I recently shared a personal story below to my prayer group ladies about the importance of studying the Old Testament books to stay focused and faithful to our calling. I don’t think it’s possible to be victorious in our lives without the knowledge of the Old Testament stories and teachings. Please educate especially the young people since they are at most risk of falling away.

Hello ladies! Here are some good resources for your encouragement and endurance. They have really blessed me so I know these will help you too.

1. Pastor Carter Colon reminded me that Jesus sits on the throne in heaven and Jesus is for me.  If you are on the verge of a meltdown or stressed out, please listen to this message and be strengthened!  It is super duper encouraging!

http://sermons.tsc.nyc/the-jesus-of-yesterday-today-and-tomorrow/

2.  Here is a great message from Psalm 1 about God’s recipe for a blessed life.  Please pray about sharing it with your children and grandchildren after listening.  Cornerstone church has great messages on all the books of the Bible in their library archives.  It is all FREE too. We, as parents, have a tremendous influence on what gets passed down to our children through our knowledge and examples.  Though my children and husband are not believers yet, they see me waking up early to pray and study my Bible for the last 12 years.  They are actually reading the Bible through my actions and words.  It’s a daunting thought and that’s why I repent as soon as I mess up in order to get God’s power and anointing back.  Reading the Bible in the morning feels like taking a nice long shower before starting my day.  Life gets me dirtied throughout the day and I would love to end my day with a good shower of God’s word and prayers.  I have to wait until the next morning but if you have the opportunity to, please start and end your day with a spiritual shower of God’s word and prayer. 

God’s Recipe for a Blessed Lifecornerstonechapel.net

3. Here is a great short article on “Why should we study the Old Testament?”  When I look back at my college church, I realize now that we rarely studied the Old Testament books.  We had great worship since my pastor and his wife were musicians.  But without the “meatier” spiritual principals and lessons from the Old Testament books, a young follower of Jesus Christ will not make it through the desert nor the greater trials and temptations of life.  Although we should always be in Christian fellowship; there are times when we must go through the wilderness alone just like Jesus did before we are launched to the next level.    Studying the Bible, both Old and New Testament books in the last 12 years made it possible for me to understand the why’s, what’s, how’s etc of these confusing places of our journey.  

If you truly desire your believing children and grandchildren to have “sticky faith” once they leave your home, then you must teach them the Bible, both the Old and New Testament books.  Just worship songs, New Testament books and even your love aren’t enough.  You must add Old Testament books in your recipe for a successful transfer of faith.  I know it takes much time and effort, but in my opinion, you will actually be saving more money and time later since you don’t have to rescue them so frequently as lost, wandering adults.  I remember an older friend shared this with me when my kids were little; and it is so true! – “Little kids, little problems.  Big kids, big problems.”  If you don’t feel equipped to teach your children well from the Old Testament books then go to a church that has a great children and teen ministries and get involved by helping, encouraging and supporting your kids’ youth pastors and programs.  Once you have put in your time, effort and “sweat” into helping them, then now you have the right to ask them to make changes too.  Jesus rebuked his churches in the book of Revelation AFTER he died on the cross for his church.  Therefore, before you complain or criticize a church or ministry; please stop and ask if you have given your time, effort, money and tearful prayers first. 

Question of the Weekgotquestions.org

3. I wish I had access to these great resources about the Bible, especially the Old Testament books when I was following God as a young adult. I gave up EVERYTHING that was important and dear to me to be a hardcore follower of Jesus Christ as a young woman for five years. That’s a lifetime for a young person. This is why I know that without the knowledge of the Old Testament books and a support system of mature mentors for a young person in transition; then they will not make it to their next destination safely and successfully. Devil wins when Jesus’ disciples give up and become MIA (missing in action). I got my first iPhone nearly 13 years ago. Only couple of months into getting my iPhone, I had a divine “burning bush” moment like Moses had in the desert, and that is the only reason that I came back. This news article about iPhones helping to spread the gospel made me think how much my smart phone has helped me to learn about God by educating me very well about the Bible. https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2022/july/how-the-iphone-has-helped-spread-the-gospel-for-the-last-15-years-with-free-bible-app

Here is a great podcast from Proverbs 31 Ministry on “How do I move past my mistakes?” Generally, women more than men are very hard on ourselves. Please listen to this good podcast by Proverbs 31 Ministry ladies and be ministered by their biblical and personal sharing. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-proverbs-31-ministries-podcast/id757953988

That’s all for today! Happy studying! With love and prayers from your librarian.