In my teens I used to wonder if people ever sat around reading the bible. I grew up in a Catholic family. We were taught to be loving and good, but we never opened a bible together, so I didn’t know if it was ever done.
If people were actually reading it, I also used to wonder if they ever sat around talking about it. I always thought it would be a fascinating thing to do with others.
In my 20s I came to find out that they actually do! Both!
In the last 15 years, I’ve been in umpteen weekly women’s bible studies and loved the variation in people, books of the bible, and life-guiding advice received from them.
Our current women’s bible study group at Orcas Island Community Church is halfway through a study called David: Seeking a Heart Like His by Beth Moore. Every other week, we watch a 50-minute video of Beth digging into First and Second Samuel and the Psalms written by David. (She’s beyond fantastic.)
We ended our video the other day on a note that I think everyone needs reminding of: God has promised good things to us over and over, if we decide to step into that trust.
Here are some reminders of good in your life that are in the bible:
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
“…for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Philippians 2:13
“…he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6
“…God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope…” 2 Thessalonians 2:16
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10
“…fight the battle well, holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith.” 1 Timothy 1: 18-19
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17
“Now may the God of peace…equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him…” Hebrews 13:20-21
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him…” Romans 8:28
If you are wishing you had a group to talk about the bible with, as I did, just about every church has several men’s and women’s bible study groups. Sometimes they’re called homegroups because someone hosts a weekly group at their house instead of at their church. Sometimes groups are hosted in the early morning at someone’s office before work starts. There are groups here on the island that meet before the sun rises, during the morning hours, in the afternoon, and after work. You don’t have to attend any church in order to find a bible study group that will welcome you. Simply call any church office to find out when and where their groups meet.
May you endeavor to align with God and the good he has already promised for your life.
