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!)
Clinton twp., MI. Bible Chat chicas, 5 20-something girls who are all dealing with different blessings and challenges in life. We are meeting Wednesday nights at the church most of us attend. We are on a search this summer to have our hearts broken by God so we can further glorify his name.
Southwest NC – Beverly going solo
Starting with question 5 – This summer, last week to be exact, I had this insecurity meltdown and I did not like what I saw or how I felt inside giving Satan dominion over me. I decided that this weakness would have to STOP! And,STOP, right now. So the iniquity is the insecurity and I am working on it through our great Redeemer and reading So Long Insecurities:)and lots of prayer!
Question 4 speaks about keeping my steps “steady”. Here is another thing based on my situation (my husband travels to commercial fish every summer off the Bering Sea)that has become an even greater challenge over the years…maybe because our children are grown I am impacted more? Anyway this scripture and “mental” image is supporting me in many ways right now.
Psalm 3:3 “He is the lifter of your head” Lean in on God when you are weak. Be still and listen to Him speak about His love for you. As He confirms who & whose you are, your strength will be restored. No one can give you joy like He does!
Rochester, MN, Gina Robertson, going solo 🙂
Questions 2 and 5 resonated with me:
2. Even before I got saved God was there for me. I can look back and see it. I can see it in the little things and in the big things and even when it is not the answer that I was hoping for….He always answers me. He has woo’d me and loved me into a strong relationship with Him and I can’t imagine my life without Him.
5. Though He has always been there for me….I seem to fall back into trying to do things myself before I go to Him and let Him do it. We have some financial things that we have been struggling with over the years and I am praying that I will completely trust Him to walk us through this so that we don’t have to go around this mountain again.
Richmond, Texas; A daughter and her mom; We haven’t gotten together yet but plan to discuss the Beth’s introduction and weeks 1 and 2 of homework while dining on enchiladas!
So excited to be here. I’m going solo as well!!
Knoxville, TN Just me for the summer study. So looking forward to it. Praying for wisdom. God is so good so faithful! God Bless!
Portland, OR. Three Siestas! (Myself, Heather & Madeline). We’re three childhood friends that grew up together, went our separate ways and have now reconnected for the first time in years to do this Bible study – what a blessing!! Our first session consisted mostly of catching up – what we’re up to, ways God has MOVED in our lives, and how thrilled we are for reconnection. We’ll be meeting each week on Thursdays to go over the previous week’s material as well as watch the video for the upcoming week.
Winston-Salem, NC and Roanoke, VA; Tori and Quinn (2). We are doing this study together but in different states 🙂 We are just thrilled beyond measure to be doing a Bible study together!
AM Group is Lewisburg Ladies-Kathy, Kim, Penny, Carol, May, Yvonne, and Richelle. 5 on 6-28.
We are praying for each other’s challenges.
#6 We had a good discussion concerning “Redeem me from man’s oppression, that I may keep Your Precepts”
PM Group God’s Girls-Kim, Lori, Marilyn, Kathy, Ann, Sue, Becca, Carol,Cindy, and Erin. 5 on 6-28.
#4 We all are asking for more Holy Spirit power and God’s help in relying on this verse as HE has shown HIS faithfulness in so many examples we gave.”Keep steady my steps according to Your promise”
Pam W. Palm City, FL Doing it solo!!! But so looking forward to it!! Question #5 hit home for me. As an almost empty nester, I struggle sometimes with too much time on my hands. God bless you Beth for this opportunity!
I’m Becky and doing this study solo. I have struggled some this past year with the idea in question 3. I am learning and need to continue to learn that God’s ways and timing are always best, even when it doesn’t meet my desires. He is being gracious, and I do want to expect His graciousness to me. I also love verse 133 which I used with my Sunday School class as a verse we can pray for others and ourselves.
Tallahassee, FL; Women in the Woods, 4; We all discussed the need to recharge and refresh and gain perspective. We also discussed topics like balance, keeping our eyes fixed on Christ and learning to let Him love us.
Deb from Littleton, CO going solo. “Let your face shine on your servant and teach me your decrees.” Looking forward to God revealing more of Himself to me through this study!
Newnan, Georgia; Stephanie, going solo
#1 – I am praying that I come to know and long for God’s statutes more and more.
#4 – I am praying that I will allow God to direct my footsteps in all things, and trust Him at all times.
So excited to be getting into God’s Word with all of you!
i’m flying solo, here in florida! question 3 & 5 resonated most with me b/c while i expect God to deal graciously with me – i let my flesh get the best of me & i do not deal graciously with others. especially if they have hurt me.
Flying solo. My biggest challenges this summer will be trying to keep sane while taking care of a newborn (who could come any day now) and an almost two year-old. Also, God is really working on me to give up pride and everything that come with it (being judgemental, thinking I have control). I cannot wait to go deeper into the Word 🙂
Our group is from Manteca, CA. There are three of us. We put for lunch at a local restaurant and enjoyed going through Psalm 119:129-135 together. We have a girl who is participating in a Bible study for the first time!
Birmingham, Alabama – Vivian – going solo
I found that each question gave me cause to think and admit to an awareness of my Father’s completed work in me in some areas and the need to begin work in me in other areas. I celebrate His wonderful words that direct my steps every day as well as His graciousness to me in all situations. I do love His Name! I do have some challenges this summer in my work and in relationship to my grandsons as we re-establish broken ties. There is always the need to work on the priorities of life as the busyness of work and home responsibilities seem to steal away precious time I would rather be spending with my Father. So these are my key areas to focus on as I ask Him to steady my steps this summer. I do look forward to what He will teach me through Nehemiah in the days ahead. I joy in praying and receiving the answer to this prayer, “Make Your face to shine upon me…”
Thank you Beth and all siestas for this place of fellowship and study. May we bring glory to His Name!
Stephanie Rafferty, La Habra, CA, going solo this summer. Question 3 regarding, “Turn to me and be gracious to me, AS IS YOUR WAY,” is so beautiful to me as He tenderly brought me through the death of my husband a age 48 and continues daily to do the same because why? It is His way. He is so good!!!
Granbury TX
I am going solo. I’m excited to be doing this study. #4 really touched me. I’m going to put that verse on my desk at work so I can be mindful of it all day long.
Dawn & Christen from Beavercreek, OH … Mom and daughter looking forward to sharing our journey through Nehemiah together over Starbucks or Panera each week – what could be better than Bible study & coffee! For me, the verse about God’s way always being gracious really spoke to me. I know GOD is gracious but I find myself being ‘jaded’ by the hard things that life in a fallen world brings to our life. This leads to the ‘iniquity’ I find myself prone to wallow in – negativism rather than thanksgiving and praise. So I’m looking forward to dwelling on God’s graciousness this summer. My daughter needs direction … ‘steadying steps’ … she has been ‘in transition’ really since graduating high school 8 yrs. ago, but especially the past 3 years while working on a Master’s Degree. She’s trusting God to show His graciousness through provision of a job with benefits in her field working with English Language Learners 🙂
Lois J. I’m a widow and very excited about doing this study with my daughter
Southeast Texas; Queen Bee Siestas, 3. Tonight we met at Sbux. Next time we’ll meet at a home for dinner. Summary: We mostly discussed iniquities in our families & even our marriages. We were able to identify them, state our fears, discuss the next step & promise accountability and prayers.
Lexington, KY, 5. We met in my living room. 2 of us are mothers of young children, 1 mom to a teen and the other 2 are moms of adult children. #2 We all could personally attest to God answering specific prayers in our lives. We are asking God to reveal himself more to each of us, to help us grow deeper in Him and to trust His way.
Stacy and Sarah Grace…The Featherston Women..Searcy, AR..We are so excited to be doing this study this summer together, while she is home from college. Sarah Grace has just returned from Haiti after being there serving in an orphange for a month..we want our hearts to be tender and to continue to break for the things that break God’s heart
Hickory Girls, Hickory NC, 9.
We are meeting on Sunday evenings which is bst for our group, ages 20-57!! We are meeting in a Siesta’s den and enjoy the recipes thus far. We represent four different churches.We enjoyed sharing our trust in God’s testimonies and are praying he “keeps steady our steps” as we go through the summer Bible study together.
Boerne, TX; Spring, Tx; Morro Bay, TX; Baton Rouge, LA; College Station, TX The Punk Rock Mamas, 7. Our group is meeting online using live video chat. (Sooo punk rock.) After a bit of a learning curve, it worked beautifully. Our group spent much time on question #3 and how we sometimes struggle with expecting God to be gracious to us. We prayed the Lord would make clear the simple things (vs 130) and thanked Him for uniting hearts struggling in the same ways. Marveling that,in doing so, He poured out even more of His grace. We prayed for day-to-day diligence to trust Him to order our steps that we may count it privilege to hear from
Him through Nehemiah.
Monroe, LA. solo. I am just hungry for a word from the Lord and I want to be convinced to the bone that HE is completely gracious to me and that He will order my steps as I am struggling as a working wife and mother. So thankful for this blog and for this summer Bible study.
Maryann, Boston, MA, This is my first summer study and I am so thankful for it. I am doing this alone. Currently sitting in my kitchen but plan on doing most of the study on my deck enjoying this season. This study is an answer to prayer and I cannot wait to see what God wants to teach me!!
Going solo as of now here in Nashville, TN. Praying with anticipation for direction as I will soon begin a new chapter to my life. I need His guidance desperately. “Keep steady my steps according to your promise” and repeat!
Ahhhhhhh!!!! Thank you!!!!! Thank you sooo much for leading me to this study!
It’s a late night, baby on my shoulder & I just watched session 2!!! Whew! God has me RIGHT where He wants me! I JUST went through James Chapter 1 with my churches small group & spent an extra special time with God on ‘Faith without works’… Kelly’s response to God’s kindness moved me to tears!
Thank you thank you thank you!
God is moving and my heart is thrilled to see where He is taking me!
With much love in Jesus,
Heidi 🙂
Janelle, Hilo, Hawaii, Solo Siesta
bathed in His Grace this season, a whole new light on worship through Nehemiah.
Chesney Crouch, Knoxville. My heart resonated deeply with questions 4 and 7. I am studying abroad in Europe this summer and brought my Nehemiah book with so that when we started this study as a blog community I could participate. As I journey through Europe physically I’ve set my heart also on Spiritual pilgrimage. I am in desperate need of His steadying my steps and His teaching me. Oh that He would teach us as we walk with Him!
Troy, Virginia: The Katies plus 8; 11. Summary: As a way of introduction, we each gave a little testimony and I think this was very encouraging for those in the group–to see how the Lord has worked in people’s lives and this led very nicely into question #1. Questions 4 and 5 led to some great discussion as we shared the sins of our flesh and the challenges we face this summer (sick MIL, alcoholic mother coming to visit, getting organized, family members going astray, spouses’ difficult work schedules).
We’re so glad you are doing this again this summer–such a blessing during this season!!
Hello from Charleston SC. I am doing this study solo. I am new to this in that I am not at all a blogger, but looking forward to getting to know Nehemiah. Quite time is 30-45 minutes each morning while 4 and 5 yr olds are sleeping. Getting it done with a traveling husband!
I am going solo in Jackson, Ms. Hungy to know and serve God better.
Bethany, Chicago, IL-SOLO!!! I am still hoping to pull in a friend to join me this summer, but I am so excited to be part of this encouraging group of women while we dive into Nehemiah!
Solo here but God is in it and that’s what matters most. Coming to this late, just ordered book today and hoping to get in time to do homework for next visit (siesta). on question 2 God’s testimonies one personal experience for me on this is the gift from God of my Godly husband. God’s Word (testimony) says that He gives us a covering, protection, provider etc., and oh God did that for me. #3 God’s way is uber gracious and I know because I know the evil that I was and the way His graciousness is extended to me every day in that He forgave that evilness and strengthens me always to keep turning to Him and away from the evil. I will only answer one more as my comments are getting quite lengthy #4 what challenges – I am an ordained minister and evangelist and when I am not out on the road I also watch to young children in my home and they WATCH me so Oh Lord please ORDER / STEADY my steps in YOUR LIGHT. Thank you so much for doing this study. Nehemiah has long been one of my favorite books of the Bible and I am so looking forward to this summer of learning and gleaning with you all. Sister Candis L. Oswalt
forgot to state was from South Bend IN…secondly had to add this as got so excited by it and maybe others will too. Was looking over definitions for oppression and authority again to analyze the differences and one definition explained under authority this was “FREEDOM granted by authority” Isn’t that so true we are given FREEDOM by God’s authority over us. Thank you God for yoru graciousness towards us.
Tulsa, Oklahoma;Twisted Sisters;there are six of us meeting weekly around my kitchen table. We are not using Kelly Minter’s videos due to the cost, but are excited that Beth is doing some. The first week we met for three hours!! So we decided we may not have time to eat every week, but we will eat on the weeks when Beth does a video and will eat while we watch! We are all fairly new friends and members of the same church and community group. We will spend this summer getting to know each other more deeply and “twisting” our lives together with honest discussion and heart-prayers for each other. One of the biggest revelations for us all the first week was the actual “iniquity” behind many of our “sins”. When discussion “do not let any iniquity have dominion over me” we began by naming the sins that are a result of iniquity and ended up facing some hard stuff as we tried to look deeper at the actual root problem — the actual “iniquity” (tendency or bent toward certain behaviors or attitudes). It was eye-opening and raw and we realized how desperately we need to pray for deliverance — for ourselves and each other.
Tulsa, OK;Witt’s End;Two people — My 24-year-old daughter and I (we are Kym and Keisha Witt — thus the name of our little group!) are skyping once a week (Thursdays) to go through this study! I am also meeting on Wednesdays with a group of women, but this time with my daughter is so awesome! I even gave her the option to join an online group so she wouldn’t be stuck with just her mom, but she chose me 🙂 It was amazing to hear her share about all the areas and listen to her heart, but probably our most serious discussion was in the area of oppression. We are very much alike in this area, and interestingly, it is mostly self-imposed. We had a challenging discussion about dealing with that, and I was able to “warn” her not to let it be a lifestyle for her as it has been for me. We were both challenged to live differently, outside of “man’s oppression” and in the freedom that living according to God’s statutes and in the awareness of His graciousness brings. Loved it!!
Milledgeville, GA Lori
I am going solo. Looking forward to beginning a new season of my life and this Bible Study. Is it coincidental that today marks the beginning of both? I am praying Psalm 119:33a to “Keep steady my steps according to Your promise”.
Questions 3 & 4. Specific ways that I need God to steady my steps. using these verses as daily prayers.
Cypress, TX Dana
I am asking friends to join me so hopefully not going solo for long! #4-I LOVE the image of keep steady my steps, it has been a whirlwind of a summer already. Death, illness, weddings, mission trips. You name it, we’ve had it! I want so much to be steady in all areas of my life, especially in bible study. #5 My flesh has a tendency towards unforgiveness and I pray it doesn’t get the best of me!Praying for God to shine down on this servant this summer and to give understanding to this simple mind. 🙂
Stratford, TX, Summerof16by9(Prov16:9), 4. We’re a little late but we finally made it! At our meeting we dove into how we felt the Lord was going to steady our steps through the summer (and hopefully forever!) My main issue right now is time…not enough of it to give good quality to everyone beginning with the Lord. Another’s issue is worrying and she hopes to learn to follow God’s path rather than trying to make her own. The third issue was more patience with a loved one. We all need to learn patience with each other. This was my second issue! We have yet to hear the pressures from our fourth member but hope that we will be encouraging to her and that the Lord will bless all of us (and you) and walk steady with us through our every day troubles.
Midwest City, OK. Tuscany Trio. Tammy, Amy, Kristy.
We haven’t met yet but will very soon and we’re pretty sure it will involve a backporch and a cool night 🙂
Pensacola, Florida; Cathy Gibson Question number 3 reminds me of the time I realized our Lord is compassionate and not an “ogar” looking for ways to punish me; He is a loving Father who disciplines me for my good!
Edmonton,Alberta; Good(Not Nice)Girls Duo. Two best friends of 18 years journeying together toward the next step of adventure, talking about how we long for God to show His love and power in our families this summer. So excited!
Nashville, TN; Janet going solo
“Steady in my steps” is what I pray that God will do for me. So far this summer I have been everything but steady! A serious illness of one parent, the loss of a precious young relative, moving, parenting two young adult daughters that are home for the summer,etc., have been causing me to stumble around at times. This study has already helped (Day 3) me refocus, so that I will keep my eyes on God and not the circumstances in my life.
Norman, Ok Michelle-(solo) now 2. Yeah, my best friend is joining me. Were both very excited about this bible study.