Living the New Life

Open Your Bible

Matthew 11:28-30, Luke 9:23, John 15:1-11, Ephesians 4:17-24, Colossians 1:9-14, 1 Timothy 4:4-16

Scripture Reading: Matthew 11:28-30, Luke 9:23, John 15:1-11, Ephesians 4:17-24, Colossians 1:9-14, 1 Timothy 4:4-16

I’ve been thinking recently about how our salvation means that we have been reconciled to God.

It’s a profound truth, and maybe that’s why I still catch myself sometimes, consciously or subconsciously, practicing spiritual disciplines as if being reconciled to Him is my spiritual goal rather than my resting state.

The truth is, practices like Bible reading, service, Sabbath, and others aren’t a path toward establishing a relationship with God. Instead, we do these things because we have a relationship with God. As believers, we serve and study and observe Sabbath because we want to more fully realize the privileges we have already been given in Christ.

We are already children of God.
We are already reconciled to Him.
We are already fully loved—as much as He will ever love us and as much as He has ever loved anyone!

No amount of prayer, obedience, or worship can make any of the above more true.

This may sound like semantics to you, but it really changed my view of spiritual disciplines. Are the spiritual disciplines we’ll explore in this Bible reading plan a response to God’s love? Yes, of course. But they aren’t a way to earn or keep that love. Instead, when I remember that my relationship with God is secure in Christ, it transforms these spiritual practices from a list of obligations into opportunities to more fully experience, enjoy, and abide with the God who made me and reconciled me to Himself.

Friends, I’m not exaggerating when I say this is one of my favorite reading plans our team has ever offered. As people who have been reconciled to God, let’s approach the coming four weeks as an invitation to train ourselves in godliness. Let’s approach this Faith in Practice study trusting a Person, not a process. Jesus has already given us all we need, including this community of women in the Word of God every day (2Peter 1:3). Let’s be encouraged and encourage one another as we learn what it looks like to put our faith into practice!

Written by Raechel Myers

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117 thoughts on "Living the New Life"

  1. Ellie Hines says:

    I think God has been really telling me to put my faith into practice with my actions instead of just saying that I will put my faith into action and not do it.

  2. Megan Padilla says:

    Already you are clean because of the word I have spoken to you.

    Already clean.

  3. Martha Valle Veltri says:

    Im very excited to do this study. I’m also using the book and I realize I am most at peace when I’m at church, when I’m outside in the garden or with my dogs and when I sing worship music. My heart is at rest when I am with God and I look forward to doing this more with this reading.

  4. Vanity Hickman says:

    <3

  5. Kaitlyn Whitney says:

    So excited to dig into God’s word daily with you ladies and practice spiritual disciplines!

  6. Alexis Chavira says:

    I really do like this, the church I just went to was just covering this topic to an extent. I have to admit that I end up kinda thinking I have to work towards God’s love. I Think this might be a nice study to help with my mindset.

  7. T. F says:

    Hi all! Prayers for my partner as he no longer desires to seek God. Pray that his heart will yearn for God and that he will one day desire again to truly know and follow God again

  8. Barb Fleming says:

    I am very excited for this study. I feel lately I have not let the Holy Spirit guide me and I tried to do things on my own. I fall flat on my face. Precious Jesus guide me through this study so I will draw closer to you.

  9. Marjorie Crites says:

    I am so excited to start this plan. I don’t have much of a sisterhood and boy do I yearn for that. Grateful to be joining you ladies. God is so good ❤️

    1. Teresa Cooper Donley says:

      You’ll find lots of sisters here.

  10. Adrienne says:

    Welcome and welcome back, fellow She’s!

  11. Amber Cofer says:

    I am so excited!!!! What a sweet reminder to live in relationship, not action.

  12. Mercy says:

    Coming on late from a busy Monday, so glad to join you all on a new study. Excited to learn new things and meditate on new revelations. Thank you SRT for your faithful efforts.

  13. Jodi M says:

    Oh, how badly I needed to hear all of this today. I have been feeling far from God recently and found myself just wanting to add to my list of spiritual disciplines to help, yet knowing that was not the real answer….But seeing the disciplines as my response to Him….that just hit perfectly in my heart today. Thank you to the writer!

  14. Vivi Torres says:

    I am grateful God has brought me to this Bible study! Never before had I been able to engage with other women through a platform like this!

  15. Mindy Martin says:

    Beautiful opening to this study. I’m looking forward to resting in the Lord as I walk in the Spirit.

  16. Shavel Wright says:

    I am happy i am here

  17. Gwineth52 says:

    Dear SRT
    Oh My! I have missed you!
    The studies.
    The solidarity.
    The sisterhood.
    I have been away too long.
    And this is the perfect community read
    to reverently reengage.
    My heart, as I lean in to listen.
    My head, as I ponder.
    My hands, as I journal.
    Dear God, Everlasting
    Thank you for the women in the Word who gather daily.
    Thank you for your divine presence & patience!
    Thank you for prying me loose from pursuits unworthy & into your gravitational pull!
    Teach me Your ways.
    Tell me Your story.
    Touch my very soul.
    This I pray, through the Son who saves.
    In the Fullness of Faith…Amen & Amen

    1. Rhonda J says:

      Hey! Welcome back, your poetic words were missed! (heart)

    2. Adrienne says:

      I agree with Rhonda! ❤️

  18. Rotsy Voahary Fanantenana Rasohaga says:

    I am so grateful to be a part of this study. Lately, my life depends on what I feel, like do I feel Jesus, do I feel loved… Although I know deep in my heart that my feelings aren’t constant and I can’t rely on that, especialy for my spiritual life. I needed this one

  19. Jennifer Anapol says:

    Excited *

  20. Jennifer Anapol says:

    I’m so excited to start this study! I really need to rely on God’s spirit and strength in this season. I recently felt God calling me to homeschool both of my girls. This is definitely a change in our plans and how we have organized our schedule. I’m executes, but also nervous

    1. Rhonda J. says:

      That’s wonderful Jennifer!! I love that, you are not equipped, but we know who is! Just trust the process, it won’t be perfect but it will be right! Good to see you! I know what a priority to have the Lord in your family just from your comments over the year, we are successful in that sense!

  21. Susan Bonner says:

    As a firstborn, just give me a list so I can mark things off. For so many years I was works salvation woman. It took time to get it through my thick head that my works were not saving me. Only Jesus, through His grace and mercy! Even at 70 I have to remind myself that it’s all Jesus! The “works” might look the same, but the heart is so different. Tom is doing okay today. Thank you all who have prayed for us. Welcome to all the new and returning She’s!

    1. Teresa Cooper Donley says:

      ❤️

    2. Rhonda J says:

      (heart!)

    3. Mercy says:

      ❤️

    4. Adrienne says:

      I am a first-born list maker too, Susan. Ugh. Right?

  22. Petra Becerra says:

    Howdy from Texas! While this is not my first study, this is one which I am stepping out of my box and being present here and being more active and social in my life and my church. I can appreciate the statement of “being fully known by him”. While He searches us and knows us I pray that he shows me ways to improve and where to improve. Not because of works or deeds but just to be fruitful and just be better.

    1. Susan Bonner says:

      Fellow Texan here. Welcome back!

  23. Cee Gee says:

    RAECHEL MYERS, thank you! What a beautiful truth filled devo to kick off this study! ❤
    .
    WELCOME to each and every new SHE! Exciting to see so many!
    .
    SONG SHARE: (I “randomly” ☺ came across this song twice within a couple of hours this morning, once on youtube and once on Christian music station):
    Micah Tyler – Perfectly (Official Lyric Video)
    .
    Love, hugs, and prayers!
    SUSAN BONNER- praying for safety for your son’s trip home tomorrow! ❤

    1. Susan Bonner says:

      Thank you! We will sure miss him!

      1. Cee Gee says:

        I totally understand that! ❤

  24. Susan Burley says:

    Wow! What a beautiful devotional. Really looking forward to this new study! So grateful for the reminder that we are fully known and deeply loved by our Creator!! God cannot love me more than He does right now. Unfathomable at times when I feel as though I must earn His love, yet He loves us the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Thank you Lord!!

  25. Hannah C says:

    Good morning! I am grateful to be here! I was on West Coast time and will be back to the regular schedule this week. Thank you Rachel for the reminder that my relationship with God is secure in Christ. I appreciated the shares that remind us that we are not doing this to earn merit. I am doing this because I love Jesus ❤️❤️ and I want to have a deeper relationship with Him!

  26. MeLane Trout says:

    So grateful to be a part of this study, this is my first time. I appreciated the line on page 20:
    “ The invitation to practice the spiritual disciplines are a response to our new life in Christ, not a means of earning favor or merit. “

    1. Teresa Cooper Donley says:

      Welcome, Melanie! You’ll love it here! Many amazing women, friends and prayer warriors.

    2. Julie Katz says:

      Amen!

    3. Susan Bonner says:

      Welcome, Melane! You will be blessed!

  27. Julie Katz says:

    Hello from pennsylvania! This is my first study with she reads truth. I received the book in the mail and I’m so excited! Looking forward to getting to know all of you better. I will be at the zoom meeting tonight. Have a wonderful day!

    1. Teresa Cooper Donley says:

      Welcome, Julie! You’ll love everyone here. Enjoy your first study with us.

    2. Susan Bonner says:

      Welcome, Julie!

    3. Tricia C says:

      Welcome Julie!
      I also love in Pennsylvania! I live in northeastern PA. You’ll love it here!

    4. Rhonda J. says:

      Zoom meeting?! Must be to subscribers, I didn’t see it!

    5. Jenny F says:

      Welcome to SRT! I was just curious about the zoom meeting that you speak of! I would love more info. If available! Thank you

      1. Julie Katz says:

        It was at 8pm EST. An introduction to the book. I received a notification through email.

  28. Tricia C says:

    Sometimes I feel guilty because I don’t think I’m spending enough time with the Lord. I just can’t seem to make enough time in my day and yes, I do waste it sometimes on meaningless things.
    I’m praying that the Lord will give me the strength to spend more time with him and learn more about him. I pray that the Lord will help me to have discipline to prioritize what’s important.
    I want to grow and wisdom and amount of him. I want to be strong for Jesus and share him with others.
    I’m looking forward to the study and praying that I don’t feel guilty for not having these disciplines.
    Blessed Monday, dear Sisters.

    1. Karen Swanson says:

      A guilt is not part of the Christian Life. Each new day is an opportunity to join Jesus once again. Even small steps are a forward process.

    2. Teresa Cooper Donley says:

      I hear you, Tricia. I struggled with guilt, too. I’m sure it goes back to how I was raised and the church I grew up in, where everything I did or thought was wrong. I pray that you and I both can find freedom from guilt in the complete forgiveness of Jesus, our Savior.

      1. Tricia C says:

        Thank you.
        Amen.

  29. Sylvia Martinez says:

    This is my first time studying and I just want to be closer to God.

    1. AZ Walker says:

      Praying this study will be a blessing to your relationship with the Lord dear Sylvia.

    2. Toya says:

      Hi Sylvia, nice to meet you!
      This is also my 1st time studying with this incredible group of women.
      I’m also seeking better intimacy with our Father.
      I pray that this helps us both.

      1. Tricia C says:

        Welcome Toya!

    3. Tricia C says:

      Welcome Sylvia. You are in a wonderful community of women here.

    4. Teresa Cooper Donley says:

      Welcome, Sylvia! It’s good to have you here!

  30. Dr Jamie Shockley Owens says:

    This is going to be a great study!!

  31. Joanna Shaw says:

    Today is my first day back since the grief and joy study. For some reason I just did not connect with the OT and NT studies. I’m so happy to be back! This book hits me exactly where I needed it! Ready and eager to see God work these coming weeks

    1. Tricia C says:

      Welcome back Joanna!

  32. Teri Moss says:

    Wow! The podcast today with Lisa Harper is so good!

    1. Rhonda J. says:

      Oh Thanks for the reminder! I need to get back to listening to them! :)

  33. Rhonda J. says:

    I always expect many comments and new She’s at the beginning of a new study and there were only 6 comments!
    Now…gladly there are more!

    I like the title!
    We studied something similar to this early this year in our jail ministry. It takes some due diligence on our part if we want a strong, healthy relationship with anyone, and same for us and God. But just like us as moms, we can’t love our kids any more or less, but we hope we grow something beautiful. It’s a tug of war many years, but we hopefully will show them we love them, although we may be disappointed, it doesn’t diminish the love. But we do try to give them boundaries and guidelines to keep them safe and healthy. We wouldn’t, well actually we do…(feed them bad stuff), but we wouldn’t intentionally feed them poison..(ugh, we kinda do…this isn’t a good analogy with today’s food, lol! but you get the gist) We want to fuel our kids with water and nutrients (maybe we should put this more of importance in the real sense!!?).
    We want them to stay away from sin because we know it will hurt them short term and long term. We WANT them to listen. sign.

    Oh God, thank you for this wayward child..that finally got it!! The wake up I needed, and that you loved me so much and brought me home!! But time is short..and we want all the prodigals to return to you, our children to the Father who is waiting and will run to them!!
    Good song by Zack Williams (with Ben Fuller) “Wait For Me!”

    Love to you all! Happy Monday!

    1. Mercy says:

      Great analogy Rhonda. As moms we can’t love our kids more or less, but what they do / their choices can bring us great joy or deep pain. Vice versa between us and GOD. Thank you for this! Hence the invitation today to “train ourselves in godliness”. ❤️

  34. Kayla Bostwick says:

    Praise God for his salvation that has reconciled us and frees us to live in relationship with him!

  35. Lynne from Alabama says:

    Good Monday morning, sweet sisters, and welcome to a new study where we can all learn more about abiding in Christ! I wish you could have all been with me at church yesterday! Babbie Mason lead our worship and it was amazing! I know that many of us are really blessed by worship music and you would have loved it! God is truly using her to bless His people

    Praying for each of your requests and for all our prodigals.

  36. Mari V says:

    Good morning friends, sweet She’s. I got in late and slept a little longer to rest. I dropped off Alyssa at college. I will read more of today’s scriptures and devo at work. My mama’s heart aches. BUT GOD… He’s got my girl!

  37. Adrienne says:

    He loves us. Period.
    .
    I am so glad. I follow Him, but my salvation doesn’t depend on me. I am so very glad!

    1. B says:

      Amen!❤️

  38. Carol J Mylin says:

    I am blown away… I “took a break” last few months… Now, I’m back… and “He did It again!”.., THIS is exactly where I belong … “For Such a Time as This”! Thanks, Raechel!

    1. Rhonda J. says:

      I have missed you sweet Carol! Isn’t it amazing God brings studies that fit so perfectly!

    2. Teresa Cooper Donley says:

      Yay! You’re back!

  39. Jill R. says:

    Very grace-filled devotion today and a lovely reminder that He has provided!

  40. Sharon Jersey Girl says:

    “…my relationship with God is secure in Christ, it transforms these spiritual practices from a list of obligations into opportunities to more fully experience, enjoy, and abide with the God who made me and reconciled me to Himself.” This is a great reminder to me that everything I do for the Lord is to be enjoyed! It’s not meant to be a list I can check off to prove to myself that “today I made God pleased with me.”
    .
    Things that stood out to me today in how we are to live our new life…

    →Our rest is found in Christ

    →Learn from Him, He’s gentle &
    humble

    →Deny self, take up my cross, follow Him

    →Remain in Him, bear fruit, love each other

    →Put off the old self, make new the attitude of my mind

    →Please Him in every way

    →Bear fruit in every good work

    →Grow in the knowledge of God

    →Give joyful thanks

    →Everything God created is good, receive it with thanksgiving
    —-
    Thanking God for each one of you here, and for all the shared wisdom and knowledge. Hugs to each of my SRT sisters – have a blessed Monday! ❤️

    Please continue to pray for our VBS which starts tonight at 6:30 – still only have 4 kids pre-registered.

    1. Rachel (CO) says:

      Praise the Lord for 3 more than before! Will pray for more to join, but I love that we serve a God who wouldn’t think it too extravagant to put on a whole VBS to get just one (or 4) of His kids.

      1. Sharon Jersey Girl says:

        Yes – I need to praise God, even if it’s only 4! Thank you for your prayers and your encouragement Rachel!

        1. AZ Walker says:

          I like 12 – praying for a dozen kids having fun tonight at your VBS!

      2. Rhonda J. says:

        Yes, agree! 3 more!
        Praying some will get a huge push to sign their kids up today, or the 4 will talk to friends at school today to get more! But if only 4, those 4 can learn, grow, and multiply from there!!

    2. Darby says:

      Praying God would use you in those 4 lives!!

    3. Rhonda J says:

      Although I agree, a relationship does take work and thoughtfulness or otherwise it disintegrates, declines, or is altered. No, God doesn’t love us any less, but I do believe we have to
      -Remain in Him
      -Bear fruit
      -Put off the old self
      -Grow in knowledge

      as you listed/ as Jesus tells us!
      We are still sons and daughters, but our relationship can deteriorate and we walk away. GOOD thing is we can always, always, repent and come back! I think modern Christianity doesn’t look like laying our life down for him and following him most days. It is all too comfortable. The disciples gave up everything, to tell others and to lay down their own. I certainly like to pick and choose how I serve the Lord! lol. But staying close to him helps have ongoing sanctification and conviction to be more holy than I was last year and on.

      This was just my thoughts…not against what you said at all.

      Are you and Jeff participating tonight or do you have others running it?
      Maybe you could go out to local stores today and still let people know!!

    4. Susan Bonner says:

      Praying for God’s multiplication of the four!

  41. Tami says:

    Cast your cares, deny yourself, remain in Christ and his love, be renewed, walk worthy of the Lord, bear fruit, grow in knowledge of God, give thanks, train yourself in godliness, set an example for others, practice and perservere in these things!

    I was especially struck by “train yourself in godliness, and practice.” I love going back to the analogy of working out. We don’t see progress instantly, it can take months, years even to transform our bodies. So often I think training myself in godliness should be overnight, and I often find myself asking, “why aren’t I more loving, trusting, forgiving, etc..?”

    Like building muscle, these disciplines take time and perserverance. There are days when I don’t want to go to the gym, when I am tired, feeling lazy, would rather sit on the couch, when it feels like I am not accomplishing anything or have hit a plateau, BUT I go anyway. After those workouts, I never leave feeling like I should have stayed home. And I know that even if I can’t see the progress, it is still there. Looking at my walk with Christ in the same way is very encouraging. Nothing I/we do is for naught. We just have to keep showing up!

    1. Sharon Jersey Girl says:

      ❤️

    2. Therese says:

      ❤️

    3. Rhonda J. says:

      Such a great comment Tami, kinda my line of thinking this morning as well! As much as we think we don’t work for it…which we don’t, He gives grace and mercy…but once we have that…well we want to strengthen ourselves in the relationship…which is disciplines. We can do nothing and we still have a body. BUT—will it work well? Hold up when pushed? Resist diseases? Function long term? Be steady and balanced?
      Reminds of the 6 week classes I just taught and finished “Balance and Strength with Jesus!
      We talked about the correlation between the physical body and our Spiritual life!! It was really, really good!!

    4. Karen Swanson says:

      Agreed. It says train yourself in godliness. Not go get godliness not by it. But Terrain.

  42. Tami says:

    GM ladies. Here is our list of prodigals. Add any names in the comments.
    Isaiah 43:19 Look, I am about to do something new;
    even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert

    Alice V – Brian, Rachel
    Kim Mullins – Tyler
    Tami – Chela, Quentin
    Sharon – Nicholas, Jonathan
    Rebecca W – Brett, Jake, Joey, Lindsay, Kelly, Abby, Katelyn, Katie
    Emma Rageth – Olivia, Ali
    Indiana Elaine – Kent, Shelley
    Mari V – Rick, Marta, Toby
    Tricia C – David, Allison, Christopher, Lina, Travis, Nicole
    Mia Faith – Parker, Isaiah, Alexandra, Griffin, Annalee, Bill
    Aleida – Victor
    Maddie – Michelle, Julia
    Rhonda – Michael
    Charlotte Hill – Casey, John, Emma
    Deb – Brandon, Angel
    Linda J – Matthew
    Mollie – Sam
    MMD – Ethan, Hayden, Rachel
    Carol H – Justin, Ezekiel, Elijah, Andrew
    Kari – Rachel, Josh, James, Ayano
    Mi Sherry – Kaitlyn, Aaron, Will
    Cheryl Read – Renee, Jason, Kayden, Kylee
    Wendy B – Amy, Colton, Kirk, Nick
    Anne Klinkhammer – Molly
    Sue Dalos – Chelsea, Kenny
    Bessie – Ben
    Annie Hewitt – Annie pls give me name/s:)
    Sandy Lynn – Andy
    Diane – Jon, Keith, Roger, Mike
    Jane K – Leah
    B – M, B
    Susan B – Tammy, Amy
    Carla – Cierra, Stephen
    Lisa H – Cora
    Kimberk – Megan, Randy
    Adrienne – Raelynn, Tyler, Tracy
    Brandi – Levi, Sarah, Ellen, India
    Robin Bailey – Rodney, Brian
    Erin L – Emerson, Zoe
    Janet – Ryan, Amanda, Matthew, Stephanie
    Sheryl – Adam, LaShonda
    Maria J – Benjamin, Mike, Mark, Patrick
    Maria B – Chris, Tristan, Madeline, Cristal, Shanty, Nicole, Luis
    Melani Fryer – Matthew, Dylan, Courtney, Lydia
    Therese – Ryan, Brittany, Sydney
    Traci Gendron – Kara, Andrew
    Jenny Carmichael – Katy
    Mercy – boys in social care system
    Kerry Rowley – Preston, Parker, Lindsey
    Maria S – Joshua, Katie, Zoe
    Melissa – Madison, Richard, Liam, Zac, Wesley
    Felicia – Brittin, Tyler
    Vicki – Ben, Sian
    TC – Randi, Michael, Callie
    Elizabeth – Trae, Xavier, Reya
    Adie – Monica, Shawn, Stephanie
    Susan B – Emma
    Penni – Les, Jonah, Emily, Garret, Domi, Connor, Grace
    Nat – Marissa, Melody
    Martha Hix – Claire, Ralph, Tyler, Whitney, Trey
    Phobie – Phobie, Greg, Steve, Jessie
    Laura – Jordan, Taliah
    April L – Molly, Becca
    Karen Breaux – Brittany, Justin, Erin, Jordyn
    Heather – Jack, Hudson
    Cheryl Blow – Sara
    Dianne – Ian
    Leap – Liz, Teg, Taylor, Alison
    Tara B – Clara Paige, Anna
    Debra K – Stephen, Meagan, Daniel, Creg
    Margaret W. —David, Matthew, Missy, Becca, Marianna
    Melzie K- Jake, Cece & Elijah
    Shar – K
    Leala – Ryan, AJ, Sam
    Jennifer – Matthew, Lauren and families
    Cat-tee – A & A, K & T
    K-Ann – G, T, S
    Cathy McVey – Jeremiah, Brayden, Nolan, Ashlyn
    Keri – Finley, Rudy, Scout, Nellie, Polly, Dottie, Goldie
    Lena- Andrea, Lanie, Eiley, Everly, Schaefer
    LaRae – Levi
    Julie G – Matt, Katherine, Ray
    AML – Jonathan, Jake, Emma, Becca
    Kristin G – Brandon, Melissa
    Allegra – Lydia, Nick, Micah, Jonah
    Karen – Nathan, Bailey
    Jazz – Blake, Zoie, Greg, Elizabeth
    Gina – Carolyn, Steven
    Cindy – Toby, Clarissa, Katie, Samantha
    TS Woodruff – Danielle
    Tammy H.- Alyssa
    Danielle B – Joelle, Adam
    Myra – Mitchell
    Debby – Kristen
    Jenn F – B&E, J&T
    K – Alizabeth
    Stephanie – Greg
    Melanie C – Casey, Corey, Celeste, Kat
    Mollie – Haley, Jeff, Rhonda
    Margo – Lindsey, Drew, Lauren, Spencer
    Meghan – Maddie, Brianne
    Susan – Natassia
    Donna – Kathy
    Lena- Andrea, Lanie, Eiley, Everly, Schaefer
    Donna – Linda
    Melanie – Jeff, Gary, Drake, Logan, Ryan
    KMC – Rachelle, Karah, Joshua
    Donna- Sherry
    Kelly – Kyla, Brendan
    Marie S – Joshua, Carleigh, Zoe, Terry, Edie, Brady
    Jenn F – K&L, B&S, J&C
    Eileen – Chris

    1. Sharon Jersey Girl says:

      Thank you Tami for faithfully posting this list, and for praying! ❤️

    2. Grammie D says:

      Yes, Tammy! I pray each name out loud to the Lord.

      1. Indiana Elaine says:

        Grammie D, I do as well. God cares about each one.

    3. Erin Elizabeth says:

      Thanks Tami. Ava seems to have fallen off the list.

      1. Tami says:

        Sorry about that! She will be there next week

    4. Rhonda J. says:

      I lift all these loved ones up to you Lord, our Savior and Redeemer! Thank you for hearing our prayers and petitions! In Jesus’ mighty and powerful name!! Thank you for making a way when there was no way! Thank you that I know you and love you as such!! May I and all of us SHE’S REVERE (REVERE is a global Christian worship collective and music movement focused on restoring a deep, reverential awe for God!) and praise you!

    5. Tricia C says:

      Thank you Tami.

  43. Beth says:

    Would love input: If our spiritual practices cannot result in God loving us any more or less, what does Jesus mean in John 15:10? “If you keep my commands you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.”

    1. Sharon Jersey Girl says:

      Beth, this is what I found and it explains it pretty well…”It means that obeying Jesus is not how people earn His love, but rather how they practically stay close to Him and experience His ongoing fellowship, mirroring the relationship between Jesus and God the Father.” Hope this helps!

      1. Carol J Mylin says:

        ♥️

      2. Beth says:

        Yes, that is helpful, thank you!!

    2. Lanie H says:

      my exact thoughts. I have long moved past the concept of earning his love, but now deal with the confusion of the ugly stepsister to that, keeping his love. I find disciplines for me still come from the wrong place, like I must work hard to keep him near. and so the inverse is also true that if I don’t work hard he will be distant. Ive been wavering on even doing this study bc Ive been having such a tough time with this concept since james of “working out your salvation”

      1. Rhonda J. says:

        you better keep coming girl!! That’s the point of James…keep coming, You may drop your eyes of Jesus (like Peter), or even deny him 3x, or go back to the start (remember they went back to what they knew before Jesus..?) BUT GOD knows your heart, just like he knew Peter’s through his failures and all of everybody’s failures!! The Christian life is not about perfection, or know it all, it’s about growing through the Spirit. Sometimes it will fill full, sometimes, almost empty, sometimes the mountain tops and sometimes the valleys or wilderness. Sometimes some burning flames and sometimes some Holy Fire flames!! Just keep showing up!!

        1. Lanie H says:

          you pegged me perfectly today ❤️

  44. Michelle P says:

    ❤️

  45. Searching says:

    Looking forward to this new study. The study guides are always so good and I am going to try to do the tasks there for this study – humbling and inspiring. I’ll be reading the comments and praying for all even if I’m not ‘here’ everyday ❤️
    .
    Ephesians 4:17b-18
    “as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart;”
    .
    I get so sad when I read these words. One of the things I have heard over and over “but I’m a good person” and unless they turn loose of that mindset, they will continue to be ignorant and their hearts will be blind. So much heartbreak when I pray for family, friends, prodigals. Lord, may they open their hearts and minds to the truth of You.

    1. Rachel (CO) says:

      I’ll miss your comments, but glad to know you’ll be focusing on the study guide so we don’t worry about your “absence” here. ❤️

    2. Sharon Jersey Girl says:

      “I’ll be reading the comments and praying for all even if I’m not ‘here’ everyday.” ❤️

    3. Cee Gee says:

      Searching, your faithful prayers and insightful comments are always encouraging and we will be glad to see them when you do pop in! Enjoy that more intimate study time!
      Love you, sister! ❤❤❤

  46. Danielle B says:

    Matthew 11:28-30 familiar verses. Ones I say to others, ones people remind me, and ones I try grasp as resting doesn’t come easy. Today as I read this paraphrase came to mind and I hope it can encourage others as it did me; come to me you weary souled people who have been carrying all the burdens and hurts brought on by this world and following your own way. Come to my way trust and rest in me for I will carry your burden and make what you carry light.

    1. Maria J says:

      ❤️Love the paraphrase.

    2. Karen Swanson says:

      Lovely!

  47. Kelly (NEO) says:

    “being reconciled to Him is my …resting state.”
    .
    No striving, just resting. “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28).
    .
    Come, “take off, your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires, to be renewed in the spirity of your minds, and to put on, the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth” (Eph. 4:22-24).
    .
    Come, “fully experience, enjoy, and abide with the God who made [us] and reconciled [us] to Himself.”
    .
    Looking forward to this study with y’all.

    1. Sharon Jersey Girl says:

      Looking forward to it with y’all too!❤️

    2. Cee Gee says:

      ❤ Any update on our young mama and boy?

  48. Tina says:

    But they aren’t a way to earn or keep that love. Instead, when I remember that my relationship with God is secure in Christ, it transforms these spiritual practices from a list of obligations into opportunities to more fully experience, enjoy, and abide with the God who made me and reconciled me to Himself.
    .
    This, caught my attention and heart..
    .
    Looking forward to the walk into Faith in practice with you all these coming weeks..
    Have a Blessed Monday, covered in much love, hugs and prayers. ❤️