DMT Beauty Transformation: Erin Franklin

MARKED | Embracing New Beginnings with Tracie Miles

October 28, 2024BruceDayne

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Enter to Win a “Joy to the World” Bible Study

October 25, 2024BruceDayne

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Know His Word November 2024 Bible Reading Plan

October 24, 2024BruceDayne

In 2024, we’re continuing to read through the Bible for greater understanding and comprehension. This approach helps us to see how all sixty-six books of the Bible work together to spotlight the one true story of God’s great love for us and our redemption through Jesus.

We’ll be starting year two of our three-year Know His Word plan—perfect for women with busy lives! While this may seem long, it avoids the trap of biting off more than you can chew and feeling discouraged when you fall behind. (We’ve all been there!)

We’re in it for the long haul. This plan focuses on the journey of reading through God’s Word and allows for more prayer and reflection.

Here are a few tips for building a habit of staying in the Word this year and beyond:

Choose a specific time and place for your reading until your habit is well established.
Don’t beat yourself up if you miss a few days! Simply set aside time to get cozy and get caught up.
Read along with a close friend and share what God is teaching each of you through the passages.
Follow along on the Lifeway Women app to connect with other women as you study God’s Word.

Click below to download a PDF version of the November Scripture Reading Plan.

November Scripture Reading Plan

Jeremiah 17:14

We’re in it for the long haul. This plan focuses on the journey of reading through God’s Word and allows for more prayer and reflection.

Here are a few tips for building a habit of staying in the Word this year and beyond:

Choose a specific time and place for your reading until your habit is well established.
Don’t beat yourself up if you miss a few days! Simply set aside time to get cozy and get caught up.
Read along with a close friend and share what God is teaching each of you through the passages.
Follow along on the Lifeway Women app to connect with other women as you study God’s Word.

Click below to download a PDF version of the October Scripture Reading Plan.

October Scripture Reading Plan

Isaiah 40:31

Find all of our Know His Word Scripture reading plans here.

The post Know His Word November 2024 Bible Reading Plan appeared first on Lifeway Women.

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What to Pray for during the Election Season

October 21, 2024BruceDayne

When I go to churches and speak on politics, the question is inevitably raised, “How can I be more politically involved?” Often, I will answer this question by saying the most political thing you can do is speak to the King of kings.

The most powerful political deed we can do is not by voting, not by advocating for a candidate, not by installing Supreme Court justices, and not even by joining a campaign. The most powerful political action we can do is pray. Praying is political because you are asking the true King to act since He is the ultimate Sovereign. In prayer you enter the highest court in the universe and present your requests before your loving Ruler.

Yet, the question still arises, what are we to pray during an election? If you were going to meet a dignitary and speak to him/her, you would likely reflect on what you wanted to speak to them about. In the same way, we should consider what we are to pray before the Father, through the Son, and in the Spirit. Three ways of praying for our governing authorities are identified for us in the Scriptures.

The Salvation of our Leaders

First, we ought to pray for the salvation of our leaders. In Paul’s first letter to Timothy, he told him that the church in Ephesus ought to pray and intercede for all people. This includes “kings and kings and all those who are in authority” (1 Tim. 2:1–2). While the specific content of the prayer will be discussed more in the next point, the context of this prayer is that they ought to pray for the salvation of their leaders.

A few verses later Paul said it is good to pray because God desires all people to be saved (1 Tim. 2:3-4) and earlier the false teaching in Ephesus seemed to concern debates about genealogies, probably alluding to who would be saved (1 Tim. 1:4). In light of the false teaching, Paul instructed Timothy that they ought to pray for all people to be saved, and that includes kings and those in high positions.

Those in Ephesus may have been struggling to do this because we know that often the authorities would persecute the churches Paul planted. This even happened in Ephesus. Paul therefore instructed the church at Ephesus to pray for their rulers, even those who might be against them.

In the same way, we ought to pray for our rulers, even if they are “against us,” that they would come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. The most important prayer for all people is their salvation, and that reality applies to our rulers. Our first prayer during the election season should be, “Lord, would you draw the leaders’ hearts to you.”

The Spread of the Gospel

Second, we ought to pray that the leaders would lead in such a way that would allow the gospel to spread unhindered. When Paul told Timothy to pray for kings and all who are in high positions, he didn’t simply tell him to pray for their salvation but “that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” (1 Tim. 2:2). The prayer is that the government would do its job so that the church can do her job.

The job of the government is to protect life and reward those who do good and to punish those who do what is evil. They are to help organize society so there is justice and equity. The church’s job is to make disciples of all nations by preaching, teaching, and rightly administering the ordinances. Paul’s request before the Father was that the government would stay out of the church’s way so that Christians can live godly lives. Throughout history, there have been many governments that were opposed to Christians and Christianity. Paul commanded us to pray for our governing authorities in such a way that will protect the church. We ought to pray during any election that the government would allow us to leave peaceful and quiet lives.

Wisdom for our Leaders

Third, we ought to pray that the Lord would give our leaders wisdom. Proverbs 21:1 says, “A king’s heart is like channeled water in the Lord’s hand: He directs it wherever he chooses.” This verse reminds us the Lord is not only sovereign over which leader is chosen; He is also sovereign over their hearts. In light of this, we ought to plead with the Lord to give our leaders wisdom as they make the myriads of decisions they are called to each day. Doing so shows our support of the government and also displays our love for others—because a wise leader will be a blessing to everyone.

If the king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, then it is worth asking the question: Will our social media post, an argument with a friend, or a vote for this or that candidate have a greater impact than prayer? Jesus sits in the throne room of the universe. He is the Alpha and Omega, and He knows tomorrow as well as He knows today. To not present our requests before Him is to neglect the most politically fruitful action we can take. Prayer is the most political thing we can do this and every election season.

For more from Patrick Schreiner, check out his book, Political Gospel: Public Witness in a Politically Crazy World.

ABOUT PATRICK SCHREINER

Patrick Schreiner (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is associate professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri. He is the author of Political Gospel, The Kingdom of God and the Glory of the Cross; Matthew: Disciple and Scribe; The Ascension of Christ; The Visual Word; and The Mission of the Triune God. He lives with his wife and four kids in Kansas City, where they enjoy the Midwest. He is a big fan of the Minnesota Vikings and has been waiting his whole life for their first Super Bowl win.

The post What to Pray for during the Election Season appeared first on Lifeway Women.

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Know God’s Word by Heart: Ways to Memorize Scripture

October 17, 2024BruceDayne

We probably “should” memorize Scripture.

But “should” is a really poor motivator, isn’t it? To do something out of a sense of duty, even if it is the right thing to do, is not easy. More than that, memorizing stuff is actually really hard for most of us. And furthermore (while I’m making excuses) aren’t there so many other really good things (that are quite a bit easier) that we excel at? Maybe we should stick to the good things that we’re good at! Yes. You get my drift. We can probably just keep Scripture memory in the “should” category. At some point, we’ll get around to it (maybe).

Or, maybe I could give you something more compelling than “should”?

Maybe I could give you three persuasive examples of how knowing Scripture by heart has profoundly impacted my own walk with Jesus. And maybe, just maybe, I could teach you the absolute easiest way to memorize God’s Word. So what do you say? I think perhaps we “should” just keep going and see where we end up.

Three Compelling Stories

That Late Night Call

This first story comes to my mind because it happened just last night. I had a long phone call that lasted late into the night. Man. It was a hard conversation. And before I took the call, I had just enough time to recognize that I was out of my league. So I prayed, “O God, give me Your words to speak to this person—Your wisdom, Your love, and Your hope.”

And that’s just what He did.

He brought His own true words to mind, the exact right words for every hard circumstance and question. I reminded my friend that, “The light [that] shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5, NIV). Jesus can and has overcome every darkness we go through. More than that, He exchanges our burdens for rest saying, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28, NIV). I encouraged my weary friend to give their burdens to Jesus. And as we wrapped up our call with prayer, more Scripture just poured out of my mouth. I hung up the phone praising God for bringing His perfect words to mind, words I had stored up in me, the very words I prayed that He would bring to mind.

My Own Late Nights

My second story comes from my own late-night stresses. I have my own burdens, my own worn-out weariness. Sometimes I wake up with worry or have trouble sleeping at all. During a prolonged and particularly difficult season, God spoke hope and renewal to my wavering heart through just one verse. It says, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” (2 Cor. 4:16, NIV). Surely on the outside, things were falling apart, everything was wasting away, and there was no logical reason for hope. Yet.

“Yet” was my hope.

My hard outer circumstances were not the sum total of my reality. There was a better, secret “yet” going on in me. Inwardly, I was being renewed and upheld by God Himself, minute by minute, day by hard-won day. I would tell myself over and over: God is in control of all of this, therefore don’t lose heart. Those words anchored my heart to God through the storm of that season. I don’t know how I would have weathered it otherwise.

Miracles in the Mundane

I could tell you a hundred stories of “big” ways that God has intervened in my story with His Word stored up in my heart. But I think the more stunning and frankly most compelling reason I could ever give anyone to memorize Scripture is my own miraculous mundane. I’ve made a practice of memorizing one verse every month for the last several years. I know it sounds small, even mundane. But wow. There’s no miracle so incredible as God changing a person’s heart.

I’m talking about me here!

When you really spend time (like thirty consecutive days) meditating on the same verse, you can’t get around your own failings and need for change. Just this year, I have seen and confessed my self-reliance (Isa. 26:3), my smug self-righteousness (Luke 6:45), and my dim view of God’s holiness (Rev. 4:8). God has not only exposed my sin, but grown me in faith. I’ve held more tightly to the One who holds all things together (Col. 1:17), and I’ve been moved to awe by His endless forgiveness (Ps. 103:12). All of these benefits (and more) have come from the simple practice of memorizing one verse a month.

You Can Do It too!

I hope as I’ve shared these stories you’ve been saying to yourself, I want that. And let me just assure you: this is not some elite, “super-Christian only” reality, or I would certainly be disqualified. Nope. Having God’s Word in you is wonderfully possible. Even right now. Today!

Let me share the simplest way:

Find a verse you want to memorize—something that speaks to your current struggle or situation.

Write it out on a small piece of paper or notecard.

On the opposite side, write the first letter of every word in that verse. If you really want to memorize it quickly, write those first letters on your wrist or hand in ink.

Practice saying the verse a few times by looking at the front of the notecard. Flip it over and try saying it while looking at just the first letters. Put that card somewhere that you’ll see it throughout the day (or keep sneaking peeks at your wrist). Quiz yourself until you have it down.

Can you imagine how memorizing and meditating on just one verse this month might impact your life? And what if you kept going? Even for years?! How might a vast store of God’s Word in your heart and mind transform you? Really. A life like that would be worth the investment.

Let me leave you with my prayer for you.

I get so excited to think that even one person who reads this little spark of an article would catch on fire! What if it was you? So, let me share my specific prayer for you right now, reading this. I hope for nothing short of what God alone can do in your life as you put His Words in your heart—miracles in your mundane and God’s own words in your dark nights and for those late-night calls. Let it be, Lord. Amen.

Transform Your Heart and Mind by Memorizing God’s Word

In this 8-session Bible study, sisters Natalie Abbott and Vera Schmitz lead you through a study of Philippians 4:4-9 to teach you a simple method of memorizing God’s Word. As you fix these beloved verses in your mind through beautiful and powerful images, you’ll discover how to combat anxiety, experience the peace of God, and dwell on godly things. But not only will you store up the deep truths and precious promises of this passage, you’ll be equipped for a lifetime of inscribing the transforming truth of Scripture in your heart and mind.

Learn More!

ABOUT NATALIE ABBOTT

Hey, I’m Natalie. I’ve got five kids, and I’m married to Jason, who’s a pastor. So we are full-on Jesus freaks over here! I love summer and Earl Gray tea and the Bible and fiction and poetry and pretty much all the words! I write for Dwell Differently and host our podcast among other things. It is seriously my dream job. I get to work with my ridiculous sister and tell people about Jesus! Who could ask for anything more?!?!

The post Know God’s Word by Heart: Ways to Memorize Scripture appeared first on Lifeway Women.

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HomeLife Recipes | Squash Recipes for Fall

October 16, 2024BruceDayne

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MARKED | Practical Tips to Be a Biblical Public Witness in a Politically Crazy World

October 14, 2024BruceDayne

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The Reference Desk | Five Principles for Fasting

October 10, 2024BruceDayne

Fasting is an important activity in the book of Esther. It is one of the few practices mentioned that was a well-documented part of Israel’s life pre-exile. Below are five principles about fasting, excerpted from my Bible study, Encountering God.

1. Fasting is not a way to manipulate God to do what you want Him to do (Isa. 58).

When we fast we’re voluntarily putting ourselves in a place of weakness and dependence upon God, trusting Him with the results of our fast.

2. When we fast we’re forgoing something natural in pursuit of the supernatural.

Jesus feasted on bread that was not of this world. Fasting has helped me become more aware of the spiritual realm that is often obscured by my earthly yearnings.

3. When we fast we’re practicing the needed discipline of saying “no” to ourselves and “yes” to God.

In a culture that prizes the ideas of on-demand, you deserve it, don’t go without, we desperately need to tell ourselves “no” on occasion. While this may seem inhibiting at first, it’s paradoxically liberating. When I have control over my body, when I’m not “hangry” several times a week, when my temperament isn’t ruled by my next meal, there is freedom.

4. Fasting is a great way of taking the focus off myself and placing it on God and others.

When all I want is a piece of pizza there’s something good and powerful about interceding for those who may not have eaten for days, for those suffering in our community and abroad, for the specific needs only God can meet. Fasting puts life in perspective and aligns our hearts with the Lord’s.

5. Fasting teaches me contentment.

When my body isn’t immediately satisfied, or life deals me a series of disappointments, fasting helps me practice the habit of going to the Lord and seeking satisfaction from Him instead of what is readily available to me. (Like my prized stash of dark chocolate peanut butter cups that solve a multitude of ailments.)

Fasting is worth it, my dear friends. I pray you will incorporate it into your semi-regular rhythm of life. . . . Gather with others to pray during your fasting. Plan times to be with the Lord or with others in fellowship. And most of all, feast.

This was excerpted from Kelly Minter’s new Bible study on the book of Esther. Learn more at lifeway.com/esther.

ABOUT KELLY MINTER

Kelly Minter is an author, speaker, songwriter, and singer. She is passionate about women discovering Jesus Christ through the pages of Scripture. Whether through song, study, or spoken word, Kelly desires to authentically express Christ to the women in a culture where so many are hurting and broken. She is driven to share the healing and strength of Christ through the Bible’s truth.

The post The Reference Desk | Five Principles for Fasting appeared first on Lifeway Women.

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MARKED | Transformed by Scripture Memory with Dwell Differently

October 07, 2024BruceDayne

Sisters Natalie Abbott and Vera Schmitz from Dwell Differently are with us today to share how Scripture memory has transformed their hearts and minds. Hear the story behind the temporary tattoos they use to help with Scripture memorization through their ministry, Dwell Differently, and why they chose to focus on Philippians 4:4-9 for their new Bible study, Dwell on These Things.

LINKS:

Dwell Differently

Dwell on These Things

Dwell Differently Podcast

Philippians 4:4-9

MARKED Episode with Eunice Chung

Dwell on These Things Online Bible Study (Starting October 10!)

RECOMMENDED: Read Vera’s article on the Lifeway Women Blog about how training for the Olympics impacted her Christian faith.

MARKED is a podcast from Lifeway Women: https://women.lifeway.com/blog/podcasts/.

Hosted by Elizabeth Hyndman.

CONNECT WITH US!

Follow Lifeway Women on Instagram.

We’d love to hear from you! Send us a text message.

Learn more about the Joy to the World Advent Bible study at lifeway.com/joytotheworld.

Learn more about the Dwell on These Things Bible study at lifeway.com/dwell.

Learn more about the Prepare Him Room virtual event at lifeway.com/preparehimroom.

ABOUT NATALIE ABBOTT

ABOUT VERA SCHMITZ

What’s up! I’m Vera, married to my college sweetheart, Matt, and mom to two boys. My favorite part of Dwell Differently is watching how a verse can come alive artistically, and then to see how it impacts the lives of our team, followers, and members. Thank you for letting us be a part of your walk with God—I can truly say it is one of the greatest honors of my life!

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Enter to Win a Dwell on These Things Bible Study

October 04, 2024BruceDayne

Dwell on These Things by Natalie Abbott and Vera Schmitz just released, and we’re celebrating with a GIVEAWAY!

How would your life change if you could call Scripture to mind at a moment’s notice to bring comfort, peace, and assurance? The good news is that God’s Word can be accessible 24/7 as you hide it in your heart.

In this 8-session Bible study, sisters Natalie Abbott and Vera Schmitz lead you through a study of Philippians 4:4-9 to teach you a simple method of memorizing God’s Word. As you fix these beloved verses in your mind through beautiful and powerful images, you’ll discover how to combat anxiety, experience the peace of God, and dwell on godly things. As you store up the deep truths and precious promises of this passage, you’ll come to understand them in light of the greater context of the book of Philippians, and you’ll be equipped for a lifetime of inscribing the transforming truth of Scripture in your heart and mind.

We’re giving 10 winners a copy of the Dwell on These Things Bible study book with video access. Just fill out the form below to enter:

By entering today’s giveaway, you acknowledge Lifeway Christian Resources’ official promotion rules. Today’s giveaway starts at the posting time of this blog and ends on October 10, 2024 at 11:59 a.m. CST. You must be 18 to enter, and you may only enter once. The winners will be selected at random. Only participants who live in the United States or Canada are eligible to win. For questions about the rules and regulations of this giveaway, please contact Erin Franklin via email here or by writing to her at 200 Powell Place, Suite 100, Brentwood, Tennessee, 37027-7707.

The post Enter to Win a Dwell on These Things Bible Study appeared first on Lifeway Women.

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Go Behind the Scenes of the Lysa TerKeurst Cruise | Photo Gallery

October 03, 2024BruceDayne

This summer, Lifeway Women and Lysa TerKeurst, along with some 700 attendees, departed from Rome, Italy, on a nine-night cruise of Italy, Greece, and Turkey. This was the largest and longest cruise Lifeway Women has hosted since the pandemic.

The cruise stopped in several significant biblical locations that the apostle Paul lived in or journeyed through including Rome, Athens, Crete, and Ephesus. Others stops included Mykonos and Santorini, Greece. The group sailed with Royal Caribbean Cruises on the state-of-the-art Odyssey of the Seas.

During the nine days, Lysa encouraged the group with messages on forgiveness and healing, as well as discussed the biblical aspects of boundaries. Many were impacted by her messages of finding renewed hope after loss and leaning on the faithfulness of God to meet them in their times of greatest need. Lifeway Women also partnered with Lifeway Global for the first time on an event. Dr. Miguel Núñez taught on the importance of understanding Revelation and end times theology.

Theologian Dr. Joel Muddamalle, of Proverbs 31 Ministries, added biblical and cultural context to some of the places and archeological sites the group visited. One highlight was learning about the ancient city of Ephesus where Paul lived and preached during his ministry and then getting to tour the area in person.

Charlotte-based songwriter, Mack Brock led worship. Mack’s powerful voice and heart for God made for intimate times of worship for the group on board. Meredith Brock, CEO of Proverbs 31 ministries, a dear friend of Lysa’s and wife of Mack, brought energy, depth, and fun to the stage as the group’s emcee and hostess.

Many women came by themselves and made lifelong friends on the trip. Others made the trip with sisters, friends, and family. Celia Thorington, from, Wetumpka, Alabama, shared, “

It was a great way to cruise. It was encouraging and uplifting. I met several people during my excursions who were also a part of the Lifeway cruise. It was fun connecting with them and hearing their stories.

Many attendees came to hear from and be refreshed by the Lord after experiencing difficult losses or seasons. “God met me there in the middle of the ocean and showed me that He is good and trustworthy,” said Julie Woodman of Hastings, Minnesota. “The fellowship with other Christians and being able to worship together was amazing. And the teachings spoke to my heart and soul. They added immensely to the beauty of the cruise itself.”

The cruise provided a retreat-like environment across the week for people to connect with God and each other. The stunning ancient places, with gorgeous sunsets and vast still waters, were an incredible backdrop for inspiration and transformation for those who traveled with us. Lifeway Women will cruise again and will release the 2026 cruise schedule in 2025.

ABOUT PAIGE CLAYTON GREENE

Paige Clayton is the author relations specialist for Lifeway Women and also leads their destination events. She led the women’s events team for Lifeway for fourteen years and recently shifted roles so she can spend less time traveling and more time pursuing licensure as a professional counselor. She is currently a master’s level professional counselor at Lantern Lane Farm in Mt. Juliet, TN. In her spare time, she is a fun aunt to four young adult nieces. Paige is mom to her Instagram-posing dog Ruby and loves singing, being outdoors, and spending time with her friends and family.

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All about Symposium

October 02, 2024BruceDayne

ABOUT TRACIE MILES

The Salvation of our Leaders

The Spread of the Gospel

Wisdom for our Leaders

ABOUT PATRICK SCHREINER

Three Compelling Stories

That Late Night Call

And that’s just what He did.

My Own Late Nights

Miracles in the Mundane

You Can Do It too!

Transform Your Heart and Mind by Memorizing God’s Word

ABOUT NATALIE ABBOTT

Acorn Squash Stuffed with Sausage and Rice

Butternut Squash Stuffed with Chicken, Quinoa, and Kale

Twice-Baked Spaghetti Squash

ABOUT KELLY MINTER

ABOUT NATALIE ABBOTT

ABOUT VERA SCHMITZ

ABOUT PAIGE CLAYTON GREENE

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