My Dear Siestas,
I am writing you from an altitude of about 25,000 feet on my way home from Atlanta. I’m in the window seat and it’s a gorgeous day on our trek over Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi and I trust Louisiana and Texas, too. I’m sure I’ve told you before that I am one of those weirdos who actually loves traveling. As Melissa and I often say, our boots were made for walking. AJ is game, too, but two preschoolers have a way of coloring your present views toward air travel. Air Traffic Control is a breeze compared to Air Toddler Control. As for Keith, he prefers his size 13 D cowboy boot on the accelerator of a Ford pickup truck. I’m not a fan of the whole travel ordeal, mind you. A life thrown at the mercy of security lines, weather delays, mechanical difficulties, cancellations, and overbooking will take a toll on you. Sometimes my body feels so dog tired I can hardly fathom doing it all again but in no time I do. God gave me itchy feet.
You are one of two big things on my mind this morning as I make my way back to Houston. To say you completely blew me away with your Scripture memory commitments is an understatement almost too silly to say. My mind is spinning with what God might be up to. A few minutes ago I was looking ahead to the next portion of Scripture that I’ll write about in the James study. It’s James 1:19-21. (I know you are wondering how on earth I can only be that far in the writing process after all this time! It goes very slow because each portion has to be researched, mulled over, written, and self edited before I ever send it into LifeWay. The process takes a year to eighteen months of solid work.) As I read over the familiar portion, I fastened my gaze on the finishing words of James 1:21. It is the exhortation to all of us Christ-followers to humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. My eyes stung with tears.
God’s implanted Word has saved me from myself more times than I can count. I love it. No, I don’t always feel giddy about it nor do I always know what to do with it but the written Word of God hits me often enough in my daily exposure to keep me going back for more. I just do not know where I would be or, God help me, what my life would look like without my battered mind being interrupted and rewired by Scripture. Those words implanted deep into my belief system have convicted me, changed me and, at times, wrecked me. These thoughts are what led me to stop my research that very moment and write to you instead. I want you to know that you will never waste a moment of your life in God’s Word. (Unless you are trying to avoid actually doing what it says. There comes a time to shut the Book and go live the Book then go back to the Book so that You can again live the Book.) As you give yourself to the monumental, ongoing task of studying Scripture and hiding it in your heart through memorization, your life is altered. Unblocked and guarded, the words of God make it all the way into the marrow of your bones. Your way is made clearer, your thoughts brighter, your purpose stronger, and your glory to God greater.
I just want to tell those of you who have committed to a year of Scripture memory what I have a hunch you already know: you will not be sorry.
And that brings me to the second big thing on my mind, tied to you, the first, by way of the very same Scripture in James. I just left Passion 2011. It’s still going strong and will not end until tomorrow morning but my schedule was best suited to the first half of it. (I hate so much to miss Dr. Piper though.) If you’re not familiar with the Passion movement (Louie and Shelley Giglio, founders), I will never do justice to it here in this brief explanation so please google it and behold a mighty work of God. In a nutshell, however, it is perhaps the most powerful thing God is doing among college-age men and women across the globe. Do not believe the hype that Jesus has left the college campus. My whole family and I have had the mystifying privilege of being involved since the national conference began in the late 90’s. Even Keith adores it. Curtis serves as one of the community leaders and Amanda ministers right by his side. Every single time I stand in awe of God’s palpable presence in a secular arena packed with students but never more than this year. The event always attracts way over 10,000 people but this new year it sold out at a whopping 22,000 and about five minutes into the event, it was clear why. God.
No other reason.
He has as uncanny a way of showing Himself at these events and, in light of His innumerable mercies, we can guess why. There is no age demographic at greater risk than 18-25 year olds and He’s chasing them down like He’s got nothing to lose but a generation. Our embarrassingly secular culture (of which, in many ways, we are all a part) would be explanation enough for so many young adults walking away from the faith. Add to it the burgeoning disdain for Christianity and mockery of Christians on many college campuses and you’ve got yourself a boiling hotbed for disbelief. But our God is so faithful. We know He will retain a voice in the generations on the latter-day Kingdom calendar because Matthew 24 says that the testimony of Jesus Christ has to make it into every people group. Revelation 19 also tells us that He will return for a Bride refined and made ready. Jesus will indeed raise His Church to her feet but the closer and closer we get to His return, the stronger and stronger she must be. She will know a persecution and ultimately a suffering that 20th Century Westerners could never have imagined.
I saw about 22,000 reasons for high hopes in the last forty-eight hours. You see, Passion isn’t for the faint of heart. The schedule is packed and the sessions are refreshingly unrushed. About two seconds into the conference you lose that warm, fuzzy feeling that any god goes. If you’ve got an aversion to Jesus, you’ve got an aversion to Passion. The Word of God is preached and taught, read aloud and read in unison. The worship is…well…impossible to describe. Just go right ahead and anxiously anticipate the worship CD that will come out of it somewhere down the road. World missions and the needs of the downcast and suffering are kept at the forefront constantly and the 268 concept for the “Go-Center” is nothing less than genius. (Google all of this if this is news to you. You will be astounded and your faith will surge.)
Even this very moment, the Word of God is being implanted in those thousands upon thousands of young lives. Words that can save. Words that can sanctify. Words that can serve. Words that can send. Words that can be shared.
That’s the power of God. That’s the power of His Spirit. That’s the power of His Word.
That’s the power of Jesus.
Let’s keep saying it until every knee bows and every tongue confesses He is Lord.
I was so blessed to hear your teaching via live stream. Every year I watch and buy the CDs. I am ministered to even as a 46 yr old. I love getting this in the hands of our young friends and cannot wait until my own 2 boys can go. Will have one in college in another year. Thank you dear friend for your faithfulness to the call. Made me wish I was in college again! Looking forward to a LPL event this year.
Covering you in much prayer!
Kathleen
Beth, A member of my Sunday School class is having surgery on a stage 1 melanoma tomorrow. As I was studying my Siesta memory verse, I felt impressed to call and share the verse with her so she could take it with her to the hospital in the morning. It is Isaiah 41:10—
“So do not fear, for I am with you: do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you: I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Praying that the doctor will get all of the cancer.
Sandra, I’ll be praying this verse for your friend and for wisdom and skilled hands for her surgeons! You’re a thoughtful friend to share this with her. I know I would feel loved if this was shared with me!
Kelei from Iowa Park: James 1:21 “Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” NIV
I am so amazed at how many are doing the SSMT….I am just one of the many thirsty hearts seeking more of God. I’ve never done this SSMT before and my first post to this Blog was on Jan 1st with my verse so I’m a little nervous, but I’ve been truly wanting to dig deep into Gods word and have his words deep in my being. I’ve done a few of your studies over the past year and have been praying I don’t just have head knowledge learning with you, but that God soaks me in his word and I LIVE his word. I’m hoping by making this commitment it will help me get what I’m hoping for with God. 🙂
Thank you for sharing that Beth. Wish I could have experienced that! Can’t wait to be a Siesta this year. Have my first verse down and praying for the determination and perseverance to make it all the way through. Love – Melissa B. 🙂
Beth, thank you for your encouraging words. I will defiantly be following up with that movement you have shared with us! I desire to be a shining light!
I am wondering if anyone has read and would recommend a book entitled: Scripture By Heart by Joshua Kang? Read about it in Christianity Today. Thanks.
Pam
I’m looking forward to the Scripture memory, Beth. To help me memorize them (because I’m not good at it) I’m utilizing my 4 1/2 year old daughter. I’m having us both memorize these verses so that I feel encouraged as a mom, motivated as a “Biblical teacher”, and held accountable by my own flesh and blood. Today was the first day and she asked me 3 times throughout the day to say “that Bible thing” again. It’s amazing and perfect. I just have to tell you what she is consistently saying, too, Beth, cause I just know you’ll get a chuckle… My verse reads, “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” Proverbs 22:1. Lily, my daughter, has been saying…”A good name is more desirbable than great witches. To be esteemed is silver and gold.” I love her! : ) Thanks for challenging me and now the future generations to get on board with knowing God’s Word!
That is so wonderful that you are including your daughter in this!!! You will never be sorry. And, she will definitely hold you acountable! Love her wording of the verse! Too cute!
Don’t you just love ‘that Bible thing’! Adorable & I agree, she’ll love you for sharing this experience with her!
Love it! I bought a spiral for my 8 year old daughter so we could do it together as well. I love hearing about other moms and children doing this together
An update: Lily has certainly learned the verse quicker than me and while saying it the other day at lunch, my 3 year old son joined in without me even knowing he’s been learning it too! I couldn’t believe it. I got out the video tape and recorded them both saying my verse while I stumbled through it! This is awesome.
I have loved watching these main sessions on line and got chill bumps when I read what you wrote about God doing a work in that arena. It’s passing through the internet, I tell ya! I love being a part of it even from a distance in age and location. And I’m committed to help equip these students with prayer and Biblical encouargement and however else the Lord would have me participate. And truly, at the real heart of it, more than ever I am digging in to train up my children to follow hard after them like these students.
I got the biggest kick out of my 6, 4 and almost 3 year old jumping up and down and up and down during worship tonight. And last night, my 6 year old sat on my lap and sang the closing worship songs with me. Blessed my ever loving socks off!!
So grateful that you are one of those cheering on the next Generation!! We’re cheering you on too! Very excited to see how God knits together this James study!
much love,
rachel
My girls (7 and 9 years old) and I were doing the same thing this evening! Giving Him some praise, love it!
allyson
Glory and Amen!
My pastor just preached on that very verse yesterday! I think some memorization is in order for me in 2011! Thanks for the reminder, Beth. 🙂
Dear Mama,
I can not thank you enough for the words (in due season, indeed!) you delivered to us, and especially to me personally, from the Lord yesterday in main session as well as in breakout. I was blessed by your boldness in bringing His wonderful Word with the authority that He has given you. It was just what He knew I needed to be able to drink in His utter DELIGHTfulness and totally “roll over on” Him. Jesus is just such a wonder–“my joy and my heart’s delight”–and I was so thrilled to be breathed on by His Spirit through you yesterday. With the most heartfelt affection, thank you.
So glad you got home safely. Love you so much; see you soon!
Hi Beth! I am volunteering at Passion this week and tonight I was sitting behind Amanda during the Piper session. I didn’t realize it was her until after she left to go to their community group, so will you please tell her that the whole time I was staring at the back of her head and thinking “this girl has got REALLY pretty hair!” 🙂
I am so happy that so many of you are getting to experience what goes on at Passion via the live stream online. I attended twice while I was in college and now getting to serve is a blessing. Tonight’s worship was truly one of the sweetest times I’ve ever experienced and God’s presence was palpable in the room. God is at work in the lives of these students!
Precious woman,
I am one of those 22,000 still in ATL and also a very excited siesta of the SSMT! Thank you so much for your obedience and your example…I have been reading some of your books this past six months and you have been the most encouraging person in my life to get after that scripture…to transform my mind. Scripture has jumped straight off the page right into my life since I have been here at Passion and since I made the commitment to memorize it with you and siestas from all over. I am excited to be taking that into the next year and for the rest of my life. Love you, lady!
Your Siesta,
Amber Marie
p.s. Your break out rocked!!! I have about six pages of notes full of points and SCRIPTURES. My girlfriends and I are overwhelmed by all God is revealing…pray for our digestion.
I watched you this morning on the replay.
Can I claim that message for myself? This is the year that I WILL walk in a renewed mind! Yes Ma’am. You were bringing it!
I would like to re-watch it or at least revisit the scriptures you referenced (Did any Siesta’s take notes?)
You can find notes here:http://joshburns.net/2011/01/02/passion-2011-session-2-beth-moore
or, if the link fails to work, just google passion 2011 notes or beth moore passion 2011 notes and it will provide links to students who blogged the conference.
Happy Studying!
Got them! WoW, very detailed.
THANK YOU!!! <3
To Texas In The Mountians
I took some notes from the streaming live video and here are some of the scripture verses that Beth was talking about I don’t know if I got them all but I have some.
Matthew 17:20
Job 21:6
II Corth: 10:3-5
Eph 4:17-19
II Timothy2:26
Psalm 119:133
I Corth 6:12
Psalm 27:4
Luke 2:18-19
ICorth 2:9-10
Luke 24:45
Hope this helps you
Carol
My daughter teases me when I read your blog or look at pix of your grandchildren. She told a college pal that her mother “thinks of Beth Moore as her friend” to which the other girl replied, “So does MY mom!”
Dearest Beth,
I went to the Passion Conference in LA with my roommate my sophomore year at California Baptist University (:wish you were there:). We have wanted to go again ever since, but it is never in CA and we haven’t been able to afford to go somewhere else. SOMEDAY!! =D
We were blessed in so many ways. Blessed personally and blessed by seeing what God was doing in the lives of so many others.
Our favorite memory from the conference was watching one of the ‘security guards’ change. The first night we were there she had such a negative attitude. She was rude and listened to music and/or texted during the music and messages. My roommate and I prayed that God would do a great and mighty work in her life. HE SURE DID!! As time went on she paid more and more attention and she was much more friendly. By the last night she was praising God with lifted hands and/or on her knees. My roommate and I couldn’t stop crying…all happy tears! PRAISE THE LORD!!! WHAT A MIGHTY GOD WE SERVE!!!
Thank you for your faithful/wholehearted service to the Lord,
Yvonne
P.S. Thanks for the encouragement to memorize scripture this year. I so look forward to doing it with you and all the siestas out there! <3
Oh, Beth – I offered my daughter an all-expense-paid trip to Passion for herself and a friend this Christmas. She’s a college senior who is determined to teach in Central America after graduation this spring and I thought she might find encouragement, possible career help and maybe even a husband to keep her out of that dangerous area! I kid. Sort of.
She turned me down. It broke my heart. She loves the Lord and is active in FCA at Clemson; I can’t figure out why she wouldn’t love this opportunity… Now hearing from you how wonderful it really is just makes me heartsick that she missed it again. I don’t even know if she’ll be in the US to go next year.
Anyway, thanks for all you do to help make it such an amazing conference! Glad y’all were blessed again!
Oh Beth how my heart aches for our young people and children! They have gotten the short end of our worldly stick so to speak. For generations, parents were pouring scripture and truth into their kids at home and then around the 80’s it was like the church said, “we can do a better job of that” and parents were all too eager to hand over the job. Family worship and scripture memory were soon replaced with Children’s church and “fun” programs that had very little truth and a whole lot of worldliness. As churches grew bigger and bigger, programs became more and more “watered down.” I grew up in the old days of “Training Union” on Sunday nights..LOL and although it was not “fun,” I have a foundation for my beliefs. It is great for us to have fun together but we HAVE to teach our children the WORD of God! They can not withstand the enemy without it. Even more so, they need to be taught the WHY. Why do we believe what we believe? We have started doing the West Minster Catechism with our kids. There is a version called the Prove it version. It teaches my kids the foundations of our faith and the verses to back it up.
We are losing young people at astonishing rates while other cults and groups are gaining ground. We have failed our children and our youth. Sadly, our lives look so much like the rest of the world that often times they see nothing wrong with participating in it. (Jeremiah 32:18 “You show love to thousands but bring the punishment for the parents’ sins into the laps of their children after them. Great and mighty God, whose name is the LORD Almighty”)
WE the parents have got to fill ourselves with the Word in order that we can fill our children with it. Woe to us as parents that we would rightly stand and take our place as guardians over the hearts of our children! (Deut 6, Psalm 78) I pray that God would ignite a HOLY Fire in the hearts of parents that they would burn with passion to fill their children with the Word of God!
Wow, I can ramble with the computer as well as with my mouth (LOL). Thank you Beth for the encouraging report from Passion and thank you for sharing your heart with us in this blog. Sometimes speakers can become so distant and we so easily place them on some pedestal above ourselves but this blog is so personal and we get to share in your life through it. Thank you for being a willing vessel!
Dearest Danielle,
You have perfectly worded my heart and my hearfelt repentance, as I am one who lived through exactly what you describe and didn’t have the wisdom or the light to bring redemption in the midst of the kids of the 80’s and now I am living to see the fruit of it’s harvest in wordly 30-something Christians. To say my heart aches is an understatement. It is a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach to know how much we failed out only son, and all the time going back and forth and back and forth to church each and every time the doors were opened. I will say this: I did walk at the edge of my light and understanding and have journeyed through it all with the LORD at my side. I can see more clearly now, as it is said: “Hindsight is 20-20.” But more than that, has been the power of my life’s scripture: “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:6). I just finished reading Francine Rivers “and the Shofar Blew” that describes exactly what you have said concerning the state of the church in America during those times in your response to Beth and the encouraging report from Passion for our 20 somethings. Praise God for the setting free truth and the power of prayer, and repentance plus faith! Hope makes not ashamed…
Lovingly in Him,
Pam H.
Buena Park, CA
Girl, you just keep going! You truly have a desire to see our youth grow up in the LORD. That’s awesome! Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
So very well said. Our 18 year old son will not and hasn’t even wanted to attend the high school portion at our church or any other because it’s “too loud” and “there’s no message” and “no point to it”…so he has always attended regular services where there is real worship and the “meat” of the word taught. I wonder how many other kids out there might really be wanting the same thing too?
I have come back every so often to see how many are particpating in scripture memory and WOW that is so awesome – what a privilege to get to be apart of that – God is just so Awesome to include me in these things!!! Ladies just a tip for scripture memory – review every day for 90 days and you will remember for life. I memorized Jeremiah 15:16 7 years ago and can still quote it (and many others) the key is to review.
I am listening in when I can, the schedule of a 9 & 13 yr olds is busy at times. I can’t wait to sit down and watch Andy Stanley with my 13 yr old! Already thinking of when my boys will be able to go…
Passion is where I gave my life to Jesus! It holds a very special place in my heart. When I hear of people going each year, I yearn to be a part of it again. On another note…this is the first time that I have participated in the Scripture memory. I am so looking forward to what God will do in me this year. I know His word will not return void!
This is my first time too. I am thrilled at the possibilities! It’s hard to not jump ahead and want to memorize more, but I am trying to focus on my one verse.
I am so happy to be able to listen to Passion thank you Siesta’s who posted links. Beth, thank you for encouraging me to memorize scripture and to live for Him.
I just came home from my 5am morning walk and my usual routine is shower and crawl back under the covers for awhile. Not today!! Bible and notebook out I’m going to have a Passion lesson from Beth. Woot woot!!
My husband and I have been ministering to college students for over 20 years. I just attended my 23rd Christmas Conference with 1700 college students. There is nothing like worship with these men and women. God is working on college campuses and in their lives. It is exciting to see them give God leadership in their lives. They are so ready to trust, surrender and go where He leads. It is an exciting place of ministry.
Bless you for the encouraging word. With two college age children, you don’t know how hard I pray that they will be in the Word and have someone in their lives that loves Jesus. One is hanging in there and has a Bible study group, but I get the feeling she does it for me and not herself. The other says he is different now and doesn’t need it. Without knocking him over the head too much I just say that he may different but God is still who he says he is. (I have really clung to that this year.) Ladies just keep praying for our young adults!
I am much too old to be a Passion-attendee (how I wish there was something like that when I was in college!!) But I have decided that I am going to volunteer next year. Maybe I can get a little of the spill-over blessing! I’m sure many cups were running over!
Sandy, Cedarburg Wisconsin, The world and it’s desires will pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:17 NIV
Thank you so much Beth for the SSMT! This is my first year and as I was driving to work this morning I just kept reciting my verse over and over again. What a precious thing to have God’s Word be running through my mind like a record that got stuck!! Praise the LORD!
Sandy, Cedarburg Wisconsin, The world and it’s desires will pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:17 NIV
God is moving in this generation is so many ways. My baby son who chose a work path instead of collage got lost in worldly things too. This past December his lifestyle landed him in jail (2 days) and Rehab for 28. Just where God needed him to be. He wrote me from rehab, “Mom, who would have thought that jail & rehab would be my way back to God!” God was and is so faithful, He answered every single prayer we prayed over Zack, even yesterday, his first day back, God provided him a job away from his old hangout! Not just a job but one taylor made for him – a career if you will! God knows better than we what we need -why in the world do we ever think we can do it ourselves!!!!
Beth,
I have one in college and one getting ready to go. My biggest struggle is anxiety. Will they meet friends that will keep them strong? Will they love the Lord as they get exposed to “the world?” I could go on and on and I’m sure you all know what I mean.
The thing is… The LORD is faithful. So FAITHFUL! He is dealing with ME about fear and anxiety and teaching me more to TRUST. And My college age daughter is falling more and more in love with the Lord. HE is doing that. He is taking my soon to be senior through some things that make her trust him… and KNOW him.
Thank you for coming to Passion Beth, they all love your contribution each year… and I can’t wait for the worship CD as well.
Heidi
I love Passion, and spent most of the day yesterday watching it online. Im so grateful for the opportunity to do that because Im slightly over 25 (grin). I have counted up the few years remaining till I can go with my girls….because I know they will want me to go with them when they are that age…right? LOL Well, either way, if God will’s it I’ll be more than willing to help them get there!
I loved your session! Praying to love God with my mind this morning, and reading through 1 Corinthians 2.
love you!
Lovely Beth,
Thank you for speaking at Passion and for the encouragement here to look into the 268 concept (my daughter is at Passion!). I thought it would be based on scripture, of course, but I didn’t know it was based on my first verse for the year. I’m in a study of Isaiah and God gave me Is 26:8 as my New Year scripture memory a couple of weeks ago. I love the confluence of that verse that our creative God has brought into my life and can’t wait to see my girlie tonight and hear about all He has given her during Passion!
Much love to you and your family and LPM girls and siestas!
denise
It has been so inspiring to see the steady stream of Scripture verses like a hymn of praise rising to the throne of grace. His Word is ALIVE!
My husband and I are MSC missionaries serving at Lock Haven University of PA. I am at home this week with our 9 year old son, but my husband is at the Passion conference with 12 of our students. I have been watching the main sessions online and have been overwhelmingly blessed. I’ve been texting with the girls in our group all week and I wanted you to know that one of them in particular heard exactly what she needed to hear from God through your message. Thank you for serving these students!
Treat me according to your constant love, & teach me your commands. I am your servant; give me understandking, so that I may know your teachings. Psalm 119:124-125
my oldest will be in college next year, i am so excited about the work God is doing in his life, even when things at home have not always been easy on him.he has three younger brothers that look up to him and he is a fine young role model… i pray that like these other college kids, he too continues his walk with God as he is away from my home and moving into his own.i LOVE you Christian and so very proud of you…thank-you Lord for giving me strength to face the challenge ahead with my husband..
Oh Beth, I truly know how you feel about our students on campuses across the country and into the outer places of the world. I got to experience one of our church’s ministry partners (the whole family of 4) at work with Campus Crusade for Christ this past summer. The CRU, as they call themselves, are absolutely “sold out” for Christ and not afraid or ashamed to say so!! As I stood with them on various corners of the campus and handed out questionaires, I was encouraged at their boldness and discouraged at my lack!! Many hearts are being reached and changed because these 19+ year olds know the Master of their souls and want to share Him with the world they know!! I/we need to pray for those who minister on campuses and well as for those being reached. Knee’s are bending and tongue’s are confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord.
That is so refreshing and reassuring to hear. I struggled during my time at college even though I gave my heart to Jesus when I was five. I grew up with Him as a member of my home, but when I was away from that home, I left Him behind.
I have a 12 year old stepson. I pray that He will not do the same once he leaves the nest. It is something that I pray about diligently. The Lord is gracious to remind me that even if he strays, “when he is old he will not depart from it.” I am “living proof” of that. Praise God!
2 Cor. 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation, the old has passed away, behold the new has come.
PRAISE GOD for PASSION!
PRAISE GOD for SSMT!
PRAISE GOD for every person who is a part of SIESTAVILLE & LPM!
I had heard of Passion before when its been mentioned on this blog but this year I listened to a couple of the talks and was BLOWN. AWAY. What a GREAT thing for college students… may the word of God take root in them!
Romans 12:1-2 is my SSMT memory verse. How cool is that!! Thanks for the confirmation that this is the verse I am suppose to be memorizing, Beth. That is my prayer for this year – that God will renew my mind and keep me focused on Him!!
Hi Beth,
I watched you at Passion via the web Sunday after church. I wanted to tell you that The Lord used you in a powerful/mighty way in my life. Renewing the mind was something that I needed to hear! Especially when you said “You can’t change the way you feel, but you can change the way you think. Change your mind, change your heart” Listening to you on Jan 2 was such sweet timing because if I could sum up the year of 2010 in one word it would be devastation. Starting that moment I began to look at the various situations differently and instead of trying to “figure it out” I began thanking The Lord for them even though the different circumstances caused a broken heart. Can I just tell you that after one full day of that how my heart has changed?!?! How true forgiveness really is freeing? I could go on & on but I just wanted to share a little of how The Lord used you at Passion 2011 in my life-thank you!
I love this. My heart is so softened right now and I’m desperate for God’s word to change me more every day. The desire that matters most in my life is that I can be found more like Him each day. I’m beyond excited to be doing the scripture memory and need God to overwhelm me! I pray that I will be open to Him and whatever change He needs to make in me, because there is so much work that needs to be done. Thankfully, He has already saved me and has already moved in my life in miraculous ways! Oh, I love Him!
Awesome! Love reading this and the work that God’s doing with our young people.
Wow…I am so blessed to have stopped and read this post! I just received my scripture siesta book in the mail yesterday and I couldn’t wait to get it all worked out!
I have researched passion this past year as I now have an 18 year old going to college in the Fall! I can only imagine what it must be like for those college kids and I am so thankful you shared with us how many attended. Living in the middle of the midwest there was just no way to get her there! I am praying somehow, someway God could work it out to send my daughter to the next event and whoever else he feels may need to be there from our small town! I cant wait to continue to pray with a faith that can move a mountain to try and get some of our college kids there before they go off to Mizzou as I call it and get eaten alive. It terrifies me so much that I have had to read Feathers From My Nest 3 times already. I just listened to the first hour on audio again the other night. Thank you Thank you Thank you Dear Beth for surrendering your life to the Lord. What God has done through you is an amazing inspiration. I am challenged, blessed, wound up, and on fire for something amazing to happen this year. So many needs for so many but God has it!
In His Love,
Lori Ann Anderson
Beth,
I have recently begun participating in your studies. The ladies at my church are preparing to begin Jesus, The One and Only this week. Several have asked if large print editions are available in your member books. LifeWay has told us they have none available. Please advise if there is something available. Your studies are a great blessing.
Thank you,
Angela Johnson
Oh, you will LOVE Jesus the One and Only, especially if you can get to the end right around Easter… what a blessing that was! 🙂