We recently finished up our community Bible study, Nehemiah…A Heart That Can Break, by Kelly Minter.
Obviously when a group studies a particular book in the Bible one can’t go wrong. Every word is profitable. Not one returns void. Each syllable, exhaled by our living and active God.
Each Bible study author, however, has their own way of bringing to light what God lays on their heart via thought provoking questions and insights shared in their unique voice. And it’s Kelly Minter’s voice/style that our group especially enjoyed.
Favorite excerpts:
- Sometimes the most accomplished people aren’t the ones with the most ability but with the most breakable hearts.
- If we view our sin as a minor infringement we will view God’s forgiveness with equal mediocrity. We can’t appreciate the great cost of forgiveness if we think our sin barely needed it in the first place.
- Even well-meaning people can unintentionally draw us away from God’s will in our lives.
- We expect enemies to wound us, but wounds from a relative or loved one inflict hurt inside the private property lines of our souls.
- This single focus of Nehemiah simultaneously convicts and inspires me as I consider the ways I am so easily drawn away from what God has put in my heart to do.
- I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Nehemiah’s enemies unleashed threats, lies, and an onslaught of intimidation when he and his people were just inches from the finish line.
- How easily I can put the ministry of people above the people themselves. The subtle temptation to exalt the “wall” of study, returning e-mails, planning events, and even putting together a meal for a Bible study over actual people is the most counterproductive traps we can slide into.
Is it any wonder why we’re already planning to go with another Kelly Minter study later this year? Hint: Esther.
Who are some other Bible study authors you would suggest we (and other groups) give a try?
This was a great study. Looking forward to the next one!
Me too, Ellen! Another very important factor in the "success" of this study was the faithful group of women (like you!) God brought together to study His Word.
Love and appreciate you much. 🙂
Cathy,
Thank you for sharing these great take-away's from your study. I love it! I love them all, but #2 is big to me. Oh, so good. Well and # . . . 🙂
God bless you dear,
Love, Hester 😉
Thanks for sharing, Hester. #2 is a biggie, isn't it? The last one also especially resonated with me. What good is it to have every point of a lesson primed and ready to go if we can't make time for the people we're teaching?
Hope you're enjoying the weekend! Much love…
Thanks for sharing this with those of us who couldn't attend this study. Great great statements!
Beth
Thanks Beth! 🙂 I look forward to teaching one of your studies in the future!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this study. I can hardly wait to do it.
Love these powerful reminders. Thank you, Cathy!
Thanks for stopping by, Vonda. I know it's a busy time for you right now.
Blessings!