Restless Soul, Renewed Purpose

(Lavender) 

What Happens When the Routine Ends? Finding Meaning After BSF

I’ve been feeling off-kilter lately. After some reflection, I realize I feel lost due to the absence of the familiar structure that BSF provided. Without that framework, I’m searching for direction and clarity. 

While yard work and chores offer a good outlet, I yearn for something more fulfilling. The quick little devotions I’ve been doing feel insufficient, and I’m restless to embark on a deeper exploration.

(Crape Myrtle)

Last week, our Women's church Bible study leader announced a summer hiatus, much to our dismay. Many of us treasure our weekly gatherings and the deep discussions, making the thought of a break from studying Scripture unsettling. We’ve always dedicated our summers to diligent study, and this change feels disheartening.

While I believe we’ll find a way to gather again, it won’t be the same without Shauna. She has a remarkable gift for teaching the Bible, bringing its teachings to life with clarity and passion. We’re expected to resume activities in August!

Meanwhile...

(Lily)

My Summer Game Plan

Yesterday afternoon, I found out that BSF had just uploaded the entire study for download. I was excited to dive into it before the Fall season starts on September 12. This was exactly what my restless soul was craving. 

(Rose)

The People of the Promise / Exile and Return 

Excerpt of the BSF INTRODUCTION notes

"Every human heart aches for a place to truly call home. Along the banks of the Euphrates River and the canals of Babylon, the exiles wept together. Painful memories and waves of lament laced the air— memories of their homeland burned to the ground, families torn apart, residences reduced to rubble. 

As God led these wandering descendants of Abraham through the wilderness all the way into the promised land, they carried the seed of God’s promised Savior for all nations. This rebellious, resilient, renowned people of promise had been established as the kingdom of Israel, divided into two nations, demolished by foreign kingdoms, and carried into exile. Powerless to restore their nation and protect themselves, they were now scattered to the farthest corners of the known world. 

Far from home, many Israelites believed their failure was fatal. As they stood banished on foreign soil remembering the ruins, many accepted their captivity as irreversible and their devastation as final. All hope was lost. Or was it? 

But God. He is the One who: ● Restores valleys of dry bones to life ● Raises prophets to speak truth ● Positions His people for His purposes ● Moves pagan monarchs to send His people home ● Empowers leaders to courageously shepherd His people ● Intervenes in desolation to bring hope and restoration 

This God restored a remnant of His people to their land, overcoming opposition and proving the promise of a divine homecoming. The prophecies bore fruit. The Babylonian Empire crumbled. A Persian king decreed. A remnant returned.

 Leaders such as Ezra, Haggai, Zechariah, Joshua, Zerubbabel, and Nehemiah led the people to return to the Lord, rebuild broken walls, and revive their worship."  

I can hardly contain my excitement as I eagerly start this study this afternoon. 

I pray we never lose our hunger for God's Word

Debby

 “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)