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It Is Okay to Be Ordinary
Is it okay to not make a splash by doing something recognizably great that leads to acclaim and social media notoriety? Why is there so much pressure on girls and women today to be powerful, to start and lead a cause, or to stand out above everyone around them by their success? Are you letting yourself down if you are just an ordinary woman letting God be the one who is extraordinary? Is it okay to be ordinary? That is what we will explore in this post. Not Accomplishing Anything? Several years ago, I read an Engage blog by Tiffany Stein called “Next Steps.” Tiffany wrote about the pressure she…
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Help Those New to the Bible
Are you discipling a new Christian? Do you have women in your small group that are new to the Bible? As a leader, do you ask if anyone in your small group is new to the Bible? What do you do if they are? Do you assume that new Christians or those new to the Bible will catch up by just being in your group? That is a bad assumption?! In this article, I will share with you some insights I have picked up about helping those new to the Bible. Listen to this post as a similar podcast from my Lifestyle Disciplemaking podcast series: The Dilemma I recently heard a…
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You Can Know Your Father God
Did you know that your God wants you to really know Him? He wants you to know who He is, His character, and how He relates to you as a human. He wants you to know Him as your Father who loves you dearly. When you know Him, it is much easier to trust Him in whatever He chooses to do on your behalf. Isn’t that true for anyone you need to trust? God Wants You to Know Him What is God like? How does anyone get to know the true God, not all the substitute gods out there, but the God of the Bible? The God of the Bible…
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Are You Ready for Perseverance in Your Life?
Is something going on somewhere in your country, town, neighborhood, or family that has someone upset, nervous, or in panic mode? It might even be even you! Cancer. Disaster. Job loss. Death. Enemy attack. If you like to plan and control your environment so that your loved ones (and yourself) can rest, relax, and be productive, these interruptions to life are very hard to bear. What do you do? Do you try to escape to something that makes it go away for a while—a feel-good movie, book, or a retreat? But then you get back to the rough-and-tumble of real life and find that whatever is stressing you is still…
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How to View Work as Worship—Not a Curse
Work in any culture is…well, work. Sometimes enjoyable. Often hard and exhausting. Sometimes challenging because of the people with whom you work rather than the work itself. That can apply to any kind of work—inside or outside of your home. When you are working with your God-given skills, all work can be an act of worship. This article will illustrate that truth for you. Not knowing that truth makes you susceptible to the “Work Is Secular” infection. Listen to the podcast “Counter the Work Is Secular Infection.” The Subtle Spread of the “Work Is Secular” Infection What do I mean by that? Somewhere along the way between the time of…
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Luke 2:14—Peace on Earth to Those with Whom God Is Pleased
“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Those are the words the collection of angels declared to a band of shepherds. Their words filled the night sky right after an angel of the Lord announced to those shepherds about the birth of Jesus who was “the Savior…Christ the Lord.” The Grand Birth Announcement Listen carefully An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were absolutely terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! Listen carefully, for I proclaim to you good news that brings great joy to all the people: Today your Savior…
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How to Choose a Bible Study for a Group
Are you thinking ahead and wondering what study to do next with your Bible study group? Maybe you are praying about starting a Bible study group and need to know where to begin. Choosing a quality Bible study guide for your group can make your experience either a great one or a frustrating one. This is especially true if you are leading the lessons. In this post, I will share with you some valuable suggestions for choosing a Bible study workbook for your group. Start with Prayer Ask Jesus to help you to choose a quality Bible study for your group. Depend on Him to show you what to do.…
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Yes, You Can Lead a Bible Study
Do you want to do a Bible study and would rather do it in community with other women rather than by yourself? Maybe you do not think you know enough of the Bible to do so. Does the thought of directing a discussion make your knees tremble? What if someone talks too much or not at all? Be assured that everyone feels inadequate when they start out. You are not alone. I have been where you are. Thankfully, Jesus took me beyond my insecurities. In this post, I will assure you that Jesus will do the same for you. Now may be the time to step out in faith and…
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Be a God-Dependent Woman
Listen to this blog as a similar podcast: For years, I have been drawn to carefully study Second Corinthians. I can honestly say that studying it has been one of the most meaningful and impactful studies I have ever done. It has been powerful in my life. The main emphasis of the whole letter was that we, as believers in Christ, should live our lives dependent on God all the time. We are to be God-dependent in our strengths when we are using our gifts and skills and opportunities well. We are to be God-dependent in our weaknesses that drive us to Him for help. And we are to be…
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God is BIGGER than your fears
You know that feeling. The pit in your stomach, pounding of your heart, and rush of your thoughts as you go from just the possibility of a job loss to being homeless on the streets all in a matter of seconds. Gripped by fear, although an imagined one. As I heard Jill Briscoe once say, “Women are a fear-driven, performance-oriented species.” Just catching the news during a day reminds me just how much fear is an ever-present emotion with me and with most women—real fears as well as imagined ones. Is it realistic to think we can live without fear? No! God knows this about us. When we are afraid,…
