Jesus Calling Book Club Discussion Guide for Women Quotes

“1. Today’s reading gives us surprising news: our longing for perfection is not a fault but something that God has planted in every one of us. Since this desire for perfection is strong, we may end up seeking to fill it through trying to improve ourselves in some way, either physically, intellectually, or through doing for others. When this happens, we unintentionally create idols in pursuit of these goals. What are some areas where we try to attain perfection in our lives? Could some of these areas become idols to us? 2. Psalm 37:4 tells us, “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” What desires does your heart want that might bring you true perfection in Christ, rather than the false perfection you often seek in your life? 3. Looking back on your life, what events or occurrences do you see as evidence of God bringing you closer to Him, or perfecting you in your walk with Him?”
― Sarah Young, Jesus Calling Book Club Discussion Guide for Women

“1. Think about the areas where you feel you are lacking in life. What are the actions you take to try to get more of what you are missing? 2. When you wake up in the morning, instead of thinking about what you are lacking, concentrate on what you have now and the blessings of each day. What are some of the blessings, right now in the present, that you can be grateful for today? 3. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Jesus says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness” (NASB). Can you think of a time when you felt empowered when you lost something or let something go or when you felt weak in resources or circumstances but recognized that strength resulted from that time of loss?”
― Sarah Young, Jesus Calling Book Club Discussion Guide for Women

“During a regular day, we can feel a vast range of emotions, including sadness, happiness, anger, worry, and more. Do you act out of your emotions as they come? Or do you, as this reading advises, “look beyond the flux of circumstances”? 2. Because we do have such a range of emotions, it is difficult for us to comprehend the constancy of God. What are some characteristics of His attitude toward us that remind us of His steadfast presence in our lives? 3. God can provide us stability when our emotions are all over the map. Moses spoke these words in Exodus 15:13: “In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.” When you feel overcome by a myriad of feelings, focus on God’s unfailing love as the one emotion to embrace, and let Him steady your mind.”
― Sarah Young, Jesus Calling Book Club Discussion Guide for Women

“1. You might be the type of person who is always on the go, running from one thing to the next— maybe even pushing things off that bring rest and healing in order to keep up. What are the things in your life right now that consume so much of your time? Do you feel guilty when you take time for yourself? 2. Today’s reading says that you can “accomplish more in less time, after you have given yourself to [God] in rich communion.” How do you think that taking time to “align yourself with [His] perspective” in time spent with God might make you more productive? Is there ever a time when you are so busy doing God’s work that you miss the opportunity to spend time working with God in quiet prayer and reflection? 3. God promises in Psalm 32:8 that He “will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you” (NASB). Take a moment today to slow down and spend a few minutes in prayer. See if this makes your day more productive or possibly even changes the priorities filling your life up with busyness.”
― Sarah Young, Jesus Calling Book Club Discussion Guide for Women

“1. Ever have one of those days when everything seems to be off kilter? How do you let those days affect you? 2. Today’s reading gives us insight into how a difficult day might shape our outlook: “your tendency upon awakening is to assess the difficulties ahead of you, measuring them against your average strength. This is an exercise in unreality.” Why do you think it does no good to imagine how we might overcome the difficulties of the day before we even know what they are?”
― Sarah Young, Jesus Calling Book Club Discussion Guide for Women