Summer Bible Study Gathering III

Hey, my dear Summer Bible Study Siestas! I’m so enjoying our journey together! Hopefully you’ll be able to watch the (very rough, one-take, ridiculous-but-full-of love) video greeting, but I also like to make sure you have the discussion questions for each week’s gathering in print. Here they are!

We have four discussion questions for your Tuesday gatherings. The first two are from Week 3.

1. On p.62, Kelly quoted Michael Wells: “Satan will tell us what’s true, but he never tells us the truth.” Let’s have some examples of that. How has Satan ever told you something that was true but wasn’t the truth?

2. Kelly’s discussion about King Hezekiah and the attack on his faith on p.66 reminded me of a quote that I’d recently seen in the devotional classic, Streams in the Desert. “Genuine faith puts its letter in the mailbox and lets go. Distrust, however, holds on to a corner of the envelope and then wonders why the answer never arrives.” (p.168) What envelope have you been most prone to hold the edge of?

The last two are based on Week 4.

3. Reread the first couple of paragraphs from Kelly’s intro to Week Four on p.76 concerning people-gods. Then, look up Phil. 1:9-10 and read it together. How can these two Scriptures become a huge help to us in finding the balance between loving people and idolizing them? This came after I did the video: We did something in our small group that I found very encouraging. We shared some examples from our personal lives of idolatrous relationships that, with God’s intervention, actually transitioned into healthy relationships. These transitions are often rare because the relationship was fed by the idolatry and often can’t exist without it. Have any of you experienced one of those wonderful occasions when a relationship endured that positive transition? If so, share it!

4. Lastly, review p.87 and reflect on the whole Leah and Rachel madness. Reread the bold-print section at the top of the page. What are a few costs of desperation that you yourself have paid? And what is the solution?

I’m so honored to study with you, Sisters! Keep it up! We’re halfway through our summer series and God is faithfully keeping us from falling!

I love you dearly,
Your Very Own Mama Siesta

PS – Don’t forget that comments are meant for after your gatherings, if you don’t mind! Thanks, Siestas!

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200 Responses to “Summer Bible Study Gathering III”

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Comments:

  1. 151
    Pat says:

    Hey Beth
    you are too funny.
    The study is great.
    I came in late to this and just got my book.
    God is so good.
    it is so sad what we have to do to get our hair to a point that we feel it might be okay to step out into the world.
    blessings

  2. 152
    Kristy says:

    To Dee, Momma of 4, if you’d like to partner with someone, let me know, I’d be happy to!

  3. 153
    Anonymous says:

    Rachel and Leah hit hard this week. I have always felt badly for Rachel – childless and for Leah – loveless. But I love that Leah said “This time I will praise the Lord.” and God blessed that son , Judah, by bringing Christ thru his lineage. Even then she looked at her situation and reacted. How many times has God brought me thru a hard time and blessed me and I STILL insisted on going back to where I came from. Stephen Curtis Chapman has a great OLD song “Let the Ships Burn” that keeps coming to me over this story. I want to burn the “ships” that keep taking me back to the high places of idols so that I can never return! FIRE IT UP! I am lighting the match!

  4. 154
    rebekah says:

    Liz and I met Wed. morning for just week three homework so far. We’re both loving the study and have both been greatly convicted so far. I don’t have answers to your specific questions, but rather a couple of insights directly from the study so far. We both came up with specific things we wanted to cut out of our lives during the study of day 4 about media influences. No more perusal of People magazine at the checkout anymore, and no more ER just to name a couple.

    I’ve also been doing Breaking Free and(wouldn’t you know it??) this week was week 3 about obstacles and as I read the day about idols just as I was also studying NOG, I had to smile and tell Jesus how much I loved Him for bringing both studies together for me at that moment. The thoughts that came to my mind as I did both studies together were synergistic. He’s just so good!

    I feel like I’d made some major progress as I’ve thought through both studies this week in uncovering the “lies in my right hand” aka idols. For me I think the top two are excess- of stuff, food etc. (wanting more than I need), and wanting a life of comfort and ease instead of one that welcomes the inevitable challenges as a places where God is going to meet me and provide for me.

    My husband is getting ready to go on his first Navy deployment to Kuwait for 8 months and I’m struggling with letting go of my idol of wanting a comfortable, predictable life as I face the uncertainty that comes along with that next life change for us. But God is so good and is working on me and my attitude tremendously! Praise God.

    Lastly, I’m originally from Minnesota and am now a Navy wife from all over- right now in San Diego. My mom and my best friend are going to the conference and I wish I could be with them! You have no idea. I will be in prayer all weekend long for all of you there.

    Love,
    Rebekah

  5. 155
    Maria Cristina says:

    Nicole from South Carolina and Maria Cristina from London checking in for this fortnight’s Gathering III…. Hello, Siesta Mama Beth! and hello also to the beautiful Queen Esther “Star”! thank you for introducing her to us!!!!

    Forgive our delay but right after our “email” gathering, both Nicole and myself had to travel…

    Siesta Mama: I can’t even begin to express the bountiful blessings I am reaping through the friendship that NIcole and I are forming as a result of you starting this very Bible Study…. its set up in a public forum such as this Blog is such a refreshing approach that it is *really* transforming lives in more ways than one can imagine!

    And now, without further ado…

    We have four discussion questions for your Tuesday gatherings. The first two are from Week 3.

    1. On p.62, Kelly quoted Michael Wells: “Satan will tell us what’s true, but he never tells us the truth.” Let’s have some examples of that. How has Satan ever told you something that was true but wasn’t the truth?

    Nicole: Well, I would have to say that this for me has to pertain mostly with the timing of things. He would tell me things that were to come true but make me anxious and believe that I needed to press them to happen now, myself, and not wait on God, that I was running out of time. Big mistake! One of which I have destroyed a couple of things beleiving that lie.

    Maria: the one thing that I think stands out is the fact that he would tell me that I am the worst of people, guilty of many ugly sins. That’s the true statement. The un-truth comes with the fact that with that statement came a message of desperation and hopelessness, which I should have NEVER heeded. In jesus, I have my hope! There is hope for me!

    2. Kelly’s discussion about King Hezekiah and the attack on his faith on p.66 reminded me of a quote that I’d recently seen in the devotional classic, Streams in the Desert. “Genuine faith puts its letter in the mailbox and lets go. Distrust, however, holds on to a corner of the envelope and then wonders why the answer never arrives.” (p.168) What envelope have you been most prone to hold the edge of?

    Nicole: I am trying to overcome fear of some things. I keep holding on instead of walking out in confidence that God has me and won’t let me get hurt or fall, and I know this but trying to fully surrender some of those things to God is difficult to me regardless I am determined to face them. And Maria, I am honored and humbled by your response about me here. God has been gracious and faithful to me or I wouldn’t be able to utter one word to you… But thank you for the absolutely sweet interjection.!!!

    Maria : What an awesome quote. I am aware that I’m holding out on TOTAL AND UNCONDITIONAL surrender – from unbelief, perhaps. I need to really, really stay in the Word and surround myself with Godly people who have the spiritual strength and “experience” (not the best of terms, but I can’t think of another word at the moment) to help me overcome this hurdle. This is why I am SO THANKFUL and humbled by God’s mighty help in “sending” Nicole into my life. I am so blessed to know her. She is showing me that it IS possible to surrender and live in total victory in the path that our Savior has mapped out for us.

    The last two are based on Week 4.

    3. Reread the first couple of paragraphs from Kelly’s intro to Week Four on p.76 concerning people-gods. Then, look up Phil. 1:9-10 and read it together. How can these two Scriptures become a huge help to us in finding the balance between loving people and idolizing them? […] Have any of you experienced one of those wonderful occasions when a relationship endured that positive transition?

    Nicole, Okay can I say Thank God for someone else who knows exactly what I have gone through and still in the last moments before gaining complete victory with?!! I am seeing a relationoship turn around for the better that I thought was totally destroyed due to my inordinate behavior. God is being very gracious to take what the enemy meant for harm and turn it around for the good!! You Go God!!!!

    Maria: I really like the NLT translation of these verses: “pray that your love for each other will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in your knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until Christ returns.” Because of my very rebellious and sin-saturated life, it is very very easy for me to fall into idolization of those Godly women that I see are leading these blameless lives. Instead than forming a pedestal on which to stand them on, I realize that they, too, have their tribulations and dilemmas and – notwithstanding the fact that I am sympathetic – I am realizing that they, too, are – yes, Godly!- women walking the same path, that I’m treading, although they’re definitely much further ahead in their walk!! …. 🙂

    4. Lastly, review p.87 and reflect on the whole Leah and Rachel madness. Reread the bold-print section at the top of the page. What are a few costs of desperation that you yourself have paid? And what is the solution?

    Nicole and Maria: We’ve discussed this particular question with absolute, at times painfully raw, openness. During our email exchanges on this particular issue we’ve discovered that Leah’s and Rachel’s madness parallel a lot of the deep, deep desperation we each faced in our own lives…. What is amazing to us is how God is sooo mightily, yet tenderly, sewing up our wounds like a loving Tailor — all the while making this mending process even more soothing by way of the mutual encouragement Nicole and I are finding through the weaving of our friendship.

    A la prochaine!

    nicole and maria cristina

  6. 156
    Erin says:

    BETH – I have just the place for you to go to solve your hair woes.

    http://www.hairforecast.com

    Here you can enter a zip code and get a score for how the weather in that area will affect your hair for the day. A 10 is a perfect hair day – go big, bold, curly, etc! A 1 is a hat or ponytail day! It is the BEST! PLUS – every time you check your hair forecast you are helping to provide clean, safe water to people in Africa. How COOL is that???
    Please share this info with all the gals.

    Oh – and our Bible study continues to be a breath of sweet, fresh-mowed-lawn air to our desert souls. This week was no exception. I had the idea when reading through Colossians at the end of Session 4 to have us all write on a piece of cardstock the things (or some of them) that need to be “put to death” in our lives. Then we placed them in a deep metal bowl and burned them. As they burned we talked about how sometimes it can take some time for these things to die (thus the cardstock and not regular paper) but that eventually we are left victorious with a heap of ashes. Then I handed them another sheet of cardstock and shared with them that once these things are put to death, we are left with this – a blank slate. If we choose to do nothing, those things we just painstakingly put to death will simply be back or replaced by other “deadly” things. I gave them the assignment to go home with their paper and prayerfully write down what they want to do with the “new” space in their life that these old things inhabited.

    I am convinced this would have been a deeply profound exercise had it not been with a group of young moms. As it was, they spent this time EXTREMELY concerned about the flames: Will the bowl get too hot and burn the table? Will the smoke from the flames set off the smoke alarm, and WAKE THE SLEEPING CHILDREN? Will embers float up and fall on the couch, leaving a burn mark or worse, setting it on fire…I could go on… Perhaps outside would have solved this problem, but somehow, I doubt it. We moms will be moms no matter the setting. May God bless us!

    Love Ya!!! Erin

  7. 157
    Gaila says:

    Dear Siestas, how is your memory verse coming along??? The sunset siestas played phone tag this past week and left it as messages to each other…we can never get to the phone in time so we get a spirit filled reminder followed by “TAG YOUR IT!!! CALL A SIESTA!”

    I am thinking HOT POTATO for our next gathering….that idol of insecurity will surely be chipped away if we do that!

    Loving this summer!

  8. 158
    Lyn says:

    Siesta Beth,
    We had our meeting on Tuesday morning with 4 of us in attendance. I don’t think that we have actually had time when we were all together,(vacations)
    One of the things that we discussed was how deceitful Satan can be and we don’t even know it. We had good discussion time and good food to eat. (quiche, pumpkin muffins, fresh fruit and good coffee. We are all so enjoying this study and learning so much.
    Love you, from New Hampshire and Vermont

  9. 159
    Beverly says:

    Beth-

    Our group was SO excited when we heard you read my post on your video! It was really a huge blessing to us and we’re so glad you liked our story! It has been fun to get to know each other and we are thrilled to be doing this study together.

    Love you,
    Beverly in Colorado Springs

  10. 160
    Sarah Martin says:

    I am going solo and interacting with other siestas on the Siestas for Him site that Rachel started
    here’s the site for anyone interested: http://forums.delphiforums.com/siestas/start

    I thought I would share my answer to question 4 as I am sure many of us have been there done that! Hopefully someone reading this might find encouragement that they aren’t the only one going through or have gone through this situation.

    I so hate to rehash this in my head but I was in a desperate place in college with a bad boyfriend situation-doing things a good Christian girl should not be doing. I remember pleaing and crying on my knees begging him not to break up with me-how awful! I shudder thinking about it right now. The cost I paid was self esteem and feeling like a wreck for several months after that because I let myself get caught up in the torment. But, a few months later, I met my wonderful husband and we started dating. The solution to that situation is quite simple, don’t let yourself get sidetracked in ungodly relationships with unbelievers-especially if you are vulnerable and not grounded in your faith. I praise the Lord for bringing me out of that pit!

    love,sarah

  11. 161
    Sweetgirl says:

    I so wish i could have big hair… it just doesn’t stay big…

    Corie
    HTown

  12. 162
    Ashton says:

    for any blogger out there. I lost my job today. I am a graphic designer in Houston. Worked at this job for almost 3 years. Then before that I was unemployed for 3 years but did freelance work and did ok. Before that I was at a job for 13 years. sad….allison

  13. 163
    Julie says:

    Hello Mama Siesta – Julie & Marcia (both solos doing this awesome study via email together) just checking in for this week. We both are growing and loving this study.
    This study is really bringing some things to the surface for both of us to deal with and get on with serving Him the way that our awesome God should be. Struggling to trust Him with our trials and circumstances and not believing the lies of the enemy. The costs of desperation really hit home with both of us! WE loved the video.

  14. 164
    Nancy says:

    Beth,
    I just wanted to let you know, I have been bad and skipped ahead. I got the study as soon as you mentioned it because I was needing one and I trust your
    recommendations. I’ve finished it and I have to say, it was just what the doctor ordered. I’ve got a long way to go, but I have finally at age 44 laid down my idols and embraced Abba as all I need. Not all I want and enjoy but all I really need. This has been a 2 year process and I’m sure it will continue, but just wanted to praise the Lord from Tennessee! 🙂

  15. 165
    Anonymous says:

    Mother/Daughter study we finished Wed. night-Very convicted on Rachel-Leah situation. Never before saw Rachel’s sneaking idols and how it related to how we strive no matter what we may have”going for us.” Only Jesus fills us. And what about that teaching on Satan tells us a truth, but it is not THE TRUTH from God. WHOA!!!! Gave us much to discuss. P.S. Our hair thanks you for instructing us on the conflicting messages we send it. May all our strivings cease!! In Jesus’ Love Kathy and Steph Knoblock

  16. 166
    JnL4God says:

    I have been doing this solo. It encouraging to know I’m not the only one that falls behind, however I am sorry for you because I know how it feels. I am only a day or two behind now so not too bad. This has been a great study I am really enjoying it.
    Thanks,
    Lynn – OR

  17. 167
    Anonymous says:

    Oh Guys I HAVE to tell you what happened. Doing the study alone.Too knarled up to share it.Kids at camp this week. Catch up on work and read Get Out of the Pit(God bless you richly Beth seriously). I have been in pit so long believing satan’s lies so long I can’t even see the truth. Trying to figure out what are my Idols.Carrying arould the definition”In biblical terms” praying God show me big and plain so I can get it. On our way to Pep boys to get the tires alined reading to my husband. Studying about it in grocery store. I get home call to check on my Dad who has had a cold(dearest daddy on planet) he was short. I’m putting the groceries away and feeling sick like did I say something to make Daddy short. Nearly crying-HIT ME LIKE A TON OF BRICKS approval mostly of parents,but most anybody that walked by also. It is BIG and gold and fancy and just sitting right there where it is not suppose to be. I know it sounds stupid and obvious but I didn’t see it until I thought about that line (what motivates you). It is going off I am smashing to a million pieces before my feet hit the ground every morning. I am not resposible for the happiness of everyone in my life.I can feel him pulling me out of that pit into the light.I praise him and thank him at the top of my lungs. I feeling satan saying this isn’t real fall back to the old way of thinking and I am quoting scripture. I just had to tell ya’ll how he made all these things come together. It’s a new DAY!!!

  18. 168
    Anonymous says:

    Facilitating this study this summer has been very beneficial in increasing my knowledge of the Bible in the times in which we live. A Bible study teacher I had that has facilitated several of your studies stated: True JOY comes from having Jesus 1st in your life, others 2nd, and then yourself. This study has really made me see what I am putting 1st in my life-MY OWN COMFORT! I don’t want any mental, physical, emotional, financial, or relational discomfort in my life. I am putting my own comfort over applying God’s Word in my life that leads to true JOY.

  19. 169
    BecKiev says:

    Is there going to be a SIESTA gathering in Louisville? I can hardly wait!

  20. 170
    Anonymous says:

    “For a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.”(2 Peter 2:19)Fear…I have allowed fear(false evidence appearing real)to be that envelope that I desperately held on to… not trusting in the Lord. Once fear got its hands on me… it branched out into so many areas of my life: pride, regrets, and poor self-esteem to name just a few.Certainly not attributes of the Most High! God is changing me in this area.I am working on a new approach: standing on God’s word and doing it afaid! “For God hath not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”(2 Tim 1:7)
    Love that Star!!!
    Cady

  21. 171
    Brenda says:

    Oh Beth, thank you for sharing Queen Esther…STAR…with us. How cute and precious she is!
    What a blessing I can see she is to you-all.

    Thanks for praying for my daughter, Michelle. Here first chemo treatment went well and she has had a good week. To God be the glory.
    Love you,

  22. 172
    Anonymous says:

    Dear Beth

    This is hard to say, but all of my life I have looked to others to fill the role of parent. My parents were divorced when I was small and my mom and I moved in with an abusive family member. I have idolized many people through the years-including you.

    As the tears stream dowm my face, I want to once and for all give up my idolatry of people. The only parent who can fulfill all my needs is my heavenly father!

    I want to learn to love others in a healthy way but when it comes right down to it I really need a healthy relationship with the Lord!

    This study is truly changing my life!

    Much love!

    Star is adorable!

  23. 173
    jen says:

    I think this one comment hit me the hardest this week:

    “Genuine faith puts its letter in the mailbox and lets go. Distrust, however, holds on to a corner of the envelope and then wonders why the answer never arrives.”

    I wonder why I have such a hard time letting go and letting God… Time to let go of the envelope and wait. This time with a knowing deep within me that the answer is coming!

  24. 174
    pinkboots says:

    Hi Siestas! Germany, California and Texas checking in! My mom, sister and I are doing this from different time zones, but it’s been amazing to connect when we miss each other so much. This one was definitely deep. Envelope holding: Whenever our happiness or satisfaction is dependent on a specific answer or outcome to our prayer, that is when it is hard to let go. People idols: included husband and even a life long pastor. The Leah and Rachel mess brought up newlywed yearnings, “Give me furniture or I’ll die!” LOL about it now! But not so funny when spent years paying off credit card debt. We must look to I AM for our happiness. And start again the next day.

    p.s. congratulations on your new baby, Queen Esther! We love her with you!

  25. 175
    Victoria says:

    My 9 year old and I are enjoying the Bible study….God’s Word has caused us to grow even closer together and we have had some very interesting conversations about false gods… she has always been a sweetheart but I can see some wonderful changes occurring in her life due to God’s Word…It has changed both of our lives…She loves to say we are “nogs”…I am thankful to God for this precious time that we have together this summer….Thanks Beth!!!
    Love ya bunches,
    Victoria

  26. 176
    Phyllis says:

    Wow, what a lesson. We were a little late getting together. Out of pocket with grandchildren. (how I wish, but I know that will come someday). Satan is always telling us what is true, but oh boy, it is NOT the truth. This was awesome. We had some knee bending here. Phyllis

  27. 177
    Anonymous says:

    Beth, You and I have so much in common, the love of our Lord, love of bible study, our children (2 beautiful daughters, 3 lovely dogs)and a great husband but I finally realized that on the hair we are complete opposites. I have short hair because I would rather sleep longer than do all that “hairatic” stuff. Freedom, sweet freedom!!!
    Of course I do dye it because at 46 I am not ready to be gray! I love your sense of humor and this bible study targets right where I am in my life now. Thanks for your honesty and your true love for all us siestas. My daughter and I are doing this study and we blog our discussion at http://www.savedbygrace-carich.blogspot.com

  28. 178
    Shelly says:

    Hi Momma Siesta!
    We continue to have about 12 in our group although the faces change from week to week. Some of those who have missed are keeping in touch with the disscussion questions via email. People idols really hit a nerve with our group, especially with family members. I’m praying for this next week of homework to be powerful in the lives of our ladies! Love all you Siestas!

  29. 179
    Anonymous says:

    The Panama City Mom’s had to meet a week late in order for us all to make it… we all seem to be benefiting from this study in more ways than we even know… I think it’s a blessing to share something so personal with people that care- We are all becoming better wives, moms, friends and servants of God.

  30. 180
    Mary Watkins says:

    Beth,
    I have been playing catch up since returning home from Ukraine.

    I am going solo. So here goes…

    1. “Satan will tell us what’s true, but he never tells us the truth.”

    John 10:10 “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

    When I was a young Christian I thought after reading John 10:10 that my life would be a bed of roses. WRONG! The enemy spoke to me and said, “You belong to Christ. Why have all these difficulties come into your life? Christ said you would have an abundant life” Jumping to confusion, I believed the myth that if I followed Christ, my life would be trouble free.
    Christians are not exempt from adversity. Trials come when we least expect them. Trails are tools in the Father’s hand He uses to shape us for eternity.

    2. Having enough faith to let go of the envelope is hard. This is a constant struggle for me. It seems that every time I am able to let go of one then it is not long before a bigger envelope comes along. God gently brings me along one envelope at-a-time in the process of increasing my faith in Him. I have an idea the envelopes will keep coming until I see Him face-to-face.

    3. To love and be loved by others is innate in each of us. As we grow in Godly knowledge and discernment we are able to recognize and respond to any red flags God may be waving at us in our various relationships. Oh how I wish I had had discernment in times past. I remember some red flags along the way but I did not understand what to do with them.

    4. All I can say is that I have never had deeper regrets or made a bigger mess of things than when taking relationships into my own hands. My best is but filthy rags.

    What an eye opener No Other Gods has been!

    Your new baby, Star, is precious.

    Looking forward to San Antonio.

    Blessings,
    Mary

  31. 181
    katiegfromtennessee says:

    Hey Spiritual Mom Beth,

    I have a quick, (I’ll try to make it quick:) interesting story about this study: This morn., I was reading the devo.on pg.127, and at the bottom, she wrote, “We want bread, so we go after what we think is bread. But how often it proves to be counterfeit.” and the ques from the verse “Why do you spend your money…does not satisfy?” Well, Sun. night, I went out to eat with a group from my church, and the restaurant we were served what looked like to me wheat bread and butter before our meal. But, I found out yest. from a girl that goes to my church that works there that the bread is white bread mixed with molasses and the butter was really margarine. I immediately thought of that this morn. when I read that section of the devo. Interesting, isn’t it? I thought I was eating something much healthier for me than what I was really eating…the appearance was deceiving…interesting, huh?:)

    Love ya Spiritual Mom Beth,

    Blessed, happy writing and preparing to you:)

    katiegfromtennessee
    Hab. 3:19 YeAH! spiritual progress on our high places of trouble, suffering, and responsibility:)

  32. 182
    Lora says:

    I thought maybe we should have tried doing this study over the phone last week while the teens were still visiting grandparents when I asked the first question today, and one of my dear teens responded, “May I phone a friend?” But a great discussion ensued. Control was my envelope. My dear 15 year old shared that she never pictured Rachel as being desperate. And darlin 13 year old said she had never considered Isaac to be an idol.
    The Lord spoke to me at the end of Day 05 Lies – Behind Every False God Lurks a Prowling Lion.

    A cheap imitation, he is tryin’
    To be like a lion
    Make no mistake
    Satan is a fake
    And our adversary for sure
    But Siestas, we have a cure
    Although Satan is seeking someone to devour
    God is our Victorious Warrior this very hour
    The enemy will be laid hold of and bound
    The deceiver, the liar, is going down
    So be on the alert Siestas the enemys tryin’
    But he’s only like a lion
    Satan is not the real thing
    Praise You God, to You, all creation sings
    You are real and no lies in You dwell
    Satan’s time is short before he lands in eternal hell
    Yes, the devil is a fake
    And his end is a fiery lake
    We can resist the father of lies
    By keeping our eyes on the Eternal prize
    Praise You Lord, you are real
    No matter what we see or how we feel
    You are real
    You are real

    For His Name,
    Lora

  33. 183
    Fizz Fam says:

    Just now catching up with the study. Wow! The most intense part of this for me is identifying the lies. I am being made aware of countless lies I’ve believed for so long, and never even challenged! Never even considered it. Ahhh! Baby just started crying…AGAIN…wish that was a lie. Great study…
    sam

  34. 184
    Luv2Praise says:

    Well we finally got to meet tonight. Due to vacations we met a week later than the rest of you.

    We ate first, of course, Cucumber sandwiches (they were delicious), and a yummy tomatoe and cheese salad with a scrumptious blueberry dessert and chocolate chip cookies.

    We all loved the last two weeks of study. It really hit home for us and we had some great disussions.

    On Question 1: We spoke about how the devil tells us it is bad to be fat, how ugly it is to get wrinkles and all the other messages out there. In some way they hold truth, however, he never looks at your heart. God looks at our heart. The devil is always planting doubt in our minds. Making us feel smaller. It is like advertising, the alcohol commercials show you beautiful people drinking, dancing, living it up but it doesn’t show you the hangover the next morning or the person who drove drunk and just killed someone. Only partial truths not whole truths.

    Question #2: We all are holding on to the corner of an envelope. Christy spoke eloquently about being fearful of letting the envelope go because we just might get what we want and then what would God require of us? Is it more than we are willing to give? Jaimie read from a daily journal which spoke just of that. It was beautiful. It questioned are we willing to stand apart, to let go of everything, friends, family, empty ourselves of ourselves so that we can meet Jesus and be filled with him. It was really speaking of everything we hold on to here on earth and was so appropriate for our Idol study.

    Question #3: We spoke of the use of the word “discernment” in the scripture. Sometimes we think too much about what it is we should do and don’t look to the Word to show us what to do. Or we don’t go to God in prayer for what we should do. We all spoke of how we will pray for everyone else but when it comes to ourselves we simply don’t ask! We need to know and remember that the people we are idolizing are human like us, make mistakes, like us. Our husbands and our children are sometimes our idols. Our expectations will never be met by People but we can always trust God at his Word.

    Question #3: We all spoke of how stupid we have been! We have all done crazy things to be noticed or to be used by someone that we wanted so badly to love us! The costs of desperation are many, loss of self worth, loss of morality, loss of respect, loss of control, to name a few.

    The solution is to go to the Lord for our love, for our worth for our answers. We are priceless to him, he gave his all for us, who could ever love us more!!

    What an awesome evening of fellowship and sharing. I just love our group and how they are willing to open up and share. We even added a new member tonight, MaryJo. We are blessed to have her join us.

    In His Love, Lori

  35. 185
    Leslie Young says:

    Hey – It’s your week-behind girls from Louisiana checking in! We enjoyed the chicken spaghetti, life-changing banana pudding (God bless eagle brand!) and sharing what God is revealing to us through His beautiful word! What an eye-opener to discern “true” from “truth.” And to look at (and partially identify with) Leah and Rachel. Whoa. We’re bracing ourselves for weeks five and six!
    God bless you, sweet siestas!

  36. 186
    georgia tarheel says:

    ok- I am comment 199, so no one may even see this. But I am following through with my committment anyway. Our group (all two of us–LOL)got a little behind on meeting together but finally were able to tonight.

    WOW–the TRUTH revealed while answering the question about Satan’s true statements was eye opening! How easily we are fooled and believe the twisted version of the truth that Satan feeds us! We are praying earnestly for each other to seek the truth and not to settle for what seems like true statements.

    I have to say that I felt sorry for poor Leah until tonight, when I realized I was just like her. I didn’t sell my possessions for a night with a man, but how often I sell parts of myself for a cheap, short-lived thrill in this world.

    We each agree that our idols are still there, but we are excited for the day when we can say that they have been crushed. Oh to be able to HONESTLY say, “God is THE God of my life.”

    Thank you for this Bible Study. It is truly life-changing.

  37. 187
    Jill says:

    We just had out third group meeting last night at my house. So much had happened in the two weeks since we had met. One of our group members had a baby (and she was still there!) and another group member just got back from a mission trip. Such a great time to catch-up. We are all loving this study. Our church, Southeast Christian in Louisville, just started a new sermon series dealing with idols entitled Gods At War. We are all feeling our toes getting stepped on. Isn’t that like God? We are all being confronted with this message from all different types of avenues. Glory to Him.
    BTW-Everyone around our area is anxiously awaiting to see Beth in Louisville. There are even wanted ads in our church newspaper, The Southeast Outlook, begging for tickets to the event! 🙂

  38. 188
    Redeemed by Christ says:

    This one has to be the hardest one for me to do! Thinking of the questions you posted… really got me thinking. Its taken me SO long to answer the questions. I am truly starting my walk with Jesus. And all I can say is how AMAZING our Savior is! The thing that God has shown me is all the false labels that I have believed over the years. And those labels became some of my false gods. Because I was so focused on living up to the labels that I thought who I was that it took my focus off of the one and true God. God has now been showing me who I truly am in Him. Two years ago I learned the Five Statement Pledge of Faith. The one that was the hardest for me believe was 3. I am who God says I am. Now that one has become even more real and I’m now accepting the fact that I am who God says I am! I’m just falling more and more in love with Jesus each and everyday. I feel so blessed to be doing this study with all you wonderful Ladies. God Bless! With Lots of Love and Hugs.

  39. 189
    Dana says:

    Our group lags behind the rest of the crowd by 6 days – but we are still in it!

    Only 2 out of 4 of us were able to meet this past Monday – but we surely did get a lot out of it. We were able to share the non-truths we have been fed (and fed ourselves) lately.

    Thanks Beth, Dana

  40. 190
    Shellie Paparazzo says:

    Well, we finally had our group last night and Melissa I think the only one who had a truly life-changing experience was my husband. yeah, a life-changing, fall off your low carb diet after only a half a day kind of experience. He just kept saying as he spooned up some more, “I can’t get over how good this is. You should make this for church events.” Yeah, if it makes it to the church. I’m telling you, I think he ate half of it. I was hoping to have some left over for my step study group today. No luck. I did have some cucumber sandwiches. He and the kids wouldn’t touch that stuff. The ladies in my step study loved them! Damara and Mendi ate some too. They liked them too, but the banana pudding was most popular with them too. Anyway, the thing a couple of us noticed about our people gods is for us they have sometimes been siblings and while other relationships can end and you can be done with it, which is very painful. I have had to do that very recently and it’s very painful. I know all too well. But when it’s family, you can’t really do that. Something in the relationship has to change. You can’t get rid of the relationship. I’ve never dealt with that one really. That would be very hard.

  41. 191
    Anna says:

    My comment never posted! Not sure if my computer glitched (which it is known to do!) or if I said something un-postable! =P

    I can’t remember the details of what was in my first post, so this will be a little more generic.

    As with every week, thank you Beth, thank you Kelly, and most of all THANK YOU LORD! This study is beaming a shaft of light into the very marrow of my bones to reveal my very essence. It’s painful, it’s embarrassing, but praise God, it’s FREEING!

    I was alone this week, my partner wasn’t able to join me, but God and I still got our groove on and continued to revel in the truth presented in this study!

    Still going on the Mississippi Gulf Coast!

  42. 192
    Anonymous says:

    Hi there! WE LOVE the common meal and have been cooking the recipes for each gathering.

    IS THERE ANY WAY WE COULD GET THE RECIPES A FEW DAYS SOONER? We have several willing to help cook who are moms with kids and as you know, organization and planning ahead is a must for many who want to help….grocery store trips can be a big ordeal. 🙂

    You are all such a blessing to us- thank you for all you have already done to keep this fun and organized!!!

  43. 193
    Pink Heavenly Ministries says:

    Hello Momma Siesta from your girls here in Ohio.
    Last night was our first gathering. We may be a few weeks behind, but we are all committed to finish what we started. We will be finishing our study in September out by the bonfire. Come on over Moore’s and roast up some Smores.
    Let me just say, that Janie and I had over 20 women sign up for this study. Now is that God working or what! This is the first time that I hosted or co-lead a study and it was fabulous. I am still pumped up about what God is doing and going to do.
    Let me just tell you a little about our group. Our group consists of women with a newborn baby to women with kids in college. We have some that have no children and some that are recent empty nester’s. I seen relationships forming last night and women getting to know other women that have never met to those that were getting to know each other better.
    One of our dear siesta’s was unable to make it please keep her and her family in your prayers.
    Just as we were wrapping up she called and said please pray. Three of her family members were hurt seriously in a car accident. One of them is a small baby. This just breaks my heart. I will keep everyone updated on this. We know that God will be mighty on this.

    Beth, thank you again, so much for facilitating this study.
    We are looking forward to digging deeper into His word while wearing our “cheap flip flops”.

    Almost forgot~ everyone received their memory verse on a cute little flip flop. Now that is walking for Jesus.

    Heavenly blessings, from all your siestas in Franklin/Springboro/Lebanon Ohio.

    Rachel T.
    Siesta Host and Co-Leader

  44. 194
    Redeemed by Christ says:

    Beth and all my other sisters… I am sharing something so personal and something not very many get to read. One of my poems that God has given me in moments when I needed something to hold onto. This is one of the newest ones I’ve written. This is something that God has lead me to share… its hard but I’m sending this out in faith that those who need to read it will… and that it will speak to them like it has to me.I believe this is just one way God is pushing me beyond my comfort. With Love and Hugs.
    Stormy

    Freedom

    Chain by Chain
    Clink by Clink
    I am finding my
    Freedom from the
    many chains that
    at one time bound me.

    They bound me in
    a life full of lies

    Lies that told me that…
    I had messed up to
    hard for God to ever
    truly forgive me

    Lies that spoke to me…
    That there was NO
    beauty behind these
    eyes of mine.

    Lies that said…
    That these scars I
    carry are now a sign
    of how far I really
    am from God.

    Lies that were whispered…
    To me during my deepest
    moments of loneliest
    that I would never find
    the Freedom that I longed for.

    Leaving me oh so…
    Bound, bound in a way I,
    never thought would end.
    Chained to the sorrow and
    pain of my past and sins.

    However there was one,
    Who BROKE through the
    Sorrow and pain of my chains
    Who spoke truths that shattered the lies rooted in me

    The One who came
    to set me Free from the
    darkness of my sin and shame
    was none other than Jesus!

    I have found strength,
    Strength in my weakness.
    And just a hope I couldn’t
    dream of with my God

    The thought that even
    through my falling short.
    My God sees,
    me for who I am,
    His beloved.

    This becomes so…
    emotional for me,
    I have found a love that
    none can compare with.
    One that sets one FREE from
    the chains of their past.

    I am now being set free from
    the chains that bound me.
    And the lies that held me
    are now being revealed
    of what they truly are.

    I’m finding my freedom
    One step at a time,
    One breath at a time,
    One moment at a time in His word.

    The Freedom that I’m finding,
    while holding His hand,
    is like nothing before.
    I now have the strength to,
    stay strong and listen to His,
    truths instead of the lies
    that held onto me for so long.

    My chains are falling and
    I shall praise Him.

    By. Stormy Dorsey

  45. 195
    Rebecca P. says:

    Beth,
    I am loving doing the study with you. I haven’t been posting comments because I have been a little busy. My mom had a baby last week, #10! Yes, I am the 2nd of 10 children. My mom and I love your studies ans are so blessed by you.
    Many Blessings,
    Rebecca

  46. 196
    katiegfromtennessee says:

    Redeemed by Christ…praise the Lord you were obedient:) This girl needed to read that…be brave in Him…you can do all things through Christ who takes you by the right hand and says to you, “Be not afraid. Be not dismayed. I am the Lord your God, and I will help you.”

    Much love in CHRIST,

    katiegfromtennessee

  47. 197
    Fizz Fam says:

    I don’t know if anyone will read this, but I’ve got to jsut get it out there. Did my “No Other Gods” study today about how idols “worm” their way in through doors we’ve opened. You can sense that she’s pressing us the whole time to be sensitive to what the holy spirit may be urging us to get proactive concerning which doors to close. This may seem SO silly to most people, but I was thinking the while time about a movie that comes out today that I can’t wait to see. I just love Will Ferrell in every movie he’s ever been in. My inner idiot totally identifies with him. Today is the premier of his new movie “Stepbrother”. No doubt it would challenge my very weak blatter. So, I just went to the website to watch the trailer. It is flooded with the “F” word. So heavily convicted, I push through the guilt and go to hollywood dot com for the movie times. My fingers slip and all of the sudden I’m looking at the word “holy” in the place I’m entering the address. Isn’t that the goal? To be made holy? I got the message, today. Thought someome might be interested. Guess I’ll just sit home and laugh about the fact that I’m 28 and battling incontinence. JK…kinda.
    Sam*

  48. 198
    Joni AKA Grammy says:

    Hi Beth,

    Our Littleton group, JoJo, Heidi and I, met this morning at Starbucks and what a sweet time of fellowship; discussing the study and drinking coffee; doesn’t get any better. We are enjoying Kelly’s writing and the scripture she uses helps us with the questions. Some of us are struggling with a Laban in our lives; others with being Leah and wishing we were Rachel.

    Last week our pastor spoke on Jacob and Rachel; what he said about Leah was profound; “when we put something before God when we wake up in the morning it’s always Leah”…the thing, person, feeling that we put before our relationship with Jesus is never going to satisy; it will always be “our Leah to Jacob”.

    The study is also bringing out our areas of weakness and the girls are starting to open up and be real about where they are struggling. This is going to be more than a study on idols…but then it’s always more when we are in the Word; Thank you Jesus!

    Ruined for Him,

    Joni AKA Grammy

  49. 199
    Bev Brandon says:

    Forgot to post last time…
    Our job search for a ministry position since February has turned up nil but not so with God. Deadlines have evaporated into another potential date. I’m holding on to the corner of the “job application letter” and I need to drop it IN the mailbox and hear it thump like a magnet attracted by His gravity. Let it go! God will take care of us and get my son into a good school. Loved MW quote: Jobs are not the ultimate things—HE is my ultimate. Isaiah 44:15 – they used half of the wood in a good way to warm, feed, build…but they used the other half to carve an idol. I can’t carve idols out of that other half piece of wood! “Who gave me permission to chisel out my own safe resting places” looking for employment. Isaiah 22:16

  50. 200
    Anonymous says:

    i’m a solo too and SO want to be able to hear my shepherd….to hear
    HIS VOICE and follow Him….there are so many “trues” out here that are followable…i want the sharpest 2 edged sword, the one True Shepherd and it is so easy for me to be decieved….there is so much “good” out here but not all is God…..I want HIM only….

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