Real People, Real Faith Bible Study

Leads women through the life of Moses to discover their own extraordinary purpose The life of Moses was an exceptional one. God pursued Moses, calling him to step forward into leadership and miraculous events. Instead of saying no to that invitation, he trusted that God's plan, however improbable it seemed, was the best way to live. Equipped with that faith, Moses led God's people out of slavery to the land of promise, changing their entire world. The truth is we're not that different. Every day we're called to follow God's lead to do things only we can do. And like Moses, we must each choose if we will take the path God guides us to-or follow our own way. Through this inductive ten-week Bible study, Jodie Niznik invites you on an experiential journey along with Moses to learn just what that choice can mean. Each week starts with a spiritual discipline to move women from head knowledge to heart understanding. Then through thoughtful questions, personal reflection, and practical application, Jodie explores the text to uncover the lessons Moses's life teaches to every modern woman. Designed for either individual or group study, this first book in the Real People, Real Faith series combines inductive learning with practical spiritual disciplines, taking a new look at old stories to discover their many connections to life today.

Discover how to live out your unique calling from an unlikely biblical pairing At first glance, Esther and Jonah don't have much in common. Esther is an orphan girl, out of place in royal courts, who nonetheless becomes queen and saves her beloved Jewish people. Jonah is a reluctant prophet who ran as hard as he could from God. And when he finally gave in and his efforts eventually saved his enemies, he did nothing but complain. While Esther and Jonah endured wildly different circumstances and had distinctly singular callings, they were both appointed by God. They were placed in a certain time and space in history. God carried them through unique experiences and gave them specific gifts. Despite their opposite attitudes of willingness, their lives are proof of the great things we can accomplish when we follow God's call. In this nine-week inductive Bible study, Jodie Niznik invites you to learn that you too are uniquely equipped and called by God for a particular assignment in a specific time and place. Now you stand at a crossroads, and the choice is yours. Will you choose to boldly respond like Esther or will you fight your calling like Jonah? With thoughtful questions and practical exercises, Niznik will gently help you examine your life through the lens of Scripture and take brave, bold steps forward into the life you long for!

"Jodie's insightful and practical application of Scripture keeps her studies at the top of my list."-Kat Armstrong, author of The In-Between Place Joseph's life looked charmed from the beginning. He was the favorite son of the favorite wife of Jacob, a wealthy patriarch. And, Joseph was given a prophetic dream from God about his family's future. There was no reason to expect anything going wrong-and isn't it simple to have faith when all is well? But, one gift too many, and his ten jealous older brothers had had enough. They sold him into slavery-and kicked off years of Joseph's world spinning out of control. Yet, in both dire circumstances and honored positions, he chose to trust God. In the end, God used Joseph to save the very family who betrayed him, and ultimately preserve the lineage of Jesus. Joseph's life's purpose was bigger than he ever anticipated. In times of uncertainty, questioning where God is and what he's up to feels reasonable. But, through this 8-week study of one remarkable man, Jodie Niznik reveals that God is always in control and worthy of our trust, no matter what. She delves into Scripture for new ideas on how readers can intentionally engage with God, offering a tool kit of spiritual practices and valuable observations of the triumphs and failures of this real man and his real faith.

Discover how Peter's broken pursuit of Jesus can offer us hope and courage Peter was an ordinary man of his time. He started as a humble, hardworking fisherman. But he ended his life with a lasting legacy that still inspires Christians worldwide today. His path from one to the other wasn't smooth or straight. And there is enormous hope in understanding his rocky, stumbling journey of following Jesus. In this eight-week Bible study, Jodie Niznik delves into the ways Peter's missteps and failures reveal God's grace. When Jesus met Peter in those broken places and called him to get back up, dust himself off, and keep following, we are, in turn, taught how to follow Jesus in our own lives. Along the way, Niznik emphasizes mindfulness practices to readers, inviting them to come to each week's study with a quiet mind and ready heart. There is no wallowing in mistakes here, however. Instead, drawing on all four gospels and other supporting Scriptures, Jodie invites readers to see the grace, mercy, and correction of Jesus in the life of Peter, and then to draw parallels to modern Christian lives. Each chapter begins with a spiritual practice that ties into the week's theme to help women engage their heart in the study. Though Peter lived two thousand years ago, he is proof that if God can use an imperfect life like his, then God can and will use Christians today, despite all those ways they feel themselves failing, coming up short, and falling away.