Live Life Journaling Devotional

There is no charge for joining the Live Life Bible Journaling Devotional. Simply use this article, grab the free calendar and mini-kit provided upon sign up at the bottom of this article, and get started! To join our Bible journaling family and share your thoughts and layouts head over to  https://www.facebook.com/groups/BibleJournalingforBeginners.

There are multiple options to do the study. The devotional and kits are designed to help you take a deeper dive into the Word and start applying biblical principles to your life. They are not required, but they’re a fun way to grow in the Word creatively!

• Join Momentum – Momentum members get just about everything for only $25/month. Click here to learn more.
• Purchase the kit by itself – Purchase the devotional and kit for only $7. You’ll also get the How to Study Bible Topics Guide and worksheets. Click here to purchase.
• Free option – To get the calendar and free mini-kit, please scroll to the bottom of this article and register for our emails between August 1, 2019 and August 29, 2019. If you are on the email list and haven’t received it, please check your spam! The emails will begin sending out on the 1st!

Live Life to the Fullest – 7 Ways Christians Can Enjoy Every Day

If you’ve ever loved a person, child, or pet, you know what it means to desire their happiness. You want what’s right for them, and love them even when their choices aren’t the best.  I believe the same is true with God; He wants what’s right for us, which is to live according to His will. You experience a full life when you live according to His will for you. Here are 7 ways to enjoy it.

1.    Know Who You Are

Know that you are a child of God and don’t take your relationship with Him for granted. Take the time to fully grasp the majesty and wonder of having Him as your father.

“Know the Word so you don’t get led astray. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God” (Romans 8:16).

Explore your gifts, take time to listen to His voice, and take steps in the direction of His call. Dream Big and Your Best Year are great Bible Journaling Ministry devotionals to help with this.

2. Know Your Creator


All people at their core want to know their Creator, even if they profess not to be believers. Truly knowing God calls for a commitment to believe in and obey Him. The best ways to truly know the Creator is through prayer, reading the Bible, Bible journaling, Bible study, worship, gathering together with fellow Christians.

“Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his. But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.” (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

3. Explore and Be Curious

Explore your surroundings and revel in the blessings God has given you. Try a new recipe for the family, write, walk, or work in your garden. Spending time outdoors (hiking mountains, strolling through a tree-filled park, just being outdoors in general, will not only help you live life at the fullest, but it also provides significant health benefits. God’s wondrous creations have a healing effect on us and act as a natural stress reliever. Let nature draw you closer to God. Exploring and taking time to discover something new can be life-changing.

“And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.” (Genesis 1:31)

4. Serve


Helping others is the key to developing a sense of purpose. Whether it’s devoting life to serving others through missions or through a few hours each year, serving others benefits both the giver and receiver. In fact, if you’re looking to grow your knowledge in any area, volunteering is one of the best ways. Not only will you gain experience, but you’ll be serving as well.

 “As every man hath received the gift, even so, minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (1 Peter 4:10)



5. Build Relationships


Make building positive relationships a priority. Connecting with family and nurturing friendships may take time and effort, but it’s worth it.

” And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

6. Love


Love comes in many forms – the love between spouses, children, friends, relatives, and even with our pets can be an amazingly fulfilling, transformative experience. Love can even improve our physical and emotional health. Seriously caring about people, without wondering what’s in it for you, gives you the ability to love as Jesus did.

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” (John 13:34)

7. Rest 


It’s not easy to maintain a healthy, fulfilled way of life thanks to the chaotic world we live in. The thing is that you can’t live life to the fullest if you don’t make time to rest. Relaxing and getting enough rest will help you recharge.

Making time to exercise can also help you relax and unwind after a long day. Taking care of yourself may call for a little extra time and effort, but it’s well worth it. Even Jesus took time to rest.

“And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.” (Mark 6:31)

Every Day is a New Day

Don’t be held back by what took place yesterday, last week, or even a year ago. Live life in the present. The important thing to remember is that God is always with you. You’re never alone. I hope you’ll take the time to reflect, study, explore, serve, build, love, and rest so that you can live life to the fullest.

Momentum Bible Journaling Membership Examples

Here are a few of my Bible journaling entries using the kit and technique for the month. The technique we’re exploring this month is titled Summer Fun, and we’re using fun toys and objects that we might have used as a child. I hope this month encourages you to visit that little kid inside of you and see the Bible in a whole new light.

1 Corinthians 2:11

For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

Exodus 40:36

And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys:

Isaiah 32:8

But the liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand.

Hebrews 2:17

Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

John 10:10

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Psalm 45:15

With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king’s palace.

Matthew 6:34

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Psalm 16:11

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

Freedom Journaling Devotional

There is no charge for joining the Freedom Bible Journaling challenge. Simply use this article, grab the free calendar and mini-kit provided upon sign up at the bottom of this article, and get started! To join our Bible journaling family and share your thoughts and layouts head over to  https://www.facebook.com/groups/BibleJournalingforBeginners.

There are multiple options to do the study. The devotional and kits are designed to help you take a deeper dive into the Word and start applying biblical principles to your life. They are not required, but they’re a fun way to grow in the Word creatively!

• Join Momentum – Momentum members get just about everything for only $25/month. Click here to learn more.
• Purchase the kit by itself – Purchase the devotional and kit for only $7. You’ll also get the How to Study Bible Topics Guide and worksheets. Click here to purchase.
• Free option – To get the calendar and free mini-kit, please scroll to the bottom of this article and register for our emails between June 30, 2019 and July 31, 2019. If you are on the email list and haven’t received it, please check your spam! The emails will begin sending out on the 1st!

The Freedom Jar – A Tool for Breaking Free

The day I accepted Jesus Christ as my savior was the day I was liberated from the sins of this world and made holy in the presence of God. It was the first day that I took steps towards becoming the woman that God designed me to be.

To me, being free from the bondage of sin doesn’t mean that I don’t sin. After all, I’m human and live in a fallen world. It means that sin doesn’t have control over me. I’m no longer a slave to it. Because I’m not a slave to it, I address my sins and battle them daily. Do I win every battle? No. But I don’t stop trying.

I use many tools and actions to help me battle sin, including prayer, worship, Bible journaling, Bible study, daily devotionals, prayer walks. One tool that’s been helpful is the use of the Freedom Jar. I learned about the Freedom Jar in a Christian Weight loss program that I’m a part of (Faithful Finishlines). If you want to learn more about my journey, click here.

What is the Freedom Jar?

I use the Freedom Jar as a tool to help me overcome cravings, but you can use it for any area of sin you’d like to address in your life. It doesn’t replace prayer or any other Spiritual practices that you have.

In order to use the Freedom Jar, you’ll need to have an understanding of what battle you’re up against and a plan of attack. Write your plan down. For me, it’s a daily plan for the food that I’m going to eat. When I feel like going off my plan, I resist the urge and put a token in the jar. If the feeling still lingers, I wait for 10-minutes and then add another token to the jar. The goal is to get to 100 tokens, and the special reward is the knowledge that Satan didn’t win this round.

The Freedom Jar is supported by two Scriptures:

• Galatians 5:1 (WEB)- Stand firm therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and don’t be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
• John 8:36 (WEB)- If therefore the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.

How to Make the Freedom Jar

Supplies Needed

1. Glass jar or any container

2. 100 marbles, beads, plastic chips, coins, tokens, or other small items

3. Alphabet stickers and other ephemera

Directions

Step 1: Find a container. I reused a glass pickle jar, but you can use any container. Glass is preferable since it makes a clinking sound when you add your items to it.

Step 2: Put 100 marbles in a container next to the jar.

Step 3: Decorate the jar with letters and stickers.

How to Use the Freedom Jar

1. Understand what sin you’re up against and write it down.

2. Why do you want to tackle that sin?

3. Create a plan to address that sin.

4. When you’re tempted to sin, stop, look at your Freedom Jar, and put a token in it.

5. If you still feel like sinning, wait ten minutes, then add another chip in the jar. Don’t distract yourself. Feel the emotions that you feel. Let them bubble up. I find that praying is helpful during this time.

6. Repeat until the craving dissipates.

A Piece of the Armor of God

I view the Freedom Jar as a piece of my Shield of Faith (Ephesians 6:10-18).    Faith tells me that God keeps His promises even if I can’t see it. When I am tempted with food, instant gratification, or whatever, I can use the Freedom Jar to quickly recognize Satan’s tactics and extinguish his arrows with the sound of one “clink.” Let freedom ring!

Bible Journaling Freedom

Here are a few examples from this month’s Momentum course.

John 8:36

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

2 Timothy 1:7

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Romans 8:1-2

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

Romans 6:22-23

But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Philippians 3:20-21

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Luke 4:18-19

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

2 Corinthians 3:17

Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

Psalm 118:6

The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

14 Ways to Find Hope in God



There is no charge for joining the Choose Hope Bible Journaling Devotional. Simply use this article, grab the free calendar and mini-kit provided upon sign up at the bottom of this article, and get started! To join our Bible journaling family and share your thoughts and layouts head over to  https://www.facebook.com/groups/BibleJournalingforBeginners.

There are multiple options to do the study. The devotional and kits are designed to help you take a deeper dive into the Word and start applying biblical principles to your life. They are not required, but they’re a fun way to grow in the Word creatively!

• Join Momentum – Momentum members get just about everything for only $25/month. Click here to learn more.
• Purchase the kit by itself – Purchase the devotional and kit for only $7. You’ll also get the How to Study Bible Topics Guide and worksheets. Click here to purchase.
• Free option – To get the calendar and free mini-kit, please scroll to the bottom of this article and register for our emails between February 28, 2019 and March 31, 2019. If you are on the email list and haven’t received it, please check your spam! The emails will begin sending out on the 31st!

Choose Hope – 14 Ways to Find Hope in God

Hope is an interesting action. I spend a lot of time hoping. I hoped my son would live when he was born, I hoped my surgery would go well and that I could walk normal again, I hoped I would get a job so we could keep our house, and I hoped that broken hearts would be mended.  Today, I’m hoping to get the kids through high school, hoping someone will read these words and know the love of God, hoping the choices I make are the right ones, and hoping I don’t mess it all up.

My husband, like many federal employees, received their furlough notice as the government shutdown in late 2018. Unfortunately, that meant that his paycheck stopped coming in for some time. He hoped that the government shutdown wouldn’t last, that we had enough in our emergency savings to cover the shortfall, and that he could go back to work. He hopes a lot too.

Most of us experience moments of disarray in our lives. Sometimes we lose hope that things will ever change. Sure, when life is going smoothly, it’s easy to feel hopeful. But, what do you do when trouble enters your life, and you feel like God isn’t hearing your prayers? Here are 14 ways I’ve used in my life to find hope in God in any situation.



1.    Pray for Hope

Life is full of hardships, but that doesn’t mean you should give into the fear. Find hope in God through prayer. Philippians 4:6-7 – 6 says, “In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus”.

2.    Read the Bible

Everything you need is in the Bible. Read the Bible daily, but especially when you feel yourself giving in to feelings of hopelessness. Romans 15:4 reads, “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that through patience and through encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope”. Reading the Bible will help you thrive and it is the perfect book to turn during times of need.

3.    Listen and Sing Worship Songs

Listen attentively to worship songs and let sad feelings melt away, replaced by heartfelt praise and gratitude for God. Singing along with the music creates a closer connection to the Lord as well, and creates a profound sense of wellbeing.

4.    Bible Journal Scripture

The next time you feel hopelessness strike, try writing out your favorite scriptures in a Bible journal. Instead of drowning in your feelings, turn your focus to God’s Word. Then, pause and spend some time meditating on the scripture that led to the beauty you created on the page.

5.    Join a Bible Study

What do you do when life’s challenges make you feel isolated and alone? Join a Bible study group. Members are often encouraging, supportive and loving, along with offering advice should you seek it. The right Bible study group will have a positive impact on you that can be life-changing.

6.    Record Your Requests and When He Answers Them

Keeping track of the times you’ve turned to the Lord for help, and noting when he answers your requests, will be a reminder that – yes – He has always come through for you. Looking back on your list when you’ve lost confidence in his ability to keep his promises will quickly change your attitude – a great indication of His unconditional love for you.

7.    Read Encouraging Stories (And Turn the News Off!)

A great way to get out of a slump and find hope in God is to read about or watch happy, encouraging stories and random acts of kindness. Cultivating a sense of wonder and positivity can’t help but help build a positive outlook. Also, wherever you go, look around for small wonders, whether it’s a child’s smile, a colorful butterfly, a happy smile, etc. In other words, turn the news off, look for the good things, and you can’t help but have a happier outlook.

8.    Minister to Someone in Need

If you have lost hope in God, ministering to others in their time of need will not only leave a lasting impression – it will lift your spirits. Whether it’s volunteering at your local women’s shelter, or small random acts of kindness like buying a cup of coffee for the person behind you in line at your local cafe, or holding the door open for someone, your actions can help you find hope in God. After all, Jesus healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, comforted the mourning, and even brought the dead to life.

9.    Read a Devotional

One of the easiest ways to find hope in God is to read a devotional. Daily devotional reading is essential to our development as Christians.

10.    Talk to Someone You Love

When you are worried, feeling down, or lost, it can help to talk to someone you trust and love about what you’re going through. Opening up to someone about what’s on your mind can make a world of difference. Talking with someone, whether it’s family, a trusted friend or your pastor, will help you see things in a different perspective and you may even discover a solution to the problems you’re dealing with.

11.    Get Involved at Your Church or Your Local Community

Getting involved at church or with the community are actions that have been linked to better physical and mental health. Inspirational talks, social bonding, and worshipping will leave you with a sense of belonging and meaning. These states can’t help but foster hope in God.

12.    Consider All of the Good Things in Your Life

It’s so important to be thankful for all the good things in your life. If you focus on the bad, you’ll end up seeing more and more of it. The practice of focusing on the good things in your life and being grateful for them will improve your outlook on life.

13.    Spend Some Time with God’s Creations in Nature

Nature quietly reveals God’s glory, beauty, power, wisdom, presence, and, most important of all, His love for us. This is one of the reasons many people love to spend time in nature, surrounded by His creations and loving presence. So, when you are trying to find hope in God, go out, take a walk in nature, and reconnect with Him.

14.    Be Patient

Some days it can be extremely hard to be patient, leaving us feeling like God has forsaken us. You know, those days when you bring your feelings of quiet desperation to the Lord, then grow tired of waiting for him to respond. It soon starts to feel like your prayers are falling on deaf ears. Sound familiar? The truth is, He is going to respond because he loves you completely. Remember his timing isn’t yours, but when he does respond it will be worth the wait.

Thankfully, finding hope in God isn’t difficult if you open yourself up to His love. The hope that He offers is far more than a feeling – it’s the certainty of His presence within you. Using the 14 ways to find God listed here will help you experience hope in God in any situation, no matter what tragedy hits you.

Matthew 12:21

In his name the nations will put their hope.”

Job 11:18

And you will feel secure, because there is hope;
you will look around and take your rest in security.

Romans 15:4

 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Isaiah 40:31

but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.

Hebrews 10:23

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.