Suggestions for Mom's Bible study for confidence and encouragement

Boy, I’m not sure about a certain book, hopefully others will chime in.  I think the Psalms are good for encouragement and praising God.  Do you have a concordance where you could look up these topics and find specific verses related to them? 

Not a substitute for God’s Word, but I also have a devotional that I am loving…gives me such peace in God’s love for me just as I am and encouragement to trust Him with everything and have peace in Him daily.  It’s called “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young.  It only takes about 2 min./day but is incredibly encouraging.  It’s written as if Jesus is speaking to you, and specifically to women’s needs/struggles with fear, trust, etc. The associate Scripture is listed at the end of the devotion.  Praying for you…your desires are what myself and I think about every woman needs encouragement in!  Gina

P.S. Here’a s sample from “Jesus Calling,”if interested, “It is good that you recognize your weakness. That keeps you looking to Me, your Strength.  Abudundant life is not necessarily health and wealth; it is living in continual dependence on Me.  Instead of trying to fit this day into a preconceived mold, relax and be on the lookout for what I am doing.  This mind-set will free you to enjoy Me and to find what I have planned for you to do.  This is far better than trying to make things go according to your own plan.”

“Don’t take yourself so seriously. Lighten up and laugh with Me.  You have Me on your side, so what are you worried about?  I can equip you to do absolutely anythying, as long as it is My Will.  The more difficult your day, the more I yearn to help you.  Anxiety wraps you up in yourself, trapping you in your own thoughts.  When you look to Me and whisper My Name, you break free and receive My help.  Focus on Me, and you will find Peace in My Presence.” Phillipians 4:13; Proverbs 17:22

What about a topic study on our union with Christ? Working with a concordance, I mean. Just do some real meditation and prayer over this before the Lord. Maybe start out with John 15. I can’t think of anything more encouraging than that!

Terri Maxwell’s Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit is good as an extra book to reinforce the truth of our dependence on the Lord. 

Though not a Bible study, how about memorizing the love is verses in 1 Corinthians 13, wife of noble character in Proverbs 31, and the beatitudes in Matthew 5? 

For 1 Cor. 13, put your name in the appropriate area (ie – jacqleene is patient, jacqleene is kind, etc).  You can do the same type of thing with Proverbs 31 to some extent as well.

Study the different beatitudes and do a topical study of each of them using your concordance.  Simply look up all of the verses that mention “righteousness” for instance, read each, record the verse, and essentially do a written narration in a notebook comparing, explaining, etc righteousness as noted in the beatitudes is spoken of in the other verses.  Do note that sometime you will come across something that doesn’t seem connected in any way to your primary verse.  That’s ok.  Make a note of it, and date it.  If you should come back to it later, you might have a different perspective and see a connection that you did not before. 🙂

Pax,

~jacqleene

If you think you’d enjoy Jesus Calling, another similar – one I’ve found refreshing & encouraging over the years is the classic (now updated) Come Away my Beloved by Frances J Roberts.