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Dianne Thornton

Dianne Thornton

January 7, 2015 · 11 Comments

Making Space to Hear

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Meaningful Quiet Times

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Is your mind filled with all you need to do today? When we slow down and still ourselves before the Lord, we make space to hear Him moment by moment.

Is your mind filled with all you need to do today? When we slow down and still ourselves before the Lord, we make space to hear Him moment by moment.My “One Word” for 2015 kind of reminds me of Yoda. You know, “Do, or do not. There is no try.” Yoda was insistent on the doing. God is calling me to Be. Last year I “tried” the one-word thing. I felt God gave me the word unhurried–so that I could focus on my writing. Since I tried, I did not.  *sigh*

I did the opposite. Indeed, I did remove some commitments and focused more on my writing. But I replaced much of my free time chasing other things–some meaningful, some … not so much. I lived an action-packed, flurry-filled life. For a long period of time, I felt my life was in a tailspin.

As I approached 2015, I asked the Lord what He wanted me to focus on for this year. He made it clear. Be … and do less. I’ve been thinking about what it really means to Be. I even googled it. There are lots of entries for questions like, What does it mean to be real? What does it mean to be human? What does it mean to be in love? What does it mean to be bonded? But nothing that answers the question, What does it mean … to Be? If God called me to this—I certainly need to know what it is!

In his book, Seeing What Is Sacred, Ken Gire explains that in order for a seed to grow, it needs space. I enjoy gardening. I have success with some plants, but not all–especially vegetables. Several years ago, I decided to try tomatoes. I bought a 6-pack of tomato sprouts and proceded to plant all of them in what I thought was a very large pot. (For those of you wise in these things, you are chuckling.) There was not nearly enough room for these six plants. I had a lot of green stuff, but pitifully few flowers, and almost no tomatoes. That large pot? It would have been a perfect home for one of my little tomato sprouts. The plant needed room for its roots to spread out and absorb the nutrients in the soil. As it was, all of them competed for what little was available, leaving me with one more defeat in my attempt at gardening vegetables.

Making Space

In the same way that seeds need space in their soil to grow, we need to make space to hear the Lord. We need pauses in order to grow spiritually. Gire uses Jesus’ example with the woman caught in adultery.

Jesus returned to the Mount of Olives, but early the next morning he was back again at the Temple. A crowd soon gathered, and he sat down and taught them. As he was speaking, the teachers of religious law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. They put her in front of the crowd.

“Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?”

They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust.

When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”

 “No, Lord,” she said.

And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” (John 8:1-11)

Gire says:

When Jesus stooped down to write something on the ground, He created a pause with His silence. Into that pause flowed the crowd’s attention, preparing them for the words that followed. “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”

When He stooped down again, He created another pause. This time, though, what flowed into the silence was the crowd’s guilt.

And here is his key:

The space we give words—whether those words are the text of Scripture or the texts of our daily lives—allows them a place to live in our hearts. Without creating spaces of time in our lives, we stunt whatever growth the words were meant to produce.1

Honestly, creating space in my life is going to be hard. Really hard. But I think it’s going to be worth it!

For those of you familiar with the DiSC personality profiles, I am a High D. I’m all about being determined, decisive, driven.  I am extremely productive.  In short—I’m a doer!

SO! I have begun to evaluate my activities. I find myself laughing at times. Every part of life is about doing something. Doing the laundry, going grocery shopping, cleaning the bathroom. All things that must—be—done.

Obviously, being is not about maintaining a smooth-running household. But I am making a few changes.

Holiday Decorations 
When we put all of our Christmas decorations away, I made a conscious choice about the table runner I put in my dining room. It was not red! I enjoy decorating for holidays. The next one is Valentine’s Day. But, for this year, I decided that if I put out my red runner, I would have work to do later when I put it away a couple of months from now. That’s not a bad thing, but I made this choice now so I can be later.

My To-Do Lists
Recently, a friend of mine asked me if I really needed to depend on a to-do list. I looked at her with incredulity–You have got to be kidding me! Nevertheless, I am considering this and have gone without a to-do list the last few days. To me, it’s still important to know what I need to pick up from the grocery store. But I’d like to feel that it’s not important to have every minute of my day scheduled. (I feel a tiny bit freer!)

Technology
Now, I am a technical gal. When I worked full-time outside the home, I developed software; so I know the benefits and I love all that technology has to offer in order to help us streamline our activities and help us be more productive and effective. The key is managing our technology, not being addicted to it. Often I find myself curious about things. Sometimes I take a minute to “jot a note” in the notepad on my iPhone. Or, I simply stop what I’m doing and look it up.

The change? Just because I can google something to answer the question burning in my mind, doesn’t mean that I need to do so. If it is, indeed, something that important, when I make it back to my computer, the Lord will prompt me to check it out. Putting it in my notepad actually creates something else for me to do. You might not think that is a big deal, but then you haven’t seen my notepad!

Many years ago, I gentleman that I worked with only checked email at 10:00 a.m. and 2 p.m. His clients knew that if they sent a message at 10:30, it wouldn’t be read until later. He managed his schedule; his clients and their needs didn’t run his. This is something I’m considering. Turning off all my messaging apps and checking them at specified times. This is probably going to be the most difficult for me.

Television / DVR
I took a good look at my DVR, and cleared out some TV timers.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

These are a few things that I am adjusting in my life. They are not “bad things.” But they do make me feel like a bee buzzing around, full of activity. They keep me doing, rather than being.

Now I’m thinking about what to do with those spaces … those pauses … those extra margins that I am creating.

Quiet Times that aren’t rushed. I will have more time to think and meditate on the Scriptures I’m reading so the Holy Spirit can do His work.

Time to work in my yard. (Maybe I’ll even plant tomatoes again!) Yes–that is a doing kind of thing. But digging in the dirt, pulling weeds, and pruning bushes stills my mind. It allows me to thoughtfully pray for others. Often the Lord speaks to me during those times.

Time to go to the gym. Again, this is a doing kind of thing. But it provides an opportunity for me to listen to music and worship the Lord when there aren’t other things going on around me. Plus–my body (and my family) receive the benefit.

In Scripture, it’s clear that God honors hard work and diligence. But we must have balance.

When we are to busy to hear God's voice, how can we know what He wants us to do moment by moment? Click to Tweet

I don’t want the Lord’s voice crowded out by the flurry of activity. I want to hear Him–moment by moment! What about you?Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world. (Psalm 46:10)

Better to have one handful with quietness than two handfuls with hard work and chasing the wind. (Ecclesiastes 4:6)

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

1Gire, Ken. “The Seed of the Reflective Life.” In Seeing What Is Sacred, 39-40. Nashville, TN 37214: W Publishing Group, a Division of Thomas Nelson, 2006.


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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Dolly@Soulstops says

    January 7, 2015 at 11:26 am

    Dianne,
    What a great word: “Be”….and as I read your post, I was reminded how God often asks us to go out of our comfort zone in order to grow….and you did make me chuckle when I read your tomato example…and Ken Gire’s insights were also helpful…Thank you for a wonderful post….visiting from Holley’s blog…Blessings 🙂

  2. johnmarkmiller says

    January 7, 2015 at 12:19 pm

    What a great word for the year, and way to go quoting Yoda… I’m impressed! If you have grandsons, I bet they think you’re the coolest ever!

  3. Dianne Thornton says

    January 7, 2015 at 2:20 pm

    Thanks, Dolly. Glad I was able to bring a little laughter today. 🙂

  4. Dianne Thornton says

    January 7, 2015 at 2:23 pm

    Thanks, John Mark. I try to stay “on trend.” 😉

  5. Jenifer says

    January 7, 2015 at 2:50 pm

    I love your word and the focus behind it. I pray God blesses you as you work on it. God bless and thank you for linking with Woman to Woman’s Word Filled Wednesday! Please join us again next Wednesday.

  6. Joanna Sormunen says

    January 7, 2015 at 3:46 pm

    Thank you for this post! It really touched me. I was extremely busy last year, doing good things, and got even busier by the end of the year and was just spinning out of control. I remember telling my friend that I needed time to be close to Lord because I couldn’t go on without having that time to read Bible and pray. But I still didn’t do anything to make sure I had it, I just kept postponing it until everything would clear and I would be less busy. I was about to burn out when the Christmas came but luckily I’ve had a lot of time during the vacations and I’ve been able to be close to God in a way that I was not able to be in a long time. I really think that being is pausing, not doing but staying in the moment, being present, being there, being yourself and being with God.

  7. Sabra Penley says

    January 7, 2015 at 3:48 pm

    Great word, Dianne! I’m not particularly an overachiever/super productive woman. But it’s still hard for me to set aside space and room to breathe and take in all God has for me. You’ve given me a lot to think about–and pray about in my own life. Blessings on your “being.”

  8. Dianne Thornton says

    January 7, 2015 at 4:39 pm

    Thanks, Sabra. I think it’s hard for most people in Western culture. Blessings to you as well!

  9. Dianne Thornton says

    January 7, 2015 at 4:40 pm

    Joanna, so glad you were able to spend some close time with God during the Holidays. May you find more in 2015!

  10. Dianne Thornton says

    January 7, 2015 at 4:43 pm

    Thank you, Jenifer. This is a beautiful group of ladies. I’m encouraged each time I read a post. 🙂

  11. bulldog says

    January 8, 2015 at 3:05 am

    What a wonderful post…

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This week in our small group study, I felt the Lord’s gentle chastisement. 

We looked at the promise in Luke 11:28, “He [Jesus] replied, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.’”

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✨ Blessed are those who HEAR the word of God and obey it. 

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✨ We cannot truly obey God if we don’t know what He’s saying to us. 

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➡️ Eliminating distractions …
➡️ Exercising discipline …

… to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5) 

… brings true blessing. 

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✨ How do YOU like to celebrate Christmas Advent? ✨

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May 26

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THERE IS NOTHING QUITE LIKE THE FEELING OF LOSING YOUR FOOTING.⁠
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I should know. I’m an expert at the slip-and-fall. In the rain with flip flops that have lost their tread. On frozen snow in hiking boots that are supposed to have grip. Even in my kitchen when I’m wearing my slippers. (Why are they called that???) Then there was that time I trekked out across some sand to grab a bucket and ended up knee deep in drilling mud.⁠
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In those times we are NOT in control, and we know it. We take a few steps, falter, and realize we are going down. ⁠
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Suffering can be like that—but there is no humor in it.⁠
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We all walk through suffering. Sometimes it feels so dark and deep we can’t see what’s ahead. ⁠
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🎵I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. (Ps 40:1-2)⁠
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Our road seems slippery, and we may feel we have no hope. But God is near, and He hears our cries. As we draw near to Him, He gives us a new perspective and firm footing. He also gives us a song of joy amid our suffering.⁠
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🎵 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him. (Ps 40:3)⁠
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This song of praise is for the express purpose of encouraging others who are suffering so they too can draw near to the Lord and experience His peace and the abundant life He came to give. ⁠
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This is how a watching world comes to know God. They see our suffering. But they also see a heart that trusts God during it. A heart that is not bitter, but one that sings for joy. ⁠
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Do you know a fellow sufferer who willingly shares their song of joy? How has their example encouraged you?⁠
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Feb 17

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AS HIS FAITHFUL SERVANT, GOD HAS **SET YOU APART** ➡️ FOR HIMSELF!!⁠
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Wow. That's powerful. ⁠
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Do you have something very special that you keep in a special place -- just for you? (I'm not talking about hiding those special cookies. 😉😂)⁠
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I love coffee mugs. But certain mugs are different than the others. One was a gift from a special friend. One looks a lot like one my grandfather let me drink from when I visited my grandparents. One is from Disney, and I don't let ANYONE use that one! ⁠
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Yes, these are "just things." But they are special to me, and anytime I pull one of these mugs out of the cabinet, I remember why it's special. Why it's different from the mugs that match my dishes.⁠
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In the Old Testament, “set apart” means to be ...⁠
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=> distinctly different.<= ⁠
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You are God’s faithful servant. He made you distinctly different from everyone else—for His purposes. God’s purposes for you are distinctly different from anyone else’s. ⁠
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In the New Testament when we read the words “set apart,” they have the added meaning of being sanctified, or holy.⁠
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God created you => to be holy for holy purposes. <=⁠
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One such purpose is to be a messenger of the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15)--showing others how they can be reconciled to God. What a privilege we have to be His messengers!⁠
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My prayer for you is the same as that of Paul's at the close of his letter to the Ephesian church: ⁠
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Whenever you speak [or write], may God give you words so you will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel and that you may declare it fearlessly, as you should. (Ephesians 6:19-20)⁠
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Be blessed today as you proclaim the gospel of peace to a world that is crying out for it!!⁠
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✨ What other holy purposes has God called you to?⁠
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Feb 10

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PSALM 15 IS SHORT, YET JAM-PACKED WITH GOODNESS.⁠ ⁠⁠
Tough goodness, but goodness all the same. I had to include all of it in my images. Scroll through the pages so you don't miss any of it.⁠⁠
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When I journaled through this Psalm, I was knee-deep in the edits for my Bible study, STANDING FIRM IN CHRIST: Biblical Principles for Fighting Spiritual Battles. Edits from my awesome editor and edits from my sweet friends who wanted this Bible study to be its best.⁠⁠
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Let me tell you, allowing trusted friends inside your writing world is scary! It's a good thing, but it can also sting. As I read through the psalmist's words, God brought a principle to my mind. You know the one--what's in our hearts shows up in our words (and even our thoughts!!).⁠⁠
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Psalm 15, explains that the *blameless person* enjoys a close relationship with God, and describes this person in detail. ⁠⁠
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This person SPEAKS TRUTH FROM THE HEART. In other words, it's not just the words this person speaks, but the response to difficult words! I wrote the following in my journal:⁠⁠
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"A blameless person's speech is wholesome. She doesn't just not curse--she encourages. AND she accepts criticism without being critical."⁠⁠
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Wow. That can be hard to do. Receiving edits can be a challenge. But what about when someone who cares about you confronts you (in love) about a difficult life issue? ⁠⁠
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How we respond to criticism is a test of what's really in our hearts.⁠⁠
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When our hearts are tender and match up with God's truth, our lives are built on a firm foundation that will never be shaken.⁠⁠
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✨ What other truths can we remember to keep our hearts tender instead of tough and critical?⁠⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers⁠ #StandingFirmBibleStudy⁠⁠
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#TruthInLove #Psalm15 ⁠⁠
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Feb 8

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OUR THOUGHTS OF GOD ARE NOT GREAT ENOUGH. -- J. I. Packer⁠
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The Scripture focus for Chapter 3 of ENJOYING INTIMACY WITH GOD, is Isaiah 40, which holds many favorite passages, including:⁠
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"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:31, NIV)⁠
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Isaiah 40 is lengthy, but oh, so beautiful. It was written to encourage Israel after her discipline (captivity in Babylon) was completed. God wanted them to know that He was fully worthy of their trust. ⁠
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It is an interesting contrast. It describes man’s utter weakness—and God’s transcendence. But this God who is so other than anything we know, LOVES **US**. The God who made the universe, who holds the oceans in His hands, who never grows weary—is our friend. ⁠
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Sanders shares the first verse from “How Great Thou Art.” It is fitting. ⁠
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O Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder⁠
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made⁠
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder⁠
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.⁠
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In what ways, as you move forward to serve our King, do you need to fully depend on God? ⁠
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I've been on somewhat of a social media hiatus--working tirelessly with my husband on some much needed household repairs/updates. Finding my way and rhythm back into this special world is a bit overwhelming!⁠
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Let's remember, God goes before us and strengthens us for all He calls us to do.⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers⁠
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#JOswaldSanders #EnjoyingIntimacyWithGod #HowGreatThouArt #JIPacker⁠
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Nov 18

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HOLY FATHER, GIVE ME GREAT LOVE FOR YOUR WORD AND THE TRUTH IN IT.⁠
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May the Holy Spirit illumine truth as I read its pages. Teach me to use your Sword as my weapon against Satan.⁠
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Help me to study it well, hiding its treasures in my heart.⁠
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Bring to mind truth from Your Word for my needs today. ⁠
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In Jesus's Name,⁠
Amen!⁠
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Collecting Scriptures as we read God's Word can be a great help for when we face temptation. Writing them in a journal on an index card or a sticky note keeps them "at the ready" for when we need them.⁠
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If you struggle with memorizing Scripture, I have a resource to help you hide God's Word in your heart:⁠
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The PSALMS Meditation Method is a set of worksheets that guides your meditation process so that you know a verse thoroughly, even though you may not have "memorized" it.⁠
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You can find it in my SHOP under "Bible Study Helps." (See the Instagram links in my bio.)⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers ⁠#SwordOfTheSpirit ⁠
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#StandingFirmBibleStudy #ArmorOfGod🗡🛡#CharacterOfChrist #PrayerIsAWeapon #WholeArmorOfGod #Ephesians 610 #StandFirmInYourFaith #BeStrongInTheLord #NamesOfGod #ArmorOfGodStudy #standfirminchrist #newbiblestudy #SpiritualBattles #NameOfGod  #standfirminthefaith #fullarmorofgod #Christlikeness #Ephesians6 #VictoryInJesus⁠

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Nov 12

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HOLY FATHER, PROTECT MY MIND WITH THE TRUTH FROM YOUR WORD.⁠ Bring to mind Scripture I have stored in my heart for my needs today. ⁠
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Where my mind is too busy, remind me to be still and know that You are God (Psalm 46:10) so I can sense the Holy Spirit's leading. ⁠
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For any thoughts that do not honor You, remind me to ⁠
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--set aside these thoughts⁠
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--shift my thinking⁠
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--and focus on things that are true, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise. ⁠
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In essence, I choose to worship YOU rather than anything else.⁠ (Philippians 4:8-9)⁠
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As I study Your Word, please move that truth from my mind to my heart so I experience life change.⁠
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Help me think properly about my circumstances today. ⁠
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In Jesus's Name,⁠
Amen!⁠
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Think about how your thought life affects your spiritual battles. Do any thoughts need to come under the authority of Jesus Christ?⁠
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Drop an emoji if you are wearing the Helmet of Salvation today! 🙏🙏🙏⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers ⁠#HelmetOfSalvation⁠
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#StandingFirmBibleStudy #ArmorOfGod🗡🛡#CharacterOfChrist #PrayerIsAWeapon #WholeArmorOfGod #Ephesians 610 #StandFirmInYourFaith #BeStrongInTheLord #NamesOfGod #ArmorOfGodStudy #standfirminchrist #newbiblestudy #SpiritualBattles #NameOfGod  #standfirminthefaith #fullarmorofgod #Christlikeness #Ephesians6 #VictoryInJesus

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Nov 9

Open
DO YOU CARE FOR LITTLE ONES OR AGED ONES?⁠
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Do you teach students?⁠
Do you move within the corporate world?⁠
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Are you walking through a valley of suffering?⁠
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What task has God given you in your arena of ministry? ⁠
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It doesn’t matter what it is, God wants us to give ourselves *fully* to the work He assigns us. ⁠
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And here’s the “why.”⁠
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“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58-59 NIV)⁠
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Our labor is in not in vain! Because, as the verses prior to these say, Jesus has conquered the sting of death. Through Him we have victory. ⁠
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Everything we do can point to Jesus so He receives glory in all our tasks. ⁠
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So if you’re feeling discouraged today, take heart. Victory is yours. God will use your efforts for His kingdom.  He loves you so. ⁠
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What work has God given you today? ⁠
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Double tap if you agree!⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers⁠ #StandFirmInChrist⁠
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Nov 6

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HOW TO CULTIVATE AN ATTITUDE OF THANKSGIVING ALL YEAR ROUND.⁠
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If you're like me, your mind is spinning with all the craziness of this week. You might even be a bit afraid of what the future holds. I know that I am doing a good amount of "instructing my heart" to trust the Lord. ⁠
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The best cure of worry and fear is a shift in focus -- from our circumstances to the One who controls them. With Thanksgiving approaching, this shift can include listing all the the wonderful ways God has cared for us in the past -- which builds our trust that He will continue to care for us in the coming days. ⁠
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Would you join me in focusing on the wonderful deeds of the Lord as Thanksgiving approaches? ⁠
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This 5-Day Mini Bible Study is a special Thanksgiving treat that will help you cultivate an attitude of thanksgiving (and trust) all year long.⁠ ⁠
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🦃 Get your copy from the Instagram link in my profile. 🦃⁠
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⁠Psalm 77:11-12 “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” 

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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers⁠
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#GiveThanksAlways #GiveThanksEveryDay #GiveThanksToTheLord #GiveThanksDaily #GiveThanks🙏 #GratefulHeart #Psalm136 #Psalm107 #Psalm100 #CountYourManyBlessings #CountYourManyBlessingsNameThemOneByOne #Psalm100 #PsalmOfTheDay #Psalms #Thanksgiving2020 #EnterHisGatesWithThanksgiving #EnterHisCourtsWithPraise⁠
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#LifeWithJesus #DevotionalTime #BibleVersesDaily #WordOfGodSpeak #GodsWordIsTruth #JesusAndCoffee #BibleStudyMoments  #InTheWord #BibleTruth ⁠

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Nov 4

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HOLY FATHER, I'M GRATEFUL THAT YOU PROTECT ME WITH THE SHIELD OF YOUR FAITHFULNESS (Psalm 91:4). ⁠
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Where the enemy tries to get me to doubt, remind me of the truth in Your Word that ... ⁠
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... although much in life changes, You remain the same (James 1:17). ⁠
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⁠Thank You for meeting my needs in the past. Because You are our Faithful God, I know You will meet my needs today. ⁠
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I know You can grow my small faith.⁠
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In Jesus's Name,⁠
Amen!⁠
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In your spiritual battles, where are you tempted to doubt God's plan? How has God met your needs in the past? Trust Him meet you now!!⁠
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Drop an emoji if you are using the Shield of Faith today!! 🙏🙏🙏⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers ⁠#ShieldOfFaith⁠ #GodIsFaithful #James117⁠
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#StandingFirmBibleStudy #ArmorOfGod🗡🛡#CharacterOfChrist #PrayerIsAWeapon #WholeArmorOfGod #Ephesians 610 #StandFirmInYourFaith #BeStrongInTheLord #NamesOfGod #ArmorOfGodStudy #standfirminchrist #newbiblestudy #SpiritualBattles #NameOfGod  #standfirminthefaith #fullarmorofgod #Christlikeness #Ephesians6 #VictoryInJesus

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Nov 2

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ISN'T IT JUST LIKE GOD TO USE SMALL THINGS TO ACCOMPLISH BIG THINGS?⁠
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Psalm 8:2 “Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.”⁠
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The NIV Application Commentary says, “The recognition of one’s own weakness is the starting point for recognizing dependence on the strength of God.”⁠
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Do you feel small in your efforts to serve God and others?⁠
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That’s okay!! ⁠
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God takes our meager offering and multiplies it to accomplish His purposes—not only in our lives, but in the world!!⁠
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What are some small efforts that make a big difference?⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers⁠ #Psalm8 #Psalm82⁠
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Oct 28

Open
⁠HOLY FATHER, I WANT YOUR PEACE TO RULE MY LIFE.⁠
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First, I confess my sin and thank You for Your forgiveness. ⁠
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Thank You that through Jesus, the Prince of Peace, I can have peace with You.⁠
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Please show me where I need to make amends in my relationships. ⁠
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Help me to humbly approach my friends and family and ask for forgiveness so peace can be restored in our relationships. ⁠
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And in my circumstances, where I am anxious and afraid, I fix my eyes on You and trust You to settle my heart and mind.⁠
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Father, please give me courage to share the Gospel of Peace with those who cross my path today. ⁠
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You've given me the great privilege of partnering with You to spread the gospel. Give me sensitivity to recognize when to speak up so others can hear the good news and know salvation.⁠
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In Jesus's Name,⁠
Amen!⁠
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In your personal spiritual battles, is there anyone with whom you need to reconcile?⁠
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How does Satan disrupt your peace? ⁠
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Drop an emoji if you want to share the gospel of peace today! 🙏🙏🙏 ⁠(kinda scary, huh!)⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers ⁠#GospelOfPeace #PrinceOfPeace⁠
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#StandingFirmBibleStudy #ArmorOfGod🗡🛡#CharacterOfChrist #PrayerIsAWeapon #WholeArmorOfGod #Ephesians 610 #StandFirmInYourFaith #BeStrongInTheLord #NamesOfGod #ArmorOfGodStudy #standfirminchrist #newbiblestudy #SpiritualBattles #NameOfGod  #standfirminthefaith #fullarmorofgod #Christlikeness #Ephesians6 #VictoryInJesus

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Oct 26

Open
HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU READ 1 CORINTHIANS 10:13?⁠
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I've read it many times, but something new popped out to me.⁠
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“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13, NIV)⁠
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It’s that last phrase … SO YOU CAN ENDURE IT.⁠
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Prior to the other day, whenever I thought about this verse, I thought about temptation LEAVING once I ESCAPED, by being obedient to take God’s way out.⁠
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But that’s not what the last phrase indicates. It says that we can ENDURE TEMPTATION. ⁠
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If you're like me, this offers great hope. Sometimes temptation sticks around. It doesn't just go away. That’s why it’s so important to wear the Helmet of Salvation and protect our minds with the Truth from God’s Word. ⁠
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Whatever temptation you are facing, God’s “way out” will help you ENDURE your temptation, especially if it is a lingering one. ⁠
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He is present—you don’t face it alone. He strengthens you each step of the way until you are clear of it.⁠
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Drop an emoji if you agree!⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers⁠ #HelmetOfSalvation #BeltOfTruth #StandingFirmBibleStudy ⁠
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#StudyScripture #LampToMyFeet #WordOfGodSpeaks #LovetheBible #LoveGodsWord #StudyGodsWord #BibleCommunity  #JesusIsTruth #BibleBeliever #BibleWisdom #LifeWithJesus #DevotionalTime #BibleVersesDaily #WordOfGodSpeak #GodsWordIsTruth #JesusAndCoffee #BibleStudyMoments  #InTheWord #BibleTruth #SeekHimFirst

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Oct 21

Open
⁠HOLY FATHER, THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS⁠ ⁠protects my heart--which is the core of who I am. ⁠
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May the truth of Your Word guard and protect my heart (Proverbs 4:23).⁠
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On my own, it is impossible to live righteously. ⁠
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As I yield my will to the Holy Spirit, however, You give me the power to live in victory. ⁠
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Give me the courage to surrender the areas of my life You put Your finger on.⁠
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May my time in Your Word work change in my heart so I can live the righteous life You desire.⁠
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In Jesus's Name,⁠
Amen!⁠
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In your personal spiritual battle, is there any area of your life where you need to surrender? ⁠
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What do your thoughts, words, and actions reveal about your heart?⁠
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Drop an emoji if you are wearing the Breastplate of Righteousness today! 🙏🙏🙏⁠
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I would consider it a privilege to partner in prayer with you. Feel free to send me a DM!⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers ⁠#BreastplateOfRighteousness⁠ #Proverbs423 #Ephesians 518⁠
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#StandingFirmBibleStudy #ArmorOfGod🗡🛡#CharacterOfChrist #PrayerIsAWeapon #WholeArmorOfGod #Ephesians 610 #StandFirmInYourFaith #BeStrongInTheLord #NamesOfGod #ArmorOfGodStudy #standfirminchrist #newbiblestudy #SpiritualBattles #NameOfGod  #standfirminthefaith #fullarmorofgod #Christlikeness #Ephesians6 #VictoryInJesus
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