Steeping in the Word: 90 Day Challenge

Do you ever have a desire to just delve into the word of God and swim in the midst of it?  Or be so immersed in the Word that you wrap it around you like a cozy blanket that keeps you safe from the often bitter winds of the world?

I have a strong desire to just steep in the word of God for 90 days!  I love to read and learn.  You can often find me with my nose in a book.  But once in awhile I just get so tired of listening to all these other 'voices'  when I just want to be near God and hear what He is saying!

I also have to confess I am not good at setting long term goals and following through (meaning I am terrible at following the 1 year through the Bible plan). Though, I have done the 90 day challenge before and was able to finish it!  Granted, it took me something like 121 days.. but I am ok with that!  The point is to soak in the word of God and let it change you and mold you to be more like Jesus- not to just say you read the Bible in 90 days...

The Challenge:

    - Read through the Bible in 90 Days: starting on Tuesday, June 3, 2014.  Will you join me?

The Motive: 

    - To draw closer to the Lord and to know Him more.

 "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
- Colossians 3:16

 

What if I'm too Busy?

    - Last year when I was in the middle of reading the Bible in 90 days, our family moved to another state and I gave birth to our youngest!   This year we are planning a couple of trips, one that includes traveling to Africa.  I personally love doing the challenge during these hectic times because the Word of God grounds me and gives me peace.  So I hope this encourages you to give it a go, no matter what stage of life you are in!

Need Accountability?

   - I started a Facebook group called 'Steeping in the Word' and would be happy to have you join the group if it will help motivate you to stay on schedule!  Let's encourage each other..

My Prayer:

  That God would bless this extended time in His Word and that we He would be glorified and exalted in our lives because of this.  I also am praying that this challenge would not be seen as a way to earn God's approval but that we would be motivated by His unconditional love for us.

So... are you in?  Comment here if you are participating!

The Ancient Beauty of Frankincense- Part 1

Did you know that Frankincense is found in the Bible?

I mean.. more than just when it was presented to Jesus when he was born??

In fact, it is mentioned 22 times directly and 59 times indirectly for a grand total of 81 times in the Bible!

So.. you ask.. how was it used in the Bible??  I'm glad you asked!

It was used as:

• holy anointing oil


• a cure-all


• used to enhance meditation and elevate spiritual consciousness


• used to anoint the newborn sons of kings and priests (which may be why it was brought to the baby Jesus)

Where in the Bible is it found?

• Exodus 30:34 - Moses, commanded by the Lord, is blending oils and spices to put in the tent of meeting


• Leviticus 2:1 - Israelites bringing a grain offering and pouring frankincense on it- brings a pleasing aroma for the Lord


• Numbers 16:46-50 - used to make atonement for people of Israel when they rebelled against Moses and Aaron


• Song of Solomon 3:6- used to portray an attractive fragrance

Check back for part 2 and 3 of my series on Frankincense! 

• Part 1 - How was it used in the Bible?  (you are reading this one :) )


• Part 2- Practical, everyday uses for Frankincense - coming soon


• Part 3 - How we have used Frankincense in our ministry to refugees - coming soon

* Information for this post was obtained from "Healing Oils of the Bible" written by David Stewart*