Uncategorized Archives - Joanna Weaver: Recent Episodes
Joanna Weaver
Happy New Year and Welcome to My Utmost 2024!Today we begin an all-new Bible Reading Challenge…but this time we’re adding a daily entry from my favorite devotional, My Utmost for His Highest.
If you’d rather not read the devotional, that’s fine. You can focus on the chapter-a-day Bible reading instead.
But I have to tell you, reading My Utmost has been a huge blessing in my life and I’d like to invite you to journey with me through this inspiring book.
I hope you’ll join the beautiful Bible reading community that has gathered over at my FACEBOOK page.
Each day, we post the Bible reading assignment, and people leave comments about what spoke most to them in that day’s reading in the Bible and/or devotional.
I’d love to hear what God speaks to you!
Let’s Get Started…If you haven’t already gathered the following resources, you’ll need:
- Bible – a translation that you enjoy and understand
- Devotional – Read My Utmost for His HighestONLINE or purchase here:
- Classic
- Updated Language
- FREE Bible & Devotional Reading Journal – sign up HERE
- Bible Reading Schedule – click HERE to print (also in the journal)
Each Sunday, we will post the weekly reading assignments on Facebook– (click links and “follow” to see posts). Here’s this week’s assignment…
THIS WEEK’S READING FOCUS:
BIBLE: Exodus 1 (see reading schedule)
MY UTMOST: January 1-6 (one entry each day)
Whether you are reading a chapter from the Bible or the daily entry from My Utmost for His Highest, or both, God has a word for you today!
Remember…
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Before you begin, ask the Holy Spirit to remove any preconceived ideas or biases so that you can receive a fresh word from the Lord.
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Read the assigned scripture portion slowly until something speaks to you.
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In journal, write the verse(s) word-for-word, including the reference.
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Write down how it impressed you.
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Do the same as you read the daily entry from My Utmost for His Highest.
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If something stands out, write down the phrase word-for-word.
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Respond to what you sense God saying.
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Take all of it to the Lord in prayer.
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Leave a comment at blog or in that day’s Facebook reading assignment thread:
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For Bible response, note verse reference.
- For devotional response, note entry’s date.
[Note: This post contains affiliate links which pay a small commission though at no extra cost to you.]
The post MY UTMOST 2024 | Introduction appeared first on Joanna Weaver.
DO YOU LONG TO BE YOUR “UTMOST” FOR JESUS?With 2024 just around the corner, I’m excited to share my upcoming Bible Reading Challenge – but this year, we have a special addition…
After your chapter-a-day reading assignment in the Bible, you’ll be encouraged to also read that day’s entry from Oswald Chambers’ classic devotional, My Utmost for His Highest .
Oswald has been my spiritual mentor for over 40 years, and I can’t wait to share his inspiring words with you.
I hope you’ll join the beautiful Bible reading community that has gathered over at my FACEBOOK page where I post the daily reading assignment. It’s so inspiring to read what God is speaking to people’s hearts as they share their insights in the comment thread.
Of course, you don’t have to be on Facebook to do the challenge – and you can skip the devotional and just do the chapter-a-day reading in the Bible.
One way or another, I know you’ll be blessed as we get into God’s Word. Seeking to be our “utmost” for His “highest” as we pursue God’s heart!
WHY ADD A DEVOTIONAL?Perhaps you’re wondering why I would add a devotional. Here’s an old video I made last time we did MY UTMOST. I share how the reading challenge works and why this devotional is so precious to my heart…
The devotional is available in both classic and updated language. You can access both versions online for free, but I recommend getting a hard copy of My Utmost for His Highest so you can mark the passages that speak most to you.
Here ‘s where to get it:
- FREE Online Version (drop-down menu offers “classic” or “updated”)
- Classic Edition
- Updated Language Edition
[These affiliate links will take you to hardcover editions which last better, but paperback versions are available as well – Classic and Updated.]
MY UTMOST JOURNALTo help you get the most out of MY UTMOST 2024 Reading Challenge, be sure to SIGN UP for the FREE JOURNAL created for our time together – which starts January 1st!
While you may choose to only do the Bible reading (or just the devotional reading), you’ll find space to write down your reflections on both. When you receive the journal, print and place it in a binder for easy use.
Get Your FREE Journal! Sign up for my email list and receive a FREE Bible Reading Journal!
Filled with practical tips and space to record time in God's Word, the MY UTMOST Journal also has room for devotional reflections.
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First Name Email Address We use this field to detect spam bots. If you fill this in, you will be marked as a spammer. I'd like to receive the free email course. Subscribe We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time. Powered by ConvertKit The post My Utmost 2024 | Invitation appeared first on Joanna Weaver.
How do we keep going when everything inside shouts to give up?
In this episode, I share some important lessons I’ve learned about persevering over the past five years of writing.
Whether you’re in the middle of a huge project that feels overwhelming, or in a difficult season that seems like it will never end, God wants to give you the stick-to-itiveness to press on and push through. For the Bible promises a “harvest of blessings if we don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9).
FIVE THINGS TO REMEMBER IN THE DIFFICULT MIDDLE:
1. You are not alone
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. (Deuteronomy 31:8)
2. You aren’t doing it wrong
So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. (Galatians 6:9)
3. Find a sustainable pace
Throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us… (Hebrews 12:1)
4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me…and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11;28-29)
5. Keep on keeping on
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)
MORE ENCOURAGEMENT FOR YOUR HEART
Here are some other posts you might find helpful for persevering in and through your situation:
- 7 Verses for When You Are Weary
- Why Doing Less Could Be Doing More (Really!)
- TLR 095: Overcoming Anxiety with Amy Sieffert
And of course, I’d love to have you check out my new BOOK and VIDEO BIBLE STUDY – Embracing Trust! It’s all about learning to trust God in the difficult parts of life as well as the good times.
Here’s the 10-Week Study Promo…
LEARN MORE ABOUT STUDYThe post 102: How to Persevere When It’s Hard with Joanna Weaver appeared first on Joanna Weaver.
A Bible reading method that could change everything!If you struggle to have a daily quiet time, you’re not alone. Showing up every day to do your reading can be challenging. Especially if you’re trying to read through the Bible in a year like we did last year on Facebook .
It was such a joy having many of you commit to 2022 Thru the Bible!
I loved reading all the rich comments that you left sharing what God spoke to you in the daily assignment threads.
But this year in 2023 Word of God Speak, my friend, we’re going to slow down so we can go deep!
We will read just ONE CHAPTER A DAY – giving us plenty of time to think and converse with God about what we’re reading.
I hope you’ll use sign up for the 2023 WGS Bible Reading Journal – it’s a great place to record what the Lord is speaking to you. (And it’s totally FREE!)
Here’s a short video that explains the process…
Join Us at FacebookStaring January 1st, 2023 we’ll be posting the daily assignments on FACEBOOK.
I hope you’ll join the beautiful community that gathers there, sharing what God spoke to them from that day’s chapter – it really is a powerful way to grow together!
Here’s how you can join the conversation:
- Follow my FACEBOOK PAGE
- Click on the “FOLLOW” tab at top of page and request to “SEE FIRST” notifications
- Read the assigned chapter in the Bible
- Record what you learned in the FREE Bible Reading Journal – Sign up HERE
- Leave a COMMENT on the Facebook assignment thread sharing what spoke most to you
Can’t wait to see you over on FACEBOOK for “2023 Word of God Speak”! It honestly doesn’t take a lot of time to read one chapter, and truly…it could literally change your life!
As we get ready to start, I want the prayer Paul prayed over the people he loved…
“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” Ephesians 1:17
I can’t wait to hear what the Holy Spirit reveals to you, my friend. For He wants to make the Word come alive in you – changing and transforming you from the inside out!
Blessings,
Joanna
[To learn more about how the plan works, read “Get More Out of the Bible by Reading Less (Really!)”]
The post 2023 Word of God Speak | BIble Reading Plan appeared first on Joanna Weaver.
“The goal of Christian fiction is to stir the reader’s curiosity and send them to the Bible for more.” In this episode Mesu Andrew talks with us about bringing the Bible alive and truly loving the word of God. Mesu has written 13 Biblical novels, her newest being Miriam: A Treasures of the Nile Novel. […]
The post 097: Loving the Bible with Mesu Andrews | The Living Room appeared first on Joanna Weaver.
“Depth and personal transformation is more important than trying to impact others.” In the age of YouTube stars and social media influencers, it’s easy to find our identity in our online presence. You may find things that temporarily fill your spiritual buckets, but are left once again dry, anxious, and weary. In today’s podcast, author […]
The post 096: The Danger of Celebrity with Katelyn Beatty appeared first on Joanna Weaver.
“The core of our heart can be gratitude or grumbling!” Grumbling can become a way of life. In a culture where more is better and instant gratification is valued, we must decide whether or not we will succumb to grumbling and complaining or recognize our blessed life. In this episode, my friend and the […]
The post 022: The Grumble Free Year with Tricia Goyer appeared first on Joanna Weaver.
It’s hard to believe that 2019 is almost over! I’ve enjoyed reading “Thru the Bible” with many of you this past year on Facebook. It’s been so rich and wonderful to read the comments you’ve left in the daily assignment threads. For those of you who read the entire Bible this past year, congratulations! I’m so […]
The post Word of God Speak 2020 Bible Reading Plan appeared first on Joanna Weaver.
Is scripture memorization a struggle for you? Memorizing scripture used to be really intimidating to me until I discovered a method that helped engrave the Word on my heart and mind. After teaching it to others for many years, I believe it will help you too! I love being able to recall one of God’s […]
The post ATFJ 2019 | Storing Up God’s Word appeared first on Joanna Weaver.
Want to experience the Bible in a brand new way? I’m so excited to invite you to this year’s new Bible Reading Challenge: At the Feet of Jesus 2019. Last year, we read a chapter a day in the Bible and an optional entry from My Utmost for His Highest. It’s been an incredibly rich time […]
The post At the Feet of Jesus 2019 | Invitation appeared first on Joanna Weaver.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This offer is no longer available. Special thanks to Right Now Media for such a generous offer that benefited so many! It isn’t every day you’re offered something free! From now until MARCH 2017, Right Now Media (known as the “Netflix for Churches” – a video-streaming church membership site featuring thousands of studies) […]
The post Get FREE Access to Having a Mary Heart DVD Study! appeared first on Joanna Weaver.
Meek & mild. Calm, cool, and collected. These are all words that I wish described me. But they don’t. At all. Just ask my family or friends. I would get they would use words more like stressed out and energetic (said somewhat sarcastically. Sarcasm runs in our family). I have always carried a deep desire […]
The post Embracing the Me God Made Me to Be | Guest Jill Hart appeared first on Joanna Weaver.
Oh, the kindness of the Lord… He not only delights in fulfilling our desires, He also delights in birthing them in our hearts in the first place! About eight years ago, I got a strange itch to climb a mountain. One of the tall mountain peaks that have surrounded me my whole life here in […]
The post Spiritual Mountain-Climbing 101 appeared first on Joanna Weaver.
It trips us up every time… We know we’re not supposed to compare ourselves with others. We hate the mental and emotional torment that it brings. But escaping the comparison trap can be a tricky endeavor. Today’s guest blogger is a true gift to me. God brought author and speaker, Holley Gerth, into my life this past year […]
The post Getting Past Comparison | Holley Gerth appeared first on Joanna Weaver.
A Facebook gathering for Mary-Hearted women… It’s such a blessing to have a wonderful community developing over at my Facebook pages! However, I’ve been longing for a private circle of online friends I can go to when I need prayer – or help – or wisdom. Especially as I try to navigate the crazy life […]
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