Paula Wiseman

Faith and life meet in a story

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A Gift from Jesus

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But to each one of us, grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift. Ephesians 4:7
 
I've never put grace on my Christmas list.
 
But that's what Jesus Christ is giving me. (It's in the Bible, so it's not a big secret.) That's what He's giving all of His children, all of His brothers and sisters this year.
 
He reaches into His limitless storehouse and measures it out. Perfectly. Exactly what I need. It fits me just right.
 
And He expects me to use it, not leave it sitting in the box until next year. It cost far too much for that.
 
Thing is, I don't have to wait until December 25th to receive it. It's available anytime I ask.
 
And He doesn't mind if I re-gift it.

 

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Study Tip: Read and Reread

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Today I have an easy study tip for you. You'll be amazed not only by what you learn, but by what you retain if you put it into practice.

Read and reread.

That's it. Take the passage you are studying and read through it multiple times. (Rick Warren recommends at least 5 times in his Bible Study Methods book.) It's up to you to decide if you prefer reading in one sitting or spreading it out. I tend to glaze over if I do it at one sitting, but it takes a little more planning to get multiple readings in several days in advance.

For example, if you attend (or teach) a Sunday Bible study or small group (you know, Sunday school), start today and read through the lesson passage. Don't try to mark it, highlight it, or analyze it. Just read it. Repeat daily the rest of the week and by class time or lesson prep time, you'll have a tremendous foundation ready for God to build on.

Here's a special Christmas season project for you. This week, read Matthew 1 each day, maybe even in the evening with the family. Next week, read Matthew 2. The following week read Luke 1, and the week after that Luke 2. Soak in the details and the wonder of God who clothed Himself in flesh, and chose to live among us and identify with us.

Happy reading and re-reading!

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