Bøger af Melissa Spoelstra

Life. It seems to move at a break-neck pace. Days are filled with noise, screens, and appointments. Sometimes worry and fear are constant companions. The chaos can leave you looking for a place to be still, but that resting spot always seems to be an elusive destination. Jesus offers a different kind of life. He offers peace. He is peace. In this 7-session study on the Gospel of John, Melissa Spoelstra will encourage you to slow down and linger with the living Word. You'll appreciate the pace of the Savior who never hurried but completed all that the Father called Him to accomplish. As you turn the pages of John's Gospel, you'll be challenged to take on the posture of a learner--understanding that the peace Jesus offers is not an ease of circumstances, but a stillness of the soul. As a result, you'll grow in intimacy with Him and learn to live, serve, and rest in His peace. Features: 7 video introductions (1-3 minutes) that illustrate and unpack truths found throughout the study, available via redemption code printed in the Bible study book 6 weeks of personal study to be completed between the 7 group sessions  Extras such as a timeline, maps, and background information to help set the context and provide better understanding of the Gospel of John  Benefits:   Understand that peace is not a program or perspective; peace is a person Embrace the gift of peace Jesus promises Slow down and learn to walk in the pace of Jesus Discover the distinctives of John's Gospel through context and historical insights

Life. It seems to move at a break-neck pace. Days are filled with noise, screens, and appointments. Sometimes worry and fear are constant companions. The chaos can leave you looking for a place to be still, but that resting spot always seems to be an elusive destination. Jesus offers a different kind of life. He offers peace. He is peace. In this 7-session study on the Gospel of John, Melissa Spoelstra will encourage you to slow down and linger with the living Word. You'll appreciate the pace of the Savior who never hurried but completed all that the Father called Him to accomplish. As you turn the pages of John's Gospel, you'll be challenged to take on the posture of a learner--understanding that the peace Jesus offers is not an ease of circumstances, but a stillness of the soul. As a result, you'll grow in intimacy with Him and learn to live, serve, and rest in His peace. Features: 7 video sessions, 25-30 minutes each, that illustrate and unpack truths found throughout the study, available via redemption code printed in the Bible study book 6 weeks of personal study to be completed between the 7 group sessions  Extras such as a timeline, maps, and background information to help set the context and provide better understanding of the Gospel of John  Benefits:   Understand that peace is not a program or perspective; peace is a person Embrace the gift of peace Jesus promises Slow down your busy life and learn to walk in the pace of Jesus Discover the distinctives of John's Gospel through context and historical insights

In this 7-session Bible study, girls will learn that we can trust God more than our own human effort or the counterfeits the world suggests. We don't have to strive harder to find comfort and peace, but instead trust more deeply the Faithful One who is so worthy of our dependence.

Isaiah served as God's mouthpiece to the nation of Judah but also to the surrounding nations. His message echoes into our lives today as we read his call to rely on the Lord. Using the genres of poetry, narrative, and prophecy, Isaiah communicated clearly that followers of God could trust in Him. As you study the chapters Isaiah wrote--from his challenging words to the nation of Israel to his prophecies of the Messiah to come--learn to rest in God's promises and grow in trust. Unpacking Isaiah's words will reveal that you can trust God more than your own human effort or the counterfeits the world suggests. You won't be striving harder, but instead trusting more deeply the Faithful One who is so worthy of our utter dependence. In Him you'll find the comfort and peace you need to sustain you.Features: Leader helps to guide questions and discussions within small groups6 weeks of personal study to be completed between the 7 group sessionsAccess to 7 teaching videos, approximately 25-30 minutes per session, available by redeeming a code printed in the back of the study book Benefits: Learn to trust God for who He is and how He reveals Himself in Scripture.Grow in understanding of the Book of Isaiah and its prophecies.Grasp how Jesus fulfills the promises in the Book of Isaiah.Discover peace in God's commands, character, and comfort.

Learn to awaken to God's Spirit today and every day by studying the Book of Acts with Melissa Spoelstra.Whether it's because of distractions, busyness, or a case of the blahs, we can experience a drift toward indifference in our spiritual lives. We have a need for an ongoing spiritual awakening if we want to become more aware of God's presence and activity in our everyday lives. In Acts: Awakening to God in Our Everyday Lives, a six-week study of the Book of Acts by Melissa Spoelstra, you will journey with the first followers of Jesus and witness the birth and growth of the early church through spiritual awakening to the power of God's Spirit, message, freedom, grace, mission, and direction. From their experiences you will learn postures that will help you attune your own spiritual heart to experience God's presence, hear God's voice, and see God at work all around. This study offers a fresh encounter with God to prepare you to:- Face daily battles- Be able to discern the messages of our culture- Be ready to share God's love with others alwaysComponents for this six-week Bible study, each available separately, include a Participant Workbook, a Leader Guide, and video sessions with six 20 to 25-minute segments featuring Melissa Spoelstra (with closed captioning).

Learn to awaken to God's Spirit today and every day by studying the Book of Acts with Melissa Spoelstra. Whether it's because of distractions, busyness, or a case of the blahs, we can experience a drift toward indifference in our spiritual lives. We have a need for an ongoing spiritual awakening if we want to become more aware of God's presence and activity in our everyday lives. In Acts: Awakening to God in Our Everyday Lives, a six-week study of the Book of Acts by Melissa Spoelstra, you will journey with the first followers of Jesus and witness the birth and growth of the early church through spiritual awakening to the power of God's Spirit, message, freedom, grace, mission, and direction. From their experiences you will learn postures that will help you attune your own spiritual heart to experience God's presence, hear God's voice, and see God at work all around. This study offers a fresh encounter with God to prepare you to:- Face daily battles- Be able to discern the messages of our culture- Be ready to share God's love with others alwaysComponents for this six-week Bible study, each available separately, include a Participant Workbook, a Leader Guide, and video sessions with six 20 to 25-minute segments featuring Melissa Spoelstra (with closed captioning).

Find the good news that brings hope and spiritual renewal.We live in a world full of bad news. The media recounts stories of natural disasters, violence, and conflict. In the midst of all this heartbreak, we can't lose sight of the fact that God has given us good news. We call it the gospel. It reminds us that God loves us and longs to redeem our suffering. He stepped out of eternity and into time to send us His one and only Son. The gospel truths shared with the early church at Rome echo into our day, reminding us that we still have good news to embrace personally and to share with others. In this six-week study of the Book of Romans, we will be highlighting significant concepts regarding the good news about faith, grace, daily life, God's plan, relationships, and eternity. Whatever bad news we may receive, in Romans we will find good news to encourage and transform us. Join Melissa in taking a posture of listening and learning as we approach this powerful book packed with good news. Let's ask God to do a mighty work in and through us as we study so that we might be inspired with a spiritual renewal that spreads to those around us! Bible Study Features: A six-week study of the Book of Romans. Encourages women with the good news of the gospel, regardless of what bad news they are facing. Women will be inspired with a spiritual renewal that spreads to those around them. Study offers different levels of commitment for women in every season of life. Strong, solid Scripture study from popular Bible teacher Melissa Spoelstra."e;All too often, God's Word can seem intimidating and hard to understand even, especially with books like Romans. In this study Melissa helps us take in the truths of Romans in a way that makes a difference in our lives today. Getting beyond the surface of reading God's Word for feel-good feelings, Melissa helps us read to know God better and, as a result, build godly confidence that will stand no matter what may come in our lives."e; Lynn Cowell, Author of Make Your Move and Brave Beauty, and Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker and writerIn a bad-news world, how deeply we need to bathe our hearts afresh in the good news of the Gospel! Melissa's beautiful study on Romans makes room for an invigorating encounter. Her teaching and insight caused the words to leap off the page, leaving me more deeply enthralled with this important book of God's great narrative.Allison Allen, Speaker and Author of Shine and Thirsty for More: Discovering God's Unexpected Blessings in a Desert SeasonOther components for the Bible study, available separately, include a Leader Guide, DVD, and boxed Leader Kit (an all-inclusive box containing one copy of each of the Bible study's components).

Go the distance in the life of faith. Life is like a rollercoaster. One day it seems that everything in life is good, and the next day it can feel like everything is falling apart. Then there are those in between days when we're coasting along without much thought to the highs or lows. The prophet Elijah experienced this rollercoaster ride as well. One moment he was hiding out in the wilderness during a famine, being fed by the ravens, and the next he was on the mountaintop where God showed up in a powerful way with fire and then rain. Even Elijah grew weary of all the ups and downs, telling God, ';I have had enough' (1 Kings 19:4). He needed spiritual stamina in order to keep on going and fulfill all the plans God had for his life. We do too! In this six-week study grounded in 1 and 2 Kings, we will examine the life of the prophet Elijah, an ordinary man who did extraordinary things for God in the midst of the highs and lows of life. We'll learn some of the spiritual stamina secrets that helped him to hold on and persevere in faith, including practical habits related to making decisions, caring for the soul, accepting his circumstances, mentoring, and finishing wellwhich was his ultimate legacy. Whether we're currently in a mountaintop season where we're experiencing God's power and blessing, a valley season where we feel like running away, or somewhere in between, Elijah's life will inspire us to go the distance in the life of faith. Best of all, his story will challenge us but not shame us, because we'll discover that Elijah was just as human as we are. He doubted and struggled just as we do, but ultimately, he chose to believe God. As we study his life, we will grow in faith and develop spiritual stamina that will help us not only to survive but actually thrive in every season.Bible Study Features: Examine the life of the prophet Elijah. Learn practical disciplines that give us spiritual stamina for every season in life. Grow in faith and be inspired by an ordinary man who did extraordinary things for God. Be enabled to not just survive but thrive in the midst of the ups and downs of life.The participant workbook, to be used along with the study's DVD, includes five days of lessons for each week, combining study of Scripture with personal reflection, application, and prayer.Other components for the Bible study, available separately, include a Leader Guide, DVD with six sessions of about 25 minutes each, and boxed Leader Kit (an all-inclusive box containing one copy of each of the Bible study's components). A companion Prayer Devotional is also available.

Know God better through a study of His names.

We live in a world full of bad news. The media recounts stories of natural disasters, violence, and conflict. In the midst of all this heartbreak, we can't lose sight of the fact that God has given us good news. We call it the gospel. It reminds us that God loves us and longs to redeem our suffering. He stepped out of eternity and into time to send us His one and only Son. The gospel truths shared with the early church at Rome echo into our day, reminding us that we still have good news to embrace personally and to share with others. In this six-week study of the Book of Romans, we will be highlighting significant concepts regarding the good news about faith, grace, daily life, God's plan, relationships, and eternity. Whatever bad news we may receive, in Romans we will find good news to encourage and transform us. Join Melissa in taking a posture of listening and learning as we approach this powerful book packed with good news. Let's ask God to do a mighty work in and through us as we study so that we might be inspired with a spiritual renewal that spreads to those around us!"e;All too often, God's Word can seem intimidating and hard to understand even, especially with books like Romans. In this study Melissa helps us take in the truths of Romans in a way that makes a difference in our lives today. Getting beyond the surface of reading God's Word for feel-good feelings, Melissa helps us read to know God better and, as a result, build godly confidence that will stand no matter what may come in our lives."e; Lynn Cowell, Author of Make Your Move and Brave Beauty, and Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker and writerIn a bad-news world, how deeply we need to bathe our hearts afresh in the good news of the Gospel! Melissa's beautiful study on Romans makes room for an invigorating encounter. Her teaching and insight caused the words to leap off the page, leaving me more deeply enthralled with this important book of God's great narrative.Allison Allen, Speaker and Author of Shine and Thirsty for More: Discovering God's Unexpected Blessings in a Desert SeasonOther components for the Bible study, available separately, include a Participant Workbook, DVD, and boxed Leader Kit (an all-inclusive box containing one copy of each of the Bible study's components).

Today's culture and others' views, even those of other Christians, can present a distorted view of God. Some suggest God exudes qualities He does not possess such as being unloving or apathetic toward His creation. In a world where we find people creating God in their own image, studying God's names can remind us that we are created in His. In fact, one of the best ways to know God's true character and grow closer to Him is to study His names.In The Names of God, Melissa Spoelstra leads women on an exploration of the many names of our triune God--from El and Elohim to Yahweh and its many combinations to names such as Abba, Jesus, and Holy Spirit...and many others.As women study the names of God, their ideas about God will become more grounded in what His names tell them, and thus more personal, allowing a greater trust in Him to share the details of their lives. Whether having walked with God for many years or just starting out in a relationship with Him, by the end of this study women will not only know more about God but will know Him better--because through the discovery of God's names, they will discover Him!Components for this six-week Bible study, each available separately, include a Participant Workbook, a Leader Guide, DVD with six 25-minute segments (with closed captioning), and a boxed Leader Kit containing one of each component.A six-week study of the names of God.Inspires women to have a more personal and trusting relationship with God.DVD features dynamic, engaging teaching in six 25-minute segments.Strong, solid Bible study from popular Bible teacher and speaker Melissa Spoelstra.

In the bustle of the Christmas season, it can be easy to get swept up in all of the things to do. But it's important to pause and remember that our priority should be to spend time celebrating Christ's birth and not forget to invite Jesus to his own party.Christmas is far more than a celebration of an event from long ago or a modern holiday centered around shopping. Mindfully take time to listen to how God continues to speak through the Christmas story as the Gospel narratives centered around the birth of Jesus are filled with encouragement and revelation concerning the love of God and his wisdom for us today. In Total Christmas Makeover, author and Bible teacher Melissa Spoelstra provides a practical approach for you and your family to turn your attention toward God's grace day-by-day as you prepare for Christmas. This 31-day devotional presents key scriptures, ideas to implement with each reading, and questions for reflection to guide you in rediscovering rituals, relationship, and rest to connect you more deeply with Christ this holiday season.

Something in us aches for moremore hope, more joy, more freedom. All around us people are dancing to the steps of bigger, better, and faster, and we can easily join in without even realizing it. Before long complaining and comparing accompany our desire for more, yet we're not any closer to filling the ache inside. God offers us another way. In this study of the Book of Numbers, we'll find a group of people that wandered in the desert for forty years, unable to enter the Promised Land because of their complaining, grumbling, and lack of faith. The New Testament tells us that their story was written to warn us (1 Corinthians 10:6) so that we would not make the same mistakes and suffer the same consequences. God sent his only Son to die to buy our freedom from the sin that leads to discontentment, and we find our own promised land of peace and contentment in the life he gives us.By exploring Numbers we can come to identify the reasons for our complaining, learn contentment while being authentic about the difficulties of life, accept short-term hardship in light of the greater good of God's ultimate deliverance, recognize the relationship between complaining and worry, and discover how to realign with God's character and promises.Together we will learn contentment as we discover more of our incredible God who truly is more than enough. Only God can fill that ache inside and help us focus on his provision and purpose in the midst of life's joys and pains.The Leader Guide, to be used along with the study's workbook and DVD, contains six session plan outlines, complete with discussion points and questions, activities, prayers, and moreplus leader helps for facilitating a group.Other components for the Bible study, available separately, include a Participant Workbook, DVD with six 20-25 minute sessions, and boxed Leader Kit (an all-inclusive box containing one copy of each of the Bible study's components).

Something in us aches for moremore hope, more joy, more freedom. All around us people are dancing to the steps of bigger, better, and faster, and we can easily join in without even realizing it. Before long complaining and comparing accompany our desire for more, yet we're not any closer to filling the ache inside. God offers us another way. In this study of the Book of Numbers, we'll find a group of people that wandered in the desert for forty years, unable to enter the Promised Land because of their complaining, grumbling, and lack of faith. The New Testament tells us that their story was written to warn us (1 Corinthians 10:6) so that we would not make the same mistakes and suffer the same consequences. God sent his only Son to die to buy our freedom from the sin that leads to discontentment, and we find our own promised land of peace and contentment in the life he gives us. By exploring Numbers we can come to identify the reasons for our complaining, learn contentment while being authentic about the difficulties of life, accept short-term hardship in light of the greater good of God's ultimate deliverance, recognize the relationship between complaining and worry, and discover how to realign with God's character and promises.Together we will learn contentment as we discover more of our incredible God who truly is more than enough. Only God can fill that ache inside and help us focus on his provision and purpose in the midst of life's joys and pains.The participant workbook includes five days of lessons for each week, combining study of Scripture with personal reflection, application, and prayer.Other components for the Bible study, available separately, include a Leader Guide, DVD with six 20-25 minute sessions, and boxed Leader Kit (an all-inclusive box containing one copy of each of the Bible study's components).

When we look around at today's world, hope usually isn't the first word that comes to mind. In many ways we live in an unstable world where marriages fail, bank accounts run low, friendships end, and the everyday demands of a fast-paced life get us down. In the Book of Jeremiah, we find God calling out to His people with a message of hopea message that intentional living is possible even in an unstable world. But how do we do this? Where do we start? Jeremiah offers women hope for living in an uncertain world by learning to navigate the challenges and circumstances of their lives. This six-week study examines God's words of instruction to His wayward people through the prophet Jeremiah, and provides women six guidelines for intentional living to overcome fear, worry, and doubt as they surrender their wills to God's and put their hope in Him alone. Combining rich study of the Book of Jeremiah with practical life application that resonates with the realities and experiences of today's women, this study inspires all women to dare to hope, remembering that God is rich in mercy and love and has good plans for us. The Leader Guide contains six session plan outlines, complete with discussion points and questions, activities, prayers, and moreplus leader helps for facilitating a group.Other components for the Bible study, available separately, include a Participant Workbook, DVD with six 20-25 minute sessions, and boxed Leader Kit (an all-inclusive box containing one copy of each of the Bible study's components).

Relationships are messy. We're all different and imperfect, and we can struggle to get along--especially with those who disagree with us. Often we find ourselves divided--even as Christians. How can we work out our differences and disagreements with humility and grace, always showing the love of Christ, while still remaining true to what we believe?The Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians living in Corinth about this very thing. The cultural backdrop of Corinth was even more overtly sinful than our culture today, yet Paul boldly encouraged the Corinthian Christians not to ridicule one another or outsiders but to work together to show the love of Christ. In this six-week study we will explore Paul's first letter to the Corinthians to learn how we as Christians are to deal with differences and divisions--whether in the workplace, neighborhood, school, home, social media community, or church. We'll discover that the answer is living and sharing the radical love of Jesus Christ, and we'll unpack what this means and how we can live it out day by day.The Leader Guide, to be used along with the study's workbook and DVD, contains six session plan outlines, complete with discussion points and questions, activities, prayers, and moreplus leader helps for facilitating a group.Other components for the Bible study, available separately, include a Participant Workbook, DVD with six 25-30 minute sessions, and boxed Leader Kit (an all-inclusive box containing one copy of each of the Bible study's components).

Relationships are messy. We're all different and imperfect, and we can struggle to get along--especially with those who disagree with us. Often we find ourselves divided--even as Christians. How can we work out our differences and disagreements with humility and grace, always showing the love of Christ, while still remaining true to what we believe?The Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians living in Corinth about this very thing. The cultural backdrop of Corinth was even more overtly sinful than our culture today, yet Paul boldly encouraged the Corinthian Christians not to ridicule one another or outsiders but to work together to show the love of Christ. In this six-week study we will explore Paul's first letter to the Corinthians to learn how we as Christians are to deal with differences and divisions--whether in the workplace, neighborhood, school, home, social media community, or church. We'll discover that the answer is living and sharing the radical love of Jesus Christ, and we'll unpack what this means and how we can live it out day by day.The Participant Book includes five days of lessons for each week, combining study of Scripture with personal reflection, application, and prayer.Other components for the Bible study, available separately, include a Leader Guide, DVD with six 25-30 minute sessions, and boxed Leader Kit (an all-inclusive box containing one copy of each of the Bible study's components).

All of us know what it's like to be hurt or betrayed. Often it's asmall breach such as being spoken to rudely or overlooked in a time ofneed. Other times we experience lies, gossip, or harsh words that cut usto the core. Some of us have endured unspeakable pain through abuse,adultery, or abandonment. God knows the pain we cause each other andlongs to help us learn to practice forgiveness. Nowhere do we see forgiveness played out more fully in Scripture than inthe biblical story of Joseph.This six-week study explores what God has to say to us about graceand forgiveness through Joseph's story of trial and triumph found inGenesis 37-50. As we study his dreams, his betrayers, his dysfunctionalfamily, his struggle to forgive, and his journey toward reconciliation,we'll find truths that echo into our own personal situations as well aspractical help for answering common questions, such as:How do I stop dwelling on the hurt?Is forgiving someone excusing what happened?When will I stop having to re-forgive?Is there a difference between forgiveness and reconciliation?How can I forgive and still set boundaries?Is it ever okay not to forgive?Whether or not you are working through a hurtful situation right now,you can learn from Joseph how to release your past and present hurts toGod and allow Him to do a supernatural work of forgiveness in yourlife. God wants to use the very things intended to hurt you as a sourceof blessing in your life and the lives of others. The Participant Book includes five days of lessons for each week, combining study of Scripture with personal reflection, application, and prayer. Other components for the Bible study, available separately, include a Leader Guide, DVD with six 20-25 minute sessions, and boxed Leader Kit (an all-inclusive box containing one copy of each of the Bible study's components).

When we look around at today's world, hope usually isn't the first word that comes to mind. In many ways we live in an unstable world where marriages fail, bank accounts run low, friendships end, and the everyday demands of a fast-paced life get us down. In the Book of Jeremiah, we find God calling out to His people with a message of hopea message that intentional living is possible even in an unstable world. But how do we do this? Where do we start? Jeremiah offers women hope for living in an uncertain world by learning to navigate the challenges and circumstances of their lives. This six-week study examines God's words of instruction to His wayward people through the prophet Jeremiah, and provides women six guidelines for intentional living to overcome fear, worry, and doubt as they surrender their wills to God's and put their hope in Him alone. Combining rich study of the Book of Jeremiah with practical life application that resonates with the realities and experiences of today's women, this study inspires all women to dare to hope, remembering that God is rich in mercy and love and has good plans for us.The participant workbook includes five days of lessons for each week, combining study of Scripture with personal reflection, application, and prayer.Other components for the Bible study, available separately, include a Leader Guide, DVD with six 20-25 minute sessions, and boxed Leader Kit (an all-inclusive box containing one copy of each of the Bible study's components).