• HOME
  • Blog
  • ABOUT
    • Meet Dianne
    • Meet Jesus!
    • Book Recommendations
    • What I Believe
    • Contact Me
  • Resources
  • Categories
    • Meaningful Quiet Times
    • Consistent Bible Study
    • Praying with Purpose
    • The Christian Life
  • Shop
  • View Cart
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
Dianne Thornton

Dianne Thornton

May 30, 2019 · Leave a Comment

Are You A Rule Follower?

This post may contain affiliate links. You may read my Disclosure Policy here.

The Christian Life

8shares
Are you a rule follower? I don't know anyone who loves to follow the rules. But there are times when following the rules is for our benefit!

Are you a rule follower? I don't know anyone who loves to follow the rules. But there are times when following the rules is for our benefit!Are you a rule follower? There are rules for everything. Rules for games and sports. Rules for punctuation, and rules for completing math problems. Even rules for how we behave at work and at school.

In some cases, the word guidelines might be more effective. Some of us simply aren’t rule followers. We want to do things our own way. No matter the consequences. We think we know better. And sometimes we might.

But when we don’t, things can fall apart.

For Israel, part of possessing the Promised Land included conquering and removing the nations that lived there. By the time Joshua was an old man, the land of the Philistines was yet to be conquered. Because Israel didn’t finish the work assigned to them, the Philistines remained one of their constant enemies.

At the end of the period of the Judges, the Battle of Aphek is worth noting. The Philistines defeated Israel and four thousand were lost. The elders decided to bring the Ark of the Covenant into the camp and carry it with them into the next battle, thinking this would give them victory. When the Philistines heard about it, they became terrified. When it came time to fight, they fought even harder and defeated Israel again. This time they captured the Ark, thinking it would bring them victory. But it did not. Instead, it wreaked havoc in their temple. The Philistines went to sleep one night and woke the next with all their idols prostrate before the Ark. After seven months, they returned it to Israel (1 Samuel 4-7).

So much for thinking. Neither side understood. It wasn’t the Ark that brought victory, it was God—and following His leading.

According to Nelson’s International Bible Commentary, the Ark remained in Kiriath Jearim for about 100 years, until King David decided to bring it back to Jerusalem.1 But he didn’t follow God’s commands for handling it, and as a result, Uzzah died. Eventually, David realized his mistake and made sure the Ark was transported according to God’s detailed plan. David and all Israel danced with joy when the Ark was finally returned to Jerusalem.

How does this strike you? In one sense, it kind of gets under my skin. But in another sense, “Hello, my name is Dianne, and I’m a rule follower—usually.” I’m a people pleaser. I want to do the right things at the right time. But just as often, I want my own way. And when my way runs headlong against God’s, I find myself in trouble.

When our ways run headlong against God's, we're headed for trouble.

All this can make us think of legalism—that word none of us like. What is legalism, anyway? It can be many things:

  • Following the rules thinking it results in salvation
  • Adding more to God’s already stated commands, like the Pharisees did, thus making it a burden to obey them
  • Applying to others what God told us to do
  • Walking by sight, and not by faith

It’s not God’s will to burden us with a list of do’s and don’ts. Jesus told His disciples that when we join ourselves to Him, we walk with a much lighter load. Jesus bears the burden of everything concerning us (Matthew 11:28-30).

God is loving and kind. God’s purpose is for us to experience a full and meaningful life (John 10:10). Not a life without trouble (John 16:33), but one that is rich and satisfying. Any instruction He gives us is for our benefit and/or our protection.

In the case of the Ark, the details about its care were to remind Israel of God’s holiness. When they followed God’s commands regarding its handling, they demonstrated reverence to their holy God.

God’s Word gives us the instructions we need for following and pleasing Him. These “rules” are not burdensome. Instead, they give life (Psalm 119:130) and freedom (James 1:25). God isn’t looking for another rule follower. He’s looking for hearts that obey Him out of love.

Israel didn’t get it. The used the Ark as a tool instead of seeking God for His direction.

The Philistines didn’t get it. They trusted in their many gods for protection and victory. The Ark, to them, was just another idol.

King David didn’t get it–at first. But when he remembered God’s instructions, and when he followed them, he and all Israel celebrated victory!

Sometimes we don’t get it, either. Next time we find ourselves facing a choice to be a rule follower or go our own way, let’s rethink the why behind “the rule.” When we obey, we avoid trouble!

 

More …

Broken and Beautiful
Are You and God Friends With Benefits


1Radmacher, Earl D., Ronald Barclay Allen, and H. Wayne House. Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary. Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers, 1999. Print.

(Visited 218 times, 1 visits today)
8shares

Subscribe to Receive a Free 5-day Mini Bible Study

Image

I would love to connect with you personally! Subscribe to my newsletter to receive regular encouragement in your walk with Christ, and get instant access to your free 5-Day Bible Study. Your personal information is important to me. I will not share it with, or sell it to, anyone. See my Privacy Policy here.

Previous Post: « More of God — REVIEW
Next Post: How Our Words Can Brighten Our World »

Reader Interactions

If this is your first time commenting, your comment is held for moderation. Unless otherwise provided, I only retain your IP Address for the purpose of reducing spam on my site. You may read my full Privacy Policy here.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Primary Sidebar

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Readers Are Reading …

  • 3 Ways God's Word Cleanses Us
  • When God's Word Takes Root In Your Heart
  • 3 Ways God's Word Encourages Our Hearts
  • Not a Sparrow Falls WITHOUT Your Father Knowing
  • A Little Loved Lamb

Feb 17

24 3
Open
AS HIS FAITHFUL SERVANT, GOD HAS **SET YOU APART** ➡️ FOR HIMSELF!!⁠
⁠
Wow. That's powerful. ⁠
⁠
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. 😉😂)⁠
⁠
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! ⁠
⁠
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.⁠
⁠
In the Old Testament, “set apart” means to be ...⁠
⁠
=> distinctly different.<= ⁠
⁠
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. ⁠
⁠
In the New Testament when we read the words “set apart,” they have the added meaning of being sanctified, or holy.⁠
⁠
God created you => to be holy for holy purposes. <=⁠
⁠
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!⁠
⁠
My prayer for you is the same as that of Paul's at the close of his letter to the Ephesian church: ⁠
⁠
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)⁠
⁠
Be blessed today as you proclaim the gospel of peace to a world that is crying out for it!!⁠
⁠
-----------⁠
✨ What other holy purposes has God called you to?⁠
⁠
⁠
#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers⁠
⁠
#GodsPurpose #SetApart #TheGospel ⁠
⁠
#ReadingTheWord #EveryDayWithJesus #BibleAndCoffee  #QuietTimeWithJesus #BibleBlog #BibleQuotesOfTheDay #FixYourEyesOnJesus #ReadTheBibleDaily #ScriptureDaily #JesusChick #StudyTheBible #GodsWisdom #BibleStudies #GodIsEnough #MorningDevo #WordOfLife #BibleScriptures #WordBeforeWorld #Devotions  #JesusFollower

AS HIS FAITHFUL SERVANT, GOD HAS **SET YOU APART** ➡️ FOR HIMSELF!!⁠
⁠
Wow. That's powerful. ⁠
⁠
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. 😉😂)⁠
⁠
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! ⁠
⁠
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.⁠
⁠
In the Old Testament, “set apart” means to be ...⁠
⁠
=> distinctly different.<= ⁠
⁠
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. ⁠
⁠
In the New Testament when we read the words “set apart,” they have the added meaning of being sanctified, or holy.⁠
⁠
God created you => to be holy for holy purposes. <=⁠
⁠
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!⁠
⁠
My prayer for you is the same as that of Paul's at the close of his letter to the Ephesian church: ⁠
⁠
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)⁠
⁠
Be blessed today as you proclaim the gospel of peace to a world that is crying out for it!!⁠
⁠
-----------⁠
✨ What other holy purposes has God called you to?⁠
⁠
⁠
#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies #FaithfulFollowers⁠
⁠
#GodsPurpose #SetApart #TheGospel ⁠
⁠
#ReadingTheWord #EveryDayWithJesus #BibleAndCoffee #QuietTimeWithJesus #BibleBlog #BibleQuotesOfTheDay #FixYourEyesOnJesus #ReadTheBibleDaily #ScriptureDaily #JesusChick #StudyTheBible #GodsWisdom #BibleStudies #GodIsEnough #MorningDevo #WordOfLife #BibleScriptures #WordBeforeWorld #Devotions #JesusFollower
...

Feb 10

19 6
Open
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.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
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.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
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!!).⁠⁠
⁠⁠
Psalm 15, explains that the *blameless person* enjoys a close relationship with God, and describes this person in detail. ⁠⁠
⁠⁠
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:⁠⁠
⁠⁠
"A blameless person's speech is wholesome. She doesn't just not curse--she encourages. AND she accepts criticism without being critical."⁠⁠
⁠⁠
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? ⁠⁠
⁠⁠
How we respond to criticism is a test of what's really in our hearts.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
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.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
✨ What other truths can we remember to keep our hearts tender instead of tough and critical?⁠⁠
⁠⁠
#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers⁠ #StandingFirmBibleStudy⁠⁠
⁠⁠
#TruthInLove #Psalm15 ⁠⁠
⁠⁠
#ReadingTheWord #EveryDayWithJesus #BibleAndCoffee  #QuietTimeWithJesus #BibleBlog #BibleQuotesOfTheDay #FixYourEyesOnJesus #ReadTheBibleDaily #ScriptureDaily #JesusChick #StudyTheBible #GodsWisdom #BibleStudies #GodIsEnough #MorningDevo #WordOfLife #BibleScriptures #WordBeforeWorld #Devotions  #JesusFollower

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.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
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.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
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!!).⁠⁠
⁠⁠
Psalm 15, explains that the *blameless person* enjoys a close relationship with God, and describes this person in detail. ⁠⁠
⁠⁠
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:⁠⁠
⁠⁠
"A blameless person's speech is wholesome. She doesn't just not curse--she encourages. AND she accepts criticism without being critical."⁠⁠
⁠⁠
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? ⁠⁠
⁠⁠
How we respond to criticism is a test of what's really in our hearts.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
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.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
✨ What other truths can we remember to keep our hearts tender instead of tough and critical?⁠⁠
⁠⁠
#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies #FaithfulFollowers⁠ #StandingFirmBibleStudy⁠⁠
⁠⁠
#TruthInLove #Psalm15 ⁠⁠
⁠⁠
#ReadingTheWord #EveryDayWithJesus #BibleAndCoffee #QuietTimeWithJesus #BibleBlog #BibleQuotesOfTheDay #FixYourEyesOnJesus #ReadTheBibleDaily #ScriptureDaily #JesusChick #StudyTheBible #GodsWisdom #BibleStudies #GodIsEnough #MorningDevo #WordOfLife #BibleScriptures #WordBeforeWorld #Devotions #JesusFollower
...

Feb 8

28 9
Open
OUR THOUGHTS OF GOD ARE NOT GREAT ENOUGH. -- J. I. Packer⁠
⁠
The Scripture focus for Chapter 3 of ENJOYING INTIMACY WITH GOD, is Isaiah 40, which holds many favorite passages, including:⁠
⁠
"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)⁠
⁠
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. ⁠
⁠
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. ⁠
⁠
Sanders shares the first verse from “How Great Thou Art.” It is fitting. ⁠
⁠
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.⁠
⁠
In what ways, as you move forward to serve our King, do you need to fully depend on God? ⁠
⁠
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!⁠
⁠
Let's remember, God goes before us and strengthens us for all He calls us to do.⁠
⁠
#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers⁠
⁠
#JOswaldSanders #EnjoyingIntimacyWithGod #HowGreatThouArt #JIPacker⁠
⁠
#StudyScripture #LampToMyFeet #WordOfGodSpeaks #LovetheBible #LoveGodsWord #StudyGodsWord #BibleCommunity #JesusIsTruth #BibleBeliever #BibleWisdom #LifeWithJesus #DevotionalTime #BibleVersesDaily #WordOfGodSpeak #GodsWordIsTruth #JesusAndCoffee #BibleStudyMoments  #InTheWord #BibleTruth #SeekHimFirst

OUR THOUGHTS OF GOD ARE NOT GREAT ENOUGH. -- J. I. Packer⁠
⁠
The Scripture focus for Chapter 3 of ENJOYING INTIMACY WITH GOD, is Isaiah 40, which holds many favorite passages, including:⁠
⁠
"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)⁠
⁠
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. ⁠
⁠
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. ⁠
⁠
Sanders shares the first verse from “How Great Thou Art.” It is fitting. ⁠
⁠
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.⁠
⁠
In what ways, as you move forward to serve our King, do you need to fully depend on God? ⁠
⁠
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!⁠
⁠
Let's remember, God goes before us and strengthens us for all He calls us to do.⁠
⁠
#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies #FaithfulFollowers⁠
⁠
#JOswaldSanders #EnjoyingIntimacyWithGod #HowGreatThouArt #JIPacker⁠
⁠
#StudyScripture #LampToMyFeet #WordOfGodSpeaks #LovetheBible #LoveGodsWord #StudyGodsWord #BibleCommunity #JesusIsTruth #BibleBeliever #BibleWisdom #LifeWithJesus #DevotionalTime #BibleVersesDaily #WordOfGodSpeak #GodsWordIsTruth #JesusAndCoffee #BibleStudyMoments #InTheWord #BibleTruth #SeekHimFirst
...

Jan 6

52 24
Open
Yesterday marked 30 years of loving this man!

According to tradition, the 30th anniversary is the Pearl Anniversary. I don’t know exactly why, but I surmise it’s because of how a pearl is formed inside an oyster.

A grain of sand, or some other irritant, finds its way inside. The oyster produces a substance that coats the irritant, eventually forming a pearl.

Irritants are plentiful in marriage. Tim & I have certainly had more than a few. Some of our own making, some we didn’t ask for. But God has been gracious and merciful to us. He has taught us how to love each other through them. He has taught us how to forgive when the irritant is something one of us did to cause the other pain. We are still learning. 

You could say love and forgiveness have formed in our marriage a string of pearls. 

There is no one else I’d rather walk this life with. Tim is God’s precious gift to me.

I love you, Sweetheart.

💞 What have you found that makes a difference in your marriage? That keeps you connected to your spouse? 💞

#diannethorntontx

 #PearlAnniversary #Married30Years #30thWeddingAnniversary #MarriageRocks #BlessedMarriage #GodAtTheCenter #GodCenteredMarriage #LoveCoversAMultitudeOfSins #LoveAndForgiveness

Yesterday marked 30 years of loving this man!

According to tradition, the 30th anniversary is the Pearl Anniversary. I don’t know exactly why, but I surmise it’s because of how a pearl is formed inside an oyster.

A grain of sand, or some other irritant, finds its way inside. The oyster produces a substance that coats the irritant, eventually forming a pearl.

Irritants are plentiful in marriage. Tim & I have certainly had more than a few. Some of our own making, some we didn’t ask for. But God has been gracious and merciful to us. He has taught us how to love each other through them. He has taught us how to forgive when the irritant is something one of us did to cause the other pain. We are still learning.

You could say love and forgiveness have formed in our marriage a string of pearls.

There is no one else I’d rather walk this life with. Tim is God’s precious gift to me.

I love you, Sweetheart.

💞 What have you found that makes a difference in your marriage? That keeps you connected to your spouse? 💞

#diannethorntontx

#PearlAnniversary #Married30Years #30thWeddingAnniversary #MarriageRocks #BlessedMarriage #GodAtTheCenter #GodCenteredMarriage #LoveCoversAMultitudeOfSins #LoveAndForgiveness
...

Dec 11

30 15
Open
THIS GIRL AMAZES ME!  She came over early so the Tim-Man could change out her tie rods. Well, the other day she purchased the right tools (including jack stands and a hydraulic jack) and replaced her strut and spring coil assemblies and the sway bar links ALL BY HERSELF!! Her daddy was SO PROUD when she showed him. 

This is so beyond me. But I am a proud mama! Happy Birthday, sweet girl!! We love you!! 

#diannethorntontx #girlscandoanything #proudmama❤️ #mustanggirl  #stanggang

THIS GIRL AMAZES ME! She came over early so the Tim-Man could change out her tie rods. Well, the other day she purchased the right tools (including jack stands and a hydraulic jack) and replaced her strut and spring coil assemblies and the sway bar links ALL BY HERSELF!! Her daddy was SO PROUD when she showed him.

This is so beyond me. But I am a proud mama! Happy Birthday, sweet girl!! We love you!!

#diannethorntontx #girlscandoanything #proudmama❤️ #mustanggirl #stanggang
...

Dec 7

48 28
Open
Claudia and I put together James’s Christmas arrangement. Still missing him like crazy. Yet we rejoice that James is celebrating Christmas with His Savior. 

⁠
#diannethorntontx #siblinglove #therewereneversuchdevotedsisters #griefjourney

Claudia and I put together James’s Christmas arrangement. Still missing him like crazy. Yet we rejoice that James is celebrating Christmas with His Savior.

⁠
#diannethorntontx #siblinglove #therewereneversuchdevotedsisters #griefjourney
...

Nov 18

21 11
Open
HOLY FATHER, GIVE ME GREAT LOVE FOR YOUR WORD AND THE TRUTH IN IT.⁠
⁠
May the Holy Spirit illumine truth as I read its pages. Teach me to use your Sword as my weapon against Satan.⁠
⁠
Help me to study it well, hiding its treasures in my heart.⁠
⁠
Bring to mind truth from Your Word for my needs today. ⁠
⁠
In Jesus's Name,⁠
Amen!⁠
⁠
----⁠
⁠
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.⁠
⁠
If you struggle with memorizing Scripture, I have a resource to help you hide God's Word in your heart:⁠
⁠
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.⁠
⁠
You can find it in my SHOP under "Bible Study Helps." (See the Instagram links in my bio.)⁠
⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
⁠
#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers ⁠#SwordOfTheSpirit ⁠
⁠
#StandingFirmBibleStudy #ArmorOfGod🗡🛡#CharacterOfChrist #PrayerIsAWeapon #WholeArmorOfGod #Ephesians 610 #StandFirmInYourFaith #BeStrongInTheLord #NamesOfGod #ArmorOfGodStudy #standfirminchrist #newbiblestudy #SpiritualBattles #NameOfGod  #standfirminthefaith #fullarmorofgod #Christlikeness #Ephesians6 #VictoryInJesus⁠

HOLY FATHER, GIVE ME GREAT LOVE FOR YOUR WORD AND THE TRUTH IN IT.⁠
⁠
May the Holy Spirit illumine truth as I read its pages. Teach me to use your Sword as my weapon against Satan.⁠
⁠
Help me to study it well, hiding its treasures in my heart.⁠
⁠
Bring to mind truth from Your Word for my needs today. ⁠
⁠
In Jesus's Name,⁠
Amen!⁠
⁠
----⁠
⁠
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.⁠
⁠
If you struggle with memorizing Scripture, I have a resource to help you hide God's Word in your heart:⁠
⁠
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.⁠
⁠
You can find it in my SHOP under "Bible Study Helps." (See the Instagram links in my bio.)⁠
⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
⁠
#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies #FaithfulFollowers ⁠#SwordOfTheSpirit ⁠
⁠
#StandingFirmBibleStudy #ArmorOfGod🗡🛡#CharacterOfChrist #PrayerIsAWeapon #WholeArmorOfGod #Ephesians 610 #StandFirmInYourFaith #BeStrongInTheLord #NamesOfGod #ArmorOfGodStudy #standfirminchrist #newbiblestudy #SpiritualBattles #NameOfGod #standfirminthefaith #fullarmorofgod #Christlikeness #Ephesians6 #VictoryInJesus⁠
...

Nov 12

22 9
Open
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. ⁠
⁠
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. ⁠
⁠
For any thoughts that do not honor You, remind me to ⁠
⁠
--set aside these thoughts⁠
⁠
--shift my thinking⁠
⁠
--and focus on things that are true, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise. ⁠
⁠
In essence, I choose to worship YOU rather than anything else.⁠ (Philippians 4:8-9)⁠
⁠
As I study Your Word, please move that truth from my mind to my heart so I experience life change.⁠
⁠
Help me think properly about my circumstances today. ⁠
⁠
In Jesus's Name,⁠
Amen!⁠
⁠
-----⁠
⁠
Think about how your thought life affects your spiritual battles. Do any thoughts need to come under the authority of Jesus Christ?⁠
⁠
Drop an emoji if you are wearing the Helmet of Salvation today! 🙏🙏🙏⁠
⁠
#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers ⁠#HelmetOfSalvation⁠
⁠
#StandingFirmBibleStudy #ArmorOfGod🗡🛡#CharacterOfChrist #PrayerIsAWeapon #WholeArmorOfGod #Ephesians 610 #StandFirmInYourFaith #BeStrongInTheLord #NamesOfGod #ArmorOfGodStudy #standfirminchrist #newbiblestudy #SpiritualBattles #NameOfGod  #standfirminthefaith #fullarmorofgod #Christlikeness #Ephesians6 #VictoryInJesus

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. ⁠
⁠
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. ⁠
⁠
For any thoughts that do not honor You, remind me to ⁠
⁠
--set aside these thoughts⁠
⁠
--shift my thinking⁠
⁠
--and focus on things that are true, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise. ⁠
⁠
In essence, I choose to worship YOU rather than anything else.⁠ (Philippians 4:8-9)⁠
⁠
As I study Your Word, please move that truth from my mind to my heart so I experience life change.⁠
⁠
Help me think properly about my circumstances today. ⁠
⁠
In Jesus's Name,⁠
Amen!⁠
⁠
-----⁠
⁠
Think about how your thought life affects your spiritual battles. Do any thoughts need to come under the authority of Jesus Christ?⁠
⁠
Drop an emoji if you are wearing the Helmet of Salvation today! 🙏🙏🙏⁠
⁠
#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies #FaithfulFollowers ⁠#HelmetOfSalvation⁠
⁠
#StandingFirmBibleStudy #ArmorOfGod🗡🛡#CharacterOfChrist #PrayerIsAWeapon #WholeArmorOfGod #Ephesians 610 #StandFirmInYourFaith #BeStrongInTheLord #NamesOfGod #ArmorOfGodStudy #standfirminchrist #newbiblestudy #SpiritualBattles #NameOfGod #standfirminthefaith #fullarmorofgod #Christlikeness #Ephesians6 #VictoryInJesus
...

  • Copyright © 2020 – Dianne Thornton | Pearland, Texas
  • Disclosure & Privacy Policy

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Reject Privacy & Cookie Policies
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.