Writing on our hearts . . .

"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." I love the Psalms.  Perhaps it is the English major in me.  They are deeply poetic and thick with emotion.  David's intimate relationship with the Lord is on display throughout the Psalms.  He invites God in to the depths of his heart.  David bravely makes this prayer request of God himself. He knows that God knows everything about him, but He asks God to give him real tests in real life – not just in a academic setting – to see where he stands in his life purpose before God. He wants to know how he scores on the tests so he can improve his way of living before God.  David wants to know if there is any wicked way, purpose, intention, direction for life or choices within him. He does not want to sin or practice sin in any way or to any degree. He wants to remove or have God remove any wicked...

" He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;  but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."  Isaiah 40:29-31. Life is sometimes tiring, to say the least. You can easily become exhausted, giving in to what seems inevitable or giving up on what appears unchangeable. It has been said, “Fatigue makes cowards of us all.” (General George S. Patton). When you are exhausted, you want to quit. Everything feels more difficult. Responsibilities weigh heavier than they are; tasks seem more complicated; schedules are more burdensome; problems seem bigger, less manageable. You just “don’t feel like it,” whatever it is.  I battle this attitude in many areas of life.  Relationships are difficult, work can seem overwhelming,...

Faith pleases God; He rewards those who seek Him And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.   Devotional Coming Soon!! Has this verse spoken to you in a special way?  Submit your story or reflections to us at:  devotional@keywicards.com “Writing on our hearts” is more than just a blog, we are an online community of Christians who share how God’s word has changed our hearts and our lives, especially through meditation, study, and memorization.  Please write us! We’d love to hear how this verse has ministered to you and what God has spoken to you through its truth!

“ in the beginning, God …” (Genesis 1:1, NIV) God is The singular reality. God alone began and sustains all existence. He is forever the great “I am.” He is all of history’s “unmoved mover.” Any understanding of reality not rooted in our personal Creator is fundamentally in error. Trusting in one’s own mental reasoning and the reliability of sensing and understanding the outside world necessarily assumes a reliable and rational Creator. In short, in order to trust in and use our very minds, we must believe in and trust in our Creator and therefore acknowledge our place as created beings. The source of truth and of life does not begin with us or with any of our predecessors. Just as the daylight for which we daily depend radiates from the sun, so does life and truth radiate from God, its singular source. The only means for vision is light. The only means for understanding reality is God’s very revelation to us in His Word. Any other source of illumination ...

To some, God may seem like a lofty and abstract concept, but He is far nearer to us than we can fathom. “ For in Him we live and move and have our being .” (Acts 17:28a, NIV)  The Psalmist contemplates: “ You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you,  Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain... “ For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful,  I know that full well My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all th...

Moment by moment life presents to us a choice in perspectives. We can keep our eyes directed downward, looking at other created things for help and understanding or we can choose to lift our eyes to our Creator. A photo magnified one hundred times makes the subject look entirely different and leaves out significant information about the entire scene. Drawing conclusions from such an image without the entire picture would be foolish and in error. In a similar way, the perspective we have with our eyes directed downward towards our temporal circumstances inevitably wrongly interprets God and reality. However, with eyes lifted to our Creator we can rightly interpret our circumstances in the light of His truth. As the Psalmist says “ I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. ” (Psalm 121:1-2, NIV) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . We can view one of the most beautiful perspectives in ...

Without knowledge of the spiritual truth of God’s word and His promises, many wander in darkness and despair. The memory verses for this project are intended to shine like rays of light into our lives, giving us hope and life everlasting.   As Isaiah prophesized regarding the ultimate revelation of God’s Word in Jesus Christ:  “ The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned .” (Isaiah 9:2, NIV) Our natural and chosen state is darkness, which is separation from God. This is because we have all sinned and rebelled against God’s moral standard. “ For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. ” (Romans 3:23, NIV)   Sin leads to death as Paul states in Romans 6:23: “ for the wages of sin is death …” (NIV) Isaiah the prophet declared: " but your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. " (Isaiah 59:2, NIV) However, ...

God’s word is living an d life-changing. Hebrews 4:12 states:  " For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (NIV) When you memorize key passages from the Bible, you are able to meditate on God’s word at any time. This is especially helpful when you face difficulties, fears, or attacks from the enemy. A better, more thorough knowledge of the Bible helps you pray and know God’s character in a deeper way as well as understand God’s will for your life. Not only will you be better able to handle life’s challenges, but you will be able to better encourage others in their spiritual journeys. Memorization of God’s word will also strengthen your spirit, increase your faith, and help you progress in spiritual maturity. Memorization of scripture takes dedication and perseverance, but the reward in reaping eternal, lasti...

Take your Keywi cards wherever you go to make best use of your spare moments! Back to:  Memorization WHERE: Keywi™ cards are meant to help keep your memory verses always on hand. Most people find keeping them on their keys the best way to always have their verses with them. For others, keeping them strapped to a purse, backpack, belt loop, or water bottle, might be the best strategy. WHEN: Once you’ve decided where to attach your keywi TM  cards, look for spare moments throughout your day to read through, recite, review, and repeat the flashcards. Some common opportunities to do this include waiting in a check-out line, pumping gas, waiting for a meeting to begin, in the midst of a traffic jam, at lunchtime, during a break, or while taking a walk. WHAT: Choose a pack of flashcards that best suits your current need or get a pack of blank cards to customize the verses you want to memorize. It is important to strive for 100% accuracy when you memorize. Not only wi...

God satisfies & saves me With long life   I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.   ” Devotional Coming Soon!! Has this verse spoken to you in a special way?  Submit your story or reflections to us at: devotional@keywicards.com “Writing on our hearts” is more than just a blog, we are an online community of Christians who share how God’s word has changed our hearts and our lives, especially through meditation, study, and memorization.  Please write us! We’d love to hear how this verse has ministered to you and what God has spoken to you through its truth!

God will answer & deliver me He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. Devotional Coming Soon!! Has this verse spoken to you in a special way?  Submit your story or reflections to us at: devotional@keywicards.com “Writing on our hearts” is more than just a blog, we are an online community of Christians who share how God’s word has changed our hearts and our lives, especially through meditation, study, and memorization.  Please write us! We’d love to hear how this verse has ministered to you and what God has spoken to you through its truth!

God will rescue me “Because he loves me,” says the   Lord , “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. Devotional Coming Soon!! Has this verse spoken to you in a special way?  Submit your story or reflections to us at: devotional@keywicards.com “Writing on our hearts” is more than just a blog, we are an online community of Christians who share how God’s word has changed our hearts and our lives, especially through meditation, study, and memorization.  Please write us! We’d love to hear how this verse has ministered to you and what God has spoken to you through its truth!

I will trample lions You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. Devotional Coming Soon!! Has this verse spoken to you in a special way?  Submit your story or reflections to us at: devotional@keywicards.com “Writing on our hearts” is more than just a blog, we are an online community of Christians who share how God’s word has changed our hearts and our lives, especially through meditation, study, and memorization.  Please write us! We’d love to hear how this verse has ministered to you and what God has spoken to you through its truth!

They will lift me up they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.   Devotional Coming Soon!! Has this verse spoken to you in a special way?  Submit your story or reflections to us at: devotional@keywicards.com “Writing on our hearts” is more than just a blog, we are an online community of Christians who share how God’s word has changed our hearts and our lives, especially through meditation, study, and memorization.  Please write us! We’d love to hear how this verse has ministered to you and what God has spoken to you through its truth!

He will command angels to guard me For he will command his angels   concerning you to guard you in all your ways; Devotional Coming Soon!! Has this verse spoken to you in a special way?  Submit your story or reflections to us at: devotional@keywicards.com “Writing on our hearts” is more than just a blog, we are an online community of Christians who share how God’s word has changed our hearts and our lives, especially through meditation, study, and memorization.  Please write us! We’d love to hear how this verse has ministered to you and what God has spoken to you through its truth!

No harm will come near no harm   will overtake you,     no disaster will come near your tent.   Devotional Coming Soon!! Has this verse spoken to you in a special way?  Submit your story or reflections to us at: devotional@keywicards.com “Writing on our hearts” is more than just a blog, we are an online community of Christians who share how God’s word has changed our hearts and our lives, especially through meditation, study, and memorization.  Please write us! We’d love to hear how this verse has ministered to you and what God has spoken to you through its truth!

If I make God my dwelling If you say, “The   Lord   is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, Devotional Coming Soon!! Has this verse spoken to you in a special way?  Submit your story or reflections to us at: devotional@keywicards.com “Writing on our hearts” is more than just a blog, we are an online community of Christians who share how God’s word has changed our hearts and our lives, especially through meditation, study, and memorization.  Please write us! We’d love to hear how this verse has ministered to you and what God has spoken to you through its truth!

I will see the wicked punished You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. Devotional Coming Soon!! Has this verse spoken to you in a special way?  Submit your story or reflections to us at: devotional@keywicards.com “Writing on our hearts” is more than just a blog, we are an online community of Christians who share how God’s word has changed our hearts and our lives, especially through meditation, study, and memorization.  Please write us! We’d love to hear how this verse has ministered to you and what God has spoken to you through its truth!

Thousands fall but I won’t A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. Devotional Coming Soon!! Has this verse spoken to you in a special way?  Submit your story or reflections to us at: devotional@keywicards.com “Writing on our hearts” is more than just a blog, we are an online community of Christians who share how God’s word has changed our hearts and our lives, especially through meditation, study, and memorization.  Please write us! We’d love to hear how this verse has ministered to you and what God has spoken to you through its truth!

I will not fear "[You will not fear] the pestilence that stalks in the darkness or of the destruction that lays waste at noon" Fear can come upon us at any time, but God reassures us over and over again not to let it take hold of our thoughts or rule over us.  God is Sovereign and supremely good.  He promises to deliver us of all our fears (Psalm 34:4).  Here, God repeats this promise to us to assure us of His mercy and care.  Take heart! Do not fear! Has this verse spoken to you in a special way?  Submit your story or reflections to us at: devotional@keywicards.com “Writing on our hearts” is more than just a blog, we are an online community of Christians who share how God’s word has changed our hearts and our lives, especially through meditation, study, and memorization.  Please write us! We’d love to hear how this verse has ministered to you and what God has spoken to you through its truth!

I will not fear "You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day," Every moment of your day, day or night, waking or sleeping, God is present with you.  You need not fear! There are so many things that are out of our control, but we can make a deliberate choice to take hold of God's promises and believe them.  The alternative, entertaining and dwelling on fearful thoughts is also a choice, but we can choose to replace fear with faith in God and His word.  In fact, we are encouraged, even commanded in all of scripture NOT to fear.  The opposite of fear is faith!  When we renew our minds and meditate on the reality of our Creator and the faithfulness of His word, fear is dispelled.  God's great love for us, shown most dramatically at the cross, (Romans 5:8) proves that no matter the darkness or evil surrounding us, God and His word triumphs!  Victoriously rising to life again, Jesus fulfilled all of God's promises to deliver us ...

God covers and shields me "He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge. His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark" The safest place in the world is the shelter God offers us all in Himself. Echoing the themes of God's protective shelter and shadow over us, we now get a picture of this promise from nature itself.  When a mother hen is alarmed of a predator coming after her chicks, she crouches down, spreads her wings, and begins to cluck to her chicks.  She calls to them all to seek refuge under her wings and close to her heart.  As they come running to her from all directions, they nestle under her outstretched wings, safe from harm.  Her pinions (feathers) literally cover and hide them from danger.  She doesn't run to and fro after her chicks, instead they learn to stay close to her and come quickly whenever a hawk or other predator comes in sight.  Notice that the verse states "you may seek refuge."  This pictu...

God will save me "For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence" God promises double-deliverance! What does it look like to abide in God's shelter?  Placing your trust in God as your refuge, and fortress, there is no reason to fear. "For it is He who delivers you..."  This Psalm now transitions into listing promise after promise of God's deliverance for His people.  This verse promises a two-fold deliverance both from traps and deadly disease (pestilence). The first deliverance "from the snare of the trapper" gives us imagery from hunting wildlife.  A trapper will strategically place traps where the animal will most easily be enticed.  Camouflaged with its surroundings, the unassuming animal is lured in and caught before he has a chance to escape.  A trap is deceiving and once caught in one, it leads to death!  But what about "traps" for humans?  We have an enemy who knows exactly what...

I trust in God my refuge "I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, My God in whom I trust!" When you go through difficult or dangerous circumstances, what comes out of your mouth? Do you declare your confidence in your God?  I'm reminded of Bible characters such as David, Joshua, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abedego who boldy declared their trust in the Lord in the midst of danger. In response to God's promise to shelter us as our dwelling place, this Psalm now encourages us to speak God's words back to Him. How powerful it is to speak our prayers out loud, beginning with  who  God is and our relationship with Him!  We need to be reminded of such truths daily. Hearing your own voice declare your trust in God increases your confidence in Him and His protection. Speaking directly to the Lord, the Psalmist repeats the word "my" three times.  This reveals his deep, personal relationship with God as his refuge, his fortress, and his Go...

I dwell in God’s shelter "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty." Who is your dwelling place? Throughout the storms of life, God provides for us a shelter.  That shelter is Himself!  When you are in relationship with Him through His Son Jesus, God's presence is with you always (Matthew 28:20).  He reminds us here that He is the Most High AND the Almighty God.  His power and authority far surpass all others.  He is the Creator of all; the King of kings and Lord of lords. This verse reminds us that whenever we consider God, we first need to remember who He is. Knowing who God is is the first step to enter His shelter.  God is holy and He has made it very clear that our only means of approaching Him is through His Son Jesus (John 14:6).  Jesus is the door to God's presence.  If you have asked Him to be your Savior and Lord, the door is open to you and God invites you to take refuge in Him! ...

Jesus has overcome the world “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Devotional Coming Soon!! Has this verse spoken to you in a special way?  Submit your story or reflections to us at: devotional@keywicards.com “Writing on our hearts” is more than just a blog, we are an online community of Christians who share how God’s word has changed our hearts and our lives, especially through meditation, study, and memorization.  Please write us! We’d love to hear how this verse has ministered to you and what God has spoken to you through its truth!

I am eternally secure I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.   My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. Devotional Coming Soon!! Has this verse spoken to you in a special way?  Submit your story or reflections to us at: devotional@keywicards.com “Writing on our hearts” is more than just a blog, we are an online community of Christians who share how God’s word has changed our hearts and our lives, especially through meditation, study, and memorization.  Please write us! We’d love to hear how this verse has ministered to you and what God has spoken to you through its truth!

Nothing can separate me from God’s love For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Devotional Coming Soon!! Has this verse spoken to you in a special way?  Submit your story or reflections to us at: devotional@keywicards.com “Writing on our hearts” is more than just a blog, we are an online community of Christians who share how God’s word has changed our hearts and our lives, especially through meditation, study, and memorization.  Please write us! We’d love to hear how this verse has ministered to you and what God has spoken to you through its truth!

Temporary suffering, Eternal glory I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us Devotional Coming Soon!! Has this verse spoken to you in a special way?  Submit your story or reflections to us at: devotional@keywicards.com “Writing on our hearts” is more than just a blog, we are an online community of Christians who share how God’s word has changed our hearts and our lives, especially through meditation, study, and memorization.  Please write us! We’d love to hear how this verse has ministered to you and what God has spoken to you through its truth!

No condemnation Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus Devotional Coming Soon!! Has this verse spoken to you in a special way?  Submit your story or reflections to us at: devotional@keywicards.com “Writing on our hearts” is more than just a blog, we are an online community of Christians who share how God’s word has changed our hearts and our lives, especially through meditation, study, and memorization.  Please write us! We’d love to hear how this verse has ministered to you and what God has spoken to you through its truth!

With God, all things are possible I can do all this through Him who gives me strength. Paul’s declaration of Christ’s power enabling him to live above his circumstances Devotional Coming Soon!! Has this verse spoken to you in a special way?  Submit your story or reflections to us at: devotional@keywicards.com “Writing on our hearts” is more than just a blog, we are an online community of Christians who share how God’s word has changed our hearts and our lives, especially through meditation, study, and memorization.  Please write us! We’d love to hear how this verse has ministered to you and what God has spoken to you through its truth!

God will finish what He started in me being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus Devotional Coming Soon!! Has this verse spoken to you in a special way?  Submit your story or reflections to us at: devotional@keywicards.com “Writing on our hearts” is more than just a blog, we are an online community of Christians who share how God’s word has changed our hearts and our lives, especially through meditation, study, and memorization.  Please write us! We’d love to hear how this verse has ministered to you and what God has spoken to you through its truth!

  God has a purpose for me The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever—do not abandon the works of your hands. (NIV ©'84) Devotional Coming Soon!! Has this verse spoken to you in a special way?  Submit your story or reflections to us at: devotional@keywicards.com “Writing on our hearts” is more than just a blog, we are an online community of Christians who share how God’s word has changed our hearts and our lives, especially through meditation, study, and memorization.  Please write us! We’d love to hear how this verse has ministered to you and what God has spoken to you through its truth!