Sticks: Rooting Your Faith in Godly Wisdom When Your Decisions Matter the Most

by Kat Armstrong

These studies guide you through the storyline of Scripture-each following a person, place, or thing in the Bible. Maybe you are practiced in dissecting a passage and pulling things out of the text to apply to your life. But now you may feel as though your faith is fragmented. The Storyline Bible studies help you put the pieces back together. You’ll discover cohesive, thematic storylines with literary elements and appreciate the Bible as the masterpiece that it is. Each study is five weeks long and can be paired with its thematic partner for a seamless ten-week study to fit in a church semester. Every study


Every tree, bush, or vine in the Bible is deeply embedded in an ancient, symbolic-driven world where imagery of the story didn’t just matter―it had meaning. The Sticks Bible study will guide you through five Bible stories where trees point us to how we can seek godly wisdom and make hard choices that honor God. In Sticks , we’re going to explore

176 pages, Paperback

Published April 18, 2023

About the author

KAT ARMSTRONG (www.katarmstrong.com) was born in Houston, Texas, where the humidity ruins her Mexi-German curls. She is a powerful voice in our generation as a sought-after Bible teacher, preacher, coach, and innovative ministry leader. She holds a master’s degree from Dallas Theological Seminary and is the author of No More Holding Back, The In-Between Place, and a 6-book series called Storyline Bible Studies. In 2008, Kat cofounded the Polished Network to embolden working women in their faith and work. Kat is the senior director of marketing and content for Integrus Leadership, is pursuing a doctorate of ministry in New Testament context at Houston Theological Seminary, and hosts the Holy Curiosity podcast. She and her husband, Aaron, have been married for twenty one years and live in Dallas, Texas, with their son, Caleb, and attend Dallas Bible Church, where Aaron serves as the lead pastor.

Reviews

[Rosalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

When opening the study you find an introduction that explains not just the purpose of the study but the breakdown of each lesson, which was helpful as you began. As someone who is always studying her bible, the concept of trees or "sticks" didn't come to me until picking up this book. I looked forward to learning about making wise decisions as I followed the author through the lessons.
As I went through the study, I enjoyed the detailed scripture reading, or "seeing" section of the study. It helped to bring the focus to scripture and the little reader checks made the study interactive. The "understanding" section allowed me to apply what I was learning to my life and the author did not hold back! She pointed to larger themes in the bible and in life that separate us from a thriving relationship with God and from making the wise decisions we would like. I did a great deal of journaling in this section alone.
However, there were several barriers to my enjoying this study. The provided digital copy I received was not formatted well. As I went through the study sentences would abruptly end and quotes inserted. I imagine that this will be corrected before the final release but it was very frustrating as I attempted to follow the train of thought. The stories presented in the "context" section the chapter seemed nice enough but I was expecting more historical or biblical background knowledge that would better root me in text and prepare me for the reading. Finally, I was unable to determine the purpose of the storyline chart at the end of the chapter, however, this could be due to the digital format.
Overall, I enjoyed the premise of the study and look forward to the official release. I would like to conduct the study with my Life Group.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Rooting your faith in Godly wisdom when your decisions matter most.”

This is my third Kat Armstrong study and I enjoyed it just as much as its siblings.

The book takes the reader through five Sticky Situations (see what I did there?) found in the Bible, and discusses how these ecological ecounters with God can teach and encourage us in our current lives.

Each day, you read a portion of scripture and delve more into context, meaning, and application.

I loved so much about it.

First off, the artwork is stunning. Not the most important aspect, but so beautiful.

I loved that the scriptures appeared in the text.

I loved that the daily homework wasn’t overwhelming. We all love Sister Beth, but we don’t always have hours a day to devote to study.

I loved that there are more in this series. It’s like finishing an excellent novel and knowing you get to spend more time with your favourite characters.

I didn’t really dislike anything, but I’d have liked more cultural context, and I think I would have preferred going through this in community, instead of by myself.

I’m very much looking forward to more from this teacher.

8/10

Thanks to NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for this tender ARC.