Pathways to Understanding – Thompson Chain Reference Bible Review

Posted on February 2, 2023 by Marie

Sometimes, when I’m teaching God’s Words, I tell the class we are going to chase a bunny trail. In other words, we are going to dig deeper into the underlying meaning and application of a Bible verse or concept. Rabbit trails have a destination. They don’t just go off into unknown places. The rabbits are looking for sustenance or they are heading home.

So, how does that apply to the newest revision of the Thompson Chain Reference Bible? Let’s suppose you’re reading a section of the Bible and come across a topic that is new or interesting to you. All you have to do is go to that verse in Thompson’s and ‘chase’ the references (other places in the Word that refer to that verse or concept).

You might think with thousands of references and topics the process is complicated. It’s actually quite easy to choose how deep you want to get into the issue you are pursuing. There are several study helps in this revision including individual book synopsis, studies of individual Biblical characters, an extensive concordance, maps, and much, much more.

I’m delighted to have been given the opportunity to review and experience this new resource. I’ll be using it for many years to come as I write blog posts, prepare to teach, and just want to learn all I can about a concept I’ve come across in my daily Bible reading.

If you’d like a copy for yourself, which I highly recommend, you can click on the blue highlights. They will take you to the Faith Gateway Store and Amazon. (They are not connected to my affiliate stores and I receive no compensation for your purchase.)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free as a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR requirements, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” #BibleGatewayPartner

Fresh Start Bible Review

Posted on December 9, 2019 by Marie

As a Small Group, Bible Study leader I was (and am) very excited about this new resource, the Fresh Start Bible.

There are many kinds of study Bibles. Some are historical and archeological. Some are topical. Some are word referenced, giving the reader specific guidance as to meaning usage. Some are paraphrased into modern language usage for better understanding. All are intended to point the Believer to a better understanding of His Word and how it applies to daily life. The Fresh Start Bible is no exception. Using the New Living Translation it has hundreds of articles written by various people that enhance and provide understanding. Several short ‘side-bars’ provoke deeper thought about known concepts and stories. It includes many articles about questions that both the new and seasoned believers might have. Personal comments, historical facts, and suggestions for personal, everyday use abound.

I decided to use this Bible as my main resource in preparing and teaching a series of lessons on how the Tabernacle of the Old Testament applies to contemporary worship. It was helpful and informative, leading not only me but also my fellow learners to new insights and thoughts about the subject.

In a future upgrade to this work, I would suggest more ‘side-bars’, commentary and articles for the Old Testament portion.

I highly recommend this resource for both Bible study leaders as well as learners.

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a digital copy free from Gateway Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Calming The Restless Mind

Posted on October 30, 2015 by Marie

What do you do when you find your mind is roiling? when stress is overtaking? When circumstances are overwhelming? I have 10 memorized, go to, Bible verses that help calm my restless mind. Many of you know me well enough to know I’ve memorized many more, but these are the ones I go to most often.

Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God! I have this on a plaque in my office. It reminds me to sit back, relax, and simply know His presence.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the man of God is thoroughly equipped for every good work. These words are a reminder that God has ‘breathed’ every word of the Bible to us because He wants us to be thoroughly prepared and ready for His work.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your works acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. I memorized this in college, at a time when I was making career and life choices. It has served me well in the many years since when I’ve needed to make decisions. Trusting Him has always paid off!

Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots and some trust in horses, but we trust in the Name of the LORD our God. Years ago, Ray and I were at a dinner theater in the Great Smokey Mountains. This verse was carved into the mantle of the gigantic fireplace of the building. It still resonates loudly for me…TRUST IN GOD!

Galatians 4:4 When the fullness of time had come God sent forth His Son… Everything that happens to me, to you, around this world, is happening at the exact time God wants. It was planned before time even began and other events have already occurred to make God’s plan work!

Esther 4:4 And who knows that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this. When I am questioning the plan, whining with a case of the why me’s, I sit back and reflect on this verse and Esther herself. It reminds me that we do what we have to do because it is the right thing to do.

Luke 1:45 Blessed is she who has believed the LORD will fulfill His promises to her. Although these words were directed to Mary, the mother of Jesus, they are for each of us who know the Promises and believe they are His Word to all people.

Philippians 4:8 Think on whatever is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, virtuous, praiseworthy and good. If everything I’m thinking about falls into these categories then my mind is filled with peace and calm and relaxes into thinking about His plan for me.

John 3:17 For God sent forth His Son into the world not to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. This verse follows the most memorized verse in the Bible…God so love the world… It’s a reminder that we are so loved that He does not want to condemn us! From the beginning, He wants us ‘saved’. He wants us with Him! He wants us.

My favorite verses of all the Bible are Psalm 23. It calms me, supports me, heals me, focuses me, and absolutely delights me.

The LORD is my shepherd I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the dark valleys, I will fear no evil for You are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup runs over. Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

I challenge you to commit at least 10 Scriptures to memory. The calming effect this will have on your mind, soul, and spirit is almost like being cradled in His arms.

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

Quiet Moments

Posted on September 2, 2015 by Marie

So many verses, so little time. Take the time to ponder these verses. Let God in and delight in His Word.

When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—the moon and the stars you set in place—what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? Psalm 8:3–4

The Cat’s Eye Nebula, one of the first planetary nebulae discovered, also has one of the most complex forms known to this kind of nebula. Eleven rings, or shells, of gas make up the Cat’s Eye.

I will walk by faith even when I can not see. 2 Corinthians 5:7

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Ecclesiastes 3:11

Sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs among yourselves, making music to the Lord in your heart. Ephesians 5:19

Some trust in chariots, some trust in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Psalm 20:7

I took my troubles to the Lord, I cried out to Him and He answered my prayer. Psalm 120:1

Blessings to you and yours!

Check out Ancient Words by Michael W. Smith by clicking on the photo.

Ancient Words

Posted on November 13, 2013 by Marie

When Michael Smith released Ancient Words he spoke right into my heart. (Click on the blue title words to listen to the song.)

David’s words in Psalm 119:11 tell us to hide God’s word in our heart’s. How do we do that? By memorizing them. When we take time to memorize the Word we have all we need to make decisions, to deal with the ups and downs of life, and to help those around us who need to hear them.

Jehovah Jireh, my Provider, has given us 774,746 words that will change our lives when we choose to live by them. Words of life, read John 3:16. Words of hope, read Jeremiah 29:11. Words of strength, Joshua 1:9. (Did you know fear not appears in the Word 365 times.) Words for coping, Psalm 46:10.

Take the time to read, read, and reread Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts and Revelation. Use a red-letter edition. His words are as timely now and they were then.

Ah, Lord God, you have breathed Your word on to the pages of my Bible and into the nooks and crannies of my heart! Keep me always mindful that You breathed those words into existence so I would have the answers. Thank you, Lord!

This post was written for the Weekly Writing Challenge: Moved By Music