As Christians, we are called to be salt (Matthew 5:13) and light (Matthew 5:14). We must be in the world but not of the world. How do we do that and at the same time, build relationships with heavenly intentions? In this study, we will take a look at scripture and glean some valuable tips on how to build relationships with the purpose of discipleship. We will look at the lives of the John the Baptist, the woman at the well, Paul, Daniel and Joseph, and, most importantly, our ultimate teacher and guide, Jesus.
About the Author: Born in Jackson, Tennessee, I was raised by two Godly parents who saw that I was involved in church. Many men and women poured into me and my older brother David through Girls in Action, Royal Ambassadors, choir, Sunday Schools, youth trips and many other activities. I graduated South Side High School in 1981 and my classmates were more than classmates; they were my friends. I attended Jackson State Community College and Union University. At Union I received my Bachelors of Science degree and then my Masters in Education. I met my husband Robert and Union and live has never been the same. I married a tire salesman, who became an educator and a coach, but then God called him (and me) into ministry. When our oldest daughter Rachel was two and our youngest daughter Hannah was one, Robert became the youth pastor at Halls First Baptist Church, Halls, Tennessee. I taught youth Sunday School and sang in the choir. He then became Minister to students at Englewood Baptist Church in Jackson, Tennessee. I continued to teach youth Sunday School and sing in the choir. With small children, I longed for a devotional that contained Biblical truth, but did not consume a lot of time which I did not seem to have. My husband Robert said, "So why don't you write one?" You Ain't in Kansas Anymore was born. Writing has been a part of my life since. Robert became Minister to Students at Thompson Station Church in Thompson's Station, Tennessee. During these years of raising two little girls while in ministry, I went back to full time high school teaching. At Thompson Station Church, the Real Life Sunday School Class for women attending church alone was born. These ladies encouraged me to write material they could understand so I wrote my first Bible study: Daniel: An Uncompromising Faith. God next led us to Madison Baptist Church in Jackson, Tennessee where he was pastor. God brought us back to Englewood Baptist Church where Robert currently serves as Next Generation/Local Missions Pastor. I have now taught high school for over twenty years. We are empty nesters with Rachel attending the University of Tennessee at Martin, and Hannah attending Bethel University. My story is one of physical healing, emotional healing and most importantly spiritual healing. I am a walking miracle, and you are also. My prayer is to glorify God in all I do, and I pray that my writings will bring honor to the King.