5 hours up. Comments now closed. This is one of my favorite sets of comments EVER. I have such a respect for your relationships with Christ. Keep seeking Him and finding Him, Beloved Ones. You are the apple of His eye. We will announce the winner of the new ESV Study Bible tomorrow. Thank you so much for your participation on this post. If I could send every single one of you this new Bible, I’d do it in a heart beat. I love you so.
This is a pop quiz! Who got into the Word this morning? If you did, stay tuned to the remainder of this post and find out what we want you to do. If there is anything on earth Living Proof Ministries exists to do, it’s to encourage people to get into God’s Word and come to love Him through its life-breathing pages. I am a huge believer in starting the day with Christ in Scripture even if we only have ten minutes. I love Isaiah 50:4! It says, “The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught.” SO, if you made time for a Word from God this morning, here’s what we’d like you to do. Please post a BRIEF comment with the following information:
1. One verse from your quiet time, written out for your Siestas to read and receive. (Even if you read a whole chapter, please write out only one of the Scriptures. It will be fun to see if any of us read the same segment!)
2. A one-sentence description of something you got from your time with God this morning (i.e., the assurance that He’s still on His Throne, or that He wants you to follow through with something, or that He’s simply with you in your struggle, etc.).
Absolutely no condemnation for those that didn’t get a chance to get into Scripture this morning; BUT, we are asking that all comments to this post be limited to ONLY THOSE WHO DID. We’re doing a drawing from those entries. We are giving away a copy of the brand new ESV Study Bible that hit the shelves only two weeks ago. We’ve been talking in our Lit class about the importance of reading several different versions especially if you’ve become so familiar with one that you can nearly anticipate what familiar portions are going to say. Not only is the ESV a great translation, this one is complete with study notes. SO, every siesta who had her quiet time this morning and posts her comment will automatically have a chance at the drawing. Get on quickly because we’re closing this post in five hours!! That’s the “pop” part in this quiz. We’ll post the winner of the new ESV Study Bible tomorrow and ask for her to contact us with her address. I love little incentives like this. Hope you do, too!
I love you, Siestas! Stay in the Word! You never know what God may have for you!
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil. Cling to what is good.” Romans 12:9
More than anything, this verse makes me want to be more authentic. And it reminds me to call upon Jesus to change my heart’s desires – to give me a love for the things of God, the things that are good.
Steph in Ontario, Canada
“but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries….” Daniel 2:28
I thought I finished the Daniel study TWO YEARS ago, but recently discovered that I had not completed my last week of homework and had not watched Session 12, either. After completing the week of homework, I was able to view Session 12 yesterday afternoon.
So…this morning I was accepting the challenge to review the entire book of Daniel by completing the exam.
In the midst of everything going on in the world, it was good to be reminded of God’s sovereignty.
“Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? Yet not one of them is forgotten before God.
Luke 12:6
God is reminding me that I have value in His sight, even when no one else sees it.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and pefect will.” Romans 12:2 (NIV)
God has been trying to impress this on me heavily recently–to not become like the world but become more like Him through His Word.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names. Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.” Psalm 147:3-5 ESV
Feeling wounded and broken about a relationship today. His Word never fails to be timely. His understanding is truly beyond measure!
Judges 2:16 So they put away the foreign gods from among them and served the Lord; and He could bear the misery of Israel no longer.
God’s compassion for His children is precious! I love that He could bear their misery no longer!
Daniel 2:21: “World events are under His control. He removes kings and sets others on their thrones.”
This was a much-needed reminder to me in this election season that HE is in full control.
Susan in NH
John 21:29
“Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
This just added “extra flavor” to our Bible study the women of our church is having by a wonderful Bible teacher, Beth Moore…”Believing God”.
Blessings to you, Beth
Cindy
They said, “Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways, and your evil practices, and you can stay in the land the Lord gave to you and your fathers for ever and ever.” Jeremiah 25:5
I have little areas of my life I have not given over to God and I am still sinning in those areas (big surprise!) and He has been calling and calling me to get the sin out!
“But for those who are righteous, the way is not steep and rough. You are a God who does what is right, and you smooth out the path ahead of them.” (Is. 26:7)
This came at the end of my reading which included chapters on the judgment of the nations – some of it pretty scary. This verse was a reminder that the God who judges does so rightly, and He never fails to uphold the righteous.
Daniel 7:25 He will speak against the Most High and oppress his saints and try to change the set times and the laws. The saints will be handed over to him for a time, times and half a time.
I feel the Lord teaching me to trust him and his plan for me. He will be there for his people in the end times.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…”
It encourages me to stay the course…to disciple my two girls, seizing those teachable moments in our ordinary, everyday life where I can mention the name of the Lord, teaching and instructing them to know and love Him more.
Karla
Titus 2:11-12 (NIV) For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.
These verses reminded me that God’s grace teaches me to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions, and that God’s grace teaches me to live a self-controlled, upright, godly life right now (in this present age).
How I need Jesus everyday, just to do everyday ordinary things!
Erin Schneider
“In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:26-27.NASB
When I do not know what to pray, sometimes I just need to be quiet and let God talk. I can be assured that His Spirit is whispering the right things into His ear.
Judy Loper
“Trust in the Lord your God with all you heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all you ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” Proverbs 3:6-6
This is my favorite verse and any time I get to worrying or fretting over things that I can’t control, I stop and this verse comes to me. I have to remind myself God is in control, I don’t have to be.
1.Matthew 6:10 “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come,your will be done,on earth as it is in heaven.
2.Those who are living day to day as the friends of Christ are devoted to the glory of God and the advancement of His Kingdom!
Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
I was “praising God in the storm” this morning, since the storm of my husband’s mental illness continues. God is hope to me, filling me daily with His joy and peace when I trust Him with my discouragement. I’m believing God — He is Who He says He is.
Proverbs 27:7 "A sated man loathes honey, but to a famished man any bitter thing is sweet."
When I am truly desperate & hungry for Him, the bitter circumstances of life will be sweet because I will know that they are drawing me closer to Him.
“I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you; I will praise your name, O Lord, for it is good.” (Ps. 54:6)
I just love praising God’s name!! Just returned from a “Loving Well” retreat and boy did we ever have fun!!
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Ps. 27:1
This verse has been such an encouragement to me over the past few years…but especially this morning. Often times I find myself discouraged thinking about what someone said about me or what I perceive someone might think of me. This verse reminds me that my salvation, light and hope come from HIM alone. My salvation does not depend on me or what anyone else thinks of me. Praise God!
1.Jeremiah 43:12-13 “He will set fire to the temples of the gods of Egypt; he will burn their temples and take their gods captive. As a shepherd wraps his garment around him, so will he wrap Egypt around himself and depart from there unscathed. 13 There in the temple of the sun in Egypt he will demolish the sacred pillars and will burn down the temples of the gods of Egypt.’ “
2. God makes it so clear that HE IS GOD. Anyone who opposes God has no chance of winning. I am so devastated that it is in my nature to oppose him, but equally thankful that my love, my belief in Jesus and my obedience is all I need to get out from under that oppresive opposition.
Exodus 4: 11a & 12b And the Lord said to him, “Who gave man his mouth?”
… “Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
I have read this verse all morning and day. Actually found it when studying last night. Was part of my reading assignment for the BS i'm doing. Funny thing is, I agreed to teach a class today 10/27 and have this irrational fear of public speaking. So when I turned and started reading this verse I about shouted. I claimed this verse this morning; went taught my class, and it was great. Nerves never appeared. Totally a God thing! Now i have two verses to calm my anxieties regarding public speaking, this one and Phil. 4:13.
God is so awesome to show up right when we need him.
2 Samuel 1:12 “They mourned and wept and fasted all day for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the LORD’s army and the nation of Israel, because so many had died that day.”
This verse struck me hard because God has been speaking to me a lot lately about my role in the “Body” (primarily with respect to intercessory prayer) and I really feel ashamed that I haven’t been more affected by what is happening to our brothers and sisters around the world and I repent of my self centredness!
Isaiah 40:31
“Those who wait for the Lord will gane new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.”
I’m a weary traveler so this is just life to me.
Thank you Jesus. I love you and your Word!!!
We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28
I praise God for this encouragement when we are in such dire times. I needed that word because I was facing such discouragement today about finances, but God has encouraged me to see the bigger picture, that he is in control and he is taking care of his own!
I can’t believe this. The women at church and I were watching a Wednesdays by Beth segment that covers Isaiah 50:4 yesterday. It was my first time to hear that verse and I was challenged. This is a crazy week for me – but I realized I didn’t want to be cutting out my time with God – I need it in the chaos. So I woke up this morning and started the week with Isaiah 50:4. I’m glad you reminded me Beth.
1 Peter 1:13-14 “So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then.” I believe God is eqipping me for the mission of tearing down some old strongholds.
Psalm 34:18 “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
None of our pain is wasted, if we allow it to draw us closer to Him.
Dan 4:37
Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise, exalt, and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true and His ways just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride.
What an awesome reminder that HE is on the throne, that He appoints kings and take their leadership away, according to HIS purpose. That He is the only I AM and the only reason I am at all, is because HE is.
“So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God…” Genesis 45:8
God had a plan for Joseph’s life AND He has a plan for mine!!!
“Deep calls to deep in the roar of YOUR waterfalls; all YOUR waves and breakers have swept over me.” Psalm 42:7
Believe in the Sovereign God. All of the difficulties and challenges in my life right now are by His allowing…He allowed the waves that are sweeping over me and He is always good.
“I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
Psalm 27:13-14
This spoke to my heart about the blessings of trusting God’s character, regardless of the circumstance, and waiting on HIS timing. He is good and He longs to show His goodness to us. Lord help me trust you and not doubt you!
Proverbs 6:6-8 – “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.”
Self-discipline is a character trait of ALL successful people. All I have to do is look at the example of the ant, who is a hard worker. Who has no boss to answer to or telling it what to do. It works hard, storing, planning and gathering for the future.
I have a tendency to procrastinate and put things off until the last minute. I ran out of gas (for the first time ever in my life) last week in my car the other night ON THE WAY to the gas station. (I was able to restart my car three times and just barely made it to the gas pump.) My low fuel light had been on for several days but I procrastinated, waiting for the “best gas price” because the gas prices were fluctuating so much. But every time I got in my car, I wasn’t sure I would make it to my next destination.
I realized after reading this verse that I need to stop procrastinating and do the things I should be doing. When I do the tasks that need to be done, I will experience a sense of freedom and accomplishment.
Romans 7:14-15. “14We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.”
And from my journal this morning:
“Abba, Father, I don’t want to keep doing the same thing over and over. Diving head first into the same old stinky pit. I HATE IT. I hate that I can’t change when I want to SO badly. I turn to You over and over, begging for Your help. I think I step out in faith, doing what I feel You are calling me to do. But here I am, wallowing away in the mud and slime. AGAIN. Help me, Jesus. You ARE my only Salvation.”
Help me to cast all my anxiety on You because You care for me. I Peter. 5:7 (From Praying God’s Word)
Awesome Word… B/C I came in feeling overwhelmed… Mondays seem to do that…
[email protected]
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2 (New King James Version)
When I read this verse, I was convicted by how much the world influences me. Praise God that I can turn to Him for forgiveness and jump back into his word for cleansing and renewing.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Josh 1:9 NIV
Great way to start my day at the hospital because there are many days that the unknown is scarey and worrisome. I know the whatever comes my way it his plan and for his greater good.
Love to Beth and Girls
Patty Vandergrift NC
Micah 4:10 “…for now you must leave the city to camp in the open field. You will go to Bayblon; there you will be rescued. There the LORD will redeem you out of the hand of your enemies.”
God has released or broken me free from the power of my enemy(praise His mighty name), but in order for the enemy to no longer exercise control and power over me, He must redeem or buy me back from that control and power. He is teaching me how to live free. I love Him.
Mark 12:31, “The second is this:’Love your neighbor as yourself. Ther is no commandment greater than these.'”
I’ve been sitting here for awhile learning to Love God most, and loving people second. It’s been easy to fall more in love with God. My challenge has been loving people…all people. It’s so risky and sometimes hurtful…anyhow, still learning!
Holly, NM
The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but a perverse tongue will be cut out.
Proverbs 10:31
Later this week I have a meeting over this very subject and this verse has brought me to my knees before the Lord, praying that my words will be few and that they would honor the Lord.
“Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew; and he ate and drank, and rose and went on his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.” Genesis 25:34 NASB
When we are running on empty and feeling weary we are more likely to compromise that which is precious and eternal for that which is cheap, unsatisfying, and temporal.
1 Samuel 17:45a “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty.
The battle is the LORD’S it goes on to say…God wants me to let it go already – the sword and spear and javelin will never heal.
by Kathleen
“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all of our days.” Psalm 90:14
Only if I am filled with God’s love, can I show his love to everyone else.
2 Cor. 2:16 “”For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.”
I was encouraged to pray for Christ to reveal His wisdom so that my husband and I may have the “mind of Christ” in a certain challenge with our young son.
“For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.” Psl. 27:5 (NIV)
I’ve been praying for wisdom and clarity about some very specific issues. While I have been patient, I am beginning to be anxious. So this morning I think the word He is giving me is “I know you are anxious child, but the word you are waiting for is not ready for you. Come be safe with me and in My time all will be revealed.” What a calming word. To know he is listening and he knows my anxiousness, but he does not condemn he gives me strength and encouragement to wait for Him. And even better I can wait with Him and be protected.
This is a great idea Beth. As of the time I’m posting there are 175 posts. That is about 1/2 a year of devotionals ready and waiting…maybe you’ll get a whole year’s worth and can put them into “One Year with the Siesta’s (a Daily Devotional)…” Whoa!
Lauri Wasmuth
“Unless the LORD builds a house, its builders labor over it in vain; unless the LORD watches over a city, the watchman stays alert in vain.” Ps. 127:1-2 (HCSB)
I love this!!! Only God can orchastrate these little love tidbits in life –
I am on Day 5 – of Chapter 3 in Stepping Up – WOW – this was the exact verse in my daily devotional and my study book!!! I think God might be trying to tell us to “get some sleep” and be joyful in our work for Him – it is the ONLY thing that counts!!!
Sweet dreams, BEBE
Galatians 5:22, 23a(NLT) But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our live: love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
I was feeling so deficient–especially in love and self-control. His gentle reminder was that as I obey HE will produce these in my life through his Holy Spirit. Praise His Name!
You Made me and formed me with your own hands. Give me understanding so that I can learn your commands…I have put my hope in You. –Psalm 119:73-74
I needed this verse this morning! The Lord knows that in stressful times I tend to look at the outward appearance and give it too much attention. He focused my thoughts back on him, and I went on with my day!
Psalm 128:4 (Message) Stand in awe of God’s Yes. Oh, how he blesses the one who fears God!
This was my favorite verse from the Psalm. What I got from the message was that I am to bear much fruit.
Forever His,
Lawan Rivera
Phil 4:8
“Seek the kingdom of God,and all these things shall be added to you. Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
Between wanting to accept God as a loving father and trying to not fear about our current unemplyment, this verse was especailly appropriate today. It reminded me that he knows exactly where I am and that it is his desire to meet our needs. All of that becasue He loves me. How awesome is that?
Julie Huffman