The day has finally arrived! Wooooohooooo! Let’s get into the Scriptures, Girls! This is our official launch where you will officially register as participants in our summer Bible study but here’s the important part: YOU WILL SIGN IN AFTER YOU AND YOUR GROUP VIEW THIS VIDEO AND HAVE YOUR DISCUSSION TIME. (If you’re going solo, you’ll view it by yourself, of course, and answer the questions succinctly in your comment as your way of discussing the subject matter.)
Please read the following instructions carefully:
If you are participating in a small group (even on line), choose a name for it in your first gathering. It does not need to be clever although you’re welcome to do it that way. It can be as simple as “Greensboro Summer Siestas.” Mine will be “The LPM Village” because I’ll be going through it with my in-house staff and we call our merry band of sisters the Village. You will use your group name every time you leave a comment on Bible study day.
After watching the video and participating in the discussion time with your small group, appoint ONE representative from your group to sign in through a comment to this post. You’re welcome to appoint a different representative each week that we meet. The main idea is to make sure only one person signs in for your group.
This is the way your group representative will sign in:
City, State; Name of group, Number in group. *A brief summary about your group time.
(*This might convey something interesting that came up in your time together or the question that motivated the most discussion. It’s wide open. Just give us a succinct report on your time in small group. Remember to keep them short and specific so that we can read as many as possible!)
Mine would look something like this:
Houston, Texas; The LPM Village, 12. Summary: We talked most about the challenges we have this summer and specific ways we each need God to “keep steady our steps.” (Then I’d give a couple of examples that came up in our discussion time. Get the idea?)
Sisters going solo: you will sign in individually and answer the questions very briefly in your comment. (You are welcome to limit your answers to the ones that resonate most to you.) If I were going solo, mine might look like this:
Houston, Texas; Beth Moore (you can just use your first name if you prefer). Questions 5 and 6 resonated most with me because…
NOW! You are good to go. Just watch the video and proceed according to the instructions I’ll give you within it. As you’ll see below, I will always put the instructions in print in case you’re unable to view the video or if, for any reason, it malfunctions. Keep in mind that you don’t need to read what follows unless you can’t watch the video.
Written instructions:
Today in small group time, read Psalm 119:129-135 together. If you have access to several translations, read it first in a formal translation – ESV, NAS, NKJ, NIV, etc – and, second, just for the richness of it, a modern translation like The Message or the New Living Translation. You know I love The NET Bible so that’s another option.
1. List every term the psalmist uses for God’s communication/revelation to man. (Example: V.129 ESV – “testimonies”)
2. Psalm 119:129 says, “Your testimonies are wonderful: therefore my soul keeps them.” Each of you (as time allows) share a specific way that you’ve come to know personally that God’s testimonies are “wonderful.” If you don’t have a newcomer to the Bible in your group, imagine that you do. Let your answer help explain to her why YOUR soul desires to keep God’s testimonies and why she should even consider it.
3. Psalm 119:132 says “Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is Your way with those who love Your name.” If you have placed your faith in God through Jesus Christ, you have demonstrated one titanic way of “loving His name.” Discuss the importance of trusting that God’s “way” is to deal with His children graciously. Talk about whether you tend to expect God to be gracious to you or indifferent or harsh and condemning. If you tend toward the latter, would you be willing this summer to seek God with the grateful expectation of His graciousness toward you.
4. Psalm 119:133a says, “Keep steady my steps according to Your promise.” What specific challenges are before you this summer that could cause you to really need God to “steady your steps”?
5. Psalm 119:133b says, “Let no iniquity get dominion over me.” THAT, Beloved, is a prayer that could have huge impact in our lives. If you are willing, share a particular tendency of your flesh that you’re really praying will not get the best of you this summer. (By all means, get personal as the Spirit leads but stop short of really graphic specifics. Give people the idea without the mental images.)
6. Psalm 119:134 says, “Redeem me from man’s oppression, that I may keep Your precepts.” Look up several definitions of “oppression” and discuss the vital differences between oppression and authority. How can they be confused? Once we know for certain we’re not just resisting authority but we are genuinely experiencing oppression, realize that God’s will is to REDEEM us from it. Pray fervently for Him to do so. He is perfectly capable of redeeming us from oppression while redeeming the relationship.
7. According to Psalm 119:135, conclude by asking God with a full heart of faith to make His face shine upon you, His servant, this summer and to TEACH you vividly through the Book of Nehemiah.
8. Sometime today, write Psalm 119:129-135 on a note card and keep it as your prayer for our Siesta Summer Bible Study. (After the video was already made, it occurred to me that I should have suggested we all write this segment on the inside of the front cover of our Nehemiah workbooks so, if I caught you in time, do that instead of a note card. That way it will serve as a Scriptural dedication of sorts for our summer experience.)
Have Weeks 1 and 2 of your homework done by Tuesday, July 10th and we’ll have our next Mini-Session then and your group discussion.
I love you guys so much! Isn’t it fabulous to be back together again in God’s Word??
We’ll meet in two weeks! If you’re meeting over a meal, try to fix Lauri’s Beef Enchiladas on p.32 and Mom’s ginger snaps on p.33.
(Remember! Comments only after your group time!)
The written portion says the homework should be done by Tuesday, July 6th. Should that be the 3rd or 10th?
That should be July 10th. Thanks for the catch, Amy! I will change it.
Hey Lindsee –
My book arrives tommorrow, are the 8 points also in the book or are they Beth’s addition?
I am doing the study solo, so after each video will I do the questions from the video first? then start the next section of the book?
Thx!
Cynthia
The eight points are Beth’s additions. So you’ll do the questions she’s posted, then start your homework. You’re also welcome to do Kelly’s videos online that you can purchase through LifeWay and watch online. They are teaching videos. That might enhance your study time since you are going solo. You can get those here: http://www.lifeway.com/Product/nehemiah-a-heart-that-can-break-video-sessions-m00000225 Blessings!
Okay, thank you, because that had me confused cause that was the day after one of my appointments and I could’ve sworn I made it for a Thursday. I was maddeningly going through my appointment cards cause I was so confused. And I’m already a little confused as you may know already, so that wasn’t very nice. LOL! I’m kidding. I love you guys!
I need to know how to register, I did not find a place to do so.
Leigh, your comment on this blog is your registration. It’s very casual!
Vanessa H. from Victoria, TX: Questions 4 and 5 really stood out for me because verse 133 really hit me.
a. “Direct my footsteps according to your word”- I am currently living with a difficult family situation/relationship and desperately need God to guide me.
b. “let no sin rule over me.”- my sinful tendencies are to give in to insecurities or to escape by reading romance novels…….these do not have the grip nome that they once did (Thanks be to God for setting me free!), but Satan will still try to hit me with these when times are tough.
correction…..grip on me, not grip nome 🙂
A grip gnome sounds terrible. 🙂 I think that is what I might start calling these things that bind us during my prayer time!
Thanks for your honesty. I will be praying for you!
Richmond, VA. Polly. I am a party of ONE! So exicted. What most has resonated with me is to let God steady my steps. My steps have been rocky, there have been times I have been questioning why and my mountains look too steep to even attempt to climb. I am praying that God reach out and steady me. Show me what I am to see and let me know I am not alone.
Hey from across the mountain! Keep looking UP! Think vertically–live horizontally!
Hello to you! Love that. Think and Live. Hope you are not sweltering on your mountain!
I am doing this with 2 other friends but we are all unable to meet together at the same time! So fun that I have others doing it with me 🙂
Austin,TX~Rebecca H.~ I’m flying solo this time…well, not really, the Spirit is with me! Can’t wait to see what He wants to reveal to my heart through this study! XO
Hi, Rebecca – missing you here at the Refuge in Concord, North Carolina. Enjoyed reading your Facebook post this morning about giving out grace – wonderfully provoking. Remembereing our first visit together with the Branch ladies in Virginia Beach a few years ago – great conference. Will pray for you this summer as you go through Nehemiah. Blessings to you and your sweet family and your ministry there.
I will be meeting with God through this bible study solo!
Cynthia Evans, Massanutten, VA, solo praying that God would let His face shine upon [me], His servant, this summer and to TEACH [me]vividly. So looking forward to His one on one time!!!
I need this so much and I’m looking forward to this!!
I am doing this Bible Study solo but I feel like I am among friends:) I can’t wait to see what God has for me. I love the part of the text which talks about God’s way towards us is gracious. I am so thankful
Hey Beth-
The directions say to have week 1 and 2 done by Tuesday, July 6th. I’m guessing you mean Tuesday, July 10th?
Just saw the correction! Thanks for being on it Lindsee!
FYI– if your book hasn’t arrived yet (mine arrives tomorrow) here is the free sample online from lifeway which includes the first two days.
https://s3.amazonaws.com/bhpub/edoc/005371581_SMPL.pdf?AWSAccessKeyId=1FAF154W9TVZ6M3REZG2&Expires=2117907857&Signature=6W3K3n7TPBiXe%2FpCOVA8wGlQ97I%3D
SSI, GA~Solo~ I pray for His face to shine upon me & show me His way!
Flying solo but working right now and won’t be able to spend time in Scripture and with the questions until tomorrow morning. Just wanted to “officially” register today.
omg!!!!!awesome,and I am so syked and ready for this journey.I pray that by the end of this study,I will have had a small group ready to join in on the fun with me,if not I look foward to a blessing anyway
San Antonio, Texas; Sharon going solo. I so need this study this summer. I’m facing an empty nest in August, selling my home of 18 years and leaving friends and moving to Dallas. I’m praying for God to “steady my steps” and to keep the dominion of depression from taking over my spirit. I feel God preparing a great testimony for me through this season. Oh how I love Him!
What an honest and beautiful post! My fellow siestas and I will be praying for you!
Hi Sharon! God shook up my world 3 years ago and moved my daughter and I to Dallas, and it has been quite a journey! Know that you’re not alone! Good for you for making this HUGE step! Please feel free to email me for any help you might need! At least you’ll know another person in the metroplex!
~Anna ([email protected])
Alma, Mi. Doing this study solo but looking forward to it.
Im just tuning into this now! Would love to start, do I need some sort of materials, such as a book to start? I also will be doing it solo. Thank you! So excited, to get into the word, I have been lacking something, knowing that God is calling me to get back on track!
Hi Leslie, so glad you are joining us! Yes, you’ll just need the workbook which you can find at any LifeWay store or online.
Katy, Texas. Kari Benton.
Answering the question about how God’s testimonies are wonderful I was reminded of my favorite Ann Voskamp quote “Read it (God’s word) because it is your very life and why live emaciated and I open it like a woman who needs to be cured of one wild and life-long eating disorder”. It.is.my.very.life.
Also when I think about where I need God to steady my steps no doubt it is in this current season of ministry my husband and I have found ourselves in. We moved 800 miles from our home to minister to students
Donna M, Albuquerque, NM; Going solo. #4 resonated with me, how much I need Him to steady my steps through this health challenge! So excited!
Flying solo – so excited about this study !!! Relying on God’s graciousness this summer and redeeming me from oppression – time to hit the WORD – thank you for offering this – much love
Im so excited about this summer bible study. I will be traveling a good bit so i am doing this solo. Also this is my first bible study i will be doing. I am a 2 yr reborn christian and im just to excited and ready to be on go!
Scattered, Smothered, and Covered! Not only is it the best way to order your hashbrowns, it is our name because we are scattered 300 miles apart, smothered in affection (or our to-do list, depending on what day it is) and covered by the blood! We have 3 in our group, 2 in Meridian, MS and 1 in Chattanooga, TN.
We know each other very well, and we have not been together in a Bible study in 3 years, so today we enjoyed connecting and getting our feet wet in this study together. We spent most of our time discussing how wonderful God’s testimonies are and how we are quick to forget them. We want to be better about keeping them in our soul. We also each have some struggles facing us this summer and discussed being very intentional about keeping sin from having dominion over us in the midst of these challenges.
We love you Beth, and those of us who have peeked ahead a little are thinking we are going to love Kelly as well! So excited to do this with our siestas!
Solo from Plano, TX
Jennifer I. – Houston, Texas
2. My soul desires to keep His testimonies and statutes because His ways are better than my ways, His thoughts higher than my thoughts. I am not smart enough nor wise enough to do this life on my own. Just like a toddler needs a routine and a schedule, I need structure and direction more than anyone. Without directions, I am lost. His commands are full of truth and absolute wisdom. He knows what is best for me. I do not!
3. I have always found the Lord to be more than gracious when He had every reason to be full of wrath and anger. When I don’t follow His way, I wallow in despair and find myself in the bottom of a pit. While He has every reason to leave me there, He always extends His hand and says “Come on, sweet girl. Let’s try that again”. His mercies are amazing and I feel so less than worthy of His unending grace towards me.
4. I’m very pregnant and due with my first baby in one month. I am scared out of my mind. Scared of delivery, but more than that, scared of change and how it will dramatically effect everything I know about my life. I’m scared of not being a good mom. The enemy is quick to take hold of me in situations like this and freeze me with fear and insecurity. While I bury myself in books and mommy-wisdom, I realize that I am seeking help and guidance from everyone but THE COUNSELOR that God has given me. I need the Holy Spirit to guide me, to point my feet in the right direction. Rather than learning to parent by all the parenting books, I can learn to parent by THE BOOK and by THE WAY and by THE HOLY SPIRIT who EMPOWERS!
5. Again, my tendency is to start with that self-talk where I convince myself that I’m not good enough and that my husband is unhappy and constantly be in fear that I’m not measuring up. But SO LONG, INSECURITY 🙂 My new life as a new mom will be covered in scripture and prayer and the full knowledge that I am who He says I am. And that He has given me the answers, the strength and the ability to do all things…
Monica, Toronto, Canada, solo. Doing study with 4 active, growing children under my wing. Question 2: I know that everything God had prescribed for me/us is for our good! Faithfulness, gentleness, love, etc, always reap good benefits. Therefore, I delight in keeping God’s precepts, with His help!
Hi Monica,
My group of siestas are meeting not far from you, in Oshawa. Would you like to join our group? I’m going to have babysitters (or “mother’s helpers) for the next 3 sessions so your kids could come too! Let me know – we’d love to have you!!
Thankyou for the invitation, Christy! I am actually in Richmond Hill so it’s a bit far for me as I don’t have a vehicle. But thankyou again for your invitation!
Monica…I also live in Oshawa 🙂 but I was in Richmond Hill on Saturday attending the “Inspiring Women’s Conference” at RichmondHill Baptist Church on Wright Street. It’s amazing to me how God weaves lives together. Isn’t it great being part of the family of God!!!
God bless you as you seek to follow Him.
Joy
Joy,
Are you doing this study with another group or solo? If you’d like to join up, let me know; my invitation stands open, as it did with Monica!!
Harrison, OH. On my own this summer for this study 🙂
Kris, from Sunnyside, WA
Going it alone.
Psalm 119:133a really spoke to me.
Lost my Dad on Jan. 17, 2012 – now 5 months later my mother has been put on dialysis for Kidney failure. She is failing daily. I need to “Keep steady my steps according to Your promise” now more then ever. Trusting this study will keep me focused in God this summer.
Hi Kris, I know how you feel. The LORD is our comfort in grief!
Cowtown, Tejas; With God in the driver’s seat, I will ride; “Let no iniquity get dominion over me.” During the hot humid summers in Ft. Worth, I tend to get lazy. Sitting around the pool reading, getting little else done. Instead of wasting away the summer hours to laziness, I want to balance rest and worthwhile activities for God’s kingdom. I’ll be praying that He leads me to activities that include the AC (set on about 70 please!) and get me out of the lawn chair! ;o)
Joell, Charleston, SC, Party of One! I am so excited to be doing this study!
I was especially struck by question 4, today: What specific challenges are before you this summer that could cause you to really need God to “steady your steps”?
The NIV, which I predominantly use, says “Direct my footsteps according to your Word”. The Message says “Steady my steps with your words of promise”. I really love the way the Message says this.
When I read the words “steady my steps” I envision God standing by my side like someone guiding a blind person by the elbow, showing me the safe way to go, like a gentle father. The challenges I face this summer are much the same as I face always—balance, focus, perseverance, being a do-er. Getting done the things that need doing. Doing the things I would rather avoid. Facing problems head on instead of hoping they just go away and take care of themselves. Putting God first and setting aside time for Him to speak to me…LETTING Him steady my steps instead of constantly trying to steady them myself. Steady my steps, Lord!
Wow what an exciting time. I am doing this study solo this summer. Our church does not do things in our womens groups during the summer and I have been doing your studies on Thursdays in the Fall and Spring and I saw this and decided to go ahead and do this one. Many of my friends are not into the word as I am and are not as mature. I decided to spend time with just me and the Lord. My husband and I are in the process of becoming a foster parents and by the next time we meet I should have two babies. So exciting. I love what God is doing in my life. I am in need of some major changes and am seeking God for a change in my lifestyle. God Bless you for all you do. You are an inspiration to me and a joy to be in study with.
I have been busy helping my daughter in another state and am still there, I do not have a book. Can I get one and where, and still join in some how? I would love to do this. Would it be possible to catch up later and just watch and study through the Bible on my own? Thanks!
Gail, you can purchase the book online or at any LifeWay store: http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Nehemiah:-A-Heart-That-Can-Break?intcmp=iTeam4-mtx-Kelly-Minter-LWWomen-Nehemiah-20111116 And yes, you can join in whenever. These posts are up for good. You start it whenever you can!
Katy, Texas; Jamie Green (solo). I got up this morning & watched session 1 of Kelly’s video, taking notes, then got online to get going with the Siestas. How did you know, Beth, that what I needed most was to meditate on Psalm 119 today? I was not excited about the study–sort of downhearted at doing it alone, but hearing God speak through His mighty Word reminded me that soaking in His sweet Word draws me to see Him more clearly & love Him more. I’m ready to do this thing!!
Oklahoma City,OK. Glenda B. I’m solo. Struggling with many issues this summer that need to be turned over to God. Aging parents that I love dearly, issues with youngest son, my older son and his marriage and his anger issues, but mostly I need God’s graciousness to rain down on me. I desire to fully surrender to His will. Thank you for this opportunity to draw nearer.
Suzi from Denison Iowa. I’m doing it solo, but will be checking the blog to get other views. I’m so excited about this study – thanks so much Beth! I will be viewing the blog later this evening but wanted to get registered. See you all later.
Decatur, Alabama; Heidi, Solo. I just moved across country and desperately needed to get into a study this summer and this looks perfect. I think there’s a great purpose for me in going solo for this, but I am grateful for the online interaction and for Beth’s wonderful perspective on this study.
I did what Beth suggested and copied and pasted the questions into a Word document. As I look back over it I see that questions 3 & 4 impacted me most. I’m praying to not only “know” that it is God’s way to deal with me graciously, but to believe it at all times. I do believe, help me Lord, to overcome my unbelief! Also, that my steps would be steadied as we face the challenges of living in a new and very different place than what we’re used to.
I commit to pray for each one in this group the same thing I pray for myself… to hear from God the perfect message to feed our hungry hearts.
Hey Heidi! I live in Huntsville, AL so we are neighbors 🙂 I am doing this study solo as well. If you would like to do it together online, please email me [email protected]. Would love to have a partner 🙂
I’m so excited that this is available! 🙂 Would anyone else be interested in forming a little group for moms of special needs children? I’ve emailed my girlfriends about starting a (private) Facebook group, but it would be terrific to study together. I’m on Facebook; please message me if you are game! 🙂
I’m from Dallas-Ft. Worth, by the way.
Facebook Group: Siesta Summer Girls- Special Edition. 🙂
Lawton, Oklahoma, Joyce W. I’m Solo. At this time, I am in very much of needs and seeking God for some challenges ahead. Yes, He knows my weakness and where I fail, but I am trusting God to open some new doors ahead this year. Taking baby steps to see where God leads and praying.
Dawnn from Woodinville, Wa. I’m solo. I am excited to do another study with Beth!! This is my 3rd one.
Gilbert, AZ/Glenwood, MN; Minnezona Siestas; 2: We are beloved sisters in Christ who’ve only met in person twice. We are having our discussion online over the course of the week, so we haven’t gotten into too much yet. I would guess that for both of us, our main challenge this summer is to run our homes with love, patience and integrity without making the children go to every VBS in the city just to get them out of the house. 😉
Marsha from Knoxville, TN. I am doing this solo, but I am hoping my husband will join me at least to watch the video and discuss with me. I need the Lord in my life constantly and this will give me even more time with Him and with you and my Siesta Sisters. God Bless you all!
Hi!
I am doing this solo!! I am super excited about this study and can’t wait to start it! Running to Lifeway to buy the book today!!:)I am from Olathe,Kansas and our family will be moving to either Dallas Fort-Worth or Houston soon. Just put our house on the market 10 days ago. We are so excited about starting our new life in Texas! God is in control and we are putting all or trust in Him.
Hi Susan!
Wow, that’s a big move! I moved to DFW three years ago, and it has definitely been a challenge for me! I just wanted to give you my email address so you could “know” another person here, if this is where you end up! Keep your face in the Bible, it will definitely keep you grounded during the craziness of the move!
~Anna ([email protected])
Susan from Naples Fl
Thank you do much Beth for spending your summer with this Bible study.# 6 resonates with me I pray for God to redeem me from oppressive people I work with and that they will see His love.
Also #4 that God will steady my steps and make me sure which way to go….guide me with family so they may see Gods love thru me
St. Albert, Alberta, Canada…Gramma H. Going solo, just me & God. Looking forward to the blogs.
Spring, Texas going solo, Hi Beth, just discovered this bible study on facebook and I am so excited. I have been through several of your studies, Esther, Daniel ane one other. You are such a blessing and plan on getting my Nehemiah book this weekend. God bless you!!
Hi! I am in Pleasant View Tennessee. I am going solo. I am so thankful that I found this. This was my first visit to the blog so I truely believe it is a God thing.
Dawn from Greeneville, TN… solo. Verse 133… I have so many struggles I am enduring this summer and need this more than you could possibly know. For the first time just last night I asked my husband to help me pray for God to destroy a very specific stronghold that Satan has held over me for a very long time… one that fosters anger, bitterness, and resentment and I don’t know how to let go of it on my own… I did not even know about this bible study beginning today just happened to see it on facebook. And there it is, Ps 119:133 All I can say is WOW. Thank you!!
Excited about going on another adventure with God!! Looking forward to getting deeper in His Word!!
Harrisburg, PA, Jen Eliz, Flying-Solo:
I was most touched by questions 2 and 5. Questions 2, because it’s always good to remind yourself of how God was faithful in the past, to help you keep moving forward, and question 5, because it’s important to honestly look at yourself and acknowledge your struggles, so that when they come again, you are prepared to face them. Here are my answers to those questions:
2 – When I was 27, I really struggled with where I was in life. I had imagined that I would be married and a mother, but I was still single, still struggling my way through a job I loathed. In 2010, I met the man I would marry, a widow with a son, who was, at that time, 6 , and by calculation, when he was born, I would have been 26, just 3 months shy of 27. So at the time I wasn’t aware of it, but God was giving me a son by the time I was 27, it still took 6 years for me to meet my stepson, but I am so blessed by getting to be his mom.
5 – a. One of my biggest struggles is self-discipline. I start something strong, a Bible Study, a diet, an exercise regimen, but then fizzle after a while, and I don’t want that to happen again. I often get caught up in the hum-drum of life, or give in to food-temptations or laziness, and then give-up instead of pushing through my momentary lapse. I want to persevere and persist this summer, not giving up, and establishing an unbreakable routine of time with God.
Do any of you other “Solo Fliers” want to create a flock together? I know we can post here, but it might be a fun way to meet some new people?
mom/daughter from Longmont, CO 2 people Excited to be doing this summer study!