Hello Saturday Off! (And a Little Announcement)

Hey, You Darling Things!

I’ve had the best week because Melissa’s been in town since Monday. We’ve been together with the Joneses a ton of times and having everybody together brings me so much joy. I’ve told you before that my girls make me laugh like nobody else on earth. We just sat at FreshBerry and laughed until we nearly threw up our FreshBerry tart. (Are you guys into that yet? And, yes, I already know it’s a knock-off of Pink Berry but, since we don’t have Pink Berry in Houston, uh, we’re just going to knock it off. You just can’t be cooler than you are.)

These were our choices today. Amanda got Fruity Pebbles on hers which was a throw back to her childhood and reminded me of her little sister who tends to have the taste buds of a first grader. She also got blueberries and strawberries so that, true to form, her fruit could stay in the same color palette. Melissa is our riskier one with a menu but it doesn’t always pay off. (For instance, she’ll try the club sandwich at a Chinese restaurant or pasta and marinara at some place like Chili’s.) This time she tried the Key Lime Chiffon with graham crackers because the guy at the counter said it tasted just like the pie and, even though it was good, it was not as good as my traditional fare and she mostly assisted me in scraping the bottom of my cup. (I think I also licked it.) I got three fruits (mango, kiwi, and strawberries) but I also got granola which is like 70 cents extra (the fourth topping is extra) but there’s a reason why my name is still Moore and theirs is not. I was addicted by my second trip to FreshBerry and have sworn there is some kind of drug in it that drives you back. Of course, that’s a lie, lest I start a rumor.

Since many of you have commented along the way how close we seem (not me and FreshBerry but me and my girls although FreshBerry and I are moving forward in our relationship), I just want you to know, we don’t laugh together and get such a big kick out of each other because we don’t have problems. We each have a full plate of them. We just laugh because we might as well. Life’s just funnier that way. We also get a lot of satisfaction out of making fun of each other. If we cross the line, though, we apologize profusely and feel like dogs and tell the other one to say something mean to us, too. If they won’t, we’ll say something mature like, “Well, hit me then!”

Melissa’s been in town this week for us to start a very special project together. I would be so blessed and thankful for you to stop a split second and pray for us. We have just begun research for the next in-depth Bible study, God willing, and it will totally preoccupy us for at least the next full year. (She actually started on it months ago but I’ve just turned my attentions to it in the last seven days.) This will be a seven week, eight session study on the life and Book of James.

This time, instead of contributing through research alone (which she does masterfully and like no one else I know), I’ve asked Melissa to write brief segments from her own perspective and research each week throughout the workbook. I will write the main body of the lessons like usual and, unless the plan changes, she will have a box in each lesson where she brings her own voice. I will do the lecture sessions as usual, too, but she will also probably be in some of the cutaways or what we call “outros.” All of this is what we believe we’re sensing from God right now but it will no doubt develop as we go. We’re super excited and yes, nervous as always, but we feel like we’ve got a window of opportunity for a little co-writing and we’re going to jump through it. Amanda has already been right in there with us helping us shape the concept but, as you know, her hands are full with small children right now and this is not her season for this kind of titanic undertaking at work. She is my favorite editor and I so hope she’ll be able to look over some of the lessons along the way as her schedule permits. In one way or another, our lives are always intertwined. Amanda may not co-write but goodness knows she has provided a preschooler and toddler who, in turn,ย  provide no few illustrations.

Anyway, thank you for caring about what’s brewing around here at Living Proof. I am never more stressed or overworked than when I’m in the middle of writing an in-depth Bible study but I am also never more fulfilled. It is the work I love best because it immerses my poor brain in the wealth of Scripture day after day after day. Hour after hour after hour. Some people’s brains simply need washing. God is gracious beyond comprehension to allow somebody with my kind of past to serve people like you.

Which reminds me, yesterday Hawk and I taped my SSBS greeting for you. (It will be your post on Tuesday as we launch our third gathering.) I thought you might get a kick out of how professional we are around here. This is our camera set up.

No one can say we don’t keep up with all the latest technological advancements here at Living Proof. No sir. (In case you can’t see that tiny camera at the top of the tripod, that statement’s a bit of a joke.) We tape in one of the offices right on the second floor where a bunch of the staff works and Hawk and I love to shout, “Quiet on the set!” (By the way, they’re usually not.)

I hope you guys have a great weekend. Work a whole lot of Jesus into it and maybe a little frozen yogurt…and find somebody in your neck of the woods to laugh with. It does a body good.

I love you. That’s the honest truth. You are the FreshBerry Tart of the Blog World. I just keep coming back.

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384 Responses to “Hello Saturday Off! (And a Little Announcement)”

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Comments:

  1. 101
    Robin says:

    I will now just have to try Pink Berry! Already googled it and there are a couple here in the Dallas area! I will call a friend soon and have lots of love and laughes together!

  2. 102
    twinkle says:

    I hope you know I thought you were about to announce that Melissa was expecting!!!
    Birth that James baby and let’s get MOOOORE wisdom from the One who loves us so!
    You know I’m crazy about all of you and I will be praying.

    • 102.1
      Siesta OC says:

      Amen!!!!

    • 102.2
      Teresa Stout says:

      Deborah,
      I thought the exact same thing!

    • 102.3

      that’s what I thought too Deb!

    • 102.4
      Sherry says:

      I thought the same thing about Melissa’s expecting (that’s how rumors get started, huh.) Isn’t it funny the way our minds work!

      I’m ready for another new study. I know they are a lot of work but it enhances so many lives. God bless the Moores! You are all being used so powerfully.

      Loving and praying.

    • 102.5
      rene sandifer says:

      twinkle,
      Revisited the notes from SSBS 2nd gathering, and saw your sweet note.
      We would SO need breakfast, lunch AND dinner!!
      KS, GA, or somewhere inbetween…
      xoxo,
      rene

  3. 103
    Hope365 says:

    Hi Beth,

    Looking forward to James!! (I could always use some extra help with reigning the tongue) How great to have Melissa be a part of it!

    Love, Stacie

  4. 104
    Casey says:

    WOW The book of James! I can’t wait! I always turn to James when I need to get a good “talkin to.”

    As always Beth thank you for sharing your lives with us and we do love you!

  5. 105
    Casey says:

    and of course I am praying for God’s guidance before you!

  6. 106
    liz says:

    Beth I think our generation was blessed not to have cellphones. We talked to our children when they were young (grocery store target…) rather then on the phone. They grew up talking to us so know that they are older they are still talking with us. So young Mommies talk to your babies !

  7. 107
    Georgia Boone says:

    I’ll be praying for ALL of you, including the men in your lives. Don’t want them to feel cheated out of time as I’m sure this takes a ton of time and attention. Beth, I often think of you walking around with your bushel basket full of books. ๐Ÿ™‚

    I am so excited about the book of James. I recently heard Janet Pope speak about memorizing the whole book of James and how blessed she was. (She has memorized several books of the Bible. Her book on memorizing scripture is “His Word In My Heart”.) So, we will wait for the finished product, probably not so patiently.

    By the way, I saw your fall schedule for Houston and I am intrigued with your study. Will you make this into a small study as you did “Here and Now, There and Then” and also “The Inheritance”? I sure hope so!!!

    Blessings to all of you this weekend.
    Get some well deserved rest and relaxation!!!
    Bible Bunny in NO MI

  8. 108
    Tammy says:

    I am so excited to hear you and Melissa will be working together on a study of James. It has always been one of my favorite books of the Bible. I have read and re-read it more than any other. My dad just taught the book to a group of men at his church. He does his own research and puts together his own lessons too. I am thrilled to know I will be able to take part in a formal study of this book as well! Yeah!!

  9. 109
    Kim says:

    James is one of my favorite books! I can’t wait to see what the Lord has for us! There are so many passages in James I’d like to understand better, and I’m so excited we will get to hear a little bit from Melissa. I pray you will unearth many treasures as you study!

  10. 110
    Becky says:

    I am so thrilled with the work going on with y’all and the book of James! I can’t hardly wait to begin this study!!! Will be praying for God to guide y’all along the path he has chosen for you and to open your hearts and minds to the truth He will reveal. God bless! BB

  11. 111
    Pam says:

    Loved hearing about your plans for a study on James!!! also love hearing about you and your girls…precious times to be together. This was an especially sweet post to read today…Yesterday I went to a funeral (a former co-worker from the past) and then when I got home I received an e-mail that a dear prayer warrior from our church had gone home to be with Jesus…That amidst a week, where we took a meal to my friend and pastor’s wife who is going through chemo again. It’s been a week, like it is for all of us at times. Today in the car I was listening to “In Christ Alone” on Travis’s CD (remembering how we sang in last week in Irvine)…except this time I choked up as I was driving, hearing the words again, “No guilt in life, no fear in death, this is the power of Christ in me, from Life’s first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny”, “Till He returns or calls me home, Here in the power of Christ, I’ll stand”.
    As you ended the post, Beth, I have “worked a little Jesus into my day and week” Thank you for your sweet reflections on life, the little stuff and big stuff. blessings, Love, Pam in San Diego

    • 111.1
      Siesta OC says:

      The LORD bless you Pam, I can’t imagine the growing you have felt this week. MAY JESUS BE EVER CLOSE!

  12. 112
    Lichelle says:

    Wow!!!!! I can’t wait! I am praying for all the Moore girls and their new bible study undertaking! Terrific news for all of us siesta’s.

    I just finished working thru Believing God and it came when my son was in Afghanistan… and now He is back…praise God…talk about timinig… Thanks for helping us get thru no matter what life throw at us…

    As for Fresh Berry’s there is never a time where ice cream is off limits… so enjoy!

    Love you all…
    Lichelle

  13. 113
    Kay Martin says:

    Oh, Beth and Melissa, I am so excited about the new study! I will be praying for you.

  14. 114
    Brandi says:

    Oh my goodness I love the way you write. You make me feel like I’m right there! Love it.
    Prayer: God, I praise You that You speak to Your people and that You love them and trust them with Your message. God, right now I ask that You pour Your perfect Word out on Ms. Beth and Melissa and bless them with the patience, wisdom, love, and perseverance to write this new Bible study, in Jesus Name and no one else’s. Amen

  15. 115
    patty says:

    So excited about the new study! Praying for y’all as you research and write the study! Excited that Melissa will be writing along with you in the study!!

    I live in a small east Tennessee town and we don’t have an ice cream place like you mentioned but I can live vicariously through you. lol ๐Ÿ˜‰

    I am making brownie sundaes tonight for the family. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Have a wonderful weekend and love you too!

    • 115.1
      Kelly S. says:

      Patty, I was just laughing about that too. Here in the Boonies of ETN, we’re just lucky if the ice cream machine at McDonald’s is working. LOL Enjoy your sundaes ๐Ÿ™‚

      • Yolanda says:

        Kelly & Patty,

        I can so relate and am smiling this morning as often times we take a drive into our small tiny little town, to find out that McDonald’s ice cream machine is NOT working. We drive away, heart broken, indeed.

  16. 116
    heather says:

    I just need to know what is fresh berry and where can I find her / one / it …. now?

  17. 117
    Kristin says:

    Oh, I am so excited to see that you are going to be doing a study in the book of James. It is my “favorite” book and I know that I will enjoy your leading me through it!

  18. 118
    Sharon Meekins says:

    Hi Beth,

    I will be praying! How I LOVE the book of James. Very exciting. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Much love and blessings,
    Sharon

  19. 119
    Meli says:

    That is so exciting! I love, LOVE the idea of Melissa coming on board more with the writing, etc. I love her blog entries and can only assume her insights will come through the study as well. What a legacy you pass on, Mrs. Moore!

  20. 120
    Tammy says:

    Oh Mama Beth,
    I will certainly be praying for you and Melissa as you embark on this journey together. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for you.

    Speaking of bible studies, in your Esther study you have gotten the word peripety stuck in my brain. First of all, I just love the way it flies right off my tongue. I was so excited after bible study I went to my gym and shared it with anyone and everyone who walked in the door. Of course they looked at me like I had lost my mind or I was crazy. I fo course just laughed my head off at their expressions. I am sure that did nothing to ease their minds about my state of mind. That of course just led to more giggles.

    I am just learning so much my mind and soul just can hardly stand it. My Esther pages look quite rumpled but oh has God been opening my heart to so much.

    I have had something on my mind. Mama Beth how do you decide outside of bible study of course, what part of Scripture to read each day in your quiet time? I really struggle with this. I am so afraid after my Esther study is done I will be right back on the path with no real direction. I love God’s word but sometimes I just don’t get where to start in it…do you know wht I mean.

    I know I have rambled on..sorry I am pretty sure that is my hot tea and chocolate that has me flying like a butterfly with wings that don’t know how to stop.

    I love you dear sweet Mama Beth and I just know God is going to loving the journey you and Melissa are on.

    love
    Tammy

  21. 121
    Nancy says:

    I love hearing the antics and joys of you 3 women. I can relate on so many occasions. While I was at my exercise (yoga -style)class Thursday, I just THOUGHT of making eye contact with my daughter during a certain move and I got tickled. And she wasn’t even there!

    Looking so forward to James!

  22. 122
    Kathy Knoblock says:

    That looks so yummy, Beth!! And I will be definately praying about the new venture in the Book of James. Can’t even imagine the treasures that will be found and shared. May God continue to bless all your efforts mightly. And praise Him for the blessing of your daughters and their ministries with you!! In Jesus’ Love Kathy Knoblock

  23. 123
    kathy armstrong says:

    God Bless you and Melissa as you bring yet another amazing communication from our Lord. I am so glad that Amanda and Melissa are contributing their unique gifts to LPM and therefore to us- what a work of our Lord- thank you ladies for your willingness to direct your amazing talents to minister to all of us, you have made a choice that is a scarifice and we recognize it- Yes, You Go Girls! Please know we recognize your brillance and humble manner in the way you share that brillance in Christ’s love. We are blessed

  24. 124
    CJ says:

    Beth, I remember you referencing a “rewrite” of your “David” study also. Have you finished this project? You are one busy lady!!! ๐Ÿ™‚

    • 124.1
      Beth says:

      Sure did, CJ! Thanks for asking. That’s why I only turned to this one a week ago. Thank goodness, revisions aren’t even in the same ball league of work with writing one from scratch.

  25. 125

    I am so excited for you and for the study on James! I’ll be praying.

  26. 126
    JeanM says:

    Gee, I thought maybe you were going to tell us Melissa was pregnant. ๐Ÿ™‚ Excited for the birth of a new study!

  27. 127
    Siesta OC says:

    i WOULD FLIP TO EVEN KNOW HOW YOU GO ABOUT WRITING ONE, BUT i AM THRILLED MELISSA IS DOIN HER THING ON THIS NEW STUDY. IT WILL BE NEW, DIFFERENT, AND DEFINITELY FASCINATING! HER STUDY FIELD BLOWS MY MIND. SHE ALWAYS REMINDS ME OF MY DESIRE TO GO TO BIBLE COLLEGE.

    WE ‘HEART’ YOU BETH AND FAMILY – AND WE (TRYING TO KEEP UP WITH MY IRVINE HOMEWORK) REQUEST, IMPLORE, PLEAD WITH THE LORD TO LET YOUR GARDEN GROW SOME SERIOUS ‘MOORE’ FRUIT! IN JESUS NAME, AMEN

    PS: I DON’T THINK YOU CAN BUY FRESHBERRY SEEDS, DANG IT!

  28. 128
    Kelly S. says:

    Beth, My 11 year old daughter just came in the room and said “mom, there is a new post on the LPM blog….and they went to get yogurt”. I’m laughing my head off and praising Jesus that my sweet girl is interested in what’s going on with my favorite Bible teacher. And James…I can’t wait. I am so happy you and Melissa are working on this one together!
    Praying ๐Ÿ™‚

  29. 129
    Kristy says:

    How I adore you Beth! I have never heard of that frozen yogurt place here in the New Orleans area. I will have to check it out!
    I am so happy you are doing another in depth bible study – especially one on the the book of James! I can’t wait to be immersed in it!

  30. 130
    Kristi B, says:

    Hey siesta mama!

    I am so glad you and your daughters have had some quality time together! Eating and laughing my two favorite activities! (Well I must add shopping in there too.)

    I will be praying about the James study. Sounds exciting!

    Love ya!

  31. 131
    jackie says:

    Can’t wait for James! and the release of David.

    Love ya, Sieta Mama.

    Jackie

  32. 132
    bamagirl says:

    Dear Beth
    You really know to make me get tickled! You can sure tell a
    story. And then all of a sudden while we are laughing you take us to the heights of your love and devotion to Jesus and your family. How fun that Melissa is going to work with you. Now all you need is to find a place for Mr. Moore to chime in. I always love to hear your thoughts on life. I laughed pretty hard too on the yogurt deal. We have yogurt mountain here and it ceases to amaze me what people pile in that cup. Sometimes I have been tempted to ask “can I watch you eat that?” Thank you so much for loving others and sharing. So glad you have had some time off and enjoying your girls. You deserve it. And thanks too for helping us wash our brains with your ministry.

  33. 133
    Kathy Cubley says:

    I am so thrilled to hear about the upcoming James study! I love that book and also find it very challenging if I pay any attention at all.
    I have three now grown “best friend daughters” and we have laughed together until people just stared! I know you understand! It is a joy that is the best of God’s blessings to me. We laugh because it just makes the hard stuff of life go down so much smoother! Enjoy your girls and I will pray for y’all as you undertake this next adventure!

  34. 134
    Pattie says:

    I am so happy about the James study! I love the book of James. So convicting. I haven’t been able to do any of your group studies for years, but hope to be able to now that we’ve moved to Texas ๐Ÿ™‚

  35. 135
    Sarah says:

    I just love when God connects all my worlds together with His Word- The book of James is one of the most practical in the whole Bible in my opinion. My pastors at Belmont Church in Nashville have been teaching from this book this summer and my husband and I have been having many rich conversations about this book. The idea that you are now going to be writing a Bible study on this book is so exciting to me. Thanks in advance for all your hard work and study. You stretch and motivate my study of His Word and I can hardly wait to go through this with you. God Bless You and Melissa as you work on this:)

  36. 136
    KristenC says:

    Yaaay! So excited to dig into James as well! In fact, I read from there in my QT this morning and received a such a fresh word that I ended up journaling for an hour! I just LOVE it when God allows those scales to fall off my eyes so I can see Him better ๐Ÿ™‚

    Now, what’s this about FreshBerry and PinkBerry? Never heard of either and I’m a little jealous ๐Ÿ˜‰ Perhaps we need a franchise up in Michigan!
    Love to all ๐Ÿ™‚

  37. 137
    MaKay says:

    Beth,

    I want to thank you for sharing your rich relationship with your daughters with us. I so wish I had that with my own daughter, but we are in a not so great place right now in our relationship.

    Please pray that the lord will restore the years that the locusts have eaten. (this verse is especially special to me because it is in the book of the same name as my husband and is the birthdate of my daughter – chapter and verse)

    • 137.1
      twinkle says:

      Father in heaven, I plead with you to restore this daughter’s love back to the heart of her mom. And give this daughter a heart that loves You, sweet Jesus, more than life. In Jesus Name. Amen.

      Sister, I love you and I know God has already worked this out. Just wait on His timing to come to harvest. I know your pain. Get inoculated with Jesus while you abide. Ask God how you can help Him restore her. Ephesians 3:14-20…just for you.

  38. 138
    Judi says:

    I’m so excited about the new venture! Praying for God’s annointing on you, Melissa, and all your support staff as you seek His direction.
    Wish we had FreshBerry in Canada! The picture says it all!
    Judi
    Orillia, Canada

  39. 139
    Joelle says:

    James sounds great! I dont know that much about him. I will soon!

  40. 140
    Joyce says:

    Brilliant! So love the verse count it all joy…knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God…
    Cannot wait for your study on James. I’ll be praying also.
    I am enjoying my vacation at Beaver’s Bend State Park and just came from Mississippi. Enjoying those sweet peaches, tomatoes, watermelon and taking home some peas.
    God helped us through the Louisiana rain. It was like buckets of water splashed on our window while driving. My family and I saw four car wrecks. Also, we kept running into people who saw our VBS t-shirts and told us they had been doing the same VBS! So much fun travelling this week.

  41. 141
    3GirlsMom says:

    We don’t have FreshBerry or PinkBerry here in Birmingham, but we do have a little gem called Yogurt Lab. It’s a fix-your-own yogurt joint that has every topping known to man. It costs $0.45 an ounce, so you can get as many toppings as your little heart desires. I think a field trip to Yogurt Lab might be in order when y’all come to Bham in December!

    JAMES! I can’t WAIT for that one!!! Prayers times 1000 being sent your way! I’m now super excited and a little impatient! ๐Ÿ˜‰

  42. 142
    Cheri says:

    ok, i think i may have missed something, who is hawk?

  43. 143
    Aunt Rhody says:

    I’m so excited!!! Can’t wait a whole year for James with the Moores. Awesome!!!

  44. 144
    Leanne Eldridge says:

    Exciting! I am super excited about Melissa’s input as well…I love love love to read her insights. I was at the SIL simulcast in the overflow seating and loved hearing her answers to some of the Q&A. Brilliant. I love this blog world to be able to glean insights from all three of you as well as so many other siestas. It is really cool how all three of your lives touch my heart and I would assume it is safe to speak for others, in different ways in where I am at or have been at different seasons in my life.

  45. 145
    Lori says:

    Praising God for your girls. I’m sure you write as tho you were writing to them. May God anoint your time together on this project. May God reveal His secrets amongst His Words and hold your hands as you go where many walk but few see.

  46. 146
    Angela says:

    Beth, I love hearing the stories of you and your girls. I have 2 girls of my own (8 & 6 yrs. old), and we love to laugh. They also get to “torment” their 10 yr. old brother…I say “torment” in the nicest way a mom can put it. ๐Ÿ™‚ Anyway, we just finished a big laugh fest with my aunt, uncle, and cousins. They live a couple of hours from us, and it’s always treat to visit. I might add, we can get quite loud! I will keep you and your girls in my prayers as you begin this next Bible study. I have completed Esther and Breaking Free, and I’m so much looking forward to another one. I have grown to have such a thirst for God’s Word. Thank you for sharing that wonderful Word with us and loving us, even though you probably won’t get to meet many of us until we get to Heaven…what a fun time we’ll have! I just finished reading So Long Insecurity, and wow…can I just say, that is me. Loved it, and I’m so grateful for it! May God continue to bless you! ๐Ÿ™‚

  47. 147
    Sherry says:

    I checked and the nearest PinkBerry to me here in Oregon is over 400 miles…I’d better get in the car!

    I love feeling like we’re best friends. Sharing girlie trivia is so fun.

    Can’t wait for the James study. I’m praying for all of you!

  48. 148
    Edna says:

    Excited about the new study. Though I’m not to sure about being called a tart. . . hmmmm ;-).

  49. 149
    Rosalye says:

    Beth, how blessed we are by you and your precious family! Praise our great God for His gifting you and your willingness to be used by Him! Several years ago I saw prayers answered when it became evident that your girls would have a part in your ministry. May our God Who is the One Who Blesses overpower you and Melissa as you embark on this venture and protect you from the enemy.
    I am preparing to facilitate Here and Now … Then and There and am in awe of our Sovereign God!
    Much love to you all<

  50. 150
    Rebecca says:

    Hi Beth,
    I am so glad you and your daughters have a great relationship. My girls are special to me too and we can laugh over the silliest things. My poor hubby doesn’t know what to do when we get so silly. I LOVE THEM SO MUCH.

    On Wednesday I have to have a repeat test that most women are scared of.I have had my share of tears over the last 2 days. I am trying to lean on the promises of the bible. When I was little I was told not to ask so many questions but I do have one that keeps haunting me.

    How can we be sure the bible promises are for US and not just who the author of each book is writing to? EX. Joshua has promises like: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
    This is God speaking to Joshua.

    The bible is written for us as a “life manual”, but when I am feeling stuck and scared, it occurs to me that the promises are written literally for each other person of biblical times. Paul writes to the churches,God talks to Jeremiah,and so when we take their promises out of scripture for ourselves how can I be sure it was also meant for me too? When Jesus says “whoever” or “anyone”, I can see that he is speaking also to the reader. But in Isaiah God speaks to biblical people.How correct are we to take scripture for myself?
    If I have confused you, cause I certainly am, please, let me know. Rebecca

    • 150.1
      Beth says:

      That’s just about the best question I’ve heard in a long time. We could go to many Scriptures but I’ve got to get ready for church (grin) so I’ll go to one major chunk. The Book of Romans was written to people very different from Paul himself and, according to Romans 1:13, a predominantly Gentile audience. Take a fresh read of Romans 8 and notice all the “we” and “us” talk. It is written to you as much as to them which is the prime reason why God inspired and ordained it to fall on the pages of Holy Writ in a section pertaining to the New Testament church (the epistles). Look also at Romans 4:23,24. “The words ‘it was credited to him’ were written not for [Abraham] alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness – for us who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.” (In other words, to any of us who believe in Jesus as Savior.) One of my favorite places to go when I am wondering if I (or we) were on Christ’s mind when He bled, died and was raised again to birth the New Testament church is John 17:20-21. That whole portion records Christ’s prayer to His Father before His arrest. He says “My payer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message.” That’s US! Keep in mind as well the Great Commission at the end of the Gospel of Matthew. When the disciples were told by Christ to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations, that very commands necessitated the teaching, not only of Christ’s ways but, of His Word. Certainly Scripture includes the historical (like narratives) but it also includes the doctrinal: Scripture given for us to live by and apply. By the way, I love that you mentioned the words out of Joshua. Do you know that David borrowed those very words to pray over his son Solomon? He felt the freedom to use them and we can, too. You are so precious to Jesus, Rebecca. May He bring clear results from those tests. We care so much.

      • bamagirl says:

        Wow good question with great answers. I have often wondered some of the same and was just too ashamed and embarrassed to ask. I always assume it is my spiritual immaturity. However I am learning to try to continually not lose faith(notice I said try) and rely on Jesus said…It is an uphill climb and Jesus knew that. Perhaps that is why He said in this world you will have tribulation(He flat wasn’t kidding). I struggle every day and think Rebecca just threw out a question we could chew on for days. Rebecca I read just this morning that “we are connected to Jesus by love bonds that nothing can sever”. Now if I could just pound in my head what I just vulnerably wrote then I would be good. Praying for good results. Thank you Beth that you give so many of us a place to come to.

      • Rebecca says:

        OH DEAR BETH,
        Thank you so much for your answer. Thank you for taking the time just before church too! This will help me so much. It is a question that bothers me a lot and right now I need all the promises I can get. Thank you for caring. It is a nice feeling not to feel alone….Love Rebecca

        • Beth says:

          You are very welcome, Darling. Most thinking people have had that very same question. There are much bigger and better answers but I hope that little bit helped. May Christ continue to show you His great faithfulness. Let us know!

    • 150.2
      Angela says:

      Rebecca, I have felt the same way and had the same questions as you. You worded it so much better than I could have. Thank you for sharing. I’ll be praying for you and the results of your tests. Trust God no matter what.

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