Jean Stockdale...

Joy in the Journey

 

God gives us His Word to instruct us and His Holy Spirit to enable us. We will experience slick roads, blind curves, poor visibility, and roadblocks. We will be tempted to rely on the world’s resources for help. A GPS cannot direct us. Grabbing our cell phone for a panicked call to a friend proves futile. Responding with road rage saps our strength and spoils our testimony. In studying the Book of Philippians, we will learn to rejoice in the Lord. Our strength, our confidence, our help, our hope and our Source of Joy is Jesus Christ Himself!

Abide in Him and discover for yourself the hilarious adventure of His Joy in the Journey. The 191-page workbook contains an 8-week (5 days per week) Bible study. The accompanying DVDs create a 10-week study (8 weekly lectures plus an opening and closing lecture). The Leader's Guide (included in the workbook) offers helpful hints to incorporate the video-driven Bible study into a church program. This and other studies are affordably priced at $15 per workbook and $125 for a professional quality 10-disc DVD set.

COMING SOON to this very blog address! PODCAST of this series will soon be available at this blog site. Details will be forthcoming!

To read more about Jean Stockdale, her passion for the Lord Jesus Christ, and for MOMS please visit her website at: www.jeanstockdale.com. There you can check out the 6 other Bible studies she has written with accompanying DVDs. 

**Are you interested in hosting an in-home Bible study? Does your church have a ministry to MOMS? Would you be interested in adding a ministry to MOMS to your church programming? Jean's 10- week Bible studies for MOMS are perfect for individual study, small group home settings, or your church's program. You can also find more details on the Joy in the Journey Bible study and Jean's other studies, including the ability to read the Week One – Day One lesson, testimonials and endorsements, pricing and ordering information. You can also contact the Ministry by calling: 877-409-5564.

Podcast. Are You Kidding Me?!?!?

PODCASTING. Seriously. I have been teaching Bible study for MOMS for the last 20 years. My sons were 8 and 10 when I started. They are 30 and 28 now! When I began teaching MOMS I had no idea that this is what the Lord had for me to do with my life (beyond the whole wife and mom deal-I was sure THAT was His perfect will for my life-but this . . . who knew?) but teaching MOMS has become the driving passion of my life!

I teach MOMS every week (Sept.-Nov. and Jan.-Mar.) at Bellevue Baptist Church. If you live ANYWHERE in the Memphis area, please come and join us. We have a wonderful time on Thursday mornings at 9:30! For information go to www.believe.org and click on Women's Ministry. We have a nursery for the wee ones and we are offering a program for home-school kiddos. Seriously, you don't want to miss out on this! We will learn how to deal with the angry monster (in your life and in your children), we will learn how stop screaming at your kids (its okay-we all resort to it every once in a while), and we will learn how to use our words to affirm our family as well as how to honor and respect our husbands. And then we eat lunch. Because we work up quite an appetite learning all that stuff!

I can hear you now. You are making plans to join us even as we speak. But what, you ask, if you cannot attend. You don't live near Memphis. Or you work. Or you just had a baby and the idea of getting the baby dressed and you dressed at the same time is seriously out of the question. Good news. I have good PODCASTING news for you! The messages will be broadcast on a live video feed every Thursday at 10:45 CST, starting on Thursday September 17th. And, more good news. if you cannot join us on-line, the messages are achieved at the same spot. This year I am teaching on the Book of Ephesians. The study is called High Stepping in Heavenly Places. Would you like to learn how to live this faith thing out? Would you like to learn how faith looks in real life, flesh and blood, nasty now and now, with a houseful of ornery kids with their own ideas of whose in charge? Well, join us. On-line. And, more good news. If you would like the accompanying Bible study workbook, that will cost you $15.00 plus shipping and handling at my website www.jeanstockdale.com. Check it out and we will get that baby in the mail to you ASAP. You could even get you a bunch of your girlie girl MOMMY friends together and do it as an on-line group and meet one night a week while daddy watches the kiddos! I'm just saying!

Now, what if you can't join us at Bellevue and you can't watch the message on-line, then what? Well sisters, guess what? We are going to PODCAST the messages. That's right. PODCAST. We have got the computer program necessary and the directions and as soon as Ray and I can figure this baby out, well . . .  we are going to PODCAST my Bible studies from this here blog. I think (hope, really really hope) we will have the PODCAST up and running within a week, although this from a person who does not know how to do a thing but write on the computer, but I have PEOPLE. PEOPLE who know how to do stuff. Techie stuff. So . . . if Ray and I cannot get the silly thing to work, we are going to call in our people. So, keep checking back. And tell you MOMMY friends. Tell them to join us right here at this blog for a healthy dose of sanctified humor, practical advice of faith-walking as a mom, profound TRUTH from the Word of God, the added benefit of some funny stories from my crazy life. And who doesn't like funny?!?!

Now in order to try to start this up immediately (within this week) we are going to start by PODCASTING my study on Philippians called Joy in the Journey. Who doesn't like JOY! Every MOM needs some JOY in her life. So starting soon, you can click here and follow the directions to PODCAST and hear the 10-week series called Joy in the Journey, a Bible study for MOMS. If you would like to buy the 192-page workbook to go with the Bible study, go to www.jeanstockdale.com  and we will set you up for $15.00 plus shipping and handling. Please tell all your MOM friends to stop by and get some JOY 'cuz, sister girlfriend, we are PODCASTING. That's what I'm talking about . . . PODCASTING.

Now, one more thing. If you would use this service, would you please leave me a comment and tell me. That would be so greatly appreciated! Blessings.

How to Have Joy-In Spite of it All!

 

Choose Joy!

The apostle Paul was in chains but the gospel was not. The Roman government had seized the apostle and imprisoned him for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, intending to cut off the apostle’s ministry and strike enough fear into the hearts of all who might be tempted to take his place. Despite his confinement, the apostle Paul continued to have a ministry. In a twist of divine irony, the praetorian guards, consisting of some 9000 men, become his mission field. In God’s sovereignty the guards became Paul’s captives. In 12-hour shifts, Caesar’s elite military warriors were chained to the apostle, forced into his company. Many fell under the spell of God’s servant, captivated by Paul’s unstoppable faith, unruffled peace and his unquenchable joy despite his difficult circumstances.

I. A Deliberate Disentanglement-Philippians 1:15-20a

Paul was well aware that the motives of some who were proclaiming the gospel message of Jesus Christ were less than pure. Paul addressed the self-promotion that some were seeking by writing, Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife. They proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment (Phil. 1:15; 17). Some were jealous of Paul’s successful ministry and resented his influence in the Roman church.  They were preaching the gospel of Christ out of hearts infected with envy, promoting rivalry and factions within the church. Others seized on the vacancy left by Paul as an opportunity to step into the public eye for the advancement of self. Some deliberately tried to compound Paul’s difficult circumstances. And what was Paul’s response to this tragic misuse of the gospel message? What then? Paul asked. Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice (Phil. 1:18). The contentious crowd was not preaching error or a false gospel. Paul would not have taken any pleasure in doctrinal inaccuracy. They were preaching the truth, but with impure motives. Paul knew God would deal with each accordingly. Joy was Paul’s response. By an act of his will, Paul chose joy. Joy in the Journey.

II. A Proper Perspective-Philippians 1:20b-26

Paul’s heart desire was that Christ be exalted in (his) body whether by life or by death (Phil. 1:20). Paul lived deliberately. He was consciously engaged in a life devoted to Christ and the spread of the gospel. Because he considered himself dead, crucified with Christ, physical death hardly held any threat to him. No one couldn’t threaten Paul with heaven! Whether by life or by death, Paul intended to glorify Jesus Christ and exalt His holy name.Paul had narrowed the purpose of his life to one single-minded goal. For me to live is Christ and to die is gain (Phil.1:21). Paul’s practice was closely tied to his position in Christ. Paul fully understood who we are in Christ. He knew God had seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Eph. 2:6). So surrendered was Paul to the will of the Lord Jesus Christ, so lost in his passion for proclaiming Christ, so close was his walk of faith with Christ that in his mind he was already home.Paul was hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary (Phil. 1:23) for the sake of those who remained. Paul was certainly grateful he would not make the final decision. If God allowed his release from the prison sentence, it would mean the continuation of a fruitful life in the service of the King. If God in His sovereignty called him home, he was certainly ready to see Jesus face-to-face. Paul did not fear anything this life tried to threaten him with, nor did he fear anything the veil of death tried to frighten him with. Christ was his life. Living or dying both represented Christ to him. The lure of seeing Jesus pushed him towards the direction of eagerly anticipating stepping into glory but the need for so many young converts to be discipled and for the gospel to be proclaimed drove Paul to desire to stay and be involved in kingdom work. No matter what happened, Paul chose joy. Joy in the Journey.

III. A Call to Consecration-Philippians 1:27-30

While we live in this world, we are certainly not of this world. As members of the blood-bought church of the redeemed, we have dual citizenship. We are American citizens (or whatever nationality you were born into) and we are citizens of a heavenly kingdom ruled by God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit. Prior to our conversion, we were dead in our trespasses and sins. Formerly we walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. We pandered to the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest (See Ephesians 2:1-3). We lived in Satan’s camp and were held captive under his sway. We were sinners by birth, by nature and by choice. But God was rich in mercy. Ephesians 2:4-5 says, But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved). God did not leave us in our sin. He sent His Son. While we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly (Rom. 5:6). God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Rom.5:8). Hallelujah! What a Savior!Christ died for us. Is it too much to ask that we live for Him? Paul wrote, Therefore, I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship (Rom.12:1). In light of the cross, is this not our reasonable service to God? Is it beyond the reach of reason that, having received the free gift of salvation, we might be responsible to live a holy and righteous life? Paul wrote, Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ (Phil. 2:27). We are called to holy living. The call of consecration lifts us above the earthly realm of the downward pull of the world, the flesh and the devil. That is, we are to live a life marked by the aggressive pursuit of personal holiness and practical righteousness. How is it done? By the renewing of the mind. The mind must be renewed before the behavior can be transformed. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect (Rom. 12:2). Renew your mind. Live in obedience to God’s Word, dependence on God’s Spirit, and confidence in the Lord Jesus. Do you want joy? It is yours without end in Jesus Christ. Choose Joy in the Journey.

 

Joy in the Journey

Mothering is a tough job. It is usually thankless and it can quickly steal your joy. How do you have joy when life falls apart? How can you have joy when difficult circumstances threaten you? I it even possible to have joy in the midst of the hard seasons of life?

Do you want to have joy? Not just happiness when the circumstances of life are producing a respite. I am talking about joy-hilarious, unspeakable, outrageous, unending JOY. Joy that springs forth from the wellsprings of a continual river that flows from your innermost being. I am talking about the joy that only Jesus gives.

Paul wrote the book of Philippians during one of his imprisonments. Chained to a Roman guard and confined to house arrest for two years, he wrote of the outrageous joy that Jesus provides. Join us on Thursday morning at 10:45 CT at www.bellevue.org for a live video feed of a message entitled "Choose Joy!" Click on Watch & Listen Live and follow the directions. A handout of the message will be provided later in the day. So grab you Bible and come and study along with us.

To purchase a the Bible study of Joy in the Journey, click to www.jeanstockdale.com. The 200-page interactive workbooks sell for $15.00 plus s/h. Full of profound truth, practical insight and personal illustrations, I invite you to come along and enjoy the faith walk of joy in Jesus Christ.

The Secret

Thursday Bible Study for MOMS-Philippians

Joy is the birthright of every born again believer. Why is it so hard to maintain in the midst of cranky children, aggravating adolescents, talk-back teens, and ccurt college kids? Why, I say? Why?

Beloved mom, we battle the world, the flesh, and the devil. Our enemies are determined to steal our joy and spoil our testimony. Together we are studying the Book of Philippians to find the secret to "Joy in the Journey."

If you would like to study along with us, I have attached the study notes for the lesson. The lesson is broadcast on Thursday 10:45 CT via live video stream at www.bellevue.org. Click on the block that says, Watch and Listen. The message will be archived within several weeks. For instruction from the Word of God and encouragement in the Spirit of God, join us on line.

Lesson Two-"I've Got a Secret"

Paul’s letter to the Philippians is both personal and passionate. The congregation at Philippi held a special place in his heart. With the exception of word of correcting to two bickering females in the congregation, the text is generally upbeat and encouraging.

Paul’s repetitive theme of enjoying the presence of Christ regardless of circumstances is particularly poignant. The letter, written during his incarceration by the Roman government for preaching the gospel, adds validation to the reality of his message. Paul was not merely tolerating his circumstances. He was not vainly trying to manufacture or generate joy in his own strength. Paul was appropriating the joy of Jesus by a total surrender to the indwelling presence of the One who redeemed him from the miry pit of sin and rescued him from the vanity of empty religious ritual. His letter is well worth our time and energy to study and apply.

I. Powerful Prayers-Philippians 1:3-5

As Paul prepared to begin his correspondence to the church at Philippi, the precious memories of his time there brought him great joy. I thank my God in all my remembrance of you (Phil. 1:3). Paul remembered his precious Philippian friends in prayer with pleasure.

Such was not the case of every church plant of the apostle. Several of Paul’s congregations received stern letters of rebuke and reprimand for succumbing to the lies of the devil, the lust of the flesh, and the lure of the world. Paul wept bitter tears over some of the congregations as he agonized over them in prayer, but not the body of Christ at Philippians. His memories of his time there, as well as the current status of the church, endeared them to him and filled his heart with joy.Paul reflected on their participation in the gospel. The Philippians had proven to be faithful supporters of Paul’s ministry. They were staunch prayer partners. They were liberal givers both with their friendship and with their finances. Satan had succeeded in restricting Paul’s missionary journeys. Arrested by the Roman government for preaching the gospel, Paul’s movement was restricted. Paul the prisoner was unable to preach from the pulpit with passion and persuasion. He was restricting from traveling and evangelizing the lost, discipling new converts, and planting churches. But Satan could not prevent Paul from bombarding the throne room of grace day and night with petitions for those whom he loved in the faith. In many ways, Paul the prayer warrior and petitioner was far more dangerous to the kingdom of darkness than he was on his missionary journeys-encumbered about with the demands of serving and ministry.

II. Christ-Centered Confidence-Philippians 1:6-11

Paul was well aware of the Philippians commitment to Christ. The apostle had seen plenty of evidence of their genuine conversion. Good works had abounded among those in the church and been reported to him. Their good works had not resulted in salvation but they had resulted from salvation. God was in the process of grooming this flock into the image of Jesus Christ. Paul was confident He would perfect the good work He had begun in them.Our salvation has three aspects to it. Two aspects are instant and one is gradual. The moment faith in activated, we are gloriously and eternally saved. We immediately experience an instantaneous exchange (among other things) of our sinful life for the righteousness of Christ, resulting in a reconciliiation with a Holy God. This transaction, called justification, is sealed by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in our quickened human spirit. The Holy Spirit is the down payment or guarantee of our future entrance into heaven. Our spirit is quickened at the moment of our conversion and the Spirit of God inhabits it. Our physical body will ultimately be transformed when we see Jesus face-to-face. This instantaneous transformation is called glorification. Between the two instantaneous events called justification (in the spirit) and glorification (in the physical body), is an ongoing change to the soul called sanctification. This is the progressive transformation that accounts for our gradual change into the image of Christ. Here’s the secret to a transformed life. The mind must be renewed by the Word of God. A progressively renewed mind, mixed with a spirit of obedience, progressively produces a transformed life. When our practice begins to match our position in Christ, the process is well under way. Paul had witnessed the progressive transformation of Christian maturity exhibited in the life of the Philippians church, which gave him great joy. Paul prayed the Philippian flock would continue to manifest the fragrance of the aroma of the power of Christ.

III. Father-Filtered Faith-Philippians 1:12-14

Paul’s confidence in the sovereignty of God allowed him to view his circumstances through the Father’s eyes. Paul was convinced nothing came into his life, or the life of any born-again believer, that had not passed through the hand and sovereign will of God the Father. Father-filtered faith. It rests in the divine wisdom of God to orchestrate all things for our good and His glory.

Instead of viewing his imprisonment as a roadblock to the spread of the gospel, he considered his guards to be a captive audience. The soldiers, serving in 12-hour shifts, were regularly indoctrinated by a rousing presentation of the gospel message. They became eyewitnesses to the transforming power of God in the humanity of their captive. They heard him pray, teach his visitors, disciple his companions, expound the Scriptures, repeat from rout memory volumes of the Pentateuch, and embody Christ in the man, the hope of glory. They regularly returned to their barracks, stunned by the enigma that was the apostle Paul. Caesar had arrested Paul with the intention of stopping his ministry and the spread of the gospel. Strangely, God has used Caser to bring the good news into the inner working of Caesar prestigious praetorian guard. Furthermore, Paul’s imprisonment had actually had the reverse affect. Rather than intimidating any who might be of a mind to share Christ into silence, it had actually emboldened many to speak forth the Word of truth with passion and power. The divine irony of the situation produced joy in the heart of the chained apostle. Paul was chained; the gospel was not. No wonder he had Joy in the Journey! We can too.

 

To purchase the workbook entitled "Joy in the Journey" or a 10-set CD or DVD set, visit our website at www.jeanstockdale.com.

How To Study the Bible

I have recently written a Bible study especially for MOMS on the life of Esther. As Christians, we have been placed into the body of Christ and the family of God. We are daughters of the King. But, let's face it. Most of us are hardly living up to our royal privilege on a daily basis. The Christian life is hard all by itself. Add the role of wife and MOM to it and you have a volatile situation!

"Teach me how to study the Bible," is the frequent request I get, whether I am speaking at Women's Conferences or to my own Bible study for MOMS. Perhaps, you fall into this category as well. You love God. You love God's Word, but you don't really know how to take it apart, verse by verse, and study it.

I have written a Bible study, specifically for MOMS, on the life of Esther. Full of practical applications, personal illustrations, and profound Biblical truth, this study will teach you how to study the Bible and how to apply God's TRUTH to your live.

The accompanying 10-week videos are currently archived. To view the first one, click here. To view the video, click on the button Fall Moms 2008 and scroll down to the first lesson, Sept. 11, 2008. Press play. To purchase the workbook-styled Bible study on Esther, entitled "Live Like a Queen", click here. To purchase the accompanying 10-week CDs or DVDs for use in your home or small group, click here. For information on adding this 10-week MOMS program to your church,click here. To contact me, email me at [email protected].