In today's social media-saturated world, the word influence conjures up images of beautifully curated Instagram feeds or women who lead from the stage and have thousands of followers. It's measured by the number of likes and shares and how well we can get people to imitate us. Influence has almost become synonymous with fame and power, and if we're honest, many of us long to have it.
But in its purest form, influence is simply the capacity to affect change on someone. It is the ability to impact others for a certain purpose. And from a biblical perspective, influence is the right and responsibility of everyone who follows Christ.
Courageous Influence will guide you in the journey of living the impact you were made to have through this six-session study. Let's turn the world's idea of influence on its head and become the courageous women of influence God calls us to be.
(In)Courage has been publishing a series of Bible studies. There was Courageous Simplicity, Courageous Joy, and now, Courageous Influence. The message of the Courageous Influence study was one that really convicted me. It encourages women to “embrace the way God made you for impact”, and to use the gifts and skills that God gave us in order to bring about change. It is easy to just think that as only one person, we cannot really be much of an influence. However, God created each of us to be an influence based on our own God-given ability.
Courageous Influence is a six week Bible study, with five days of lessons for each week. Each lesson begins with a scripture and a personal story. Then, there is study material with reflection questions to answer throughout. Finally, the lesson ends with a prayer. The lessons are well written, and easy to relate to. I really like that each day has you looking up verses in your Bible. The titles of the six weeks of study are:
Week 1: Me? A Woman of Influence?
Week 2: Not Position, but Place and a Willing Yes
Week 3: Be a Person of Integrity
Week 4: Be Generous with Your Influence
Week 5: Be Intentional with Your Influence
Week 6: Tell Your Story
Some of my favorite quotes from this study include:
“We were made to have influence, to have an effect on those around us and on this world because we have been made new in Christ.”
“In Christ, we are all considered worthy of carrying the good news, no matter our background, our situation, or our familiarity with church lingo.”
“We never know when a word spoken or a kindness shared may have lasting impact on someone.”
“Influence starts with staying connected to the Vine.”
“The life-changing work of discipleship is not about getting our teaching correct all the time but about how we live our lives as we follow Jesus.”
You cannot go wrong with any book or product from (In)courage. I have the (In)Courage Bible, and devotionals, and I especially love the Courageous Bible studies. If you are looking for a study to work through on your own or in a small group, Courageous Influence would be a wonderful and timely choice. It has a central message that all women would benefit from hearing: You are worthy, and have talents that God can use to bring about positive change in this world.
I received a copy of this study from the publisher, in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
"But in its purest form, influence is simply the capacity to effect change in someone."
This is the third book in the Courageous series and also the third that I have read. I love the way these studies are designed and organized. I appreciate the way they are created for personal growth. You can do the studies alone, or can do it with a group. Either way, I highly recommend these studies.
"We were made to have influence, to have an effect on those around us and on this world because we have been made new in Christ."
The Courageous Influence Bible Study is a 6-week study, five days a week. Each week is a distinctive theme relating to influence. One day might take about 15 minutes, depending on how fast/slow you read, and how much thought and study you put into it. The day starts with a story that goes along with that week's theme, with questions integrated throughout for self-reflection, looking up verses that pertain to that topic and ending with a prayer.
"Who you are is exactly how God wants to reflect Himself through you."
This study is empowering and teaches us that we can live the life of influence that God created us to live. We need to stop comparing ourselves to others and letting fear prevent us from who we are meant to be. While this book did not resonate with me as much as the first two studies, I still learned a lot from it and enjoyed the study. There is so much truth and wisdom tucked into the pages that you want to take your time and savor it. I highly recommend this study!!
Thank you to the (in)courage team and Revell for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When you hear the word influence, what is the first thing that you think about? In today’s world, social media influencers are likely to come to the forefront of our minds. But true influence isn’t measured by the number of likes we get on our social media posts or the number of people who follow our blogs. True influence is measured by the amount of impact we have in other people’s lives.
By this measure, we need to give serious thought to how we are using our influence. Are we using it to positively impact the world around us? And, if we follow Christ, do the things that we devote our time and energy advance God’s goals and His agenda?
If these questions resonate with you, then Courageous Influence: Embrace the Way God Made You for Impact by (in)Courage author Margaret Cho may be the perfect book for your next Bible study. This six-week Bible study walks us through key topical passages about influence in the Bible and sheds light on how God use our personal stories – no matter how insignificant we may perceive them to be – to reach others for God’s glory.
Courageous Influence is the third book in the (in)Courage Bible study series and may be my favorite of the three studies to date.
In a world that is growing ever darker, we need as many opportunities as possible to learn how to be the light of the world that Jesus calls us to be.
If this is the call of your heart, I highly recommend Courageous Influence to you.
This is the third Bible Study in a series of four that all start with the word courageous. This one is set up like the others in that it is a six week study with five days per week. Unlike some other Bible studies, the videos do not have to be watched. They are more like a bonus to the study in my opinion. There is not even a designated place for notes from the video. Because the videos are not necessarily needed for this study, it makes it a more affordable Bible study specifically where the leader is concerned. The leader will not have to buy a leader kit like other Bible studies require to get the most from them. Also you do not have to have done the other studies in this series to do this one. I like that this Bible study has multiple contributors unlike other Bible studies I have done. It is also nice that they make it so all you will need is this Bible study and your Bible whereas some reference their book by the same name. This study definitely requires self reflection and you may find yourself writing only things that you would not mind someone seeing if they got ahold of your book.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in order to give an honest review.
Courageous Influence is the third in the Courageous series by (in)Courage. I’m about half way through the study and love it!! It is teaching me that whether I know it or not, I am influencing someone at all times. How I am influencing them? I’m so excited to finish this study and I know I will continue to be challenged, inspired, and encouraged.
I enjoyed Courageous Joy (part two of these Courageous Bible Studies from (in)Courage) and so far I am really enjoying this one, Courageous Influence, as well! It is such a good study for digging into the Bible and reflecting (which, to be honest, can be hard for me in writing format...I'm more of a "talker processor"). These studies dig deep and ask questions that help me reflect...they'd also be awesome to go through with a group, though individual study is very do-able with these. I'm so blessed to be a part of launching these studies...I definitely recommend them!
I have never taken the time to dive into the Bible. Recent events in my life have directed me to open up the Bible and take this study. Power of attraction is strong because this book is creating me to look inward. Looking for healing with inspiration. I am very impressed with how this book is laid out. It uses real life stories to help understand the Bible! Thank you!
This is such a good reminder… “A thousand reasons might prove why you’re not qualified, but when God asks us to do something, all He’s looking for is a yes.” (The quote is from the Courageous Influence Bible Study by @incourage: http://bit.ly/ci-amazon.)
A must-read Bible study for writers, bloggers, or social media influencers!
This Bible study was such a word in season and is one of the best Bible studies I've done in a while! As a writer and blogger who spends significant amount of time on the internet and on social media, this Bible study was so refreshing to study how to approach being a woman of influence for God's glory.
I appreciated how the Bible study was written by several different authors, who shared parts of their own personal stories, including their writing journeys. If you are a writer or blogger, this Bible study is a must.
I really enjoyed the structure of the Bible study compared to some of the Bible studies I've done in the past. It talked about different topics with just the right amount of detail. I've done studies in the past that got too detailed on a particular scripture or topic, so I appreciated the style of this study.
The study is a 6-week study, broken out into 5 days, and each day was structured with a Bible verse, a personal story or devotion from the author, Bible verses to reflect on, and questions to consider and apply it to my own life. I thought the pace and detail spent in the scriptures were appropriate, and really appreciated the questions that helped me apply a topic to my own life.
Thank you to the ladies of (in)courage for writing such a powerful and relatable Bible study!
This is the third in a series of stand-alone studies by (in)courage. Courageous Influence explores the idea that each individual is able to influence others, and you don't need to be rich, famous or powerful to do it. It goes on to examine the many ways - large and small - that we exert influence on others, even if it is unintentional.
At the end of Week 2, the author states, "Knowing God has placed you where you are and chosen you to have influence with those around you, remember not to look to the right of left, wondering what someone else is doing. Instead, let's be women who stay in our lanes. Let's be faithful to stay on whatever road He has us on. We are women of influence, period. Let's embrace the way God made us for impact." I think sometimes we get caught up in comparison. We see others doing more, bigger and better things, and we somehow are led to believe that because of the way they influence others, we perceive that they have way more impact than anything we are doing. But really, this tells me that influence comes in many sizes, and my job isn't to make my influence 'keep up with the Jones's'. My job is to use my influence to glorify God. Impact is important, no matter the size.
You can find this golden nugget - and more - in Courageous Influence. This book is easily adaptable to groups, online, or as a solo study. It will be meaningful for sisters of all walks and seasons of life, and all levels of Bible knowledge. I highly recommend it!!
The Courageous Bible series are some of my fave studies. Courageous Influence is the third study in the series. It takes you on a six week journey teaching how you can have influence, what God gave you to have influence, and what real influence means, not based on society’s definition.
The weeks are broken into five reading and writing assignments which are quick to do. Each week focuses on one of the following: establishing the foundation that you are already someone of influence, where are you in being influential and what is your willingness to say yes to it, how do use your influence, being generous and teaching when you use your influence, be intentional and explores the power of storytelling.
Now each day (5 day week) is focused on either our calling, what the world says influence is, how Jesus shows others how to have influence, God’s heart for us and motivation for using our influence.
The study is relaxing and it doesn’t take hours on end. The information helps you to reflect on the teachings and deepens your spiritual growth.
It helps to have the Bible Gateway app available on your phone to quickly look up scripture as you complete the writing assignments.
Courageous Influence – “Embrace the way God made you for impact” was written by Grace P. Cho and the Incourage community. In this Bible study devotional, the reader is encouraged to understand influence as God desires us to and not by the world’s standards. In week one day 1 the reader is reminded that “we were made to have influence, to have an effect on those around us and on this world because we have been made new in Christ.” One of the things I appreciate about this study is that it is grounded in scripture; while the reflection questions engage the reader to have a deeper personal experience with their heavenly Father. The study explores various ways in which the reader can have influence. The personal testimonies from the authors help cement the reader’s understanding about how they too can become women of influence in their mundane life moments. This study encourages much personal introspection and helps the reader take action in evaluating their sphere of influence to the glory and honour of God.
Each one of our lives has an impact on someone else, and it’s in that capacity that each one of us is a leader. I loved this quote from pages 7 & 8 of this study:
“Influence isn’t only for pastors or leaders in the church. It’s not about having a position of power or years of experience. It has nothing to do with age or gender or how much clout we already have. All of us have been given influence in Christ, and we are to use it to encourage and lead others toward Him…..Wherever we are, however God has made us, in Christ we are women of influence.”
This study is encouraging and covers several different aspects of leadership: Being willing; being a person of integrity; being generous with your influence; and telling your story. I highlighted quite a few passages in this book and loved learning about leadership from a Biblical standpoint. This is an excellent small group study, but I also enjoyed going through it on my own. This study would be of benefit to ladies in all seasons of life.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Courageous Influence is the third study in the Courageous series. I have walked through Courageous Simplicity and Courageous Joy. This series has been so good! It’s the perfect reset button and refocus on God that I need this year.
Courageous Influence explores how we are all women of influence. We don’t need a million followers on social media to be able to impact someone else for Christ. I have found this study challenging so I’ve had to pick it up and put it down several times and revisit it. Wow! The day about comparison to others completely hit home for me. I’m still working through the study now. If you are like me and wondering how you could possibly be chosen to influence others, remember that “we were made to have influence, to have an effect on those around us and on this world BECAUSE we have been made new in Christ.”
“We can have influence right where God has placed us because this is exactly where He has chosen to do His work through us.”
I have been given a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
“ Like a stone thrown into the middle of a lake our life in Christ should have ripple effects that reverberate from us to all those in our circles. I grew up near the lake and presently live on one. It is my happy place so the images of the stone rippling in the lake in the introduction of this study caught my attention right away. The Lord has been speaking to my heart about reaching out to share his love with those around me. Courageous Influence has been just the Bible study I needed to guide me through my fear, teach me that God will be with me in what He calls me to do. I don’t have to feel “less than” because God created me to be who I am. I would highly recommend this study written by Grace Cho. I love all of the authentic personal reflections included by women of the (in)Courage community. I was provided a copy of this study by Revell and (in)Courage for my honest review)
I'm really enjoying this Bible Study workbook! Perfect for personal or small group use! There are leader guides on the Incourage website along with free Facebook videos for each week of study, for a total of 6 weeks that contain 5 days of work. Whether we like it or not, we influence people on a regular basis. In working through Week 3, there's question on how I feel when the person portrayed in social media/public is completely different in real life. Wow, the betrayal, deception and lack of trust sets in quick, yet the study takes us through Matthew 23 where Jesus accuses the religious leaders of being hypocrites, to which we can ALL actually relate. "We're not immune to the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, but that's when we look to Jesus for mercy and help." The study goes on to give guidance in being courageous in leaning on God to be bold and authentic influencers for the sake of others.
Just like Courageous Joy, this new study by inCourage - Courageous Influence - has touched my heart from Day 1. I think one of the important things to remember is that we, each of us in our very own normal day-to-day, can be an influencer. It is important to remember that this can be done through the very small, mundane tasks. I loved this question/thought:
"Each yes we say makes obedience easier the next time around. What is a small yes you can say to God? It could be praying over someone, sending them a text, or sharing an encouraging word with them."
Please try these studies. They are very easy to go through and, I think, would be good for anyone. They can also be done alone or with a study group. What are you waiting for? Influence someone today!
The Courageous studies from incourage just keep getting better! This is my third one and just wow! I didn't think I had influence, in the way we tend to define influece (instagram/youtube with tons of followers, fame/power/high level job/etc)
This study has changed my take on influence. The everyday lives we lead have an impact on the people around us for good or bad. We don't have to be the "popular" one or the "extravert" to have influence. ”We were made to have influence, to have an effect on those around us and on this world because we have been made new in Christ.” Can you say WOW! Because we have been made new in Christ our lives should reflect that and by reflecting that, we are influencing because His light will be shining though.
This is my third (in) courage Bible study. The other 2 books inspired me to move on my own this one inspired me to really find my voice living in my own for the first time in 10 years. What I want to be known for respected for in years to come how I want to influence the world. My plan may work may not but at least I know I gave my dreams a chance. I am grateful these Bible studies and the stories these real women share from their lives on the pages of this study. B
God created me for impact, I’m not a fluke, a mistake, or unqualified for this life He gave me. The team at (in)courage have created another motivating, empowering, heart searching bible study for women. I loved this study so much that I had to stop myself from working ahead and completing it all ahead of my group. This bible study pointed me in the direction Jesus intends me to go and shows me where in the Word of God my help comes from.
I'm liking the emphasis on how each of us has influence that matters to people in real life! It's easy to feel insignificant if you aren't what the world calls an Influencer in social media, but this really points out the most valuable type of authentic influence every individual has in their life & how we can be more deliberate to use it well. I still have a little more to finish because I didn't want to rush through, but I wanted to recommend reading it!
I have really enjoyed this new study published by incourage. This study truly demonstrates how God gives each person different capabilities and gifts to have influence in different areas. It was such an encouragement to hear that everyone has the ability to influence, all be it in different ways and different places.
This study has excellent reflections questions and each day is the perfect length... easy to do for a busy mom!
Influence in the world today, even inside the Christian church, can mean many things. It can also be defined differently by everyone. Most think it has to do with fame or accolades. I was so pleasantly surprised by this study. I appreciate the authors sticking to the Bible and delving deep into what God says influence is. This study challenged me to look deeply into how I define influence and how I use my influence. Thank you (in)Courage for another study that sticks to the Bible!
This is the third study in the Courageous bible study series. Like the other studies, this is a six-week study. This study focuses on encouraging you to use your God given gifts, talents, and skills to bring change. For you to be the "influencer". This is a study that helps you face some truths that you may not know about yourself. But also helps you use what you learn for God's Glory.
Great devotional! I have loved all of the devotionals in this series. You dont need to read them in any particular order. This one has helped me so much to start looking at myself how God sees me. To be a great role model for my children! Its been tough to dig deep some days and really think about the questions in the book, but has made an amazing difference in my views!
I love the way this study helped me rethink what it's like to be an "influencer" in line with Jesus. What I mean is that we are to influence others by being like Jesus, showing Jesus' love, etc. And we can be influencers by giving up our plans and taking a hold of God's. Ultimately, we are promoting God, and what a cool job to have!
Feeling invisible? As an accidental SAHM and recovering productivity junkie, this study has changed the way I view my world from the kitchen window. Courageous Influence shows us that we each have influence in unique, God-given ways, each and everyday. Discover and embrace yours today through this powerful look at how God made you to make a difference for His kingdom.
Loved this Bible study! It opened my eyes to what influence really means. Sometimes we feel that because we’re not famous or have tons of followers, we don’t have influence, but it’s all a lie. My influence on my children, circle of friends and ministry make a difference and it all points back to the biggest influencer of all.. Jesus Christ.
I have done a lot of Bible studies and I have to say this one really made me dig deep into the Word of God. It helps you to find out what real joy is and where it comes from. Definitely worth every penny and minute spent reading and studying. Must have for anyone who is at any stage in your walk in faith and getting to know the unbelievable, amazing joy God bring to all of our lives.
I am loving working through this Bible study. There are so many truths that I needed to hear, but didn't realize I was needing. It has encouraged me to step out in obedience and be the influencer for Christ that I'm called to be.