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A Woman Who Doesn't Quit - Bible Study Book: 5 Habits from the Book of Ruth
Every woman will eventually face it: the temptation to give in and give up. But something transformative happens when a woman decides to persevere in the face of difficulty and pain. A woman who refuses to quit influences her world in ways she could never have imagined. Unfolding over 6 sessions, Nicki Koziarz walks women through the Book of Ruth, focusing on the Moabite woman’s 5 practical habits that kept her eyes on God: Ruth accepted the assignment of refinement, followed through on her commitments despite her feelings, remained open to the movement of God, gave others what she needed, and moved forward in faith.
Features:
Optional video teaching available through digital downloads (approximately 6-8 minutes each week)
Leader material included with guides to questions and discussion with small groups
5 personal study segments with homework to complete between 6 weeks of group sessions
Benefits:
Learn to follow through on your commitments despite your feelings
Create space for the movement of God and release control to Him
Embrace the grace of refinement rather than the relief of release
Invest in the world with joy
Cultivate an unbreakable spirit
Persevere through life’s most difficult moments
Refuse to give up on your heart’s deepest desires
Features:
Optional video teaching available through digital downloads (approximately 6-8 minutes each week)
Leader material included with guides to questions and discussion with small groups
5 personal study segments with homework to complete between 6 weeks of group sessions
Benefits:
Learn to follow through on your commitments despite your feelings
Create space for the movement of God and release control to Him
Embrace the grace of refinement rather than the relief of release
Invest in the world with joy
Cultivate an unbreakable spirit
Persevere through life’s most difficult moments
Refuse to give up on your heart’s deepest desires
160 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2016
15 people are currently reading
351 people want to read
About the author
Nicki Koziarz
19 books172 followersNicki Koziarz is a wife and mom to three girls plus a handful of barnyard babies. She is an inspirational author, Bible teacher, and speaker with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Nicki leads from her own brokenness that somehow God is making meaningful.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 15, 2017
I object to a number of things about this book, which is supposed to be a Bible study on the book of Ruth. The author focuses more on herself and her family than on Ruth, and she places a quote in large letters at the beginning of each chapter to introduce her subject, but none of them come from the Bible. She also fails to let the Bible inform her lessons, but imposes her own theme on every chapter.
She doesn’t try to understand the times in which the book was written. For example, she fixates on Elimelech in day four of the first week, and manufactures a weak lesson from the little information we’re given in the Bible. She wants to know “exactly what happened to him”, and even states “I need to know these details.” If that need truly existed, the details would be in the book. She imposes our romantic understanding on a culture which has arranged marriages and a different dynamic. She also assumes that the meaning of Elimelech’s name totally defined his character, which is rather naive, and because of that she read meaning into the text that wasn’t necessarily there.
She fails to understand the life of a widow in that culture. Women didn’t work outside the home. Without a husband or a son to care for her, Naomi’s future held nothing but aching poverty and shame. Because Naomi called her life bitter, the author judges her harshly and concludes that Naomi sinned against God and Ruth in bitter anger. The author must never have experienced searing grief and hopelessness. Naomi’s life WAS bitter! Actually, Naomi must have been an incredible mother-in-law and woman of faith. Both of her daughters-in-law wanted to stay with her, and Orpah wept to leave her. Ruth loved Naomi enough to make her the most beautiful vows found anywhere, to leave everything familiar, to embrace Israel’s God, and to spend the rest of her life caring for Naomi. Instead of recognizing those things, Ms. Koziarz wants the study’s participants to figure out how Naomi should have handled the situation, which is presumptuous arrogance.
The author also lacks research skills. She states that barley is a type of wheat (page 56). There are genetic differences between the two grains, and barley ripens more quickly than wheat, which is why the barley harvest came earlier than the wheat harvest. She also states that a threshing floor is where the barley was stored (page 118). There is no excuse for printing such ignorance—it takes less than 30 seconds to look up a definition and a picture.
She doesn’t try to understand the times in which the book was written. For example, she fixates on Elimelech in day four of the first week, and manufactures a weak lesson from the little information we’re given in the Bible. She wants to know “exactly what happened to him”, and even states “I need to know these details.” If that need truly existed, the details would be in the book. She imposes our romantic understanding on a culture which has arranged marriages and a different dynamic. She also assumes that the meaning of Elimelech’s name totally defined his character, which is rather naive, and because of that she read meaning into the text that wasn’t necessarily there.
She fails to understand the life of a widow in that culture. Women didn’t work outside the home. Without a husband or a son to care for her, Naomi’s future held nothing but aching poverty and shame. Because Naomi called her life bitter, the author judges her harshly and concludes that Naomi sinned against God and Ruth in bitter anger. The author must never have experienced searing grief and hopelessness. Naomi’s life WAS bitter! Actually, Naomi must have been an incredible mother-in-law and woman of faith. Both of her daughters-in-law wanted to stay with her, and Orpah wept to leave her. Ruth loved Naomi enough to make her the most beautiful vows found anywhere, to leave everything familiar, to embrace Israel’s God, and to spend the rest of her life caring for Naomi. Instead of recognizing those things, Ms. Koziarz wants the study’s participants to figure out how Naomi should have handled the situation, which is presumptuous arrogance.
The author also lacks research skills. She states that barley is a type of wheat (page 56). There are genetic differences between the two grains, and barley ripens more quickly than wheat, which is why the barley harvest came earlier than the wheat harvest. She also states that a threshing floor is where the barley was stored (page 118). There is no excuse for printing such ignorance—it takes less than 30 seconds to look up a definition and a picture.
August 22, 2020
A good, small-group study. One of the most valuable things taught in this is that God works in us and through us in very different ways. This comparison lifestyle we engage in, particularly with but not exclusive to social media, contributes to us not following through with our plans. We allow our feelings of inadequacy determine our fitness to do the things God calls us to do. There are several other good nuggets of helpful lessons in the study.
As a group, we all kinda felt the author was a bit harsh toward Naomi. Through discussion, we considered this woman who lost her husband and her two adult sons, who hadn't even gotten around to providing her grandchildren to dote on. We don't think that she lost her faith or that she became a cranky, old hag like the study sort of implies. We felt like she was working through her grief and that understandably contributes to her bitterness. However, through her faith in God, He brought her through her season of grief and blessed her faithfulness throughout by giving her Ruth, through whom, Naomi received a bounty of God's grace and love.
Also, there was something early on in this study that irked me. On pages 16-17 she talks about the "time of the judges" when Israel was ruled by God-appointed Judges rather than kings. The author writes, "Having no king brought a lot of disorder." People did what was right in their own eyes, and not what was right by God's standard. During this time, all the surrounding nations had kings, and nations ruled by kings required worship of such king. Judges ruled because that was the way God wanted it. It was only after the Israelite people begged and pleaded for a king so that they could be like all the other nations, God relented and says, "Sure, have your kings, but you'll regret it." And sure enough, more often than not, the Israelite people regretted being governed by kings. By the way, this is what happens to believers when we try to be like everybody else too. At any rate, this didn't have a significant bearing on the overall study, but it irked me enough that I needed to remark on it.
Bottom line: Good study and worth the effort!
As a group, we all kinda felt the author was a bit harsh toward Naomi. Through discussion, we considered this woman who lost her husband and her two adult sons, who hadn't even gotten around to providing her grandchildren to dote on. We don't think that she lost her faith or that she became a cranky, old hag like the study sort of implies. We felt like she was working through her grief and that understandably contributes to her bitterness. However, through her faith in God, He brought her through her season of grief and blessed her faithfulness throughout by giving her Ruth, through whom, Naomi received a bounty of God's grace and love.
Also, there was something early on in this study that irked me. On pages 16-17 she talks about the "time of the judges" when Israel was ruled by God-appointed Judges rather than kings. The author writes, "Having no king brought a lot of disorder." People did what was right in their own eyes, and not what was right by God's standard. During this time, all the surrounding nations had kings, and nations ruled by kings required worship of such king. Judges ruled because that was the way God wanted it. It was only after the Israelite people begged and pleaded for a king so that they could be like all the other nations, God relented and says, "Sure, have your kings, but you'll regret it." And sure enough, more often than not, the Israelite people regretted being governed by kings. By the way, this is what happens to believers when we try to be like everybody else too. At any rate, this didn't have a significant bearing on the overall study, but it irked me enough that I needed to remark on it.
Bottom line: Good study and worth the effort!
June 28, 2018
Very good Bible study for beginner groups or groups with new attendees. This is a good study to get readers in the word, but basic enough so it's not overwhelming. A lot of the questions are "elementary" in the sense that they are word for word, fill in the blanks. I actually enjoyed this for a change.
November 27, 2024
10/10 recommend to all believers. If you’re wanting to start and or end your day in Bible study and meditation this was definitely a great tool/prompt that can/will serve as an aide in your study time. The author did an amazing job of making scriptures practical and easy to digest. Get your hands on this Bible Study!
January 29, 2017
I enjoyed this book. Brings out pointers to help with pow
Resonate goals such as diet and exercise which is vey timely for this time of year. It was also personal to me as a,widow that she recognizes the trials faced by Ruth and Naomi.
Resonate goals such as diet and exercise which is vey timely for this time of year. It was also personal to me as a,widow that she recognizes the trials faced by Ruth and Naomi.
May 18, 2020
This study gave me a reason to reread the book of Ruth. There were some motivating verses here and there, but I had hope the study would also touch on some historical elements relevant to the story in order to give some context.
April 24, 2022
Love that this study was a manageable amount of reading and time each day. It also has you diving into other books of the Bible, not just Ruth, which I loved! Showed me some connections I didn't realize and helped me reflect on how I am living my life. Great study!
February 16, 2024
Even though I purchased the wrong book (Bible Study version), this book tells her story, explains how she overcame the challenges throughout the years, goes over the 5 habits and cites scriptures. The Bible Study book has questions for you as a reader to answer them and reflect.
September 28, 2017
S1V1L1
February 26, 2018
This is the second P31 Bible study I have tried and really didn't like. Focus is on self, the scripture thrown in there is all over the place, shallow reading. Not the book for an in depth study.
November 12, 2021
Great Bible Study for working with a group of women or alone. Easy to understand and very relatable personal stories included.
February 11, 2023
Bible Study
February 22, 2017
Great study on the book of Ruth! Goal setting and perseverance.
March 2, 2021
Excellent study. I saw some previous reviews. Obviously they didn’t read it but assumed. Very challenging study. In the culture these days no one finishes or finishes well. This study is so encouraging. Love that it has a focus verse everyday.
April 21, 2016
The teaching of the book of Ruth has been really in front of me these past few months whether through Christian radio and TV or through devotionals and books I've been reading. However, I must say this Bible study is just one of the best things I've read and it really brings alive to me the story and teachings from Ruth.
First of all, I love how Nicki shares personal stories in each session. It really makes you feel like you know her by the time you're done with the study. There are in-depth questions regarding Scripture and also about yourself. I really loved this as it helped me to dig deeper and that's something I really want in a study.
Although you don't have to have them, there is a downloadable bundle of videos that go with this study. Personally, I think it really adds to the study and I recommend doing it, however, I love that you have the choice here and that the study does and can stand alone. Not everyone can do the videos so it's nice to have a study that doesn't require the videos.
There is really nice artwork inside the book with different habits written on them which add a lot to the book. I love a book that's pleasant to look at as well as read. Most of all, this study was easy to understand and I really gained a lot through going through it. It is a great study for doing as one person or in a small group setting.
I really love this Bible study and will be going through it again as I feel like I can gain even more from it the second time around. I highly recommend this Bible study!
*This book was provided to me for my honest review by B & H Publishers
First of all, I love how Nicki shares personal stories in each session. It really makes you feel like you know her by the time you're done with the study. There are in-depth questions regarding Scripture and also about yourself. I really loved this as it helped me to dig deeper and that's something I really want in a study.
Although you don't have to have them, there is a downloadable bundle of videos that go with this study. Personally, I think it really adds to the study and I recommend doing it, however, I love that you have the choice here and that the study does and can stand alone. Not everyone can do the videos so it's nice to have a study that doesn't require the videos.
There is really nice artwork inside the book with different habits written on them which add a lot to the book. I love a book that's pleasant to look at as well as read. Most of all, this study was easy to understand and I really gained a lot through going through it. It is a great study for doing as one person or in a small group setting.
I really love this Bible study and will be going through it again as I feel like I can gain even more from it the second time around. I highly recommend this Bible study!
*This book was provided to me for my honest review by B & H Publishers
April 28, 2016
A Woman Who Doesn’t Quit is a 158-page workbook that expands on the material in 5 Habits Of A Woman Who Doesn’t Quit and provides you with the encouragement, the space, and the planning tools you need to put the lessons you are learning into action!
For those of you who are new to the material, A Woman Who Doesn’t Quit is a book about perseverance in the face of adversity. By studying the biblical book of Ruth, we learn how to embrace and apply the following principles into your life:
* Accept the assignment of refinement.
* Follow through with your commitments, in spite of how you feel.
* Stay open to the movement of God.
* Give others what you need.
* Move forward in faith.
What I like most about A Woman Who Doesn’t Quit is that the book provides plenty of space for note-taking and journaling, as well as pages filled with inspirational quotes!
If you are the type of women who has a tendency to over-commit, who gets discouraged when things don’t go her way, who starts new projects enthused but loses steam along the way, or who rarely finishes the things she starts, then A Woman Who Doesn’t Quit is an essential book for you to read and work through!
This review is an excerpt from the original review that is published on my blog. To read my review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. However, the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
For those of you who are new to the material, A Woman Who Doesn’t Quit is a book about perseverance in the face of adversity. By studying the biblical book of Ruth, we learn how to embrace and apply the following principles into your life:
* Accept the assignment of refinement.
* Follow through with your commitments, in spite of how you feel.
* Stay open to the movement of God.
* Give others what you need.
* Move forward in faith.
What I like most about A Woman Who Doesn’t Quit is that the book provides plenty of space for note-taking and journaling, as well as pages filled with inspirational quotes!
If you are the type of women who has a tendency to over-commit, who gets discouraged when things don’t go her way, who starts new projects enthused but loses steam along the way, or who rarely finishes the things she starts, then A Woman Who Doesn’t Quit is an essential book for you to read and work through!
This review is an excerpt from the original review that is published on my blog. To read my review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. However, the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
April 22, 2016
Hopefully, you have seen my review on the book "A Woman Who Doesn't Quit" This is the follow along 6 session study.
From the back of the book:
Every Woman eventually faces the decision whether or not to give up, but there's something special that happens when a woman decides to persevere in the face of problems or pain. A woman who refuses to quit influences her world in ways she could have never dreamed or imagine.
I love the book of Ruth. There is so much you can glean from it... ( no pun intended). I enjoyed the book, and I recommend that you use both these tools, along with the videos that are available you will have a great study that many women will learn from.
Benefits:
Learn to follow through on your commitments despite your feelings
Create space for the movement of God and release control to Him
Embrace the grace of refinement rather than the relief of release
Invest in the world with joy
Cultivate an unbreakable spirit
Persevere through life’s most difficult moments
Refuse to give up on your heart’s deepest desires
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
http://www.bhpublishinggroup.com
From the back of the book:
Every Woman eventually faces the decision whether or not to give up, but there's something special that happens when a woman decides to persevere in the face of problems or pain. A woman who refuses to quit influences her world in ways she could have never dreamed or imagine.
I love the book of Ruth. There is so much you can glean from it... ( no pun intended). I enjoyed the book, and I recommend that you use both these tools, along with the videos that are available you will have a great study that many women will learn from.
Benefits:
Learn to follow through on your commitments despite your feelings
Create space for the movement of God and release control to Him
Embrace the grace of refinement rather than the relief of release
Invest in the world with joy
Cultivate an unbreakable spirit
Persevere through life’s most difficult moments
Refuse to give up on your heart’s deepest desires
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
http://www.bhpublishinggroup.com
April 27, 2016
In her study guide, Koziarz, helps you learn how to implement the habits and create a biblically-based plan for becoming resolute. What I loved about this study is that you are not stuck in the book of Ruth. You will explore your bible learning how you can become a woman who doesn’t quiet.
Koziarz’s writing is easy to read, humorous at times, and heartfelt always. She truly wants to help others avoid the pitfall of being a quitter and she does so by using her own life experience to help.
You will learn how to avoid distractions, kill the excuses, address your feelings, and so much more. It’s very encouraging and you can address certain aspect of your life that might be very personal to you without feelings of condemnation.
This study is broken down into daily assignments so if you feel like you would quit the study, you can do one day and then talk yourself into doing the next and so on. There is no reason for you to quite the study when your making a small commitment for each day. If you get behind just pick up where you left off.
I know there are videos that go along with this study and there is even a place for notes in the book while you are watching the videos, but I have not had the opportunity to view these so I can’t comment on them…I can only assume they are good as the book and this study.
This would make a fabulous study for your church or small group.
{Disclaimer: I received a complementary copy of this study from B&H Publishers.}
Koziarz’s writing is easy to read, humorous at times, and heartfelt always. She truly wants to help others avoid the pitfall of being a quitter and she does so by using her own life experience to help.
You will learn how to avoid distractions, kill the excuses, address your feelings, and so much more. It’s very encouraging and you can address certain aspect of your life that might be very personal to you without feelings of condemnation.
This study is broken down into daily assignments so if you feel like you would quit the study, you can do one day and then talk yourself into doing the next and so on. There is no reason for you to quite the study when your making a small commitment for each day. If you get behind just pick up where you left off.
I know there are videos that go along with this study and there is even a place for notes in the book while you are watching the videos, but I have not had the opportunity to view these so I can’t comment on them…I can only assume they are good as the book and this study.
This would make a fabulous study for your church or small group.
{Disclaimer: I received a complementary copy of this study from B&H Publishers.}
June 5, 2016
This book is so worth the read! The author has a refreshing take on the book of Ruth by showing how our heroine didn't quit despite dire circumstances. There is plenty of humor, life stories and lessons learned that the author shares so you feel like you are taking this journey with her.
I appreciated how the 5 habits were tied in to scripture as well. For me, this was a such a new take on Ruth and the subject of quitting that I'm ready to make some changes! Eye opening and soul encouraging!
I appreciated how the 5 habits were tied in to scripture as well. For me, this was a such a new take on Ruth and the subject of quitting that I'm ready to make some changes! Eye opening and soul encouraging!
July 17, 2016
this study is just what I needed! I came away with so much goodness! I will be looking for many more studies like this one :)
November 18, 2016
First devotional I ever finished, and I loved it! I've already bought it as gifts for 2 friends.
January 15, 2019
I found this book to be more busy work for a Bible study group than having any real substance.
August 10, 2017
I read this book during a Bible devotional study, really liked it it made me think about how I live my life and some of the changes I could use. it tells you how to become stronger and how to have faith in yourself
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews