There is no charge for joining the Be The Light Bible Journaling topic. 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 September 30, 2019, and October 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 30th!

Be The Light

Jesus says he’s the light of the World (John 8:12). As children of God, we should be the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). But how can we do that? We can start by modeling what Jesus did. I know that this may seem impossible, but it isn’t. Collectively, we can all make a difference when it comes to being “the light” for others. After all, you are a beautiful child of God, made in His perfect image.

What Does “Being the Light” Actually Mean?

Being the light means doing your best to live each day on purpose and in a way that’s pleasing to God. It means showing kindness and compassion to others and yourself. It’s about looking for opportunities to be more like Jesus, to lift others up, and to do the right thing. It also means making a mindful effort to make your light shine brighter and help others discover their light.

God is light and given that He sent the Holy Spirit to live within His believers, so are we if we follow his example. There are many ways to do this, but here are seven practical ways you can try.


1. Focus on Doing Right and Don’t Be Swayed

Don’t blindly do what the world claims to be right. Do what God’s Word says is right. While this may be difficult thanks to the mixed messages we’re constantly assailed with these days, it’s important to set yourself apart from the world. You have to be in this world, but you don’t need to participate in the things that are detrimental to your faith.

2. Treat Others as You Want to Be Treated

Be kind and walk in love, treating others as you would like to be treated. Show kindness to everyone around you, even if they don’t do the same. Seek wisdom, learn how to recognize other people’s pain, and offer help to those who cross your path that need it. Then go beyond your path and seek to help those outside of your circle if possible.

3. Practice Humility

Be humble, admit when you’re wrong, say sorry, and try to be better next time. You can have ambition, but remember who you serve. It’s not about how amazing you are, but rather how amazing God is. The perfect example of humility was when Jesus washed His disciples’ feet. It was a pure display of humility and servitude.

4. Give Thanks, Even During Life’s Challenges

Giving thanks and being grateful, regardless of the circumstances, builds a deeper relationship between you and God, and with other people.

God is always by your side. He can draw good out of evil. He forgives your sins and loves you (and all His children) completely. Even during the most challenging times, there are things to be thankful for.

The next time you’re feeling disheartened, take the time to write a list of things or people to feel thankful to God for. Chances are you’ll have several. If you’re having trouble, start by being grateful for breath, then consider the rest of your body, and it’s function in serving both you and the world. After all, when was the last time you thanked your feet for doing what they do every day?

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Put Yourself Out There

I bet you didn’t know that I am introverted. It’s true! It takes a lot out of me to get on camera, walk on stage, or talk to a stranger. After many years, and countless mistakes, I’m getting better at it. But, it’s still not easy.

Regardless of whether you’re shy or outgoing, as a Christian, you’re called upon to be a light to those around you (Matthew 5:16a). This is only possible if you put yourself out there, interacting with people and nurturing constructive relationships.

6 Unwavering Resolve

God expects us to be the light and empowers us to do so. Be firm and formidable in your resolve to follow the Lord in everything you do. Don’t get distracted or waver in your beliefs and stay focused on God and his light. While this takes discipline, sacrifice, and courage, it’s an important step in being more Christ-like. Talk to God frequently throughout the day. He will provide you with strength and be your loving guide if you open your heart to him.

7. Love and Trust the Lord

I don’t know where you are today. Perhaps you’re stuck and looking at the huge mountain that somehow appeared out of nowhere. Maybe you’re at the highest point on the mountain you just climbed and are celebrating. Or maybe you just reached the summit of the hardest hill of your life only to find out there’s a bigger mountain beyond it. In whatever circumstance you find yourself in, you must love and trust the Lord. The world will throw so much at you, and Satan will do his best to destroy your light, but don’t let him. You have Jesus, and He is enough.

Keep Your Light Shining

Our lives can lose their joy and sparkle when they become clouded by our sins and the sins of the world. Has sin dulled the signs of Christ within you? If so, it’s time to take the time to examine your life and ask God to illuminate things you may be unaware of. He’ll get you back on the right path if you ask for help and His forgiveness. Let’s face it, as humans, we’re not perfect, but through prayer, we can address where we’ve gone wrong, and get back to living the amazing life He’s planned for us.

John 8:14

Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go.

Psalm 27:1

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

John 8:12

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Philippians 2:15

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

Galatians 2:20

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Matthew 5:14

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Romans 13:12

The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

There is no charge for joining the Seasons Bible Journaling topic. 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 30, 2019 and September 30, 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 30th!

Ever-Changing Seasons

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 reminds us that there are seasons in our lives. Some seasons feel like a cool summer breeze, while others have you tossed around on a sinking boat praying to Jesus to calm the storm. As you transition into and out of the different seasons of your life, take heart. Transitions are rarely easy, but you don’t have to do it alone. Here are a few best practices that help keep my focus on Jesus during those ever-changing seasons in my life.

Prayer

Prayer is the best way to begin acceptance and healing. God always hears your prayers and longs to help you during challenging transitions. Just because the transition doesn’t go exactly how you want it to, doesn’t mean He’s forgotten you. There are reasons for this season, so turn to Him and ask for enlightenment, strength, and perseverance.

Read the Word

The Bible is the truth. It’s the one physical thing that you can hold in your hand that holds the inspired Word of God.  By reading the Word, you’ll find many answers to the questions you face, examples of great mentors, struggles, and triumphs.

In your reading, you’re likely to find several Scriptures that feel like they’ve been written with you in mind for this very moment.  Once you do, relax, experience those passages, and write them down. Keep them where you can turn to them often. A great place to do this is in a Bible or Faith journal.

Bible Journaling


When it comes to tackling life’s changing seasons, Bible journaling is very powerful. The combination of drawing, coloring, and the inspiration and comfort of God’s Word provides joy, peace, and insight. By combining the act of creativity with a Bible verse in context, you’ll see things that you didn’t notice before.

It’s like that phone, car, or new outfit you’ve been considering. Perhaps you’ve never seen it before, but now you see it everywhere. The same is true with purposeful Bible journaling. The more you engage with the Word, the more you see God in things that you missed in the past.

Be Still and Listen


Don’t let inner conflicts and a hectic world prevent you from paying attention when God speaks to you. Be still and listen for His voice, no matter the challenges. What you’re dealing with right now is temporary. Keep in mind, the most important thing to do during times of transition is to remain close to the Lord. Only you can hear God’s voice when He speaks to you, but you can only hear Him if you are “still” and able to listen.



Being in a Community


It’s crucial to find like-minded people that we trust – those that we can draw strength from and contribute to.  Seek out help from friends, spouses, neighbors, and others who provide wise counsel and encouragement. If these special people live close by, meet them for coffee, Bible study, or a nice stroll around the block. If they don’t live nearby, find time to go visit them or call them on the phone.

Look for Healthy, Positive Distractions


Get busy doing positive things. The worst thing you can do during times of transition is mope around the house, watch too much TV, or overeat. Instead, do something productive, and start off small if that’s more comfortable for you. Do the dishes, clean up a messy bedroom, or volunteer. Distractions can offer temporary relief, but you still have to do the active work of transitioning through the season.

Embrace Life as It Is


One of the secrets of a content life is to be happy with what you have and not dwell on what you don’t have. Be present in the life that you have at this very moment and find ways to deal with events that crush your spirit. There’s freedom in being able to take life as it comes – both the bad and the good. When you embrace challenges with God’s help, knowing that “this too shall pass,” you will rise from the darkness.

Practice Gratitude


It’s easy to count our problems instead of our blessings, but this kind of attitude undermines our ability to tap into the good that we’ve been given and to see our very lives as a gift. Changing how we look at things and what we focus on will make all the difference. Realizing the good and accepting it with gratitude is a formula for emotional health and wellness. An “attitude of gratitude” makes it possible for us to appreciate all the gifts we’ve been given, using it to cope with life’s difficulties.

Is It Easier Said Than Done?

I’ll admit that when I read articles like this, I sometimes roll my eyes and say, “you don’t know what I’m going through.” I’ll put up my guard and insist the person penning the message has a great life, no problems, and they’re certainly not as hard as my own. Maybe she does or maybe she just got back from saying farewell to someone she cared deeply about. It doesn’t matter.

You are what matters.

Nothing is constant in this world except God. Everything else in this life changes, and if you don’t find a way to move in and out of seasons, you’ll waste more of your precious time lingering in a season that’s been over for a long time.

What are you going to do? What is your purpose? Oh, sweet friend…you are here for so much more. Don’t beat yourself up. Don’t question whether or not you heard the Holy Spirit right. You are where you are on purpose. Everything led to this exact moment, and God is right here. He’s excited to see you take the next step on this journey. You get to decide what action you’ll take next.

Psalm 30:5

For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

Daniel 2:21

And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:

Isaiah 9:3

Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

Galatians 6:9

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

2 Timothy 4:2

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.

Psalm 1:3

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

1 Chronicles 16:34

O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.

Genesis 8:22

While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.

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.