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When I was in Junior High I went to a camp that encouraged us to have daily quiet times. They gave us a little campus journal devotional that had a verse and little commentary for each day. I learned a lot and began to crave God's Word more and more as I could see God changing my heart through it. I bought a couple study tools to help me learn God's Word, one of which was Halley's Bible Handbook. Between that and Henrietta Mears' What the Bible is All About book, a new passion began and God was shaping my heart to desire things He desired for my life. So when the opportunity came about to review Halley's Study Bible through being a Bible Gateway Blogger Grid member, I was all in. So the following is my honest review of the NIV Halley's Study Bible in exchange for a free copy.
Things I enjoy or appreciate* The things said by Jesus are in red. That's always super helpful to me. * Concordance in the back. This is great for when you can't quite remember where that verse is, but you remember a few words in the verse. * Little nuggets of history. In blue boxes there are little blurbs about the history or culture of the time it was written. I've really appreciated the insights I've read so far. * Parallel passages. Under each story that has the same story told in another book of the Bible, it lists where the other story is told. * Color pictures. There are pictures throughout of things like a shepherd with his flock, a cedar tree, a model of the antonia fortress etc. It's helpful to see pictures of the thing being talked about. * Study notes at the bottom of the page. I love these little notes in Bibles. It's like hearing someone else's wisdom about a verse I may have missed. * The preface. They did a great job in the preface on helping to explain how the Bible is organized.
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12 Practical Tips on How to Memorize Scripture
1. Write the verse on one side of a notecard and where it is found on the other. Punch a little hole in the corner and put a ring clip through them. Then categorize them topically. I usually use a sticky note for the category topic in front of each section.
2. Pick verses that relate to things you are going through. Basically make sure it's usable in your daily life.
3. Take your ring of verses with you and look over them when you're in line or waiting for appointments.
4. REVIEW- Use your verses in your prayer time and use them to pray specific things for people. Schedule something like once a week to review your verses because if you forget them all your hard work of memorizing them goes down the drain till heaven.
5. Make a smart goal with how many and how often you want to memorize. (Smart is an acroynm to help you make good goals: Specific, Measurable, Action Oriented, Realistic, and within a Timeline)
6. Try putting it to a melody you know or make up your own little chant.
7. Write it down and re-write it several times.
8. Associate the verse with other things: people, smells, places etc.
9. Say out loud
10. Keep it in front of your eyes so you'll think of it often.
11. USE IT!
What does it take?
* Discipline (1 Cor. 4:7, Heb. 12:11, Gal. 5:23)
* Endurance (Heb. 12:1, 2 Tim. 1:7)
“You shall therefore impress these words of mine on your heart and on your soul; and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall teach them to your sons, talking of them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and when you rise up.” Dt. 11:18-20
About Laura
Laura's desire is to point to Jesus and lead people to be in awe of God. She is married and has six kids, two of whom are adopted. Her and her husband have been in full time ministry since 2002. She serves with Master Plan Ministries as the Director of Women's Ministries and has extensive experience leading Bible studies, discipling women and speaking to groups and is the Founder of the internationally popular blog MissionalWomen.com that helps women live on mission for the glory of God. She has written seven books/Bible studies, designed 2 popular ministry tools and has made journals for quiet times for many books of the Bible. You can find her on facebook, twitter, pinterest, youtube, and Instagram.
"Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds." Psalm 71:17
Does this verse amaze you? It does me! To think that God has been teaching me all these years back further than I can remember. Wow. To think that He was there helping me perceive and learn... for years... there... with me... coaching, instructing, teaching. Just wow. To think that there is no event in my life that He wasn't right there actively helping me understand. Oh Lord, let this hit us. For a learner like me, this utterly blows my mind and brings me close to tears.
And another awesome thing about Him being a Teacher is that it implies He speaks to us. I LOVE that about Him! I love that we can hear Him. I mean seriously, what kind of God is so incredibly awesome that He makes it possible for the finite to hear and understand the infinite. It is mind blowing that God says, "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great unsearchable things you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3
Are you confident in knowing God's voice?
Here are a few ways I grew in confidence in hearing and knowing God's voice:3 Ways to Grow in Hearing God's Voice1. Saturate your mind with Scripture. It is God's words. If you want to know what He sounds like, go to the book He wrote. Only makes sense right. As you read, ask Him to help you understand and have a journal handy to write down the things that stand out and the insights you gain. The Holy Spirit is the One who illuminates our minds to Scripture. So if you have an ah-ha moment, recognize that as God's voice.
It's like if you were to learn another language. The best way to learn it is to submerse yourself in the culture of people that speak it and it becomes natural. When we saturate our minds with Scripture, we are then able to recognize God's voice and heart.
2. Ask Him questions. When I was in college (and had much more free time than now) I would get up and walk 1/2 way down the block to my church and pray with the pastor and his wife for the church for an hour. Then I would go on a little walk down this beautiful road and pray for another hour. Then I would get home and do my Bible study. Everyday for almost two years I would spend at least three hours a day with the Lord. On my prayer walk I would get to this rock on the side of the road and sit there with my journal asking God questions. After I asked God a question, I would write down the thought that came to my mind and I would weigh it against Scripture. "Would God really say that?", "Does it contradict anything He said in His Word?", "Does that match up with what His Word shows me His heart and character are like?" If it didn't contradict Scripture or His character I would take it as though God has spoke to me. Looking back, that is the time I grew in confidence in hearing God's voice.
3. Memorize Scripture. A lot people feel like they have a bad memory and just can't memorize Scripture. But really, just because something is a little bit difficult or doesn't come naturally, doesn't mean we shouldn't do it. In fact we should be a people marked by doing hard things. And the reality is that God takes broken things and uses them to show Himself to be great. He wants to take you're bad memory to show Himself capable. Like how He took me, a girl who has a below average memory and can't remember names or faces or even my very own life events sometimes. God is so awesome that He took my not so great memory and enabled me to memorize the entire books of James, Philippians and half of 1 Thessalonians and hundreds of other verses. THAT is how capable God is! (I don't tell you this to brag-in fact I most often try to keep it secret. But then I miss the opportunity to brag on God. Because honestly it's not something I am capable of on my own!) So surely if you have a better memory than me (which I'm confident you probably do!), He can do MUCH more through you!
Does this verse amaze you? It does me! To think that God has been teaching me all these years back further than I can remember. Wow. To think that He was there helping me perceive and learn... for years... there... with me... coaching, instructing, teaching. Just wow. To think that there is no event in my life that He wasn't right there actively helping me understand. Oh Lord, let this hit us. For a learner like me, this utterly blows my mind and brings me close to tears.
And another awesome thing about Him being a Teacher is that it implies He speaks to us. I LOVE that about Him! I love that we can hear Him. I mean seriously, what kind of God is so incredibly awesome that He makes it possible for the finite to hear and understand the infinite. It is mind blowing that God says, "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great unsearchable things you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3
Are you confident in knowing God's voice?
Here are a few ways I grew in confidence in hearing and knowing God's voice:3 Ways to Grow in Hearing God's Voice1. Saturate your mind with Scripture. It is God's words. If you want to know what He sounds like, go to the book He wrote. Only makes sense right. As you read, ask Him to help you understand and have a journal handy to write down the things that stand out and the insights you gain. The Holy Spirit is the One who illuminates our minds to Scripture. So if you have an ah-ha moment, recognize that as God's voice.
It's like if you were to learn another language. The best way to learn it is to submerse yourself in the culture of people that speak it and it becomes natural. When we saturate our minds with Scripture, we are then able to recognize God's voice and heart.
2. Ask Him questions. When I was in college (and had much more free time than now) I would get up and walk 1/2 way down the block to my church and pray with the pastor and his wife for the church for an hour. Then I would go on a little walk down this beautiful road and pray for another hour. Then I would get home and do my Bible study. Everyday for almost two years I would spend at least three hours a day with the Lord. On my prayer walk I would get to this rock on the side of the road and sit there with my journal asking God questions. After I asked God a question, I would write down the thought that came to my mind and I would weigh it against Scripture. "Would God really say that?", "Does it contradict anything He said in His Word?", "Does that match up with what His Word shows me His heart and character are like?" If it didn't contradict Scripture or His character I would take it as though God has spoke to me. Looking back, that is the time I grew in confidence in hearing God's voice.
3. Memorize Scripture. A lot people feel like they have a bad memory and just can't memorize Scripture. But really, just because something is a little bit difficult or doesn't come naturally, doesn't mean we shouldn't do it. In fact we should be a people marked by doing hard things. And the reality is that God takes broken things and uses them to show Himself to be great. He wants to take you're bad memory to show Himself capable. Like how He took me, a girl who has a below average memory and can't remember names or faces or even my very own life events sometimes. God is so awesome that He took my not so great memory and enabled me to memorize the entire books of James, Philippians and half of 1 Thessalonians and hundreds of other verses. THAT is how capable God is! (I don't tell you this to brag-in fact I most often try to keep it secret. But then I miss the opportunity to brag on God. Because honestly it's not something I am capable of on my own!) So surely if you have a better memory than me (which I'm confident you probably do!), He can do MUCH more through you!
About Laura
Laura's desire is to point to Jesus and lead people to be in awe of God. She is married and has six kids, two of whom are adopted. Her and her husband have been in full time ministry since 2002. She serves with Master Plan Ministries as the Director of Women's Ministries and has extensive experience leading Bible studies, discipling women and speaking to groups and is the Founder of the internationally popular blog MissionalWomen.com that helps women live on mission for the glory of God. She has written seven books/Bible studies, designed 2 popular ministry tools and has made journals for quiet times for many books of the Bible. You can find her on facebook, twitter, pinterest, youtube, and Instagram.
The most important thing about us is what we believe about God for it affects everything we think, say and do. So this little 31 day Scripture writing printable helps to keep the truth about God in the front of our minds. Enjoy!
Click the image below, save and print.
And if you like things like this, subscribe to our one in a while newsletter that is filled with freebies, ministry resources and updates. And you'll even get my Ministry Resources for Women ebook for FREE.
Click the image below, save and print.
And if you like things like this, subscribe to our one in a while newsletter that is filled with freebies, ministry resources and updates. And you'll even get my Ministry Resources for Women ebook for FREE.
About Laura
Laura's desire is to point to Jesus and lead people to be in awe of God. She is married and has six kids, two of whom are adopted. Her and her husband have been in full time ministry since 2002. She serves with Master Plan Ministries as the Director of Women's Ministries and has extensive experience leading Bible studies, discipling women and speaking to groups and is the Founder of the internationally popular blog MissionalWomen.com that helps women live on mission for the glory of God. She has written seven books/Bible studies, designed 2 popular ministry tools and has made journals for quiet times for many books of the Bible. You can find her on facebook, twitter, pinterest, youtube, and Instagram.
Can't we all use the reminder what is true about us? The world, our own flesh and the world are constantly telling us lies about who we are. So, this 31 day printable has a verse telling the truth about those who have put their trust in Christ. I hope it's a blessing to you. :)
Right click the image below, save and print.
And if you like things like this, subscribe to our one in a while newsletter that is filled with freebies, ministry resources and updates. And you'll even get my Ministry Resources for Women ebook for FREE.
Right click the image below, save and print.
And if you like things like this, subscribe to our one in a while newsletter that is filled with freebies, ministry resources and updates. And you'll even get my Ministry Resources for Women ebook for FREE.
About Laura
Laura's desire is to point to Jesus and lead people to be in awe of God. She is married and has six kids, two of whom are adopted. Her and her husband have been in full time ministry since 2002. She serves with Master Plan Ministries as the Director of Women's Ministries and has extensive experience leading Bible studies, discipling women and speaking to groups and is the Founder of the internationally popular blog MissionalWomen.com that helps women live on mission for the glory of God. She has written seven books/Bible studies, designed 2 popular ministry tools and has made journals for quiet times for many books of the Bible. You can find her on facebook, twitter, pinterest, youtube, and Instagram.
"I don't know more than you, we just know different things." was on someones Instagram profile yesterday and immediately put me in awe of God. Because really, knowledge, wisdom and understanding are all about God. From Him and for Him
"Can you raise your voice to the clouds and cover yourself with a flood of water? Do you send the lightning bolts on their way? Do they report to you, 'Here we are'?Who endowed the heart with wisdom or gave understanding to the mind? Who has the wisdom to count the clouds? Who can tip over the water jars of the heavens..." Job 38:34-37
I absolutely am fascinated in thinking about how much God knows. Everything about me and you, physically, mentally, emotionally, socially... everything. And about our great great great grandmas, who we don't even know. But God knows her. He knows everything about her. Why she made every decisions she ever made, why she felt every feeling she ever felt. Why she loved what she loved and hated what she hated. He knew her.
And to think that anytime we know something, it is because He has given us minds to understand. Brains that work and process information. And He has revealed the workings of what we learned. Like technology. He chose now, this generation to have access to reaching the world through a computer screen.
Or how He set laws of wisdom in place that those who seek wisdom or the "how to's" in life can find them no matter who it is. How He gives wisdom and understanding generously to those who seek and ask Him.
And I love how He has revealed His plan for the redemption of mankind progressively. Beautiful!!!
And not only is it beautiful that He reveals knowledge but that He also hides knowledge.
Austin and I were discussing what things, what information, we will not tell our kids at this point. And we came to the conclusion that it would be things that will cause them harm. I think God is the same. He does not tell us things that would harm us.
The Holy Spirit is the teacher, the revealer of truth, the One who gives us understanding, insight, discernment, revelation. The truths I know are because He allowed me to understand. He gave me the ability to understand and He is the One who enabled it to not be hidden any longer.
To say, "I get it" is a gift from Him, through Him and for Him. Thank you Lord for the information You've given me at this point in life and the things You've kept hidden from me.
"Can you raise your voice to the clouds and cover yourself with a flood of water? Do you send the lightning bolts on their way? Do they report to you, 'Here we are'?Who endowed the heart with wisdom or gave understanding to the mind? Who has the wisdom to count the clouds? Who can tip over the water jars of the heavens..." Job 38:34-37
I absolutely am fascinated in thinking about how much God knows. Everything about me and you, physically, mentally, emotionally, socially... everything. And about our great great great grandmas, who we don't even know. But God knows her. He knows everything about her. Why she made every decisions she ever made, why she felt every feeling she ever felt. Why she loved what she loved and hated what she hated. He knew her.
And to think that anytime we know something, it is because He has given us minds to understand. Brains that work and process information. And He has revealed the workings of what we learned. Like technology. He chose now, this generation to have access to reaching the world through a computer screen.
Or how He set laws of wisdom in place that those who seek wisdom or the "how to's" in life can find them no matter who it is. How He gives wisdom and understanding generously to those who seek and ask Him.
And I love how He has revealed His plan for the redemption of mankind progressively. Beautiful!!!
And not only is it beautiful that He reveals knowledge but that He also hides knowledge.
Austin and I were discussing what things, what information, we will not tell our kids at this point. And we came to the conclusion that it would be things that will cause them harm. I think God is the same. He does not tell us things that would harm us.
The Holy Spirit is the teacher, the revealer of truth, the One who gives us understanding, insight, discernment, revelation. The truths I know are because He allowed me to understand. He gave me the ability to understand and He is the One who enabled it to not be hidden any longer.
To say, "I get it" is a gift from Him, through Him and for Him. Thank you Lord for the information You've given me at this point in life and the things You've kept hidden from me.
About Laura
Laura, the creator and host of Missional Women is married and has six kids, two of whom are adopted. Laura and her husband have been missionaries since 2002 serving with Master Plan Ministries. Laura is the Staff Women's Development Coordinator and has discipled over 150 women, led over 30 Bible studies and speaks many times a year. Laura is an author and creator of ministry tools and resources. You can find her books and resources at the Missional Women store and connect with her on facebook,twitter, pinterest, youtube, instagram andher author site.
Are you longing to dive deeper into God's Word, but are also longing for a little community?
The Enjoy the Word online Bible Conference is a one of a kind opportunity to do both with our fully online Bible conference! It's a fully online conference where Gospel-Centered theology meets everyday practical living co-hosted by my friends Katie Orr and Jami Balmet.
It's practical advice, Bible teaching, & a heap of encouragement from some of the top 20 women Bible study teachers all together in one big bundle.
And the best part? You don't have to find a babysitter, pay for a plane ticket, arrange a hotel, etc. It's all online so you can participate and watch from the comfort of your living room - in your pajamas!
It’s all online.
Watch on your computer or smartphone live on May 2-4 with a fun private Facebook group, a pajama kick-off party, and live Q&A’s with the speakers. (I’m doing a session Discovering God's Call for Your Life!)
Or watch (and re-watch) whenever is convenient for you (you get lifetime access). You can also listen to audio-only versions if you prefer.
The Enjoy the Word online Bible Conference is a one of a kind opportunity to do both with our fully online Bible conference! It's a fully online conference where Gospel-Centered theology meets everyday practical living co-hosted by my friends Katie Orr and Jami Balmet.
It's practical advice, Bible teaching, & a heap of encouragement from some of the top 20 women Bible study teachers all together in one big bundle.
And the best part? You don't have to find a babysitter, pay for a plane ticket, arrange a hotel, etc. It's all online so you can participate and watch from the comfort of your living room - in your pajamas!
It’s all online.
Watch on your computer or smartphone live on May 2-4 with a fun private Facebook group, a pajama kick-off party, and live Q&A’s with the speakers. (I’m doing a session Discovering God's Call for Your Life!)
Or watch (and re-watch) whenever is convenient for you (you get lifetime access). You can also listen to audio-only versions if you prefer.
What's Included in the Conference Ticket:
The Conference Ticket Includes:
- 6 teaching sessions through the book of Jonah
- Lifetime access to over 20 sessions
- Sessions on “Practical & Everyday Faith”
- Making Bible reading a habit
- Praying Scripture
- Overcoming obstacles that keep us from enjoying God's Word
- Igniting a passion for God
- Understanding the big picture of the Old and New Testaments
- and much more!
- Sessions on “What the Bible has to say about..."
- Emotions
- Marriage, sex and mission
- Worship
- Leading
- Discovering your calling
- Balance
- and much more!
- Sessions on “God’s Word & Our Family”
- Helping your kids enjoy God's Word
- Nurturing Your Children Toward a Love of the Gospel
- How Mom Can Get in the Word & Basics for Helping Her Kids Learn the Bible
- Digital Conference Notebook so you can follow along
- Access to the private Facebook group
- Live discussions with the speakers
 | Everything is recorded!One really fun aspect of this conference is getting to participate live with all the other attendees and speakers. But as a busy mom with six young kids myself, I know that it's not always realistic to watch along live. So whether you miss one session - or all of them - you can watch later. We record all the sessions (at NO extra charge) and you get them to watch anytime you need - even if that's in six months or in a year! I really want to make this conference as flexible as possible for you. |
Pajama party kick off!
The 20 conference sessions this year are obviously amazing, but the really FUN part of the conference is the private Facebook group community!
A great part about learning to study the Bible is doing so in community! So if you are looking for like-minded women who want to grow in their knowledge of God - this is the place to be! You will get the chance to interact with all the other attendees, chat directly with each speaker after their session, and get to participate in some really fun parties and giveaways during the week.
A great part about learning to study the Bible is doing so in community! So if you are looking for like-minded women who want to grow in their knowledge of God - this is the place to be! You will get the chance to interact with all the other attendees, chat directly with each speaker after their session, and get to participate in some really fun parties and giveaways during the week.
Registering now gets you $10 OFF the total ticket price (when you register by Monday April 16th)!
Conference Speakers
Questions?
Pop on over here and all your questions will be answered.
The people who grow the fastest and strongest in their relationship with God are the ones who spend the most time with God studying His Word. But having a quiet time and studying the Bible are not really topics talked about every day. So I decided to make a video series on how to study the Bible for our readers. I hope you find it helpful. Leave me a comment on the videos and let me know what helps you. Also, subscribe to my channel as I will be adding new videos every week with other helpful resources and ministry tips.
Another idea is to show these videos to your Bible study group or share on social media.
Another idea is to show these videos to your Bible study group or share on social media.
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About Laura
Laura, the creator and host of Missional Women is married and has six kids, two of whom are adopted. Laura and her husband have been missionaries since 2002 serving with Master Plan Ministries. Laura is the Staff Women's Development Coordinator and has discipled over 150 women, led over 30 Bible studies and speaks many times a year. Laura is an author and creator of ministry tools and resources. You can find her books and resources at the Missional Women store and connect with her on facebook,twitter, pinterest, youtube, instagram and her author site.
After leading small group Bible studies for over thirty years here are my top 8 Tips on how to help your small group Bible study go from good to great.
What other tips do you have? Head over to the video and leave me a comment.
About Laura
Laura, the creator and host of Missional Women is married and has six kids, two of whom are adopted. Laura and her husband have been missionaries since 2002 serving with Master Plan Ministries. Laura is the Staff Women's Development Coordinator and has discipled over 150 women, led over 30 Bible studies and speaks many times a year. Laura is an author and creator of ministry tools and resources. You can find her books and resources at the Missional Women store and connect with her on facebook,twitter, pinterest, youtube, instagram and her author site.
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