jesus over everything study guide

This six-week study, led by author Lisa Whittle, invites women to realign their lives by placing Jesus at the center. Through practical tools and biblical truths, participants learn to simplify their lives, break damaging thought patterns, and live with spiritual consistency. The core scripture, Colossians 1:17, reminds us that Jesus holds all things together, offering a transformative framework for daily living.

Overview of the Study and Its Purpose

This six-week study is designed to help women realign their lives around Jesus, simplifying their spiritual journeys and breaking harmful patterns. The purpose is to equip participants with practical tools to live with spiritual consistency, ensuring Christ remains central in every aspect of life. Each session builds on the last, guiding women to identify areas where Jesus can take precedence and offering strategies to maintain this focus. The study emphasizes the importance of heart commitment over superficial faith, encouraging women to make intentional, real-life choices that reflect their devotion. By the end of the six weeks, participants will have a clear plan to sustain their spiritual growth and live a life where Jesus is truly over everything.

Author Lisa Whittle and Her Vision

Lisa Whittle, a Bible teacher, speaker, and ministry leader, has a passion for helping women deepen their faith and live intentionally for Jesus. With a background in marriage and family counseling, she co-founded Called Creatives, equipping women to live out their calling. Lisa’s vision for the “Jesus Over Everything” study guide is to challenge women to reevaluate their priorities, placing Christ at the center of their lives. She emphasizes the importance of heart commitment over empty words, encouraging women to move beyond superficial faith. Through her teachings, Lisa provides practical tools and strategies to help women break free from damaging thought patterns and sustain their spiritual growth, ensuring Jesus remains central in every aspect of their lives.

Week 1: Putting God First

Week 1 emphasizes prioritizing Jesus, with Colossians 1:17 as the core. It teaches simplifying life by placing God first, making intentional decisions, and using practical tools from the study guide.

Core Scripture: Colossians 1:17

Colossians 1:17, “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together”, serves as the foundational scripture for Week 1. This verse underscores Jesus’ preeminence and His role as the unifying force in creation. It challenges believers to recognize His sovereignty and central place in their lives. The study guide uses this scripture to encourage participants to prioritize Jesus, emphasizing that He is not just a part of life but the very essence that holds everything together. By reflecting on this verse, women are invited to trust in His divine plan and seek spiritual consistency. The practical application of this truth is key to simplifying life and making intentional decisions that honor God. This scripture sets the tone for the study, reminding us of Jesus’ sufficiency in all circumstances.

Practical Steps to Prioritize Jesus

Practical steps to prioritize Jesus involve intentional decisions that simplify life and align daily actions with faith. Lisa Whittle encourages starting each day with Jesus, seeking His presence through prayer and scripture. Evaluating commitments and eliminating distractions that pull focus away from God is key. Participants are challenged to identify areas where Jesus is not central and make adjustments. Tools like journaling, scripture memorization, and accountability partnerships are recommended to maintain spiritual consistency. The study emphasizes the importance of heart commitment over empty words, urging women to make real, honest choices that reflect their faith. By taking these steps, women can live with purpose, trusting Jesus to hold everything together. This focus on practical application helps create a life where Jesus is truly over everything.

Week 2: Simplifying Your Life

Simplifying life involves letting go of distractions to focus on eternal priorities. Lisa Whittle teaches identifying unnecessary burdens and realigning daily choices with Jesus-centered living, fostering clarity and peace.

Breaking Down Complicated Patterns

Breaking down complicated patterns begins with identifying areas where life has become unnecessarily complex. This section of the study guide helps participants recognize habits, routines, and thought processes that create chaos. By examining these patterns, individuals can pinpoint what distracts them from prioritizing Jesus. Practical steps include evaluating commitments, streamlining schedules, and eliminating non-essential tasks. Lisa Whittle emphasizes that simplicity is not about deprivation but about creating space for what truly matters. Through biblical teachings and personal reflection, participants learn to align their lives with God’s purposes, leading to a more focused and peaceful existence. This process encourages a mindset shift from busyness to intentionality, glorifying Jesus in everyday life.

Tools for Spiritual Consistency

Establishing spiritual consistency requires intentional tools and disciplines. This section explores practical methods to help believers stay focused on Jesus. Prayer, Bible study, and journaling are highlighted as essential practices to deepen spiritual growth. Lisa Whittle encourages creating a daily rhythm that includes time with God, ensuring it becomes a non-negotiable part of life. Additionally, the guide emphasizes the value of accountability partners and community to sustain spiritual habits. By incorporating these tools, participants can build a strong foundation for consistent faith, even in the midst of life’s challenges. These practices help cultivate a mindful and intentional approach to living out Jesus’ teachings in everyday circumstances.

Week 3: Realigning Your Priorities

This week focuses on evaluating and adjusting priorities to ensure Jesus remains central. It encourages recognizing areas where focus may have shifted and realigning with God’s perspective.

Understanding Spiritual Consistency

Spiritual consistency is about maintaining a steady, unwavering relationship with Jesus, even in the midst of life’s challenges. It involves intentionally seeking God daily, not just during moments of crisis or celebration. Consistency doesn’t mean perfection but rather a commitment to grow closer to Jesus through prayer, Scripture, and obedience. This week’s study emphasizes the importance of developing habits that foster spiritual depth, such as regular reflection, gratitude, and surrender. By prioritizing time with God, believers can build a strong foundation that withstands life’s pressures. Spiritual consistency is not just about what we do but about who we are becoming—people rooted in Christ, living out their faith authentically and wholeheartedly.

Heart Commitment vs. Empty Words

This section explores the difference between a genuine, heart-driven commitment to Jesus and superficial religious practices. A heart commitment involves surrendering one’s life to Christ, prioritizing His will, and living out faith authentically. Empty words, on the other hand, refer to outward expressions of devotion that lack true sincerity or transformation. The study encourages believers to move beyond mere rituals or theological knowledge to a deep, personal relationship with Jesus. It emphasizes the importance of aligning actions, thoughts, and words with a heartfelt dedication to God. This week’s lessons challenge participants to evaluate their spiritual practices and ensure they are rooted in genuine faith rather than empty religious routines.

Week 4: Damaging Thought Patterns

This week focuses on identifying and breaking harmful thought patterns that hinder spiritual growth. Participants learn practical steps to replace negative mindsets with Christ-centered beliefs.

Identifying and Breaking Harmful Thoughts

Identifying harmful thoughts begins with self-reflection and acknowledging patterns that contradict biblical truth. This section teaches participants to recognize when their thoughts are rooted in fear, doubt, or pride rather than faith. By examining scripture, individuals learn to discern lies and replace them with God’s promises. Practical exercises help participants pinpoint areas where negative mindsets have taken hold, such as in relationships or decision-making. Breaking free requires surrendering these thoughts to God and embracing His perspective. The study emphasizes the importance of prayer and meditation on scripture to transform mindsets. This process empowers believers to align their thinking with Christ’s teachings, fostering spiritual freedom and a deeper connection with Him.

Building Defenses Against Negative Mindsets

Building defenses against negative mindsets involves equipping oneself with spiritual tools to resist harmful patterns. This section emphasizes the power of prayer, meditation on scripture, and intentional fellowship with believers. Participants learn to replace destructive thoughts with biblical truths, reinforcing their identity in Christ. The study encourages the practice of gratitude and worship as shields against negativity. By cultivating a consistent prayer life and seeking accountability, individuals can maintain mental and spiritual alignment with God’s will. These strategies empower believers to stand firm against lies and distractions, ensuring their focus remains on Jesus as their foundation. This approach fosters resilience and long-term transformation in maintaining a Christ-centered mindset.

Week 5: Living with Intention

Living with intention focuses on making deliberate choices that honor God. This week explores aligning daily decisions with Christ’s purpose, ensuring every action reflects His will and love.

Real-Life Choices and Their Outcomes

Making intentional decisions in everyday life is crucial for living out faith authentically. This section examines how choices, big or small, shape spiritual growth and relationships. By aligning actions with biblical values, individuals trust God’s plan, even when outcomes are uncertain. Practical examples illustrate how prioritizing Jesus leads to peace, joy, and purpose, while neglecting Him results in emptiness. The study encourages believers to evaluate motivations behind decisions, ensuring they reflect a heart committed to Christ. Through real-life scenarios, participants learn to trust God’s sovereignty and wisdom, understanding that every choice has eternal implications.

Creating a Plan for Daily Alignment

Establishing a daily plan helps believers stay focused on Jesus amidst life’s distractions. This section provides practical tools for prioritizing faith, such as morning devotionals, prayer schedules, and reflective journaling. By setting intentional habits, individuals can cultivatediscipline and consistency in their spiritual lives. The plan encourages believers to identify specific times for worship, Bible study, and service, ensuring Jesus remains central. Accountability practices, like sharing goals with a trusted friend, reinforce commitment. The study emphasizes flexibility, allowing individuals to adapt the plan to their unique circumstances while maintaining spiritual focus. This daily alignment fosters a deeper connection with Christ, transforming ordinary routines into meaningful acts of worship.

Week 6: Sustaining Your Commitment

Week 6 focuses on perseverance in faith, prayer consistency, and community support to maintain spiritual growth and reflection on the journey with Jesus.

Long-Term Strategies for Keeping Jesus Central

Long-term strategies for keeping Jesus central involve consistent spiritual practices, such as daily prayer, Bible reading, and gratitude journaling, to cultivate a deep, lasting connection. Prioritizing intentional time with God ensures He remains the foundation of life. Establishing routines like worship, reflection, and service helps maintain focus and alignment with His will. Surrounding oneself with like-minded believers provides accountability and encouragement, strengthening commitment. Regularly assessing priorities and aligning them with biblical truth prevents drift. Celebrating milestones of faith and learning from setbacks fosters resilience. Ultimately, sustainability comes from surrendering daily to God’s plan, trusting His sovereignty, and embracing a lifestyle of worship and obedience. Consistency is key to sustaining Jesus as the central focus in every season of life.

Community Support and Accountability

Community support and accountability play a vital role in sustaining a Jesus-centered life. Surrounding yourself with like-minded believers creates a network of encouragement and spiritual growth. Participating in small groups or Bible studies provides a safe space to share experiences and challenges, fostering deeper connections. Accountability partners offer personalized support, helping you stay committed to your faith journey. Celebrating spiritual milestones together strengthens bonds and reinforces the importance of keeping Jesus central. Prayer support within the community provides comfort and motivation, reminding you that you’re not alone in your walk. A supportive community not only enhances your spiritual growth but also helps you stay focused on Jesus, even in life’s challenges.

The study concludes with a renewed commitment to prioritize Jesus, transforming lives through intentional decisions and spiritual growth, encouraging believers to apply these principles daily for sustained spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with Christ.

Reflection on the Study Journey

This study has been a transformative journey, guiding participants to reevaluate their priorities and deepen their relationship with Jesus. Through weekly lessons, individuals have gained practical tools to align their lives with Christ-centered values, fostering spiritual growth and clarity.

Reflecting on the journey, many have experienced profound shifts in perspective, learning to surrender control, trust God’s plan, and prioritize eternal truths over temporary comforts. The study has empowered believers to break free from fear, doubt, and distractions, embracing a life where Jesus truly is over everything. This reflection serves as a reminder of the growth experienced and the truths learned, encouraging continued surrender and devotion to Christ.

Next Steps in Your Spiritual Growth

As you conclude this study, it’s essential to implement the lessons learned into daily life. Start by setting specific, measurable goals that reflect your commitment to placing Jesus above all else. Dedicate time for consistent prayer, Bible study, and reflection to deepen your relationship with Him. Share your journey with trusted friends or mentors for accountability and encouragement;

Consider integrating spiritual practices like fasting, journaling, or serving others to further grow in faith. Prioritize community involvement, such as joining a small group or volunteering, to stay connected and inspired. Remember, spiritual growth is a lifelong journey, and staying intentional will help you maintain Jesus as the center of your life. Embrace this transformation and trust God to guide you forward.