Wrap-Up

Thank you all for participating in this online Bible Study of The Jesus-Hearted Woman. I hope you enjoyed the book and I hope you took some things away from it to help you along your journey.

Since this is the first time we have done this, we would like to get some feedback from you. Please take a minute to fill out this survey and give us your honest feedback.

Thank you ladies for all that you do for the Kingdom! I know that each and every one of you are true Jesus-Hearted Women who are serving the Lord in the ways that He has called you! I am honored and blessed to be connected to you ladies and I pray for each and every one of you!

I look forward to what the future holds for each of you and for us as a group of women serving the Lord here in Arkansas and around the world!

Vision - Dancing on Prayers

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Verse of the Week:
Then the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, It will not tarry. (Habakkuk 2:2-3 NKJV)

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Chapter 10 Video Links (From Her Green Room):

• Vision Part 1 (These videos are not yet available. I will update these links when they become available.)

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Another fantastic chapter! Jodi does a great job in this chapter helping you walk through how to find out what your vision is if you don't already know, then how to see it come to fruition!

One of the things that stood out to me in this chapter is the idea that you don't have to have your own vision to be passionate about seeing a vision come to be. Some people's vision is to help other people achieve their visions! If you struggle to figure out what you vision is, find another lady who has a  Jesus-hearted vision and help her achieve it! 

Or maybe you do have a vision, but you need help to make it come to pass. Search out another Jesus-Hearted Woman who can share your vision and help you make it happen!

A God given vision is contagious! You can catch it and you can spread it!!

Jodi gives five things we should keep in mind to see our visions endure and flourish.

1. The right vision starts and ends with seeing God more clearly.
2. Don't let others define or limit your God-given vision.
3. Vision requires feet
4. Jesus-hearted leaders keep their vision open to course correction.
5. Jesus-hearted vision shows us the unseen, the things that others miss.

I love these thoughts. First of all, whatever it is that we put our efforts behind, it should be something that helps us see Jesus more clearly and also helps others see Him more clearly.

The third item here really made me think. VISION requires FEET! We can have a vision or a dream as much as we want to, but in order to see it come to pass, we have to put feet to it! We have to be willing to work to see it happen. Vision points you in the direction that you need to go in but until you start walking, you won't get any closer to seeing your vision come to pass. A vision is just that, a vision. It won't become a reality until you do something with it.

Like the story at the end of the chapter, we may think that our vision is the beginning of something, but it could be that it is the continuation of God's plan that was started with someone else. What Stacy thought they were starting by turning a bar into a church, they actually were continuing. What God is stirring inside of you may very well be the beginning of something great, but maybe, He is stirring you to continue a great work that He started before you.

Either way, find a vision that you can get behind and support. Whether it is your own vision or the vision of another, let's work together to make the visions that God has placed in the hearts of His people come to fruition. After all, it's God's vision in us, not our own.

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Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think it means to put feet to a vision? Give any specific examples you can think of from real situations.
2. Have you ever had to close a “door” behind you in order to open one in front of you? Was that easy or hard? What did you learn from that experience?
3. Read Exodus 1: 8– 21. Has someone served as a “midwife” to your ministry vision ? Tell what things she (or he) did to help birth your dreams. How can you be a “ministry midwife” for someone else?
4. Read 2 Kings 6: 15– 17. What can we learn from this story about having our eyes opened to spiritual realities that exist beyond our five senses? How important is that to leadership? In what area do you most need God to increase your vision?
5. Is there anything else you want to discuss about this chapter?

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Wrap-Up

Thank you for participating in this online Bible Study. Please take a minute to read the wrap-up post and complete the survey included there in order for us to evaluate how this online study went and how we want to continue this ministry.

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Soul Care - The Green Room

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Verse of the Week:
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul. (Psalm 23:1-3 NKJV)

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Chapter 9 Video Links (From Her Green Room):

• Soul Care Part 1
• Soul Care Part 2
• Soul Care Part 3

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It’s week 9! One more week after this and we will come to the end of this journey together. What an amazing book! I have really enjoyed it and I hope that you have too.

This week Jodi talks about soul care; taking care of our own souls, taking care of ourselves, so that we can better minister to others. This has been another week where the timing couldn’t be better on what we are reading.

Lately in my life, I have had many thoughts about how I am spending my time and what things in my life are more important than others. I am still doing some soul searching on the subject, but one thing I know for sure; I have to rearrange some priorities. I’m not quite sure how I’m going to do that yet, but by the grace of God, I am.

This jumped off the page at me while I was reading it.

Because neither you nor I are omnipotent or omnipresent, a yes here, always means a no somewhere else, and vice-versa. How we need God’s help to sort out which goes where! It’s been a painfully slow lesson, but I am learning not to rush to yes. My good friend, Pastor Bob Stone once said, "Don’t let others, or even needs, set your priorities. Needs and opportunities are not necessarily true indicators of God’s will."

Earlier I mentioned Alicia Britt Chole’s wonderful booklet, Ready, Set . . . Rest. In it, she writes, "There is a great deal of difference between saying, ‘I volunteer because there is a need’ and ‘I volunteer because there is a God.’ The greatest gift I can give those whom I need to say ‘no’ to, is being faithful to those whom God calls me to say ‘yes’ to."

I don’t know about you ladies, but this is something that I need to get better at. The loving, compassionate, caring heart that we ALL have inside of us (I can say that because I know most of you and I know that it’s true) sometimes has a hard time when it comes to determining the difference between what God is asking us to do and what people are asking us to do. Now, I don’t think this means that we should not step in and help when people need us, I think that God calls us to help others and to be there for them. But, I do agree, that we need to figure out what our calling is in life and say No to some things in order to be able to say Yes to what God has called us to do.

Most importantly, we need to find our sanctuary. We need to find our big brown comfy chair and we need to find the time to spend in it. This is one of the things that I need to re-prioritize. Far before this week, it is something that has been tugging at me. In my busy world, I have to have time to spend, just me and Jesus. I need more of that time than I am getting now and the only way I am going to get it, is to say no to something else.

What is it that you need to say no to this week? What is it that you haven’t said yes to yet, that you need to? Are you seeking Jesus in your own portable sanctuary? We may not have a green room to escape to, but we do have the arms of Jesus in our "big brown comfy chairs".

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Discussion Questions:

1. The three main components of soul-care discussed in this chapter are limits, boundaries, and replenishment. What limits have you set for yourself to keep your soul healthy? What other limits should you set for yourself to have a more cared-for soul? What one next step could you take in that direction?
2. Have you ever felt like the “incredible leaning woman”? What are the things that drain you most as you lead others? What are the things about ordinary living that sap your energy and joy?
3.  What is your own equivalent to Gail’s big brown chair where you meet with Jesus? If you’re not satisfied with how you’re making the “one thing”— being with Him, unhurried and fully attentive to His presence— the center of your life and your source of soul-care, what is the next “one thing” that might move you in that direction?
4. Psalm 46: 10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” How is stillness related to knowing God? What is your biggest obstacle to finding times of stillness?
5. Is there anything else you want to discuss about this chapter?

 

Kindness - First Clappers

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Verse of the Week:
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32 NIV)

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Chapter 8 Video Links (From Her Green Room):

• Kindness Part 1
• Kindness Part 2
• Kindness Part 3
• Kindness Part 4

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Here we are at week 8. This journey is coming close to an end together as a group, but I pray that God is making some things real in your life through this book that will continue to guide you on your own personal journeys.

There were some great things in this chapter. Since I trust that you are all reading the book, I am going to take this post in a slightly different direction. I'm going to be a little more transparent than I have been in the past.

Nearly every week of this Bible Study, God has given me personal experiences that have coincided with the chapter we were reading. Some of them I have shared and some of them I haven't. Some I think were for the group, and some I think were for me. All of the real life things have happened each week before I read the chapter. So I didn't know what the chapter was about when these things were happening.

This week God attempted to do this again. He was setting me up for a real life, relateable experience. Something maybe that I could have shared with you ladies. Unfortunately, instead of obeying God, I let my shy, what will the cashier think of me, thought process, keep me from what I believe now would have been an experience that would have changed me in a small way and maybe changed someone else too.

I was in the McDonald's drive through on my way to work one morning. I had an overwhelming urge to pay for the persons meal behind me. I started to speak and just couldn't get the words out of my mouth. The car in front of me pulled out and so I just moved on to the second window.

The woman behind me was in a hurry apparently, because at the light waiting to pull out of the parking lot, she was honking at me to go (when there was way too much traffic to pull out). I had a slight moment where I thought, I wonder if she would have reacted differently had I obeyed the nudging of The Lord.

All of this happened before I read this chapter. Now in hind sight, this was as much a lesson in obedience as it was kindness! It at least has made me realize that I have to live outside the box way more than I do now. I have to put aside my fears and worries in order to live in obedience to God.

I will be looking for opportunities this week to try again! To find ways a show kindness.

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Discussion Questions:

This week, I want to hear your stories! Have you ever committed a random act of kindness? How did it go? 

Have you ever been the recipient of a random act of kindness? What happened? How did you respond? Did you "pay it forward"?

What can you do this week to show intentional kindness to others?

Self-Awareness - Terra-Cotta Warriors

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Verse of the Week:
Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. (Romans 12:3 NLT)

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Chapter 7 Video Links (From Her Green Room):

• Self-Awareness Part 1
• Self-Awareness Part 2
• Self-Awareness Part 3

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Welcome to week 7!!! This week we are talking about self-awareness. There were a few things in this chapter that stood out to me.

One was the section on "Who's Got Your Back". Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." What kind of friends do you have in your life? Do you have friends who are honest when you need them to be even at the risk of hurting your feelings? 

I have to say, it has taken me until the last few years to develop a friendship that I can trust to be honest even when it doesn't feel good. I have a friend now who is able (and willing) to give me that self-awareness shot in the arm that we all need every once in a while.

A few years ago, I would have been hurt and offend by those moments, but now I'm more grateful for them than anything. Still maybe hurt for a moment, but after that, grateful to have some guidance as to what I need to focus on and even more grateful to have a stronger friendship than before when it's all over. Real and honest conversation can go a long way to help us grow into the women that God wants us to be.

Another really interesting (and somewhat relieving) thing in this chapter was when Jodi talked about Jesus and the open interaction that He has with His disciples. Peter rebuked Jesus at one point and Jesus didn't get upset with that. Jesus did confront Peter's wrong thinking, but not his outburst or rebuke. Peter had more than one moment of talking back to Jesus but Jesus never rebuked Peter for his outburst, he only consistently corrected Peter's thought process.

It is important for us to take time to self check. Time to reflect on our inner selves and where we are at is important. I think the best sentence of this entire chapter was in the very last paragraph in reference to a quote by Socrates which said, the un-examined life isn't worth living.

Jodi said: "I want to know myself, yes, but only in the presence of a living, forgiving, transforming, grace-offering God. Only He can make the converse of Socrates' statement true - the examined life is worth living."

No matter what flaws we may find in ourselves through our self examination, God can turn them around. Without that promise of redemption that He so freely gives us, all we would have is our imperfections. Through Christ, our imperfections can shine as a testimony to His goodness!!

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Discussion Questions:

1. How do you want people to remember you? What do you need to do to make sure that happens?
2. Read Proverbs 27:6, 28:23, and Psalm 141:5. According to these verses, what role do our friends play in helping us become who we are meant to be? Describe what the healthy "wounds" of a friend might look like.
   
3. Read Romans 12:1-8. Self-awareness is not only about recognizing our weakness but also about being familiar with our strengths and the gifts God has given us. What gift do you see, in this list, that He has given you, even if it isn't fully developed yet? How can you begin to develop and use that gift?
4. Is there anything else about this chapter you would like to discuss or that stood out to you?

Courage - Pocketbook Punches

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Verse of the Week:
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10 NIV)

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Chapter 6 Video Links (From Her Green Room):

• Courage Part 1
• Courage Part 2
• Courage Part 3

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This has been another great chapter!! The chapter started off with the story of Ginger Littleton taking a chance at stopping a gunman who took over a school board meeting and was holding her colleagues hostage. She came up behind him and hit him with her purse to try and stop him.

This story made me think of the story of another courageous young woman at a school. Do you remember Rachel Joy Scott? She was the first of 13 people who were killed in the Columbine High School shooting in 1999. It was reported that one of the shooters approached her and asked her if she believed in God. Knowing what was about to happen, she answered, "Yes". She was then shot at point blank range while the shooters were mocking her for her faith. What a tremendous amount of courage that took!

Then I thought about Corrie Ten Boom and Elizabeth Elliot. And then thinking about them and their ministries, I began to think about some of our missionaries. Our friends who find the courage to go to places where they could be arrested or even killed just for being there to share the gospel. 

A few of you ladies participating in this Bible Study are some of our courageous women missionaries. I just want to take a minute and say thank you! Thank you for being courageous women who are willing to risk everything to fulfill the calling God has placed on your life and to share the gospel with the people He chose for you to share it with!  Thank you for your service to the Kingdom!!!

Jodi talked in this chapter about courageous women of the Bible and why they needed courage. Here are the reasons that she gave:

1. To deliver a dream
2. To protect the powerless
3. To win the war
4. To hold the Holy
5. To transport the truth

All of these things take courageous people to accomplish. Corrie Ten Boom protected the powerless, Elizabeth Elliot continued after the death of her husband to complete a dream and transport the truth, and Rachel Joy Scott even in her death was helping to transport the truth of the gospel to others.

Let's seek God to give us the level of courage that we need to accomplish the things that He has for us to accomplish. 

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Discussion Questions:

1. When you hear the word courage, who most personifies that virtue for you? Why?
2. Which of the reasons Jesus-Hearted Women need courage speaks to you and why?
3. What verse (or section) of scripture has given you comfort and courage when you were afraid?
4. Is there anything else about this chapter you would like to discuss or that stood out to you?

Resilience - The Cringe Factor

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Verse of the Week:
For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes. – Proverbs 24:16 (NIV)

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Chapter 5 Video Links (From Her Green Room):

• Resilience Part 1
• Resilience Part 2
• Resilience Part 3 
• Resilience Part 4 
  

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Well ladies, here we are at chapter 5! Half way through this journey together! I pray that this book is a blessing to you all. It sure has been to me!

Last week we talked about stamina. This week we are talking about resilience. These two seem similar when you think about them so what is the difference between them? Having stamina means that we continue on our journey even when we are tired and want to stop; having resilience means that something has stopped us but we are getting back up and starting again.

I really enjoyed this chapter and I think that we all can relate to it, not just in ministry but in life. We all have had “my bad”, “their bad”, and “too bad” moments or even seasons in life. I know that I can easily think of examples of each in my own life, some of them only lasting a moment while others are still a very real part of my every day life.

In the “my bad” section of this chapter, Jodi talks a lot about regret. Regret to me is a double edged sword. In some way, we need to feel a little regret in order to take the necessary steps to make a mends with others. If we didn’t feel some regret or feel sorry for things that we did, what would we have to encourage us to apologize and make things right with others when we hurt them? However, once we do our part in making a mends, we have to put it behind us and move on.

Regret is something that I’m sure Satan loves for us to hold onto. It makes us focus on our past instead of our future. It makes us feel less than because of our mistakes. It may make us think that we aren’t fit to fulfill the work that God has called us to do. If we fall into the regret trap we could end up walking away from what God wants us to do. And if we do those things, what more could Satan ask for?

There was a section in this chapter called “No Rewind, Only Redemption”.  This whole section was so encouraging to me, but specifically this:

“Everyone reading this has regrets, and for some they’ve become heavy, damp, flame-smothering blankets of depression that bury the glow of future ministry potential – maybe even the possibility of joyful living. This is for you my friend: there is no rewind. There is only redemption. But a redeemed life is even better than a rewind because through it, Jesus showcases hope to others who feel their mistakes have left them unqualified for significance and service.”

Skipping over a page or so…

“I’ll say it again: a redeemed life is better than a rewind because others get to see the “immense patience” of Jesus on display! When you as the recipient of His mercy, are resilient and determined to get back up and move forward, others will believe there is hope for them to do the same.”

You know, I believe that as Christians, whether we are in a leadership position or not, that is ultimately what we want. We want to see others succeed and grow in Christ. We want to see others overcome hard times. We want to see others thrive. If you agree, if that’s you, then let’s live out our redeemed lives instead of sitting around, living in regret, waiting for a rewind. We will never be able to change the past, but we can live a life full of hope and resilience through Jesus and His mercy that He so graciously gives us, even when we don’t deserve it. After all, that is the point of grace, isn’t it?

As we respond to the discussion questions, think of it as a chance to put a spotlight on your redeemed life and share hope with others!

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Discussion Questions:

1. Is there a particular my bad (a mistake that was your fault) memory that still makes you cringe? What did you (or can you) learn from it that will serve you in the future?


2. Have you ever felt stuck in “six inches of mud” when you wanted to be soaring? What did it look like? How did you become “unstuck”? When it comes to resilience, what’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned so far?


3. Revisit the story of Joseph in Genesis chapter 37 and 39-45. What were the circumstances in which Joseph displayed resilience? What situations do people face today that might parallel some of Joseph’s troubles? How have you seen resilience make a difference in these circumstances?


4. Read Genesis 40:2; 5; 20-23. Also read Genesis 41:25, 38-52. What is the common thread in these verses? How does believing the promise given in Hebrews 13:5 help us to have the resilience of Joseph?


5. Is there anything else about this chapter you would like to discuss or that stood out to you?

Stamina - Take the Stairs

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Verse of the Week:
Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that He has promised. – Hebrews 10:36 (NLT)

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Chapter 4 Video Links (From Her Green Room):

• Stamina Part 1
• Stamina Part 2
• Stamina Part 3

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This week I have personally experienced what it means to need stamina in the physical sense. Walking around a hilly college campus with my sister and traveling from one apartment complex to the next looking for the right place for her to live as she starts the next phase of her life. I was tired, sweaty, and out of breath with aching legs, knees and feet! While I wanted to stop walking, to stop looking for just the right place, I kept going; but not without a few stops to rest and not without food and drink along the journey.

Stamina is the ability to sustain prolonged effort (whether physical, mental, or spiritual). So what does it take to sustain your efforts as you travel along the journey that God has for you? Jodi mentions four things in this chapter that can help keep us going along the journey.

The first is Camaraderie. Having someone with us on our journey is a great way to be encouraged to keep going. I know that without my sister walking with me this week, I would have stopped and not continued walking.

This has applied in my spiritual life as well. So many times I have been down to my very last ounce of hope in life. I have had days where I didn’t want to keep going. To be incredibly honest, there have been days that I couldn’t even get out of bed because of dealing with such a deep depression. The thing that helps me the most to get through those days and to keep going in life has been the Godly women that the Lord has brought into my life. Dear friends who continually encourage me to keep going! It has been those women who have been willing to stand beside me and sometimes behind me pushing me as I walk that have helped me through.

The second is Joy. I love what Jodi said about joy. She said, “I believe that God doesn’t intend all the pleasures to be waiting only at the end of our destinations; He sprinkles it all along the way. He knows how invigorating a little joy is in the middle of our labors and challenges.” Nehemiah 8:10 says the joy of the Lord is our strength. God not only wants us to have joy, it is a tool that He gives us to stay strong on our journey! 

If you need help finding joy, find that friend that we talked about a minute ago and laugh with them until your face hurts! Seriously, good friends can bring so much light and joy into your life. I’ve had plenty of bad days turn around for the better just by spending some time laughing until I was crying with a good friend.

The third thing that can help keep us going along our journey is Stopping. That seems contradictory but it can make a big difference in our ability to keep moving forward. Like walking all over that college campus caused me to need to stop for a few minutes before I could keep walking, sometimes, we just have to stop and catch our breath.

Jodi mentioned Alicia Britt Chole’s book Ready, Set…Rest where she said, “God did not design us to live to the end of our abilities every day. We are supposed to have a buffer. If we live each day to the end of our rope, there is nothing left to hold onto when an unanticipated problem calls for something more.”

Make sure you are giving yourself a buffer. That buffer and stop along the journey can be many things. It could be a girls night out with a friend, a date night with your husband, a weekend away, or just a nice long bubble bath ALONE! Whatever you need to do to take a rest when you need to, do it. Don’t let your tank run on empty. If your tank is empty, your will stall on your journey instead of continuing on it!!

The last thing that can help us keep going is Hope. Hope is so important. When we have hope, we are putting our trust in the Lord. Romans 4:18-21 (NLT) says, “Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping – believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, ‘That’s how many descendants you will have!’ And Abrahams’ faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead – and so was Sarah’s womb. Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever He promises.”

Hope is looking at our grim circumstances and believing that our God is bigger and that what He has waiting for us just over the horizon far exceeds what we are going through right now. It’s believing in the promises He has made to us, even if we are waiting for most or all of our life. It is trusting that no matter how long it takes, God will fulfill His promises to us and not wavering in our faith while we wait.

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Discussion Questions:

1.  At what point (or circumstances) in your life have you needed stamina the most and why?


2. The Bible talks about steadfastness and endurance – other ways to describe stamina. What do the following verses teach about these qualities?
   
   • Romans 5:3-4
   • James 1:2-4
   • James 1:12-18
   • Hebrews 10:35-36
   • Hebrews 12:1-3


3. Romans 2:6-7 says, “God will repay each person according to what they have done. To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life.” Knowing that God sees your persistence and will reward your stamina, how does that make a difference in your ability to endure? What are some other biblical examples of stamina that was rewarded?


4. Is there anything else about this chapter you would like to discuss or that stood out to you?

Humility - Floor Exercise

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Verse of the Week:
All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. – 1 Peter 5:5b - 6 (NIV)

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Chapter 3 Video Links (From Her Green Room):

• Humility Part 1
• Humility Part 2
• Humility Part 3
• Humility Part 4
• Humility Part 5
  

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This was such a great chapter! It was full of so many good things; it is hard for me to even decide where to begin in discussing it. So, instead of starting with the book, let’s start with the verse of the week.

This verse and a half is so FULL all on its own. First of all, “clothe yourself with humility toward one another”. Humility is something that we choose to put on. It isn't something that we innately have. It also is something that we show to others. Humility isn't about what we do to ourselves as much as it is how we view and treat others around us.

“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble”. What an incentive to truly be humble. Jodi says this in the book and I wholeheartedly agree; I don’t want God opposing me! I want God on my side and showing favor to me. One version I read of this verse used the word grace instead of favor. I need God’s grace, not his opposition!!

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” Notice the roles in this verse. Our role is to humble ourselves. God’s role is to lift us up not when we want Him to, but in His own time.

There were two main sections to this chapter. The first was leadership traps and how to avoid them. The second was ten reasons we should master the “floor exercise” or humility.

For this week’s discussion, instead of using the questions at the end of the chapter, let’s talk about these ten reasons to master humility. Choose one that stood out to you and tell us how you related to it and what it was about it that made you stop and think.

I’ll start. For me, it was reason number six, Humility allows us to ask for help. So many times we go through life thinking that we can handle everything that comes our way. When times get hard, we struggle for days, weeks, months, or even years on our own trying to fight our way through our problems. Maybe it is pride that keeps us from asking for help. Sometimes it might be embarrassment or guilt that keeps us from asking for help, but whatever the reason, humbling ourselves (putting aside our pride, our embarrassment, or guilt) and asking for help is not weakness. It is acknowledging that we can’t handle everything alone. We need God and we need others.

God didn't create us to face life alone. He created us to have a relationship with Him. After He created Adam in the Garden of Eden, He said, “It is not good for man to be alone” and He created Eve. God intended for us to live our lives relying on Him and also those around us.

The book talks about how Jesus asked for help. Jesus, who could have done anything without any help from others, humbled himself and asked for help from those around Him. Several of His miracles began with Jesus asking someone else to do something for Him. He asked the servants to fill the water pots for Him to turn into wine. He asked the boy for His lunch to feed the five thousand and asked the disciples to organize and distribute the food. Now, did Jesus need help? No, but he still made a point to humbly ask.

Now it’s your turn. What one of the ten reasons to master humility spoke to you?

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Discussion Questions:

1. For this week’s discussion, instead of using the questions at the end of the chapter, let’s talk about these ten reasons to master humility. Choose one that stood out to you and tell us how you related to it and what it was about it that made you stop and think.


2. Is there anything else about this chapter you would like to discuss or that stood out to you?

Authenticity - Plastic Lipstick

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Verse of the Week:
“Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.” - Luke 12:1b-3 (NIV)

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Chapter 2 Video Links (From Her Green Room):

• Authenticity Part 1
• Authenticity Part 2
• Authenticity Part 3

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This week we are talking about Authenticity. I decided this week to make a video instead of writing a post. So the video below is my take on the chapter for this week. I look forward to the discussion this week. Talk to you all soon!

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Discussion Questions:

1. What simple questions can you ask at the next opportunity to show interest in others, even casual acquaintances or strangers?
   
   
2. Duplicity (deceitfulness in speech or conduct) began in the Garden of Eden with the fall of humanity. Read the account from Genesis 3:1-19 and notice how Adam and Eve moved from authenticity and openness to deceit and cover-up. How does that parallel with the progression toward in-authenticity in people’s lives today?
   
   
3. Jesus warned His disciples against hypocrisy both publicly and privately. Many of these cautions relate to some of our basic spiritual practices today. Read the verses below that correspond with the spiritual discipline listed. Describe ways that these good things can become tainted by phoniness, and note how to prevent hypocrisy in each area. (You may choose one or two)
• Prayer (Matthew 6:5-6)
• Giving (Matthew 6:2-4)
• Fasting (Matthew 6:16-18)
• Getting Rid of Sinful Behavior (Matthew 7:1-5)
• Making a Convert or Disciple (Matthew 23:15)
• Praising God (Mark 7:6-8)
  
  
4. Sincerity is another word for authenticity; it’s used in various Bible translations and paraphrased versions. Psalm 15 describes the characteristics of a sincere person. Read that chapter and discuss the marks of sincerity described there.
   
   
5. Is there anything else about this chapter you would like to discuss or that stood out to you?

Confidence - These Shoes are Too Big

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Verse of the Week:
So do not throw away your CONFIDENCE; it will be richly rewarded. - Hebrews 10:35 (NIV)

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Chapter 1 Video Links (From Her Green Room):

• Confidence Part One
• Confidence Part Two
• Confidence Part Three
• Confidence Part Four
  

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What is confidence? Confidence means to be convinced of, to have inward certainty or to trust. Chapter one is all about confidence. Not a vain, prideful confidence, but a Biblical, gracious confidence.

In this chapter, Jodi speaks of stepping into a major leadership role and how she felt completely unqualified. She likened it to stepping into a pair of shoes that were too big. At first you walk around awkwardly when you are wearing shoes that are too big, but in time, you begin to grow into them. As you grow, your confidence also grows.

Jodi made a decision that despite her feelings of inadequacy, she would keep walking through the doors that God opened. This to me was one of the best thoughts in this chapter. It goes back to the definition of confidence; to trust. If we can learn to trust God, even if it is reluctantly, God will use us. As we trust Him we will develop a confidence, not in ourselves, but in Him. If we have confidence in Him, we can walk through any door He asks us to, confident, not in our own ability, but in His!

Gracious confidence is what helps our feet grow into our too-big shoes. It is developing the gifts God has placed inside of me and doing my best to offer those gifts back to God as He gives me the opportunities, trusting Him with the outcomes.

I love what Jodi says on page 31. "I'm not a better leader because I've been given bigger responsibilities and a few outstanding opportunities. I'm a better leader because I stepped forward (albeit with fear and trembling) into the next thing God called me to, stuffing the toes of those too-big shoes with tissues of trust that He would grow me into His calling."

There are many things I could share from my personal experiences of clomping around in too-big shoes. This post that you are reading right now is one of them. This online Bible Study is one of those things that God kept laying on my heart, the stirring in your chest that Jodi talks about. When I decided I could at least mention it and see what came of it, I never imagined the response I would get would be, "Just go for it!"

I never considered that God would use me to do anything like this and I certainly am not the most qualified woman of this group for such an undertaking. But I am stuffing the toes of these too-big shoes with tissues of trust and walking forward to grow in His calling.

What about you? How well do your shoes fit?

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Discussion Questions:

1. What are some of the “too-big shoes” that you have stepped into and how did you grow into them?
   
   
2. Psalm 118:8 says, “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” Read the story of Asa in 2 Chronicles 16:1-10 and describe how and why he put confidence in people instead of God. What was the outcome?
   
   
3. Read Jeremiah 17:5-10. Considering the strong cautions expressed in those verses, what does it look like today when we place our confidence in others or ourselves instead of God?
   
   
4. While trusting solely in ourselves is arrogant and a big mistake, there is a gracious confidence that is Biblical, healthy, and necessary for good leadership. Read the following verses and describe how the truth in each section contributes to gracious confidence. (You may choose just one or two).
• Genisis 1:27
• Joshua 1:9
• Psalm 139:13-14,16-18
• Isaiah 64:8
• Jeremiah 29:11
• 2 Corinthians 3:5
• Ephesians 2:10
  
  
5. Is there anything else about this chapter you would like to discuss or that stood out to you?

Introduction to The Jesus-Hearted Woman

I am so glad that you have decided to join us for this journey to grow as Jesus-Hearted Women. Before we get started, I wanted to share the video of the book trailer by Jodi Detrick. Take a few minutes to watch this. It will help you see the heart of the author behind the book.



While this book uses the words leader and leadership, it isn't written only for those with a title or a position. Everyone has a sphere of influence, and because of that, we all are leaders. Being a leader simply means that you have the ability to influence those around you. We all fit into that category.

If you have children, you are a leader every single day as they watch you and learn from you. If you are a wife, you are a leader in the sense that you influence your husband's decisions (whether he admits it or not). If you are a friend to anyone, you are a leader. As Christians, everyday we have the opportunity through our words and actions to either lead others closer to Christ or farther away from Him.

I have learned many things by being friends with an amazing woman of God. While she is in an official leadership position, I have learned more from her by watching how she lives her life than I ever could by listening to her preach from behind a pulpit (although I do love hearing her preach). Some lessons are learned not by hearing someone tell you what you should do, but by watching them walk it out; and ladies, others are watching how we walk!!

So, whether you have a position and title or not, I am GLAD you are here!!!

Discussion:

Take a minute and introduce yourself in the comments below. Tell us your name and where you are from and just for fun, tell us something unique or interesting about yourself.

(There is a drop down box to let you decide what account your comment will be posted from. If you don't have any of the listed accounts, either use "Name/URL" and type in your name, or you can comment using "Anonymous" but at least for this introduction post, please tell us who you are)!

Welcome!!

Ladies I am very excited for our new book club! Thank you for choosing to be a part of this adventure. We pray it will be a blessing and encouragement as you read, share and grow with one another!

I am very pleased to have my dear friend, Brenda Duggins as facilitator of this ministry.  Brenda and I have walked many roads together learning to trust God as wives and mothers. We also tag team teach a Girls Ministry class at our home church.

The women of Arkansas have continually shown that they are women with a heart after God!  Let’s seek Him like never before!

Angelia Carpenter

District Women's Director

Schedule

This study will begin on March 2, 2014. Here is a breakdown of what we will cover each week.

Week 1: Introduction & These Shoes Are Too Big! – Confidence (March 2)
Week 2: Plastic Lipstick – Authenticity (March 9)
Week 3: Floor Exercise – Humility (March 16)
Week 4: Take the Stairs – Stamina (March 23)
Week 5: The Cringe Factor – Resilience (March 30)
Week 6: Pocketbook Punches – Courage (April 6)
Week 7: Terra-Cotta Warriors – Self-Awareness (April 13)
Week 8: First-Clappers – Kindness (April 20)
Week 9: The Green Room – Soul-Care (April 27)
Week 10: Dancing on Prayers – Vision & Wrap-Up (May 4)

If you get behind in reading, please come join the discussion anyway. We don’t want you to disappear in cyberspace if you fall behind. We want you to join us and you can catch up when you can. This is about learning from and encouraging each other; it isn’t about homework and deadlines.

Remember if you have any questions, you can either comment at the bottom of a post or you can email araogwow@gmail.com and we will answer them.

Getting Started

We are so glad you are joining us for this online study of The Jesus-Hearted Woman!


This page will tell you what you need to know to get started and should answer any other questions you may have. If you have a question that isn't answered on this page, feel free to comment at the bottom of the page and we will answer it for you. If you don't want to ask your question in the comments, you may email araogwow@gmail.com and we will answer you by email.

Who is this study for?

Although the book title, The Jesus-Hearted Woman: 10 Leadership Qualities for Enduring and Endearing Influence, indicates that this book is for women in leadership, the qualities discussed in this book are good qualities for any woman to develop. Even if you are not in a position of leadership, we all have our own sphere of influence. So, whether you are in a position of leadership or not, you can get something from this study. That was the long answer...

The short answer is... EVERY WOMAN IS WELCOME!!!

What do I need to get stared?

1. Please click here to register for the study. There is no charge but we would like to know who is participating and have a way to contact you with information regarding the study. Thanks!
2. Make sure you have a copy of the book. Here is the information for where you can find it.
3. Tell your friends about it!! Invite your friends to join the study with you!!

When do we “meet”?

This study is designed with the idea that ladies from across the state with varying schedules will all be able to participate. Here is how that will work. Week 1 will begin with reading the Introduction and Chapter 1 of the book. The study post and discussion questions for Week 1 will be posted at the beginning of the week. You do not need to have the chapter read before that post appears, but when you finish reading for the week, come join the discussion online. Each week a new post will be posted at the beginning of the week and we will continue to comment/discuss throughout the week.

How do we participate in the discussion?

Each post has a place at the end of it where you can post comments. Discussion questions will be included in the post and you may choose to answer any or all questions posed by adding a comment to the post in the comment section.

How do I know when this weeks post is available?

The post for each week should be available online no later than Monday morning each week. One way to make sure you don’t miss it is to subscribe to this blog. You can do that by entering your email address into the “Follow by Email” section on the right hand side of the page. This subscription process is powered by software called Feedburner which will require you verify the subscription by clicking a link in an email that they will send to you. If you subscribe by email, you will receive an email when new items are added to the site, but you will not receive the email notification immediately after the post is available. It may be the end of the day or the next morning before the email arrives.

You may also follow us on Google+ if you are on there to get instant updates as items are posted. We will also post updates on the Women of Worth Facebook Page.

Where Can I Get the Book?

There are many options available for ordering The Jesus-Hearted Woman. The cheapest place I found for ordering a hard copy of the book was Amazon.com. Here are the links to where you can purchase to book from.


Paperback from My Healthy Church - $17.99

Kindle - $7.69

Nook - $8.49

iBook - $9.99 (Search for it in iTunes)





The Devotional Book isn't necessary for this study, but you may like it. It summarizes the chapter into a short devotional and for only $1.99 is worth the price. There isn't anything in the devotional that isn't in the book as far as I can tell, but if your interested, here are the links to find the devotional book.

Paperback from Amazon.com - $1.99

Kindle - $1.89

Nook - $1.99

iBook - $1.99 (Search for it in iTunes)

The Jesus-Hearted Woman Online Book/Bible Study

Have you ever wanted to join a book club, but just couldn’t find one near you that included books worth reading. Maybe you want to be a part of a women’s Bible study, but your church doesn’t have one. Well, join us this year as we combine the best of both with the book, The Jesus-Hearted Woman.

Join us online, right here, at www.araogwow.blogspot.com as we travel through Jodi Detrick’s book to cultivate 10 Leadership Qualities for Enduring and Endearing Influence. Whether you have been in leadership for fifty years or are just now beginning to have opportunities to lead, we want you to join us for this study.

This will be a fantastic opportunity for the Women of Arkansas to grow together and learn from each other no matter where you live. All you need is a copy of the book and internet access to participate.

This will be a 10 week study, beginning March 2, 2014. Details will be posted here at www.araogwow.blogspot.com as we get closer to that time.

Follow by email (on the right hand side of this page) to get email notifications as items are posted.

Let's go on this God adventure together to grow as Jesus-Hearted Women!!