Balanced Living Bible Study: June 2018

Saturday, June 23, 2018

Proverbs 31 Mini-Study - Week 4

🎉 CONGRATULATIONS! You did it! 🎉

This week marks Week 4, the final week of our four-week Mini-Study over the Book of Proverbs 31: 10-31 "What it means to be a Proverbs 31 Woman".

If you are just joining us, Welcome! Our typical studies have us reading One Chapter a Day but in our #MiniStudy, we will be reading just ONE VERSE a Day!

Here's the Week 4 Reading Schedule for Proverbs 31: 26-31

Here are the #VerseoftheDay for Proverbs 31 Woman: Week 4
*As well as the #DailyAffirmation for each verse to help deepen our study and understanding of God's W.O.R.D.
**Daily #CompanionVerse (s) are available in our Complete Mini-Study Guide

Monday:
"She gets up while it is still dark giving her household their food, giving orders to her serving girls." Proverbs 31: 26

Monday Affirmation:

Tuesday:
"She keeps good watch on the conduct of her household, no bread of idleness for her." Proverbs 31:27

Tuesday Affirmation:

Wednesday:
"Her children stand up and proclaim her blessed, her husband, too, sings her praises." Proverbs 31:28

Wednesday Affirmation:

Thursday:
"Many women have done admirable things, but you surpass them all." Proverbs 31:29

Thursday Affirmations:

Friday: {Double Verse Day}

"Charm and deceitful, and beauty empty; the woman who fears God is the one to praise." Proverbs 31:30

"Give her a share in what her hands have worked for, and let her works tell her praises at the city gates." Proverbs 31:31

Friday Affirmations:

Here are the #ReflectionQuestions for Proverbs 31 Woman: Week 4
*Please note we are doubling up with two verses on Friday!

Monday: Proverbs 31:26

“If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all” - do you remember hearing this as a child? I do. It still stands true today. In a world where comments and posts are flippantly tweeted or shared, it is hard not to hold back, especially when we feel wronged or attacked but taking the high road is an act of strength. It takes great self-control to resist the urge to strike back with harsh words or share a juicy piece of gossip. By speaking wisely and kindly we are victors who are refusing to conform.

What kind of communicator are you? Are you sharp-tongued?
What do I need to do to let others know I won't participate in gossip? I won't strike with a sharp-tongue?

Tuesday: Proverbs 31:27

In order to keep good watch over the conduct of our households, we have to be active. By being present, involved, organized and prepared we are offering success to our families. Having standards academically, behaviorally, and physically for our children helps them develop into productive members of society. By actively seeking our husbands, physically, mentally and emotionally we are strengthening our marital bond.

What do I actively seek for myself? For my husband? For my children?

What do I need to actively seek for myself? My husband? My children?

Wednesday: Proverbs 31:28

Read the daily affirmation again. It’s true - you deserve praise for all that you do. Being a wife, mother, daughter, and friend is hard work. You do so much behind the scenes to make life run smoothly and although you might occasionally hear a “thanks, Mom” let’s face it, by in large, your effort goes unnoticed. Or do they? God sees it all. God knows that you say up late meal prepping, or gluing together a science project. He knows you fold laundry in your sleep and sometimes don’t get to wash your hair for three days and HE loves you for it!

How do I know I am appreciated by my husband? By my children?
What do I need to do so that they know I appreciated them too?

Thursday: Proverbs 31:29

No more negative self-talk. Get rid of the words “I can’t”. Yes, You Can! When you walk with the King you walk with glory. Hold your beautiful head high as you work hard to reach your goals. The road to success is paved with difficulty and you my dear are equipped to do it as a Proverbs 31 Woman.

What goals do I want to achieve?

What do I need to do to reach them?

Friday: Proverbs 31: 30 & 31 {Double Verse Day}

You are fearfully and wonderfully made {Psalm 139: 14}. All God asks of us is our faith in Him, to rely on Him, to love Him as he first loved us.{1 John 4:19}. Many proclaim to be Christians but do not act. Attending a Bible-based church, reading God’s word (joining or leading a Bible study), living by the Commandments and faithfully taking to God are all actions we can seek to make to get to know our maker better, thus opening the gates for an abundance of blessings.

What do I actively do to have a Faith-filled life?
What do I need to actively seek to deepen my relationship with God?

God will work thru you if you only let Him. He will raise you up and bless you in ways you can only imagine if you embrace the virtues set forth by Him and do your best to live the life of a Proverbs 31 Woman. Your good, kind, faithfully done deeds will be a rewarding to you as well as your family. Your reputation for being a just, trustworthy, hardworking, prepared, present, charitable, strong woman will precede you and your family will prosper.

What rewards do I receive for living a Faith-filled life? What blessings had God given to you?
What do I need to to thank God for all my many blessings?

If you'd like to further your study, as well as receive the #CompanionVerse (s) for each Day download our Proverbs 31 Woman Mini-Study Guide. {Complete study has 47 pages} just click on the pic below or visit our Shop at: Balanced Living Bible Study Shop

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Sunday, June 17, 2018

Proverbs 31 Mini-Study - Week 3

🎉 Welcome Back for Week 3 of our four-week Mini-Study over the Book of Proverbs 31: 10-31 "What it means to be a Proverbs 31 Woman" by L. M. Craig.

If you are just joining us, Welcome! Our typical studies have us studying One Chapter a Day but in our #MiniStudy, we will be reading just ONE VERSE a Day!

Here's the Week 3 Reading Schedule for Proverbs 31: 20-25

Here are the #VerseoftheDay for Proverbs 31 Woman: Week 3
*As well as the #DailyAffirmation for each verse to help deepen our study and understanding of God's W.O.R.D.
**Daily #CompanionVerse (s) are available in our Complete Mini-Study Guide

Monday:
"Snow may come, she has no fears for her household, with all her servants warmly clothed." Proverbs 31: 21

Monday Affirmation:

Tuesday:
"She makes her own quilts, she is dressed in fine linen and purple." Proverbs 31:22

Tuesday Affirmation:

Wednesday:
"Her husband is respected at the city gates, taking his seat among the elders of the land." Proverbs 31:23

Wednesday Affirmation:

Thursday:
"She weaves materials and sells them, she supplies the merchant with sashes." Proverbs 31:24

Thursday Affirmation:

Friday:

"She is clothed in strength and dignity, she can laugh at the day to come." Proverbs 31:25

Friday Affirmation:

Here are the #ReflectionQuestions for Proverbs 31 Woman: Week 3

Monday: Proverbs 31:21

Being prepared and organized go hand in hand. Looking toward the future need of your family is a prudent practice. Not only does it free up your time elsewhere but it also helps your sanity. I think of preparedness as a dresser. If you keep all of your clothes in it chances are it is overflowing, it's unorganized, you are probably missing items. If we prepare for the season of life we are in, we have symmetry, organization, peace and control.

What do I have control over in my home? Am I actively preparing to keep control or am I barely hanging on?
What can I do differently to organize myself so that I am prepared?

Tuesday: Proverbs 31:22

Practicing self-care isn’t about spa days and chocolate covered almonds it is about physical, mental and emotional care. You’ll notice this is a recurring theme. If we are drowning in a sea of fatigue, negative self-talk and stress it is impossible for us to lift up others, especially those closest to us. Take a time out, but also consider the previous verses: Are you present, prepared, organized, honest. Are you working smarter, not harder, following through, asking for help?

How do I know when I am on the brink of breaking? How often do I feel this way?
What can I do each day to take care of myself physically? Mentally? Emotionally?

Wednesday: Proverbs 31:23

Although this is later in the scripture it is in my personal top five attributes of virtue. Respect is the seed by which trust, compassion, and love grow. If we over-share or speak poorly about our husbands, children, family members how can we not expect those around us to have negative images of the people we love. The need to vent is normal but proceed with caution.

What respect do I show my husband? My Children? Myself?

What boundaries do I need to set to ensure I am not disrespecting my husband? My children? Myself?

Thursday: Proverbs 31:24

What an incredibly true statement. Proverbs tells us that were are a vessel, which also means we are a provider not just monetarily, but emotionally, physically, and mentally to our families. Whether it be praise to your children or being intimate with your husband you provide for the needs of those around you in a plethora of ways. Sometimes the weight of that responsibility gets to us and we feel bogged down. It is important to evaluate how much we are giving that is necessary and how much isn’t.

What do I provide for myself? For my husband? For my children?
What am I spinning my wheels doing that doesn't need to be done?

Friday: Proverbs 31:25

The saying, “You never know what storm God has asked someone to walk through” comes to mind. We all have been asked to walk through storms at various times in our lives, or sometimes all at once. It can be difficult to be optimistic but with God on our side it is possible. There is beauty in every day, we just have to look for it. God’s timing is perfect, if we are composed and faithful through the storm God will part the clouds when the time is right.

What storm is God asking you to walk through right now?
What lesson is God asking you to learn from it?

If you'd like to further your study, as well as receive the #CompanionVerse (s) for each Day download our Proverbs 31 Woman Mini-Study Guide. {Compelte study has 47 pages} just click on the pic below or visit our Shop at: Balanced Living Bible Study Shop

https://www.facebook.com/biblestudygrls/

https://twitter.com/biblestudygrls

Saturday, June 9, 2018

Proverbs 31 Mini-Study - Week 2

🎉 Welcome Back for Week 2 of our four-week Mini-Study over the Book of Proverbs 31: 10-31 "What it means to be a Proverbs 31 Woman" by L. M. Craig.

If you are just joining us, Welcome! Our typical studies have us reading One Chapter a Day but in our #MiniStudy, we will be reading just ONE VERSE a Day except for Thursday, when we read two. 😉
.

Here's the Week 2 Reading Schedule for Proverbs 31: 15-20

Here are the #VerseoftheDay for Proverbs 31 Woman: Week 2
*As well as the #DailyAffirmation for each verse to help deepen our study and understanding of God's W.O.R.D.
**Daily #CompanionVerse (s) are available in our Complete Mini-Study Guide

Monday:
"She gets up while it is still dark giving her household their food, giving orders to her serving girls." Proverbs 31: 15

Monday Affirmation:

Tuesday:
"Sets her mind on a field, then she buys it; with what her hands have earned she plants a vineyard." Proverbs 31:16

Tuesday Affirmation:

Wednesday:
"She puts her back into her work and shows how strong her arms can be." Proverbs 31:17

Wednesday Affirmation:

Thursday:
"She knows her affairs are going well; her lamp does not go out at night." Proverbs 31:18

"She sets her hands to the distaff, her fingers grasp the spindle." Proverbs 31:19
Thursday Affirmations:

Friday:

"She holds her hands to the poor, she opens her arms to the needy." Proverbs 31:20

Friday Affirmation:

Here are the #ReflectionQuestions for Proverbs 31 Woman: Week 2
*Please note we are doubling up with two verses on Thursday!

Monday: Proverbs 31:15

I don’t know about you but I hate when I forget something and have to run back to the store because I didn’t check the cupboard or receive a note from school that spirit week requires a costume I cannot easily produce. We know these things are coming but we aren’t organized, therefore we stress or get frustrated. I’m not suggesting you stock up on Dr. Seuss costumes but rather that you plan ahead as best you can and delegate. Utilize your family members to help serve the organizational needs of your home.

What do I organize well? What do I need to organize better?
What tasks can I delegate to organize my home?

Tuesday: Proverbs 31:16

Being present and involved will change your life and the relationships you hold dear. Social media and technology are wonderful but they distract us from people who are right in front of us. I love taking pictures of my children but consciously make myself soak in the moment too. Active listening, eye-contact, and offering your talents will emerge you in the moment, keep you focused and involved.

Would my husband say I am present & involved? Would my children?

What can I do to be more present? To be more involved?

Wednesday: Proverbs 31:17

It is hard to be energetic and strong when you are tired both physically and emotionally. Your physical and mental health should be a priority. We all know that a balanced diet, thirty minutes of exercise a day can do wonders but finding the time can be a problem. We make time for the things we think are important. Consider making yourself and your health a priority.

When was the last time you felt energetic & strong? What were you doing then that you aren't doing now?

What can I do to care for myself physically? Emotionally? Mentally?

Thursday: Proverbs 31:18 & 19 {Double Verse Day}

Although physical endurance is important it isn’t the focus of this verse. God is affirming for us to finish the tasks set before us, to follow through to the end. In a world of disposable everything, it is a real accomplishment to stay the course and endure. Endure through raising children, staying married, forgiving a wrong, or even cleaning your kitchen at the end of the day. Having the endurance to finish will change your life.

What do I complete to the end? What motivates me to do it?

What do I need to complete? What can I do to follow through?

Being well-rounded helps us to roll with the punches. Life is a constant flow of rush and relax and the more we anchor ourselves in His word the more equipped we are at maintaining a well-rounded balance in our life. Being well-rounded can have its hazards, sometimes we stretch ourselves too thin. It is important to evaluate the things we give our time to and weed the garden when we need to.

What am I giving my time to that is serving me well?

What do I need to weed out? What is stretching me too thin?

Friday: Proverbs 31:

It is better to give than to receive. Giving of your time, your talents, your earnings can be as rewarding as it is needed by those to whom you give. When my grandmother died we donated her clothes, furniture and some of her knick-knacks to our local thrift store. I will never forget the look of gratitude I was given by the store’s manager. The need for “grandma clothes” as she called them was great and this donation was much appreciated.

What helpful and/or charitable acts to I offer now of my time? My talents? My earnings?

Where else is my help and charity needed?

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Monday, June 4, 2018

Proverbs 31 Mini-Study - Week 1

Cue the Confetti! Summer is here and we couldn't be more thrilled that you are joining us for our FIRST ever Mini-Study! Over the next four weeks, we will delve into Proverbs 31: 10-31 and discover what it means to be a Proverbs 31 Woman!

Welcome!

If you are just joining us, Welcome! Our typical studies have us studying One Chapter a Day but in our #MiniStudy, we will be reading just ONE VERSE a Day!
*We will not be hosting a closed FB group for this study but encouage anyone who feels moved to start one. We will post the Daily Verse as well as the Daily Affirmation right to our FB page and leave the Daily Reflection Questions up to your discretion.

Here's the Week 1 Reading Schedule for Proverbs 31: 10-14

Here are the #VerseoftheDay for Proverbs 31 Woman: Week 1
*As well as the #DailyAffirmation for each verse to help deepen our study and understanding of God's W.O.R.D.
**Daily #CompanionVerse (s) are available in our Complete Mini-Study Guide

Monday:
"The truly capable woman -- who can find her? She is far beyond the price of pearls." Proverbs 31: 10

Monday Affirmation:

Tuesday:
"Her husband's heart has confidence in her, from her he will derive no little profit." Proverbs 31:11

Tuesday Affirmation:

Wednesday:
"Advantage and not hurt she brings him all the days of her life." Proverbs 31:12

Wednesday Affirmation:

Thursday:
"She selects wool and falx, she does her work with eager hands." Proverbs 31:13

Thursday Affirmation:

Friday:

"She is like those merchant vessels, bringing her food from far away." Proverbs 31:14

Friday Affirmation:

Here are the #ReflectionQuestions for Proverbs 31 Woman: Week 1

Monday: Proverbs 31:10

Having high moral standards doesn’t mean you are better than everyone else, it simply means you have chosen to consciously live a faith-filled life. Not just for yourself but also for your family. If you walk with the King, follow His commandments, read His Word and hold it dear, talk to Him daily through prayer you will achieve the greatness that God has planned for your life.

What standards do I expect of myself? Of my husband? Of my children?
What boundaries do I need to set to have them?

Tuesday: Proverbs 31:11

Honesty is such a valued characteristic. In this world of constant change, where misinformation can circulate with a click or a “share” and negativity can ensue it is a blessing to be able to trust. Speaking the truth allows those around us to have confidence in what we say. Trust deepens our relationships and fosters a lasting bond.

What truth do I speak to myself? To my husband? To my children?

What do I need to do or change to deepen trust?

Wednesday: Proverbs 31:12

Read that affirmation again! It is easy to beat ourselves up for serving cereal to our kids for dinner on a busy night, ruining your husbands shirt in the wash, or for leaving dirty dishes stacked at the sink. YOU ARE A GOOD WOMAN! Just the fact that you are seeking out this study shows that you want to do better, which is precisely what God asks of us - to strive to do better. May you embrace the courage to change what you can.

What good do I do daily? Monthly? Yearly?

What can I do to be better daily? Monthly? Yearly?

Thursday: Proverbs 31:13

Of course you are - we all are! It’s what we are programmed to do. God seeks hard work from all of us. God’s plan for your life is beautiful and completely attainable if we are willing and eager to step up and work for it. We don’t always feel like it but we do it because it needs to be done. If we work “smarter” not harder we can accomplish the tasks set before us.

What "work" do I need to do? How much of it do I accomplish?

What can I do to work smarter? What help can I ask for?

Friday: Proverbs 31:14

Women set the tone of the Home. We are the vessel from which love, compassion, and kindness flow. We take care of the needs of our families, often times giving up sleep, our time and offering our best talents to make them happen. This verse reminds us that it is okay to have a bad day, but to not allow that to permeate our home. How do we do that? I call it “hit the reset button” - I like to go for a run, read a book, or go on a date with my husband, without kids.

What tone do I set in my home? In my marriage? With my children?

What do I need to do to insure a positive tone resides in my home?

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