I have been getting a workout here on the ranch. I decided to tackle the shop the other day. Why? Ummmm…it’s January and the procrastination list is in high gear. And I might be a little crazy!!
I took everything out! Do we really need a piece of broken PVC pipe and a wad of duct tape with rat poop on it? You get the point. It was a project long overdue and after a week of sorting, throwing and listing things on our local swap shop, it is complete!! I’m partying over here!!!
What is it about January that suddenly switches us into high gear? I’m sure it has to do with resolutions, and starting new. We have a saying around here, “This year, I’m gonna get my crap together!”
Often times we see an increase of people at church in January! Which is totally awesome!!!
People often ask about Bible Studies we recommend. Which ones are good? We have several in our arsenal that have been resources and have grown us up a bit. Or grown us up a bunch!!! Sometimes we’ve even had to do a crash course study in testing times of our faith.
Let’s face it, we don’t like the “work out” but we like the GAINS afterwards. We like seeing results. There’s always benefits to growing Spiritual Muscles. Here’s just a few.
- It gives us knowledge. We can’t know the Word unless we read it. Prov. 2: 6 “The Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding”
- It strengthens the truth. We live in a day of confusion. John 8:32 “Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free”
- It’s beneficial. Knowing Jesus is the biggest benefit. There are numerous benefits to growing our faith and knowing the promises of God! Isaiah 55:11 “so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
- It equips us. Heb. 13:21 “may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.”
- It reassures us. Joshua 1:9 “ “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
- It instructs us. Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Now that we’ve looked at just a few benefits, let’s talk about study. Besides which study should I do, we hear…”Where do I start?” These are both common and excellent questions. All of us can feel overwhelmed when we start reading the Bible but it shouldn’t be an obstacle. Everyone has to start somewhere.
Remember the first time you rode a horse? It was a bit scary and exciting. You probably had the instruction of a parent or an older sibling to show you how to hold your reins, or cue with your feet. We might have attended a clinic, caught a tip from a day worker or watched someone at a ranch horse competition. But ultimately we all know, if we don’t get on our horse and practice, we won’t get better.
With that, here’s three studies that are handier than pockets on a shirt….
Since there are many to choose from and if you’re new to reading the Bible, check out John, or Matthew or Mark.
2. New Community by John Ortberg & Bill Hybels
You can find..”Sermon on the Mount”, the “Ten Commandments” and many other subjects within these studies.
3. Fundamentals of the Faith by John MacArthur
I don’t know about you, but when I’m spending that time learning…there’s nothing compared to it! Nothing can replace or come close to growing your Spiritual Muscles. They are the muscles that will last through any race, through any course, through any test.
Which studies have been spiritual muscle builders for you? I always want more gains and I always love hearing from you.
Thank you for reading……thecowboypastorswife
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