MTRC: Choice #2

Okay- so I've been a slacker but I'm back on track and ready for the next week's study. Are you? Well, then let's get started!

Choice #1 had us getting up early and on time. So what are we supposed to do when we get up? That's Choice #2....get into God's Word! I know I probably sound like a broken record but this is vital to your relationship with God. It sets the tone for your day...and your voice...and your words...and your actions...and your attitudes...and the way you treat people- starting right at home.

Day One:
As you read the following Scriptures, mark or write down what is said about God's Word and its role in your life. I've kind of started for you but you can elaborate and make it more specific to you.

• Psalm 199:11- The Bible keeps you from bad behavior.
• Psalm 119:105- The Bible leads you in the right direction.
• 2 Timothy 3:16- The Bible guides you in the truth.
• 2 Timothy 3:17- The Bible prepares you to serve others.
• Hebrews 4:12- The Bible sharpens your discernment and judgment.
• 2 Timothy 3:15- The Bible gives instructions for eternal life.

Can you see why making the choice to spend time in God's Word is so important? Having a quiet time with Him helps you grow in Christlikeness. (Is that a word?) You become more like Jesus. How does this happen? It's an inside job! The Bible changes your heart, which is then reflected in your actions. The Bible is all yours all the time. And it's the ultimate beauty treatment! It makes its way into your heart and lifts your soul. It changes your view about people and the things that are happening in your life. Job 23:12 says, "...I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread". Do you? Do you treasure His Word to you? Daily? How will you treasure His Word starting today? Your better life is as close and as easy as making the choice to open your Bible each day and taking a few minutes to read and soak up God's love letter to you.

Day Two:
Alright. Yesterday we played Bible drill and I had y'all looking everywhere. Today we'll just focus on one passage. I'm generous like that. :) Before we turn into our Bibles though, I want to ask you how many songs do you have memorized? 25? 50? 100? I know you know TONS of songs! So how many Bible verses do you have memorized? Ouch. That hits me too...don't worry.  When you sing songs, the words are there working in your mind and coming out of your mouths. That's why it's so important to guard what you're putting in....but that's not what today's about. I want to encourage you that memorizing Scripture is just as easy...if you choose to make it part of your life. Okay, look at Luke 1:46-55. This is called Mary's song. This is what she said right after finding out she was going to be pregnant. Talk about clinging to God in a rocky time. I probably would've run out and bought a pregnancy test or something. Maybe that's why I wasn't chosen. But she praised God. At about 14 years old. In these 9 verses, she makes at least 15 references to Scriptures from the Old Testament. Mary obviously had memorized these verses and truths on purpose. She learned them by heart and they became her language in a time that was absolutely crazy in her life. Truly, when she opened her mouth, her lips spilled forth God's Word. What do your lips spill forth in times of chaos? Times of trouble? Times of worry, doubt, and fear?

Day Three:
Okay. The teacher in me is screaming to come out. I'm going to have you do a little graph. I know, I know. Just bear with me. It helps me understand Scripture better sometimes and let it seep in more deeply if I do this sometimes. Turn to Psalm 19:7-10. Now, go get a piece of paper and write down something that looks like this:

Read Psalm 19:7-10. Note the different terms used for the Bible in each verse. Write down how it's described and its effects on those who read it. I've done verse 7 for you. It's a little blurry so here's what I wrote:         Term              Description                Effect
                                                  law                  perfect                        refreshes the soul
                                                 statutes          trustworthy              makes the simple wise        

In verse 11, what benefits belong to the one who listens to and keeps God's Word? Claim these for yourself today!

Day Four:
Okay, yesterday you made a chart that basically lays out all the benefits of God's Word. Who doesn't want that for themselves? The case is pretty clear and simple if you ask me. We've talked about Joshua before here (on Week One, Day Four). He was a pretty cool guy who basically inherited the Israelite nation after Moses died. He was very qualified for this role, seeing as he was one of two teens who stood up for God against the rest of the 2 million Israelites back in Numbers 14. (I encourage you to read his story. Talk about not giving in to peer pressure!) Let's look at him again. Joshua 1 records the very first few moments when God gave Joshua his leadership role. Go ahead and read the whole chapter...it's only 18 verses. Okay, now look at verse 7. What are God's commands regarding His Word? Remember, success is God's blessings lavished on you because of your obedience. He blesses you when you live your life His way. Those blessings might not match up to what this world says is a blessing but they satisfy and fulfill like no other. When you do as God says, what will you experience? (I kindof just answered this but go ahead.) Now read Joshua 1:8. What are God's commands regarding His Word? When you do what God says, what will you experience? One more thing...how many times does it say "Be strong and courageous"? Don't give up reading your Bible after just a short time! Be fiesty! Be strong and courageous! It will pay off......TONS! And don't just take my word for it, take His.

Day Five:
Well, we've covered a lot this week. I hope it encourages you to pursue God each and every morning. But don't just stop there! Live it out! It truly does get your day started off on the right foot by meeting with your Ulitmate Love. He desires you more than anything. The God of the Universe! He wants you as His love story! (And you thought "The Notebook" was romantic!) Look at Song of Solomon...sometimes it's called Song of Songs. This book is written by King Solomon and it's all about his love relationship between him and his wife but it's also a picture of God's relationship with us. We're called Christ's bride and he is so in love with us! He gave His life up for us....He loves us more than life itself! Look at Song of Solomon 2:14. Read it and close your eyes. Imagine Jesus saying this to you....
            "Show me your face! Let me hear your voice! For your voice is sweet and your face is lovely!"
Sigh. If that just makes you want to run straight to His arms, I don't know what will. He longs to hear from you. He wants to meet with you every. day. His Word is your ultimate treasure! We are princesses of His Kingdom and your Bible is your jewel. Crown yourself everyday before you enter those school halls. Adorn yourself with the gems of righteousness so that you may remind yourself of your royal heritage!

"The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes...They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb." Psalm 19:8, 10

Challenge for the Week:

This one's easy, Girls. Meet with your King. Every. Day. This. Week. Love y'all!