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!)
rural Centralia, IL
Fouts Plus (We meet at Fouts Church but have several churches represented)
9 attended (but a few more are joining us)
Sorry I forgot to sign in after we met last Thursday! One of the things that stood out from our discussion was listening to the testimonies from question #2 about how we’ve personnaly come to know that God’s testimonies are wonderful. Loving this study!
Doing this bible study solo in Arlington, Texas. Love questions #2 and #3. They really made me think. So grateful for this bible study.
Northeast Ohio
Jug Road study
2 attending
I am going solo…..looking forward to learning lots through this Bible study!
I forgot to post…..I am from Winchester, Ky
Small Group 33 from Women’t Bible Cafe Online
I have the privilege of leading my first online group and so far it has been amazing! Christine assigned me lead 12 women; 9 of us are members of a Private Chat Room on Facebook plus we are using “Reply to All” via email as we chat back and forth. This is a first Bible study and first online study for most of the women in our group; two ladies are from the United Kingdom. In our introductions, most of us want to making studying the Bible and intercessory prayer a priority in our lives. Nehemiah is already speaking to us through his experience.All of us are seeking God’s guidance in our lives through this study. What an awesome opportunity to share via technology! FROG…Fully Rely On God
My teenage daughters are joining me in this study! I am thrilled beyond words to be digging into God’s word with them and so blessed that they wanted to join! We are the “Lighthouse Ladies” since we are vacationing at the beach. Their testimonies in response to #2 stood out so much to hear how they view God working in their lives and that He is worth pursuing. #4 and #5 gave us all opportunity to share our challenges and recommit to placing them at God’s feet. We are very excited to start this study and are praying for receptive hearts:)
Aotearoa Mums, Auckland, New Zealand (2 attended) Meeting over coffee.
Loved the oppression vs authority revelation, and vs 143 really spoke to us. So great to meet together and lean about Him.
Going solo in Atlanta… 4& 5 spoke loudly to me…I so need God to steady my steps. I’m in a spiritual drought which makes #5 have a lot of impact. I have lived in bondage to guilt, shame, & doubting my salvation. Looking forward to this study.
Our group is Caring Hearts. We meet daily through email. I have a diverse group of women from empty nesters to moms with small children. We are all enjoying the study and discussing it together. It is interesting doing it all through email, but I am enjoying getting to know these dear ladies.
Scottsdale, AZ/Fayetteville, AR, A & B Girls (friends separated by miles, but still have each other’s backs)
Our Summary:
It is undeniable that we all strive to have a gracious soul to please God. It is unfathomable to think of the love, protection and tenderness God shows us as we hurl sin, complaints and discontentment to our gracious God. We deceive ourselves and others, or are deceived by the enemy and his instruments. (Being nonproductive, lacking self-control in time management, financial irresponsibility, self-centeredness, faithlessness, wasted television viewing or computer usage, etc.)
Those who know and love the law of the Lord, desire to know it more, and love it even more. We are taught from a young age that in order to avoid oppression, we need to have respect for truth and authority. God has ‘the right or power to require obedience’. God, by his Spirit, enlarges our hearts and gives us wisdom. Those who stick to the word of God, may in faith expect and pray for acceptance with God. Lord, we pray to be set free from sin and never do anything that will shame ourselves, we ask for a heart of compassion, selflessness and obedience, and we ask for guidance in time-management and productivity. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Carrissa Bradford, Austin (tx), going solo (if you have any grips from Austin I would love to join them, I just moved here from California and am trying to get plugged in to a group of women who value their time in the word(my summer struggle and goal)) number 4 spoke to me the strongest because I have no accountability with a church group, bible study group, or friends walking in the word so I need the strength to steady my own steps.
Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Our group decided on the name Nehemiah Noggins, we are a group of 3, but may grow the next time we meet. We’re meeting a week after you post video (due to vacations and summer schedules). We met the first time at Panera Bread, next time we’ll meet poolside at one of our group’s home.
It’s interesting that at this moment, one is engaged, one is ‘almost’ engaged and one is in a relationship that doesn’t know where it’s going. Psalms 119:129-135 spoke to each of us…Some revelations that came to us while answering the questions: We want to believe that God is gracious and we KNOW that He is, but we don’t always act like he is. People let us down, but God NEVER does. We all agreed that we need to ask for wisdom (daily) to help us make Godly decisions. We know that we should do what is right, but we don’t always do what is right. Head verses heart. We pray that God will make us aware of our weaknesses so that we may become stronger with our relationship with God and have Godly desires instead of fleshly desires. We know that God has complete authority over us. Our sins become oppressive when we allow them to take over our lives. We have to continue to pray, pray, pray!
We’re looking forward to learning and growing in God through this summer with you and all of the other siestas!
Grove City, PA; Co-Bucks (2 co-leaders of college women’s Bible studies and lovers of Starbucks!)
We were blessed by the verse that talks about being steady in your steps as we both are going through situations that are challenging right now, and we need to keep steady in the Lord. We hope, indeed, that this summer would be one of VICTORY, Beth – thank you for your encouragement there and your facilitation over this summer’s study!
Edmond, OK. West Field Teachers. 9. Excited to go deeper in outreach to other staff and students as we grow through Nehemiah.
Oklahoma City, Ok- Michelle Dyck
Question 5 is what got my attention because I desire to be used by the Lord so much. I don’t want anything to have dominion over me that doesn’t have anything to do with Him. Of course, for me there are always things that try and get my attention. As a single person it’s the focus/daydreaming of what it would be like to be married or be a mom, financial security, looks, etc. At this moment in my life God wants us to have time together and for me to stand firmly on what He’s provided me. I need to, daily, pray that nothing will have dominion over me that prevents me from glorifying Him wholeheartedly.
Ormond Beach Florida group of 5 and our group name is L.I.F.E which stands for Living in Faith Everyday. We have a FB small group to meet and encourage and share w/ each other. We have had a few challenges w/ time and vacations to really get together but we are all working on it and getting closer to catching up! We’re looking forward to more! God Bless
I am going solo here in Louisville, KY. I appreciate the opportunity to participate in this flexible format due to my hectic work schedule. I am loving the Nehemiah study. It is speaking to my heart already. I am praying along with the psalmist David that iniquity does not get dominion over me! My desire is that this summer study furthers my life long goal to be more like Christ.
Thank you Beth for all you do for us Siestas!
King, NC, Kaye Hauser, watching alone, question 4 as the desire of my heart is that I do not step anywhere that God has not ordained and that I listen and watch for him at all times.
We have named our group “Lola’s girls” after our mother and grandmother who would be absolutely thrilled that her girls were doing a bible study together this summer. There are 8 of us and we are meeting in Wynne and Little Rock Arkansas. We are so excited to get into the Word together this summer!!
Tallahassee, FL, DeeDee M., solo
Question 2 reminded me of one of my favorite scriptures, Rev. 12:11, which has always been an encouragement and reminder to me of how the story ends: In the end, God’s children triumph over the enemy “by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.” God’s truth has set me free, and any time I have the opportunity to share an appropriate part of my story (really, God’s story or testimonny) with someone, it builds not only that person’s faith but also mine.
Southern IL; Diane, solo Sister – questions 2, 3 and 4 spoke to me. 2) Life is just more abundant with God in it period. There is more happiness, joy and peace when you are sold out to God. It has to be experienced because words can’t explain it. 3) I’ve heard it said and I believe it that God is a perfect gentleman and that’s why I believe He treats His children graciously. 4) The challenge I have this season in my life is an adult brother who I believe is an alcoholic. I want to be able to always display Christlike character with my brother but sometimes fall short and have to apologize later.
Looking forward to learning more about Nehemiah!
Nashville, Tennessee Jeanie Roberson
I am so excited about this Bible study. I am actually leading Breaking Free on Sunday Mornings and Faithful Abundant and True on Thursday Mornings, but this is fun to just participate. I am OCD so I actually answered every question.
1.law of the Lord, Testimonies, Precepts, Statues, Commandments, judgments, Thy Word, Ordinances, Thy Ways
2. God’s laws & precepts are His perfect way of protecting us. When we obey Him, we can rest in peace knowing that we are in the center of His will.
3. When we can finally get to the point of understanding that God is good, there is no evil in Him, and so everything He does and allows in our lives is for our good and His greater purpose.
4. Finding a new job that is hopefully right where God wants me to be.
5. Pride, discouragement, unbelief
6. Oppression is when another human being tries to control and manipulate me for their interest and sometimes just to be in control no matter whether it is detrimental or harmful to me.
7. Father please make your face to shine upon me your servant and teach me what you desire for me to learn. Transform me into the image of Your Son. And continue to bless Beth and everyone at Living Proof. Work in a mighty way through this Bible study. We love you Father. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Going solo in Goodyear, AZ
Question #4 – I need God to “steady my steps” this summer. With so many activities taking a summer break, I need this study to help keep me focused on God’s direction for my life.
6 ladies participating in Franklin, Tn. Still working on a name! We discussed how our hearts are changed by God’s word and his presence and without his grace we are easily overwhelmed with the challenges that we face. Looking forward to Kelly’s teaching on Nehemiah and all that God has for us. Thanks to my Siesta’s for joining me in this study!
I am doing the study solo, Questions 2 and 6 have inspired me to be my prayer for the summer. “your testimonies are wonderful:therefore my soul keeps them. I’m going thru some challengin trials this summer. I’m keeping God’s faithfulness from the past to keep me steady in my present day trials. Also, question 6 “redeem me from man’s oppression, that I may keep your precepts” This would be my prayer for the summer to be redeemed from my present work situation. I love Mercy Me’s Song I have been REDEEMED!
Cumberland, Maryland; Loanna. I am solo. (I am also doing it with my Sunday School class, just at a different pace.). Questions 2 and 3 resonated most with me. His testimonies or statutes are wonderful because they are life, they tell me Who God is. I know that obeying them leads to a richer, fuller life. They lead to a deeper knowledge of God Himself. Question 3 made me think about if I really do expect God to be gracious. His Word says that He is, so I really can expect Him to be. I just finished Beth’s study on James so I hear, “What good is it, my sister, if you claim to have faith but don’t expect God to be gracious?”. I pray that over the summer my faith and all of yours grows to expect God’s graciousness.
DS, LA. Tami, going solo.
4 & 5 Resonate with me because I need Him to steady me as I walk in new places and learn to trust Him even more. I really need to walk in the Spirit so that I don’t act out foolishly when the troubles of life get to me.
Dousman, WI; Joan. These verses in Ps 119 spoke to my heart just when I needed them. Out of His grace, He has given understanding to me-“the simple.” The challenge before me at this time is setting appropriate boundaries in my marraige and other family relationships. He is providing me the “backbone”, wisdom and counsel with this issue. Praying that my sin of resentment and unforgiveness does not rule over me. I am so looking forward to this study!
Upper Montclair, New Jersey- PCUM Jersey Girls- We are 4 women from the Presbyterian Church of Upper Montclair- we have done numerous Beth Moore studies and are excited to participate in this new format.We meet in the church, an hour before worship to do Bible study. We are anxious to try the enchaladas and ginger snaps!
Central Mississippi
Solo (on bedrest for preterm labor)
Love Question #4 During my bedrest I know God will steady my steps and be gracious! I know this is all in his wonderful and amazing plan! And I’m thankful that this study reminded me of this! Looking forward to the weeks ahead!!
Concetta, White Oak – going solo but will discuss with my sister in Indiana, as she’s going solo also. Starting this with an expectant heart!
Going solo in Lansing Michigan. Question 5 resonated with me regarding the tendancies of the flesh pulling you away from the walk with the lord. I have been away from study due to this issue and am trying to find my way back. Glad to be here.
Cumming, GA; the GEORGIA GLORY GIRLS; currently 7; meeting Thurs pm in one of our family rooms; enjoyed 2 weeks of Beth’s session 1 since we had new ones join and others on vacation (why we’re posting a week later). It may take a lot longer than 7 weeks for us to complete Beth’s and Kelly Minter’s Nehemiah as our hearts desire is for genuine friendships. Both nights we met from 7-10:30 (planned from 7-9); we had fun, much to share, and much to pray. It was glorious!! Ps. 119:129-135 spoke to and encouraged us all; challenges with children, family, elderly parents, co-workers and friends. With God keeping steady, standing strong against iniquity, redeeming us from man’s oppression, along with continued prayer for God’s face to shine upon us will be foundational throughout our study, however long it takes ;-)) We are excited about God renewing, restoring, and revealing new passions that will draw each of us out of winter palaces as we embark on our Nehemiah journey!
Parker, Colorado; Karen – going solo:) Question 4 and 5 lit a fire in my soul. There are definitely things I’m working on this summer and need to remember to seek God for guidance instead of trying to control it myself. I need to be open for God to ‘steady my steps.’
Tomball, Texas; Group Name: Wallbuilders; # in group: 6
Our group’s discussion began with the amazement of how God’s word readily ministers to all – sometimes by softly blanketing us with comforting Truth or other times by bursting forth wisdom in our circumstance speaking to and through our immediate need.
We agreed that life’s happenings are so not about us! Several experiences were shared of how the Lord has orchestrated situations that ultimately bring Him glory while transformingly touching hearts along the way like only a Savior can!!!
Charlotte, NC; ILYAILY; 2 people (mom and daughter); our first meeting was on vacation in Seattle, in the backseat of a car; we talked the most about the challenges facing us this summer.
Springboro Ohio – Question 5 spoke the most to me. I don’t want iniquity to get dominion over me this summer. There is a situation that is going on in the next few months that may cause jealousy and bitterness in me. I want God to take that away from me.
Carver, MA; Michelle B., Solo
I have been a little late getting started…finishing week 1 and onto week 2 now. I am loving it.
#4 “steadying my steps” most resonates with me. My main challenge right now is staying focused on the Lord and spending alone time with Him. I was diagnosed with breast cancer last November and I am still in the midst of treatments. It is ongoing and can be very tiring. Doing a study like this brings much refreshment, rest, and peaceful joy. I am looking forward to what God is going to do, not only in my own life, but for all the Siestas participating!
Going solo in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Questions 4 resonated with me because I want to go deeper and dare to be all that God has called me to be but, I struggle with self doubt and fear at times. I have done several of your bible studies and my small group is taking a break until August, so I am so happy to be able to join this study.
I’m from Fruit Heights, UT and it’s just me. I want to respond to #2 because I want to learn to surrender every area of my life and be obedient to God because He has been do faithful to forgive and redeem me and lift me out of a desert period in my life. I spent 22 years wandering in a religion that I thought would bring me closer to Christ, but seeking to follow the laws and ordinances actually separated me from Him. I lais that all down 2 years ago and He is making me new. I want to give my whole life t Him and be faithful to His precepts, not man-made ones!
Fort Worth, TX; Travis Ave. Baptist Girls, 8. Summary: We talked a lot about our fears as mothers and women and specific ways we need to trust the Lord with those fears. We are so excited about how God is going to meet with us this summer!
Amarillo, TX; Oklahoma City, OK; & Fairborn, OH. The Roberts Girls. 3 sisters meeting via Google+ hangouts. We spent a large portion of our time discussing how wonderful God’s testimonies are, how he deals with us graciously, and how “we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Rm. 8:28). It is such a blessing for the three of us sisters to get to share in this study even though we are separated by miles! So thankful for technology!
Grand Prairie, Tx and Chicago, Il, BLTN (better late than never), 4
Trying to do this long distance has proven itself harder than anticipated but we are determined to make it work and anxious to see what God has in store for us.
2. starting the day with God’s word, being obedient to listen to the holy spirit’s leading…make the day less overwhelming, lead to increased clarity and awareness of God’s presence
3. grace in answered prayers and blessings far beyond what we deserve
4. our challenges include battling anger, resentment and longing for gentleness and loving spirit
5. anger, resentment
Praying for God’s face to shine upon us in a mighty way.
Amarillo,Tx. SPOKEN FOR, 9. We want to be open and ready to share our faith when God provides the opportunity. We also want no sin to rule over us.
4 women meeting over three time zones. We’re going to be called Cyber Sisters. We’re tuning in from CA, OH, and CO. We met online for an hour and discussed our current impressions of God and the challenges each of us will be facing this summer. We’ll be meeting via Google+. We can’t wait to join you in this study. Thank you for broadcasting it!
Sherie
Spring,TX
I am so thankful my sister-in-law told me about the study! #3. Mercy is NOT getting what we deserve. I’m so thankful God is merciful when I fall short and instead of getting what I deserve, He is gracious to me, forgiving me, teaching me, and working things out for my good. Thank you, Lord!
Elkhart IN Anna
Question 4 I do not want selfishness to dominate me. I want to be surrendered to the Lord in all things.
Thank you Beth for spurring me on!
I’m looking forward to hearing Kelly speak this August in Indy at the Women of Faith conference!
The Bible Babes- 3 friends in Wassenaar, The Netherlands are studying together. The time difference makes it impossible for us to participate in your “live chats” so this is a great way for us to feel more a part of the wonderful Siesta community. Question #4 was for us the most challenging because we all are busy with houses full of visitors and traveling ourselves so making time to dig into the Word is so important. The accountability of doing this together is really helpful and we are encouraged to draw near to our Lord and stay alert to seeing His mighty hand work in our lives.
Run For Glory! Charlotte, NC. Two dear friends here reconnecting asking God to steady our steps.