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!)
Hernando Beach, FL, Denise, flying solo. One of my challenges this summer is to realize when the enemy is trying to hold me down with oppression. I know he does not have the authority to do so. God is my refuge and strength.
I am praying for the Lord to shine His face upon us as He unfolds His words and illuminates our understanding. I love you all and thank you for this time of summer study.
Kokomo, and I am doing this solo. I am excited to be a part of this study. I cannot wait to see how God will work in my life through the study. I have just finished James, and When Life is Hard and I feel this will be a wonderful follow-up for the two studies on trials.
Never did a summer study online….hope this works.
Forsyth, MO, “Study Buddies”, 17
Our group started with the very first Summer Siesta Bible study with 8 ladies. We have continued to do many Bible studies together and have more than doubled in size! We are also watching Kelly’s, Nehemiah DVD’s. We ask God to “Let no iniquity get dominion over us” this summer as we stay in His Word for this Bible study and to protect our study time.
Amen! Study Buddies! Thank you for sharing;-)
Forsyth, MO, “Hot MO Mommas”, 8
Our group is a Wed night Bible study group at, First Baptist, Forsyth. We are also watching Kelly’s Nehemiah DVDs. We ask God to “Keep steady our steps according to His promise”. To keep us in His Word this summer and to show us where our heart is and what He has put in our heart to do, Nehemiah 2:2. We want to get back to Jesus!
Charlotte, NC
“First Friends”, 2 (we were the first friends we made 19 years ago when we were newlyweds and new to Chlt. We have been friends since! So much so, that when I had baby #5 who came way too fast, she was in our bedroom with my husband and firemen and paramedics when I delivered :).
We met at Panera, we caught up on our lives and then we dove in to the study! We are so excited about what God is going to teach us through Nehemiah :).
We are homeschool mamas and right now are feeling overwhelmed (she with 4 kids/two teens, me with 5 kids/ages preschool to teen). This saying resonanted with us, “He is perfectly capable of redeeming us from oppression while redeeming the relationship.” We are in need of this while we are learning to parent teens :). Also, we are excited that God’s Words brings peace, is living, and is timely!
Thanks for organizing this to help us commit to study!
We are the Girls in all Seasons from Knoxville, Tennessee. Currently there are 6 of us but a couple more ladies may join us. This group came together from a desire God had put on my heart about two years ago and this became the summer to make it happen. As you can see from our name we are women in different seasons of our lives- retirement, teenagers, empty nesters, relationships, jobs, fertility, and adoption. Last night- we meet on Thursdays- when we began, we came as individuals. Some of us knew each other and some were meeting for the first time. From the moment we began, each question took us to a new level of sharing with each other. Over the course of our time together, we discovered that we are all longing for deeper connection with God and with each other. We are so excited to see where God leads us through this study of Nehemiah.
Marjaleena,FInland Europe 🙂 I do it by my self and loving it. I want to knowing and relying on God to provide for our needs and showing right path to walk.
Fort Smith, Arkansas; The River Valley All Stars, 10. Summary: We are ladies from about six different churches in the River Valley, and we had a fantastic time meeting everyone for the first time and realizing that so many of our challenges are similar. We talked most about the need to show grace and compassion to the people we spend our days with, whether it be coworkers or small children (our group has a total of 16 kids ages 8 and under). We are indeed trusting God to steady our steps in this area and looking forward to what He has for us this summer!
Beijing, China. Michelle (going solo).
Questions 4 and 6 really resonated with me. I am going through a transition at work where too much responsibility was given me and now it is being taken back, but it leaves me feeling demoted. Also I live in a very oppressive environment because of location. It is hard to feel close and connected to much of anyone because of the spiritual darkness that stands.
Hi Michelle,
I just wanted to let you know I am praying for you about the things you mentioned and I hope things get better for you soon. Much love in Christ to you sister!
Michelle,
I am going to pray for you. Psalm 91 is such a good Psalm. For some reason, I feel moved by GOD to pray for you. I am going to ask others to pray for you also.
In CHRIST,
Sue
Cincinnati, Ohio; Mindy B. solo-question number 6 really resonated with me, I experience what it means to be in an oppressed relationship daily. I pray that God will redeem me and my family and I guide us in his direction.
Jefferson, GA, GCC Summer Study Siestas, 10
We met at the church cottage that was a toasty 95 degrees when we arrived
and cooled off to 85. 🙂 We watched Kelly’s video and discussed Beth’s
questions. This summer study has brought a whole new group of ladies
together for bible study! We are delightfully blessed because for some, this
is their first study. We are really looking forward to getting to know each
other and learning about Nehemiah.
Hi Siestas,
We met on Thursday night in my living room. There were 10 of us gathering to study the words of Psalms 119. We all attend the Tabernacle of Praise (TOP) in Cross Lanes, WV so we decided on the Summer Hot TOPs for our name. We can’t wait to dive into our homework. We had a great discussion and even watched the first video session from the Nehemiah study so that we could “meet” Kelly Minter and feel her heartbeat and passion for this study.
Augusta, ME. Anita (solo). I LOVE this portion of scripture. It reminds me that God is SO faithful to those who seek Him. The portion that is speaking to me if the oppression of man and not letting others’ opinions keep me from being obedient to God.
Ardmore, AL, 15 in the group called Navigating Nehemiah Sisters. Of the 15 that attended, three are teenagers…13 and 14 years old…coming with their mother’s!!! So excited.
Our discussion included confessing that summer projects, gardening,new job & laziness could distract us, but everyone prayed that we would steady our steps and finish the study. We read and prayed Numbers 6: 24-26 to conclude.
Also, we are meeting on Thursday nights. Just couldn’t work out the Tuesday night meeting.
Lancaster, SC;4:10 Friends, 31. During our group time, our eyes were given a fresh take on Psalm 119:129-135 and we were once again convicted that we need to continually pray and seek God’s WORD to “direct our footsteps.”
Ashlee & Leanne
Sallis, MS
2 in our group
This is the first time we have done a study just the two of us together. During our time we prayed that God would direct our steps this summer.
Hello!
There are two of us here in Bolivar, Missouri.
Thanks for the reminder to pray strong scripture filled prayers!
Tuesday Truths, 8 ladies, Naperville IL. I posted last night but I did not give you some important information about us. We are all moms with young chidren and we meet at the homes of a few of the ladies (thank you Susie and Nicole R-N!) We all have husbands that work late or travel, so often we must bring our children with us to the meetings. Sometimes we will have 15 children but it does not stop us from meeting, sharing some laughs and praying!
Lompoc Learners, Lompoc, CA. There are 5 of us so far, 3 more are joining us next week. We are joined together to learn what God has for each of us. We are meeting in a home each Thursday night. We learned from our time together of the Grace God has given each of us in our lives.
LV 2 LRN. “love to learn”. We are all from the Winston-Salen,NC area. Many of us have been together at least 10 years, studying Beth’s studies. There are 10 of us in this summer study. Some will go on vacation during the study, but will come when they can. We had a wonderful
time of fellowship over delicious salads that we all contributed to before the study. Psalm 119:29-134 provided a great time of discussion and many shared things from the heart. I love this group, and even the new girls are close to us.
TY, mama Beth for helping us to grow in the Lord. We love you.
Dubuque, IA. Going solo. Question 5 had the most impact on me. As I go through this summer I am working on keeping God as my main focus.
Dalight Sisters,Cypress, Tx. There are 6 of us in our group. What we are focusing on the next two weeks is the unfolding of God’s words to give us light…..
Lawrence & Lenexa, KS; Daddy’s Girls from Kansas, 2. Summary: Refreshing and reassuring to share and know that God cares about everything and it matters to Him. Praise Jesus!
Jasper, TN. There are three of us (Linda, Sarah, and Adrienne) in our group. This is the 4th time we have done Siesta Summer Bible Study together as a group!!! Yay!!!
We couldn’t decide on a good name for our group but came up with a few candidates: “TN Trio”, or “Sweaty in TN” (that’s because it is SO hot here in the TN Valley right now)…
All three of us feel “challenged by life” this summer, and are dealing with emotions ranging from fear, bitterness, and just being overwhelmed. We talked about how as Christians, we feel more and more like misfits in society. The topics that resonated most with us dealt with asking God to steady our steps, and redemption from the oppression of man.
We are looking forward to this study, and are reminded that as sisters in Christ, we can share burdens, and pray for and encourage one another.
Adrienne
Jennifer, Denver, CO. Question 3 spoke to me most because I think sometimes I don’t expect God to be gracious to me but he always is. I am resolved this summer to look for his gracious hand. He is everywhere!
PS Beth, I giggled when you mentioned the Type A’s working ahead. That’s me!
This is the first time I have participated in a summer Bible study, which I am doing by myself. The question that speaks to me the most the the one regarding oppression. I have been under a lot of oppression due to a family problem. Psalm 119.134 addresses this so well. I want to reflect God’s glory by standing on His truth and not be overcome by the lies of the enemy. May God do a powerful work in our hearts and minds this summer and be glorified throughout this study!
Nancy Columbus IN-Doing as a single, but not alone 🙂
Hmm-Such a great piece of scripture. I would have to say that probably question 4 sticks out the most for me. Doing daily Bible study on my own is always difficult-things get in the way. My challenge and prayer is that my footsteps would be directed not only according to the word, but also to the word.
Blessings to all.
Sarah Moseley, Dallas TX (going solo). While they are all good questions, number 4 resonated the most with me. This summer I have started seeing a nutritionist again to get a healthy attitude towards food, accountability for exercising and help with my chronic overeating. I need the Lord’s power and strength to overcome this addiction to food and His continued mercy and grace for when I turn to it to comfort me instead of Him. He has been so faithful and has provided a great team of professionals to help me–but boy, do I need steadiness in this area!
Looking so forward to Nehemiah! 🙂
I’m doing this solo and am very excited! Probably number 5. I allow too many things to distract me from really keeping all my focus on God.
Memphis, TN- Angel (going it alone).
Question 4: Challenges for me this summer that I need God to help “Steady My Steps” are Getting ready for my son to start school on Aug. 6. He is an only child and we moved to Memphis in Feb. so I am still trying to get all the info needed in order to be ready to register him on July 31st. ALSO, just lost my Daddy on June 5th (one day before the 32nd anniversary of losing my Mama). I soooo need God to “Steady my steps” as I work through the grief process for myself as well as explaining to my 5 1/2 yr old why Papaw is no longer with us.
Question 5: flesh tendancies that need work for me are frustration and anger issues, mainly in the area of Hubby doesn’t help to discipline our son until I am at my breaking point and am yelling at them both.
Question 6: Can one be oppressed by oneself or is oppression of from outside influences??
Looking forward to digging into Nehemiah.
I will be going through Beth’s Paul Bible Study when my regular Fall group starts back up in Sept.
Senoia, Ga, Senoia Summer Study. We talked mostly about God’s goodness and how He has shown us His presence in tough times. Looking forward to seeing how this study brings us closer to Him!
Houston, Texas, Kim (solo). Question 6 resonated most with me because I feel I am resisting God’s authority in my life. Not because I don’t want to follow God, but because I have trouble resisting my flesh and controlling my emotions and mouth. I need help from God to allow my spirit man to rise up and overtake the tendency to walk in the flesh. This is my first bible study as a full-fledged siesta, so I’m looking forward to seeing what God has in store for me. Thanks!
I loved these versuses. My fvorite question was number three. I tend to forget that God is a gracious God and all he wants is a relationship with me. That he wants to be there for me, and I for him. This is definitley something I am going to try and work on this summer. I have a tendency to feel like I am not good enough for him, and while I know we have all fallen short, I know that he loves me and in his eyes I am everything. My goal is to make him everything in mine. I am so excited about this study through Nehemiah. I just happened upon this study after feeling in my heart something had been missing, and I have to say it was truely God who led me here. If there are any other single ladies, I am looking for some to correspond with during this study. If anyone is interested let me know.
West Grove, Pa, Sue&Nan (2)
Loved the questions, struck particulary by #3, God’s graciousness. Don’t think I have ever thought about this before and haven’t felt that His ways to deal with me have always been gracious, just necessary. We agree that due to God’s grace, often times we do not receive what we deserve! Looking forward to seeking Him with grateful expectation!!
Newnan, Georgia, Sue – question 2 stood out to me. God has given so many promises and He is so true to His word. I praise Him for how I can testify to His mercies being new every morning – great is Thy faithfulness. He provides just what I need to make it through each day!
Funny, fresh, faithful, friendly gals
Cincinnati, OH
17 ladies
We are celebrating God’s relevance even today as seen through his scripture…his words still speak to us now…and his creation reminds of us presence even when we’re spiritual “far” from him.
We are praying to combat pessimism, toxic church experiences, and guilt.
We are thankful for God’s graciousness that changes how we see the scripture, thankful that his rules aren’t arbitrary, thankful that his scriptures are worth more than a self help book because of where they come from, thankful that understanding God’s graciousness helps us tune out the unhelpful thoughts about ourselves and tune in to what He sees in us.
We’re praying against summer distractions like children home from school (stress caused by this), dissatisfaction with job, selfishness, major life transitions, and relational growth.
THESE THINGS WILL NOT HAVE DOMINION OVER US THIS SUMMER!!!! Anger, staying focused on the present instead of worrying about past and future events, envy and comparisons, laziness and procrastination!!!
So thankful for this study!
Denver, PA; Jewel (going solo) First time participant in Siesta Summer Bible study. Hopefully my book will arrive in tomorrow’s mail. 🙂
Question 5 resonated most with me because I struggle with staying consistent in daily Bible reading and fervent prayer. So I’m asking God to help me FOCUS on time with Him and in His word more faithfully this summer.
Jen & Pam, Lexington SC & Cedarburg WI; 2–BFF from high school; meeting by phone.
Questions 4 and 5 resonated with us, we talked about fighting the iniquity of complacency/laziness and using our time wisely. Praying that we cherish the extra time with our kids over the summer–it doesn’t last forever!–and that God steadies our steps with big helpings of patience and good humor.
Nitsa, Eugene, Oregon
Doing it alone this time. Need to be alone with God as trials are hitting from all sides. Questions 4,5 and 7 are turning into a prayer and am looking expectantly for some breakthroughs by the time we finish the study.
Franklin, TN – Tina Robison (going solo)
I was really excited when I was reminded in vs. 130 that the Word imparts understanding to the simple. I have young adult children who are digging into the Word in personal study and I have so prayed that God would give them hearts to understand what they are reading. This verse was promise to me that God is answering my prayer!
Question #3 spoke to me personally. I understand that God is gracious to His children and I believe that I even expect God to deal with me in graciousness. However, I have grown complacent in recognizing God’s graciousness to me. I am praying for God to open my eyes to the specific ways He shows me His graciousness this summer so that I will keep a heart of gratitude toward Him for those gifts.
Hey Tina!
You’re in Franklin & I’m in Leipers Fork… Maybe near the end of the study we could meet at Starbucks and chat about our experience with Nehemiah! 🙂
-Heidi
Chico, Texas two best friends and a sister. rotating living rooms with babies all around. We are so excited to grow in the Word with each other this summer.
Gulf Shores AL, Fran, going solo!
I so need #5: I am in prayer for the Lord to let no iniquity get dominion over me. I struggle at times with critical & negative thinking that can lead me right down the path to anger that is not pretty. I am into the third week of a 9 week weight loss program, and the tendency toward this thinking has a fertile breeding ground if I do not stay in the Spirit. Get behind me, Satan!
Thank you God, and thank you Kelly, Beth, & Siestas for this summer Bible study!
Fran
Spokane, Washington; Peder, Paul and Megan; 3. We talked about struggles staying steady when it comes to dealing with others and their struggles and not getting pressed down by their actions or behaviors.
I am going solo. I am looking forward to growing in the Lord and trusting and loving Him more and more.
Orcutt, CA, Sharilyn R., going solo.
Vs. 132 resonated with me because of my harsh upbringing. Over time God showed me that I needed to change my thinking and then other things would change for the better and fall into place for me. He shared the lesson of his kindness and mercy so many times-I thnk He knew that I would learn to trust Him through lots and lots of practice.
Our group has not started yet–we will begin as a Wed night study at Destin United Methodist Church. I am branching out of my comfort zone to answer God’s call to facilitate a summer study! Thanks Beth for enhancing our experience of Nehemiah-I had no idea you were doing this until after I chose the study and bought the kit. God is amazing! Will look forward to posting from the group in 2 weeks.
Cathy C.
Friday Moms, Jackson, MO in my dining room.
The same group plus one new attendee is gathering for the study. We are so excited. Good discussion was made of God’s gracious character even though we are mostly undeserving. We all have challenges this summer one being young adult children and transitions in the family (college, divorce, etc.) We have two grandmothers in the group and each one in attendance is anticipating and awaiting to receive a fresh Word from God. A few mentioned being in a pit and wanting God to pull them up and out! I made the Ginger Snaps for a treat and at only 39 calories each we all enjoyed more than one!
Ooops, there are 6 of us studying as Friday moms.
Chattanooga, TN; The Southern Bell Society, 6.
We met at Panera Bread on Thursday evening and had a great time discusssing Psalm 119:129-135 and our goals for this summer. We are “jazzed” about everything we will learn from this study and thankful for our gracious God for bringing us all together for the first time to study His Word!