Hey, Darling Things!
I’m working from home today and thought I’d take a little break and let my study-brain relax a minute and tune my heart into Siestaville. Let me tell you how proud I am of you for clocking in with the same general number of 2nd verses as you did your first verses. The hard part is not the start. It’s pressing on all the way through the year to the finish. But, then, like all runners that make it across that beautiful line, we get to celebrate a huge victory that only comes to those who sweat it out. We give all praise and glory to our empowering, sustaining God and sit back for a reflective moment, take a deep breath, and feel His glorious good pleasure. Community will become more and more essential as we realize that, without making a public commitment and running the race beside a host of others in this Scripture memory marathon, we’ll probably fizzle out. There is no doubt in my mind that we’re more successful at this together than we are separately. It’s God’s way.
Yesterday was a really fun day at LPM. I already put this on Twitter but it took about a half a dozen of our staff members to put together additional shelves for the books Melissa has acquired since she last worked within the ministry office.
I have promised Melissa my library when God takes me Home, but if she keeps this up at this rate for the next fifteen years, she’s going to pass me by and I’m going to leave mine to Curtis. (That threat won’t mean much to you but it will get Melissa and her dear brother-in-law sparring again over who gets the books which, in turn, gives me a great laugh.) Amanda has been promised other things like what sits on my left hand. But I might spite them all and live a really long time…with colored hair and firm foundations (and I don’t mean the latter in the religious sense. Or the former for that matter. I cannot find hair color in the Scriptures unless I get to count head coverings which, to me, is not unreasonable. In that way and others like unto it, I am a very submissive woman).We’ll see how that pans out. (The timing of my demise not my hair color.)
The other really cool thing we did yesterday at LPM was preview the movie Courageous. It’s the new movie by the people that gave us “Face the Giants” and it comes out in September. (www.courageousthemovie.com) I will remind you guys about it when the release day gets closer but I can’t wait till then to tell you about it. Sisters, it was so good. I don’t want to give away the story line but I can’t quit thinking about it. They have done such a magnificent job with it. We honestly laughed out loud and cried and cheered. I can hardly wait until it comes out. I think God has something far beyond good, solid family entertainment for this film. I’ve told you guys before that, after retiring from the Army, my daddy ran movie theaters so I love few things on this earth more than good movies and great popcorn. (Yes, we popped corn yesterday. And I ate mine with a Starbucks instead of a coke which was an odd pairing and one I might not venture to combine next time.) The primary message of Courageous is targeted to our men who we all know are also targeted by our very vicious enemy. I really believe I can tell you in advance that the guys in your life will love the movie. Mine will and he’s not easy to please. Courageous scores very low on the cheese factor which we know drives most guys crazy about any form of Christian entertainment or encouragement. I dare say that we may be a tad cheesy in Siestaville but we try to keep our Velveeta loaded with jalapenos.
Lastly, I’ll tell you that we started our January Bible study on Tuesday night with one of the best groups God has ever brought our way. We were flabbergasted. May He be greatly praised and glorified in that sweet sanctuary where He’s met with some of His people so many times. We’ll be talking on here about meeting on Tuesdays but we won’t be talking on here about the material because I’ve established a gag order. Laughing. The on-site participants are previewing a (very little) bit of homework so that their experience will be richer but, for copyright’s sake and for future publishing, we’re going to keep it and the session materials low key. It’s not that we’re hiding something. It’s that it’s just a long way from being finished. I also don’t want hype. Ick. Even well meaning hype from those who are sweetly biased. I just want to study Scripture as God presents it to us in His own good time and His own good way. I won’t actually do the LifeWay taping for this series until late April when we do it with a studio audience and I’ll still write through most of the summer. I am reluctant to keep bringing up the series on here because I don’t want to build it all up in anybody’s mind. A curriculum that speaks to one person can hit another person cold. How this turns out is all up to the Holy Spirit but what I can tell you in advance is that, God willing, we will do our best to know that brief Book of the Bible by the time we’re done. Whether anybody will actually “like” it or not is up for grabs. James isn’t necessarily a party bus.
Well, I’ve had about as much of a break as I can afford today. You’re on my mind every day and I pray for you often.
Oh, and this is one reason I got on here today! You know what we’re doing to stay in the Word this early 2011 but what are each of you doing? (Besides memorizing!) Tell me what you’re studying right now!
I love you guys.
We didn’t get to do the Ruth study this past year so we are just beginning it now. Even after 2 days of study I already love it! I also have made a commitment on my own to read through the Bible this year. Just like my decision to “finally” do the scripture memorization, I want to not let all the distractions in my life (which are many of course!) win out this year! Also, as Tammie mentioned above, I am instituting a Noise Fast for my family. Sundays are going to be technology free – no cell phone, TV, computer, or video games. With 5 kids (4 of my own) living here including 3 teenagers, this should be interesting. 🙂
Right now I’m reading through Acts in The Message and it’s kicking my butt! I finished ‘Stepping Up…’ at the end of the year – it too was a kick in the pants and was exactly what I needed. I love these kind of posts – I’m sitting here w/ my notebook jotting down all of these wonderful studies you ladies are working through. I’m an ocean away so I have to keep a list and stock up when I’m in the states or someone comes over. One thing is for sure – I’ve learned over the years that I need bible study to fuel my devotional life. I’m thankful there are so many wonderful studies available!
Hi Beth and Siestas!
I am so glad you asked that question! A couple of girlfriends and I are getting together on Tuesday evenings for fellowship and Bible Study along with our Scripture Memory Spirals. I was leading the Study Me, Myself, and Lies by Jennifer Rothschild on facebook which was great because so many of my girlfriends that have to work are allowed to keep facebook open in the back ground on their computer all day! BUT, I got blocked by facebook because I was posting too many Scriptures. It was taking place “real time” on an Events page and only those that I had invited and accepted would see the postings yet I got disciplined by facebook. So, I had to move to http://www.biblestudywithjr.blogspot.com and when I did only one woman truly followed me over there to do the study with me. Now she has fallen behind because she went back to work. Then, two of my friends (the girls I meet with for Scripture memory) wanted to do this same study on Tuesday evenings. So, I am starting all over with the same study with my girls Tracy and Deanna!
Wow! I did not know fb would block a person for posting scripture, that’s all I do! wow
Yanna,
It was after I had posted about seven in a row. The question we were working on required us reading through that many Scriptures to get our answer and they blocked me for three hours (the first time) with a warning to proceed with caution when the block was lifted because my behavior could be considered annoying or abusive! I got blocked several times and decided it was not worth the trouble on facebook so we moved to the blogspot. Honestly, it was not the same.
We have just started the Priscilla Shirer “Jonah” study, and I am reading “Radical” by David Platt. After only one week, I can see this is going to be a “self examination” semester for me!
Hi Everyone,
I am reading in First Timothy. It is alot of instruction, but interesting to see Paul in this light. I invision him sitting outside writing these heartfelt insturctions and encouragements to Timothy, who must have been overwhelmed by what he was called to do. Like we all feel alot of times. Terrie, Chandler,AZ
I am doing the Life Change study on Hebrews by myself. My Bible study is doing Live Change’s Revelation, but I loved it so much, I couldnt do just one lesson a week! I kept on until I finished it, and now I just go to the study every week, while I do Hebrews by myself!
I am currently studying Malachi (after finishing Ezra, Haggai and Nehemiah) in preparation for leading my Bible study through Esther! I am beyond excited for what God is doing and how He is moving during this time in history – what a blessing!
Our Esther books just arrived and it as sweet as Christmas morning to have new Bible study books arrive, I love the excitement and anticipation of meeting with the Lord a new study brings!
I’m presently studying “Stepping Up A Journey Through The Psalms of Ascent” I’m in chapter 3 and I love, love, just love being in God’s Word everyday. The book of Psalms is one of my favorite parts of the Bible and I was just overjoyed to discover that you (Beth) had written one. I’m so looking forward to the James study.
Bree in Arlington, VA
Hi Beth & all,
“Facing the Giants” was so inspiring & played a part in a turning point of my life!!! So I look forward to their next one!
I am currently in a group doing your study, Beth, “Life more abundantly” & I am slowly going thru “Living Beyond Yourself” online. This week 6 of LMA, day 1-3 fit perfectly with LBY!!! Your explanation of the Holy Spirit in LBY pg 117 opened my eyes! Maybe I’ve heard these things before, I don’t remember, but your excited explanations spark desire in my heart – “More of Your Spirit, Lord, More of Your Spirit”!!!!! Thank you for your witness, Beth!!!!!
Much love to all, Barb
oops that was pg 117 in “Life More Abundantly” (LMA). ♥ Barb
I’m studying Jeremiah in Precepts and will begin to co-lead your Daniel study next week. I can’t wait!
What a sweet surprise from God ~ I have been invited to join a handful of ladies to study Ephesians using “By His Wounds You are Healed” by Wendy Alsup. I recently moved to this area and didn’t anticipate finding a study group so quickly! With 2 moves in the past 2 years, I have missed studying alongside fellow sisters.
I just rejoined a Bible study group that I dearly love, and we are doing Lysa TerKeurst’s “Becoming More Than a Godd Bible Study Girl”. The Lord is definitely probing my heart with this one. In addition, I am reading through Ann Spangler’s “Praying the Names of God”. This has really brought richness to my prayer time as well as some much needed focus. I am so grateful to be back in the fold with my group. It reminds me of the song I sang as a girl scout about making new friends, but keeping the old. One is silver and the other gold.
Hey Beth, I have not posted in awhile and this was a great invitation! WHEW! January was, at one time, the most boring month of the year…….no more. My hands are dipped in many things to study because I am involved with some women pursuing their relationship with Jesus, one on one. Sooooo here goes, Malachi, 1John, Psalm 51, Romans, Kay Arthur on Victory, a course in Greek, A Woman After God’s Own Heart by Elizabeth George, Reading Your Male by Mary Farrar. I think that is it…….it is now 6am and I am ready for a nap just telling you about it.
In the Beloved, and satisfied!
~A~
I have actually gotten the downloads for both Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed and To Live is Christ and they both are amazing for my own personal devo. time. At church we are doing Mary Kassain’s Conversation Peace…super wise and convicting.
Doing a study in our Sunday School class on “Downpour – He Will Come To Us Like the Rain” by James MacDonald. WOW!!!! I am brought to my knees before God to see the ugliness of sin and unholiness as I look in the mirror. It’s a great study of God on the Throne, which works right along with the our Women’s Evening Bible Study of “A Woman’s Heart” by our siesta mama, Beth Moore! God is really at work in my life! Praise HIM above all!
I am studying Isaiah with the Bible Study Fellowship group. I am also using your Esther study with a small group of women at work. Thanks again for that study. Can’t wait for them to hear your session on fear. It changed my life!
Dear Beth,
I am so tickled that you asked this question because I wanted so badly to share with you the excitement yesterday here in Douglas, GA as we kicked off the January Bible study. I love studying God’s Word with other ladies so yesterday in both the morning and evening class I felt like a kid at Christmas as I watched over 30 women ……65 total for both classes come together and talk, hug, laugh and then settle down and hardly blink an eye as they watched the first session of Here and Now…..There and Then. The excitement was contageous and I have already had several emails from ladies asking if they can still come. Thank you for allowing God to use you in such a poweful way to bless so many ladies…..and men…….like my prercious husband of 30 years. He says that when a Beth Moore study is going on at our house he can forget “his” quiet time unless he locks the door so I can’t talk to him because I always have something I have to share with him. I know he really likes it because when I came in from Bible study last night he wanted to know if this was going to be “our” new favorite study. I quickly told him yes!!!! Thanks again!
Love,
Helen
Just finished Crazy Love – oh my I will keep that one one my night stsnd!! And I am so excited our Women’s Bible Study begins on Monday!! Deidre, our obedient Bible study leader, teacher & sister in Christ (love her) will lead us in Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer. Please lift our Bible Study group we had another one of our dear sisters go on to be with Jesus last Sunday. There are 3 ladies that we miss dearly, all were faithful to our Bible studies, but I know they are with the one they served!!!
Yesterday was week 2 of Breaking Free at my church. Beth, let me tell you about the blessing you have bestowed upon us. My church offered Jesus-The One and Only to the community in October which drew in women from as far as 20 miles away! We had a session on Wednesday mornings with 20 women and one on Sunday nights with 5 or 6. When we announced this Bible study the people from Sunday night decided to do it in their town. Yay! The Sunday night session in Oakland has 17 people this time!! Praise God! AND we still have a Sunday night session at our church. We share our pastor with a small church in Uehling and they are also doing it on Sunday afternoon. Your one Bible study has flowered into four!! God’s word is alive and well in northeast Nebraska. We will be descending on Lincoln with full force when you are here in June. Everyone is so excited to be able to see you speak live!!
Along with Breaking Free I am also doing the Scripture memory with the rest of the siestas and working my way through the book of Joshua right now.I’m also the moderator for Trinity’s facebook page and spend a few minutes every morning looking through The Upper Room for our daily posting. The good Lord is helping me make up for the 20 years I was away from Him and that is fine with me!!
Receiving encouragement from you and the “siestas” to keep going forward and purpose to study. My husband has been fighting cancer the last six months and it is easy to lose my focus. I am memorizing and that has really helped me even before we, “siestas” started as a group in January. This post is helping to see I need to have a specific study plan. Thank you!
Beth, you have cheered me up the last few days…and I needed it!
I am leading a group of neighborhood ladies through Florence Littauer’s book “Personality Plus for Parents”. We are trying to understand our crazy little people…and our crazy selves:)
My hubby & I are headed in June to Greece for a “Steps of Paul” tour. I would love to do your Paul bible study before we go.
Last year we went to Israel and I did your Jesus,The One & Only beforehand which was amazing. We had the same tour guide you had (Ari). You may remember me telling you about that when we met in October at Catalyst in the green room;) You are such a blessing to me…thanks for allowing God to use you!
Just finished your Revelations study with my best friend and now am doing Faithful, Abundant, True study with our Ladies Bible Study. Love it all!
I am part of a neighborhood Bible study that is 10 years old this January! (I have only participated for about 4 years.) As part of our new year, the leaders and Bible study members wanted to make a list of all the studies they had done in the past and came up with 18! (Including Daniel, Esther, The Beloved Disciple, and A Heart Like His.) Our new study is the book by John Ortberg: “The Me I Want To Be.” I am only up to chapter 4, but wow! It is an incredible book that, in spite of the title, is not a self-focused book at all. It’s a great book to begin any new year with! And, of course, I’m memorizing Scripture with the SSMT!
My daughter and husband gave me the book “Choosing to See” for Christmas. I could not put it down!! I would say this is a definite read for anyone. They also gave me your book “So long Insecurity” and it is excellent. I am working on it right now. I have already seen myself and am not even half through yet. Love it! Praise God for all He does for us through other people.
Believe it or not, my sweet ladies group that studies the Bible on Wednesday mornings here in Hungary are studying the book of James!! We laughed last week and said we’ll have to study it again when you are finished with your study:) Can’t wait, either!! We are just going through the book verse by verse, chapter by chapter. It is AMAZING to study the Bible with Godly women from all over the world. Ex-pat life can be lonely and difficult but joyous and a blessing at the same time!!! We are doing your study of Esther next and we are all excited about that as well. It helps to see your face when those of us from America are feeling homesick 🙂 Thank you for obeying God’s calling and leading us to His throne!! You are in our prayers!!!
I am beginning Priscilla Shirer’s study, “Discerning the Voice of God.” So good! God put it in front of me just when I needed it…He always knows just how to answer my questions and move me closer to Him. I am also reading slowly through Isaiah when I have time…I am so happy to see other Siestas right here doing the same thing…God must be up to something! He is so good.
Thankfully I was in the audience Tuesday! Woo hoo surrounded by Siesta’s and sitting by my natural and spritiual sister and I met a Beth Moore “Newby” who after a 30 min dinner in the HFB cafe is my new BFF. Hi Linda!! Back during “Fall Forward” I picked up a handout for James. On the handout (I took it off my refrig and I quote) it says “Homework and make-up sessions will not be available for this study.” I took that literally so I signed up for a Ladies Bible class study on David. Grin. I happen to be an overachiever and like having two studies going at once, but I was kinda glad I was just doing David. God and Beth had other plans for me. Boy do I feel like my cup overflows! I want to serve with a heart like His and studying James and David simultaneously I do believe God has started teaching me. So on Tuesday’s I will drive from College Station for James and on Thursday mornings I will stay home and study David. I feel like a spinning light up top I am so HAPPY.
Just started teaching a 6-week course I wrote called Introduction to the Bible for my church. It’s a beginner’s class on the Bible and this is the second time I’ve taught it. The first time went very well and this time is looking to go just as well. Am praying for everyone involved that they stick with it through the whole 6 weeks to get the most out of the course.
I’m doing Breaking Free (Revised) with the same Bible Study Group I did the original Breaking Free 11 years ago. We are all in different stages of life and sadly to say have picked up a new set of chains we need to break out of. Unfortunately, all the women in our Bible Study group have gotten divorced over the last 11 years. Painfully, we have a heightened awareness of Satan’s schemes to stop at nothing to hurt God’s children.
Thank you Beth for allowing God to work through you to minister to us.
Just finished viewing the video session for Week 3 of Stepping Up, read your blog, and am now replying.
I home school my kids and this week we started a bible curriculum based on the Pentateuch. We are reading certain chapters and then answering specific questions. My kids are really enjoying it and I am so filled with joy over that!
We just finished Linda Dillows “Lord Calm My Anxious Heart” a wonderful study. Next week we are starting the New updated Beth Moore study of David. I did the original when it first came out so I am excited to study David once again. Thank you Beth!
I am reading the Bible through this year. I got a copy of The Daily Bible In Chronological Order (NIV Version). I have never read the entire Bible through and it is my goal to do just that this year.
I am actually ahead, and am thoroughly enjoying it.
Reading Travis’ book (Surprised by Worship) and focusing on my personal worship life this first month of the year! I have loved every minute of his book so far.
I’m finishing up A Woman’s Heart, God’s Dwelling Place. I am looking forward to Ruth by Kelly Minter next, with a friend who really needs some encouragement.
Just finishing A Woman’s Heart on my own, next individual study will be David. Participating in a group study with Lenya Heitzig & Penny Rose’s Live Relationally, Lessons from the Women of Genesis, and each night my kids and I are working on the kid version of Precept studies on the Names of God. Just can’t get enough!!
Just finished The Patriarachs and now on to Daniel but in the meantime I’m personally studying the Israelites journey from Exodus to the Promised Land and am even taking a step of faith as I believe God is nudging me to write a study that parallels to their journey…The Path…I’ll keep you all posted and prayers are appreciated 🙂 btw – Scripture #2 MEMORIZED!
Our Bible study group is studying The Beloved Disciple.As usual, God has each chapter completely coinciding with a circumstance or thought that happens to need attention.
God is working a major healing in me right now and it is grand. I am searching His word and revelling in the fact that finally, I can read His words and take them in and rest in their promises and comfort. God is beyond good!
I’m leading more than 200 women in an online study of Me, Myself and Lies. Although I read this in your summer bile study, I am repeating it as a January study because so many women are making resolutions to spend time with God. Cleaning a thought closet is a perfect time to draw near to Him. We are blessed to learn with women from around the world, and have one woman in the study who is serving in Afganistan while another woman is in her surgical residency working 80 hours a week. I am pleased the percious Lord has provided a way for these women to fellowship with us participate in bible study in spite of their circumstances. God is Good!
PS- when we complete this study, we’ll be reading Stepping Up Through Psalms followed by David. We’re also just finishing up Jesus the One and Only, a Christmas bible study 🙂 We have more than one thousand blog subscribers and are still growing as the Lord brings women into online study.
I am reading Lysa Terkeurst’s Made to Crave and watching her webcasts on Monday nights. Awesome study on craving God more than food, but applies to so many other areas in life too. Last week she covered the lies that Satan tells us and replacing them with God’s truths. Also, in John 5 when Jesus was baptized and God said He was well pleased. It was before Jesus started His ministry. God is well pleased with us before we even start. We don’t have to work for His approval.
I just started Breaking Free on my iPad! It is the neatest app. I hope you are planning to put more studies in this format. Your ministry has been a blessing to me. God has worked many miracles through your studies!
Kelly
Our group finished up A Woman’s Heart, God’s Dwelling Place mid December and are now in our 3rd week of Daniel! Enjoying Daniel so much but A Woman’s Heart will always have a special place in my Heart! Amazing! It was my first Bible Study. While I grew up in a family that believed in God, it was not central to our lives. We did not have a personal relationship with God. That has changed for me in the past two years. I read the bible daily, pray and praise God daily and we just started attending a Bible based Church. I am so thankful that I finally started listening to God, I believe He has been trying to get my attention for a long time!
Thank you Beth Moore for your wonderful studies and books! I’m hooked for life!
I just came off a fast to start the year dedicated to Christ and to be honest I was feeling a little lost. I put so much energy in my fast and focusing on him now that I am eating whatever I want again and still trying to keep him first I didn’t know how to begin a new focus with Hm. Then I felt tugged to check on different ministry websites and i came across your loveliness Beth Moore! and HELLO the Seista memorizing verse is JUST what I NEEDED!!!! Now I can dedicate something new to Christ. I was so afraid I would lose my connection with him with out the fast but… not now. I have a new focus and Im highly EXCITED!!!! Oh how I Love Jesus!!! He is Awesome!!!! Thank you Beth Moore you rock in the Spirit!!! Love you girl!!! Cant wait to start memorizing and focusing on GOD!!!
My husband and I are studying Hebrews part two (Kay Arthur’s Precept Upon Precept) with a small group from church. It’s VERY different doing a study with your husband! I’m used to being in a group of ladies that I know well and laugh a lot with. But we’re in a new city and church so we’re on an adventure together. It’s wonderful to see him digging right in and to dig alongside him. And we actually laugh a lot too. God is so good!
One side note. I did Believing God several years ago and was so excited about it I continually shared updates with my husband. Not long after that, I noticed he’d downloaded the whole study and was doing it on his own. He’d been listening to the lessons on his iPod on daily walks with the dog. I was amazed, he’d never said a word! When he realized he was busted he stood straight up at his desk and began to recite all five faith statements. How awesome is that!?
Clarkston MI
“Jesus the One and Only” – just started this week! It’s a wonderful group of about 30 women of all ages, backgrounds, and different churches! Already enjoying the study and “the girls”! 🙂
Right now – Isaiah and Proverbs. (Of course, getting into the Psalms is always a must!)
I’ve recently retired from teaching, so I’m excited to have more time in the Word. I’ve been working on “Becoming a Woman of Simplicity” by Cynthia Heald, who was in OKC last fall. Your scripture memory challenge is right up my alley! Love to memorize the word. There are quite a few Okies on board here.
I am finishing up “To Live is Christ” with a group of women at my church. Last night we watched group session 9. I can’t stop thinking about “Why should we do this thing if we’re all going to end up together anyway?”… so we can have a passionate life with Him. Gosh I wish I could learn from you every day for a few weeks…not because I idolize you… but because your passion for Christ is so contagious it’s just EASIER in your presence. I wonder “What would it be like to go to the grocery store with her? To do laundry with her?” only because I find it so fascinating how you speak with, and find, God in the ordinary moments. Keep teaching us mama- I’ve got a long way to go!
God has blessed me with the time to actually do 2 studies over the next 3 mos. A church group I go to is doing Beth’s revised study of David and in my home church group we’re doing a study on 2 Corinthians. I LOVE Bible study and thank God that in this period of flux for our family He has made this time for me so “productive”! Oh, and listening (again!) to “Believing God” in my car….that counts, right?! 🙂
Hi Beth!
I too love books…. A couple of years ago I remember you did a post on favorite books, and through the comments I learned about paperbackswap.com, which has become a wonderful place to find books for myself and our church library. I’ve added so many books to my collection that my hubby needs to build us some additional bookshelves! My bookshelf spilleth over!
I finished your Patriarchs study last Fall, and then studied Job using ‘Let God be God’, by Ray Stedman. Loved it! Next up for me is Priscilla’s “One In a Million” and your Revelation study.
Question for the siestas out there – I would like to find a Bible Study that I can do with my 14-yr old daughter – just the two of us. Any suggestions?
Love and Hugs,
Adrienne
You might try John the Beloved Disciple teen edition by Beth. I have never looked at the teen workbook but Beloved Disciple was the first study I did of hers and it got me hooked on bible study.
Lisa
Thanks Lisa! I will look into that!
Adrienne
I am in week 3 of Living Beyond Yourself, together with 75 other women at our church. How wonderful to know that the spiritual is so practical!! God certainly is at work in our lives.