Loving God Resources: Trusting God
Trusting God: Deepening your trust in God through obedience to His Word and through surrendering every area of life to Him.
Start Here:
The resources listed for this topic (Trusting & Obeying God) are quite extensive. To help you get started thinking about how you are doing at responding in trust to God, we suggest you check out the re:spond special feature on this website. It's a tool that will help you understand what God's word says about the situations you're facing -- so you can respond to God.
You may also find the books Hearing God (by Dallas Willard) and Practicing His Presence (by Lawrence and Laubach) helpful.
Use these buttons to navigate this page, or scroll down to see it all.
If You Want to Walk On Water, You’ve Got To...
- Author: John Ortberg
© 2001 Zondervan ISBN 0310228638
- Notes: Title: If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat. You've heard the story of Jesus walking on water; this book talks about what it looks like to walk on water in everyday life -- facing fears, embracing God's calling, and experiencing God's power. This book is about following Jesus, even if it takes you out of your comfort zone. Engaging, interesting reading for anyone looking to grow spiritually.
- Resource Access: Purchase at a bookstore (including at Gateway) or order online
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author: Brother Lawrence & Frank Laubach
© 1988 0940232014 ISBN Seedsowers
- Notes: "The Practice of the Presence of God" was writen in the 17th century by Brother Lawrence. This revision makes the classic book about really following God accessible to modern audiences.
- Resource Access: Order online
- Growth Level: Deepen
- Author: Dallas Willard
© 1999 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830822267
- Notes: How do we hear the voice of God and follow Him? This book is about how we hear and understand God, so we can respond to Him.
- Resource Access: Purchase at a bookstore (including at Gateway) or order online
- Growth Level: Deepen
- Author: Dietrich Bonhoeffer
© Various including 1995 Touchstone ISBN 0684815001
- Notes: This classic book is recommended to all maturing Christ-followers. Read it and think about what it really means to follow God -- each and every day no matter what might happen.
- Resource Access: Purchase at a bookstore or order online
- Growth Level: Deepen
- Author: C.S. Lewis
© Numerous, including 1961/1982 Collier Coobks / MacMillian Publishing ISBN 0020867409
- Notes: The Screwtape Letters is something like a moral fable about faith & life. Lewis writes these fictional letters from the perspective of "Screwtape" a senior demon, writing to his nephew "Wormwood," who is in training. The letters bring you into an almost backward-thinking world where wrong is right and evil is good. Through the entertaining style and thought-provoking letters, you start thinking about how you're tempted and how you resist the ploys for your trust and obedience that someone like Screwtape would propose.
- Resource Access: Purchase at a bookstore (including at Gateway) or order online
- Growth Level: Deepen
- Author: Stephen Arterburn, Kenny Luck
© 2003 WaterBrook Press ISBN 1578566908
- Notes: This book, a follow-up in the original "Every Man" series of books about sexual temptation, reaches into other parts of life. Written specifically for men, this book deals with general subjects of growing in spiritual maturity and intimacy with God.
- Resource Access: Purchase at a bookstore (including at Gateway) or order online
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author: Gateway Community Church
Gateway Community Church
- Notes: subtitled: "What God says about what you're facing." What thoughts & emotions are streaming throughout your day? Those clues to what's happening in your life may relate to what God is doing with you -- and how you can respond to Him. Use this interactive tool to find out what God says about those thoughts & emotions. (Note: you may want to use this in conjunction with the "60/60" experiment or the re:volution message series from Fall 2005.)
- Resource Access: free online (this site)
- Growth Level: All
- Author: NavPress
© 2004 NavPress ISBN 157683638X
- Notes: What do you know about your faith -- how does it impact day to day life? Think about what you believe and how you follow God in this study guide. This is the 3rd book in the revised Design for Discipleship Series by NavPress. It could be studied alone, or as part of the series. Great for use with a running partner -- you'd do some homework and talk about what you learned when you come together.
- Growth Level: Discover (New Christ-Followers)
- Author: NavPress
© 2004 NavPress ISBN 1576836371
- Notes: Think about what it means to walk with Christ -- even when the walk gets tough. This is the 2nd book in the revised Design for Discipleship Series by NavPress. It could be studied alone, or as part of the series. Great for use with a running partner -- you'd do some homework and talk about what you learned when you come together.
- Growth Level: Discover (New Christ-Followers)
- Author: NavPress
© 2004 NavPress ISBN 1576836398
- Notes: Think about what it means to be a Disciple of Jesus - what it means to follow him, trust him, seek him fully. This is the 4th book in the revised Design for Discipleship Series by NavPress. It could be studied alone, or as part of the series. Great for use with a running partner -- you'd do some homework and talk about what you learned when you come together.
- Growth Level: Discover (New Christ-Followers)
There are currently no resources of this type in this category.
Surrendering Your Life for God's Pleasure
- Author / Series: Brett & Dee Eastman, et.al.. / Life Together
© 2002 Zondervan ISBN 0310246776
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: This study book is all about following God and trusting him. This is a great general introduction to the topic.
- Resource Access: Purchase at a bookstore (including at Gateway) or order online
- Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Recommended for new leaders.
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author / Series: Donald Baker / Life Guide
© 2003 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830405
- Bible Section: OT-Judges
- Notes: The book of Judges in the Old Testament is a story of God remaining faithful in spite of all his people do to turn away. Through this study guide, you'll examine God's faithful nature for yourself and see how that story fits your own life.
- Resource Access: Inquire at a bookstore or order online
- Leader Notes: 12 sessions. The Life Guide studies are usually easy to lead. Consider the length of the study and the complexity of the readings before choosing any study for your group.
- Growth Level: Deepen
- Author / Series: Dale & Sandy Larson / Life Guide
© 2001 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830812
- Bible Section: NT-1 Thessalonians
- Notes: This is a study of nine Bible characters who struggled with faith in the same ways that we do. Read their stories and consider the parallels to your own journey of knowing and trusting God more.
- Resource Access: Inquire at a bookstore or order online
- Leader Notes: 10 sessions. The Life Guide studies are usually easy to lead.
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author / Series: Jack Kuhatschek / Life Guide
© 2004 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830472
- Bible Section: OT-Genesis
- Notes: As you use this study guide to consider the life of Abraham, the "father" of the Israelite nation, you'll be considering what it looks like to live a lifelong journey of knowing God and following Him. Content from Genesis chapters 12-22.
- Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
- Leader Notes: 9 sessions. The Life Guide studies are usually easy to lead. Be aware of the length of the study and the reading level of the book of the Bible before choosing it for a new group, however.
- Growth Level: Develop
Deuteronomy: Becoming Holy People
- Author / Series: Stephen D. Eyre / Life Guide
© 2004 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830421
- Bible Section: OT-Deuteronomy
- Notes: Deuteronomy is a story of God's people seeking after him. This study guide is designed to help you learn from their journey what it means to know God better and follow him more closely.
- Resource Access: Find at a bookstore or order online
- Leader Notes: 12 sessions. The Life Guide studies are usually easy to lead.
- Growth Level: Deepen
Commitment: Developing Deeper Devotion to Christ
- Author / Series: Bill Hybels / InterActions (Willow Creek)
© 1996 or 2005 Zondervan ISBN 0310206839 or 0310265959
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: "What does it mean to be truly committed to Christ?" This book deals with that tough question in 6 sessions suitable for groups or individuals.
- Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
- Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Recommended for new leaders.
- Growth Level: Discover or Develop
- Author / Series: Bill Hybels / New Community (Willow Creek)
© 1999 Zondervan ISBN 0310227674
- Bible Section: NT-James
- Notes: A group study (possibly useful for individuals) based on the book of James and focused around topics related to practical wisdom for choosing paths through life.
- Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
- Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Suitable for both new and experienced leaders.
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author / Series: Bill Hybels / New Community (Willow Creek)
© 1999 Zondervan ISBN 0310227739
- Bible Section: NT-1 Peter
- Notes: This group study guide covers 1 Peter and focuses on finding a solid basis for living in an uncertain world.
- Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
- Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Suitable for both new and experienced leaders.
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author / Series: John Ortberg, Kevin Harney, Sherry Harney / New Community (Willow Creek)
© 1999 Zondervan ISBN 0310227712
- Bible Section: OT-Exodus
- Notes: This study guide for the book of Exodus talks about life as a journey toward God. It's a good book for leaning to know God deeper and trust him more.
- Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
- Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Recommended for somewhat experienced leaders.
- Growth Level: Develop
Fully Devoted: Living Each Day In Jesus' Name
- Author / Series: John Ortberg, Laurie Pederson, Judson Poling / New Community (Willow Creek)
© 2000 Zondervan ISBN 0310220734
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: What does it mean to live each day in Jesus' name? This book talks about several key attributes of the Christian life -- grace, growth, groups, gifts, and giving.
- Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
- Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Recommended for somewhat experienced group leaders.
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author / Series: The Navigators / Redefining Life
© 2005 NavPress/Th1nk ISBN 1576838285
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: This study guide is written specifically for the people in their early to mid 20s. This study guide gets at issues young twenty-somethings actually face -- who are you, who are you when no one is watching, and who are you when it's you alone in a room with God. Understand how faith and identity meet -- with more than just your purpose, but where you & your passions fit in the real world.
- Leader Notes: 8 sessions. Lessons are especially suited towards people new to small groups or new to faith (or just checking out faith). Lessons incorporate short articles from books or magazines and Scripture passages to think about and discuss. Lessons are designed to be done first on your own, then discussed in a group.
- Growth Level: Discover
David: Developing a Heart for God
- Author / Series: Jack Kuhatschek / Life Guide
© 2001 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830634
- Bible Section: OT-General
- Notes: David -- a King of Israel, the boy who fought the giant Goliath, the man who struggled with sin in big ways, and the "man after God's own heart" has a life that's worth considering. What could you learn from seeing David as a role model? His imperfect, yet redeemed life gives an example of what it looks like to really trust & follow God.
- Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
- Leader Notes: 12 sessions. Most Life Guide books are relatively easy to lead and include helpful notes.
- Growth Level: Deepen
Searching for God in a Bottomless Purse: On Faith
- Author / Series: The Navigators / Real Life Stuff for Women
© 2005 NavPress ISBN 1576838633
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: This study guide is part of an innovative line of curriculum called "Real Life Stuff for Women." The series delivers on the title with content that's actually applicable to real life, making it great for any group looking for something that's truly relevant. This particular guide talks about the tough spots of faith -- what you might call wilderness times -- days when faith just doesn't seem to make sense. It's readable to "normal" people, too, with snippets from magazine articles and Scripture passages from the Message. Recommended for younger women's groups (20s or early 30s).
- Resource Access: Purchase at a bookstore (including at Gateway) or order online
- Leader Notes: 6 sessions?. Good for younger women's groups -- good for a follow-up to one of your first studies. Great for women without kids, especially.
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author / Series: Bill Hybels / InterActions (Willow Creek)
© 1998 or 2005 Zondervan ISBN 0310224446 or 031026605X
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: A group study (possibly interesting for individuals) that talks about getting a grip on your life, your schedule, your body, your finances, your spiritual life, and your relationships. Conversational style, good questions for discussion, and insights from Scripture.
- Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
- Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Recommended for new leaders. Revised in 2005.
- Growth Level: Discover (New Christ-Followers)
- Author / Series: Doug & Doris Haugen / Life Guide
© 2003 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830324
- Bible Section: OT-Jonah
- Notes: These three Old Testament books (from the Minor Prophets section) are often merely skimmed by Christians looking to study the Bible. However, if you are willing to dig deeper into these books and other Minor Prophets, you can learn a lot about following God.
- Resource Access: Inquire at a bookstore or order online
- Leader Notes: 12 sessions. Most Life Guide books are relatively easy to lead and include helpful notes. Note, however, that due to the somewhat hard to digest writing style of the minor prophets, you should use discretion when selecting this study for your group. Recommended for seasoned Bible readers looking to dig deep through study.
- Growth Level: Deepen
1 & 2 Timothy & Titus: Do What You Have Heard
- Author / Series: Pete Sommer / Life Guide
© 2001 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830162
- Bible Section: NT-1 Timothy
- Notes: Live out your faith. Live it out in spite of the curve balls the world throws at you. These New Testament letters are full of wisdom (specifically to young church leaders but applicable to anyone) about finding strength in Christ to live out your faith.
- Resource Access: Purchase at a bookstore or order online
- Leader Notes: 11 sessions. The Life Guide studies are usually easy to lead.
- Growth Level: Discover (New Christ-Followers)
- Author / Series: Carolyn Nystrom / Life Guide
© 2003 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830693
- Bible Section: NT-General
- Notes: You can learn a lot from looking at the lives of these New Testament characters. Even those without a name offer something you can learn about in your pursuit to follow God. Sections include: Anna & Simeon, a Throwaway Woman, a Blind Beggar, Mary Magdalene, Thomas, Simon, a Jailer, Priscilla & Aquilla, Governor Felix, and Philemon.
- Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
- Leader Notes: 10 sessions. Most Life Guide books are relatively easy to lead and include helpful notes. You could choose certain characters (perhaps focusing on those you haven't studied before) if you needed to condense this study into fewer sessions.
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author / Series: Peter Scazzero / Life Guide
© 2000 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830596
- Bible Section: OT-General
- Notes: This study introduces you to many interesting people of the Old Testament. By studying about Jonah, Hannah, Samuel, Abraham, Caleb, Joshua, Elijah, Achan, King Saul, Daniel, Esther, David, and Moses, you can consider how you can follow God better today.
- Resource Access: Inquire at a bookstore or order online
- Leader Notes: 12 sessions. Most Life Guide books are relatively easy to lead and include helpful notes. You may be able to pick and choose certain characters and omit others to make this study shorter.
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author / Series: Donald Baker / Life Guide
© 1999 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830243
- Bible Section: OT-Joshua
- Notes: Joshua, the main character in the Old Testament book by his name, led an interesting life. When he wasn't crossing the Jordan river or battling the city of Jericho by walking around it, he was doing all sorts of interesting things in his quest to follow God. By considering Joshua's story, you can also consider how you trust & follow God day by day.
- Resource Access: Buy at a bookstore, including at Gateway online ordering
- Leader Notes: 12 sessions. Most Life Guide books are relatively easy to lead and include helpful notes.
- Growth Level: Deepen
- Author / Series: Donald Baker / Life Guide
© 2001 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830952
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: Sometimes, it seems that we all want the Bible to just come out and say "Hey You! Go There! Do That!" But, it's not usually that obvious! This study guide isn't designed to make your decisions for you, but help you understand what the Bible says about decision making, trusting God, and following Him.
- Resource Access: Find at a bookstore or order online
- Leader Notes: 9 sessions. Most Life Guide books are relatively easy to lead and include helpful notes.
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author / Series: Traci Mullins, Luci Swindoll / Women of Faith
© 1998 Zondervan ISBN 0310213436
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: A study book about knowing and following God better. This series has proven most effective with moms or women in their 30s or older. Great for running partners, too!
- Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
- Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Recommended for women's groups and running partners.
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author / Series: Daniel Hill / Groups Investigating God
© 2003 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830820795
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: This is an introductory study about how God affects your everyday living, purposes, relationships, standards, and more.
- Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
- Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Notes are included for a leader. The Groups Investigating God series is designed to be used with groups of seekers. The studies are usually also quite relevant to younger audiences. (the same book is also sometimes titled "Following God")
- Growth Level: Discover (New Christ-Followers)
Isaiah: Trusting God in Troubled Times
- Author / Series: Howard Peskett / Life Guide
© 2001 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830294
- Bible Section: OT-Isaiah
- Notes: Isaiah can be a hard book to understand -- but through this study guide, you can dig deep into the prophet Isaiah's messages about trusting God.
- Resource Access: Inquire at a bookstore or order online
- Leader Notes: 22 sessions. Most Life Guide books are relatively easy to lead and include helpful notes. Please note the length of this study before choosing it to use in your small group.
- Growth Level: Deepen
- Author / Series: Andrew T. & Phyllis J. Le Peau / Life Guide
© 1999 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830189
- Bible Section: NT-James
- Notes: Reading the book of James is reading a story of faith. How can we have faith that will be there in the best and worst of times -- a steadfast faith that lasts?
- Resource Access: Inquire at a bookstore or order online
- Leader Notes: 9 sessions. The Life Guide studies are usually easy to lead. The subject matter of this particular study makes it easy for group members to understand, or to use individually.
- Growth Level: Deepen
- Author / Series: Charles & Anne Hummel / Life Guide
© 2000 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830227
- Bible Section: OT-Genesis
- Notes: Study how classic Bible characters such as Abraham, Isaac, and Joseph struggled to obey their calling from God, and consider how you are doing at trusting and obeying when God calls you.
- Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
- Leader Notes: 26 sessions. Most Life Guide books are relatively easy to lead and include helpful notes. Please note the length of this study before choosing it to use in your small group.
- Growth Level: Deepen
- Author / Series: James Reapsome / Life Guide
© 2000 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830830235
- Bible Section: OT-Exodus
- Notes: The book of Exodus in the Old Testament is all about trusting God. How did God's people trust him? How can you trust him now with all the varied elements of your life? Think about how God, and God alone, is worthy of our trust.
- Resource Access: Inquire at a bookstore or order online
- Leader Notes: 24 sessions. Most Life Guide books are relatively easy to lead and include helpful notes. Please note the length of this study before choosing it to use in your small group.
- Growth Level: Deepen
- Author / Series: J. I Packer / Christian Basics
© 1996 InterVarsity Press ISBN 0830820140
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: This is a study about finding God's will -- helping you understand relevant Bible passages about decision-making.
- Resource Access: Purchase at a bookstore or order online
- Leader Notes: 6 sessions. Leader's notes included.
- Growth Level: Develop
- Author / Series: Jo Kadlecek / Fisherman Resources
© 2003 Shaw Books ISBN 0877880891
- Bible Section: Topical Study
- Notes: This book is subtitled "Living passionately as imperfect Christians." By looking at the life of Peter -- a "caustic, cocky, cowardly, chosen man" and considering what his life can show us today, an individual or group studying this book should discover that following Jesus and imperfection seem to go together!
- Resource Access: Leaders can access at the library or anyone can order online
- Leader Notes: 8 sessions. Suitable for individual or group use.
- Growth Level: Develop
There are currently no resources of this type in this category.
Menu
Legend
For people checking out faith and new Christ-followers.
For growing Christ-followers.
For maturing Christ-followers.
For maturing Christ-followers serving as Leaders.
|
|