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    Cultivating a Life of Character: Judges/Ruth
    Cultivating a Life of Character: Judges/Ruth
    Cultivating a Life of Character: Judges/Ruth
    Ebook142 pages3 hours

    Cultivating a Life of Character: Judges/Ruth

    By Elizabeth George

    2.5/5

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    About this ebook

    In the midst of the dark days of the Judges, God faithfully raised up men and women of character to lead his people. Journey through Judges and Ruth and marvel at the godly character of women such as Deborah, Jephthah's daughter, Samson's mother, Naomi, and Ruth—God's woman of excellence. Women seeking God's heart are encouraged to:

    • See giant-of-the-faith potential in ordinary lives
    • Cultivate the good qualities of character
    • Honor God's faithfulness with our own
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherHarvest House Publishers
    Release dateFeb 1, 2002
    ISBN9780736932370
    Cultivating a Life of Character: Judges/Ruth
    Author

    Elizabeth George

    Elizabeth George is the New York Times bestselling author of sixteen novels of psychological suspense, one book of nonfiction, and two short story collections. Her work has been honored with the Anthony and Agatha awards, the Grand Prix de Littérature Policière, and the MIMI, Germany's prestigious prize for suspense fiction. She lives in Washington State.

    Read more from Elizabeth George

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    Reviews for Cultivating a Life of Character

    2.5/5

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    • 2/5
      I did this Bible study with my small group last year and had a few thoughts on this type of themed women's Bible study.First off, I appreciate the effort that goes into rendering such a book as Judges palatable to the modern Christian. Some of the subject matter is intensely graphic, unpleasant reading, and the author doesn't ignore that or try to change what Scripture says. It is important to study all of Scripture, not just the parts we like and are comfortable with.But I don't think I will ever do another Elizabeth George study, and here is why. There has long been a market for what I'll call the pink fluffy approach to women's ministry, but I think its days are almost done (thank the Lord). It is patronizing and phony to say things like, "O my dear beloved sister and woman after God's own heart, don't you feel inspired to love God more after reading this?" (Okay, so that's not a direct quote but it encapsulates the tone, especially of the little blurb at the end of each lesson.) It's sappy and makes the reader feel as if she's back in preschool listening to the teacher enunciate every word carefully with a huge artificial smile plastered on. Instead of spurring me on to love God more, it annoyed and distracted me. Don't talk down to your readers. Just because we're women doesn't mean we need everything dumbed down and decked out in pink bows.Another example of this approach is what George calls "pink passages" in the Bible, passages that she claims speak specially to women. Creating a pink lens through which to view Scripture is problematic for several reasons, not least of which is the implicit notion that some parts of the Bible have more value for me personally than others, and that God's Word is really all about me. This female-centric approach is so self absorbed. There are parts of Scripture that are indeed directly addressed to women, but I reject a distinction that elevates such passages above others. It is all beneficial, even if the practical application is just to humbly take in what God wrote and trust that He knows best what to put in His Word. In its way, learning that kind of submission is just as profound as the most practical, "relevant" passage we can turn up. I'm quite feminine myself, but I don't care for the cutesy approach. I don't need or want the Bible served up to me in special "pink passages."I want to be humble in my criticism and acknowledge that there is nothing terribly off-kilter here theologically and that Elizabeth George is a fairly popular author whose work has blessed many women over the years. It just doesn't go deep enough, and the way it is presented is a huge turnoff. (Perhaps part of the reason for the pink fluffy overload in this particular study is the graphic subject matter, hmm.) I just think we need to reevaluate the materials we are offering to women, the image we are projecting of what type of woman pleases God. Does she have to be gushy and frilly and goody-goody?Just give me biblical teaching — by that I mean sound exegesis, intelligent discussion, and simple sincerity — you can keep the A Woman After God's Own Heart® brand, thanks.
    • 2/5
      I did this Bible study with my small group last year and had a few thoughts on this type of themed women's Bible study.First off, I appreciate the effort that goes into rendering such a book as Judges palatable to the modern Christian. Some of the subject matter is intensely graphic, unpleasant reading, and the author doesn't ignore that or try to change what Scripture says. It is important to study all of Scripture, not just the parts we like and are comfortable with.But I don't think I will ever do another Elizabeth George study, and here is why. There has long been a market for what I'll call the pink fluffy approach to women's ministry, but I think its days are almost done (thank the Lord). It is patronizing and phony to say things like, "O my dear beloved sister and woman after God's own heart, don't you feel inspired to love God more after reading this?" (Okay, so that's not a direct quote but it encapsulates the tone, especially of the little blurb at the end of each lesson.) It's sappy and makes the reader feel as if she's back in preschool listening to the teacher enunciate every word carefully with a huge artificial smile plastered on. Instead of spurring me on to love God more, it annoyed and distracted me. Don't talk down to your readers. Just because we're women doesn't mean we need everything dumbed down and decked out in pink bows.Another example of this approach is what George calls "pink passages" in the Bible, passages that she claims speak specially to women. Creating a pink lens through which to view Scripture is problematic for several reasons, not least of which is the implicit notion that some parts of the Bible have more value for me personally than others, and that God's Word is really all about me. This female-centric approach is so self absorbed. There are parts of Scripture that are indeed directly addressed to women, but I reject a distinction that elevates such passages above others. It is all beneficial, even if the practical application is just to humbly take in what God wrote and trust that He knows best what to put in His Word. In its way, learning that kind of submission is just as profound as the most practical, "relevant" passage we can turn up. I'm quite feminine myself, but I don't care for the cutesy approach. I don't need or want the Bible served up to me in special "pink passages."I want to be humble in my criticism and acknowledge that there is nothing terribly off-kilter here theologically and that Elizabeth George is a fairly popular author whose work has blessed many women over the years. It just doesn't go deep enough, and the way it is presented is a huge turnoff. (Perhaps part of the reason for the pink fluffy overload in this particular study is the graphic subject matter, hmm.) I just think we need to reevaluate the materials we are offering to women, the image we are projecting of what type of woman pleases God. Does she have to be gushy and frilly and goody-goody?Just give me biblical teaching — by that I mean sound exegesis, intelligent discussion, and simple sincerity — you can keep the A Woman After God's Own Heart® brand, thanks.

    Book preview

    Cultivating a Life of Character - Elizabeth George

    Publishers

    Before You Begin

    In my book A Woman After God’s Own Heart,® I describe such a woman as one who ensures that God is first in her heart and the Ultimate Priority of her life. Then I share that one crucial way this desire can become reality is by nurturing a heart that abides in God’s Word. To do so means that you and I must develop a root system anchored deep in God’s Word.

    Before you launch into this Bible study, take a moment to think about these aspects of a root system produced by the regular, faithful study of God’s Word:

    • Roots are unseen—You’ll want to set aside time in solitude—underground if you will—to immerse yourself in God’s Word and grow in Him.

    • Roots are for taking in—Alone and with your Bible in hand, you’ll want to take in and feed upon the truths of the Word of God and ensure your spiritual growth.

    • Roots are for storage—As you form the habit of looking into God’s Word, you’ll find a vast, deep reservoir of divine hope and strength forming for the rough times.

    • Roots are for support—Do you want to stand strong in the Lord? To stand firm against the pressures of life? The routine care of your roots through exposure to God’s Word will cultivate you into a remarkable woman of endurance.¹

    I’m glad you’ve chosen this study out of my A Woman After God’s Own Heart® Bible study series. My prayer for you is that the truths you find in God’s Word through this study will further transform your life into the image of His dear Son and empower you to be the woman you seek to be: a woman after God’s own heart.

    In His love,

    Lesson 1

    Serving the Lord

    Introduction

    It was the best of times, it was the worst of times." So begins Charles Dickens’ classic book A Tale of Two Cities.

    Well, my friend, we could well use these same words to describe the times during the period of the books of Judges and Ruth, which we are about to study together! Why? Because the best of times and the worst of times accurately report Israel’s situation throughout these two God-inspired books of the Bible.

    But before we inspect the portraits of the men and women who fill the pages of these two historical books of the Old Testament, and before we make our way through the good, the bad, and the ugly details of both Judges and Ruth, here are a few gems you can look forward to discovering along the way:

    The constant faithfulness of God

    The forgiveness and grace of God

    The power and repeated deliverance of God

    The redeeming work of God

    The raising up of a variety of unlikely heroes by God

    Now, dear one, let’s discover God’s message to our heart.

    God’s Message…

    To better understand the situation of God’s people, let’s begin with a look at the life of God’s warrior Joshua, a man who most definitely lived a life of character!

    1. After God appointed Joshua to succeed Moses as the leader of God’s people, what did God say to him concerning the land (Joshua 1:6)?

    Now look at the map on page 141 and inspect the extent of God’s provision for the children of Israel.

    2. What was God’s desire for Joshua with regard to the law of Moses (Joshua 1:8)?

    3. And what was God’s assurance to Joshua (Joshua 1:9)?

    At the end of his life, Joshua gathered the people together for a review of God’s faithfulness (Joshua 24:1-13). As one scholar-of-old noted about these scriptures, Joshua had witnessed God’s faithfulness for 40 years in the brick kilns, 40 years in the desert, and 30 years in the promised land, and this was his dying testimony.²

    Quickly note…Joshua’s final challenge to the people (Joshua 24:14-15)—

    …the people’s response and why (Joshua 24:16-18)—

    …Joshua’s warning…and the people’s response (Joshua 24:20-21)—

    Well, my friend, the stage is now set for the books of Judges and Ruth—

     Joshua had performed the role of an outstanding spiritual leader.

     The conquest of the land had begun.

     The people were challenged to follow the Lord.

     Joshua would soon die.

     The people must now fulfill God’s commands to them to finish conquering the land and to set up a nation that would serve God with their whole heart.

    The next 24 lessons will be exciting ones, I can assure you, as you and I witness together the triumphs and failures of God’s people in serving the Lord and carrying out their mission.

    …and Your Heart’s Response

    You’ll discover as we make our way through this Bible study that your heart’s response is vital. Why? Because one purpose of all Bible study is to change your life. As women after God’s own heart, we want our hearts and lives to resemble more and more the heart and life of Jesus Christ. So let’s see what changes we can—or must!—make and what character qualities we can—or must!—better cultivate.

    God’s servant Joshua sets such a fine example for us as a person of great character for many reasons:

    •  Joshua was a student of God’s Word. What does 2 Timothy 3:15-16 teach us about the necessity and practice of being a student of God’s Word?

    And Acts 17:11?

    And 1 Peter 2:1-2?

    How do you think being a student of God’s Word relates to cultivating a life of character?

    •  Joshua was strong in the Lord. What commands and promises are given to you and me for finding our strength in the Lord in…

    …Ephesians 6:10—

    …Philippians 4:13—

    …2 Timothy 1:7—

    Where do you generally look for strength, and how can you remember to look upward—to the Lord—for His much-needed strength?

    •  Joshua was submissive to God’s commands. Love for God is key when it comes to being submissive to God’s commands. What does John 14:15 have to say about our love and our obedience to God?

    And 1 John 5:2-3?

    And Luke 6:46?

    Failure to keep the law is always the outcome of failure in love to the Lawgiver.³

    How’s your love for the Lawgiver? Can you look beyond the commands of Scripture to the One who is sending forth the command? How does Colossians 3:23 help as you develop a heart of obedience?

    •  Joshua served God wholeheartedly. Numerous times Joshua challenged the Israelites to serve God wholeheartedly (Joshua 24:14-23). Why so repeatedly? Possibly (and probably!) because Joshua knew from firsthand devotion and experience what serving God wholeheartedly entailed. After all, he had faithfully served God—and found God faithful—for 110 years! What prayer did David pray in Psalm 86:11, and how do you think praying (and meaning!) such a heartfelt prayer yourself would help you in your quest for the character quality of wholehearted service to God?

    •  Joshua showed others an example of character. We need models of the Christian faith. What does Titus 2:3-5 say about modeling and mentoring?

    •  Who is your model? And what are you doing to develop your character so that you can (by God’s grace!) model for others what it means to serve the Lord?

    Cultivating a Life of Character

    How easy it is to glibly gush (as did the Israelites), Oh, of course, we will serve the Lord! However, rash promises are sometimes hard to fulfill. Joshua, unlike the people he led, didn’t make any rash commitments. Instead he cultivated a life of character by faithfully devoting himself to God, to serving Him, and doing so according to His Word.

    What a blessing it is here in our first lesson to discover the first lesson about serving the Lord God! Here we’ve met

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