Please know that this video was created BEFORE I knew what a “Prayer Bible” is. If you watch the video I recorded directly after this, you will see my explanation and why I even created this specific video for a reason and it was not to criticize or critique the prayer Bible concept from Sisterita Club. After I watched her video, I knew what a “prayer Bible” was and I loved her idea!! So please do not take this video out of context. I am giving my opinion on my personal prayer journal and how I know the Word of God is living an active and that it can be okay and also not okay to pray scripture “out of context” Look at the dates and follow along with my prayer Bible journey please. Taking anything out of context, even a RUclips video, can be misunderstood and misinterpreted. Praying. Scripture is a good thing. Knowing what Scripture means is vital. ❤️
I have always done this and in fact it brought me closer to Christ! The word of God will only penetrate the heart, when it's read and translated personally. There is nothing wrong with putting ourselves among the Scripture, it's our own private time with God. We aren't adding or changing the actual scriptures :) We all have a need and a want for the Word and we need to find what works for us. This is beautifully done 💜
You are exactly right. The Holy Spirit guides us through the Bible and we all get something different out of it. We know who……… really does not want you studying and using the Bible think about it.
Love this outlook. Never thought to draw in mine but I am still transitioning from agnostic, but I am fully a believer he has answered my prayers and taken pain away in times I needed it, I know what I know now and I. know it was always meant to be this way, he knew I would find him eventually, I already lived pretty close to the way he wants us too, I have many bibles but just recently learnt of these study bibles, I was studying online through an app I AM in LOVE WITH the study bibles and have purchased a bunch and want more different variations! as this is a life long journey living his word, daily prayer. It has so many benefits !!!! I never would have thought to draw like this RUclips has, lol, but now, reading your comment, I am thinking, wow, what a beautiful outlook and way to think, such positive vibes, and that's precisely what he wants: positivity and relationship with him. You and him me and him etc !!!!
I was JUST thinking about this topic today as I prepare themes and verses to make my own prayer Bible. I am so afraid of taking a verse out of context because I’m coming across verses from books I haven’t even started studying through yet, but I want to pray through scripture, specifically about praising God and healing. So, what I’m doing is going through my Bible commentary and BibleRef online just so I can have an idea of what’s going on as I try to decide if it’s what I’m looking for. I agree with what you’re saying. We need to understand the context and exert hermeneutics, but this fear shouldn’t paralyze me or anyone else from prayer. Thank you for this video.
Bible journaling, daily reading, setting aside the Sabbath for study & prayer walks, plus the CSB Chronological Bible, and The Complete Jewish Study Bible have deepened insight and ignited passion for the Word. Thank you for the video!
Thank you…If I cannot apply the Word of God directly to my life, it would be a very accurate but dead history book…how else can you have a living relationship with the Lord if He cannot speak to you also personally through His word.
Thanks Nicki! You are brave❣️ Yes, updating my prayer Bible recently which I started in 2019…same thoughts & questions as you said & I kept going back to Hebrews 4:12. “For the word of God is is living and active…” Lord, hear the thoughts and intentions of my heart. Also, knowing the background of who & why in the passage. God bless🤗
You are delightful, loved this and can't wait to start on my prayer bible, I didnt think we could do that with our bible, but what a love letter to Jesus, God Bless You!
The Lord gives each of us a message in His word. I believe He can use a scripture to speak to me and use the same scripture to say something else to someone else. I have just started a prayer Bible and a separate Bible Journal for study.
This video speaks to me in a profound way! This year my word of the year is TRUTH. I have been struggling with the concept of using a prayer bible and applying scripture out of context for the purpose of personal prayers. Also, my bible study group is going through the book of Hebrews and the scripture that really spoke to me was the one you mentioned, 4:11-12, especially where it says "it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart". If my attitude and heart are aligned with the Holy Spirit, he will correct and speak to me with His Word. Only He knows our intentions and will speak his Truth into our lives and situations. Thank you Unfolding Truth for doing just that! I am also a Truth Seeker. 🙏
For me, Bible Study, Prayer, and Scripture based Praying are 3 totally different things. I have various methods to track all. I have a Prayer Journal where I keep track of all my prayers (where I also keep all sorts of important physical tokens that enrich my prayer journey and practice. Biblical Prayers, are directly out of my Bible and I am working on setting that up right now by marking the scripture with a color coded tab - by topic, and highlighting the scripture verse, so I can flip right to appropriate themed verses, to Pray the scriptures, the holy word of God - back to God - as He LOVES that we use His word to communicate with Him our heart felt desires. I also do Art in my interleaved Bible along with notes from my Bible study. Bible study books I keep numerous notes and reference back to those books often. It takes all practices to keep me grounded and growing in my faith.
Thank you for this insight. I believe God uses scripture to speak to us. I have let this idea of being afraid to take the verse out of context keep me from doing what God has called me to do. I appreciate your perspective as it has helped me so much. Have a blessed day!!
There's several things to consider here. First of all, i see where one commenter said the bible is not about us therefore we cannot claim its promises. 😮 well the last time i checked thats exactly what the Bible is. It was wriiten for the jews first then the gentiles. The bible is alive and active and the only way it can be that is if we believe its instructions were written to us just as much as it was an audience thousands of years ago. Yes, we need to study, yes we need to understand background and context, but more than that, we need to understand how God wants to shape us according to what the bible teaches. We know that Jesus died for OUR sins. How can we understand that if we don't understand that the bible was written for us. If we are wittnessing to an unbeliever and we tell them jesus died for their sins. And then they want to know how we know that. If we tell them the Bible says so, but then they point out that you said the bible isn't about us, so why should they apply what you said about Jesus dying for their sins to their own lives. Yes the people in the bible had their biographies written in the bible, but that doesn't mean we cannot apply what God said to them, to us. There is not a word written in the Bible that cannot be applied to our lives to bring us closer Jesus and shape us more into the image of Christ. Not every person was born to be a theologian. Alot of people do not have to ability to ubderstand the depths of most theologians. Thats why we have those people to help us understand the bible more. But the most simply concepts found in the bible are the ones that all people can understand. And just as God has protected His Word throughout the ages, He has also made a way for the very simplest amount us to understand the ultimate love and sacrifice He made in order to have us with Him for eternity. If the only thing i ever could understand out of the entire bible is, " For God loved us so much that he gave His only Son, that who ever believes in Him, shall not perish, but will have eternal life." John 3:16 If thats all they were capable of understanding, then that is enough. Gods Holy Spring will guide us into truth from there. The Bible in context is, once we have come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, them we have the bible to teach us where to go from there and how to serve in our purpose that we were created for. We are to win others to Jesus through love. If i did not believe that God inspired the word of God with the foreknowledge that one day i would be reading it desiring a deeper relationship with him, then why would i bother. God used the stories of His children from the past, to teach amd inspire His children today. And when we read, its life flows into us. So yes, sisters, the Bible was written for us. ❤
Not one ounce of ugly in that prayer Bible, It's a story of your journey and how you grow over time! No amount of Bible study, prayer, or art is wasted or ugly; it's just where the story begins to grow and develop into a beautiful story of your journey to know and learn more of who God is and how to express and remember how you felt at that point in the journey. Look at David's life in the Bible; he had a lot of not so good moments, but he had a heart for God, as do you! Thanks for the tips. I'm deeply passionate about knowing the content of the whole scripture myself, to the point that I find I don't jump on the small simple devo out there, as I like to read through and study the book as a whole. I trying the monthly scripture writing prompt and I kept fizzy out because at times it felt to that the scripture being used didn't fit with the topic as I knew the context of it. It does kinda rub me the wrong way to take scripture out of context, and I have been praying and thinking on this whole "prayer bible" thing. You did bring up some great points of view and I will continue to prayer and see where God leads me on the topic. Thanks for sharing!
So much truth to what you shared!! Once you understand how important the context is, it makes it hard to use Scripture at random (in lack of better words). Blessings!!
Totally agree. This video could very easily lead a newer Christian down a very dangerous slippery slope. Without context, you are open to heresy and adding to scripture.
I totally agree! I dont agree with this whole "we can each apply the verses to our lives however we want, regardless of the context." The Bible is not a self-help book that we can interpret to our own needs..
@@nitarose44 Isn't that's why it's called a "prayer Bible". From what I understand is that you prayer-read the verses in the Bible because they're God's living word. This way you know you're praying within God's will. God's word nourishes our spirit because it is food. Prayer reading the word has been an ancient practice it's nothing new. On every page and in every verse there is a living prayer. Christians should have two Bibles; one for prayer and one for study.
I love your Bible! It's so beautiful the way you decorated it and your journaling. 😍 It's such a blessing to look back on. Satan keeps stirring up problems with stuff now, but that's why we need to keep in a deep study in God's Word. Stay strong on our knees. I ❤ God's Word and so thankful I have it. Thankful for your channel--such a blessing! I need a few of those book.😊
Got a little something for ya.... I disagree with your thoughts on doodling in your 2019 prayer bible as crazy or obnoxious. I think it is beautiful how at that time something in you made you express what you were feeling or thinking. I think God looks at it with a tender heart. It is awesome! Your teachings are really sinking into my heart. I am having so much fun learning and discovering God's love for me. You are doing a great job! I love this journey and the momentum I am getting from God.
Hi Nicki, I think you spoke a massive amount of spiritual common sense in this video, and I am taking what you said on board as I explore creating my own prayer Bible. Praying Scripture is so important, to my mind, just as important as understanding the history, the context, etc. of the Scriptures you are drawn to. There are many different Christians doing similar things on YT, and sometimes there will be misunderstandings. I personally feel that if one RUclipsr thinks their content is being criticized by another RUclipsr, they should have a private conversation and iron things out. Unfortunately, instead of doing that, this all seems to have blown up publicly, and people seem to be having to apologise when they have done nothing wrong. You all give advice from your own prayer lives as to what you feel works and doesn't work. As your listeners it is up to us to listen and take on board what we connect with. And for what it's worth, your 2019 prayer Bible pages are not ugly. You were in a different season then, is all. A lot of us have Bibles that look like yours. :) God bless you!
Such wisdom in your comments Lexie!! Thank you for taking the time to write them out. I had to literally laugh out loud at your opening sentence though, I don’t think anyone in my whole life has ever told me that i spoke a massive amount of any kind of common sense. So I sure appreciate your kind words and support ❤️❤️❤️
💖💓🙏 I have ADHD too..... You made me giggle..... I'm always going off in a tangent and then not remembering what I was talking about 😂 great job getting back on track .. I can relate so much with you and you are helping me on my journey x God Bless x
Bear in mind not every little thing we do as humans is due to some sort of abnormality. I don't know a single person who doesn't go off on tangents, lose their train of thought, etc. Just saying...
i struggled with this so hard when i first started reading the bible last year. people said i can’t apply the bible to my life because of the context. all i could think was “well in context none of the bible is for me…especially the epistles”. i remember thinking “it’s nothing more than a history book”. now i realize satan was really messing with my head. when i tell you it TORE ME UP for a while. i remember reading one night and the scripture moved me so deeply then the evil thought “don’t get too excited…remember it’s not written for you”. i literally cried and threw my bible across the room. what im saying it’s definitely more dangerous to tell a new Christian that the bible can not be taken out of context and applied to them or their situation. yes context is important but i refuse to believe its not applicable to my life and i can’t claim it over my life and my loved ones.
@@luxbookplanners you worded that so incredibly well!! If we look too deep, none of it applies directly to us today. I love what you said to about new Christians. The Bible is living and active. The Holy Spirit speaks to you through when it has nothing to do with the original writings. He is amazing like that!! And I love what you said about feeling like the Bible isn’t “for” you. I always like to say, it wasn’t written “to” us but it most definitely written “for” us!!! I’m so thankful you stuck with it! God bless!!
I say this with so much respect to those who mean well and are telling people that they "need to take the scriptures in context". Satan has been so busy discouraging folks from picking up their Bible to read, I know this first hand as I'm one of his victims, I've struggled with that for years. I also know that even good things can be used to discourage people. Is it important to know the context of scripture? Absolutely, but is God going to cease listening to your prayers because you didn't practice exegesiswhen reading and praying a scripture?? I don't think so. We need to stop letting these things scare us from seeking and exercising the power written in God's word
Dr Don Whitney recommends allowing scripture to prompt your prayer. He even says that isn't really using scripture 'in context,' but it's still allowing God's Word to lead our prayer life. That is not the same as doctine-forming Bible study.
I do have a prayer Bible, but most of my general prayers go in a prayer journal. I use the prayer Bible for prayers I felt led in when studying a passage, but everyone has a different approach.
Bible Journaling and prayer bibles give me anxiety all the stuff everywhere. But I applaud anyone studying the word of God. I am not legalistic, I do make notes in my Bible, just not many. I have bible Journaling notebooks. I draw and write prayers and scriptures and lessons learned. That way I don't have preconceived ideas about a scripture because God may use it to speak to me in a different way the next time I read it depending on my life at the time. I love how creative you and some of the ones I have watched are with your journaling. I have grown as a Christian since starting the process of journaling/study.
That is not an acceptable approach to scripture. I'm truly saying this with love. The HS will speak to us but not when we are changing the meaning because we "feel led to." God's word is alive and is deep in meaning, but it is not interpretive literature nor can I say a verse about someone else is about me. Without context, we easily welcome in heresy. I can cling to who God is for me, but the Bible is not about me.
Sorry which part is it, that you feel is not an acceptable approach? I don’t believe that anyone is trying to make the bible about themselves. There isn’t anything wrong with praying scripture, ie Romans 4:3b - praying for the same kind of faith that Abraham had that was counted to him as righteousness, when feeling discouraged or possibly doubting God or, Psalm 43:1 when perhaps being persecuted unjustly - asking God to vindicate you and to defend your cause against (whoever is accusing/persecuting) you. Or to pray Colossians 2:6-7 for a son, daughter or friend - as Julie has received you, Christ, I ask that she would so walk in you, rooted and built up in you and established in the faith, just as they were taught, may they be abounding in thanks giving. Wondering if I missed something here.
I agree, I feel like lots of Christian RUclipsrs are rather upset, sister Rita’s brought a form of praying technique that lots of people are actually excited.
It is important to stay focused on God in prayer, and I see how a prayer bible easily could make "name it and claim it" (hyper charismatic and new apostolic reformation) a stronghold in your/my life if we aren't careful to make a prayer bible glorify God! Truth is of outmost importance!
2 Timothy 3:16 says “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” (NLT). We do not have to have read commentaries to understand that verse. Talking in circles only creates confusion. Who is the author of confusion? Yes, SATAN! If you are a new Christ follower, don’t be confused. You CAN read your Bible without being a Bible scholar and have God speak His truth to you.
@@nancynorris1084True, but I was not stating you need to be a scholar or use commentaries. Many of our great commentaries were written by men who didn't have commentaries to reference. Commentaries are not inspired in the way scripture is. My point is that we do ourselves, God and His work a major disservice when we ignore context or make a passage that is not about us as if it were about us. We should never approach scripture with a self-centered approach assuming a passage is about us. That's the Holy Spirit's job, not ours. We apply, but we do not "name and claim." In this video she stated that we should claim verses without context but also said we shouldn't??? Taking scripture out of context is a horrible danger and should not be encouraged. For her to say that the passage about where "two or more are gathered together..." is not applicable today is absolute heresy. That false assumption does not give us permission to change the meaning. God has not changed and that verse is still true.
My prayer life mostly consists of me just directing my thoughts to God. I am constantly talking to Him. I do believe it is important to study the Bible in context. It's dangerous to pull out a verse and create a theology based on it. I also fully believe that God can pull a verse, or series of verses to talk to you. I always ask for confirmation that it's coming from Him and not my own understanding. Why wouldn't God use his word to teach you something you can apply to your own life.
I have a prayer Bible, I also am working on using the same concept with the tabs and journaling to do one all about prophecies and Jesus's fulfillment of them. I have a third one I am working on all about spiritual warfare.
I'm new to colour tabbing my Bible, and have a purpose for doing it, but not writing in it or adding ephemera. I like to read the before and after verses and sometimes the whole chapter/s and can't if it's covered up. l'd feel my Bible is messed up. I do however enjoy watching others personalise their Bibles with ephemera that's meaningful and encouraging to them.
You’re right, Nikki. The name it and claim it false teaching is someone trying to be God in their own lives. Using God’s Word rightly with faith and belief in His truths, is never wrong. God’s Word may not be written to us in those time periods, but it is God’s truth and still applies to us today. Living and active for all time. Some use the Bible simply as an educational tool and end up with heads full of knowledge (which puffs up) about God and the nations etc., but no real growth in faith and trust in Christ bc they are afraid to use it in faith for themselves. The danger for them is a life of religion and knowledge, but not that deep personal loving relationship of faith and belief in Christ, like a small child has, which a Christian must have.
Prayer bibles - this is new to me, and I don't think its for me. I have a book called Daily Bread (Ariel Media) and I write down personal prayers in this book. Its nice to look back to see how God answered my prayers. I agree that we need to be very careful not to take a verse out of context. In my journaling bible I will note something gleaned from commentaries to better understand the scripture I'm reading. Very little artwork in my bibles :-). Just notes.
I believe that the Holy Spirit will talk to me at particular times in my life. But the message is for ME to help me get through that valley and not for everyone else. I will later see something I wrote next to a certain Scripture and wonder, what the heck? I used to stress over taking Scripture out of context, but now it no longer bothers me. It bothers me when a Pastor/Preacher takes Scripture out of context and teaches it that way to his flock. That is blasphemous, to me. God's Word teaches and guides us by giving us examples of weak men who missed the mark several times in their lives, but He chose to use them for His purpose. I can identify with the flesh because God isn't finished with me!
So well said! A Pastor should under no circumstance try to change the original meaning of the Scriptures. Yes! When a verse speaks to us, it is very personal. So well said! Blessings!
There is a real danger in thinking that all scriptures are promises to me. Many scriptures were promises to specific people, and not meant as a forever promise to anyone who reads it. We should look at all scripture and ask, "What does this reveal to me about the author of scripture". It's all about God, not me.
We all should know by now that the enemy wants us to either jump over the horses back or land under it's belly on our back... when we quote scripture, we should know the conext, but as you say, you also know that "I can do all thing through Christ" has the obvious addendum "that is pleasing to Him or He would love for me to have or experience". I mean duh. We get all legalistic (enter the devil) and freeze - just what the enemy wants. How many times have you been going along and a scripture pops into your mind and it speaks perfectly to what you need. Did the Holy Spirit just speak 'out of context'? No. He applied it.
Yes, we learned by taking scripture out of context to directly apply to our lives. It is important that well it is taken out of context. It is also in context at the same time. So that we are not deceived by statan.
Scripture - truth is truth. As it was in the beginning, is now, and every shall be. God’s truth is unalterable! And we are not permitted to alter one letter of it.
I read a devotional and write my prayers in my CSB. I dont really use the CSB as im not a fan of the translation but i wanted to use the bible for something. So i read my devotion then I write the prayer on the page of the bible that that particular passage is on.
We can do all things through Christ. That's not wrong at all claim that that's one of those things that the lines with the Bible ended the lines. With our lives, i'm here.
Please just do your prayer Bible. Don’t think too hard, just do it! Disregard these comments talking about out of context. The word says that ALL of God’s word is useful. The Holy Spirit will direct you. Believers are being frightened away of using a wonderful technique. Trust God to guide you. One of the most wonderful things about this technique is that you will be in God’s Word! You will discover more each time you use your prayer Bible bc God will show you in his word bc he is awesome like that! 😊 Remember ppl didn’t have Bible blog posts, commentaries, or explanation guides hundreds of years ago. It was just them, their Bible, and God. 😅 Don’t allow ppl to frightened you out of a blessing. Do your prayer Bible!!! ❤😊
I attended a Catholic Mass yesterday, the Priest did his Homily on the dangers of reading the Bible! How dare you try and interpret the Bible by yourself. He went on to say, that only the Catholic Church can interpret what is said in the Bible and then tell their parishioners what is revealed. I was horrified! Most people are intelligent enough to read this book without the Catholic Church giving what they think is going on.Never again going back!
Wait, I don't understand. You're saying that prayer Bibles/journals can be dangerous because of verses taken out of context? 🤔 I actually think prayer Bibles might be slightly different (Bibles specifically used for praying verses corresponding to prayer topics) Do you mean journaling Bibles? Like the NLT Inspire or the illustrators Bible? (Bibles over saturated with artwork?) Thanks for the video, God bless!
I think she has a different idea of what a prayer Bible is, which isn't what you described (a Bible used specifically for praying verses that correspond to certain prayer topics. I'm new to hearing about this prayer Bible trend, but that's exactly what I understand it to be. She's suggesting applying scripture meant for certain people at a certain time in history to oneself today. That's not how I understand prayer bibles to be about...
All these negative comments. All this negative disparaging a joyful moment you had with the Lord and calling it ugliness. The disrespect to your younger self. The lists of do and don't. The whole heavy burden placed on someone trying to read the Bible and hear from God. I don't know what you were trying to say in this video but I don't have a desire to listen further. I hope this isn't what Bible journaling is about. This all just made me feel sick to my stomach. 😢
@@forestsnow6508 LoL. Notice how he’s not saint Constantine Notice how he’s not pope Constantine Notice how he’s not founder Constantine. Jesus said “I will Build MY CHURCH” Mt 16
Literally just see a trend in my opinion 😮💨 Give it a few months…Our relationship with Christ is not a trend. Many people channels are reflecting what I’m saying. Content is not about that…Praying or anything and you just see “prayer bible” video. Some women do mean well I’m sure. As a woman of God. We need to do better. But anyways lol I’m just here to say…I like your video lol 🤭 And ladies do what the Holy Spirit leads you to do. Use discernment please 🩷
Discernment is essential!!! I’m sure for some ladies this will be a fad, but hopefully for many, it will be a way of life. Integrating intentional prayer into their everyday!!
![✨Prayer Bible✨ [Step-by-Step] in a Bible you Already YOU HAVE!!! 📖📖](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YdkytObtKno/mqdefault.jpg)
![✨Prayer Bible✨ [Step-by-Step] in a Bible you Already YOU HAVE!!! 📖📖](/img/tr.png)
Please know that this video was created BEFORE I knew what a “Prayer Bible” is. If you watch the video I recorded directly after this, you will see my explanation and why I even created this specific video for a reason and it was not to criticize or critique the prayer Bible concept from Sisterita Club. After I watched her video, I knew what a “prayer Bible” was and I loved her idea!! So please do not take this video out of context. I am giving my opinion on my personal prayer journal and how I know the Word of God is living an active and that it can be okay and also not okay to pray scripture “out of context” Look at the dates and follow along with my prayer Bible journey please. Taking anything out of context, even a RUclips video, can be misunderstood and misinterpreted. Praying. Scripture is a good thing. Knowing what Scripture means is vital. ❤️
I have always done this and in fact it brought me closer to Christ!
The word of God will only penetrate the heart, when it's read and translated personally.
There is nothing wrong with putting ourselves among the Scripture, it's our own private time with God. We aren't adding or changing the actual scriptures :)
We all have a need and a want for the Word and we need to find what works for us.
This is beautifully done 💜
So well said!!!
You are exactly right. The Holy Spirit guides us through the Bible and we all get something different out of it. We know who……… really does not want you studying and using the Bible think about it.
Love this outlook. Never thought to draw in mine but I am still transitioning from agnostic, but I am fully a believer he has answered my prayers and taken pain away in times I needed it, I know what I know now and I. know it was always meant to be this way, he knew I would find him eventually, I already lived pretty close to the way he wants us too, I have many bibles but just recently learnt of these study bibles, I was studying online through an app I AM in LOVE WITH the study bibles and have purchased a bunch and want more different variations! as this is a life long journey living his word, daily prayer. It has so many benefits !!!! I never would have thought to draw like this RUclips has, lol, but now, reading your comment, I am thinking, wow, what a beautiful outlook and way to think, such positive vibes, and that's precisely what he wants: positivity and relationship with him. You and him me and him etc !!!!
I was JUST thinking about this topic today as I prepare themes and verses to make my own prayer Bible. I am so afraid of taking a verse out of context because I’m coming across verses from books I haven’t even started studying through yet, but I want to pray through scripture, specifically about praising God and healing. So, what I’m doing is going through my Bible commentary and BibleRef online just so I can have an idea of what’s going on as I try to decide if it’s what I’m looking for. I agree with what you’re saying. We need to understand the context and exert hermeneutics, but this fear shouldn’t paralyze me or anyone else from prayer. Thank you for this video.
Don’t be afraid. God wants you to come to Him in prayer and He will give you any direction you need.
Bible journaling, daily reading, setting aside the Sabbath for study & prayer walks, plus the CSB Chronological Bible, and The Complete Jewish Study Bible have deepened insight and ignited passion for the Word. Thank you for the video!
Thank you…If I cannot apply the Word of God directly to my life, it would be a very accurate but dead history book…how else can you have a living relationship with the Lord if He cannot speak to you also personally through His word.
Thanks Nicki! You are brave❣️ Yes, updating my prayer Bible recently which I started in 2019…same thoughts & questions as you said & I kept going back to Hebrews 4:12. “For the word of God is is living and active…” Lord, hear the thoughts and intentions of my heart. Also, knowing the background of who & why in the passage. God bless🤗
You are delightful, loved this and can't wait to start on my prayer bible, I didnt think we could do that with our bible, but what a love letter to Jesus, God Bless You!
The Lord gives each of us a message in His word. I believe He can use a scripture to speak to me and use the same scripture to say something else to someone else. I have just started a prayer Bible and a separate Bible Journal for study.
That is so dangerous. The Bible says what it says. It doesn't become something else depending on who is reading it.
I just ordered your old and new testament guides. Im excited to get started. Be blessed
I don’t see them in the shop ~ how did you purchase them please? Thank you 🙏 📖✝️🕊️🙏
@@juneduffy4502 I ordered off of Amazon.
This video speaks to me in a profound way! This year my word of the year is TRUTH. I have been struggling with the concept of using a prayer bible and applying scripture out of context for the purpose of personal prayers. Also, my bible study group is going through the book of Hebrews and the scripture that really spoke to me was the one you mentioned, 4:11-12, especially where it says "it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart". If my attitude and heart are aligned with the Holy Spirit, he will correct and speak to me with His Word. Only He knows our intentions and will speak his Truth into our lives and situations. Thank you Unfolding Truth for doing just that! I am also a Truth Seeker. 🙏
Amen to that!!!
Thank you Nicki for this video! I appreciated it ❤❤
I've prayed over Scripture for many years and recorded them in a journal-notebook. You're very crafty, and it's inspiring me in many ways.
For me, Bible Study, Prayer, and Scripture based Praying are 3 totally different things. I have various methods to track all. I have a Prayer Journal where I keep track of all my prayers (where I also keep all sorts of important physical tokens that enrich my prayer journey and practice. Biblical Prayers, are directly out of my Bible and I am working on setting that up right now by marking the scripture with a color coded tab - by topic, and highlighting the scripture verse, so I can flip right to appropriate themed verses, to Pray the scriptures, the holy word of God - back to God - as He LOVES that we use His word to communicate with Him our heart felt desires. I also do Art in my interleaved Bible along with notes from my Bible study. Bible study books I keep numerous notes and reference back to those books often. It takes all practices to keep me grounded and growing in my faith.
Thank you for this insight. I believe God uses scripture to speak to us. I have let this idea of being afraid to take the verse out of context keep me from doing what God has called me to do. I appreciate your perspective as it has helped me so much. Have a blessed day!!
There's several things to consider here. First of all, i see where one commenter said the bible is not about us therefore we cannot claim its promises. 😮 well the last time i checked thats exactly what the Bible is. It was wriiten for the jews first then the gentiles. The bible is alive and active and the only way it can be that is if we believe its instructions were written to us just as much as it was an audience thousands of years ago. Yes, we need to study, yes we need to understand background and context, but more than that, we need to understand how God wants to shape us according to what the bible teaches. We know that Jesus died for OUR sins. How can we understand that if we don't understand that the bible was written for us. If we are wittnessing to an unbeliever and we tell them jesus died for their sins. And then they want to know how we know that. If we tell them the Bible says so, but then they point out that you said the bible isn't about us, so why should they apply what you said about Jesus dying for their sins to their own lives. Yes the people in the bible had their biographies written in the bible, but that doesn't mean we cannot apply what God said to them, to us. There is not a word written in the Bible that cannot be applied to our lives to bring us closer Jesus and shape us more into the image of Christ. Not every person was born to be a theologian. Alot of people do not have to ability to ubderstand the depths of most theologians. Thats why we have those people to help us understand the bible more. But the most simply concepts found in the bible are the ones that all people can understand. And just as God has protected His Word throughout the ages, He has also made a way for the very simplest amount us to understand the ultimate love and sacrifice He made in order to have us with Him for eternity. If the only thing i ever could understand out of the entire bible is, " For God loved us so much that he gave His only Son, that who ever believes in Him, shall not perish, but will have eternal life." John 3:16
If thats all they were capable of understanding, then that is enough. Gods Holy Spring will guide us into truth from there. The Bible in context is, once we have come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, them we have the bible to teach us where to go from there and how to serve in our purpose that we were created for. We are to win others to Jesus through love. If i did not believe that God inspired the word of God with the foreknowledge that one day i would be reading it desiring a deeper relationship with him, then why would i bother. God used the stories of His children from the past, to teach amd inspire His children today. And when we read, its life flows into us. So yes, sisters, the Bible was written for us. ❤
Omg thank you 🙌🏽
I’m going to be using my Prayer Bible only to pray not for study , I a separate Bible to do my study and verse mapping, thanks for the suggestion
Not one ounce of ugly in that prayer Bible, It's a story of your journey and how you grow over time! No amount of Bible study, prayer, or art is wasted or ugly; it's just where the story begins to grow and develop into a beautiful story of your journey to know and learn more of who God is and how to express and remember how you felt at that point in the journey. Look at David's life in the Bible; he had a lot of not so good moments, but he had a heart for God, as do you! Thanks for the tips. I'm deeply passionate about knowing the content of the whole scripture myself, to the point that I find I don't jump on the small simple devo out there, as I like to read through and study the book as a whole. I trying the monthly scripture writing prompt and I kept fizzy out because at times it felt to that the scripture being used didn't fit with the topic as I knew the context of it. It does kinda rub me the wrong way to take scripture out of context, and I have been praying and thinking on this whole "prayer bible" thing. You did bring up some great points of view and I will continue to prayer and see where God leads me on the topic. Thanks for sharing!
So much truth to what you shared!! Once you understand how important the context is, it makes it hard to use Scripture at random (in lack of better words). Blessings!!
I think your prayer journal is lovely! Such a wonderful keepsake! ❤️ Cathie
I agree but we are supposed to study the Bible and carefully, without twisting it, determine what it says and obey
Totally agree. This video could very easily lead a newer Christian down a very dangerous slippery slope. Without context, you are open to heresy and adding to scripture.
I totally agree! I dont agree with this whole "we can each apply the verses to our lives however we want, regardless of the context." The Bible is not a self-help book that we can interpret to our own needs..
@@nitarose44 Isn't that's why it's called a "prayer Bible". From what I understand is that you prayer-read the verses in the Bible because they're God's living word. This way you know you're praying within God's will. God's word nourishes our spirit because it is food. Prayer reading the word has been an ancient practice it's nothing new. On every page and in every verse there is a living prayer. Christians should have two Bibles; one for prayer and one for study.
You’re right on. I do that too, and it helps me to make the Bible, AND what I hear from the Spirit, part of my life.
I love your Bible! It's so beautiful the way you decorated it and your journaling. 😍 It's such a blessing to look back on. Satan keeps stirring up problems with stuff now, but that's why we need to keep in a deep study in God's Word. Stay strong on our knees. I ❤ God's Word and so thankful I have it. Thankful for your channel--such a blessing! I need a few of those book.😊
Got a little something for ya.... I disagree with your thoughts on doodling in your 2019 prayer bible as crazy or obnoxious. I think it is beautiful how at that time something in you made you express what you were feeling or thinking. I think God looks at it with a tender heart. It is awesome! Your teachings are really sinking into my heart. I am having so much fun learning and discovering God's love for me. You are doing a great job! I love this journey and the momentum I am getting from God.
You know, you are right. That’s what I liked then and that’s how I felt in my worship time. Thank you for reminding me of that!! ❤️❤️❤️
I needed to hear this message today. Thanks for sharing what's on your heart
Hi Nicki, I think you spoke a massive amount of spiritual common sense in this video, and I am taking what you said on board as I explore creating my own prayer Bible. Praying Scripture is so important, to my mind, just as important as understanding the history, the context, etc. of the Scriptures you are drawn to.
There are many different Christians doing similar things on YT, and sometimes there will be misunderstandings. I personally feel that if one RUclipsr thinks their content is being criticized by another RUclipsr, they should have a private conversation and iron things out. Unfortunately, instead of doing that, this all seems to have blown up publicly, and people seem to be having to apologise when they have done nothing wrong. You all give advice from your own prayer lives as to what you feel works and doesn't work. As your listeners it is up to us to listen and take on board what we connect with.
And for what it's worth, your 2019 prayer Bible pages are not ugly. You were in a different season then, is all. A lot of us have Bibles that look like yours. :)
God bless you!
Such wisdom in your comments Lexie!! Thank you for taking the time to write them out. I had to literally laugh out loud at your opening sentence though, I don’t think anyone in my whole life has ever told me that i spoke a massive amount of any kind of common sense. So I sure appreciate your kind words and support ❤️❤️❤️
Hello Nicki,
This was really awesome and very informative. Thank you, my dear. And your Bible is beautiful.
Laticia
💖💓🙏 I have ADHD too..... You made me giggle..... I'm always going off in a tangent and then not remembering what I was talking about 😂 great job getting back on track .. I can relate so much with you and you are helping me on my journey x God Bless x
The struggle is real, that’s for sure!!
I’m right there with y’all😂
Bear in mind not every little thing we do as humans is due to some sort of abnormality. I don't know a single person who doesn't go off on tangents, lose their train of thought, etc.
Just saying...
i struggled with this so hard when i first started reading the bible last year. people said i can’t apply the bible to my life because of the context. all i could think was “well in context none of the bible is for me…especially the epistles”. i remember thinking “it’s nothing more than a history book”. now i realize satan was really messing with my head. when i tell you it TORE ME UP for a while. i remember reading one night and the scripture moved me so deeply then the evil thought “don’t get too excited…remember it’s not written for you”. i literally cried and threw my bible across the room. what im saying it’s definitely more dangerous to tell a new Christian that the bible can not be taken out of context and applied to them or their situation. yes context is important but i refuse to believe its not applicable to my life and i can’t claim it over my life and my loved ones.
@@luxbookplanners you worded that so incredibly well!! If we look too deep, none of it applies directly to us today. I love what you said to about new Christians. The Bible is living and active. The Holy Spirit speaks to you through when it has nothing to do with the original writings. He is amazing like that!! And I love what you said about feeling like the Bible isn’t “for” you. I always like to say, it wasn’t written “to” us but it most definitely written “for” us!!! I’m so thankful you stuck with it! God bless!!
I say this with so much respect to those who mean well and are telling people that they "need to take the scriptures in context". Satan has been so busy discouraging folks from picking up their Bible to read, I know this first hand as I'm one of his victims, I've struggled with that for years. I also know that even good things can be used to discourage people. Is it important to know the context of scripture? Absolutely, but is God going to cease listening to your prayers because you didn't practice exegesiswhen reading and praying a scripture?? I don't think so. We need to stop letting these things scare us from seeking and exercising the power written in God's word
Couldn’t agree more!! God can definitely move through the reading of is Word!!
Dr Don Whitney recommends allowing scripture to prompt your prayer. He even says that isn't really using scripture 'in context,' but it's still allowing God's Word to lead our prayer life. That is not the same as doctine-forming Bible study.
Very good point!!
Taking things out of context to become cute self-help messages can definitely hurt spiritual growth. It also leads to false teachings.
I totally agree! Well said
Absolutely agreed 100%!
I do have a prayer Bible, but most of my general prayers go in a prayer journal. I use the prayer Bible for prayers I felt led in when studying a passage, but everyone has a different approach.
Bible Journaling and prayer bibles give me anxiety all the stuff everywhere. But I applaud anyone studying the word of God.
I am not legalistic, I do make notes in my Bible, just not many.
I have bible Journaling notebooks. I draw and write prayers and scriptures and lessons learned. That way I don't have preconceived ideas about a scripture because God may use it to speak to me in a different way the next time I read it depending on my life at the time.
I love how creative you and some of the ones I have watched are with your journaling.
I have grown as a Christian since starting the process of journaling/study.
Nicki you should do a flip through of that whole bible. I'd love to see your artwork in there!
I think I have one under my Bible Journaling play list. I think so....
That is not an acceptable approach to scripture. I'm truly saying this with love. The HS will speak to us but not when we are changing the meaning because we "feel led to." God's word is alive and is deep in meaning, but it is not interpretive literature nor can I say a verse about someone else is about me. Without context, we easily welcome in heresy. I can cling to who God is for me, but the Bible is not about me.
Sorry which part is it, that you feel is not an acceptable approach? I don’t believe that anyone is trying to make the bible about themselves. There isn’t anything wrong with praying scripture, ie Romans 4:3b - praying for the same kind of faith that Abraham had that was counted to him as righteousness, when feeling discouraged or possibly doubting God or, Psalm 43:1 when perhaps being persecuted unjustly - asking God to vindicate you and to defend your cause against (whoever is accusing/persecuting) you. Or to pray Colossians 2:6-7 for a son, daughter or friend - as Julie has received you, Christ, I ask that she would so walk in you, rooted and built up in you and established in the faith, just as they were taught, may they be abounding in thanks giving. Wondering if I missed something here.
I agree, I feel like lots of Christian RUclipsrs are rather upset, sister Rita’s brought a form of praying technique that lots of people are actually excited.
It is important to stay focused on God in prayer, and I see how a prayer bible easily could make "name it and claim it" (hyper charismatic and new apostolic reformation) a stronghold in your/my life if we aren't careful to make a prayer bible glorify God!
Truth is of outmost importance!
2 Timothy 3:16 says “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” (NLT). We do not have to have read commentaries to understand that verse. Talking in circles only creates confusion. Who is the author of confusion? Yes, SATAN! If you are a new Christ follower, don’t be confused. You CAN read your Bible without being a Bible scholar and have God speak His truth to you.
@@nancynorris1084True, but I was not stating you need to be a scholar or use commentaries. Many of our great commentaries were written by men who didn't have commentaries to reference. Commentaries are not inspired in the way scripture is. My point is that we do ourselves, God and His work a major disservice when we ignore context or make a passage that is not about us as if it were about us. We should never approach scripture with a self-centered approach assuming a passage is about us. That's the Holy Spirit's job, not ours. We apply, but we do not "name and claim." In this video she stated that we should claim verses without context but also said we shouldn't??? Taking scripture out of context is a horrible danger and should not be encouraged. For her to say that the passage about where "two or more are gathered together..." is not applicable today is absolute heresy. That false assumption does not give us permission to change the meaning. God has not changed and that verse is still true.
My prayer life mostly consists of me just directing my thoughts to God. I am constantly talking to Him. I do believe it is important to study the Bible in context. It's dangerous to pull out a verse and create a theology based on it. I also fully believe that God can pull a verse, or series of verses to talk to you. I always ask for confirmation that it's coming from Him and not my own understanding. Why wouldn't God use his word to teach you something you can apply to your own life.
I have a prayer Bible, I also am working on using the same concept with the tabs and journaling to do one all about prophecies and Jesus's fulfillment of them. I have a third one I am working on all about spiritual warfare.
I'm new to colour tabbing my Bible, and have a purpose for doing it, but not writing in it or adding ephemera. I like to read the before and after verses and sometimes the whole chapter/s and can't if it's covered up. l'd feel my Bible is messed up. I do however enjoy watching others personalise their Bibles with ephemera that's meaningful and encouraging to them.
You’re right, Nikki. The name it and claim it false teaching is someone trying to be God in their own lives.
Using God’s Word rightly with faith and belief in His truths, is never wrong. God’s Word may not be written to us in those time periods, but it is God’s truth and still applies to us today. Living and active for all time. Some use the Bible simply as an educational tool and end up with heads full of knowledge (which puffs up) about God and the nations etc., but no real growth in faith and trust in Christ bc they are afraid to use it in faith for themselves. The danger for them is a life of religion and knowledge, but not that deep personal loving relationship of faith and belief in Christ, like a small child has, which a Christian must have.
Yes!! I crave a deep personal relationship with Him daily as I seek Him in His word!!!
Prayer bibles - this is new to me, and I don't think its for me. I have a book called Daily Bread (Ariel Media) and I write down personal prayers in this book. Its nice to look back to see how God answered my prayers. I agree that we need to be very careful not to take a verse out of context. In my journaling bible I will note something gleaned from commentaries to better understand the scripture I'm reading. Very little artwork in my bibles :-). Just notes.
Im almost 68 - still growing in the Lord. Thanks for your comment.@@pattimoose1
I believe that the Holy Spirit will talk to me at particular times in my life. But the message is for ME to help me get through that valley and not for everyone else. I will later see something I wrote next to a certain Scripture and wonder, what the heck? I used to stress over taking Scripture out of context, but now it no longer bothers me. It bothers me when a Pastor/Preacher takes Scripture out of context and teaches it that way to his flock. That is blasphemous, to me. God's Word teaches and guides us by giving us examples of weak men who missed the mark several times in their lives, but He chose to use them for His purpose. I can identify with the flesh because God isn't finished with me!
So well said! A Pastor should under no circumstance try to change the original meaning of the Scriptures. Yes! When a verse speaks to us, it is very personal. So well said! Blessings!
God is the same God then, now and forever more. He has not change he is the same.
The artwork makes me think of God and how beautiful God is
Thank you for this, I totally agree.
There is a real danger in thinking that all scriptures are promises to me. Many scriptures were promises to specific people, and not meant as a forever promise to anyone who reads it. We should look at all scripture and ask, "What does this reveal to me about the author of scripture". It's all about God, not me.
We all should know by now that the enemy wants us to either jump over the horses back or land under it's belly on our back... when we quote scripture, we should know the conext, but as you say, you also know that "I can do all thing through Christ" has the obvious addendum "that is pleasing to Him or He would love for me to have or experience". I mean duh. We get all legalistic (enter the devil) and freeze - just what the enemy wants. How many times have you been going along and a scripture pops into your mind and it speaks perfectly to what you need. Did the Holy Spirit just speak 'out of context'? No. He applied it.
Amen sister!! Very well said. It’s living and active for sure!!
Yes, we learned by taking scripture out of context to directly apply to our lives. It is important that well it is taken out of context. It is also in context at the same time. So that we are not deceived by statan.
I keep a separate journal for notes and reminders without writing on my Bible. Revelation 22:18
Scripture - truth is truth. As it was in the beginning, is now, and every shall be. God’s truth is unalterable! And we are not permitted to alter one letter of it.
I think what you are referring to at about 06:00 is making room for a Rhema Word. Am I understanding you correctly, Nicki? 😊
I’m not sure what that means? 🤷🏻♀️
@@nickidrake It is when God gives you an answer from His Word _ meant for you in your specific situation at this time.
I read a devotional and write my prayers in my CSB. I dont really use the CSB as im not a fan of the translation but i wanted to use the bible for something. So i read my devotion then I write the prayer on the page of the bible that that particular passage is on.
We can do all things through Christ. That's not wrong at all claim that that's one of those things that the lines with the Bible ended the lines. With our lives, i'm here.
Please just do your prayer Bible. Don’t think too hard, just do it! Disregard these comments talking about out of context. The word says that ALL of God’s word is useful. The Holy Spirit will direct you. Believers are being frightened away of using a wonderful technique. Trust God to guide you. One of the most wonderful things about this technique is that you will be in God’s Word! You will discover more each time you use your prayer Bible bc God will show you in his word bc he is awesome like that! 😊 Remember ppl didn’t have Bible blog posts, commentaries, or explanation guides hundreds of years ago. It was just them, their Bible, and God. 😅 Don’t allow ppl to frightened you out of a blessing. Do your prayer Bible!!! ❤😊
I’m using mines as an outreach bible using the one I had 2012
Hi Niki, How do we use your Bible outline book? Do you have any videos on this book?
I don’t have any videos but I find the outlines helpful when I’m studying because it gives me the main topics and the natural sectioning of topics.
@@nickidrake Thank You 🙏🏽
Absolutely awesome
I attended a Catholic Mass yesterday, the Priest did his Homily on the dangers of reading the Bible! How dare you try and interpret the Bible by yourself. He went on to say, that only the Catholic Church can interpret what is said in the Bible and then tell their parishioners what is revealed. I was horrified! Most people are intelligent enough to read this book without the Catholic Church giving what they think is going on.Never again going back!
@@laurieuebbing3500 oh wow I didn’t know they still did that!!! That’s CRAZY. Crazy as in unbelievable.
Hi sister this scare me now I am not sure want mean, please explain to me , God bless you 🙏
Study the Bible with me at www.crazysimpletruth.com/join We'd LOVE to have you join us!
Hello everyone ❤
Looks gorgeous to me! That gene skipped me and hit all three of my siblings! lol
Wait, I don't understand. You're saying that prayer Bibles/journals can be dangerous because of verses taken out of context? 🤔 I actually think prayer Bibles might be slightly different (Bibles specifically used for praying verses corresponding to prayer topics)
Do you mean journaling Bibles? Like the NLT Inspire or the illustrators Bible? (Bibles over saturated with artwork?)
Thanks for the video, God bless!
I think she has a different idea of what a prayer Bible is, which isn't what you described (a Bible used specifically for praying verses that correspond to certain prayer topics. I'm new to hearing about this prayer Bible trend, but that's exactly what I understand it to be. She's suggesting applying scripture meant for certain people at a certain time in history to oneself today. That's not how I understand prayer bibles to be about...
All these negative comments. All this negative disparaging a joyful moment you had with the Lord and calling it ugliness. The disrespect to your younger self. The lists of do and don't. The whole heavy burden placed on someone trying to read the Bible and hear from God. I don't know what you were trying to say in this video but I don't have a desire to listen further. I hope this isn't what Bible journaling is about. This all just made me feel sick to my stomach. 😢
Why is it dangerous if you don’t understand the context?
Lol! You are just scanning the room. It's an ADHD thing. My eyes are always all over the place when I talk.
Is that what it is?!?!? Lol thanks for letting me know that!!
This is not biblical, context is very very important and it will hurt when you use it out of context....please please stop!
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Jesus started one church
The Roman Catholic Church
Actually, that was Emperor Constantine
@@forestsnow6508
LoL. Notice how he’s not saint Constantine
Notice how he’s not pope Constantine
Notice how he’s not founder Constantine.
Jesus said
“I will Build MY CHURCH”
Mt 16
Literally just see a trend in my opinion 😮💨 Give it a few months…Our relationship with Christ is not a trend. Many people channels are reflecting what I’m saying. Content is not about that…Praying or anything and you just see “prayer bible” video. Some women do mean well I’m sure.
As a woman of God. We need to do better. But anyways lol I’m just here to say…I like your video lol 🤭
And ladies do what the Holy Spirit leads you to do. Use discernment please 🩷
Discernment is essential!!! I’m sure for some ladies this will be a fad, but hopefully for many, it will be a way of life. Integrating intentional prayer into their everyday!!
I'm with you on the trend part 😮
❤❤❤