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.
WOO HOOOOOOOO!!!!! I’m pretty happy I was alone bc I was fist pumping when I read that Beth and Melissa are doing a study on the Book of James!!!!! I’m currently studying, reading, breaking down and absorbing James in my private times with God. To know that I get to be led and taught by Beth and Melissa (and I’m sure so many other beautiful Spirit filled people) that I am deeply excited. I can hardly wait!
Also want to add that I’m so blessed by this community of truly lovely women who share themselves in fellowship and I am just happy to be a part of it.
This post ministered to me, and was one that hit me between the eyes full force with something I need to work on.
“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.”
Uh. OH. I have been missing the point with some folks. I need to do some repenting, and rethinking. I sure needed this. Thanks Beth, even when it hurts.
I am so thankful for community! I started Breaking Free back when I was 8 months pregnant and just finished it!!! My son is now 6 months old. It took a little longer than I expected..haha. Thanks to God, your Bible study,ladies in my Bible study and people at my church, I am seeing chains broken and strongholds of sin demolished. I recently wrote on my blog that “The Lord is the stronghold of my life” (Ps. 27:1). I pray that will always be true. Thanks for always serving us women!
if you want to check out my blog it is pencilleddaydream.wordpress.com
Lord God,
Continue to strengthen Beth and Melissa in their inner man through the Holy Spirit as they prepare to write. May Your strength be made perfect in both of them. Fill them with all the fullness of You. Guide their thoughts as they listen to You. Give them the courage to write what You want them to say to Your people.
*Bless both of you for writing a study on the book of James. For me personally, it has been a constant challenge towards changing my actions AND changing the way I think. To have the mind of Christ is a bit harder than it sounds. Aren’t we all so honored to have an instruction book? I do love seeing how living for Him is constantly changing my awful things/attitudes…areas that I absolutely know I did/do not have the strength or even “want to” to change. How does one really describe what it means to truly live for Him?
Ok…challenge time for all school teachers. We are about to, once again, apply any truths we learned this summer…the minute those kiddos walk through the door. YIKES!:)
Beth,
I love that fact that you look at those photos and use them to help you remember that you are ministering to real people, with real hurts, suffering real loss and that face real danger. My husband is a pastor and it makes him so upset (and me too) when we hear people proclaiming a “health and wealth” gospel. Would you they be able to preach that same message in the orphanages of Africa or in the secret church in China? God’s word will preach itself but we have to be very careful in our proclamation. To quote my husband, “the whole counsel of God, you have to preach the whole counsel of God.”
Love you dearly! Hope to see you in B-Ham!
Ditto! via a fellow pastor’s wife(: Oh. I love my hubs. He is so faithful to teach the Word.
Well, first of all, I LOVE that Melissa is translating the Book of James *right now.* You Moore women are such an inspiration! You should get tee-shirts made saying, “Gorgeous Geeks for Jesus!”
I also LOVE the fact that one of those Sisters in the photo is someone who is working hard to organize our Sister (Siesta!) Beth coming all the way up to New England this fall!! You can hardly know what a thrill it is to us up here in this rather barren land (spiritually) to have you come minister to us and share with us. God bless you, Beth, AND this team of dedicated servants who help make your ministry logistics work in the various locales. SOOOO grateful for them!
Overwhelming! You know Lives will be touched, Lives will be changed…this is really big. I can see God working already. This means, peace, not pride, humility, preseverance, surrendering to His love and meeting specific needs. How encouraging, How exciting,…It’s God’s power, God’s strength, and complete, total surrender to our God.
We need to join together and pray for these ladies.
God is pouring out His will and His love!
“who are willing to believe their weaknesses are not strong enough to keep God from using them.”
Amen Sister. This says it all.
Beth, This spoke to me in so many ways. Praise the Lord your ministry of Bible Study publications and my salvation began about the same time.
Oh, Miss Beth…
As always, you managed to touch my heart and provoke my mind…thank you!
Ministry would not be ministry without community! At risk of sounding harsh and cold-hearted, I must say that it would be very much like talking to hear our own selves talk. And there’s not much glory to God in that!
“When we quit being different, we quit being disciples.” Yes and Amen! I am so very grateful that I am different — different because my sins were washed away by the blood of Jesus! Thanks be to God for that precious, precious gift.
And again, thanks to you, for your transparency and honesty. You bless me to no end.
Staci
WOOOOOO!!!
I sat here with my muscles just jumping and my hands clapping. Your words are so true, dear Beth! I am so excited to see God move this coming year..even in the next few weeks and months. With me, yes, but with each and everyone of the families that I am so blessed to have- both home and at school!!
It’s hard to ask ourselves the hard questions, but we have to…and we come to know God more and more. My soul has just been at the ready this week. I’m aching to start the next chapter He has for me!
Beth,
I had to just get on here and tell u what happened today!!! I have read the blog for awhile now and asked questions occasionally, but never thought that God would accept me! Guess what?!! I asked Jesus to come into my heart and take over my life!! He did!! I finally have peace after hitting rock bottom this morning! My question now is what bible should I get? I have no background in any of this and I just want to learn!! All I know is that Jesus saved me today and reached down to the bottom of my pit and lifted me out!!
I am so happy for you! Nothing in the world could be more important than that. Do you know what I think you should do? If you’ve got a LifeWay Christian Store in your city, go to it and just look through the Bibles and read a few chapters out of various translations and see what you can understand. Of the more formal versions, you can’t beat ESV but if you can’t understand it, it won’t do you a lot of good. We give away Life Application NIV’s at our Tuesday night Bible studies and at the Living Proof Live events because they are easy to understand and include basic commentary on the bottom half of every page. You might really like it. May Christ stir up a ferocious appetite in you for His Word, Sweet Thing.
This is wonderful news! We serve a wonderful God! Isn’t there nothing like being forgiven?? -Taylor
Dear Country Fried,
Welcome home sweet sister!!! You have no idea the celebration occurring in heaven over your decision! Lean in to the arms of the Savior and find some good Christian friends and church to begin to feast on the Bread of Life!
May it be well with your soul.
Peace,
Cynthia
Welcome “Country Fried” to God’s family! I had tears as I read your post. Praise the Lord a new Sister.
That is awesome news!!! Heaven is rejoicing over you!
Praise God! Welcome to the family of God! When I read this the hairs on my arms stood up thinking about the angels in heaven rejoicing over you!
Dear Siesta “Country Fried”,
Welcome to God’s Forever Family! What a joy to know Jesus reached down and brought you out of the pit and into life and that more abundantly! My prayers are with you as you move forward in your journey, and first and foremost, you find the perfect Bible, that speaks to your heart language, and learn to spend time alone with Him each and every day as you read your “mapbook” for the journey.
Hugs in Him,
Pam H.
I am so happy for you, Country Fried…you are so welcome in God’s family! I have used a variety of Bibles, but I agree with Beth. My NIV Life Application Study Bible is the one I generally reach for…best money I ever spent!
Yes, amazing- wish you could have witnessed the responses at my house last night as my small group of Episcopal,Presbyterian, Catholic and Methodist friends watched and discussed your and Dr. Evans teachings from the Oak Cliff retreat- Oh, those storms!!!!
The discussion was rich- those who have not studied with you, couldn’t believe that you continue to have “fresh” messages- Your communication skills grounded in your brilliant ability to research, pray and write as you prepare for your audiences, is just FABULOS! If you had decided to be an attorney- my my my
Your personal healing and freedom that produced a “game change” within your family are what continue to draw me to your studies. God “told” me that he would send me some of his finest teachers, if I keep Jesus Christ as the bedrock of my focus. His messengers have been electic to say the least. Everyone from a fine Georgia Prophet to silent retreats with Thomas Keating and the monks at St. Benedicts Monestary.
Persoanl intimacy with Christ appears to be the #1 priority that he desires in my life. As a
“doer” that is often foreign to my way of thinking, but I am now convinced my “doing” will come out of my intimacy with my Jesus-
I never take for granted your teachings and the level of work you invest in giving us your BEST. Please tell Melissa we are excited that she is adding her expertise and time to your next study- God bless you and your dear loved ones and thank you! Have a great weekend.
I’m a do-er. I like to-do lists. I like accomplishments. I was reminded AGAIN today that life is more about those small God moments we had today rather than how much we got accomplished at work. It’s more about that sister we talked to on the phone and prayed with, and the gentleman in the convenience store(where I work)telling him about the Beth Moore Bible study that his wife might be interested it. It’s about running into that friend that you’ve been longing to see at a restaurant with your family. It’s about the little things. I’m glad that I saw them today instead of being bogged down by the to-do lists as I am more often than I like to admit.
This is a letter that was written by a preacher’s wife (Pearl) awhile back on this post.
I wish will all my heart I could say I had made a true friend SOMEWHERE. My husband and I are in full time ministry and it seems like we are so ineffective. So many give vocal support for the work yet aren’t committed in actions-unless they don’t have anything else to do. We try not to get disappointed when everything else interferes with their commitments to the Lord, but today I’m all out of good attitude. Help me, Jesus.
I think being in a pastoral position somehow precludes close friendships. If we spend too much time with one family we get criticized for having a “clique.” If we try to spend equal time with everyone we get criticized because we don’t spend enough time with anyone.
If we stay home and mind our own business people just flat leave…
And I could never say any of these things to anyone in our church. Boy, do I sound like I’m having a pity party or what?
We’re having a cookout tonight for our adult Bible class and tomorrow we’re going to a picnic for pregnancy center volunteers. Sunday my family is coming for dinner. So I’m just sitting her bawling while I wait for the kitchen floor to dry. I need a word from the Lord.
______________________________________________________
Now, I don’t know what you think of this letter, but it really made me think __how many other preacher’s wives feel this same way. What can we do as church members to prevent this from happening in our churches? This brings tears to my eyes, Preachers and their wives have every right to be friends with whomever they would like. They are not here to please all of us. We need to support our churches , our Pastor and his family. We also need to stop being critical and negative, instead we should be encouraging and praying for one another.
I shared this letter on my facebook and a pastor’s wife from another church had some of the same feelings.
LISTEN, preacher wives, Bible leaders, Women leaders whatever the ministry__they are people too and you deserve to be treated with love and respect.
We thank you and we love you.
Also, the problem with my gift is that my mom barely likes me as it is because I am so different from the rest of the family. She’s never really liked me much, but if I did what you do even publicly in my own little town, she’d hate me!
Hey Shellie,
I couldn’t help but respond to your comment. I come from a very large family and I too am very different. I’m also blessed to belong to a very large family of faith with whom I not only do church, but life. I think some of them also think I’m a little peculiar, nonetheless, I hope you’ll hear the enthusiasm in my voice when I say I love Sundays, and I love the body of Christ, especially the members I hang out with on Sundays and sometimes Wednesday nights. One of the blessings of belonging to a large faith family is the many opportunities and resources available. One such opportunity is a class offered through our Life Discovery ministry titled, “The Mom Factor.” I want to reccommend the book by the same title written by Doctors Henry Cloud and John Townsend, the authors of Boundaries, which is also an excellent book. I haven’t read the book yet, but I did check it out online at Christianbook.com. From one different sister to another, you’ll be in my thoughts and prayers.
I hope your day is blessed.
Patti Hayes
Well, today I don’t think I passed my test.While I was with my daughter at Wendy’s, There was a man standing in line in front of me who had such an odor of alcohol. I was distracted by it. I did manage to notice he only bought a frosty with dimes and nickles. After he left, I thought shame on me!! I should of asked him if he wanted a hamburger and buy it for him. I judged him first. I didn’t love him first.
I read my Bible tonight. Guess what fell onto my lap..
Hear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Psalm 86:1
Thank you Father God for your unfailing love!
Shannon
Can I go off subject? How do I respond when my 19 year old babysitter tells me she’s pregnant? She hasn’t told me, I saw it on her roommate’s (our Asst. Children’s pastor) blog. I am admitingly very judgmental and I don’t want to be, but I am so disappointed. I’m the mom of a 10 year old girl that looks up to her….advise me Siestas!
Heather,
I am hesitant to reply because I don’t want my words to be taken the wrong way. I grew up in a very critical family, and I still fight the knee-jerk judgements I can make in a nano second. Something that helps me is to remember,that while I may not have done what the other person did, I have sinned just as much. And that makes me grateful to God for His forgiveness of MY sins. I would definitely start with asking God to give me the words for when the time comes that your baby sitter tells you. I would also pray for the baby sitter, for her to make good choices for her and her baby, for her to rely on God for strength and to continue to seek Him…the list could go on forever. I would also ask God to speak to me and guide me through His Word as I read the Bible. When difficult situations came up when my girls were younger,I would try to explain in as simple of terms as I could. I tried hard not to sound condemning because I want to break that cycle, and I would reassure them that there wasn’t anything they could do that would cause God to love them any less. I don’t know if this helps at all. I will be praying for all of you.
Dearest Beth, I feel so blessed that you and Melissa would write these studies for all of us to learn about how to be more effective in our walk with Christ. I so appreciate your tenderness and love for us!
I heard Angela Thomas a couple of years ago at the Gull Lake Women’s retreat here in Kalamazoo and she is so sweet and has been through a lot.
Love you,
Rhonda
Hey Rhonda,
Where do you live in MI? I am also from the Portage/K-zoo area. Just curious. Joan
Thanks so much for leading us by example – I will chewing on these wise words for a long while.
One of the things I love about this blog is one post (jury duty) can make me laugh so hard (finger prints still on the cup) and the very next one can cause such needed challenge and introspection and just desire for God to make my heart more like His. (If we don’t love…)
And I very much get how He can withdraw His annointing w/o without leaving us or withdrawing the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit. I have lived that so it is not hard to wrap my mind around that one.
Thanks also for the continues glimpses into how a study comes together. I have such love and admiration for you, your family, and all the Lord acomplishes through you.
CC
CC
Dear Beth,
This was an anointed blog. Praising Jesus! I’m leading your The Inheritance study this fall. I am writing homework for it and doing some speaking. We will have 130 women. I have felt so isolated all summer as I prepare. Your words of being set apart and the seriousness of ministry was soothing and path straightening. This is a new venture, a calling and terribly scary with my inadequacies but resting in the knowledge that Jesus is fully able to workHis glory through them. Thank you again for continuing to be His instrument of truth.
Siestaville is a favorite community in my life. God has especially worked in my life through one siesta in particular I met earlier this year. God’s actually leading us to start a ministry together! Through a blog…who woulda thought!
Speaking of siestas and community and special pictures, I was wondering if anyone knows when the siesta group picture from Lexington will be available? Can’t wait to see it and print it and frame it!
Love and prayers to all!
It’s cool that you would share this for “such a time asa this” as it correlates to what’s happening in my own life. Community is something I’ve fallen short on lately. Blame it on menopause, a wonderful hubby with a debilating disability, a sick MIL that I am looking after, or even the five kids. There was a time, that I was able to still find the balance of juggling all this and still find time for community with my sisters. Lately, I have pulled back and almost isolated, for more reasons than I have time to mention on here. Still, that’s where I am. It’s almost like I didn’t go out on the given day and collect manna. I’ve just been feeding off of yesterday’s haul. Admittedly, it doesn’t taste as good as the fresh stuff. As Sarah Palin eloquently puts it, I am retreating, and not really reloading. It’s funny when you are in a place like this. When you are seeking God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength, you expand in so many ways. But when you retreat into yourself, you become the Incredible Shrinking Woman. I think, that just being able to get it out here is going to be instrumental in my healing process. I do ask my Siestas to pray for me. Thanks! I love you all and may God bless you!
I’m praying Chantal.
My heart is so full of joy as I think about the body of Christ, especially my sisters. I believe it pleases the Father to see us celebrate the community we have together all because of HIM! Together we can praise, pray, study, cry, laugh, serve, suffer, break free, sing, shout, and be all that He created us to be. So amazing!
I pray, Beth, that you and Melissa find rest in the Father as you prepare to write this study. There you will hear His heart for you and this study.
Be blessed!
Thank you! God is doing a work and I don’t want to miss it!
Yesterday I went to the National Cryptologic Museum at Ft. Meade MD (DC) which until just fairly recently didn’t officially exist.
The museum is of items used in wars and national security to decipher codes and is very complex. The most brilliant of minds often took months to decipher codes while other codes were almost instantly deciphered.
I thought of both you and Melissa as we came to the Greek section. They also had a section about codes in the Bible. This was fascinating.
While you may not be deciphering codes I’m sure to most of us what you are doing seems cryptic.
Enjoy your visit and say a little prayer that my flight is on time from DC to Atlanta and that I actually get to fly out the same day and go home to Branson. When I arrived a little over a week ago I had to stay all night in Atlanta and lost a day of my trip.
Just reading the descriptions of who the ladies are in the photos made me pause and go back and read again. I just felt overwhelmed with the community of believers. Living in such a rural setting, it is so easy to get caught up in what is just right around me.
Oh I just love being a part of God’s family…
but I loved how you said ‘we serve the Author not the page…we serve people and how there is no such thing as ministry without community’. I admit this hit me hard. Community is community no matter how large or small.
I needed the reminder this morning! Also about being intolerant of my own cynicsm…Oh may the Holy Spirit just clobber it out of me. Thank you.
Blessings,
michelle in VT
One more thing we as women experience is the GRIEF we feel when we take our baby to college…WOW! I lost it on the drive home, along with my husband. We were basket cases. Can I get a witness?
Thanks for your post Beth! I too have been so blessed by a small group of women this summer as we have been working through “Beloved Disciple” together. There are just three of us…I met them this summer as we are each in a year of training to be elementary teachers. We are all different but we come together in unity and feel God’s presence as we learn and grow together. This is the first study of Beth’s I have done and boy, have I developed a deeper and more enthusiastic craving for the Word of God! Thank you for your devotion to writing these studies Beth. You and Melissa will be in my prayers as you work on this James study. Praise God for his wonderful Word and the beauty of studying it in community!!!!
I love you Beth Moore and your obedience to Christ. It never fails to inspire me to keep going and I agree that we so desparately need each other in this life. Isolation from the body is a great tool of the enemy of our souls. Thank you dear sister!
“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…”
How I praise God for that! He uses those of us who are truly broken vessels so that HIS glory and power might show through us. What an undeserved, unspeakable, amazing gift!
So happy to hear you and Melissa are studying and preparing together this week. No doubt both of you are in Heaven! Can’t wait to see the fruit of that!
This time last week, I was heading home from the Lexington conference with an overflowing heart. Wish I could put into words how much God’s Word through you has resonated and strengthened me this week.
Much love to you Siesta Mama!
I needed these words this morning as I am mulling over my Simulcast To-Do list and wondering how everything will get done and the word will reach the right people to show up. God is in the details and He is bigger than my own strength. You reminded me just who I am doing this for! Thank you Sister!!!
Beth and all siestas please pray for the Edmonson family….just found out that the Daddy of three young girls and a young boy was killed n a car accident this morning. The mother is left with the family to see about and her husband was only 38 years old. So, I am asking some people that I know understand and will lift them up in your prayers. The Dad had just started a new tree cutting business and I think the mom was helping him do that. Their oldest daughter just started 9th grade with my son……Beth, I cried when my Andrew started 9th grade but how bad I feel for this young mother as she faces so much more than a daughter starting 9th grade. Please pray for the Edmonson family. Thank you…..sorry, I didnt mean to go so long 🙂
Janet, I am so soo sorry about this family’s tragedy. Please know that I am praying. I will also pray for you as you minister and comfort them.
Janet, I am praying for the Edmonson family and their tragic loss. I am thankful you are there for them.
I will be praying for them. Thanks for sharing this.
I’ve read this post more than once, and have cried more than once. I love your heart for ministry. It is a blessing and a challenge to me!
Also — WHOO-HOO! We are excited that you are coming to Arkansas. I see my sweet friend in that photo, and I am thrilled to be serving on the team for your event here. We are praying for hearts to be touched and lives to be changed.
three quick things
1- the book of James study – how wonderful. -mom and daughter book even more wonderful wonderful,
2- I love that you are so real,
3- pre Richmond meeting- woman I just met today – Alicia Creel said husband gave her a ticket to Richmond next week in Feb as her Valentine’s Day gift – how cool is that ..
see you next week.
Today I was pushing back the tears as I read your post. I so needed a word from Him today and through you He provided it. My husband, a missions pastor, and I spend most of our time working with inner city children, youth and some adults. We had an event that rocked our world this past week which involved some of our youth. I won’t get into the details but we found ourselves struggling with doubt. But your words put things back into perspective. We must continue to serve because He will provide the strength we need in times of trial. I feel so unworthy of this position He has called me to but I love the ones I serve so much because of Him.
I am coming to the pastors wives conference next week in Richmond which I am so excited about and of course I am staying to “see” my siesta mama whom I love so much!
Can’t wait! You always bring me a Word!
Praying for you and Melissa as you work on the James study!
Beth,
This makes me think of this post: http://blog.lproof.org/2007/09/names-and-faces.html
(still makes me tear up!)
Its big on my heart right now about how we our called to love others like Jesus. I realized last night how the world sees how to love others as I spoke with someone in my family. I mentioned about how I had to send out a prayer request for a girl given 3 months to live. And this family member said, ” Worry about your ownself, and your own life, you have enough to worry about.”
Its sad. It made me want to tear up right there. It’s like if someone was hanging from a cliff, and someone helped them up, but then the person that saved them, finds himself hanging from the same cliff, and the person that he saved just looks and walks away.
I am glad Jesus teaches us to love others, because if it weren’t for Him, Love wouldn’t exist here at all.
Just a curious note…you mentioned that melissa is translating James from the greek to english.I’m just curious why? Does that mean you believe that the bibles we have are not God’s preserved word? ( i believe its the king James bible). Does that mean that the “common folk” who do not know greek can’t understand scripture as the infallible preserved word of God that we can go to ourselves or do we need to go to someone who knows greek to explain the bible for us??? I would challenge you to compare your translation from the greek to the KJV. The work of translation has already been done by those men in 1611. GOd did say that he would preserve his word and use it to confound the wise and that the simple would understand it. Thanks.Just curious definatley not trying to put down anyone just curious what your take on it is.
Nope, she just purely did it to familiarize herself with the book as thoroughly as possible and nothing does that quite like staring at it one word at a time.
I think it’s cool Melissa is translating from the Greek text and wondered how she does it? Is there a Greek dictionary she uses one word at a time? I find it fascinating when you give us the Hebrew translation in your workbook for words and sometimes wished I had a Greek/Hebrew dictionary but would not know what to get.
Hi Yanna,
I started out with the Vine’s Complete Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words…It’s a great place to start I think. I learned a lot from it as well as my Strong’s Concordance which also has a dictionary in the back.
I love them both.
Good luck.
michelle in VT
Well just gushes of tears! Bucket full! I love this blog. Thank you Michelle I’m going to locate the dictionary you suggested as well as Strongs Concordance. I am just in awe that when I truly yearned for Him He fills my cup overflowing with answers and ways to satisfy the hunger. What a fun life in Him.
Oh do I so agree nothing like staring at it one word at a time!
Isn’t the body of believers amazing. Imagine what heaven will be like?!?
Many years ago I did the original Breaking Free study in a large traditional church. We did 6 different BSs with women who could be there from 9-11 AM. Fast forward 10 years… we now host a men’s and women’s dinner and BS at our home on Sunday evenings for college students. After food, we break into groups and last school year the women did Daniel in the Fall and Esther in the spring (The men worked through Epic/John Eldridge).
In two weeks we begin a new school year study beginning with the new Breaking Free. We have joked about sending you a picture of our 20+ college girls laying on the floor watching a DVD. Maybe we will actually send one!
BTW— was at a store in Kampala Uganda on the way back from a mission trip and on the stool behind the counter was a member copy of Daniel!!!! Sadly, the girl studying it was at lunch so I didn’t get to exchange stories….. WHAT a small world!
Together on the journey home,
Cynthia
Whoo hoo Cynthia a men’s Bible Study reference. Since the beginning of the summer when I logged onto the Ruth study I have been listing all of the studies Siesta’s comment on so I can have a list to work on. During one of my post I asked if anyone knew a good men study for my 17 year old son and his friends. Thank you! Siesta, keep posting the studies for me your in, even Beth’s you are doing via the web or her books I am so hungry.
Hey Yanna,
Yep. I have a wonderful, awesome, super husband! In the spring he used John Eldrige’s EPIC and Lee Strobel’s 3 DVDs -Case for a Creator, Christ, and one other. Starting Sunday he is using John Piper’s God is the Gospel.
We start the new Breaking Free!
Peace,
Cynthia
I love you Ms. Beth you are so real and thank you for you ministry that reaches so many hearts and I am one of those many that you have reached and touched with your bible studiesand have encourage this seista’s heart in more than one way and keeping me in the word. We do need wach othe rall of us, Thank you Lord for all these women that reach across the globe and touch our hearts. We lift up the Edmonson family Lord be with the mom and give her encouragement surround her with friends and family and comfor there hearts at this time Lord Just lavish your Love Lord on this family You alone Lord are our strength and her Rock and her Fortress and her Refuge.
Thank you Lord for this blog and Bless the Moore Family as tthey keep giving to us seista’s and feeding us your word and help them as they write this study Lord.
This we ask in Jesus Name Amen
Love Carol
Love you seista mama
OOPS that should have read we do need each other all of us. Sorry
Oh Beth, I am so thrilled that you are taking on the book of James. It is one that will definitely ruffle a few feathers but if it didn’t, how would we grow. I am excited that Melissa is adding her perspective to the mix and look forward to digging in with so many sisters around the world. Patty
I have tears in my eyes after having read your post. I needed to hear your heart and God’s heart through you today. My husband and I are going through a painful and disappointing season of pastoral ministry. I’m praying our hearts would grow more in love for Christ’s bride with every harsh word and accusation. I can think of nothing more precious than to be poured out in love for Him! Thank you for your sweet thoughts!
I was enjoying an afternoon today with my husband and 2 small children. I thought about you and how you talked about your time in seclusion. I am not a sanguine, so I can’t imagine how hard that must be for you. I was thinking of all of the wonderful ways that your seclusion has been such a gift and blessing to thousands upon thousands of women, and men, and in turn if we really let the seed take root in our hearts…our children, and anyone we come in contact with. I identify much with you about the Lord giving the lesson to the teacher as well. I am not a leader out in the public, but I do lead my children and teach them…so I totally get that.
As I thought on it a little more, my possibly warped mind thought…well, at least she is in air-conditioning with her hair as high as she wants it with a really cute outfit, cup of joe, with one of her best girlfriends in the whole world right by her side..she could have learned a hard lesson like Jospeh in prison…
I said it was warped. But I chuckeled to myself. Maybe the Lord did to. Thank you so much for tying yourself to seclusion in serving us so humbly. I love Jesus more every day becuase what I have learned from a woman not scared or too insecure to go to places most avoid talking about.
…And you serve our God so well, Beth! I thank Him every day for you!
I just finished So Long Insecurity. God did a knock-out work through you. Praise Him! You did, however, leave us with one burning question unanswered: what DOES qualify one mint to be sexier than another??????? Laughing.
Hi Beth: Our pastor just finished the book of James for the past couple of months! He calls it being pounded and grounded by the Word! Obviously very convicting! I am eager to see the insights God has given you esp. in regards to counting trial joy. My Pastor presented that concept in a way my husband and I have NEVER heard before;yet it made so much sense!
Enjoy your week w/ Colin and Melissa! Hopefully she can get out some in Houston!!
I just love thinking about you working with your girls in ministry. Truly a dream come true. Enjoy your time together! I look forward to those days with my children!!
Oh sweet Beth! Hello! I am in the extreme lower left corner of this photo. I can not tell you how wonderful it was to see your sweet face this morning. I love you so much and I am on my face before the Lord asking Him to have His way in Columbus next August. I just want you to know I am honored to be the City Coordinator for LPL and by God’s grace revival will explode at the Schott. I love you Beth and I am praying for you. OH! and I almost forgot to tell you my man will be returning from Afghanistan about three weeks before the event and will be able to join us there! I appreciate your support of our soldiers. Love you,
Gayle
I think there might be a picture of me in your office. I’m with my Bible Study group from when I lived in Singapore. I think the picture was taken in the spring of 1999. AND I have a picture of YOU and ME, Beth(!) from when you came to speak in Singapore in 2000!! So cool. I hope you still have that photo of the group. That was a pivotal year for me spiritually.
Oh! My toes are getting stepped on already. God has been bringing that verse to me over and over- consider it pure joy- and now I believe He means for me to get it! Looking forward to the study- I have a feeling it’s gonna be another big, life-changing study, like SLI.
Beautiful words to live by Beth. One of those store it in my heart lessons. I’ve read your post three times now and each time I feel something different. This last time I read all the comments then your blog. The pictures of faces you shared and the stories behind the photos on the ones we could not see on your desk (which really moved me, I could replace the groups common denominator with faces in my mind of soldiers, ones who have lost loved ones, ones who are serving)gives me pause. Like you said we are not hear for the pages but for the Author and the people who pick up the page. Just like our new Siesta, “Country Fried” she doesn’t even have the pages. To me that post in particular was so very moving following your blog. A Godincidence. She is the poster child of your blog. Touched by the Author without the pages. Our lives and how we serve and live are what is seen. God’s Word opens the eyes of those who want to live and be seen. Does that make sense? Thank you Beth and Melissa for your faithfulness, as well as all who serve.
Beth
Thank you for sharing what is on your heart and for letting us see, once again, how very much you love to serve all of us in your teaching of the Word. But did you know that by doing this you let us know how to pray for you in very specific ways; in ways we might not have known? Thank you for that, too.
I wish that just once you could be us; believers and nonbelievers gathered by the thousands, every life circumstance, denomination, age and race, and see how God has granted you the gift of reaching each heart as if the message was delivered just for her.
“A true wonder”, yes. And “we ARE different because of Jesus” and more uplifted by His Word because of you.
Much love and many thanks