Archives for October 2024

How to do a word Bible study to transform your quiet time

Filed Under: Bible Study // October 29, 2024

This post is all about Word Bible Study: what it is, its pros and cons, resources to use, how to do it, and an example of putting it into practice.

Do you struggle with engaging in the biblical text? Are you worried about taking verses or words out of context? Do you miss the meaning of a verse because you don’t understand a key word? Or do you just want to go deeper into the text, making the most out of your Bible study time? If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, a Bible Word Study might be right for you.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

A Biblical Word study involves exploring a word’s original language and context to uncover its full meaning and nuances. By doing a Bible word study, you will get a closer understanding of what the author was conveying and the intention of God behind his holy word.

Benefits of doing a word Bible Study

A word Bible study is a great way to dig deeper into the word of God and understand the meaning behind a verse or verses. One of the problems with our modern translations of the Bible is that they are translations. They take the original Greek, Aramaic, or Hebrew language and translate it into the language we understand. But some things get lost in translation.

For instance, you’ve probably heard that four different Hebrew words are translated as “love” in our English Bible. “Agape” refers to the love God has for us, “eros” refers to a physical love, usually between husband and wife. “Philia” is an affectionate love shared between friends, and “storge” is a familial love. Knowing which form of love is used in a verse may help you understand the meaning more.

Cons of Bible Word Studies

It can be easy for people to pull out the meaning of a word (sometimes incorrectly) and change the meaning of the verse based on what they think the word means. This is one exegetical fallacy of doing a Bible word study. And this is one of the reasons you want to ensure you are looking at the word in the context of the verse you are studying.

One way this can happen is by using an English dictionary to find the meaning of a word. Since the Bible was originally written in English, however, this can cause misinterpretation of the passage. Another way this common mistake can happen is by using the wrong definition of the Greek word, or finding the incorrect Greek word in General.

In order to avoid this common pitfall of word Bible studies, cross-referencing and rereading the passage are essential steps in doing a word study.

Below, I will share the steps of a word Bible study to help you avoid common mistakes.

Resources for a Word Bible study

In order to do a good word Bible study, you will need a Bible dictionary. This is different than a regular dictionary because it looks specifically at the word’s meaning in the original language. Although there are many great dictionaries out there, I find that using a couple of online resources is the best way to do this type of Bible study.

BibleHub is a great resource for doing word studies because it has Strong’s dictionary integrated into it. And How to Faith a Life does a great video showing you exactly how to use it.

Blue Letter Bible is another online resource with Strong’s integrated into it. Iron Sheep is a great YouTube channel that gives a tutorial showing you how to do a word study.

Steps of a word Bible study

Read the passage in context
Compare different translations
Find the Greek or Hebrew word
Look at the Original definition
Compare cross-references for the word
Read the passage in context

Read the passage in context

If you are reading just a verse or two at a time and you find a word that you think you would like to study a little deeper, the first step is to read that verse in context. The first questions you should be asking yourself are “what book am I reading and who wrote it? Who was it written to? What are the key themes of this book?”. Knowing the answers to these questions builds your contextual knowledge of the verse so that you don’t misinterpret the original meaning.

Next, you want to read the verse in its context or the surrounding passage. It isn’t enough to read the verse directly before and after, you want to read the full section. This is usually whatever is included in the heading.

Compare different translations

When doing a word study, it can be useful to compare different translations of the verse to see how the word has been translated. This will give you a broad overview of what the word means in its context.

Find the greek or Hebrew word

Now, onto the meat and potatoes of a Biblical word study. You will want to look at the word in its original Greek or Hebrew. To do this, use BibleHub or Blue Letter Bible to find the Strong’s reference number and go directly to the definition of the word.

Look at the original definition

Looking at the original definition of the word you are studying can give you insight into understanding the verse better. However, some words may have multiple definitions. Instead of picking and choosing which definition you like the most, see how the word is used in other cases.

Compare cross-references for the word

Cross-referencing is simply looking at other places the word or phrase is used in the Bible. This can be helpful when a word has multiple definitions and you want to find the author’s original intended meaning. Cross-referencing can also be great if you want to explore the word or concept further by researching other instances it is found.

Word study steps — There are six important steps when doing a Word study

Read the passage in Context {again}

Once you have done all the work to find out the word’s meaning, read the passage in context again. This will help ensure that you are not misinterpreting the original intended meaning of the passage or verse. It will also help you solidify what you’ve learned about the meaning of the word and its use in context.

Extra credit for your Word Bible study

If after doing these steps, you still want to dig a little deeper, consider looking at commentaries to see what others have to say about the verse you are studying. I love using enduring word Bible commentary, as well as BibleHub’s option of parallel commentaries.

Putting it into practice

Now that you know the basic steps of how to do a Bible Word study, we will walk through the process together. To do this, we’re going to look at a famous verse.

Philippians 4:8 has so many great words that you can also study along with.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

To start off, I am going to look at the word “think.” But you can look at any of the words in this verse if you want to go deeper and follow along.

Step 1 – read the passage in context

In order to read the verse in it’s original context, I am going to look at the headings in the text. Although this may differ depending on the translation you are reading, it is usually enough to understand the context of the verse. If you feel like you need to read even more of the surrounding passage, that’s great too! For this verse, I will be reading Philippians 4:4-9.

From reading this section, Paul is talking about not being anxious but instead focusing on the good things found in Christ. And these things are spoken of in the verse we are researching.

Step 2 – compare different translations

For comparing different translations, I am going to use Blue Letter Bible because I can easily compare all translations. I simply type in the verse reference and when I click on the verse, there are 6 different tabs up top. One of them says “Bibles” and this is where I can find the different translations.

I typically don’t read all of the translations (because my brain could never remember that many anyway). Instead, what I do is look for translations that fall on both the dynamic and formal equivalent spectrum.

So, for the word “think,” most translations use that same word. But a couple of other ways it is translated include “dwell, focus your thoughts, and keep your minds.”

Step 3 – Find the Greek word

Although the general consensus for translating this word is “think” I am still going to look up the Greek word. However, if you are doing a Word study and most versions translate the word the same, it’s safe to assume that the Greek or Hebrew definition is very similar to the translation.

For looking up the Greek, I am going to use the Interlinear tab in Blue Letter Bible. This breaks down the verse word by word, comparing the English (KJV) with Stong’s and the original Greek. I scroll down to the word “think” and click on the stongs number (G3049), which will outline the Biblical usage and show me the definition.

Step 4 – Look at the original definition

Now that I have found the Greek word, I can see that Stong’s definition is “to take an inventory, to calculate, to reason, reckon, suppose, or think.”

Step 5 – Compare cross-references for the word

If I scroll down to the bottom of the page, I can see a list of concordance results. This is every time this word is used in the New Testament. This can be helpful for some cases, but what I am interested in is the “cross-reference” section on the main page of Blue Letter Bible with my verse. This will give me a few examples where the word or phase is used in a similar context.

For example, Mark 11:31 used the same word and translates it as “reasoned”, and Romans 3:28 translates it as “concluded”. There are a total of 41 cases where this word is used in the New Testament, and it is most often used to convey a deep thinking about the situation.

Step 6 – read the passage in context again

Now that I have dug deep into this word, I can go back and read it in the context of the full passage. So I will read Philippians 4:4-9 again, this time with the understanding from my Bible Word study.

Now I can see that although we are not to be anxious about anything, we should instead think deeply or calculate or reason the good things that Paul tells us in this verse. In other words, I need to take an inventory of my life and see if there are true, noble, and admirable things. I need to dwell on those things which come from Christ.

Making the Word Bible study your own

Doing a Word Bible Study can be so helpful when it comes to understanding the meaning of the text. By following these simple steps – reading in context, comparing translations, and examining original definitions – you’ll gain fresh insights into familiar verses and uncover layers of meaning that enrich your Bible time.

If you want to try it out yourself, feel free to pick one of the attributes mentioned in Philippians 4:8 that you think you should think about some more.

Let me know in the comments below which word you chose to study and how it affects your understanding of the Bible.

This post gave you the tools you needed to do a Bible Word study to deepen your relationship with God.

Minimalism for small spaces | Creating a peaceful home

Filed Under: Minimalism // October 22, 2024

This post is all about creating a peaceful home using concepts from minimalism for your small spaces.

Living in a small space can be frustrating as it feels like a constant struggle for control – control over clutter, storage, and the never-ending accumulation of things (especially if you have children). However, it doesn’t have to be that way. Minimalism offers the ability to live in a space you truly love, no matter the size. By prioritizing simplicity and intentionality, minimalism allows you to create a functional and peaceful home that you are always glad to come home to.

minimalism for small spaces — This post show you how to make minimalism work for your small spaces.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

My home is by no means minimalist. But it is tiny(ish). At 750sqft for three people and a puppy, it can get cluttered fast. Not to mention, there is no built-in storage. Below, I share some inspiration that helped make my home feel peaceful and functional, so you can, too. Whether you live in a tight apartment, a tiny house, or a trailer, embracing minimalism through these tips can help you make the most of your space.

Why minimalism works for small spaces

When most people think of minimalism, they picture an empty dining room with only one chair and place setting. Or they see a bedroom with the mattress directly on the floor and a small duvet covering it. Everything is black and white, and let’s face it, boring.

Thankfully, that is not the reality for most people who practice minimalism! Minimalism isn’t about depriving yourself from everything you enjoy and living without modern comforts. Instead, it is about being intentional with choosing what adds value to your life and removing the excess. This frees up the space in your home allowing you more mental clarity and peace of mind, giving you more time and energy to do what you enjoy.

The thing about small spaces is: they require this kind of intentionality. Every square foot matters when you live in a tiny apartment, making the minimalist approach the perfect choice.

Benefits of practicing minimalism for small spaces

Reducing the number of things in your home makes it open and inviting. Instead of being a space you dread returning to, it becomes a welcome environment that provides rest and relaxation. Here are some of the simple benefits of practicing minimalism in small spaces.

Less time spent cleaning | When you eliminate excess clutter in your home, you no longer need to spend time and energy caring for it. Instead of spending all weekend moving your clutter to clean around it, you can have a clean space in less than an hour, giving you time to enjoy your hobbies.
Brings more joy | Minimalism allows you to let go of anything that does not serve a purpose or bring you joy. When you only have things you use and love, you will experience more joy when walking through your home.
Facilitates more community | One of my favorite benefits of having a minimalist(ish) home is the community that comes from opening my house up to guests every week. Because I do not feel like I have to spend all day cleaning, I can focus on building community with family and friends.

What minimalism looks like in small spaces

Small spaces can get cluttered so quickly, which is why minimalism is such a valuable tool. Here is an example of some things you would find (or not find) in a minimalist home.

Clear the Clutter | Minimalist homes are usually clutter-free, with only one or two sentimental pieces on display.
Create storage where you can | Minimalists are great at making spaces out of nothing as part of their efforts to keep their houses open.
Consider less furniture | If you look at a minimalist home, you might notice less furniture. This is because minimalists keep only what they truly need and opt to let go of any furniture they do not use.

How to create your dream minimalist home

Before you can begin your journey towards minimalism, you must start with a mindset shift. Minimalism is not a one-time project but a lifestyle change that encourages using and loving what you have. Ask yourself what you value in life, and make changes so your home reflects that. Keep the things you use regularly, and consider donating whatever you haven’t touched (or thought about) in years.

minimalism tips — Small spaces don’t have to be a bad thing – Use these Minimalism tips to help you achieve your dream home.

Start with one room or category

Decluttering is key to minimalism, but it can feel overwhelming at times. So start with one room or category and work through your house. Don’t worry if there are days that you are feeling extra overwhelmed or you only have 20 minutes to declutter. Choose a small project for those days, such as cleaning out one shelf in your closet or a small section of a room you know you can get done.

One of the best areas to start your minimalism journey is in your closet. Clothes are something that everyone has in excess these days, and because you regularly wear your clothes, you know what you love and what can go.

Keep only the essentials

No matter what space you decide to declutter, you must make some tough choices. Consider following the “keep, discard, donate” method to help you in the process. If you come across something you love or use often, place it in the keep pile. When you find something you don’t love or use, feel free to put it in the donate pile or discard pile, depending on if the item is still good quality. Following this process will help you clear out your home quickly because you can take the discard directly to the trash and the donate can go straight to your local thrift store.

Another useful pile to have is the “time will tell” bin. Grab a large tote or garbage bag, and place anything you are unsure of inside. If, over the next 3-6 months, you decide you need something from that bin, you can easily retrieve it. Otherwise, don’t open it for 3-6 months and then go through it again. Now you should be able to tell if any of those items are worth keeping or if you can donate the box.

Clear the floors

If you’ve ever seen a picture of a minimalist house, one of the first things you will notice is the clear, open floors. This isn’t by accident – anything left on the floor tends to look like clutter, making the room feel smaller than it is. In small spaces, this effect is even more pronounced because there is no room to spare. Make it you goal in every room to only have furniture touching the floors and everything else picked up.
If you need some extra floor storage, consider a large basket for blankets or kids toys. This over-the-door hanging basket would be perfect to add to a closet to keep things out of sight. And a storage bench is the perfect addition to keep shoes concealed in the entryway.

clean off surfaces

Similar to having clear floors, having surfaces clear of clutter will free up brain space and save you from unwanted anxiety. Although those nicknacks were cute when you bought them, they tend to accumulate and overcrowd each other, making it so you don’t enjoy any of them. Kitchen appliances are also famous for stealing the joy out of cooking because you have to work around them. Declutter anything that is on open surfaces and see if you can find a home for anything that remains.

Take minimalism to the extreme in small spaces

Another thing to consider when it comes to decluttering is that we tend to only use 20% of our possessions 80% of the time. This is known as the Pareto Principle and can be helpful when making those tough decisions. If you want to make an extreme declutter, consider setting yourself a goal of getting rid of 80% of your possessions. You may surprise yourself by how much excess you have in your home.

minimalism for beginners — Where will you start minimizing your home?

Minimalism design tips for small spaces

Decluttering is the first step to gaining your minimalist home, but sometimes it isn’t enough to create the cozy space you dream of. A minimalist design promotes a home where you can relax and be comfortable, which is particularly beneficial in small spaces. Consider using some of these tried and true tips to create your dream minimalist space.

Use the same color palette

Typically, minimalists stick to a neutral color palette featuring whites, grays, and earthy tones. Although these colors do promote a calming aesthetic, don’t feel the need to get rid of color completely. Simply stick to one or two colors within your color palette while leaving the rest more neutral and cohesive.

use plain colors or simple patterns

Too many patterns can be overwhelming to the eyes, so try to stick to clean lines for furniture and decor. Although there is nothing wrong with having some pattern in your home, less is more when it comes to a minimalist design.

Use decor sparingly

Instead of displaying an entire row of Target finds on your shelves, consider choosing just a few meaningful pieces that bring you joy when you see them. A minimalist approach to decor allows your home to feel relaxed and uncluttered while emphasizing what is important to you.

Keeping it minimal

It can feel amazing to finally have your house decluttered and set just the way you like it. However, if you aren’t careful, over time things will accumulate back up and crowd your perfect home. In order to stop the chaos from erupting, consider implementing the “one in, one out” rule. This is as simple as it sounds. Anytime you bring something into your home, let it replace something you already own. For example, if you find the perfect cozy sweater, take a look inside your closet and evaluate if you have a sweater you no longer care for.

Another great way to keep your home clutter-free is to keep a donate box in a closet and anytime you come across something you no longer use or love, simply add it to the box. When the box becomes full, take it to your local thrift store with no regrets!

This post gave you tips and tricks on how to practice minimalism to keep your small spaces peaceful and functional.

Take every thought captive – How to live in obedience to Christ

Filed Under: Christian living // October 15, 2024

This post is all about what it means to take every thought captive, where the saying came from, and how you can do it.

If you’ve spent time in Christian circles, you’ve likely heard the phrase, “take every thought captive.” But where does it come from, what does it truly mean, and how can we apply it biblically to our lives? If you’re unsure, you’re in the right place! Let’s explore this concept together, and by the end, you’ll have practical steps to help you take your thoughts captive today.

Where does “take every thought captive” come from?

The Biblical quote to “take every thought captive” is written by Paul in 2 Corinthians 10. In this section, Paul discusses how some people have come against him and say false things about him (he is bold when writing but timid when talking face to face). It is in this context that Paul writes the following:

For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete (2 Corinthians 10:3-6).

In the World but not of it

Paul’s first point is that although we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. Here, Paul has people attacking his character, but instead of fighting back in ways the world would encourage, he turns to God (more on that later).

Some of the ways that the world has taught us to fight is through manipulation and smooth words – trying to outsmart another person. We’ve also been told to think more highly of ourselves, elevating our own status while putting others down. This can be both with an image of success (what you do for work) or your perceived power over someone.

However, we are not fighting with what the world fights with.

That is why the first step in taking every thought captive is realizing what weapons you are fighting with. You need to realize what is driving your thoughts and where they are coming from before you can take them captive.

The weapons of our warfare

If we’re not to fight like the world, how do we fight? Paul points us to spiritual armor in Ephesians 6:10-20. The armor includes truth, righteousness, readiness to share the gospel, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer. These are the tools God gives us to demolish strongholds and renew our minds.

The sword of the Spirit—the Word of God—is our offensive weapon against the lies of this world. When we know Scripture, we’re equipped to fight thoughts that are not from God. And through continuous prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18), we invite God to transform and renew our minds.

How Jesus fought

Jesus, when fighting for our salvation, became meek. He did not fight with an army and overthrow the Roman Empire like many wanted Him to. Rather, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death for us (Philippians 2:6-8). David Guzirk, in Enduring Word Bible Commentary, put it like this: “This kind of victory through humble obedience offended the Corinthian Christians because it seemed so “weak.” The carnal, human way is to overpower, dominate, manipulate, and out-maneuver. The spiritual, Jesus way is to humble yourself, die to yourself, and let God show His resurrection power through you.”

2 Corinthians 2:5 — Don’t allow thoughts to linger longer than they should.

Demolishing strongholds

When Paul says that we are to demolish strongholds, he is talking about anything that contradicts the true knowledge and nature of God.

Here, Paul is writing about Christians who are speaking against him and against the nature of God. These are the very people who are supposed to be speaking only the truth of God. Yet, they are allowing lies to persist in their lives and in others.

Why we take every thought captive

It is because of other people that Paul writes we need to take every thought captive. This is not a command for all believers but a statement about what Paul is doing in the face of His enemies. He is taking their thoughts (or their words against him) captive and submitting them to the truth of Christ.

We, unfortunately, belong to the group of people that Paul is trying to demolish… so we should be submitting ourselves to Paul’s teaching and the scriptures and saying, “Okay, Holy Spirit, do your work and demolish anything in me that is not of you.”

How to apply the scripture to take every thought captive

Although this passage is often misinterpreted as a command from Paul for all Christians, there is still truth to be found in taking every though captive and submitting it to Christ.

We are called to the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2) and part of that is stoping thoughts as soon as we realize that they are not from God.

We are also to glorify God in our bodies and spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Because we were bought at a price we have the responsibility to submit our thoughts to His truth.

Steps to take thoughts captive

It can be hard if you are struggling with submitting your thoughts to Christ. Here are five steps you can take today to make your thoughts obedient to Him.

Categorize your thoughts

Grab a pen and paper and make a list of all the categories of thoughts that you struggle with. Maybe you have a tendency to be anxious, always worrying about the next thing. Maybe you struggle with depression and not feeling good enough. Perhaps you get easily annoyed by your spouse and have feelings of hatred toward them.
Whatever it is you are struggling with, bring it to light and write it down.

Consider what you consume

For each category you struggle with, consider what you consume and eliminate any outside influences that trigger those thoughts. If what you spend your time doing does not bring glory to God and uplift others, it might cause you to stumble.

Maybe you need to remove Instagram because every time you get on there you become envious of other people’s perceived lives. Perhaps you need to turn off notifications because whenever you hear the ding you feel anxious. Or maybe you need to spend less time on Netflix because the relationships portrayed are not godly and they give you a false sense of marriage.

Replace lies with scripture

Now that you’ve been able to identify what your thoughts are and where their main influences come from, it’s time to replace their lies with truth.

To do that, find scripture that speaks truth over your struggles. If you are having trouble in marriage, Ecclesiastes 4:9 or Ephesians 5:22-33 may be a good place to start. Are anxious thoughts getting you down, consider starting with Philippians 4:6-7.

If you aren’t sure how to find verses, do a simple Google search “bible verses for ___” and you will find many.

Memorize and meditate

Make it a priority to meditate on those passages you’ve found. This simply means going over them again and again so that you can internalize their meaning. Don’t be afraid to use some commentaries or other resources to go deeper into the verse and find the context behind it.

You will also want to memorize a few verses so that anytime a thought comes into your head, you are able to combat it with the truth of God. You will be surprised at how quickly your struggle flees when confronted with God’s word.

Pray continuously

Whenever you have a thought that you want to take captive, bring it to God in prayer. Don’t worry if you don’t know the “right words” to say. God cares more about your heart than your eloquence. Simply express to Him that you are struggling with taking a thought captive. You can repeat the verses you have memorized and let His truth speak to you, while thanking Him for His truth. Allow His peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7) to wash over you as you pour out your heart to Him.

steps to taking thoughts captive — Follow these steps to take every thought captive and make them obedient to Christ.

Helpful tips for taking every thought captive

Taking every thought captive requires active participation. It’s not enough to wish a negative thought away—you must replace it with truth. Memorize Scripture, pray consistently, and make a deliberate choice to turn your thoughts over to Christ.

Resources to consider to help you take every thought captive

If you struggle with being consistent in prayer, this 5-year journal can help you make it a habit. Simply fill out a small prayer at the same time each day and then you will have a record of the faithfulness of God in your life.

These tiny boho scripture cards are perfect to carry around with you when you are trying to memorize scripture.

Final thoughts on taking every thought captive

Paul goes on to write that “we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience has been made complete” (2 Corinthians 10:6). Here, he is saying that if the Corinthian Christians were unwilling or unable to pull down the strongholds around them, he would do it for them.

Don’t be like the Corinthians Paul was calling out for not wanting to change their lives. Don’t allow strongholds to remain unchecked in your mind. Instead, take every thought captive and submit it to the truth of Christ, living in obedience to Him.

This post has equipped you with practical tools to take every thought captive and walk in the freedom that comes from aligning your mind with God’s truth.

All of God’s commands are rooted in love – that’s why we follow them

Filed Under: Bible Study, Deuteronomy // October 8, 2024

This post is all about how God’s commands are rooted in love and what our response to them should be because of who God is.

Deuteronomy is known as the “second law” because Moses expounds on the law already given to the Israelites. In these chapters, Moses reminds the Israelites that God made the covenant with them and rescued them from the land of Slavery. He makes it plain that all of God’s commands are rooted in love. It is the Israelite’s job to not only know the commands but follow them wholeheartedly because of the God they serve.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

Read all about how God’s commands are rooted in love, before reflecting on it below.

Deuteronomy 5-7

Your part in the covenant

Before Moses reminds the Israelites of the Ten Commandments given at Mount Sinai, he begins by affirming a crucial truth: the covenant God made was not only with their ancestors who stood at Sinai, but with every subsequent generation. This includes us today. Each generation, and each individual, must personally embrace their place in God’s covenant to experience its full blessings.

Do you recognize your part in the bigger covenantal picture of God (Jeremiah 31:31-34)?

Why keep the commands?

The foundation for following God’s commands is laid out plainly in Deuteronomy 5:6: “I am the Lord your God.” The only reason needed for following the commandments is based on who God is and what He has already done for us. Obedience isn’t rooted in a fear of consequences or a desire for reward, but in who God is and what He has done. For the Israelites, God delivered them from slavery in Egypt and preserved them through the wilderness. For us, His grace is evident in countless ways, from answered prayers to undeserved blessings. We don’t follow because of our own merit, but because of His faithfulness. And we don’t keep God’s commands because we are trying to earn His favor. We obey because we are already recipients of His grace and want to live in response to His goodness.

How have you seen the faithfulness of God in your own life? Is His demonstration of faithfulness enough for you to remain faithful to Him (1 Samuel 12:24)?

all of God’s commands are rooted in love

After the Israelites heard the commands given by the voice of God at Mount Sinai, they were afraid that they would be consumed by His great fire and die. They were correct that the commands reminded them that they were unworthy to approach God. He is holy, and they are not. However, God’s commands were not meant to push them away, but to draw them near. They missed the key detail that all of God’s commands are rooted in love. The commands were not given merely to make them afraid in their unworthiness. Instead, it was given to help them draw closer to God while showing them thier need for a savior.

Do you follow God’s commands out of fear of not being good enough? Or do you follow His commands because you see them as an expression of His love (1 John 1:1-5)?

The Lord is One

An important truth is found in Deuteronomy 6:4, which says, “The Lord is One.” This is a case where knowing the original Hebrew is helpful in understanding the scripture. Although the Hebrew word, אֶחָד (‘eḥāḏ), does mean “one” it is often used to refer to multiple parts of the same thing. Other places in the Old Testament that use this word include Genesis 1:5, where there was evening and morning (two parts) on the first (one) day. Genesis 2:24 also used it in saying the two shall become one flesh. God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is One God. As a response to who God is, we must love Him with our heart, soul, and strength.

The trinity of God is seen throughout the Old and New Testament, even though the word “trinity” is never mentioned. How much do you know and understand about this important theological characteristic of God (2 Corinthians 13:14)?

all of God's commands are rooted in love — Why do you follow God’s commands?

reaping what you did not sow

Moses reminds the Israelites that when they enter the Promised Land, they will live in cities they did not build. They will drink from wells they did not dig and eat from which they did not plant. They would be very blessed in the Promised Land, and they would have to be careful that in their prosperity, they did not forget where they came from and how they got there. It is only by the grace of God that they can partake in His blessings.

In the same way, how many things do you have that are gifts from God, yet you fail to thank Him for them (Psalm 100:4)?

tell your children your testimony {How God’s commands are rooted in Love}

Living in the blessings of the Promised Land comes with a responsibility: ensuring that the next generation knows the faithfulness of God. Children won’t know of His past goodness unless parents are intentional about sharing their testimonies. That is why, when the Israelite children ask “what is the meaning of the Law?” the parents are to answer that they were slaves but God brought them out to bring them into something better. The more the younger generation hears the testimony of God’s faithfulness to the older generation, the less likely they will be to forget God and walk away from Him.

Do you tell your children your testimony – How God rescued you from death and brought you to life and freedom in Him? Do you live out your testimony for all to see (Revelation 12:11)?

Working for the promises of God

Although God was going to give the Canaanites over to the Israelites, the battle would not be quick and painless. The Israelites would have to work in order to defeat the Canaanites. And they would have to completely destroy them and their idols before they could live in the Promised land. If they did not, the Canaanites and their gods would turn the Israelites away from the One true God and lead them into false and foreign worship. In the same way, we need to destroy anything that would lead us away from God.

Is there something in your life that you need to completely destroy and turn over to God so that it does not lead you away from Him (Galatians 4:8-9)?

Deuteronomy 6 — I love using tiny letter stamps in my Bible, although this “tell your children” came out super faint because of the ink I used.

Little by little

When the Israelites entered the Promised Land, God would not hand over all of the surrounding nations immediately. Instead, the Israelites would need to rely on God. They would have to trust His timing and listen to His voice for when they would fight the nations. Often, we want immediate victory over the battles we are facing. We don’t want to struggle against an enemy for years on end. Yet, there is often more that can be learned in the waiting than could be if God handed us the solution when we want it.

Related Post: 7 Things to Do While Waiting on God

It can be frustrating to wait on God. However, you can see the wisdom in His timing once the battle has been won. Are you waiting for God to bring you through something right now? How can you stay faithful while waiting (Isaiah 40:31)?

Reflect on God’s commands being rooted in love

Have you seen the evidence of God’s love in His commands before? After reading these chapters, how has your perception of God’s love changed?

This Bible study was all about how God’s love is evident in His commands to His people.

Embrace the Journey: Bible Journaling Through Exodus

Filed Under: Bible Journaling // October 1, 2024

This post is all about my journey of Bible journaling through the book of Exodus.

Here I share all of my best tips and tricks, showing you exactly what I did, with the hope of encouraging you to dig into your Bible to know God more.

My journey of Bible Journaling through Exodus is not perfect. I actually started journaling it years before I “finished” it, and you can see some of the add-ons in this post. There are also a few creative details that are not my favorite. But the point of Bible journaling is not to be perfectly aesthetic. Rather, the goal should always be to engage with the scripture so that you can know God more fully. I hope this post encourages you!

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

The book of Exodus tells the story of how God rescued His people from Egypt. The miracles preformed here are spoken of and referenced throughout the rest of the Torah, and we can see how foundational this book is for the Israelites’ faith. Exodus also introduces the Law of God to His people through Moses, and we also witness the start of their sinful rebellion (although we’ll save even more complaining for the book of Leviticus).

Bible journaling through Exodus – Setting the scene

Sometimes, you may journal a page that ends up not being your favorite… That’s okay! This tip-in page that I did was one of my first, and I don’t love how it turned out. But I can always go back and redo it later if I choose to.

Some of my all-time favorite Bible journaling supplies include Micron Fine tip pens and Crayola colored pencils. They are both so versatile and inexpensive. On these pages, I simply highlighted some of the Characteristics on God that I saw in this passage.

I had originally filled out the margins a few years ago, but as I was re-reading through Exodus, there were so many more notes I wanted to take. I simply spread a fine line of glue on the edge of my scrapbook paper and then placed it in the spine and closed my Bible for a few minutes. This is one of my favorite ways to add more notes!

Related post: Best Scrapbook Paper for Bible Journaling

Bible journaling the 10 plagues in Exodus

For the 10 plagues, I wanted a way to show off the plagues and what number they were. I loved this idea that I saw on Pinterest of having bubble letters and filling them in with a representation of the plague. It makes such an easy reference to quickly find a specific plague.

I often enjoy adding stickers to my Bible journal. They can add a cute dimension and pop of color to brighten up any page.

One of the reasons I love micron pens is because you can get them in different colors. It was so easy for me to add tiny notes in My Bible journaling margins a few years after I had gone through Exodus because the colors match.

Related Post: How to Be Completely Devoted To God Alone

The symbolism of passover

I love the simplicity of this page with a simple drawing of a doorway. Often, if I am stuck on what to do in a Bible journal page, I will Pinterest or google the Chapter I am trying to journal to find some ideas.

Isn’t this drawing of baby Moana so cute? I thought it was a fun way to represent crossing the Red Sea. Here, I used some fun Washi tape to secure extra notes to the page.

Once again, Crayola colored pencils are perfect for Bible journaling!

Here is another example of adding extra notes while Bible Journaling through Exodus. I used some fun floral border stickers on the extra note to give it some more dimension and highlight a cross-reference verse.

I am not the best artist, as you can see here, but I try not to let that stop me from enjoying the creative process of Bible journaling.

Introduction to the laws

The law of God is soooo good and so perfect! I really wanted to take a deep dive and understand this chapter, so I added another tip-in page using Elmer’s glue pens because they help me apply a small line of glue on the edge of the page.

It turns out I needed even more room for notes than I thought, so I taped on another sheet of scrapbook paper. I highlighted the verses and outlined the box with the same color highlighter so I would know which box went with each verse, then I used gold foil floral stickers for extra details.

The backside of the paper is blank, but I can also use it for more notes later!

Here, I used a sponge with some markers to try for a watercolor effect. This partially covered up the fact that the marker I used on the previous page had bled through.

Instructions for building the Tabernacle

When Exodus describes the tabernacle furnishings, I had a hard time comprehending what they were like, so I took some time to research them and then made little cut-outs with their importance and significance written on the back. I made a little pocket using scrapbook paper and glued it into the spine.

Since I already had this card describing the Tabernacle from Daily Grace, I decided to tape it in so I could reference it the next time I read Exodus.

Related Post: The Truth About the Dwelling Place of God

Here, I simply made some more drawings that would help me visualize the different layers of the tabernacle coverings and their significance.

Bible Journaling the Priestly Garments in Exodus

In order to help me visualize the Priestly Garments, I printed out a coloring page and put the little priest together. Each layer of his clothes goes on him separately so I can easily see the careful detail of the garments.

There were a few Hebrew words that I decided to look up on Blue Letter Bible, and I used a stencil that I thought would go well with this layout for extra interest.

Have I mentioned how much I love micron pens? They last forever and they allow me to take tiny notes.

I knew I was going to need more room for notes for chapter 32, so I glued white paper on top of scrapbook paper (making a floral border) and glued in a small section on the top so I can flip it up and expose more notes.

The glory of God revealed

Here is another favorite Bible journaling page in Exodus! I doubled the width of scrapbook paper that fits in my Bible so I could create a fold-out page.

This entire page looks at Exodus 34:6-7. I love these verses and how the show the glory of God.

On the backside of the scrapbook paper, I wrote down a verse that cross-referenced with the Glory of God.

In the last couple of chapters, I just took very simple notes, and I can go back and add more interest and details the next time I read through Exodus.

I love this quote about how to know if I am called to do the Lord’s work. One thing that I didn’t start doing until later in Bible journaling is writing down where a quote comes from. This is an extremely helpful practice for when you go back and look through your notes.

Sometimes, when you don’t have a lot of notes to add to your Bible, stickers can be a great way to finish your Bible page! They add a fun dimension and take up extra space.

I love how Exodus ends with the cloud of the Glory of the Lord covering the Tent of Meeting. This is such a great foreshadowing of John 1:14.

Reflect on the journey of Bible Journaling through Exodus

Bible Journaling is such an amazing way to grow deeper in your knowledge of the scripture, especially in a book like Exodus that had so much visual symbolism.

How are you going to journal through Exodus today?

This post was all about my journey of Bible Journaling through Exodus.