Bible Study Blog Party

Hi everyone! Today I'm participating in a Bible Study Blog Party hosted by Faith over at I Like That. 

Let me first start by saying, this is going to be a very long post! If you don't have time to really read this, and not just skim over it, then you might want to save it for a more convenient time. A time when you can read along in your Bible and study these verses.

Without further ado, lets begin!

When I think of a bible study, there are two pictures that come to mind. 

The first one is more of a school-like scenario where you have one teacher who loves to dig deep into the scriptures and uses long words that are sometimes confusing, with a class room of students quickly jotting down in notebooks, hoping to come away with a small bit of information to then apply to life. 

The second is of a smaller group of people, lets say a group of blogger friends, who open their Bibles together, who share what they have learned, who ask questions even if they don't know the answers, who care about understanding what puzzles them, hoping to come away with a small bit of information to then apply to life. 

You notice that I ended these two scenarios the same. Because no matter how you study, the overall goal is to apply what you have learned to everyday life. 

Lets study Romans 8 more like the second scenario, shall we? Because, I am not a teacher with big words, and I try not to be confusing. :)

Lets open out Bibles together and share whats on our hearts, lets ask questions, lets care about understanding, and let our goal be to apply this small bit of what we learn to everyday life.

If you study better taking notes, then go for it! (I know us bloggers love to fill up our favorite notebooks!) And this wouldn't technically be a bible study if you didn't open your Bibles, so get your Bibles out to look up the verses as we go.

My take on Romans 8... I will break it up into seven sections with a few verses at a time and then tell you what these verses mean to me. At the end of each section, I will ask a question, feel free to answer in the comments.

The first half of this chapter was harder to understand than the last half. Since this is a bible study, I think it is very important to dig deeper and try to fully understand these verses than to just scratch the surface. (And just so we all our on the same page, my Bible is NKJV.)

Section 1. Read Romans 8:1-5
In my version, it starts by saying that there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. Condemnation means a strong disapproval. So there IS approval in Jesus. These are the people who walk according to the Holy Spirit, and not those who walk according to the flesh. 

This first part is important, because it kind of sets the stage for the following verses. These first few verses talk about the law of the Spirit and the law of sin and death or, flesh. When you walk according to the law of the Spirit, you are following Gods will and direction, but if you are walking according to the flesh, then you are following earthly desires and selfish motives. 

What is sin? Sin is the consequence of disobeying God. Wait, read that again and let that sink in for a minute.

It says that the law of the Spirit sets us free from the law of flesh.  Yes, we are sinners, but God has made a way for us to be free from that bondage. Jesus came to die on the cross for our sins. He burdened our sins so that we can have life with Him. That means that we have a way out, if we choose it. 

How did you understand verses 1-5? 

Section 2. Read Romans 8:6-11
These next six verses are very bold and pretty clear. There is no sitting on the fence, no grey zone, no serving two masters here. It's one or the other. We can either fall into Satan's trap, or live for God who gives peace and life. We can not please God if we walk according to the law of flesh. 

If the Spirit of God dwells in us, even though our sin makes us subject to death, we can have life because of His righteousness.

How would you explain these six verses to a friend who did not know God?

Section 3. Read Romans 8:12-15
We are not in debt to the flesh. We do not owe the law of flesh anything. We are not beholden to live as the world. Because if we do live according to the flesh, the result is death. But if we live by the Spirit, we will live. 

If we believe in God, and follow His guidance, we are sons of God. We are His children! We have not received the spirit of bondage, of fear. We have received the gift of adoption, so that we can cry out, "Abba, Father." 

Abba means, "daddy." Whenever we are afraid, anytime, anyplace, if we are scared too death, just say His name. Our Daddy, our Father is right there. He is our help in times of need. God is bigger than the boogie man. (Is anyone singing the song? :D) 

Have you ever been scared and remembered these verses?

Section 4. Read Romans 8:16-21
Just because we are children of God, doesn't mean that we will be spared from suffering. It actually says that we will suffer. We will have difficult times. We will have trials and tribulations. But it doesn't all stop there. There is hope. Because the things we suffer today can not be compare to the glory that will come. We will be glorified together with Him. 

Jesus is coming soon! And one day...

When we all get to heaven,
What a day of rejoicing that will be! 
When we all see Jesus,
We'll sing and shout the victory!

Look that hymn up and really read the words to that song, and notice in one of the verses it says, "Just one glimpse of Him in glory, Will the toils of life repay." 

Whatever we are suffering now, God is our hope.

Do you believe that Jesus is coming soon? 

Section 5. Read Romans 8:22-25
The next five verses correlate our sufferings with birthing pangs. These are painful times. It talks about how our hope saves us. This next verse stumps me a bit. In verse 24 it is kind of hard for my mind to wrap around and understand it. It says, "For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?" 

Lets try to understand this more with a object lesson.

Ok, so lets say that two people are hiking in the woods on a trail that crosses a raging creek. One person is blindfolded, and the other can see. The first person hears the roaring creek and hopes there is a bridge to cross it. But the second person sees the bridge and walks across without pause. The person with the blind fold would need to trust someone to help them across so they would know where to step, whereas the second person would go to the bridge without hesitation and cross without need of a guide. 

I think it would be way scarier to cross a creek blindfolded. All I would hear would be the raging waters, the troubles and trails. I would be unsure of where I was stepping and have to hope and put my trust in Someone I can count on. 

Do you get the picture? Can you see how being blindfolded causes one to hope and have faith, vs. if you can already see whats ahead, then you are confident and don't need help?

Well, we cannot physically see God, but we can see him in nature, in miracles, in creation. We can read about Him in our Bibles and talk to Him in prayer. God is real. He is our Guide.

And we are saved with this hope that He will come again, because He has promised us this. 

How do you see God in your life even throughout the suffering?

Section 6. Read Romans 8:26-31
God searches us and knows our hearts, even in our weakest moments, even if we don't know how to pray or what to pray, we have a Advocate. 

Romans 8:28 is a well known verse that says, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." 

What a great promise! Gods got us. And if God is for us, who can be against us? God is stronger than the biggest enemy. He has already won! 

Do you find comfort in Romans 8:28 or Romans 8:31?

Section 7. Read Romans 8:32-39
How shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? God loves us so much that He sent his only son to die for us. This gift that He freely gives us is one we should thank Him everyday. 

Who shall bring a church against God's elect? Only God is our Judge. 

Who is he who condemns? It is Jesus who died and rose from the dead, who is at the right hand of God. He is our Advocate. 

What shall separate us from the love of Christ? Whatever Satan throws in our way, whatever trials we face, whatever sorrows we bear, in all these things, we are conquers through Him who loves us. 

Romans 8:38,39 
"For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels not principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor hight not depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

What are your thoughts on Romans 8? Do you feel like you now have a clearer understanding of these verses? Isn't it amazing that so much is packed into one chapter of the Bible? How do you best study your Bible? Were you able to learn anything new from this Bible study? 

Let Us Remember

Let Us Remember

Written by Brooklyne

Let us remember 

The ones who taught

Let us remember 

The ones who fought

Marching proud for the U.S.A

Let us remember 

The ones who braved 

Let us remember 

The ones who saved

Fighting for the land of the free

Let us remember 

The ones who doctored 

Let us remember

The many who died 

For the freedom of our country

Let us remember

The ones who stayed

Let us remember 

The ones who prayed

On their knees for the battle field 

Let us remember 

The One who is true

Let us remember 

The One who brought us through

Victory is In God We Trust!

1 John 5:4

"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. 

And this is the victory 

that has overcome the world- our faith.

I thought I would post this poem for Memorial Day coming up on May 28th. Let us not forget the ones who have given their time, dedication, and lives for our country. 

What are your plans for Memorial Day weekend? How is everyone enjoying May? What is one thing that you are thankful for today? Comment below! 

P.S. And make sure to check out my newest page, "DIY!!!" where I posted a video and  talked about how we made our goats milk soap! Also, I added a Spring Cleaning Writers Tag over at my, "Tags!!!" page! :D

{picture borrowed from Pinterest} 

Miracles and Angels

Exactly two weeks ago, we were spring cleaning my aunts house. We were working really hard, and decided to take a 15 minute break. It was a nice day so, my younger sister, younger cousin, older cousin, and I went out for a four wheeler ride. The younger two were on Auntie and Uncles four wheeler, and us older two were on our four wheeler (pictured above with Rosie!)

Sometimes we play this game (basically hide and seek on the four wheelers) where two of us hide anywhere on our property and the other two try to find them using the four wheeler tracks. The younger two, who we call the “babies” even though they aren’t babies anymore, had already gone. So it was me and Julia's turn to "hide." 

We figured our hiding spot would be up in the woods, so I headed that way. I was driving. We crossed our bridge and Julia suggested we drive down in the creek bed. We thought the babies would just drive by if we were hidden down in the creek. We saw a spot that we thought we could get down into the creek, it was about a foot drop, then a small sand landing lowering into the water. 

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” I asked as I was driving closer towards the creek.

There was a small tree in the way, so I couldn’t hit it strait. I had to hit it at an angle. *RED FLAG* Never, I repeat, NEVER do this! I totally knew better and should have listened to my gut. 

The right front tire went down the foot drop off first. I was going super slow. I heard Julia say, “We might tip it.” Then it was too late.

By this time, we were both thinking this wasn’t a great idea, but we couldn’t do anything to stop it from happening. We were helpless as it rolled. We couldn't bale to the left, because it was up hill and gravity was against us, so we ended up falling/jumping to our right and landing face down in the creek. The water was about a foot high. The four wheeler rolled a full circle and landed on top of us, upright.

My face was under the water, and I couldn't breathe!

It was the scariest, most awful feeling to be trapped and not able to breathe. I immediately tilted my head up sideways and out of the water. My thoughts scrambled and I realized that I was, in fact, still alive and finally able to breathe! I saw that I was under the four wheeler, right behind the two front tires. I quickly backed my way our from under it, and my thoughts went right to Julia. She had been beside me when I was underneath. I couldn’t hear her, she wasn’t making a sound. I thought she was drowning or pinned under the back tire. Had I just killed my cousin? Those were my thoughts at the moment.

I spun into action! I tried, LIKE REALLY TRIED, to lift the four wheeler off of her, breaking part of the plastic side. Note: this four wheeler is 700+ pounds! Other than braking the plastic, I wasn’t budging it. I remembered hearing stories of grandmas lifting lawnmowers off of their grandchildren. I had adrenaline, why couldn't I lift it?? 

“I can breathe!” Julia had army crawled up far enough so that she could bring her head above the water. So thankful she was alive, I hurried around to the other side where her head was and she told me to turn off the four wheeler. Believe it of not, it actually was still running. Her leg was twisted back and pressing against the hot part. I quickly shut it of, despite my violently shaking hands. I then ran around to where her leg was and pulled up the broken plastic to untwist her leg. Then she was able to crawl out the rest of the way. This all took place in about 2 or 3 minutes, but to us it felt like hours.

Oh my goodness! We couldn't believe what had just happened! We were shaking so bad we could barely stand so we stood there hugging. Thing was, we were in shock and couldn't stop laughing. Not a funny laugh, but a I-can’t-believe-this-happened laugh. We found my phone buried in the sand, under the water. I figured it probably wouldn't work after being in the water. But I was able to make the call to the babies. We told them to pick us up at the creek. They took us, all sopping wet and sandy, back to the house where we told the moms what had happened. 

Both of our elbows were skinned up from landing in the sandy creek bed. Julia's elbows were worse because she had army crawled. Her head also got bumped pretty good. Both of our legs had bruises but mine was definitely more impressive.

I’m just so thankful that we didn't get hurt worse. The “what ifs” and “could haves” and “should haves” are endless. The raw and scary truth is that we could have easily been killed. It was a miracle that we made it out with only minor cuts and bruises. 

Our guardian angels were working overtime. God definitely was looking out for us. He saved us! Julia told me that, while it was happening, she was praying. Talk about the power of prayer. 

The way the four wheeler landed on top of us was a miracle. We were both side by side in between the tires. How did the tires not land on us? Because of God. 

The way the four wheeler landed upright on top of us. How did it not just roll over and not make a complete turn like it did? Because of God.

The way we both fit underneath. Inches either way and it would have been bad. How did that happen? Because of God.

The way it ended up that us two older girls got the four wheeler with the most clearance underneath. If we would have been riding the other four wheeler, we wouldn't have fit underneath. Was it by chance? No, but because of God.

The way this whole accident happened, with both of us making it out alive, was because of God!

He loves us so much and watches out for us. He is the One who kept us safe, because He cares. 

The rest of the day, I was in a daze and looked at life differently. I was so thankful for the big AND the little things. My family, my animals, even chores. I realized that things I thought were a big deal, weren't so bad, I was just thankful to be alive. Sometimes seemingly small things, no matter how essential, get taken for granted. Like breathing. I didn’t normally think of breathing, it is just something I do. But now, after having it taken away from me for about two seconds, I’m like, “I CAN BREATHE!” God is good.

I am so thankful to be given life. Life is a gift. A cherished gift that we shouldn’t take for granted. This is real, this is serious. I want to live this gift fully. I want to have true joy, because I get to live this life. I want to remember everyday that I am blessed. I want to be thankful for the little things. 

Everyday is a gift, take a deep breath and thank Him. 

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you so much for watching out for us. You promise to never leave us or forsake us. Thank you for keeping Your promise. Thank you for giving us this gift of life. Help us live fully and follow Jesus’ example. Please lead us and guide us. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Psalms 91:11,12 

“For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.” 

                                                                      ~~~

Have you ever been in a situation where things could have ended badly, but didn’t?  Is there a time in your life where you knew that God saved you? What are some ways that we can live more fully? Lets talk in the comments! 

Amidst the Storm

Amidst the Storm 

Written by Brooklyne

You are here amidst the storm

Wind, thunder, and sky a blazing

You make, mold, and transform 

Your mighty power amazing 

You are here amidst the storm

"Peace, be still" and the waves obey

Your presence comforts and warm

Those who are weary and astray 

You are here amidst the storm 

Lift and keep your eyes on Jesus

To the world, do not conform 

In perfect peace He will keep us

You are here amidst the storm

Asking us to walk on water

You save us from sinking harm

You are our Heavenly Father

Matthew 14:27-31

"But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.' And Perer answered Him and said, 'Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on water.' So He said, 'Come.' 

And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, 'Lord, save me!' 

And immediately, Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, 'O you of little faith, why did you doubt?' 

And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased."

We all go through storms in our lives, and sometimes we doubt. We become afraid of the boisterous wind. As soon as we take our eyes off of Jesus, we start to sink. But we cry out to Him, and He stretches out His hand and saves us! 

Jesus was walking on water with Peter. Jesus was amidst the storm with Peter. And He is amidst the storm with us as well. He will never leave us to overcome our storms by ourselves, but instead, He will be right along side us! When Jesus is in the same boat as us, the wind will cease.

Have you ever felt like you were sinking in life's storms? Have you ever doubted that He could save you? How can we build our faith? 

How is everyones May going? What are some things you are looking forward to this month? Lets talk! 

P.S. Stay tuned for next weeks post titled, Miracles and Angels, where I share with you a story of how God actually saved my life.

A Special Mission

Some see a weed. Some see a wish. Some see a mission. 

Ok, maybe I am the only one who can see a mission in a dandelion! This new perspective came one day as I was trying to capture, with my phone camera, dandelion seeds as they were in mid flight. You know, the perfect picture of the fuzzy parachute like seeds gently floating by? I thought It would by pretty easy, right? After all, others have obviously mastered this art.

Lets just say, I tried for thirty to forty minutes and never quite got a “Pinterest worthy” picture. I tried all sorts of methods. I tried blowing the dandelion, my little sister tried blowing it, we tried waving it, even lying on the ground and looking up as my sister blew the seeds down didn't work. We tried taking lots of pictures in a row and even then nothing seemed focus on the seeds, or we would just miss them all together! I did get lots of good pictures, but none of them were what I thought I could capture. Seriously, has anyone ever tried to take a picture of a dandelion blowing away? If you have any tips, I’d love to know how it is done! 

My creative brain kicked in with one of the pictures (top picture.) I was able to angle my camera to make the seeds look like a small heart which was really cool! In this same picture, one seed’s fuzz was stuck to the dandelion and hung there. It was holding on and wasn't letting go to be carried away into the unknown. As soon as it let go, it could be planted to grow more dandelions. 

Wait a minute! Now my writers brain was spinning way out of control. The dandelion seed was holding on. It wasn’t letting the wind carry it away. It was waiting and doubting, scared of the unknown. It was given a job to spread the seed, planting it. It’s only mission was to plant the seed. It didn’t need to water it or give it light, that was natures job to grow it. All it had to do was let go and be carried. 

Do we ever try and find excuses for not letting go? Are we letting our fears and doubts hold us into place, keeping us from being carried? Are we scared of the unknown? Are we uncertain of where we are going? Of what our mission is? 

Each and every one of us is given a special mission. One that God has perfectly planned for us. Some might know what their mission is, but if you are anything like me, then you don’t know quite what God has in store for you yet. I do know that God wants all of us to spread the Word, to be a witness to others, and to be a example by living like Him. 

Whether it be speaking in front or hundreds of people, or talking to a friend. Whether it be participating at church, or a simple act of kindness to your neighbor. Whether it be traveling to other countries as a missionary, or finding your own mission field close to home. Each of us has our own special mission. Our own calling that God has put on our hearts.

We are all given talents that God wants us to use for His glory.

So, like the dandelion seed, sometimes we hold on too long. Sometimes we won't let God carry us away into the unknown. We are unsure, waiting and doubting. We were given a job to spread the love of Jesus, to share the truth. All we have to do is plant the seed. God does the rest, making that seed grow. All we have to do is let go and be carried. What is holding us back? 

I want to share with you all, some of the pictures I took of dandelions…

Have you ever tried to photograph dandelion seeds blowing away? What is your favorite picture that I took? Do you know what your special mission is? Or is God wanting you to trust Him and let Him carry you? What are some ways that we can step out of our comfort zones and let go of our fears, so we can witness for Him?