For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. (Romans 1:20, English Standard Version)

Current Challenge (Days 17 – 22 of Lent)

I hope you were able to memorize and utilize the verses presented in our third Challenge (God’s Word).  Being able to recall passages of Scripture that apply to particular life circumstances is a source of immense joy.

Introduction to New Challenge (Days 23 – 28 of Lent)

Our fourth challenge recognizes the importance of seeing God’s power and divine nature in creation.  The Challenge inspires us to pay attention to messages from God’s handy works that are consistent with Scripture.  Often in the Bible, God’s creation is used to portray His attributes.  For example, when God addressed Job out of the whirlwind he said, “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.”  (Job 32:4).  This was God’s starting point for helping Job gain a better understanding of who He is.  Often we are too busy to see useful object lessons around us.  We need to make time to smell the proverbial roses.         

Challenge #4 – God’s World 

Meditate on the selected verses below from the book of Psalms.  For each day, a created object (or objects) and an attribute of God are highlighted for your meditation.  Use the object(s) as reminders throughout the day to pause and think about God’s attributes.

• Monday – The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. (Psalm 19:1 -2, English Standard Version)
  Object:  The Sky.  Attribute:  God’s magnificence
  
  
• Tuesday – For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. (Psalm 139:13 -14, English Standard Version)
  Object:  The human body.  Attribute:  God’s mastery of design (He does all things well)
  
  
• Wednesday – Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps. He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth, who makes lightnings for the rain and brings forth the wind from his storehouses. (Psalm 135:6 – 7, English Standard Version)
  Objects: Related to the weather (e.g., clouds and rain).  Attribute:  God’s sovereignty
  
  
• Thursday  – From your lofty abode you water the mountains; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work. (Psalm 104:13, English Standard Version)
  Object: Water.  Attribute:  God’s provision
  
  
• Friday – When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,  the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? (Psalm 8:3 – 4, English Standard Version)
  Objects: Sun, moon and stars.  Attribute:  God’s omnipotence

10 Tips to Consider

1. Pray for God’s guidance as you meditate on His word.
2. Read the verses in context to ensure you are comfortable with their application.
3. Quiet yourself and actively observe the created object(s).
4. Thank God for his miraculous acts of creation.
5. Thank God for his attributes.
6. Ponder what the attributes of God mean to you personally.
7. Incorporate your thoughts in a time of worship.
8. Discuss your thoughts with someone else or a group.
9. Insert the challenge for the day in your calendar.
10. Document your thoughts for future reflection.

I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:11, English Standard Version)

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12, English Standard Version)

Introduction

Our third challenge recognizes the importance of God’s word.  With technological advancements, it is now very easy to find Bible verses on electronic devices even if you only have a few search parameters.  However, the benefits of being able to recall passages of Scripture from memory remain.  Too often we convince ourselves that memorization is an activity that we grow out of. Bible verse memorization helps us to “renew our mind” at any age.       

Challenge #3 – God’s Word 

Memorize the following 5 verses from Isaiah and Philippians over 5 days: 

Isaiah 26:3-4 (English Standard Version)

³ You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

⁴ Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.

Philippians 4:6-8 (English Standard Version)

⁶ do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 

⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

10 Tips to Consider

1. Pray for God’s help as you memorize the verses.
2. Read the verses in context to ensure you are comfortable with their application.
3. Partner with others (this is an excellent challenge to do in community).
4. You can use your favorite Bible translation (i.e., NIV, ESV, KJV, etc.)
5. Use an approach that fits your learning style.
6. Use physical memorization aids (e.g., notebooks and Post-it Notes).
7. Use digital memorization aids (e.g., mobile phones and voice recorders). There are also free, add-free Apps such as VerseLocker that focus on Bible verse memorization. 
8. Be alert to opportunities to share the memorized verses to help someone.
9. Incorporate the verses in your prayer.
10. Exact recall is not the objective.  The focus should be application.

I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:11, English Standard Version)

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12, English Standard Version)

Introduction

Our third challenge recognizes the importance of God’s word.  With technological advancements, it is now very easy to find Bible verses on electronic devices even if you only have a few search parameters.  However, the benefits of being able to recall passages of Scripture from memory remain.  Too often we convince ourselves that memorization is an activity that we grow out of. Bible verse memorization helps us to “renew our mind” at any age.       

Challenge #3 – God’s Word 

Memorize the following 5 verses from Isaiah and Philippians over 5 days: 

Isaiah 26:3-4 (English Standard Version)

³ You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

⁴ Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.

Philippians 4:6-8 (English Standard Version)

⁶ do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 

⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

10 Tips to Consider

1. Pray for God’s help as you memorize the verses.
2. Read the verses in context to ensure you are comfortable with their application.
3. Partner with others (this is an excellent challenge to do in community).
4. You can use your favorite Bible translation (i.e., NIV, ESV, KJV, etc.)
5. Use an approach that fits your learning style.
6. Use physical memorization aids (e.g., notebooks and Post-it Notes).
7. Use digital memorization aids (e.g., mobile phones and voice recorders). There are also free, add-free Apps such as VerseLocker that focus on Bible verse memorization. 
8. Be alert to opportunities to share the memorized verses to help someone.
9. Incorporate the verses in your prayer.
10. Exact recall is not the objective.  The focus should be application.

I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:11, English Standard Version)

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12, English Standard Version)

Introduction

Our third challenge recognizes the importance of God’s word.  With technological advancements, it is now very easy to find Bible verses on electronic devices even if you only have a few search parameters.  However, the benefits of being able to recall passages of Scripture from memory remain.  Too often we convince ourselves that memorization is an activity that we grow out of. Bible verse memorization helps us to “renew our mind” at any age.       

Challenge #3 – God’s Word 

Memorize the following 5 verses from Isaiah and Philippians over 5 days: 

Isaiah 26:3-4 (English Standard Version)

³ You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

⁴ Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.

Philippians 4:6-8 (English Standard Version)

⁶ do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 

⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

10 Tips to Consider

1. Pray for God’s help as you memorize the verses.
2. Read the verses in context to ensure you are comfortable with their application.
3. Partner with others (this is an excellent challenge to do in community).
4. You can use your favorite Bible translation (i.e., NIV, ESV, KJV, etc.)
5. Use an approach that fits your learning style.
6. Use physical memorization aids (e.g., notebooks and Post-it Notes).
7. Use digital memorization aids (e.g., mobile phones and voice recorders). There are also free, add-free Apps such as VerseLocker that focus on Bible verse memorization. 
8. Be alert to opportunities to share the memorized verses to help someone.
9. Incorporate the verses in your prayer.
10. Exact recall is not the objective.  The focus should be application.

I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:11, English Standard Version)

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12, English Standard Version)

Current Challenge (Days 11 – 16 of Lent)

I hope you are being blessed by our second Challenge (God’s Resources).  What a privilege it is to partner with God in the act of giving.

Introduction to New Challenge (Days 17 – 22 of Lent)

Our third challenge recognizes the importance of God’s word.  With technological advancements, it is now very easy to find Bible verses on electronic devices even if you only have a few search parameters.  However, the benefits of being able to recall passages of Scripture from memory remain.  Too often we convince ourselves that memorization is an activity that we grow out of. Bible verse memorization helps us to “renew our mind” at any age.       

Challenge #3 – God’s Word 

Memorize the following 5 verses from Isaiah and Philippians over 5 days: 

Isaiah 26:3-4 (English Standard Version)

³ You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

⁴ Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.

Philippians 4:6-8 (English Standard Version)

⁶ do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 

⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

10 Tips to Consider

1. Pray for God’s help as you memorize the verses.
2. Read the verses in context to ensure you are comfortable with their application.
3. Partner with others (this is an excellent challenge to do in community).
4. You can use your favorite Bible translation (i.e., NIV, ESV, KJV, etc.)
5. Use an approach that fits your learning style.
6. Use physical memorization aids (e.g., notebooks and Post-it Notes).
7. Use digital memorization aids (e.g., mobile phones and voice recorders). There are also free, add-free Apps such as VerseLocker that focus on Bible verse memorization. 
8. Be alert to opportunities to share the memorized verses to help someone.
9. Incorporate the verses in your prayer.
10. Exact recall is not the objective.  The focus should be application.

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35, English Standard Version)

Introduction

Our second challenge recognizes that God blesses us with many resources and opportunities to bless others for His glory.  Often when Christians think about giving as an act of stewardship, focus is placed on tithes and offerings.  Giving to local churches is an essential Christian act, which should be done with love.  There are also other opportunities to demonstrate our love for God and others by giving.  These “other” forms of giving are the subject of our new challenge.       

Challenge #2 – God’s Resources 

From the 10 options below, select five acts of giving and perform them over five days: 

1. Neighbor Favor – Do your neighbor an unexpected favor.
2. Meals on Wheels – Prepare/buy a meal and deliver it to someone in need.
3. Words of Encouragement – Write a note/letter to someone who could use some encouragement.
4. Mission Possible – Donate to a missionary or missionary group.
5. Covered Chores – Perform a chore in your household that someone else usually does.
6. Spare some Time – Donate your time to a charitable cause.
7. Make that Call – Call someone you have not called for a long time who would love to have a listening ear. 
8. Disaster Relief – Donate to an organization working to alleviate the effects of human made or natural disasters. 
9. Least of These – Perform an act of kindness to a vulnerable individual/group (e.g., shut-in elderly, homeless person, or vulnerable immigrant).
10. Pass it On – Find something in your home that you seldom/never use and give it to someone who currently needs it.   

10 Tips to Consider

1. Pray for guidance as you decide on your gifts and the recipients.
2. Plan each gift to make it as impactful as possible.
3. Use the giving activity as a relationship builder.
4. Find a way to let the recipient of the gift know that God is the ultimate source of good things.
5. Share the gospel message if the opportunity arises.
6. Consider including a Bible verse with your gift.
7. Meditate on Scripture passages about stewardship and kindness.
8. Perform an act of kindness as a family.
9. Pray for the recipients of your gifts.
10. Thank God for His many blessings.

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35, English Standard Version)

Introduction

Our second challenge recognizes that God blesses us with many resources and opportunities to bless others for His glory.  Often when Christians think about giving as an act of stewardship, focus is placed on tithes and offerings.  Giving to local churches is an essential Christian act, which should be done with love.  There are also other opportunities to demonstrate our love for God and others by giving.  These “other” forms of giving are the subject of our new challenge.       

Challenge #2 – God’s Resources 

From the 10 options below, select five acts of giving and perform them over five days: 

1. Neighbor Favor – Do your neighbor an unexpected favor.
2. Meals on Wheels – Prepare/buy a meal and deliver it to someone in need.
3. Words of Encouragement – Write a note/letter to someone who could use some encouragement.
4. Mission Possible – Donate to a missionary or missionary group.
5. Covered Chores – Perform a chore in your household that someone else usually does.
6. Spare some Time – Donate your time to a charitable cause.
7. Make that Call – Call someone you have not called for a long time who would love to have a listening ear. 
8. Disaster Relief – Donate to an organization working to alleviate the effects of human made or natural disasters. 
9. Least of These – Perform an act of kindness to a vulnerable individual/group (e.g., shut-in elderly, homeless person, or vulnerable immigrant).
10. Pass it On – Find something in your home that you seldom/never use and give it to someone who currently needs it.   

10 Tips to Consider

1. Pray for guidance as you decide on your gifts and the recipients.
2. Plan each gift to make it as impactful as possible.
3. Use the giving activity as a relationship builder.
4. Find a way to let the recipient of the gift know that God is the ultimate source of good things.
5. Share the gospel message if the opportunity arises.
6. Consider including a Bible verse with your gift.
7. Meditate on Scripture passages about stewardship and kindness.
8. Perform an act of kindness as a family.
9. Pray for the recipients of your gifts.
10. Thank God for His many blessings.