Making a Straight Path for God in Your Life

Do you ever feel you are out-of-sync with God's plan for your life?  If so, it is time to remove any obstacles between you and God.  A direct path to God means reflecting on what God wants, turning away from personal desires that keep us stepping off that path, and realigning our life with His plan for our salvation.   

... Prepare a road for the Lord to travel on! Widen the pathway before Him! 

Level the mountains! Fill up the valleys! Straighten the curves! Smooth out the ruts! 

And then all mankind shall see the Savior sent from God. - Luke 3:4-6 (TLB)

Repentance is the first step towards getting on the right path.  Use dedicated time in prayer, devotionals,  and Bible study to break down the barriers that may exist between you and the relationship you desire with God.  Adjust your thoughts and align yourself with the teachings in God's Word.  Growth can be achieved through  using multiple references or studying with other like-minded people.  Personal transformation will occur with dedication to building a better spiritual connection with God. 

How Did We Get Here? What Do We Do Now?

 How did we get here is the question being asked by diiallustioned once-"tolerant" people today as they see all the vulgarity on display and violence taking place every day.  The answer from God is letting false religions into your lives and allowing fake leaders to rule.  The silent, timid Christian (and churches they attend and leaders that will not lead according to the Bible) have allowed demonic possession of not only the USA but many European counties as well.  Finally, some are being brave and speaking out - only to be persecuted or prosecuted by the wicked people that the satan is controlling.  

What am I trying to say? Am I saying that food offered to idols has some significance, 

or that idols are real gods? No, not at all. 

I am saying that these sacrifices are offered to demons, not to God. 

And I don’t want you to participate with demons. 

You cannot drink from the cup of the Lord and from the cup of demons, too. 

You cannot eat at the Lord’s Table and at the table of demons, too. 

- 1 Corinthians 10:19-21 (NLT) 

What are we to do now? Keep praying!  Start fasting.  Do NOT be silent.  Keep pointing at and calling out the evil!  Do NOT let the devil get a stronger hold. Continue God's mission to guide people to the REAL solution, which is salvation through Jesus Christ. Churches, leaders, and study groups - teach the Holy Bible fully and without socialistic or worldly substitions. Put on the righteous armor of God and stand firm as one of His valient soldiers.

But the Lord watches over those who fear Him, those who rely on His unfailing love. 

He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine. 

We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield. 

In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His Holy Name. 

- Psalm 33:18-21 (NLT)

Should Churches Be Accepting of Immorality?

 Many church leaders and appalled Christians spoke out about the  disgusting and offensive displays that were part of the 2024 Olympics opening ceremony.  They called for apologies, boycotts, and prayers as their way to protest the spectacle since the games are usually exclude athletes from any religious displays.  Yet, those same leaders do not recognize that they have been allowing this immorlity to grow and spread over the last few decades with their silence and attempts at inclusion.  Yes, Jesus wants us to love others and bring them into the church, but He also requires them to repent of their sins and leave those sins behind to remain in the church.

When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin.

But I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin,

or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. 

You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that.

I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer

yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, 

or is a drunkard, or cheats people.

Don’t even eat with such people. - 1 Corinthians 5:9-11 (NLT)

Some of the newest watered-down dictionary definitions of immorality include: wickedness. evilness, or sexual misconduct (aka fornication, lust, harassment, lewdness, perversion). Should Churches continue to accept the watering-down of immorality in the false name of inclusion?  Some say they must allow it to get new members as they are losing members because people continue to fall away from the church.  Has anyone considered the "falling away" may be caused by not teaching the full Word of God?  Stop  diluting the Bible or deleting some scriptures to placate less than 5% of the population who choose NOT to follow God's Word. Instead really teach what God says so that congregations understand what to reject and when to object.

Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; 

instead, expose them. - Ephesians 5:11 (NLT)

Many preachers also teach the church body should not involve themselves in politics, but it is politics that got the church and the rest of the world into such a mess. Christian leaders need to be sure they are not inviting politicians to their pulpit who will continue to drive a wedge between the church and the people it needs to reach or who support issues that are contrary to Bible teaching.  Instead, become leaders for good and point out what is against to the truth in the Word of God.  

Starting Daily Bible Reading with Easy Plan Options

Many Christians make New Year's resolutions to read more of the Bible each day.  Some even resolve to read the entire Bible in a year!  This is not as impossible of a goal as it may seem.  All that is required is a simple plan and the dedication to complete it.  Most of the plans listed below start with day/week one, which means you can start them at any time during the year.  However other plans, and some types of Bible studies or devotionals, may require you read specific passages on certain calendar dates. 

For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth. - Psalm 33:4

Free downloadable/printable daily plans 

• Heart Lignt's One Year Bible Reading Plan – Genesis to Revelation (5 pages) 
• Back to the Bible's Chronological Bible Reading Plan – Genesis to Revelation (2 pages)
• Navigator's Book-At-A-Time Bible Reading Plan - Alternating Old & New Testament (2 pages)

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, 
ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. - John 15:7 (KJV)

Free downloadable/printable weekly plans 

• 5 Day Bible Reading Plan (2 page checklist) 
• 52 Week Categorical Bible Reading Plan (1 page checklist) 
• 52 Week Chronological History Bible Reading (2 page checklist)  

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. - Psalm 119:105 (KJV)

Other types of reading plans 

• If the whole Bible seems like too much for you, you might want to start by reading only the New Testament in 3 months or Old Testament over a year.  
• If you are a new Christian just wanting to get started, you might want to try a monthly or topical reading plan suggestion from Bible Study Printables or Kingdom Bloggers. 
• If you are a mature Christian wanting a more in-depth Bible study themes, check out the plans on Bible Study Together.
• If English is not your primary language, which most of the above plans are, check out Christianity.com for readings in additional languages or by preferred Bible translation. 

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: 
but the word of our God shall stand for ever. - Isaiah 40:8 (KJV)

As noted at the beginning of this post, most of the plans listed above start with day/week one, which means you can start them at any time during the year.  Even if the plan starts in a specific month, just start with the month that you are in and you still work back throughout the year.  So you can start any month!  You do not have to wait until January to begin your daily Bible reading plan. 

Feel free to suggest other Bible reading plans and links in the comments.  Please include why you are suggesting the plan so readers can decide if it is something they want to look at. 

Good Christian Gift Books for Women

If you are looking for an idea of great Christian books to give as gifts for Christmas, below are a few good options for people who enjoy reading.  These books may be given to women who are already Christians and want to learn more about Christian living, get examples of faithful women, or or study more of the Bible.  Or you can give Bibles or below reading  suggestions  to people new to Christianity or others who need Christ and/or inspiration in their lives.  

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; 

but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." - Proverbs 31:30 (NIV)

• The Blessed Woman by Debbie Morris for inspiration and motivation ( * If planning to use in weekly Women's Group or Bible Study, you may download free 9-page Leader's Guide for group discussion questions for each chapter.  At the end of the book, there are more questions that may be used for each participant to reflect on prior to group meetings.) 
• Good News for Weary Women by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick to relieve stress and find faith.
• 365 Daily Devotionals for Women by Jewell Johnson for inspiration and Christian history . 
• The Never-The-Less Principle by Marion Bond West to develop a positive attitude.
• The Power of a Praying books by Stormie Omartian to cover every area of life (* May be used in Women's Group or Bible Study as the option of purchasing study guides is available.  Each chapter in the book includes scriptures to reinforce the lesson and a sample prayer).
• Set Apart books by Leslie Ludy explains what is means to be set apart for God’s purpose. 
• Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin offers a realistic plan for studying the Bible.
• Fruit of the Spirit fiction series by Tracy Wainwright.
• The God Bless Girl by Shirley Fine Lee, which is a quick-read fictional story about current American culture and value changes influencing the Christian message and patriotism.

For more book ideas, visit 10 Best Christian Books for Women on Becoming Christians blog.  For Bible Study ideas, check out Top Beth Moore Women's Bible Studies on Lifeway blog.  Additional ideas for men's and children's books on this blog.

Blog readers, we welcome your additional Christian book suggestions in the comments of this blog post.  You may also want to check out our print or e-book Bible study guides for yourself or as gifts.  If you want to start reading daily Bible scriptures, consider our FREE devotionals for each month of the year.   Thanks!  

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Why Should Christians Attend Church?

What are the pros and cons of not physically attending church services?  With virtual church becoming a norm in society today, is it causing complications for individual Christian living, for the community the church supports, or is it more of a building-use issue?  Are Christians neglecting to attend and support churches on Sunday, as well as other days of the week?  Do they need to?  If spiritual growth and awakening is what Christians want or need, should they get together in a building to worship and learn?  With the technologies that exist today, is church attendance really necessary? 

"Until I come,devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture,

to preaching and to teaching." - 1 Timothy 4:13 (NIV)

Society started moving to churches without walls during the late 20th century "Jesus movement."  That was not the first movement of Jesus Christ to question how to be a child of God and it will not be the last.  Jesus started His church with a wandering group of disciples, who later become itinerant evangelists and apostles.  Although the apostles moved a lot, they did work hard at  planting church groups.  Why? So Christ's followers (Christians) could increase their faith, worship, and grow spiritually together under the guidance and leadership of a selected responsible and mature believer who would teach God's word and demonstrate His love in a way they could easily understand.  

Excellent posts to read more on this include:

• Why Is it Important to Go to Church? 7 Reasons from Christianity.com
• Why Attending Church is So Important  - 4 Reasons from Think Eternity blog 
• Why Go to Church When You Can Watch Online? from Christian Post for minister viewpoints
• Why the Church Is Vitally Important for Every Christian - Crossway's 5 Points on Church in the Bible
• 
  

Which Direction to Go? Heaven or Hell?

Ever hear anyone say "Everyone wants to go to heaven but NO one wants to die" or same sentence with the last word replaced with "go to hell?" Unfortunately people do not get the choice of not dying, they only get to choose where they end up.  What are the options after physical death?  The places to go for eternity are heaven or hell.  The choice is life in heaven or torment in hell.  

It does not matter if you believe in joys of heaven, but not the reality of hell, the Bible speaks of both.  While He walked on earth, Jesus actually talked more about hell than he did of heaven.  Why?  Christ does not want anyone to go to hell so He warned about the devil's evil plans, and the finality of hell.  Jesus Christ was the ultimate sacrifice made to save mankind from hell.  

"And an highway shall be there, and a way, 

and it shall be called The way of holiness; 

the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: 

the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein."- Isaiah 35:8 

Learn more about the Bible scriptures that talk about heaven and hell by studying the 3 video series "Life, Death, Heaven, Hell - Any Questions."  Links to video lessons and noted scripture references  are provided below.  Although there are more scriptures on these topics, those below are a good selection.

• Video 1 - Ecclesiastes 3:11, Deuteronomy 30:19
• Video 2 - Psalm 23:4, Deuteronomy 29:29 & 30:19, 116:15, 1 Corinthians 15:25-26, 2 Corinthians 12:2-4, Philippians 1:21-33, John 11:35, Luke 16:19-25
• Video 3 - 2 Corinthians 5:7-8, Psalm 116:15, 2 Peter 3:1 & 8-9, Philippians 3:13, Hebrews 12:1, Ephesians 1: 16-20 & 3:14-19. Luke 10: 2 & 17:6, Matthew 13:29-30 

Looking for a simplified explanation of how salvation through Jesus brings heaven (God) and earth (man) together?  Check out short animation "Heaven and Earth" from the Bible Project. 

Rise and Fall of False Kings

How do the wrong people get into leadership roles?  Where do dictators come from?  Does the Bible have any examples of false leaders who should not have been in their role?  Yes, there are many examples of both good and bad leaders in the Bible.  Below are only five examples from the Old Testament.

Saul was originally the chosen king of Israel (1 Samuel).  However, he did not follow God's directions and fell from God's grace to be replaced by David the newly chosen king.  David did not want to usurp God's first king, even though David had already been anointed to take Saul's place, because he respected the elder's position.  David waits until Saul is no longer king to take his rightful place in leading his country and his people.

“For the Lord will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: 
because it hath pleased the Lord to make you his people." - 1 Samuel 12:22

As David aged, he selected the next king to replace him.  However, during his reign he had two people who wanted to be king even though they were not worthy of that leadership role.   The first false king was Absalom, a very handsome son of David, who at one time had been expelled from the kingdom because of his wickedness (2 Samuel).  When Absalom was finally welcomed back by his father, he began to scheme a takeover of the throne.  Absalom was killed in part due to his vanity during  his attempt to overthrow the rightful king. Adonijah was the second false king as he to tried to take over the kingdom via a coup too (1 Kings).  He had been a selfish son of the reigning king and believed his good looks were all that was required to be the next king. He was unsuccessful at that time and David remained the true king of Israel.  Adonijah tried again to be king by aemoting a coup over David's chosen successor later and was killed in that attempt. 

"Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart: 
for consider how great things he hath done for you. 
But if ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be consumed, 
both ye and your king.”  1 Samuel 12:24-25

King David chose his son Solomon to be the next true king.  As the chosen king, Solomon ruled wisely and kept a genuine covenant with God for most of his life.  Unfortunately, some of the kings that cam after Solomon did not have as close of a relationship with God.  As a result, their country and people suffered.

Leaders selected by God will be true to their country and people.  Leaders who get their positions by wrongful actions of man or via evil contracts with satan, are false leaders 

Our God Will We Serve and Obey

It is time for Christians to renew their covenant with God to worship Him only and follow His laws.  No idols of money, flesh, or other earthly things.  Serving God by doing His will, studying His word, looking heavenward, and helping His church to succeed.  Hear His voice by reading the Bible, praying, and waiting expectantly for His direction.  For those who remain: loyal to God, reverence Him, follow His commandments, trust in God, praise and worship Him, thank God for His blessings, and truly love Him  -- He will be loyal to them  

"And the people said ... The Lord our God will we serve,

and his voice will we obey." - Joshua 24:24 (KJV) 

Remember God is loving and forgiving, but He expects to be number one in your life.  Do not forsake God to follow after people or seek for things.  God expects you to learn and share His word through from the Holy Bible.  Do not try to fool God by rituals or religious practice over service to Him, He knows your true heart.  To be sure you stay in His service, always check any thing others say to you  ot that you are feeling against what God teaches in the Bible.  If you need clarification, pray for it - even if you have to do so more than once to hear from God.

 

The Holy Bible IS the Living Word of God

In human courts and legislature, some are claiming they need to interpret older legislation to meet current situations in order to keep the laws relevant.  Often these interpretations seem more like redefining to meet faddish trends and narrow opinions rather than protecting the innocent from persecution.  Man’s laws may change, but God’s Word remains a living and vibrant thing just as it is.  The Holy Bible contains examples, wisdom, and direction that is always key to living a good life.  Although the Word has been translated into multiple versions, it should never be revised or rewritten to try to fit current or future events or deceive people into falling false teachings.  The Bible is and will always be how mankind is judged as innocent or guilty for eternity.

“For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword,

piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow,

and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 

And no creature is hidden from His sight, but all are naked and exposed

to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” - Hebrews 4:12-13 (ESV)

The reference to “Word of God” in above scriptures directly points to the Holy Bible.  Scriptures preceding it point to the Old Testament telling how the Jews came out of Egyptian slavery then missed the Promised Land because they did not have faith in God to fulfill his promises and they also broke some of the directives in His covenant with them as well as the Ten Commandments. The above scriptures also points to Jesus, who is the living personification of the Word of God in the New Testament.  Jesus often cited prior scripture and stories in His teaching to show how God’s Words remain relevant and helpful to all.  

How does this apply directly to you today?  When you read and study the Holy Bible, you learn more of God and build upon your relationship with Him.  The words can convict you of your sins and lead you to repentance.  After becoming a Christian, the words will guide you and direct your path to being all God wants you to be.  When you reach the judgement seat of God, Jesus will intercede for you as if He were your defense attorney.  Your testimony will be how well you followed God's directions.  You will be judged against the Word, so be sure you know it well and do your best to live by it.

Having Done All, Stand

As a Christian, you are called to be a soldier for the God and His truth.  You must never forget that you are part of a great army for His work.  Christians offer so much good to other people through various Church missions, ministries, and community outreaches.  So it is not surprising that you might  wonder why people seem to be against the God's goodness.  Who could be behind this anger at God and His people?  Why would anyone want to make trouble rather than endorse the good works?  

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;  And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" - Ephesians 6:10-18 (KJV) 

The Bible tells of both physical and spiritual wars that have been and will come.  Christian soldiers are told how to prepare for spiritual battle in Ephesians.  You are encouraged to pray, prepare, and put on the full armour of God.  In doing so you will be able to stand firm in your convictions and purpose.

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False Prophets Show Up During a Time of Upheaval

Much of the ungodliness warned about in 2 Timothy appears to be coming true today as our country experiences an upheaval of long-held beliefs, morals, and values.  Lies and distortions are being spread for political or monetary gain.  Fake narratives, lying propaganda, false prophets, and bogus religions are constantly popping up everywhere!  History is being rewritten and misrepresented to support the new narratives.  Unnecessary destruction and violence spreads fear and sometimes seems to move the deceitful stories along. 

Read the above Bible book to get the message to Christians during such times of turmoil or spreading of falsehoods.  To help you after reading, write the 3 scriptures below down and post them as reminders for yourself.  These should serve as encouragement while you follow the warnings and instructions in the Bible.

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; 

but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." -  2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV) 

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, 

rightly dividing the word of truth." - 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) 

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, 

for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, 

thoroughly furnished unto all good works." - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV) 

If you follow the word of God and verify what you hear as right or wrong during this time, you will see the evidence of false prophets.  Read the Holy scriptures for yourself, pray about what you hear,  keep Christ in your life.  Then as a Christian, you will be able to say with confidence:

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, 

I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7

Freedom of religion is under fire and may remain so for some time.  Everyone is being told what is proper to say or not say, which is infringing upon free speech in a country where liberty is a citizen's right. As a Christian, are you finding it hard to know what to believe or do? Read 2 Timothy, a 4-chapter book of the Bible, so you are aware of what you need to look out for and how you are to respond.  Do not believe when false prophets twist God's Word for their own purpose.  Look up quoted scriptures, put them in context to seek God's true message and you can not be deceived.

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Knowing the Truth to Be Set Free

Now is a time when you do not know: who tells the truth, where to find the truth, what the truth is,  or why the truth is hidden.

Who do you turn to to find the truth?  You can turn to Jesus.  He will give you the answers you seek and the power and freedom to do what is RIGHT.  You should pray for his guidance and wisdom.

"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32 (KJV)

Where can you go to to find the truth?  You can go to your Bible. The internet and social media are filled with opinions and lies, it is not a reliable source for what is right or true.  Although, you may use on-line Bible tools to help you in your research and study.

What is the truth?  The truth is that only Jesus Christ can save you and others in this world.  Pray for a revival of Christ and God's blessing upon our nation.

"Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin." - John 8:34 (KJV) 

Why does the world try to hide the truth?  The truth is often twisted, distorted, or hidden to keep people from the freedom that truth brings.  There are evil people in the world and they want others to do wrong with them so they do not feel alone in what they do.  The are slave to satan's plans for this world.  So seek Christ first, flee evil, and find true freedom!

Want more truth?  Read your Bible!  You may also want to check out Balancing the Scales video sermon by Hagee Ministries.

Three-in-Three Free Ebooks: Grandma's Bible Study Guides from New Testament Series

We are all still in this together and we continue to seek God's grace and grow our faith.  For people to increase their faith during the current crisis, everyone needs to get more into the Word of God.  To aid this journey, I have given away a devotional and a fiction book each week.

This time to honor the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit) and remember the 3-parts of  Easter (Crucifixion, Resurrection,  Ascension).   I am offering a 3-in-3 freebie.  Over three weeks, for only 3 days in each week , you may get one of the three different Bible study guide free on books of the New Testament from the Grandma's Bible series. 

Come back to this post each of the three week to get the ebooks you want from Amazon on weekdays Wednesday to Friday:

• The Gospel and Signs of Christ is free on Amazon #ad April 7-9, 2021
• Letters to the Body of Christ is free on Amazon #ad April 14-16, 2021
• Letters to the Followers of Christ is free on Amazon #ad April 21-23, 2021

"I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois 

and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also." - 2 Timothy 1:5 (NIV)

When I read the above scripture, I imagine my grandmother's (Belle) and my mother's names in the place of Timothy's as underlined.  The Grandma's Bible series emphasizes marked scriptures from one of Grandma Belle's Bibles.  She was a prayer warrior, Sunday School teacher and an excellent example for my family.  I pray her scripture selections will speak to you and your family too.  There are thought-provoking questions for many chapters in each book after presented scriptures.  To find out more about which books of the Bible are covered in each study guide, see the back covers of books on Amazon or visit introductory post Three New Testament Bible Study Guides from Grandma's Bible.

Please SHARE this post link on social media or in email so others can get one or more of these  Bible Studies free too.  If you get the free ebook (or buy the paperback with note space) from Amazon, please also go back to Amazon and write a review of whichever Bible study you complete it.  Thanks in advance.

You may also want to check out 5 Things You Must Do During the Shutdown.

Prior ebook giveaway were:

• The Gospel and Signs of Christ is free April 8-10, 2020
• Letters to the Body of Christ is free April 15-17, 2020
• Letters to the Followers of Christ is free April 22-24, 2020

Free For Five Days Ebook: Have You Got Mustard Bible Study for Growing Faith

America needs FAITH NOW, more than ever before!

This is a time when worldwide. many are seeking God to ask that the world will heal and the global outlook will get better. soon.  Many  people are looking for an easy way to get back into reading their Bibles and increasing their own faith.  

Our nation is in turmoil as evil seems to be everywhere.  We need our Christian faith back in America.  Prayer and Bible knowledge are key.

Offering Have You Got Mustard:  A Bible Study Guide for Growing Faith on Amazon #ad in Kindle ebook format for FREE on Dec. 13, 2023 (due to Amazon USA time zone freebie starts 12 AM-PST and ends at 11:59 PM-PST)  Amazon allows authors 5 days of free e-book per title - more dates may be added, if interest is indicated in the comments below post. 

If you want to help get the word out on Wednesday, you may copy and post below text on social media.

FREE TODAY ONLY "Have You Got Mustard? A Bible Study for Growing Faith" #ebook #Giveaways #freebies to everyone on Dec. 13 PST. Find link and details at http://tinyurl.com/MustardGuide group #biblestudy or 7-day  personal #devotional - TELL YOUR FRIENDS

"And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you,

If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain,

Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove;

and nothing shall be impossible unto you." - Matthew 17:20 (KJV)

Or if a journal is desired, you may choose to purchase the paperback version instead so you have the worksheets as well as the text.  Either way, this Bible Study shares five scriptures each to lead you in 7 (M-U-S-T-A-R-D) fatih growing actions.  For your personal study, consider it as a week-long devotional of an action per day. You can find out more about this Bible study with free resources plus other guides here or daily devotionals here,  If doing study as part of a weekly group, then you can do 1 or 2 actions per week for 4-8 weeks as explained in the introduction chapter.

Please SHARE this post link (http://tinyurl.com/MustardGuide) on social media or via text/email so others can get this Bible Study free too.  If you get the free ebook or buy the paperback from Amazon, please also go back to Amazon and write a review of the Bible study when you complete it.  If you cannot add a review on Amazon, feel free to leave one in the blog post comments using your Google account as login.  Thanks in advance.

Prior ebook giveaways were:

Consecutive days during the five days of March 25-29, 2020 

Non-consecutive Wednesdays during February 3,10,17,24 and March 3, 2021 

The Holy Bible in Schools

America was founded by Christians (some Protestant colonies and others Catholic) seeking religious freedom.  They wanted to practice their belief in the trinity of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit without worry of persecution.  Is Christianity still practiced freely in the USA and will it be so in the future?  If other religions are taught in schools, but Christ is not included, is that unethical as the teaching excludes the Christian religion on which this country was founded?  Education sources can not say ethically and truthfully say belief in freedom of religion while excluding Christianity.  Can students pray in school or bring their Bible to school any day during the year?

"And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way 

wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do." - Exodus 18:20 (KJV)

When formal education began in America, the Bible was the most readily available book.  So schools used the Bible to teach children to read.  Just a few decades ago, the Holy Bible was referenced in history, social studies, and civics classes when students were taught about the colonization of America and the foundation of US laws.  Is this still true today?  Also, the King James Version (KJV) Bible was used in some high school English classes to familiarize students with the "Kings English" before studying classic literature like Shakespeare.  Shouldn't the Bible be taught as part of literature curriculum still? 

"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, 

that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." -

 Romans 15:4 (KJV)

If the Bible was so important for education in the past, why is it being blocked from curriculums now?  Real freedom of religion, understanding of ethics and morals, and reinforcement of US tradition includes teaching the Christian Bible in all schools.  Is the devil and his violence in schools winning over school district leaders or do parents still have a voice to bring respect for other people and belief in God back into the classroom? Is the trend to eliminate the Bible and restricting prayer from school districts fading?  If you want to bring the Bible back to schools, pray about it for your community and keep bringing it up at local school board  and PTA meetings.

January Daily Devotionals: God Blesses You

Many people think of blessings as material things like a large house, new car, fancy clothes, promotion/high-paying job, big savings account, high credit limit, or other monetary wealth.  While others may see blessings as more physical things like personal health or comfort,  winning at sports, or participating in organizations.  Then there are the emotional blessings brought through a loving family, charity work, good friendships, getting a degree or an enriching career.  If you  have any of those are blessings, you should be thankful for them.  God wants to bless you spiritually through a joy-filled relationship with Him, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.  It is ok to pray for your emotional, financial, mental, and  physical need,s as God says you are to ask for these things according to His will and you must use them with His guidance.  For your own spiritual growth, spiritual blessings is what you should be praying for.  

Please read the scriptures below so you may recognize that God not only meets your needs but blesses you with more than material things.  Review your blessings (including religious freedom, the Holy Bible, and local Church), acknowledge from God they came, and thank Him.

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January References for Daily Devotionals 

Date Scripture Date Scripture 1 Numbers 6:24-25 16 Psalm 68:19  2 Deuteronomy 1:11 17 Psalm 89:2 3 Matthew 6:31-34 18 2 Corinthians 9:8 4 Deuteronomy 28:12 19 Psalms 145:16  5 Deuteronomy 30:9 20 Proverbs 3:5-6 6 Matthew 11:28-30 21 Philippians 4:12-13 7 Psalm 1:1-3 22 Proverbs 3:9-10 8 Psalm 36:8 23 Isaiah 41:10 9 Luke 1:37 24 Philippians 4:19 10 Psalm 65:9 25 Isaiah 58:11 11 Psalm 65:11-12 26 Jeremiah 17:7-8 12 John 1:16 27 1 Timothy 6:18-19 13 Psalm 66:8-12 28 Jeremiah 29:11 14 Psalm 67:7 29 Jeremiah 31:14 15 Romans 8:32 30 2 Peter 1:10-11 31 Malachi 3:10

December Daily Devotionals: Christ Came for You

The birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, our redeemer and savior, is recorded in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.  Luke is most popular for reading the Christmas story and following Christ's life (see December 24-Day challenge).  Matthew is a confirmation to the Jews that Jesus is the Messiah.  Mark tells Gentile of Christ's mission and John writes to all about the divine nature of God's son.  Instead of following the traditional holiday story of Jesus birth on earth, this month's devotional will focus on Old Testament prophecy of Jesus coming, New Testament verification that He is Christ/Messiah, and confirmation of His purpose in coming.  Christ's mission is one of love and to bring sinners back to a real relationship with the one true God is emphasized.  

Please read these scriptures, which are not in chronological order, to recognize that Jesus Christ came for you and your redemption from sin.  Then reflect on what that means to you and how you may share this knowledge and your faith with those you touch in the future.

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December References for Daily Devotionals
Please note: Links below take you to another site to view the scriptures references.  If you are using a print Bible or a preferred Bible App, you should skip clinking on the links in the devotional table. 

Please note: Links below take you to another site to view the scriptures references.  If you are using a print Bible or a preferred Bible App, you should skip clinking on the links in the devotional table.

Date	Scripture	Date	Scripture
1	Genesis 49:10-11	16	Romans 1:3-6
2	Matthew 1:21-23	17	Isaiah 7:14-15
3	Matthew 2:1-2	18	2 Corinthians 5:20-21
4	Matthew 3:16-17	19	Isaiah 9:6-7
5	Deuteronomy 18:15	20	Ephesians 2:8-10
6	Matthew 13:34-35	21	Philippians 2:6-8
7	Matthew 20:28	22	Isaiah 61:1-2
8	Job 19:25	23	1 Timothy 4:9-11
9	Mark 11:7-10	24	2 Timothy 1:9-10
10	Psalm 2:6-8	25	Jeremiah 23:4-6
11	John 1:12-14	26	Titus 2:11-14
12	John 3:16-17	27	Hebrews 7:13-16
13	John 18.37	28	Micah 5:1-2
14	Psalm 78:2-4	29	1 John 2:1-2
15	Acts 3:20-22	30	1 John 4:11-15
		31	Zechariah 9:9