Greetings Siestas! (I’ve always wanted to say that).
I can’t tell you how blessed I’ve been to be a small part of your online journey. When I heard Beth was going to facilitate “No Other Gods” this summer on her blog I was thrilled and simultaneously ignorant. I had no idea what this meant, and I can assure you I never entertained thoughts that included hair tips, how to protect my neck from the sun, or creative ways to use your oven mitt. But, alas, this is why we admire Beth – for her love for the Word and her knack for the unpredictable. So… many thanks to Beth for being the catalyst behind this amazing summer experience.
I also wanted the specific opportunity to thank all of YOU who have spent time with God this summer through the study of Scripture. Your dedication and comments have been inspiring! It has been a blessing for me to watch your fortitude in dealing with truly un-fun things like, well, idols. I understand that it’s not the feel-good-study-of-the-year but the blessings that come from obedience and surrender are immeasurable…
Several years ago when the Lord began to deal with some of the false gods in my life, I wanted nothing more than to cling to the very things He was asking me to relinquish. Perhaps you can relate. A lot of the verses and passages of Scripture that helped me let go were the very ones I used in the “No Other Gods” study – my prayer is that they encouraged you as well. Since having written the study I wanted to share something that has been a new reality for me – living in the purpose of freedom. For so long I simply wanted to be free from the things that controlled me. What I didn’t understand was what that freedom was for. Although I am still very much learning, I wanted to tell you that God frees us from our idols so we can be free for His purposes. We get free so we can move and be and do the things of God. I am now doing things that I simply couldn’t have done before because I was tied up by my false gods (and please don’t think necessarily grandiose things – they are humble and quiet things, but they are awesome and they are things I am thrilled to be part of).
I hope this makes sense, as it’s an infantile understanding that’s still forming inside me. I just wanted you to know that saying goodbye to our false gods offers a tremendous freedom that is not simply for the sake of hanging out with our “new free selves”, but it’s a freedom that allows us to engage in the moment by moment things of Christ. Keep pressing forward no matter how awkward the journey. We have a jealous God, and I will gladly take jealous over passive any day. It is for freedom He has set us free!
Thank you Siestas for blessing me so much this summer and honoring me by your presence.
-kelly
Tags: Kelly Minter
Thank you Kelly for being obedient to God’s call in writing this Study. It was an amazing experience this summer. This is the first Bible study that I have hosted. I stepped outside my comfort zone and asked 12 women to participate. Most of the time we averaged 8 women per meeting. It was the most beautiful experience. To share this study and our hearts with each other. Who knew we had so many idols, so little time!!! We have truly grown through this study and I know that we have not yet begun to reap our harvest!!
Thank you especially for sharing yourself. Your honesty was inspiring, funny and heartwarming. We can’t wait to do another living room series study. We actually have decided to stay as a study group, invite a few more who wish to participate, and pick a study for October! See what you started!!
In His Love, Lori
Thank you Kelly for being obedient to God’s call in writing this Study. It was an amazing experience this summer. This is the first Bible study that I have hosted. I stepped outside my comfort zone and asked 12 women to participate. Most of the time we averaged 8 women per meeting. It was the most beautiful experience. To share this study and our hearts with each other. Who knew we had so many idols, so little time!!! We have truly grown through this study and I know that we have not yet begun to reap our harvest!!
Thank you especially for sharing yourself. Your honesty was inspiring, funny and heartwarming. We can’t wait to do another living room series study. We actually have decided to stay as a study group, invite a few more who wish to participate, and pick a study for October! See what you started!!
In His Love, Lori
Kelly:
You are a wise sage to be so young, and because of your obedience to write, I am a blessed woman.
The Women's Ministry Leadership team – 10 women – went through the NOG's study and met in my home.
Besides the richness of the study and what we gleaned – we grew closer together as a team and I believe it was the home study – shared meals, fellowship and all that. I look forward to how we will work more closely this next year as we serve and minister together.
May God bless you, keep you, and encourage you greatly. You have a great gift for conversational writing and depth – simultaneously.
Jan Morton
"Georgia Jan"
Romans 15:13 <><
I would bow down to you, Kelly, but I’m a NOGS FINISHER! Your Bible study was such a blessing to me. Even though I did it solo, I really enjoyed the feeling of fellowship and communion you brought to Bible study. I can see why this would be such a good home study for seekers.
The lessons you taught had to have been very hard for you to go through. Letting go is hard. I am so glad you were faithful to press on in your own personal “letting go.” Your faithfulness has been an encouragement to me and to so many others~
And I DO bow down to God…my One and Only God…for teaching me and loving me through this study. May God bless you more than you can imagine for your faithfulness.
Kelly,
What a blessing your study has been to me. God has showed me so many things I needed to clear away. The last chapter spoke to me as if God had it just for me. (I love it when He does that.) I had been praying some of the same scriptures you had given. I know no other god can deliver and it makes me love my “One and Only” with a greater love. The past has been my god for such a long time. This study has helped me have a stronger faith in the plan God has for me. I can trust even if I don’t know what God has for me I just have to trust Him and be obedient.
Thank you for allowing God to use you. Thanks for being real!!
I have a group of young ladies starting this study this September. I am excited to go back through it with them.
I expect to see more from you.
You are a sweet sister. Many blessings to you Kelly!!
Melissa
Georgia
Thank you Kelly! I LOVED the study. I was able to relinquish an idol I have been dealing with for years! It’s marvelous to be free. Now God has given me a new task to perform since I have made room for him. I loved your writing style. I plan to do the study again in about 6 months and work on other idols. Please write more studies! God bless you!
WOW – LOVED how God used you this summer – your study – it was just what I needed this summer. Thank you SO very much. Sunshine
Kelly..you are awesome! God is huge thru you!!
You said…”We get free so we can move and be and do the things of God. I am now doing things that I simply couldn’t have done before because I was tied up…”
Well, my idol is food. A good thing gone bad. Anyway, you are right because I need to get free so “I can move”. Then the “simple things” like tying my shoes and zippin my britches will be so much easier. haha, you should pray for me!
No, seriously! The study was life-changing! And, I was serious, prayin for me would be a good idea.
Thank-you Kelly, for the study. It was so wonderful to stay in the Word this summer with my siestas.
Much love and thanks again from Wyoming
Melana
Kelly,
Thank you for the awesome study! I wasn’t brave enough to try to lead a study, but my kids got the benefit of what I was learning also! Thank you for helping me to leave things out that needed to be kicked out a long time ago! You are an awesome writer, and I look forward to doing more of your studies!
Love you,
Delilah in Arkansas
Just when I begin thinking I am the only person alive or dead, that has ever felt his way or had thoughts that would make the hair on a porrcupine stand up–strighter. I know God’s not done yet but I do know that he’s done a work in me through this study. Thanks for your insight and willigness to share your stories with us. carla lee
Thanks Kelly for this terrific bible study. Some of the things you said ,” especially false memories” Really Really hit home, because the very next day I studied that, I did it anyway. 😀 But then I repented because I now know what to do. Thanks so much.
Jeani Allen
Kelly – I couldn’t get through the study this summer, but what I read I loved so much that I passed along to our education director at church for a women’s bible study this Fall. I can’t wait to go through the study with my “girls”!
Just wanted to say thanks so much for this incredible study. Our group here in Jacksonville, Florida consisted of seven…some young some a little older and GOD has been so good to teach our hearts from HIS WORD this summer. Our group has not been able to meet on the same scheduled days that all of the other Siestas have been meeting, so, while eveyone is else is wrapping up we will continue to meet. I wanted to share something that was shared at our last meeting two weeks ago. One of the ladies looked at me and said, BUT VICKY, we know all of this WHY DO WE STRUGGLE SO. GOD gave me the answer even as we were sitting there. This is going to sound very simple, but it is true. I said to her and to our group…we simply don’t believe what we say we know. If I tell my 10 year old that if she does xyz then abc is going to occur, what she believes will determine how she responds. The same is true in our walk with GOD. If we BELIEVE HIM then we will respond to HIM according to HIS WORD. It is when we say we believe, but don’t respond that our lives give testament to the fact that we aren’t believing and we need to repent of that unbelief and ask GOD to grow us beyond ourselves.
Thanks Kelly for writing this study. It has had a profound impact on our group here in Jax…particularly on my own life. This has been a tough year so far and GOD used this study to show me my own unbelief and how I was making “g”ods out of good things in my life.
I love y’all! I love HIM for allowing us to be a group of SIESTAS!
Because of JESUS-
Vicky
Kelly,
This was such a great study. Thank you so much for sharing your personal journey with us. It has opened my eyes to idols I didn’t realize I had and shown me how to make room for our God with a capital “G.” May He continue to bless you!
YOU ROCK GIRL!!
I loved it- every bit.. as hard and tear jerking and heart circumcising as it was… it was just what I needed while I waited for the sell of the home.
It sold of course AFTER I finished my homework..He was just making sure that this move and the house was not a god in my heart… I surrendered it all and well…I’m not typing from Lincoln, NE right now if that tells you anything.
If I only had the talented words to express how thankful I am for the surrender you have to have written that study. Right on.
HALLELUJAH TO THE KING ALMIGHTY..
To Him who is able to keep us from falling, and to present us faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be GLORY and MAJESTY, DOMINION and POWER, both NOW and EVER, AMEN. Jude 1:24-25
Brooke in southern IN
Thanks Kelly and the nogs! It was a life changing study. I at first had a difficult time finding my idols, but once I did I was ready to get them out! It is amazing that so many people are worshiping these things and do not know it!!!! I just want to go up to people and say “do you know you are doing this?” No Other Gods was awesome, write another one!
The study was an eye opener for me about idols. I never realized the depth of idols or how much I was influenced by them in my daily life. The study has helped me to question “why” in relation to the strong feelings of fear, hanging on, winning a fight, etc and in turn has helped me in my relationships. I drank in every word of this study and just had to buy the non-study book. Reading the book along with the study was in a sense for me doing a study with another person. It gave me insight into other possible idols, etc. Even though I have a veeery limited spending amount for books (translation $0, usually do the library thing) this was one book that I just had to buy. Thanks, Kelly, for being honest in both books and for a writing style that made me feel that I was hanging out with a friend.
Dear Kelly,
I started your study with a 3 week old newborn baby boy. My idols smacked me right in the face. Fear of not being a good mommy, fear of not knowing what to do, fear of not getting enough sleep(sleep is the big idol for me!) Although I have not finished yet (crying baby and diapers get in the way-but in a good way if you know what I mean) I am still working my way through the study. In a week and a half I am going back to work, and I can pretty much put those false gods behind me. The new one popping up is the guilt of not being a stay at home mom. Lord, I hand this false god over to you…
Thank you Kelly!
ps, the most darling little baby pics on my blog if you want to see who I was praying over while doing your study!
love,
sarah-Pinehurst NC
Thank you for sharing your life and being willing to write this Bible Study! I really loved it and needed to get rid of a few idols myself!
OKAY – so…codependency is my ‘deal’…idol seems so — dead on!!! I began this specific journey 7 years ago – oh funny that #7…I’ve been trying to rid myself of it all this time. I studied Breaking Free last fall and felt I made more headway (obviously I made more ‘way in my head’ than in my spirit) anyway – the whole codependency deal reared it’s ugly head 2 weeks ago regarding a friend-fast forward-I began re-visiting this ‘idol’ when a friend asked ‘how did you break free?’. The real question to me became, ‘have I really broken free?’. In actual fact, I became aware of my reasons for codependency but not until the last study in NOG relating to Ruth did I realize there is a HARVEST awaiting. Oh, WOW! Then when I read Kelly’s post on the LPM blog, I realized like Kelly ‘for so long I simply wanted to be free from the things that controlled me. What I didn’t understand was WHAT THAT FREEDOM WAS FOR…free for His purposes.’ Lastly, as I read my devotional today the confirmation was there again…’I must win deliverance by rising higher, coming into a NEW EXPERIENCE WITH GOD.’ ALL PRAISE AND GLORY TO HIM…
Kelly,
I had no idea what God had in store for me when I began your study! I have been set free of a long-time idol to food while working through this (and lost more than 30 pounds so far)! I have been so amazed by God’s timing as I would sit down each day to read and find that it was exactly what I needed to hear that specific day. The other siestas in my group were amazed as well!!
My single women’s small group (a different group) leader saw the transformation taking place in me and has asked me to lead that small group through the study (we began this past Sunday!).
I am glad to get to share with you the impact that your book has had on me personally. I thank you for your obedience to writing it. I am overjoyed with the rewards of surrendering my idol and offering it back to God as my sacrifice. It has been an incredible journey.
God bless you!
kelly, thank you so much for sharing that idols laid down opened up areas for God to work and some of those areas are small but meaningful. i have no idea what the Lord will do with the space yet, but I am encouraged to know it’ll be perfect and just for me. You are truly a blessing and I pray you feel how much I and the others love you!
Thank you, Kelly! Though I finished over a week ago, God is still revealing insights to me and leading me through the process of dismantling a huge idol in my life. All to make room for Him and His purpose – just like you said, “living in the purpose of freedom”. I thank God for you – love your writing style. It’s funny, personal, and relatable – and piercing without condemnation. You are a blessing to the body of Christ and to your Sisters (or Siestas, rather!). 🙂
Thank you Kelly for an eye opening experience! Who’d a thought we had those idols around our home??
Husbands, kids, jobs….what???
Thank you for being so real and making us be real with ourselves.
Not mailing the entire envelope, but hanging onto the corner….I do that so I can “help” God. Ah, maybe control is the better word.
Also using a football game to show us what happens when we “leave” early!! How sharp was that?? But oh so true!! Why do we give up?? I personally give up cause God doesn’t work fast enough for me. I either take control or just back off from praying. Back to the floor on my knees and face.
Thank you Kelly!!
Blessings from the Bible Bunny in
No MI.
Georgia
Thank you Kelly for being willing to be the Lord’s servant. Just as an FYI, a group of us at my work are going through the study now. We are meeting today for week 2 and I am very excited about what God has already done in my own life. If people would pray for us, we would appreciate it!
~Elise, WA
This study left a mark on my life like no other. I usually finish a study with a deer in headlights look as I try to make sense of what I learned. This time, on the other hand, I followed right along the entire way as God took me step by step through the study and will continue to work it out throughout my life! Love, Jessica
Kelly,
Don’t have the space to let you know how much God used this study in me. My life has had a lot of dramatic (read, scary) changes during this time, and as a result of this study. The timing was perfect. I got a week behind, but when I picked it back up again, it was even more timely.
Thank you for letting God use your talents and your story to lead us to freedom.
Amy Storms
I didn’t do the summer Bible study but I did read the book and benefited from it greatly. A fellow teacher and I are going to do the study this fall, meeting once a week after class as she knows it will be of great relevance to her. Thanks for your honesty, sense of humor, insight, and openness to be used by the Lord.
Kelly!! I feel like I have a new friend after spending the past 8 weeks with you!
Thank you so much for opening yourself up to following God’s leading in writing this study. It absolutely, without a doubt ROCKED MY WORLD!!! I gained so much from this study, but more importantly it helped me to LOSE so much! I find myself writing “MAKE ROOM!” over everything; planner, journal, study notes, shopping lists, anything and everything!
I wish we could just sit down over a cup of coffee and chat! But thank you, thank you, for making this study available to us! Be blessed!!
Wow-Kelly-“thank you” just doesn’t seem enough for your openness and willingness to share and be vulnerable. I loved the study so much I got your book and am not reading it too! I use to live in Nashville and miss it! (Worked at Opryland) You have been such a blessing to all the Siestas as we learn and grow. Thank you again and look forward to another study 🙂 P.S. Love your humor too!!! See what I do for a living!
Hey Kelly! I just wanted to say hello and to thank you for your obedience to God, it is through your obedience that we have all benefited!!! I hope to share parts of this bible study with my high school volleyball team, I see so many false gods in teenagers lives. You can pray for me as I do this. Know that I am praying for you! I have often over the years! You have been a blessing to many and I know you will continue to do so. love you girl!
your fca sports camp buddy,
cindy kelly
I just finished week 2 of No Other Gods. I kept thinking all summer that I wanted to do it, but was too busy. (I always watched the videos and kept up with the blog)I finally decided I would do it alone (after the simulcast). I was telling a friend at church about it last week, and was surprised when she told me she had also just started it herself. So now we have decided to do it together! Last night when I finished Day 5 of week 2, I felt like I had been through some intense therapy with God. Thank you Kelly and Beth for leading me to this! Also, I have had such a blessing from memorizing Jude 24,25!
Hey Kelly! I just wanted to say hello and to thank you for your obedience to God, it is through your obedience that we have all benefited!!! I hope to share parts of this bible study with my high school volleyball team, I see so many false gods in teenagers lives. You can pray for me as I do this. Know that I am praying for you! I have often over the years! You have been a blessing to many and I know you will continue to do so. love you girl!
your fca sports camp buddy,
cindy kelly
Thank you Kelly!
The timing of this study was just so like God! Perfect – of course!
I love your writting style very much – you made me laugh, cry and help me gain some new insight.
Will also be looking for more from you and will never look on a Dr Pepper the same way 🙂
Abundant Blessings!
Linda
The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you;
the LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.
Num 6:24-26 (NRSV)
Kelly, thanks for allowing God to use you through this study. Sometimes we really need to look closely at what we spend our time, energy and money on. So much of it is wasted on that which does not satisfy. Only God can truly satisfy! Thanks to your NOG friends for sharing.
Kathy in PA
thanks to everyone, I began to understand I had idol issues when I did Breaking Free, but your study helped me dig down and deal with it, its been a blast and so hard in the same breath ! Freedom isn’t cheap but I’m enjoying it more and more ! Thanks again, God Bless, I’m sure we’ll see more of each other in the future !
Lisa
I hope your new found freedom includes writing another bible study! I can’t wait for yournext one!! Being a NOG has been life changing – thank you for the opportunity to go deeper.
Dear Kelly,
Thank you for writing such a relevant Bible study. I flew solo, but felt like I was in your living room with Lauri, Alli, Anadara, Carrie and you. I really appreciated your candid vulnerability and comfortable writing style. Hey, why don’t you write another Bible study soon? I’ll miss meeting with you every morning. God bless you!
This was an awesome Study. One desperately needed. Thanks so much. Loved the set up of the book. When is the next one coming out?
Suz’
Kelly-
Hi! I can’t thank you enough for letting God use you! Our group LOVED your study! It was amazing! It really made me search my heart… I laughed, cried, and was so touched by the hand of God throughout the study! Thank you sweet Siesta! It was a JOY!
God Bless! Emmy : )
Thank you, Kelly, for providing a good solid study – the first my college-student daughter and I have ever shared in a small group setting. It was relevant to both generations. Blessings!
Hi Kelly,
What a nice surprise to see your post here. “No Other Gods” is now one of my all-time favorite studies. I’m still processing it. I look forward to more studies from you. : )
KS
Kelly, thanks for your book. I think I’ll give God a try.
I’ve got 1 more day to complete the study!!! God has really worked in my life this summer through this study…I’m “making room.”
I love your writing style and look forward to another study by you.
God bless!
well I didn’t quite finish ..yet. I only have one more week to go.
just wanted Beth and Kelly to know.
Courageous study Kelly and thank you Beth for bringing it to my attention
This was an unbelievable Bible study. I can’t wait to do the next one that Kelly writes. I think God has put His hand on this girl! She writes with such clarity. She is funny, and yet she says things that really stick with you. Oh Lord, please please bless her and keep her strong and secure in Your love. Give her lots of opportunity to share what she has learned…for all of our sake.
Kelly,
Your study was exactly what our group needed. It helped us to unearth some very deep-rooted idols that we just weren’t even willing to acknowledge we created before now. I anticipated each day of reading. In fact, I’m rereading it to soak up more of the truths I may have overlooked the first time. Thank you for your transparency and your faithfulness.
Kelly I really enjoyed your Bible study. At first I thought this is not going to be for me No Other Gods? I was so sure I would not have another god. Big surprise God really opened my eyes. What a great soul searching and blessings I have have found. Thank You and I loved the music. Be Blessed J frm AL
Kelly- You are FABULOUS! I loved your study and I learned SO MUCH. Amazing the idols that can be in our lives without us even realizing that is what they are. I thank God for the work He is doing through you! Keep it up sister!