Make a Change

I was like a plant lacking deep roots and fertile soil. My relationship with the Lord was shallow and dry. I attended church, but failed to include God's Word in my daily life. At thirty-three, I needed to make some life changes. 


My friend, Carole, told me about Bible Study Fellowship.  Trusting her advice, I visited a local class. BSF uses a four-step approach: daily questions for the week's lesson, discussion groups, teaching lectures, and lecture notes.  I committed to study God's Word, and completed "Life & Letters of Paul," "Life of Moses," "Genesis," "John," "Israel & the Minor Prophets," "Romans," and "Matthew." 


Bible study changed my life. I began using discretion about what I watched on television and listened to on the radio. I read more books by Christian authors. Watered by His Word, my relationship with the Lord grew deeper. My love for God and His word increased. I prayed more effectively.  My faith grew stronger.


Our teaching leader, Sandy, taught us BSF was our training ground. We were there to study, learn,  and teach others.  After BSF, I led Precept Ministries' Inductive Bible Studies using the steps of observation, interpretation, and application with the Bible as the main resource. Later, I participated in studies written by Beth Moore.


Second Timothy 3: 16 tells us "All Scripture is God- breathed and is useful for teaching, convicting, correcting, and instructing  how to live right."  God desires that  His People are equipped for good work (2 Tim. 3: 17).


Commit to study God's Word in your church or community. Invite a friend to join you. Set aside time every day to examine Scripture. Begin each session with prayer asking the Lord for direction and understanding. Put God's principles into practices. It will change your life.


I'm returning to BSF to study Revelation. What will you commit to study?

"Back to School" Prayers

As their new school year approached, I decided to send my grandchildren greeting cards. As I shopped, I met a woman on the same mission. 

"We really need to pray," she said.

I agree.

God desires we pray for others. We pray to God the Father, in the name of his Son Jesus, and we can communicate those prayers for others in a variety of ways.

As parents post their student's "First Day of School" photos on Facebook, take a few moments to pray for each young person. "Like" the photo, and include a simple one-sentence prayer in "Comments."

Pack a personal note in your child's lunch box. Include a Bible verse and a short prayer.

Send a greeting card to a school-age grandchild, niece, or nephew. Add a note of encouragement, a prayer, and a Scripture.

Here are 5 prayer points with Scriptures to pray for young people as they head back to school:

• Acquire wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. 

"God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom..."  Daniel 1: 17. 

• Respect authority. 

 "Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men..."  1 Peter 2: 13  

•  Know truth. 

"Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth..."  Psalm 86: 11

• Develop godly character. 

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law"  Galatians 5: 22-23

• Protection 

"The LORD will keep you from all harm- he will watch over your life"  Psalm 121: 7


Diligently pray for our next generation! God bless you and your students as they begin the next phase of their educational journey. 

Get Wisdom!

A new school year is around the corner. After purchasing new clothes, school supplies, and textbooks, students are ready for school. But in our culture, wisdom is lacking. "Wisdom" is NEVER on the school supply list! God's Word tells us to get wisdom (Proverbs 4: 5-7). The LORD promises to generously give wisdom to those who ask (James 1: 5) In addition to gaining wisdom, we can pray for our young people to develop godly attitudes, place their confidence in the LORD, set right priorities, treat others with love and respect, obey those in authority, and resist temptation. 

Father God in heaven, thank you for loving us!  Thank you for your precepts that teach us how to live.  Bless our young people with your wisdom. Give them a desire to gain wisdom and to associate with wise people. Help our students to develop godly character and a good work ethic. When they face challenges, remind them to look to you as their help and strength. Help them to be kind, honest, and respectful. Give them strength and courage to stand for what is right. Teach them your ways. Protect our teachers, administrators and students. Fill our schools with your peace. In the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior, amen.