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!)
Mesa, AZ The Princess Warriors (4) We are a group of friends who have been meeting together in one small group or another for 5 years. One of us will be moving to another state, but plan on Skyping-in for our group discussions. A 5th member will be joining us after she returns from maternity leave in 2-ish weeks. Our discussion focused on God’s graciousness in each of our lives. Because we have had the pleasure of knowing each other for so long we are witnesses to how God has worked in each of our circumstances. As we shared how we desire God to “steady our steps” we are able to encourage one another with our testimonies. For example, our girlfriend who is moving at the end of July is experiencing excitement & anxiety in not having all the details worked out yet. But because God is faithful & has continuously provided for her, we can state with confidence that her future is in God’s great hands. We are excited to see how our prayers will be answered throughout this study.
Helen Galloway, Newcastle, NSW Australia. I am doing this on my own. My first Siesta and it is Winter here! I found – do I see God as longing to be gracious to me the most critical point in this first study. It really does impact. Beth I love your passion it is contagious.
Amarillo, TX, Heidi, solo
2. How are God’s testimonies wonderful?
My sweet Abbott (son) went to spend eternity with Jesus in heaven at two and half years of age after fighting a brain tumor. I am God’s living testimony, I will still find JOY, HOPE, PEACE, and LOVE. Heaven is so real to me now, and bringing people to Christ through Abbott is his legacy. It was truly amazing when my sister in law accepted Jesus because she wanted to make sure she would see her nephew again. We are guides to the kingdom.
Maryville, Tennessee; Siesta Sistas, 7. Summary: Question 4 resonated with our Sistas who are challenged by judgement, discontent, condemnation, oppression, and physical pain/limitations. When we finished our discussion, we all wondered how this particular discussion fits in with the Book of Nehemiah. And then I read Kelly’s introduction; she had already anticipated our question :o)
Sinatra’s Siesta’s; 13 ladies of all ages; Houston, TX
We couldn’t come up with a name, so for now I’ve decided to name us after my beagle who just loves having all these ladies at the house paying attention to him!
Our first session was great! Since not everyone knew everyone before our session, I think the discussion was a little reluctant as people still need to get comfortable with sharing. Plus, between watching two of Kelly’s videos and the discussion questions from Beth, we had a lot of deep thinking to do!
What really resonated with us was the concept of praying for a compassionate heart without fear. We all agreed that we often don’t pray for God to open our hearts because we know He will do just that and that we don’t get a choice in who He tells us to show compassion to.
We are all excited to dive into the study and get to know one another better.
Tulsa, OK; Sherry Adams (and hopefully my almost-17-year-old daughter, Emily); #3 because I sometimes have a difficult time seeing God as being gracious to me.
Lolo, MT, Montana Girls, 7, Summary: We spent most of our time talking about how God is gracious to us. Despite all the troubles and hardships that have come to each of us, God is always faithful and gracious by bringing us through.
Vicksburg, MI; Amber Baird. 1. Questions #3 & #4 really spoke to me. #4 forced me to look at my challenges and see that God can “steady my steps” so I can meet them. Also knowing he is gracious gives me the confidence I need to move forward when I question myself. I am very excited about joining this study! Thank you!
Online. Somewhere Out There Siestas (4). We are a group of four friends (hopefully 8) who grew up together and are now spread out across seven cities all over California and Washington. We setup our group on Facebook tonight and started posting comments on the individual questions Beth posed in her video. So far, I think our biggest “steady our steps” challenge will be this new (to us) format of meeting online. We’ve all had Facebook for years and we did studies together in high school, but we’ve never tried to combine the two. Prayer for us being able to connect this way is definitely high on the priority list!
Gladewater, Texas: Marilyn – SOLO!!
Yearning to do a Bible study lately. Just happened upon the announcement vis FB! Here I am, will get my book tomorrow @ Lifeway where I work!!
What has stuck in my brain tonight: Psalm 119:133b
“Let no iniquity have dominion over me.”
Laziness. Lethargy. These two things seem to attack me in moments that I truly want to commit. I’m praying this scripture for myself like you can’t believe!! Please pray for me as wel!!
Excited to see where the Lord takes me this summer.
mar
PS if there are any Lynchburg VA’s out there pls feel free to email me and maybe we can hookup! [email protected]
Durant, OK
“Compassion Chics ages 22-78, from engaged to widowed”
Meeting in the FBC parlor
There were 14 of us tonight, at least 4 more say they are planning to meet with us. Because if camp and mission trip, our remaining dates to meet are July 18, Aug. 1 and Aug. 8. We watched both Beth’s and Kellie’s videos and answered all questions, so we covered all of those verses and topics. The common theme was the different stages of life we are in, one of the older women telling the young Moms how important their ministry at home is right now, and all of us saying how very important constant Bible study is to us.
Desiree G., Plano,TX-I am going solo on this study, as we are between Bible studies at church. I am praying God will “steady my steps” this summer as I am struggling with trying to discipline my six year old without exasperating her. She has such a mind of her own and I just feel so guilty that I am on her all the time. I also pray that I will not be
dominated by the sin of over-spending. I have trouble walking away from anything that little one might like or look cute in. I am thrilled to be studying the book of Nehemiah for the first time with the Siestas!
Cute side note: this same daughter just sat through the last 2 videos of The Patriarchs Monday night and now is insisting she wants to go to Bible study with me Mondays in the fall!
Michelle, gordonville,tx. Doing this study so and sooo looking forward to it!
We are a very small group of 2, with 2 more joining us in the next session. We are called the Mountain View Siestas in Newbury Park, CA. Monique wants God’s direction & peace for her surgery the end of August and Brenda needs to clearly hear God’s voice for the direction of the fall preschool classes. We will be meeting at Monique’s house and 2 of us are at the same church, the other 2 from 2 other local churches. We are so excited to do this with you, Beth, and other believers!!
Dawn Edgell, Pottsville, Arkansas, I’m going solo on this, my first, Siesta Summer Bible Study! Beth, @onesiesta (me!) follows you on Twitter. I also Love the Siesta term. It’s so fun! I’m looking forward to this study cause this Mama’s heart was shattered recently and I long for guidance from God.Love you and of my Siestas so much.
Bowling Green, KY–BG FB (Facebook) SSBS–12! We all live in same town but are meeting as a private Facebook group (so we can comment without all our “friends” reading!). We need God to steady us in dealing with newly divorced child moving home, a husband’s surgery, stress at work, and just having children home for the summer! We’ve discussed that even starting this study has flared up some potential sin-traps: envy, pride, laziness…but what a joy to praise Him for speaking to specific needs through His Word in the past and already in this preparation for Nehemiah! He is speaking not only to us but to others through us using His powerful Word. Yes, yes, yes we trust His way is gracious and merciful and we wait with “grateful anticipation”!
Aurora, CO, “God’s gals” (7). Our group has a fun connection. All but one (she’s in NY and joining us via Skype) live in the same neighborhood. Not only are we neighbors but two are moms and daughters (in law). We are meeting in each others’ homes; alternating the needs of our children for that evening. We cheated and started a week early so wediscussed our group questions from Week one. Talked a lot about prayer. How vital it is and how much miss out when we don’t spend time praying. lots of barriers with small children and running households. Very encourage to improve our prayer life. So excited f
Sarah S, Clermont FL, I am going solo. This is the first time I have participated in Summer Siesta and I am so excited. I have a very busy summer and fall ahead of me, so I feel my greatest challenge this summer will be to stay in the word consistently. I really need God to steady my steps!
Roswell, GA, Several questions resonated: #2, 3, 4, 6, 7. Why do I keep God’s word? Has this become rote or is it my response to His love for me and how great and mighty and awesome He is? Do I see God as gracious? Looked up oppression – sense of being weighed down in body or mind. I am there and need to be redeemed from it.
Linda W. – solo – Harned, KY I picked up the book Nehemiah just this week after finishing Kelly’s other two studies. Opened your blog today and PTL!!! You are doing this study as well. Looking forward to what God has for me in this study. The last several months in my life have been “trying” but I need to focus on God’s mercies and how He has orchestrated all the circumstances and situations for my good. Thank you for being there.
Rochester, MI, Bethann, Solo 1, Question 7 has sparked my heart with great anticipation. This will be my prayer. This mother’s heart has just been crushed this past year through numerous situations. I need His healing and His face to continue to shine upon my heart.Thank you for this opportunity
Lincoln NE. Just me. What spoke most to me was vs 133a. “Keep steady my steps according to Your promise”. I have a crossroads in my life right now that depending what path I choose will mean a big change for me. I seek His promise that He will steady my steps, so that I won’t become anxious, but that I will allow Him to direct my path, and settle me so that I don’t make a decision based on what I think is best, or based on what the world view makes the most sense. I so want to be obedient and allow God to direct my path, for once in my life. Thank you Beth for your commitment to all of us. Your servant-heart has helped heal many of ours.
Shelby Township, MI
We are a group of 6 (possibly more coming) meeting in a children’s classroom in our church while our kids play across the hall with one brave, beautiful teenage girl (please, siestas, pray for Savannah. She and I will also be going through Breaking Free together this summer. She is my niece and has a LOT to get through from both sides of her family!!!)
We spent a lot of time focusing on our “challenges” for the summer and the next few months/years ahead. One is going through a THOROUGHLY unwanted divorce and is hurting so very badly, one is seeking employment and is under a time crunch, one faces health challenges with her sweet baby girl, some of us just want to make our summers count with our kids (and niece). We ALL just want to glorify HIM.
As for a name, we have not decided yet … “Daughters of The KING”, “Wanna-be-Nehemiah’s” … we don’t know yet.
SO excited to be doing this with y’all!
Thanks Beth! LOVE YOU!
Beth, this comment isn’t about this message that you posted, I just wasn’t sure how else to contact you. I will be seeing you for the very first time live this weekend in Colorado Springs. I’m very excited! The first Bible study of yours that I did was Believing God & it changed my walk w/ God forever! I would not still be married to my husband if not for your Bible study! It impacted me so much that after replacing my “blue braclet” again & again for two years I felt like God told me I could get my first tattoo. So, I have a tattoo of a braclet on my right wrist w/ a blue tassel on it! I would love to show it to you if I ever get the opportunity to meet you. The guys that did it at the “Christian” tattoo parlor absolutely loved what it stood for. They all stood around watching & reading different scriptures about it! It was great! I am coming to the conference w/ two friends of mine & we are so excited! I have not been directly affected by the fires here in Colorado Springs but my heart is heavy & I cry anytime I drive somewhere & see all the smoke. I’m not sure of the significance of the timing of the fires & you coming here but there are lots of women who really could use an encouraging word from you & the Lord! Thank you for coming & please be safe!
Much love,
Susan M. Ramsey
Susan, love your story and will pray that your heart’s desire to meet Beth will happen. Also know so many are praying for Colorado from Texas. It was a specific prayer request in our SonShine group.
Ohio, going solo…..I struggle with keeping “steady steps” during the rough times in my life! I am praying that my “praise level” will never dip into the pits when I am struggling with something in my life.
Sweet Beth, I Love “Siestaville”:) What an encouragement it is to me.
We delighted in reading Psalm 119 from various translations – it was so good to hear the Word over and over again and be reminded of how God blesses us when we follow His precepts. It was also really helpful to get a deeper understanding of those verses by hearing them in different versions. Group members shared some significant challenges facing them this summer and we committed to pray for one another. I think we all realized the importance of staying close together in God’s Word through summer.
Ocracoke Island, NC; Kati W.
Questions 1, 3 and 6 really resonated with me.
For question 1, even though I’m going solo, I read the verses out loud in several different versions. It was a wonderful way to begin my morning, as I felt I was praying those words over myself. I think I’ll keep doing that!
Question 3 got me thinking about God’s grace, and how it doesn’t always look like we think it will or “should”. Here’s how I answered the question itself: “I tend to expect grace, because I’ve learned to recognize that His graciousness toward me is still there even in the difficult circumstances that He allows – that when something is happening in my life that the world might interpret as God being harsh or indifferent or condemning, it is actually Him being gracious and loving to me (and just exactly how the situation will show His grace and bring about my best and His glory will be revealed in time), because He cannot be anything else but love. Even His anger comes from and is one with His love.”
I loved question 6 because I LOVE words, and I love the experience of getting deeper understanding from them by actually looking up their definitions, rather than assuming I understand them. Looking up the definition of oppression really brought home for me that authority is neutral (neither good nor bad, but can be used either way), but oppression is abuse of authority.
I am going to combine the two suggestions in terms of writing the verses. I have found in the past that when I write something on the inside cover of a Bible study, I never see it again, because I don’t open the study to the first page each time (I turn to whatever page I’m on, as marked by my bookmark). So I’ll write the verses on a notecard, which I’ll use as my bookmark!
I’m excited to begin to dig into Nehemiah. Hope everyone has a blessing-filled 2 weeks!
Minnesota, Karen, I chose to do this study alone.
I was drawn to question number 5, specifically verse 133, of Psalm 119. “Direct my steps by your word! Do not let any sin dominate me!” Other translations read, “have control over me” or “get the better of me”. I have been thinking about the various types of poverty we all have, and today, I thought of relationship poverty. How often we live in a world where we want the best for ourselves, rather than for others. That is a sin that “gets the better of me” I need to look more at what is best for others that I come across daily, and not what I think I need.
Poplar Bluff, MO; Fellowship Ladies (7). We are meeting Wednesday evenings at our church. Our discussion about question 6 focused on how we can sometimes confuse oppression and authority just because of our attitudes. We talked about how God can give us the wisdom to truly look at situations in our life and help us to evaluate them. We are so excited to start this study and enjoyed Beth’s video.
Boston, MA; MH Wives in Prayer, 2. We talked about how God can steady our steps this summer. We both have had some serious life changes recently. I am settling in to married life this summer and Maureen is expecting her first child and is moving in to a new home. We are praying that God will be with us through these new life transitions and that we will have a firm footing for what is to come. We also felt that it was a good reminder to think about God’s graciousness and we both felt the need to think about how we view God’s graciousness in our lives. Do we see God as a gracious and loving God through the good times as well as the bad? If there are spurts where we see him as condemning, why is that? We are both very excited to get back in to a bible study this summer! Praise God!
Cumming, GA; Michele – going solo.
I am in a time in my life that I am so busy (working full time 7on7off, homeschooling two kids and working on my doctorate degree) that I have literally given up my time with God. I pray that this summer God will GUIDE my steps by HIS word that I will not be overcome by evil. I have so often entered into self pity and resentment instead of enjoying my life and the opportunities God has given me. I ask that GOD would look down on me with HIS LOVE and teach me all HIS principles….showing me HIS mercy. Thank you Beth for being real and allowing God to work through you. I have completed almost all your studies and love digging in the Word with you. Thank you for this Siesta study. I know that as busy as I am, God should be first and foremost in my day.
Kay from Ashburn. Going solo unless I can talk my sister into doing it with me long distance. I did this study in the spring, and loved it, but I wanted to do it again, slowly and meditatively. I think summer is a time when we all kick back, and it is easy to just take a vacation…from the Lord! Something we should NOT do. All of the Psalm selection was meaningful to me because it brought me back to the reality of knowing God and hearing from Him. I like v. 130 that talks about His Word iving light and understanding. Unless we have the Holy Spirit illuminating our minds (and that takes time in the Word), we will just live our life cluelessly. Also in vs 134, it talks about the oppression of men. I think we live in difficult times where Christians can be persecuted for their beliefs. We need to always have the perspective that we are victorious, and that He HAS overcome the world.
And lastly, what a wonderful benediction….in vs. 135, asking God to shine his face upon us and to teach us His decrees. I will be praying for all of you doing this study as I pick up my Bible each day. Blessings!!
I am do this bible study with a group of about 70 women from my church (broken down into small groups of about 10). I mentioned this to them, but it was decided to do this as individuals as people chose to. Since I am ALWAYS looking for more learning and insight, here I am! We are meeting for the third time tonight, and I am hoping opportunity will arise for discussion from this video.
Questions 2 and 3 really struck me. There are times that God has clearly showed tremendous favor to me in ways that were desperately needed, yet completely unexpected (Q2), and yet I fail to trust him as completely as I should…always depending on myself and fearing over things that I should just hand over to God (Q3). These are areas in which I pray God will work in my life so that I can live in the promise of God, rather than fear of the world.
Florence, SC Angela P. I will be flying solo for this summer siesta but so looking forward to this time of renewal. Question 6 resonated most with me as I focused on the true definition of oppression realizing that I am dealing with this mental distress daily right now. I am praying for God to redeem from this as He deals with me in His gracious way. I am already beginning to feel his face shining on me. Praise him!
Diana Burdette. I am doing this study solo in Abbeville, South Carolina. Have done many of your studies and love your unique insights. I need God’s perspective on the circumstances in life that I do not understand.
Malawi,Africa; LeAnne, solo. Although I am doing this study “alone,” it certainly doesn’t feel that way with all of you sharing your comments. Thank you, Siestas!
I am praying to be not only free from, but to have redeemed, an oppressive relationship.
Abaco, Bahamas; Danielle, Question 3 really resonated with me because it served as a reminder that whatever I do, no matter how far I stray God will look upon me with grace and mercy. That is something I have been working on in my life. Remembering that when I fail God doesn’t and I don’t have to live in fear and shame.
Melissa Adams (widow with 6 kids), Hodgenville Kentucky..I’m flying solo and lovin it!! Question 4..Steady Steps…Knowing and relying on God to provide for our needs without a plan b,c or d in the back of my mind. I’ve been tithing my full 10% for 4 months and each month He has provided in ways that are subtle and at times that are BIG. 2 days left of the month and there is food in the fridge, bills paid, 1/4 tank of gas..God doesn’t promise tomorrow and we are to rely on Him for Our Daily Bread.,,,2# My Anxiety has turned to joy/peace for my assurance and reliance on Him day to day.
Cave City,AR, Gina. Solo/ Women of Faith SS class of 15 or so. I’m doing the study at home alone then I will be taking my ladies SS class through the Nehemiah study. Hoping the on line study will be a nice supplement to our lessons. I will introduce and overview for the class this Sunday. # 7 Praying God will make His face to shine upon us and show us His statutes as we study Nehemiah!
Woodbury, MN, God’s G.A.L.S.(God’s Amazing Love Shared), 16 lovely ladies. We are all members of our three study groups and one gal new to Bible Study (yeah!) We are meeting Wednesday evenings weekly and doing Kelly’s video too. We used the testimonies question as an ice breaker and broke to groups of 3 to share with one another. We had a lively and open hearted discussion on what mission should look like in our lives. One lady shared a devotion from Psalm 119:133 that spoke directly to our discussion and helped us conclude so beautifully. We shared some laughs and cashew brittle! It was a great start to the Nehemiah study. We pray for safe travel for LPM team going to Colorado Springs and all the people living there enduring the fires.
Lawrence,KS;Jayhawk Jewels;3. Our group had a dinner of enchiladas together and watched the first video by Kelly Minter. We were especially inspired by Gloria’s testimony. We are praying God would give us each compassionate hearts to serve Him.
Red Deer, Alberta, Canada, the tender hearts (3). We all agreed that this summer that we want the Lord to steady our steps in having a meaningful and purposeful summer with our kids. To not let anger and impatience rule our time with our small children. To have activities that will help them to know their Savior in a deeper level but also just to simple hace fun with them.To have compassion towards them.
Omaha, NE, Three Sisters,3. We are meeting in each other’s homes for each session. We talked about our challenges this summer and for God to steady our steps. We also discussed question five alot. The one about our fleshly tendency that dominates us. We each had our own tendency that we are praying about, and it was a nice release to be able to talk about these with each other. Looking forward to the next session and starting the readings.
We are the “simple siestas” from Jackson TN! We chose simple because we are also in the midst of loving and living “7” by Jen Hatmaker. There are 3 of us doing this together.
We talked about how gracious we want God to be toward us, but always question or wonder about “great graciousness.” We receive His grace, but not sure if we truly grasp and accept His desire to be great in His graciousness. Almost a reserved, holding back feeling. Where does that even come from? We also specifically named where God needs to steady our steps. Anyway….we are SO excited to jump in and go deeper into Nehemiah this summer.
Love and blessings,
Fran, Christy, and Robyn
Laconia, NH; still working on a name; 6. Two of us met in my home while others will connect remotely. We discussed our concerns for the summer and ways to “keep steady my steps.” We want to give him control and surrender to him the ways in which we tend to stray. VERY excited about this study! Trying to keep it simple for now, but discussing the possibility of adding an extra night to view Kelly Minter’s videos or making her recipes. It’s going to be a fun, fulfilling summer in God’s word!
Rock Springs, WY. Natalie. Solo. Question 3 resonated most with me. I think expecting God’s graciousness makes it easier to pray, allowing for a deepening of my relationship with the Lord. Similar to expecting graciousness from a friend, my willingness and desire to visit increase, the more often I visit the closer we become. My steps need to be steadied in patience and away from anger. I am excited about this study. I am a little late
Diane,Tucson AZ(1)question #3 caused me to pause and realize I do often struggle with feeling that God is not gracious towards me, but indifferent and distant. I have a renewed desire to draw near to the Lord and see his grace in my life. Also question #5. Easily angered and frustrated ; praying for true joy and to truly sense God’s face shining on me! So encouraged and excited to do this study this summer!
Brownwood, Texas; The Dynamic Trio (3). We watched the first 2 videos from the Leader Guide of the study. We talked about ways to be compassionate to people in our community and ways to involve our children and grandchildren in acts of compassion. We discussed the challenge of “exposing” children and “protecting” them and what that really means in acts of service and compassion.
Leawood, KS, Hearts for God. We gathered for our first night of Nehemiah on May 29th, so we did not have the benefit of Beth’s video. This summer evening group is made up of 11 women, 3 whom are new to our study. Some of us have met for 4 years and enjoyed Beth’s teachings and thought Kelly’s study would be a nice one to do. The women were enchanted and challenged by Kelly. Gloria, of the Amazon ministry, said she had prayed to be used by God, it was a difficult prayer. We discussed, “why is it hard to pray the difficult prayer of surrender?” I would say that fear of what that would ask of us was at the heart of it. This study looks like it will make us sit up and take stock of our blessings and how we can be a blessing to others. I will say that we are all active in volunteering in many different ways, but this spoke to us on another level. God is at work! Praise Him!
Plano, Texas; christina m. Questions 3, 4, and 5 all mingled together to address my current circumstances. The last 2 1/2 years have been quite challenging, full of discipline and learning endurance (never a strong suit). I think I have come to expect God’s grace to look like discipline and pruning. This summer, with His help, I will seek to seek Him “with grateful expectation of His graciousness” (3). The challenges have ratcheted up even more in the last 2-3 months, with many major life changes and health issues piling atop each other and no chance for one to resolve before the next starts. I do desperately need God to steady my steps and those of my loved ones, literally and spiritually (4). That brings me to 5, the particular flesh pattern I’m praying against. For me the biggest one is worry rooted in pride. May the Lord work in me this summer to shift my default away from worry towards expecting His grace.
(I loved this exercise, especially since the same passage was in my morning reading schedule yesterday! Great idea.)