Friday, November 18, 2011

Download book now: The days are properly divided now.

*** DOWNLOAD THIS BOOK NOW... ***

(Only if you desire, of course.)

I just updated the blog book of: "A LOYAL FAITH: AN INTRODUCTION, VOL. 1" to Smashwords. Do not get any of the previous versions. Get this version.

This version has the correct days now, so you no longer need to guess what is a day's work. It's already divided for you. Sorry it took me so long to do that for you! (Sheesh.)

Do not forget to keep downloading this book periodically as well to keep up-to-date. 

This still in rough form. It needs lots of polishing. But you can get the gist of what I am trying to convey.

As I make major changes I will make sure to let you know that you want to get the latest version--like I have in this blog post.

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal Faith
Find my books at/store: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/hisfiction 

Seeking More: Additional review template

Sometimes, it is necessary to do more. Sometimes, it helps to do a little more review and look at things from a new perspective. It provides a freshness.

TIP: I recommend doing this template once every 3 months at least--on top of the others (in addition to). I also recommend doing this once a year (preferably 3 times a year) with ALL of your review templates you've completed. 

INSTRUCTION: Do this template AFTER you do your other reviews. 

So, here it is:

ADDITIONAL REVIEW TEMPLATE
Look at all of the review templates you have filled out over the last three months at least (or any other period of time you decide beyond that).

1 When in this period of time did you feel furthest from God? Explain.

2 What evidence do you have that you strayed from God at that time?

3 What did you learn from that time? 

4 What did you apply to your life from that lesson?

5 How has your life changed, and been shaped, because of this? 

If you feel far from God at this time, answer 1-2 in the present tense. Answer 3-5 as to what you might learn (could learn). 

6 When did you feel closest to God? Explain. 

7 What evidence is there you were close to God at that time? 

8 What lessons did you learn?

9 What can you apply to your life in the future so you can repeat with similar results?

10 What has been your least favorite application during this period of time? Explain.

11 What has been your favorite application? Explain.

12 What are your top 5 to 10 memories from this time. Explain with each.

13 Give a snapshot as to where you are in your walk with God now. 

14 Give a snapshot as to where you were in your walk with God during this period of time.

15 Give a snapshot as to where God is leading you in the future.

16 How will you get to the future snapshot? List 5 applications from this period of time which will lead you there to that future snapshot. 

17 List three new applications which will get you to the future snapshot.

18 Pick the top 3 applications from 16 and 17 and apply them to your life--starting immediately.

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal Faith
Find my books at/store: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/hisfiction 

An example for you: My 10.5 years of wrongdoing

Last night, when I started to work on my weekly review and analyzing, God spoke to me. Well, he yelled loud enough to startle me and get my attention. I immediately had the veil lifted from my eyes so I could see how I was failing at something very important for the last ten and a half years. Literally.

I never even saw it or realized it.

But, when I prayed for the Lord to reveal to me any unconfessed sin and temptations in my life I did not know about, he revealed. 

I was instantly humbled. I was able to confess and I knew I had to repent. I took some time to decide on a plan of mind, heart, and action/behavior to repent for what I overlooked for 10.5 years. 

If I hadn't prayed before I did the review... If I hadn't done the review, I still would be carrying on making the same mistake. What I did and didn't do was not intentional. I had the best of intentions. However, it was still wrong. 

Did I (do I) kick myself? At first, I hit my forehead with my hand and said, "Duh!" It was quite obvious, after all. But, it was still overlooked. Never mind how I knew being hard on myself would not make me any less wrong--and it sure wouldn't help me to form a plan to apply the lesson to my life and make adjustments in my sails so I sail on the best course through life possible. 

God revealing this to me hurt. But, I was over it the moment I felt the sting. I knew to confess, repent, and apply. Those were the only three actions which would be beneficial. the rest would actually be stumbling blocks in my faith and in my walk with God. So, I refused to go there. It does no one any good when they do. 

Did you know if you are hard on yourself, it's still a sin of pride? Why do I say that? It's focusing on self rather than on God. That's pride, folks. (Ouch.) When I learned that a while back, it changed my life entirely. I used to be extremely prideful because I used to be hard on myself about pretty much everything. I never thought I was good enough. But, this realization it was pride put me on my knees and I refuse to return. It tries to tempt me a great deal, but I tell it 'no' and to go away. 

But, back to the 10.5 years of unintentional wrong doing. Even unintentional wrongdoing is sin. (For example: Just because the man didn't mean to murder the woman in 'that' way, it does not make him any less guilty of murder.) 

I would not be freed from this--if I had not taken the time to review. Trust me. I would have continued on my merry way--oblivious to it. 

So, review is critical in our journey to develop a more loyal faith.

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal FaithFind my books at/store: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/hisfiction 

What and why of review and analyzing: Plan for these activities

WHAT ARE WE REVIEWING AND ANALYZING AGAIN?
A First, this week.
B Then, this month.
C Then, the last 3 months.
D The last 6 months.
E The last 9 months.
F The last year.
G The last 2, 3, and 4 years.
H Then in 5 year increments.
I Then in 10 year increments.

It all depends on how old you are and how far back your journal workbooks go back as to which increments apply to you. 

If the latter listed above do not apply to you now, they will in the future. So, it is important for you to take note now so you can remember these segments later. 

Every week, you will see which of these apply to you since more time and more records ahve been kept. Then, do the reviews of the proper segments of time.

PLAN IT OUT
Every Friday, we will review. Mark time on your calendar for the endeavor. It will take at least an hour and can take a couple of days depending how many periods you have to review. 

These reviews can be part of your Sabbath every week, by the way. 

YEARLY REVIEW PLANNING
Every year, you will do the following. However, for your first time, I recommend going out 18 months rather than just a year so you can always be at least 6 months ahead in your calendar/planning. 

Grab your calendars/planners and schedule the following at this time:

A Again, mark out the time on your calendar for the next year for at least an hour review every Friday or sometime over the weekend. Start this the moment you can. If for the next month, you can only block an additional 15 minutes, do that. But, get it to at least an hour within three months on your calendar.  
B Once a month, block out at least 3 hours on your calendar for the next year.
C Every three months, block out at least a day for retreat, review, and analyzing for the next year. 
D Every 6 months, block out at least  2 days for retreat, review, and analyzing for the next year.
E Every year, block out at least 4 days (but best are 5 to 7 days) for retreat, review, and analyzing. 
F Every 5 years, take 7-10 days. 
G Every decade, take 10-14 days. 

I recommend doing this planning around the beginning of November. the holidays get a little busy at end of November to mid-January. 

HOSPITAL OR DEATH THE ONLY EXCUSE
There should only be two excuses to not uphold these appointments. Ever. That's hospitalization or death of an immediate family member. (Your very best friend who is more like a sibling to you also applies here  They are immediate family.) 

The review of the journey of our walk with God is the most important thing in our lives. No one else can walk our walk of salvation, which leads us to eternal life with the Lord. Why would we not want to track our progress and see what has worked, what needs work, and offer thanksgiving to God for what he has done in our lives. 

WHAT IF I DO NOT HAVE THE TIME AT FIRST?
This was not listed in your calendars until now. Therefore, this is a valid question for the immediate. But, in two months, there is no excuse (other than hospitalization or death of immediate family). 

At the very least, do the weekly and monthly reviews every Friday or over the weekend. that will give you some review and analyzing and will form more of a record.

Then, the moment you can find the time in the next week or two, do the rest. 

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO REVIEW & ANALYZE?
I will repeat something I just stated once again so that the point gets cemented into our hearts and minds. 

The review of the journey of our walk with God is the most important thing in our lives. No one else can walk our walk of salvation, which leads us to eternal life with the Lord. Why would we not want to track our progress and see what has worked, what needs work, and offer thanksgiving to God for what he has done in our lives.

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal FaithFind my books at/store: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/hisfiction 


Weekly review (and possible others)

Do your Weekly Review (template) at this time.

If it is time to do your monthly, quarterly, 6-month, or yearly, do all of them that apply as well. 

You can find them on the "TEMPLATE" tab at the top of the blog.

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal Faith

What do you do when God is loud?: Review Friday

What do you do when God hits you in the middle of the forehead with a 2 x 4?

Okay, that's not at all what he does. It can sure feel like it at times, however.

Let me rephrase the question. But, before I do, grab your journal workbook (you can also call it a notebook, a prayer journal, or answer guide, by the way). 

286 QTP What do you do when God gets your attention in such a way you have no choice but to listen and you have no doubt whatsoever it is him?

I am sure you are wondering where I am going with this train of thought and why. You can rest assured everything I say in this blog and Bible study ahs a reason and a purpose. The timing might appear to be suspect and questionable, but everything has been planned out very carefully. The timing and subject matter are thought through carefully. 

Why do I bring up how at times God can be quite loud when he seeks our attention? It's because today is Review Friday. 

Last night, I started to prepare for my review today and God got quite loud with me. He got my attention. I felt uncomfortable with what I learned, but I felt peace because my daddy loves me enough to help me see where I have stumbled. Then, he picks me up, helps me dust off my backside, and he takes my hand for us to start again. He does not hold it against me--if I sincerely confess and repent. 

So, remember this. If God is loud and gets your attention... It's because he seeks a closer relationship with you. When you hear to what he says, confess, repent, and apply, life is so much sweeter. We live far more freely without those chains tying and weighing us down. 

287 QTP When was the last time God was loud with you and hit you over the head with something you eneded to hear--so you could confess, repent, and apply? 

288 When did that happen?

289 What was the result?

290 How are you listening to God today? 

291 What is God saying to you now?

292 What are you saying to God?

293 What do you plan on applying to your life what you have learned from this lesson? Give three examples at least:
A
B
C

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal Faith

Find my books at/store: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/hisfiction 

The necessity of prayer before, during, and after approaching the Word of God

I am not sure if I have made it clear yet. Therefore, I want to be clear now.

It is absolutely essential for us to pray before, during, and after we ever think of, ponder, study, or read the Word of God. This is a rule of thumb in our own lives--not just with this Bible study. 

WHY IS PRAYER ESSENTIAL?
Why should we pray before, during, and after we approach the Word of God, the Holy Bible, in any way?

We are sinners. We make mistakes and tend to do the wrong thing at times. The viewpoint from which we see things is motivated by our sins and temptations of the moment. So, our view tends to get murky and cloudy. If we pray, we ask God to clear our sight and understanding and replace our sight and understanding with his. We ask him to guide us to the truth and show us the way through the Word.

PRAY ABOUT PRAYER
We should even ask God to tell us how to pray and what to pray. 

If we pray about the Word of God before, during, and after, we will gain fresh perspectives or will have what we already learned cemented and confirmed. 

So, whatever you do... Don't forget to pray. You will get a great deal more out of the Bible because of this act of faith. Also, you will grow a more loyal faith in the process. 

~ Stacy Duplease

Retrain self

We need to retrain ourselves regarding our lives.

The lives we live on earth are temporary. We are here shortterm. However, we are given the time on earth to prepare for heaven.

We are to live for heaven today.

We need to retrain ourselves as we realize fully every word we read before this sentence in this blog post.

We need to remember we can't take it with us...however we define 'it'.

The only thing we will take with us is our faith, along with our crowns. The more loyal we are in our faith, the more crowns we will have in heaven. But, that is not why we should act and be stronger and more loyal to our faith each day. Rather, the crowns should be accidental.

We need to quit saying God and his Word come first. We have good intentions whenever we say it. Rather, we should live lives which reflect this principle. If we do everything mentioned up to now in this Bible study, we are off to an incredible start.

~ Stacy Duplease

Sent from my Kindle Fire

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Go--Broncos!

It is Thursday Night Football.

Go Broncos! That is all I am saying... Biting fingernails.

Sent from my Kindle Fire

It's getting to be that time of year again

Every year at this time, I analyze the year I am completing and make plans for the upcoming year. It's now I start looking at what Bible reading plan I want to use next year.

I wanted to share with you the greatest resource on the market (and it's free!). I've used this for 5 years now. It's a sheet which lists all of the Bible books and chapters so I can jump around as much or as little as I desire and check them off as I read them. I figured I would share it with you. HINT: Check out the printer friendly version.

http://70030.netministry.com/articles_view.asp?articleid=31606&columnid=3801

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal Faith
Find my books at/store: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/hisfiction 
a loyal faith blog: Application

Application

Let's be real for a minute.

Before this study, whenever you read the Word, and even studied it, how often did you apply it to your life?

Please take at least ten minutes to write your response.

-- Stacy Duplease
Sent from my Kindle Fire

More blessings

Between now and Thanksgiving, let us do the Blessing Template numerous times. Let us do it again at this time.

If it isn't Thanksgiving as you do this lesson, then make it a new time of thanksgiving.

-- Stacy Duplease
Sent from my Kindle Fire

Panera Bread and learning about unfaithfulness

As you might have guessed, I am at Panera Bread. And this proves the Amazon Kindle Fire is wonderful for writing and for Bible study. (Yay!)

As I sit here and write, I am learning a great deal about unfaithfulness. It is making me pause and think. I cannot help but realize how there is a great deal I need to learn about faithfulness.

I cannot help but hear the conversations around me since we are packed like sardines.

How often do we talk just to talk? And do we ever listen to ourselves? Do we honor the Lord with every word we utter? Do we choose our words carefully? Do we waste our words and say more than necessary?

I think if we prayed at least as much as we spoke, our lives would be drastically different.

Do we talk others like we would to Jesus? Or do we condescend, yell at, complain, and get frustrated?

Honor God with every word you say. Every.

Grab your journal workbook.

# Write your thoughts.

# What did God say to you about this blog post?

# What did you say to God?

# List a few ways you will apply this to your life:
A
B
C

--Stacy Duplease
Sent from my Kindle Fire

Counselor adage

Is the Bible your counselor?

Is it the first one you turn to when you need?

-- Stacy Duplease
Sent from my Kindle Fire

Unfaithful adage

You know when you are unfaithful in some ways when you have gone more than three days since you have consulted the Word of God.

-- Stacy Duplease
Sent from my Kindle Fire

Christlikeness

Another sign of being more loyal to your faith is your search to learn what it means to be more Christlike. In addition to searching for the meaning, you will also try to apply what you learn to your life. You will then try to grow more Christlike every day.

How do we become more Christlike? You might ask.

You will do what he did while he was here on earth. That is the short answer. How can you learn what he did? Read the gospels: the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Write notes as to what he did with the word and with his Father. Also keep notes about what he told other to do. Then, apply all of that to your life. That is the more thorough answer.

Another way we can learn to be more Christlike is through reading the Word, doing what it says, and pray without ceasing.

Let Christlikeness be our goal as we strive to have a more loyal faith.

Grab your journal workbook and answer the questions below.

# Write your thoughts.
# What spoke to you as you read this post?
# List at least three ways you will use as you strive to become more Christlike:
A
B
C

-- Stacy Duplease
Sent from my Kindle Fire

The Word and Faith: Psalm 119:105

Please read Psalm 119:105 at this time in your favorite Bible and in your favorite version. Don't forget to pray before you read, as you read it, and afterward.

You might want to read it a few times and allow the words to sink in deeply. For one of your readings, read it very slowly and pause between the words.

This is one of my favorite verses. After all, it describes how precious the Word of God is supposed to be in our lives. This is the attitude we should have all the time as we go through life. This verse describes a person of an extremely deep and loyal faith.

Re-read it a few more times after you pray again for the Lord to speak to you through this verse and for help understanding it in the way he desires.

Please grab your journal workbook at this time. Then, pray before you answer these questions.

# Write your thoughts about this verse.

# What did God say to you about the verse?

# What did you say to God?

# How will you apply this verse to your life?

-- Stacy Duplease


Sent from my Kindle Fire

Are you taking care of yourself inventory (template)?

If you are like everyone else in this world, you are busy. So, let's be honest with ourselves and analyze some things we need to keep in mind from time to time.

Grab your journal workbooks and answer the following questions. theya re not emant to make you kick yourself or make you feel uncomfortable. They are for awareness only. If you want to make some changes after you complete this inventory, make sure they are small. Do not tackle them all at once. Be kind to yourself. No stress. One bite at a time.

259 Do you exercise at least 5 days a week? If not, how many?

260 Are you fit? 

261 How is your weight? Where the doctor says? Over or underweight?

262 How is your eating lifestyle? Do you eat healthy? Just the right amount? 

263 Do you get 8 hours of sleep per night?

264 When was the last time you took a vacation?

265 When was the last time you took a Sabbath? 

266 Are you healthy?

267 How are your moods?

268 How is your thought-life? 269 Do you focus more on the negative or the positive? 270 How much do you think/focus on God and his Word?

271 What can you do to live a healthier lifestyle? Make a complete list. Then, number them in priority order. Then, for the next three weeks, work on that. Then, add #2. Continue with #1, but also do #2. Then, continue with the rest using the same ratio.

272 What did God say to you?

273 What did you say to God?

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal Faith

Prayer Monday #1: Introduction to Prayer

ONLY PRAY ON MONDAYS?
No. Do not only pray on Mondays. Monday is when we look at the theme of prayer and when we give prayer extra attention. 

We are to eventually learn to pray without ceasing (stopping, halting, pausing, etc.). But until you are able to do so, pray daily and pray several items a day. 

WHAT IS PRAYER?
SIMPLEST DEFINITION: Prayer is both talking to God and listening to him. (The latter mentioned is most important.)

The more loyal to him we become, the more listening we will do. However, at first and when you begin to intentionally pray, you might pray 75% of the time and listen 25%. In time, intentionally move to more and more listening. Nevertheless, with that being said, if you have a lot to talk to God about--and it's NEW, then talk away. He welcomes it. He would rather you babble than never talk to him at all. But, if you are repeating yourself over and over, listen more. This is a general rule of thumb.

HOW DO WE PRAY?
First of all, we need to remember that we are not talking with a buddy. Although, God can be your friend. We are talking to God, the Father, the Author and Finisher of our faith, the Amen, the I AM, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, Jehovah, Abba, Father, Lord. He is holy, holy, holy. He is perfect. He knows all.  He is all powerful. Do not ever forget who you approach. 

In other words, show him respect and give him the respect he deserves. At ALL times.

Whenever you start your prayer, acknowledge who he is. Call him one of your favorite names. then, pause. Remember he is GOD. He is above all. He is holy, holy, holy. Then, move into your prayer--whatever style of prayer you are doing. 

TIP: I highly recommend journaling before, after, and sometimes during your longest prayer sessions of the day. If you are limited on time, journal at the end and make sure to at least write a summary of what God said to you. If you have more time, write what you said to God. 

HOW CAN I PRAY SEVERAL TIMES A DAY?
Whenever you wake in the middle of the night and/or toss and turn, pray.

When your alarm goes off in the morning, rather than grumbling, pray. I highly recommend hitting snooze at least once so you can devote the first 10 minutes or more of your day to prayer--before your feet even hit the ground running. Make him your priority. 

When you are going to sleep, pray.

When driving, turn off that radio and pray. Pray at stop lights.
Pray when on hold.

Pray when standing in a line.

Pray during your breaks at work--rather than getting caught up in gossip. 

When on errands, pray. 

When exercising, get rid of the music or the TV and pray. 

Every time you take a bite of food or a drink, pray. 

Find cues to remind you to pray. For instance, when you drink and eat, whenever you look at a clock, etc. 

Tip: At some point in your day, do at least one longer session of prayer.

PRAYER MONDAYS
We will look at the different types of prayer on Mondays, by the way.

WHAT TO TRY TODAY:
Pray your prayer requests for yourself, your family, your friends, the nation, your church, you state, your city, etc.
These are the ones you want to make sure you write down. Write every single one of them. Then, make sure to journal about when they were answered (time and date) and how. 

YOUR TURN
Give the prayer request prayer a try at this time (or whenever it's most convenient today). 

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal FaithFind my books at/store: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/hisfiction 

Daily themes and now TWO blog posts per day

So, how can you gain a more loyal faith in God and his Word and not be bored out of your mind--or so busy doing that you lose sight of what really matters...God? Also, how can you get a more loyal faith by using different spiritual disciplines (or practices?) The answer is easy. It's through daily themes.

Our blog bible study is now going to be more thematic. Every day is a journal workbook day, though. How can you remember unless you get it written? Also, every day is a bible study day. We can always learn more about the Word. 

Monday--Different types of prayer (being and simplicity)
Tuesday--Memorize the Word (doing)
Wednesday--Worship, Praise, and Thanksgiving (being and doing)
Thursday--Praying the Word (being, listening, reading, and simplicity)
Friday--Review, Analyzing, Confession, and Repenting (thinking)

Or, more simply:
Prayer Monday
Memory Tuesday
Worship Wednesday
Word Thursday
Review Friday

There days are mere suggestions. If your Thursday is Monday, according to this book, so be it. 

Or, another suggestion, what about doing review until your days line-up? 

THIS BLOG BOOK AND THE DAILY THEMES
I am going to give you an introduction to what each of those means for our first blog post for each of these days. Then, each of these days, along with the Bible study, we will focus on our theme of: What is faithful and what is unfaithful. 

NOTE: MOVING TO 2 BLOG POSTS PER DAY 
*~*~*~*~* As of this moment, we are going to read TWO blog posts per day. *~*~*~*~*

WHY TWO BLOG POSTS PER DAY?
I will now start to do one blog post of Bible study and one following the daily theme each day. 
Why? 
We should have re-arranged our schedules at this point and are doing at least two anyway. Some might be doing a lot more than that. 
If you are not doing more than one blog post per day... Why not? Please grab your journal workbooks and take some time to journal your response. Listen to God as well. What is He telling you? How can you re-arrange your schedule so you can do two blog posts per day? 
By the way, by the time we are finished with this book, we will be taking a look at 3 blog posts per day at least. 

ADDITIONAL MATERIAL: SEEKING MORE
Also, for people who want to go more in-depth and have the time to do more, I will have the SEEKING MORE blog post option each day. 

Now, let's get started.

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal Faith
Find my books at/store: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/hisfiction 
a loyal faith blog: Amazon Kindle Fire News

Amazon Kindle Fire News

Well, I got my Amazon Kindle Fire last night--after I had given up on the idea of receiving it yesterday. It was super easy to take out of packaging. It turned itself on for me so I didn't have to figure it out right away. That was rather nice. It was heavier than I anticipated, but not in a bad way. I am already used to the weight. 

It was given to me as a gift so I had to go through a couple of easy set-up points and then I was up and running. Except it needed an update. Sigh. I wasn't able to play with it for half an hour after I took it out of the box. But, I am glad it gets updates. So, no complaints by me in that regard.

Once the Fire was up and running, I fell in love with the little dude instantly. It took me less than half an hour to get all of my apps set-up, along with email and calendar. Then, it took me 5 minutes to decide which books I wanted to on the device and what I wanted to remain in the archive. I also set-up several internet bookmarks and that was the bulk of the 30 minutes of set-up.

Then, I played. I stayed up too late last night playing as a matter of fact. Well, reading actually, but that is still playing with how I do it. 

I read a great deal of reviews and saw people complaining of what it didn't have. If you read the specs, you knew what it didn't have. So, why would you complain? Buyer beware. It's not Amazon's fault if you bought it without reading the specs. Now, with that beings said, I must give it my own rating: So far, I give little Fire dude 10 stars out of 10. I will give you periodic news about what I think of it and re-rate it for you.

It does more than I anticipated. I wondered if I would be able to use it as a writing device. Oh, yeah! I can. So, little Fire dude and I are going to Panera Bread today. I haven't been to one since visiting back home in Denver in July. That is very unlike me. But, I now have a killer writing, study, and reading device.

Now... As to the Bible study hopes I had for little Fire dude... He's actually everything I hoped he would be and more. (Yes. I personify everything, by the way. My car's name is Judah, if that tells you anything.) I can now carry ALL of my bible study stuff with me 24/7/365 (provided they have wi-fi. But, everywhere I go has wi-fi.). I am without excuse. I can now be far more Christ and Word-centered. 

I will write more in a bit about the little Fire dude. It's now Bible study time--round one.  

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal Faith

Find my books at/store: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/hisfiction 



Adage: Interact

Interact with God and the Word.

Do so daily.

Sent from my Kindle Fire

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Irony

Guess what I just got after all? Yay!

Etc. Etc. Etc. Pouting

My Kindle Fire did not get delivered today. It was supposed to. Sigh. 

Tomorrow. (Please, Lord.)

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal Faith


Knowing Him adage

Knowing God more is having a more loyal faith. They are synonyms.

Both are a process, though. They take time, consciousness, and intentionality.

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal Faith
Find my books at/store: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/hisfiction 

Adage: More than just a journal notebook

What you are keeping is more than just a journal or a journal workbook. It's the voyage and the journey of your inner life.

It's meant to be remembered. Failing to remember minimizes the journey and you lost grat parts of your life because of it.

The more you journal, the more invaluable of a tool you have. It is the very thing that can bring you to have by far more of a loyal faith than you've ever had--and even more than you ever imagined.

Write it down. Or, it may be lost. 

Keep track.

Remember.

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal Faith
Find my books at/store: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/hisfiction 

What idols?

An idol is something that comes between us and God. In fact, an idol can take the place of God in our lives. Idols distract us from what really matters and what is really important.

We all have them in our lives. For us to say we have none is a lie and we are living in denial. There is always something that keeps us from focusing on God first and foremost 24/7/365. There may be times we are single-minded and focused on him and His Word. But, there is always something that catches our eye (mind, emotions, choices, etc.) more than the rest. 

An idol can be an area of weakness in our lives. It can lead us astray. That's a problem. 

So, how about you?

257 What sidetracks you from God? List at least three things in your journal:
A
B
C

258 What can you do to keep the distractions to a minimal? List at least 5 ways:
A
B
C
D
E

Some examples of idols are: Food, busyness, work, sex, reading, writing, exercise, etc. It's when they get to an addictive form, or when they consume us, we need to take drastic measures. While I am not saying to give these up necessarily, I am saying to know when they keep you from focusing on God. Bring God into them instead or refrain. You might want to fast from them for a while. Or, you might just need to be mindful. That is the most likely. Just be aware of when they turn you from God and why. Then, try to include God in on them. If you cannot, then give up that activity as much as you are able. 

Food is the one exception. We need food to survive. Eat healthier and that will help with that idol. 

Is this clear?

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal Faith

Find my books at/store: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/hisfiction 

Adage: A spicy faith

The best and strongest faith has some spice. It's lively and flavorful.

256 How can you spice up your faith? List at least three ideas:
A
B
C

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal Faith

More of you, less of me and John 3:30

Sometimes the fewest words are the most powerful. This is no exception. It's a prayer we should all pray as often as possible:

More of you, Lord. Less of me.

Take a look at John 3:30.

252 write your thoughts about John 3:30 and what has been shared in this blog post.

253 What does God say to you about this verse?

254 What do you say to God about this verse? 

255 How can you start to apply this verse to your life? List at least three ways:
A
B
C

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal Faith
Find my books at/store: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/hisfiction 

Faith and 1 Peter 1:8-9

Today, we continue to learn what it faith means, how to have it, what it looks like, and what unfaithfulness is and looks like. So far, we have learned that faith is believing, trusting, having confidence, hoping in, being assured of, and being convicted. Regarding our spiritual faith, we do are to have faith, along with all of its synonyms, in the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Word of God, the Holy Bible. It is not seeing but still having faith in God and his Word.

Grab your journal workbook at your time and let's get started.

237 Write your thoughts on what you just read.

238 How has your faith grown already through this Bible study?

239 How are you acting more on your faith now--without seeing?

240 How are you being one of a more loyal faith? (Note: Don't forget the difference of being vs. doing--in a previous blog post.)

The beauty about growing a more loyal faith is we will always be able to grow more. It's a constant thing for us to strive for, but we will not attain until we die and spend eternity with the Father. We can have constant growth. This is the goal of a more loyal faith. We do not want to become stagnate in our faith, to fall backwards, or dig in our heels. We want to constantly trudge forward--in spite of the growing pains.

241 Journal your thoughts about what you just read.

Shall we turn our attention now to 1 Peter 1:8-9? Why don't we grab our Bibles at this time? Go ahead and read those verses in one of the translations of the Bible.

242 Write your thoughts and what jumped out at you. 

243 Did you notice from 1 Peter 1:8 how loving him, without seeing him, is a sign of how you believe, have faith in, and trust him? 

So, regarding our faith, our belief in him goes hand in hand with loving him. (So, I could very well call this series, 'a more loyal love'.) 

244 How do love and faith go hand-in-hand? 

The second part of 1 Peter 1:8 talks about what happens to us when we believe in him.

245 What happens to us when we believe in him?

246 1 Peter 1:9 teaches us--what? 

Our faith has a goal and a purpose. 

247 Read this passage in at least 2 other versions and write down what more you learn from these verses.

248 What has god said to you today?

249 What have you said to God? 

250 List at least 3 ways you can grow in your love in him. 
A
B
C

251 List 3 ways you can believe in him and his Word more.
A
B
C

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal Faith

Faith and seeing: John 20:29

We are continuing our effort to define 'faith' so that we can grow it and so we can know when we act contrary to faith and are unfaithful. 

We just covered John 3:16 and have read previously:
Hebrews 12:2
Hebrews 11:1
1 John 3:23
Colossians 1:9
John 3:16
In the next blog post, we will do a review of the Scripture we have covered so far. 

Grab your Bible and journal workbooks and look up John 20:29 and see what more we learn about being faithful and being unfaithful. 

230 Write your thoughts on the verse.

231 Write a summary of the verse.

232 Are you the sort who doubts and has said before, "Well, seeing is believing"--even if you weren't talking about God directly? Explain.

233 Regarding your faith, do you have to have all the answers? Does it drive you crazy, or turn you off, if you don't? Explain.

Please read the verse in at least two other versions.

234 What new insight have you gleaned from the other versions?

235  How does this verse show light as to possible unfaithfulness?

236 What can you do in order to believe more without seeing--regarding your faith, God, and the Word?

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal Faith
Find my books at/store: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/hisfiction 

The Monthly Review Template

Your Monthly Bible Study Template for a loyal faith
(aka A Monthly Review)

INSTRUCTIONS: This template is what you will fill out each month (every 4 weeks). When you fill this in, you look at your Weekly Bible Study Templates alone. Write your answers to this template in your journal workbook.

~ 1 What are the five most important points have you learned this month?

a

b

c

d

e

~ 2 List the 5 to 7 answers you gave for: How will you apply one of those to your life this week?

a

b

c

d

e

f

g

~ 3 Evaluate each of them applications from this month:

a
What do you need to work on?

What has worked?

b
What do you need to work on?

What has worked?

c
What do you need to work on?

What has worked?

d
What do you need to work on?

What has worked?

e
What do you need to work on?

What has worked?

f
What do you need to work on?

What has worked?

g
What do you need to work on?

What has worked?

~ 4 What has God said to you this month?

~ 5 What have you said to God?

~ 6 What are the top three memories you've made this month?

a

b

c

~ 7 How have you seen God at work in your life, through your life, and around your life this month?


Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal FaithFind my books at/store: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/hisfiction 

Thank you

I am blessed and grateful to have you reading this blog and participating in this Bible study. 

Thank you. It means more than you know.

To God be the glory! 

Stacy Duplease

Let me be clear: Each blog post is a day of Bible study and a self-pace study

Let me be very clear about something in case I have not been up to this point.

Every blog post from the start of this blog can be a different day of Bible study. Use it as such.

If you feel as though you want more, by all means, read and participate in more. 

This is a self-pace study. I highly recommend on at least one per day 5 days per week. However, if a post is short, read another one. In the book, once I edit it, I will have them organized in manageable daily chunks. 

But for you, when I wrote 100 blog posts in a day, you do not have to read them and do them all! (By the way, I never, ever, ever exaggerate.)

SUGGESTION: That being said, the more you do, the more you will develop a more loyal faith. But, set your pace. At first, you might do one post a day for a week. Then, week two, you might do 2 per day. Week 3, you may do 3. You get the idea. In fact, this is what I highly recommend. But, again, this is just a mere suggestion from little ol' me. 

I hope this brings clarity.

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal Faith

Are you double-minded?

Grab your journal and let's look at some tough stuff. I need to warn you. We might be uncomfortable for a bit. But, it should lead us to action.

223 QTP (Question to ponder) Are you double-minded? (Do not read ahead! It's important. Great. Now I put that thought in your mind. I hope you won't act on it. I am praying for your self-control!  Hee-hee.)

224 Define what it means. (Again, no peeking.)

What is being/acting double-minded. It's having two different loyalties. In the Christian realm, it's keeping your foot in the world while trying to follow Christ. It's being part of the world and falling for all of its traps--while we try to honor and please God. 

Whenever we do this, we trip and stumble. We sin. We fall flat on our faces. So, double-mindedness never ends well.

Here's a hint. Whenever we are double-minded, we are not being loyal to our faith. Most importantly, we are not being loyal to God or hsi Word. We are going against his wishes and what he commands. No, it is not a request. He wants all of us. Period. End of story. He is a jealous God and will have no less and deserves no less. 

Yet, isn't that what we give him? We tend to give him the scraps of our lives and not the big fat morsels. 

225 What are your thoughts now? 

226 Re-answer this question. Are you double-minded? 227 How are you?

227 What has God just said to you about this?

228 What have you said to God?

229 What three things or so can you do to make sure you have single-point precision focus on God and his Word alone while you continue with your life and work and raise kids (or go to school, whatever the case may be)?
A
B
C

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal Faith
Find my books at/store: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/hisfiction 

Etc. Etc. Etc. Have I mentioned?

Have I mentioned that I am excited to receive my Amazon Kindle Fire (tablet) today? (That's rhetorical. I talked about it yesterday on this blog.)

I am supposed to receive it today and got the confirmation it's on its way!

So, why am I so excited. I am going to use it as a device where I can have my Bible study journal notebook, my Bible study resources, my prayer journal, my daily devotionals, and all my books about the Christian life (and study)--all in one place. I will be able to carry them with me 24/7/365. 

My cell phone did quite a bit of this already, but I wanted a larger screen. We shall see. 

I am using it as a device to bring revival in my life and help me to grow a much deeper and loyal faith in God and in his Word. 

That is just thrilling to me! I will let you know what I think periodically. 

Yep. I am giddy and excited!

Stacy Duplease

How to just be, and not act, with the Lord

It is just as important to be with God than to take action. Actually, it's probably more important.

Just be.

What does this mean? 

It is turning your heart and mind to him, but not doing anything more than that. As a matter of fact, this is how you pray without ceasing. 

You are just being with God when he is constantly in your awareness. The trick is to figure out how to put him more on your mind and heart minute by minute, day by day, month by month. 

Is there another example of what this means? You know you are comfortable with someone when you can sit in silence together and you you do not have to fill in the silence with noise. That is being with the Lord. 

Being with God is resting in him. 

It's hanging out with him non-stop. 

It's being focused on God and his Word.

Please grab your journal workbooks at this time.

219 How have you been with God today (Whether you realized it or not)? 220 This week? 221 This month?

222 How can you just be with God more? List five ways or so on how you can be with the Lord more each and every day.
A
B
C
D
E

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal Faith

Etc. Etc. Etc. Is it Thanksgiving already?

Sometimes I get in my own little writing world that I lose track of the absolute obvious. The date is the 16th of November. Logic states that Thanksgiving would be next week.

I just realized this. (YIKES!)

I still need to buy a turkey and all the fixin's. 

I am shaking my head.

216 QTP How often do we get so caught up in our own little world that we miss the obvious?

I do not know about you, but I am going to journal about that right now.

217 QTP What can I do to increase my awareness so I don't miss the obvious?

218 QTP And, if I missed that--what else have I missed and what is coming up I do not want to miss?

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal FaithFind my books at/store: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/hisfiction 

A blessing list: A template

214 List 10 blessings of your life in your journal along with the reason you count them as blessings.
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J

215 Take each of those and write why you thank the Lord for those blessings and how they have shaped your life. 
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J

Wait a few minutes and then repeat 214 and 215. Make sure to include new blessings--or ones you've listed before. (In other words, do not repeat blessings.)

Wait a week and repeat 214 and 215.. 

RECOMMENDED: I recommend doing this once a week ideally. But, one every two weeks or once a month is another option. 


Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal Faith

Short clips and adages

Today and yesterday, I started to add short clips and adages in order to get our attention about a topic. It's meant to get us to think.

SUGGESTION: You might want to spend time journaling about them. They provide more ways for you to grow more loyal in your faith. 

It does not matter if you do them today or tomorrow, or a month from now. They might be all you can do in a day, or they might be just the right length to add a little more time when you crave more time with God and you already did a lesson or two from this Bible study blog.

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal Faith
Find my books at/store: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/hisfiction 

Lonely?

Do you ever feel lonely?

When you do, have you tried to add a great deal more alone time with God and his Word in your life? You most likely are craving time with him.

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal Faith

Some Alone Time

I do not know about you. But, I crave alone time with my spouse. It is quality time that seals the bond between us. I cherish it deeply.

Of course I feel this way. The relationship between husband and wife mirrors our relationship with God.

Do you feel stir-crazy? Blah? Like something is missing in your life? Like something just isn't right? 

Well, there is your answer. You are craving alone time with God.

Take some. Nourish your heart, mind, body, and spirit.

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal FaithFind my books at/store: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/hisfiction 

Complacency

Are you complacent in your faith?

Neutral? Not moving? Not growing? So-so? 

Grab your journal workbooks and write your thoughts. Then, answer the following question.

213 What three things can you do today to ensure your faith isn't mediocre, complacent, neutral, and not growing. 
A
B
C

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal Faith

Are you settling?

Are you settling with your faith?

Are you settling for a mediocre, at best, faith?

Journal your thoughts. Does this apply to you?

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal Faith
Find my books at/store: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/hisfiction 

Have you thought how your faith impacts other lives?

Have you thought how your faith, and your lack of it at times, impacts the lives of others?

When our faith is low, we are less obedient to the Lord, and are acting more distant with him. As a matter of fact, we are more likely to be engaged in sin. 

So, if we do not lay the seed of faith in everyone around us, their faith will not be as strong either. After all, everywhere we go, we leave seeds. We leave healthy seed of the fruitfulness of faith, or we leave seeds of weeds that can take over everything around them. 

Do you hear the responsibility we have in our faith? We need to grow so we do not keep others from having as fruitful and faithful lives--as well as all of the other reasons.

Grab your journal workbooks, please.

205 Write your thoughts about what you just read. 

206 Have you thought of how your faith and your lack of faith impacts the lives of others this month? 207 This week? 208 today?

209 What did God say to you after reading this blog post?

210 What did you say to God after reading this? 

211 How faithful do you want to be now?

212 How will you live differently, starting today, because of this. List three ways you will start to apply this to your life:
A
B
C

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal Faith
Find my books at/store: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/hisfiction 

Clean my heart, Lord

I know my heart and mind can be full of sin and wrongdoing.
Clean my heart, Lord. Purify me. Help me to only be open to You and Your Word.
~ Stacy Duplease

Adage of revival

A loyal faith is synonymous with revival.
~ Stacy Duplease

Question

The closer we are with God, the more intimate, the more loyal of faith we will have.
How can you know when your faith is waning? You will feel distant from the Lord.
~ Stacy Duplease

Adage: An ignited passion

An ignited passion in Jesus Christ and the Word is a mark of a loyal faith.
How is your passion? Ignited or blah? Or is it something in-between,
~ Stacy Duplease

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Etc. Etc. Etc.: Amazon Kindle Fire

ETC. ETC. ETC. 
Whenever you see 'Etc. Etc. Etc.', it has nothing to do with this Bible study at all. It's me just babbling about something. You'll see these from time to time. (As you can see, I'm part of the redundancy department department.)

I LOVE TO READ
I love to read. I always have. I'm one of those, I get paid, I buy books first and then I pay for food, as a Barnes & Noble bag states. Not literally. But, it could easily be true. 

I HAVE THOUSANDS OF BOOKS
I even have thousands of books on my shelves. They fill 5 shelving units where there are abut 60 books per shelf and there are 6 shelves. This is after I got rid of 1,000 books or so already.

THE AMAZON KINDLE 2
My husband bought me the Amazon Kindle 2 for Christmas four years ago (I think.) It was at my request. I wasn't sure if I would be able to make the move from paper books to digital books. Well, it didn't take me long to realize I was hooked. So, I got rid of 1,000 paper books because I converted them to digital books.
I now have over 1500 books on my Kindle. 

AMAZON KINDLE FIRE
So, I heard about a new Amazon tablet coming out in July and waited until 30 September to get the news of what it would be. On 01 October, my wonderful husband purchased it for me. I've been waiting quite impatiently to receive it ever since.

Well, the wait will end tomorrow. That is when I will receive it!!!

Drumming fingers on desk. Tapping foot. Can't concentrate. I am so excited! 

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal Faith


An Adage: One of the many definitions of 'a loyal faith'

A loyal faith is reading the Word, studying it, applying it, and remembering it.

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal Faith

Remember the Simplicity of Your Faith ~ The Basics of Faith ~ John 3:16

REMEMBER THE SIMPLICITY OF YOUR FAITH
Faith in Jesus Christ is not supposed to be complicated. You either believe--or you do not. 

Hence, you are either going to heaven or to hell. Either you will spend eternity with the Father or absent from him. Either you have a new self or are the same old self. Regardless, you are a sinner and you do wrong things, think wrong things, and feel wrong feelings at times. 

That's it. It is that simple.

Please grab your journal workbooks at this time and answer this question--again, please. 

195 QTP (Question to Ponder) Are you a Christian? Do you believe?

196 QTP What does it mean to believe? 

Please grab your Bibles at this time. At least three versions are suggested with one being The Amplified Bible (AMP). We are going to take a look at John 3:16. 

197 What do you learn in John 3:16 from your first version of the Bible?

198 What do you learn in John 3:16 from your second version of the Bible?

199 What do you learn in John 3:16 from your third version of the Bible?

200 What does John 3:16 mean to you?

201 Answer QTP 195 one more time, but with this new information.

202 Answer QTP 196 one more time, but with this new information.

203 What does this mean for your life?

204 How can you apply John 3:16 to your life today? 

HOW DO YOU BECOME A CHRISTIAN?
It is simply through believing what is said in John 3:16. 

Stacy Duplease
Bible Study Writer & Blogger
A Loyal Faith
Find my books at/store: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/hisfiction