Do you ever feel like God is asking too much of you? Or like you’re the one who has to do all the work and everyone else gets off easy? When life or ministry is hard, often our first impulse is to run. We’re not the only ones who want to escape when life is […]
The “I Want to Be Great” (or at least avoid being a loser) Bible Study
Do you ever feel like you want to be great? Not because greatness is so appealing in and of itself–but because you think people will respect you or like you more if you’re great? Unfortunately, we live in a world that defines greatness by numbers. It might be likes on Facebook, a number on the scale, a dollar amount on a paycheck, followers […]
Personal Growth Bible Study
Do you ever feel like you want to grow as a Christian, but you don’t see it happening? The other day I was reading John 12:23-26 and was struck by the message in verse 24: If the seed doesn’t die, it remains alone and never bears fruit.
New Year’s Bible Study
Yesterday at breakfast we were all sitting around the table – my husband and four kids and I – and I asked everyone a question, “If you could choose one goal for the year and knew you would complete it by the end of the year, which goal would you choose?” It was interesting to […]
Bible Study on Worry
If I were to go to church and say, “I’ve been worrying about my kids all week,” no one would bat an eye. On the contrary, they’d see it as normal mother behavior – a sign that I love my kids. After all, when you love someone, you worry, right? So even though the Bible […]
Bible Study: When You You Feel Like Giving Up
Do you ever get tired of working on your goal? Maybe you’re trying to lose weight. Or you’re trying to start a new business. Or maybe you’re trying to write a book or start a new habit. Whatever it is, things aren’t going as smoothly as you’d like them to go. It seems like one […]
How to Break Free from Idolatry
Imagine this. You’ve been married for 23 years. You have a house, a dog, two cats, and three kids. You know your spouse like the back of your hand. That’s why it hurts so much the day he says, “I’ve had an affair. Will you forgive me?” You rant and you rave. You cry and […]
Bible Study: When You’re Not Good Enough
Do you ever feel like you’re not good enough? Or that if you could just change that one thing about yourself or your life, that then people would love and respect you? It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking we have to perform if we want people to love and accept us. This […]
Bible Study: Working with God on Your Goal
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just say a little prayer—God, please help me reach this goal—then go to sleep and wake up the next day a transformed person? Unfortunately, God doesn’t usually work that way.
Renewing of the Mind Workshop: Week 3 Plan
How’s everyone doing? We’re into our third week now which is often about the time we get bored or discouraged and think about pitching the whole works.