Happy New Year!

How was your Christmas? I hope it was full of love, joy, and the appreciation of the many gifts that God has given us. I personally enjoyed opening one of my favorite gifts on Christmas morning. My eyes!

I spent a lot of time in December taking a close look at my business and how to make it grow now that I’ve laid the Lord’s foundation with these Bible Study guides. I was so focused on creating new “stuff” that I lost sight of that for a while. Then He lightly tapped me on my shoulder (I almost missed it!) and asked me what my purpose was. Not my business, me, Monica. What’s my purpose? It came to me almost immediately.

To create visual reminders of God’s blessings and love.

That’s it.

In my mind, there was a comma after love, but He said, “nope that’s it!”.

I’ve always struggled with the act of “selling” things that will lead people to Christ; that’s why these study guides are free. I didn’t realize until this month that it’s a form of discipleship. I’m not trying to call out or shame anyone who sells their Bible content for the record because that’s none of my business. I understand the need for people to make a living. I’m trying to do the same, just not that way.

Discipleship Jesus Style

Jesus had a style of discipleship that many find hard to emulate (it’s tough to fathom, much less do!). He didn’t start off trying to reach the “church folks” He started with a small group of guys struggling through life as the kind of men who don’t get invited to fancy parties. Jesus invested in them because He knew that the more drastic the change, the more people would believe and follow Him. He taught them, gave them the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and sent them out into the world. Of course, when you deal with people from many different backgrounds, you can expect to get burned (remember Judas?), but that’s a part of discipleship. It’s hard not to get caught up in the ones who do you wrong, but Jesus is the perfect example.

This is how we know about Christ today. Jesus started small and went viral. That’s how discipleship works!

So this year, in 2021, I’m asking YOU to become a disciple with me. No, you don’t have to go out and preach, teach, baptize, or anything like that (unless that’s your calling!). Instead, I’m asking you to join me in sharing visual reminders of God’s blessings and love. Even if all you do is share this guide to a Facebook group, or post a butterfly on your Instagram, use that as a way to invite others to learn more about Jesus and salvation. I guarantee that by the end of the year, you’ll find yourself in a place that you never thought you’d be in!

(Side note: You do NOT have to share my content, this is not about me. It’s about Jesus!)

This month we’ll be spending more time with Jesus and learning about how he prepared his disciples and some of the problems they faced. Problems are just another way for us to gain strength. We must learn from them, whether they’re ours or not, or else we’ll keep repeating them. So I pray that this month something you read will inspire you to boldly share the good news about God’s love and His son Jesus Christ, despite the obstacles.

But wait, there’s more!

Lastly, I’m increasing the goodies I give you every month! In addition to the Bible Study Guide, I’m also including a monthly cell phone wallpaper/calendar and a monthly Gospel Spotify playlist so we can worship Him together through song. Won’t that be fun! If you have any music suggestions, leave a comment and let me know what you’d like me to include for next month.

Thank you for joining me for 2021! I pray (and I hope you’ll join me in that, too!) that this year will bring you a deeper understanding of God’s plan for you as you grow in His word.