Kathy Howard's Blog: Unshakeable Faith for Life, page 67

7 Must-Have Bible Study Resources

Want to go a bit deeper in your Bible study? Or maybe you’ve only done Bible study in a group with published curriculum and you’re ready to try your hand at studying on your own! The list below will help you start your own study library. It includes trusted Bible study resources from 7 different categories. Even one or two from each category will be a great start to your resource library. Some resources, like Bible translations, can be accessed online. In fact, come by next Monday for my list of Online Bible Study Tools!

Several recent translations of the Bible – Since the Bible was originally written in Hebrew and Greek, the vast majority of us must read a translated version. If you’ve ever studied a second language, you know there isn’t always one single way to translate a word from one language to another. That’s one reason so many solid English translations are available today. Another reason for such variety is the translation technique. There are three basic kinds of translations. First, some English versions adhere as close to the grammar and syntax of the original language as possible producing what is known as a “formal equivalent” or “word-for-word” translation. Others, producing a translation more readable for today’s English speakers, are considered a “thought-for-thought” or dynamic equivalent translation. Finally, “paraphrases,” like The Message, depart the furthest from the original language but provide a fresh reading experience. One word of caution: Paraphrases can be good for some devotional reading, but it wouldn’t be wise for a translation to be your primary Bible reading or the version you use for study. Best advice: Read your passage of study in more than one translation and compare them for greater understanding. Some good ones to try:

New International Version (combines word-for-word with thought-for-thought)
New American Standard Bible (word-for-word)
Amplified Bible (combines word-for-word with thought-for-thought)
English Standard Version (word-for-word)
New Living Translation (thought-for-thought)
List of well-known versions with their translation technique


Exhaustive Concordance – If you don’t have any other tool, you need to have this index of every word in the Bible. Get one that corresponds to your primary translation. Recommended:

The Strongest NIV Exhaustive Concordance


Bible Dictionary – Explains many of the words, topics, customs and traditions in the Bible. It also includes historical, geographical, cultural, and archeological information. A few to try:

Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary
Illustrated Bible Dictionary
Tyndale Bible Dictionary
Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary
New International Bible Dictionary


Topical Bible – Similar to a concordance but organizes by topic rather than words. A couple to try:

Nave’s Topical Bible
Zondervan NIV Nave’s Topical Bible


Bible Handbook – Combination of an encyclopedia and commentary in a concise form. It is arranged by Bible book and includes background notes, brief commentary, maps, charts, and more. Look for one of these:

Halley’s Bible Handbook
Holman Bible Handbook
The New Unger’s Bible Handbook


Word Studies – Look up the original words and their meanings without knowing Greek or Hebrew. Here are a few resources to try:

Mounce’s Compete Expository Dictionary of Old & New Testament Words
The Complete Word Study New Testament, by Spiros Zodhiates, AMG Publishers
The Complete Word Study Old Testament, by Spiros Zodhiates, AMG Publishers
Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament
Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words


Commentaries – biblical scholars interpret and explain a particular text of the Bible based on their study of the background, language, etc. Keep in mind these are written by humans and are not infallible. But here are some good ones to try:

Tyndale Concise Bible Commentary, Robert B. Hughes and J. Carl Laney, Tyndale. Provides biblical scholarship and commentary on every passage of the Bible in a user-friendly format (One volume)
The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, Craig S. Keener, Intervarsity Press
The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament, Walton, Matthews & Chavalas, Intervarsity Press
The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Zondervan,Set of 12 volumes covers the whole Bible

Bible study is just one element of Christian discipleship. See my Free Resources page for other discipleship tools. And don’t forget to come back next Monday for my list of online study resources. Click here for a printable PDF version of this Study Resources list.

Let’s share! What’s your favorite Bible study resource?

 

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Holy Focused on God’s Unfailing Love

We humans will do almost anything for the people we love. Nurse them through a long, serious illness. Completely change our lives. Step into danger. Sit in the lunchtime drive-thru line at Chick-Fil-A.

All this and more for the sake of love.

Personally, I’ve followed my husband all over the U.S. and Canada as his job has moved us around for the last thirty years. And I would step in front of a speeding truck or fight a vicious, wild animal to protect one of my kids or my grandson.

We would do all we can to be close to, help, and to protect those we love. But has the sheer knowledge of another person’s love for you ever been a guiding force in your life?

In Psalm 26, David expounded on the effect of God’s unfailing love for Him.

Declare me innocent, O Lord, for I have acted with integrity; I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.

Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart.

For I am always aware of your unfailing love, and I have lived according to your truth.

I do not spend time with liars or go along with hypocrites.

I hate the gatherings of those who do evil, and I refuse to join in with the wicked.

I wash my hands to declare my innocence. I come to your altar, O Lord, singing a song of thanksgiving and telling of all your wonders.

I love your sanctuary, Lord, the place where your glorious presence dwells. Psalm 26:1-8, NLT

God’s love motivated David to live a holy life. His constant awareness of God’s faithful love kept him closely obedient to His truth. Like invisible cords, God’s love guided David’s behavior and even shaped his character. Not only did God’s love motivate David to holiness, His faithful love also enabled David to live a holy life.

God’s unfailing love for David fostered a desire to live a holy that would please the lover of his soul. We can respond to God’s love for us in a variety of ways. With indifference, forgetfulness, rejection. Or we can embrace God’s love with gratitude and show our love for Him in return by offering ourselves as a “living and holy sacrifice” (Romans 12:1).

I don’t know about you, but among the trappings of my daily life, I fail to focus on God’s love for me. I don’t consciously doubt it or reject it. I just simply lose sight of it here and there. Oh, let’s be like David. Let’s cling to the truth of God’s unfailing love and not let go. Let’s allow His love to be the guiding and motivating force of our daily lives. Of our every moment. This one. And this one. And the next one.

Listen to Kari Jobe’s “Only Your Love” and think about how we can stay focused on God’s love for us. I’d Love for you to share you thoughts in the comments!

Click here to view the embedded video.

 

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6 Reasons to Memorize Scripture

I can think of several really logical reasons to NOT memorize Scripture. For instance, I have dozens of full translations at my fingertips all the time with the handy Bible app for my phone. And it never forgets. Plus, life is busy and Scripture memory takes time and effort. I can quickly search for and find any passage or verse I need.

You’ve probably thought along the same lines. But give me a chance to convince you – and remind myself – that memorizing Scripture is more than worth the effort.

There’s a drastic difference between having easy access to Scripture and making it a permanent part of you. Memorizing God’s Word solidly entrenches His truth in your heart and mind in a way that simply reading it or searching for a specific verse cannot. When His truth is firmly planted in you, its roots can stretch out everywhere. Then God can use its presence to minister to you in very powerful and personal ways.

Here are six ways God can work in your life through His implanted Word:

Provide you comfort, encouragement, peace, and strength (Col 3:15-16; Ps 1:1-3; 119:28)
Give you guidance and wisdom (Psalm 37:31; Psalm 119:24, 98, 105)
Transform you spiritually (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Peter 2:2)
Equip you for evangelism (1 Peter 3:15; Acts 18:28)
Fill you with joy (Psalm 119:24, 47, 103; James 1:21-25)
Strengthen you against temptation (Psalm 119:11)

Are you ready to start memorizing? Here are some other resources to help you get started:

Check out this post for 7 general Scripture memorization tips.
Check out this post for 7 fun activities to make the memorization process easier.
Browse the Scripture memory plans on the Free Resources page.

Which of these six ways encourages you most to want to memorize Scripture? Why?

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Totally Dependent on God’s Unfailing Love

Last week I spent two days babysitting my grandson while my daughter and son-in-law worked out of town. We had so much fun! We played cars and trains. We spent lots of time coloring. We walked to the park. We ate ice cream. Twice. Shhh, don’t tell.

At just 2 ½, Micah is still very dependent on adults. He can’t fix his own meals or bathe himself. He can’t put himself to bed or buckle himself safely into his car seat. I had to do all those things – plus many more – for him. He was almost completely dependent on me.

You know what? I love that! I love that Micah needs me. My heart warms when he asks me for water or raises his arms for me to pick him up. His dependence actually fosters our relationship. He looks to me to meet his needs and I respond. As he learns to trust me, the bonds grow even stronger.

Our relationship with God is like that. We are that needy toddler and He is our doting Father. As He supplies our needs we learn to trust Him. The more we trust Him, the more we depend on Him. The more we depend on Him the more we experience His faithful, loving care.

David knew what it was like to be dependent on His heavenly Father. He had experienced God’s unfailing love and tender care, again and again. The 23 Psalm paints a beautiful picture of this dependent love relationship.

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.

2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.

3 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.

4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.

6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life,

and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

Like sheep depend on the shepherd to meet all their needs, so we can depend on God to meet ours. He is our sustainer, guide, comforter, protector, and provider. Even when we don’t know what we need, He knows. And when we think we can do life by ourselves – even when we turn away from Him – He continues to pursue us with His unfailing love.

Our faithful God pursues us with His unfailing love. Ps 23:6
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Oh believer, let’s throw off our independence and embrace our dependence! Let’s allow Him to lead us into rest. To renew our strength. To guide us along His path. Let’s open our hands to receive the feast He has prepared. To hold our cups high. Let’s raise our arms to our loving God and allow Him to pick us up and carry us.

As you listen to “Forever Reign” run to loving arms today!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Praise God that He pursues us with His unfailing love! How does that truth impact you today?

Throw off your independence. Embrace dependence on God! Let Him wrap you in His loving arms.
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5 “Probing” Questions to Meditate on Scripture

(This post includes a free printable to use as a tool to meditate on Scripture.)

If we want God’s Word to do its best and most comprehensive work in us, we must meditate on Scripture. Like tough meat requires low, slow heat to tenderize it, we stubborn humans need to ruminate on the rich truths of God’s Word in order to get the most life-changing benefits.

What is biblical meditation?

True biblical mediation is NOT anything like the meditation of Eastern religions and mysticism. The goal of Eastern meditation is to empty the mind of conscious thought. When a Christian mediates on Scripture, her goal is to fill her mind with spiritual truth in order to better understand it, apply it, and be transformed by it.

“Meditating” on a Bible passage includes the ideas of pondering, contemplating, questioning, reflecting, thinking, speaking, and musing. It’s taking apart a Scripture and deeply and thoroughly inspecting it from every angle to discover everything God has for us within it.

How do we mediate on Scripture?

One of the best ways to meditate on Scripture is to ask questions of a verse or passage that particularly impacted you as you read. Linger over that verse or verses and ask God questions. “Listen” for His answers and record what He says in a journal. Below are five “starter” categories you can ask of the passage. These five categories of questions form the acronym PROBE:

Pray – How can I use this Scripture to pray for myself? Others?
Repent – What sin or area of disobedience does this Scripture call to mind of which I need to repent?
Obey – Does this Scripture point out decisions I need to make? Directions I need to follow? Commandments I need to obey?
Believe – What does this Scripture teach about God’s character, nature, or ways? About the nature of man? The way of salvation?
Express – In what ways does this Scripture prompt praise or thanksgiving?

Feel free to print the PROBE meditation sheet for future use!

This is just the beginning. The Bible tells us we can mediate on God’s Word “day and night.” Those moments we spend with the printed Word in front of us, plants it in our hearts and minds so we can turn our thoughts back to it again and again throughout the day. We can speak it to ourselves and talk about it to others.

What are the results of biblical meditation?

As we consistently and constantly meditate on the truth of God’s Word, we will not remain the same. God will use His truth to transform, use, and bless us!

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. Psalm 1:1-3, NLT

 

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“The Making of a Mom” – Moms Mentoring Moms

Today, my friend Stephanie Shott shares her “clueless” motherhood story and how we can help today’s young moms.

I caught a glimpse of her as she walked across the parking lot. She looked to be about sixteen. Young in years, but great with child.

Reflecting on my own teen pregnancy, I couldn’t help but wonder if she was ready for the journey ahead. Did she grasp the greatness of her newfound role and how everything she had ever known was about to change? Would someone walk with through her motherhood or would she have to go it alone?

I Needed a Mentor!

I was eighteen when my son was born and had no idea what it meant to be a mom. Oh, I thought the whole mom thing was going to be a breeze, but it didn’t take long to learn that my dream of motherhood was very different from my reality.

I wanted to be the mom who did all the right things, never had to count to three, and baked her own bread.

But instead, I was a single mom, without Christ, without a mentor, and without a clue.

As the years passed, I married, and not long after that I became a Christian. Everything changed except that I still didn’t have a mentor and I barely had a clue.

For me, motherhood was like a messy experiment and my kids were the guinea pigs.
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That was twenty-seven years ago, and as I reflect on the way I muddled through motherhood, I can’t help but wonder where all the mentors were. I remember looking up to several women in the church, yet for some reason I was never able to wiggle my way under their wing.

But it shouldn’t have been that hard, and no mom should have to go it alone. After all, mentoring should be woven into the fabric of the church. Right?

The Power of Mentoring

Mentoring moms has the power to change the world.
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Mentoring moms has the power to change the world. It’s not only a God-given way in which we can leave a legacy of faith, but it’s also an amazing tool to help us reach our communities and this culture for Jesus.

Two years ago I started The M.O.M. Initiative—a ministry devoted to helping the church make mentoring missional. Evangelistic in nature, the mission is to begin M.O.M. Groups that not only minister to moms who know Christ but also reach those who don’t.

Ultimately, our goal is to reach a MILLION MOMS for Christ. And if only 3 women in 1/2 of the churches in the United States would mentor just 3 other moms, that would translate into reaching a MILLION MOMS for Christ and impacting over 2.5 MILLION CHILDREN as a result.

A Mentoring Resource was “Birthed”

Sitting in the parking lot, a ministry was born and a book was conceived. I wrote The Making of a Mom to be a unique dual-purpose resource. A book to help lay a solid biblical foundations for real moms who are in the trenches of motherhood…to help answer the deep questions of a mom’s heart and to help each mom embrace the significance of her role as a mother. I want moms to know they are deeply loved and profoundly influential.

I also wrote The Making of a Mom to provide a discipleship and outreach resource for the church. As a discipleship resource, this book will help the body of Christ weave mentoring into the fabric of the local church. As an outreach tool, The Making of a Mom equips local churches reach their communities by mentoring moms in urban areas, in low-income apartment complexes, neighborhoods, prisons, homeless shelters, crisis pregnancy centers, the mission field and wherever young moms can be found.

You see, if we reach the moms of this generation, we’ll reach the heart of the next generation. Today, you and I have an opportunity to change the world one mom at a time through the power and beauty of mentoring.

If you’re a young mom, you don’t have to go it alone. If you’re an “experienced” mom, you can impact the young moms of your church and community.

If you’re a young mom do you have a mentor? If you’re a more “experienced” mom, do you mentor any younger moms?

Stephanie Shott is the founder of The M.O.M. Initiative, a ministry devoted to making mentoring intentionally missional. She is an author and a popular speaker who helps women live full, fearless and faithful lives. To invite Stephanie to speak at your next event, visit her website at www.stephanieshott.com. To find out more about The M.O.M. Initiative or to begin a M.O.M. Mentor Group, visit www.themominitiative.com.

 

 

 

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Summer of Unfailing Love – Trusting God’s Love When Times are Hard

Have you ever wondered if God had forgotten you? If God’s unfailing love had failed? Perhaps you’ve thought your sorrow, grief, fear, loneliness, (you fill in the blank), would never end.

Like a violent storm at sea, life is filled with circumstances that toss us around and threaten to pull us under. The psalmist David intimately knew about these storms of life. The 13th psalm expresses his feelings during one such time:

1 How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?

How long will you hide your face from me?

2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts

and day after day have sorrow in my heart?

How long will my enemy triumph over me?

3 Look on me and answer, Lord my God.

Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death,

4 and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,”

and my foes will rejoice when I fall.

5 But I trust in your unfailing love;

my heart rejoices in your salvation.

6 I will sing the Lord’s praise,

for he has been good to me.

Four times David asks “how long?” How long must I struggle? How long, oh God, must I wait for your answer?

He calls out to God for help. “Look, answer, give.” Then David makes a choice.

In the midst of his despair, David purposefully chose to trust God and lean on His unfailing love. David chose to anticipate God’s coming deliverance.

There will be days. Days when evil appears to win… when God seems absent… when the circumstances of life feel unbearable… Days that make us question God’s love for us. “If God loved me then…”

But our circumstances do not define the depth or quality of God’s love for us. God loves us in and through every circumstance.

Our circumstances do not define the dept of God’s love for us. He loves us in every circumstance.
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Even when our circumstances have left us hopeless, our hope can begin anew in the God of unfailing love. Trust in His faithful love is not misplaced. This firmly placed trust will birth confidence that God will act on our behalf. And as this confidence grows, joy in our good and gracious God will take root and bloom.

Choose to trust in God’s unfailing love

Sweet believer, when we don’t hear God or we don’t see His activity, we can still choose to trust in His love for us because He is faithful and His love is unfailing. We can choose to cling to the truths about Him we see in Scripture even though our circumstances might seem to indicate something different.

God is always there. Even when we don’t sense His presence. God is always working. Even when we don’t see His activity. God always loves us. Even when we don’t hear Him say it.

Will you choose to trust in Him and cling to His unfailing love today? If so, listen to this song and let it be a prayer of your heart. “Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders… I will call upon your name… My soul will rest in your embrace, for I am Yours and You are mine.”

Click here to view the embedded video.

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Scripture Memory Tips

Do you jump for joy when you hear the words “Scripture Memory” or do you break out in a cold sweat? Memorizing God’s Word successfully takes commitment, persistence, and work. However, it is a discipline that will reap many rewards. When you hide the truth of God’s Word in your heart it is then available for His use. God will use it to guide you, comfort you, and transform you to be more like Jesus. Additionally, you will always be ready to give an answer to everyone for the hope you have in Christ. (See 1 Peter 3:15.)

1. Have a plan

Decide on a time table for memorization. Will you memorize one verse a week   or one a month. Don’t overwhelm yourself. Start simple and plan for success. If you are fairly new to Scripture memory, start with shorter, uncomplicated verses.
Use a list of Scriptures someone else has compiled.
Make your own list based on what God is doing in your life. For example: Is God calling you to witness? To live a holy life? Make a list of applicable verses.
Memorize sections of Scripture one verse at a time.

2. Write out the verses – the act of writing helps plant the words in our minds.

Use sheets of paper or index cards to write out each verse to memorize.
Make more than one copy to leave in the areas of the house you spend the most time in.

3. Have a storage system – here are a few ideas:

Index card box to file and store your verses for review.
Blank cards the size of business cards and a business card file. (These files look a bit like small photo albums and come in various sizes.
Card stock cut to fit a photo album with plastic sleeves.

4. Know the context

Before you start to memorize read the entire section of Scripture surrounding the verse. Know the setting and occasion. Commit to using God’s Word properly.

5. Use various methods to memorize

Write the verse. Write the verse and reference daily during the first week.
Verbalize it. Say the verse silently to yourself and out loud. Start phrase by phrase, working up to the entire verse with the reference.
Hear the verse. Record the verse in some way and play it back.
See the verse. Use additional index cards or Post-it-notes to put it in prominent places. For example: bathroom mirror, refrigerator door, the laundry room wall.
Create visual reminders. Draw symbolic pictures. For instance, for Ps 119:11 draw a Bible inside a heart to depict hiding God’s Word in your heart.

6. Word perfect

Memorize the verse and reference word perfect. Don’t settle for low standards.

7. Review, review, review

You must have a review system for long-term retention. Determine to review so many verses each week. Review new verses every week for a time, then less and less frequently. Use dead time, like holding on the phone, for review.

Downloadable PDF

What has been your own experience with Scripture memory? Success or failure? Joy or discouragement?

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Summer of Unfailing Love – A Series on God’s Love

Wait! Before you start thinking the 60’s, hippies, and peace signs, let me clarify. I am declaring now – the summer of 2014 – to be the summer of love. The summer of God’s love to be exact.

You are invited to join me for the next 8 Thursdays as we dig deep into the unfathomable depths of the love of God. Each week we will consider a facet of God’s love through the lens of one of David’s psalms. We will see how we can apply His loving truth to our own lives. And I will share a worship or praise song to help us take a few moments to simply bask in God’s love for us.

We can know God is loving because He says so. In Exodus, He proclaimed His character and boundless love to Moses:

And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” Exodus 34:6, NIV

Four centuries later, David experienced God’s love again and again and testified to its unfailing nature in numerous hymns of faith. For instance:

For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.

The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.  Psalm 33:4-6

In both Exodus 34 and Psalm 33, the Hebrew word translated as “love” is hesed. Hesed is a divine characteristic that combines elements of mercy, grace, kindness, faithfulness, goodness, and forgiveness. Throughout the Old Testament, hesed is variously translated as mercy, kindness, loving-kindness, goodness, love, and my favorite – unfailing love. The NIV often translates hesed as “love” or “unfailing love.”

Hesed is based on God’s character and not our worthiness. His love is freely given. It is not conditional on our behavior (Romans 5:8), but we experience it most fully through right relationship with Him. Although we will never completely grasp it, it will be glorious to try!

Will you join me as we explore the depths of God’s love for the next 8 weeks? When was the last time you tangibly felt His love?

Take a few moments to do so now! Listen and worship Him!

Click here to view the embedded video.

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4 Things Your Pastor’s Wife Wish You Knew About Her

How do you feel about your pastor’s wife? Perhaps you think she’s the greatest example ever of a godly wife and leader and you hope some day to be just like her. Or maybe you think she needs to step up her game a notch or two, and be more involved or act friendlier or change the way she dresses or …

Okay, I am exaggerating just a bit. But the wives of our church pastors and ministers hold a very visible and precarious position. The church usually has certain expectations. Everyone knows who she is and all eyes are often on her. Unfortunately, we often misjudge – and mistreat – our pastor’s other half.

Last week, I had the chance to sit down with author, TV show host, and pastor’s wife, Rhonda Rhea. Rhonda’s new book, Join the Insanity, written specifically for women in the “P-Dub” club (short for “pastors’ wives), encourages pastors’ wives in their unique role and encourages them to love their church and make Jesus look good.

Rhonda and I talked a lot about pastors’ wives stereotypes and how the church can best support and encourage P-Dubs. One question really sparked some great conversation:

What do P-Dubs wish the women in their church knew/understood about them?

“I’m just an average chick” – Pastors’ wives don’t have a super power. They don’t have some super spiritual characteristic unavailable to the rest of us. They’re just another Christian woman doing the best they can to follow Jesus. They just happen to be married to your pastor. Women of the church can encourage P-dubs to thrive by letting go of preconceptions and allowing her to be who God created her to be.
Being on a pedestal is a scary place – This position of high-visibility is a place of extremes. P-dubs often either receive harsh criticism or glowing accolades. According to Rhonda, “usually we haven’t earned either.” Let’s release our P-dubs from unrealistic expectations and see her for the wife and woman God created her to be.
Many P-dubs are hurting – Ministry is difficult and it often comes with hardship and pain. P-dubs can carry many wounds. They share their husbands with the entire church. They often live life in a fish bowl. And – believe it or not – sometimes churches are extremely rough on their pastors and their families. Let’s reach out to our P-dubs. One of the best things we can do is ask our P-dubs how we can pray for them and then do it!
P-dubs have to do friendship differently – Their husband’s position puts them in a precarious position. They can’t share everything they know with their girlfriends and we wouldn’t want them to. They can’t “play favorites.” They must be cautious about friendship. However, they also desperately need and want girlfriends in their church. Offer your P-dub your friendship. She’s more approachable than you might think. Ask her to lunch. Be interested in her. In other words, treat her like you’d like to be treated.

Let’s share some wisdom! What do you think is a way we can encourage our P-dubs?

Find out more about my sweet, funny friend Rhonda Rhea, her ministry, and her books.

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