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!)
Going solo here with Siesta, but very excited to learn more of God’s word and feel it in my life!
Going solo here, but very excited to begin and learn more about God’s word!
Little Rock, Arkansas; Heather Lane. Psalm 119 was such a wonderful passage to read. I enjoyed all the questions but 1,5, and 7 resonated with me the most.
Question #1: I loved comparing versions in the Bible about the different ways God communicates with us and writing them down helps it to really get in my head.
Question #5: I am asking for the Lord to help me this summer (and for the rest of my time on this earth, for that matter) to respect my husband. This is sometimes hard for me because I am a talker and pretty much just say whatever comes to my mind, which is not good, and can be disrespectful many times. I am asking God to help me keep my mouth shut, which will TRULY take a miracle from Him because I sure can’t keep my mouth shut on my own.
Question #7: This was my favorite. I loved asking God’s face to shine upon me and it was very humbling to ask HIS face to shine upon mine! Whoa! Thinking about Him smiling on me brings me such joy and I know that He will do it. He is SO SO good!
Thank you so much for inviting us Siestas to do this study! What fun and what a great way to grow this summer!! Happy studying!!!
Melinda Emerson, Jonesboro, AR “J-Town Blingies” 8 (will be 10)
Bling Tea (our favorite drink)
For 1 gal pitcher:
1 1/2 cups Lipton Instant Sweetened Tea with Lemon
Dilute with 3 cups warm water
Add 1 2-liter Ginger ale (if chilled it might not foam as much)
** Try this and you will understand our name 🙂
We are all in the throes of “empty nest” in one way or other and trying to find the balance of what God wants for us .. what is “good, better and best”. Several needing peace as our children are flying off into adulthood. Waiting on God’s timing instead of our own. I think this study and the mix of women will be exactly what we need this summer seeking His will and growing closer to Him.
I will be doing this bible study solo. I have not got my book yet, but will purchase it this weekend. I am excite about this bible study. Can’t wait to hear responses from others.
I forgot to add that I am from NC.
Solo from Orlando…
I loved the reminder of the power of God’s Word to bring light, understanding, longing, grace, steadiness, safety over dominion, redemption from oppression, and favor from The Most High God.
#4 applied literally to my recovery from a broken knee cap and recent surgery…I am in the midst of healing and learning to be steady on my feet as I begin therapy. But more important God has and continues to steady my heart as I trust His hand in every moment.
Amery, WI, Kathy Schwanke, 1
#2 His truth (word) has set me free countless times when arrows of the enemy were being launched at me, as well as speaking it over countless lives and seeing the fruit of the truth spoken~His word is alive and active, sharper than a two-edged sword!!!
#3 “As is YOUR way”. His way is to be FAITHFUL always, the ROCK I stand on. While we are selling our home with no idea where He is bringing us…we are trusting His WAYS ARE GOOD and His plans are for a hope and a future.
Sweet Kathy…love seeing you here. My sister and I are doing the study too. I was just reading through the other comments to get a feel where everyone is from…and found you. Wish we lived closer and you could join in with my sister and I. You could move here 🙂 Praying for you. Yes, His WAYS ARE GOOD and His plans are for a hope and a future. Sending love, hugs and prayers,
Joy
Michelle-Norman,OK-solo Very excited about this bible study.
I have really enjoying learning so much of God’s word in many
of Beth Moore bible study with the ladies group at my church this pass year but their taking the summer off. Thank You!!
Milford, Ohio. The Tuesday Morning Bible Study – TMBS, 8.
We will be meeting in our church parlor, a small living room type room. This is a long time Bible study a few people go but we are thrilled for a few new faces this past year as well as this summer. We are mom’s all in different stages, from retired planning weddings to school age children.
I will have a second check later, I am also leading an evening class for the first time this summer.
Wenatchee, WA; The Marion Family, 5
Summary:We talked about the challenge of staying in a deep Bible Study over the summer.
Question #4 Psalm 119:33a Keep us steady! During the school year I help facilitate a group of 40-60 ladies at church. At home, our family previews the DVD study and keeps current with the homework at the same pace as the church group. We don’t have that accountability when we take a summer break.
Question #7 Psalm 119:135 We each wrote this out on a card and claim it for summer 2012.
Heather VonBerg, Livingston, Tx- doing this one by myself.
#1 speaks of “unfolding HIS words” and “turning to us” and “making HIS face shine on us” and “redeem, keep steady, statutes, commandments, testimonies”. He speaks. If only I could hear Him.
#4 I NEED God to steady my steps in the study and practice of His word and in physical activity.
#5 I am just praying for self control.. with eating, talking and spending money.
#6 My sisters and I need God’s redemption from selfishness and greed.
God Bless everyone!
Beverly from Alabama is going solo this time. #4 resonated with me due to some issues with teenagers. I’m excited about participating with all my fellow Siestas!
Danville, KY, Marie, 1
The question that resonated with me most was #2. A few years ago when I finally was reaching for God with all that I had in me (and some days that wasn’t much) and climbing little by little out of a pit I had fallen into I started reading the Psalms. Some days then were so dark, and I knew the Psalmist knew how that felt…which meant, to me, God was telling me I wasn’t alone. Some days I literally thought I might not live without reading from Psalms. Through that experience He taught me how wonderful His precepts and His words are.
Jefferson City, TN
Jeff City Girls
7 ladies
We are LOVING Nehemiah!! We had to go ahead and start our study because school here in crazy East TN starts the first week of August! So, we wanted to finish the last week of July. But we are still so excited to watch your videos and read your thoughts here on the blog. 🙂 Thank you for organizing this study. We are learning so much about Nehemiah and digging into God’s Word. I love that passage from Psalm 119 and we will discuss that at our next meeting too!
Clover,S.C., Gilead, solo – Regarding #2, I was reminded of Sunday’s sermon wherein my minister stated that God was a “noun,” not just loving, but Love, not just merciful, but Mercy, not just just, but Justice. I do desire to exemplify those qualities by abiding in Christ, but what really motivates me? One answer was embodied in the Lord’s prayer. “On Earth as it is in Heaven.” Don’t we all yearn to see the Kingdom? And when we follow Christ, do we not only participate in the Kingdom, but allow ourselves and others a glimpse of it? Here on Earth.
P.S. Constable defines “testimonies” as standards of conduct.
Pittsburgh, PA; Beth H, on my own right now. Our Beth Moore breaks over the summer, but I didn’t want to! This Siesta is perfect. Question 4 hit me as my husband and I prepare to become empty nesters this summer as our youngest heads off to college. I need the Lord to keep my emotions steady and for me to trust the paths He has for each of my family members.
Gainesville, VA; Robin #5 The particular tendency that I want to stop allowing to get the best of me is a bitterness I’m harboring toward my husband. Oh, I’m pretty good at holding my tongue, but God sees what’s on the inside and I’m ashamed…which leads me to #6. The oppression I feel is not of my Father. I look forward to seeing His redeeming grace through this study. I know He is faithful and has good intentions for me, and I pray I’m praying for patience and HIS timing.
Meridian,ID-Happy Hens-2. God has an affinity for the South, as no one is more gracious than Southern people, especially women! “Bless your heart!” God’s grace/graciousness covers 1-7. His Word proves “God’s way” is gracious through His promises to us. We cannot understand the concept of graciousness and salvation without understanding the grace-nature of God. One of the easiest ways for others to see Christ in us is being gracious, especially to those who may be offensive.
GJ – Gran Jan, Georgia Jan
Hawkinsville, GA
I am going solo and I’m really good with that! 🙂 Being a busy pastor’s wife (also employed full time), and grandmother to 3 with another on the way – I crave solitude, and yet I love the accountability of this setup. Because it is with this on-line community that I love so well, I am not lonesome.
My spirit was quickened by #4 – Psalm 119:133a. Because we are in such a good place…a sweet season right now both personally and in ministry (after 2 – 3 years of oppression and heartache in ministry), I could tend to slow my steps…yes I need rest and recovery, but I want to keep steady steps too!
Love y’all so much!
GJ
Billings, MT. Flying solo this summer. Question 4- living in a small condo this summer while our house is being built. Tight quarters can take my focus off of what is right.
I’m working on this study alone. By choice. I would like quiet time with the Lord open my eyes to what He wants me to do during my everyday life.
Woodstock, GA, Fellow Siesta, 1
I’m doing this study alone, but have done quite a number of Beth Moore studies. I’m so looking forward to this as it is the first time I’ve participate in an online Bible study class. God answered my prayer to make me thirsty to know Him more and I’m excited for the opportunity to learn more about Him.
West Chester, Ohio ~ Patty T: I’m flying solo on this one. I facilitate a group on Friday mornings and we just finished this study. I LOVED it! SO…I’m gonna go through it again with y’all and see what else I can glean from this community of sistas! 🙂 I LOVE God’s Word and this study speaks straight to my heart. I think I especially loved question #1 because God speaks to us in so many ways, but especially through His Word…and has done so in numerous occasions…giving me that little extra dose of faith to see me through whatever situation. HE is so good! Looking forward to this time together! 🙂
Seattle, WA, Emerald City Siestas, 2. We are meeting in Lacie’s house while the rain comes down outside! Lauren is most excited to go deeper in the Word and have accountability and be able to be open and honest with struggles. Lacie is going to become a first time mommy in September and is excited to see how God will “steady her steps” and use that experience to strengthen and grow her character all the while creating more reliance on Him. Happy to be joining all of you! XO
I’m working on this study alone. By choice. I would like quiet time with the Lord open my eyes to what He wants me to do during my everyday life. Northern Minnesota
Karen, individual, Fredericksburg VA.
I have to smile every time I start a new bible study and realize how perfect God’s timing is! I have had several struggles over the last months to a year (or more) that have all culminated to this one point and time – and this “small group discussion” as hit on all of them! From accepting myself as beautiful in God’s eyes and desiring to keep my body as a just temple for Him, to allowing oppression to overtake me, I have struggled. But I think that the biggest struggle has been allowing my relationship with Him continue to grow – I feel that I am just not worthy enough. Despite continuing to be active in my church life, I have realized that I have become a “castaway” – 1 Cor 9:19-23 – losing out on an opportunity of His rewards. But this Psalm finally gave me to words to pray again! I look forward to seeing where God will take me as we (God and I) get back in touch with each other again and renew and strengthen our relationship.
Karen, how it thrills my heart to hear you say that you’re back in touch with the Lord again. He never left you my friend, but so glad you’re seeking Him intentionally.
I stopped at your comment when I saw Fredericksburg. I have two friends in Fredericksburg…Sharon Glasgow and Elaine Rutherford. Just thought it would be incredible if you knew either. I’m in Canada, but I’ve often traveled to the Richmond area to visit other friends as well.
Just wanted to say ‘hi’.
Blessings,
Joy
Jen, Monticello, GA -solo–Loving psalm 133a- Direct my footsteps—if we’re walking on God’s path, we are heading in the right direction!! Lead me Lord, I will follow!!
Bryan/College Station, Tx The SonShines, 6, Summary: We are blessed to have one college sophmore and five women with grown children. We all agreed with experience we see God’s faithfulness throughout our lives, even in the little things. If we put God/Christ in everything, not just first, like as if He is a spoke in the wheel, God responds. He may use discipline, correction to break our hearts so that we understand what breaks His. Then we evolve and do not want to step out of His realm. We learn to put our faith, trust, lives into His gracious Way and plan for us. We know He is true to His Word and what He says He will do.
Joelle R, SoHills Ladies, Abilene, TX
17 of us are meeting at the church building in a cozy classroom. We are doing the study and Kelly’s videos. I am wanting to also do these study questions on here with the Siestas so I am not sure if I should say party of 1 or of 17?….
Question 3.
When I was young I saw God as harsh and therefore pulled away in drastic ways. As Ive gotten older and grown and gotten to actually to know Him I see gracious gracious God.
Question 4. I pray God will steady our steps by
helping us balancing time with spouse, kids, house duties, time with God, and serving in a calm and joyful way not a stressed way. Also that He steady us when we try to figure out all our own troubles instead of turning to Him with them.
Peggy.F Berwyn,AB, Canada/solo This will be my 2nd time doing the Siesta Summer study. I was very blessed by the Ruth series by Kelly.
I definitely need to remember that God deals with us graciously. Looking up the definitions of Oppression and Authority made clear to me a few things and I most certainly need his face to shine upon me this summer.
Kori, Duluth MN, 8 in our Northern Lights group. We enjoyed getting to know each other a little better in our abbreviated group today. Looking forward to digging in and deeper with each other and the Word!
Toledo OH, Nicall, 1
I certainly need the steadying of the Lord on my footsteps through His word this summer as my husband will be transitioning to a new position. One specific challenge for me this summer is to be more gracious with my kids.
Donna Karen, Denton,TX, Solo participant in the Greater Dallas area.
I’m so excited to be a part of such a wonderful group of ladies. My summer just got brighter 🙂
Janae – Riverside, PA – going solo due to schedule conflicts – Questions 4 & 5 are my challenges for the summer with my first child heading off to college and my tendency to worry.
Keller/Texas/Solo Fide
My faith grows with each Bible study. I’m learning to trust God more. Each time God has shown me his work I learn to trust him more which leaves me in awe with his mercy and plans for me. Questions 4 & 5 made me think as I am struggling with unforgiveness. I’m working to tame my tongue so as to speak words that are meant for building up. I can speak the words of I forgive but training my heart & mind to follow through is where my steps need to be. I do hurt for God’s law not being obeyed.
Going solo here in Olathe, Kansas : )
Just invited group members today but until then solo from Los Angeles.Will post when/if that changes.
Fascinated by how my own prayer life led me to this study.i was just discussing Grace with God and said this morning I’m going to do a study on it (although this is different). Your study questions are dealing with my own questions about how I see God and what I will do with commitment this summer.
I find it interesting that those without authority are responsible for so much oppression. Still researching those terms. Thanks Mrs Moore for all your labor for us.
Hephzibah, GA, Dawn, solo
The thing that hit home with me the most in today’s study was expecting God to deal with me graciously. That is hard for me most of the time because I know I am not worthy of it. I am committed to seeking Him this summer with the expectation of His graciousness.
Pacific Palisades, California; solo, as part of Fall Oasis Leadership Team 2012 preparing to facilitate Nehemiah Bible Study with Kelly Minter at our church. Q4 particular challenges for me include the recent (Sunday June 24th) stroke suffered by my father. Praise God for his improvements but much healing and rehab to come. Hoping and trusting in the Lord and grateful for the prayer support and generous love from family and friends. Psalm 119 has been such an incredible blessing and encouragement for me today! Treasuring this Summer Siesta Study.
Summersville, Missouri Population 500(town not our group):) group of 6. Rivers is our name because our area is known for it’s scenic riverways. A river flows on a path and channels out. Our prayer is that we will channel out to others for the Lord as grow. We discussed what we felt we need to work on this summer, like discernment of God’s word for ourselves, thinking before reacting. We shared how God had been gracious to us in sooo many areas of our lives. We read from the NIV, New American Standard, and the Today’s English Version and we understood the modern better, surprise to us. See ya in two weeks ladies!!
Chattanooga, TN, Margee T, 1 – Flying solo also. Healing from wrist surgery and hopefully through this study healing can take place not just in body but my soul also. Looking forward to being in God’s word.
Sidney – Mom and Me: 2
We discussed number 4 in depth. Literally speaking I am having knee surgery on Monday so I pray he does in fact “steady my steps.” We both feel our biggest challenge for this summer is simply time. Time to be together, time to get the house clean :), time to get done the millions of things that need to be done before the last minute. We both pray that God gives us the ability and the wisdom to step back and take time to sit and talk our motherly/daughter talks and forget about the pile outside the door that we didn’t get to.
San Diego, California; Katie F. Solo!
I’m so excited to be doing my first siesta summer Bible study! #4 Psalm 119:133 really spoke to me. I need God to steady my steps in all areas of my life. I just had a newborn boy and have 2 older boys as well. I’m a military wife and with that also comes the unknown… so life is super busy at times. I just need to give it all up to Him. I loved the Message version “Steady my steps with your word of promise.”
Lebanon TN Southside Sisters and Friends 15 attending. We met this morning at 10AM. I am a little confused also but am sure I will understand as we progress. We all gave testimonies this morning about Nehemiah and why we were taking the class.
Danay’e from Spencer, Indiana, going solo this summer. The questions that resonated most with me were 5, 6 & 7. I’m going through serious health problems right now as well as trying to make changes in my life as I’m home bound, realizing God has things He want me to learn from this time and I don’t want to miss any of it.
Danay’e,
We have a group meeting in Bloomfield if you would like to join us! Fridays @ 12 worked for our ladies, so we’ll be a few days behind. I’ll check back tomorrow to see if you’ve responded.
It’s so exciting to study alongside women from all over the contintent, but there’s something special about finding connections in your own neck-of-the-woods!
St. Louis, MO, Tina — Solo Siesta.
#4 resonated with me: “Keep steady my steps according to Your promise.” I’ll be getting ready to make a move and want to insure I’m in God’s will and not my own dance! I’ll be praying with a cherry on top to really dig down and listen, to determine what God has for me to do!
West Des Moines, IA; WDM Valley; 7 moms, 1 teen, and 2 tweens!
We are a group that recently completed going through the family class, RedCard (http://www.redcardkids.com/). It was an incredible class and this is the perfect follow-up study for us to continue talking about God molding us and giving us hearts of compassion. Due to scheduling, we actually met last night but the remainder of our meetings will be on Tuesday evenings. We are viewing the DVD’s that go along with the study and watched 1 & 2 last night and discussed them. Whoa. So, so, so good! We had great discussion based on the videos and things God has continued to move in hearts since the RedCard class and ways we long to be available to what He is laying on our hearts. We are excited study the book of Nehemiah and see what God does in and through us!
Plano, Texas; Delaney, flying solo this time. Questions 3 and 7 resonated most with me because I struggle to remember to give it all to God and to trust that He has my best interest in mind at all times. I need to have my faith restored. That is my prayer…
Orange, Texas. Maybe Austin,Tx, San Antonio, Tx, and Harlingen, Tx too. I am asking my Mom and sisters too. AT this point, I am solo. I’m currently doing the “Fruit of the Spirit” study also. I am excited about this one too. God is so good.
Julia Pinto, Atlanta,Ga Party of One! I am so excited to be doing this study!