Happy July! Last time I blogged, I shared my anxiety revelation. Thankfully, that’s better. However, last week I realized I was in bit of a funk, and as I looked around, both in my socially-distanced church and around social media, that seemed to be a theme.

It’s the frustration of not being able to go out like we’re used to.

The fear of offending someone when you’re just trying to get groceries.

The anxiety over lost wages/wanting to return to work.

The sadness, at least for me, when the church service ends and there’s no prayer team. No altar call. Sure, I know Jesus is there and responds to my cry, but sometimes I like and need to meet with His people who stand in the gap for me, and I do for them. And no offense to any leadership, everyone is doing the best they can to be open and stay open, it felt watered down. Everything feels like it’s running on half-capacity.

Of all the fluid dynamics around me, one thing has been constant this year.

Bible study.

I love reading plans and devotions, but there’s something about a juicy Bible study that I really enjoy. This year is no exception. In fact, I’ve signed up for enough of them that I need to remember I have a daily word count I need to get cracking on as well. But I find as I dive deep into His word, I not only find peace, it also gives me the tools for all the things I need to do during this crazy season.

I thought I’d share a bit of what I’m reading because these remain free and open at the time of my writing.

Get Out of Your Head by Jennie Allien—In my Chandler Bing from Friends voice, could this BE any timelier? Study Gateway OBS has the six-session videos available for free, and they are so good. “Freedom comes when we refuse to be victims to our thoughts and realize we have already been equipped with power from God to fight and win the war for our minds.” That’s some amazing content Jennie has, and there’s plenty more. There is an optional study guide for purchase, and a Facebook group for interaction. Learn more HERE.

Jude: Contending for the Faith in Today’s Culture by Jackie Hill Perry. Lifeway is offering this 7-session video series throughout the summer, and it’s not too late!

A 7-Session Study for Women and Teen Girls

While often overlooked, the Book of Jude remains as relevant today as the time it was written. God has commanded His beloved church to do the necessary work of contending for the faith in a world of unbelief, and as we do, He will keep us from falling into the same deception.

In this 7-session study from Jackie Hill Perry, dive into themes of being called, loved, and kept, and learn how to point others to Jesus in grace and truth. We serve others well when we share the whole gospel with them, not just the parts deemed attractive by our culture.

Although I have a teen girl, I’m going through this one solo. The reviews said it was meaty, and that’s true. I mean, Jude is a short book and this is a seven week study with daily homework. I live for this material, but it’s a bit much for my daughter. If you love a deep dive into His word, oh, this is good. So, so good.

See for yourself. The videos are online free for a limited time. I purchased the guide separately. Learn more HERE.

It is Well: A Free Bible Study Inspired by Beloved Hymns

This is completely free and delivered via e-mail. It just started, so what a perfect time to sign up. Not only does Sarah Koontz have a digital workbook for each week, it comes with commentary. I’m a big fan of Living By Design Ministries.

Learn more HERE.

Beauty by the Book: Laurie Cole

This is not a new study, but this is what I’m doing with my teen daughter. I have the videos through a Right Now Media Subscription, but I believe they are for free on YouTube. This is a great study on Proverbs and real beauty, and we’re learning a lot. The clothes and hair are a little dated, but God’s word never is. This is content females need to receive.

Learn more HERE.

Finally, I’ve talked about it before and it is a bigger purchase, but I received it for review purchases. Honestly, I’d shell out the $45. It’s the CSB Life Essentials Study Bible. What I like is there are 1500 principles that Gene Getz shares, and you can use a QR code and watch him share. He’s very humble and knows the Bible, and I’ve learned a lot. I’m doing a one year reading plan and this Bible is marked up. This has enhanced my quarantine experience and probably the main reason I’m overall doing well. It’s a great Bible and with all the studies I’ve signed up for, I’m glad to have this one at my side. NOTE: When I Googled this Bible, I noticed it is on sale. Dig around. The link I have is for $30. As comprehensive as this Bible is, that’s a steal.

Learn more HERE.

There. Depression? Anxiety? Self-Esteem? Fear? Anger? Whatever 2020 is handing you, there’s a Bible study. Dig in!

I’d love to hear what studies interest you, or what ones you’re working through.