Daily Bible Study #24

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. 
Deuteronomy 6:5 KJV
https://bible-strong.app


Deuteronomy 6
1 Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it:

2 That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.

3 Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey.

4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:

5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.

9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

10 And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not,

11 And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full;

12 Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.

13 Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.

14 Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you;

15 (For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.

16 Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted him in Massah.

17 Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee.

18 And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the LORD: that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers,

19 To cast out all thine enemies from before thee, as the LORD hath spoken.

20 And when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD our God hath commanded you?

21 Then thou shalt say unto thy son, We were Pharaoh’s bondmen in Egypt; and the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand:

22 And the LORD shewed signs and wonders, great and sore, upon Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his household, before our eyes:

23 And he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers.

24 And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day.

25 And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us.


Daily Bible Study #23

In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul. 
Psalms 94:19 KJV
https://bible-strong.app


Psalms 94
1 O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.

2 Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud.

3 LORD, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph?

4 How long shall they utter and speak hard things? and all the workers of iniquity boast themselves?

5 They break in pieces thy people, O LORD, and afflict thine heritage.

6 They slay the widow and the stranger, and murder the fatherless.

7 Yet they say, The LORD shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard it.

8 Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise?

9 He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?

10 He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, shall not he know?

11 The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity.

12 Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;

13 That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked.

14 For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.

15 But judgment shall return unto righteousness: and all the upright in heart shall follow it.

16 Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?

17 Unless the LORD had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in silence.

18 When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up.

19 In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.

20 Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee, which frameth mischief by a law?

21 They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood.

22 But the LORD is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge.

23 And he shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; yea, the LORD our God shall cut them off.



Thanks for reading and God bless.

Abyss

I open my eyes
and the devil is already telling me lies.

Mad at the world
for just being twirled.

Every step I take
filled with hate.

Everything I touch
takes too much.

Am I going insane?
Is something wrong with my brain?

Maybe I need to eat
or put up my feet.

Do I need a drink?
Is that the missing link?

Why am I so tired
and feel like I am on fire?

Something must be wrong,
I just don’t belong.

My world burns to the ground
without making a sound.

Someone help me please,
this is not me.

My inner thoughts are too loud,
noisy like a crowd.

My sanity bound.
My confidence, nowhere to be found.

I don’t understand
or know how much more I can withstand.

Then I see the crimson flow,
coming from below.

Clarity comes to mind
as my body refines.

Just another rollercoaster trip the abyss,
never to be missed.

Worshiping False Idols


The story found of Exodus 32 in the Bible describes when Moses went up mount Sinai to receive the ten commandments from God, he was away for 40 days and night. The Israelites asked Aaron to make them a new god while Moses was away. He took their golden earrings and other jewelry and made a golden calf from them. The golden calf was an idol that the people worshiped instead of the real God.
Moses then ordered the Levites to kill those who had participated in the worship of the golden calf, resulting in the death of 3,000 men. God then brought a plague upon the Israelites, further punishing them for their sin of idolatry.
This is not the only story that heeds us warning of worshiping false idols. After the Israelites entered the Promised Land, they often strayed from worshipping the true God and began worshipping the gods of the Canaanites, leading to their downfall and eventual exile. The book of 1st & 2nd Kings talks about this, time and time again, providing us with prime examples of what not to do. How does all this scripture correlate to today? Do people still worship false idols and golden calves?
We may not have massive golden statues we bow down to daily ( though some do), however we do have idols.
In the Bible, an idol is defined as anything that takes the place of God as the most important focus and priority in one’s life. Whether it’s a physical object, a person, or an idea, it all represents a misdirection of worship. A reliance on something other than the true God for blessing, help, or guidance. Anything and everything that takes focus away from God can become an idol. A new job, a favorite hobby,  games, television, books, social media, sports, etc.. The list can go on and on, to no end.

The Bible strongly condemns idolatry, as it is seen as a violation of the first commandment “You shall have no other gods before me.”. How important it must have been to declare it as the very first commandment.
While the concept of idolatry may seem outdated, it remains relevant in modern society, where people can easily become attached to things or ideas that overshadow their relationship with God.
The Bible emphasizes that God is the only one worthy of our worship and reverence. It warns with great detail, the consequences for those who do not follow His orders. Do you have an idol in your life today? Could you possibly do something different to refocus your attention on God. I challenge you today to redirect your thoughts and actions back to Father. Get rid of the idols in your life and give your life back to God where it belongs.
I am reminded of Matthew 7:21-23;

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

How awful would it be to hear God say this? Where are you with your walk with our heavenly Father?  Would He know you by name or would you plead for His remembrance? The choice is yours, it’s always been your choice. Who do you choose?


As always thanks for reading and God Bless.

Daily Bible Study #22

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James 1:12 KJV
https://bible-strong.app


James 1 KJV
1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:

10 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

11 For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.

12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.

17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.

27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.



Thanks for joining the daily Bible study. God bless.

My Brain

The space between my ears,
Is larger than it appears.

By measurement it is small,
not much bigger than a ball.

Yet it holds a sea of memories
And carries a vast  inventory of stories

It grows my hope and dreams
And protects what is important to me.

Just beyond the flesh and bone,
Is a world only I condone.

So vast it has no end,
unsure of where it begins.

Inside my mind I can walk a mile,
just to see the possum smile.

I can go for a ride
to the end of time

Or I can take a quick look
inside the volcano that shook

I can deep dive
inside a beehive

I can take a leap and never fall.
I can imagine things I’ve never saw.

I can fly high in the sky
and watch time pass me by.

Multiple floors and hidden doors.
Secret paths, different from the last.

Each twist and turn
a new level to learn.

Intricate and complex
Each one different from the next.

The place behind my eyes
I keep disguised
Not wanting just anyone to see
my reality.

So if you need me that’s where I’ll be.
Lost in my world of make believe,  happy and worry free.

Daily Bible Study #21

One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.
Psalms 27:4 KJV
https://bible-strong.app


Psalms 27
A Psalm of David.

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.

5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.

7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.

9 Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.

11 Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.

12 Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.

13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.



Thanks for reading and God bless

Unique Trees

This marvelous tree can be found in the rainforests of the Philippines, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. The Rainbow Eucalyptus can grow as high as 250 feet with a diameter of up to six feet. It displays wonderful colors as the bark peels away in strips to reveal a canvas of green, red, orange, gray, and purplish brown hues. The shedding process reveals new colors and patterns, uniquely striking each tree. This color change and its towering height and large circumstance make it a true natural wonder.
The ecological role of the rainbow eucalyptus is multifaceted. Its rapid growth and large size make it vital for maintaining the structural integrity of the rainforest.
It offers habitat and nourishment to a myriad of species, from the microorganisms that feed on its decaying leaves to birds that nest in its lofty branches. Importantly, its roots help stabilize the soil, preventing erosion and maintaining watershed health.


https://www.oneearth.org/species-of-the-week-rainbow-eucalyptus/





The traveller’s tree gets its name from its breathtaking (and almost ridiculous) fan of leaves, which is reputed to orientate itself so consistently that it can be used as a compass. The fan of leaves tends to grow roughly on an east-west line, which some believe can serve as a crude compass for travelers. An outgrown relative of the Bird of Paradise flower, the traveller’s tree has large, bright turquoise blue seeds that are covered by a fuzzy aril that is edible.
The plant’s name comes from the fact that the cupped bases of its leaves can hold rainwater, which travelers have historically used as a source of drinking water.

https://www.wanderlustmagazine.com/inspiration/unique-trees-around-the-world/


The sandbox tree is a large tree in the spurge family and native through most of tropical America. This  tree is among the largest trees of tropical America and is interesting for its pumpkin-shaped seed capsules that explode with a loud report, scattering the seeds. Sandbox trees have  poisonous leaves, bark, and seeds and the explosions of their capsules, which have enough force  to injure persons or livestock, can be deadly.
The sandbox tree is nearly 100 feet tall with a girth of more than 3.3 feet. The trunk is studded with short conical prickles. The long-stalked dark-green leaves cover a round-crowned high-branching tree. The globose seed capsules are 3 inches in diameter and were used in  colonial British West Indies as sandboxes for blotting ink. Some indigenous groups mix the poisonous latex with sand to stupefy fish.

https://www.britannica.com/plant/sandbox-tree




The jabuticaba tree, also known as the Brazilian grape tree, is a unique tropical plant native to southeastern Brazil. It is  famous for its fruit growing directly on the trunk and branches, resembling purple warts when in season. Jabuticaba trees thrive in humid climates and prefer moist, rich, slightly acidic soil. These trees are slow-growing, taking 8-10 years to produce their first fruits.
The sweet, juicy berries are edible and can be eaten raw or used to make jams, jellies, juices, and even wine. They are packed with nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The fruit provides a vital food source for many animals, including birds, monkeys, and bats, and the tree’s dense foliage provides habitat and shelter for wildlife.
In Brazil, the jabuticaba tree is an important cultural symbol, often featured in traditional folklore and local dishes and drinks.
The name “jabuticaba” is derived from the Tupi word “jabuti” (tortoise) and “caba” (place), meaning “place of the tortoise”.



https://specialtyproduce.com/produce/Jabuticaba_12325.php#:~:text=Jabuticaba%20is%20thought%20to%20have,to%20produce%20their%20first%20fruits.




The boojum tree and little known trees native to the Baja California and Sonora regions of Mexico. It thrives in arid desert environments. It stands out among the other desert plants with its unique silhouette. It’s shaped like an upside-down carrot with skinny branches reaching skyward.
One of the most interesting adaptations of boojum is how it stores water. The plant’s trunk gets bigger at the base, forming a bulb shape that holds water during periods of drought. Boojum can survive in the desert without rain for a long time, which is important for its survival.
Boojums are dormant during the warmer months. During the winter, boojums grow very slowly, adding only about 2 inches to their height each year. The Boojum tree may look a bit bare with its skinny branches and small leaves, but when it flowers it is a sight to behold. As they break dormancy in late summer to early fall, clusters of tubular flowers pop up from the tips of its branches. The blooms paint the desert landscape with subtle colors of white and pink.



https://btarboretum.org/the-boojum-tree/#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20most%20interesting,is%20important%20for%20its%20survival.


I hope you enjoyed reading. Have a great day and God bless.

Are you lost?

What activities do you lose yourself in?

What activities do you lose yourself in and why?

I have a handful of activities that I lose myself in, which may seem like a lot but in the grand scheme of things,  it is a miniscule number. First and foremost I enjoy getting lost in the moment with my family. I am creating memories that will hopefully last a lifetime. My children are only little for a little while so I try to make the most of it. One day this leisure will be gone and transformed into something different based on the ever changing circumstances. Just like a child reaching each milestone the experiences shape and change each day, never to be visited again for most of them. Each second is a moment in time to never get back  This is by far my favorite pastime.

Second would be writing of course. I am a quiet, introverted person who despises crowds and small talk. Writing allows me to share the thousands of conversations or thoughts that occupy my mind and at any given moment. It also helps to me sort through emotions and understand the world around me. Writing is a brain exercise that releases something in a way that is hard to describe. By writing, the ink on the pages takes the weight of the world, each letter weighing more than meets the eye. Writing has always been a part of me and I think always will.

Third would be reading. I can mentally jump into a story and see every aspect. The world fades away and I am absorbed into the scenes. I love psychological thrillers that keep me on the edge of my seat and have me anticipating the next page. I adore historical literature that tells forgotten stories of a simpler time. I have traveled to foreign lands and sat with great queens and kings. I have danced with fairies in the gardens and traveled to worlds unknown. I have witnessed magical powers and watched potions save the day. With a story, a new perspective is just a sentence away.

Lastly, I enjoy coloring. The act of picking the perfect color for anything brings me great joy. The only thing that could possibly make it better is if the color has tons and tons of sparkles. Glittery gel pens are my go to for an eye pleasing pop of color. 

These are the things that I become lost in and evidently, discover myself in as well.

Anyone Look Up Last Night?

I have always loved the stars and typically track meteor showers and eclipses. The Bible talks about how God hung the stars in the sky for us. I now can pass my love for stars to my children and often have them outside to watch the spectacles. I even bought my son a telescope a few years ago mainly so I could use it also 🤣. Last night was no different as I perched myself just right to view God’s amazing work. I didn’t capture totality and I am no photographer but here are a few pictures I really like.



After all the hype and excitement my five year old daughter  looks at me and says, “Your telling me all we are looking at is a shadow on the moon.”  She was not impressed 🤣.  I wished I could have gotten better pictures, maybe next time. Thanks for reading and God bless.

Heather Congrove

Stay informed with curated content and the latest headlines, all delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe now to stay ahead and never miss a beat!

Skip to content ↓