5-Star Review of "Set Apart: Holy Habits of Prophets & Kings"

Review of Set Apart: Holy Habits of Prophets & Kings

A Bible Study of 1 and 2 Kings  (Women's Bible Study Participant Book)

by Jessica LaGrone

Set Apart is a dynamic six-week study of 1 and 2 Kings that examines the holy habits of the prophets and kings who were set apart by their close walk with God. Each week we will explore the central story of one of these intriguing men of God and the specific practice each observed, as well as what the Bible teaches about this practice. 
Each of these characters was trying to follow God while carrying out his calling on earth. As we consider their example, we will discover that even prophets and kings struggled and grew in their faith through spiritual practices, and we will learn how to follow God's unique purposes for us in His Kingdom. 
The Participant Book contains five daily readings per week, each including Scripture, reflective teaching material with questions and space for recording responses, prayer suggestions, and ideas for practical application.

MY REVIEW:  I have participated in many Bible studies over the years and this is one of the best that I have found.  The study examines the unique lives and callings of Solomon, Elijah, Elijah and Elisha, Elisha and Naaman, Hezekiah, and Josiah.  Week one focuses on Solomon who was "Set Apart by Being Consecrated".  Week two focuses on Elijah who was "Set Apart by Listening".  Week three focuses on Elijah and Elisha who were "Set Apart by Mentoring". Week four focuses on Elisha and Naaman who were "Set Apart by Practicing Humility".   Week five focuses on Hezekiah who was "Set Apart by Worshiping God".   Week six focuses on Josiah who was "Set Apart by Discovering God's Word".  Each study begins with reading God's Word, followed by Reflect and Respond, Talk With God, Act on It, and Extra Insight.  Reading God's Word has a portion of scripture for the week and there are usually other verses given to look up.  Reflect and Respond has a guided reflection and study of the scriptures with space for recording your responses (but for those who are reading a kindle version like myself, a separate notebook will be needed).  Talk with God has a sample prayer to guide you into a personal time of prayer.  Act on It has ideas to help you act on what you have read.  Extra Insight has additional bonus insights or facts to enhance the study.  There are video portions to the study which I, of course, did not have access to but each one had a study guide for participants to record notes and fill in blanks to the material.   Each day's readings took me about one hour to an hour and a half to really study and participate.   The material in the study was highly relevant for me and I plan to look for more studies written by this author.

       I rate this study 5 stars and highly recommend it to women who are seeking to enrich their spiritual life.  

      I received a free copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

About the Author:

After earning an undergraduate degree in Biology from Southwestern University and serving in Youth Ministry for two congregations, Jessica LaGrone earned a Masters of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary. She served as an Associate Pastor at First United Methodist Church in Pasadena beginning in 2002, overseeing the Missions and Evangelism ministries. She was ordained an elder in the United Methodist Church in 2005.

In January 2006, Jessica began her current appointment as Associate Pastor at The Woodlands UMC, a church with over 8,000 members. She describes it as more of a small town than a church, with lots of communities within the greater congregation and an amazing gathering of people with a great passion for growing in relationship with Jesus. Currently she serves as Pastor of Worship, a position that is best explained as Worship Architect, planning and developing four of the church’s seven weekly worship experiences and working with amazing contractors with talent in music, media and preaching.