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Courageous Joy: Delight in God through Every Season
"Understanding and framing your life in patterns of joy will help you fully experience our God who delights in the joy of his children. This six-session study helps you see why joy is important, move into the woman God calls you to be, and find joy even in the tough times"--
224 pages, Paperback
First published March 30, 2021
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97 people want to read
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March 29, 2021
This study would work for men as well as women but is written to and for women by a woman and is geared to the student who appreciates a blend of didacticism and modern day life lessons. It teaches, in addition to providing entertainment and some smiles. It ignites the flame of relationship versus just reading Scripture or doing a word study just to check that off our to do list. Women excel at relationships and this study provides relationship with the Word as well as relationships with people. The author provides many Scripture passages on Joy as well as anecdotes that flesh out having Joy down in one’s heart (as the old song says). She speaks of Christ’s joy in our redemption and in spite of suffering death on a cross to achieve that. She speaks of a long goodbye by a suffering saint (believer) whose life and death give glory to God. Although I have not finished the study, which I received as a member of the launch team, I am enthralled and plan to saunter my way through the chapters on Joy defined, Joy in the Lord, Joy in Who God Made You to Be, Joy in the Good Times, and in the Bad Times, and Joy in Community. After 2020’s pandemic and forced isolation and being forbidden to attend church or sing in church and study God’s Word in person with real live people, not just online, I need an infusion of Joy and need to reignite that flame in my life. Thank you, Mary Carver and (in)courage for sharing God’s Courageous and outrageous Joy. Joy is a choice, y’all!!!
Joy is not just a spiritual gift but also a command. The word “Joy” is apparently used 244 times in the New International Bible; 155 times in the King James Bible; and Joy, Rejoice and Joyful are used 430 times in the English Standard Bible. Joy was my “word for the year” several years ago but one cannot have too much joy nor too much exposure to it. Rejoice in the Lord. God is GOOD all the time.
Joy is not just a spiritual gift but also a command. The word “Joy” is apparently used 244 times in the New International Bible; 155 times in the King James Bible; and Joy, Rejoice and Joyful are used 430 times in the English Standard Bible. Joy was my “word for the year” several years ago but one cannot have too much joy nor too much exposure to it. Rejoice in the Lord. God is GOOD all the time.
March 17, 2021
This Bible study is the second of four within incourage’s courageous Bible study series. Like the first study it is also six weeks worth of study with five days of homework within each week. One of the things that makes this study different than other Bible studies out there is that each day starts with a story from a different person within the incourage community authors. Unlike other studies I have done in the past, this one does not have a section for the videos within the book. Also, the videos seem to be available for free through incourage.me/leaderguides for those who would like to lead a small group or who would like to do their own personal study but still want to be able to watch the videos. Like the first Bible study in this series, Courageous Simplicity, this study asks some very thought provoking application/personal questions as well as the questions about what scripture is saying.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in order to give an honest review.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in order to give an honest review.
March 18, 2021
It was refreshing to have a study on joy that looked for what is taught on joy throughout the entire Bible. Each day, you have multiple passages to look up that could be from anywhere in the Old or New Testament. I appreciated the diversity and that they were usually larger passages, not just verses thrown in to prove a point. If you like to dissect Scripture and go really in-depth, this study may not be for you. But, if you want an overarching view of joy in the Bible, it's a great fit. I particularly thought the week on "Joy in the Bad Times" would minister to so many people. This study is written in such a way that any chapter could stand alone, so if you pick up the book and you're struggling, go ahead and skip to week 5 or whatever topic you think you need most at the time.
I wished there were group discussion questions included in the book, but apparently you can sign up to access them here: https://incourage.me/leaderguides. I liked that it was not a video-based study. You could definitely do this on your own or with a group.
I wished there were group discussion questions included in the book, but apparently you can sign up to access them here: https://incourage.me/leaderguides. I liked that it was not a video-based study. You could definitely do this on your own or with a group.
April 8, 2021
“ the things in which we find joy are like a window to our souls, revealing what matters most to us”
Where do you find joy? Where does your joy come from? Are you searching for joy in all the wrong places/ things ? Explore these questions and more as you go on a courageous joy journey ! Book 2 in the (in)courage Courageous bible study series is wonderfully joy filled because the more you understand the more you search the more joy you find ! It has been such a wonderful study I can’t wait to dig in everyday ! With plenty of space to write thoughts and answer the questions you are sure to treasure your time in this study book just done forget your highlighter you’ll use it !
Where do you find joy? Where does your joy come from? Are you searching for joy in all the wrong places/ things ? Explore these questions and more as you go on a courageous joy journey ! Book 2 in the (in)courage Courageous bible study series is wonderfully joy filled because the more you understand the more you search the more joy you find ! It has been such a wonderful study I can’t wait to dig in everyday ! With plenty of space to write thoughts and answer the questions you are sure to treasure your time in this study book just done forget your highlighter you’ll use it !
March 29, 2021
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)
Joy can seem so allusive at times. It is something that I think we all would agree that we need in our lives. We often think that joy and happiness are the same thing, and that joy depends on our circumstances. However, joy is a choice, and the basis of our joy is our God. I was reminded of this and encouraged by the message of the newest Bible study from (In)Courage, Courageous Joy.
This Bible study taught that we can delight in God and find our joy, no matter what season of life we are in, or what circumstances we may be walking through currently. There are six weeks of lessons, with 5 lessons per week. I love that this study gets me digging into my Bible to look up scripture, and it also is split into manageable daily lessons for the busy mom/woman. Each lesson ends with a prayer that summarizes the lesson, and encourages life application. The prayers are helpful as a prompt to lead you into praying your own prayer.
This is a book that you will want to highlight in and reread. There were so many quotes and nuggets of truth that stood out to me, but here are a few of my favorites:
• “Jesus found joy in His great love for us, and He put that love into action with the ultimate sacrifice.”
• “Does overflowing joy mean the absence of sorrow? No. God’s great love for us meets us in the middle of our griefs and hardships.”
• “Everything God has created and every gift from His hand is an opportunity to turn our focus back to the Creator, giving Him glory and rejoicing in who He is.”
• “With the call to rejoice commanded so often throughout Scripture, it indicates the Lord is telling us that actively choosing and expressing joy is significant to our focus and essential to our well-being as believers.”
• “It’s not practical or possible for every single believer on earth to worship in one place at one time. But God does value our unity, our ability to care for one another in community, and our dedication to worshiping Him as one body. As one we glorify Him, but worshiping together also increases our individual joy in knowing that we aren’t alone in loving the Lord.”
I would recommend this study for any woman, in any stage of life. As I stated before, we all could use a little joy in our lives, and we would all benefit from the reminder that our joy comes from the Lord. Joy is a choice that we make every minute of every day, as we lean on God to do so. The Courageous Joy study will get you on the right path to finding your joy.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Joy can seem so allusive at times. It is something that I think we all would agree that we need in our lives. We often think that joy and happiness are the same thing, and that joy depends on our circumstances. However, joy is a choice, and the basis of our joy is our God. I was reminded of this and encouraged by the message of the newest Bible study from (In)Courage, Courageous Joy.
This Bible study taught that we can delight in God and find our joy, no matter what season of life we are in, or what circumstances we may be walking through currently. There are six weeks of lessons, with 5 lessons per week. I love that this study gets me digging into my Bible to look up scripture, and it also is split into manageable daily lessons for the busy mom/woman. Each lesson ends with a prayer that summarizes the lesson, and encourages life application. The prayers are helpful as a prompt to lead you into praying your own prayer.
This is a book that you will want to highlight in and reread. There were so many quotes and nuggets of truth that stood out to me, but here are a few of my favorites:
• “Jesus found joy in His great love for us, and He put that love into action with the ultimate sacrifice.”
• “Does overflowing joy mean the absence of sorrow? No. God’s great love for us meets us in the middle of our griefs and hardships.”
• “Everything God has created and every gift from His hand is an opportunity to turn our focus back to the Creator, giving Him glory and rejoicing in who He is.”
• “With the call to rejoice commanded so often throughout Scripture, it indicates the Lord is telling us that actively choosing and expressing joy is significant to our focus and essential to our well-being as believers.”
• “It’s not practical or possible for every single believer on earth to worship in one place at one time. But God does value our unity, our ability to care for one another in community, and our dedication to worshiping Him as one body. As one we glorify Him, but worshiping together also increases our individual joy in knowing that we aren’t alone in loving the Lord.”
I would recommend this study for any woman, in any stage of life. As I stated before, we all could use a little joy in our lives, and we would all benefit from the reminder that our joy comes from the Lord. Joy is a choice that we make every minute of every day, as we lean on God to do so. The Courageous Joy study will get you on the right path to finding your joy.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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June 10, 2021Courageous joy is a 6 week Bible study with daily readings, containing personal stories, scriptures, prayers, and thought provoking questions with writing room for reflection. Each week focuses on a different aspect of joy.
It is a perfect set up for either personal study or using with a small group. I think we can all use these lessons on finding joy, especially during the hard times and in all stages of our life.
I was part of the launch team so I received an advanced copy to review and give my honest feedback.
It is a perfect set up for either personal study or using with a small group. I think we can all use these lessons on finding joy, especially during the hard times and in all stages of our life.
I was part of the launch team so I received an advanced copy to review and give my honest feedback.
April 12, 2021
COURAGEOUS JOY is a Bible Study I am very glad to have added to my repertoire of studies on JOY. As a joy-seeker, I devour everything I can regarding JOY. I find many sources tend to be consistent and say the same things regarding joy, but each and every one adds something vital to my understanding and intentional choosing of joy.
I was incredibly surprised to read in Week #1, Day #5 that "opening our hearts to feelings like delight and joy can make us feel vulnerable. . . .[ ] sharing joy with someone? [ ] that requires letting people see who we are. The things in which we find joy are like a window to our souls, revealing what matters most to us. And what matters more--and therefore leaves us most vulnerable when we talk about it--than our faith? . . . Brene Brown says, 'If you ask me what the most terrifying emotion we experience as humans is, I would say joy'" (40-41).
Expressing joy makes people feel VULNERABLE?? Seriously?? Boy howdy does that ever answer a lot for me! As someone who has zero trouble with expressing her joy, I have always wondered why I seem to scare some people--why some people gravitate away from me rather than towards me. I have always understood that joy is contagious; it has always puzzled me that some people who meet me act as if I am an alien from another planet. I am not, nor have I ever been, afraid to share my joy--to share what brings me joy. If you know me, you know that I love my son, pandas, pink, all things joy-related, and Gerard Butler! Oh, and musicals. I love talking about what brings me joy. I have never even considered the possibility that doing so is difficult for others because that makes them feel VULNERABLE.
W.O.W. Epiphany.
No wonder I have been told that I can be "too much."
In other words, what I am trying to say is that COURAGEOUS JOY by the (in)courage team is an amazing Bible Study. Whether you want to dig deeper into JOY or go through an amazing Bible Study completed by amazing Bible teachers, I say: get a copy of COURAGEOUS JOY as soon as possible and work through it. You will not regret it. :)
"Dr. Brene Brown on Joy: It's Terrifying." SuperSoul Sunday, March 17, 2013, Oprah Winfrey Network, HTTPs://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKV0B....
I was incredibly surprised to read in Week #1, Day #5 that "opening our hearts to feelings like delight and joy can make us feel vulnerable. . . .[ ] sharing joy with someone? [ ] that requires letting people see who we are. The things in which we find joy are like a window to our souls, revealing what matters most to us. And what matters more--and therefore leaves us most vulnerable when we talk about it--than our faith? . . . Brene Brown says, 'If you ask me what the most terrifying emotion we experience as humans is, I would say joy'" (40-41).
Expressing joy makes people feel VULNERABLE?? Seriously?? Boy howdy does that ever answer a lot for me! As someone who has zero trouble with expressing her joy, I have always wondered why I seem to scare some people--why some people gravitate away from me rather than towards me. I have always understood that joy is contagious; it has always puzzled me that some people who meet me act as if I am an alien from another planet. I am not, nor have I ever been, afraid to share my joy--to share what brings me joy. If you know me, you know that I love my son, pandas, pink, all things joy-related, and Gerard Butler! Oh, and musicals. I love talking about what brings me joy. I have never even considered the possibility that doing so is difficult for others because that makes them feel VULNERABLE.
W.O.W. Epiphany.
No wonder I have been told that I can be "too much."
In other words, what I am trying to say is that COURAGEOUS JOY by the (in)courage team is an amazing Bible Study. Whether you want to dig deeper into JOY or go through an amazing Bible Study completed by amazing Bible teachers, I say: get a copy of COURAGEOUS JOY as soon as possible and work through it. You will not regret it. :)
"Dr. Brene Brown on Joy: It's Terrifying." SuperSoul Sunday, March 17, 2013, Oprah Winfrey Network, HTTPs://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKV0B....
April 7, 2021
Joy is something every human heart longs for, and it’s something that often feels elusive as we chase after the things we think will help us capture it, only to come up empty. This timely study points us to the one place where true joy can be found: in a deep and vibrant relationship with its Source, the God who, contrary to how we might imagine him, is full of joy and longs to fill our hearts with that delight, too. Yet this study of joy is by no means simplistic. Each day’s readings and thought-provoking questions mine the depths of what joy actually is and what’s been blocking us from it. It dives into relevant and transformative topics like self-esteem, self-consciousness, disappointment, personality, priorities, service, suffering, gratitude, distractions, wonder, and how God really feels about you. Different readers will have their own epiphanies at different points throughout this study, because each of us is in a different place on the journey to authentic joy, but there is something for everyone here, whether you’ve been a follower of Jesus for years or are coming with little knowledge of the Bible, whether you’re seeking to find joy in the mundane or aching to grasp it in the midst of deep suffering. All are welcome to delve into this soul-essential quest toward true joy, and anyone who commits to digging into these pages and into their own hearts with honesty and an openness to what the Lord wants to reveal to them will surely find themselves experiencing more of the joy we all seek, the joy the Lord is inviting each of us to enter into with courage.
April 2, 2021
I received an ARC of Courageous Joy: Celebrating God's Goodness in Every Season by Mary Carver for my honest review from the (in)Courage Community. This is the 2nd of 4 ‘Courageous studies’ by (in)Courage and being able to go through the ARC came at the perfect time. Isn’t God awesome? I’ve been looking for Bible study that challenges me yet not overwhelm me.
I appreciate that these studies can be done one right after another or as a stand-alone study and that they can be done as a personal study or in a small group. I personally enjoy doing a study alone at first because I like to take my time, linger longer and work at my own pace. Then if I have friends want to join me in a small group, we can go through the study together. Kudos to (in)courage for offering the link (in the book) to leader guides and videos. Each week of this 6-week study focuses on a different aspect of Joy and each day of the week has a wonderful flow from one to the next. I was moved by the stories, sometimes to tears, feeling the pain and at others moved to laughter at the realization… yep that is so me!
As I mentioned God's perfect timing, my dad passed away toward the end of last year, and I’d been struggling with finding joy every day. I had a hard time answering the question, What is Joy? As a Christian I know in my heart where Joy comes from but yet has a flawed human, I know I don’t always look to the enteral for joy, sadly. As I read through the study I quickly realized I had let my circumstances, and the world rob me of my joy; losing my child-like faith. This study challenged me, yet didn’t overwhelm me, it helped me to dig deeper into the Word and served as a good reminder of where my JOY comes from. I needed this study to corral me back to the Word.
#courageousjoy
I appreciate that these studies can be done one right after another or as a stand-alone study and that they can be done as a personal study or in a small group. I personally enjoy doing a study alone at first because I like to take my time, linger longer and work at my own pace. Then if I have friends want to join me in a small group, we can go through the study together. Kudos to (in)courage for offering the link (in the book) to leader guides and videos. Each week of this 6-week study focuses on a different aspect of Joy and each day of the week has a wonderful flow from one to the next. I was moved by the stories, sometimes to tears, feeling the pain and at others moved to laughter at the realization… yep that is so me!
As I mentioned God's perfect timing, my dad passed away toward the end of last year, and I’d been struggling with finding joy every day. I had a hard time answering the question, What is Joy? As a Christian I know in my heart where Joy comes from but yet has a flawed human, I know I don’t always look to the enteral for joy, sadly. As I read through the study I quickly realized I had let my circumstances, and the world rob me of my joy; losing my child-like faith. This study challenged me, yet didn’t overwhelm me, it helped me to dig deeper into the Word and served as a good reminder of where my JOY comes from. I needed this study to corral me back to the Word.
#courageousjoy
April 9, 2021
Courageous Joy
My Review:
“Jesus models for us how to have joy in all circumstances. The deep joy that He experienced with His Father enabled Him to endure death on a cross. Joy is not just choosing to think happy thoughts. It’s choosing to clothe ourselves with an attitude of joy only accessed through the Holy Spirit”. (page 14 in the book)
This is a well-written Bible study on the topic of true joy as found in the Bible. Even though it’s a topical/devotional study, this is not a study filled with “fluff”. It’s a deeper, thoughtful look at scripture on the topic of joy in all seasons of our lives. Each day of the study begins with a short devotion, and is then followed up with a look at scripture based on the day’s focus. There are challenging questions that help apply the principles to daily life. It’s one of the best studies that I’ve done on the topic of joy. I’ve gone through this one my own, but I’m hoping to be able to do this study with a small group at some time in the future. This six week study will renew and strengthen your faith.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
April 12, 2021
The newest Bible Study from (in)courage is called Courageous Joy – Delight in God through every season. This 6 week study begins with 2 weeks of study defining what joy is and where true joy can be found. The last 4 weeks digs into how to have joy in who God made you, joy in good times, joy in bad times and joy in community. The study is a balanced mix of academic study questions and practical application questions. At the start of each week’s study there is a personal story from one of the (in)courage staff that adds further encouragement to the reader. In this discouraging, messy world we are living in, this study is a shining light that gives Biblically clear instruction and rich encouragement that real joy is available through God, whom is the only real source of joy.
I was provided an advance copy in exchange for an honest and fair review.
I was provided an advance copy in exchange for an honest and fair review.
April 7, 2021
For years I have been on a journey to learn what it looks like to choose joy and live a joyful life. This Bible study is a wonderful tour through Scripture about delighting in the Lord. It is an exploration of the many facets of joy. Various (in)courage authors share their thoughts along with some great quotes from great thinkers throughout the ages. This study has more substance than many women's studies, but it is not so deep that a new believer would be intimidated. It would make a good study for a group of women in different seasons of their walk with Christ. I recommend it to anyone who wants a better understanding and dose of rejoicing in the Lord always.
** I received a copy for review from (in)courage and Revell Publishing.
** I received a copy for review from (in)courage and Revell Publishing.
April 7, 2021
This study- it is exactly what my heart needed in this season of life! I'm only on week two right now but each day it is like breathing in new life again. I feel like I'm catching a breath of joy for the first time in a very long time. It's the reminder that joy- true joy cannot be found in things or people or significance from others. True joy can only be found in relationship with our Father. Through Him- constant relationship and communication through His Word is life giving and fills us with the abundant life He wants for us. I cannot wait to see what else this study will reveal to me but I know God is walking through it with me filling me bit by hit with His joy so it will overflow in me! This will be a great group study! Grab your friends and dig in to Courageous Joy!
May 17, 2021
Do you desire to lead a more joyful life but you’re not sure how to do so? Do you want to be a more joy-filled person but struggle with your emotional reactions to your daily circumstances? Has your search for happiness been so elusive that it’s led you to ask, what exactly is joy?
If so, you could probably use a whole new perspective on what joy is and how to embrace it, which is what Courageous Joy is all about. Over the course of 6 weeks, through 5 daily interactive lessons, you’ll explore biblical wisdom on how to pursue joy by delighting in God, regardless of whatever is happening in your life.
This in-depth study on joy – what it is and isn’t, how and where to pursue it, and how to dwell in it – could not be a more timely study. You’ll explore passages on joy throughout the Bible – reflect on the text through journaling – and even tackle current issues through the text.
Whether you are looking for a Bible study to do on your own or with a group, Courageous Joy provides solid biblical teaching on a very practical and relevant topic. I recommend this study to you along with Courageous Simplicity, the first book in the series!
If so, you could probably use a whole new perspective on what joy is and how to embrace it, which is what Courageous Joy is all about. Over the course of 6 weeks, through 5 daily interactive lessons, you’ll explore biblical wisdom on how to pursue joy by delighting in God, regardless of whatever is happening in your life.
This in-depth study on joy – what it is and isn’t, how and where to pursue it, and how to dwell in it – could not be a more timely study. You’ll explore passages on joy throughout the Bible – reflect on the text through journaling – and even tackle current issues through the text.
Whether you are looking for a Bible study to do on your own or with a group, Courageous Joy provides solid biblical teaching on a very practical and relevant topic. I recommend this study to you along with Courageous Simplicity, the first book in the series!
April 7, 2021
I am currently finishing up week 4 of this study. I have been taking it slowly and trying to focus on each day (along with mindfully answering the prompts and looking up scriptures) to really be able to apply the lessons from Courageous Joy. I love when personal stories are woven through to shine light on the Truth of God. This study has plenty of that with many contributing authors, as well as thoughtful applications of DIFFERENT ways Joy is available for each of us, even in the struggling seasons.
April 7, 2021
I received an advance copy of this study and I have to say I am floored. I’ve done other studies where there’s just scriptures broken up into different parts and then space for notes. That’s it. No real life application. No questions that encourage in-depth study. That is not the case with this study. Not only will you explore joy, but you’ll have real life, practical applications to help you understand and comprehend more. I highly encourage anyone who needs a little bit more “joy” (don’t we all) in their lives to pick up this study. You won’t regret it.
April 9, 2021
Before starting this study I was feeling the weight of depression and anxiety, trying to figure out how to get out of the darkness. Then a friend asked me to join her in doing this study & I had the privilege of being a part of the pre-launch.
This study taught me so much about what joy really is, how I can still have joy in the tough moments of life, and how God is always with me! I feel much more connected to God, and I feel like I'm more equipped to recognize joy in each moment!
What I loved most about this study was that each day dove deep into scripture, while challenging readers to reflect on themes and ideals presented for that day. This study wasn't full of the usual fluff or surface-level talk that I often see in Bible studies done by women. I absolutely love (in)courage studies because they help women dive deeper into the Word and get connected with God!
This study taught me so much about what joy really is, how I can still have joy in the tough moments of life, and how God is always with me! I feel much more connected to God, and I feel like I'm more equipped to recognize joy in each moment!
What I loved most about this study was that each day dove deep into scripture, while challenging readers to reflect on themes and ideals presented for that day. This study wasn't full of the usual fluff or surface-level talk that I often see in Bible studies done by women. I absolutely love (in)courage studies because they help women dive deeper into the Word and get connected with God!
April 1, 2021
The very idea of studying about joy lifted my spirits. Reading the introduction, I marveled at the way the words on the page beautifully expressed the concept of the book. As an author and editor myself, exquisite wording touches me deeply, as does the topic here. The six weeks of five days each exploring joy and responding to questions in the text allow time for personal reflection and relation to developing deeper daily joy in life. From the foundation of the first week defining joy then looking to the Creator of joy for where and how we find joy and way we express it, this book makes things personal and relatable. It also covers obstacles and challenges us to pass joy on to others. You can do this Bible study on your own, but I think it affords a much richer experience to go through it with others—whether in an online group or in person. It is designed for women, but we really shouldn’t keep it all to ourselves. I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
March 31, 2021
This is a topical bible study. It is written by many contributors and pulled together by Mary Carver. The study asks you many questions about your own emotions, thoughts, feelings, and responses. It also has you look up different passages, sections of a passage, or just a few verses at a time. I liked it, but I was reminded why I have fallen into a pattern of most of my bible studies are a book study or a passage study. There are several days that encourage you to think about your own self-image and then compare that to the image that God has in mind. I think many, many women will benefit from this study and will learn, enjoy, and appreciate it. Some of the lessons I really enjoyed, and others I skimmed through as they were more emotions based and prompting you to find the joy of the Lord, and I am a joyful person, so not as applicable. Thankful to partner with (in)courage and review an advance copy! #courageousjoy
April 9, 2021
I have been working my way slowly through this study this spring season. It’s been a wonderful reminder on how God’s love brings joy and joy builds resilience to serve God’s world. My entire outlook has been uplifted during this study, helping me to even see how joy is mixed with the sorrows of life, which in my case is living with a terminal illness. I’m thankful for this study and the perspective it offers.
March 24, 2021
This devotional is FANTASTIC ... learning about what can steal my joy ... learning how to stay in the joy of the Lord no matter what happens has been sooooo instrumental in changing my focus!!!!! This is a MUST READ!!!!
March 29, 2021
This study reminds us where our true joy comes from. It is not the world, it is not our family, friends, our children or even our spouses. Our true joy comes from the Lord God. Are we putting idols in front of the Lord? Are we worshipping him fully or are we distracted? Has life gotten too heavy and we cant even speak the words anymore? Finding joy even when its difficult or is a sacrifice can be unsettling but the Lord God is there to walk through it with us. Start your day off with a few minutes each morning as the writers of this study give us a piece of their own journey and point us back to the one and only who has His arms open to give us joy that can never truly be found in anyone or anything but him, Jesus
March 30, 2021
Joy has been something I have been struggling a lot with this last year, and the new (in)courage Bible study Courageous Joy has been a blessing while I still work through this difficult season. There have been so many topics on Joy that I didn't think about in the Bible, and using scripture that I just would read over, this study has opened my eyes to looking for Joy in everything. The study is broken down into 5 days of reading/study each week, with a devotional story from one of the (in)courage ladies. The questions are very thought-provoking and have made me look deeper at where my joy has been coming from.
March 26, 2021
This is my first Bible study from (in)courage. I really didn't know what to expect. Honestly, it's a lot more reading and writing than I thought it would be. I am working through it slowly, but with every page I am getting drawn in deeper and deeper. Digging deep in to why Jesus did what He did, and how He actually traded His joy for mine has really rocked my world. The questions in the study are very thought provoking and causing me to look into places of my heart and life that have been neglected. This study has been like a flashlight being turned on in my heart, and I am so thankful I decided to give it a try. I'm looking forward to more from this study!
March 26, 2021
This book and Bible study came to me at exactly the right time in my life. Every day is new and already, my copy is filled with notes, highlights, and the pages are becoming well worn, haha! I highly recommend this book for anyone going through a difficult time in their life, or just wanting a new Bible study.
The words written in here feel like they have been written for me specifically and I am just so excited to see what else God has in store for this Bible study.
The words written in here feel like they have been written for me specifically and I am just so excited to see what else God has in store for this Bible study.
March 25, 2021
Joy is so necessary in our lives ... it effervesces
when we are filled up with beautiful moments , bright
and shiny surprises , love and celebratory givings . We
are beautifully created and until we are connected , or at
least seeking to connect with Our Master Maker , who wills
good and joy and love for us , these moments will be few
and short lived . The studies give so pertinent a direction and resource in our reflections. Dig in and seek to find it .
when we are filled up with beautiful moments , bright
and shiny surprises , love and celebratory givings . We
are beautifully created and until we are connected , or at
least seeking to connect with Our Master Maker , who wills
good and joy and love for us , these moments will be few
and short lived . The studies give so pertinent a direction and resource in our reflections. Dig in and seek to find it .
April 7, 2021
Love this study!!! My life has had SO much change lately and I want to live with joy through the changes. This study has helped me see God and find joy.
April 20, 2021
This is the second study in this Courageous series from (in)courage, starting with Simplicity this second book focuses on Joy. Mary Carver and the (in)courage contributors continually bring together studies that are easy to digest, easy to follow and can work well on your own or in a group. These topics are also relatable for men and women although (in)courage is a community of women authors and writers. This six week study breaks down scripture, offers instances that the readers can relate to and gives introspective space to sit and think with the information offered. The layout of these studies is perfect, giving the reader a breakdown of days and weeks so nothing is overwhelming or stalls your work. I have continually recommended (in)courage resources for years and will continue to do so. I received an early copy from Revell and these are my own thoughts and opinions.
March 19, 2021
I received an advance copy of this amazing study! It is so good and everyone needs more joy. The book includes real-life stories to illustrate the concepts and make material relatable. I really love the many Bible references and thought provoking questions. There is plenty of room for writing thoughts and question answers. Well organized into 6 weeks, 5 days per week. Well written and really helps one find joy in our God. Joy is so much more than just happiness and this study helps you find that joy. It will truly make a difference in your life!
March 30, 2021
This book is full of so much great truths of God's Word! It shows how one can lean on what God says true Joy comes from instead of what the world says! The thought provoking questions laid out between the pages as you read and discover more of who God is and why we can find Joy in the way He made us. There is always the hard times and the hard questions in life and this study helps you to examine how you go through those times; perhaps changing how you go through those times for better understanding of God's faithfulness.
It was a joy to do this study and I look forward to doing it again slower with a group of friends! I've always found joy in community!! xo Thank you for this beautiful study!!
It was a joy to do this study and I look forward to doing it again slower with a group of friends! I've always found joy in community!! xo Thank you for this beautiful study!!
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