Bible Study Book Availability Update 12/2/2024

Click the link below for locations where the softcover book and eBook are available. 

Locations Where Wholehearted is Available

A Bible study that I wrote several years ago sat dormant on my computer until recently when I submitted it to be published. I'm excited to let you know that it is available now. I want to tell you a little of why I wrote it. 

For a long time, whenever I read scripture, the word “wholehearted” seemed to jump off the page at me. I sort of thought it was “my word.” Interestingly when I heard someone else using it, I felt like they had taken something that belonged to me. It was that personal to me. Strange, huh? I know that the people around me probably couldn’t see that outwardly, but this wholehearted relationship with my Savior is what I wanted desperately. About six or seven years ago, one of my coworkers told me she dreamed that I wrote a book about spiritual principles. That was it. I had to write about having a wholehearted relationship with God.  When it was finished, I shared it with some of the ladies at church, but that was about the end of it. It’s been in a file on my computer for six years.

I also wrote another blog years ago but was not really consistent on posting. I only posted when I thought I had learned something new or had an insight to share. Then life got busy. I wrote the Bible study, completed my Educational Specialist degree, and started a new job that was more responsibility and a longer drive. And of course, COVID happened during that same time span. I will try to be more consistent about posting this time around. The link to the old blog is listed on my profile page if you want to go back and read any of those.

Now for a little background: My husband was called to preach when he was in his mid-20s. I also felt that God was calling me to serve as a pastor’s wife. We left our small town in obedience to God’s call to serve Him in full time ministry. My husband took the call seriously and wanted to serve faithfully and be adequately prepared to do all that God wanted him to do. He pastored small churches while he was getting his Bachelors, Master of Divinity, and Doctor of Ministry degrees. We were also able to minister in some larger churches in Arkansas, Texas, and Illinois. He was diagnosed with diabetes when he was 40 years old. We tried to follow the dietary guidelines, even some extremely strict diets that seemed to be working. Then when he was in his late 40s, his doctor said that he basically changed from Type 2 to Type 1, because his pancreas had completely stopped working.  He had multiple complications from diabetes. Then when he was in his mid-50s he was involved in a multiple car accident caused by a drunk driver. He had extensive injuries. During their examination the doctors also found that he had a large tumor on his kidney. The short version is that he never was the same after the accident. Diabetes, anxiety, treatments and other factors took a huge toll on him. We moved back “home”, and he pastored a small country church. It was during this time that I wrote the book about serving God with our whole hearts. As I am writing this blog it has been about a year and a half since he died. We had served God jointly for all these years as pastor and wife. I was confused and briefly felt like I had lost my purpose, but I also knew that my call to ministry came from God and didn’t disappear because my husband died. I continued to pray about what purpose God has for me, how He wants me to serve Him. After much prayer, I felt like it was time for me to take the file from my computer, step out in faith, and submit it for publication. My purpose in writing the book and in starting a new blog is quite simply that I believe this is what God is leading me to do. I don't know if anyone will read either, but I have to be obedient. My prayer is that if you read the words I type, God will speak to your heart through them.

Please join my Facebook Page. 

Mary Lynne Webb Facebook Page

I know it seems a little overpriced. I'm sorry. The publisher set the price. I wish they could be free, but it doesn't work that way. 

If anyone reads the book, I would REALLY appreciate it if you would post a review to one of the links above where it is available for purchase, or to Good Reads link below.  (More than one site would be even better.)

Good Reads

INDEPENDENT REVIEWS

Whole-Hearted: Living a Life Devoted to God is an exceptional read that is full of vulnerability and a desire to show God’s love to people. The stories are wonderful and give us insight to how we relate to the scriptures in such a different world than the Old Testament times or the 1st Century church, but the author always allows scripture to define scripture.  She does not change the meaning of scripture to our current times but treats scripture respectfully as God intended it to be.  She also uses the whole counsel of scripture – Old and New Testaments – and in doing so we see Christ revealed from Genesis to Revelation.  Whole-Hearted: Living a Life Devoted to God implores us to self-examination that should lead us to know if we truly have a whole-hearted relationship with God and His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Belinda Contreras

God desires that we love and serve Him out of thankfulness for all that He has done for us, but He will never force us. The result of our obedience and service is abundant life now, which Christ came to give us, and honor and glory to the Lord, throughout eternity. Mary Lynne gleans these truths and more from Colossians 1. Her book, “Wholehearted,” provides refreshing motivation to live for Christ! I highly recommend it for private or group study!

Carmen Pate

"Wholehearted: Living a Life Devoted to God" is a deeply inspiring guide that invites readers to embark on a transformative spiritual journey. Rooted in the profound wisdom of Colossians 1, this book blends personal anecdotes, scripture-based insights, and reflective questions to encourage a sincere and unwavering commitment to faith. Whether you're seeking to deepen your relationship with Christ or rediscover the joy of wholehearted devotion, this study book serves as a beacon of hope and guidance, helping you align your life with God’s purpose. Prepare to be challenged, comforted, and renewed as you walk this path of spiritual growth.

Brian Pettit

The following are some questions I have been asked, and my answers to the questions.

Does the book include discussion questions?

Yes. The book provides scripture references, questions about the meaning of the scripture or a personal application of the scripture, and a description by the author reflecting her response to the question or an example that shows a practical application of that scripture in her own life or the lives of others. 

Does the book provide practical applications?

Scripture is always practical. The author provides examples of how scripture has been relevant and practical in her life, but the reader must prayerfully search her own heart to find the application for her personally.

What is the theme of the book?

The overriding theme of the book is that we need to have a wholehearted commitment to God. To reach a deeper understanding of that concept, the reason we need and want this kind of commitment is because of Who God Is. The First chapter talks about that. Beginning in the second chapter through chapter six talks about the evidence and results of a committed relationship with Him. Chapter seven talks about the response we have/feel toward God when we walk closely with Him. Chapters eight and nine talk more about Who Jesus is, and how He makes us different. Chapter ten looks at the life of the apostle Paul, as an example of having a wholehearted commitment to follow Jesus. There is a section for further study of other people in the Bible who had a wholehearted commitment to God.

Who is the target audience for this book?

I wrote the book with women’s Bible studies in mind, but there is nothing specific to women in the content of the book. It’s a Bible study book for anyone who wants to be fully committed to God.

What was your purpose in writing this book?

My purpose was to do what I thought God was leading me to do. I believe that when we truly want to be obedient to God, pray about His purposes, and study scripture, He will show us what He wants us to do. Everything seemed to fall together when the word “wholehearted” seemed to be in boldface type every time I read scripture, and when my colleague told me about her dream, I had written a book. That seemed to be a clear direction. When my husband was no longer able to pastor, God showed me that He had another purpose for me. That’s when I felt like it was time to submit this book to be published. I believe that the purpose of this book is to encourage others in their desire to be fully committed to God. 

Why should people read this book?

Scripture reveals God’s perfect plan for us, and states clearly that we should be fully committed to God. I share scriptures that point out why this level of commitment is needed. I also share true struggles that I have experienced personally, as well as struggles within my family and the lives of others who God has put in my life.