This is a quote that contains much truth and is a concept our pastor touched on awhile back. He said following Christ is a bit like a fish swimming upstream. And friend, let me ask you, "What happens to the fish if he stops?" Right, he goes back and loses ground; the exact same thing happens to you and me when we stop moving towards Jesus.
Accepting Christ, having faith and going to church are not enough; we must have a relationship that is growing and thriving in our ordinary everyday life. How does this happen? By getting into God's Word...using the Bible, God will teach, reproof, correct and train. (2 Timothy 3:16) This is something many of us know and believe, but it's not something everyone does.
I'll admit there was a time Bible reading was something on my to-do list. There was a time I read God's Word for information without experiencing transformation. Thankfully God has given me a hunger for His Word and a desire to really study it! Today, I'd like to share a tool He's used to take that passion to another level.
In November of 2012, I took part in Wendy Blight's online study called "Living So That - Our Call to Action." (Read those words HERE.) Last week I pulled out the folder that held the study along with my prayer journal and I was blessed to walk down memory lane. I was reminded of the "So That's" we studied - God Spoke So That, Trials Come So That, Pray So That and Live So That. I thought about how I can no longer read the Bible without noticing a "So That" verse. And most importantly I realized all God had done as I dug into His Word.
He'd opened my eyes to things I knew, but really didn't understand. He showed His faithfulness as I reflected on prayers that had been answered. I had taken the time and Wendy's study had given me a tool to really get into God's Word and as I did His Word got into me. He changed me from the inside out. He spoke to me about how I can live so that He is glorified and His kingdom is impacted.
The "Call to Action" that closed each lesson really challenged me and encouraged me to live out what I'd learned. Titus 2:3-5 has been an important verse to me for years, but it was in this study that I learned why it was important. Friend, do you know why the older women are commanded to train the younger? SO THAT the Word of God will not be maligned. This new found knowledge took my passion for mentoring to a whole new level and nearly 6 months after the study I stepped out in action to do what God had called me to do! With God's leading, I started a Titus24U group at our church where women of all ages gather together to study, worship and pray SO THAT God's Word will not be maligned.
Friend, this is just the beginning, but I'm excited to let you know you can do this study for yourself! Wendy's new book, "Living So That - Making Faith Filled Choices in the Midst of a Messy Life" will be available March 4. I want you to know this is not another book that promises you answers instead it will point you to the One with the answers! It may not lead you to start a ministry, but through it you will move forward in your walk with Christ!! You will get into God's Word and it will get into you!! You will read and pray powerful prayers...ones that God will answer! You will be encouraged, comforted and even convicted...all things we need and God wants!
This past summer I had the joy and privilege of working with Wendy as she spoke at our women's event and friend she is a woman with a passion for the Word, a desire to share and the gift to teach. God's Word has transformed her and she prays it will do the same for you!! So today your call to action - visit her site to learn more about her new book SO THAT you can keep swimming upstream!!
"In the same way, let your light shine before others,
so that they may see your good works
and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Matthew 5:16 (ESV Emphasis Added)
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| My Joy was so excited to meet Wendy this summer and friend you'll be grateful to meet her on the pages of her book! |
6 comments:
Jill, thank you for sharing Living So That with your friends! You were a true blessing to the women in our online study with the great words of wisdom you shared and the lovely prayers you prayed for the women who reached out for prayer. And I LOVE that God took your "call to action" and turned it into a ministry!!
Give Joy a big hug from me!
Blessings,
Wendy
This speaks so of my heart. I love the Word of God and have seen that in Wendy and you! Soul sisters are we!! :)
I love that!
I am going to look into leading this study.
It's a joy to share Wendy! The study was impactful for me and I trust God will use it in powerful ways for others. I love what God did with the calls of action as well! Joy sends a hug back! Blessings, Jill
Thanks for stopping by Kathy! And for your kind words...soul sisters what a good pic!! I'd encourage to look into this study...you won't be disappointed!! Blessings to you!
Hey Jill, I too took part in the "So that" online study and am now doing the 5 devotions and waiting to start the book study. I love some Wendy Blight studies; she is an excellent servant of the Lord. Speaking of servants, you are truly being used by God in a mighty way. I read and learn from each of your posts. I commented on your "New Twist, Old Tradition" as it really spoke to my heart. I didn't hear back from you, but that is ok; I just thought I'd let you know that your posts are most meaninful to this mema!
Looking forward to "So That..." with you and Wendy,
Mema Jeanne
So good to hear from you!! I too am looking forward to Wendy's new book! And thank you for your kind and encouraging words - they really speak to my heart! I'm grateful the birthday prayer post meant something to you and I know God will use your prayers (spoken and written) for your grandchildren! They are blessed to have you! Grateful to join you on this journey!! Blessings, Jill
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