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.
I’m doing your Stepping Up workbook by myself. So I’m also working on memorizing Psalm 121 with my first and fifteenth verses. I am really liking learning how to say it, work it, and pray it. It has been meaningful to me already. God is so faithful to His children. I am so glad He will never leave me to fend for myself!!!!
Just started WIsdom for Mothers by Denise Glenn!
I loved those studies…way back in the day of VCR’s even!! Oh man, does that mean I’m old?
Praying the Names of God
A Daily Guide
by Ann Spangler
I’ve been asked to teach again for our women’s ministry on Wednesday nights. This is still a new ministry for me, so I’m learning as I go along. Also, I’m not using a curriculum, but creating my own lessons with the help of my commentaries, so I’m learning more than my class is!
We’re going to be spending the next couple of months talking about the Kingdom of God as Jesus described it in the Parables. Last night’s lesson was an overview of the Beatitudes. Did you know that under the New Covenant there is a Mount of Blessing, but no Mount of Cursing? I had never thought of it that way before, and I was so excited! Christ has borne the curse of the law for us and there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus.
Can’t wait to see where the parables take us.
Anne, not sure if you will read back to see this, and you may already know this. in deut it talks about 2 mounts one to proclaim blessings on and one to proclaim curses on. (i am reading the Bible in 90 days – i’m actually a little behind and so i just read this today). here’s the verse: “When the Lord your God has brought you into the land you are entering to possess, you are to proclaim on Mount Gerizim the blessings, and on Mount Ebal the curses.” Deut. 11:29 NIV Just thought it might go along with what you are doing. Now i am going to try to find what you were talking about because i don’t remember a mount discussed about blessings in the NT and that might go along with what i’m reading!! thanks! Blessings siesta! Kimberly
Hoping you check back to see this because I should have explained. The beatitudes were blessings, so the Mount of Beatitudes would be the Mount of Blessings. Essentially the point was that Jesus goes up to one mountain and pronounces blessings, but He does NOT then go up to another and pronounce curses. (I think my source for this was Matthew Henry, but I don’t have my notes with me.) So the New Covenant brings only blessings, but not cursing or condemnation for those who are in Christ (Gal. 3 & Romans 8).
Thanks for the Deut. references. I should never post without my notes handy!
I’m not doing a Bible study with a group so far, but my church is reading the whole Bible this year!!! Lots of fun knowing that there are several hundred reading the same passages I am!!! And to my Siestas, I just love getting everyone’s recommendations on great studies and books!
My church is doing the same. It’s a great accountability tool (in the same way that the scripture memory team is), to know that everyone else is doing it, too! We are currently in Job (chronological plan). I read it in high school and really enjoyed it, but am struggling to follow the meaning behind the words now. Perhaps it’s because I have a bigger grasp on the meaning of eternity now, than at 15 years old.
nothing. really. 🙁 and I feel it.
I am reading Philip Yancey’s book called Prayer…and listening to Mark Buchanan’s audio book, Your God is too Safe.
But I miss a good Bible study.
Sandee, I very often just do one by myself. I’m working through Jennifer Kennedy Dean’s “Set Apart” in my quiet times right now. It’s on the Sermon on the Mount. I’m like you. I love regular books like the ones you mentioned (I really like both Yancey and Buchanan) but I can’t stand to be out of a Bible study curriculum for long. I can’t always depend on being able to get together with others in a small group so I do a number of them by myself and God meets me every time.
oh, Beth! I am reading her book “Life Unhindered!” It is so good! Can’t wait to look at her studies.
Marilyn Gadsden Al JONAH by Priscilla Shiver
Me too!!! My Tuesday night ladies Bible Study is starting the Jonah study next Tuesday night. We can’t wait to get started to see what all the Lord has in store for us!!!!
I also have just finished reading a great book by Terry L. Johnson called “When Grace Transforms”. This book explains the beatitudes in a way that I have never heard them explained. He explains the characteristics that we as Christians should display in our lives and our total dependence on Christ for everything.
I am studying on my own (not with my regular small group) this semester. Which is really odd I guess considering my current string of tragic circumstances. But Nothing seemed to work out this term, so I must simply conclude that God wants me all to Himself for a few months here. And that is OK.
The book I am using is “Developing Intimacy With God: An Eight-Week Prayer Guide Based on Ignatius’ ‘Spiritual Exercises'” By Alex B. Aronis. This has been a good set of prayer exercise for me. And quite challenging at times thus far. I tend to be more of a “study the meanings and chase the greek or hebrew root down” kinda girl than a “meditate on the word and discover who God is” kinda girl. So these exercises have really forced me to spend time learning and enjoying who God is at a deeper personal level~ Cultivating my relationship with my Loving Savior is exactly what I need right now.
Lin in Troy
I totally understand you and love what you’re doing. The commentaries (I really love the archeological stuff, too) can be so engrossing that I don’t spend the time MEDITATING on the Word. Digging into the Hebrew is fun to do w/ SSMT, though. You’re awesome!
Thanks Emily,
I don’t know about awesome, but I am certainly CHANGING. And it hurts like nothing I’ve ever imagined before….
Oh, and I just got such a kick out of what you said as I looked up on the shelf at my brand new **archeological** study Bible. *tee hee hee* But I am making myself wait until I finish “the exercises” before I dig into it 🙂
Starting “Breaking Free” with a dear friend that has offered to walk through that journey with me. I know it will be hard for me to face some things from my past. Looking forward to it, but a little scared too.
Bible Study Fellowship – Isaiah
Reading daily in my 365 Chronological Bible
I Love HIS word!!!!
Me too……..BSF had been a God send for me…learning so much too.
Thank you for that update. I needed something fun tonight. Several friends close to me have lost loved ones in the last two weeks. My heart is heavy for them.
I have waited so long to do A Woman’s Heart. Finally, we schedule it for this semester, and dang it, everything under the sun (actually snow) has happened and we dont get to start until Feb. 1. But I am so excited to start!! Ive been reading Made to Crave in the mean time 🙂
I’m studying Isaiah at BSF! Also, last Sunday night I began facilitating “Believing God” at our church. We have 20 ladies in our group. Since I did this study back in 2004 it’s been interesting to see how I answered some of the personal reflection questions–areas of faith challenges then and now.
Debbie! i loved that one! one of my favorites!
Starting your Revelation study tonight. Gotta leave in 10 minutes. Very excited to hear from God….
Cindy
A group of ladies at my church just started Breaking Free two weeks ago! Today I just did week 2, day 1. I know God is going to do a mighty work in all of us! We so appreciate your teachings, Beth. I am also reading “Spiritual Rhythms: Being with Jesus every Season of your soul.” by Mark Buchanan. Very powerful as it uses the four seasons as metaphors for the seasons of the heart. God is challenging me in many areas and I am growing so much through the scripture memorization. Made prayer boxes with my youth girls last night…so much fun bringing in that creativity…and I too am learning the utter importance of prayer!
I am doing the Revelation study at my church! Super excited about it—we are in week 2. So much to learn!
Our Women in the Word group just started Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed. Can’t wait to go through this study!!
I’m reading ‘Believing God’..and LOVING IT! God is really working on me…who knew I had been carrying so much ‘fear’ around? I love the fact that He cares enough about me to want me to be free from this fear and find rest in Him.
I am reading through Deuteronomy. I am also finishing Breaking Free – updated revision with some women from church. Finally, I am reading “Experiencing God” by Henry Blackaby – while walking on the treadmill 🙂
First of all I love the fact that every Bible study you begin you seem to always describe them as “one of the best” God has brought your way! love that 🙂
Second (and to answer your question): I am studying the book of Proverbs with Precept Upon Precept and in turn going to be teaching it to my 9th grade girls from Wednesday nights who are begging for a Monday night study all their own. They requested we start with Proverbs, so the Lord and I are on a journey; just finished your Esther study and that sprung me to teach this one.
The girls will join that journey in Feb- sure could use a prayer covering.
Thirdly: I started praying for Joanne when I got your twitter prayer request, she was heavy on my heart. Then this last weekend at a Planet Wisdom youth event our group was helping break down the stage when I struck up a conversation with the couple “in charge”; after several minutes they got a text and began to talk about a friend of theirs… long story short it was about their friend Joanne. What a small and wonderful world of brothers and sisters. They were comforted knowing so many people were praying for their dear friend.
Lastly, I promise 🙂 I am thrilled you have both your girls in town with you! I have grown up on Beth Moore (did your tabernacle and David study at age 21 with 2 little babies in 1997 while living in Oklahoma on an Air Force base- wow this New England born girl had never seen such BIG hair!) so your girls seem like cousins I’ve never met and I know how dear they are to you- yippee for you!!!
I just started Believing God. I took it many years ago, online I think, and I loved it. Our church is offering it, but this time I get to experience taking it with my 26 yr. old daughter! God is so good!!! It’s been a secret prayer and dream of mine that she would love Bible Study as much as I did as I started when I was a young mother too. So excited!!!
I am amazed at how many of you mentioned Believing God, Teri! Only God’s Word can stay fresh on the page that many years later. That journey totally riveted my life. I still say those 5 statements.
Truly one of my favorites…
Oh Beth, I feel the same way! I did that study at home by myself on-line. It was the most gut wrenching I have done to date. For some people Breaking Free was that way for them, but for me, I had some baggage to deal with in Believing God. I still have the 5 statements on my bulletin board by my computer and some days in my quiet time those statements are all I can say.
Me too!!!!! That was the first study I dud of yours and I still use each finger to recall the points made! Believe U are who God says you are ladies!!!!!
I am currently doing Kelly Minter’s Ruth Study. Love your teachings and studies, and up until recently, wasn’t familiar with other women studies. I attended the Deeper Still Conference in B’ham and was introduced to some other ladies and am thankful for that! Thank you for devoting your life to Christ and using your gift to help others!
Love, love, love this study! One of my favorite bible studies!
I am reading through Acts with my church! One chapter each day. And, I’m going through Elisabeth Elliot’s Proverbs 31 Bible study book – it’s great!
SECOND WEEK OF DAVID SEEKING A HEART LIKE HIS, AND I AM PROUD TO SAY MY FIFTH BETH MOORE BIBLE STUDY.
Well, I guess the Lord has me on the “do it in a year” trip b/c besides being a member of the SSMT, I am doing the M’Cheyne Bible in a year plan along with D.A. Carson’s “For the Love of God” devotionals (fabulous, by the way). I am also reading John Piper’s “Think”, and am in the middle of the “Believing God” study with my Tuesday night posse. Boy, when I write it all down, that sounds like a lot – but it is all weaving together so well, I don’t even notice. Isn’t it great how He does that?
Karen, I’m working through a couple of different studies plus starting reading my Bible through, and it amazes me how it all comes together. I’l be reading and think, “Didn’t I just read that?”… and no, I’m not rereading it, but God must stress certain things. It is great… and He is so awesome! =)
I am about half way through YOUR bible study on the life of Paul.. “To Live Is Christ”. I am in another bible study and we are going through (again) the Purpose Driven Life. such reminders…. so powerful!
Pouring through the book of Joel and 2 Kings! Revival, trust, weak being strong
I just started your Daniel study. I have done it before but I am really looking forward to learning something new this time and with a new group of ladies.
Cara
cara, i’m with you on doing daniel again. so much info!!! i’m sure i could learn so much more if i went through it again!!!
Finishing up Living Beyond Yourself with Mrs. Moore – Fantastic. About to hit the road with Priscilla Shirer… never done a study with her before but I hear she can BRING IT… with the enabling power of the Holy Spirit, of course!
Girl, yes. She can bring it.
I love Priscilla! Looking forward to her simulcast April 1-2 HERE in Panama City!!
Saw her in OKC and she can, indeed, BRING IT.
I am in a group of about 70 ladies and we are doing Return to the Garden by Kay Arthur
Two other moms and I who have preschool schedule conflicts with our church’s Women’s Bible Study are doing Breaking Free – we got the cds and have to close our eyes to try to picture you talking to us! First week went well. ; ).
Hahaha. Well, you sweet things, I wish so much I could be there. I’m going to close my eyes and try to picture you. I do dearly love me some moms of preschoolers.
About to start teaching through my newly published FIRST study “Knowing God Through His Names” (releases nationally in March) on Tuesday nights to a precious group so of 60 ladies!! Praying hard that they feel like it is a SMALL intimate group regardless of how many ladies the Lord ends up bringing!!
I just bought a Bible study book, 40 Day Bible Adventure. I’ll be working my way through that during my quiet time. I’m also attending Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University and another Bible Study about Revelation that’s taught by some crazy, blonde Bible teacher that we all just love to pieces.
I am using the “Breaking Free Day by Day” from you and then doing my reading through the Psalms every month–5 each by the number of day, so today was 20,50,80,110,140 and the 1st of the month was 1,31,61,91,121, etc. I’ve done this for several years and I am just amazed at the wealth of encouragement and truth in the Psalms. And I love The Message.
I need to get into a real Bible study, but for now, this is at least keeping me reading truth.
Besides the siesta memory verses I am taking a deep breath and going to start a bible study, a Kay Arthur study on Living with Discernment in the End Times. I took all the books I read last year and resold them on Amazon and made enough money to buy an NISB so I can color until my heart’s content…I so love this blog, Blessings to you Miss Beth, your family and all the siestas…..Oh, yes and planning a wedding in March for my middle daughter….Looking forward to hearing more about your James study Beth……
I’m almost done with The Patriarchs! It’s been so good! Not sure what to do next?
My dear friend and I are working on our scripture memorization and we just finished reading the bible in 90 days. I’m so glad to have finally accomplished reading through chronologically, I guess it took the deadline to make me successful. Now we are leading a small group in Kelly Minter’s “No Other Gods”. We completed her “Ruth” study last year and wanted to dig into her first study as well, we are really loving it. When we finish that next month we are going to begin Beth’s “To Live is Christ”, we are so excited for all of this time in the Word!
Here in Surrey, our group of ladies meet on Saturday morning and we are doing a study called ‘Here and Now…Then and There’, maybe you heard of it? (giggle)
In my personal time, God has called me to the book of Isaiah, and I am slowly reading through and looking up different commentaires on line and just letting the Lord bring to mind His teaching and soaking up His every word!
I started it for Jan 1st and tomorrow I start chapter 3 – like I said slowly.
Loved the picture, glad you are all enjoying each other’s company and growing in appreciation for each other. Thanks for letting me have a small peek into the lives of LPM.
Maybe there is a new taste coming for popcorn known as StarCorn,(popbucks?) where Starbucks and popcorn mix.
Our college home group and our Sunday School class have both been working through Ephesians. We use a workbook called Life Essentials, written by our friend/professor/author, Scott Duvall. He wrote it for small groups at Fellowship Church here in our small college town & we love it! I’ve also discovered Leigh McElroy recently and am really enjoying her books, Treasured and The Beautiful Ache.
I’m glad you asked, Beth. When your life revolves around a university schedule, it’s hard to be consistent during the breaks b/c you’re so out of routine. So yay for friends who will ask “so what are you doing?” 🙂 Much love to you~
I love Ephesians!
I’m just finishing the Message-Remix version from last year’s Bible in a year (and a month extra):)
Tuesday morning my Bible Study group started “Here and Now . . There and Then” on Revelation, which is what I’m reading in the Message right now! I wasn’t supposed to still be living here, because if my house had sold I would have been able to move to Dallas with my husband. He’s been working there for 2 months. But I guess God really wants me to do this study, since I’m here for another session of Bible Study!
I just finished “A Lineage of Grace” by Francine Rivers (on my Kindle app on my phone which is so fun). This book is so powerful for women who always want the details of a story. She takes 5 women from the Bible (Jesus’ lineage) and gives such a rich detail (fictionalized)to their stories. It is a must read!
And I am working through Lysa Terkeurst’s new book “Made to Crave” and trying to Finally get my food idol done with for good.
I’ve really enjoyed seeing what everyone is doing, this was great fun!
Blessings Siestas!
Lisa
I’m going to looke up “Made to Crave” right now. I did “Truly Fed” this past summer and it gave me a good start.
Are you finding Lisa’s book helpful? I was considering buying it.
Thank you for the recommendation of “Made to Crave”. I read “A Woman of Moderation” by Dee Bresdin (similar topic) and did really well until stress hit with a battle. Now, I need to get back on the discipline. I’ll get the book immediately.
Lisa – thanks so much for the heads up about the book by Francine Rivers. I, too, have the free Kindle app on my phone and I will definitely be looking for that book.
I also am reading Made to Crave on my phone right now and have a group coming to my house on Monday nights to watch the live webcasts. I connect my computer to my television so we can all see and hear and we are truly enjoying it. Are you watching the live webcasts? Once they’re finished, we are going to start the Bible Study.
I’ll be praying for you and ask that you do the same for me.
I’m having a blast getting to know some of my fellow “siestas” – this is my first year to hear about the SSMT and I’m LOVING it 🙂
This week at our house we are working hard to teach son #2, who is 7, to be kind…..he and I have selected 1 Thes. 5:15 as our verse for the week. He is reading it to me from my Bible.
BTW, it’s not easy to teach an all-boy, little boy to think more about the feelings of other than of himself. Have mercy!
PS and we are also building a robot — how is that for two ends of the spectrum.
Precious. I love little boys.
I am finishing up the study of Ruth…I got way sidetracked last year when my Dad died in Jan and then my step-dad in June. I just could not focus on anything other than my husband, kids and job (in that order).
BUT, you got me when you said you were going to do the actual taping of James in April. Where and When??? That short week of Breaking Free changed my life and I long for that again. I could do Houston; I love it there! Just let me know!
Love to you,
Traci
Do you know that I don’t know where the taping is yet? LifeWay hadn’t completely decided when we had our last conference call. I will let you guys know!
Thanks! Please do let us know ASAP. I have frequent flyer miles burning a hole in my laptop and I am all ready to go!!!
Can I come….I promise to be good!
PLEASE let us know. Panama City would be an amazing place…just sayin’
It would be so fun to attend the recording of the James sessions… Do tell when and where and what we could do to join in… I know you said studio audience, but I’d love to attend. 🙂
Come tape in Michigan!
great article… thanks for sharing
Hey Sweet Siesta Mama, I’m in BSF and were studying the book of Isaiah. Loving it!! I am in awe of our Lord and falling more and more in love with him during this study. But also understanding and knowing his heart and passion for his people, the nations, and my word, what is happening to the earth. My faith is rising through this study.
I asked God to continue to show me little treasures in his word. I didnt catch it before, but I might have read it and just didnt realize that Paul got bit by a VIPER!! It hung on his hand and he shook it off!! and didnt die!! God’s amazing!! My faith increased today. So I prayed against that snake and reminded my self who I am in Christ. Justified! Redeemed! Sanctified! Cleansed as if I never sinned!! I’m saved by the blood of Jesus and no one can take that from me!!
I woke up this morning and laying in bed. God said to read when Jesus appeared to the two disciples on the road to Emmaeus. He vanished!!!! VANISHED!!! Phillip and the enuch. Phillip disappeared!!! DISAPPEARED!!!!!
I would love to have a miraculous transportation with Jesus. Maybe we could walk on the bottom of the ocean together! …or go in space together and move the stars around!! God is HUGE!!!! Amazing Almight All-powerful!!!
One last thing…reading a wonderful book that is also increasing my prayer life. Its called The Purple Pig and other miracles by Dick Eastman. I cant put it down!!
Praise you Jesus forever!!
So good, Maria!
We just started studying David! I can’t wait to see all The Our Sweet Lord is going to teach me through this one.
Blessings Beth and can’t wait to see you up here in the Great Northwest 🙂
you will be blessed as you see how God worked in/through David. He wasn’t perfect, but his heart was incredible. Enjoy the study!!!
I am reading the One year Chronological Bible. I am so excited about it. I have officially read the Word of God for 20 days in a row. That is big for me! Wendy Pope, from Proverbs 31 ministries, posts a video on her blog everyday that contains a lesson on the day’s reading. I am learning so much from that and the comments left on the blog contain so much wisdom. So reading the word & memorizing the word. I am growing closer to God and learning so much!
I am nearly done with a chronological read thru and I have LOVED it! Enjoy!
Good for you! 20 days in a row is a great accomplishment! May the Lord continue to draw you to His Word! (((HUGS)))
the Bible study group in which i find myself is a HOOT! i laugh or cry (often both at the same time!) every week. i love these ladies dearly, and that itself is a testimony to God’s transformative power! even a year ago, i would never have let people into my life; i had very, very rigid and cold barriers up. but God brought these women into my life, and through them He started healing my hurts and gently teaching me to trust. i am forever thankful!!
🙂
we just started ‘when godly people do ungodly things’
I have enjoyed going back and forth between reading a book in the OT and then one in the NT. I am using the New Living Translation. I just recently finished reading through the book of Job. I have found my mind continuously going back to Job 42:5. “I had only heard about You before, but now I have seen You with my own eyes.” WOW! Talk about beauty from ashes… It would be ok with me if that is how I summed up 2011 when it comes to an end. To know Him more…not something someone has told me they believe to be true about Jesus, but what I KNOW to be true for myself about Him because I have “seen Him with my own eyes.”
Thanks for sharing this verse from Job! Would love it to sum up my year too! Thanks!
Amen, you wrote my heart’s cry as well. I know that is God’s desire for us as well.
Wow, your post could’ve been written by me. I had not remembered that verse in Job and am so glad you mentioned it here. It sums up the last 16 months for me. I personally had put it this way: I have known God in my life as “my God” for the last 24 years but the last 16 months, I’ve gotten to know Him as “my Abba”….and it’s been worth it. Hard, so hard, but so worth it. I’m going now to look that verse up….!
I just started The Inheritance with a women’s bible study group at a friend’s mom’s church, and am involved in a weekly small women’s group at my church where we are studying prayer with Jennifer Dean’s Live a Praying Life. So far both have been a blessing and it’s only week 2!
the Inheritance is amazing! You are going to love it!
I was given a nice “read-through-the-Bible” in a year schedule by a local radio station. It is a great new tool – as I like variety and it switches over to NT and the Psalms and Proverbs every few days – I am thoroughly enjoying Genesis… and reading some in the Gospels as well. I have been so blessed…. recently I have been thinking about how to take a Noise Fast… like cut down on the “loudness” of my days… cut the radio, tv, computer… not necessarily only the sounds but the sights that yell at me as I drive down the road… or whatnot… anyone ever done/heard of taking a Noise Fast…is it possible in our society??
I’ve never heard of it, but it certainly sounds interesing. I am not a morning person, but have found myself trying to get up a little earlier so I can study and spend time with God before my 8 year old tornado gets up. Then it’s the TV and running here and there and traffic on the way to work… sometimes it is so overwhelming. I may have to try to consciously cut down the noise. Thanks for the suggestion.
I love the idea of a noise-fast! It seems like distractions are getting more and more intense! Last week when I needed to get “away” from everything…even just the distractions of my home…I locked myself in my bathroom and went into the tub behind the curtain, (no water running…haha). There was something about physically going behind something just to be the God…it turned out to be an awesome time of prayer!
i just commented almost the very same thing!! i’m doing an online read through the Bible in a year on biblegateway.com LOVE that website!
WOW! I’ve never heard of that Tammie but it DOES sound like a wonderful idea! Would be hard for me to do during the day at work but how wonderful would it be to do it at night when I get home instead of clicking on the television. I am definitely going to try to do this soon. Thanks for the idea 🙂
Tammie – I HIGHLY recommend “unplugging”! I have done this on a few Saturdays and the quiet is so calming! AND…you can actually communicate with God without distraction! My senses relax because I’m not overstimulated. I’ve never thought of it as a “noise fast” but I like that!!!
I am doing the scripture memory with girls from my Sunday school class and a devotional Jesus Calling by Sarah Young–great! I have just started Breaking Free (updated version) and can’t wait to read the stories of others. I did the first Breaking Free years ago and crack up at what you said one time, “Some people need to break free from Breaking Free.” ha!
Hi Tammie! I have taken Noise Fast. But I had to leave my home to do so. Every year my husband and I go to an Eastern Orthodox monastery, The Monastery of the Holy Transfiguration, near our home and at least spend a long weekend there. The monastery is on 100 acres of natural fields and forest. The only sounds you hear are from the birds, nature and the nuns singing liturgical hymns praising God. This quiet time gives us the opportunity to reflect and come closer to God. You would not believe how much your body and mind slows down. The Noise fast helps to center you on the only One that truly matters. I always leave refreshed and ready to face my life with newness.
Beth,
I am studying David right now and loving it! I love how you make me look at a scripture so different from anyway before. I love learning about David and look forward to this bible study continuing.
God gave you a very special gift. I am glad you stepped forward and are following God’s lead.
Mary
I’m working my way thru the last weeks of Believing God study (for the 2nd time)very slowly and on my own. It’s a sweet thing that God meets us, blesses and challenges all over again.