This article is connected to our, In My Father’s House Bible Study. Click here for the table of contents.

Note to new subscribers:

If you are looking for the link to the downloadable chapter, you can find it at the bottom of your email under the “About the Author” section. Look for the link that says “Member’s Only.”

**Important** If you aren’t subscribed yet, you can find the subscription form at the bottom of this page. Once you subscribe you’ll be directed to the members only section. I’ll be posting 2 new chapters  there each week that we’re going through this study.  

If you need help subscribing, please email me at darlene@darleneschacht.net

Click here to pick up a copy of the study guide at Amazon.

JOIN OUR FELLOWSHIP ON FACEBOOK

If you haven’t done so already, I’d love to invite you to join our Facebook group, Bible Studies by Time-Warp Wife. It’s a place to connect, encourage each other, and grow in faith together. I can’t wait to get started with you! ❤️

Click here to watch this video on Youtube

Chapter 7 is one of my favorite chapters in this study. Perhaps that’s because “Life in the Household of God” reminds me so much of my teen years. The coffee was always on, and there was rarely a day that someone didn’t stop in to grab a cup or two. We hosted missionaries, Bible college students, musical artists, and guest pastors. We had Bible studies in the basement, and on warm summer nights, we’d worship around a fire in the backyard.

The church was—and still is—my family. And because we’re family, our fellowship reaches far beyond the four walls of a church building.

Isn’t that the way it should be? God designed His people to share life together—to encourage one another, serve one another, bear one another’s burdens, and help each other follow Christ.

Ephesians 4:16 tells us, “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

What Paul is saying there is that Christ holds His people together, and as every believer faithfully serves, the whole church becomes stronger, more mature, and more loving.

Now, that’s the way it should be, but at the same time, I realize that’s not the way it always is.

Some have been deeply hurt by the church—
by careless words, broken trust,
hypocrisy, or even spiritual abuse.

And I don’t want to brush that pain aside.

The fact is, the church has never been perfect. In fact, if you look at the letters to the churches in the New Testament, you’ll see that several problems had to be addressed.

People within the church have always fallen short, and the harm they cause can leave deep wounds that take time to heal.

But those failures don’t change God’s design for His people. They magnify our mission. They remind us how important it is that we walk humbly, love sincerely, and do our part to make the church a place where people are strengthened, cared for, and drawn closer to Him.

At the same time, we must remind ourselves that people are imperfect, but God is good. Our faith was never meant to rest on the shoulders of other believers. It rests on Jesus Christ—the One who never fails, never changes, and never abandons His people.

When we’ve been hurt, withdrawing can feel safer than opening our hearts again. And sometimes, a season of healing and distance from an unhealthy situation may be necessary. But isolation was never meant to become our permanent home. God often brings comfort, correction, encouragement, and strength into our lives through other believers.

We need one another.

We need people who will pray when we’re too weary to find the words. We need friends who will remind us of truth when our feelings are pulling us in another direction. And others need the gifts, compassion, wisdom, and encouragement that God has placed within us.

Life in the household of God is not about finding perfect people. It’s about imperfect people learning to follow a perfect Saviour together. It means offering grace while still walking in truth. It means forgiving when we’ve been wronged, humbly receiving correction when we’re wrong, and choosing to love even when love requires patience.

Each one of us has a part to play.

We may not host missionaries or gather around a fire in the backyard, but we can open our homes, make a phone call, bring a meal, sit beside someone who feels alone, or quietly pray for a struggling friend. These ordinary acts of love are some of the ways the body of Christ “grows and builds itself up in love.”

The church may not always look the way it should, but by the grace of God, we can help it become what He designed it to be—a household where truth is spoken, grace is given, burdens are shared, and Christ is honoured.

Each of us has a part to play in helping that happen.

So let’s faithfully take our place in the household of God.

This article is connected to our, In My Father’s House Bible Study. Continue studying God’s Word with the complete book, available now on Amazon.

Final Thought

As you move through this week, consider the place God has given you within His household.

Ask Him to show you who may need encouragement, prayer, or practical help. Your part may seem small, but simple acts of faithfulness can strengthen the body of Christ.

Then ask, “Lord, how can I serve the people You have placed around me and reflect the love of Christ?”

And if you’d like to connect with other women who are walking through this study, Join the discussion in our Facebook group. It’s a warm, encouraging space to share what God is teaching you and to grow together.

This Week’s Bible Verse

Click the image below to view and print a larger resolution

Week 4 at a Glance 

Would you like a printable copy of this schedule? If so, click here.

A Note About Journaling
As you move through this study, consider keeping a personal journal nearby. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just a simple notebook where you can jot down your prayers, reflections, and anything the Lord impresses on your heart. This is your space to write freely, revisit lessons, and record your own journey of restoration.

TUESDAY

Visit TWW – Visit timewarpwife.com or check your inbox to find a link to this week’s video.

Read Chapter 7: Built Up in Love – Focus on serving and strengthening others within God’s household.

Read Ephesians 4:11-16 – Notice how each believer helps the body grow in love.

Community Check-In – Share one takeaway or prayer request.

WEDNESDAY

Read Acts 9:32-43 – Consider Tabitha’s faithful service and practical love.

Continue Chapter 7 – Complete the word study, questions, and Faith in Action section.

Share Your Insight – Post one simple way believers can encourage one another.

THURSDAY

Read 1 Peter 4:10 & Galatians 6:9-10 – Reflect on using your gifts to serve others faithfully.

Finish Chapter 7 – Complete any remaining questions and prayer.

Begin Chapter 8: Radiance – Focus on allowing the light of Christ to shine through your life.

FRIDAY

Read Proverbs 31:10-31 – Notice how godly character is revealed through everyday faithfulness.

Continue Chapter 8 – Complete the word study and “A Quiet Strength” section.

Community Engagement – Share one quality that reflects the character of Christ.

Closing Thoughts – Visit timewarpwife.com or check your inbox.

SATURDAY

Read John 15:1-8 & Matthew 5:14-16 – Consider how abiding in Christ enables us to bear fruit and shine.

Finish Chapter 8 – Complete the questions, Faith in Action section, and prayer.

Catch-Up – Finish anything you may have missed.

SUNDAY – No assignments today. Rest, worship, and thank the Lord for the ways His love and light are revealed through His people.

MONDAY

Wrap-Up Reflection – Think back over what you learned about life within God’s household and the light of Christ shining through His people. Where might God be inviting you to serve, encourage someone, or reflect His character more clearly? Write a few thoughts in your journal.

Final Community Post – Share one truth, verse, or practical step from this week’s study that you want to carry forward.

This article is connected to our, In My Father’s House Bible Study. Click here for the table of contents.

A few years ago, I decided to do the “Couch to 5K.” I guess that’s the Canadian way of saying, “Couch to 3.1 miles.”

I had gone through the program before, so I knew what to expect. I knew there would be days when my legs felt heavy, my breathing was laboured, and every minute felt like a week.

But I heard what they say about running: “Once you get into it, you start to love it!”

I even heard it can be addicting.

And so, I tried. Every day, I wondered whether tomorrow might be the day I’d fall in love with running, but that day never came.

Every single run was difficult for me.

It was physically exhausting, but perhaps even more challenging was the mental struggle to keep going day after day. That voice is relentless at times, isn’t it?

You tell yourself yes, but your body says no.

You decide to continue, but your flesh wants to stop.

You say, “Just do it!” but it says, “Just don’t!”

Day after day, I resisted the voice, and each time it got a little bit weaker until it finally stopped.

I did reach my goal, by the way. It took longer than the nine weeks outlined in the plan, and it was harder than it had been before. But once I completed the program, I was better for having gone through it.

My endurance increased. I had more energy. I could run for a while without losing my breath.

The bottom line is that physical training is difficult work, even painful at times.

We all know that. In fact, we presume it will come with some pain. But for some reason, we assume that spiritual growth will be different.

We expect surrender to feel natural, forgiveness to come quickly, and obedience to be free of fear. We assume that once we know the right thing to do, doing it should be easy.

But knowing what is right doesn’t silence the struggle within us.

Sometimes the hardest arguments are the ones no one else can hear.

The Bible describes this struggle plainly: “For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other” (Galatians 5:17, NIV).

One part of us wants to obey God, but another part wants to stay in our comfort zone.

We see this kind of inner struggle in the life of Esther.

When Esther decided to approach the king on behalf of her people, she knew that she was risking her life. Even so, she called for a fast, gathered her courage, and moved forward in obedience.

Her words, “If I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16, NIV), remind us that the faithful move forward in spite of fear and unease.

She didn’t pretend the danger wasn’t there.

She simply chose to obey.

Part of spiritual maturity is learning to become more comfortable with discomfort. That doesn’t mean becoming comfortable with sin. It means becoming familiar enough with the feeling of resistance that we don’t immediately give in to it.

That little burn inside us—the fear of moving forward, the craving for an old habit, the pull toward laziness, the flash of a hot temper, the pain of ending an affair, or the sting of jealousy—doesn’t need to be relieved. Sometimes we simply need to let it be uncomfortable while we choose to obey God.

The Bible tells us, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7, NIV).

Our problem is that we often assume we must satisfy the craving or obey the feeling in order to quiet the voice. And yes, giving in may quiet it for a moment, but it does nothing to strengthen us or change what is happening within us. In fact, it usually makes that voice stronger the next time it speaks.

As the Holy Spirit prepares us for eternity, He is teaching us to stand firm, to walk by faith, and to lean on His strength when we’re weak.

The discomfort we’re trying to escape may be the very place where the Holy Spirit is doing a work within us. And while the process might be difficult at times, we can trust that every movement of His hand is for our good. He is refining us, strengthening us, and forming us into the likeness of Christ.

Resistance may feel uncomfortable, but discomfort won’t last forever.

The craving will pass.

The anger will cool.

And fear will loosen its grip.

This article is connected to our, In My Father’s House Bible Study. Continue studying God’s Word with the complete book, available now on Amazon.

This Week’s Printable

Here is this week’s printable. Click the image to view and print a higher resolution.

This article is connected to our, In My Father’s House Bible Study. Click here for the table of contents.

Note to new subscribers:

If you are looking for the link to the downloadable chapter, you can find it at the bottom of your email under the “About the Author” section. Look for the link that says “Member’s Only.”

**Important** If you aren’t subscribed yet, you can find the subscription form at the bottom of this page. Once you subscribe you’ll be directed to the members only section. I’ll be posting 2 new chapters  there each week that we’re going through this study.  

If you need help subscribing, please email me at darlene@darleneschacht.net

Click here to pick up a copy of the study guide at Amazon.

JOIN OUR FELLOWSHIP ON FACEBOOK

If you haven’t done so already, I’d love to invite you to join our Facebook group, Bible Studies by Time-Warp Wife. It’s a place to connect, encourage each other, and grow in faith together. I can’t wait to get started with you! ❤️

Click here to watch this video on Youtube

Hebrews 12:11 tells us, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

We see this throughout Scripture as men and women of faith are trained through hardship, waiting, and testing. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers. David was relentlessly pursued by King Saul and later betrayed by his own son. Moses spent forty years in the desert before God called him to lead Israel. Paul was beaten, imprisoned, and persecuted for the sake of the gospel.

The Greek word used in this verse is paideia. It’s more than simply punishment. It may include instruction, correction, guidance, and the kind of training that shapes a person over time.

Joseph’s slavery, David’s persecution, and Paul’s imprisonment were not punishments for disobedience. God used those experiences as training grounds. Through them, His servants learned patience, dependence, courage, humility, and obedience.

The previous verse puts it all into context for us:

“God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.” —Hebrews 12:10, NIV

And that’s where we are in our study this week as we focus on the tools the Holy Spirit uses to shape us.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that all instruction and guidance from the Holy Spirit is painful. Sometimes it comes through a gentle revelation as we’re reading God’s Word. Sometimes it’s found in the steadiness of prayer as we come back to the altar again and again. And sometimes it comes through the encouragement of a church family filled with like-minded believers.

Each of these serves a purpose in His hands. Some cut away what doesn’t belong. Some steady us when we’re weak. Some draw our wandering hearts back to the Lord. And through it all, the Holy Spirit is shaping us into the image of Christ.

The important thing to remember is that the tools themselves aren’t the goal. The goal is holiness—a life that increasingly reflects the character of Christ.

Hardship doesn’t automatically make us patient, humble, or faithful. Hebrews 12:11 says that righteousness and peace are produced in those who have been “trained by it.” In other words, we must be willing to learn what God is teaching us and yield to the work of the Holy Spirit within us.

The tools may change from one season to the next, but His purpose remains the same: to form us into the image of Christ by drawing us closer to Him, loosening our grip on the things that hinder us, and teaching us to walk in faithful obedience.

Our prayer, then, isn’t simply, “Lord, help me go through this.”

It’s also, “Lord, help me grow through this. Help me respond in a way that brings glory to You, and use this experience to draw me closer to You.”

When we place ourselves in His hands, even the painful seasons can produce something good—a harvest of righteousness and peace in a life that is becoming more Christlike.

This article is connected to our, In My Father’s House Bible Study. Continue studying God’s Word with the complete book, available now on Amazon.

Final Thought

As you move through this week, pay attention to the tools the Holy Spirit may be using to shape you.

Some of His work may feel gentle and reassuring, while other parts may challenge you to release an attitude, habit, fear, or desire for control.

When that happens, resist the urge to simply rush through the discomfort. Pause and ask, “Lord, how can I grow through this? What are You teaching me, and how can I respond in a way that brings glory to You?”

And if you’d like to connect with other women who are walking through this study, Join the discussion in our Facebook group. It’s a warm, encouraging space to share what God is teaching you and to grow together.

This Week’s Bible Verse

Click the image below to view and print a larger resolution

Week 3 at a Glance 

Would you like a printable copy of this schedule? If so, click here.

A Note About Journaling
As you move through this study, consider keeping a personal journal nearby. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just a simple notebook where you can jot down your prayers, reflections, and anything the Lord impresses on your heart. This is your space to write freely, revisit lessons, and record your own journey of restoration.

TUESDAY

Visit TWW – Visit timewarpwife.com or check your inbox to find a link to this week’s video.

Read Chapter 5: The Tools of the Craftsman – Focus on the ways the Holy Spirit shapes us through His Word and daily life.

Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – Consider how Scripture equips God’s people.

Community Check-In – Share one takeaway or prayer request.

WEDNESDAY

Read Acts 18:18-28 – Notice Priscilla’s quiet faithfulness and love for truth.

Continue Chapter 5 – Complete the word study, questions, and Faith in Action section.

Share Your Insight – Post one tool God is using to strengthen your faith.

THURSDAY

Read 2 Corinthians 3:18 – Reflect on how the Holy Spirit transforms us into Christ’s likeness.

Finish Chapter 5 – Complete any remaining questions and prayer.

Begin Chapter 6: Shaping the Stones – Focus on God’s refining work through every season.

FRIDAY

Read Esther 4 – Pay attention to God’s preparation in Esther’s life.

Continue Chapter 6 – Complete the word study and “A Quiet Strength” section.

Community Engagement – Share one truth about trusting God’s refining work.

Closing Thoughts – Visit timewarpwife.com or check your inbox.

SATURDAY

Read James 1:2-4 & Romans 12:2 – Notice how trials and transformation work together in God’s plan.

Finish Chapter 6 – Complete the questions, Faith in Action section, and prayer.

Catch-Up – Finish anything you may have missed.

SUNDAY – No assignments today. Rest, worship, and thank the Lord for His faithful work of transforming your heart.

MONDAY

Wrap-Up Reflection – What stood out most about the tools God uses and His work of shaping your life? Write a few thoughts in your journal.

Final Community Post – Share one encouragement from this week’s study as we prepare for the next chapters.

This article is connected to our, In My Father’s House Bible Study. Click here for the table of contents.

As I stepped into the kitchen, my heart dropped. Memories that had once felt warm and wonderful suddenly stung like a freshly opened wound as old photos of her flashed across my TV.

She was my friend, but that word hardly seems big enough for someone who was closer-than-a-sister.

My secret keeper.
My heart protector.
My place of understanding and grace.

Whether I had good news to share, something painful weighing on my heart, a silly story to tell, or a true crime podcast that simply couldn’t wait, I always knew I could call her. And whether it was one in the afternoon or two in the morning, she always answered.

Until one day, she didn’t.

Grief can leave the heart feeling shattered. One moment, life feels familiar. The next, everything seems out of place. Even the routines we once moved through without thinking can suddenly carry an ache. A song, a photograph, or an ordinary walk through the kitchen can bring the loss rushing back.

Sometimes the smallest memories catch me off guard, like the night I ordered a pizza. Since it wasn’t ready yet, I had to wait outside the restaurant, which happened to be across the street from my childhood home. I was less than 100 feet from the old garage where my dad spent countless hours tinkering with cars. And just like that, a thousand memories came rushing back, and with them the familiar ache I thought I had buried.

At some point or another, we all experience loss.

Perhaps for you, it was the death of a parent, a spouse, or a child whose absence changed the shape of your life.

Maybe it was the end of a marriage, the loss of a home, or the closing of a chapter that ended too soon.

Perhaps it was a diagnosis that changed everything, a friendship that quietly fell apart, or a dream you had carried for years that never came to be.

Grief changes the shape of our lives, but it never changes the faithfulness of God.

Maybe that’s why this study feels so comforting to me.

There are seasons when we don’t feel strong, useful, or certain of where we belong. It’s like a piece of ourselves has been left behind in a place we can no longer return to. It’s in those moments the Lord draws near.

He gathers the hurting.

He steadies the grieving.

He holds the parts of us that feel as though they may never settle into place again.

And He reminds us that this present sorrow isn’t the end of our story.

Scripture gives us this promise: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4 NIV).

There’s a home waiting for those who belong to Christ—a place where loss will no longer separate us, sorrow will no longer weigh us down, and every tear will be wiped away by the hand of God.

We may not understand what He’s doing in the midst of grief, but we can trust that we remain within His care. We are still known. Still loved. Still held.

And even when grief shatters our heart, we can rest in the truth that God is holding us close and leading us toward the eternal home He has promised for us.

And that hope changes everything. 

This article is connected to our, In My Father’s House Bible Study. Continue studying God’s Word with the complete book, available now on Amazon.

This Week’s Printable

Here is this week’s printable. Click the image to view and print a higher resolution.

This article is connected to our, In My Father’s House Bible Study. Click here for the table of contents.

Note to new subscribers:

If you are looking for the link to the downloadable chapter, you can find it at the bottom of your email under the “About the Author” section. Look for the link that says “Member’s Only.”

**Important** If you aren’t subscribed yet, you can find the subscription form at the bottom of this page. Once you subscribe you’ll be directed to the members only section. I’ll be posting 2 new chapters  there each week that we’re going through this study.  

If you need help subscribing, please email me at darlene@darleneschacht.net

Click here to pick up a copy of the study guide at Amazon.

JOIN OUR FELLOWSHIP ON FACEBOOK

If you haven’t done so already, I’d love to invite you to join our Facebook group, Bible Studies by Time-Warp Wife. It’s a place to connect, encourage each other, and grow in faith together. I can’t wait to get started with you! ❤️

Click here to watch this video on Youtube

I could understand the hollow ache in my stomach. After all, I hadn’t eaten since yesterday afternoon, and even then, I hadn’t eaten much.

Normally, I make an amazing stir-fry, but this time I veered from my usual recipe and ended up with a dish my son called “bean water.”

I was ready for something better, and the green grapes were calling my name. They’re incomparable at this time of year, aren’t they? Large, firm, and perfectly ripe.

I grabbed a bowl and pulled a beautiful cluster from the bag. But as I reached in for another, something strange caught my eye.

“Michael,” I called out to my husband, “is this a cocoon, or do you think it’s mold?”

“Oh, that’s too bad,” he said, wrinkling his nose. “I think it’s probably mold.”

Just then, my phone rang from the bedroom. Isn’t that the way it always is? I carry it with me all day, and the minute I walk away, it starts ringing.

It was my daughter.

“How’s it going?” she asked.

“Not great,” I said. “My computer has been acting up all morning. I’ve spent the last two hours clearing space on my laptop, the stir-fry was horrible, the grapes are moldy, the chicken is frozen, and I still have a ton of work to finish. I don’t have anything to eat, and I’m starting to feel lightheaded.”

By the time we hung up, the hunger had become more than an ache. I felt a hollow pressure rising up through my chest, tightening my jaw, and rising all the way up to my ears.

The quickest solution was DoorDash.

Grabbing my laptop, I ordered a meal and watched while the little car moved on the screen. It arrived at the restaurant, made its way through my neighborhood, turned down my street, sailed right past my house, and finally sent me a photo of someone else’s front door.

Isn’t that the way life is sometimes? One thing after another gets under your skin, and before you know it, someone else is leaning back in their chair enjoying your sandwich.

Days like those spark a quiet, familiar ache, don’t they?

Whether it’s anger, frustration, disappointment, jealousy, or rejection, we’re feeling the burn.

Our thoughts start racing, our bodies tense up, and words we may later regret sit dangerously close to the edge of our tongues.

Emotions are a natural part of being human. God created us with the capacity to feel joy and sorrow, love and disappointment, peace and anger. Feeling an emotion doesn’t automatically mean that we’ve sinned. It’s what we do with our emotions that matters—whether we allow them to govern our words and actions or bring them under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

When we bring our emotions under His guidance, we refuse to let them determine our words and actions. We ask the Holy Spirit to steady our hearts, correct our thinking, and lead us toward a response that honors God.

This week, as we walk through chapters 3 and 4 of In My Father’s House, we are looking at the work of the Holy Spirit and the way He prepares us for eternity. He teaches us, corrects us, comforts us, and strengthens us. He also reveals the places where our hearts still need to surrender more fully to God.

And those places often become most visible when life turns up the heat.

The Bible tells us that we “are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18, NIV).

This transformation is usually quiet and gradual. The Holy Spirit works within us through Scripture, prayer, conviction, correction, and the ordinary experiences of life. Sometimes He allows an uncomfortable moment to show us something we might not otherwise see.

Frustration may uncover impatience.

Jealousy may reveal discontentment.

Disappointment may expose an expectation we have been holding too tightly.

Anger may bring an old hurt, a stubborn attitude, or a need for control to the surface.

The emotion is not always the enemy. Sometimes it is a signal pointing us toward a place where the Holy Spirit wants to bring truth, healing, and change.

So when we feel the heat rising, we don’t have to deny what we’re feeling or allow it to take control. We can pause, bring it before God, and ask the Holy Spirit to show us what He wants to teach us in that moment. Even the ordinary frustrations of life can become places where He he gently shapes us to look more like Christ.

This article is connected to our, In My Father’s House Bible Study. Continue studying God’s Word with the complete book, available now on Amazon.

Final Thought

As you move through these next two chapters, take your time. Pay attention to the ways the Holy Spirit is teaching, correcting, comforting, and strengthening you. And when you feel the heat of refinement, pause before you react. Remember that discomfort can become part of your growth, and ask the Holy Spirit for the strength and wisdom to respond in a way that honors God.

As you read about living stones, remember that God is not only preparing you individually. He is fitting each of us together for His purpose, teaching us how to love, serve, forgive, and grow alongside one another. We’ll come back together on Friday to reflect a little more as we continue this study side by side.

And if you’d like to connect with other women who are walking through this study, Join the discussion in our Facebook group. It’s a warm, encouraging space to share what God is teaching you and to grow together.

This Week’s Bible Verse

Click the image below to view and print a larger resolution

Week 2 at a Glance 

Would you like a printable copy of this schedule? If so, click here.

A Note About Journaling
As you move through this study, consider keeping a personal journal nearby. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just a simple notebook where you can jot down your prayers, reflections, and anything the Lord impresses on your heart. This is your space to write freely, revisit lessons, and record your own journey of restoration.

TUESDAY

Visit TWW – Visit timewarpwife.com or check your inbox to find a link to this week’s video.

Read Chapter 3: The Master Craftsman – Focus on the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.

Read Philippians 2:12-13 – Notice how God works within His people.

Community Check-In – Share one takeaway or prayer request.

WEDNESDAY

Read Luke 8:1-3 & John 20:1-18 – Consider God’s transforming grace in Mary Magdalene’s life.

Continue Chapter 3 – Complete the word study, questions, and Faith in Action section.

Share Your Insight – Post one way the Lord may be shaping your heart.

THURSDAY

Read Ephesians 2:10 – Reflect on what it means to be God’s handiwork.

Finish Chapter 3 – Complete any remaining questions and prayer.

Begin Chapter 4: The Gathering of the Stones – Focus on the grace of God that gathers His people.

FRIDAY

Read Joshua 2:1-13 – Pay attention to Rahab’s faith and courage.

Continue Chapter 4 – Complete the word study and “A Quiet Strength” section.

Community Engagement – Share one truth about being gathered by grace.

Closing Thoughts – Visit timewarpwife.com or check your inbox.

SATURDAY

Read Joshua 2:13-21 & Ephesians 2:19-22 – Notice how faith leads to action and belonging.

Finish Chapter 4 – Complete the questions, Faith in Action section, and prayer.

Catch-Up – Finish anything you may have missed.

SUNDAY – No assignments today. Rest, worship, and thank the Lord for His transforming grace.

MONDAY

Wrap-Up Reflection – What stood out most about the Master Craftsman and the grace that gathers His people?

Final Community Post – Share one encouragement from this week.

This article is connected to our, In My Father’s House Bible Study. Click here for the table of contents.

With bloodshot eyes, a swollen face, and a tissue held up to my nose, I frantically searched for the orange Jeep. My flight had already been late, and with another 40-minute drive through the city, I wondered if we’d get there in time.

“Darlene,” Michael said, stepping onto the curb, “I’m parked over here.”

My heart desperately yearned for one thing—one last goodbye, one final farewell to the man who had loved me before I knew how much that love would matter—the first man who held me and still held my heart.

Every second felt like an hour. Every hour, a lifetime of days—until I finally arrived and took my place by his side.

He had lost the ability to speak, but even so, his smile spoke a thousand words. His eyes, a thousand more… And in that holy place where kindred spirits blend, we held on to each other for as long as we could.

That was the last time I saw Dad awake.

Fifteen years later, I still feel a tinge of that pain now and then. I don’t understand how any of this fits into God’s plan. But I’ve learned that faith isn’t about having all the answers. It’s knowing where to stand when we don’t. 

Our study this week led us through two important truths. The first is that God has an eternal purpose for our lives—a purpose that reaches beyond our future and shapes the way we live today.

The second is that Christ is the Cornerstone—the One by whom everything is joined together and upon whom everything rests.

“See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame” (1 Peter 2:6, NIV).

Now here’s where it gets personal for us. If every part of God’s plan rests upon Christ, then every part of our lives must come into alignment with Him. He’s not only the foundation of our future hope. He is the foundation for how we live today.

Jesus compared the person who hears His words and puts them into practice to a wise builder who built a house on the rock.

“The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock” (Matthew 7:25, NIV).

Did you catch that? The strength of that house wasn’t found in the absence of storms. It stood firm right in the thick of the storm.

And the same is true for us. A life built upon Christ will still have its share of grief, disappointment, uncertainty, and change, but it won’t collapse under the weight of it all. It is held steady because it is firmly planted in the truth of God’s Word.

Notice the two things Jesus points out: the wise builder hears His words and he puts them into practice.

Hearing the Word is where the building begins. We open our Bibles, listen carefully, and allow God’s truth to shape the way we think. But a firm foundation is built as that truth moves from the page into our everyday lives.

So what does that look like in practical terms?

It means bringing our prayers and petitions to God while humbly accepting His will.

Allowing Scripture to correct our thinking when our feelings are pulling us in another direction.

Choosing obedience when compromise would be easier and returning to Him in repentance when we have wandered.

Sometimes living in alignment with Christ happens in quiet places—in the thoughts we entertain, the words we speak at home, the way we use our time, and the choices no one else sees. It may mean holding our tongue when we would rather defend ourselves. Forgiving when resentment feels justified. Placing a marriage we can’t fix on our own, a child we can’t control, or a future we can’t see clearly into God’s hands.

This is how a life is built upon Christ—one act of trust, one step of obedience, and one surrendered choice at a time. We listen to His Word, bring our fears before Him, and allow His truth to shape the way we live.

We can’t choose the storms that rise around us, but we can choose the ground on which we stand. I’m choosing Christ—my Rock and my Cornerstone.

“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:11, NIV)

This Week’s Printable

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This article is connected to our, In My Father’s House Bible Study. Click here for the table of contents.

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Welcome to Week 1 of Our Study

Hi ladies! I’m so glad you’re joining us for this Bible study.

As I was writing this study, I found myself thinking more and more about the words Jesus spoke to His disciples on the night before the cross: “My Father’s house has many rooms… I am going there to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2, NIV). Those words are filled with hope, but they’re also filled with purpose. Jesus isn’t only preparing a place for us—He’s preparing us for that place.

Throughout the next several weeks, we’ll discover that God has been building toward this beautiful ending from the very beginning. His plan has always been to gather a people who belong to Him, shaping us day by day into living stones that together become His spiritual house.

This study isn’t just about what awaits us in eternity. It’s about the work God is doing in our lives today. Every trial, every act of obedience, every lesson in faith, and every step of surrender is part of His loving work as the Master Craftsman.

Whether you’ve walked with the Lord for many years or are just beginning a new life in Christ, this study is for you. Jesus is preparing a place for you in the Father’s house, and even now, God is faithfully shaping you for His purposes.

My prayer is that, as we open God’s Word together, you’ll begin to see your life through the lens of eternity. When we understand what God is building, it changes the way we see the ordinary moments of today. We discover that nothing He allows is wasted, and every step of faith is bringing us closer to the home He has prepared for those He loves.

So, welcome–I’m so thankful you’re here.

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The 4 o’clock bell was a reminder that something good was just around the corner. Maybe today I’d be greeted with homemade buns fresh out of the oven. I’d grab one as I walked through the door. Passing it from one hot hand to the other, I’d wait until it was just cool enough to take that first wonderful bite.

But it wasn’t always fresh buns that welcomed me home. Some days it was the smell of beef stew sputtering in a pot on the stove. Other days, it was the lemon-fresh scent of a newly washed floor.

“Keep your socks on,” Mom would say as she stood at the sink peeling potatoes. “I don’t want footprints all over the house.”

And as she dug every eye out of each old potato, love was at work preparing our home.

Laura Ingalls Wilder once said, “Home is the nicest word there is,” and I tend to agree.

It’s not about the building, the furniture, or Pinterest-perfect décor. It’s a place where love has made room for you. Where ordinary things become sacred in their own quiet way—a chair by the window, a familiar voice in the next room, the smell of supper on the stove, an open Bible and pen on the table.

And for believers, it’s not just a place that we live, it’s a promise we carry. A reminder that we were made for belonging, for shelter, for fellowship, and ultimately for our Father’s house.

And that’s where this study meets you and me. There’s a plan unfolding behind the scenes, beyond the scope of our imagination. A plan to take us all home. And that plan puts everything else into perspective.

The trials, the sorrow, the waiting, the shaping—all of it looks different when we pause to remember that we were made for more than this world.

We are not wandering without purpose. We are not holding a handful of broken pieces while God tries to figure out what to do next. Long before we ever drew our first breath, He saw what tomorrow would hold. He knew every season we’d walk through, every place we’d stumble, every tear we’d cry, and every grace we’d need along the way.

And just as surely as He is preparing a place for us, He is preparing us for that place.

That’s where we begin this week.

In Chapter 1 of In My Father’s House, we’ll look at the heart of a God who has always desired to dwell with His people. From the faith of Abraham, who looked forward to “the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:10, NIV), to the quiet faithfulness of Anna, who worshiped, waited, and watched for redemption, we are reminded that God’s promises are never empty. They may seem slow in coming, but they are always sure.

In Luke chapter 2, we see a beautiful picture of faith. Anna spent her days in the temple, waiting for the day she would see the promised Savior. Year after year, prayer after prayer, she remained near the house of God until the day she saw Jesus with her own eyes.

She teaches us that waiting is not wasted when our eyes are fixed on the Lord. She reminds us that worship can steady a heart through long seasons of longing. And she points us to the truth that God’s plan was in motion—even when only a few faithful eyes were watching for it.

As we open this study together, my prayer is that we would begin to see our lives through the lens of eternity. Not merely as a series of ordinary days, unexpected trials, or scattered pieces, but as part of a greater work in the hands of a faithful God.

Jesus said, “My Father’s house has many rooms… I am going there to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2, NIV).

And while we don’t understand every detail of that plan, we can trust that Love is at work, preparing our home.

As you move through these first two chapters, take your time. Pay attention to the ways God is asking you to release your plans, trust His timing, and rest more fully on Christ, the Cornerstone. Notice what He is revealing through His Word and where He may be gently shaping your heart. We’ll come back together on Friday to reflect a little more as we continue this study side by side.

And if you’d like to connect with other women who are walking through this study, Join the discussion in our Facebook group. It’s a warm, encouraging space to share what God is teaching you and to grow together.

This Week’s Bible Verse

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Week 1 at a Glance 

Would you like a printable copy of this schedule? If so, click here.

A Note About Journaling
As you move through this study, consider keeping a personal journal nearby. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just a simple notebook where you can jot down your prayers, reflections, and anything the Lord impresses on your heart. This is your space to write freely, revisit lessons, and record your own journey of restoration.

TUESDAY

Visit TWW – Visit timewarpwife.com or check your inbox to find a link to this week’s video.

Read the Introduction and Chapter 1 – Focus on God’s eternal plan and His faithful work in your life.

Read John 14:1-3 – Reflect on Jesus’ promise to prepare a place for His people.

Community Check-In – Share one takeaway or prayer request in the Facebook group.

WEDNESDAY

Read Luke 2:25-38 – Consider Anna’s faithful waiting and trust in God.

Continue Chapter 1 – Complete the word study, reflection questions, and Faith in Action section.

Share Your Insight – Post one thing God is teaching you about trusting Him in unfinished seasons.

THURSDAY

Read Hebrews 11:8-10 – Think about the hope that sustained Abraham.

Finish Chapter 1 – Complete any remaining questions and prayer.

Begin Chapter 2: The Cornerstone – Focus on Christ as the foundation of our faith.

FRIDAY

Read Luke 1:26-38 – Pay attention to Mary’s response of surrender.

Continue Chapter 2 – Complete the word study and “A Quiet Strength” section.

Community Engagement – Share one truth that stood out to you about Christ as the Cornerstone.

Closing Thoughts – Visit timewarpwife.com or check your inbox for a short devotional wrap-up.

SATURDAY

Read Ephesians 2:19-22 & 1 Peter 2:4-6 – Notice how believers are being built together in Christ.

Finish Chapter 2 – Complete the questions, Faith in Action section, and prayer.

Catch-Up – Use today to finish anything you may have missed.

SUNDAY – No Assignments Today. Let today be a day of worship, rest, and spiritual renewal. Thank the Lord that your life rests upon Christ and that He is preparing an eternal home for His people.

MONDAY

Wrap-Up Reflection – What stood out to you most as you studied God’s eternal plan, Christ the Cornerstone, and the hope of our heavenly home? Write a few thoughts in your journal.

Final Community Post – Share one truth or encouragement from this week as we prepare to begin the next chapter.

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Finding Your Place in God’s Eternal Home

This 5-Week Study Begins: Tuesday July 14th.

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In My Father’s House is a 5-week Bible study that invites us to look more closely at the gracious work of God from beginning to end. In these pages, we’ll consider the Father’s loving purpose, the Son’s finished work, and the Holy Spirit’s faithful presence as we trace the hope of salvation and the promise of our eternal home.

This study reminds us that heaven was never an afterthought. Before we ever longed for home, God had already made the way. The Father planned, the Son redeemed, and the Spirit continues to strengthen, comfort, and prepare the hearts of those who belong to Him.

With each lesson, my prayer is that we’ll see more clearly how deeply we are loved, how securely we are held, and how certain our hope is in Christ.

How does an online study work? Click here to find out.

Starting Tuesday, July 14th, I’ll be hosting this 5-week study—In My Father’s House—right here on the blog, along with a new video each Tuesday. My hope is that as we walk through these five weeks together, our faith will be strengthened, our trust in the Lord will grow deeper, and our hearts will be encouraged to live each day with eternity in view.

If you have any questions at all, feel free to contact me at darlene @darleneschacht.net (no spaces), and I’ll help you any way I can. Until next time…

You are loved by an Almighty God,

Darlene Schacht
The Time-Warp Wife