The Wild World of Bible Study

Hey, Siestas! Y'all are just the most fun ever. I so enjoyed all your reactions to the "goods." I was also very tendered by our siesta who reminded us to pray for our single sisters who are fighting a few gray hairs (you can color those stinkin' thangs!) and frequent bouts of loneliness. I know a number of single women who wouldn't trade it for anything in the world, are serving God like crazy in all sorts of unhindered ways, and they'd about beat us to death with their handbags if we prayed them up a husband. But, we want to be faithful friends and prayer warriors for ANY of our siestas who are lonely. Including those who are married. Nothing makes you feel more alone than a bad marriage. I know because I've had one. And I don't have one now. Keith and I like to say that we've each been married to ten different people and they all look suspiciously similar.

On a very encouraging note, I was glad to also hear from the sister who has been burned by tons of girlfriends but is getting her feet wet again in Siestaville. I pray she'll find this a safe and fun enough place to venture back out into some great Godly friendships that last a lifetime. This is no replacement for that but it's a great encouragement to stay wildly connected to people and to be reminded why you want to. BigMama, I'm so sorry you've been under the weather! I feel like we live so close together I should bring you a pound cake.

OK, now this is the main thing that prompted me to hop online: I'm so pumped that such a number of you are starting "Stepping Up"! I loved that journey! Only one in the Psalms I've ever done. It's based on an analogy drawn from the pilgrimage the Israelites took to Jerusalem three times a year. I was so intrigued by the whole concept. I'd honestly never paid attention to the caption "A Song of Ascent" above certain psalms nor had I ever heard a lesson on it. The study is really different from the others - and on purpose. God's Word is so alive and fresh that there's no excuse for cookie cutter studies. I hope so much God uses it to take you to the next level with Him. I'm so honored that you'd allow me to step on those stairs with you.

While on the subject of Bible studies, dear Siesta who got the regular book version of Breaking Free rather than the workbook, if you really have some major stuff to deal with (and who doesn't?), please consider getting the workbook instead and perhaps giving the book to someone who isn't as likely to do an in-depth study. Those are my favorite candidates for what's called the "trade book" version of Breaking Free. For everyone else, the workbook is the way to take the journey. I'm a huge believer in the actual process of Bible study (i.e. turning to this Scripture and that, spending the time in tandem with God alone, writing down your responses, etc.) and never more so than in that particular journey. In Breaking Free, the process of poring over the Scriptures is itself a crucial part of the healing. Psalm 107:20 says "He sent forth His word and healed them; He rescued them from the grave." Boy, have I lived that reality.

Don't misunderstand what I'm saying. No one loves regular books more than me. I have at least two going at any given time. I've been greatly challenged and changed by book after book and even added to the shelves by writing more of them than anybody wanted to read. When it comes to deepest, lifelong healing, freedom from bondage, and equipping for anointed ministry, however, I am convinced that the in-depth, life-style study of God's Word is where it happens. I love plunging into it on my own but I also love a guidebook or map of sorts to steer my journey and that's what discipleship materials are all about. (I have done stacks of other people's studies. You might be a little amused that I'm doing the Breaking Free homework right now. It's the first time I've ever actually gone back and done the homework as a participant. It's been almost ten years since I wrote it so it's hitting me like crazy.) I love any sound study of God's Word. Digging into the depths of Scripture and having your mind deliberately and consistently renewed by God is what freedom is all about. Otherwise, we've got too many people to get mad at and never forgive as long as we live - and too many people to offend and never lay eyes on again. You and me - We need to be in SCRIPTURE!

Well, that's what I got on here to say. I guess you can tell Keith isn't home or I wouldn't have had the time to rattle on. I was just so excited about "Stepping Up" that I got on a Bible study roll. I'll go take an Advil now. I've worn myself out.