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This Wednesday, we're going back to the basics and diving into the story of David and Goliath. I'm guessing most of you already know this story but, if not, you can go ahead and find the story of David facing the giant in 1 Samuel 17. I personally really like the fact that, when David defeated Goliath, he was still young. We don't know how young he was exactly but we do know that he was less than twenty years old. I like to imagine he was around fifteen or sixteen (maybe seventeen).
The first thing I want to say is this... We all have Giants in our lives. We all face different kinds of giants at some point in our life. Weather it be a giant problem, a giant decision, a giant bully, a giant heartache, a giant diversion, a giant plot-hole in your biggest dream... But we have the ability to go up against whatever giant is in our way and take it down. David was a nobody, really. He was the youngest in his family, not old enough to fight. He was just a Shepard boy -- always overlooked by people. In Samuel 16 (before he went up against the giant), God wanted one of Jesse's sons to be King. Jesse showed off all of his boys except one -- David. He didn't even consider David. The young Shepard boy was being overlooked When Jesse sent David out to go bring food to his brothers out on the battlefield, David saw that all the Isrilites were scared to fight Goliath. So David, himself, volunteered to take the giant on. When David made this proposal, his eldest brother got mad at him for even coming to the battlefield and accused him of having a wicked heart and only coming down to watch the battle. David answered by saying "What have I done? Can I even speak?" Once again, young David was being overlooked. I really like this part because it really is very much like siblings in today's day. So David was a nobody...just a Shepard boy, the youngest brother, not qualified...nobody. But David didn't let it get to him. He was determined to go up against this giant and represent the Israelites in this battle. The next thing I'd like to point out is the fact that when David went to get ready to fight Goliath, Saul tried to dress him up in all kinds of clothes and protection to fight in. But David refused. He took off the things that Saul gave to him and went down to the lake and picked out five smooth stones and put them in his slingshot. When you're up against the giant in your life -- be yourself. You don't need to be the smartest, or oldest, or strongest, or prettiest, or most popular, or most experienced. "You just be you...and God will take care of the rest" -Mom's Night Out Movie David took out the giant with a simple sling and a stone. And he did it in the name of God. he was confident that it didn't matter how big the giant was, God was bigger. Everyone was amazed that David was able to kill the giant...with one stone from his slingshot. Especially because he was just David -- just the little Shepard boy. But he was hero from then on. He didn't need strength, he didn't need to be popular or old enough or qualified... You are stronger than they think. And you are stronger than you think. So grab your sling and grab your stone and stand confident -- you got this! Now, I would love to hear from you!
Thankfulness = joy It's just true. When I take the time to reflect on what I'm thankful for, I'm so much more joyful -- even if I'm sad. When someone has a grumpy, complaining attitude, it's not pleasant for others around them -- or for themselves! I find that when I focus on all of the bad things going on in my life...I'm so much less fun to be around and so much less happy. There is someone who I know that makes thankful notes every single day. It's a great practice for being thankful even when you have a bad day! I decided to try to do the same thing. Everyday, I'll write in my journal at least one thing that I'm thankful for. It could be anything! Maybe a good friend, a good book, the rain, an opportunity to spend time with my family...anything! But when it seems like everything is going wrong...how can you be grateful? Don't worry... There is always something to be thankful for! What I'm about to say next might seem crazy but...count your struggles as blessings.
Yep, I said it. In James 1:2-4, James says to consider it pure joy when you go through trials of many kinds. Why? Because --I'm paraphrasing here-- struggles make us stronger. And it's so true. When God takes us through storms of life, he's teaching us something. And it's going to make us stronger. And I've realized that through so many different trials in my life. Even when I can't see it at the moment, I realize it later on. So consider it pure joy. I'd like to challenge all of you to the same that I'm doing -- for thirty days, write down at least one thing that you're thankful for each day. September is about to start in a few days, and that will be a great chance to start this challenge! Now, I would love to hear from you!
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But there are other options as well! Such as the G.R.O.W method and the P.O.W.E.R method. Choose whatever works best for you! I found that using one of these makes it a lot easier for me to keep track of what I learned, what stood out to me, and how I can apply it to my life. It makes studying a lot easier. |
4. Bible Journaling
This is one way, I know, that a lot of people express themselves during their quiet time and to creatively write down their favorite verses from the bible. Bible journaling is when you literally write the verses and power points out in your bible around the edges of the page. (as shown on the banner at the top).
Now, for me, I don't have much space around the edges of my bible, so this isn't something I've been able to do yet, but I do know that there are bibles you buy specifically for journaling with lots of extra space!
5. Notes
Next step is to take notes! Take your notebok/journal and thoe pens/markers and then take note of anything that stands out to you! Maybe its a verse, a power point, something you realized, any type of observations.
And get some post-it notes! I, personally, like to write out certain verses (or notes) on colored post-it notes and stick them in my bible.
6. Keep It All In A Binder
Now, if you're really creative, you could make a crafty binder and keep all your notes and everything in. And for me, I get a folder and put my church notes in it to keep in the binder as well. :)
7. Memory Verses
"I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you' Psalm 119:11
A great way to hide God's word in your heart is to memorize! I normally write down my memory verse for the week on a post-it note and stick it in my notebook.
A nice technique I learned for memorizing scripture is to write down the first letter of every word in the verse and then write where it's found in the bible. I, personally, write this down on the back of my hand. I love being able to have it with me all day long and it's really helpful for memory. But you could do it anywhere where you'll see it a lot during the day; maybe your bathroom mirror or on any wall that pass by regularly.
I hope these tips were helpful to you! Comment down below which of these ideas you already do, and which of them you might try out in the future! I'd love to hear!
This is one way, I know, that a lot of people express themselves during their quiet time and to creatively write down their favorite verses from the bible. Bible journaling is when you literally write the verses and power points out in your bible around the edges of the page. (as shown on the banner at the top).
Now, for me, I don't have much space around the edges of my bible, so this isn't something I've been able to do yet, but I do know that there are bibles you buy specifically for journaling with lots of extra space!
5. Notes
Next step is to take notes! Take your notebok/journal and thoe pens/markers and then take note of anything that stands out to you! Maybe its a verse, a power point, something you realized, any type of observations.
And get some post-it notes! I, personally, like to write out certain verses (or notes) on colored post-it notes and stick them in my bible.
6. Keep It All In A Binder
Now, if you're really creative, you could make a crafty binder and keep all your notes and everything in. And for me, I get a folder and put my church notes in it to keep in the binder as well. :)
7. Memory Verses
"I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you' Psalm 119:11
A great way to hide God's word in your heart is to memorize! I normally write down my memory verse for the week on a post-it note and stick it in my notebook.
A nice technique I learned for memorizing scripture is to write down the first letter of every word in the verse and then write where it's found in the bible. I, personally, write this down on the back of my hand. I love being able to have it with me all day long and it's really helpful for memory. But you could do it anywhere where you'll see it a lot during the day; maybe your bathroom mirror or on any wall that pass by regularly.
I hope these tips were helpful to you! Comment down below which of these ideas you already do, and which of them you might try out in the future! I'd love to hear!
Lights. Camera. Action.
Time to film the story of your life. Let's take a look through the lens of your camera.
Now...I'm gonna guess that if most girls were to metaphorically film the story of their life with a metaphorical camera...they aren't going to see the main character of the story in a very beautiful way.
It's your story. Your're the main character.
Now pretend you're filming the story of your life -- making a movie for Hollywood. What does the main character look like? What's her personality? Is she beautiful?
Most girls are going to say no. Because through their camera lens...looking at themselves...all they see is a mess. A broken, not-pretty-enough, not-good-enough, mess.
Can you relate to that?
I'm gonna say that %65 to %85 of girls, if they had the chance to film the story of their lives, all they're going to see in the main character is going to be things like Ugly, Unworthy, Not Good Enough, Not Strong Enough, Failure, and Mistake.
Now if that's you...let me tell you something. Either somebody in your past handed you the wrong camera lens (by making you believe these lies about yourself) or you were never told how amazing you are.
Either way...you've got the wrong lens in your camera.
It's time to pick out a new lens.
Once again, I want you to pretend you're filming the story of your life...but this time, try using God's lens.
Once you start using his lens... that's when you will you see yourself as the truly amazing person you are. You'll see your true worth. I mean, just think about how great the Father's love for you is.
Sure, you've made mistakes. We all have. But the Lord our God has an undying love for us and such amazing grace and mercy. And He will forgive us when we mess up.
Think about it like this...God is your creator...and He can't make a mistake. That means that you are perfect just the way you are.
Why believe the lies of this world when you can believe the one who created you?
Darling, you are every little bit of lovely. Take a look through God's lens and you'll start to see your main character as More. More than the mistakes, more than the past, more than what others say about you, More than your imperfections.
Remember that you have a fighter inside of you. A fighter who is more than all of her fear and doubts. She is so much more. She is a conqueror.
Who's lens are you looking through?
Time to film the story of your life. Let's take a look through the lens of your camera.
Now...I'm gonna guess that if most girls were to metaphorically film the story of their life with a metaphorical camera...they aren't going to see the main character of the story in a very beautiful way.
It's your story. Your're the main character.
Now pretend you're filming the story of your life -- making a movie for Hollywood. What does the main character look like? What's her personality? Is she beautiful?
Most girls are going to say no. Because through their camera lens...looking at themselves...all they see is a mess. A broken, not-pretty-enough, not-good-enough, mess.
Can you relate to that?
I'm gonna say that %65 to %85 of girls, if they had the chance to film the story of their lives, all they're going to see in the main character is going to be things like Ugly, Unworthy, Not Good Enough, Not Strong Enough, Failure, and Mistake.
Now if that's you...let me tell you something. Either somebody in your past handed you the wrong camera lens (by making you believe these lies about yourself) or you were never told how amazing you are.
Either way...you've got the wrong lens in your camera.
It's time to pick out a new lens.
Once again, I want you to pretend you're filming the story of your life...but this time, try using God's lens.
Once you start using his lens... that's when you will you see yourself as the truly amazing person you are. You'll see your true worth. I mean, just think about how great the Father's love for you is.
Sure, you've made mistakes. We all have. But the Lord our God has an undying love for us and such amazing grace and mercy. And He will forgive us when we mess up.
Think about it like this...God is your creator...and He can't make a mistake. That means that you are perfect just the way you are.
Why believe the lies of this world when you can believe the one who created you?
Darling, you are every little bit of lovely. Take a look through God's lens and you'll start to see your main character as More. More than the mistakes, more than the past, more than what others say about you, More than your imperfections.
Remember that you have a fighter inside of you. A fighter who is more than all of her fear and doubts. She is so much more. She is a conqueror.
Who's lens are you looking through?
"I praise you because i am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, i know that full well"
psalm 139:14
~Now I want to hear from you!~
- Do you struggle with insecurities (weather they're about your appearance or about you as a person)?
- What is one way looking through God's lens has changed your perspective about yourself?
Making time for God… Not something we do quite as often as we’d like to.
If you're anything like me, you have that picture of what that perfect quiet time should look like in your head (I love fantasizing on Pinterest, it makes quiet time look like perfection!) .
But I think that, for a lot of us, the picture perfect vision of what our quiet time should look like seems to get washed away when other things come along.
I mean...that hour that you had planned to set aside for God turns into five (maybe fifteen) minutes to say a quick prayer asking God for what you need and to maybe read the verse of the day on your Bible app.
And when that time finally comes where you actually have more than fifteen minutes to spend with God… It's not so quiet at all.
Your thoughts are racing, you can't concentrate, and your phone that's sitting right there next to you just seems to be screaming your name.
So how exactly do we have a successful quiet time when it's not even quiet?
If you're anything like me, you have that picture of what that perfect quiet time should look like in your head (I love fantasizing on Pinterest, it makes quiet time look like perfection!) .
But I think that, for a lot of us, the picture perfect vision of what our quiet time should look like seems to get washed away when other things come along.
I mean...that hour that you had planned to set aside for God turns into five (maybe fifteen) minutes to say a quick prayer asking God for what you need and to maybe read the verse of the day on your Bible app.
And when that time finally comes where you actually have more than fifteen minutes to spend with God… It's not so quiet at all.
Your thoughts are racing, you can't concentrate, and your phone that's sitting right there next to you just seems to be screaming your name.
So how exactly do we have a successful quiet time when it's not even quiet?
I don't think quiet time is going to be perfect the first time around, maybe not even the first few times. But I feel like as we continue to make quiet time with God a daily habit, it becomes more and more fulfilling and more successful. Especially when we make it the first thing we do in the morning -- filling ourselves with Jesus before we take on the day.
I love this one lyric of the song “Breathe” by Johnny Diaz. It says:
"When the stress is on the rise, in my heart I feel You say,
‘just Breathe, just breathe
Come and rest at My feet
And be, just be
Chaos calls but all you really need...is to just breathe’ "
Just spending time being silent in God’s presence is enough. Even when you don't know where to start -- what to pray or where to read in your Bible.
Just Breathe.
Let the stress fall away as you just be in the presence of the LORD.
“Be still and know that I am God.”
Psalm 46:10
Now...say you wake up at at 8 a.m and go to sleep at 8 p.m...(I know most of you probably stay up later than that though 😉 )
That's 720 minutes in your day. I think we should be able to take out at least fifteen minutes to be still in God’s presence... Just to simply read His word and Pray.
There are so many distractions in our day that can drown out the voice of God and it's hard to take away time to just focus on Him. Especially if you're like me and have thoughts that are constantly racing. But it takes one step at a time...practice taking out five minutes of quiet time at first...it'll start to get easier. And you'll start to long for that time alone with Jesus.
And there are so many benefits of silencing the world and making time for God.
I love this one lyric of the song “Breathe” by Johnny Diaz. It says:
"When the stress is on the rise, in my heart I feel You say,
‘just Breathe, just breathe
Come and rest at My feet
And be, just be
Chaos calls but all you really need...is to just breathe’ "
Just spending time being silent in God’s presence is enough. Even when you don't know where to start -- what to pray or where to read in your Bible.
Just Breathe.
Let the stress fall away as you just be in the presence of the LORD.
“Be still and know that I am God.”
Psalm 46:10
Now...say you wake up at at 8 a.m and go to sleep at 8 p.m...(I know most of you probably stay up later than that though 😉 )
That's 720 minutes in your day. I think we should be able to take out at least fifteen minutes to be still in God’s presence... Just to simply read His word and Pray.
There are so many distractions in our day that can drown out the voice of God and it's hard to take away time to just focus on Him. Especially if you're like me and have thoughts that are constantly racing. But it takes one step at a time...practice taking out five minutes of quiet time at first...it'll start to get easier. And you'll start to long for that time alone with Jesus.
And there are so many benefits of silencing the world and making time for God.
"The cure to a lonely heart is to be alone with jesus"
I'm going to be doing a part two of this post covering the topic of what comes next?
I'll be giving tips for ways to have a successful quiet time, my favorite methods of bible journaling and studying, and ways to make it fun and creative!
~Now I want to hear from you~
I'll be giving tips for ways to have a successful quiet time, my favorite methods of bible journaling and studying, and ways to make it fun and creative!
~Now I want to hear from you~
- Do you struggle with making time for quiet time in your day?
- If you do have a consistent quiet time, in what ways has it been a benefit to you?
- I also would like to know...what type of posts would you like to see in the future from this blog? I'd love to know!
Lianna Grace
Hi! I'm a Christian teen -- aspiring to be a published author of all sorts of fiction novels.
I want to take the things that God is teaching me in my life and share it with you! The purpose of this blog is to encourage and inspire other teen girls as they continue to keep on fighting, keep on chasing their dreams, keep on making Jesus famous -- one step at a time.
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