I have shared here before about Proverbs 31 Online Bible Studies. I have been a participant for a year. Actually, I signed up for several before that but never actually followed through and did them! But last Spring they offered a study called Let.It.Go and the first chapter in the book was something like "God Wants His Job Back".. I knew that study was for me! I not only signed up for the daily emails from Proverbs 31, I signed up to be in a small group on FaceBook.
I never dreamed I would connect so with ladies I have never met face to face nor that I would get so much from the study. And it didn't stop there.. I participated (with the same group) in What Happens When Women Say Yes to God and A Confident Heart. 2 books I cannot recommend highly enough!
I have been blessed beyond measure with new friends and sisters who encourage me, accept me, love me, challenge me and so much more!
Face-to-face Bible study is great. I lead a group regularly at my church and participate at times with a blended group in my community. I would never encourage you to give that up if it is a part of your life. But don't think Online Bible Study isn't just a real.. just a viable. And the thing I love is that it is flexible which I know helps many ladies. I have met ladies who don't have access to "real life" Bible study where they live.. or what is offered doesn't work with their schedule.. or they have small children at home or a spouse and parent with needs that keep them at home.. OBS allows them to connect with other women and dig into the Word.
God using technology to further His Kingdom! How Awesome is that.
So.. the next study starts up this Sunday, January 19. We will be jumping into Lysa TerKeurst's book Made to Crave. Now honestly, a part of me wants to run from this study. I don't want to deal with my food issues. But I know I need to and I love there is a place for me to do this.. and honestly, I am glad it isn't a face to face study. That might sound strange, but hear me out. I know a lot of women will open up here more than they would if they were in a room full of women looking at them as they talk about this issue. I also know, for me, having my FB group will keep me accountable. I won't be able to just drop this study when it gets to hard.. to personal.. when it step so my toes!
This is not a weight loss study! And honestly, it isn't just a food study. Most women have food issues and body image issues, so it makes sense that we focus on that. But the bottom line is we are made to Crave God and when we Crave anything else above Him, we have an issue. That Craving can be food.. but it can also be shopping, approval, a man, acceptance, money, stuff, alcohol, etc.
As of Jan. 15, there were 35000 women signed up for this study! That alone tells me there is a need here!
Why not consider joining us? You can do as little or as much as you want. Sign up for emails only.. join FB group.. participate in ever little event we have. The choice is yours.
For more information on how the study works and to sign up, click the PS31 OBS button on the side of this blog. Your life will never be the same!
8 comments:
I agree: not being face-to-face in this particular study is going to make it more likely for me to be successful. Being surrounded by skinny women who only need to lose a few pounds defeats me before I even get started.
I look forward to our growth--in the right areas--and our losses as we let go of the things that just aren't good for us, whether they be food, distractions, and anything else that keeps us from craving Jesus!
Thank you for sharing. You have listed some very important reasons to sign up and many are exactly why I did. The need is there, like you stated. I am looking forward to this. It will be my first ONLINE study. Let's rock the OBS!!!
Thank you so much for your encouraging words! The accountability you mentioned that the FB group gave you is something I really meed i have signed up for one. Again thank you!
I love fabric and the South too! Ready to start this study!
Hi, I am dropping in from the BlogHop. I am SOOOO excited about this study as well! Super excited!!!! I can't wait!!!! This is my first online Bible Study with Proverbs 31, and I am already overwhelmed (in the good way) with all the fantastic resources they have. I have signed up to join a small group, and reading your experience makes me excited. I agree online studies shouldn't soley take the place of person to person studies if you have that option, but I also love how much more open people can feel in an online study. Looking forward to it with you and the rest of the community that has signed up!
HI Barbara! I'm so glad you are a part of the P31 OBS community! I, too, love how God is using the internet to connect and encourage and change lives! Looking forward to continuing this journey with you! Getting healthy - spiritually, physically, and emotionally! Hugs ~ Shelly
Love it! Your newest follower from the study's blog hop!
~Jess
http://jesslivinginfaith.blogspot.com/
Thank you for your honest approach to this study. This is the first OBS that I am taking part in and I am nervous. Your blog brought a calm about me and I knew I was where I needed to be right now. Thank you!
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