April Exemplify Magazine

exemplify magazine
April 2010
March 2010
WALKING THROUGH
SPIRITUAL DEPRESSION
ministry: online!
how much information is
too much information?
New Testament
Apologetics
Study
2 Great
Giveaways!
pages
23 & 59
content
010 040
April 2010
Worship
2 © exemplify magazine
features interactive
TIME SET APART P.26 CREATIVE WORSHIP FOR KIDS
Karin Fendick encourages a quiet P.18
escape with your husband. Let your kids make Jesus smile!
REFLECTIONS ON HEARING THE HOW TO WORSHIP WITHOUT

VOICE OF GOD P.28 WORDS P.20
Marsha Harwood feature. Can we worship without speaking?
WITNESS TO THOSE IN PRISON BOOK REVIEWS WITH DEBORAH

P.38 P.32 Unless otherwise noted
Interview with Kelli Regan. A look at Plain Jayne.
Scripture taken from the
SACRIFICE OF WORTHSHIP P.68 CONTINUOUS WORSHIP P. 34 HOLY BIBLE, NEW IN-
Lynn Mosher feature. Is it possible to worship continuously? TERNATIONAL VER-
SION®. Copyright © 1973,
in the word TITUS 2 ADVICE COLUMN P. 37
Ask Christine.
1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by
permission of Zondervan. All
HE WILL PUT NEW LIFE IN US P.10
CUP O’ COURAGE BRIMMING WITH
rights reserved.
A look at Christ’s final week before the
Cross. BLESSING P. 48
In the kitchen fun!
FINDING BEAUTY IN THIS TIME & graphic credits
PLACE P.12
Single Journey Column Graphics found on pages
WOMEN IN THE WORD P. 14

in Exemplify 10, 14, 18, 52
purchased via
New Column!
letteringdelights.com
EDITOR’S NOTE P. 4
PURPOSED WORSHIP P. 43 Kristen Schiffman says hi!
Devotional 43, 44
MEET THE TEAM P.6 courtesy of Iris Nelson
PREPARING TO DO HIS THANG P. Get to know Exemplify’s writers.
52 23, 38, 56
Includes a quiet time plan. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT P.24 sxc.hu
A look at what is going on at Exem-
THE ANCIENT GATES P. 56 plify’s web channels.
A look at Psalm 24. all other graphics
purchased via Dreamstime.com
HER HOPE P. 60
front
Thoughts on worship in times of sor-
row.
giveways MINISTRY ONLINE: OUCH! TOO

MUCH INFORMATION P.42
SCRIPTURE STICKIES GIVEAWAY! Should some things be off limits?
P.23
Win a 6 Month Subscription! PRAISING IN THE DESERT: WALK-
ING THROUGH SPIRITUAL DE-
MARRIAGE CONFERENCE TICKET PRESSION P.44
GIVEAWAY! P.59 New Column!
Win 1 of 3 tickets to the A Woman
Inspired Marriage Conference! A NEW KIND OF HISTORY P.63
Apologetics column.
©IrisNelson
As of Late
Join Kristen on the 15th of
each month to share what
you’ve been learning, loving
and listening to
as of late.
exemplifyonline.com/editor
What better month for the theme of worship than this Resurrection Month? As we celebrate the
death-defying life of our Savior King , what compulsory praise beats through our hearts!
This month we bring you content pointing the way to Life. It is my prayer each of these articles will
birth in you an authentic response - a response to His Holiness - that leaves you astounded by the
power of the cross & our Risen Christ.
I’ve wondered this last week aloud, “What does worship look like? What sizes, shapes, colors and
creativity does it run in?”
It is with joy I present these pages to you - a medley of worship-filled overflow.
I think I have my answer today.
What does worship look like? It looks like lives sold out for the glory and renown of Jesus Christ; lives
and hearts bowed before the throne of the King of Kings.
He is risen. And He is coming again.
Be blessed this glorious day.
In King Jesus,
Kristen Schiffman
5 © exemplify magazine www.inspiredheartsmedia.com

Meet the Magazine Team
Kristen Schiffman
Founder & Ministry Director
A New Yorker living in Texas, Kristen is just trying to make sense of sweet
tea and A/C units. Together with her best friend & husband, Eric, she enjoys
sketching out new ideas over Starbuck’s.
Kristen’s passion is equipping those in leadership to serve with excellence,

encouraging women to get to know God through His Word and challenging
women to live out their God-given purpose.
Andrea Mitchell
Editor-in-Chief/Director of Web Content/Family Columnist
Andrea Mitchell is a coffee drinking, Jesus-loving wife and stay-at-home mom of
three in constant search of just the right mug for her brew. You can find her at her
blog, UnderGraceOverCoffee.com where she shares the love she has found in
Jesus, along with the caffeine-laden randomness that makes up the majority of
her day. Grab your cup and come on over!
Christy McGraw
Director of Social Networking/Single Channel Editor/Columnist
Christy is on a journey to becoming a woman after God’s own heart. She de-
lights in books, photography, her family and her friends. Christy has a heart
for young women and single women. She also loves emails! thesinglejour-
ney@gmail.com
Christine Johnston
Director of Communications/Titus 2 Columnist
Christine is a self professed “knitster” who loves watching a scarf come to life.
She is the mother of four children, three of whom are full grown and one still mak-
ing her way through high school. She is married to her high school sweetheart
and loves going on lunch dates with him during the week. Christine’s steady and
sure faith in Christ, her value of justice and her compassion for that which Christ
has compassion on daily shape her Titus 2 calling.
Tara Rachel
Director of Ministry Support/ Fiction & Apologetics Column/ Web Editor
Tara Rachel is a born-and-bred Southern girl who loves sweet tea, Jesus, and
football - and not necessarily in that order. Visit her at Musings of a Future Pas-
tor’s Wife, where she blogs about her day-to-day life as the wife of a seminary
student/youth pastor and mom to a precious toddler girl, and the daily truths the
Lord teaches her.
Judith Roberts
Interview Columnist
Judith Roberts has been married to her college sweetheart for four years,
the team
and both she and her husband are active in their church. She is a college
instructor pursuing her doctorate and hopes to mirror Jesus in her everyday
life.
Kara Cox
Devotional Columnist
Kara is a single, thirtysomething follower of Christ who loves to laugh and
makes others laugh in the process. She is devoted to all things Autumn and
thinks that pumpkins, fallen leaves and fall TV premieres are a highlight of
life. She would also like you to know she is the most extroverted introvert
you will ever meet.
Wendy Miller
How-To Columnist
Wendy Miller is a butcher (of words as she edits her novels), a baker (of birthday
cakes and treats for her beloved family members and friends), and a candlestick
maker (not quite, but she enjoys crafts of all kinds). She appreciates the outdoors,
writing and laughing with loved ones. Wendy’s mission statement is to a live a pas-
sionate life filled with compassion, grateful to be called daughter of the Most High
God. Visit Wendy at http://thoughtsthatmove.blogspot.com/ or http://wendypainemi-
ller.wordpress.com/.
Jenifer Jernigan
Faith Applied Columnist
Jenifer makes her home in North Carolina with her husband of ten years,
three children, and English black lab, Bella. On a typical day, if there is such
a thing, you will find her sipping a cup of coffee, home schooling her children,
and digging into the Word. A former pit-dweller who has been saved by God’s
amazing grace, Jenifer has a burning passion to share with women of all
ages His unconditional love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness.
Amy Bayliss
Ministry Online Columnist
the team
Amy is a true Cajun princess who is on a mission to minister to women via the
World Wide Web. She has a heart for encouraging and equipping women and she
does so by utilizing many different venues. Writing, speaking, blogging, pioneer-
ing… visit her at amybayliss.com.
Alison Hunt
Columnist
Alison is a twenty-something single woman living in the now and hoping for
the future. Based in North Florida, she an administrative assistant by day,
and dreamer by night (literally). She can also be found reading under trees,
Zumba-ing, spending time with family, and catching up with friends over cof-
fee. Visit her blog at http://alisonlhunt.blogspot.com.
Brooke McGlothlin
Columnist
Lover of God and the man I’ve dreamed of since the 3rd grade...mommy of two
little boys born just 23 months apart...CEO of the McGlothlin Home for Boys (my
house)...passionate about life issues and finding Jesus in the everyday. Director
of Clinical Services for a local Crisis Pregnancy Center with a BS in Psychology
and MA in Counseling.
Deborah Boutwell
Book Reviews
Married for 23 years, 2 children (21 & 15 years of age), working outside
the home in a Christian publishing house, serving in a small Southern Bap-
tist church in various keys roles, hobbies include reading, writing, needle &
thread handwork.
Iris Nelson
Photographer
Born and raised in Germany, Iris now resides with her husband Mark and
Chihuahua Corky, in Arizona. Their grown son Daniel works as a software
consultant in Arizona, living close by. Although the move from Germany to the
US was not easy, God’s hand was evident. In Arizona, God called Iris back
into His flock. Her ministries in the past included leading women Bible stud-
ies; leading worship once month with the contemporary praise team.
Iris enjoys encouraging women by sharing His Word through the devotional
team-blog ‘Laced with Grace’ (www.lacedwithgrace.com), which she ‘birthed’
with a friend from California in 2006.
Lori MacMath
Moving Toward Holiness Columnist
Having grown up in the church, Lori knows that her ‘true spiritual journey’ began with an experi-
ence with infertility and surrendering to the Lord, allowing HIM to break her and remake her.
The smile she wears tells that she is so happy to be on the journey that she is on now. A journey
that includes homeschooling 3 wonderful children! Lori is the co~owner of Internet Cafe Devotions,
an online daily devotional site for women. She is also involved in several other online ministries.
You’ll find her at Heart of the Matter as well as here at Exemplify. Lori is passionate about help-
ing women apply the teachings of Christ to their modern, busy lives. Lori is involved in women’s
ministries and youth ministry in her church, Crossroads United Methodist, a plant church in her
community. Along with church ministry, Lori teaches classes at her homeschool co-op, keeping
her continually connected with today’s young people. She often wishes she could shout from the
mountain top that this is all by the grace and mercy of God.
Holly Smith
In The Kitchen Columnist
My name is Holly Smith from Monument, CO. I am the wife of Chris and mother of Noah, Kylie,
Tabor and Sydney. I am a stay at home mom, who very much loves her job as a mom. On the
side, I design web pages and marketing pieces. It is a great way to pour out creativity! God
has gifted me with a love of all things creative--from painting and wall-papering to scrapbooking
and design-work. Also I write a couple of blogs, which you can read online if you want. One
is a cooking blog called What Would Martha Cook? It’s about Martha in the Bible not the other
Martha. The other is a devotional writing blog called Crown Laid Down. I began blogging in
February 2007.
Meet our New Team Members

Chrystie Cole
Closet Issues Columnist
Chrystie lives with her husband and stepson in the beautiful upstate of South Carolina.
She is a woman who was once lost, broken, desperate and hopeless. Yet because of
a gracious and loving God, she was given a brand new life. She has personally experi-
enced the power of His transforming and redeeming love. As a result, she is passionate
about sharing His love with others and ministering to broken and hurting people.
Tracy Knowlton
Women in the Word Columnist
Tracy Knowlton is a Texan by birth, curious by nature and crazy about her husband of
three years. She reads scripture and loves on her dogs, simultaneously. Tracy looks for
Jesus in the ordinary, adds in scripture and waits to see what happens. Loving the Lord
is her privilege and writing about Him on her blog, JesusWomanWords.com, is her joy.
Consider yourself invited.
©IrisNelson
On Saturday, they waited.
On Saturday, He stayed at the home Today.
of his friends Mary, Martha and Laza-
“As his body was taken away, the
rus. And with that He spoke to us of the There is still purpose in His blood, prom-
women from Galilee followed and saw
importance of community. ise in His Word and power in His name.
the tomb where his body was placed.
Then they went home and prepared
On Sunday, He was greeted with ****
spices and ointments to anoint his
shouts of “Hosanna!” And for a fleet- Soon.
body. But by the time they were fin-
ing moment He was honored as King
ished the Sabbath had begun, so they
among those who would later call for “I saw heaven standing open and
rested as required by the law.” (Luke
His death. there before me was a white horse,
23:55-56)
whose rider is called Faithful and True.
On Monday, He tore through the tem- With justice he judges and makes war.
On Sunday, she saw Him.
ple, overturning tables and acting His eyes are like blazing fire, and on
with passion on behalf of His Father’s his head are many crowns. He has
“Woman,” he said, “why are you cry-
house. And in this shocking moment a name written on him that no one
ing? Who is it you are looking for?”
He exposed those using godliness as knows but he himself. He is dressed in a
Thinking he was the gardener, she
a covering for gain and our need for robe dipped in blood, and his name is
said, “Sir, if you have carried him away,
pure worship. the Word of God. The armies of heav-
tell me where you have put him, and I
en were following him, riding on white
will get him.”
On Tuesday, He taught from early horses and dressed in fine linen, white
morning until late at night. Teaching and clean. Coming out of his mouth
Jesus said to her, “Mary.”
the parable of the talents He urged us is a sharp sword with which to strike
to live our one life with purpose. down the nations. “He will rule them
She turned toward him and cried
with an iron scepter.” He treads the
out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which
On Wednesday, scholars believe He winepress of the fury of the wrath of
means Teacher).
sought solitude and got alone with His God Almighty. On his robe and on his
Father. And He prayed. thigh he has this name written:
Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I
KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF
have not yet ascended to the Father.
On Thursday, at the Passover meal, He LORDS. “
Go instead to my brothers and tell
washed the feet of His disciples in hu-
them, ‘I am ascending to my Father
mility. Holiness cleaning dirt. Revelation 19:11-16
and your Father, to my God and your
God.’ “
On Friday, He took our sin as His own
and became obedient to death --
Mary Magdalene went to the disciples
even death on a cross!
with the news: “I have seen the Lord!”
And she told them that he had said
these things to her. “
(John 20:15-18)
He Will Put
New Life
In Us
Written by Kristen Schiffman
Hosea 6:2-3
“In two days he will put new life in us;
on the third day he will raise us up
so that we may live in his presence
and know him.
Let’s try to learn about the Lord;
he will come to us as surely as the
dawn comes.
He will come to us like rain,
like the spring rain that waters the
ground.”
Finding Beauty in
This Time & Place
Written by Christy McGraw
12 © exemplify magazine 12
There is a time for everything, More importantly it is what I do with
and a season for every activity under my time and place while I am in pursuit
of my biggest dream.
heaven:
It was as if I had decided that since life
a time to be born and a time to die, was not the way I wanted it to be… mar- First I had to stop putting everything on
a time to plant and a time to uproot, ried with children….that I would not par- hold. If I had a dream or an idea I must
pursue it. This dream could be anything
a time to kill and a time to heal, ticipate fully in it. from a huge career change or place of
a time to tear down and a time to residence to starting a blog or starting
I was missing out on so much!
build, a new email account. Instead of think-
a time to weep and a time to laugh, I had in essence decided that the world’s ing to myself…well what if I do this and
miss an opportunity to meet the one or
a time to mourn and a time to dance, timing was the best timing. According to change my last name to my married last
the world it was time…actually past time
a time to scatter stones that I was married. I was getting too old name. Yes, my friends, I thought that
and a time to gather them, to have children. As more time passed I way at some point. Getting married was
a time to embrace and a time to re- was entering the dreaded old maid status. just that important that I let everything
30 and single. Could anything be worse? I come under that decision.
frain,
think not. At least according to the world
a time to search and a time to give I lived in. Or the world I thought I should I have not let the dream of getting mar-
up, live in. ried go.
a time to keep and a time to throw I just view it differently now. It is a hope.
I wanted to better my knowledge of time
away, And while I wait I pursue all He has
and I remembered the ever famous time
a time to tear and a time to mend, passage in Ecclesiastes. I sought out as set before me. My own wonderful and
a time to be silent and a time to much info as I could about Ecclesiastes 3 unique path. That path has held such
and Solomon at the time it was written. wonderful things. New friends. New
speak, volunteer opportunities. New writing
a time to love and a time to hate, According to Jamieson and Fausset and creative opportunities. More im-
a time for war and a time for peace. Brown’s Commentary, “Earthly pursuits portantly all the dreams I put on hold,
are no doubt lawful in their proper time such as looking into different career op-
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NIV portunities or becoming a part of a min-
and order, but unprofitable when out of
time and place.” istry my heart loves, became reality.
God has slowly revealed something to me
over the last 24 months. It was at times Solomon was learning a great deal about Secondly I had to be joyful and content
disconcerting because to even think that I timing. He was learning that with tim- for where He has placed me. He has
was doing this was sad to me. ing as with everything there is an ebb and opened such wonderful doors for me.
flow. A time of laughter. A time of sorrow. I am pursuing some wonderful things.
What did He reveal? They all come. More importantly I am pursuing Him.
As my beloved. As my everything. I am
I was wasting time. His time. My time. There is a time and a place for everything. learning to, in all things, Praise Him.
I don’t think we understand the fullness
I had for all intents and purposes put life of that phrase. My earthly pursuit of mar- I started living for this time and this
on hold. riage and children is a commendable pur- place.
suit. It’s a pursuit many find at the proper
I was sitting in one place while life contin- time and place. For me it too is a profitable And you know what? It is beautiful. He
ued to go on around me. pursuit. I am just not at the time and place has made it so.
for that pursuit to become reality.
I was letting my singleness dictate my life. He has made everything beautiful in its
time. Ecclesiastes 3:11a NIV
women in the word
Written by Tracy J. Knowlton
Those who find their life will lose it,

and those who lose their life for my
sake will find it. – Matthew 10:39,
NRSV
I can’t really explain how it hap-

pened, but somewhere along the
way I lost my life.
It was not the same scenario as los-

ing my keys, or setting down my tea
cup and forgetting where I put it. I
do things like that all of the time. I
did not forget the location of my
life. I just lost it.
When this lost life began, it could be

said that I was off to a good start.
My family encouraged me to know
the Lord, and the church body
knew every move that I made. In
fact, I was in church every time the
key turned.
In response, it became irresistible

for me to know something else. Re-
bellion was a sash that I wore as if I
had won it in a pageant.
In that place, my voice was heard and
My family would ask him to din- my tears were counted. Then, as with
Even with a lifetime of religion be- ner and we met him at his house. most good friends, he talked me down
hind me, I knew it without love. I be- The first time that I conversed with and walked me out. I could not be sure
him on my own, really conversed, of every detail, but I remember thinking
came that pesky, noisy gong, that
that my hope was well placed.
clanging cymbal. I was nine years old.
Obedience. A fight. A breakup. I quit. I
It was not until much later that I This same year, I was at camp and moved. He changed me.
found religion including love…much there was a preacher who did an
later. In the meantime, I remained altar call. Bravely, I walked up to In return, my Friend, Jesus, took a
on a quest for this love and my bur- this man and recalled every de- girl’s life and made it disappear,
den grew heavier. tail of my Friend that came to and He created something new in
mind. its place. This was only the begin-
Remarkably, I wandered around this ning of the many gifts that Jesus
vast world of the lost, never finding any- This same year, I was at camp and gave me. I found out that my
thing to inspire an instrumental change there was a preacher who did an al- Friend is a generous giver.
for my heart’s gongs and cymbals. Out tar call. Bravely, I walked up to this
of sheer exhaustion, I pitched my tent man and recalled every detail of my Despite knowing this, I did not ex-
in places that smelled like, looked like, Friend that came to mind. pect the gift of a person. No one
and tasted like the pleasures I associ- gives people, but my Friend, Jesus,
There are moments that I remember did. I was in seminary, busily track-
ated with freedom. I associated them
and many more that I forget. That ing the winding words of Paul, in
with freedom, but what did I know of
day was one that I still hold as a true Greek, when I was given my earthly
freedom?
moment in my life. I have never best friend. This person became my
husband.
There was no freedom in my wander- doubted that I was changed that
ing. I blazed my own trails of despair day, even in my most lost moments.
My husband almost begged me to
and hate. This hate was fed by the At only nine, then at nineteen, and
write. I could not imagine that I had
scars that were left on my heart. Ev- again at twenty-nine, I knew that this
anything to say, and I was right. I
ery time that I looked at my face in the decision would shape my days to had nothing to say. This new cre-
mirror, I saw the acts of the lost skillful- come. ation, however, could not stop her
ly carved out on my person. I did not fingers from telling of Jesus’ love, his
have to hate anything outside of this Also, I finally understood why every- steadfast nature, and his generosity.
marred frame. I could hate myself and one wanted my Friend around all the I wrote and wrote of Him.
that was enough to fuel my lost life. time; and I did – want him around.
This is why I cannot explain how we That brings me here. When I was
It is funny that I can’t remember lost touch when I went to college. I approached about writing this col-
when I stopped seeing these signs just lost touch. I was busy wandering umn, I could feel my finders twitch-
of a former life. I only know that through miles of death, consuming ing with excitement. You and I have
somewhere along the way, I started them like a greedy child. much in common. We shed old
>>>
seeing a woman delighted at the lives, we obey, we accept gifts and
least similarity to her Father. I was surprised to find my Friend
we are created anew. What an
amazing journey!
again. He showed up on the bath-
The scars and the hate were being room floor one night. Although this
replaced. Please, join me each month to
seems unlikely, it was convenient be-
discuss all of this and more, as we
cause that was just where I was, cry- become women in the word.
I would be remiss if I did not tell you
ing. What he was doing there, I still
about a Friend of mine. I had seen
cannot say. I was glad to see him.
him around all of my life.
Siesta Fiesta Cookbook
available today!
To order yours
today visit
Crown Laid
Down
Last year, Holly compiled a 328 page

cookbook from ladies all over the coun-
try, who participate on Beth Moore’s
LPM Blog. ALL the proceeds went to
building water wells through Life Out-
reach International in honor of Beth
Moore and the Living Proof Ministries
staff. So far we have sold 650 books
and sent a total of $2,709.64 to build
clean water wells. .
Another order of books is going in,
if you’d like to support this awesome
ministry! Click here for details.
Get to know Him
through His Word.
Visit the Exemplify

Devotional Channel today.
exemplifyonline.com/devotional/
Make J esus Smile:
Creative Worship for His Kids Written by Andrea Mitchell
From the lips of children

and infants
you have ordained praise.
Psalm 8:2
One of my favorite things to see and hear is a child worship- Talk with your children about sharing their gifts with those in
ing God. Whether it be singing and clapping along to music in need. If your children have a knack for making things, work with
church, or praying earnestly with their hands clasped and their them to create gifts for others. Budding seamstresses can use easy
eyes screwed tight with thankfulness for little things like fish templates and patterns to make mittens, scarves, and even bags.
crackers and toes, witnessing a child praise God is a beautiful Or how about creating a piece of jewelry with beads that help tell
sight to behold. the story of Jesus’ redemption of us (see here for simple instruc-
tions)?
I love that their adoration is pure. There’s nothing for show
about a child expressing their thanksgiving to God. They do Does your child love to move? Play some music and have them
what comes naturally to them, free from worry or inhibition. worship in dance. Help them discover how different ways of mov-
ing their bodies can tell a story.
“He (David) was dancing for the LORD with all his might.” 2
Samuel 6:14, CEV If your child loves music, give them some instruments to make
a joyful noise with! If they are currently learning an instrument,
That is how I want my children to worship. I want them to ask their teacher for level appropriate praise music your child can
have the freedom to express themselves in the way they know learn to play. Make a CD or video of your child playing to share
best. That expression of faith doesn’t always come in the ways with family, or for your child to listen to in the privacy of their
we expect. We readily accept singing and praying as valid ways room.
to praise God, but our creative and imaginative King has given
us so much more! “Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:19,
NIV
God declares His love for us in the sunrise and sunset. In the
morning dew on the blade of grass. In the song of a bird If your child has a way with words, give them the opportunity to
outside our window or the coo of an infant in our arms. He express themselves. Armed with plenty of pens and paper, your
paints pictures, writes songs, whispers sweet words to our ears. child can write any number of things in worship of their King –
If God can express His love for you and me in more ways than poetry, songs, short stories, even love letters. Help those who are
we can count, it makes sense for us to express our love for Him too young to write on their own as needed. You will be blessed by
with creativity. Not all of us are singers or musicians, but each the sweetness of their thoughts!
of us has unique gifts and abilities that we can use to shout our
acclamation of His great love for us. These are just a few examples to get you started. Brainstorm with
your children to find other creative ways to worship God together.
We need to provide our children with opportunities to be cre-
ative, to worship God with gladness, to worship Him with all And Parents don’t be afraid to use your own gifts in your worship
their might, and we need to allow them to do that in ways that time! Children learn best by example – if they see you worshiping
are meaningful to them. creatively, they are more apt to do the same.
If your children love art, have them create something Let us teach our children to worship in spirit and in truth. With
freedom and abandonment. With great love and great joy.
in their favorite medium. They could paint or draw a
picture, make a clay model, or create a collage depicting Let us teach them to make Jesus smile.
how they see God. Even the youngest of artists can make
a picture for God’s fridge! Hallelujah! Praise God in his holy house of worship,
praise him under the open skies;
If your children love playing with their camera, have Praise him for his acts of power,
praise him for his magnificent greatness;
them take pictures of God’s beautiful creation. Then help Praise with a blast on the trumpet,
them put together a scrapbook or album, either on paper praise by strumming soft strings;
or in a digital format to tell the story of creation. Teach Praise him with castanets and dance,
them to use a simple photo editing software so they can praise him with banjo and flute;
make their own creations for your computer’s desktop Praise him with cymbals and a big bass drum,
praise him with fiddles and mandolin.
or to email to loved ones. Older children can pair their Let every living, breathing creature praise God!
favorite Scripture verses with their photography. Hallelujah!
Psalm 150, MSG
19 © exemplify magazine 19
how to column
How To Worship
Without Words Written by Wendy Miller
“When I worship, I would rather my heart be without
words than my words be without heart.”
–LaMar Boschman
I like to talk. Because of this I tend to think of worshipping God in terms of singing to
Him, encouraging brothers and sisters in Christ and verbally expressing my gratitude for
Him. But sometimes actions really do speak louder than words. I’m going to present sev-
eral ideas of how to worship our Father without words.
Fast from speaking Take the undesired seat
An excellent place to start—stop talking.
I’m sure you’ve heard of fasting from food Make conscious decisions to place others
before. There are all kinds of diets recom- before yourself. It’s too easy to do this with
mended for the believer who wants to pray words. We think we are honoring God by
instead of eating every time they feel a flinging out flattery, but often we do it to
hunger pang. What about the temptation seek validation and acceptance. We of-
to talk? Have you ever thought about tak- ten do it to feel good about ourselves. Our
ing a vow of silence for a day (my husband actions can speak volumes about where
would love this to be a regular thing around our heart is with God.
our house inhabited by four females)? By
ceasing to speak for a day you put yourself Say you get to a gathering where a bunch
in a ripe position to be able to evaluate the of women have planned to listen to a long-
necessity of words. Choose a day when it’s awaited speaker. You have the best seat in
logical to actually go through with this (a the house in your sights. You head for it and
weekend, a day off or a time when you’ve wait…you have just encountered an opti-
prepped loved ones of your mission). Then, mal time to let someone else have it—to
instead of when you don’t have anything put someone else first. Or here’s one I face
nice to say don’t say anything at all—even every night at dinner. I plop the meals on
if you have something nice to say don’t each plate. My daughter comes to carry
the plates to the table asking which plate
say anything. At all. is for me and which one is for Dad. I have a
choice—give Dad the smaller, soggier por-
Laugh and smile tion or take it myself. Soggy isn’t so bad.
Medical studies have proven smiling and

laughing more has significant health ben- Read His Word
efits. Laughter really is the best medicine
sometimes. How is this a form of worship, One of the best ways we can worship with-
you might ask? I believe our God is a God out words is to commune with God through
of laughter. He meant for us to delight in His word. His Word is living and active. More
Him and one another. What is the best way than anything else (besides the Spirit) it has
we demonstrate we are joyful and de- the power to breathe new life into us and
lighting in something? Facial expressions… guide us in the way everlasting. Reading
the Bible is a form of worship. When we
laughter. open the pages and allow the words to
penetrate our hearts, we are communi-
cating to God that we trust Him and we
Another time laughter and smiling can believe Him. Silently scanning the pages of
take the place of words is when words the Bible, we turn our lives over to the One
would be inadequate. There are precious who created us.
times in life when a simple hand squeeze,
an eye-creasing grin, or a pat on the back
provides far more comfort or reassurance “Therefore, since we are receiving a king�
than faulty words might. Look for those dom that cannot be shaken, let us be
times in your life. You’ll know them when thankful, and so worship God acceptably
you encounter them. Most likely your Spirit
with reverence and awe.” Hebrew 12:28
will be tugging on you to be silent and your
lips will already breaking out in a smile.
21 © exemplify magazine September 2008 magazine 21

Participate in a service day by Listen to wisdom
how to column
volunteering A loving rebuke. Your Spirit leading you down a new

path. A decision to sacrifice something you’ve held
I’m a huge fan of volunteering. There have too tightly to. God works wisdom into our lives in vari-
been few times in my life when I haven’t lent ous ways. Are you paying attention? Acting obedi-
my services to a cause (three of those times ently in response to wise counsel is a form of worship.
were following the births of my daughters— Ultimately it’s another expression of trust. When we
they were my immediate cause). Why do I move forward in our lives in a way that glorifies Him
believe so much in volunteering? The Bible more, we are worshipping Him. I blog and in my ex-
provides that answer. Numerous times when perience blogging I’ve come across some wonderful
the word worship is mentioned in the Bible people. One person has had a huge impact on what
guess what one word frequently accompa- I blog about. She informed me that she prays before
nies it? Service. It’s one thing to have a heart she writes every single post. This is something I now do.
for God and to go around telling everyone I listened to her godly wisdom and allowed it to im-
how much you love Him. It’s something else pact the way I live.
to dedicate your time, talents and focus
helping others. I want to continue to be a “Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Worship the Lord your
something else kind of woman. God and serve him only.’” Luke 4:8
Utilize your gifts

Okay, so we’ve already concluded no talking al-
Let go of anger and bitterness— lowed, right? But I didn’t say anything about ex-
pressing your gifts musically, financially, artistically or
forgive through writing. God has equipped His children with
beautiful gifts of all kinds. He celebrates when we
These have shown up on several of my how- exercise these gifts. He claps. He cheers us on. If we
tos. I probably don’t need to explain why are intent on utilizing our gifts for His glory, then we
in great detail. How productive can we be couldn’t ask for a more devoted cheerleader. Playing
for the kingdom when we are riddled with that guitar—worship. That charcoal painting—worship.
frustration and bitterness? When we allow Calculating funds for a non-profit—worship. Writing
our minds and attention to be consumed by that letter—worship. Every time. Every single time we
hurt or past pain we are stunting the growth use our gifts, we invite God to an intimate party alive
of the kingdom. Lay it at the altar. The hurt with opportunities for us to worship Him.
and the pain. Doing so is a form of worship.
It’s one of the most significant ways we can There are thousands of ways to say that we love God.
demonstrate trust. And we should by no means shy away from verbally
expressing our love when the time calls for that. But
God, so and so hurt me horribly. I choose to when silence would glorify Him more, how do we
forgive them not just today, but every day. respond? How do we worship without words? We let
Show me what that looks like. Help me walk our smiles explode into laughter. We take a back seat.
on in life. Take this weight from me. Forgive We study His Word. We volunteer. We let go. We listen
me for my lack of understanding. I trust you. to wisdom and we utilize our gifts. There will be a time
words are needed, but for now let’s show by our ac-
The above can be communicated without tions, that we believe our God is the Most High God.
a single word. A tear. An open Bible. Hands
raised. Our Lord knows our hearts. Let it go. “I can safely say, on the authority of all that is re�
vealed in the Word of God, that any man or woman
on this earth who is bored and turned off by worship is
not ready for heaven.” – A.W. Tozer
ScriptureStickies.com is giving away
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23 magazine February 2010
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25 magazine February 2010 February 2010 magazine 25

A Time Set Apart
marriage column
Written by Karin Fendick
“My beloved speaks and says to me,

“Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.’”
Song of Solomon 2:10 (Amplified)
In early March of last year, my hus- This was the view of the still snow covered
band and I felt the need to find a lake from the enclosed porch of our cab-
place to hide-a-way. We don’t have in. In the silence we were able to quiet
children underfoot, and we are the ourselves and spend time with our Lord,
only occupants of our country house, for in His Word He calls to us, “Be still and
yet the call to “come away” was know that I am God.”
echoing in both of our hearts. We
needed to disconnect from normal We spent time in worship, in prayer, in re-
and reconnect with each other and flection and also joyously drew closer to
our God. After some online explora- each other as man and wife. I’d like to
tion I discovered an adults only resort share a few key points that made this a
in a provincial park a five hour drive successful retreat:
away. The idea of a private Jacuzzi
in front of a warm and crackling fire • We purposed in our hearts even dur-
appealed to our romantic natures. ing the planning process that this
would be a time set apart for God
There was a beautiful view of the and each other.
still snow covered lake from the en- • We prayed that we would not be
closed porch of our cabin. In the tempted by the distraction of televi-
silence we were able to quiet our- sion, and instead brought alone some
selves and spend time with our Lord, teaching dvds we hadn’t had time to
for in His Word He calls to us, “Be still watch at home.
and know that I am God.” • We cooked together, sharing the work
and the fun of creative meal prepara-
There was a kitchen stocked with tion.
all the tools we needed to prepare • We gave each other quiet time alone
meals together. with the Lord.
• We talked.
We’re so used to sleeping in a queen • We listened.
size bed we nearly lost each other in • We learned yet again that the best
the king! How appropriate, since get- way to love each other well is to love
ting lost in our King was the purpose Jesus more.
of the trip!
Do you sense the Lord calling you away
together? Even if you can’t travel, you
can experience His refreshing and peace
by following the steps above.
May you be blessed as you fall in love all

over again.
I’m a
covenant keeper.
For marriage resources visit

exemplifyonline.com/marriage/
© exemplify magazine
Reflections on
Hearing the Voice
of God
Written by Marsha Harwood
Hearing the voice of God is something that’s reserved
just for the super saints like Moses or high profile spiri-
tual leaders like Billy Graham, right? Why would God
want to speak to ordinary me? He’s got bigger and great-
er things to do than speak to me.
My quest for answers to these questions began roughly

25 years ago. I wanted to hear from God but never knew
how to discern if it was His voice or my own selfish de-
sires. As I continued on my faith journey I felt as though
I was deaf and dumb, unable to hear direction from the
Follow me..
Hanging on the wall in my room was a cross and a plain-
Lord, and unable to know I could speak up and ask Him ly framed calligraphy of John 10:27. “My sheep hear My
to speak to me. My life kept going in circles and lacked voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”
clear direction because I was merely following each new
“spiritual movement” or functioning out of my own power. I came away knowing I had heard Him speak directly
to me and He used John 10:27. What I came to realize
In the 90’s I was on the leadership team for a women’s was the more time I spent in solitude in His Word I was
ministry. We would have a yearly planning retreat, sit able to recognize His voice. And His voice always says,
around on plush, cushy furniture with our notebooks and “Follow Me.” It is never, I want you to do what so and
day planners, brain storming for the next year. so is doing, it’s “Follow Me.” By keeping my eyes on
Him, this deaf and dumb lamb doesn’t stray from her
Shepherd.
One year we did something different. We traded the
nice mountain lodge for a stay in a monastery. Yes,
Good news! We don’t need to check into a monastery to
the Monks were kind enough to let us come and stay hear His voice. Here are 5 ways I’ve heard God’s voice.
overnight in the guest quarters, with one stipulation.
We had to take a vow of silence expect for 1 hour • First and foremost He speaks through His Word.
when we were allowed to come together and pray • Next, He speaks to us in our own quiet thoughts
together – not talk with one another, but pray. (that are always weighed against His Word. He never
speaks contrary to His Word!)
We each had our own little room with primitive fur- • He speaks to us through nature. Consider Psalm 8.
nishings, very stark and plain. A chair with no cush- • He speaks through the counsel of wise friends and
ion that slid up to a small wooden desk, and a mat- spiritual leaders. (2 Chronicles 20:3-20; Proverbs 1:5;
Proverbs 11:14)
tress on what was more like a rack laced with rope.
• I continually hear His voice echoing into my soul
We were also allowed to walk within a certain area of
through those defining moments of life: births, deaths,
the grounds, alone of course. losses, abundance, failure and triumph, just to name a
few.
Our goal was to be in search of silence, to put away
all the noise and clutter in our minds. Just be still
before God, searching for Him in the silence, then
listening to what He had to say. It was during this
retreat I first heard Him speak to me.
Of all the spiritual practices used to hear the voice of God, Being in the Word of God will permeate my life and
being in the Scriptures is first and foremost. The Bible is I will begin to see how it intersects with every area of
He speaks through His word.
a “living and active’ book (Hebrews 4:12); I’m not to merely my life. “Let the Word of Christ richly dwell within
know the principles it contains, but I’m to connect with the you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one
Person it proclaims.
another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with thankfulness in your heart to God.” Co-
From the beginning of time He has used the spoken word,
the written Word and incarnate Word so we could become lossians 3:16
acquainted with Him and know Him intimately. His prima- Being in the Word of God will produce fruit in your
ry form of communication with us has not changed. It is us life.
who have changed. • Loving God with your mind, not just your fickle,
emotional heart.
We’ve allowed technology, other books and forms of print • Learn how to internalize what He’s teaching you
besides the Word of God, and even Christian speakers to re- through His Word.
place our need for hearing from Him. All of these things are • It puts you in a place where God can instruct and
good, but there needs to be boundaries set so we can hear correct you.
directly from God in a personal, intimate way. What we take
• Grow in your ability to defend and express your
in through technology, printed word and speakers has been
faith.
pre-digested by someone else. They have heard the voice of
God in their personal walk with the Lord and they are shar-
ing it with us. Do you desire to hear His voice, to become more inti-
mately acquainted with Him? Here are eight tips to
That is not to say there’s no place for those things in our lives. help you.
I’m thankful you are using technology to read this article.
But reading online or in book form can never replace our ‘ROAM’ for Understanding Its Principles
time alone with the Lord. ‘MAPS’ for Heart Intimacy with the Person
By being in the Word I find myself becoming intimately Read a book of the Bible using a different translation
acquainted with Him and I begin to know and under- than you are used to using.
stand His truths and recognize His guidance in my life.
During my times of silence before the Lord, He has Meditate – ‘ponder’ the truth into your heart
used His Word and His Spirit to both convict me of sin
and to tell me I’m His cherished possession. Outline a chapter to understand the key principles
that are contained within it.
When I am reading His Word, listening to it being read
on a CD, or even singing Scripture songs, I find myself Affirm the truth aloud – Read it aloud so you are actu-
in a place where I can hear the voice of God. There is no ally hearing it spoken to you.
new revelation, no new word from the Lord, only that
which is already contained in His Word. By being in Analyzing a paragraph will help you in digging deeper
the Word I find myself becoming intimately acquaint- for the meaning.
ed with Him and I begin to know and understand His
truths and recognize His guidance in my life. Pray Scripture back to God. Replace pronouns with
your name and personalize your prayer.
Being in the Word involves engaging my mind in an
attempt to understand and apply the truths contained Memorize a key verse to internalize a core principle;
within its pages. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is having the Word dwell within you.
inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof,
for correction, for training in righteousness; that the Sing the Word to God in worship. Make up a tune
man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good and turn the Word into a praise song.
work.”
feature article
What if I don’t
hear His voice?
How do you
There have been times in my life when I felt I was clearly
and audibly hearing the voice of God. Other times it’s
gentle whispers or silence – I don’t hear His voice at all.
In those quiet seasons of life we must trust Him to guide

us through the unknown. By keeping close even when
reflect on the
voice of God?
He seems silent, we will gain strength by re-reading and
meditating on the Words we found to be true before.
He does not change. His silence is for a reason. Look
at the life of Joseph (Genesis 37-50) or Job and read
through the Psalms.
Share with us at
• Does the silence mean He’s not present or too busy
for me? No. His word faithfully proclaims He will
NEVER leave me nor forsake me. (Hebrews 13:5) I am
never alone, not even in the darkest of hours.
• If I don’t hear God’s voice, can I still trust Him? A
exemplify@me.com.
resounding YES! King David exemplified trust in his
relationship with the Lord regardless of whether or not
he “felt” his presence. (Psalm 42:8,9,11)
• Those dark times of not hearing His voice are neces-
sary for my growth. The cold and barrenness of winter
allows for a time of pruning, trimming back the unfruit-
ful branches of my life, thus making my fruitful branches
even more fruitful in another season. A period of dark-
ness is necessary for our bodies to rejuvenate every 24
hours. Periods of darkness in our spiritual life also have
the promise of renewal. (1 John 3:2,3)
• Sometimes I can’t hear God’s voice because, well,
to be perfectly honest, He’s not saying what I want to
hear! That’s when I need to pull back, examine my life
and see if there is sin interfering in my ability to hear
from God. (Psalm 46:10; Psalm 139:23,24)
Be patient and listen close. God whispers in your soul
and speaks to your heart. Whatever He’s saying, it’s
about what brings Him glory.
Did you know Exemplify is
on Facebook?
We’d love to connect with

you there.
{Click here to visit our page.}
The Book Nook
with Deborah Boutwell
Review of Plain Jayne by Hillary Manton Lodge
When Jayne Tate is informed that she needs to take a break from her job as a newspaper reporter to
deal with some personal issues after the death of her father, she decides to investigate the Amish lifestyle
instead. She thinks there is a story there, amidst the beautiful farms, handcrafted furniture, quilts, and
aprons. Instead of heading home to her mother, she jumps on her motorcycle and heads into Amish
country. Selecting a name from the internet of someone that builds Amish furniture, she hopes to find
an avenue into a personal story with an Amish family. She finds her story and more as she is invited into
their plain world.
“The idea of a utopian society, working off the land and truly caring for each other – frankly, I had a
hard time buying into it. Even if it did work, what was their secret?”
Luke Burkholder owns an Amish carpentry business in the town outside an Amish community. He had left
the corporate world to be closer to his family and settled into woodworking. He stayed because of his
family even though they no longer acknowledged him as their son or brother.
Jayne and Luke quickly develop a friendship over coffee. He agrees to be interviewed and arranges
for Jayne to meet an Amish family that invites her to spend a few days with them. Jayne trades her mo-
torcycle for a horse and buggy and her jeans for a cotton dress and dark apron.
Martha and Gideon, parents of 8 children, allow Jayne to become a part of their family for a week. She
must learn to bake without all the modern technologies, learn to clean, and take care of children….all
things that she never had a desire to do before.
© svilen001 / sxc.hu
She also learns the truth about Let’s not forget about Levi…
some important questions. this is a romance novel after
all. He is there, helping Jayne
and others. He sees both
Do Amish kids cow-tip? How do sides of the Amish life and of-
they date? How do they stay fers insight that Jayne never
connected to the outside world? expected to find. He helps
How do they worship? How do Jayne as she returns home
they have such forgiving hearts…. and reconnects with her fam-
and yet…how can they not for- ily.
give those closest to them?
“There were moments I’d
“How could Gideon be so gen- missed, moments I’d never
tle, so gracious, so forgiving of get back. I always thought
Mike the hoodlum and yet refuse I was fine with that. Now…I
to have a relationship with his law- wasn’t so sure.”
abiding, talented son?”
Jayne finds that slipping on an
Back in the real world, Jayne
Plain Jayne is a sweet tale of a apron and holding pieces of
goes about reinventing herself
modern girl mixed into the plain cut squares of material have
with a pantry full of food that
life of the Amish. It’s sometimes a way of putting everything in
she can bake a pie with and
a humorous look at the depen- a wardrobe that will impress “a state of rightness”.
dencies modern technology has Sara, the Amish teenager that
caused us to have….like – where dreams of being a fashion de- Hillary Manton Lodge has
to recharge your cell phone or signer. Yea…you read that right! done a wonderful job with her
laptop…what to do when some- Which brings to mind….what do debut novel. I look forward to
one steals the family buggy? But Amish kids dream of becoming many more of her stories and
it goes deeper when it delves into and what happens when they the development of some of
the relationship between father set out to make those dreams her characters from this novel
and son, mother and daughter, come true? Let’s just say…. into stories of their own. It’s a
man and woman, God and His there is a sequel there due to great ride…whether on mo-
children. Jayne’s attempt to un- release this fall, Simply Sara. torized or horse-powered two
cover this mysterious lifestyle leads wheels!
her to uncover some truths about “I felt myself moving toward
herself. She likes to bake pies. She the ideals of the Amish: simplic- I’m giving away my copy of
likes children. She likes to cut quilt ity, family, faith. I craved the Plain Jayne along with some
squares and would love to figure way I’d felt at the farm – for the other surprises (local made
out what to do with them next. first time, I didn’t feel my life was Amish items) at my personal
She wants to know her family bet- spinning out of control. Since
blog.
ter. then I’d restructured my own
life, repairing my family rela-
You can find out a little more
tionships and reconciling with a
about Hillary at her website.
God I’d ignored for too long. I
was learning to quilt, bake, and
make my apartment mold resis-
tant.
In worship, God imparts himself to us. We were, each of us, uniquely created to wor-
ship God. American Heritage Dictionary defines
worship as, “the reverent love and devotion
–C.S.Lewis accorded a deity, an idol, or a sacred object
and the ceremonies, prayers, or other religious
Each morning as I drag myself into the shower, forms by which this love is expressed.” Wor-
I stand there, just God and me. While the water ship as defined is an expression of love towards
flows I surrender it all, each day. I stand there something sacred. There is nothing in the defini-
humbly and I face God stripped of the things that tion that limits where or when that worship can
often compete for my attention. I stand in the take place. What privilege worship is! Often in
shower and worship. It’s not flashy worship. There the midst of the noise of life, I forget to see it as
are no sound checks, no lighting to worry about, the privilege it is.
no big screens with fancy power points, it’s just
me and God. Then the distractions come. Some-
“But you are a chosen people, a royal
times there is a knock on the door, sometimes the
phone rings; sometimes it’s my own doing. My priesthood, a holy nation, a people be-
mind moves from worship, the honest, real place I longing to God, that you may declare
was, into my world where often worship ends and praises of Him who called you out
the day begins. Recently, I was brought to a verse
in Jeremiah 29.
of darkness and into His wonderful
light.” 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)
“You will seek Me and find Me when
you seek Me with all your heart.” We were made to worship. But if you and I are
constantly distracted, how in the world can we
Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV) move into a place of “continuous worship?” For
each of us the answer lies only in one place: in
Him. We were formed as unique creations of the
Brother Lawrence eloquently puts it, “We are Father; therefore, our worship is unique. Just as
made for God alone, who can only be pleased no two of us are alike, neither will our worship
when we turn away from ourselves to devote be.
ourselves to Him.” What a beautiful thought, but
he was a 15th century monk! He clearly didn’t We long to continuously worship and, because
have the demands of a family and a job. He didn’t worship is a verb, it’s going to require action and
have a Blackberry buzzing in his pocket. Life was movement. A movement toward holiness! Baby
simpler for him. It was easier for him to worship. steps perhaps, but nonetheless, movement in
the direction of continuous worship, knowing
Right? that there will never be an end to this journey.
Worshiping God will never be complete, nor
I doubt it. While he lived the life of a monk, he was should it ever become complacent or stagnant.
bombarded just as we all are with distractions of
daily life and the distractions within his own head, Worship begins when I seek God with my whole
and yet he pursued a continual conversation with heart. Every part of my life should be an act of
God. Continuous worship! Most days I struggle to worship. Real worship, true worship, continu-
get out of the shower without a distraction; when ous worship should not be confined to a Sunday
was the last time I consciously pursued the words service (although that is a wonderful form of
of the prophet Jeremiah and sought God with ALL worship within a community of believers). We
my heart? If worship is giving of myself to God, are temples of God, constantly moving and jour-
ALL of myself: my thoughts, my emotions, my neying through this life; therefore our worship
actions, then I clearly have to step away and look should be and can be done wherever we are,
at how I worship. Worship, true worship requires not being contained to a set time or particular
every part of me. It IS, after all, what we were cre- place.
ated for.

Written by Lori MacMath
Continuous
>>> Worship
35 magazine September 2008
THAT sounds wonderful, but how?
Continuous Worship
moving toward holiness column
How in the world can we move into a continuous worship relationship with God?
When was the last time that you just sat in worship? There are numerous life de-
mands and countless distractions that we are faced with every day; it’s clear that
we are going to have to make a conscious effort to NOTICE that opportunities to
worship God are ALL around us! That is GOOD news! We won’t have to so much
seek the opportunities to worship, but rather notice the opportunities that God so
graciously places on our daily path, each of our paths being uniquely created just
for us.
What an amazing God! What we’ll begin to notice is a change. We will cease going
through the “motions” of cultural worship and begin to live a life constantly devoted
to God. As we move towards a “continuous worship” with the Lord, HE will impart
Himself to us. Then the real transformation begins, because we won’t be able to sit
still. We can’t help but live lives that constantly want to serve and honor God, not
because we have to, but because we want to. What a beautiful thought!
Join me this month as we journal our journey towards continuous worship. (The
journal is available for download here) It’s not a onetime deal. It’s going to require
work and commitment. Think of it as sort of a “Spiritual life plan.” This journal is just
a guide as to where you can begin to find ways to worship in your distracting days.
Baby steps. Many of us have come from a culture where worship has its time and
place, but the question that continues to penetrate my mind is a challenging one:
If I’m not worshiping God, what am I worshiping? What replaces God when I’m not
worshiping Him?
The rubber meets the road here. It’s personal: it’s between you and God. (He al-
ready knows where you are and rest assured He is thrilled that you are turning your
eyes toward Him.) Are you ready to move toward an experience of continuous wor-
ship?
The Continuous Worship Journal can be found in PDF form here.
Ask a Titus 2
email Christine @ exemplify@me.com
Dear Christine,
I have been a Christian for about 7 years. I love the Lord. But I have a problem. It seems
that when everyone else is praising God they all look so happy and peaceful while I don’t
feel much. I know I am saved and I sense the Lord in other areas of my life - can feel
His peace. But I can’t help thinking there is something seriously wrong with me. Or that
I’ve outsinned His grace. What should I do?
- S.
Dear S. -
I have been saved 25 years now and to be honest it took me a long while before I felt
much during the praise and worship time at church.
During those early years I spent a lot of time thinking I had somehow disappointed
God and that was why I felt empty during that time. I get the feeling you may do the
same from your letter.
Time has shown me many things.
In this situation I have would have to say the reason I felt so little during praise and
worship is because I had a lot of issues that were standing in the way. I had such a
skewed sense of who God was. I thought everything was dependent on my behavior
during the week that praise and worship sometimes became a time of worry for me. I
would go over all my sins...all my shortcomings... all the things I could have done better
during the week... you get the picture.
Praise my God that all the while He was mending me and making me into the woman
of God I am today. For me there was so much unbelief in God’s goodness it was
hard to let go and praise Him for His very being. Romans chapter 5 tell us that we are
justified by faith through Christ Jesus. We are offered an overwhelming grace when
we accept Him as our Lord.
Time has been His tool.
He has slowly changed how I think by revealing Himself to me one day at a time. As
I learned who He was through all of the situations and trials in my life I began to see
Him as He truly is not how I perceived Him to be. This, in turn, made my time during
praise and worship a pleasure rather then something to be avoided.
Surrender yourself to Him. Embrace His grace. Believe

me, He will do the same for you.
In Him, Christine
Kelli Regan:
spotlight on...
Written by Judith Roberts
Witness to
those
in prison
© Wam1975 | Dreamstime.com
“Our goal is to present the gospel to people incarcerated But none of the ideas really stuck. Then, out of the
in prison systems and abroad: to lead them to the saving blue, someone — who happened to be my husband —
knowledge of Jesus Christ; to bring hope in what seems said, ‘How about prison?’ You could have heard a pin
to be a hopeless situation; to disciple them through the drop.
teaching of God’s Word and to prepare them for living a
Godly lifestyle.” – Christian Life Prison Ministry Mis- “But when we started to think about it the idea
sion Statement seemed strangely right. From the beginning we felt
like doing this was a God thing. Within days one of
As required of our justice system, those who commit the women in our Bible study talked to one of her pa-
crimes are punished. tients — she’s a chiropractor — about our idea. Turns
out the patient had contact with someone in prison
They have food, and they have shelter. ministry in our church.”
But how many of them have friends and family who Within a few weeks, Kelli and the Bible study group
love them enough to visit them? met Bob Sofronski, director of CLPM, and soon
after, they made their first visit to prison.
Those who rob, those who steal, those who rape and
plunder and commit all sorts of crimes, should be pun- “I was incarcerated myself in 1997-1998. I was addicted
ished. It’s how our society works. But what happens in for 20 years,” Bob said. “When I was released, I went
prison? back to the same jail and the same chapel where I got
saved. I’ve been going back there for 10 years.”
I talked with a woman, “Amy,” who is now in her mid-
thirties and spent some time in prison about a decade CLPM visits two different prisons on a regular basis
ago for drug use. “They didn’t help me with my drug and different institutions when called.
problem,” she told me. “There was no rehabilitation
process.” “We all pitch in as we can,” Kelli said. “Bob holds the
ministry loosely and encourages others to step up and
Amy thankfully got her life on track after prison and get more involved as they’re comfortable — sometimes
is married with four children. She is a sophomore col- with a little nudge. During our time in the prison,
lege student and works part-time to help pay her tuition. where we lead Tuesday night worship services, I
She’s one of the lucky ones, though, who turned her life help as needed. Sometimes I might share something
around after making a mistake. I wrote on my blog. Sometimes I lead prayer. Some-
times I sit on the side, pray for them and try to be an
There are also those who minister, like Kelli Regan, encouragement for the inmates. Every week I greet
one of the volunteers with Christian Life Prison and the inmates as they come in and welcome them.”
Recovery Ministry in Bensalem, Penn., right outside
Philadelphia. Kelli and other volunteers visit and witness Bob said that couples like Kelli and her husband Dan
to prisoners about the saving grace of Jesus Christ and are encouraging to those around them.
help to equip them with the skills necessary to become
productive members of society following release. “For a husband and a wife to be in the ministry togeth-
er – whether in prison or in church – is very inspiring
“Our Friday night couples’ Bible study was trying to for lots of people,” he said. “The guys in prison want
find a mission project that we could do,” Kelli said. “We that relationship. They want to be back in marriage.
were looking for a way to reach out to those in the com- Kelli writes, she prays with them. She’s been a big
munity who were neglected by most people. We tossed help with the ministry, bigger than what she realizes.”
around lots of typical, ‘safe’ ideas like a food pantry,
women’s shelter or homeless shelter.
He added that not all people are called to this ministry,
and women visiting and ministering to men in prison
need to be aware of what they wear, how they dress, and
how they act.
“The guys tell us they’re praying for (Kelli), and they

ask about her,” Bob said. “She’s a really cool woman.
“We’ve had a few people contact us. We met with
The guys will let you know if you’re called to this. They
them and let them know about the warfare with
respond to her.”
prison ministry,” he said. “We’re taking back from
the enemy. Scripture says that God restores what
Kelli said she was nervous at first but has become more
the enemy has stolen. He attacks our family and
at ease with prayer and time.
us. We prepare them for the warfare they’re about
to face.”
“From the beginning Bob told our group that the
inmates will let you know whether they accept you or
In the two years that Kelli and those in her Bible
not. I have been amazed from the beginning; they’ve all
study have worked with the prison ministry, she’s
been very supportive and accepting of us, because we
had an opportunity to move into a leadership role
sure don’t come from the same background as they do,”
and led worship in front of about 90 men in a
Kelli said.” As a woman going into that environment,
maximum security prison.
I’m careful how I act, but the men have always been
very respectful of me. Strangely I feel very comfortable
“The energy in the room during a worship service
among them.”
is infectious,” Kelli said. “The men are passionate,
prayerful and full of praise. In the beginning I en-
For those interested in prison ministry, Kelli suggested
joyed just going and soaking it all in. Since I don’t
joining up with an existing prison ministry.
have any prior experience with leading worship
or music ministry, I didn’t really see how I could
“I think the easiest route would be to join up with an
contribute past just showing up. Honestly, as a
existing prison ministry,” she said. “That’s what we did.
shy person, that limited public exposure was fine
Once we put out feelers among our collective contacts,
with me. Looking at my complete lack of creden-
we’d located a local prison ministry within a week.
tials, one has to chuckle at God’s sense of humor to
Luckily for us they were willing to take on newbies and
bring me into this.
helped us grow along the way. Starting a prison min-
istry from scratch is a huge undertaking. I suppose it’s
“The first time I led the prayer I was a nervous
possible, but quite difficult for someone inexperienced
wreck. But the Holy Spirit worked through me in
and without contacts.
such a powerful way. The men really responded.
God’s presence in the room felt very real. It was
“Bob talks a lot about the warfare that exists in and
one of the most amazing spiritual experiences I’ve
around the ministry. Go in with eyes wide open and
had.”
fully ‘prayed up,’ as he likes to say. The enemy does not
want to give ground.”
Since 2004, Bob said about 70 people have asked to

participate in CLPM, but they only have about 14 vol-
unteers.
Embracing our call
to grow the found.
Visit Exemplify’s Ministry Channel today!

EXEMPLIFYONLINE.COM/MINISTRY/
Ouch! Too Much
Information!
Written by Amy Bayliss
My boys didn’t like being used as an analogy in this in-

stance. It offended them even though it was something
ministry online...
I thought others could relate to. I scrapped that piece

and from then on I sought permission from them, my
husband, cousin, uncle or anyone else that I may dare
to use in my writings or talks. I quickly discovered that
I had to be more sensitive to those I have the highest
responsibility for.
God may call us to share our life’s most intimate details

for the benefit of others, but when it comes to sharing
it online we do have to be more careful. What is posted
here does not just stay here and it lives on forever. It is
not like having a one on one conversation with someone
you are mentoring or speaking among those in small
groups. We must consider the repercussions to the oth-
er person or persons when deciding what to write about
and use as examples.
When in doubt, pray and then ask the person. If it is

something God has truly laid on your heart to use in
ministry then He will be sure to prepare the other per-
son’s heart to be humbled and used as an example. If
I’ll never forget the time I wrote a post about the smell of my they decline then pray for God to give you another anal-
boys’ rooms. I went into messy detail about stinky shoes and ogy or another way of driving your point home. He is
stale smelling carpets. I emphasized that no matter how often I not void of ideas. He is the master of them. Just ask.
washed the sheets and blankets or how well I febreezed, the smell
just seemed to linger. I made sure to ask my boys’ permission before writing
this today. They are older now and apparently being
I made sure it was all in good humor and I was positive that oth- “smelly” is now a cool thing to be. Who would have ever
er moms would appreciate my candor. Then I tied it all up with guessed? But God knew. He knew back then when He
a pretty bow by giving an analogy that was sure to convict the taught me that lesson that I would one day realize that
hearts of many. The problem was that even as I belly laughed I was like those smelly socks and all the smiles and Hal-
while reading it to my husband and then sighed a sigh of pure lelujahs in the world couldn’t febreeze over it. What is
revelation as I got to the end, I noticed that my little men all sat also important is that I had peace in my home and my
quietly and sad nearby. I questioned each of them and discovered children know that I value their emotions and thoughts.
they didn’t appreciate the piece near as much as I did and they It has only helped us to grow stronger and it actually
were afraid that their friends might read it and think that they increased the expanse of the ministry that God gave us.
were gross. So be sure to pray and talk to your family before posting
the dirty laundry on the internet. It is a most pleasing
aroma to God when you do so.
devotional
Purposed My view of worship changed today. I knew in that head
knowledge sort of way that worship was supposed to be an
Worship
always, anywhere, in every circumstance part of our lives in
Christ. But today, finding myself in a place I had never con-
sidered worshipping the Lord, it became heart knowledge.
Written by Kara Cox
It became flesh and blood, soul and spirit reality to me. Da-
vid knew this truth when he penned this psalm, “I will praise
I’ve been involved in worship ministry at my church for al-
the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.”
most 17 years. It’s a passion of mine, and I’ve enjoyed being a
Psalm 34:1 (NLT). At all times. On a Sunday in church, on a
vessel God uses to usher His people into His presence. Over
Tuesday morning running errands, on a delicious Saturday
the years I’ve been the worship leader, in charge of all of our
afternoon walking through a park, on a Wednesday at a fu-
weekly services; I’ve sung for our youth group; I’ve lead wor-
neral, God is worthy of praise.
ship for women’s retreats. But today I did something I never
expected to do: lead worship for a funeral service.
I think about my friend’s brother, sitting there, worshipping
through tears of sorrow. That was a sacrifice of praise, the
I am one of those people that can’t help but cry with those
likes of which I’ve never experienced. His brother died tragi-
who cry. Most funerals are tearful, but this one was partic-
cally, so he could have sat there stone cold, angry at God for
ularly sad, the death being tragic and unexpected. People
what had happened. I wouldn’t really blame him if he did.
were sobbing all over the chapel. To my left, a lifelong friend
But there was no anger or resentment in his expression,
was letting her tears flow freely, in front of me, a woman’s
though he didn’t try to deny the hurt, pain, and grief he was
shoulders shook as quiet sobs spilled over. I knew this was
feeling. He came into God’s presence broken and real, and I
going to be one of the most difficult experiences of my life:
can only imagine the joy it brought our heavenly father.
me, a seasoned worship leader. I prayed for strength.
I’m easily inspired to worship when I see God’s awesome cre-
I don’t often expect to hear praise and worship songs at a
ation; A brilliant sunset, a star studded sky, the vast ocean. It
funeral; most of the time I expect somber songs or hopeful
comes easy then, almost like a knee-jerk reaction. No doubt,
songs about heaven. But what the minister, and the family,
my worship in these instances is sincere, but the ease of it
wanted was something joyful, something worshipful. My
flows from me almost unconsciously. There is nothing easy,
mouth was dry, and my friends leading with me were as ner-
quick or unconscious about worshipping God in the midst
vous as I, but we made our way through the crowd to the
of overwhelmingly difficult situations. It requires purposeful
front of the chapel. I closed my eyes as my friend Sam started
focus, intention and a desire to see God magnified in any and
to strum the chords of one of the favorite worship songs of
every circumstance. I think of David’s Psalms: how so many
our beloved friend. I couldn’t look at anyone, fearful I would
of them were penned when he was going through difficult
start to cry. I’m trading my sorrows. I started off: hearing my
and agonizing situations. If it had been me, and I was being
best friend’s harmonies blend with my voice helped. I’m trad-
hunted down by King Saul, would I have been able to wor-
ing my shame. I’m laying them down, for the joy of the Lord.
ship like that? If I had lost my son, would I be able to wash
I’m trading my sickness, I’m trading my pain. I’m laying them
my face, eat and worship the Lord? My God is deserving of
down, for the joy of the Lord. I dared to look now, to see if
worship whether he paints a masterpiece in the sky or walks
anyone was startled by such a song of hope, of triumph over
us through the shadow of death.
sadness and sickness and shame. People were still crying,
but I caught out of the corner of my eye my deceased friend’s
“I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his
brother, and he was worshipping. In the midst of overwhelm-
praises.” Psalm 34:1 (NLT).
ing sadness and grief, he was worshipping. My heart leaped
with joy. God is good. Instead of worrying about tears or the
lack of preparation or the nervousness of being in front of He is worthy.
such a large crowd I finally turned my focus to the One who
was so worthy of the worship. And at a funeral, I praised. I
magnified. I glorified the King of Kings and Lord of Lords:
the Maker of my friend whose life had been cut short, the
only One truly deserving of glory and honor and praise, all
the time, even in life’s darkest moments.
Trading My Sorrows, written and performed by Darrell Evans,

copyright 1998 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music
closet issues column
Praising in the
Desert:
Walking through
SpiritualDepression
Written by Chrystie Cole

Last fall, I traveled to the Grand Canyon with my
In those moments, when I seem to have lost
husband and a few others for a four day long back-
my way, when I can’t hear the Shepherd’s
packing adventure. As we embarked upon our jour-
voice, I am vulnerable, weak and desper-
ney, it was impossible not to notice the barrenness
ate for any sign of God’s hand in my life. But
of the land surrounding us on all sides.
often, the darkness is so overwhelming that
it blinds me to the fact that God is still there,
The little vegetation that was there was dense and
that he is in the midst of the darkness. And
full of thorns. The ground was dusty and cracked.
the devil taunts me so loudly that he drowns
Riverbeds, where streams once flowed, were merely
out the still, small voice of my God who is call-
stagnant puddles, offering little life to anything that
ing to me and reassuring me of His presence.
happened upon them. Pesky little mice were the
only real evidence of life and, unfortunately, they
It is in these moments that I pour over God’s
were in abundant supply.
word, seeking His light and truth to lead me
out of the darkness. Invariably, I find myself
Besides the brilliant shades of red dirt and dust that
in the psalms. I love the psalmists because
made up the canyon walls and some magnificent
they are passionate, intense and raw. They
sunrises and sunsets, there was very little color to be
are full of emotional struggle, vulnerability,
found. The canyon was truly magnificent, but it was
depression and despair. But they are also full
a dry and barren land.
of joy, thanksgiving, and passion for God. The
psalmists are real and relateable in their hu-
There have been times in my life when my spiritual
man struggles and they give me hope.
life looked much like this picture of the Grand Can-
yon, seasons that were scarred by vast chasms of
Probably no one psalm resonates more with
emptiness, and colorless, joyless living. I’ve walked
me in times of darkness and despair than
through seasons of intense spiritual depression:
Psalm 42.
spending days, even months on my knees crying
out to God, begging Him to restore me to the joy of
“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my
my salvation and echoing the words of the prophet
soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for
Elijah, “I’ve had enough, Lord. Take my life…” (1
God, the living God. When can I go and meet
Kings 19:4 NIV)
with God? My tears have been my food day
and night, while men say to me all day long,
Walking through spiritual depression is much like
‘Where is your God?’…My soul is downcast
hiking through the Grand Canyon: trudging the
within me; therefore I will remember you from
dry, barren road with perseverance and cling-
the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon
ing to hope, until light begins to break through the
– from Mount Mizar… I say to God my Rock,
darkness and I begin to see evidences of life once
‘Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go
again.
about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?’
My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes
During times of spiritual depression, I feel like a lost
taunt me, saying to me all day long, ‘Where
sheep, crying out for my Shepherd and listening for
is your God?’…Why are you downcast, O my
His voice, but finding only silence. During times of
soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your
spiritual depression, the enemy attacks me viciously
hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Sav-
with his lies, slandering God’s character and casting
ior and my God.” Psalm 42:1-3, 9-11 NIV
doubt in my mind of God’s promised presence.
Sometimes spiritual depression is born out And because it reminds me to look up! It
closet issues column of my reaction to external circumstances in
my life, like the death of a loved one, re-
reminds me to choose to remember my
God. It reminds me that I can choose to
jection, financial difficulties, loss of a job, or praise Him regardless of how I feel. Prais-
going through some sort of change in life. ing God has been my lifeline during these
Sometimes it is the result of my own sinful seasons, because it takes my focus off my
choices and tendencies to veer off course problems and reminds me how big my God
and to seek life from the things of this world. is. It doesn’t necessarily change my circum-
And sometimes, I am just spiritually exhaust- stances. The spiritual depression doesn’t
ed from trying to live in this world on my magically disappear. But it does change
own strength, knowledge and resources. my heart. It reminds me of how amazing
my God is and it gives me just enough hope
Whatever the reason, spiritual depression is and joy to keep moving forward.
one of the loneliest and most painful things
I have experienced as a Christian. And to Praising God in moments of darkness and
make matters worse, it is almost always ac- despair has been some of the sweetest,
companied by a sense of failure and the most intimate moments I have ever had
feeling that if I were a “good enough” with my Savior. Praising Him through wor-
Christian, that if I just had enough faith, I ship music. Praising Him through reciting
wouldn’t have these struggles. The cry of scriptures aloud. Praising Him for His past
the psalmist, “my tears have been my food faithfulness. Praising Him for His current pro-
day and night,” I know too well. vision. Praising Him for my eternal salvation.
Just praising Him!
As much as I do not enjoy or desire the des-
ert experiences, it has been during those Can’t you just imagine the rejoicing that
seasons that my faith has grown and been goes on in heaven, when one of God’s chil-
refined and that my dependence on and dren chooses to praise Him in spite of their
desire for God has increased exponentially. struggle, in spite of their circumstances, in
spite of the enemy’s taunting?! Imagine
What I love about the psalmist in this pas- the angels, worshipping in unison as your
sage is that he lays himself bare before praise reaches the heavens, “Holy, Holy,
God, coming before God exactly as he is. Holy is the Lord God Almighty.” Praise His
He doesn’t try to dress it up or pray rote, el- name!
oquent prayers. He doesn’t mask his fears,
doubts, or agony. He is raw, real, and pas-
sionate.
But then, in the midst of his despair, the

psalmist takes an unexpected and beau-
tiful turn – he chooses to turn his mind to-
ward God. He chooses to put his hope in
God. He chooses to fix his gaze upon God.
And, in spite of his despair, he chooses to
praise Him.
Oh, how I love this psalm, because it re-

minds me that I can come before God bro-
ken and hurting, full of despair and even
self-pity. I don’t have to pretty it up. I can
bring myself to Him – the good, the bad,
and the ugly – and lay it all at His feet.
You know you’re a weary woman if...
you packed your cell phone
& a take out menu in your child’s
lunchbox this morning.
Yeah.
It’s about time to overcome that weariness..
Join Kristen Thursdays on

A Woman Inspired’s talk radio show presented by
Christian Women Affiliate.
Cup o’ Courage
In the Kitchen with Holly
Brimming with
Blessing
Written by Holly Smith
Imagine with me this scenario: you are prepar- Let’s now press the pause button…how did
ing meals for an enemy, who has destined you Esther feel about preparing the meal and
and your extended family for the grave. He is sitting down with her enemy–twice? Did
completely unaware that you are actually in the she make an extra effort to prepare or not?
camp which he has already destined for death. Perhaps she thought of King David’s words
In fact, his pride and joy at being invited not in Psalm 23 (The Message), “I’m not afraid
only once, but twice, to dine with you and your when You walk at my side. Your trusty shep-
husband is immeasurable. He is both giddy herd’s crook makes me feel secure. You serve
and unassuming. So what do you prepare? Are me a six-course dinner, right in front of my en-
you more or less likely to spend extra time car- emies. You relieve my drooping head; my cup
ing about preparations for an enemy? How are brims with blessing.”
you feeling about this whole situation?
In courage, Esther issued the invitation. By
This scenario is exactly what Queen Esther courage, she prepared it. And clothed with
faced (you can read Esther’s story in its entirety courage from head to toe, Esther sits to sup
here). She chose to prepare and fix two meals with her enemy.
for her husband, who makes her feel less than
confident, and for Haman, who has placed all The ones she loved most had fasted for three
Jews, including Esther, in mortal danger–and days, as she had fasted herself, and the LORD
with his own money. infused wisdom and strength, wrapped in
courage into this young woman named Es-
Queen Esther begins by asking her uncle Mor- ther. He showed her how and when to carry
decai and all her people, the Jews, to fast from out each course of each meal.
food and drink for three straight days–morn-
ing, noon and night. On the third day, Esther I asked some friends to share about when they
initiates the preparations for the banquet she prepared a meal for an enemy and whether
would host. they prepared more carefully or less or the
same. I also asked how they felt.
er invitation to the king could easily have end-
ed in death, depending on how he felt toward Here are their responses:
her at the time. If he felt edgy that particular
day, he easily could have sentenced his wife to “Yes, I have a few times. I don’t think I pre-
die. But rather, he extended favor by putting pared or decorated any differently but I do
forth his gold scepter. remember wondering if they might feel dif-
ferently about me afterward. They didn’t, but
The invitation is accepted by the king and Ha- it made me feel good to be serving them for
man, so Esther begins to prepare the meal for His Name’s sake.”
her husband and her enemy. They sit to dine
and the king asks Esther what she would like, “I worked extra hard, hoping to make some
even up to half his kingdom. And Esther’s re- difference in their opinion of me. I was un-
ply is that she want to do this all again tomor- comfortable at first, but as I began to pray,
row. She then prepares a second meal for her I felt God’s unexplainable peace. It did not
enemy. change their opinion.”
POTATO
© Tea | Dreamstime.com
“Knowing he was coming, and wanting to avoid any I want that in the face of my daily battles. I want to be
sort of negative comment and/or put down, caused quietly confident, courageous and secure in the face
huge anxiety and bitterness as I cleaned my home of my enemies. I want to live God-infused every day,
and ‘went all out’ preparing food I knew he favored. like it matters. I want to make quite a wave–affecting
It was never good enough, however, to escape scorn many– in light of the small drop of courage I release
and ridicule…not enough salt, too much ‘this,’ not as into the ocean of each day’s possibility. Don’t you?
good as my mother-in-law’s, ‘guess Judy didn’t teach
you anything about cooking’ and the inevitable self- Like Esther, we need to take our invitation to our en-
ish comments and behavior. All of this from a man emy seriously, carefully and confidently–even coura-
who professes to love the Lord and is a ‘religious geously. It makes all the difference in a life, a day, a
church attender.’ During the time of preparation, I people and an eternity.
would be short-tempered, impatient, wanting every-
one to be on top of things. By the time I sat down
after hours of preparation I was usually unable to eat. With that being said, here are two courses Esther
I would brace myself for the comments and rude re- may have chosen to prepare–rich foods, comfort
marks directed at myself, my husband, my children, foods, expensive foods, which call for careful, even
my mother-in-law. My focus would be defending my tedious, steps in preparation. I think you will enjoy
children and intervening if they became the target of them!
his abuse.”
Can you imagine? Have you ever felt this way be-
fore? It takes a God-infused wisdom and courage to
face some people, doesn’t it? Of course each of these
scenarios did not leave their lives or their loved ones’
lives hanging in the balance. Queen Esther’s real-life
story is an extreme.
However, I believe, in reality, Esther planned more

carefully, paying attention to every detail–perhaps
she even listened to the advice of the head of the
kitchen, as she listened to advice when she won her
husband’s heart. And I believe she was not feeling an-
gry at all. Rather, I think the Spirit of God hovered
over her as a guard. I believe she felt courageous and
fully at ease. She was secure, confident and even qui-
etly courageous–a God-infused response.
SPOONS
© Jolin | Dreamstime.com

Shrimp Scampi Chocolate Mousse
3 T. butter 4 1/2 (1 ounce) squares semi-sweet baking choco-

2 T. minced garlic late
1 1/2 pounds peeled, de-veined shrimp 1/3 c. water
1/4 c. dry white wine 3/4 c. sugar
1/2 c. tomato sauce 4 egg yolks
1 1/4 c. heavy cream 2 t. brandy flavoring (or 2 1/2 T. brandy)
1/2 t. basil 3 c. heavy whipping cream
1/2 t. oregano 1 egg white
1/8 t. thyme
1 1/8 t. Italian hot pepper flakes Melt chocolate over hot water in the top of a
2 egg yolks double boiler. Place water and sugar in small
salt to taste saucepan, cooking over medium heat until sugar
white pepper to taste is dissolved (stirring frequently). Pour melted
2 T. finely minced parsley (optional) chocolate into blender or food processor. Blend,
12 oz. angel hair pasta (plus 2 more T. butter for pasta) slowly adding in sugar/water mixture. Continue,
while adding egg yolks, one at a time. Add brandy
Melt butter in skillet. Add garlic and sauté for 1 min- flavoring. Process until smooth.
ute, stirring constantly. Add shrimp and cook for one
minute over medium-high heat, tossing with a wide Set aside and let cool. In a separate large bowl,
spatula, until shrimp are bright pink all over. Do not blend egg white and whipping cream until stiff
overcook shrimp (makes them chewy). peaks form. Fold in cooled chocolate mixture
with a spatula. Spoon into 8 individual serving
Add white wine and tomato sauce (still med-high dishes. Garnish with chocolate shavings. Chill 2
heat) for one minute. hours. Serves 8.
Turn heat down to medium-low. Add 1 cup of cream,

basil, oregano, thyme and hot pepper flakes. Beat
egg yolks with remaining cream and add to sauce.,
stirring until sauce is thickened. Do not boil. Add
salt and white pepper to taste.
Cook pasta according to package directions. Then

drain and add 2 T. butter and stir.
Pour sauce over pasta and enjoy! Serves 4-6.

Preparing to do
faith applied column
His “Thang”!
Written by Jenifer Jernigan

Webster’s Dictionary defines faith in the fol- 1. We need fellowship with God; that’s what
lowing way… we were created for. Adam and Eve expe-
rienced a perfect relationship with God in
“belief and trust in and loyalty to God; com- the Garden, walking and talking with Him
plete trust.” daily. They had this daily communion with
God until they sinned, causing their perfect
I don’t know about you, but I have a very hard fellowship with Him to be no more. Sin
time trusting someone that I do not know and caused there to be separation between man
especially someone I cannot physically see. If and God (Genesis 2 & 3). But, Praise the
you and I are to flesh out our faith, our trust Lord, Christ died on the cross, bridging the
in and loyalty to the God of the universe, then gap between man and God so our fellow-
we are going to have to know Him on a more ship with Him could be restored (1 Corin-
intimate and real level. thians 1:9; 1 John 1:3-4).
How can we come to know God in more real 2. Jesus set the example for us to follow.
and intimate ways so that we are able to flesh Scripture tells us that Jesus, in His human-
out our trust in Him? The answer: by digging ity, needed time with the Father. Especially
into His Word and unearthing the beautiful in times of business, Christ made it a prior-
Truths He reveals about Himself. ity to spend time with God. He knew that
the more He’d be giving out, the more He
When I first came back to the Lord after my had to be allowing God to fill Him up.
many years of wilderness wandering, a pre- (Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16))
cious godly lady said to me in her most lovely
southern accent, “Honey, you gotta get in the 3. We can’t be healthy, growing Christians
Word so you can do this thang for the Lord. without daily fellowship with God. Time
Start havin’ them quiet times. Get to know with God is an absolute necessity for the
Him more.” My heart so desired to start havin’ growth and maturity of every believer. We
them quiet times so that I was prepared to do can go without food for several days, but
that “thang” for the Lord, but I had no idea if we go on for too long we’ll eventually
what I was supposed to do or how I was sup- become weak and sick. The same is true
posed to do it. in our spiritual life; if we aren’t feeding on
His Word, allowing it to fill us up, we will
You, precious one, have “a thang” to do for become weak, sick, ineffective Christians.
the Lord. And in order to do that “thang” you God’s Word is food for our souls. (Deuter-
need to be prepared and ready. This month onomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4; 1 Peter 2:2; He-
let’s focus our efforts on fleshing out our faith brews 5:14)
through daily quiet times with the Father.
4. We are cleansed when we spend time
First of all, what exactly is a “quiet time”? Very with God in the Word. (Psalm 119:9; John
simply, it is a daily time of personal fellowship 15:3; Ephesians 5:26) Spending time with
with God through His Word and prayer. God sheds light on our sin, giving us op-
portunity to confess and repent.
Why should we have a quiet time? Let’s look
at several reasons why we should have daily
time with God.
faith applied column
When we aren’t having a regular, daily quiet time, we I do understand that mornings don’t always
are missing out on the privilege which we were cre- work; the point is to set aside a specific time to
ated for and rejecting what Jesus died on the cross to be with God. Think you are too busy to fit God
make possible for us. We are ignoring the example in? Take a close look at your daily schedule. I
Christ set for us to follow. Not spending daily time can almost guarantee you that there are things
with God will cause us to remain weak and power- you do each day that aren’t necessary and could
less Christians. We will not experience daily cleans- be replaced with time with God. I don’t want to
ing and refreshing, because we will not have allowed sound too harsh, but we can make all the excuses
God’s Word to shed light on our sin. in the world not to spend time with God and
that’s exactly what they are, excuses. We will do
We’ve looked at why it’s important to have daily time what is important to us and if God is important
with God. So, how do we do it? to you, you’ll spend time with Him. Pray and ask
Him to show you a time that the two of you can
First, we’ve got to have the right attitude. Spending meet together; He’s always available: are you?
time with God is not so that we can check it off a list
and tell our friends in Bible Study we did it. Rather, Next, choose a special place. Jesus had a special
it’s to have fellowship with God and get to know Him place He went to often that was away from the
more. We may appear, to our friends, to have it all to- “business” of everyday life (Luke 22:39). Choose
gether and be on the right path, but God knows our a place where you can pray out loud without dis-
hearts and our motives (1 Samuel 16:7; 2 Chronicles turbing others. Make sure the place you choose
25:2). Come to God with an expectancy to hear from has good lighting so you can see what you are
Him (Psalm 63:1), a reverence and awe for Who He reading. You’ll also want to make sure it’s a com-
is (Habakkuk 2:20), a willingness to obey (John 7:17), fortable place (not your bed, though: you might
and an alertness of body (Isaiah 50:4). get too comfy and fall asleep).
Set aside a specific time each day to spend with God. Lastly, follow a simple plan. Don’t make it com-
Don’t give God your leftover time; give Him your plicated; if you do, you’ll get frustrated and quit.
best. I am a firm believer in spending time with the You’ll need a good study Bible, notebook for
Lord first thing in the morning. Spending time with journaling, pens and highlighters, index cards
God first thing in the morning prepares us for the day for memorizing Scripture and a hymnbook or
ahead. Throughout Scripture we are given examples praise music if you’d like.
of men and women who rose early to spend time with
God: Jesus (Mark 1:35), Abraham (Genesis 19:27),
Hannah and Elkanah (1 Samuel 1:19), Job (Job 1:5),
and David (Psalm 5:3, Psalm 119:147, Psalm 143:8).
The Quiet Time Plan
1. Be still before God (Psalm 46:10). Be quiet 3. Read a section of Scripture. Read slowly; don’t get
for a few minutes, allowing yourself to get in in a hurry or try to read too much at one time. Re-read
the proper mode and mindset of reverence. the passage over and over until you get a clear picture
of what’s going on. It may help you to understand bet-
2. Pray. Begin and end your time with God in ter what you are reading if you read the passage aloud.
prayer. Ask God to give you new insight into Reading aloud will also help you to stay focused.
His Word and reveal to you new truths (Psalm
119:18; John16:13). 4. Meditate and memorize. Stop and think about what
you are reading. Ask questions of the text. Who is
P- Praise the Lord. Praise God for who He involved in this passage? What is going on? When is it
is and what He’s done. Pray His Word back happening? Where is it happening? Why is it happen-
to Him (Psalm 145-150; Revelation 4-5; 1 ing? How does it apply to me? Use your index cards to
Chronicles 16:25-29 & 29:10-13; Psalm 50:23, write down verses that speak to you and begin memo-
67:3; Hebrews 13:5). rizing them (Psalm 119:11).
R- Repent. Confess your sins to God (Isaiah 5. Write down what God has shown you. When God
6:5). Along with confession, comes repen- speaks, write it down. When you have questions, write
tance. Repentance involves turning from your them down. Write down what’s going on in your life
sins and following God’s way (Psalm 32 & 51; and how God is working. Later you can come back to
Proverbs 28:9, 13; 1 John 1:9). these writings and reflect on what God has done for
you (Psalm 102:18).
A-Ask for yourself and others. Make your
petitions known to God and intercede on the This might all seem overwhelming to you right now.
behalf of others. God loves us, wants to bless Please remember that the main purpose in having a
us and give us what we need (Matthew 7:7-9; quiet time is getting to know Christ more. I pray this
Mark 11:22-24; John 14:13-14; Hebrews 4:16). will be a help to you in the fleshing out of your faith so
Be specific in your prayer time. It may be that you are prepared to do that “thang” for Him!
helpful to have a prayer journal and pray spe-
cific Scriptures based on the needs of those
you are interceding for (1 Samuel 12:23; Job
42:10; Romans 15:30; Ephesians 1:15-16).
Y- Yield yourself to God. End your prayer

time with a time of personal recommitment to
God. Reaffirm the Lordship of Christ in your
life and pledge your submission and obedi-
ence for the day to Him (Romans 14:8-9).
k
The Ancient Gates
Since the very first time I read Psalm 24 I’ve had
In the first two verses David lays the foundation of
God’s authority and power. He then goes on, in verses
a fascination and a curiosity about those ancient 3-6, to ask who may seek God in his holy place and
gates and doors. Where do the gates lead? Who be in his presence. In that day in time if you were cer-
should open them? I wonder what those ancient emonially unclean, you could not even touch the Ark
gates looked like. What I did not understand of the Covenant without being struck dead (2 Samuel
was how they necessarily related to worship. 6: 6-7). There was serious concern about to how to
More specifically, how the gates related to my become clean so they could worship God.
personal worship and relationship with God.
It really tilts my brain when I think about how through
According to Matthew Henry’s Commentary, Jesus’ death and resurrection I am able to be saved
this Psalm was probably written when David and have the spirit of God living inside me. I think
was bringing the Ark of the Covenant to the about all of the ugly places in my soul, the dark cor-
place he prepared for it in Jerusalem (2 Samuel ners I like to ignore, and realize that Jesus still saved
6). The Ark of the Covenant literally represented me. That does not excuse me from living a sanctified
God’s presence. I think it is pretty interesting life though; that knowledge only compels me towards
that David prepared a place for God. He did purity of heart and intimacy with Jesus. I can never
not just saunter up to the Ark and say “What up, be clean enough, but still God lives in me. Are you
God? How you doin’?” No, he built a place. thankful for the immense mercy we receive from God
on a daily basis? I am.
The earth is the Lord ’s, and everything in it.
The world and all its people belong to him. Open up, ancient gates!
For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas Open up, ancient doors,
and built it on the ocean depths. and let the King of glory enter.
Who may climb the mountain of the Lord ? Who is the King of glory?
Who may stand in his holy place? The Lord , strong and mighty;
Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, the Lord , invincible in battle.
who do not worship idols Open up, ancient gates!
and never tell lies. Open up, ancient doors,
They will receive the Lord ’s blessing and let the King of glory enter.
and have a right relationship with God their Who is the King of glory?
savior. The Lord of Heaven’s Armies—
Such people may seek you he is the King of glory.
and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob. -Psalm 24: 7-10 (NLT)
-Psalm 24: 1-6 (NLT)
After reading through Psalm 24 several times,
God began to reveal the true significance of the As I sit here writing to you right now, it is Ash
ancient gates and doors in respect to my worship Wednesday and the beginning of the Lenten sea-
of him. In the remaining verses of this Psalm Da- son which lasts 40 days ending on Easter. Tradi-
vid commands someone to open up the gates so tionally, it is a time of fasting and prayer in prepa-
they can bring in the Ark of Covenant. The gates ration for the celebration of Easter. This year I am
were the way into the prepared place where the spending my 40 days preparing those spaces I’ve
Ark would be set. shut off with gates to be wide open to the King
of Glory. I do this in hopes the gates will always
Let’s think about literal gates and doors for a mo- remain open hereafter. I think it is very fitting that
ment. Do you know the first thing I do when I this edition of Exemplify Magazine is published on
have unexpected company at my house? I shut the eve of Easter this year.
the doors to the messy rooms! Gates can also be
used to let people in and out, to shut off old gar- Check in with me at my blog for an update on
dens or even protect places from intruders. what happened over the last 40 days and where I
am now.
What about gates and doors we have set-up in
our souls? I have a feeling some of us use doors
to hide our messy places. Some of us might even
g
use them as a means of protection from what we
fear. Does anyone have a safety gate around their
life plans? {Notice I use the term ‘us’ because
I am talking to myself as much as I am talking
to you.} Read Psalm 24:7-10 again and let the
power of those words really soak in.
God is calling us to throw open our gates and

doors to prepare every place in our soul for his
presence. Imagine having a soul and spirit fully
inhabited by God. God is the King of glory.And
about those life plans you so dearly want to pro-
tect? Open the gate and see what happens when
God’s glory is what you want the most. What
about those things in your life that you’ve hidden
behind closed doors? You think your dark places
are too dark? Let the King of glory enter that gate;
when the light shines into the darkness, the dark-
ness disappears. He is the King of glory.
How do we practically apply this to our lives? It’s

simple; the preparation comes by spending time
with God through prayer and reading your Bible,
but you also need accountability through friends
or family. There is nothing like having a friend
that will get into your junk and love you just the
same. Expect the King of glory when you pray
and read your Bible; he will come.

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them off their feet one day. And some girls don’t even think about
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What do you see when you look at YOUR marriage?
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Her Hope
Written by Brooke McGlothlin
60 magazine © exemplify magazine

There’s a woman I know; faithful, servant, “I am the man who has seen affliction
humble are the words she lives. Her husband under the rod of His wrath…” (3:1)
doesn’t know. He doesn’t see her for who
she really is under grace, under blood that “He has made my flesh and skin waste
saves. He doesn’t take joy in hers, doesn’t away…” (3:4)
know peace like hers – doesn’t know. And yet
she worships. “He has walled me about so that I can-
not escape…” (3:7)
A few weeks ago I saw her in church. Arms
raised, face lifted up to the One who is “[T]hough I call and cry for help, he
mighty to save…the One who is mighty to shuts out my prayer…” (3:8)
give her strength and joy each moment of
her life…the One who is her lover, her hus- “[H]e bent his bow and set me as a target
band, her soul mate. She adores Him and it for his arrow.” (3:12)
shows.
“[M]y soul is bereft of peace; I have for-
And I began to ponder worshipping in sorrow gotten what happiness is…” (3:17)
versus worshipping in joy.
But he knew the true meaning of wor-
I live for it – worship.
Engaged with Cre- ship.
ator, Sustainer, Redeemer God in union
sweet, union deep, union grounding me in “But this I call to mind, and therefore
Truth that helps me see. I could stay for I have hope:
hours in that place. It refreshes me and is
the only place I can go to feel perfect peace. The steadfast love of the Lord never
Soul peace. ceases;
That place that’s carved out for the broken His mercies never come to an end;
heart and contrite spirit. The place where
we won’t be despised… but received. They are new every morning;
The broken-hearted. I have lived there, Great is your faithfulness.

stopped by for a visit, tried to leave and had
the door slammed in my face. Day in and day ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul,
out my soul bleeds for the Savior to visit me
in the moments. The little moments? Where ‘therefore I will hope in him.’” (vs 21-24)
I’m tempted to scream, argue, force, gossip?
They are the ones that matter most. And yet Sorrowful worship is hopeful wor-
I act as if I need Him more in the big ones. No, ship. Poured out, emptied before the
it’s in my parenting – creating a picture of One who breathes life and breath and
Father God for my children that will last being. Nothing to bring. Nothing to
a lifetime. It’s in my marriage – ambassador- give. Only the opportunity to step out
ing Christ and leaving my lap a safe place for of the raging storm into the peace of
him to lay his head. Those are the areas I cry recognizing who He is. Whose team we
out for. Those are the areas that can cut me play on…this God who is mighty to save.
deeply…keep me on my knees with need. The author of lamentations was struck
down, afflicted, poured out and left
The author of Lamentations was no strang- feeling totally abandoned by God. But
er to sorrow… he made a choice.
“But I call to mind, and therefore I
this
have hope…” In the midst of his pain, in the
midst of his temptation to give up…give in…
he chose to recall God’s character. And it
gave him hope.
What are you going through today, my

friend? Where do you feel abandoned?
Where have you been hurt, struck down, af-
flicted, poured out? What has the power
to cut you deeply…keep you on your knees
with need? Do you feel hopeless?
The answer is worship.The place where

we call to mind this great God we serve.
Mighty to save. Wonderful. Marvelous.
Blessed forever. King of kings. Lord of
lords. I AM. Rescuer. Redeemer. Restorer.
Beautiful Savior. Wonderful Counselor.
The Way, the Truth and the Life.
I heard a pastor say, “Glance at your prob-

lems, for certainly they are real. But
gaze upon Jesus, for in Him is the power to
soothe the wind and the waves.”
An old hymn says it this way:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of Earth will grow strangely

dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
A few weeks ago I saw my friend in church again.

This time she wasn’t alone. Beside her sat an-
other…the one her heart loves…the one she
has prayed for time and again. And I see her
hands raised, face lifted up to the One who is
mighty to save.
Worshipping in sorrow and worshipping in joy.

Her eyes stayed on Jesus…her hope.
© exemplify magazine
The words of the LORD are pure words; As
silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined
seven times. You, O LORD, will keep them.
Psalm 12:6-7a
A New
Hello Exemplify readers! I hope you’ve had
a wonderful month! Are you ready to step on
the next stone in our Apologetics study?
As you know, last month we discussed the

ancient manuscripts comprising the Old Tes-
Kind
tament (if you missed this article, hop over to
the March issue and catch up to where we are
now). This month we’re covering the ancient
manuscripts of the New Testament.
Quick review: Why is it important to study
of
the ancient texts that make up the Bible?
Perhaps some of you are wondering, “Um,

hello? Isn’t this apologetics? Shouldn’t we be
looking strictly at Scripture?” I cannot stress
enough how important it is to know the his-
History
tory of our Bible, especially when conversing
with people of other faiths or intellectual non-
believers. Remember, everything presented
here is to give you more tools in your toolbox.
In the coming months we’re going to cover
Written by Tara Rachel pages and pages of Scripture as we really dig
into the Word to discover what God has to
say about Himself and His perfect plan for
salvation.
The New Testament
Now that we know about the ancient texts of

the Old Testament, let’s look into the New
Testament. There are over 5,300 ancient
manuscripts of the Greek New Testament
available, and over 25,000 manuscripts al-
together. This record number gives it the
largest representation out of all the works of
antiquity (Lightfoot, 33; Geisler, CA, 308;
McDowell, 34).
Once again, I marvel at how God sets certain
things in place. What do you think some reasons
would be for such a large representation of manu-
scripts?
I can imagine there is such a large number of man-

uscripts because of the rapid spread of the new
Church in the first, second, and third centuries;
new believers throughout the Roman Empire and
beyond would need copies of the Word of God in
order to study and grow. What a beautiful plan of
the Father’s! He met a need then – having copies
made to spread to His Church – and what a need
He has met now – resounding proof that the New
Testament is a fully legitimate ancient text to re-
fute any claim brought forth from a critic.
The New Testament manuscripts are divided The second and equally important manu-
into two categories: the uncials and the minus- script is the Codex Sinaticus. It dates to
cules. Uncials are the earliest and most thorough about 350 A.D (Geisler, CA, 306). The Codex
of the ancient manuscripts. These were written Sinaticus has an interesting history. It was
in all capital Greek letters with no spaces or punc- discovered in the mid-1800s in a monastery at
tuation (Lightfoot, 35-36). You may have seen the foot of Mt. Sinai by the scholar Tischen-
an example of this writing before. For instance, dorf. Tischendorf had made it his life’s goal
the beginning of Paul’s letter to the Philippians to copy and preserve all ancient manuscripts
would look something like this in uncials (only in he could find. While searching through the
Greek instead of English): monastery’s unkempt library, he came across
a basket of loose parchment. Upon review-
PAULANDTIMOTHYBONDSERVANT- ing it closer, he realized the parchments were
SOFCHRISTJESUSTOA much older than anything else he had studied
LLTHESAINTSINCHRISTJESUS- in the library. He asked the librarian about
WHOAREINPHILIPPIINCLU the papers and the librarian said the mon-
DINGTHEOVERSEERSANDDEACONS- astery was slowly burning all the old parch-
GRACETOYOUANDPE ment in that basket. Tishcendorf’s interest in
A C E F R O M G O D O U R F A - the papers sparked interest throughout the
THERANDTHELORDJESUSCHRISTI monastery, and the remaining papers were
preserved. The monastery eventually gifted
There are three major uncials from which we have the papers to the Russian Czar. Britain later
an almost entire copy of the New Testament. The bought the manuscript for about $500,000 in
first and oldest is called the Codex Vaticanus. It 1933. Though portions of the codex are often
dates from about 325-350 A.D. (Geisler, CA, 306) on display, its home is in the British Library
and is located in the Vatican in Vatican City. It (Geisler, CA, 306). The Codex Sinaticus is
contains almost the entire Old and New Testa- a complete copy of the New Testament and
ments, with only a few scattered missing verses almost a complete copy of the Old Testament
here and there. The Scriptures are written on vel- (Lightfoot, 43-53).
lum leaves (Lightfoot, 36-38).
Minuscules are manuscripts that are written in smaller,
more cursive-like handwriting. These documents did not
begin circulating until 900 A.D., so they are generally
considered not as important as the uncials. Minuscules
are portions of Scripture or individual chapters. Very
rarely has a large minuscule been found. They provide
good insight and testimony for the uncial codices men-
tioned earlier (Lightfoot, 34).
There have been many discoveries of loose papyri

throughout the years, but most of these are fragmentary
There is an excellent site, www.codex-sinaticus.net, and not even complete chapters, much less complete
that allows you to digitally page through the manu- books. The oldest papyri piece we have known to date is
script. If you have some spare time and would like to a section from the Gospel of John. It is only 5 verses and
see the manuscript in its entirety, stop by there and dates to 114 A.D. It was discovered in Egypt, which gives
check it out! us a nice clue into the timeline of when the Gospels were
written and how long it would take for it to reach Egypt.
The last of the big three uncials is the Alexandrian It is called the John Rylands Papyri for its discoverer and
Manuscript (also known as the Codex Alexandrinus). the library in which it now resides (McDowell, 38).
It dates to around 450 A.D. (Geisler, CA, 306) and
has almost an entire copy of both the Old and New
Testaments. It is also on display at the British Li-
brary (Lightfoot, 39-41).
Two other papyri findings of worthy note are the Bodmer

Papyrus II and the Chester Beatty Papyri. The Bodmer
Papyrus II contains the earliest complete copies of the
There are more codices for the New Testament, Gospels of John and Luke, the earliest copy of Jude, and
though some not a complete as the three main the earliest 1 & 2 Peter. It dates to 150 A.D (McDowell,
uncials previously mentioned. There is also a great 39). The Chester Beatty Papyri dates to around 200 A.D.
work of translation for the New Testament. It is It is a collection of codices, three of which contain almost
part of the Latin Vulgate and was translated by the entire New Testament (McDowell, 39). It also con-
Jerome. Jerome completed a Latin translation of the tains Greek versions of Genesis, Numbers, Deuteronomy,
New Testament before he moved to Bethlehem to Esther, Ezekiel, and Daniel (Lightfoot, 117-118), and com-
do his translation of the Old Testament (Lightfoot, plete copies of all the Gospels and Acts (Lightfoot, 120).
70-71).
One of the first arguments you will hear regarding the
ancient manuscripts of the New Testament is that
there are discrepancies among the miniscules; there-
fore these cannot be inspired by God because they are
imperfect and not continuous and unchanging as His
word claims to be.
How would you refute such a question if presented to

you by a nonbeliever?
What the textual critics (especially those who lean

to the side of atheism) fail to disclose is that the “dis-
crepancies” they find are minimal. For example, they
might be a misspelled word, or, in later manuscripts,
punctuation differentiations. Then they will use these
discrepancies to “prove” that the Bible is not inspired,
and that if men can make mistakes in the copying and
translation, then they can make enough changes to
change the meaning of the passage. It can be daunting
hearing arguments like this, but remember this: God,
like everything else He has ordained, chose to limit
Himself and work through His people. That includes
the preservation of His Word. When you have human,
fallible men, spelling and punctuation mistakes are go-
ing to be made. But each manuscript, however, states
the same thing in matching passages. There might be
a misspelled word or two, but the overall message of
the passage is the same. Those minute mistakes, while
imperfect, do not change the meaning of the words and
passage, and that is what is important, and what textual
critics cannot argue against.
I’m not trying to sound harsh against textual criticism.

We need people who go through the education and
training to become textual critics so we know which
manuscripts are true and valid. However when people
have an agenda to prove – Christians and atheists alike
– the truth can sometimes be lost in the manipulation.
The Importance of Dating
So why are we bothering to look at all these old, dusty

documents? Why are they important?
We know the Word of God is our ultimate authority. It

is our first stop and anything that disagrees with God’s
Word should be scrutinized using His Word. Many of
us live by the phrase, “If the Bible says it, I believe it.”
I believe we are wise to consider the contribu- The Rylands Papyrus of John was, as men-
tions history and science have made to support- tioned previously, found in Egypt and dates
ing the Bible, and that is why is it important to to 115 A.D. That means there needed to be
study the dating of the ancient manuscripts. We enough time between the authorship of the
pointed out last month that the dating of the Sep- Gospel and the scribe’s copy found in Egypt
tuagint and the Dead Sea Scrolls preceded the to allow for travel from Israel to Egypt and
life of Jesus. This is important because critics for the copy of the Gospel to be written. This
will often say that the Old Testament has been is extremely convincing evidence that the
changed after Christ lived in order to point to Gospel of John was written within a few de-
Christ. Having Old Testament documents that cades of the life of Jesus, and if John was writ-
pre-date His birth proves that the text could not ten last of the four Gospels, then the others
have been changed to show Him as the Messiah. could have been written within 15-25 years of
The scholars can attempt to argue that Christians His death.
have tried to change the Bible, but they won’t ar-
gue with their own scientific dating methods. We will discuss more reasons, such as the rise
of Gnosticism and the need for new believers
But what about the New Testament? to have Scriptures in their churches, in future
columns on why dating the Gospels and the
If manuscripts regarding Jesus written before New Testament is so vitally important.
He was born were controversial, the controversy
grew exponentially for anything written after He This concludes our overview of ancient man-
was born. It is important to have manuscripts uscripts comprising the Old and New Testa-
dated as close to the time of His life as possible, ments. Of course, we have barely scratched
because the closer to His life you are, the less time the surface of ancient biblical manuscripts,
you have for memory loss or for the truth to get but this should give you enough information
distorted. Our oldest complete copy of the New to participate in a well-reasoned conversation
Testament dates to around 325 B.C. While that regarding the authenticity of the ancient texts.
might seem like a long time from the life of Christ, I hope and pray that this has encouraged you
it’s actually a short period when you look at the today, and that you have a greater under-
magnitude of the entire New Testament. standing of the history behind the Bible, and
the manuscripts we have today that testify to
But even if the full Testament dates to 325 A.D., its historical significance and accuracy.
the loose papyrii, much like the Dead Sea Scrolls,
date much closer to His life and, though incom- Join us next month as we cover some of the
plete, match up with the complete copies dated to most puzzling questions about the Bible:
a few hundred years later. How was the Bible compiled? Who decided
that the 66 books in the Bible were divinely
inspired? How do we know other books
Let’s take the Rylands Papyrus from the Gospel of shouldn’t have been included?
John, for example. History and biblical scholars
agree that John was the last of the four canonized Any questions? Please email them to
Gospels to be written, and most likely written be- exemplify@me.com. Please put “Apologet-
tween 70-80 A.D. Critics will push the date back ics” in the subject line so they will be for-
to 90 A.D. and into the 2nd century; however the warded to the correct place.
fact that there is no mention of the destruction of
the Temple (70 A.D.) could mean it was authored For footnote information, please see the Apolo-
even before that event. getics Column in the February issue for works
cited.
feature article
Sacrifice of Worthship
“You must worship the Lord your God
and serve only Him.”
(Matt. 4:10 NLT)
Written by Lynn Mosher

sssssss sssssss
The prophet Micah asked, “What shall I bring to the
What is ‘worship’? How does the Bible define LORD, the God of heaven, when I come to worship
Him?” (Micah 6:6a GNB) Whatever the gift that a pe-
it? titioner brought to the Lord in the ancient temple, the
heart had to accompany it; otherwise, God rejected it.
Combined, the Hebrew words for ‘worship’ mean to bow God said to Judah, “To what purpose is the multitude
down to royalty or God, humbly beseech, do reverence, do of your sacrifices to Me [unless they are the offering of
obeisance, and so on. The Greek words combined mean to the heart]?” (Is. 1:11 Amp)
prostrate oneself in obeisance or reverence, honor, adore,
venerate, praise, minister to God, serve, and so on.
Our English word for ‘worship’ comes from the Old Eng-
How lavish is your worship of the Creator’s
lish word ‘worthship.’ To worship Almighty God is to bow
down in reverence to Him because He is worthy, to ac-
worthship?
knowledge His divinity, to bow in humility and obedience, What is my favorite lavish gift of worship in the Bible?
to bow to His will, His plan, and His purpose by relinquish-
ing one’s own agenda, to bow in service to Him with one’s It is this…
life, to honor Him as the One True God.
The New Testament relates several from-the-heart,
Do you seek God’s face just to worship Him? sacrificial worship gifts of expensive oil given to the
Lord. According to one in the book of Mark, before
Do you seek the Lord’s Presence or His presents? Do you Jesus’ betrayal, as He reclined at the table at Simon
seek His handout or His hand? the leper’s house, a woman broke open her beautiful,
alabaster passion box, full of the extremely valuable,
If I asked you to answer, without thinking, what you love perfumed oil of spikenard. As she lovingly poured it
the most, what would be your immediate response? Your upon Jesus’ head, it probably trickled down His cheeks,
spouse, your children, your grandchildren, your house, your seeped into His beard, and gently dripped upon His
bank account, your investments, your career, your physical shoulders, saturating His garment.
appearance, your morning Starbucks? Jesus asks you, “Do
you love Me more than these others?” (John 21:15 TLB) In Eastern culture, the garment of the bridegroom is
saturated with rich perfumes. This woman lovingly
First place in one’s heart should be reserved for God alone, poured out her precious possession upon the heavenly
as scripture says, “What does the Lord your God require of Bridegroom which permeated His garment. Almost as
you except to…love Him, and to worship Him with all your prophetic words, the Shulamite woman says of her be-
hearts and souls?” (Deut. 10:12a,13a TLB) loved in the beautiful Song of Solomon, “While the king
is at his table, my spikenard sends forth its fragrance.”
Matthew Henry said, “Those cannot worship God aright (SOS 1:12 NKJV)
who do not worship Him alone.”
Don’t you know that throughout those long hours of
His agony in the garden, during His betrayal, and in
What is a sacrifice of worship? the courtyard of His judgment, and until that garment
was removed, Jesus breathed in that sweet, sacrificial
According to the English definition, sacrifice means, in aroma of love poured out upon Him? Maybe this scrip-
part, an animal or possession offered to a deity especially for ture echoed in His Spirit, “The odor of your ointments
homage, or the surrendering of something prized for some- is fragrant, your name is like perfume poured out.”
thing considered to be of a higher or dearer value. (SOS 1:3 Amp)
It is that which costs you something in order to obtain some-

thing greater, that which is given out of a heart of humility,
love, pain, grief, suffering, lack, abundance, or obedience.
feature article
As some of the disciples were indignant at what they perceived as this woman’s expensive waste, Jesus de-
fended her, “Let her alone, why must you make her feel uncomfortable?” “She has done Me a most gracious
service.” (Mark 14:6a Phillips, Mark 14:6b Weymouth)
The most gracious sacrifice of worship from the heart is one that glorifies the Lord with all of one’s life. A
heart that is humbled and repentant before Him will “offer up [those] spiritual sacrifices [that are] acceptable
and pleasing to God through Jesus Christ,” as “a sweet-smelling sacrifice.” (1 Peter 2:5 Amp, Phil. 4:18 NLT)
Is your worship a gift of a sweet-smelling aroma of sacrifice? Do you worship and praise the Lord even when
your world comes crashing down around you? When a job is lost, when the bank account is empty, when an
event rips apart the family, when a spouse dies at an early age, or when a spouse’s libido finds another outlet,
do you still praise the Lord?
A true, sacrificial worship gift costs us the surrender of our hearts, for we sacrifice our emotions to glorify the
Lord. It costs us the surrender of our lips, for we sacrifice our praise to God when all seems lost. Whatever
it costs, it must come from a loving and willing heart.
Is your worship a sacrificial gift

of worthship to the Lord?
Since the year 2000, Lynn Mosher has lived with fibromyalgia and other
physical conditions. During this time, the Lord placed the desire in her
heart to write for Him. Now, armed with God’s purpose for her life and
a new passion, she reaches out to others to encourage and comfort them
through her writing, giving God all the glory. She lives with her husband in
their empty nest in Kentucky. On occasion, the three offspring, who have
flown the coop, come to visit, accompanied by a son-in-law and three
granddaughters.
Visit her on the web at Heading Home.
Worship the Lamb
“In a loud voice they sang: “
Worthy is the Lamb, who
was slain, to receive power
and wealth and wisdom and
strength and honor and glory
and praise!””
Revelation 5:12

April Exemplify Magazine

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REFLECTIONS ON HEARING THE HOW TO WORSHIP WITHOUT

WITNESS TO THOSE IN PRISON BOOK REVIEWS WITH DEBORAH

WOMEN IN THE WORD P. 14

giveways MINISTRY ONLINE: OUCH! TOO

It is with joy I present these pages to you - a medley of worship-filled overflow.

I think I have my answer today.

He is risen. And He is coming again.

Be blessed this glorious day.

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25 magazine February 2010 February 2010 magazine 25

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The Continuous Worship Journal can be found in PDF form here.

Time has shown me many things.

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Surrender yourself to Him. Embrace His grace. Believe

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Since 2004, Bob said about 70 people have asked to

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Cook pasta according to package directions. Then

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