New Year, New Habits with the Best Chronological Bible Reading Plan + Resource Bundle
Welcome to 2024! A year for growth, introspection, and building some strong spiritual habits. What better way to kickstart your year than by diving into the wisdom of the Bible? Imagine having all the tools at your fingertips to not just start a new Bible reading plan but to cultivate lasting, healthy spiritual habits. Intrigued? Let me introduce you to the ULTIMATE Bible Study Bundle. It’s a comprehensive group of my most-requested resources to propel you forward in faith.
The Ultimate Bible Reading Toolkit
In this fast-paced digital age, we understand the need for simplicity and convenience. That’s why I curated the ultimate toolkit for your spiritual growth—all in one, easy download. Unpack SEVEN invaluable resources designed to jumpstart your spiritual journey and foster a deeper connection with God. Let’s take a closer look at what’s inside.
The Bible calls us to spiritual maturity, but I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve had trouble in the past sticking to a reading plan, or cultivating healthy habits of being in the Word on a daily basis. Things really changed for me when my mental health was at its worst. I knew I couldn’t just “pray away” the depression that was actively eating me alive. But I also knew I desperately wanted the joy, peace, and contentment God promises those who follow Him. I began to study Scripture in a new way, and the web of lies that had ensnared my mind, mental health, and wellbeing began to loosen. Eventually, it fell away completely.
This bundle–is a collection of SIX of my all time favorite resources, and I’m thrilled to offer them to you, for free. Let’s check out the bundle.
1. See the BIG Picture with the Best Chronological Bible Reading Plan
Ever felt lost in the vastness of the Bible? Here is my favorite Chronological Bible Reading Plan—a roadmap through time. Experience the narrative, Psalms, and prophets in a sequential flow, making comprehension a simpler. This has become my favorite way to read the Bible. It’s perfect for beginners or folks looking for an easy plan to follow. It’s not a year-long plan, so simply read as much as you like each day, until you’ve worked through the whole book.
2. 90 Days to Transformation: The Bible Reading Challenge
Challenges breed growth, and I’ve got just a good one for you! Dive into an intense 90-Day Chronological Bible Reading Challenge. This 90 day Bible reading challenge has been updated with a bookmark checklist format for easy reference, as well as the classic one-sheet. This is more than just a reading plan; it’s a transformative journey. I’ll be launching a summer challenge in June–so be sure to subscribe to emails or join me on Instagram and Facebook for details.
3. Reshape Your Sabbath and Reclaim Your Rest
Jesus calls those who are weary and burdened (See Matthew 11:28-30). Developing healthy spiritual habits does not mean adding weight to our already full plates. Ours is a God of blessing, grace, and rest. Make this the year you embrace Sabbath rest–a practice that cultivates trust in God, while giving you the gift of time and peace. The “Reshaping Your Sabbath” worksheet, empowers you to carve out meaningful moments of rest. Unplug, rejuvenate, and enjoy the rhythm God designed for us. Read more about creating a Sabbath routine here.
4. Unravel the Old Testament: Your Guide to Understanding
The Old Testament can be a challenging terrain. Some might even use the word “boring.” Fear not! The Ultimate Bundle equips you with a study guide focused on appreciating Old Testament Law. You’ll gain understanding, but also gain an appreciation for these foundational portions of Scripture. This simple resource enhances the chronological Bible reading plan.
5. The Easiest Way to Journal: Quiet Time One Liners
Creating a habit of reading and understanding Scripture shouldn’t be complicated. Further increase healthy spiritual habits by incorporating the SIMPLEST, most sustainable journaling technique ever. This printable journal page—Quiet Time One Liners is the easiest way to capture your thoughts, reflections, and prayers in a format that seamlessly integrates into your daily routine.
6. Inductive Bible Study Made Easy: Infographic Guide
Inductive Bible Study is a powerful method to dive deep into Scripture. While the inductive method can get very complicated, it doesn’t need to be. I’ve simplified this effective study technique with an easy-to-understand infographic. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned reader, this guide will revolutionize the way you approach Bible study.
Why Settle for Less?
Sure, there are free chronological reading plans out there, but none offer the comprehensive support and resources packed into this bundle.
Ready to Pursue Truth with the Best Chronological Bible Reading Plan? Sign Up Now!
If you’re feeling stuck, seeking clarity, or simply yearning to move forward in faith, start here. This New Year, let’s mature in our faith, and cultivate healthy spiritual habits. Sign up now to unlock this exclusive bundle and embark on a transformative journey. Make 2024 the year you embraced God’s Word, and all the goodness it holds.
Enter your email below, and let’s embark on this exciting journey together!
Today I’m happy to bring you part III of the Reshaping Your Rest series. For once, I’ll be piping down to let others do the talking. I’m sharing a few commentaries and resources that have helped me further understand what setting apart a day of rest really means.
All posts in the series are right here:
Part I–How to take a Sabbath rest. Personal Sabbath testimony, Sabbath symbolism and meaning.
Part II–Key Bible verses and takeaways for understanding the Sabbath
Part III–Commentaries and resources for understanding the Sabbath
Part IV–Practicing the Sabbath in your home–Free guide and worksheet
An Overview of the Sabbath
Do you know the Bible Project? If you don’t, get to know them. I’m a HUGE fan of their work. They produce great, short videos that cover all kinds of Biblical topics. (I’m especially fond of their videos that give a “nutshell” perspective on each book of the Bible. Those are great for anyone, but especially families and young students of the Word.)
Anyway, the Bible Project has a great video on the Sabbath and its origins.
If a few things went too fast, or you’d rather read than watch, see this quick article. It links up all the verse references used in the video.
Is the Sabbath Still Relevant Today?
Is keeping the Sabbath still something relevant to the modern church? This is an excellent question. And while we’re talking about the Bible Project–here is an excellent article that covers a wide range of questions about keeping the Sabbath. (Excerpt below.)
Jesus reminded the people of God’s actual intent for the Sabbath: unity with God, creation, and each other that was first found in Eden on page one of the Bible. Jesus taught that the Sabbath was about mercy and was purposeful. It was supposed to point to him, the one promised through all of Israel’s prophets, the one who would restore the rhythm of creation.
When followers of Jesus observe the Sabbath, we live as if this restoration has already taken place. We take a break from the broken rhythms of hustle and hardship to set aside a time of submission to his rule and enjoyment of his presence and to extend these things to the world around us. When we observe the Sabbath well, we become little resting places of God’s presence.
…As followers of Jesus, we aren’t required to follow the laws given to Israel by God exactly. These were given at a specific time to a specific people group for a specific purpose. Yet the wisdom of those laws is enduring, and the law of the Sabbath is pure gold. It is not a commandment we are bound to; it’s a promise we’re invited to.
Sometimes looking into the meanings of specific words used in the Bible can help glean a deeper understanding of what the text is meant to communicate. The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew, the New Testament in Greek. Here are a few Hebrew and Greek words I found helpful for understanding the Sabbath as I studied.
How to read interlinear references:
If you’ve never Bible geeked out over an interlinear reference, this could be your first time. At the top is the word we are studying. Next is a section of definitions and uses. At the bottom is concordance results. This is a list of every verse in the Bible that uses the word we are looking at.
**Always remember to read in context and apply the definition as meant by the author. The Word is powerful. We should read to find truth–not arguments that support our own opinions and ideas.**
Shabath: First seen in Genesis 2. This is the word used to describe how God rested on the seventh day.
Nuwach: To rest or settle down. This word has the connotation of comfort, being placed in order, knowing your place and being able to rest securely. (Missy Takano also covers nuwach in her article.)
Shabbath: The word used for the proclaimed and prescribed Sabbath.
Sabbaton: The Greek word used for the proclaimed and prescribed Sabbath in the New Testament.
Katapausis: A calming of the winds, a resting place. This word is used primarily in Hebrews 4–describing the rest of God.
Be diligent to enter that rest: The rest is there, but God does not force it upon us. We must enter that rest. Clearly, the rest is entered by faith; but it takes diligent faith. This shows us that faith is not passive; it takes diligence to trust in, rely on, and cling to Jesus and His work for us.
This directs us to contrive family affairs, so that they may hinder us as little as possible in the work of the sabbath. Works of necessity are to be done on that day; but it is desirable to have as little as may be to do, that we may apply ourselves the more closely to prepare for the life that is to come.
Get Ready to Reshape Your Rest by Keeping the Sabbath
Next week we’ll wrap up our Sabbath series. I’ve got a quick study guide and worksheet for you that will help you reshape your own rest–and more fully align it with the rest God wants to give us.
Until then, I’d love to get to know you! Join me on Instagram or Facebook to connect with me and a growing community committed to striving to live intentionally, viewing the world through a Christ-centered lens. I post *almost* daily encouragement and devotionals–and you can get a behind the scenes look at what I do when I’m not writing in my stories. You can also connect by subscribing to my emails. You’ll be notified every time a new post comes out and have access to the resource library!
As always, thanks for being here. If this series is teaching you or touching your heart, I’d love to hear from you–and I’d love if you shared with friends to help grow this sweet, encouraging corner of the Internet.
Part I–How to take a Sabbath rest. Personal Sabbath testimony, Sabbath symbolism and meaning.
Part II–Key Bible verses and takeaways for understanding the Sabbath
Part III–Commentaries and resources for understanding the Sabbath
Part IV–Practicing the Sabbath in your home–Free guide and worksheet
This is the first installment of a series on the Sabbath. Here are all the posts in the series:
Part I–How to take a Sabbath rest. Personal Sabbath testimony, Sabbath symbolism and meaning.
Part II–Key Bible verses and takeaways for understanding the Sabbath
Part III–Commentaries and resources for understanding the Sabbath
Part IV–Practicing the Sabbath in your home–Free guide and worksheet
I just got back from vacation. It was nice, relaxing. All the things you want a little time away to be. But there was something deeper going on in me. I’ve been thinking about rest. Real rest. Something we can all relate to (and many of us struggle with.)
Weeks ago, toward the beginning of the 90 Day Bible Reading Challenge, I started turning over the idea of Sabbath rest. Every time I read anything about the Sabbath my heart skipped a beat, the verse became ingrained in my mind. I thought about it through the day. I brought it up with my husband in the evening. This felt like a call to deepen my understanding and change my patterns.
Vacation forced me to set aside work. And allowed me to set aside lots of things that feel like work. This seemed like the ideal time to share what I’ve been learning at start fresh, when it comes to true Sabbath rest.
The Challenge is nearly over. And I’ve been surprised how often Sabbath rest comes up, and how serious God takes it.
I want to be more intentional about observing the Sabbath. As a family, we’ve started to intentionally act on what the Bible tells us about how to take a Sabbath Rest–but I still have a ways to go. Luckily, God sees the heart. He knows I’m earnestly trying to do better, to enter into the rest He wants me to have.
A New Understanding of Sabbath Rest
Until recently I have never attempted to fully understand the Sabbath. However, I’ve spent a lot of my extra time cross referencing and burrowing into what the Bible says about Sabbath rest. I’ve read verses, revisited chapters, looked at commentaries, and prayed.
I’ve learned a lot. This is a practice introduced at the beginning of the Bible and continues through the New Testament. When Israel falls short or turns her back on God–and God becomes angry–He almost always cites neglect of the Sabbath as one of their infractions.
Interesting right?
Obviously, this is close to His heart. Yet, I think it’s one of the most overlooked commandments in our culture today. We are taught not to have other gods, murder, worship idols, steal, commit adultery, covet, or bear false witness. We know we are supposed to honor our parents and never use the Lord’s name in vain. But when it comes to the Sabbath, we can be surprisingly blasé.
Honoring the Sabbath almost seems like a forgotten commandment.
As I’ve studied, I’ve fallen in love with God’s design for Sabbath rest. It’s beautifully simple, yet so profound it sets our God apart from all others. A sacred day of rest was unique to Israel, a gift from her God. Other Ancient Near Eastern religions and gods did no such thing.
The Sabbath is beautifully symbolic. It symbolizes God’s good-will and care for mankind. By observing it, we show our trust in His care. By setting aside work, we demonstrate an understanding that we are not saved by works–God grace is enough and Christ accomplished the work on the cross.
I could chat for days about how beautiful the Sabbath is. But I’ll let you do some critical thinking of your own.
Some of My Sabbath Takeaways
The idea of “self care” is so hot right now. It seems like everywhere I look I see suggestions and social media posts with ideas for self care. Don’t get me wrong. Self care is fun–and important. But don’t confuse it with the Sabbath. Sabbath rest is deeper and sweeter. Sabbath rest looks outward–turning our eyes toward God, others in need, and expanding the kingdom. In no way is taking Sabbath rest a selfish pursuit. I’m excited to share more with you next week.
First, here are my own bullet points summarizing my new understanding of the Sabbath.
The Sabbath is important and dear to God’s heart, therefore it should be important and dear to our hearts as well.
A day of rest refreshed God. How much more will it refresh me?
The Sabbath is a type of sacrifice. We are to intentionally choose to refrain from work and choose rest. This shows devotion to God and trust that He will provide time and means for our work to be completed–despite sacrificing time away from work to Him.
The Sabbath is metaphorical. Refraining from work and choosing rest is an outward symbol that our works do not earn us favor with God. Christ did the only work that really mattered, and He finished it on the cross.
Sabbath rest is not an excuse to be lazy and binge watch TV. It is not an excuse to be unkind or avoid helping others. The Sabbath is a time to turn our minds to God-honoring thoughts and our hands to God-honoring activities. This means, if I’d be uncomfortable committing an act to the Lord, or partaking in an activity with Jesus in the room–it shouldn’t be done on the Sabbath.
Fellowship, teaching, reflection, enjoying nature, enjoying God’s provision, sharing your experiences with God with others, cultivating relationships…(the list goes on) are all welcome during a day of Sabbath rest.
Observing Sabbath (and gleaning the benefits God wants us to have from it) takes intentionality and practice. Create a plan for how you will observe the Sabbath and get your family on board.
Start Reshaping Your Sabbath Today
Next week we’ll be exploring verses that explain the Sabbath, but I encourage you to start reshaping your take on the Sabbath today. Don’t get overwhelmed. Start with reflection. Here are a couple ideas.
Are you exhausted? Does the word “refreshed” make your soul leap? Do you feel weary?
How do you currently observe the Sabbath? Is it just about church, or is there something deeper happening?
Pray that God would open your eyes and heart to what He wants the Sabbath to look like in your life and home. Ask God to give you a teachable heart and a discerning mind as you reexamine rest. Start a conversation in your home about Sabbath rest.
Coming Up: More on How to Take a Sabbath Rest
Next week I’ll be sharing 10 verses/passages that have reshaped the way I view Sabbath rest. Here are all the posts in the series:
Part I–How to take a Sabbath rest. Personal Sabbath testimony, Sabbath symbolism and meaning.
Part II–Key Bible verses and takeaways for understanding the Sabbath
Part III–Commentaries and resources for understanding the Sabbath
Part IV–Practicing the Sabbath in your home–Free guide and worksheet
In the meantime, I hope you’ll start thinking about how you can take a Sabbath rest. I’d love to have you share this if it touched your heart today–and I’d love to get to know you personally by connecting on Instagram and Facebook. There you’ll find daily encouragement and a community of others striving to live life with intentionality, viewing the world through a Christ-centered lens.
If you are reading through the Bible, plan to, or have read it–you know that reading Old Testament law can be tricky (or nap inducing). Today I’m excited to share a few ways you can refresh your mindset toward the law. (You can get a couple reading plans here, or read about my love for chronological reading and the 90 day reading challenge.)
Reading Old Testament law is hard. It can be hard to comprehend and appreciate. Even harder to understand how it ties into the New Testament, modern church and our faith walk as “post-resurrection” believers.
I get it. I’ve been there–trying to keep my eyes open while reading Old Testament law, or simply letting my eyes move over chapters describing the sacrifices expected at feasts. It can be really, really hard.
Along the way I learned a few things that changed my mindset about these sections of Scripture. These things changed me. Not only could I read them and stay awake, but I came to like them. If you aren’t as big of a geek as me, like may be going a bit far. But I believe we can all come to a place of understanding and appreciation.
Refreshing Your Mindset For the Law + Free Study Guide!
Today I’m sharing seven points that shifted my mind and altered my attitude toward the “drier” sections of the Old Testament. I’ve also turned these points into a FREE printable study guide. You can get it over in the resource library or at the bottom of this post.
A Fresh Take on Reading Old Testament Law
God Is Speaking
Years ago someone encouraged me while I was struggling through the laws and details of the Pentateuch. She said, “I think those books are really cool. I mean, most of the just a record of God Himself speaking.”
I’d never thought of that before. These sections of text are dense with God’s direct communication to His people. It’s reading God’s actual words, to actual people!
God is Equipping a New Nation
After leaving Egypt, Israel was to become a new nation of its own. This was a huge undertaking, but God did not expect them to take it on alone. He didn’t expect them to figure it out on their own or make it up as they went along or copy other nations. Instead, He painstakingly told them everything they needed to know about living as a nation of their own, God’s chosen people.
The Law Assures Us That God Will Provide a Framework to Live Holy Lives in Any Culture
The laws in the Bible reflect in large measure the way ancient societies were structured. God’s revelation speaks into that context. The laws in the Bible do not seek to restructure society, but to affect how people live and think in the societal structure they have...The laws of the Bible seek to transform how people live in whatever sort of society they find themselves. No societal structure is flawless; it is always subject to the nature of the people who are part of it…
Consequently, when we look at the laws of the Bible, we are not looking for the picture of a perfect society nor should we think that God is endorsing such a society. We will find that the shape of Israelite society is often very much like those of her neighbors, but we should be attentive to the ways that the Bible goes further to protect the rights and dignity of those who might be vulnerable. In this way the Bible can pioneer new moral ground even while being situated in the familiar social structures of the ancient world…
While Biblical laws describe a society very much rooted in the ancient world, God calls his people to higher standards. The areas of commonality do not suggest that the Bible has borrowed from the legal literature of the ancient world; only that God addressed their society as it was, but sought to show them a pathway to holy living within that framework.
“Ancient Laws, Scripture and Modern Issues” Zondervan’s Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible
How comforting that God will provide a way for us to live holy lives within the framework of any culture or societal structure!
The Law Reveals God’s Heart
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the number of specifics laid out in the Law. But the law reveals God’s unchanging heart. Here are a few things the law reveals about God’s character:
While other Near Eastern cultures believed that gods relied on humans to serve them, it’s clear the God of Israel does not need the provision of humans. His desire is a relationship with man, not servants.
God does not expect perfection. Rather, His desire is our heart, trust and devotion. The law draws a clear line between those with appropriate and inappropriate heart posture. Our heart, not our actions or wealth have always been more important to God.
The law reveals God’s desire to show the world what it looks like to be in relationship with Him.
Jesus Valued the Law
References to the law are found throughout Scripture. This alone makes a general understanding of Biblical law relevant to us. Even more, Jesus valued the law and understood it. In Matthew 5:17-18 he says,
Do not think that I’ve come to abolish the Law or the prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them.
For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.
A friend who is well versed in OT law recently told me that understanding the different categories of law helped her appreciate the laws overall. There are three types of laws laid out in Scripture: Ceremonial, Civil and Moral Laws.
Ceremonial laws aren’t observed anymore because the temple is no longer standing and many were prophetic and fulfilled in Jesus’ coming and atonement for our sins.
Civil laws were specific to life in Israel and in that time and culture.
Moral laws can still be applied today and are seen in teachings/letters sent to the early Church in the New Testament.
Atonement is Messy and Personal
Old Testament law clearly shows us that the atonement we desperately need to bridge the gap between us and God is messy. Atonement is personal, messy and serious. The law points to our need for a more lasting solution. The gap between us and God is wide and we are need a redeemer to help us: Jesus.
Reading Old Testament Law
I hope one or two of these will help refresh your mindset about reading Old Testament Law. If you are joining in on the 90 Day Bible Reading Challenge, you may have already passed through the thickest part of books of the law–but there is still plenty left. Remember, the law is quoted over and over throughout Scripture. Having a basic understanding (original readers would have had a deep understanding) will help you better understand the rest of the Bible.
Grab the FREE Old Testament Law Study Guide: 7 ways to refresh your mindset about the law
Enjoy the 90 Day Plan!
Remember to head to the Resource Library to grab your study guide!
Remember to join me for more Bible geekery, everyday devotions and intentional living life through a Christ’s-Kingdom lens on Facebook or Instagram. I’d love to have you be part of our community there!
Today I’m confessing that I dislike reading the book of Job because it makes me very uncomfortable. It brings the ancient question: Why do bad things happen to good people? to the forefront of our minds. And calls for reflection and correction in how we view suffering and walk with those in pain.
This week I read the book of Job. I have a really hard time with Job. Such a hard time that while on the phone with my mom, I told her I’d rather be reading Leviticus.
Now that’s really saying something.
Job isn’t a book I’d just pick up and read for fun. It was on the reading schedule as part of the 90 Day Chronological Bible Reading Challenge that kicked off on Monday. If it wasn’t on the schedule, I wouldn’t have read it right now.
Job Makes Me Uncomfortable
Why is Job so hard for me to stomach?
Honestly, it makes me uncomfortable.
The book starts with scenes that leave me with questions. I can’t quite wrap my mind around the set up leading to Job’s troubles. From chapter one of this book I’m already uncomfortable. Wrestling with questions and circumstances I don’t fully understand.
Then, all kinds of calamity strikes Job. Which brings up more questions. Better stated: The Question.
Why do bad things happen to good people?
How can such terrible things come onto someone so honorable? Why isn’t the world just according to the moral code I understand? Where is retribution for those that do evil? Why don’t all kind people prosper?
Why do bad things happen to good people?
The majority of the book of Job records dialogue between Job and his friends as they debate this issue. Job holds fast to his innocence. He strains to hold onto his faith and what he knows to be true about God.
Word Vomit and Meaning Well
His friends seem to mean well. I’m sure the circumstances facing their friend left them uncomfortable and unsure how to help. But they can’t keep their mouths closed or their speculations to themselves. They offer advice on how to regain God’s favor. They imply that Job must have done something to deserve this. Surely there is some wrong that he hasn’t noticed causing this tragedy.
As I read, I spend half the time rolling my eyes, wishing they would just be quiet and listen to their grieving friend. Take time to fully understand what he’s feeling and facing. I spend the other half of the time cringing with conviction because I can relate to the friends’ reaction on a deep level.
How often, when confronted with a friend’s deep hurt, do I offer advice and suggestions about things I have never walked through? How often, when faced with the discomfort of suffering do I end up spewing “word vomit?” Looking the pain of another human in the face has a way of bringing out the “fixer” in me. Maybe it has the same affect on you. I want things to be better. I want to fix the problem. To ease the pain, to comfort, to make the trauma go away.
Instead of trying to fix, speculating, and problem-solving–often a better reaction is listening, asking gentle questions, and turning to Truth to understand God’s character. Easy said, but boy, it’s hard.
Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People? It’s an Ancient Question.
The suffering brings out questions. Questions that make us squirm for closure. Closure that may never come on this side of eternity.
We’re reading the Bible chronologically for this challenge. In our plan, Job fits in around Genesis 11. This means that the book of Job is very ancient indeed. Likewise the question, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” And the human desire to equate noble deeds with prosperity and wicked deeds with retribution are extremely ancient.
While studying Job I learned that many texts exist from civilizations in the ancient Near East (like Mesopotamia and Egypt) exploring this concept. In literary pieces similar to Job, bad things come into the life of a good person. Then the text wrestles with big questions. What’s the cause? Why has he lost favor with the gods? What can be done to restore his prosperity?
Humans have long wanted to place God inside our understanding of moral law. We want Him to be just according to our standards. But He is too big and too far-seeing to fit there. His justice is pure, but it doesn’t always look like we want it to. His mercy is so vast we can’t comprehend it.
Friends, our human desire to understand why bad things happen without cause, is ancient and inborn. It’s a question that has been on lips for millennia. It’s been making us squirm, prodding us to speak too quickly, listen too shallowly, and come to the wrong conclusions about God’s character for longer than we can imagine.
Job Causes Me To Examine My Reaction and Heart Toward Suffering
This, is at the heart of why I have such a hard time with Job. The book causes me to stare into the eyes of a question that has very little closure. A question I am humanly programmed to ponder. A question I desperately want a simple answer for.
Humanity will (I will) continue to wonder, ponder and speculate. Why do bad things happen to good people?
The answer may never be more exact than, “We live in a fallen world. God will set it all right again one day.” It takes faith, trust and a relationship with God to take that answer and continue to move forward. To trust that He sees farther than me (see Job 38:22–23) and is just.
The book also forces me to look into a mirror and examine my reaction to other’s suffering. Do I speak Truth rooted in God’s word, on a foundation of love? Do I speak quickly because the pain and the “unanswerable question” leave me uncomfortable? Am I quietly listening and allowing grief to happen? Am I walking beside my brothers and sisters in a way that is “…worthy of the calling to which I was called…” (Eph 4:1-3)
What We DO Know
Job teaches us that hardship does not directly correlate with wrongdoing. It teaches us that God is patient with our mourning, grief and questions. He does not turn a blind eye to our pain. He does not depend on our righteous acts to appease Him into offering blessings. (See Matt 7:11)
While we might not have the answer, Scripture gives us plenty of insight about walking with each other. The instructions give us action steps (but none of those steps happen to be “speak really quickly about things you haven’t walked through…”) Here are just a few examples.
Pursue things that lead to peace and building up each other. Rom 14:19
Hold each other accountable. Help the weak. Be patient with all. 1 Thess 5:14
Admit wrongdoing to each other, pray for one another. Jas 5:16
Moving Forward From Job
I know many of us are wrestling with tough questions right now (and not only because we’ve read through Job.) We may not have the closure we desire, but we do serve a God who is bigger than our understanding. We do serve a God who allows us to be stewards of his grace, to show His ways to the world, to tell others that there is hope beyond unanswerable questions and the senseless grief of this world. He is a God who allows us to be part of His action.
As we face a hurting world, let’s remember to listen a little better. Not “reason away” bad circumstances. Let’s be proactive with the gifts God has given each one of us to create unity in the Body, care for the weak, and expand the Kingdom of Christ on earth.
If this confession and reflection touched your heart, please share! I’d also love it if you joined me on Facebook or Instagram, to hang out with a community of awesome people who aim to live intentionally and see life through a “Christ’s Kingdom” lens.
Today I’m excited to announce a new “mini” series. We all feel stuck sometimes–especially during a difficult season in life. I’ll be sharing six lessons that have helped me move forward and become “unstuck” during a trial.Read Part II hereand Part III here.
Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him and be firm in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.
Now the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will personallyrestore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little.
The book of 1 Peter was written during a dark time in history. In the Roman Empire, Nero was brutally persecuting Christians. It’s safe to say that all Jesus followers were facing a difficult season in life at the time. For that reason, I find 1 Peter to be one of the best reads when facing a trial.
This passage, from the conclusion of his letter is so clearly instructive for anyone feeling stuck in hardship or a difficult season in life:
Be alert. Don’t fall prey to the enemy. You aren’t alone. God will personally see you through. He will bring good. This will end.
Honestly, is that not the best advice when walking through a difficult season?!
My Most Recent (mini) Difficult Season
Yesterday I dropped the “official” news that we are expecting a second little at the end of October. I’ve only been pregnant once before, so in no way can I claim to be an “expert.” I can only tell you that this time around has been very different and very difficult.
Unlike my first pregnancy, which had terrible–but acute–nausea, this time I felt puky around the clock. With no reprieve. It lasted all day. And all night. Movement made it worse, snacking made it better–but the idea of food, or looking at food left me gagging. I spent days calculating the minutes until I had to face food to prepare another meal or snack. Dreading the basic responsibility of feeding myself and Gideon.
The house was still mid-renovation, so there was the added responsibility of getting that back in shape. Then the pandemic hit and all of my “regular,” distracting activities stopped–leaving me lonely and alone with only nausea, high emotions, unfinished projects and a toddler for company. On top of it all, Derek was gone and unlike other deployments, I had no idea when he’d be back. I was miserable. Day after day I was frustrated, sick and had no idea when any of it would end.
We Will All Face a Difficult Season in Life
I’m not fishing for sympathy. I just need to spell out that the past few months have been hard. And, in many ways, unpleasant. I felt excited and so grateful about adding a second child to our family. However, it is difficult to live in pregnant bliss with a deployed husband, sick stomach, house in remodel shambles and social distancing restrictions in place. Today I’m not writing about pregnancy woes. Rather, I’m writing about feeling stuck and stalled during any difficult season in life.
The truth is, we’ll all need to survive a difficult season in life at some point. In difficult times, it is hard to move forward, stay faithful, persevere or just show up for the day ahead. No matter what is causing your hard season, take heart. You can get through it and Jesus will walk beside you every step of the way. He’ll even bring good from it, if you let Him.
I’ll Be Sharing Five Lessons That Help Me Move Forward During A Trial
Over the next week I’ll be sharing six things that have helped me move forward during a trial–this particular trial and those that came before…and the ones yet to come. I hope you’ll find some hope in my lessons learned. If you are walking through a difficult season in life right now, I hope you’ll come back.
Take Heart
Until then know that the One who create everything from nothing can create something lovely from whatever ugly situation is staring you in the face. The God who redeemed us from death can surely redeem your trial. He can transform it into a testimony worth shouting from the roof. He can even do it with your joy intact. You aren’t alone. It will be okay again.
Hang out with me on Instagram or Facebook. It’s where I share more encouragement and antics from this wild ride I’m on with God. He is so so good.
First, a quick recap. In short, I’m a goal-oriented person who is historically bad at goal setting. I’ve placed by value in the hands of my goals and spent many New Year’s “goal seasons” burnt out, feeling like a failure. Last year I ditched traditional goal-setting to simply focus on grace. Both, God’s grace toward me, and learning to extend more grace toward myself and others.
This year I wanted to explore what the Bible has to say about goals and working toward them. I made a list of “goal-ish” words and studied what Scripture has to say about each one. This was a personal study, but I came away with too many notes and geekery not to share. The words on my list were: Goal, Strive, Ambition, Aim, Intend, and Labor. Today we’ll look at “Ambition”. Next week will be our last post in the series.
Ambition
I love it when my Bible geeking surprises me. When I looked into the word ambition I was surprised by what I found. The Bible makes it clear what a godly goal looks like, that we should be moving forward in faith, growing to maturity in Christ and setting Christ centered goals. However, when I looked at what the Bible says about ambition I found more warning than offensive instruction.
The heart of this series is meant to help us (me) align our goals more closely with God’s heart. The old cliche is very true, life IS short. Our days on this side of eternity are a gift–we need to steward them well. I don’t know about you, but I want to spend my days working at things that matter. I’ve spend too many Januaries setting goals that worked me to the bone, but didn’t matter at all. Let’s leave that pattern for good.
A good first step is examining ambition, both what the dictionary and the Bible says about ambition.
The English definition of “ambition.”
am·bi·tion | amˈbiSH(ə)n
an earnest desire for some type of achievement or distinction, as power, honor, fame, or wealth, and the willingness to strive for its attainment
a strong desire to do or to achieve something, typically requiring determination and hard work.
desire and determination to achieve success.
Ambition is Heart Oriented
Can you see that ambition is a little more heart-oriented than a goal? A goal/aim is passive. It’s an object. An ambition is desire. Ambition is personal, often dependent on our own labor.
In every translation of Scripture, “ambition” is usually used in tandem with “selfish.” As in, “selfish ambition.” (Some translations do use the word “ambition” in place of goal, ie 1 Thes 4:1q and Rom 15:20–both discussed in this post.)
Because I truly do believe that Scripture is God-breathed, I believe all the words in the Bible are placed with meaning.
So why does the Bible typically speak of ambition in terms of selfishness? Let’s see what we can learn.
What the Bible Says About Ambition
The word most commonly translated into occurrences of the English word “ambition” is actually a Greek word denoting selfish-ambition.
eritheia: a desire to put one’s self forward; self-seeking pursuit of political office by unfair means
Eritheia has a political background. Outside of the Bible it was used to describe unfair power grabs and seeking to place oneself in a high-ranking position. Keep this and the definition in mind as you read the following verses that use eritheia in them.
For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition (eritheia), slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition (eritheia) or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
I don’t want you to walk away from this post discouraged, or thinking that ambition is negative. Ambition is not negative. Remember, there are verses that translate “philotimeomai” (to strive, goal, aspire) into “ambition.”
Instead, as we examine our goals–the things we are striving toward and setting our eyes upon–we must intentionally ward off eritheia, selfish ambition. What do can learn about selfish ambition from the verses above? Here is my list from my study notes. By all means, this is not everything we can learn from these passages, nor are these the only right answers. (And remember to read the verses in context.)
Paul had godly goals for the church in Corinth–selfish ambition is among the things that could derail those goals. (See examples of godly goals here and here.) (2 Cor 12:20)
Selfish ambition is companion to other undesirable/selfish qualities. (2 Cor 12:20)
We should not pursue our godly goals from a heart posture of selfish ambition. (Phil 2:3)
Humility and genuine interest/care/concern for others is the opposite and antidote of selfish ambition. (Phil 2:3)
Selfish ambition breeds disorder and other bad, hurtful practices. (Jas 3:16)
Guarding Against Selfish Ambition
As we seek to create godly goals, we must guard against selfish ambition. As we’ve learned so far in this series, godly goals are not self seeking. They are peace-driven, church-edifying, God-glorifying. If our goals are truly aligned with God’s heart and what His Word tells us to strive for, we will not operate out of selfish ambition.
It’s also important to remember the character of God when considering our goals. God is all-knowing, all-powerful. He knows us fully and loves us fully. God’s primary concern is not our accomplishments, it’s our heart. (1 Sam 16:7) The God of the Bible will never berate you for not being enough.
Here is the truth. You are perfectly enough when you take your not-enoughness and let Christ complete you with His grace.
Friends, the amount of water you drink, money you make, miles you log at the gym–they are all inconsequential when compared to your heart posture. If your heart is out of alignment, you can do all the things, loose the weight, get the job, etc, etc, etc and still feel like it’s not enough. If your ambition is selfish, there will always be a gnawing emptiness in your belly.
God sees and cares about our heart.
One of my favorite verses is Psalm 37:4.
“Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart.”
Can you see that this is a self-fulfilling prophecy? When the Lord is our delight our heart’s deepest ambitions/desires will be met. If our goals are godly and in line with what the Bible tells us is worth setting our eyes on and striving toward, He will be our desire. And God never withholds Himself from those who seek Him.
Your Challenge
Your challenge this week is to prayerfully assess your goals. Check back in. What are you working toward? How are you striving? Why are those the things you’ve chosen to focus on? What is your heart posture? What is your motive? If you uncover selfish ambition (I’ve uncovered more than my fair share in my own heart), ask God to help you realign that goal with His heart.
Next week we’ll wrap up the series by looking at “labor.” Thanks for stopping in. Join me on Facebook or Instagram for more fun. I’d love to get to know you!
This post is part of a series on godly goals. Together we’ll be exploring what the Bible has to say about goals and the things we work toward. Here are other posts in this series:
Last week I told you a bit about my struggles with goal setting. In the past I’ve been guilty of setting the wrong kind of goals and putting too much stock in my goals to uphold and define my identity. Today, we’ll continue our discussion on setting godly goals. I spent a lot of time searching and discovering what the Bible has to say about setting godly goals. Now, I’m excited to start sharing what I found.
In true Bible geek fashion, I spent a full week pouring over texts to discover all I could about setting godly goals. I started with a quickly brainstormed list of “goaly” words–goal, strive, aim, ambition, intend and labor. At the conclusion, I was left with lots of insight, better goals, peace in my heart and a lengthy outline of Hebrew and Greek words along with their various uses.
Exploring Godly Goals as a Series
I didn’t set out to publish what I learned. However, the things I found are things I wish I would have known years ago. If you have ever felt burned out, burdened or devalued because you can’t live up to the goals you set for yourself–this series is for you. First, be sure to put goals in their proper place (see part I), then step into the peace-making, joy-breeding space of godly goals.
First, be sure to put goals in their proper place (see part I), then step into the peace-making, joy-breeding space of godly goals.
To be totally honest with you (something you can always count on me to do), once I decided to write a series on goals, I intended to share all my findings in one long post. But after writing and rewriting several times it was clear we are meant to take this one slow. I’ll be sharing what I learned about each word that I studied over the coming weeks. Today, we’ll look at what I discovered about the word “Goal.”
At first, I was apprehensive about splitting this into a longer series. There is so much pressure to assess and create goals at the beginning of the year–cementing them in place by January 30. Then we turn on auto pilot. We pursue the goals we set for ourselves or let them go to the wayside. It can seem that our only two options are to achieve what we desired on January 1st, or beat ourselves up for being a failure. (Those are the options I’ve yo-yo-ed between in the past.)
Commit to Realigning Your Goals Regularly
Any life coach or “goal expert” (of which I am not) will tell you that a goal is more likely to be reached if you continue to revisit it. Friends, godly goals are worth pursuing. They are worthy of cultivation.
Let’s start this year by making our goals, but continue over the next weeks to reassess. Join me in discovering more about the kind of goals God has for you. Week by week examine the things you are striving for and use what we’ll learn together to realign them fully with our wonderful God.
What is a Goal?
Before we start, let’s grab a definition for the word “goal” to make sure we are all on the same page.
Running a quick Google search on “goal setting” will yield lots of tips. Most of these are on creating an action plan that will move you from where you are at this very moment to the desired “end toward which your effort is directed.”
In last week’s post I told you that I’ve spent many years setting the wrong kind of goals and that my goals lacked grace. On top of that, I bound my ability to complete goals to my identity and self-worth. Last January I took a new, more graceful approach to goal-setting. At year’s end for the first time in many years I was at peace, even joyful. Content with where I’d been and ready to step forward.
This year, I want to keep my goal-setting on this healthy trajectory. I want to understand what Scripture says about goals. In my study I discovered two Greek words that are used in Scripture for the English word “goal” as we typically use it. Philotimeomai and skopos. Let’s look at verses that use these words and apply them to our goal setting.
Skopos: the distant mark looked at, the goal or end one has in view
But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal (skopos) to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more,and to make it your ambition (philotimeomai) to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you,so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
Now that we’ve seen how these words are used, it’s time to apply them. Remember, we want to be doers of the Word, not just hearers. (James 1:22-25) Let’s take a look at what we can learn about goals by examining these verses. (I’ve quoted singular verses here, but remember to always read the Bible within its intended context.)
Here are application examples straight from my notebook. This is not an exhaustive list. How can you apply skopos and philotimeomai to your goal setting?
Godly goals look forward and do not dwell on the past. (Phil 3:14)
Aiming to live a quiet (literally peaceful, intentional–not running “hither and tither”) life is a godly goal. (1 Thess 4:11)
Working toward a quiet life, doesn’t mean an unproductive life. Paul tells his readers to be productive, by working with their hands. (1 Thess 4:11)
The godly goal of a quiet (again, literally peaceful, intentional) life will yield respect and independence. (1 Thess 4:12)
Spreading the Gospel is a godly goal. (Rom 15:20)
Thanks for being here and learning with me. Take some time this week to pray about godly goals. I’ll be back next week to discuss the word “strive.” Together we’ll discover what the Bible has to say about working toward a goal–how to strive and what is worthy of striving toward.
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