“Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17

 

The Bible is and is sufficient for teaching, for correction, and for training in righteousness (II Timothy 3:16-17). However, sometimes we need a little help to better understand the its messages or to better share the Good News (Proverbs 27:17). 

If you want more knowledge; want to gain greater understanding of a particular concept or principle; or want to sharpen your skills of sharing God’s messages of love and salvation, then these resources are for you. 

Sometimes it’s difficult to know where to start when writing or telling your story in a compelling and engaging way. These resources will give you the tools, inspiration and support you need to hone your craft, to inspire your thoughts and ideas, and to encourage you as you walk (or write 😊) in your calling. 

These resources are to improve your writing and speaking skills, and to help you delve into your life’s story as well as the Word of God in new, creative, and more meaningful ways. 

Enjoy the journey and be amazed at what God unearths in you!

Re-write Your StoryShare Your StoryStory SparksStudy Supports

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Introduction

The definition of a “re-write” is to write something again in order to change it or improve it. See you were created as perfect beings, in the image of God. However, we have an enemy seeking to change the ending of our story. And to that end, satan’s been lying to us, working hard to convince us that our story steeped in sin is the final draft. We can’t change. It can’t get better. We won’t win.

But the God of the universe, our Creator and Redeemer has the power to Rewrite Our Story! He can take everything that He knows about the previous and current drafts and rewrite it into something more glorious for our good (Romans 8:28).

I’ve borrowed tips from “Master Writers” to help you partner with God (our editor in chief) in the process of your Life’s Story Rewrite. Here are 7 tips to get you started!

Many times, when you’re immersed knee-deep in this thing called life, it’s hard to get a birds eye view of what’s going on. It’s hard to see the big picture. If Jesus himself needed to take time away in order to connect with The Father, how much more important is it for us (Mark 1:35)? Take a few hours, a day, a weekend or a week to just be in the presence of God. Ask Him to search your heart (Psalm 139:23-24). Ask Him to show you why you’re stuck and how you can move forward (Psalm 25:4).

Allow God to break you so that He can remold you (Jeremiah 18:1-6). And don’t be afraid of the “breaking.” It is without a doubt that God’s rewrite will make your story better, not worse (Jeremiah 17:7-8). All of the ingredients of a good and perfect story are there within you (Ephesians 2:10), however, expect the initial process of the rewrite to be painful (Genesis 32:22-32).  Sometimes a rewrite requires a complete overhaul while other times it’s just a matter of reordering, digging deeper, expanding, decreasing, etc.

Allow God complete access to your heart and listen for His guidance regarding what’s not working. Don’t be afraid to change the main characters in your life (Proverbs 13:20). Be open to allowing new ideas to evolve and take root (Isaiah 43;19). Allow Him to show you how to settle unresolved conflict (Ephesians 4:31-32). Let Him get rid of excess drama (Galatians 5:15) or where needed, add some spice (Matthew 5:13, Acts 28:31). Surrender completely to Him (James 4:7)!

Purpose to live in the newness of your story (Deuteronomy 30:19, I Peter 1:3-6). For some, moving from the position of being the main character to being a supporting character may be hard. For others, you may have to mourn the fact that some characters in your story have been written out. However the shift impacts you, know that with shift comes discomfort, maybe even pain (James 1:2-4). Lean into the shift.

A new “reader” of your planned rewrite can provide valuable feedback, support and accountability (I Thessalonians 5:11). However, be sure to seek God’s leading regarding the person to serve in this role. You’ll want to choose someone who is like-minded (I Corinthians 15:33), who isn’t inclined to praise your just because they love you (Ephesians 4:15), and one who can “sharpen” and encourage you (Proverbs 27:17). Listen and learn but remember the ultimate validation should come from God (Galatians 1:10).

Don’t get bogged down in all of your needs. That can be overwhelming. Don’t spend too much time “editing” the proposed rewrite over and over. This only leads to procrastination (James 4:17). And the times when you don’t get it right, that’s ok. Delete and start again (Acts 3:19-20). Don’t allow frustration or guilt to hinder your progress (Isaiah 54:4). Try to find a balance between the rewrite and the living without ruining the original beauty of God’s story for your life (James 1:23-25).

Allow God to continue perfecting your story (Hebrews 12:2) and keep track of your progress. Write it down and make it plain (Habakkuk 2:2). This not only gives you space to document your progress or share your concerns with God (Psalm 55:22) but to also thank Him as you see the difference in your life and have your prayers answered (Hebrews 13:15). Mark all that you’re satisfied with or have accomplished in green, the things you’re not sure about or still figuring out in yellow, and the things you know need to be improved in red. When you accomplish a milestone, celebrate (Psalm 150:1-6)! When something feels off, seek guidance from the Holy Spirit for correction and pray for strength to persist (John 16:13).

When you’re all in the green, allow God to write a new chapter of your amazing life story and repeat steps 1-7!

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In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Introduction

We are all breathing, walking, living epistles with a story to tell! And God wants our lives to reflect His work in us. But how should we share our testimony as a part of the gospel message with the sole purpose of drawing others to Christ? Here are a few tips to get you started.

Start with a journal and begin chronicling your journey or writing your story. If writing’s not your thing, you can also audio-record it. Start from the beginning and let it flow.

Read or listen to your story and look for themes (reactions to trauma or fear, moments of joy, journey of trust, good or bad choices, etc.). Look for evidence of areas in your life that served as a source of pain, conflict, or that seem to be reoccurring habits/mistakes. Look for evidence of answered prayers (healed from illness, financial breakthroughs, children blessed, marriage revived, professional

opportunities, etc.) 

Then spend time in prayer asking God to give you peace about the testimony to be shared. Be sure that your chosen story is God ordained for sharing.

Every story should have a point for being told. After having heard your story, people should walk away with one main idea or point. When considering your story, ask yourself “Why is this story important?” “Who might benefit from this story?” “How might it point others to Christ?” Your story should help someone else overcome, get through, resolve, let go or move on from some pain/conflict. Your

journey and transformation can serve to bless someone else.

Your story really isn’t about you. Your story should

be about how you met Christ, how He brought you over, how you grew to love, serve, obey or trust Him more, or about How He made the impossible possible. Your story

should highlight God’s goodness, His power, His love, grace and mercy. Those who hear your story, should feel they’ve had an encounter with Christ.

Have you ever been around someone who was “unbearingly happy”, seeming to have no problems, just blessings? Perhaps basking in “their light” served to highlight the darkness in your own life, instead of brightening it.  So while God calls us to “be a light in the world (Matthew 5:14-16)”, be “the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13)”, and to “run throughout the town and share our story (Mark 5:19)”; He also cautions us to ensure that or stories serve to season or add flavor and that our lights reflect and point to Jesus and His message of hope and love. In a nutshell, it’s all about Him, His message, and His work in our lives and NOT ABOUT US!!!! So how can you share your story as part of the gospel message? Here are a few pointers:

  • Remember, it’s not about you. – I John 5:11
  • Build relationships first. – Philippians 2:3
  • Wait until invited before sharing. – Acts 26:1-3
  • Know when to speak and when to listen. – James 1:19
  • Make sure your testimony is relevant to the situation at hand. – Daniel 4:2
  • Ensure that sharing is reciprocal. Avoid the “I’ve got it all together, you can learn from me, I’m right you’re wrong” trap.  – Matthew 5:12

There should be a logical flow to your story. For example, you may share how your life was before Christ (beginning), how you came to know Christ (middle), and what your life’s like now with Jesus (end). Or your might share what it was like when you got the diagnosis (beginning), what it was like going through treatment (middle) and how God healed you now that you’re in remission (end).

Don’t lose your listener/reader in the weeds of too many details. Stick to the point. You should be able to communicate your story clearly and succinctly. If

speaking, consider 3-5 minutes and in writing, consider 300-500 words or less.

Sometimes our “religiosity” can be alienating. Meet people where they are. Be personable. Our goal should be the sharing of a personal Savior through the sharing of our personal, authentic experiences with God. Your goal

should be to point others to Christ, period.

God wants us to be a witness for Him. He wants us to share our stories, but sometimes we might be hesitant to share. Will I offend? Will my story sound trite? What if my words get all jumbled up and I began to ramble? What if I can’t recall the Bible text or story? DON’T WORRY. Just remember:

  • You are connected to a power that is greater than You! —Acts 1:8
  • God can and will equip you share. If he can do it for Paul, He can and will do it for you! — I Corinthians 2:1-5
  • Don’t let fear stand in the way. We are called to be Christ’s ambassadors. — 2 Corinthians 5:20
  • Practice your testimony ahead of time. Be prepared. Read and reread. Share with a friend or mentor and get feedback. —1 Peter 3:15
  • Don’t be ashamed. You aren’t the same person you used to be. —II Timothy 1:8
  • The only qualification needed is your love and commitment to God. — Psalms 119:6

Have you ever been around someone who was “unbearingly happy”, seeming to have no problems, just blessings? Perhaps basking in “their light” served to highlight the darkness in your own life, instead of brightening it. So while God calls us to “be a light in the world (Matthew 5:14-16)”, be “the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13)”, and to “run throughout the town and share our story (Mark 5:19)”; He also cautions us to ensure that or stories serve to season or add flavor and that our lights reflect and point to Jesus and His message of hope and love. In a nutshell, it’s all about Him, His message, and His work in our lives and NOT ABOUT US!!!! So how can you share your story as part of the gospel message? Here are a few pointers:

  • Remember, it’s not about you. – I John 5:11
  • Build relationships first. – Philippians 2:3
  • Wait until invited before sharing. – Acts 26:1-3
  • Know when to speak and when to listen. – James 1:19
  • Make sure your testimony is relevant to the situation at hand. – Daniel 4:2
  • Ensure that sharing is reciprocal. Avoid the “I’ve got it all together, you can learn from me, I’m right you’re wrong” trap. – Matthew 5:12

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Introduction

Sometimes it’s difficult to know where to start when writing or telling your story in a compelling and engaging way. Story Starters are a fun way to help you practice speaking and writing. Story Starters or Prompts serve to improve your writing and speaking skills, and to help you delve
into your life’s story as well as the Word of God in new, creative, more meaningful ways. Have fun and be surprised at what God unearths in you!

Here are a few suggestions to spark your creative writing juices.

Think of a song that is meaningful to you. Write or speak about the feelings the song
evokes. Be specific with your word choice for greater emotional impact.

Write or tell a 6-word story about your first encounter with God.

Tell the story of Jonah from the perspective of the whale.

Think of a crisis in your life and compare and contrast it to a Biblical story.

Choose an image from the link:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1YRt0qKMQNwmSj6YraLnmhtIEYD3OLSAH?usp=
sharing

Write a short inspirational story based on your interpretation of what you see,
feel and imagine.

Write a love letter to God.

Describe yourself from God’s perspective.

Generate a list of questions you’d ask your favorite Biblical character. Avoid questions
that lead to yes/no responses.

Prepare a sketch of your life’s story. Include 10 chapter titles and a brief description of
what the chapters would entail. Be creative. Engaging. Compelling. Think of ways to
draw the reader in through the title and description.

Describe the color you’re feeling today.

Like the woman and the lost coin (Luke 15:8-10), describe a time when you lost
something and then found it again.

Share a compelling story in an attempt to convince the “rich young ruler” to forsake
everything and follow Christ (Mark 10:17-27).

Write as if you were also on the boat in the storm (Mark 4:35-41). Describe the storm,
your feelings, your thoughts, and dialogue with the others and with Jesus.

Recall a memorable event from your childhood. Share lessons learned and lived.

Write a letter of advice to your younger self.

The rest of the story…Pick up the story from Mark 5:34, “Daughter, your faith has healed
you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

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Introduction

There are numerous kinds of commentaries for different purposes, hundreds of thousands of books and guides, as well as thousands upon thousands of interpretations. And each type can serve a different purpose for different parts of your study. I can’t possibly reference every commentary, book, Bible, etc., but what I will provide are those that have been most helpful to me in my growth journey. 

Davenia’s Favorites

  • YouVersion – https://youversion.com/ – This is my go-to Bible App. I love the “compare” feature of varying translations. I also like the Highlight Feature as well as the Notes feature. I also engage in some of the Study Plans, and the great thing is that you can study alone or with a group. I use this app primarily on my phone.
  • BibleHub – https://biblehub.com/ – I use this app as well, but primarily on my laptop. I can search texts easily and use the translations and the commentaries.
  • BibleGateway – https://www.biblegateway.com/ – I use this app as well, but primarily on my laptop. I can search texts easily and use the translations and the commentaries.
  • OpenBible – https://www.openbible.info/topics/ – I use this app to search the scriptures for particular words or topics.
  • The Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible: KJV Edition, Hardbound (Key Word Study Bibles) by Dr. Spiros Zodhiates (Editor), Dr. Warren Patrick Baker D.R.E. (Series Editor) – https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/hebrew-greek-key-word-study-bible-kjv-P005128206 This Bible has been amazing for me. Biblical Hebrew words tell stories and to understand the story is to understand the meaning of the word (https://theexplanation.com/from-dust-you-came-biblical-meaning/).This Bible has been amazing for me. I learned so much about the need to understand the meanings of words, not just the English or contemporary meanings, but the original meanings or contexts in which the words were written. It’s easy to use and has made the Word of God come to life in incredible ways.

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  • The Original African Heritage Study Bible: King James Version Hardcover – by Dr. Cain Hope Felder (Editor), James W. Peebles (Contributor) – https://www.amazon.com/Original-African-Heritage-Study-Bible/dp/0529100673 This Bible has provided me another lens through which to study and understand the Bible from the perspective of Africa and descendants of Africa. It has answered numerous questions for me and raised many others. It has also helped me see “me” in the Bible for the first time.

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  • The Chronological Study Bible: New King James Version Hardcover – by Thomas Nelson  (Author) – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0718020685/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1> This Bible has helped me see and read the Bible as a story, as a narrative. It has also provided context for the historical, cultural, social and political climate during Biblical times.
  • Bibleref.com – https://www.bibleref.com/ –This online commentary provides insights into the Bible, verse by verse.
  • GotQuestions.org – https://www.gotquestions.org/ – This website answers some of the “big questions” about the Biblical narrative.
  • The Bible Project – https://bibleproject.com/ – This website provides videos, podcasts, blogs, and educational studies to help you better understand the Bible. These resources use various learning styles (audio, visual, written), making the Bible narrative simple and personal.

I have read countless books and have been inspired by many. And throughout the LIFE Lessons, I’ll reference books that I found to be relevant to the particular topic or theme of the lesson. However, the books listed below guided my journey to knowing God more intimately and understanding His purposes for my life. 

 

In the Word

  • Always begin with the Bible. I like the New King James Version (NKJV) as my starting point.
  • Compare translations to gain a deeper, clearer or alternative meaning. I use a comparative study Bible or a Bible App such as YouVersion, which has a comparison feature.
    • When determining what to read or use, be sure the source is credible and reliable. Gather background information so that you understand the author’s perspective.
    • When using resources, always, always, always cross-reference it with the Word of God. Anything not in alignment with God’s Word should be questioned or examined. I make it a habit of justifying through the Word of God why it’s not true, strengthening my understanding of truth.
    • Whenever an author states, “The Word of God says,” or “In Matthew we find,” or “Genesis 3:5 says,” I always go to the Word and read it for myself. This practice helps me stay grounded in the Word, and it also prevents me from becoming lazy and accepting the interpretations of others.
    • At the close of your study, draw your own conclusions. Ask questions such as
      • What do I strongly resonate with from this reading/study?
      • What do I disagree with?
      • What questions do I have?
      • How has my understanding of the Bible been enhanced?
      • How has my faith been strengthened?

God’s Story Shaping Your Story

These activities are designed to give you an opportunity to explore and make meaning of God’s Word for yourself. This section is designed to get you in the Word. They are designed to support a greater understanding of God’s Word and to provide space for you to receive revelations and insights regarding God’s Word as led by the Holy Spirit. These activities are also designed to provide an opportunity to practice crafting and sharing your story in light of God’s Story. 

Identify a cultural practice from a Biblical nation. Find a way to creatively share and express the identified practice, highlighting the relevance of that practice then and in your life today (i.e., cook a dish and describe it, express something learned in a painting, a song, a poem, or develop a photo journal). 

Read and reflect on Mark 4:35-41. Write or tell a story about a crisis or “storm” you’ve experienced in your life.  Compare your “storm” to the disciple’s crisis. Write about “your boat in the storm” experiencing, describing the storm, your feelings, your thoughts, and the dialogue with the others in “your boat” as well as your encounter with Jesus. 

Read and reflect on Mark 4:35-41. Write or tell a story about a crisis or “storm” you’ve experienced in your life.  Compare your “storm” to the disciple’s crisis. Write about “your boat in the storm” experiencing, describing the storm, your feelings, your thoughts, and the dialogue with the others in “your boat” as well as your encounter with Jesus.

Story Comparison – Compare “Your story” to one (or more than one) of the stories of “Mary” as highlighted below. Choose one of the “Marys,” and from her perspective, write a speech that she would share with 21st-century women regarding the principle of surrender.

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Alabaster Box: Mary of Bethany

When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, He went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table.  A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood before him, weeping at his feet, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is – that she is a sinner.” – Luke 7:36-39

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Blessed and Highly Favored: Mary, Mother of Jesus

The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” –Luke 1:28

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Delivered from Demons: Mary of Magdalene

Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. There Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out… – Luke 8:1-2

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Standing By Til’ The End: Mary of Clopas

Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. – John 19:25

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At Jesus’ Feet: Mary of Bethany

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.  She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.  But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed — or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:38-42

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A House of Prayer: Mary, Mother of John Mark

When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. – John 12:12

Prepare a 5-minute devotional centered around Exodus 34:6-7. 

  • Read Exodus 34:6-7. Note the lessons learned from this passage regarding who God is. Jot down the points you want to share and highlight about who God is. 
  • Develop an objective using this statement template: “All of us can know God more intimately by doing/understanding these 1-3 things _________________________.
  • Identify the 1-3 things that can be done or understood to know God more deeply. These points should be grounded in the passage. Remember this is a 5-minute devotional, so your points must be straightforward, without extensive arguments, proofs and sub-points. If you have one point, you can go deeper into that point, but if you have three, be sure the three can stand on their own without a lot of clarification and explanation. 
  • Identify “Your Story” or your LIFE example to illustrate the points of the passage. Remember, the point always is to reflect Christ. So keep your story, your props, illustrations, etc., from overshadowing “Jesus.” 
  • Write a word-for-word transcript of your devotional message inclusive of your introduction, your message, and a powerful conclusion. Write, write, write, then edit, edit, edit. Five minutes of speaking is about 600-800 words. Your final draft should be written the way you plan to share it. Shorter sentences are better than long, complicated ones. Avoid religious jargon. Make it personal, conversational. 
  • Practice, practice, practice. Imagine you’re having a conversation with a friend. Record yourself, and then listen and critique. It’d be best if you know it so well, you can deliver it without notes. But if you need notes, develop cue cards or have an outline. You want your presentation to be as natural and as engaging as possible. 
  • Share your message. Sharing with a small group is a great place to start. 

Then engage in the following:

  • Identify the definitions and meanings of the word.
  • Identify where the word is used in the Bible and pay attention to the following:
  • Where does the word first appear?
  • How often does it appear?
  • In which books of the Bible is it found? In which books is it used most frequently?
  • Which writers or characters use the word? 
  • Where is it used? 
  • In what context is it used? 
  • How does each writer/character define or describe the word? 
  • Reflect on the following: 
  • Summarize the main lessons learned.
  • How does the phrase “to know and be known” expand your understanding of who God is?
  • How does the phrase “to know and be known” and what you’ve learned apply to your daily life?
  • How will you apply what you’ve learned to your life going forward? 
  • Record observations and application: Record your insights and questions as well as the ways you will apply what you’ve learned to your life. 

Spend time in the Word identifying who Christ says you are in Him. Then complete take each of the identifiers and insert them into the following statement:

I am ________________ (site text) and it shows in the way I _________________!

For example, I have a gentle, quiet spirit (I Peter 3:3-4) and it shows in the way that I am able diffuse tense situations. 

Then create an “I am” Collage. Grab a canvas and paint, draw, clip words or phrases from magazines, use photos of yourself/family/friends/places, and/or adhesive letters and stickers. Unleash the inner artist in you and have fun! 

Here’s a link to beautiful “I am” artwork to be purchased – www.theblackgirlsx.com