Good morning, Dear Siestas! I so hope you’ve experienced God’s presence and sustaining power this week and that maybe you get a day off tomorrow like I do. Melissa flew in yesterday so I have that darling thing studying about 10 feet from me this very second. Her man flies in tonight and they’ll be with us for the next week. She does have her own office but, living so far apart, when she’s in town we always work in my office. Believe it or not, we really do get a lot accomplished and feed off of each other’s research. Last time she was here, we spent the whole time outlining the study (and the Book of) James. Right now, she’s sitting over there translating the Book from Greek into English on her own. Needless to say, I’m not doing that but I am glad she is. I’m doing other things to get myself as familiar with it as possible and it is already clear to me that I’m about to have a major spiritual overhaul. I hear the sound of a heavenly jackhammer in the distance. By mid-September, God willing, I hope to start Week One, Day One. He has already begun preparing both of us by testing just how willing we are to count tribulation a joy. (That’s the trouble with Bible study. God has a particular affinity for seeing us actually apply the Scriptures we’re learning. If we don’t, He finally just quits attending the study. I don’t mean to say He’d ever leave His children but I do think He can withdraw a sense of His Presence and anointing in our corporate midst if we never let His Word get to our hearts and real lives.)
The reason I’m writing you this morning is because I had an experience a little while ago that really touched my heart. Every summer about this time, the city coordinators for all the LifeWay women’s events for the next year meet for several days of training in Nashville. This gathering is not only for the city coordinators for the Living Proof Live events. It also includes those taught by Priscilla (who I love), Kay (who I love), Vicki Courtney (who I love – my word, we grew up in ministry together although I’m admittedly several years her senior), Angela Thomas (who I don’t know as well personally but love), and Angie Smith (who I know and love mainly through her blog, her book, and through Melissa who went to India with her for Compassion International last year). When the LifeWay event team first began these trainings, Travis and we teachers each greeted them by speaker phone as they met together in one conference room. Nowadays we get to join them by Skype, meaning, to state the obvious, we get to actually see each other.
For some reason, as I’m reflecting on it, a lump is welling in my throat. It’s an odd thing for a sanguine to be called into the seclusion that writing demands. It is so often the women we serve that God uses to really inspire and motivate me to go beyond a private devotional life with Him. It’s running into someone at Starbucks or on the paper goods’ aisle in Kroger. It’s crossing paths with someone at the airport. It’s opening our Bibles together in tandem on Tuesday nights. It’s staff prayer time on Mondays at noon. It’s church on Sundays. It’s community that God most often uses to keep me stirred up to serve and hang in there with ministry. That’s why I have pictures on my desk and nearby bookshelves of small groups of women that are never any further than an eye-shot from what’s going on at my computer. Here are just four of them that I glance at all the time.
Each of those pictures mean something specific to me. For instance, the third frame from the left depicts a group of women who bonded together over the loss of dearly loved children. Can you imagine? They came together in a support system not only to relate through their loss but to agree to do everything they could to glorify God in the grief process and beyond. I still hear from them from time to time. The frame on the far right depicts a small group of women soldiers in Iraq who do the Bible studies together. As I study, I often glance up at the pictures in my office and ask myself, “Would you have the courage to say those words to them, too? Would these truths also apply to them in their pain? In their circumstances? In their danger? Because, if not, don’t say it at all. If God’s promises don’t apply to them, too, or if you have no regard for the seriousness of their estate, then shut the book and go home.”
Oh, that we’d never forget – Oh, Lord, that I’d never forget – that we don’t serve the page. We serve people. We serve the Author. There is no such thing as ministry without community. We can’t love God and despise people.1 John 4:20-21 cries out with conviction, “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And He has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.”
None of us need to hear that echoed more often than those of us who are vulnerable to constant offense in ministry. If we don’t think God is harder on us who presume to teach, we’ve missed James 3:1. If we’re going to be worth our salt in ministry, we better be willing to ask ourselves hard questions constantly. We must be intolerant of our own cold-heartedness and cynicism. But that’s really not what I came on here to say.
I came on here to say that it’s an unspeakable privilege to get to be part of a large community of women – far, far beyond Siestaville – spread abroad in our generations who love the Word because they love the Savior. It’s not about teachers. It’s not about denominations. It’s about a move of the Spirit on the hearts of so many who have come to love Christ all the more because His words became spirit and life to them. It’s a miracle really. A true wonder. We are different because of Jesus. We are different because we believed His Word. When we quit being different, we quit being disciples.
Anyway, I have a new picture today. While we were on Skype for our conference call this morning, I told them I’d give anything to have those faces in a frame right in front of me this year. And so they clicked a picture that very second and, thanks to technology, I already have it. Here’s a small group of women willing to believe God to do something eternal, something life-altering, in their cities in 2011 and, yes, even use them to do it.
And there are so many others out there across this globe who are willing to believe that their weaknesses are not strong enough to keep God from using them.
For some reason, I am amazed by that again today.
What a new perspective I have for you as you prepare a Bible study. Thank you for sharing this. May God bless these coordinators and the events as well as the teachers.
You are in my prayers.
Thank you for being so real. The blog totally blessed my morning.
One of my favorite verses was spoken to me through you on Wednesday’s with Beth on TV several months ago: 2 Tim 1:7;I just love that this verse says we don’t have fear, but Power-Love-and a sound mind!! Through Christ we can do all things. He is so good to us.
Blessings and Peace!
sarah~ do remember the date of that talk? my 14 year old is struggling with fear and clinging to II Tim. so i’d love to listen to it.
Go to Life Today.com
It should be under archives and the title is:
Claiming Your Right to a Sound Mind
http://www.lifetoday.org/site/PageServer?pagename=bth_media
thanks so much 🙂
All kinds of good stuff here, Mama Beth. You bless me so. I love your point about never forgetting that there is no ministry without community. And that we serve Him by serving people. I have photos of my many lost family members at my desk, where I have my quiet time each morning; it reminds me to pray for them and their salvation every day. It’s easy for me to forget that I serve Him in these small things, the unseen things, prayer in solitude. Whoever loves God must also love his brother. I need to remember that.
Hugs,
Adrienne
Go Melissa! I can’t wait until I can translate an entire text from Greek to English.
James scares me. I hate trials. Sometimes (like this morning) I feel like I just can’t handle it. I’ve been journaling about this with God lately. Things have been happening that, as hard as I try, I can’t prevent, and it infuriates me. Right this minute he is reminding me to focus on His presence, not the pain.
Today is my birthday. Going to try to lift my spirits with a free burrito at Moe’s.
Happy Birthday Michele!! I will pray for you.
Thank y’all so much, Siestas!
Things got better right after I posted that, when I realized what God was saying. It was just a difficult morning.
The chicken club burrito was great. I love free stuff.
Love free stuff – except 1 thing – free haircuts are not always worth it, trust me on that.
And may I just add that I really appreciate Siestaville. Yesterday didn’t even feel like a birthday. My one good friend called, and one friend from church who shares the same bday fb’d me. Other than that, nothing. I didn’t even see anyone I knew. So to check the blog last night and see a bunch of warm greetings was very nice.
God is helping me with face-to-face relationships, but for now Siestaville is helping to fill that gap. Thank you Beth and Amanda for creating this venue and giving us much freedom in commenting, and thank you Siestas for support, prayers, and encouragment.
Happy Birthday Michele! May you have a blessed day! Enjoy your burrito!
Happy birthday, Michele!
You share it with another dear friend of mine. I sincerely hope that a free burrito from Moe’s is only the beginning of a wonderful day for you. He revels in the fact that you were born… today. I always find comfort in knowing that when God is silent, it doesn’t mean He is still.He is working things out FOR your good, yes, even in your trials. But then, you already knew that. It just encourages me when another believer affirms me when I need it.
B’ol birthday hug sent to you : )
xo, rene
Happy Birthday Michele!!
Happy Birthday Michelle! I pray that this is your best birthday YET!
Happy Birthday, Michele! Have a Christ-filled day, filled with memories. I’m praying that God will take those trials you’re facing and destroy them!!
Happy Birthday sweet sister! I pray that God will fill you with all peace in understanding as you trust in him. I hate trials too! I am in the middle of one right now but I can say with conviction and confidence that HE IS MY PEACE! Clinging to the truth of his word.
Have a yummy birthday lunch at Moe’s! Wish that I lived near you to join you in that burrito!
Happy Birthday, Michelle! I hope your day is blessed.
Patti Hayes
Happy Birthday, Michele!
Do you think we can teach Cindy how to howl Happy Birthday? I bet she’d be willing to try. Many Blessings today, dear one.
haha years ago she would have, but not now. She used to be very vocal, but never makes any noise anymore. If she is stuck and hurting, after a whil she’ll try to bark, but even then it’s pretty raspy. I miss her voice.
Aww. That’s precious, Michele. I’m sorry, though. I’ll try to remember that next time my barky little princess gets irritating. My husband calls her Yappy from Slappy (actually her “father’s” name was Zappy; close enough.)
oh gosh it just happened again. I was out front doing some work, and when I came into the garage, I could just barely hear a faint raspy yelp. I called to her as I ran up the stairs and found her stuck in the hallway.
She doesn’t have a lot of strength in her back legs, and sometimes she falls down with one out to each side and can’t move from there. I picked her up, she was shaking and panting, her heart pounding. Breaks my heart it does. That’s why I won’t leave her alone very long.
She recovers quickly though. Walks it off and I give her some treats to take her mind off it. She’s okay now. Poor old sweet puppy. Love her so much.
Happy Birthday a day late Michele , If I would have been there I would have baked you a delicious cake and sang happy birthday to you, But I am wishing you a very very Happy Birthday a Day Late and as I write this I will pray Psalm 139 over you that always comes to my mind for someone birthday so celebrate all weekend seista love ya.
Carol
How old is your dog Michele my dog is 12yrs old i Sept and she is getting old and I am struggling with I know one day she will not be here and she still gets around but I know her back legs bother her and one of her front legs she limps on alot. The vet just wants to give her pain pills and then she just sleeps so I don’t like giving them to her.
I tryed giving her the joint stuff whatever you call it and the vet just told me give her the human form and that bothers her stomach so I just try to comfort her the best I can. Anyway I will be praying for us as we take care of our babies.
Bless you seista
Carol
Thanks Carol, I like cake. I did eat a couple of Hostess cupcakes 😉
My Cindy is 16.4 yrs old. She has neurological degeneration in her back end which means she is progressively losing feeling and strength in her back legs/feet. She also likely has some arthritis. She is on Glucosamine & Chondroitin and Omega 3 supplements and also Deramax (anti-inflammatory).
She has been on thyroid meds since she was 3, and now she is also on meds for blood pressure and kidney issues. I always said I’d never over-medicate my dog, but these meds do improve her quality of life. They are not keeping her alive, they are just making her more comfortable. We tried 2 different pain meds but they make her not feel well, so I won’t try any more of those with her.
Just got a call from the vet about new meds for Cindy’s UT infection. The good news is that they’ll call the script in to Wegman’s pharmacy where antibiotics are free!
I wonder why your vet wouldn’t have her on some kind of supplement? It sure is hard to see them get older. Cindy still has a good quality of life, and I sure do not ever want to see her suffer, but I always cry when thinking about the end. She’s been such a good pup. I ask God to guide me to know what’s best for her.
Praying for y’all too.
Beeth,
I stand amazed every day that God can use me to teach the Bible!! There is something special about the women on this blog. I know it has everything to do with the fact that we all hold God’s word so special. We hide it in our hearts (something I never did before 2009), we dig into it and we try to apply it. Women at church say they want what I have, but when I share with them what I do to get the joy I feel, they sometimes walk away. I am so thankful for the maturing that I have done since studying with you. Thank you so much for sharing so openly your faith, your disciplines and your love for God.
Jan
I don’t know about you, Jan, but I am so looking forward to Siesta Scripture Memory Challenge 2011, at least I’ve heard we’re having it again. Anyway, Scripture Memory 2009 was life changing for me and although I’ve memorized some Scripture this year, there is something about doing it with an entire community. Community is another reason why I love this reply feature. Being able to respond and reply to one another has both broadened and deepened the ministry that takes place here.
I hope your day is blessed.
Patti Hayes
“Never any farther than an eye-shot” really grabbed me this afternoon. I get “eye-shots” every three months to keep my eye sight. When I first started getting these shots a few years back and was faced with the fact that eventually I may lose my sight, I prayed and asked others to pray that I would not lose my vision. Soon I realized that wasn’t what I meant. I may lose my eye sight but that doesn’t mean that I will lose my vision. My vision is that I will always love and serve the Lord. That has no relation to eye sight.
Rosalie,
praying the eye shots continue to work for your sight. and you are so right in your thinking. may God continue to grant you HIS vision…a true gift.
Awesome, Awesome post. I love your last sentence. It really speaks to me. Thanks
I’m in tears. This week our church stood beside and lifted up a family who lost their precious 14 year old son to a very sudden illness. Words cannot express my thanks for community.
Oh, Sunni. We are so sorry for such a devastating loss. May Christ make His comfort palpable.
Thank you, Beth. I love hearing your perspective, right now, today, in the middle of what y’all are doing. Thank you for allowing God such access to your heart at all times. We can tell this is not a mental exercise for you. It’s a total heart exposure. And you set a marvelous example for those of us God has (for some reasons known only to Him) recruited to be ta..ta..teachers.
I had just quoted James 3:1 to a precious friend this morning and qualified it with, “This was totally not my idea! I would not have picked this.” I so appreciate the reminder to keep my heart fully engaged. Love ’em and keep love my motivation.
We just started our Fall study last night. We’re doing “Here and Now. There and Then.” Different day, different time, so of course, different looking group. Not surprisingly, God would ask someone to lead who is…different 🙂 That’s just bound to seem funny to me later. Today I’m holding onto the fact that I believe this difference was God’s idea, not mine.
when i saw your post and then mine.hahaha…two peas i tell you <3
you are the most perfect imperfect teacher for that group. that God of ours is infinite in His wisdom, and I for one, am looking forward to seeing it all play out, kath.
xoxo, rene
Beth,
Thinking of you meeting SO MANY of us wherever you travel; and believing you sincerely DO thank God for each one… I thought of you when I posted on fb, a tweet from Max Lucado:
“Jesus knew that each human being is a treasure. And because He did, people were not a source of stress, but a source of joy.”
I felt that with you; and I ask the Holy Spirit to exude that through me as well…even in it’s messy and complicated nature.He is able.
Gosh, have fun with Melissa : ) …and I am thrilled that God will be writing on your heart His very words. Count’n it joy (and pray’n for you ALL as He reveals Himself mightly).
xoxo, rene
ps Vicki has a funny story about my husband she tells…and 2 of our children were in a photo shoot together MANY years ago. What a serious batch of God fear’n FUN women you all are.
Whew! Great quote. “…not a source of stress, but a source of joy.” Love that. Need that. Bless you!
Thanks for this, Beth!
As I am slowly getting used to being in a position where others are looking to me for guidance, I realize… its all about love. Loving God foremost, and through His love, loving others. That is IT!
Love, love, love … love is all you need.
love you!
Yes… LOVE, that is what God has been showing me lately. To love. Love when it hurts, love when I think I can’t, love when the person doesn’t want to be loved. Love because He first loved us. That is what it is all about Sisterlynn you nailed it, LOVE…..
“(That’s the trouble with Bible study. God has a particular affinity for seeing us actually apply the Scriptures we’re learning. If we don’t, He finally just quits attending the study. At least that’s been my experience with Him.)”
You really think God quits on us?
No, no, He doesn’t quit on us. But I think we can be in our tidy little Bible study groups where our heads are getting puffed up with knowledge and our hearts stay unchanged and He can just decide to save Himself the trouble of showing up in an obvious way.
That’s a facebook status. Beautifully said and I love it! Lord please don’t let my head get bigger than my heart! Change my heart!
I loved that! I am a group leader @ WBS and honestly there have been nights I was operating out of my effort, and you know what, I couldn’t feel HIM like I could on those nights that we were all leaning and looking to HIM. HE NEVER QUITS! In my experience HE has sat back, as in, “well if your not going o invite me” Gnarly feeling – but so glad I learned it early!
That James 3:1 thing is exactly what worries me about all my friends and mentors saying that they believe that I’m called to teach. KO tried to hint at it one day when I said something and then shook my head and said, “Sometimes I think God could really use me if I’d learn to SHUT UP!” She said back to me, “Did it ever occur to you that maybe God wants to use your voice.” I, of course, had no clue what my dear sweet mentor (she wasn’t my mentor yet, but soon was) was trying to tell me. She knew that I was struggling with wondering what my gifts are and how God wants me to use them. And you’ve got to understand, of all the gifts, that’s the one I DIDN’T want! Encouragemnet, I can do that Lord, really! I can. You know, never mind that people look at me like I’ve just stabbed them every time I open my mouth. I really don’t mean to be mean to be people and I never say anything intending to be mean, really. And I ask too many questions. I’m sorry, I like to know things. I’m interested in people. I really am, but apparently they don’t want me to know anything. Probably cause I like to blog so much and I might write about it. Although, mostly I just write about myself, which is why no one reads my blog. Maybe if I wrote about other people they’d read it. But my problem is I desperately need people to encourage me! I do not take criticism well. It gets turned into self-condemnation and I wallow in it for a while! I don’t think I could take the criticism that comes with what you do. Why, Lord, why do I have this gift? And my poor husband wishes I was normal. He hates all the attention that is drawn to him, because I talk about us. Not in details, just in general. I try not to, but it happens.
I honestly needed to see those faces today. We have been going through such a tough season at our church for such a long time. Women’s bible study has been what holds me together and every so often I just need to see the faces of others who keep pushing on to the glory of God.
My friend and I do women’s retreats and you are absolutely right – God makes us live it if we are going to speak it. And it seems he likes us to have a fresh dose at that even if we lived it out before. We often joke that we are going to start doing retreats on the perfect vacation!
Thanks and many blessings to you and all the other wild women
Kim
“…It’s about a move of the Spirit on the hearts of so many who have come to love Christ ALL THE MORE because His WORDS became SPIRIT and LIFE to them.”
Beth, I love what you wrote here–sums up the very reason I love listening and reading what you share because you continually speak God’s WORD and hold it up above your own–and his true disciples bear witness. Thank you, thank you, for your faithful service to HIM.
You go girls! Studying together in God’s word–what a blessing! Thanks Beth for a fresh word of encouragement and speaking truth. I have been going through some trials of late and even at one point the thought crossed my mind that it really isn’t worth the trouble. I know better and believe it even mnore that the work of God is worth it and is a blessing and a spiritual blast!! I too love the book of James and can’t wait for this study to come out. Enjoy your time together and keep those fingers typing. Carla
Beth – I can’t find words (and that doesn’t happen often) to tell you how much your service to Him has meant to me. Speaking of pictures, I have one of you and me sitting on my night stand. (I had the privilege of meeting you several years ago at an event in Chattanooga.) It is a reminder every day when I look at it of how much I’ve learned studying God’s word through your Bible studies but more importantly, a reminder that I found freedom – His truth has set me free 🙂
My computer is off line – so on my I-phone. Loved the post! Love you, and Siestaville, but especially love Jesus!
Warm in Alaska,
being on your iphone gave you a “new” face!! so glad your ‘real’ identity is in Christ! smile.
Thank you Beth for reminding me that we need to love our brothers (and sisters) in Christ. How easy that is for us to forget when dealing with emotions and flesh. I have had a bad experience at church this week and was wondering how to handle it. Now I know, JUST LOVE. That is what Christ Jesus calls us to do and that’s what I will do and allow Him to heal and to deal with the situation, this blog today was meant for me.
Thanks for the reminder and have fun with all your family this week.
Rebecca
It’s encouraging to remember you fight being offended in ministry too… Quite a lonely place at times. Praying for you. See you in Richmond!
Oh yes.
What an encouragement you are by sharing what it takes for you to put together such God-inspired Bible studies. It is so easy to take for granted that God just plops the message right in front of you while you let your fingers type/write furiously what He puts on your heart. How refreshing to know that you are so very committed to keep on searching, and to share what you have learned with countless souls! It is no wonder God uses you, and now your beautiful daughters to spread His word around the globe. I am so thankful for your ministry, you have no idea what it means to me to have been able to dig deeper into His word thanks to your untiring dedication. I cannot wait to dig into the study on James when you’ve completed it. For now, I have to get back into digging into our moving boxes, which have taken a life of their own! It is good to know that I’m not alone as I take on making our new house into a home that glorifies God.
Still Settling in-in Tuscaloosa…
Donna B.
P.S. I love listening to Travis C’s “Jesus Saves” live CD as I unpack and organize!
Beth,
I just wanted to send you a message about a current “issue” that I see women battling. It has me astounded and I was wondering if it was on your radar. The movie/book Eat Pray Love has picked up so much momentum. I have heard women refer to it as their “bible” and claim it has changed their lives. The messsage and content is a terrible lie satan is using to try to mislead them away from a relationship with the one true God and rob them of what He values most (marriage, family, selflessness). Eat Pray Love is giving me indigestion in my spirit!
Christine
Christine!
Beth did her own version of “Eat Pray Love” in Lexington KY last week! Look up these verses and dig in!! You’ll be blessed. The REAL ANSWER is in God’s Word, not on the big screen 🙂 Hallelujah.
-EAT 1: Jeremiah 2:7a
-EAT 2: Jeremiah 15:16
-PRAY 1: Jeremiah 29:12
-PRAY 2: Jeremiah 33:3
-LOVE 1: Jeremiah 31:3
-LOVE 2: Jeremiah 33:11
Thank you so much…I will definitely look up these scriptures!!
Love that! Thanks for sharing it.
CC
Thanks! I just saw the movie last week and enjoyed it, but I was wanting this very thing! God provides.
Christine, How funny that you posted about Eat, Pray, Love! I have not read the secular book but Beth shared this very message last Friday and Saturday at LPL here in Lexington and I am still being blessed by her teaching. Her EAT, PRAY, LOVE was about Israel’s search for everything through Israel, Egypt, and Exile based on the book of Jeremiah. Here are the scripture “addresses” EAT Jer. 2:7A and Jer. 15:16
PRAY Jer. 29:12 and Jer. 33:3 and LOVE Jer. 31:3 and Jer. 33:11. May God lead these women away from the LIAR and to God’s truth.
Linda
Thank you Linda for the “addresses” and your encouraging words! It sounds like Lexington received an awesome message…God is faithful!
Thank you for this post. Community among believers is such a blessing. Just today I had a free day without both of my boys here and had all kinds of things I could have done, maybe should have done. I met with someone I’m discipling this morning and had lunch with a new friend who lost her two year old son in May. I’m thankful for those two opportunities. Other stuff can wait. Thanks for your encouragement. I’m facilitating your Esther study this fall and can’t wait! Love you Beth!
Beth, thanks so much for checking in with us! It continues to amaze me the amount of research, writing and love that goes into one of your studies! Thank you for all you, Melissa and Amanda do to give us just ONE study!
I’m glad that Melissa and Colin will be here for the week, sorry it’s so blasted hot, but I guess they were having that kind of weather in Hotlanta! The blessing here is that they’re with Family!! Enjoy this time of visiting and researching.
Those are great reminders for any of us who are involved in ministry and try to do justice to God’s Word when we present it… It’s not about me, it’s just about God and those whom He has blessed to have ears to hear!
By the way, my prelim. tests came back clean, Thank you Lord! One other request though, my friend Glo who recently finished surgery, chemo and treatment for breast cancer had word from her oncologist that her mammogram came back abnormal. She’s not a believer, although she’s surrounded by them, and we’ve all been doing our best to reach out to her in this tough time. Pray we will have wisdom to know how to encourage her and share Jesus’ love with her through this cancer struggle!
And my mom’s surgery went great. She was happy to wake up and feel a new and different kind of pain from the surgery rather than an achy-arthritic hip…I’m praying she has a new lease on life at the young age of 62!
Thanks Beth and Melissa for your work on the new study. I did James with my youth on a blog a couple of summers ago. Great content, very challenging for us to walk the talk!I’m looking forward to your take on it.
Have a blessed weekend! I’m heading out for a few hours in the combine while my hubby plays the bagpipes at our local Relay for Life event. Lord willing we will finish harvest this evening! Praise You Father for a successful, safe and bountiful harvest!
blessings beth!! how beautiful to have melissa studying next to you! i can’t wait for james 🙂 i’ll be praying for you both~ traci
How truly delightful!! Have a great weekend:-)
Hey Beth,
This post made me think. Especially about two things. First, you said, “…If we don’t, He finally just quits attending the study.” I find that hard to believe. It doesn’t sound like God to leave us especially if He loves us and wants us to have a closer relationship with Him. But at the same time, I believed you because I find it so frustrated not knowing what God is trying to tell me or is He actually with me (or not) when I’m trying to communicate Him with by saying my prayers or reading God’s word.
Second, I came across a verse sometime last week saying that we shouldn’t be jealous of other Christians and their close relationships with God & the spiritual gifts they have been given by God. So, I’m working on trying not to be jealous of other Christians and only to concentrate on myself and do the best I can having a honest relationship with God & also to do the best I can using the gift that I have been given to glorify for God. Then I read about what you said, “When we quit being different, we quit being disciples.” and it hit me. Thanks for reminding me that God made us all women so different and that He has given us each a different purpose/gift and we should do it wholeheartedly with our hearts to show that we love and serve God. And quit worrying about why we’re different from everybody else and be happy with what we each have & who we are because God created us exactly who we are in His image, that He loves us and wouldn’t change one thing about us.
Thanks and have a wonderful weekend Beth!
I should have been clearer, Leah. He certainly never leaves us or forsakes us, but I’m talking about the sense of His presence around us or His anointing upon us. Those are things I believe He can withdraw if we persist in a group with no willingness to be changed by His Word. I’ll rephrase that now.
When I think of the young high school and middle school girls the Lord has allowed me to serve for such a time as this, I get overwhelmed. There are maybe 150? Fifteen maybe that I really get to know. That alone overwhelms me and keeps me honest and on my toes. I can’t imagine the “burden” you feel at times for the WIDE variety of ladies that the Lord has allowed you to serve all over the world. What a blessing and huge undertaking at the same time. I pray for you often, friend. Thank you for your ministry and for being an example to me of how to serve and love in a genuine way. It’s not easy, but it’s one of the greatest privileges. I love you!
I have such respect for what you do, Lindsee Lou. I love how you let God use you however and whenever. That’s the only way it really works. You are a mighty woman of God and He finds great delight in the way you invest in those young lives.
Hi Lindsee- Praying for your girls today! I too have the joy and privilege of serving high school girls (such fun isn’t it) and have felt recently the “weight” of the responsibility given to me…so often they comment that they want my opinion about something, “Really” is often what I think. Just humbles you and makes me pray harder that the words that come out of my mouth are pleasing in his sight and not a hindrance to their growth and desire to know Him. May your time with them be blessed!
God is so good! And you are such a blessing! Enjoy your week with your baby!
O Beth, all I can say is that we who are at the receiving end of women’s ministry are the privileged ones. Bless you all for your faithfulness to God.
I watched the last Esther DVD today. So sad, I also hate it when your studies come to an end. I facilitate a women’s group that meets on A Wednesday morning so like to be a step ahead.(Sorry to write all this on the blog but not sure how else to contact you.) Anyway, I was flicking through the Extras & watched your interview with the Rabbi. Fascinating! You asked about God being present in Esther & the Rabbi mentioned a few ways – I think. (At this stage supper was going to be late so I was multi tasking!!!) I have a commentary on Esther written by a Jewish lady who knows Jesus as the Messiah. She states that God’s name is not entirely absent from the text. One of her examples is exactly what the Rabbi said about Esther being clothed with the Holy Spirit & the king she approached was the Heavenly King.But there are many others. If you would like a copy of this book & I am able to get one, I will happily send it to you. My e-mail address is [email protected]. Don’t want to hog the blog. So wish I could meet with you & talk to you face to face? But isn’t it wonderful that we can connect like this? So looking forward to the study on James. Will be praying for you & Melissa as you do this thing.
Much love
Colleen
“Oh, that we’d never forget – Oh, Lord, that I’d never forget – that we don’t serve the page. We serve people. We serve the Author.”…THAT is going on a frame on MY desk!
Lord, don’t let me write a word that isn’t Yours!!
I’m in tears again, dang it. This blog gets me every time.
Thank you once again, Mrs. Beth.
And please, nobody tell my mother I said dang it.
Ok, I won’t tell her… this time. Funny 🙂
Michele, I hope you have a blessed birthday and enjoy that free burrito!
What a beautiful group in the photo … I SO love LifeWay!
I know you’ll enjoy having Melissa there!
Love to all,
Shelli
What’s really cool (if these are the same ladies that were meeting at LifeWay this morning) is that I opened the doors for several ladies this morning while coming into work (at LifeWay) and they said their were here for the cities conference. I didn’t know what they were talking about…until now!
It’s amazing how many lives God touches through you. My mother and I have done many of your studies together. She is in the process of fighting pancreatic cancer right now. Please pray for her and our family as we fight with her. Her name is Frances. We live in a small community outside Nashville.
It is the very same ladies, Deborah! How fun to have you chime in! I deeply appreciate what all of you do at LifeWay. I am going to pray for your sweet mom right now.
“And there are so many others out there across this globe who are willing to believe that their weaknesses are not strong enough to keep God from using them.”
Miss Beth,
I am always blessed by your posts and look forward to reading every one. Thank you for taking the time out of your crazy busy schedule to communicate with this community.
I loved this closing remark. How frequently we let fear and our own weakness eclipse the available power of God!
When I think of how fearful I was to even attend my first Bible study it is almost laughable that I now lead them with great joy! God is amazing!
Have a blessed weekend. Enjoy working in tandem with your daughter. What a gift that must be (I certainly wish I had the ability to translate original language – I am admittedly envious of her hard-earned knowledge!). We will be restarting our study groups about the time you start writing your new study. We will be sure to remember you in our prayers.
Nancy J
Such a word I so needed today. Oh Beth.
Thanks.
Pam xo
That’ll preach! I’m putting it on my frige:
MY WEAKNESSES AREN’T STRONG ENOUGH TO KEEP GOD FROM USING ME!
That also strings your message from Wedesdays lesson on Life Today that I love….”stop letting guilt block your healing.”
God, as Mama Beth puts together this new study for us and on Your behalf, give her divine appointments of encouragement along the way that are intimate to her heart. Amen!
Believing God to do immeasurably more then we can even imagine! Love ya’ll
Thank you sweet Beth.
Much love,
Deidra
I am having an AWESOME day! I met a friend for lunch, and between my ADD and some caffeine, she was very entertained trying to keep up with the conversation. I LOVE it when you post! Have a great time with your Melissa and Colin this week! I am looking forward to the day when my daughter no longer thinks I know nothing, and loses some of her attitude.(She is 16 now,’nough said). I am more frustrated with the way I act when I am around her. I don’t mean to give the impression that it is horrible all the time, we do have our moments, but you would think I would be able to do better. Sorry, didn’t mean to be a downer today, it really has been a great day.
I was surprised at the confusion about your comment about God not showing up at a Bible study. It is curious how certain things are read and others are missed. Not trying to be critical or judgemental, just making an observation. Have a great weekend, Everyone!
Beth, great post. However, I was saddened to see that there was not any racial diversity on that team of yours. Even being in ministry, which is often an uncomfortable place, it is often too easy to remain inside our comfort zones.
I so agree with you, Sara, although the picture of the volunteer city coordinators is not necessarily a picture of their city teams or gatherings. You would be blessed by our Tuesday night Bible study which continues to grow in diversity, praise to God alone.
Yeah It amazes me too! Useful even when we feel useless. When that washes over you…it changes everything.
Beth,
How wonderful that you and Melissa can grow in Him together in such a unique way. I retired from teaching Sunday School in June after teaching 2nd and 3rd graders for 9 years. They were a blessing, but I felt led to step away and spend that time when I’d be teaching, studying with my mom! We both feel led to do that, but are still praying for what we should study as we begin in September.
God bless you and your family!
This post came just as I was trying to figure out whether to just do a bible study at home alone this fall instead of driving to another city when I have SO much to do. But of all the things I think of as so important, currently I can’t think of any more than fellowship. Thanks for the insight.
An off the wall question though, will you be doing a formal taping of James at a host church like you did with the Patriarchs and Breaking Free or will it be your Tuesday night group in Houston again–or have you even thought that far???
Hi, Traci! Planning for it to be in Houston in the early Spring semester, God willing.
Are you currently accepting applications for early Spring semester? Just kidding. Well, no not really. Do we all wish we could be “home girls” now and then? Don’t worry. My man and my hairdo wouldn’t tolerate the humidity. Still…
So how do we sign up to be in the audience!!!!!!!
[email protected] am I registered now? hee hee
Thank you for loving us so hard. Your example explains why God requires it. Love will tell a person you are for them and not just for yourself. It matters because it’s a real gift from God.
:O) Thanks for sharing this today. It’s nice to meet the people who help make the events possible.
And, I will pray for you and Melissa as you work through James – Personally, I can’t wait – it is one of my favorite books. Even today God spoke to me through it,, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (4:8).
Life can be tricky sometimes right? LOL – but knowing God is there to draw near too & having this reminder of why we are called to do what we do via your post helps keep me going. So thanks!
I love you siestas!
Beth,
THANK YOU! God spoke a word to me through this post!!! Our small group from church is going to the mall in a few hours to share the gospel with those who will listen. To say I’m nervous is a HUGE understatement :o) I have liked the study so far, but to actually go DO IT?!?!?! What you said about not serving the page was so convicting. If I don’t love people enough to get over my fears and show compassion by sharing the truth with them… How could I possibly say that I love God?? Wow. Thanks, Beth. God answered my prayers with this post today. God bless you!!
I love all the passion for people that we each have here in this community, it makes you feel right at home.
God is working in my life. He has me in a season that I can’t quite seem to figure out. Life is amazing, and I praise Him for it; however, I know He must be disappointed in me at times because I’ve let my quiet time slip away. I mean, I have worship time in the car on my drive in to work…but it’s just not the same as feeling those pages of my Bible and reading those words that I’ve been allowed to build my life on. I pray that when I move into my own apartment (because I’ve been living with different people throughout this year…(recent grad here)) …I pray that I’m able to pick up again and soak in every bit of Him and find a home church in the city that I’m living in and connect and plug in and find my spot of ministry. I can’t wait. It’s so excited… lots of praying to so though.
Miranda,
Girl. I am there too. Eccl. 3:1 spoken, and seeing it loud and clear. I think also Eph 6:11- to the shield of faith…Because while this is a teaching season on this end, I know God is about to do something amazing because satan is trying his best to get his paws on HIS plan. Will be on my knees for the both of us:)