Stephanie Shott

Hi sweet friends! I just wanted to pop in and let you know that I'm over at Penny's place today. Penny Zeller is posting an interview she did with me and I'm SO excited and SO honored to be sharing her space in cyberspace!

Penny Zeller is the author of several books and numerous magazine articles in national and regional publications. She is also the author of the humor blog "A Day in the Life of a Wife, Mom, and Author."

Please check out Penny's author page and her books at Amazon.com. Click here to see some of her books.

If you've never met Penny before, please be sure to pop in to her site and say hi! I also hope you'll visit me over there and leave a comment!

I love you girls and I'm praying that as we draw close to the end of our study of Philippians that God would make His Word come alive to you in new and powerful ways! I have loved that we are walking in the Word together and I'm so honored that you would join me in this journey through the Word.

Ok...now pop over to Penny's place and be sure to say hi! I'm giving away a copy of Ecclesiastes: Understanding What Matters Most! (Be sure to leave a comment to enter the drawing and I'll send it to the winner as soon as it comes out this spring):-)

Oh...by the way...There are crosses in the trees again! Yes, it's that time of the year again. Spring. And right before Easter, pre-pine-cone buds become crosses as a sweet reminder of what Jesus did on the cross!

They're not in every type of pine tree, but look for them and then reflect on how awesome our God is to use something as simple the shoot from a pine tree to declare, "I love you this much!"

So, look up sweet friends! The heavens declare the glory of God and all creation cries out His praises!

Happy Tuesday, girlfriends! Yeah. I know. This was supposed to be in your inbox yesterday, but I am BEGGING you to be patient with me while I'm walking through an extremely busy season!

I may be busy and not able to keep our Monday/Wednesday/Friday Bible study schedule, but I want you to know that you are always on my mind.

Oh goodness! Now I sound like Willie Nelson! (Sorry to put that song in your head!) :-)

But, I just had to include a little video to join you in this journey! Oh, how I wish we could do this thing face to face without cities, states and continents dividing us. But this is the next best thing and I'm so thankful for all things tech!

So, I'm sending a little vlog your way just to encourage you in the Word. Nothing deep...just a bit of encouragement.

(By the way...don't laugh too hard when you see how far away I have to hold the Bible to read from it!) :-)

If the vlog is not showing up, please CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE IT

Let's dive in, girls! We've got some ground to cover!

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:8-9 NIV

Have you ever listened to someone who seemed to be dragging things out and when they eventually got to the point all you could think of was, FINALLY!

Well, I don't think Paul was dragging anything out, but he seems to be saying "Finally" as if he's summing things up with words of wisdoms that seem to call us to the impossible...CONTROL WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT!

We all know the battle begins and ends in the mind. It's not only the attack is launched, it is also where victory takes place. The question is, "Whose victory is it?"

The Bible tells us we are in a war. Ephesians 6:10-18 gives us a clear depiction of the war we are in. It's not the typical type of battle. It's not with flesh and blood - it's a spiritual battle that's fought in heavenly places.

It may surprise you, but we're not really called to fight this battle. We're called to stand - armor on and sword drawn - we are to stand.

We're called to fight the good fight of faith 1 Timothy 6:12, but we're not called to fight a war that only God can win.

We stand strong while that war rages on around us and let God fight our battles for us! He fought the battle for Abraham; He fought the battle for Moses; He fought the battle for Joshua; He fought the battle for Barak; He fought the battle for Gideon; He fought the battle for David. He fights the battle for us.

But we must stand. And while we stand we must protect our hearts and minds.

Notice the arsenal of protective thoughts we are given to guard our hearts and minds in Philippians 4:8-9:

True - Jesus is the Truth and all His ways are true.
Noble - Worthy of reverence or honorable
Just - According to God’s standards and principles
Pure - Morally clean, undefiled
Lovely- Lovable, friendly, kind, gracious
Of Good Report - Spoken highly of, worthy of respect, courteous
Virtue - Integrity, uprightness, purity
Praiseworthy - Worthy of adoration based on God’s standards

These are the things we're to intentionally think on as we take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

Today, you only have two questions...

1. What are you doing to guard your heart and mind?

2. Have you made up your mind to make your mind up with those things described in Philippians 4:8-9?

I'd love to have you join us in our study of Philippians! You can receive your Bible study in your inbox by clicking this link. Or you can click on the Google or Networkedblog link to receive it in your feeder.

© Stephanie Shott, 2011

Hi ladies! I want you all to know you have been on my heart and mind all week! In the chaos of this crazy world, I couldn't help but wonder where today's study finds you. How are you doing, sweet friend?

It's so good to know that in the midst of the madness, we are firmly planted in Jesus Christ - the solid Rock! Though the earth crumble and time be no more, we are daughters of the King - servants of the Most High God - eternally His!

Be steadfast, girlfriend! Be steadfast!

Well, let's dive into today's study and see if we can't get a word from the Word!

Our text for today is Philippians 4:4-7.

It's a power-packed segment of Scripture with five commands! One is repeated twice, but if you'll read through Philippians 4, we find Paul giving his the Philippian church his final thoughts and words of encouragement.

Interesting to think that although Paul was speaking to the church in Philippi, that his words of admonition and encouragement echo through the portals of time into our own hearts today!

Look at our text below. I have highlighted each command (for you grammar geeks, I've highlighted each "imperative") :-)

"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

There's so much to learn as we disect these verses, but for the purpose of time, I'm just going to hit the hightlights.

It may seem strange, but Paul was commanding joy. Is that possible? Can we make ourselves be joyful? The Amplified gives us insight - "delight, gladden yourselves in Him".

You see, if joy is based on our circumstances, our joy thermometer will adjust itself with our various degrees of difficulties. But if we find our joy IN HIM, it will be immoveable because He does not change - and neither does our position in Him change.

He commands us to rejoice in the Lord twice. He commands us to be publically and overtly gentle. He commands us to refrain from being anxious. And he commands us to let our requests be made known unto God.

Let's do a little word study and see how well our lives line up with the Word!

REJOICE = chairō - to be glad, thrive

I absolutely LOVE the definition THRIVE! It certainly describes a life rejoicing in our Savior with unhindered joy!

1. Do you find that you're thriving in your day to day walk?

2. Write out what you think "thriving" or "rejoicing" in the Lord looks like on a daily basis.

GENTLENESS, MODERATION = epieikēs - gentle, fair, mild, suitable

When I looked up the words used to define the word gentless or moderation I found that the definitions are striking similar to humility, kindness, fairness, even-tempered and self-controlled. Characteristics that should define our lives and be evident to those around us.

3. Can the characteristics above be used to describe your life?

4. Which characteristics would someone close to you say you need to work on?

4. Is your moderation or gentleness obvious to those around you?

PEACE = eirēnē - fearless, harmony, tranquility

Peace. Shalom! It was a word very familiar to Paul and the Jewish nation. But Paul's awareness of its significance became much more profound when he met the Prince of Peace on the road to Damascus!

Much like joy, peace is an inward state of being that is evidenced by our conduct. Others see peace in us when peace governs our hearts. When it doesn't, they don't. Without having been born again by the Living God no one can experience true peace. But once we belong to Him, walking in peace is a choice.

5. Do you walk in the peace that is yours?

6. What, if anything, steals your peace and your joy?

7. Is God bigger than your greatest trial and your deepest fear?

Much of the fruit of the Spirit is wrapped up in these traits. So today, sweet friend, I pray you will walk in the joy, gentleness and peace that is yours in Christ and through Christ!

Don't let the events of this life shake you! We have a God who reigns sovereign over he universe. He holds us in the palm of His hand and we are His!

So rejoice, my friend! Let others see your gentleness. Do not fear! Cast all your care upon Him! And did I mention, REJOICE!

By the way, I have to tell you, I'm SO happy Paul is talking about JOY in JESUS! Finally, after how many weeks of studying the Book of Joy, we get to rejoice!

I'd love to have you join us in our study of Philippians! You can receive your Bible study in your inbox by clicking this link. Or you can click on the Google or Networkedblog link to receive it in your feeder.

© Stephanie Shott, 2011

Hi sweet friends! I just wanted to pop in and let you know I'm over at Scripture Dig today!

You won't want to miss today's study of Ruth! We're talking about biblical femininity.

You don't have to be frilly to be feminine!

Being feminine is so much more than we think it is! Do we really know what it is? Do we teach our daughters what biblical femininity is?

Join me at Scripture Dig and have fun being a woman!

Tomorrow, we'll be back in Philippians, but today, I thought you'd enjoy talking girl talk! :-)

Happy Monday, ladies! I hope you had a great weekend! I crashed on Saturday. I think I've been living my life in fifth gear for so long, my motor burned up!

When my hubby and I were in Costa Rica, we were robbed by some guys who had sprayed ether on us and knocked us out. I told Donald I felt like I had been ethered again! :-)

Praise the Lord, I'm feeling almost normal again!

Well, sweet friends, we're closing in on the finish line of our study of Philippians. I can't help but wonder where this study has found you. Has anything we've studied together spoken directly to your life, changed you, challenged you, strengthened your faith or encouraged your heart?

It's been an adventure for this little southern girl who thought she was just going to bask in some serious joy but found out that Philippians is so much more than the book of joy!

How about you?

Today, we're going to take a look at a tale of two women who had a hard time getting along. Working together has a way of bringing out the best and the worst of us all - but I sure would hate to have my name etched in the Word of the Living God for all eternity as a little reminder to behave myself. Wouldn't you?

Take a look at how the Amplified gives clarity to our text for today:

"I entreat and advise Euodia and I entreat and advise Syntyche to agree and to work in harmony in the Lord. And I exhort you too, [my] genuine yokefellow, help these [two women to keep on cooperating], for they have toiled along with me in [the spreading of] the good news (the Gospel), as have Clement and the rest of my fellow workers whose names are in the Book of Life." Philippians 4:2-3

Euodia and Synthyche had obviously toiled together in the work of the ministry. Hand in hand and heart to heart, they were trying to impact their generation for Christ. They were women on a mission who were passionate about spreading the Gospel.

Does that sound like anyone you know? Perhaps you and your BFF are blazing a missional trail of your own.

Differences become drawbacks and weary women can become contentious when the flesh has its way. It happens all the time. People who spend a lot of time together are bound to face challenges. Temperaments are as different as ideas, plans and methods.

But, sweet friends, we're all on the same team. We all have the same Coach, with the same ultimate purpose. Our petty squabbles and major arguments are only counterproductive.

I remember when I played softball for the city league. There was another girl that could play second base almost as good as me. :-) Actually, she played just as good as I did, but when the coach wanted to put me on third so she could play second, I always got mad and I wasn't very nice to her at all.

We'd fuss and fight, rather than encourage each other and cheer each other on.

Pretty pitiful. Ridiculously immature. Completely counterproductive. Very ungodly.

I wasn't saved at the time, so I didn't have the Spirit of God to convict me. But it was still an ugly sight.

So is the body of Christ when we fight over who's doing and not doing what. It's counterproductive when we're jealous of the other's success or when we secretly try to manipulate circumstances or when we argue over methodology or preferences. When the color of the carpet can cause a church split, it's obvious the root system is shallow.

Today, our questions are meant to make each of us evaluate our own hearts as well as our circumstances.

1. Have there been any silly disputes in your church that have been brought on by ridiculous reasons lately?

2. Do you need to get anything right with a sister in Christ right now?

Is it really worth compromising the effectiveness of your testimony? Is it worth losing the opportunities God wants to put before you? Do you really want your legacy to be a tale of two divisive women?

There's no time like the present to get things right! You need to do it for yourself. You need to do it for her. You need to do it for the body of Christ.

Today's lesson is just about getting along while we're working together. We've got a world to reach, sweet friend! No time for petty squabbles.

Will you get it right today? Will you ask for forgiveness today? Will you forgive today? Will you get over yourself today?

You'll have an eternity to be glad you did!

I'd love to have you join us in our study of Philippians! You can receive your Bible study in your inbox by clicking this link. Or you can click on the Google or Networkedblog link to receive it in your feeder.

© Stephanie Shott, 2011

I have MISSED you, sweet friends...big time!

I know you must be wondering what happened to our study of Philippians, but I want you to know I have not forgot about you or our study together for a second!

My world has been a frantic mess of busyness lately. All good stuff, but busy beyond my 24 hour daily timeframe! Ever been there?

I just told a friend recently that I'm in the process of trying to make a pretty little collage out of my chaotic world (thus the picture)! Reminds me of when I was in elementary school and we made paper mache flowers!

God does that with our lives, sweet friends. He makes beauty out of ashes! Not just when a thing is done and over with...not just at the end of our lives...but on a daily basis! Whew!!! Don't that just rock your world and make you want to shout..."THANK YOU, JESUS!"

Well, today, I'm just going to look at one verse in Philippians with you. It really does share my heart for each and every one of you!

While the world seems to be on tilt and everything is being shaken to the core - even the very planet we live on, we have a God in heaven who does not sleep or slumber - Who never grows weary - Who is not surprised by the events of the day - Who is not deaf to the cry of our hearts - Who is not blind to the circumstances we face - Who is not unmoved by the events in our lives - Who is in complete control of that which seems to be out of control - Who loves us with an everlasting love - Who will not leave or forsake us - Who has inscribed us upon the palm of His hand - Who knows the very number of hairs on our head - Who stands ready, willing and able to help all who call upon Him.

Yes, sweet friend, we have a God who alone is God!

Therefore...

Yes, therefore, dear one, stand firm! Stand strong! Be unmoveable! Dig your heels in, girlfriend and be resolved to stand strong in the Lord!

Though the earth earth crumble and time will be no more...we will stand fast in the Lord!

Yes,"God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea." Psalm 46:1-2

My heart is weeping for Japan, but I trust in the Lord.

My heart is broken over Afghanastan, Libyia and Iraq - but I cling to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob!

This world may seem to be in chaos, but our God is in control!

Don't forget that!

Don't be afraid. Don't be discouraged. Don't waver, beloved. He is God! And you are His!

And to you, I say...

"Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!" Philippians 4:12

By the way, I wrote about God being our Refuge at Scripture Dig the other day. If you want to take a look at the lessons we can learn from Naomi's journey to the shelter of her Redeemer's wings, click here and it will take you to that link!

Love ya!

Today, I'm writing at Scripture Dig, so I thought I'd see if you'd like to join us for our journey through Ruth! I hope you'll click the link at the bottom of this post to continue reading about how Naomi's Redeemer was also her refuge.

When you read through the book of Ruth, you can't help but notice that Ruth was a humble and hardworking woman. Character traits that led her on a journey that would dramatically change her life and, more importantly, her eternal destiny.

She wasn't content to sit by and beg bread and she certainly didn't want her mother-in-law to succumb such shame. So she woke up with work on her mind and requested permission to take on the role as provider. With Naomi's approval and direction, Ruth made her way to to glean the barley fields.

She may have taken ranks with the poor, but she didn't expect a handout. Ruth was willing to work. Each step took her closer to Boaz's field, where she was ready to pull up her sleeves and begin throwing up some chaff.

And then we read...

"So she departed and went and gleaned in the field after the reapers; and she happened to come to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech." Ruth 2:3

Several years ago someone told me, "There are no coincidences with God. We don't just "happen" into Boaz's field. The Bible says, "A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps." Proverbs 16:9

Ruth may have planned her day, but it was God who ordained her steps and she wound up exactly where she needed to be to begin her journey to redemption - the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech.

Please click here to continue reading, sweet friend!

Hi sweet friends! Sorry I'm late with our study today. My life has been a whirlwind and I haven't had time to post. I know, as women, ya'll can relate, but I'm still sorry I didn't have today's lesson in yesterday's inbox!

We're talking about citizenship today! We seldom think about the fact that we're citizens of a specific country. We just are, because we we're born that way.

When we lived in Costa Rica, we unsuccessfully tried several times to get citizenship there. Too much red tape and too many hoops to jump through. Every time we gathered most of the required paperwork together, the one or two things we were waiting for took too long and all the other documents would expire. It was a vicious circle that cost a lot of money and we were never able to get it all together at the same time.

So, we lived there under a Tourist Visa - which meant every three months, we had to leave the country for three days and then we could return. When we stayed beyond the three months (which we did a lot!), we always worried that we would be deported out of the country permanently.

When you're not a citizen, you have no right to stay.

"But we are citizens of the state (commonwealth, homeland) which is in heaven, and from it also we earnestly and patiently await [the coming of] the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) [as] Savior, Who will transform and fashion anew the body of our humiliation to conform to and be like the body of His glory and majesty, by exerting that power which enables Him even to subject everything to Himself." Philippians 3:20-21 AMP

Our citizenship in heaven is eternal. We were born into it when we were born again by the Living God. No paper work required!

1. Look up the word "citizenship" in Wikipedia or in an old fashioned encyclopedia and write out what it means.

2. A citizen has both rights and responsibilities. List some of both.

3. According to our text today (Philippians 3:20-21), what are we waiting for?

4. What is it that Jesus will do to us (the citizens of heaven) when He comes?

It's funny how when we lived in Costa Rica, we couldn't wait to get home! We loved living there. We knew what we were called to and we were so thankful for the sweet Costa Rican people!

But we knew it wasn't home. We weren't citizens there!

This world is not our home. We have a heavenly citizenship. No red tape, just red blood! The blood of Jesus Christ stamps our citizenship papers, "Approved." Not because anything we've done, but because Jesus did everything necessary to make us citizens of heaven.

Sweet friends, life is tough! This world is getting more chaotic by the minute! But we aren't citizens of this world. We're citizens of heaven.

Today, I just want to encourage you with a word from the Word...

Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering. We, too, wait with eager hope for the day when God will give us our full rights as his adopted children, including the new bodies he has promised us. We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.) Romans 8:19-25 NLT

In a world that seems to be unravelling at the seams, how does this truth encourage your heart today?

I'd love to share part of my week with you. Click here to get your Bible study in your inbox. Or you can click the Google Feeder or the Networkedblogs link on the right hand side of my site.

© Stephanie Shott, 2011

I hope you girls enjoyed heading over to Scripture Dig! I am so thankful to be part of that ministry!

Well, today I hope I'm not letting you ladies down, but I've got to take a break from our Bible study. I'm really sorry! I feel like the teacher who didn't show up for class! Pitiful - I know!

But this week has been uber crazy and I've got to leave early in the morning and head for Atlanta for my interview at WATC, Atlanta Live at 7:00 p.m.

I have to tell you, I'm completely out of my element when it comes to television and radio. It's very different than speaking. When you speak, you are prepared. You've studied...spent time in prayer for those you will be speaking to...you know what you're going to say and you don't really have any interruptions (well, unless the fire alarm goes off - that happened to me recently! I thought my tinnitus was acting up!).

But television and radio interviews are interactive. You never know what the host is going to ask. You don't really know their personality or how they're going to ask the questions. The first couple of questions tend to throw me.

So, sweet sisters, I hope you'll pray for me!

I really want my time on the show to minister to those who will be watching. I want God to use me! I want to make much of Him!

If you want to watch it and you're not in the Atlanta area, you can click on this link.

We'll be back in Philippians Monday!

Oh...if you happen to watch the show, will you send me an email or comment. And please - someone tell me if I say anything too much. Like on my radio interview the other night, I think I said "um" like a million times! So, help a sister out and straighten me out! :-)

Hi sweet friends! Ever wanted to click your heels and just go home? Well, today I'm over at Scripture Dig talking about Naomi's journey home. You know how I love a good Bible study and we're in Ruth during the month of March...so I'm LOVING EVERY MINUTE OF IT!

Read the beginning of the study here and then click the link below and head over to Scripture Dig to finish reading it there! C ya there! :-)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

I remember watching The Wizard of Oz where Dorothy had just ran away from home in hopes of finding a better life somewhere over the rainbow. When her wildest dreams turned into her worst nightmare, all she wanted to do was click her heals and go home.

A story all too familiar for those who find themselves wandering, wanting, wanton or wounded.

Much like Dorothy, Naomi and her family ran away from home full of hopes and dreams. But with the death of her husband and both of her sons, Naomi's dreams were dashed and her hopes were gone.

Widows had it hard in a land where they were considered to be of the lowest class beggars.

"Then Naomi heard in Moab that the Lord had blessed his people in Judah by giving them good crops again. So Naomi and her daughters-in-law got ready to leave Moab to return to her homeland. With her two daughters-in-law she set out from the place where she had been living, and they took the road that would lead them back to Judah." Ruth 1:6-7

All it took was a word from home that God had shown up and blessed His people with food and all that dear woman wanted to do was to click her heals and go home.

Continue reading at Scripture Dig by clicking here.

I hope you had a great day yesterday, sweet friends. I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off! I know - ugly visual if you've ever seen someone cut a chicken's head off (They really do run around!).

Did you get to listen to my interview? Although I was nervous and a bit frazzled, the scene in my house before we went on the air was hilarious! I called in five minutes before the show. Everyone is talking on the phone like a conference call as we were waiting to go on air.

Then my dog started barking - really loudly! "Oh goodness, NOT NOW!" So, I started running around the house with my water, notes and miscellaneous stuff in my hands and the phone tucked loosely between my shoulder and my ear. I finally settled in my room on my bed when I realized I didn't feel "professional" enough there.

The dog was quite, so I tried the table again. It didn't last for long and I had to make the same frantic journey through my house again. This time I stayed in my bedroom and tried to get myself together in 3 - 2 - 1. "Oh no, we're on!"

You can listen to the interview by clicking the link at the right. Since the actual interview starts 10 minutes in, you may want to drag the time bar thingy over. I calmed down a couple minutes into the call. By the way, Scott Causey was a wonderful host!

Sorry I rambled. You're here for a Bible study! So let's go ahead and dig in!

Our text today is Philippians 3:15-19. Take a few minutes and read our Scripture reference for today in several versions. (The link will provide 4 versions)

Did you notice that verses 15 - 16 are a reference to what we read prior to that? Paul was saying...therefore...since...because you have have nothing to boast about, your righteousness comes from Christ, your in a journey to take hold of the life Jesus has taken hold of for you and you should be constantly forgetting what is behind and pressing on to what Christ has called you to...then if you are spiritually mature, you will do what we've been talking about. If not, the Lord will reveal it to you.

Of course, that's my paraphrase of verses 15 - 16, but I wanted you to see that Paul was reflecting on what he had said in earlier in Chapter 3. The inference may have even gone back into chapters 1 and 2. Remember, this is a letter from Paul. The chapter and verse references were added later for our benefit.

Today, we're going to park on Philippians 3:17 for our primary study. It's an interesting verse that contains some very key words in the original language.

"Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern." Philippians 3:17NKJV

Note the phrase, "join in following". It is the only time in Scripture you find this phrase and the only time that specific verb for follow is used. It is the word, symmimētēs and it means to jointly imitate others.

It's important because Paul was talking to the Philippian church as a whole.

I recently watched one of my favorite shows, America's Funniest Video, where a brood of ducks emerged from under momma duck's wings and began to follow her every where she went. It was a funny site to see them waddle back and forth in unison as they closely followed momma's lead.

Occasionally, one would wander from the group and head off in the wrong direction. Unfortunately, it threw momma off course and all the little chickadees, as well.

That's what Paul was saying. "In unison, follow my lead." He knew that just as one wandering chickadee could throw the whole team off track, so too, could a wandering Christian throw the others off track as well.

1. With that in mind, have you ever followed a wandering chickadee instead of staying close to momma duck?

2. Have you ever been the wandering chickadee, yourself?

Now, let's move on and look at the rest of verse 17. Look at the word pattern.

It's the word typos in the Greek and it is used 16 times in Scripture. Fourteen of those times, they are used by Paul.

The word "typos" is where we get our biblical concept of typology. It's a mark, and impress or a pattern to point to something else.

We find my types of Christ throughout the Old Testament. Patterns of something that points us to Christ. The sacrificial lamb is a type of Christ. The blood on the doorpost during the Passover is a type of the blood of Christ that was shed on Calvary.

They were examples - illustrations - patterns of one thing that pointed to another, more significant thing.

3. After carefully considering the concept of typology. How does that relate to what Paul was telling the Philippian church in verse 17?

4. How do you think Paul was able to set himself up as a pattern, or an example that the church could follow?

I've heard people say, "Don't follow me, follow Jesus. I'll let you down, Jesus never will!" And while part of that is true, we should live our lives in such a way that people can follow us as we follow Christ.

5. Are you living your life as a typos or a pattern that others can follow?

6. What changes do you need to make or to become a pattern for others to follow?

7. Are there specific areas in your life that you need to work on so you can say with Paul, "follow my lead"?

In the rest of our text we find those who are intentionally try to hurt the cause of Christ. Those who oppose the Gospel. They work against those who are trying to serve Christ and are openly antagonitic about Christianity.

We see that today.

Turn on the news. Watch television. Listen to the radio. Read magazines. Those who oppose Christianity are growing in numbers.

That should break our hearts. I know it does mine!

If they only knew Jesus and how much He loves them and all that He has done for them, they'd run to Him, not from Him.

Today, sweet friend, ask yourself if you are being someone others can see Jesus in. Be determined to live out loud for Christ! Be a typos! You'll have an eternity to be glad you did!

I'd love to share part of my week with you. Click here to get your Bible study in your inbox. Or you can click the Google Feeder or the Networkedblogs link on the right hand side of my site.

Good morning, sweet friends! Have you ever felt like your plate was running over? This is one of those weeks for me! How about you?

I know the picture says "Celebrate Little Things" but I've got some big things coming up and I wanted to share it with you (I just couldn't resist that cute picture).

You see, I know you girls are prayer warriors, so while, I thought I'd give you a little update on my schedule, I'm also sending out a bit of a prayer request at the same time.

I also know you sweet things have a lot on your plate too, so I'll keep it brief.

This evening at 6 p.m. EST, I'll be a guest on Speak Up with host, Scott McCausey. It's a call in program, so I'd love to hear from you!

Here's the link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/christian-devotions

The call in number is: (347) 884-9367

Friday, I'll be appearing on Atlanta Live at 7 p.m. EST. If you're not in the Atlanta area, you can watch it live on the internet. Our friends, Bryan and Renee Lamoureux will be appearing as the music guests. They are over-the-top singers/songwriters and worship leaders and I know you're going to love them!

Here's the link for the show: http://www.watc.tv/index.htm

Here's Bryan and Renee's link (you can listen to songs from their latest cd there): http://www.bryanandrenee.net

Many of you know that I write with a team of women called Scripture Dig. This month, we're walking through the book of Ruth and it's been very eye opening! Our study of Ruth is not the typical verse by verse journey. We're looking at the concepts found in Ruth and it's been an exciting study.

On Friday, I'll be writing for Scripture Dig about Naomi's Journey Home. There are so many spiritual parallels to her whole story and her journey home is no exception! I think you might be surprised what these women went through to take the trek from Moab to Bethlehem. I hope you'll pop in, join our study of Ruth and say hi!

I know we've been taking our own journey through Philippians, but I know you'll love Ruth, as well!

Here's the link: http://www.scripturedig.com

You have no idea how grateful I am for each one of you! Your life blesses mine! I am uber thankful for your prayers, as well!

The Lord is quickly filling up my speaking schedule for 2011 and I'm thankful for every opportunity to share Him, His Word, His ways, His goodness, His mercy, His grace, His faithfulness, His holiness, His righteousness and His glory whenever I can!

He is our all in all!

"Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws,
we wait for you;
your name and renown
are the desire of our hearts." Isaiah 26:8

"Our Redeemer—the LORD Almighty is his name—
is the Holy One of Israel." Isaiah 47:4

He is everything we need - He is all we need!

Wow - what a weekend! Friday night, I watched the grandgirl; Saturday morning I went with her and my daughter-in-law to the zoo (that was fantabulous!); went to church Saturday night; went to church for 2 services Sunday morning (LOVE Journey Church); went to my mom's house and cooked baked shells for my stepdad (really missing my mom - it's not the same without her) and now I'm finally home - looking at this very significant and challenging segment of Scripture.

Compelling words from the Word -

"I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." Philippians 3:12-14

Through the dailies of our days, we have a chance to make this life count - to pursue that for which Christ pursued us. None of us are there yet. We haven't arrived. But apprehending that for which Christ has apprehended us should be the constant pursuit of our lives.

Yet, it's funny how we allow the life God gave us to get in the way of the life He created us to live. Strange how we lose focus in our journey to press toward the mark as we seek to faithfully cross the finish line.

So, let's ask ourselves a few very penetrating and personal questions.

1. Do you see yourself as created by God for a purpose?

2. Do you know what you were created for - what God's plan for you life is?

3. Make a list of the things you are doing to accomplish those goals.

4. Are you sincerely pursuing who you were created to be?

5. Do you feel as though God has given you specific dreams to pursue or something you know you are to accomplish? If so, what?

6. If you keep doing what you are doing today, will you be able to fulfill the dream God has tucked into your heart?

7. Are you willing to forget your past failures, successes, trials and temptations in order to press on for the prize?

Remember, you can can't go very far while you're looking in the rear view mirror!

8. Consider your relationship with God. What are you doing to draw closer to Him? To know Him more? To love Him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength?

These are definitely questions we need to ask our self on this journey called life.

Today, I was honored to email an endorsement for a book that can help each of us pursue God-given dreams. It's called The Me Project by Kathi Lipp.

It is hands-down of the most practical, hands-on approach to becoming what you were created to be that I've ever seen!

So, while I pray this study will make you sincerely consider the direction of your life, I'm so excited to recommend this as a tool that I know will help you make it happen.

I know you may think the title is a bit self-indulging...like it's all about me. But in reality the book is all about what Jesus wants to do in and through your if you'll just start intentionally heading in the direction of your destination instead of watching your life pass by and wondering why you dream so small when you serve such a big God!

So, if you know you were created for more than or something different than where you are and what you're doing with your life now, then do yourself a favor and buy The Me Project by Kathi Lipp. And I want you to know that if you will follow Kathi's practical steps, you will be well on your way to becoming who you were created to be. You'll never look at "pressing toward the mark" with more practical eyes!

By the way, I LOVE Kathi Lipp and I know you will to!

I'd love to share part of my week with you.Click here to get your Bible study in your inbox. Or you can click the Google Feeder or the Networkedblogs link on the right hand side of my site.

Guess what? It's Friday again! How does it fly by so fast? The moments seem to be slipping through our hands like sand and there's so much to do for Jesus! We've got to make each moment count, sweet friends! Live intentionally! Stay focused! (Just thinking out loud about the vapor-ness of life.)

Well, let's get into it, ladies!

In our text today, we'll find why Christ is truly our all in all. These three short verses pack a powerful "It's all about Jesus" punch! Although our study today will be focused on Philippians 3:9-11, I have given you a link that will include verses 7-8 in order to provide context to today's study.

Please begin by reading Philippians 3:7-11. You will find the Amplified gives you an expanded view of our text.

We enter verse 9 with the eternal union that occurs when we receive Christ yet on another level, it is one that must be maintained as we walk through this life. It is being "in" Him. Beautifully paralleled is Jesus' call to abide "in" Him in John 15:1-17.

While similar in thought, the two concepts are doctrinally different. Abiding in Him is part of the process of sanctification (John 15:1-17); Being found in Him is the state of justification (Phil 3:9-11). The first is what we do because we are His. The second is what we are because we are His.

Our focus will be on the state of justification as found in Philippians 3:9.

Righteousness - right standing before God - holiness as measured by God's standard.

1. Read Psalm 143:1-2 and explain who is righteous.

2. Based on 1 Corinthians 1:30 and 2 Corinthians 5:21, how is righteousness obtained?

For some reason, when I was growing up, I thought that when I got to heaven God was going to weigh my good deeds and my bad deeds and somehow, I was going to gain entrance by a tip of the scale in my favor.

It doesn't work like that.

God is Holy. Perfect. Immutable. There is no deed good enough, no amount of charitable works that will give us a foot into heavens door.

Righteousness (right standing before God) comes to us through Christ - the Righteous One - and only through Christ.

3. According to Isaiah 61:10, how are we clothed with the robe of righteousness?

As Christians, we may do righteous works, but what makes them truly righteous is that we have become righteous in Christ. Our works of righteousness flow from a redeemed soul which has been made right with God because of what Christ did on the cross.

Understanding what it cost to give us a right standing before God is what makes the cry of our hearts resoundingly say, "That I may KNOW HIM!"

4. Read the Amplified version of verse 10. Do you pursue knowing Christ like that?

5. How does Philippians 3:10-11 compare with Galatians 2:20?

Sweet sister, there is SO much more wrapped up in these three verses and I wish we had time to park here for a few weeks. Our lives, our purpose and our destinies are engulfed in who He is! It truly is all about Jesus! Everything, truly is all about Jesus!

Oh, to KNOW HIM MORE! That's the goal of our lives.

Isaiah 26:8 says, "Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws,we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts."

May that be true of each of us! Oh Lord, make it be true of us!

Well, before you go, I'd really like your help with something. I'm not really very good at this whole webpage stuff, so with a little (really a lot) of help from a friend, the bio page of my site has been revised and includes a link that shares my back-story as well as my testimony. I'd love to know what you think. Is it better to just click the link to my testimony, which I posted at Scripture Dig, or should I just have a page that shares it on my site? Would love your feedback!
Here's a link to my site and here's a link to my story.

I'd love to have you join us in our study of Philippians! You can receive your Bible study in your inbox by clicking this link. Or you can click on the Google or Networkedblog link to receive it in your feeder.

© Stephanie Shott, 2011

Hi ladies! How was your study yesterday? I hope it was fantabulous! Isn't God's Word absolutely amazing!

Today, I thought I'd just send out a little encouragement from Ecclesiastes! You girls know my Bible study is coming out soon and I've got Ecclesiastes on the brain - but that's a good thing - right! :-)

"I returned and saw under the sun that—

The race is not to the swift,
Nor the battle to the strong,
Nor bread to the wise,
Nor riches to men of understanding,
Nor favor to men of skill;
But time and chance happen to them all." Ecclesiastes 9:11

It's okay if you're not the best, the prettiest, the strongest, the most intelligent, the most qualified or the most anything else. God is with you. It is He that works in you both to will and to do His good pleasure.

You're not counted out because your not the most whatever. In fact, God may want to use you just because of that reason.

"Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful." 1 Corinthians 1:25-27

I'm so thankful these verses give me hope that I don't have to be all that and a bag of chips for God to use me! What about you?

Hi sweet friend! I sure hope you laughed your head off yesterday. I know I did!

I wish I could explain to you how excited I truly am! We are standing on the very cusp of my life verses and I can't wait to dive into them. They are so significant to me! Beyond words! And today, we're just going to work our way up to the edge and dip our toes in before we take the plunge on Friday.

If you've ever received an email or snail mail from me, you know my life verses are Philippians 3:7-14. Today's text is Philippians 3:4-8. So, as you can see, we're just getting our feet wet in the verses I live to define my life by.

As I was preparing for today's lesson, I was reminded of one of my favorite quotes. It's by Jim Elliot:

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."

Our text today will echo that same sentiment!

Take a few minutes and read Philippians 3:4-8. I've provided a link so you can read it in several verses.

Paul certainly came from quite the line, didn't he! If he was a horse, we would have called him a thoroughbred.

He had a past to be proud of. It distinguished him as a religious leader. A Pharisee. With Jewish blood flowing through his veins, his lineage could be traced back to Benjamin. In fact, Paul takes us back to his own infancy to prove his strict adherence to the Jewish Law. He was circumcised on the eighth day in strict compliance with the Law. A Hebrew of Hebrews - a declaration that his father adhered to the Jewish Law, as well.

He was an educated man, who knew the Law of God. He sat at Gamaliel's feet as he learned from a man whose teachings are still celebrated in the Talmud today.

His pedigree was certainly something to brag about. But that wasn't Paul's intention.

He stated his family tree as well as his credentials to make a point. No blood line, no educational background, no religious position and no amount of good deeds can merit the salvation that is found in Christ alone. We are saved because Jesus saved us.

Paul's list of reasons to boast was proof that nothing entitles us to receive salvation. As Paul so aptly said, "We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort."

1. Read Ephesians 2:8-9. Based on these verses, how are we saved and why is there no room to boast?

2. In Philippians 3:7-8 (NKJV), Paul uses the word "counted" three times. Fill in the blanks for each use.

I have counted _____________________ for ______________________
I count _______________________ for ________________________
I count _______________________ for ________________________

3. According to Jeremiah 9:23-24 what are we to boast about?

I was married in January of 1987 and saved in October of the same year. My husband and I met in a bar and partying was a way of life for us. When I became a Christian I knew I might lose him. He married a girl who would go to the bars with him and drive him home when he was too drunk to drive; one who would have a great time hosting a keg party in the back yard.

And although I really didn't know everything that would happen when I surrendered my life to Christ, I did know that my life would change. I don't know how I knew, but I did.

I also knew the minute I said the eternal "I do" to Jesus, that my husband may not be too thrilled that the woman he married no longer existed. But I remember knowing that I would have to stand before the Lord one day on my own...that my husband wouldn't have to answer for my life, I would.

And so, one sweet October day, I looked at my husband and told him that from that day forward, not he nor the children nor anyone else was going to be more important to me than Jesus. Jesus died for me and I was going to live for him.

It may not have been a pedigree ancestry, it wasn't a long list of educational degrees or theological training - but in that moment of time, I counted it all loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord. Knowing Jesus became more important than anything else I held dear - and today, knowing Jesus still is.

We, who have been born again by the Living God, have all come to that place where nothing can compare to the matchless love of God and we surrender all we are to all He is. He becomes our everything.

But, from that day forward, it's game on. Things begin to compete for our attention. The enemy tries to keep us distracted from the greatness of who He is. We allow life to become more important than the One who gave it to us in the first place.

It's funny how in our Christian walk, we can let things edge their way into positions of importance that are reserved for Christ alone. We sometimes get so wrapped up in our circumstances that the thrill of knowing Him - the pursuit of an intimate relationship with Him - gets put on the back burner of our lives.

You see, when we are saved, we are made brand new - perfect in His eyes because we have received the Son of God and have been cleansed by His blood. But we still live in this flesh and in this world, and both vie for our attention and our affection. But Christ, alone is to be the object of our affection - the focus of our attention.

Today, let's examine our lives.

4. What is it that is competing for your attention and your affection?

5. Do you count everything loss for the infinite value of the knowing Christ Jesus, the Lord?

6. What do you need to do in order to count everything loss for the infinite value of knowing Christ?

7. Take a few minutes and journal your heart. Write out what you have put before your relationship with Christ, your heart of repentance from doing so and what you plan on doing to make knowing Jesus the passion and pursuit of your life.

Knowing Him. There's nothing more valuable than that. Absolutely nothing!

Today, we treaded some pretty deep waters for some girls who only got our feet wet. I pray the Lord will use this as a reminder of how sweet it is to know Him. Losing everything, but gaining so much more!

Oh, how great the Father's love for us that we should be called the children of God! Treasure that truth today, sweet sister!

I'd love to have you join us in our study of Philippians! You can receive your Bible study in your inbox by clicking this link. Or you can click on the Google or Networkedblog link to receive it in your feeder.

© Stephanie Shott, 2011

With my Bible study on Ecclesiastes coming out soon, my mind has been on the lessons I learned as I sat at Solomon's feet. Whew! That's one book that certainly takes you through the gamut of life experiences and leaves you determined to make your life count for more than a vapor!

But many people park on Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 and find great comfort and joy from that very poetic and lyrical segment of Scripture.

For everything there is a season,
a time for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.

Yes, there is a time for everything!

But I have to admit, I love to laugh - and so I'm thrilled to know that God tells us that it's not only okay to laugh, but there's a time for it! I think a lot of times we get so busy with the dailies of life that we forget to take the time to laugh.

So, today I want to share a little something that I hope will bring a smile to your face. It may even make you laugh.

You see, I get a monthly newsletter from some ministry friends who have started several children's homes. We worked with the one in Costa Rica. It's called Lighthouse Children's Homes and the directors are Larry and Paula Neff.

Their newsletters are full of information about their homes, but they also include a lot of funny stuff.

So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back and laugh a spell with me! it's time to laugh, sweet friend!

A HEARING FUNNY

A man was telling his neighbor, "I just bought a new hearing aid. It cost me four thousand dollars, but it's state of the art. It's perfect!"

"Really?" answered the neighbor. "What kind is it?"

"Twelve thirty..."

TRAVEL WARNING

The federal government has issued a travel warning due to the cold weather.
They suggest that anyone traveling in the current blizzard conditions
should make sure they carry the following:

- Shovel
- Blankets or sleeping bag
- Extra clothing including hat and gloves
- 24 hours worth of food
- De-icer
- Rock salt
- Flashlight with spare batteries
- Road flares or reflective triangles
- Full spare gas can
- First aid kit
- Booster cables

I must have looked like an idiot on the bus this morning.

ONE LINERS

When cannibals ate a missionary, they got a taste of religion.

When times are tough, you know what you can ALWAYS count on? Your fingers.

Locomotive: A crazy reason for doing something.

Life isn't like a box of chocolates . it's more like a jar of jalapenos. What you do today, might burn you tomorrow.

Why do psychics have to ask you your name?

Inside every older person is a younger person wondering, 'What the heck happened?'

REDNECK POETRY

Are you tired of those Sissy 'friendship' poems that always sound good, but never actually come close to reality?

Well, let's try this my way...just the stone cold truth of our great friendship.

1. When you are sad, I will jump on the person who made you sad like a spider monkey jacked up on Mountain Dew!

2. When you are blue, I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.

3. When you smile, I will know you are plotting something that I must be involved in.

4. When you're scared, we will high tail it out of here.

5. When you are worried, I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be until you quit whining, ya big baby!!!!

6. When you are confused, I will use little words.

7. When you are sick, stay away from me until you are well again...I don't want whatever you have.

8. When you fall, I'll pick you up and dust you off--After I laugh my head off!

9. This is my oath...I pledge it to the end.

'Why?' you may ask...because you are my FRIEND!

I hope you took time to laugh today, sweet friend! I'll look forward to walking through Philippians with you tomorrow! We're getting ready to dive into my life verses and I just can't wait!