December 24, 2024

Crazy Love: Our Final Week – “Is This What I Want To Be Doing When Christ Comes Back?”

“What will people say about your life in Heaven? Will people speak of God’s work and glory through you? And even more important, how will you answer the King when He says, ‘What did you do with what I gave you?’ ”   These words by our author gave me pause. I wanted to really think about them and see what my answer would be. They are important, and they are personal.

I think about where I am in the grand scheme of things. Really it is small, but God counts it. I am 53 years old, married for 35 years, have raised 3 children and have 2 grandchildren. I have kept my marriage alive, and we serve God together.  I have raised my children in the truth of God’s word.  I have been in the workplace witnessing whenever and wherever I could. God has been an integral part of this life of mine. But am I capable of more?

YOU BET I AM!!!!

In this Empty Nester season of my life I feel I have even more time to give to God’s work. I am praying for His leading and attempting new things; this blogging was one of them. I have resources I have never had before, like this Crazy Love book, to help encourage me to be all I can be for Christ. I also have learned over the years to be more open to His leading and voice in areas I never thought I could do.

In reading this book, God has reminded me of some principles I already knew, and maybe forgot, and new ones that I never knew. He has touched my heart with new concepts that I want to put into practice. But through it all He has made me think. God wants what is best for me, and He also wants His best to be shared and given and downright sacrificed for His glory!

I want to do whatever He wants me to do without limits. To use some of these old and new concepts to further His kingdom. That’s what I’m here for, that’s my goal, and that’s what I want to be doing when Jesus returns.

When I stand at the throne at the end of my life I want to say like Paul:

fought the good fight

That’s what I want to be doing when Christ returns!!  How about you?

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Let’s pray: 

Thank You, God, that You brought this book into our lives. Now that we’ve finished it, I pray we can take all that you have given each of us individually and apply them to our lives where you have put us. Let us seek out the new things and the old things, and us them for Your glory, Lord. Praise You for all You are about to do in us and through us. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Your assignment:

What new or old things has God impressed upon you to do to further His Kingdom and bring others to Him? Let’s share with one another and get excited that God is using us, though we are small, to further His work here for His glory. Just think: the God of the universe is using little ol’ us!!!!

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If you would like to email a private message to Donna in regards to this blog, please email her at: Donna@girlfriendscoffeehour.com.

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GWS

Our next Women’s online Bible/Book study will begin March 24th.  To sign up for Girls with Swords study, click on the picture above to be taken to our sign-up page.  Once we receive your registration, we will send you more details!  We hope you will join us!

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Crazy Love: Our Final Week – “Is This What I Want to Be Doing When Christ Comes Back?”

What do I want to be doing when Christ returns?

I feel a sense of urgency. At the beginning of Chapter 10, Chan talks about how the first church in Acts responded to the Pentecost with “immediate action.” They repented, were baptized, sold their possessions, and shared the gospel. After going through this book and understanding how wide and long and high and deep our God loves every single one of us, I feel compelled to share that love. I do not want to hide in a box anymore. I want to do as Chan suggests on page 164 and “…live as though each person I come into contact with is Christ.” I do not want to live with any fear, but with supreme confidence in my Lord’s greatness and power. He is bigger than any problem I will face in my life. I yearn to trust fully in His promises and let go of my hesitations so that I can live for Him and for His glory.

I want to learn to not only listen to but obey our God with my whole heart. My senses are open to seeing Him work in my life and in the lives of those around me. I want to finish the race He has set before me. I want to run it alongside Him, knowing He will uphold me with His righteous right hand.

I want to live the life He created me to live. I want to be on fire for God, living fully in His Spirit and doing the work He is calling me to do. He did not die on the cross for me to live a complacent Christian life. He wants to move me into something bigger, something greater. I must be willing to let go of everything I am holding onto right now so that I can grasp the life that He has for me. It is scary, but He promises that He will be with me.

complacencycrazylove

Lord Jesus, I want to follow You with my whole heart, soul, mind, and strength. I want every fiber of my being to be consumed with You. Move me, guide me, walk with me, and teach me. Help me deal with my fear, insecurity, and lack of confidence for sharing You with those You call me to minister to. Convict me of my complacency and move me into a place of action. Speak to me and show me Your will. It is in Your holy and precious Name that I pray, Amen.

It has been a blessing and an honor to walk this Crazy Love journey with each one of you.

Jennifer

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GWS

Our next Women’s Online Bible/Book study begins March 24th.  

To sign up, click on the picture above, complete the registration form, and we will email you further details.  

We hope you will join us!!



If you would like to send a private message to Jennifer in regards to this blog post, you may e-mail her at Jennifer@GirlfriendsCoffeeHour.com.

Crazy Love: Our Final Week – “Is This What I Want to Be Doing When Christ Comes Back?”

We have come to the end of our Crazy Love journey. This book is truly life-changing. This week, we will be reading chapter 10, but here on the blog, we will be posting our answers to the question of the last section of Chapter 10:  “Is this what I want to be doing when Christ comes back?”  We’ll be answering in a way that will tell you what we want to be doing when Christ returns.  We would love to hear your answers, as well.

 

Let’s Pray:

Lord, thank You for changing lives, for being our Redeemer, for loving us so very much. You have turned hearts and taught us to look at things differently during this study and we thank and praise You for that. As we finish this study and continue forward, do not let us forget what we have learned. Continue to bring it into our hearts. Thank You, Jesus. We love You. Amen.

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GWS

 Our next online Bible study begins March 24th!!  

To join us, click on the picture above and complete the sign-up form.

Once we receive your registration, we will email you further details! 

Crazy Love: Chapter 9 – “Who Really Lives That Way” (pp 161-164)

The people Francis Chan highlighted in this part of our chapter are such an inspiration to me!

The Robynson Family: Giving their Christmas morning to the homeless with a cup of hot coffee and pancakes, teaching their children while they are young to offer  themselves the way Christ did for us.

 

Susan Diego: Telling God she would do anything He asked her to, then putting  into practice that promise. Helping students, teaching young mothers, starting a school, and opening her home to people of all walks of life. Even doing the one thing she hoped He wouldn’t ask her to do: speaking in public.

 

Lucy: Leaving a life of prostitution and drugs when she met Christ and gave her life to Him. Now she is opening her home (on the same streets she was on) to other young women caught in drugs and prostitution. She shares Christ with anyone in need.

 

Cornerstone Community Church: Giving away 50% of their budget, “loving their neighbors as themselves.”  Also building an outdoor amphitheater to hold services and reach people for Christ.

These examples encourage me, and I hope they do you as well. They are average people like us, who use the talents God has given them to spread the Gospel. I want to do that! Even in my own little world I hope I do that. I pray I can be half the woman of Christ that these examples are! It’s something to strive for, and I can achieve, with the help of my Father.

In Christ,

Donna

 

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Let’s Pray:

Father, thank You for the inspiration that these examples of Your love give us. I pray You will give each woman who reads this blog opportunities to be like the examples here and spread Your truth to the world around us. Helps us to also recognize those opportunities when they come and give us Your words to speak.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Your Assignment:

Can you think of some opportunities in your life that you could share the love of Christ in your part of the world and encourage someone else? Let’s name them and pray that we take advantage of those times.

 

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GWS

Our next online Bible study begins March 24th!

Click on the picture to sign up TODAY!!  

 

Crazy Love: Chapter 9 – “Who Really Lives That Way?” (pp 157-161)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.
The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 

2 Corinthians 5:17

Do you all remember those Transformer toys? Now, my memory is not what it used to be, but I think they would change from figures into vehicles or into different creatures and such. Am I close?  As I was reading through the three profiles in this section, the Lord kept whispering to me. Over and over again.  The same word.

Transform.

Transformed.

A life transformed.

All of the profiles we are reading in this chapter illustrate lives of regular, everyday people. People like you and me. Some went through struggles with gambling, addictions, even prostitution. But then they met Jesus Christ. And, similar to those transformer toys, once they met Jesus, their lives were transformed. Jesus washed away the ugliness of their past. He took their shame, their hurt, their despair, and transformed it into something beautiful for His glory. Their lives were forever changed by His love and grace at work in their lives.

George Mueller and his wife started an orphanage and did not seek out donations. When they had a need, they went to God in prayer. Every need they had was met. By prayer alone. Brother Yun was persecuted for his faith before escaping to Germany with his family. He is now involved in a movement to preach the gospel in all countries, cities, towns, and ethnic groups between China and Jerusalem. Shane Claiborne serves the very poor and broken in one of the worst neighborhoods of Philadelphia.

I am sure we can all recall a moment when we felt the transforming power of Christ at work in our lives. Maybe it was when you first accepted Him into your heart. Perhaps it was during a struggle when you leaned on Him more than you ever had before. What if you could take the gift Christ has given you—a transformed life—and partner with Him to transform lives of those around you?

Love-to-Extremes-crazy-love-francis-chan-F

We are only limited by what we think we cannot do. God does not call us to do something that is impossible. He equips us to do the work He has prepared for us in advance to do.

So, let’s put on our armor and step out in faith. Let’s begin this revival, shall we?

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Let’s Pray:

Father, You are all about transforming lives. You bring us out of the depths of despair and give us hope and peace that surpasses all understanding. Stepping out in faith is difficult, Lord, but we KNOW that You would not call us to do something that is impossible or that You will not equip us to do. And we KNOW Lord, that YOU will be with us every step of the journey. Stir a revival in our hearts, in our lives, and in each of our communities. Bring forth a renewed passion in us for serving You. Give us courage, Father, to take that first step. We can do ALL things through YOU who gives us strength. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen!

Your Assignment:

What is one thing you can do today to help someone in your path? It can be a stranger, a friend, or a family member. Pray and ask God to show you how you can meet a need today and then tell us about it!

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Girls with Swords  by Lisa Bevere

Girls with Swords
by Lisa Bevere

Our next online Bible study begins March 24th!

Click on the picture to sign up TODAY!! 

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If you would like to send a private message to Jennifer in regards to this blog post, you may e-mail her at Jennifer@GirlfriendsCoffeeHour.com.

Crazy Love: Chapter 9 – “Who Really Lives that Way?” (Reading Assignment)

Last week, we looked at the profile of someone who is obsessed with Jesus Christ. This week, we are going to look at REAL-LIFE people who did some pretty incredible things for the Lord. Their lives were/are real. What they did is real. They sought to fully submit their lives to God; to surrender to His Will and His leading – and they were transformed. God has a unique purpose in mind for YOU, too. He wants to use YOU. His plans may not be YOUR plans … but His plans will result in a life more fulfilling than one we could have dreamed of on our own. Keep praying … keep seeking His will … and be faithful with what He is calling you to do right where you are.

Ready to dig in? Let’s GO!

Monday: Chapter 9 “Who Really Lives That Way?”
pgs. 149-153/ Kindle LOC 1927-1996
(Nathan Barlow/Simpson Rebbavarapu/Jamie Lang)
(Megan)

Tuesday: Chapter 9 “Who Really Lives That Way?”
pgs. 153-157/ Kindle LOC 1996-2046
(Marva J. Dawn/Rich Mullins/Rings/Rachel Saint)
(Martha)

Wednesday: Chapter 9 “Who Really Lives That Way?”
pgs. 157-161/ Kindle LOC 2046-2113
(George Mueller/Brother Yun/Shane Claiborne)
(Jennifer)

Thursday: Chapter 9 “Who Really Lives That Way?”
pgs. 161-164/ Kindle LOC 2113-2149
(The Robynson Family/Susan Diego/Lucy/Cornerstone Community Church)
(Donna)

Friday: Chapter 9 “Who Really Lives That Way?”
Weekly Review and Chapter 9 Study Video from YouTube
(Megan)

Have a Blessed Week!

Jennifer

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Let’s Pray:

Lord, as we study real-life examples of people who have done some incredible things for You, speak to our hearts about what You are calling each of us to do in our own lives. We know You have a unique purpose and plan for each one of us. Gently guide and direct us, open doors, convict our hearts, and lead us to the place You want us to go. We all want to be fully surrendered to You, Father. But, we need You to help us. Show us how to let go of this world and live with an eternal perspective; living only for You and doing Your Kingdom work. We pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.


If you would like to send a private message to Jennifer in regards to this blog post, you may send it to: Jennifer@GirlfriendsCoffeeHour.com

Life’s Healing Choices: Chapter 8: Make the Choice (pages 251 – 267)

Choice 8: Yield myself to God to be used to bring this Good News to others, both by my example and by my words.

“Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day’s out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived” Galatians 6:1, 2  (The Message).
The action items for Week 8 are short and sweet compared to our past 7 weeks. The focus is on your personal story and how to best share it with others in need of encouragement, support, and hope.  John Baker jumps right in with very little introduction to this week’s Make The Choice segment.

PRAY –
Ask God to bring someone in to your life to share your story with. Be prepared for what you ask, because He will answer! This isn’t someone who will just hear your story of recovery, but who will also hear His Good News, and how His presence in their life can bring about radical changes, too.
WRITE –
After we’ve prayed for God to lead us to someone to share with, we need to make sure we have prepared our story and how best to share it. For some of you, skipping over some of the nitty-gritty details will be appropriate; while others will need to expose a little more to get their story told. I think of our dear friend, Leslie. I don’t know of many who would openly share the experiences with hospitalization and electro-shock therapies as she has during our study. But for her, this is a crucial point of the desperation she felt and how liberating life has been with God. I’ve kept back some of my personal details because it would bring pain to others, but it doesn’t lessen the impact of my story.

Your story is uniquely yours. The ways God spoke to you, led you to see the need for Him, delivered you from the hurts, habits, and hang-ups, and how you will be used for His glory. Don’t compare your experience with anyone else, but praise the life He has given to YOU!

Take this time to write in your journal, (as Baker points out, page 251), a list of experiences that have significantly impacted your life to this day—both the positive and the negative. Indicate the ones you caused, and the ones caused by others. Remember to use the inventories we’ve created if necessary.

  • Write what you have learned about each experience.
  • Write about how God helped you through the tough times, but also how He blessed you during the good times.
  • Make a list of people who need to hear your story.
  • Write out your story. I love Baker’s comment on writing, ‘Remember, thoughts disentangle themselves when they pass through the lips to the fingertips. Write it out.” (p 252)


SHARE –
Ok, so you’ve now asked for someone to share with and written out your story.  Share it with your accountability partner. This person has been alongside you as your cheerleader and coach during our study. They know where you’ve been, where you are now, and they have hope for your future. Allow your partner to work with you to fill in holes in your story, add details (or pull back on some), and assist in your humble presentation.
It’s not about saying “look what I’ve done;” but what HE’s done that is our focus.

One last thought…in addition to sharing your story…consider other ways you can say YES to God.

“So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching” Hebrews 10:22-25  (The Message).

We’ve made it to the end of this leg of our journey. Note, I didn’t say we’ve completed THE journey, but only a portion of it. I don’t want anyone thinking that the work is done and we can move on to something bigger and better. No, this was just a portion of what God has in store for each of us. Perhaps you will find the need to re-read the book, put more time in to some of the exercises, share more with your accountability partner. Perhaps you’re at a good place now, but will find the need to re-examine some of the deeper issues at a later date. Whatever path you end up taking, remember to always take Him along with you for strength, comfort, wisdom, and unconditional love.


Let’s Pray –
Lord, when we look back to where we started, who we were when we started this study, we stand thankful and amazed by the transformations You have done in our lives. Guide us through the next phase of sharing our experience with others, finding strength in You, courage to open our hearts and lives, and the desire to be lights for Your glory. Thank You for the blessings we’ve seen, the friendships we’ve made, and all of the lessons learned. Amen.

 

Power Verses for Chapter 8
2 Corinthians 1:3, 4
Deuteronomy 4:9
James 2:17
Ephesians 4:1
2 Corinthians 3:18
Hebrews 10:24
Romans 12: 9, 13
Galatians 6:1
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

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If you would like to send Amy a private email in regards to this blog, please email her at: Amy@girlfriendscoffeehour.com

Crazy Love: Chapter 8 – Profile of the Obsessed (pgs144-148)

Two things stood out to me that Mr. Chan said in this part of our book today….

First: God desires true intimacy with each of us, and that comes only when we trust Him enough to be fully transparent and vulnerable.

I think you would agree with me that it is really hard to be fully transparent and vulnerable in this world today. When we open ourselves up like that we often get hurt. I know I have. So we hold back. We don’t trust and we lose that special something called intimacy with that other person because we just don’t want to be hurt again.

When I had my first baby back in 1979, I felt so blessed and amazed by her! First I KNEW she was a gift from God. Second I was responsible for her every need in life. It was sometimes overwhelming when I thought about it. But it was a joy, too! She trusted me to feed her, to clothe her, play with her, and love her. My heart almost burst with joy as she learned each new thing. And when she learned to say “mama”— WOW!! When she would run to me when she was hurt or because she wanted to be with me, I almost cried! I felt so proud to be her mom. Those of you who have children, nieces, or nephews (or even pets) know what I’m talking about.

Isn’t that how we should be with God? He says to come to Him like a child. My baby was a good example of why He said that. He wants us to be dependent on Him. He will not let us down. He will not hurt us. He only wants what’s best for us, just like I wanted only the best for my child. He will be our Provider, our Helper, our Father. He will love us unconditionally no matter what.  He wants us to be obsessed with him. We can run to Him when we are hurt or let down by this world.  We can open up fully and tell Him all our hurts and how terrible we are, He won’t mind!

I believe how to do that is in the second thing Mr Chan  hit me with:

God wants His word to be a delight to us, so much so that we meditate on it day and night.

If we are studying His word—spending time with Him outside the 40 minutes on Sunday morning, getting to know Him on a daily basis—we learn that He is faithful, loving, and trustworthy. We learn that He is there for us at any given moment. Then we have a real intimate relationship with Him that He so desires and is so fulfilling to us. We have real joy that only comes from our Lord. We look forward to reading His word and getting to know more and more about this Father we have. We want to spend time with Him. We want to tell Him everything. We want to live in His continual grace, and we want to sing His praises all day long.

Does that sound obsessive?? I hope so!!!

In Christ,

Donna

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Let’s Pray:

Father, immerse us in Your presence today as we seek to become more intimate with You. Reveal to us today those things that hold us back from being transparent and vulnerable with You. Teach us what a faithful and loving Father You are to us as we read Your word and get to know You more. We love You, Jesus, and want to be completely obsessed with You in our lives. Thank You for the opportunity to do that. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Your Assignment:

What things hold you back from enjoying this intimate relationship with God? What actions can you take to break that stronghold in your life and completely give yourself to God? If you can name some things, we will pray here for you and help you to live that completely obsessive life that God wants with you!

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If you would like to send a private message to Donna in regards to this blog, please email her at: Donna@girlfriendscoffeehour.com.

Crazy Love: Chapter 8 – “Profile of the Obsessed” – pgs. 139-143 (Servers/Givers/Sojourners/The Engrossed)

As we continue our study of chapter 8, let’s dive into four more profiles of the obsessed. What does it look like when someone is obsessed with Jesus Christ?

Servers –In Matthew 13:44, Jesus tells about the Parable of the Hidden Treasure: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field.” Chan suggests that many American churchgoers may be limiting their love for God because they are so hesitant to do anything for Him. The man in this parable discovered the Kingdom of Heaven by accident but realized its worth immediately – he sold everything he owned so he could buy the whole field.  He gave up everything he had for the Kingdom of Heaven. Yet, God offers it to us as a free gift, ready for whoever is willing to accept it.

People who are obsessed with Jesus do not consider service a burden. Obsessed people take joy in loving God by loving His people.

Givers – When I flipped the pages of my Bible to James 2:14-26, our theme verse for this section, some words that I had written there recently leaped off the page at me: “Faith in Christ spurs us to ACT”.  When we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, He begins to change our hearts to become more like His. It is a gradual, but continual, process of sanctification that only He can do. He commands us to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). If you stop and really think about that statement, it is very profound. We are all very me-centered, selfish humans. Just because we wear the label “Christian” does not mean that we are immune. We must bring our selfishness to the cross every single day. But…If we love others as much as we love ourselves, can you imagine what the world would look like? What if we stopped making excuses and started ACTing?

People who are obsessed with God are known as givers, not takers. Obsessed people genuinely think that others matter as much as they do, and they are particularly aware of those who are poor around the world.

Sojourners – Grandma Clara sounds like quite a woman. Have you ever known anyone in your lifetime that was so Heaven-focused? This earthly life is but a blip on the screen, but to us, with our struggles and challenges, joys and sorrows, sometimes we get overly focused on the here and now. We forget to look past the current situation to envision eternity with Christ, where no sickness or struggle will be found; where we will all live in glorious harmony praising our King. Oh what a day that will be!

A person who is obsessed thinks about heaven frequently. Obsessed people orient their lives around eternity; they are not fixed only on what is here in front of them.

The Engrossed – The first commandment says that we must “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (Deut. 6:5). This command encompasses every aspect of us as human beings. Heart, soul, and strength make up who we are as individuals. The Lord says we should love Him with everything that we have and all that we are. We should not limit our love in any way. So, what does that mean exactly?

Deut6_5

It means not holding back from God. He already knows everything anyway, so do not be afraid to talk to Him and be honest with Him. He knows you and loves you deeply. He WILL help you through anything you are facing. And the more you lean on Him, the more deeply you will fall in love with Him.

A person who is obsessed is characterized by committed, settled, passionate love for God, above and before every other thing and every other being.

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Let’s Pray:

Lord, thank You for showing to us what profiles of an obsessed follower of Christ looks like. Although we are human and fall short every day, we know that Your grace keeps pushing us forward and helps us to achieve new heights day after day. Thank You for Your unending and overflowing grace, Father. Convict our hearts and show us how we can fall more deeply in love with You. It’s in Your Son’s matchless Name that we pray, AMEN!

Your Assignment:

Which of these four profiles convicted your heart? Why? What step of faith can you take to act on this conviction?

 



If you would like to send a private message to Jennifer in regards to this blog post, you may send it to: Jennifer@GirlfriendsCoffeeHour.com

Crazy Love: Chapter 8 – “Profile of the Obsessed” (Reading Assignment)

Well, my dear sisters, we are nearing the end of this Crazy Love journey and what a ride it has been! I’m looking forward to Chapter 8 and reading about what it means to be obsessed with Jesus Christ. Are you ready? Let’s go!

Monday
Chapter 8 “Profile of the Obsessed” pgs. 129-133/ Kindle LOC 1673-1724
(Lovers/Risk Takers)
(Megan)

Tuesday
Chapter 8 “Profile of the Obsessed” pgs. 134-138/ Kindle LOC 1724-1793
(Friends of All/Crazy Ones/The Humble)
(Martha)

Wednesday
Chapter 8 “Profile of the Obsessed” pgs. 139-143/ Kindle LOC 1793-1858
(Servers/Givers/Sojourners/The Engrossed)
(Jennifer)

Thursday
Chapter 8 “Profile of the Obsessed” pgs.  144-148/ Kindle LOC 1858-1910
(Unguarded Ones/The Rooted/The Dedicated/Sacrificers)
(Donna)

Friday
Chapter 8 “Profile of the Obsessed” Weekly Review and Chapter 8 Study Video from YouTube
(Megan)

Here is our chapter overview video from the author…

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father, help us to live every moment for you and fall crazy in love with You more and more each day. We do not want this lukewarm Christian life. We want to be ON FIRE for You, following whatever path You have set before us, even if it is scary or difficult. You WILL equip us for the journey ahead. Breathe new life into us this week as we read profiles of the obsessed. Show us what You want us to do in our own lives to take our walk with You up a notch. It’s in your Son’s matchless Name that we pray, AMEN!