Tag: #scripture

My Favorite Christian Books

Posted on by Crystal King

I have been asked a lot of questions on what helps me keep God first. My reply is I pray and I put God before everything. YES EVERYTHING!

Now a couple years ago I could not say that. I chose to follow my selfish ways and did what I thought was best for me and not what God wanted for me.

Yes I make mistakes, yes I have set back, and yes there are days that I have difficulty being nice and patient with others.

But what really helped was meditation and keeping God at the front of every single thing I did. I took myself out of the picture and allowed God to have his way instead of me. I always tell people 2 things 1) God is not going to ask you about me. Which means is that I am held accountable for what I do in life, not what others do. 2) You have to get out of your own way in order for God to have his way. Meaning you have to do things God is asking you to do rather that doing what you think you need to be doing.

I had the absolute hardest time trusting God with my life. I continued to go down my own road and make decisions based on my feelings or greed or just plain felt I deserved it. And that got me absolutely NO WHERE! So how could I possibly go wrong with allowing God to lead me, I mean I was making poor decisions and I didn’t like how I was doing it.

Ok so the reason for the post, I’ve always enjoyed reading so this is a list of books that I have read that helped me get back on track to God and trusting him with my life.

  1. The Bible – now I know what you’re thinking, well yeah the Bible, but this bible is very special to me. It’s a parallel bible with the New International Version on the left side and The Message form on the right side. The message form is completely regular English for a better understanding. I have a hard time understanding the verbiage used, however this helps me without having to look else where.
  2. The Purpose Driven Life  – this is a 40 day bible study that gives you an idea of what God really wants you to do in life and how to accomplish them. I like this book because it adapts to the person reading the book. It’s a very good read and I highly recommend this book if you’re having difficulty figuring out what God wants you to do.
  3. Living Beyond Your Feelings – this book really opened my eyes on what not to do with your feelings. I used to make long term decisions based on short term feelings and it has always been a disaster. This book explains why it’s so important to know and rely on God and not man; to make decisions rationally and not emotionally.
  4. Change Your Words Change Your Life – this books is geared towards how you speak things into existence. We have to be careful what we say, the more negative we speak, the more we see our burdens not our blessings, and that allows the devil a foothold on us.
  5. Power Words – this book shows focus on our words. What we say can change your life. I sometimes have the hardest time believing that I deserve the best and what God has for me is for me, however after reading how words can effect your every day blessings, I knew I had to change the words I said or how negatively I spoke.
  6. Wisdom for Women  – this is a 365 day devotional that I completed last year but I still keep this book next to my bed for reflection. It helps remind me that I can do anything through Christ. I have highlighted several passages to refer back to when I’m having not so great days.
  7. Battlefield of the Mind – we are what we think, so if you think you can’t, you’re right. This book really goes into detail how important it is to focus and direct our thoughts on what God wants and how God gives us everything we need. I felt like I was having a hard time thinking so negatively all the time. I know it seems like we don’t but have you ever talked yourself out of something you really wanted. I have done this so many times, I began to believe I didn’t deserve it. This book helped me to get my thoughts on track with what God wants and to focus on what I have instead of what I have not.
  8. Listen Love Repeat – this book shows you what real love is. “Love thy neighbor.” It gives examples on how to love one another as God loves you. I did a bible study with Proverbs 31 ministry and it helped me to realize the importance of listening and loving one another.
  9. The Best Yes – the is a self help book based on making decisions based on God and what is best for you. I enjoy reading books that encourage me to put God first and it helps with my decision making life. This book helped me to understand that a “no” is an answered prayer too.

Please leave any book recommendations in the comments. I am always looking forward to reading material that helps me get closer to God and becoming a better person.

Blessings.

31 Days of Scripture

Posted on by Crystal King

“If you are feeling inpatient, irritable, bitter, forgetful, disorganized, & disconnected from God, it’s time to tend to your soul– Grab your Bible, Get alone with God” – Courtney Joseph

I came across this the other day and knew that it was speaking to me. With life, it can be hard to just keep going and going, however you have to tend to yourself before others. What good is it to not care for yourself? Have you ever tried to care for others when you haven’t cared for yourself? It very hard to spread the love of God if you’re on empty.

I have put together 31 Days of Scriptures for anyone who could use a refuel on their self, as well as grow deeper in God. I’ve learned that if I continue to put God first, he will help take care of me.

So I have taken 31 topics to focus and pray on each day. Start on what ever day you choose, however, the sooner the better. Remember to mark your calendars for the next 31 days with the time to meet with God. Make this extremely intentional.

(the Bible translation is New Living Translation)

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Day 1: Hope – Psalm 39:7 And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you.

Day 2: Forgiveness – Luke 17:4 Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.”

Day 3: Love – 1 John 4:9 God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.

Day 4: Patience – Colossians 1:11 We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy

Day 5: Sickness – Psalm 30:2 O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you restored my health.

Day 6: Health – Isaiah 38:16 Lord, your discipline is good, for it leads to life and health. You restore my health and allow me to live!

Day 7: Money – Psalms 112:5 Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly.

Day 8: Envy – Ecclesiastes 4:4  Then I observed that most people are motivated to success because they envy their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless—like chasing the wind.

Day 9: Greed – Proverbs 28:25 Greed causes fighting; trusting the Lord leads to prosperity.

Day 10: Jealousy – Proverbs 14:30 A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones.

Day 11: Your words – James 4:11 Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you.

Day 12: Friendships – Romans 5:10 – For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son.

Day 13:  Understanding – Proverbs 2:2 Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding.

Day 14: Thoughts – Ephesians 4:23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.

Day 15: Husband/Wife – 1 Corinthians 7:4 The wife gives authority over her body to her husband, and the husband gives authority over his body to his wife.

Day 16: Relationships – 2 John 1:9 Anyone who wanders away from this teaching has no relationship with God. But anyone who remains in the teaching of Christ has a relationship with both the Father and the Son.

Day 17: Parents – Proverbs 15:20 Sensible children bring joy to their father; foolish children despise their mother.

Day 18: Children – Colossians 3:20 Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord.

Day 19: Kindness – Proverbs 11:17 Your kindness will reward you, but your cruelty will destroy you.

Day 20: Lust – 2 Timothy 2:22 Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.

Day 21: Deceit – Proverbs 12:20 Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace!

Day 22: Occupation – Ephesians 6:7 Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

Day 23: Siblings – Psalms 103:17 But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children

Day 24: Your church – Romans 14:19 So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.

Day 25: Priest/Preachers – 2 Timothy 1:11 And God chose me to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of this Good News.

Day 26: Government – Romans 13:7 Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.

Day 27: Neighbors – Psalms 101:5 I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors. I will not endure conceit and pride.

Day 28: Pets –  Genesis 1:25 God made all sorts of wild animals, livestock, and small animals, each able to produce offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good.

Day 29: Life – John 6:48 Yes, I am the bread of life!

Day 30:  Blessings – Dueteronomy 28:2 “Look, today I am giving you the choice between a blessing and a curse!

Day 31: Humble – James 4:7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

As a recommendation, you may want to keep a journal when you’re praying for the next 31 days. Write all your thoughts , desires, short comings, accomplishments down so that you can reflect on your journal at the end of your 31 days. To see how far you have come and what you have worked on in these 31 days is a sign that God is still working and helping you.

These days of scripture are to help with your every day life and accomplishing anything you put your mind to. I try to do this 3 times a year. This gives me the chance to really focus on what is important to me and what I need to improve on and how much I have grown . I also like to do this because it has brings me closer to God.

Hope you enjoy the 31 days of scripture.

God bless.