Tag Archives: Christ

Bible open to Matthew

Mindfully Meditating on Matthew chapter 6 or MMM6

Mindfully Meditating in Matthew chapter six

(c) 2023 M. Christine Wildman

Mindfully Meditating in Matthew, the collection of these studies
(First 100 days of 2023, day 37, Feb 6)

Passage
Matthew Chapter Six

It doesn’t matter which version you choose. It can be digital or paper. You can use one of those fancy coloring bibles and do a page or coloring along with the passage.

I will mostly do Homan Christian Standard Bible because of their copyright freedoms.

  • Matthew 6
    • Mt 6:1-4  Quiet Giving
      • 2 So whenever you give to the poor, don’t sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be applauded by people. I assure you: They’ve got their reward!
    • Mt 6:5-8 Privately Pray
      • 6 But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you
    • Mt 6:9-13 The Lord’s prayer
    • Mt 6:14-15 Forgiveness
      • 14 “For if you forgive people their wrongdoing,[i] your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. 15 But if you don’t forgive people,[j] your Father will not forgive your wrongdoing.[k]
        • Matthew 18:21-35
          •  35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
        • Luke 6:37
          • “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
        • Mark 11:25
          • And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
        • Ephesians 4:32
          • Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
        • Colossians 3:13
          • Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
    • Mt 6:16- 18 Secret Fasting
      • 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head, and wash your face, 18 so that you don’t show your fasting to people but to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.[
    • Mt 6:19-24 Treasures, The Eye and Masters
      • 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
      • 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light.
      • 24 “No one can be a slave of two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot be slaves of God and of money.
        • Choose today whom you will serve –
          • Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
        • MMM19
    • Mt 6:25-34 Anxieties
      • 25 “This is why I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing?
      • 27 Can any of you add a single cubit to his height[o] by worrying?
      • 33 But seek first the kingdom of God[q] and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. 34 Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
      • 1 Peter 5:7
        • 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
      • Mt 10:30-31

Mindful Meditating

  1. choose a verse,
  2.  set a timer for 5 minutes, or whatever works for you.
  3.  example: Matt 6:33
  4. repeat to yourself, and at each word, enunciate the next word in the sentence starting with the first word…

example:

  • 33 But seek first the kingdom of God[q] and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.
  • BUT seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness
  • but SEEK first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness
  • but seek FIRST the Kingdom of G0d and His righteousness
  • but seek first THE Kingdom of God and His righteousness

…and so on.  This will cause you to look at the verse more intently, and may have you memorize it before your five minutes are done.

A lovely color page of the Lord’s Prayer

A set of many different coloring pages for the Lord’s prayer

Quick Questions – if  you have time, or to think about over the course of the day, and jot down thoughts later.

  1. Consider your giving and if it is in secret
    1. your answer
  2. Do you know the Lord’s Prayer? Is it the same as is written in your Bible?
    1. your answer
  3. Do you pray the Lord’s prayer?
    1. Your answer
  4. What is the key to being forgiven?
    1. your answer – and Open Bible has a list of verses that go along with forgiveness

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

Older woman with shades of coral in jewelry and sweater, glasses, silver and brown hair.

M. Christine Wildman

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

Bible open to Matthew

Mindfully Meditating on Matthew chapter 10

Mindfully Meditating in Matthew, the collection of these studies
(First 100 days of 2023, day 41, Feb 10)

Passage

Matthew Chapter 10

It doesn’t matter which version you choose. It can be digital or paper. You can use one of those fancy coloring bibles and do a page or coloring along with the passage.

I will mostly do Homan Christian Standard Bible because of their copyright freedoms.

  • Matthew 10
    • Mt 10:1-4 Commissioning the Twelve
      • Summoning His 12 disciples, He gave them authority over unclean spirits, to drive them out and to heal every[a] disease and sickness.
    • Mt 10:5-15 The pattern for ministering
      • stay away from Samaria (right now)
      • 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with skin diseases, drive out demons. You have received free of charge; give free of charge.
      • don’t take money – for the worker is worthy of his food.
      • hosting missionaries – 11 “When you enter any town or village, find out who is worthy, and stay there until you leave.
    • Mt 10:16- 25 Persecution is coming – be prepared
      • 16 “Look, I’m sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as serpents and as harmless as doves.
      • 20 because you are not speaking, but the Spirit of your Father is speaking through you.
      • 22 You will be hated by everyone because of My name. But the one who endures to the end will be delivered.[g]
    • Mt 10:26-31 Don’t fear, worth more than sparrows
    • Mt 10:32-39 The division cost by belief
      • 32 “Therefore, everyone who will acknowledge Me before men, I will also acknowledge him before My Father in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father in heaven.
      • 37 The person who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; the person who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38 And whoever doesn’t take up his cross and follow[m] Me is not worthy of Me. 39 Anyone finding[n] his life will lose it, and anyone losing[o] his life because of Me will find it.
    • Mt 10:40– 42Welcoming Christ Welcomes the Father
      • 40 “The one who welcomes you welcomes Me, and the one who welcomes Me welcomes Him who sent Me.

Mindful Meditating

  1. choose a verse,
  2.  set a timer for 5 minutes, or whatever works for you.
  3.  example: Matt 5:48
  4. repeat to yourself, and at each word, enunciate the next word in the sentence starting with the first word…

example:

  • 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
  • BE perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
  • Be PERFECT, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
  • Be perfect, THEREFORE, as your heavenly Father is perfect

…and so on.  This will cause you to look at the verse more intently, and may have you memorize it before your five minutes are done.

Various 12 Apostles of Jesus coloring pages to print out.

Quick Questions – if  you have time, or to think about over the course of the day, and jot down thoughts later.

  1. What was the job of th disciples? what were they sent to do?
    1. Your answer
  2. Can we do what the disciples did? why or why not?
    1. your answer
  3. Why does Christ bring a sword to families and churches?
    1. I like how GotAnswers deals with this question.
  4. How can you apply the welcoming bit to your own life?
    1. Your answer

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

Older woman with shades of coral in jewelry and sweater, glasses, silver and brown hair.

M. Christine Wildman

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

Bible open to Matthew

Mindfully Meditating on Matthew chapter 5 or MMM5

 

Mindfully Meditating on Matthew chapter 5

(c)2023 M. Christine Wildman

Mindfully Meditating in Matthew, the collection of these studies
(First 100 days of 2023, day 36, Feb 5)

Passage

Matthew Chapter Five

It doesn’t matter which version you choose. It can be digital or paper. You can use one of those fancy coloring bibles and do a page or coloring along with the passage.

I will mostly do Homan Christian Standard Bible because of their copyright freedoms.

  • Matthew Five
    • Mt 5: 2-11 The Beatitudes
      • Poor in Spirit
        • heart struggles, humbled or humiliated?
        • kingdom of heaven given to them
      • Mourn
        • sorry for their sins
        • shall be comforted
      • Meek (Gentle)
        • now their need for a savior, compassionate
        • shall inherit the world
      • Hunger and thirst after righteousness
        • working out their own salvation, seeking rightness with God
        • Ps 81:10 I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.
        • shall be filled
      • Merciful
        • extending the mercy they received
        • shown mercy
      • Pure in Heart –
        • Ps 119:9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word
        • 1 John 2:1-2 We’ve sinned, we have an advocate
        • Romans 5:10  reconciled through Christ
        • keeping their heart cleansed
        • Will See God
      • Peacemakers
        • Bridging the gap between God and man
        • called sons of God
      • Persecuted for Righteousness Sake
        • John 15:18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.
        • Matthew 10:22 You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.
        • theirs is the Kingdom of God
      • Mt 5:11-12
        • 11 “You are blessed when they insult and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of Me. 12 Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
    • You are the Light of the World in a flame

      (c)Mary Jo

      Mt 5:13-16 we are to be Salt and Light

      • 16 In the same way, let your light shine[c] before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
      • Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
      • Itty Bitty Bible Study Ephesians 2:1-10
    • Mt 5:17-20 Christ came to fulfill the law
      • 20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
    • Mt 5:21-22 Anger = murder
    • Mt 5:23-26 Conflict Resolution Needed
    • Mt 5: 27-30 lust of the Eyes – deadly
    • Mt 5:31-32 Divorce and Remarriage
    • Mt 5:33-37 Truthfulness
      • Ps 12, Psalm 26:4, Ps 141:3, Pr 13:3 ,
      • Prov 21:23 Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.
      • Pr 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
      • 37 But let your word ‘yes’ be ‘yes,’ and your ‘no’ be ‘no.’[q] Anything more than this is from the evil one.
    • Mt 5:38-42 Go the second mile
    • Mt 5:43-48 Love and pray for your enemies
      • 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Mindful Meditating

  1. choose a verse,
  2.  set a timer for 5 minutes, or whatever works for you.
  3.  example: Matt 5:48
  4. repeat to yourself, and at each word, enunciate the next word in the sentence starting with the first word…

example:

  • 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
  • BE perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
  • Be PERFECT, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
  • Be perfect, THEREFORE, as your heavenly Father is perfect

…and so on.  This will cause you to look at the verse more intently, and may have you memorize it before your five minutes are done.

Beatitudes Adult Coloring pages to choose from

Quick Questions – if  you have time, or to think about over the course of the day, and jot down thoughts later.

  1. Why did Jesus go up on a mountain to speak?
    1. too many article – what do you think?\
  2. If you had to choose one Beatitude to be your favorite, which one would it be?
    1.  your answer
  3. What do you think about being Salt and/or Light?
    1. your answer
  4. what does it mean to be perfect like God?\
    1. I like this article – Ligonier study on Be ye Perfect
    2. This goes a little deeper, I think – Patheos – being Perfect

~~~~~~~

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

Older woman with shades of coral in jewelry and sweater, glasses, silver and brown hair.

M. Christine Wildman

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

Bible open to Matthew

Mindfully Meditating on Matthew chapter 4 or MMM4

 

(c) 2023 M. Christine Wildman

Mindfully Meditating in Matthew, the collection of these studies
(First 100 days of 2023, day 35, Feb 4)

Passage

Matthew Chapter Four

It doesn’t matter which version you choose. It can be digital or paper. You can use one of those fancy coloring bibles and do a page or coloring along with the passage.

I will mostly do Homan Christian Standard Bible because of their copyright freedoms.

  • Matthew 4
    • Mt 4:1-11 The Temptation of Christ
      • 4 But He answered, “It is written:
      • 7 Jesus told him, “It is also written: Do not test the Lord your God.”[
      • 10 Then Jesus told him, “Go away,[f] Satan! For it is written:
        • The basis for spiritual warfare – knowing the Word of God
    • Mt 4:12-17 Ministry Begins
      • 17 From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near!”
    • Mt 4:18-22 Calling Peter, Andrew, James and John
      •  20 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.
      • 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed Him.
    • Mt 4:23- 25 Teaching and ministry
      • 24 Then the news about Him spread throughout Syria. So they brought to Him all those who were afflicted, those suffering from various diseases and intense pains, the demon-possessed, the epileptics, and the paralytics. And He healed them.

Image by Scottish Guy from Pixabay

Mindful Meditating

  1. choose a verse,
  2.  set a timer for 5 minutes, or whatever works for you.
  3.  example: Matt 4:7
  4. repeat to yourself, and at each word, enunciate the next word in the sentence starting with the first word…

example:

  • 7 Jesus told him, “It is also written: Do not test the Lord your God.”
  • JESUS told him, it is also written…
  • Jesus TOLD him, it is also written…
  • Jesus told HIM, it is also written…

…and so on.  This will cause you to look at the verse more intently, and may have you memorize it before your five minutes are done.

Temptation of Christ- digital or print it out (right click, choose save image and put it in your pictures folder to print out)

Quick Questions – if  you have time, or to think about over the course of the day, and jot down thoughts later.

  1. What do you think the three temptations stand for?
    1. Biblical Christianity says this, which I agree with, but my answer relates to 1 John 2:16
  2. Who else preached “repent”, and why do you think this is what Jesus was preaching?
    1. your answer
  3. What does the calling of the four disciples tell us about how we should respond?
    1. your answer

~~~~~~~

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

Older woman with shades of coral in jewelry and sweater, glasses, silver and brown hair.

M. Christine Wildman

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

Bible open to Matthew

Mindfully Meditating on Matthew Chapter 8 or MMM 8

Mindfully Meditating in Matthew, the collection of these studies
(First 100 days of 2023, day 39, Feb 8)

(c)2023 M. Christine Wildman

Passage

Matthew Chapter 8

It doesn’t matter which version you choose. It can be digital or paper. You can use one of those fancy coloring bibles and do a page or coloring along with the passage.

I will mostly do Homan Christian Standard Bible because of their copyright freedoms.

 

  • Matthew 8
    • mt 8:1-4 Cleanses the Leper
      • 3 Reaching out His hand He touched him, saying, “I am willing; be made clean.” Immediately his disease was healed.[a]
        • leprosy was considered the outcome of sin
        • lepers were outcasts
        • lepers were unclean but Jesus TOUCHED him – how long had it been since he’d been touched.
    • Mt 8:5-13 the Centurion’s faith
      • 5 When He entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, 6 “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, in terrible agony!”
      • 7 “I will come and heal him,” He told him.
      • 8-9 The power of authority with faith
      • 10 Hearing this, Jesus was amazed and said to those following Him, “I assure you: I have not found anyone in Israel with so great a faith!
      • 11 I tell you that many will come from east and west, and recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.
        • indication that the Kingdom of God is not just for Jews!
    • Mt 8:14-17 Peter’s Mother in Law
      • 7 so that what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:He Himself took our weaknesses
        and carried our diseases.
      • 16 When evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. He drove out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick,
    • Mt 8:18-22 counting the cost
      • 20 Jesus told him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.”
    • Mt 8:23-27 the Winds and Waves obey
      • 24 Suddenly, a violent storm arose on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves. But He was sleeping. 25 So the disciples came and woke Him up, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to die!”
        • these were fishermen, they knew the seriousness of the storm.
      • 26 But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, you of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea. And there was a great calm.
      • 26 But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, you of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea. And there was a great calm.
    • Mt 8: 28-34 Gadarene Demoniacs and Swine
      • 29 Suddenly they shouted, “What do You have to do with us,[j][k] Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?”
        • they knew who He was
      • 32 “Go!” He told them. So when they had come out, they entered the pigs. And suddenly the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and perished in the water.
        • The pigs committed suicide rather than live with demons in their heads.
      • 34 At that, the whole town went out to meet Jesus. When they saw Him, they begged Him to leave their region.

Image by FaithGiant from Pixabay

Mindful Meditating

  1. choose a verse,
  2.  set a timer for 5 minutes, or whatever works for you.
  3.  example: Matt 8:3
  4. repeat to yourself, and at each word, enunciate the next word in the sentence starting with the first word…

example:

  • 3 Reaching out His hand He touched him, saying, “I am willing; be made clean.”
  • REACHING out His hand He touched him, saying,…
  • Reaching OUT His hand He touched him, saying…
  • Reaching out HIS hand He touched him, saying…

…and so on.  This will cause you to look at the verse more intently, and may have you memorize it before your five minutes are done.

Matthew 8:27 coloring page to print

Quick Questions – if  you have time, or to think about over the course of the day, and jot down thoughts later.

  1. Why did Jesus touch the leper? the law made that unclean for a period of time.
    1.  I think the key is in the words “Immediately his disease was healed.”  I don’t believe the leper was leprous when Jesus touched him, that the healing power was instantaneous.  But the power of the at of touching the leper can be explained by Church Militants article.
  2. Why does the Bible say that after Peter’s mother-in-law was healed that she got up and served them?
    1. The Gospel Coalition has thoughts on Peter’s mother-in-law.
  3. Why were the disciples amazed at Jesus calming the storm?
    1. – your answer
  4. Why did the Gadarenes ask Jesus to leave the region? does that make sense to you?
    1.  – your answer

~~~~~~~

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

Older woman with shades of coral in jewelry and sweater, glasses, silver and brown hair.

M. Christine Wildman

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

Bible open to Matthew

Mindfully Meditating on Matthew chapter 3 or MMM3

Mindfully Meditating in Matthew, the collection of these studies
(First 100 days of 2023, day 34, Feb 3)

Meditating on Matthew chapter 3Passage

Matthew Chapter Three

It doesn’t matter which version you choose. It can be digital or paper. You can use one of those fancy coloring bibles and do a page or coloring along with the passage.

I will mostly do Homan Christian Standard Bible because of their copyright freedoms.

  • Matthew 3
    • Mt 3:1-12 John the Baptist
      •  2 and saying, “Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near!”
      • “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Therefore produce fruit consistent with[c] repentance. 
      • 11 “I baptize you with[d] water for repentance,[e] but the One who is coming after me is more powerful than I. I am not worthy to remove[f] His sandals. He Himself will baptize you with[g] the Holy Spirit and fire.
    • Mt 3:13-17  Jesus’s Baptism
      • 15 Jesus answered him, “Allow it for now, because this is the way for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him to be baptized.
      • 16 After Jesus was baptized, He went up immediately from the water. The heavens suddenly opened for Him,[i] and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on Him. 17 And there came a voice from heaven: This is My beloved Son.
        I take delight in Him!

        • heavens opened
        • spirit of God like a dove
        • voice from heaven
        • WOW!!!

Image by Scottish Guy from Pixabay

Mindful Meditating

  1. choose a verse,
  2.  set a timer for 5 minutes, or whatever works for you.
  3.  example: Matt 3:17
  4. repeat to yourself, and at each word, enunciate the next word in the sentence starting with the first word…

example:

  • 17 And there came a voice from heaven: This is My beloved Son.
    I take delight in Him!
  • THERE came a voice from heaven: This is my beloved Son, I take delight in Him!
  • There CAME a voice from heaven: This is my beloved Son, I take delight in Him!
  • There came A voice from heaven:

…and so on.  This will cause you to look at the verse more intently, and may have you memorize it before your five minutes are done.

Jesus’ Baptism coloring page – digital or print it out (right click, choose save image and put it in your pictures folder to print out)

Quick Questions – if  you have time, or to think about over the course of the day, and jot down thoughts later.

  1. Who was John the Baptist? He just shows up.
    1. Bible Study Tools – John the Baptist
  2. Why do you think he wore camels cloth and ate locusts?
    1. Bible Speak – Camel Hair
    2. Bible Ask – honey and locusts
  3. Why didn’t John know that he had to baptize Jesus?
    1. Got Questions – Jesus’ Baptism

~~~~~~~

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

Older woman with shades of coral in jewelry and sweater, glasses, silver and brown hair.

M. Christine Wildman

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

Bible open to Matthew

Mindfully Meditating on Matthew Chapter Two – MMM2

Mindfully Meditating in Matthew, the collection of these studies
(First 100 days of 2023 day 32, Feb 2)

(c) 2023 M. Christine Wildman

Passage Matthew chapter Two

It doesn’t matter which version you choose. It can be digital or paper. You can use one of those fancy coloring bibles and do a page or coloring along with the passage.

I will mostly do Homan Christian Standard Bible because of their copyright freedoms.

 

  • Matthew Two–
    • 2:1
      • After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived unexpectedly in Jerusalem,
    • 2:6 Prophecy
      • And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
        are by no means least among the leaders of Judah:
        because out of you will come a leader
        who will shepherd My people Israel.”[c]
    • 2:9 The star was back
      • 9 After hearing the king, they went on their way. And there it was—the star they had seen in the east![e] It led them until it came and stopped above the place where the child was.
    • 2:13 Angelic Warning
      • 13 After they were gone, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Get up! Take the child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. For Herod is about to search for the child to destroy Him.”
    • 2:16-18 murders
    • 2:19-23 Joseph listens to Angels

 

Image by Scottish Guy from Pixabay

Mindful Meditating

  1. choose a verse,
  2.  set a timer for 5 minutes, or whatever works for you.
  3.  example: Matt 1:18a
  4. repeat to yourself, and at each word, enunciate the next word in the sentence starting with the first word…

example:

  • 18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about
  • THIS is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about
  • This IS how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about
  • This is HOW the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about.

…and so on.  This will cause you to look at the verse more intently, and may have you memorize it before your five minutes are done.

Matthew 2:9 Coloring Page

Quick Questions – if  you have time, or to think about over the course of the day, and jot down thoughts later.

  1. How  many  wise  men?
    1. CrossWalk about the Three Wise Men
  2. What was King Herod  meaning when he said “so that I too can go and worship Him”?
    1. this is up to you
  3. why did Herod try to kill Jesus?
    1. Billy Graham’s ministry has an idea.
  4. how old was Jesus when the Magi came?
    1. Never Thirsty explains the various items in this scenario.
  5. How many prophecies did the birth of Jesus fulfill?
    1. Answers in Genesis has some thoughts about that.

~~~~~~~

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

Older woman with shades of coral in jewelry and sweater, glasses, silver and brown hair.

M. Christine Wildman

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

2023 First 100 days – day 22 – Wisdom and Praise

2023 First 100 Days – day 22 – January 22

Image by Yerson Retamal from Pixabay

Wisdom and Praise Collection

Psalm 22, 52, 82, 112, 142 and Proverb 22

Messiah, Mighty Men, Place of the Gods, Hallelujah, and then – Prayer for the Distressed.

Proverbs has some interesting tidbits.

Let’s Dig In!

  • Psalm 22 – Jesus’s Psalm on the Cross
    • Ps 22:1 
    • Ps 22:7
    • Ps 22:8
      • “He relies on[d] the Lord;
        let Him rescue him;
        let the Lord[e] deliver him,
        since He takes pleasure in him.”
      • Matt 27:43
    • Ps 22:12-13
      • Many bulls surround me;
        strong ones of Bashan encircle me.
        13 They open their mouths against me—
        lions, mauling and roaring.
      • Luke 21:20,
    • Ps 22:1-21 article by Witness Lee
    • Ps 22:22-31 Praises
      • 25 I will give praise[k] in the great congregation
        because of You;
        I will fulfill my vows
        before those who fear You.[l]
        26 The humble[m] will eat and be satisfied;
        those who seek the Lord will praise Him.
        May your hearts live forever!
  • Ps 52 – The Pride of a Mighty Man
    • Ps 52:1-7
      • Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually.
      • 2 The tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.
      • 3 Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah.
      • 7 Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.
    • Ps 51:8-9 blessing of him that trusts in God
      • 8 But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.
      • 9 I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints.
    • Songs for Psalm 52
  • Psalm 82 – a place of gods
    • Ps 82:1
      • God has taken His place in the divine assembly;
        He judges among the gods:[a]
    • Ps 82:2-4
      • God’s instruction to “gods” – good for government and leaders, too
        • “How long will you judge unjustly
          and show partiality to the wicked?Selah
          3 Provide justice for the needy and the fatherless;
          uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute.
          4 Rescue the poor and needy;
          save them from the power of the wicked.”
    • Ps 82:8
      • Rise up, God, judge the earth,
        for all the nations belong to You.
  • Psalm 112 
    • Ps 112:1
      • Hallelujah![a]
        Happy is the man who fears the Lord,
        taking great delight in His commands.
    • Ps 112:4
      • Light shines in the darkness for the upright.
        He is gracious, compassionate, and righteous.
    • Ps 112:7-8 assurance
      • He will not fear bad news;
        his heart is confident, trusting in the Lord.
        8 His heart is assured; he will not fear.
        In the end he will look in triumph on his foes.
    • Songs for Ps 112
  • Psalm 142 – David’s Prayer Journal – distress and deliverance
    • Ps 142:1-3
      • I cry aloud to the Lord;
        I plead aloud to the Lord for mercy.
        2 I pour out my complaint before Him;
        I reveal my trouble to Him.
        3 Although my spirit is weak within me,
        You know my way.
    • Ps 142:5-6
      • I cry to You, Lord;
        I say, “You are my shelter,
        my portion in the land of the living.”
        6 Listen to my cry,
        for I am very weak.
        Rescue me from those who pursue me,
        for they are too strong for me.
  • Proverb 22
    • Pr 22:1 Go To
      • A good name is to be chosen over great wealth;
        favor is better than silver and gold.
    • Pr 22:4 Go To
      • The result of humility is fear of the Lord,
        along with wealth, honor, and life.
    • Pr 22:6
      • Teach a youth about the way he should go;
        even when he is old he will not depart from it.
    • Pr 22:9
      • A generous person[c] will be blessed,
        for he shares his food with the poor.
    • Pr 22:10
      • Drive out a mocker, and conflict goes too;
        then quarreling and dishonor will cease.
    • Pr 22:17-18
      • Listen closely,[d] pay attention to the words of the wise,
        and apply your mind to my knowledge.
        18 For it is pleasing if you keep them within you
        and if[e] they are constantly on your lips.
    • Pr 22:24-25
      • Don’t make friends with an angry man,[h]
        and don’t be a companion of a hot-tempered man,
        25 or you will learn his ways
        and entangle yourself in a snare.

~~~~~~~

Hi!
My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links:

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze
There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

2023 First 100 days – day 4 Reading Wisdom and Praise

2023 First 100 days – Wisdom and Praise day 4

(first 100 days day 4)


Ps 4, 34, 64, 94, 124 and Proverbs 4

Today’s readings in Psalms have similarities. They all deal with crying out in distress, asking for help and answered prayer, and they end with a beautiful declaration.

Proverbs continues to give us counsel on how to be wise.

  • Psalm 4 – a cry in distress with a declaration of faith
    • 1 Answer me when I call,
      God, who vindicates me.[a]
      You freed me from affliction;
      be gracious to me and hear my prayer.
    • 7 You have put more joy in my heart
      than they have when their grain and new wine abound.
      8 I will both lie down and sleep in peace,
      for You alone, Lord, make me live in safety.
  • Psalm 34 – Response to Psalm 4
    • 4 I sought the Lord, and He answered me
      and delivered me from all my fears.
  • Psalm 34 – many “go to” verses to hide in our heart
    • 1-2 I[b] will praise the Lord at all times;
      His praise will always be on my lips.
      2 I will boast in the Lord;
      the humble will hear and be glad.
    • 7 The Angel of the Lord encamps
      around those who fear Him, and rescues them.
    • 8 Taste and see that the Lord is good.
      How happy is the man who takes refuge in Him!
    • 13-14 Keep your tongue from evil
      and your lips from deceitful speech.
      14 Turn away from evil and do what is good;
      seek peace and pursue it.
    • hope when in despair – The Lord is near the brokenhearted;
      He saves those crushed in spirit.
  • Psalm 64  – a longer version of Ps 4
    • 1 God, hear my voice when I complain.
      Protect my life from the terror of the enemy.
    • 10 The righteous one rejoices in the Lord
      and takes refuge in Him;
      all those who are upright in heart
      will offer praise.
  • Psalm 94 – God is a just God
    • fair is that every gets equally, just is that it’s based on legal requirements
    • God is a judge, and He judges good and evil based on His laws.
    • mercy is that we are not dealt with according to our transgressions, no punishment is applied.
    • grace is that we are able to come before a Holy God and make the requests and out cries of Psalm 4, and Psalm 64 or any other out cry in distress, because if we were judged according to our transgressions, we would not be able to stand before a Holy God.
    • Psalm 94 training
      • 12 Lord, happy is the man You discipline
        and teach from Your law
        13 to give him relief from troubled times
        until a pit is dug for the wicked.
    • Psalm 94 my defender
      • 16 Who stands up for me against the wicked?
        Who takes a stand for me against evildoers?
    • Psalm 94 My protector from suicide
      • 17 If the Lord had not been my helper,
        I would soon rest in the silence of death.
        18 If I say, “My foot is slipping,”
        Your faithful love will support me, Lord.
        19 When I am filled with cares,
        Your comfort brings me joy.
  • Psalm 124 – declaration of Deliverance
    • 6 Praise the Lord,
      who has not let us be ripped apart by their teeth.
      7 We have escaped like a bird from the hunter’s net;
      the net is torn, and we have escaped.
      8 Our help is in the name of Yahweh,
      the Maker of heaven and earth.
  • Proverbs 4 – Still talking about listening and learning to be wise.
    • Pr 4 – the beauty of wisdom
      • 5 Get wisdom, get understanding;
        don’t forget or turn away from the words of my mouth.
        6 Don’t abandon wisdom, and she will watch over you;
        love her, and she will guard you.
        7 Wisdom is supreme—so get wisdom.
        And whatever else you get, get understanding.
        8 Cherish her, and she will exalt you;
        if you embrace her, she will honor you.
        9 She will place a garland of grace on your head;
        she will give you a crown of beauty.”
    • Pr 4 two paths of which to choose
      • 18 The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
        shining brighter and brighter until midday.
        19 But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom;
        they don’t know what makes them stumble.
    • Pr 4 the most important point
      • 23 Guard your heart above all else,[a]
        for it is the source of life. 

 There are  many “go to” verses to memorize in today’s readings.  What I mean by a “go to” verse is something that touches my heart and is important for me to remember in times of trouble, stress, depression, suicidal thoughts, pain and many more.  

Another reason is Psalm 119:11

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

The cries for deliverance in these psalms also point out the need to be in a right relationship with the God of the universe through His son Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit living inside of us.  

Is there something from today’s readings that you would like to memorize?  Let me know.  If you have trouble with memorizing, ask me for help.  I have several methods I’ve used over the years.  The most successful one, though is having the verses put to music and singing it all day long.  

Psalm 63:7  NIV

Because you are my help,
    I sing in the shadow of your wings.

Hi! My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links.

Thanks for joining me in this journey, In His hands and under His wings, ~Christi Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

M. Christine Wildman“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear. If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation. If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.

2023 First 100 days – day 3 Reading Wisdom and Praise

2021 First 100 days – day 3, January 3

(first 100 days – day 3)

Image by James Chan from Pixabay

Psalm 3, 33, 63, 93, 123 Proverb 3

  • Psalm 3 – Cry for deliverance
    • Ps 3:1 Lord, how my foes increase!
      There are many who attack me.
      2 Many say about me,
      “There is no help for him in God.”Selah
      3 But You, Lord, are a shield around me,  my glory, and the One who lifts up my head.
      4 I cry aloud to the Lord,
      and He answers me from His holy mountain.Selah
  • Psalm 33 – a Song of Creation
    • Psalm 33: 6 The heavens were made by the word of the Lord,
      and all the stars, by the breath of His mouth.
      7 He gathers the waters of the sea into a heap;[a]
      He puts the depths into storehouses.
      8 Let the whole earth tremble before the Lord;
      let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.
      9 For He spoke, and it came into being;
      He commanded, and it came into existence.
  • Psalm 63 – One of my favorites – I’ll write more later.
  • Psalm 93 and Psalm 123 echo each other
    • Ps 93 – the glory of the Lord
      • The Lord reigns! He is robed in majesty;
        The Lord is robed, enveloped in strength.
        The world is firmly established;
        it cannot be shaken.
  • Psalm 123 – the glory of the Lord
      • I lift my eyes to You,
        the One enthroned in heaven.
  • the Prayer for today,
    • Psalm 63:1-4
      • God, You are my God; I eagerly seek You.

        I thirst for You;
        my body faints for You
        in a land that is dry, desolate, and without water.
        2 So I gaze on You in the sanctuary
        to see Your strength and Your glory.

        3 My lips will glorify You
        because Your faithful love is better than life.
        4 So I will praise You as long as I live;
        at Your name, I will lift up my hands

Proverbs 3 begins with author crying out “My son, don’t forget my teaching”. It goes on to talk about wisdomm, and how to set oneself up for a happy life, a secure life. Here’s a bit that is familiar:

Proverbs 3: 5-7 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; 6 think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.[b] 7 Don’t consider yourself to be wise; fear the Lord and turn away from evil.

I said I’d write more about Psalms 63.  It is one of my favorite Psalms.  It gave and gives me great comfort in times of struggle, with those with whom I interact.

Ps 63: 1

God, You are my God; I eagerly seek You.
I thirst for You;
my body faints for You
in a land that is dry, desolate, and without water.

Do  you hear the despair in the heart?

It reminds me of:

Psalm 42: 1 KJV

As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.

Then it swells into a song of praise:

Psalm 63:2-5

So I gaze on You in the sanctuary to see Your strength and Your glory. 3 My lips will glorify You because Your faithful love is better than life. 4 So I will praise You as long as I live; at Your name, I will lift up my hands. 5 You satisfy me as with rich food;[a] my mouth will praise You with joyful lips.

There is then, a confession of belief: Psalm 63:6-8

When I think of You as I lie on my bed, I meditate on You during the night watches 7 because You are my helper; I will rejoice in the shadow of Your wings. 8 I follow close to You; Your right hand holds on to me.

I prefer the NIV version of verse 7

7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

Psalm 63:9-11 is a profession of deliverance from these things that are disrupting, destroying, and causing despair. Ps 63:11(NIV)

11 But the king will rejoice in God; all who swear by God will glory in him, while the mouths of liars will be silenced.

Do you hear the release of the struggle? At least a momentary reprieve in the midst of the pain? Do you feel the strength being breathed into the soul that they have a deliverer on their side? Someone has their back.  In times when I have felt that there is no way out of the intense despair that I am feeling, Psalm 63 is a life line for me.

Image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay

This webpage has been a place where I have shared my history with suicide, depression, and such.  Today, one of my lifelines is part of reading wisdom and praise.  Reading the Word of God daily is a lifeline for me.  If you are struggling, I hope that you can find your psalm or proverb that can be your lifeline or lifelineS.

Hi! My hope in the midst of despair and my joy in the face of depression is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. If you do not have one, or are not sure you will join him in heaven, please check out these links.

Thanks for joining me in this journey, In His hands and under His wings, ~Christi Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

M. Christine Wildman“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear. If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation. If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Copyrights and Legal-eze There are many organizations that support children and families. Here are ones that we are blessed to be a part of. Please consider sponsoring a child – the life you change could be your own.