When I first listened to this podcast, I was so impressed and inspired by these women of faith.

They are talking about a particular product, The Lutheran Study Bible journal, but they also talk about how to journal and the benefits they enjoy in their own lives.  Most of the content can be applied to any type of Bible journaling (including my SOAP devotions).  One of the women interviewed is Jan Wendorf, the president of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (see her blog in my blogroll).  If you are looking for encouragement or motivation to be in the Word, I recommend this podcast.  ENJOY!

The products they discuss:
The Lutheran Study Bible
The Lutheran Study Bible Journal
Today’s Light Subscription

"Agnus Day appears with the permission of www.agnusday.org"

I’m starting a theme today – Gospel Wednesday.  Have you noticed when you watch a movie again, you tend to notice more?  You hear a funny line, notice a great costume, or discover foreshadowing you missed.  Along that line, when I read the Bible readings before Sunday, I find that I am able to engage in the readings and the sermon in new and fresh ways.

My congregation follows a three-year lectionary, and we are in year B. (If you are interested in more information on lectionaries click here.) Not all churches follow a lectionary, so you may have to ask your church secretary for the readings if you want to follow along with your church.

Every Wednesday I’ll post the readings from my church for the next Sunday with some questions to stimulate conversation.

Enjoy!

Mark 10:17- 22

The Rich Young Man

¹⁷ And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” ¹⁸And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. ¹⁹You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” ²⁰And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” ²¹And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” ²² Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

Things to think about:

*  A lot of people would look at this verse as an example to us.  They use it as a measuring stick for their own lives.

*  Have you sold everything you own?  Have you done enough to impress Jesus?  How much is enough?  Do you think if the man had sold everything and followed Jesus, that would have been enough?

*  Always remember that we point to Jesus as our “enough.”  I honestly believe Jesus was waiting for the man to trust him, despite his unwillingness to part with his wealth.  Remember the prayer, “I believe, help thou my unbelief.”  Jesus Christ sold it all, he gave up everything including his life for us.  We are redeemed and welcomed as children of God because Jesus died and rose.

*  We do not have to rely on ourselves, or our wealth, or even our willingness to give up our wealth to get us into heaven.  On days that you are hurting or feel like you haven’t done enough, look to Jesus.  He has paid the price, he has given it up for us.

You will need a few tools:

1. A Bible reading plan
2. A Bible
3. A Journal
4. Bible study aids

READING PLAN

The simplest option is to pick a favorite book of the Bible and start from there.

If you’re interested in getting through the entire Bible quickly, I suggest using “The Bible in 90 Days” bookmark to guide you through a whirlwind experience of the Bible.  The Bible in 90 Days’ website provides additional resources and links to others who may be using this same plan.

I am currently using Concordia Publishing House’s Today’s Light.  It takes you through the Bible in two years.  I love it!  It’s a great little magazine that shows up in your mailbox every other month.  It has wonderful insight and keeps me engaged in my reading.  The questions asked at the end of the reading often spur my SOAP Observations.

Bible Gateway has a resource where you pick a reading plan and navigate back to the page each day for your readings. Stop by to take a look if you are more of a techie than a “paper and pen” kind of person.

BIBLE

While I won’t get too in-depth, I would choose a translation (NASB, ESV, NIV) rather than a paraphrase (The Message, CEV) when doing a Bible study.  If you are interested in more information, I would suggest reading Dr. Jeffrey Gibbs article “All Those Translations.”

I am using The Lutheran Study Bible (ESV).  What a jewel!  It’s packed with maps, guides, and wonderful insights.

JOURNAL

Have fun!  Use a three-ring binder or a notebook, an expensive leather-bound  beauty or a Word document.  Just pick something and stick with it!  I use a pretty journal I bought from a local bookstore.

BIBLE STUDY AIDS

For now, use what you have.  Many Bible already have maps, prayers, and commentaries.  Use them.

Finally… SOAP

Scripture: First, follow your reading plan.  Today, I read Colossians 1:1-29.  Next, choose a verse or verses that were significant to you. Write them down in your journal.

Observation: Use this section in your journal to “chew” on this specific verse.  What is the context of the verse?  Who is the author?  Who is the audience?  What is the purpose of the verse? Use the study aids and references to guide you.  Don’t forget to ask a mentor or a pastor.  Most pastors are thrilled to answer questions, because it means you are reading God’s Word.  Don’t get overwhelmed and write a doctoral thesis (unless you enjoy that sort of thing).  Enjoy the process.

Application: Use this section to apply what you have learned to your own life.  Hear for yourself the grace and forgiveness of Christ.  Be inspired to share His mercy with those in your life.

Prayer: Finally journal your prayer.  Use the scripture verse to help shape your prayer.

My prayers are with you.  Go in God’s peace and meditate on His Word.

The first thing I saw as I pulled up to the retreat center

What can I say? There is nothing like fellowship with Christian women.

This weekend I attended a Lutheran women’s retreat.  The theme was “Encouraged in Heart and United in Love” lead by Mary Hilgendorf of the Women’s Leadership Institute.  The theme comes from Colossians 2:2-3.  It’s going to sound cliche, but I laughed, I cried, I had a lot of fun.  I’ll admit it, I have only recently discovered the joy of women.  Sure I have had a few female friends, but many of my friends have been male.  Until last year, when I had the opportunity to lead a women’s Bible study.

What a joy to connect, really connect with a group of women.  Women are gifted in the relationship department.  Those of you who have discovered this, cherish it!  For those of you who haven’t (and you know who you are) I really encourage you to get out there!  Join a women’s Bible study, take a woman out for coffee, write a card to relative, pray with a female coworker, just make an effort to CONNECT!  It’s amazing to see how God blesses these friendships.

Obviously one of my favorite ways of connecting with women is small group Bible study.  I love studying the Bible with others. We can encourage, challenge, and pray for one another.  Life can be very difficult.  Having a team of women remind you of Christ’s grace and comfort when you are overwhelmed… well words can’t describe it.

God is so good. And I thank God for the all the beautiful women in my life.

What are some of your favorite “connection-makers?”

I asked myself this question as I read Proverbs 22:17,18 today.  This verse talks about listening to the “words of the wise.”  We all have people in our lives who are important to us, people we respect and admire.  These people have a profound impact on our lives.  They are the people who challenge us to grow when we become complacent.  They are also the ones who give us comfort when life is difficult.

I had a mentor in my life who asked me if I had forgotten that Jesus died for me.  You see it had been an especially difficult day and I was not in a pleasant mood.  His question prompted me to think, really think about this Gospel, this good news.  I am bought and paid for, I have a hope and a Savior who, dispite what happens today, loves me more than I could ever imagine.  Though the day was not instantly transformed into a day at the beach, my perspective changed.  I was able to see the bigger picture and I found hope in those “wise words.”

What does it take to be a mentor?  I propose it takes three things.

* A listening heart.

* The courage to say what needs to be said, just as my mentor encouraged me to look to Christ for comfort.

* Finally, I believe a good grasp of scripture is an invaluable gift in mentoring.  As it says in Proverbs 22:18, “it will be pleasant if you keep (the scriptures) within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.”  What a blessing to be able share the right words with someone who needs them!

Who are your mentors?

Welcome to Nourishing Word!

Hi, my name is Jessie.   In my free time, I can be found listening to music, playing around on the computer, reading, drinking tea, or crocheting.   I’m not an especially talented cook or homemaker, but each day I strive to get better.  Lately I have found myself interested in healthy and natural recipes, so you may find “nourishing” recipes showing up occasionally.

This past year I helped lead a woman’s Bible study on Luke and Acts.  It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.  Sadly, we moved and I had to leave my dear friends behind. This blog is born out of a love for scripture and a desire to encourage women of all ages in their faith.  Martin Luther once said,

“Let the man who would hear God speak, read Holy Scripture.”

If you are intimidated by the length or a lack of knowledge of the Bible, please don’t let that discourage you.  A small women’s Bible study is a wonderful, safe place to begin this journey.  If there is none available in your area, I encourage you to start your own personal routine.  I’ll give you some tips, tools, and encouragement along the way.

Feel free to drop me a line at nourishingword@gmail.com or you can leave a comment.

God bless you and welcome!