SHAPED

REALITY CHECK / DAY 26 -- AND ANNOUNCING OUR NEXT STUDY!!!!

I was a high school teacher for 17 years, but I grew into a much better educator after I decided to go back to school for more training. My mentor, Janet, had started a Master’s degree program, and she was learning new strategies to use in her classroom. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and I wanted to learn from her and with her.

For the next year, Janet and I carpooled to class on Saturday mornings, and we would brainstorm ideas of how to implement what we were learning. I emerged from that experience more dedicated to excellence, and my students all benefited.   

Wisdom teaches us to surround ourselves with people who will challenge us to improve our character and conduct. Just as a blacksmith hammers a piece of iron to shape it into a useful instrument, we need to interact with individuals who will spark us to take action in areas where we are weak.

Do you have a “sharp” friend whose example and constructive criticism is helping you hone your temperament? Set aside time this week to spend with a godly adviser who will influence you to grow stronger in your faith. You will never regret investing in an “iron” friend.

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OUR NEXT STUDY STARTS ON MARCH 4!

Can you believe this is our last week in Proverbs? Wondering what’s next?

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” Isaiah 60:1, NIV

Sometimes the darkness in this sin-saturated world seems all-encompassing, and we feel powerless to overcome the sorrow and despair. But, because our God is greater than all the gloom, we can count on this promise: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” (John 1:5, NLT)

The Light of the world has come, and we always have hope — even when we feel lost and are struggling to see our next step. Jesus has overcome the darkness of sin and death, and His Spirit now dwells in us.

God’s light always accompanies and shows us the way to go. When the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, the glory of the Lord went before them and followed after them on their journey. He blazed the pathway with His presence, protected them, and never left them alone.

Friend, this unchanging God is your God. He will illuminate your path “step by step” as you move forward in faith. The Almighty wants to reveal His glory to you and help you see more clearly just how awesome He is.

As you and I look to Him, the light of His love will transform us from within. Then, with His fire burning in our hearts, we have the privilege of radiating His love to brighten up this world.

Are you ready to arise and shine?

For the next 30 days, we will challenge ourselves to SEE, SEEK, and SHINE:   

SEE:

Ask yourself: What else does God have to say about this Truth?

We’ll look at relevant passages that tie into each day’s theme and dig a little deeper into the principle God wants to impress on our hearts.

SEEK:

Ask yourself: How should this Truth impact my daily life?

We’ll consider a practical step we can take to live out the Biblical principle we’ve learned.

SHINE:

Ask yourself: Who do I know that needs to hear this message?

We’ll challenge ourselves to carry the light of God’s Truth to someone who needs to receive Him.

This topical study will begin on March 4th and help you discover practical ways to live out your faith and share the Good News with your friends, family, and neighbors.

Then, starting April 29th, we will be reading verse by verse through a New Testament book. Can you guess which one????

If you have participated in Proverbs Monday through Friday as a paid member of this community, share in the comments below what you’ve enjoyed about this community so far. Reading the daily devos? Interacting with wise women about the FUEL focus verse in the chat? Having an online space to meet that is free from all the noise of social media?

If you are a member of The Firepit Circle, how has the weekly video teaching with Lyli helped you grow and added to your experience?

For those currently joining us just one day a week, pray about going “all in” for just $6 a month starting on March 4th.

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EP 4: HOW TO STOP STRESSING OUT ABOUT YOUR DISRUPTED PLANS

Head here to listen to the embedded podcast player on my website and download the full transcript for the episode in the show notes.

You can also listen on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Pandora, Stitcher, or iHeart Radio.

If you prefer, you can watch the video of the podcast on YouTube.

Also, there were some “technical issues” with the link for episode 3 in last week’s email. Here is the correct link for that on my website if you couldn’t access the Show Notes and Transcript.

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