The Word Visualized

This might be an interesting way to analyze overarching themes in large texts. This is taken from the first chapter John.

Created with Wordle.

Top 100 Bible Verses

Biblegateway.com recently compiled the 100 most searched for verses from their website. This would make a great memory verse challenge.

1. John 3:16: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

2. Jer 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.

3. Rom 8:28: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

4. Phil 4:13: I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

5. Gen 1:1: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

6. Prov 3:5: Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

7. Prov 3:6: in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

8. Rom 12:2: Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

9. Phil 4:6: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

10. Matt 28:19: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Link via DJ

Be One

A nice translation of Philippians 2:1-4 from the Message.

"If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand."

I've recently been feeling the hurt of disunity in the Body in working with other Christians. "I'll never serve with Him." "She is so fake." "I can't stand them." Piercing words that speak volumes. Why is it so hard to love each other?

The Whole Bible in 5 Minutes

This is a neat resource that summarizes all the books of the Bible into short, often clever lessons. Its a great way to get a good overview of the major themes of the entire Bible. Some samples:

The Book of Leviticus
How to approach God is vital
Cleanliness can depict godliness
Holiness is a chief concern to God
God is interested in what people eat
God is concerned with all of life
Celebrating is a wholesome experience
Sin must be removed from our fellowship

The Book of Ruth
Marriages can be made in heaven
God can reroute tragedy
God's long-range purposes may be hidden over the short-term
God is in control despite our desperation

The Book of Jonah
Some people run from God's calling
Evil people aren't beyond hope in God's eyes
Some have a prophetic role
God calls his servants to do some difficult things
God disciplines his disobedient servants
God has a heart as big as the world

Billy Graham's Advice

One of the greatest Christian leaders of the past century, on whether he wished he was more involved in world issues:

I’ve been concerned about our nation, our world and the political processes, but also I have regretted that I have not spent more time in prayer, in Bible study and in the pastoral ministry that pas­tors are usually called to do. An evangelist is a little differ­ent. The word evangelist means “the spreader of good news,” and my job, it seems to me, has been to go all over the world and proclaim that good news, and that’s my primary mission. But I did learn a great deal in my travels about our world, and I became con­cerned about it, and I spoke about some issues in that peri­od of time. To a young man today, I would say: “Put your emphasis on your Bible study and prayer.”

It's both mind boggling and challenging that someone with all of Graham's experience and opportunities to touch political powers and change the world through ministry, would only regret that he spent more time in prayer and Bible study.