Can you believe it? It’s almost 2020! It’s time to reflect on 2019, learn from its mistakes and accomplishments, and begin a new calendar year with plenty of grace for the days to come.
Here are the questions we’re already asking ourselves at Lifeway Women: How can we strengthen our faith in 2020? How will we stay grounded in His Word? What will we study first to set the tone for the year?
If you’re asking yourself the same questions, we’ve compiled 10 studies and resources to help start your new year with intention:
Trustworthy by Lysa TerKeurst | 6 Sessions
For us planners, it can be difficult to relinquish control over the trajectory of a brand-new year. When hard times come and it seems God is deviating from the plan, we assume our life should follow. We’re more likely to want to tame God, not trust Him. It’s then that we begin to press into our ways and our own timing. No human can carry the weight of being their own god, but so many of us try.
In this 6-session study of 1 & 2 Kings, join Lysa TerKeurst in Israel as she honestly reveals the places of distrust in her own heart while exploring the deeply applicable Scriptures that will teach us how to truly trust God.
Better by Jen Wilkin | 10 Sessions
In this 10-session, verse-by-verse study of the Book of Hebrews, Jen Wilkin explores how God “provided something better for us” in the person of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 11:40). Through stories of Old Testament heroes and practices, the author of Hebrews demonstrates how the new covenant is superior to the old and how Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of every promise. Explore familiar verses in context of the entire Bible, learning how to place your hope and faith in Christ alone. Not a bad way to start 2020, right?
Plus, if you preorder the Better Bible study book or leader kit on Lifeway.com during the month of December, you’ll receive Jen’s video teaching from Session 1 for free before the study ever hits shelves!
Jude by Jackie Hill Perry | 7 Sessions
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. And if you’re looking to study alongside the teen girl in your life, there’s a special edition especially for her!
Defined by Alex Kendrick & Stephen Kendrick | 8 Sessions
When you introduce yourself to someone for the first time, you have an opportunity to define yourself. You disclose your name, profession, and interests. These factors help our culture define us, but are those answers enough?
Before asking, “Who am I?” we need to be able to answer, “Who is God?” If we can’t answer the second question, we will never answer the first. The problem with our search for identity is that we are looking in all the wrong places. Scripture teaches that we are all made in the image of God. We do not define ourselves—the Creator does. We were all created to be known and loved by God. Once those answers are clear, we can move forward and discover all God has called us to be.
Be sure to join us for the Defined online Bible study this January!
FLOURISH by Passion City Church
If you resolved to get involved in mentoring this year, this is where you begin:
FLOURISH calls women to a higher standard of living: a decision to live a life rooted in the Word of God and the love of Jesus. Such growth is fostered in the rich soil of a mentoring relationship. God created us to be in community with other believers because He knew we couldn’t do life alone. To flourish, women benefit from the encouragement of those who have gone before us and reflect Jesus.
FLOURISH is a yearlong mentoring journey based on Scripture that will help you establish a strong relationship with your mentor or mentee as you dig into understanding God’s truth and love through His Word together.
If you’re ready to kickstart your mentoring journey, bundle both the mentee and mentor journals together to save!
20/20 by Christine Caine
Christine Caine is passionate about seeing every woman equipped to live her life on mission for Jesus.
In this 7-session study, you’ll develop a new understanding of how God sees you and has chosen you to help make Jesus’ name known on this planet. Through biblical teaching and lessons from her own life, Christine will equip you to share the story of how God’s love has transformed your life right where you are.
If you’re looking to step out of your comfort zone in 2020, this study is for you.
Finding God Faithful by Kelly Minter | 8 Sessions
There’s nothing like being reminded of God’s faithfulness at the start of a year full of uncertainty.
In this 8-session study, trace the path of Joseph’s life in the Book of Genesis to observe how God’s sovereignty reigns, even in our darkest moments. Learn to recognize when God is working during periods of waiting, trust God’s plan when life doesn’t make sense, and rest in the sufficiency of His presence in every circumstance. His provision is enough, His presence is constant, and His purpose is unstoppable.
Pick up the teen girls’ edition of this study to study alongside your daughter, granddaughter, or mentee.
Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer | 7 Sessions
A decade ago, Priscilla Shirer authored Discerning the Voice of God, and since then God has continued to grow, teach, and challenge her in her walk with Him. This revised and expanded edition reflects that growth through new stories, articles from Dr. Tony Evans, and all-new teaching sessions.
Through 7 sessions, discover the root to clear and daily communication with God—humble obedience. Learn how surrender unlocks His many blessings intended for us, centers us in His will, and helps us discern His voice in everyday life. Perfect for the new year, right?
Something Needs to Change by David Platt | 8 Sessions
When David Platt took a trip to the Himalayan mountains, the staggering hardship he witnessed transformed the trajectory of his life. Now, in this study, he’s inviting you to reflect and wrestle with him as he describes his life-altering trek through the Himalayas. You’ll ask hard questions alongside Platt about human need, suffering, faith, the gospel, and our role. For Christians, ignorance of profound human need is not an option. Neither is indifference. It’s time to explore what it means to follow Jesus in a world of urgent physical and spiritual needs.
The Quest by Beth Moore | 6 Sessions
If you’re someone who doesn’t like change or unpredictability, it can be hard to embrace a new year for what it is—a new adventure.
In this 6-session study, Beth Moore will challenge you to lean into the adventure of living a life for God. You’ll also explore humanity’s innate need to question and seek after a God who desires to be found and known. If you want to deepen your intimacy with Christ this year, this is the study for you.
Which study are you beginning in January?