Want to go deeper? Grab the Bible study here: https://www.erikapizzo.com/shop/p/the-long-road-bible-study

Today’s Big Idea: God doesn’t always give us what we want, because He has something better. 

Verses Mentioned: 

John 11:4-7

John 11:35 

Deuteronomy 31:8 

Welcome to our series on taking the “long road” with God. As we journey through life with Him, often times the Lord asks us to take the scenic route. This road takes more time, has more stops along the way, and is often filled with beauty. God shows us so many truths as we take the long, slow, journey of sanctification with Him.

Today’s major key points:

God invites us into obedience, He doesn’t force us to obey but extends an invitation for us to act with Him. 

God never leaves us in our pain, He promises His presence at every moment. 

Often times God’s purpose is so much greater than our own, so His response won’t be what we expect or in the timing we expect. He has something better in store. 

I am praying that this study encourages you to hold fast to Him even when you don’t see immediate answers to prayers. I pray that it shows you His character and His love. 

Join me over on Instagram: @erikaruthpizzo 

Want to go deeper? Grab the Bible study here: https://www.erikapizzo.com/shop/p/the-long-road-bible-study

Today’s Big Idea: God loves the long road because that is where beauty is found. 

Verses Mentioned: 

2 Peter 3:9 

Welcome to our series on taking the “long road” with God. As we journey through life with Him, often times the Lord asks us to take the scenic route. This road takes more time, has more stops along the way, and is often filled with beauty. God shows us so many truths as we take the long, slow, journey of sanctification with Him.

Today’s major key points:

It’s important that we invite God into our mess, letting Him be close to us before we feel “put together”. 

God created all this beauty in the world to enjoy it with Him.

The long road gives us the gift of time with God, time to enjoy Him and be with Him. 

God is not “slow” in keeping His promises. His timing is always perfect, no matter how long it takes. 

I am praying that this study encourages you to hold fast to Him even when you don’t see immediate answers to prayers. I pray that it shows you His character and His love. 

Join me over on Instagram: @erikaruthpizzo 

Want to go deeper? Grab the Bible study here:

https://www.erikapizzo.com/shop/p/the-long-road-bible-study

Today’s Big Idea: God purposefully takes us on the long road because He cares too much to overwhelm us. 

Verses Mentioned: 

Matthew 2:13-15

Welcome to our series on taking the “long road” with God. As we journey through life with Him, often times the Lord asks us to take the scenic route. This road takes more time, has more stops along the way, and is often filled with beauty. God shows us so many truths as we take the long, slow, journey of sanctification with Him.

Today’s major key points:

If we start out too hard, too fast, we are creating a recipe for burnout.

God never overwhelms us with information or with our calling, He gives us one puzzle piece at a time.

God gave Joseph one puzzle piece at a time, asking for obedience along the way. 

I am praying that this study encourages you to hold fast to Him even when you don’t see immediate answers to prayers. I pray that it shows you His character and His love. 

Join me over on Instagram: @erikaruthpizzo

Want to go deeper? Grab the Bible study here: https://www.erikapizzo.com/shop/p/the-long-road-bible-study

Hey friend,

Let’s begin this study together as we talk about the many ways that God takes us on the “long road”. This road takes more time, has more stops along the way, and often is more beautiful. God shows us things as we take the long, slow, journey of sanctification with Him. 

I am praying that this study encourages you to hold fast to Him even when you don’t see immediate answers to prayers. I pray that it shows you His character and His love.

Today’s Big Idea: A good friend demonstrates love in action.

Verses Referenced: John 15:13-15, Daniel 5:22

Welcome to our series on becoming a friend of God. This was my favorite topic to teach on and I can’t wait to dive into this with you dear friend. 

Today we are exploring the idea of showing God how much we love Him through our obedient action. 

Today’s major key points:

God desires obedience and this is a way that we can demonstrate love to Him. 

If you really love someone, you will show them in your action, not just your words. 

Throughout scripture we see that God’s love language is obedience. 

I’m praying that this episode encourages you to walk out obedience in whatever area God is calling you to today. 

Join me over on Instagram: @erikaruthpizzo

Today’s Big Idea: A good friend demonstrates honesty. 

Verses Referenced: 
John 5:1-15 

Welcome to our series on becoming a friend of God. This was my favorite topic to teach on and I can’t wait to dive into this with you dear friend. 

Today we are exploring the idea of honesty with God and being transparent in our prayers with Him. 

Today’s major key points:

Jesus wants us to be transparent with Him about our needs, wants and our heart desires. He cares about what is important to us. 

Throughout the gospels we see that Jesus asks for a direct answer from those that He healed. How might He want you to also be direct with Him today?

Real, lasting, and deep relationships are formed through transparency and honesty. 

I’m praying that this episode encourages you to get honest with God as you talk to Him about everything that is on your heart. 

Today’s Big Idea: A good friend is a good listener. 

Verses Referenced: 
Isaiah 55:8-9
1 Corinthians 2:10-12 & 16
Jeremiah 29:12-13

Welcome to our series on becoming a friend of God. This was my favorite topic to teach on and I can’t wait to dive into this with you dear friend. 

Today we are exploring the idea of listening to God and what He might have to say to us. 

Today’s major key points:

A good friend doesn’t just talk “at” their friend, but they talk “to” them. Conversations should go both ways. 

When we listen, we hear the heart of God and that matters more than anything else. 

God thoughtfully listens to us, so we should also make time and space to be still and listen to Him. 

I’m praying that this episode encourages you to set down any distractions this week and to quiet your heart before God as you listen for His tender care.

Today’s Big Idea: A Good Friend Is Considerate

Verses Referenced: Ephesians 4:30 

Welcome to our series on becoming a friend of God. This was my favorite topic to teach on and I can’t wait to dive into this with you dear friend. 

Today we are exploring the idea of being considerate towards God in our words and actions.

Today’s major key points:

A good friend considers how their words and actions affect their friend. 
We can grieve the Holy Spirit, or we can bring Him joy. 
God appreciates when we are considerate. 

I’m praying that this episode encourages you to set down any distractions this week and to quiet your heart before God as you listen for His tender care.

Today’s Big Idea: A Good Friend Freely Gives Praise

Verses Referenced: Psalm 34:1

Welcome to our series on becoming a friend of God. This was my favorite topic to teach on and I can’t wait to dive into this with you dear friend. 

Today we are exploring the idea of giving God praise, and what that looks like in our everyday lives.

Today’s major key points:

When we love God, we will freely give Him praise. 
Worship should be given all throughout our day. 
Worship songs are like Psalms from our heart to God’s.

I’m praying that this episode encourages you to set down any distractions this week and to quiet your heart before God as you listen for His tender care.

Today’s Big Idea: We can know God’s voice.

Verses: John 10:27 & 1 Kings 19:11-12

Welcome to our series on becoming a friend of God. This was my favorite topic to teach on and I can’t wait to dive into this with you dear friend. 

Today we are exploring the idea of hearing God’s voice, and what that looks like in our everyday lives.

Today’s major key points:

• God often speaks through a still small voice
  
  
• God speaks through our godly friendships 
  
  
• God speaks through touches of love, or “God winks” 
  
  

I’m praying that this episode encourages you to set down any distractions this week and to quiet your heart before God as you listen for His tender care.