Today, week 2 day 2, we're heading into a very well-known, and read, part of scripture: 1 Corinthians 13. I love that Jen takes us back there as it teaches us no matter how many times you read God's Word we can always find something new in it. What I've taken from this passage is that above all things, love matters most. Love is shown in what we do, how we are, where we go, why we act in a certain way. When we lack love, true love, something becomes missing in our lives. Things can tend to … [Read more...]
2 Steps to Start Studying the Bible (on your own)
While there wasn't any journaling given today (week 2 day 1), I plan to read the chapter and makes notes as I go along. We need to remember of everything we read in the Bible to ask, "What's the point?" On page 86, Jen says, "God is certainly in the details, but He's also definitely in the main idea." When reading God's Word for Bible study there are 2 simple steps to follow. STEP 1: Read the ENTIRE SECTION first, one time minimum through. "NO stops! NO notes! NO flipping around! Read … [Read more...]
Have you ever prayed Scripture before?
Wow, today (week 1 day 5) is the first day in the study where Jen does NOT ask us to read a chapter in the book. Instead, on page 165, she says to “turn to Psalm 119. Except for verses 1-3 and 115, this psalm is addressed to God. As you skim through the psalm…, compile two lists in your journal. While there are many options, look for seven to ten verses for each list (see questions 1 and 2) that uniquely represent your desires. 1. "First, copy verses or even just phrases that demonstrate your … [Read more...]
Have you ever had an ‘awe ha” moment?
Today was Week 1 Day 4 and Jen Hatmaker had us read chapter 4 in her book A Modern Girl's Guide to Bible Study. On page 56 she wrote, "We must do our part to grow beyond salvation by allowing what began in our hearts to infect our minds.... as the Creator is well acquainted with our questionable habits and propensity to wander, but we have to respond with due diligence." Page 60, "Journaling forces our minds to engage with the Holy Spirit in Scripture. We listen as we read; we respond as we … [Read more...]
Week 1 Day 3
Jen has some pretty awesome titles for each one of her chapters in this book. Today we were asked to read chapter 3. Title: "Codependency That Doesn't Require Therapy". The subtitle is "Learning to Lean on the Holy Spirit." Now isn't her title very fitting but adds a cute dimension to it. On page 40 she asks, "Would you believe that you already have everything you need to study the Bible with discernment?" If you're anything like me, you're shaking your head at that one because studying the … [Read more...]
Week 1 Day 2 (my journey continues…)
I like what Jen Hatmaker had to say in chapter 2, page 26, "...the truth is, we approach God's Word without any strategies to make it come alive." When I first read this I realized just how true that statement is. I've always look at the Bible as something, obviously, very important. I knew God had given it to all of us as sort of a manual for how to live our lives, how we should treat ourselves as well as others, to know how to get to know Him more. It's a book like no other out there today. … [Read more...]
Week 1 Day 1 (On my journey…)
Today there were some really great insights the author, Jen Hatmaker, made in chapter 1 of her book A Modern Girl's Guide to Bible Study. On page 16, "God never intended for His Word to be tidy, hands-off package with crisp edges and a wealth of mysteries that we set aside until Sunday morning." And on page 14, "The insights of the Bible are not reserved for pastors, their wives, and Billy Graham." Psalm 119:130 NIV "The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the … [Read more...]
The Journey with Renee Blare #acfw #thejourney
Please welcome this week's guest Renee Blare for The Journey. She answers the question: How have you seen God work in your writing journey? One Step at a Time 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV) “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” When I became a Christian at eighteen years old, I made a discovery. One that I use many different ways. I learned how to walk by faith. Now, I’m not talking about walking down the aisle, although I did make that trip; several times. But I’ll tell you about that … [Read more...]
The Journey with Julie Lessman #acfw
Please welcome this week's guest Julie Lessman for The Journey. She answers the question: How have you seen God work in your writing journey? He must increase, but I must decrease." --John 3:30 How have I seen God work in my writing journey? Well, let me put it this way—despite the fact that I’ve put on five extra pounds over the summer, the Scripture above is not talking about shedding body weight, although heaven knows I need to. Nope, today I'm talking about the latest lesson God has … [Read more...]
The Journey with Davalynn Spencer #acfw
Please welcome this weeks guest Davalynn Spencer for The Journey. She answers the question: How have you seen God work in your writing journey? Strange, but my spiritual vision tends to be closely related to hindsight. I look back and see—as Pilgrim did in his progress—how God has led me, directed me, carried me, and waited on me as I’ve rabbit-trailed it off and on His path. But in that momentary over-the-shoulder view, I am awed at His wisdom. Nearly everything I have done or learned has … [Read more...]
