tools I use each day

Tools come in very handy. I might not be handy, but I do have tools. These things make fixing things and adjusting things easier.

We need the right tools for the jobs that need to be done. A mechanic needs the right tools. An electrician needs the right tools. The computer guy … you get where I am going with all of that. We need the right tools.

As the new year begins I want us to think about the tools I use in my daily time with God. I share these so that you will simply think about what tools you might need to grow in your faith.

You will find a Bible, a notebook, a pen and my phone as well as a devotion book.

Psalm 119:105 NLT

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

Psalm 119:11 NLT

I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Hebrews 4:12 NLT

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

Why my phone? Thanks for asking. I use the Bible APP also known as You Version to keep me on track to read through specific areas of the Bible.

I could read the Bible on my phone, but several months ago I started using a regular Bible. That has made a difference in several ways.

The notebook I use is to write down Scripture that stands out in my reading, write down prayers and any notes that come to my heart. This practice has helped me interact with the Bible even more.

The pen goes with the notebook. Yes, pens run out. And notebooks run out of pages. Get more.

I keep a devotion book that a friend gave me that also brings out more truth of from the Scripture.

That is all, and I cherish my time with God. These tools are important to my reading but even more vital to my walk with God. The more time I spend in God’s word the more of my life is touched by God.

Choose your tools for the task ahead of you. And if your task is spending time with God use some these tools that are important to me.

Psalm 19:10-11 NLT

They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. 11 They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them.

Francis Chan's "Forgotten God" (brand new book)

One of the most powerful preachers, writers and leaders of our time, in my opinion, is Francis Chan. His first book, Crazy Love , revolutionized my thoughts about God's love as well as my interacting with God. Now it is time for a brand new book from Chan being released tomorrow, September 1st. The book is Forgotten God . This is a phenomenal book about the power that Christians and the church can and must tap into. All of it is within the Holy Spirit. Francis talks about the power that was seen in the book of Acts when the Holy Spirit began to move among people. It is true that many have avoided or maybe forgotten what the Holy Spirit is all about. And like the Savior who poured out His life and blood so we have reason to rejoice, we were made to lay down our lives and give until it hurts. We are most alive when we are loving and actively giving of ourselves because we were made to do these things. It is when we live like this that the Spirit of God moves and ac...

inspiration from C.S. Lewis

There are many people, past and present, who get our attention by what they write or say or share. For me C.S. Lewis is one of those. He was a prolific writer who continues to grab the attention of thinkers from many different points of view. Lewis first grabbed my attention when I was in 5 th grader, and our teacher, Mrs. Foy, shared The Chronicles of Narnia with our class. It was a powerful time that this dreamer opened doors to thinking like I had never lived before. He wrote of faith, of far off places and of strong figures who found their character rooted deep in God. C.S. Lewis was born in 1898 and died in 1963, 7 years before I was born. It wasn’t until his 30’s that under the influence of his friend Tolkien that he came to be a Christian. He was raised in a traditional church going home, turned away from God as an Atheist in his teen years and through trying to stay away from God and faith returned to God with...

Catalyst ticket arrived

My ticket to the Catalyst Conference, in Atlanta Oct 8-10, just arrived. I'm excited!

Michael Harrison's e-devotion

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