Word: Read Genesis 3:1-7

Same old, same old. When Eve encountered the serpent in the garden, the question the snake posed was a question he is still hissing today: "did God really say...?" It describes the number one weapon the enemy uses to steal, kill, and destroy: twisting the Word of God into a lie. His arsenal includes a number of weapons but the most effective by far is the half-truth. In his reinterpretation of truth in Gen. 3:4-5, he displays this cunning weapon skillfully. The half-truth on the front of his statement is punched with the lie on the back. And that lie is his gem because it speaks to a deep desire in our proud souls: you can be like God.

The three things that attracted Eve about the apple included two harmless observations: good to eat and pleasing to the eye. The garden was loaded with food that checked those two boxes. It was the third that spoke to her pride: "and she wanted the wisdom it would give her." (v. 6)

Isn't that just like us today? We want the wisdom to run our own life, to make our own decisions, to grab hold of the wheel. Wouldn't that be magical? To have the knowledge to create a perfect life? That's what drew Eve to take that bite.

As we go through these 30 days, you'll be challenged to give up some half-truths the enemy has been feeding you about disruption and detours. He wants to convince you to keep both hands on the wheel of your life. May God give you wisdom for the journey and courage to let go of your half-truths and embrace the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Wait in prayer: Write out a prayer that Jesus would reveal places in your life where you are accepting half-truths and identify them by name. Pray that you would know the whole truth and nothing but the truth about this area of your life. Pray that you will know the truth and that truth will set you free (John 8:32)

Worship: Voice of Truth performed by Casting Crowns.

Click here to worship along with the lyric video.

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Day One Transcript: we invite you to study along with us.

Day One: Cruise Control

Word: Read Luke 1:26-37, Ps. 46:10

My first taste of stop-and-go driving came the winter we lived in San Diego. Driving in the wide open spaces of Montana's two-lane roads, I was addicted to my cruise control. I used to joke that I could read a book while driving on the interstate in eastern Montana. But the hectic pace of speed up and slow down on the southern California freeways was disrupting to say the least. Paying attention to the abruptly changing speeds on the I-5 consumed all my attention.

Mary's life was turned upside down by an angel's declaration that she would give birth to a son…as a virgin. She went from cruise control to a dead stop in one short paragraph. And she was troubled. (29) It's okay to be momentarily thrown for a loop by a disruption. We are human. It's not a sign we are bad people or have no faith; it's a sign that God is working in us. He wants to take the wheel. It may involve a tussle. It's a sign He wants us to listen.

Disruptions are a part of our Christian growth. There is no going forward into what God wants us to be without going backward occasionally. There are things in us God wants to refine and some He wants to remove. What we won't see in the disruption is God's final purpose. We know that all things work for our good, but we don't know how. And sometimes that drives us crazy. We just want to put the pedal to the metal and go. And God is saying, "Be still and know that I am God." (Ps. 46:10)

When we turn our hearts to listening and remember that God is for us, we can confidently say, "I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true."

Wait in prayer: What is sticking out to you in today's Bible reading? How is your life on cruise control? Write out a prayer asking God to help you be fearless in the face of disruption. Remind yourself that nothing formed against you will stand. (Is. 54:17)

Worship: Whom Shall I Fear performed by Chris Tomlin

Click here for the lyric video and worship along!

In this episode, Chris welcomes Diane back and they talk about the technology challenges of putting your women's Bible study group online. Part one of two.

Show Notes & Links

-First, let's talk about technology. Don't freak out. It's pretty simple stuff. How to set your computer, phone, or tablet up for online interaction via Zoom.

-There will be a learning curve but there is lots of helpful tutorials on the Zoom website.

-Zoom does have a free plan with limitations. Check it out.

-Learn how to use Zoom with friends and family first so you can help women in your group who need to navigate the new technology.

-Consider holding an initial short session where everyone learns how to get online, mute their audio (and unmute) and turn their video on and off.

-Alternatives to Zoom and how to do a hybrid model of in-person and Zoom: YouVersion group reading plans and private Facebook groups.

-Above all, have confidence. It does take some learning, but it isn't anything you can't handle! Enjoy the ride!

-What is your women's Bible study group doing this fall? Let us know in the comments.

Links:

-Zoom free sign-up page: https://zoom.us/freesignup/

-Women Finishing Well Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/womenfinishingwell

In this episode Chris and friends recommend Bible studies that you may want to take a look at this fall.

Show Notes & Links: (Just click titles for a link to the book)

Here's a list of Bible study books Chris and friends are recommending for groups and individuals this fall:

1. Discernment by Henri Nouwen

2. Sermon on the Mount by Jen Wilkin

3. On Bended Knee (study on prayer) by Cricket Keeth

4. The Gentle Answer by Scott Sauls

5. The Belonging Project by Amberly Neese

6. Fervent by Priscilla Shirer

7. Better by Jen Wilkin

8. Women Finishing Well by Chris Syme (with a special offer for groups)

Other Links: (Click 'em, they're live)

-Join our newsletter mailing list on our website's home page

-Our Facebook page - please leave your prayer requests

-Email me if you want information on how to schedule a live Zoom with your Bible study group: [email protected]

-Click here to join our launch team and get a free copy of our next Bible study, The Mary Answer before it's published.

In this episode, Chris and Diane wrap up their series on spiritual warfare talking about the number one weapon we have to stand against the enemy's schemes: prayer. The teaching for this episode comes from Chris' Bible study, Women Finishing Well.

Show Notes & Links:

-What was David's response to his enemies hunting him down and trying to destroy him? Psalm 27:2-5

-What does it mean to "never stop praying" from 1 Thessalonians 5:7?

-Life is full of waiting rooms. So, how should we wait on the Lord?

-----Wait with focus and passion. Waiting is not passive. (Ps. 130:5-6)

-----Wait in hope. (Ps. 33:20)

-----Wait confidently. (Heb. 11:6)

-----Wait patiently. (Ps. 27:14)

-"Living as if there were none but He and I in the world."-Brother Lawrence in The Practice of the Presence of God.

-Lifestyle prayer is about being in a continual state of listening and expecting to connect with God in our everyday lives.

-For more in-depth study of waiting (abiding) in God's presence, we recommend starting with John 14:15-24.

Links (Click 'em, they're live):

Link to the first episode in the spiritual warfare series: "The New Way To Do Battle."

-Link to The Practice of the Presence of God book

Link to get your copy of our Bible study, Women Finishing Well.

-Link to our Women Finishing Well Facebook page. Won't you drop by and connect or share a prayer request? You'll be inspired and encouraged!

If you've enjoyed the podcast, please share with a friend! Let's get the word out!

In this episode, Chris and Diane continue their series on spiritual warfare as they revisit an earlier episode on how to sharpen your sword: learning how to be a hearer and a doer of the Word.

Links & Show Notes:

-The goal of personal Bible study: go get to know the Who behind the Word.

-Personal Bible study is a journey of transformation. We are all at different places on the path but reading the same road signs.

Benefits of personal Bible study from Psalm 119:

-It keeps us on the path of purity. (vs 9-16)

-Gives our lives stability. (v 165)

-It keeps us from being put to shame. (vs 5-6)

-Gives joy to our hearts. (v 111)

-Helps us make important decisions. (v 105)

-was

-Gives us comfort in suffering. (v 50)

-It becomes a joyful heritage for us to pass on. (vs 111-112)

Tips to get started in personal Bible study:

-Find a reading plan that fits your time and life needs. Start with the YouVersion app for your phone or computer. See link in the show notes for help getting the app set up.

-We recommend The Heartbeat of God from Christ Baxter reading plan if you're just getting started. Use the search function on the app to find the plan.

-If you want a deeper study of a particular topic or book of the Bible, try the S.O.A.P. method:

S=write and recite the scripture

O=write your observations: What jumps out at you in this passage? Who is talking here? What comes right before this passage? How does this passage connect to the context of what comes before and after?

A=Application: How does this apply to my life right now? What truths are coming to the forefront as I meditate on the passage? What do I believe this passage is asking me to do

P= Close with a prayer asking God to help for apply what you're hearing from His Spirit. Be a listener and a doer.

-Chris and Diane give their take on the "O" and "A"--it's all about mirrors.

Links:

-Sign up for our newsletter list and get a free mini Bible study on how to establish a First Things First routine in just 10-15 minutes a day. Click here to sign up.

-Do you have a prayer request or want to pray for other women? Go to our Facebook page. There is a pinned post at the top of the page for prayer requests. Leave yours in the comments and we'll pray with you. Click here to go our Facebook page.

Click here to download the YouVersion app on to your phone, device, or computer.

Click here for the computer-based reading plan from Chris Baxter's The Heartbeat of God

In this episode Chris and Diane set the stage for a short series of podcasts on how to stand firm against the enemy using the armor of God. (Ephesians 6)

Show Notes:

-How to recognize the origin of a spiritual battle--we are not fighting against flesh and blood. (Eph. 6:12)

-How our imagination can get us off track and into trouble.

- How worrying about anything can turn into worrying about everything. (Phil. 4:6)

-The three steps of temptation. (James 1:13-15) Above all, remember God doesn't tempt anyone.

-Learn how to recognize when temptation in dragging your away and enticing you. (James 1:14)

-Tip #1: Ask yourself what is your biggest worry? Some tips for using the armor to take your stand.

-Tip #2: Identify your blind spots. What makes you angry? Afraid? Ashamed? Impatient? Feel condemned?

-First line of defense: put off your old self. Gt rid of the things that draw your imagination aside and play into a blind spot. (Eph. 4:20-24)

-Identifying the purpose of each piece in the armor of God and tips on using each one.

-Once you make a decision to bring your imagination under the control of the Holy Spirit, the enemy will step up their game. Be alert. Tips for scripture verses to say out loud daily.

-Spiritual warfare is not easy, it takes work. But it isn't impossible and it does bring a new level of spiritual confidence into your life.

Links:

-This Means War web page of verses to increase your battle confidence.

-Ephesians 1:3-14 list of spiritual blessings.

-Link to our Facebook page to leave your prayer requests or connect with our community. You are welcome there--it is a safe place.

In this episode Chris interviews author and blogger Melanie Davis Porter on how to deal with the shared grief we are feeling in this unsettling time.

Show Notes & Scripture

-Many of us are feeling a sense of sadness and loss that we need to identify as grief. Mourning is productive, not destructive.

-What is complicated grief? Melanie gives us a sense of what that experience looks like.

-Shared grief looks different for everybody. Grace and mercy needed. We are not all in the same place at the same time even though we are sharing the same experience.

Tips for dealing with your grief:

-To help each other, we need to pray for discernment and develop an active compassion that may not always feel comfortable.

-Be willing to be brave; to listen and to speak into the needs of others. (Php. 2:3)

-Don't isolate yourself. It can become an open door for the enemy. Melanie gives us some ideas on how to keep connected in Covid times.

-Encourage the people God puts in your life on a daily basis. (Heb. 10:23-24, 2 Cor. 5:18)

-Give yourself permission to mourn (Ecc.3:4) and let go of the grief that is dragging you down.

-Dig into God's Word. Read scriptures of hopefulness.

-Don't mourn like people without hope. 2 Cor. 1:3-4: God comforts us and we comfort others. Ps. 147:3 – He heals the broken-hearted and binds up our wounds.

-Seek peace and pursue it. (Ps. 34:14) Where is your place of peace? Focus on the simple joys.

-Melanie shares her thoughts on contributing to the Proverbs 31 Ministries online study on Revelation.

Links:

Click here to read Melanie's blog post from Dayspring's (in)Courage blog

Click here to visit Melanie's website

Click here to connect with Melanie's Facebook page

Have you got a copy of our Bible study, Women Finishing Well, yet? Did you know you can get an ebook copy for free if you are enrolled in Kindle Unlimited. Click here to get your copy now.

Episode 60: Ps. 23 podcast on walking through the dark valley

Melanie's other episodes on our podcast:

Trusting God In The Season of Grief (episode 13)

Helping Friends Walk Through Grief (episode 19)

In this episode Chris and Diane talk about the six characteristics we share with sheep from Psalm 23, and how they will help us navigate the dark valleys of fear in our lives.

Show Notes & Links:

-Why fear is such a hot topic and common experience these days.

-Why comparing us to sheep in Psalm 23 is right on: Diane's story about raising lambs.

The six characteristics of good sheep from Psalm 23:

1. A good sheep is a follower (v. 1). We have need of nothing.

2. Sheep need rest (vs. 2-3) "He makes us lie down..."

3. A good sheep stays close to the shepherd's staff for guidance. (v. 4) The rod and staff are meant for comfort and guidance, not punishment or condemnation.

4. God blesses the sheep in the dark valley. (v.5)He prepares a table of blessing for us in the presence of our enemies.

5. A good sheep lets the shepherd protect them (v. 5b) - He anoints our head with the "oil of protection." Lessons from a sheep herder.

6. God "double blesses" us. (v. 6) His blessings follow us everyday in this life and in eternity too!

Scripture and Links:

-Psalm 23, Psalm 46:10, Psalm 19

-Link to Phillip Keller's book, A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23

-Link to the Women Finishing Well Facebook page.

-Would you consider sharing this week's episode with a friend in need of a boost? Here's a link to share: https://womenfinishingwell.com/episode60/

In this episode, Chris takes a look at what God asked Joshua and Israel to do after crossing over the Jordan: possess the promised land. How does this translate to the journey to our new normal?

Show Notes & Links:

-Review: In episode 56, we saw God asking Joshua to send the priests and the ark of the covenant into the flood-stage river to see their deliverance. No Red Sea parting here. They had to take a step first. You can listen to that episode on the link below in the show notes.

-In this episode, we explore the instruction God gave Joshua to "take the land and inherit it." It starts with a battle with weapons like you've never seen before.

- What is the significance for us of the 12 stones God asked Joshua to assemble on the other side of the Jordan?

-Remembering what God has done gives us courage for what is ahead. Also, it helps us pass on the legacy of our faith.

-Find out what Jericho really looked like to Israel.

-Why we don't need massive artillery to fight the battles of life. What kinds of weapons do you have that are like Israel's shoes, trumpets, and shouts?

-What is the Jericho that is holding you back from finding your new normal?

Links:

-Hear the first installment (link to episode 56)

-Do you have a prayer request? We'd love to join you in prayer. There is a pinned post at the top our Facebook page to leave your request. While you're there, like the page so we can keep connected. https://www.facebook.com/womenfinishingwell/

-Would you like to be included in our monthly newsletter for book giveaways and new about upcoming studies and events? When you sign up, you'll get our First Things First tool for free to turbocharge you daily time with God! You can sign up here.

Scripture references for this episode:

Joshua 1:10-11, Joshua 4:21-24, Joshua 6:1-5, 2 Samuel 22