That I may tell of all thy wonderous works
Cakes and Pies
PHILADELPHIA Chocolate Cheesecakes for Two
Wellesley Fudge Cake
Simple Chocolate Mousse Pie
Chocolate-Covered OREO Cookie Cake
Other Chocolaty Favorites
Frozen OREO Rocky Road Bars
Molten-Middle Truffle Cookies
Marbled Chocolate Treats
By Alexia Hammonds
I know many have already returned to school. If there is one thing that I remember it’s all of the homework and study assignments the teachers assigned. The harder we work, the better our grades will be.
Sports are another thing that we have to work at to be good at. We have to listen to what our coach is telling us and practice the movements correctly in order to improve. Becoming good at a sport takes a lot of perseverance.
Living a healthy life also takes time and dedication. As you get older become more independent, you will have to make the decisions about how you are going to live. You’ll have to decide what you’re going to eat, what you’re going to get at the grocery store, and how often you’ll exercise. When you leave home, how you live is going to be in your hands––will you be prepared or not?
Can you think of another thing that takes time and dedication? I can––being a Christian. There are 24 hours a day and seven days a week (168 hours in a week). How much of that do you spend studying or even reading your Bible? Ten or fifteen minutes a day (one hour and ten minutes to one hour and 45 minutes a week)? And how much of the rest of the day is spent doing homework, practicing for sports, at a job, sleeping, shopping, watching TV, eating, or exercising? How important is God to you? “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16-17). When God is the most important part of our lives, the amount of time we spend in study and worship will reflect that.
While reading isn’t the same thing as studying, it is a good place to start. There are several things that you can do. Read or listen to the Bible while you exercise. Most treadmills, stationary bikes, and elliptical machines have a place for you to set a book while you exercise–– take your Bible. Or take your CD player outside with you and listen to the Bible on CD. I often listen to it while driving. You can also bring a Bible with you wherever you go, in your purse or backpack, to read when you are waiting for an appointment or for a friend to meet you.
You can also start a memorization program during breakfast––memorize a few verses every day. Or, if you have a question about something, write it down and later see if you can find an answer for it. Strategies for success offers some good tips for memorization, such as these:
Developing these habits for Bible study may also help us when it’s time to study for school.
REMEMBER:
Time for Breakfast
I suggest breakfast as a good time to sit down and work on memorizing verses or passages in the Bible because breakfast is an important meal and this will encourage you to sit down and eat it. Research has shown that people who eat breakfast, on average, weigh less than those who don’t. By skipping breakfast, your metabolic rate slows down and your blood sugar drops. As a result, you become hungry and have less energy. This sets you up to impulsively snack in the morning––often on high-fat sweets––or to eat extra servings or bigger portions at lunch or dinner.
Eating breakfast is important, but it’s equally important that it’s a healthy breakfast. Breakfast choices are endless, but whole-grain cereals top the list as the best choice for weight control and improving health. A Harvard study found that participants who ate whole-grain cereal every day were 17 percent less likely to die over the next several years from any cause, and 20 percent less likely to die from cardiovascular disease, than those who “rarely or never” ate whole-grain cereals. Look for cereals that list whole grain or bran as their first ingredient and contain at least 2 grams of dietary fiber per serving. Bran cereal and oatmeal contain at least 7 grams per serving, or about 25 percent of the recommended daily intake. (I like the bran cereal mixed with nonfat yogurt!) To learn more, visit Meals Matter or Mayo Clinic.
Food of the Month: Bananas
Bananas are rich in vitamin B6 and are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium. Lack of B6 in a diet can cause weakness, irritability, and insomnia. The potassium found in bananas helps to regulate blood pressure and may reduce the risk of high blood pressure and stroke. Potassium is also essential for helping muscles to contract properly during exercise and reduces cramping. A medium-sized banana provides 400 mg of potassium––11 percent of the daily value––and contains 110 calories and 4 grams of fiber.
By Megan Skinner
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Now that school is back and we’re back into the routines that we love, many of you are probably thinking of two things: homework and tests. You’re not the only one, believe me. However, we have to remember to encourage others, as well as ourselves, every chance we get! This month’s idea is to find someone in your congregation who has trouble seeing and help them read (or read to them if their eyesight is too bad) their favorite passage or Bible verses. In this project, you will not only be improving their minds, you would be improving your knowledge of the Bible as well.
Prayerfully consider someone you know who may have trouble reading on their own because of their eyesight. Ask them what their favorite Bible verse, book, parable, or story is. Then ask them if they would like for you to read to them. Plan on discussing what the verses are talking about and the purpose of them. You can ask them if they would like to start in Genesis and read through the Bible together (which would take more than one session), read a chapter or two, or if they would like for you to both read a whole book together.
The person I studied with is a very loyal Christian man named Clyde. Clyde has what is called retinal detachment. The retina is the part of our eye that sends messages to our brain so that our brain can decode the messages to form pictures (what we see). His eyesight has been deteriorating for a while and I can tell that it saddens him that he can’t read his Bible and study it like he used to. He told me his favorite Bible verse was John 3:16 (“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”) I didn’t have to read that to him, however. He read it to me from his memory. He then told me that his favorite book is Hebrews and I started reading it to him.
It is a good idea to read a couple of verses and then stop and ask them what they think the Bible is trying to say through those verses. Remember to take the verses in their context and remember what the writer is talking about. If you’re reading a very symbolic book (like Revelation), read it slowly and carefully (as we should do with every book) and emphasize that it contains symbolism.
I learned a lot from Clyde just from him allowing me to read to him. I learned about his passion for God and God’s word, what a faithful Christian he is, and that he’s a wonderful influence for me on how to stay faithful and how to motivate myself to learn more about God’s word. I don’t think that many of the teenage ladies understand just how much knowledge the older members of the church have, both in regard to the Christian life and life in general. We must always be willing to spread God’s word––not just once in a while. We should always be striving to get His word out to non-Christians. We will be mocked and our feelings will get hurt, but we will be leaving a wonderful legacy and our words could influence someone to search the scriptures and learn God’s word. And through all the mocking, the tears, and the anger, if we help influence someone we love to become a Christian and want to live faithfully for God, then it’s all worth it.
“So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.” – Nehemiah 8:8
By Alyssa Sturgill
There are four gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, John – which give us four unique accounts of the life, teaching, deeds, and demands of Jesus.
Why four? Why not just one?
The Bible teaches a principle that any matter would be established by two or three witnesses (Numbers 35:30; Deuteronomy 17:6, 19:15; Matthew 18:16). In the case of Jesus and His identity, there are four testimonies.
Also, though each of the gospels set forth the same truth that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, it is obvious in reading that each was written to a different culture or people. Different audiences requiring different emphases require different approaches. Though the authors all set forth the same fundamental truth, they did so with respect toward those to whom they wrote. Thus, the four gospels complement each other perfectly. Matthew writes to a Jewish audience to show that Jesus is the Messiah of Israel; Mark writes to a Roman audience and shows Jesus as the suffering servant who is the powerful Son of God; John writes that all may believe Jesus is God’s Son (John 20:30-31).
Now consider THE GOSPEL OF LUKE.
The third gospel was written to Greeks by the physician Luke (Colossians 4:14), who also wrote the book of Acts (compare Luke 1:1-4 with Acts 1:1-2). Luke is an exceedingly historical book. He writes of things “most surely believed” among Christians, that which was confirmed by “eyewitnesses,” and with a purpose that we might know “the certainty of those things” concerning Jesus. Luke demonstrates that Christianity is based on reliable, accurate, certain, definitive facts. Luke shows how God entered into the course of human history to give His Son for the lost among men.
Luke shows us the Son of God who is also the Son of man. Jesus, the one who came to redeem all men, is the compassionate One – sympathetic toward and concerned about Jews and Gentiles, men and women, young and old, pagans and publicans, the respectable rich and the pitiful poor. Luke’s portrait is of a universal Savior!
Luke’s audience––the Greeks––emphasized wisdom and beauty, and so Luke shows us a picture of Jesus as the very ideal of wisdom and beauty. Luke shows Jesus as the perfect man, as the ideal man! Consider the following brief outline of the book:
JESUS THE PERFECT (IDEAL) MAN IN RELATIONSHIP, Luke 1:1 – 4:13
Jesus came into the world as its Savior, and grew mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially (Luke 1:30-33; 2:10-14; 2:52).
JESUS THE PERFECT (IDEAL) MAN IN AUTHORITY & COMPASSION, Luke 4:14 – 9:50
Jesus demonstrated His power in miracles, exercising authority over demons, disease, defilement, and even the mighty forces of nature, and showed His compassion toward His disciples, the infirm, doubters, and the bereaved.
JESUS THE PERFECT (IDEAL) MAN IN MESSAGE, Luke 9:51 – 19:28
Jesus taught with perfect wisdom, in parables and instruction, and discoursed concerning such subjects as prayer, hypocrisy, covetousness, faithfulness, repentance, the kingdom, forgiveness, and gratitude.
JESUS THE PERFECT (IDEAL) MAN IN PROVISION, Luke 19:29 – 24:53
Jesus made perfect provision – provision for the sins of all mankind. He provides salvation, and we see the preparation for that as He prays in the garden, is arrested and beaten, tried and crucified, and then ultimately risen and ascended!
Read and contemplate some examples of Jesus’ compassion and provision as He teaches about the Lost Sheep (15:1-10), the prodigal son (15:11-24), Zaccheus (19:1-10), and a repentant thief (23:39-43).
Luke shows us that this universal, compassionate offer of salvation is made possible only by and through Jesus, the Son of God who is also the perfect Son of man.
By John Brown
I have seen many powerfully stirring movies, but among the most moving is the Passion of the Christ. Although there have been films made which depict the life and final days of Christ, none is more vivid or unsettling. Directed by Mel Gibson, the Passion of the Christ offers a very real glimpse into the days leading to Jesus’ crucifixion.
Although the film has additional content that is never mentioned in the Bible, the details reveal a very accurate portrayal of Jesus’ betrayal and death. Tension in the movie results from the violence committed against Christ, and has been criticized by many as being too graphic. To relieve some of this tension and offer a human aspect to Jesus, there are occasional flashbacks into His earlier life. Although parts of the movie are difficult to watch, I believe it has most effectively shown how horrible Christ’s death was––something I think many of us tend to disregard. The scenes showing Jesus’ beatings and death made me realize how much He really went through for me, a sinner who would disobey Him and neglect to realize that sacrifice.
I encourage you to see this movie. The Passion of the Christ will reveal to you, or remind you, of the suffering our Savior endured for us. We spend much of our time watching movies and shows that have no meaning to our lives, or that display negative and sinful themes and situations. We need to consider God’s Word when we sit down in front of a screen. In Psalm 101:3, David declares, “I will set my eyes before no vile thing.” Paul encouraged the Philippians to set their minds on “whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely” (v. 8). This month, let’s change our habits so we will use our time to study God’s Word and to learn what is right and pure so that we can set our thoughts on these things. Let’s learn more about Christ so we can be passionate about Him, just as He is passionate about us.
Lisa Grimenstein
10. Put time into studying. Don’t rush through Bible reading just so you can say you read. Make time to read, and take your time so you can fully benefit from studying God’s Word.
9. Don’t allow yourself to be distracted. Turn off the radio and TV. Go to a place were you won’t be interrupted or get distracted. Make sure you can stay focused on what you are doing.
8. Study with friends. Gather some friends and study together. You can help each other get through chapters. But make sure to have a personal study, too, so you won’t rely on your friends to study. However, make sure you’re studying God’s Word––don’t get distracted with unrelated issues.
7. Figure it out. If you don’t understand a verse, go back and re-read the chapter. If you still don’t understand, ask someone to help you understand.
6. Read something you’re interested in. Find a favorite story or event that you enjoyed hearing about as a child.
5. Take notes. Jot down any questions about the reading so you don’t forget to ask about them later. Writing a summary is also a good way to help you understand what you are reading. Also write down verses you love and memorize them or post them where you’ll see them often.
4. Read regularly. Skipping days when busy is very easy to do, and if we’re not careful, before we know it we won’t be reading at all anymore. It’s important to make study a priority even when we’re busy. In no time it will be a part of your normal routine.
3. Have a plan. Decide to read through a certain book, then do it in small amounts at a time. This will allow for much more learning than just reading random pages each time.
2. Make sure you are studying for the right reasons and not just because that’s what you are supposed to do. Pray that you will desire to study God’s Word so that you can become a more mature Christian.
1. Pray before studying. Ask God to help clear your mind of distractions and open your heart to understand and love His Word.
By Kim Cook
I became pregnant shortly after I was married, and while my husband and I made enough money to live, we didn’t make enough to support ourselves and a child. He had just joined another person as a business owner, and I became their secretary. Our lack of money and baby necessities caused us to worry throughout my entire pregnancy. To top things off, about six weeks before the baby was due, we discovered several dishonest things my husband’s partner had been doing, and we both immediately packed our things and left, which put us both out of a job.
We were about to have a baby, we did not have jobs, and we didn’t have any baby items except a few outfits, a green blanket, and some rubber duckies that had been given to us by family members. We were worried sick. And then …
The baby shower at my church had been planned for months, and it just happened to fall about two weeks after we left our business. I walked into that baby shower with practically nothing, and I was astonished at the amount of gifts that were piled on the tables, overflowing to beneath the tables, beside the tables, and in front of the tables. The room was packed with women, and every seat was taken. My mother was beside me and said something along the lines of, “Oh, wow, Davonne, I think you’re being taken care of.” That day I received a bassinet, crib, car seat, stroller, sleepers, diapers, bath stuff, changing table, dresser, and everything else I could possibly need for a newborn. Word had gotten around about our business, and instead of getting the normal cutesy outfits people tend to give as baby shower gifts, the women had gone in together to give us larger items we weren’t able to afford. I walked into that shower with nothing, and left with everything.
As with this instance, the women at my church pull together in time of need, no matter who the person is, and they give what needs to be given. But most of all, they give what we all need most––a glimpse of the love of Christ in human form. Thank you, God, for women like these, who truly make the world a better place. I wouldn’t be who I am without them.
– Davonne Parks
“Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful” (Joshua 1:8 emphasis added).
Until just a few months ago, I could count the number of times I had read my Bible in the past several years on one hand. Sure, I had read it when I needed to look something up or when I was doing a group Bible study. But even then, I would cram that week-long Bible study lesson into the couple days before our meeting. The saddest thing is that if someone had asked me what the most important book in the world is, I would have said, without having to think for a second, the Bible. So why was I spending so little time reading something I had such easy access to? “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God” (I Corinthians 2:12).
School has started and most of us are already covered in assignments and activities. We know that they are important and that they have to be done. Studying God’s Word is so much more important for our lives, but it often doesn’t get done. Why? Because no one is forcing us to do it. How could I leave the most important book in the world on the shelf to collect dust? Or worse yet, not even remember where I left it.
And that’s when I was challenged. The woman in my Wednesday night ladies’ class didn’t even know she was challenging me. She simply shared that, with the exception of a few times, she had read her Bible daily for almost 20 years. She said that she started doing it when she had little children. She would read first thing in the morning before they woke up. She said that with all the life going on the rest of the day, it was so important to her to give God the very first part of her day. Having two little boys of my own, I was amazed at how she could find the time. But I was also convicted that I needed to make that time for myself and God. Not because anyone was forcing me or checking up on me, but because I needed it in my life. How could I not desire to spend time with my Creator and Savior?! Why would I pass up that opportunity? So that I could do something as non-eternal as watching HGTV or reading a book?
And so, I made a commitment that I would start first thing in the morning the next day. And I did. I will admit, it definitely took some discipline at first. Not only would I have to get up a little earlier, but I’d have to go to bed a little earlier so that my mind would be fresh the next morning. I know that some of you are not morning people, and that you’d like to read your Bible at night. Although I think that spending time in God’s Word is important regardless the time of day, there is something so wonderful about being with Him at the beginning of my day. And somehow, if I don’t spend the first part of my day with Him, the day is suddenly gone and I’m too tired to focus on any time with Him.
Like I said, it takes discipline. But I knew that if I disciplined myself to do it, it would become a desire. And it is. I love spending time with God and His Word. I know that it is one of the most important things I can do. And so I challenge you to discipline yourself to study the Bible––you will soon desire it! Even spending just 15 minutes a day can be so refreshing and rewarding. “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7). It should be easy enough to make that much time in our schedules. It is a sad thing if we can’t even make 15 minutes to spend with God in the 24-hour day that God Himself created.
Look at your schedule, re-prioritize your activities if need be, and make Bible study a discipline that you will soon desire!
“Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long….I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word. I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path” (Psalm 119:97–104)
“I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word“ (Psalm 119:16 emphasis added).
By Lisa Grimenstein
With the new school year underway, it is very fitting that our theme this month is “Pierce my heart to study Your word,” and our scripture is Romans 11:33: “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!” Regular Bible study is important regardless of where we are in our walk with Christ. Maybe you’ve been coming to church your entire life and know a lot about the Bible; maybe you’ve only been coming for a short while; or maybe you just stumbled across this magazine and haven’t really given God a second thought. It doesn’t matter where you were in your Christian walk yesterday; what matters is that you choose to start today to move forward.
When we become comfortable in where we are, Satan jumps on that opportunity and uses it to try to make us fall (Proverbs 16:18). I’ve been going to church my entire life, so I’ve always thought I know a lot about the Bible, but the more I study His word, the more I realize that I actually know very little! I have so much left to learn that it’s not a matter of knowing everything; it’s a matter of learning everything I can learn so that I can share with others as much as I know.
Those of you that have only recently begun attending church are probably absorbing everything you hear, trying to figure out the Truth. The best way to learn the Truth is to read the Bible! If you don’t have a Bible, you can go to Bible Gateway and read on-line for free, or you could ask the church you’re attending for a Bible––they will surely supply one for free. Visit the Daily Bible Reading section of Pierce My Heart to follow a reading plan.
Maybe you have only been to church a few times in your life, if ever. You might feel totally lost when people talk about the Bible or God or what Jesus has done for us. I encourage you to get a Bible and read it. Ask someone who is a biblically–sound believer to help you with questions you might have. Even though it was written so long ago, the Bible can apply to our lives right now. Pierce My Heart articles give practical suggestions about how to use the Bible to change our lives today.
Now that you’ve hopefully obtained a Bible, where should you begin reading? I suggest Luke. Luke was a physician, and in just 24 chapters he encompasses the life of Christ, from the womb through His death, burial, and resurrection. Luke focuses on the compassion of Christ and portrays Christ as a human who was tempted and tried just as we are today. Luke also focuses on important women such as Jesus’ mother, Mary, His aunt Elizabeth, and the women who were at the tomb after He was raised from the dead. Due to the love and compassion in this book, Luke is often a favorite gospel among girls and women.
Please keep in mind that when you begin reading, the Bible might seem a little boring or outdated, but it’s definitely not! After getting in to it, you’ll find that you will probably get excited to dig into God’s word, and won’t want to wait to read more. Just stick through those first few days; you’ll be glad you did!
Dear God,
Please help my heart to be pierced for You as I study Your word. Help me to see, know, and love the Truth, and please give me boldness to share the Truth with others. Thank You for preserving Your word so that I may have the opportunity to read it. Please help me to be the kind of person that You want me to be so I may be a living example to others.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Read through Luke in four weeks:
Day 1 (Luke 1:1-38)
Day 2 (Luke 1:39-80)
Day 3 (Luke 2:1-52)
Day 4 (Luke 3:1-38)
Day 5 (Luke 4:1-44)
Day 6 (Luke 5:1-39)
Day 7 (Luke 6:1-49)
Day 8 (Luke 7:1-50)
Day 9 (Luke 8:1-56)
Day 10 (Luke 9:1-36)
Day 11 (Luke 9:37-62)
Day 12 (Luke 10:1-42)
Day 13 (Luke 11:1-54)
Day 14 (Luke 12:1-34)
Day 15 (Luke 12:35-59)
Day 16 (Luke 13:1-35)
Day 17 (Luke 14:1-35)
Day 18 (Luke 15:1-32)
Day 19 (Luke 16:1-31)
Day 20 (Luke 17:1-37)
Day 21 (Luke 18:1-43)
Day 22 (Luke 19:1-48)
Day 23 (Luke 20:1-47)
Day 24 (Luke 21:1-38)
Day 25 (Luke 22:1-38)
Day 26 (Luke 22:39-71)
Day 27 (Luke 23:1-56)
Day 28 (Luke 24:1-53)
By Davonne Parks
Romans 11:33 “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!”
If you’re new to Bible study, I recommend reading our September Devotional, which will give a few tips on getting started. Prayer is how we talk to God, and Bible study is how we listen. I’d be pretty annoyed if I had a friend who always wanted to talk to me when she was upset, but never listened to anything I have to say, or never called when she was happy. When we only pray in time of need, and rarely crack open our Bibles, we’re that kind of friend to Jesus. Let’s all make a conscience decision to become a better friend to Christ, starting right now!
Help Wanted
As you read our articles this month, consider becoming part of our volunteer staff! We need help in several areas. If you feel able to volunteer after reading the following help wanted information and praying for God’s guidance, contact us for more information, and we’ll send you an application.
Cartoonist – The Tales of Mary
Reviewer – Media Matters
Photographer – Monthly Columns
Writer – Family, Daily Bible Reading
Associate Writer – Dating
Occasional Help – Devotionals, Heart to Heart, Creation Corner, Gifted Girls, Words of Wisdom
If you’d like to help and none of the above listings appeal to you, visit Expressions Unlimited to see more opportunities.
Closing Words
After reading many of the September articles, I’ve been convicted in my own heart to make more time to study God’s word. I pray you’ll allow yourself to be convicted as well, so that you will open your Bible and your heart, and read and love the greatest Book ever written.
Studying Him,
Davonne Parks
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