Hey, my dear Siestas! I hope you are well and thriving in Christ! For those of you who may have been with Priscilla, Kay and me in Las Vegas, thank you so much for the privilege to serve you. You were a fantastic group! All three of us would have brought you home with us if we could have. Thank you for your patience with us and your astounding diligence in the Word. You hung in there when I would have sworn and declared we’d have worn you out.
Just in case somebody could use the encouragement, I thought I’d pitch something out on the table that God ministered to me this morning then led me to share at staff prayer time. Maybe some of you are like us. We each have some long term prayer requests out there that we’re still waiting for God to bring to wild fruition. Like you, we get tempted at times to give up on that thing ever coming to pass even though we were so sure it was God’s will and had the support of His Word. Maybe we got what we thought was a vivid word from God about something but now we’re confused. Sometimes we really do misinterpret what He said or what His Word promised and God graciously reveals that to us. Other times, however, we let impatience strangle our spirits and near-sightedness steal our vision. We lose sight of the fact that He’s using time and subsequent events to bring the word to pass. His point to me recently has been that if I’d live in a greater present reality and awareness of all He’s brought to fruition, I will be more patient and full of faith concerning what is still in process. The thing is, we’re on to the next request before we’ve even gotten a chance to sit and savor how He answered the last. Maybe this is too much review for some but I’m one of those kinds of people who needs to constantly relearn things.
God’s been reminding me of the powerful words of Isaiah 55:8-11.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
The part He’s really been highlighting to me is the “seed for the sower and bread for the eater.” Seeds: words we’re planting and waiting on. Bread: words that have endured the test of time and the heat of the furnace and finally made it to our tables. Here’s what occurred to me. At any given time, we have both: words from God we’re still waiting on and words from God that have recently come to pass. Sometimes we’re so focused on the seed that hasn’t shown a harvest that we ignore the bread sitting right in front of us. We faint from sowing the seed because we’re not eating the bread. Stop a minute. Consider what God has done. Marvel over how He’s answered prayer and brought words to pass. Think about a crisis five years ago that doesn’t even take up ink in your prayer journal anymore. Reflect on how many things God has taken from seed to bread in your life. Note it. Meditate on it. Don’t drive through it. Dine on it. Slap some butter on that warm bread and savor a slow bite of it!
I don’t know about you but sometimes I’m so busy pestering the seed that my bread is gets stale.
While you wait on that seed, eat that bread.
I love you,
Beth
hey mama beth..
“We faint from sowing the seed because we’re not eating the bread.”
girl, are you like a Bible teacher or something? 😉 thanks for this…it was entirely necessary for me to be stepped on and encouraged today. may we never make it through a day without praising Him for the many loaves He’s already baked in our presence. i know we all like Mexican food here, but THAT is some good eatin’.
love ya’ll
This post is very encouraging and I really needed to hear this.
Thanks,
Kim B. in Az
I needed some carbs today! You know how you give up bread (carbs) and then you find out you really need some from time to time. I needed to scarf down some bread in the worst way. My husband and I are dealing with a stubborn seed planted right smack dab in the middle of our ministry. Thank you for the timely word!
Much love!
Kristi B.
Wow…A Timely word indeed!As I was reading your words of encouragement this afternoon…I
naturally had to reflect on the day. This morning I threw away almost a full loaf of bread because it didn’t satisfy me…it was healthier, high fiber bread that tasted like paper!I wanted the soft, high calorie bread that would bring instant gratification. For so long,in my own life,I have passed up on the healthier bread that would bring blessing and chose to eat a few crumbs and wait on the seed to come into full fruition…which if not careful can lead to spiritual starvation. I plan to enjoy the next loaf of bread that comes my way…with or without the butter!!!Thanks for the words of encouragement.
Thanks, Mama Siesta, for that timely and (as always) well-spoken word. What an encouragement it was! I realized I need to be more patient and let God be God! Thanks again! SJM
Dearest Beth!
How is it that you seem to know exactly the word that I (and I’m sure others) need to hear on any given day! How God is using you through this blog!!!! He can turn something that can be used for such evil purposes (the internet) to bring His children (all of us siestas) together!
I am SO blessed by what you posted! I am going through exactly what you’re describing! I work with my husband in his business and we have been working toward what we feed God has given us to do…while awaiting some financial issues to be resolved! Our twin boys just started Kindergarten and the house has gotten eerily quiet! In addition we have been dealing with some serious in-law issues for the past month (surgeries, hospital stays, drama and more drama)! It has not been a fun 6 or so weeks!
But I have not been looking at the things that have been going well…the blessings that God has provided and the provision He has made for us in the midst of all the angst! I have only been focused on the issues and the problems…which can seem overwhelming if you let them…and I have been letting them…unfortunately but true!
Thank you for calling me on the carpet and making me look at my thoughts and actions! I am blessed beyond belief and yes, my life is made of human moments…but our God has provided some divine provision that I really need to focus on!
Thank You for being so transparent and walking through this life (even virtually) with all of us!
I love you!
Donna (the mom of twin boys)
Thanks for the word. I will be clinging to that bread. My husband is a truck driver and just lost his job today. I am trusting God to come through for us. I am a stay at home mom, so his is the only income we have. I know I will be leaning heavily on what God has already done for me as a reminder that He will not let us fall.
Thanks Beth, just for being you.
Good word. My heart smiles as I skim and read the comments here. Thank you for this reminder, even permission, to just stop and put up my feet for a tasty mosal I easily find in our store house of joy from His faithful answers!
Believing hard. Praying hard. Christ or bust. (Recovering from a few busts… blessed learning!) Good to take time to remember His faithfullness!
And… yours.
I still feel a pang of wanting to bawl as I think of the temporary shelter and safe place you have been as I moved, and was drawn into Christ! I love you so dearly, and pray for your leading and safe keeping. I still look forward to seeing and hugging you someday.
Love and blessings to you and yours, Mama Beth.
A great reminder for me that gratitude for what He’s done is fertilizer for what He wants to do.
So much love for you Ms. Beth for sharing your gift and being sort of an indirect mentor-across-the-miles for my spiritual growth.
Heather G.
NC
I read this yesterday, but didn’t have time to comment. These words speak so much to me. I have had several women of my church come to me talking about different relationships and prayer request. I just said to a lady yesterday, Think about where “so and so” were at a couple of years ago and then look at them today. Remember what God has done in their lives already and that He is still working! It may be small steps, but they are steps! Don’t give up! That is so amazing!
Also, I hope you get to read this Beth! I am doing an event in November for the ladies in my church. We’re calling it Breads, Spreads and the Vine. We’re serving different kinds of Breads and Spreads and Fresh Fruits! I’m teaching on being Satisfied in our Christian lives and bearing much fruit! I may have to read to them what you wrote, if that is okay!
I hope you all have a great week!
I think that I’m going sit and enjoy some of the bread that is on my table!
I just love how you explained this. So vivid and real! I think I will take time to savor the bread.
Will you pass the butter please?
Hi Beth,
Thank you for an inspirational and moving two days in Las Vegas, and for giving each of us the courage to go Deeper Still. God has blessed each of you with remarkable gifts, and know that you have touched many lives – especially mine.
For those of you who have not had the opportunity to attend the Atlanta or Las Vegas events, should these ladies organize another event, I highly encourage you to make the effort to attend. Take it to the bank that our good Lord and Saviour will be there to touch your heart and let you know how much He loves you.
Give thanks in everything,
Karen
PS to Beth: If you are ever in Las Vegas again, please visit us at Canyon Ridge Christian Church. We love you and so does He.
I was at the Vegas conference and you guys were awesome!!! I have a brief testimony I have to share with everyone. During praise and worship I was praying for the prayer request I had written on the pane glass window and as soon as I opened my eyes there was my prayer request on the screen! God was telling me I have this one and everything else in your life!! Then to see the final picture that was painted on those windows were incredible.
I thank God for you three women especially you Beth! I’ve been a Christian for many years and I’m a Pastors wife but going to this conference God showed me that I still have a lot of growing to do and I need to go Deeper Still into His word!!
God Bless,
Peggy
I just went back and read this, and it really hit me this time. Thank you for this reminder, sweet Beth. Even tonight, just being at bible study, I am reminded that I need to truly keep my eyes on the prize and not on present circumstances, which I can get so wrapped up in. I need to remember what he has already done in my life, and trust him like no other that he’ll be faithful in the future, too! Good word!
Lindsee
Hi Miss Beth,
Thanks for these words. I really needed to be reminded of exactly these this evening, as I have been really confused by God’s will in my life right now.
I guess I need to go think and pray about that “bread” that He has given to me …
However, in the teaching field, jobs [even part time teacher’s aide jobs] tend to disappear after the month of September. I’ve been out of work for over a year now, and have been living with my parents, now just my Mom, as my Dad passed away at the end of March 2008 [from Leukemia], so this whole season of my life has been extremely tough…
In Christ’s Love,
Believing God [but, oh, Lord, help though my unbelief!],
Jennifer O.
Southern Wisconsin
Oh Beth, how I needed to hear that word today. I have not had time to read the blog lately and now I know why. God wanted me to read it just at this moment. Yestday would have been my sweet mother’s 81st birthday. She went to be with our Lord March 12, this year. I guess I was having a pity party last night and just kind of felt drained and left out…..but your word reminds me how very blessed I truly am. I laughed when I read the part about forgetting the answered prayers of years ago and the “trials” we have already worked thru with Christ! How sweet that bread is! Thank you for sharing from your heart.
love you
Sharron
This was just what I needed!
Thank you for that encouragement and reminder. It is a timely Word for me!
Our ladies started the Priscilla Shirer’s study “Discerning the Voice of God” and what you wrote on here went right along with my homework lesson yesterday and this morning.
She had us turn to the book of Habakkuk. Habakkuk 2:3 “The vision is yet for the appointed time; It hastens toward the goal, and it will not fail. Though it tarries, wait for it; For it will certainly come, it will not delay.”
Also, I’ve attended eight Living Proof conferences, but never a Deeper Still event. I just got my wrist band in the mail for the Deeper Still event in OKC in Dec. 09!! I can’t wait!….oh, yes I can, Hab. tells me I have to. 🙂
Thank you for these good words to us today.
Love,
Valerie
Beth,
What a blessed, sweet reminder and truth. I’m looking for some butter right now!
Love YOU and all the precous women that post on this blog.
Yolanda
What is better than enjoying some warm bread? Thank you for reminding me to savor it. There is so much to be thankful for and so much of God’s work happening every day!
Becky
Funny…as I read that passage God came through with a Texas accent. So love you and all that you do for us. What a good word!
Blessings Mama Beth!
Kimberly
While you wait for answers, keep trusting in the Lord, He will renew your strength! Is. 40:31
We ought always to pray and not lose heart! Luke 18:1
Oh dear Beth, this is perfect timing. God has been so good, making my boundary lines more pleasant (San Antonio) with gracious gifting, but I’m still in a holding pattern for one of my life long prayer requests. And it’s huge and painful right now. It’s so tempting to focus on it, and feel defeated. Quite frankly, it takes all of me not to, because it’s a big, big deal. But nothing is bigger than God. I wrote down something you said once, as you recounted His encouraging words to you. You heard Him say, “Trust me. I’ve got this one, Beth. I’m on it.” I can hear Him saying that to me. “Eat the bread I have given you today, Chris. I’ve got that other thing. I’m SO on it.”
On a different note, I’m praying that Texas will be spared the wrath of Ike. Stay safe, dear Siestas!
xo Chris
This word was timely for me. Thank you so much for sharing! I hope your new Bible study is a success! As well as Curtis’s. (grammatically correct spelling?)
Oh Oh Oh….that’s why it’s called our “DAILY” bread! I love that encouragement! Thank you, Jean
My eyes filled with tears as I read this Word today. Thank you! I am passing it on to my daughter who lives in New Jersey (far away from home) with her husband and little boy, Gideon. She is expecting a baby girl, Maia Elisabeth, in November and has been told that this precious little one has Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome. They have met with specialists at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia twice now they are returning again this Friday. The prognosis ranges anywhere from an extra stay in the hospital to three surgeries and ultimately a heart transplant. The Lord has been so faithful and this family needs to hear and understand God’s goodnesses to them at this hour. Pray that they will be lifted up and carried on His wings of love. People around the world are purchasing the little “Promise” charm bracelets at Coldwater Creek to wear as a reminder to pray for this precious little one. Maia means “mine” and Elisabeth means “God’s Promise” so we are proclaiming that God is saying, “She’s my promise!”
Wonderful words of encouragement and wisdom, thank you!@
Beth, I have been blessed more than I can recount by the truth God communicates through you. I am waiting on God to come through on a promise that I believe He made to me. My husband and I have been trying to conceive for almost 3 years and it is very hard at times but I believe the Lord has promised us a son. God has used this time of waiting to do a work in me and in others who are encouraged that we are still trusting God. The only thing is, that I have to trust God, who else is trustworthy! Anyway, thanks for the word. It is true, there is much bread to eat. There are many promises already actualized. So we journey with a loving God, and we stop by green pastures to eat at His table. I am getting hungry!
love, Judy
Laura_Primus and His Daughter Teri,
Thank you so much for your prayers and words or encouragement to continue to fight the good fight and hang with the promises of God.
Today I am stronger because you prayed for me and I don’t have the words that adequately express how much that means to me. Just know that God used Beths blog to allow you to speak to me.
Thank you and I pray God will bless you both.
Beth, thank you! I have been praying for our house to sell so that my husband won’t have to drive 1 hour both directions to work, and so he can see our kids every day. This has been the hardest season of my life, and I really needed to hear what you said in this post. I have to be reminded that the Lord hasn’t forgotten me, and He has already answered so many prayers that sometimes get passed by on the busy highway that is my life.
Thank you for being God’s mouthpiece! I really needed that!
Blessings to you and your family. Praying for you to be safe from Ike.
Melanie
I’ve been reading these comments…it’s been fun to read thinking about where each woman is coming from and the things going on in their lives. And God at work in each and every life. That’s soo God:)
katiegfromtennessee
Mmm, mmmm….I love warm bread with butter. I’m one of those people who tends to dig up my seeds and look at them or throw them out altogether. Maybe if I spent a little more time enjoying the bread I’d leave those seeds of prayer I’ve planted alone.
I needed to hear that. Thanks!
Thank you-tears came quickly after reading your post- after years and years we do grow weary and it is very hard to “embrace” with thanksgiving those areas of answered prayer- your reminder does help keep hope alive as we sometimes call out- Oh, my Lord how much longer- In Christ’s love
how much more joy-filled we would be if we focused on God’s faithfulness in our own lives instead of worrying about tomorrow!! one thing i have learned, also, is that i need to leave room for God to work. Often He gives me His answer and I look for ways to “help” Him. This usually results in prolonging the promise from coming to pass because the Lord steps back and says, “Whenever your finished let me know so I can do what I said I would do.” God doesn’t need my help, and He usually works in ways that leave no room for us to be able to say “I helped with that.”
thanks beth, i needed this as i continue to pray for my prodigal children. just when i see some small glimmer of light, another dark spot emerges for me to worry and pray over. i absolutely love being in their presence and need to rest in knowing my alpha and omega is ordering ALL our lives to bring his word to pass. thanks for the beautiful word picture. i still have the picture the Lord gave you in angola in my mind, i hope forever, about sowing the seed and waiting for the harvest or eating the seed to get that immediate fullness.
thanking God for how He has lavished me by having you in my life.
~janel
Hi Beth! I am doing the Psalms of Ascent study, and have so wanted to share with you a testimony that truly reflects what you just said. The short and sweet of it is something you said in the study… “after every passover is a pentecost.” Praise be to God and thanks to you! 🙂
Thanks, Beth. SUCH a good word. And right where I’m at, too. Blessings, JT
Love you Beth, God is so Good. As I am reading your post my two year old is asking for more banana bread…he still has some on his plate!
Boy i needed this post – that exact word about the seed and bread. Thank you.
Beth, I know I’m way past the 200 mark in comments, and this may not ever be seen, but you have no idea how much this touched me today. I don’t comment often, but my husband and I have been dealing with really hard times (like so many others) for the last few months. I have felt so tired, so out of it, so disconnected lately… the reminder is just what I needed today. This load is so heavy, and my husband does not believe so I carry this thing myself… thank you for encouraging us. It means more than I can possibly express to you.
Your message jumped off the page to me. I haven’t checked in to the blog in a long while but thought I would check on you beloved Texans with Hurricane Ike coming. We are in a desert, waiting for God to speak and have been wondering what He’s up to. Your words (His words) are so true. Thank you for speaking truth to us time and time again. You turn our hearts back to Him and for that I am so grateful! Praying for you during the storm that you will be safe.
You have no idea how much I needed these words. It applies to my frustations I am experincing in ministry…Thank you.
In His Graces~Pamela
What a sweet blessing this is. I was just asking God last night, “When? When? WHEN?!! will this thing move forward?”
Thank you for the reminder to celebrate what He’s done, and to simply enjoy His presence.
Watching Ike coverage from Dallas — hope the LPM gang is staying warm and dry at the ranch.
Beth- will you ever address the area of addiction as a stand alone issue?
thanks
Thank you Beth, that is such an encouraging word, and so very true!
I pray that I will remember to relax and have some bread!
luv ya….Cindy
Thank you for your life lived out fully for Him. Thank you for sharing what He speaks to your heart with others. What a beautiful instrument of righteousness you are in His hands.
Chewing on this sweet and timely word,
Kimberly
(praying for everyone in Texas!!!)
Beth~ I can’t thank you enough for this post~
I just finished your “Breaking Free” Bible study yesterday~ and I truly did not want the study to end!
I still have a long way to go to be completely free of anxiety/panic attacks/fear etc.~
but the Lord truly has taken me so far in this journey already, and i thank you for your encouragement to remember just that!
thank you!!!
Love, your sister in Christ,
Jill
How precious it is for me to read those words Beth. Thank you for the reminder. I have fallen down praying for a specific seed and have allowed my bread to go stale…it is so true. I have, even now, thanked the Lord for that bread and asked for His forgiveness for allowing it to become stale. I will try to maintain some balance in this Seed and Bread of my life. Thank you so much. I needed that word today.