by Sadie Robertson Huff | Jun 19, 2019 | Featured, Life Advice, Sisterhood |
So many people ask me this question: how can I start leading a bible study or a group? I thought it would be fun to share some practical tips and encouragement on how to lead. This is something I’m super passionate about because I believe that every one is a leader.
All my sisters out there who are ready to lead, to host, to start something, today is your day! Side note: if you’re also looking for a study to start, check our our BOLD CONFIDENCE study. This box equips you with everything you need to start a bible study.
I’ll start by saying that leading a bible study doesn’t have to be perfect or fancy.
The power if God is so much better than any fancy set up. The power of God is what draws people in. So Let go of any excuses. You’re already equipped to lead.
Leading is more more than encouragement, it is about leading people into a place to encounter Jesus. Are you ready to see people dive in, see who God is and wake up to His incredible power? I promise this will strengthen you just as much as it will strengthen the girls that you invite in.
Here’s how to get started:
1. Text your friends – get your phone out. For real, stop what you’re doing, grab your phone, and text your friends. It can be two, four, six, eight, twelve people, or the whole school. Tell them the time and place. Don’t wait any more 🙂 Just set the date, set the time and invite people in to see what happens.
2. Pray over your house – fill your home with worship music. Pray that people are invited by peace and joy as they enter the room. Pray for love and refreshment. Pray that people walk out of your home with greater strength and encouragement. Pray against fear, shame, insecurity that leaves at the door. By praying ahead of time, you are creating the space for change to happen in girls hearts.
Be a leader who believes for your group. Louie Giglio always says that if we want to see change happen out there, we have to see revival happen in here first and that’s inside your heart, and your home. So go and pray!
3. Make a meal for everyone – practice hospitality. Maybe you’re older and can cook a full meal, or perhaps you are younger and want to have pizza for your friends. Both are great. Meet your friends where they are at. Love on them and consider providing a meal or snack together.
4. Worship together – spend time praising God for who He is and what He as done. For at least 10 minutes, invite God to move. This is the moment that things change, and things happen. My friend Laney always says that you don’t have to have the best voice to worship, just sing with the voice He gave you! As a leader, just turn on some worship music and don’t be afraid to sing!
5. Study together – this is one of the core parts of your time together! If you are leading a study you need to already have studied what you’re covering as a group. Before you gather with your group, study the text, verses, book, topic, ect. As a leader, you’re teaching and guiding discussion. Prep. Read before. Please. And as you study together, teach the girls where God is at in the season, where the people are at (in the Bible), what’s happening in the book (or book of the Bible), and how it relates to our lives.
6. Be vulnerable – share your story that relates to what you are studying or talking about as a group. This is important. When you share your story, you are leading and opening the door for others to be vulnerable. Though you are encouraging them, you’re also leading them to consider their hearts, and to their own encounter. Give them time to reflect and respond. And don’t be afraid to ask questions, or let the girls ask you questions!
7. Get crafty – create creativity based on something that you learned! If you don’t have a craft, consider bible journaling, or taking minutes to write out prayers. It’s a great time of reflection and connecting with God, too!
8. Close in prayer – pray for each other, for your community, state, family leaders, and country. And some of you may be thinking that prayer time takes forever – don’t think that friends! Prayer is powerful source that we have. Pray into the things and ask God to move.
9. Do life together – meet up with friends, hang out, follow up! Cheer and champion each other on in your community.
No matter where you are at I hope that these are practical tips that lead you on your way!
And I can’t wait to see the world changed by the change that happens in your heart when you step into leading!
XO
Sadie
by Sadie Robertson Huff | Jun 17, 2019 | Featured, Life Advice |
Love the lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. I remember singing this scripture to a little tune in Sunday school growing up and doing a little dance with motions to reflect the words of the song and the love I have for the Lord. A different motion represented the words “all my heart”, “all my soul”, “all my mind” and “all my strength.” Ya know, friends, I’ve got to say, it is a whole lot easier to sing and dance to this biblical command as a child than to act it out as an adult. As an adult, just doing fun motions won’t cut it anymore. Those motions need to be actions. You actually have to put this command and, yes, this is a command, into action. It is the first commandment that Jesus gives us in Matthew 22:37. Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”
In a funny, odd sort of way, I think that little game we used to play as kids, where we rubbed our tummies and patted our heads at the same time, would more actually depict this verse. To love the Lord with all of your heart, soul, and mind can feel like major multitasking. It takes will, concentration and focus to master all of those things at the same time. Is it even humanly possible? To be honest, there are times when I can love the Lord my God with all of my heart and with all my soul, but my mind has trouble going all in. Perhaps it’s so hard to let your mind completely go because loving totally means complete trust and total surrender. Loving fearlessly means to love with everything in you and that is a challenge.
I am six on the enneagram (a personality test I highly recommend taking). There are nine numbers that represent nine different personality types on an enneagram chart. A test is taken to find out what number you are, but the bottom line has to do with a person’s biggest fears and biggest desires. You won’t understand everything about an enneagram until you read and study about it, but I’ll try to explain it as I make my point about loving God.
There are three centres on an enneagram chart that point to the basic feelings behind the actions of the people who fall into that category. I’ll just let you read a paragraph from an enneagram site to help explain:
The nine Enneagram types are grouped into three centres: Body (Instinctive/Gut/Belly), Heart (Feeling), and Head (Thinking), with three Enneagram types in each centre. Body centre contains types 8, 9 and 1 are formed as a response to anger. Heart centre contains types 2, 3 and 4 are formed as a response to shame, and create a self-image. Head centre contains types 5, 6 and 7 are formed as a response to fear or anxiety.
Basically, there are people whose actions are displayed and thoughts are formed because of and centered in the body, heart or mind. Pause– go back and look at where a 6 is. I’m a 6 so my headspace is right in the middle, between types 5 and 7, and all of them had the head or mind as the center. It’s interesting that in this in-depth personality test, I would discover what God was talking about from the beginning. It’s also interesting that of the three—heart, soul and mind–I would struggle most with my mind, which is what a 6 finds it’s center. The next paragraph in this article I was reading shook me to the core. Keep reading this excerpt from the book:
No matter what Enneagram type we are, we have all the three centres in us, and they interact with each other, we cannot work on one centre without affecting the other two.
In fact, the centre that our Enneagram type resides, it is the psyche (makeup) that we are least able to function freely because its function has been blocked or distorted by our ego.
https://www.theenneagramsingapore.com/three-centres-of-intelligence/
This sentence validates my struggle to multitask by saying you cannot work on one without affecting the other. But it also exposes the reason my mind struggles the most with the love part. My mind has not been able to function freely, because my ego is in the way. As many of us know the opposite of love is not hate, the opposite of love is selfishness. When we let self get in the way, we tend to let ego, control, and fear block the way to love.
It may sound funny to think about an ego when you talk about your heart, your body or instincts, or your mind, but I can see how this is very true. Brene Brown in her book Dare to Lead speaks of ego as her, “inner hustler. It is the voice in my head that drives pretending, performing, pleasing, and perfecting.”
Being someone whose center is in her headspace (mind), I struggle with fear and anxiety, but I also use my mind to find my strength. My mind can become the safety net when I’m going through hard things. I use reasoning to cope. A man name Ryan O’Neal does a podcast on enneagrams called In the Sleeping at Last. In his sixth song, which is about enneagram number 6, he is spot on with his lyrics, “these invisible walls just might keep us safe.”
My mind cast visions, dreams, ideas, and deep thoughts. It also cast visions of worst-case scenarios that could happen and nightmares, self-doubt, and whispers of irrational fears. But to give my mind fully over to those fears would mean to surrender the control of what I see is my selfish strength. So, in a worst-case scenario, I have this weird self-centeredness that gives me warning, if you will, and an invisible wall of protection. But a self-centered false security does not come with peace. In fact, it comes with a lot of fear and wasted time of worry because I know I will not be able to protect myself or others around me from the thing I am fearing. My invisible walls will not stand and the attacks are unpredictable.
As I look at this concept of loving the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind, I have to wonder if I will ever be able to get to the point of fully loving with all of those parts in me. Then I remember the verse that says perfect love casts out all fear. The part of you that seems the hardest to fully let go of is probably the part of you that leads you to the most fear. Even though it’s difficult to surrender, it is necessary for total peace. Read these verses that I found on mind, heart, and soul.
2 Timothy 1:7 – For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Psalm 73:26 – My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Philippians 4:7 – and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Proverbs 3:5 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
Isaiah 26:3 – You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you
Our human heart, body, and mind will fail us. God does not ask us to get it together – He asks us to trust and to find peace in Him. It all points to trust and trust requires a surrendered spirit to the Lord. When we do that, we will be able to function and live freely in peace – in your everyday life, with the world around you, with your own self, and with God.
No matter what your enneagram number is or where you find yourself centered, you can not allow that to be an excuse for why you struggle. You have to find some humility to admit you can not humanly, by your own strength, be centered in all three aspects of what makes you who you are. The only power that can center you in all three aspects of you is in the One who created you. When you find yourself centered in Him and fully loving Him by the power of His spirit then every part of you can freely live. That is the moment you will begin to fully live out the life He has commanded you to.
XO,
Sadie
by Sadie Robertson Huff | May 31, 2019 | Featured, Life Advice |
It has been so fun going through Proverbs together! Chapter 5 is incredible, and I am so excited to dive in with y’all. I hope you feel yourself getting wiser as you read, and I hope this scripture helps lead you to answers that your heart has been searching for in your life.
If you want to catch up on this study, I got you! Here are all the posts:
Proverbs 1 + 2
Proverbs 3
Proverbs 4
PROVERBS 5
Verse 2: so that wisdom and discernment will enter your heart, and then the words you speak will express what you’ve learned.
This verse is just a starter verse to the chapter, but I do not want us to pass up a really cool point found in it. The wisdom and discernment that enters your heart WILL be expressed when you speak.
People always ask me, “HOW DO YOU KNOW SO MANY SCRIPTURES?” The simplest answer is that I study and dwell on those scriptures so, when I speak, that is what comes forth. The more consistently you study and dwell on the words, the more consistent and confident you will become in speaking them. Just like the saying, “garbage in, garbage out” applies to putting things in our heads that are not good for us, that also applies to putting good things, like wisdom, in our heads. Good or bad, what is in your heart will come out of your mouth.
Verse 3: Remember this: The lips of a seductress seem sweet like honey, and her smooth words are like music in your ears.
Verse 4: But I promise you this: In the end all you’ll be left with is a bitter conscience. For the sting of your sin will pierce your soul like a sword.
Key word: SEEM. Honey in the bible is talked about as something that is sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. In the old days, honey was often times used as a natural way of healing wounds. Honey is also a sought-after treat, just as a significant other is sought after. All the single people say, “HEYYY–give me some honey!” Although everyone wants a honey in their life (no pun intended), it is so important that the honey you are attracted to does not just SEEM like honey, but that it actually is the sweet kind. Notice the scripture says, her words SEEM like honey, BUT they will lead you to a bitter conscience. Honey or a “honey” should not lead you to a bitter conscience. The next sentence is so real and something we all need to take seriously – “For the sting of your sin will pierce your soul like a sword.” Often times, the church and people in general look at God as if He is this judgmental, mean God determined to punish those who have been sexually immoral, but the truth is God only hates the sin because He loves you and He hates that something He made to be so good at the right time, will hurt you. He knows that is a proper time to “awaken love” as the Song of Solomon puts it. The verse does not say, “and God will pierce you with a sword” it says “YOUR SIN will pierce you with a sword.” It says YOUR seemingly bitter honey may lead you to harm and bitterness. If that has happened to you, the last thing you need to run from is God. Go stand under the Honey of God to bring healing and wholeness.
Verse 8: Don’t even go near the door of her house unless you want to fall into her seduction. Do not flirt with temptation, because you will fall for what your heart is set on desiring.
Let me expand so you can know it when you see it in your own life.
The “door of her house” may look to you like a wild party when you’re trying not to fall into peer pressure.
It may look like being around a lot of alcohol when you’re trying to quit.
It may look like inviting your significant other when your parents are not home.
It may look like clicking on an app or downloading one that causes you to lust.
Do not even go near.
Verse 12: And then finally you’ll admit that you were wrong and say, “If only I had listened to wisdom’s voice and not stubbornly demanded my own way, because my heart hated to be told what to do!”
I am just going to leave this one at that.
Verse 22: Beware that your sins don’t overtake you and the scars of your own conscience become the ropes that tie you up.
Again, notice that when it talks about sins it does not say, “Beware because God will not love you anymore and you will just overtaken by sin and left without hope.” Not to be dramatic about it, but I feel like this is the story that a lot of people have told themselves. But that is not what wisdom or love says. It says “beware” because it’s warning you o you will not harm your own heart and distract your mind from the scars that sin creates. God hates sin, because He loves you and He has everything that you desire in fullness. Wisdom will trust that and feel no need to go to the door of temptation.
XO,
Sadie
by Sadie Robertson Huff | May 1, 2019 | Featured, Sisterhood
The other day I was sitting with a new friend who is about to move to the Nashville area. She was excited, nervous, and hopeful all at the same time. When God calls us to something new, we can have all the peace in the world, but we still question how the little details that have to happen will fall into place.
Questions run through our minds. What will this new season look like? How will this season be different than what I’ve known in the past? What is God up to? I sat there with her and reminded her that she is stepping into an environment where she will be met with a group of girls who are for her, who seek to know her on a deeper level, and who will champion the things God is calling her to. I reminded her that her victories will be our victories, her sorrows will be our sorrows, and at the end of the day, we will lift her up knowing that there’s enough room in the Kingdom of God for us to all live out our purpose. That’s what true community and sisterhood is all about, right?
And guess what? I’m saying all of these things to YOU too, my friends. I have been privileged enough to meet so many of you who are leading in your communities, walking boldly in your faith, and growing closer to God. Whenever I meet new friends, I realize how much we all have in common. Many of our desires, goals and dreams are the same, even though our path to them might look different. We all want and need a place to be strengthened as a community of women seeking one body, one spirit, and with one song we can all sing.
So I am beyond excited and thankful to share with you what has been in the works for months now. We have been preparing a place for sisterhood for you and it is FINALLY HERE!
TODAY, Live Original has launched our brand new community: LO Fam!
Here is what LO Fam is all about: sharing our hearts, lifting each other up in prayer, and being the Body of Christ that provides you with the fuel to live out your calling wherever you are.
LO Fam is here to champion YOU.
This online community is a place for us to deeply connect with each other. I look forward to sharing more of my heart through videos, voice memos, mini blogs, and live chats (trust me, this is the stuff you won’t see on Instagram). And through our monthly discussion board and prayer wall, I will be able to hear your heart too!
You see, if I just follow the vision and hopes that God has given me, we’re selling ourselves short. I believe that heaven comes down when we link arms, stand side by side, all facing out into our corner of this world knowing that with God and the support of each other, we can make a difference. Are you with me? Do you believe that, too?
Just as I welcomed my new friend to town, I want to invite YOU to this special group of sisters inside of LO Fam. We’re so excited for you to be a part of our family.
Join now and get a week free on me 🙂
For more information check out our page here!
We love you and can’t wait to link arms.
XO.
Your friend and sister,
Sadie Robertson
Follow me on Instagram@legitsadierob to see all the different adventures I’m on!
by Sadie Robertson Huff | Apr 29, 2019 | Featured, Life Advice |
I am so excited to be covering chapter 4 with you all this month! It is packed with so much advice from a Good Father. I hope we will all walk away from this study a little wiser 🙂
If you are just now joining in on this study and want to start from the beginning, you can find the Proverbs 1/2 post here and Proverbs 3 post here.
Let’s get started!
Proverbs 4:1 (TPT): Listen to my correction, my sons, for I speak to you as your father. Let discernment enter your heart and you will grow wise with the understanding I impart.
Solomon, the author of Proverbs, is referring to God, our perfect Heavenly Father! God has an abundance of wisdom, but often times we can miss it, choosing instead to seek out advice from the world. We are encouraged to be “attentive” to this wise council from the one who sees our past, present, and future. We’re encouraged to let discernment enter our hearts. Discernment means having the ability to judge well or make good decisions. Practice making good decisions and you will grow wiser.
Verses 5-6: Make wisdom your quest- search for the revelation of life’s meaning. Stick with wisdom and she will stick with you, protecting you throughout your days.
True life is found at the wisdom of our Father. What’s beautiful here is that the son made a conscious decision to stay, to listen, and to learn. He wasn’t looking for a quick fix, and his father was incredibly patient in teaching him. This is a beautiful picture of wisdom in and of itself: humbly absorbing instruction that will stick with you and protect you.
Verses 8-9: Wisdom will exalt you when you exalt her truth. You will be adorned with beauty and grace, and wisdoms glory will wrap itself around you.
Friend, we are seeing here that wisdom will not chase you down, but “she” (meaning wisdom) loves to be caught. She is a prized possession, set aside by our father for the ones who see the value in the gifts she gives and in her warm embrace.
Verse 12: Your progress will have no limits when you come along with me, and you will never stumble as you walk along the way.
Again, we are seeing the Father making him (us) aware that this abundance of wisdom is at his (our) disposal, yet he (we) must choose to hear and accept it. Wisdom leads to protection, endurance, and life. What are you willing to choose?
Verses 14-15, 17: Do not detour into darkness or even set foot on that path. Stay away from it; don’t even go there! They feed on darkness and drink until they’re drunk on the wine of wickedness.
Often times, we tip-toe toward sin instead of run away from any temptation of it. This verse encourages us to do the latter-stay away from it! We are either moving toward death or moving toward life. The analogy of food and wine is used here as it’s easy to understand. We are either feasting on the “bread of life” or the “bread of wickedness”. We are either drinking from the true vine or the wine of violence. Friends, flee from temptation and cling to life! We want to be a people who live and breath with fresh life.
Verses 21 & 23: Fill your thoughts with my words until they penetrate deep into your heart. So above all, guard the affections of your heart, for they affect all that you have.
Towards the end, the father is winding down his lesson to his son and we see that he mentions the son’s heart twice. Why is this? We will always worship what has our affections—what has our heart. Our greatest affections will always dwell in our hearts. If we tuck wisdom away in our hearts, our life will produce “springs of life”. I don’t know about you, but I want my life to be known as a “spring of life” by the one who provides living water for my soul.
Verses 24-27: Avoid dishonest speech; set your gaze on the path before you; watch where you’re going; Don’t allow yourself to be sidetracked for an even a moment.
Just like any good father, he ends with practical advice that we all should cling to. Anything we say, whatever we look at, and anywhere we go will always be an indicator of wisdoms work in our life or the lack thereof. Pure speech, a clear gaze, and a straight path are the markers of a wisdom filled life. Keep them in mind. It will be a way to measure whether your life is on track or not according to what God has for you. Write verses 24-27 on your mirror, put them in your car, or save them as your screensaver to be reminded to walk in the way of wisdom! This is where freedom is found!
I am so thankful to get to walk through chapter 4 with you and would love to hear your favorite verse from this chapter and what you learned. Add it to the comments below. As always, I hope you walk away strengthen and encouraged by God’s word.
XO
Your sister and friend,
Sadie Rob
Follow me on Instagram @legitsadierob
