Book Club (Anything Week Three)

     Hey y'all! I hope you are enjoying reading along with me in the book Anything by Jennie Allen. This weeks corresponding video can be found here http://www.whatisyouranything.com/anything-study/ along with conversation starters and a recipe for soft baked ginger doodles. If you tried out the recipe, let us know how it was. I would love for everyone to get to know each other in the comments with the conversation starter questions so we can build a sense of community here. I also invite everyone to participate in the discussion questions to help us grow in our walk of faith together. Now lets get this weeks edition of book club started!

     This week we read chapters six and seven. We were confronted with the overwhelming topic of fear this week. This simple word can make or break our ability to let go in complete surrender to God. I know all to well how it feels to let fear take the wheel and drive. I feel utterly afraid when I have to deal with a situation that has an unknown outcome. I crave certainty because that is what feels safe to me. Life can't be scary if I know what is coming at me before it looks my way. Unfortunately, that kind of life isn't an option when we give our will over to God. We have no way of knowing what He will deem necessary for us to go through to show His glory. The Lord may call us to a life that includes times of  heavy sorrow or pain. We have to realize that the decision is worth the fear and uncertainty. In 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 Paul says "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." In these verses, Paul puts any fear and suffering we may endure into perspective. He shows us that our troubles are temporary but our endurance through the fear will be glorifying to God. The Lord can use our trials as a part of His bigger plan. My biggest fear is not knowing what may come. However, my faith in Christ assures me that He will be by my side always. God will never leave us or forsake us if we only trust in Him.

     I would like to encourage you to do some self reflection this week. Take a long and hard look at the things you are afraid of that interfere with you living in Gods will. Go to the Savior in prayer and begin working with Him on fostering your faith and diminishing your fear. Thank you for joining me for Week three of book club. I hope to see you back this time next week!

Scripture of the week: 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

1Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;  
² But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
³ But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
⁴ In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
⁵ For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
⁶ For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
⁷ But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
⁸ We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
⁹ Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
¹⁰ Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
¹¹ For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
¹² So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
¹³ We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
¹⁴ Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
¹⁵ For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
¹⁶ For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
¹⁷ For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
¹⁸ While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Prayer: Dear God, Thank You so much for the offer of eternal life. I ask that You would daily help ease my fears of the unknown. -Amen

Discussion Questions: What fears are holding you back from letting go? What are you afraid of losing or giving up most for God? 

Book Club (Anything Week Two)

     Hey y'all! I hope you are enjoying reading along with me in the book Anything by Jennie Allen. This weeks corresponding video can be found here http://www.whatisyouranything.com/anything-study/ along with conversation starters and a recipe for goat cheese toasts with honey and walnuts. If you tried out the recipe, let us know how it was. I would love for everyone to get to know each other in the comments with the conversation starter questions so we can build a sense of community here. I also invite everyone to participate in the discussion questions to help us grow in our walk of faith together. Now lets get this weeks edition of book club started!

     This week we read chapters four and five. We were confronted with approval and entitlement this week. These two things hinder our ability to truly let go in complete surrender to God. The hindrance that stuck out to me the most was approval. I continually struggle with feelings of wanting and needing the approval of others. I crave to be accepted and liked by everyone. For as long as I can remember, this has been a problem for me. The approval I seek from others starts to become the focal point of my life. I desire to be perfect in the eyes of others and begin to pretend that I am to an extent. Unfortunately, I forget that the only one I should desire to please is my Lord. God calls us to give up our lives and let go of our desire for approval. He wants us to let go of seeking out fulfillment in other people and things. In Matthew 19:21 Jesus says "If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me." In this verse, Jesus is asking a man to give up his most prized possession for eternal life with him. That mans idol was possessions. My idol is approval. We all struggle with something and it is okay to admit it. Sometimes I feel like I should have conquered mine by now. However, I have faith that with Gods help I will be able to let go. God is faithful to help us conquer our sins if we surrender to Him.
 
     I would like to encourage you to do some self reflection this week. Look at the things that may have become idols in your life. Allow God to help you work on letting go of your sin. Thank you for joining me for Week two of book club. I hope to see you back this time next week!

Scripture of the week: Matthew 19:16-30

¹⁶ And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
¹⁷ And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
¹⁸ He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
¹⁹ Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
²⁰ The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
²¹ Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
²² But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
²³ Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
²⁴ And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
²⁵ When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?
²⁶ But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
²⁷ Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?
²⁸ And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
²⁹ And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
³⁰ But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you so much for your gift of salvation. I ask that you would help me completely let go of the sins holding me back from surrendering to You. Please help me to trust in You. -Amen

Discussion Questions: What idols are holding you back from letting go? What would life look like if you surrendered those idols to God completely?

Book Club (Anything Week One)

     Hey yall! I hope you are enjoying reading along with me in the book Anything by Jennie Allen. This weeks corresponding video can be found here http://www.whatisyouranything.com/anything-study/ along with conversation starters and a delicious recipe for peanut butter swirl brownies. I don't know about you, but I am definitely gonna be making these this weekend! If you tried out the recipe, let us know how it was. I would love for everyone to get to know each other in the comments with the conversation starter questions so we can build a sense of community here. I also invite everyone to participate in the discussion questions to help us grow in our walk of faith together. Now lets get this weeks edition of book club started!

     This week we read chapters one through three. If you are anything like me, you were hit in the face with some strong truths this week concerning unbelief, pretending, and shame. These three things hinder our ability to completely give our lives over to God. The hindrance that stuck out to me the most was shame. I personally have struggled with feelings and thoughts of shame in my walk with the Lord. Unlike Jennie, I was not the good christian girl growing up. I was exposed to God and church as a young child but during my teenage years I began to wander. I started searching for something other than God out of a rebellious heart. I had felt God in the past but it was easier to stray and look for a more lenient lifestyle. I didn't want to change for God as we are commanded to do when we become believers. I was selfish and chose not to give up my sins. So I searched and became involved in a form of alternative spirituality. In the end, I realized that I wasn't where I was supposed to be. I began a slow and painful process of finding my way back to God. I can't even clearly express how much shame I feel for turning my back on God during that part of my life. I like to bottle that time of my life up and hide it in the farthest darkest corner. I still struggle sometimes with doubting that God could ever forgive me for doubting Him. Sometimes I feel a mixture of doubt, shame, and anxiety creeping up concerning my past. However, I have taken comfort in 1 John 1 : 9 which explains that God is faithful to forgive us. What a wonderful savior Christ is to offer His redeeming grace to anyone who confesses their sin.
   
     I would like to encourage you to do some self reflection this week. Look at the places in your life that are dark and consider all you have to gain from shedding light on them. Allow God to help you and never loose sight of His grace and love. Thank you for joining me for Week one of book club. I hope to see you back this time next week!

Scripture of the week: 1 John 1 : 5-10

⁵ This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
⁶ If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
⁷ But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
⁸ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
¹⁰ If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Prayer: Dear God, Thank you so much for your saving grace. I ask that you would shed light on the dark places in my life. Please help me to become self aware to the things I need to continue to work on. -Amen

Discussion Questions: How have you dealt with unbelief, pretending, and shame? What do you struggle with that keeps you from completely giving your life over to God? 

Book Club (Anything Intro)

(DISCLOSURE:This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I may earn a small fee from qualifying purchases made through links on my blog. That being said, I will not endorse anything unless I honestly like the product.)

     Hey y'all, I'm excited to announce the kickoff of my new book club series! This month we will begin reading the book Anything:The Prayer That Unlocked My God And My Soul by Jennie Allen. This will be an eight week study beginning on June 4th and ending on July 28th. The study will include a weekly Saturday post in which I will share my thoughts, post study questions, and encourage everyone to join in on the comment section. Here is a breakdown of the schedule for the study below.

     Jennie Allen has also posted free resources for anyone doing her study on her website at http://www.whatisyouranything.com/anything-study/. These resources include eight videos for each week of the study that are absolutely free! So make sure you take advantage of this amazing resource she has provided. If you would like to follow along with this study, you can purchase the book through my affiliate link below.

Affiliate Link

     If you are interested in following along and would like to save a few dollars, I would recommend checking with your local library to see if it is available there. My local library even gives out free access to ebooks through their website, the hoopla app, and the overdrive app as long as you have a valid library card. I can't speak for all libraries but it is definitely worth looking into. I look forward to us all sharing with one another and growing in our faith together during the next eight weeks. I can't wait to start this study with everyone. Don't forget to check back in with the book club on Saturday and always have faith!