“In their hearts human beings plan their lives.
But the Lord decides where their steps will take them.”Proverbs 16:9 (NIRV)
It was only a few weeks ago I was talking with my friend Lexi about her plans for the future. At eight years old, she has her life planned out. Her mom said they were working on learning that our plans are not always God’s plans and His are always better. Boy, I can agree with that. My life has not turned out anything like I was sure it would, but I can honestly say God’s way is always worth it.
Most recently, I’ve been writing the next Bible study. I was sure it would be a twenty-five day study for Christmas. I even had it all planned out, looking at shepherds, David, Bethlehem, prophecies of Jesus, His life, death, resurrection, and return. I thought I had it all figured out.
Then it came time to write it. I wrote a little bit of it, but something wasn’t right. So, I stopped to pray and think it through some more.
“If any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it. He will give it to you. God gives freely to everyone and doesn’t find fault.” James 1:5 (NIRV)
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Today I met with my ministry team and we decided to change the whole thing. The next study is now going to be a six-week Bible study which asks the question, “What does ‘Lamb of God’ mean?” We’ll explore the Old Testament sacrificial system as Jesus fulfilled it. We’ll see how the Passover pointed to the Lord’s Supper and Jesus’ work on the cross. We’ll take a peek at the worship of the Lamb in Revelation. Finally, we’ll see how followers of Christ are like sheep themselves.
This study will be useful anytime, but especially during Lent and Advent. Because of it’s focus on how Jesus’ death and resurrection fulfills the Old Testament sacrificial system, we’ve decided to wait and offer this study to Focus Groups the spring of 2016. Look for the final published version in 2017.
Don’t worry. This won’t really slow down the writing process. Nancy Ruth still plans to have this study completely written well before Christmas. She’ll then start on the next study. Nevertheless, we feel it will be more applicable for Focus Groups to try it as they prepare for Easter the six weeks of Lent, 2016. Click here for more information on how you can receive this material for FREE as part of our Focus Group program.
Look for FREE copies of The Answer Book at the Women of Faith BookStub Gallery in Orlando, Louisville, and Ponca City, OK. The Answer Book was featured at the 2015 International Christian Retail Show.
