Stephanie Shott

Happy Thursday morning, sweet friends! As you read this, I'm getting ready to board a plane for Midland, Texas to speak at a conference at Fannin Terrace Baptist Church and I CAN NOT WAIT to SEE WHAT GOD DOES this weekend! AND, I can't wait to see, my sweet friend, Kathy Howard!

I'd be ever-so-grateful if y'all would keep me and those wonderful women in prayers this weekend! I'm praying God does exceedingly, abundantly above all we can ask or think! He is DEFINITELY able and I am SO willing!

Oh...by the way, I've also got a post over at Scripture Dig today. So after you read and comment on Penny's interview, be sure to pop over there and say hi. :-)

Today, Im excited to have the opportunity to share an interview with my sweet friend, Penny Zeller! She is a woman of God and a wonderful author whose love for Jesus shines through every word she writes! I LOVE her heart for God and I know you will too! Please read through the interview, and leave a comment to enter for a chance to win her new book, Kaydie.

What type of work did you do before you were a writer?
I have worked in the past in a branch of social services as a caseworker; I have also worked as a legal assistant, bank teller, retail clerk, aerobics instructor, bookkeeper, and administrative assistant. My favorite jobs of all are being a wife to my husband Lon and a mom to our two children. Writing is my passion and I feel blessed and humbled that God has called me to write.

What writing goal have you set for yourself that would be the most rewarding to achieve?
My ultimate goal is that a reader’s life would be impacted for Christ through one of my books.

What lessons have you learned through the publication process that you wouldn't have guessed as a pre-published writer?
That the hardest work comes after the book is published!

Any funny family stories about living with a writer?
Actually, yes! One evening, I sat perched on the staircase in our house, watching for my husband Lon to come home from work. He was scarcely through the front door when I began tugging on his arm, “Lon!” I said.
“Is everything ok, Pen?” he asked me. After 18 years of marriage, he knows about my exuberant, creative, and at times, far-fetched personality.
“Yes, yes, it’s fine. I can’t wait for you to meet Lucille Granger!”
“What? Lucille Granger?” Lon looked at me. “Do we have company?”
I shook my head and laughed while leading Lon up the stairs and into the office. When he saw me pointing for him to sit in the blue “guest” chair in the office, he nodded his head knowingly. He’d been in the blue “guest” chair many times before. Yep, it was making sense to him now – Lucille Granger wasn’t someone visiting for dinner. She was a secondary character in all three books in my Montana Skies Series!

If someone were to give you $5,000 to spend on anything you wanted, what would you buy? (No saving or gifts to charities allowed!)
No charities, saving, or gifts? What about paying bills? *grins* Wow! That’s a hard question. Hmmm…let’s see…I would take my family on a vacation or buy my husband flying lessons, since it’s always been a dream of his to learn how to fly. And if there’s any money leftover, I’d probably buy a cute new outfit since I love clothes!

What is your favorite verse in the Bible?
I have two: Psalm 19:14 and Psalm 91.

What event in the Bible would you like to be at, it can be in the past or in the future? That’s a great question, Stephanie! I can’t just narrow it down to one event. I would say that it would be a three-way tie again between the days of Creation, Jesus’ birth, and the Transfiguration.

Your most recent release is a historical fiction romance, titled Kaydie. Do you write novels exclusively?
No, I have also written two nonfiction books and a children’s picture book. However, historical romance is my favorite genre to write. 

Kaydie was released just this month and is Book 2 in your Montana Skies Series. Can you please give us a brief synopsis?
I am thrilled about the release of Kaydie. A short synopsis is as follows: Since the death of her abusive husband, Kaydie Kraemer’s life has been easier, but she’s wary of men and builds a wall of protection around her, staying with her sister McKenzie as she awaits the birth of her baby. Haunted by her painful marriage, Kaydie is determined never to fall in love again, and it will take the grace of God to change her mind—the same grace that works in the heart of ranch hand Jonah Dickenson, a confirmed bachelor who has unhealed wounds of his own to overcome.

Cindy Sproles produced a fantastic book trailer for Kaydie, which can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vwihs6rsqDk

Where can readers purchase a copy of Kaydie?
Kaydie is available everywhere books are sold, including Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Kaydie-Montana-Skies-Penny-Zeller/dp/1603742174/ref=pd_sim_b_1

What do you hope your readers will get out of the story?
Writing is my ministry and I hope my readers will get from Kaydie – and all of my novels - the power of God’s love, redemption, hope, and forgiveness. And that God can and does change hearts.

What’s up next for your readers?
I just finished the third and final book in the series, Hailee, which is scheduled for release in September. I'm also working on a second historical romance series that takes place in the Post-Civil War Era. I recently finished book one in the series and have started writing book two.

Where can fans find you on the internet?
I love to connect with my readers at my website www.pennyzeller.com,
my blog www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com,
on Twitter at http://twitter.com/pennyzeller, and
on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Penny-A-Zeller/96391560959?ref=ts


Bio:
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” (www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com). She is an active volunteer in her community, serving as a women’s Bible study small-group leader and co-organizing a women’s prayer group. Penny devotes her time to assisting and nurturing women and children into a closer relationship with Christ. Her passion is to use the gift of the written word that God has given her to glorify Him and to benefit His kingdom. Kaydie follows McKenzie in Montana Skies, her first series with Whitaker House. When she’s not writing, Penny enjoys spending time with her family and camping, hiking, canoeing, and playing volleyball. She and her husband, Lon, reside in Wyoming with their two children. Penny loves to hear from her readers at her Website, www.pennyzeller.com.

Don't forget to leave a comment for your chance to win Penny's new book! We'll be doing the drawing Tuesday evening and the winner will be announced on Wednesday!

I'm probably one of the biggest sissies on the planet! Yet it seems like God continually takes me on a journey that challenges me to check mark my way down my "To Conquer" list.

I'm so thankful He loves me so much that He won't leave me where I am - wallowing in my fear - so afraid to fail that I'm not willing to take a risk. That's who I was without Christ - just one big sissy!

But since the day the Lord radically saved this broken girl with a bad past and a bleak future, He has called me to live beyond myself. At times those unknown steps in an unfamiliar direction have had me shakin' in my boots, but they always give me an opportunity to see God do in and through me that which I know would be impossible on my own.

Today, God may be calling you to take another step in the grand adventure of serving Him. Like Joshua (Joshua 3:4), God may want to take you down a path you've never traveled before in order to do that which only He can get the glory for.

Each step of faith is another opportunity to see God move in and through our lives for our good and His glory. Each step of the way He promises His presence ...we just have to trust him every step of the way we hear His voice say, "Fear not...this is the way, walk ye in it."

Isaiah 41:10 says,

"Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

He may call us into the storm, He may call us to step out of the boat, but His call always comes with the promise of His presence and His gentle voice speaking peace to our hearts.

He is greater than our greatest fear and more powerful than our biggest storm. So, step out of your comfort zone, sweet friend - answer His call to the next step and trust Him.

Sweet friends, what is God calling you to do that causes you to fear? What is He calling you to do that is beyond you? Do you trust Him?

It was finished. The One they had followed for 3 1/2 years had been crucified and placed in a tomb.

All they had hoped for had died on that cross along with the long awaited Messiah. It was the day after His death. It was the day before His resurrection.

Would they remember what He said?

"And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again." Mark 8:31

Would they believe Him?

Recently, our pastor, Bryan Lamoureux, preached a message entitled "From the Promise to the Payoff". It's that place in between what God has promised He will do and the fulfillment of that promise.

It's the place where we must choose to believe God, even when we don't see anything happening.

Some of you are there today. Between the promise and the payoff. It's the day after...or the week after...or the year after the promise and you're still waiting to see that thing fulfilled.

But, as Pastor Bryan so aptly put it, between the promise and the payoff there is always a process. That's where the disciples were as they waited to see if Jesus was who He said He was and if He would do what He said He would do.

That's where they had to grapple with their faith and choose to believe God even when it didn't seem like He was doing anything. Even when it appeared that all hope was gone.

But then came the morning. The rock had been miraculously rolled away; grave clothes placed carefully where His body once lay. The tomb was empty.

Frantically, the two Mary's began searching for the body of the One who told them He would rise, when an angel appeared and told them, "He is not here; for He is risen, as He said."

Today is the day after - but it's also the day before. But Jesus is who He says He is and He does what He says He will do and Sunday is coming, sweet friend!

Tomorrow we celebrate His resurrection. Through it, Jesus secured the eternal justification for all who would believe in Him - for all who would trust Him as Lord and Savior.

If you're somewhere in the process between the promise and the payoff, I want to encourage you to trust Him. He is who He said He is and He will do what He says He will do.

Some two thousand years ago, Sunday morning came and it changed everything.

In your life - in your circumstances - please know...please trust - Sunday morning is coming and it will change everything! You can trust Him!

I'd love to hear from you! Are you somewhere in the process and holding on by a thread? Do you need someone to pray for you while you wait for your own Sunday morning miracle?

I'd love to share part of my week with you. You can receive semi-daily devos in your inbox by clicking this link. Or you can click on the Google or Networkedblog link to receive it in your feeder.

"He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him." Matthew 27:42

They didn't understand that the One they were mocking was the only One who could change their eternal destiny. He was the only One who could give their hopeless souls hope, but they just didn't understand the significance of the cross.

And so they mocked Him.

The Creator of the wood and nails that held Him suspended in the air could have chosen to forgo the whole event and you and I would be just as bad off as those who mocked Him - without hope.

But God loves us with a perfect love. One that loves us beyond our unworthiness and because of who He is, He chose to come to this planet as a man so that we could we could go to heaven as redeemed children of the Living God.

So, today, let's contemplate the cross.

The place where He demonstrated an incomprehensibly, sacrificial love; the place where He bore our sin and our shame; the place where His stripes brought our healing; the place where a crown of thorns was embedded upon His head; the place where He became sin so that we might become His righteousness.

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) He made Himself of no reputation and took on the form of a man, humbling Himself and becoming obedient unto the painful and tragic death of the cross (Phil 2:5-8).

Today, as you think about what Christ did for us...as you contemplate the cross...take a few minutes and read through Isaiah 53 and bask in so great a salvation that came at such great cost! And rather than mock Him, won't you take some time to thank Him as you remember that three days later, He was risen from the grave!

Isaiah 53:

1 "Who has believed our report?
And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant,
And as a root out of dry ground.
He has no form or comeliness;
And when we see Him,
There is no beauty that we should desire Him.
3 He is despised and rejected by men,
A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
4 Surely He has borne our griefs
And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted.
5 But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray;
We have turned, every one, to his own way;
And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted,
Yet He opened not His mouth;
He was led as a lamb to the slaughter,
And as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
So He opened not His mouth.
8 He was taken from prison and from judgment,
And who will declare His generation?
For He was cut off from the land of the living;
For the transgressions of My people He was stricken.
9 And they made His grave with the wicked—
But with the rich at His death,
Because He had done no violence,
Nor was any deceit in His mouth.
10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him;
He has put Him to grief.
When You make His soul an offering for sin,
He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days,
And the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand.
11 He shall see the labor of His soul,and be satisfied.
By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many,
For He shall bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great,
And He shall divide the spoil with the strong,
Because He poured out His soul unto death,
And He was numbered with the transgressors,
And He bore the sin of many,
And made intercession for the transgressors."

Hi girls! Yesterday we were talking peace, today we're talking unity. I'm over at Scripture Dig, so I'll get you started here and then just click the link and join the conversation at Scripture Dig. I really would love your input on this one!



So here we go with The Oneness of Us...


It’s hard to examine the biblical call to oneness without first considering the Lord’s prayer for His followers found in John 17…

“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” John 17:20-21 (ESV)

It was the cry of Christ’s heart that we would be one with Him and one with one another just as He and the Father are one. It’s an unmistakeable, unshakeable, unchangeable oneness that exists to resonate the reality of Christ to the world.

Click here to continue at Scripture Dig.

Good Monday morning, sweet friends! I hope your weekend was absolutely wonder-full! Mine certainly was!

I'm still seeing crosses in the trees as we approach the celebration of the most victorious day in human history - the day Jesus came forth from the grave!

On our journey to Easter, I'd like to reflect on why Jesus came to this planet in the first place. He had a choice, ya know. So why did He come?

Because we needed PEACE.

Peace with God and the peace of God.

Isaish 9:6 tells us Jesus' very name is Prince of Peace.

Because of Adam's sin, we have inherited his sin nature and become sinners by nature and by choice. Our sin has separated us from God. All of us were born into this world as sinners - enemies of God. That means that mankind was without hope unless the relationship that was lost in the Garden of Eden could be restored.

We needed someone who could bring peace to that shattered relationship.

Look at what Ephesians 2:1-3 says about us:

"And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience — among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind."

Now check out what Colossians 1:19-22 says about what the Lord did for us:

"For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight"

Jesus made peace through the cross. "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" Romans 5:1

Ephesians 2:14 say Christ is our Peace.

Sweet friends, Jesus came to give us peace with God and to be our Peace.

As we approach Easter, please take some time to praise Him for restoring sinful man to a right relationship with a Holy God.

He came to give us peace - peace with God and the peace of God

Look at what Philippians 4:6-7 says... "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."

And Colossians 3:15 tells us to let the peace of God rule in our hearts.

God calls His children to walk in peace - to let His peace rule (or govern) our hearts. As Christians, we don't have to walk through this life with restless and anxious heart.s He has called us to peace. He speaks peace to our storms. He speaks peace to our hearts in the midst of our storms.

Perhaps the cross is beckoning you today! If you've never given your heart to Jesus, today is the day to enter into the peace He came to give you. The cross of Christ accomplished peace with God for all who will surrender to Him as Lord. Won't you trust Him today!

If you have any questions, I'd love to talk to you. Leave a comment or email me at stephanieshott@me.com.

I'd love to walk through the Word with you. You can receive a daily devo in your inbox by clicking this link. Or you can click on the Google or Networkedblog link to receive it in your feeder.

P.S. - Tomorrow, I'll be over at Scripture Dig! Come visit me there. We're walking through Ephesians! :-)

© Stephanie Shott, 2011

"To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit." Philippians 4:22-23

Can you believe it? We're at the end of our study of Philippians. But before we dive into today's final lesson, my prayer is that, although we've finished our study, I hope we will never stop living out the lessons we've learned.

I'm so honored that you've taken this journey with me through the Word! It not only beckons us to believe what it says, but it also calls us to carry out its precepts and principles - to live what we believe.

Paul forms his salutations on the heels of a great statement of praise and worship... "To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen." And He finishes his letter commending the ongoing presence of God's grace through Jesus Christ in the lives of the believers there in Philippi.

Today, let's take some time to praise the Glorious One.

The One who will complete the work He began in us (Phil 1:6)

The One who made Himself of no reputation and took upon Himself the form of a servant and became obedient unto the death of the cross (Phil 2:5-8)

The One to whom every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord to the glory of God the Father (Phil 2:9-11)

The One who is worth giving up everything for in order that we might know Him more (Phil 3:8)

The One whose imparted righteousness gives us right standing before the Living God (Phil 3:9)

The One who will transform our bodies to become like His glorious one (Phil 3:21)

The One who gives us power to live beyond ourselves and do all things through Him (Phil 4:13)

The One who will supply all our needs (Phil 4:19)

The One who is forevermore the Glorious One (Phil 4:20)

Jesus is the GLORIOUS ONE, sweet friend! Nothing can be compared to Him - nothing is greater than knowing Him.

As we close the page on our study of Philippians, I just want to encourage you to give yourself fully to the One who gave Himself fully for you! He loves you, sweet sister! He loves you!

I'd love to walk through the Word with you. You can receive a daily devo 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

"As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, my God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?" Psalms 42:1-2

Before I got together with my Scripture Dig sisters in Pigeon Forge this past week, a friend of mine had mentioned that she recently prayed for a group of ladies that they would be "hungry" to hear from God.

I love that!

In fact, I began praying along those same lines for those we were going to minister to. God did a work in that place that only He could do as He sewed the pieces of our individual talks together. Many were hungry. Many were thirsty. We were both.

As we look at our lives and the seasons we are in, we stand in need to hear from the Living God - to see Him do a work in our lives - in our hearts - in our midst. Yet we seldom are really hungry for God. Often times we try to quench our thirst for Him with service and busyness.

But it is God alone who can satisfy the hunger and the thirst of our hearts.

So, today, sweet friend, I want to encourage you to wrap yourself up in the arms of your Heavenly Father! Bask in the greatness of who He is.

After exclaiming that his own heart panted for God like a thirsty dear pants for water, the psalmist asked, "When can I go and meet with God?"

Right now, sweet friend! Right now!

So turn off your computer, your telephone, your ipod and your world and spend some time at the Savior's feet! You won't ever regret one second in His presence!

He is amazing!

I'd love to walk through the Word with you. 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

Can you believe that we'll be rapping up our study of Philippians this Friday? It was only the bones of a in-depth study, but I sure hope it stirred your heart and helped you reflect on where you are in relation to where God calls you to be!

I know it certainly has been quite the ride for me! I've learned a lot. I've had to unlearn a lot, as well. I was surprised the the "Book of Joy" is also filled with practical application and godly expectations. Throughout Paul's letter to the Philippian church, he called them to live a life worthy of their calling and to be who they said they were.

Oh yeah, Philippians has been so much more than the "Book of Joy"!

As we look at our text today, it's important that we keep it in context. Remember - context is key! So, take a few minutes and read through Philippians 4:10-13 in the Amplified. I've provided a link here.

Yesterday's study shed a little light on one of the lessons found in these rich verses, but I wanted to share our text today in context because it's important to today's lesson.

As you read through today's text, you find that Paul wasn't concerned about the financial support he received from the Philippian church - he was concerned about the heart from which it came. They were loving hearts, and as we said Monday, he was feeling the love.

Paul wasn't worried about getting his needs met, he had learned the art of contentment.

Although these verses are chock full of lessons for us to learn, our focus will only be on three.

Contentment is learned. Notice verse 11 is actually and explanation of how Paul "learned" to be content.

1. Read 2 Corinthians 11:23-27 and explain how Paul's experience could have taught him how to be content.

2. Read 1 Corinthians 4:11. Do you think the circumstances he described were part of his school of contentment? If so, how could those circumstances help Paul learn how to be content?

Let's face it, learning to be content is kind of like learning how to be patient. It doesn't happen by osmosis - it happens in the school of hard knocks. Paul didn't learn to be content in a classroom - he learned in a jail cell, shipwrecked on an island, beaten and left for dead, and a host of others ways.

3. What life lessons have taught you how to be content?

Contentment is a state of restful sufficiency. It's a state of knowing all is well even when circumstances say all is not. Contentment that is not dependent upon outward circumstances, but is demonstrated because of an inward trust in God.

4. How do you respond to lack of food, shelter or clothing? Would you be content in jail, being the object of slander and abuse, being ridiculed or being a fugitive?

Contentment comes from trusting in the sufficiency of Christ. It's the Philippians 4:13 factor.

5. Paul was content because he knew that no matter what he went through, Christ was trustworthy. Do you have that same kind of assurance?

6. What are you going through right now that tests your contentment level?

In context, Philippians 4:13 is more about the ability to remain content in the midst of circumstances that would normally make you anxious, uptight or fearful. Circumstances that would typically cause you to demonstrate anything but contentment.

But we generally quote that verse in reference to our desire to accomplish specific actions or goals. And while it obviously can carry over to our ability to do or go through anything - it is primarily the factor found in a content heart - the knowledge that no matter what we face - no matter if we're rich or poor, hungry or full, being persecuted or walking in freedom, warm or cold, homeless or securely tucked in our own bed every night - we can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

7. According to Philippians 4:13, where does Paul say he gets the strength to do all things?

8. Do you walk through life with the same confidence in Christ as Paul?

Today, we've talked about the the Philippians 4:13 factor as it relates to being content. A lack of contentment can cause a lot of problems. Consider these statements:

I don't have a husband like that?

I don't like being single. I need to start looking for a boyfriend.

I wish I had a bigger house.

I think I need a newer car.

I need to update my wardrobe. I'm still wearing clothes I bought two years ago.

While some of those statements may be true, the goal is to be content with what we have and ask God to begin to work in our circumstances and orchestrate the events of our lives and move on our hearts to make certain changes if it is His will. Otherwise - we just need to be content and function fully for His glory in the situations we are in.

If you're always looking at what you don't have, you'll miss seeing what you do have. Be fully present where you are, sweet friend - this is the now you've been given! Bask in it; learn from it; live in it!

Do you struggle with maintaining a content heart? If so, remember that it is only found through Christ who strengthens you. Abide in Him precious one - and He will strengthen you - He will enable you to remain content no matter what your circumstances are!

I'd love to walk through the Word with you. 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

Happy Monday, ladies! You have no idea how often I think of you all! It's crazy! But this weekend while we, (the Scripture Dig team) were ministering together in Pigeon Forge, I couldn't help but think of you all!

You girls prayed me through a difficult time of sharing a piece of my painful past and I want you to know I felt those prayers! They mattered! You matter! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I was definitely feeling the love!

What a beautiful group of women from West Park Baptist Church! And what an awesome job Voice of Mercy did leading us into worship! If you girls need someone to lead the worship at any of your events, you will some very happy campers if you'd call them to be part of your event! Just sayin'!

Ministering along side my fellow diggers on the Scripture Dig team was a HUGE blessing! The love these ladies have for God, His Word and others is absolutely inspiring and I'm honored to be on that wonderful team of women of the Word!

Sometimes, I'm just overwhelmed that the Lord allows me to do this!

Well, we've got some Philippians to study today and I'm thrilled that we landed on this sweet segment of Scripture right on the heels of a weekend in which I felt so much love from you all!

I've posted Philippians 4:10-19 (NASB) below and have also given you a Biblegateway link so that you can look at our text in various versions. It will definitely be worth your time!

As you read through these verses make note of the ways in which the Philippian church demonstrated the care and concern for Paul.Keep in mind that we are going to examine contentment in our study Wednesday, but today, we'll focus on the way the Philippian church demonstrated love to Paul.

"10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. 14 Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction. 15 You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; 16 for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. 17 Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account.18 But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus".

When Paul wrote to the church at Corinth (2 Corinthians 11:8-9), he was sure to mention the generous and sacrificial financial assistance the Philippian church provided for him.

As a missionary, I know ministry takes money. It's just the way it is. The more financial support a missionary, church or ministry receive, the more ministry the can do.

At the risk of getting a bit bold, I'm going to go off on a soapbox here. You see, the Philippian church knew Paul. They knew his heart, they knew his ministry and they knew he was a man of God who had set his face life a flint to impact the world for Christ.

They didn't have a committee meeting and decide to send him $15-$25 a month and expect a bi-monthly newsletter, a monthly email update and a quarterly financial report in order to continue their support. And they certainly didn't expect him to hold to culturally irrelevant traditions of men that would never work in every climate and culture he ministered in. (Did I just write that out loud?)

They just loved God and they loved Paul and they wanted to support him and his ministry.

Their support of Paul was all about the love! Their love for God and their love for him...and Paul was certainly feeling the love.

They loved him through their prayers and they loved him from their depths of their wallet. It was tangible - it was evident - and it made an eternal impact of which you and I are still reaping the benefits each time we read through Scripture.

That being said, the question to each of us is...

Are we following their example?

Do we faithfully pray for missionaries, ministries, pastors and churches?

Do we willingly and sacrificially give to support those in the ministry?

Do we look for ways we can demonstrate love to them like send cards and gifts to their children on their birthdays, make other Christians aware of their ministries, have a weekly or monthly prayer meeting for them, send them care packages or items they need to help fulfill the work of the ministry?

How do we demonstrate love for those who are serving on the front lines of ministry to see a world won to Christ?

Many missionaries on the field end up packing up and going home because of lack of prayer, and lack of emotional and financial support. Maybe we can help change that one missionary - one ministry - and even one pastor at a time.

Okay, so I know this isn't the touchy, feely, Bible study of Philippians 4 you might have expected, but I really do hope it encourages us all to be more aware of our brothers and sisters who are trying to reach the world for Christ at great personal cost.

Are they feeling the love? Are we showing it?

Sometimes I fall so short of doing what I know I should to help those who have forsaken all to reach those who otherwise would not ever hear the Gospel! Today's post has been a great reminder for me to do what I know I should do to help my brothers and sisters in Christ in the battle for souls.

Many of you prayed for me and the Scripture Dig team while we ministered together in Pigeon Forge and I want you all to know that we really did feel the love! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

What do you think? What are some ways we can show those who serve Christ with reckless abandon that we love them - that we are standing with them in the work of the ministry?

I hope you'll finish Philippians with us! 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! Don't you just love how God's timing is always so perfect!

You know we studied Paul's life and character yesterday. And I hope you did a little diving of your own to find out what kind of man could make such a bold statement as, "The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:9

Well, it just so happens that this month, we're studying Ephesians at Scripture Dig and today it's my turn to write...and guess what I get to write about? Paul's prayers for the Ephesian church!

That's right - I get to write about Paul's prayer life!

So, let's take a deeper look at the man who told the Philippian church to imitate his life.

Come on ladies... click here and join me at Scripture Dig and walk with me through Paul's prayers for the Ephesian church! See ya there!

Hi girlfriends! Thank you so much for all of you who popped over to Penny's place and read my interview with her. Many of you left a comment and tomorrow we're doing the drawing to see who will win a copy of Ecclesiastes: Understanding What Matters Most.

I'll announce the winner tomorrow on my site too!

I just want to take a minute and backtrack on a verse that holds great significance and talk more about what it means to you and me. It's the bold statement Paul makes in Philippians 4:9

"The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you."

His statement begs the question - "Can I say that about my life?"

You see, if we're called to be ambassadors for Christ and walk worthy of His calling - and if we're really living out who we are in Christ, then we should be able to say the same thing.

But in order to really understand what Paul said we need to examine how Paul lived. What example did he leave for us to follow?

I'm going to give you a few verses to start you off, but I'd like for you to do a bit of research on your own and list some things Paul did, ways he conducted himself and some character traits that seemed to describe Paul's life - a life worth imitating.

1. Romans 10:1, Philippians 1:3-5

2. Ephesians 4:1-3,

3. Acts 15:12

4. Acts 16:13-15

5. Acts 16:24-26

6. Acts 17:1-3

7. Acts 17:21-23

8. Acts 19:26

Glimpses of Paul's life and character are sprinkled throughout much of the New Testament. So as you do some of your own research, please do two things... 1) ask yourself if you are doing those same things you see Paul doing 2) Please email me or leave a comment and share some of what you learned about how Paul lived that encouraged or challenged you to live more like he did - to do what he said and did.

I'd also like to ask you to pray for me as I prepare to minister along with the Scripture Dig team to some sweet ladies in Pigeon Forge! Speaking and writing may be what God has called me to, but it is certainly beyond me! I was the girl whose knees knocked and lips quivered every time I had to do an oral report.

I failed to make the cheerleading squad in high school because there isn't enough Vaseline on the planet to keep my lips for quivering.

So, although when I speak I feel His pleasure (like Eric Liddel when he ran) - it is also where I'm absolutely dependent upon His Spirit, His power and His anointing!

Thank you in advance for your prayers! :-)

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