of biblical historical fiction novels about Daniel. I am writing six novels where each book is based off of two chapters in the book of Daniel. 

This adventure started about a week and a half ago and I have to admit I have never been more excited or more intimidated about a writing project like this. The truth is, I am rather terrified about this project. 

I think it will take me at least a year to research the two chapters for each book/novel. I am talking a year of research and study of at least four hours per day seven days per week. 

I already have over four hundred twenty-five pages of notes and I have barely scratched the surface. I have so much more I need to study and learn. 

Therefore, this is the most serious writing project I have ever endeavored. It is an all or nothing proposition in my book. (Sorry for the writing/reading/book cliche. I couldn't resist, though.) I will make sure to learn everything I can about the book of Daniel. Hence, it will take much research.

Also, the six years may be more. The six novels may end up being more as well. Who knows. Time will answer these questions. 

I have started to write book one as I do my research each day. I have 4,500 words written so far. I am writing and researching at the same time. 

This writing project requires more of me than probably all of my past projects put together. It requires sacrifice and a great deal of thinking and learning. Never mind being in the Word and in prayer. 

I cannot believe how much I have learned so far. For instance, Daniel might be the most educated man in the bible--even more so than Paul. Why and how? He was a male and he was a Hebrew. This means studies in and of themselves. Then, he was called to be a prophet. This also means more studies. Also, he was most likely a descendant of King Hezekiah. As a youth of royal blood, it means more studies he would have needed to have. Then, add how he was an eunuch, an adviser to the king, this meant more studies. 

I never thought about all of the studying Daniel would be required to complete because of his position in society and in the time. Therefore, I can see why some say he was even more educated than Paul. 

Who knew? 

It is then an interesting predicament as a writer as I try to make sure I include this information somehow in telling the story through my writing. 

I will share more of what I have learned in the next blog post. 

For now, know this. I am intimidated by this project and excited. I cannot help but wonder... Why has God called me and not someone else to this project? Surely many more are far more qualified. But, then, I hush and say, "Yes, Lord. I trust you will equip me as we write this together." 

The Prophecy of Daniel 6+ Year Project

Greetings.

It has sure been a while since I have blogged. I have been journaling, praying, and doing Bible study mainly, along with reading some as time provides. Mainly, I have been searching for "the" writing project of my life and I think I finally found her. (I like to personify things, by the way. It's part of my quirky personality.)

The idea started to come to me about a week and a half ago and I have already collected 228 pages of research notes. I started collecting the notes three days ago.

So, what is this project? Over the course of the next 6+ years, I am going to thoroughly study the book of Daniel. This research and study will lead me to write in time six historical fiction novels based on the book and man of Daniel. Each novel, by the way, will be based off of two chapters of the book of Daniel. There are twelve chapters in the book of Daniel.

Why will it take me 6+ years to research the book of Daniel? If I am going to write even one historical fiction  novel on any part of the Bible, I want to take it seriously. I do not want to get "just enough" information. I want to be thoroughly versed on the subject matter. I want to know it with my brain and with my heart. I want to live it. I want to dive as deep as I can into the material so I can immerse myself in the text, in the culture of the day, in the history, and everything about the people, events, and places of the story.

The truth is, I could spend forty hours a week for probably the next twenty-five years. However, I know I will spend at least a year per novel in research of the two chapters of the Book of Daniel in which the novel will cover and be based. Who knows, it might be more than that. Time will tell.

How am I studying each chapter of the Book of Daniel?
1 I am doing an Inductive Bible Study.
2 I am taking a hermeneutic approach.
3 I am dwarfing my own study after one and two.

Huh? In case that doesn't make sense, in short, I am doing a verse by verse, chapter by chapter study where I am asking the verse lots of questions and am searching for answers, I am looking up all of the cross-references, I am doing several word studies. Then, I am doing three different Bible studies on the book, am listening to three different sermon addresses, and reading every commentary I can get my hands on.

This is not quick. It takes time. It is approximately one week per verse and that is before I look at the commentaries.

I have actually started dreaming about the book of Daniel and when I roll over in the night, it comes to mind. As I drive or as I shower, Daniel comes to mind. Daniel has started to become woven into the fabric of my life and who I am. And I have barely started.

I refuse to shortchanged my study and research so I can write a quick book. I am writing a historical fiction series based off of a man from the Bible and the book of the Bible! This is holy ground and I will tread carefully and intentionally.

I will share what I learn on this blog.

In time, I will share a great deal of my notes and will even write a Bible study here on this blog on the book of Daniel.

This blog will be about my 6+ year journey through the book of Daniel. It will also be a Bible study and I will share the first drafts of my historical fiction novels here in this blog.

Welcome to the journey through the book of Daniel and please stay tuned.

Have a blessed day.

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.

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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.

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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.