How to Be More Comfortable Reading the Bible

bible

bibleHere at Ignite, we love scripture! We believe the Bible is a powerful tool that allows us to understand God’s plan, His love and how we should live according to His will. 

Within our community, we often hear phrases like “I don’t know where to start,” or “I’m not comfortable reading the Bible”. So, today we decided to pull together our favorite tips and pointers for how to become more comfortable while reading your Bible!

1) Find a Translation You Understand:
  • Did you know there are over 450 English translations of the Bible? Finding a translation that is easy for you to read and understand is a must! We recommend either NIV, ESV, or NKJV versions. 
2) Find a Bible You Love:
3) Insert Bible Tabs:
  • One of the biggest reasons so many people feel uncomfortable reading the Bible is because they struggle to find certain Books or verses. We recommend getting Bible tabs and attaching them to the correct pages within your Bible. Our favorites include:  
4) Do Some Research:
  • One of the easiest ways to learn more about the Bible, the people in it, or certain verses is to do research! So, if you are confused about a verse or want to learn more a certain book in the Bible, we recommend using these websites:
5) Find a Friend or Group:
  • We are called to be in community, and reading the Bible with another person is a great way to do just that! So, ask a friend, join a small group at your local church or an online community. We encourage you to be bold, take a leap of faith, and put yourself out there – you never know what God may have in store for you!

5 Ways to Keep God at the Center of Busy Seasons

keep God at the center

keep God at the centerThe kids are back in school, sports are in full swing, and autumn is right around the corner! Just like that, the relaxed mentality of summer is thrown out the window and replaced with an activity-filled agenda.

As much as we love the cooler days, football-filled nights, and everything flannel and pumpkin, we know this is a crazy and busy season. We know this because we are right there with you! That is why today’s blog post is regarding our favorite ways we set aside time for rest, fellowship, and communion with God in our busiest of seasons.

5 Ways to Keep God at the Center of Busy Seasons:
1) Family Prayer Before Meals

Growing up, my brother and I would have completely different schedules. Dance and volleyball this night, football and band that night. As chaotic as our days were, my parents made it known that we would eat supper together as a family and say a prayer before each meal. Dinner prayers are a simple and easy way to bring your family together, give thanks, and reflect on all that God has done throughout the day.

2) Listen to a Christian Podcast:

Listening to a Christian Podcast while running errands, going for a walk, or cleaning the house is an easy and effective way to grow in your faith and keep a grace-based mindset. Some of our favorites include:

3) Ignite Intention Calendar:

Here at Ignite, one of our favorite ways to keep Jesus at the center of each week is by filling out our Ignite Intention Calendar. There are so many incredible features within our Intention calendar that allow you to read scripture, plan time with your family, and create a life of intention.

4) Worship Music:

Worship music is one of the easiest ways to put yourself in a good mood and find peace amid every activity and event. There are so many uplifting and encouraging Christian songs on the radio that you are sure to find a new favorite.

5) Sabbath:

Exodus 20:8-10 reads, Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. The most important thing you can do on any busy week is take time to rest and recharge as a family. You are called to live a life of purpose, but don’t forget to take time and just be.

Finding Rest in Uncertainty Through The Truth of God

God's Truth

God's TruthUncertainty is something we have all experienced at least once. We look ahead and see a future of question marks.

Will I get the job I want? Where will our family live? What is my true calling?

If you can relate to this, I have good news. Although the waiting and the unknown can feel stressful and scary, there is a way to find rest when it all feels uncertain. 

It is so easy to become distracted and discouraged by the trials that life throws our way, but it is in those moments of doubt and confusion that the Lord calls us to cling to the truth that is found only in Him.

Truth of God

The truth that He will always fight for you (Exodus 14:14) and that there is nothing that can stop His love for you (Romans 8:37-39).

The truth that He will guard your heart (Philippians 4:6-7) and give you the gift of peace (John 14:27).

The truth that He will go wherever you go, even into your uncertainty (Joshua 1:9).

The secret to finding rest in the midst of the unknown is resting in and trusting the truth of God. Even though life seems uncertain and scary, God is fighting for you. He is with you, has gone behind you, and is going before you.

Friend, it’s time to rest in His truths.

10 Bible Verses to Help You Seek God

Seeking God

Often times we hear girls and young women say they struggle to seek God and His plan. They explain their hardships and doubts, sharing that it almost seems as if there is a wall built between them and God.

Whether you can relate, are lost in your Christian journey, or are flat out uncertain of God, we are here to tell you that you are not alone.

There is so much joy and endless love that comes from God. He heals our wounds, answers our prayers, and forgives our sins, all while loving us unconditionally.

We pray these verses allow you to seek God, open your heart, and break down the wall holding you back from a life of Grace. Our God is faithful, and He is good. It is time to put your trust in Him.

Verses
  1. He went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you. -2 Chronicles 15:2
  2. And without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. -Hebrews 11:16
  3. They were to look for God. Then they might feel after Him and find Him because He is not far from each one of us. -Acts 17:27
  4. The Lord says to the people of Israel, “Look for me and Live.” -Amos 5:4
  5. But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul. -Deuteronomy 4:2
  6. The hand of our God brings good to all who look for Him. But his power and His anger are against all who turn away from Him. -Ezra 8:22
  7. “And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.” -1 Chronicles 28:9
  8. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” -Jeremiah 29: 13-14
  9. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. -Psalm 9:10
  10.  Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? -Matthew 16: 24-26

A New Season

new season

Change is a process. I learn, accept, grow, get comfortable, and then a new season of life comes. It’s an endless cycle.

I used to view change as a scary thing. I always dreaded it because I am someone who struggles with not being in control. Can you relate?

Recently, I have allowed myself to let go of my constant need for control and let God to take the reins. Just like that, new seasons of life don’t seem as daunting.

I have learned that I can view my next season of life as scary and foreign, or I can view it as a new chapter and an adventure awaiting me.

When we allow God to lead and humble ourselves to give up control, that’s when things change. That is when we can see how much we have grown and learned in our current season. All we have to do is be patient, let Him lead, and live the life He has called us to live.

Change can be intimidating, but staying the same can be just as scary. We have to go through each season of life and all the changes ahead of us to live out what God has called us to be. So, as the saying goes; let go, and let God.

My prayer for you is that whatever your season of life may be, you give up control. Trust that God will protect you, place you in extraordinary situations, and lead you to God-fearing people. If you fall short or mess up, He will pick you back up. Our God is a forgiving and great God. He has a beautiful season of life that awaits you. So go out and enjoy the new.

God Is Always With You

alone

aloneI want you to remember that you are never alone. God is always with you.

Sometimes it is hard for us to believe this statement because we cannot physically see God. I will be the first to admit it can be hard to not feel alone when you physically are alone.

Throughout my first year of college, I had never felt more alone. Looking back, God was there the whole time. I was just choosing not to see Him. It wasn’t until the end of my freshman year that I finally realized it and allowed myself to lean on God. I also realized that He is the only person who knows my past, present, and future. Why would I not trust him?

I am a person who needs a plan. I have always tried to plan every moment of my life, but it never turns out as I want it to. I’ve slowly found that I need to allow God to make the plans and I just need to be still.

During this season of my life, I have found that reading scripture has allowed me to not only feel God’s presence but physically see Him in the little moments of life.

One verse that resonates with me is Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

If you are starting a new chapter in your life, gearing up for college, or simply feeling alone, remember God is always there. He will walk with you every step of the way. All you have to do is be still.

Scripture to Combat 3 Lies Women Believe

lies

liesMost of us are guilty of believing lies about ourselves. But why? And how can Scripture help us reveal the truth?

I once sat in room, full of women my age, talking about anything and everything until the topic of feeling unworthy came up. One girl shared how she felt as though she was never enough. Another as if she was defined by her social status. The final woman shared how she struggled with believing she was beautiful.

The rest of us sat, nodding our heads, realizing that we have believed each of these statements to be true.

At some point in our lives, we have all felt unworthy or not enough. We have all felt pressure to keep up with the Jones’s or strive to a higher title or social status. Pressure to look skinnier, prettier, and more put together.

Not only have we felt these lies, but we have also wholeheartedly believed them to be true.

It broke my heart to realize that so many of us have let these lies control our lives. So, I sat down, cracked open my Bible, and looked for truth to combat these lies.

Lie #1: You are not worthy; you are not enough.

I hate to break to it you, sister, but if you believe this lie, you better stop right now and open your Bible to John 1:12.

John 1:12 – But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

You are a daughter of the King and that in itself is enough to make you feel known, loved, and seen. You are precious and you are worthy in the eyes of God. Read that once more.

Lie #2: You are defined by your job title, grades, or social status.

I refused to go to a two-year university because I thought people would look down on me. I feared I wouldn’t be as qualified or make as much money as they did. Still to this day, I run the opposite direction when I hear the words, “ACT score”.

Romans 8: 38-39 – For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Be the kind of woman who knows that her worth is not measured by what she has or what she has done, but in who she is in Christ.

Lie #3: Your beauty is defined by your outward appearance.

Sometimes it is instilled in our brains at such a young age that beauty is what we look like and what brand we wear. We spend multiple hours a day trying to impress others or change the way we look. Because society’s definition of beauty is strictly outward appearances.

1 Peter 3: 3-4 – “Your beauty should not come from outward adornments, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.

I love this verse for many reasons. The first being that it reminds us that our clothes, hair, and looks will eventually fade away. The second being that it tells us what true beauty is; someone who loves others and Jesus.

Strengthen your confidence in yourself and in Him and these lies don’t stand a chance. To help you do so, check out our latest podcast. We share how we’ve gone from feeling lost and alone to loving who God made us to be.

And if you still find yourself struggling with these lies, check out our personal development journal. Week two is dedicated to creating a healthy and holy mindset – vital in ensuring these lies have no place in your mind.

Game of Comparison

comparison

comparisonIt is hard for me to think of a time when there wasn’t social media. When we didn’t have to post every moment of our life. Or be constantly consumed by highlight reels and comparing our lives to others’.

I think it is safe to say we have all played the game of comparison. Believing that others have their lives more together, or wishing we had their hair, skin, body, or whatever the case may be. It can be so exhausting to the point where you wonder if you have anything good going for you.

My mom used to tell me, “Comparison is the thief of all happiness”. I never wanted to believe that, but looking back I realize that she was right.

Combatting Comparison

One realization that has helped me stop playing the comparison game is the simple truth that social media is not real life. The posts are just the highlights of someone’s life.

When you feel yourself slipping into this vicious comparison game, do your best to stop and reframe your mindset. You are beautiful and you are enough! Remind yourself that the people you see on social media are human too.  They go through ups and downs and their lives are not perfect, even if their Instagram makes it appear so.

Another thing I have found that has helped me combat a comparison mindset is reading Scripture. While reading, I stumbled across a perfect verse to keep in mind:

Philippians 2:3 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves.”

We are so quick to compare our strengths and weaknesses to others. However, it is important to remember everyone is unique and different, that is what makes the world so beautiful. We are called to not be selfish of others’ strengths and to not ridicule their weaknesses, but to love and embrace them.

We are to walk in humility and not compare, because we are all imperfect people.

5 Bible Verses for Trusting God

Trust in His word

Trust in His wordAre you having a hard time putting your trust in God?

Are you letting fear run your life?

Do feel like nothing is stable or certain?

Have you been experiencing doubt?

Are you unsure where to start? If so, that’s okay, we have all been there before!

A great way to begin trusting God is by reading His word. Too often we forget how beautiful and powerful the gift of scripture is! When life seems crazy and nothing is going as planned, lean into Him and lean into His word. We promise your heart, mind, and soul will be renewed and you walk away stronger in your faith and more confident in the plans God has for you.

Here are 5 Bible verses for trusting God:

Jeremiah 29:11 → “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
  •  Too often, we have this notion in our head that we have to make every right move and decision to live the life that God has created for us. But the sweet truth of this verse tells us that God isn’t asking us to figure things out on our own, He is asking us to trust that He already has!
Psalm 25:4-5 → Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
  • Take a moment and think about where and what you put your hope in. A lot of times, we put our hope in earthly things and as a result, we allow the world to lead us. In this verse, David is asking God for guidance. He is choosing to be led by the spirit and truth. Let’s make the choice, each day, to seek and follow the Lord’s ways rather than the ways of the world.
Jeremiah 17:7 → But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.
  • This verse is the definition of beautiful! Over time, our trust in God becomes a trust that is God – it’s a natural by-product of being with Jesus. Friend, this is your invitation to take a step in trust today.
Psalm 37:4 → Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
  • Taking delight in the Lord means that our hearts truly find peace and fulfillment in Him. When we rejoice and delight in the eternal things of God, our desires begin to parallel His, and we will never go unfulfilled.
Isaiah 58:11 → The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
  • Where God guides you, He will provide for you. Raise your hand if you are guilty of thinking just the opposite! Too often we believe we aren’t good enough, talented enough, or strong enough to fulfill what God has put on our hearts. But this verse tells us just the opposite. Where God guides, He provides. Read that once more!

Gratitude

Gratitude

GratitudeIf you have read our Foundation devotional, you are more than likely familiar with the word gratitude because we spent an entire day talking about a grateful mindset! In case you haven’t read it, I’ll give you a sneak peek. Google defines gratitude as the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

What I love most about this definition are the words, “return kindness”. I will be the first to admit it, when I think of gratitude, returning kindness is the last thing that pops into my head! Selfishly, I think of the people, things, and opportunities God has put in my life! Not the readiness to return kindness.

But imagine what would happen if it were the first thing that came to mind.

Imagine the hearts it would touch.

The fruit it would produce.

Imagine the relationships it would strengthen.

And the love it would give.

Imagine what would happen if we lived every day with a heart eager to return kindness. Imagine what would happen if we lived every day with a heart like Jesus.

The next time you hear the word gratitude, stop, and return kindness. Yes, it is important to have a thankful heart, but don’t forget to spread the love and kindness of Jesus along the way.

Psalm 51:10: Create in me a clean heart O God and renew a right spirit within me.