Bible Prayers: The 10 Plagues

by atozmom, posted in Bible Prayers

Exodus 12:29-30 “Now it came about at midnight that the LORD struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of cattle. Pharaoh arose in the night, he and all his servants and all the Egyptians, and there was a great cry in Egypt, for there was no home where there was not someone dead.”

The Hebrew people were suffering under the cruel rule of Pharaoh. Moses asked Pharaoh to let them return to their homelands in Canaan, but he refused. In response the ten plagues were inflicted on the Egyptians.

Bible Prayers

Lord, guard me from pride, keep my heart from wrong motives. I want my thoughts and focus to be on you. I tend to stray and ignore you. When that happens, draw me back to you, guide me, lead me in the path you have for me.

Thank you for today and for the days that are ahead. I trust you and know that my future is in your hands. Faith and trust in you gives me peace. I am full of gratitude.

There have been times in my life when I felt lost. Choices where I felt my life was at stake.  You helped me, Lord, to make the right choice and I was blessed. When I am in your will, you are with me. Every turn I take gives me peace. I found that the times that I knew you were working in my life were the times that you led me to places I would never go.

Lord, help me to always keep my focus on you. Don’t let my mind be crowded with concerns that block me from hearing you. May I never  ignore you or be too busy to listen to you. I want to always obey you and know that you are in control.

Lord, I want to make a difference. How can I know that the world is a better place because I was a part of it? My greatest sin is not the things that I do, but the things that I don’t do. You have poured blessings upon blessings on  me, instead of passing them on to others I have selfishly kept them to myself. I want to learn to serve, to give, to help others. Help me to follow in your footsteps, to not waste my time doing things that have no meaning.

By: Lissette Trahan

Bible Study Plans: What is My Responsibility as a Believer?

by atozmom, posted in Studying the Bible

Responsibility these days is hard to find. No one wants to take any. That’s why when asked what is your responsibility as a believer, many Christians have no idea what that is. In this blog post by AtoZMomm, we’ll answer that question for you. Contact me with questions!

YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AS A BELIEVER

  • Unwavering belief in Jesus as the Son of God and in his resurrection and death for our sins.
  • “Standing firm, letting nothing move us” and “always giving ourselves full to the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
  • If we have no eternal home or earthly ramifications then we will be “tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming” (Ephesians 4:14).
  • God has given us everything; we need to give to him everything in return.

WORK FOR THE LORD AND AS HE LEADS

Until the Lord returns, there are souls to reach and ministries of every sort to be performed. We are responsible for our money, time, energy, talents, gifts, bodies, minds, and spirits, and we should invest in nothing that does not in some way contribute to the work of the Lord. James tells us, “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead” (James 2:26).

We are to work for the Lord always and faithfully. Our work is eternal benefits in heaven.

“Since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:24).

Contact me today!

Inspirational Quotes: Thomas Aquinas

by atozmom, posted in Inspirational Quotes

“All the good that is in a man is due to God.”

Thomas Aquinas

Bible Prayers: Moses and the Burning Bush

by atozmom, posted in Bible Prayers

Exodus 3:2 “There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up.”

God used a burning bush to get Moses’ attention. God chose Moses to lead Israel out of bondage. God saw how his people were being held slaves. He promised Moses he would be with him.

Bible Prayers

Father, grant me that peace that passes understanding, that peace you promise in your Word. I want to have that peace when everything seems hopeless. The peace that trusts you no matter what is going on in my life. When I have that peace, I have joy. A peace confirming that nothing can destroy the love and faith I have in you. Thank you for your  promise that tells me you will never leave me or forsake me.

I delight in your Word. It is truth, it fills me with wisdom. It reveals your love for me. You shield me from harm, I feel protected. You hear me when I call in distress. Your mercy and compassion never fail me.

When I surrendered my life to you, I became your child. You have set me apart, I am yours, body, soul and mind. My sin nature is still a part of me. The thought that I still sin and offend you drives me to confession. I am forgiven, you restore my peace and joy. That is what the cross accomplished. Your blood covers me, I am pronounced not guilty.

Why am I anxious? Your Word says “Be anxious for  nothing but in everything let your requests be known

to God”.  As I pray, Lord, free me from my anxious thoughts. Let the knowledge that I am your child, that even if I am considered a failure in the eyes of the world—I am still your child. Nothing can ever take that from me. Having control over everything and focusing on myself increases my anxiety. Let my goal in life be living for you, Lord, and to focus on others rather than myself.  

By: Lissette Trahan

Bible Study Plans: Best Bible Scholars Part 4

by atozmom, posted in Studying the Bible

We’ve been taking a look at influential Bible scholars of the past. Here’s the last post in our series. Contact AToZMomm with questions!

INFLUENTIAL BIBLE SCHOLARS OF OUR TIMES

  • Francis of Assisi (1182-1226). Perhaps best known as the priest who loved animals, Francis of Assisi was one of the primary influences of orders within the Catholic church. He is a saint who founded the Franciscan orders and is credited with setting up the first live nativity scene.
  • Jerome or Saint Jerome (347-420). Saint Jerome’s primary contribution to Christianity is translating the Bible into Latin (the version known as the Vulgate, which was the official Bible of the Catholic Church throughout the Middle Ages), and he wrote commentaries on the Bible.
  • Teresa of Avila (1515-1582). Teresa of Avila was a nun who reformed the Carmelite Orders. She wrote extensively on Christian mysticism and meditation and was an apologist for Catholicism
  • Karl Barth (1886-1968). Karl Barth was a Swiss Reformed theologian who is most well known for his landmark The Epistle to the Romans and his five volume theological summa the Church Dogmatics. He is the father of “neo-orthodoxy” and influential in the movement to reject theological liberalism.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this series on Bible scholars as much as I have. Contact AToZMomm with questions!

Bible Prayers: Moses

by atozmom, posted in Bible Prayers

Exodus 2:5-6 “And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river’s side; and when she saw the ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it. And when she had opened it, she saw the child; and behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said this is one of the Hebrew’s children.”

After 400 years another leader emerges, Moses. He will be trained and educated by royalty. Like Abraham he will be a man of faith. He will be a mediator between God and his people.

To read the story of Moses is to see God at work. He is the one that will lead the Israelites out of the slavery that they have been in since the days of Joseph.

Bible Prayers

Your love is new every morning. It fills my life and strengthens me to face another day. The pain in the world I see today, the feebleness of my body, my weakness to sin, makes me long for the day  of your return. I pray, Lord, that until then I might live a life that exalts your name.

You have been with me all of my life. You have strengthened me, you have revealed your love for me. You have prevented me from ruining my life.You are worthy, O Lord, for all my praise, love and      obedience.

I am in awe of you, Lord. When I consider the vastness of the universe in which our tiny blue planet spins, I am humbled.  And yet, you the creator, loves me and wants to have a relationship with me. It overwhelms me.

You know that I am mortal, but you love me. You know that I am flawed but you redeemed me. You know that I am not perfect, but sent your only Son, as the perfect sacrifice to save me.  Thank you, Lord.

I know that so many times I fail you, I sin, but your love is there, drawing me back to you. I can confess and return to you. You always accept me, I feel at peace going back to you. There is no judgment, only love. That unconditional love.

Lord, never let me become so involved in this world that I forget about you. The issues of life and death are in your hands. Whenever my time here is up and you call me home I want to be ready.

By: Lissette Trahan

Bible Study Plans: Best Bible Scholars Part 3

by atozmom, posted in Studying the Bible

In our continuing blog series, we’ll take a look at more influential Bible scholars. Contact AToZMomm with questions!

MORE INFLUENTIAL BIBLE SCHOLARS

  • C.S. Lewis (1898-1963). C.S. Lewis is best known for his Chronicles of Narnia series, a children’s books series that uses another world and fantasy high-adventure story as a metaphor for God and man. However, he is widely regarded as the best Christian apologists of his time, which is someone who defends Christianity against objections.
  • Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758). Jonathan Edwards was an American revivalist preacher, philosopher, and Congregationalist Protestant theologian. Edwards is widely regarded as one of the America’s most important and original philosophical theologians, focusing on determination and harmony. Best known for his sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” he wrote many books and was responsible for revivals in the church. He was also the grandfather of Aaron Burr, America’s third Vice President.
  • John Milton (1608-1674). Best known for Paradise Lost, John Milton wrote poetry and polemic writings that have had a great deal of influence on theology. He served under Cromwell and spoke and wrote many  languages
  • John Knox (1513-1572). John Knox founded the Presbyterian Church in Scotland. He helped lead Scotland’s Protestant Reformation and contributed greatly to the Book of Common Prayer. He was King Edward VI’s royal chaplain until Mary I rose to the throne when Kind Edward died.

Just reading some of these men’s select writings is fascinating and worthy of your time. Contact me with questions!

Inspirational Quotes: Athanasius of Alexandria

by atozmom, posted in Inspirational Quotes

“The Son of God became man so that men might become sons of God.”

Athanasius of Alexandria

Bible Prayers: Joseph

by atozmom, posted in Bible Prayers

Genesis 37:3 “Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age and he made him a coat of many colors.”

Jacob, now called Israel, had a son named Joseph. His love for Joseph and Joseph’s attitude lead to envy and hatred by Joseph’s brothers. Joseph’s saga was full of hardship and trials. But his life ended in triumph. Joseph said, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

Bible Prayers

Your Word, the Bible, changed my life. It introduced me to Jesus. As I read your Word, help me have a greater understanding, that it become a part of me. Engrave it in my heart and mind. As I read your Word, I get to know you and love you more. It increases my faith. Thank you, Lord, for your Word, you didn’t leave us without instruction. It guides and teaches me how to live my life.

Give me courage, O Lord, when I am discouraged. Don’t let my faith waiver. Instill in me the desire to praise you when I feel that all is hopeless. I know you listen to my prayers. I believe in your promises, in them is my hope.

You are my ruling passion in life. I want to live a life of  constant obedience in thought, word and action wherever it might lead. The thought that I may awaken one morning and find that I never got to know you,  drives me to my knees. Help me to become what you made me to be.

Your Word says that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. Philippians 4:13

I know that things that are impossible in the flesh are more than possible through you. You are my strength.

Faith is the conviction that there is more to life than I see. Without you I would never come to a real vision of what life is about. Lord, I want to see. I want to see your vision for my life.

By: Lissette Trahan

Bible Study Plans: Best Bible Scholars Part 2

by atozmom, posted in Studying the Bible

In our continuing look at the most influential Bible scholars of all time, AtoZMomm‘s blog will examine five more. Contact me with questions!

MORE INFLUENTIAL BIBLE SCHOLARS OF ALL TIME

  • John Wesley (1703-1791). One of the most practical theologians of all time, John Wesley is a controversial pick for an influential scholar mainly because most of his work is based on his life experiences as a deep lover of God and Christ. Responsible for the Methodist movement, John Wesley also penned amazing hymns that are still popular today, such as Christ, the Lord Has Risen Today and Depth of Mercy, Can it Be.
  • Charles H. Spurgeon (1834-1892).  One of my personal favorites was Charles Spurgeon. He was an English Baptist preacher. He published copious amounts of work, including his sermons. A powerful speaker, he held audiences spellbound and is responsible for untold number of converts. His Treasury of David commentary on the book of Psalms is unparalleled.
  • Carl Friedrich Keil (1807-1888).  Carl Keil, along with Franz Delitzsch, wrote one the most comprehensive commentaries on the Old Testament that is still used today. They explain the origin of sin versus free will beautifully.
  • Franz Delitzsch (1819-1890). Franz Delitzsch, along with Carl Keil, wrote one the most comprehensive commentaries on the Old Testament that is still used today. See their commentary for the origin of sin versus free will analysis.
  • Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981). A physician turned preacher, Martyn Lloyd-Jones was a great expository preacher and wrote an amazing commentary on the book of Romans.

These Bible scholars wrote amazing works that we all could use to further our study of the Bible. Contact me with questions!