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!)
Ft. Pierce, FL.; Stephanie.
So glad to be doing this study this summer. Question 4 resonated with me.
For awhile I have known that it’s time to move to a new location. I’ve desired this so bad, that I’ve been seeking it first, and not God. Yet, I want to know, for sure, that God has ordered my steps. My challenge is to pursue God first, and allow Him to be the lover of my soul. I pray that God will establish my footsteps in His words, and trust that He will work all the other things out.
Sorry, I’m flying solo this summer.
Alexis, Houston, Texas, solo
#7 spoke to me, I’m ready for a change! Thanks you!
Rawlins, Wyoming, five of us meeting in Janet’s living room. (Hopefully 6 next week) We are very excited about this study because it seems to be exactly what all of us need right now, with all of the things oppressing us! We have realized that we are just as stressed out and “type A” as we are in the school year! We have also discovered that we all have a different insight as to what God’s graciousness means to us, depending on how we were raised. But, we all agree it is a struggle between our hearts and heads here!
Leah C. Marion, IN – Just me flying solo. Questions 3 and 4 spoke to me. I know that God is gracious because I don’t deserve all the blessings I have been given. I just tend to think he has bigger problems to deal with than I have going on in my life. Question 4 – My immediate boss resigned and a new person will be hired. I’m not feeling secure in my position and I will need God to steady my heart and make great decisions about my future. I think I am going to love the summer study. I just wanted to stay in the Word. It is just so good to dig deeper. This is my first summer siesta study. Loving it already.
Lisa, Huntsville, AL, 1
Question 4 resonated with me…How often do I simply need God to steady my steps? Perhaps with age comes attention deficit; but often I find myself needing to just stay focused on the important stuff. So many demands on my time and then I allow distractions to pull me away from time with God. So really a prayer for me as I start this study.
Pam, McDonough, GA, 1
Question 3 was again God’s reminder to me of the importance of me living continually in His grace. We (He and I)have been working on this in my life since I finished the James study in the spring. To the degree I choose to live graced by God, it is to that degree that I will hold out grace to others instead of turning to a judgmental attitude that only divides.
The whole study spoke to me because I’m wanting to move to be closer to my family and I have to learn patience and I want to be in the Lords will. I know that’s the only way anything will work.
Hey guys,
I’m participating in this, and hope to come back with my thoughts, but right now I’m asking for prayer for my sweet Aunt Janet who watched Jake, her husband of 56 years, pass away this morning. We know he opened his eyes to the face of his Savior. Such a bittersweet moment…she is so sad. After 56 years together, I can’t imagine how oddly alone she must feel right now. Please lift her up.
Thank you!!
Lawrenceville, GA
I’m going thru this alone and feel blessed to have this privilege this summer. Questions 4&5 resonated with me because of our new challenge with my husband’s failing eyesight. At the age of 59 he has had to quit driving and that’s been hard for him and it has been an adjustment in my life also as he needs to get to his job that he is still blessed to have and to any other place he wants to go. With the what ifs and the blurry future I’m trying to lean on God’s promises and be the kind of support I need to be. I like The Message version of these verses: “Steady my steps with your Word of promise so nothing malign gets the better of me.”
New Port Richey, FL; Debbie Laureen , solo,
Expecting God’s graciousness in question 3 spoke to my heart. This was a hard week. Feeling overwhelmed with friends’ needs for prayer for things so out of my control, forest fires in Colorado, cancer, and today the river flooding from the tropical storm, just a few blocks from my home.I begin to doubt, my prayers lack expectancy. I know that is not from God. I remember. I have seen the power of God in my life, I have felt his undeserved touch, His grace. I am not in control, but my loving sovereign Father is. I can and will pray with expectancy. Thank you Beth, these thoughtful questions helped me to focus on God and not on the situations.
Nancy,Atlanta,GA, party of one. I am very excited to be doing this study. I have done one other study in the past (the book of James – loved every minute of it.) And in that study I learned alot about myself. I look forward to studying the book of Nehemiah and what I can learn from it.
I am by myself on this one, Cindi from Northern VA. Question 5 hits home for me, I am dealing with huge anger issues, and praying that The LORD speaks to me through this to get it under control
Ooltewah, TN, Ooltewah Mamas, 6
We are all facing many obstacles in our lives right now. We found it comforting to know that the Lord will keep our ways steady. It will become our prayer for this summer and possibly the rests of our lives.
Lakeland, Fl: The Delta’s 7. We had a great time together catching up with old and new friends. We all agreed how much we need God to “steady our steps” this summer. As women it’s so easy to get caught up in all the things we want or need to do. We sometimes miss the important things. Thanks for the encouragement and we are looking forward to what God is going to so this summer in our group! (PS. We named ourselves The Delta’s because our friend Delta was the one who found and encouraged us to do this study. She is unfortunately out of town working at her daughters summer camp)
I know this is not what this blog is for…but PLEASE PRAY for Colorado Springs right now. We are under MAJOR fire danger. It is dark here with smoke…people are totally panicking…and the wind has blown the fire directly toward the highway and the city. PRAY for a miraculous amount of rain immediately.
Arthur,IL; Julie
Just me and maybe another joining soon. Looking forward to this study and hope to grow stronger in my walk with God.
Grand Junction, CO; going solo; wonderful to think again about God’s wonderful testimonies in my life; look forward to doing this study this way; wish I could get to Colo. Spgs. this weekend
Indianapolis, IN; Vicki, solo.
Question 4 is where I need God this summer…to steady my steps. End-of-life health of my mom. I need God to steady me and work in me for His greater goal in my life and those around me.
Dayton, Ohio; God’s Groupies; 5 women and one teen meeting in the “gathering” room. Our discussion focused a lot on the graciousness of our loving God in all of life’s circumstances. We are excited to step our in faith on this journey together with you.
I can’t say I’m all by myself in this study – -because God is with me! I’m Suzy from Virginia.
I love these verses of scripture . .I have been through a season of tremendous loss in my life . . .and have really sought God’s comfort, wisdom and guidance in this journey. I have cried to Him, yelled at Him, sat with Him, cried with Him, I have never once been alone. He has been my Immanuel. But it hasn’t been easy. As I read these verses and as you spoke, I thought about how His words have given light and guidance in my darkness. Sometimes only glimmers of light, but they were there. I love that He will help to steady my steps (I smiled at this because at the beginning of the year I fell and broke three bones in my foot – I need steady steps in many ways! 🙂 I do try not to be oppressed, but there are some things that do hinder me. I do need freedom from the sin of worry. and oh, how I long for His face to shine upon me. I am praying that the Spirit help me retain that which I learn here in this study. On the title page of the book it says Nehemiah –a heart that can break. My heart has been broken, and I am praying this study brings healing and that my broken heart can bring glory to God.
Greeneville, TN /GC TRIO/ 3 Members
We talked alot about our inadequacies and how we are struggling to overcome them. We are looking very forward to the study.
andrea; 3;
Miles Apart but close at Heart
NY, MA & FL join w/ txt, coffee cup calls & Skype.
Thethree of us have studied together for years and being seperated has not changed our longing to be hungry for the Word, sharpening and fellowship. A
Steady, Redeem from opression,Expectation, all seem to fit our Hearts.
Love this!
We are all over the country via Facebook. States include NC, TX, and WA
We’ll call ourselves “Technically Challenged but Thriving.”
A common thread to the post so far has been fighting the “not feeling good enough” blues. Praying God will keep steady our steps with this and continue to “water” our hearts where needed, and whether we know we need it or not.
Longview, TX – ‘The Price Girls’ – For our Bible study, we meet at a local restaurant and discuss the homework and questions over lunch. It is such a blessing to be in a group with my mom and 2 of my sisters, as we have been for the last 3 summer studies!!! Today we discussed the graciousness of the Lord in our lives, even in times of His discipline. We also discussed the differences between oppression and authority, and the ways we have seen them played out in our lives. Even knowing one another as we do, and the events in our lives, we always learn something new about one another and love to share what the Lord has and is teaching us through each season. And our celebrations of His goodness in each of our lives are especially joyous!!
Kari, Seattle, WA/Denver, CO
# 4 and #5 absolutely. I am venturing into new endeavors that I know I will need God for. There is no way I can do this by myself..there is just no way. And #5, wow! yes yes and yes! for me..the iniquity is all in my mind..i just spiral and spiral with my thought life..oh my sweet Lord..I know how to spiral! I want to break that pattern…becaue it begins to control what I do..and how I feel about myself. Thanks so much for doing this! can’t wait to see the next installment.
St Albans (WV); Nancy (1). Question 4 got me. God has been leading me (& my hubby) to get ready for what could be some major life changes. I’m struggling with trying to fast-track the process which is NOT what God is telling me to do! (Imagine that?! Trying to run ahead of God and His divine timing…lol) I SOOOOO need my steps ‘steady-ed’ at the moment.
Loganville, PA, d
Question 3 resonated with me by reminding of God’s graciousness daily in my life.
Kissimmee, Florida “Siesta Shannon” Solo
Q #4 spoke to me during this season of my life.
Establish my steps and direct them (Amp) and Order my steps (KJV. This summer I want to keep in step with the Lord and not skip a step due to my impatience. I may want to run when God wants me to walk..or crawl to learn humility. I pray to be at God’s pace.
Shannon
Marcy, Amarillo Tx
I am doing this study solo this summer.
#7 really hit home with me that through this study I would get some insight into a situation that has been lingering on in my marriage for many years. That the Lord would give me ears to hear what I can do to make things better. That I would see the light at the end of this tunnel.So excited, I needed this study to get myself back in the word after a dry season……Thanks!!!!!!!!
*Made a new friend. Looking forward to the blessings in God’s word. God is Good 🙂
In The Woodlands, TX – party of one. Questions 3 and 6 resonated with me very distinctly. #3 was an actual epiphany that brought me to tears…I already knew God loves me, but, felt fresh realization that He is never, ever harsh or condemning, but, a very loving Father intent on revealing what is best for me. #6: I seriously need the pressure and stress lifted in my work that’s affecting my health and peace of mind. Perhaps as a people-pleaser, the pressure is not only from my clients, but, I also put it on myself. ??? Personal and business decisions to make this summer…I’m excited to see how this study unfolds and what my loving Heavenly Father has up His sleeve for me!! I have excited expectation that it will be amazing!
Purcellville, VA; “Mama & Me”; 2. Mama & I Skyped for our group time. We spent time talking about question #3, about how easily we forget that God is so merciful, compassionate & loving to us, and slow to anger. He hates the sin & loves the sinner. We take how WE are, then try to transfer that to how God must be, but He is so much more GRACIOUS!!
Solo Siesta here!
Melissa in Shaker Heights, Ohio
Question 6 resonated with me a I have a relationship in my life that can easily be defined as oppressive. It is not my marriage, praise God, but a relationship that is familiar and troublesome nonetheless. For many years, I have not known what the “right” thing to do is in this situation. I fluctuate from being a doormat to completely avoiding the person. There doesn’t seem to be a healthy middle ground.
I also resonate with Question 5 and my iniquity is self-control in more than one area. It all boils down to that one fruit of the Spirit for me – self-control.
Looking forward to another great study!
DebJD, flying solo, and looking so forward to diving into a good study. I’ve been away from studies for a while since moving, and I’m asking God to remind me that he has a purpose and plan, and that I need to trust Him for his perfect will, stay in the Word and remain faithful- waiting on Him
Pell City, Alabama. Silly Soul Sisters in Nehemiah! There are 14 of us total but only 6 tonight. We just finished up Beth Moore’s James, and after tonight we are thinking that God set us up for Nehemiah perfectly!
Vickie, Little Rock Arkansas. Looking to BELIEVE that God loves me and not condemning me
Greenville, NC; “Chiks in Unity”, 6. Summary – We all attend Unity FWB church in Greenville, NC (hence the name) and meet in one of our girl’s living room. We are a small group of young ladies just wanting to grow in the Word and are very excited about this study!
Florence, SC; Shining Southern Belles, 6, Summary: We came to this Bible Study with a desire to truly reflect Jesus’ love to others. We see what others have and we want it. We want to grow spiritually to the point that other want what we have.
McDonough, GA; The name that best fits our group at this point is TECHNICALLY CHALLENGED!There are 9 in our group, 7 moms and 2 of our daughters. We met for the first time last Tuesday and could not find Anita’s remote for the dvd player, so we all sat around the laptop to watch Kelly Minter! Today at Carrie Ann’s house, it took us 45 minutes to watch your 15 minute video! But we’re loving every minute of it!
Most of our discussion centered around not allowing iniquity to get dominion over us. One of our daughters has just stepped away from an abusive marriage. One of our family members lost her life just a week ago at the hands of an abusive husband. There is no doubt that God brought our group together “for such a time as this”. It is our prayer that through both of these painful situations we will not let bitterness, hatred, unforgiveness be in control, but that we will live each day full of Him. Promise to make the comment shorter next time 🙂
Panama City, FL; Monday Night Siestas; 2; Terry is my mentor and we meet every Monday night in her home. We are so excited about doing this Bible study together and can’t wait to see what God wants us to learn from Nehemiah. We were unable to meet today so, hopefully, next week we will be able to meet and discuss the questions. God is good all the time!
Weatherford, Texas;Kali- Going solo!
Question 4 really resonates with me. “Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil.”
My prayer for this summer (and every other season too) is to have patience and a “Jesus-like” attitude even on the most challenging days as a stay-at-home Mom of a busy 3 year old boy and a 9 month old baby girl.
Flat Rock, AL (Home Girls) 10 Living Room
We have been together in my living room since October, 2004. I was going to take the summer off, but felt like a fish out of water without the girls! We loved the discussion time. We range from mom’s with small children, empty nesters, widowers, to grandmothers . Our steps being steadied was a great discussion question because our issues range from the kids demanding all our attention, helping to raise grandchildren, custody issues, layoff’s, lonliness, to cancer. We know that God is gracious and we trust Him in all of these situations. We are looking forward to our next session and plan to have a Mexican Fiesta!!
Sorry for a dumb question… I feel lost though – I am trying to figure out where to get the Nehemiah book. Help?!
Joy, you can get it at any LifeWay store or: http://www.lifeway.com. Hope that helps!
Sylva, NC going solo and very excited to be a part of this study!!! I need extra motivation to immerse myself in the Word. Questions 3 & 5 were the most difficult for me. I know in my heart that God loves me and wants the best for me but my mind sometimes tries to make me believe that I have to somehow earn that love and grace. Question 5 is difficult because I know that there are unresolved issues that I still struggle with and for some reason I continue to try to deal with the issues myself instead of allowing God to work. I am looking forward to this journey with you beautiful ladies!!! Beth you are such a blessing and inspiration to me!
JulieB from Sharpsburg, Ga., going solo on this one this summer!!! Loved Psalm 119:132…asking myself, would I be willing this summer to seek God with the grateful expectation of His graciousness towards me? Oh boy, would I!!!! Also love Psalm 119:130 and praying that specifically tonight, “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple” I love God’s word!!!!
Group:Sisters for Grace – 4 members from Simpsonville, SC. We are so excited to see where God leads us through this study. We meet in my den with 4 little girls playing upstairs and a dogs resting at our feet munching on chocolate covered edamame. We had a great discussion on our obsessions and how we will not let them come between our relationship with God.
Dayton, Ohio – Sarah
Though I invited many to join, it was just me today. Hoping for more next week! Going to invite a co-worker also 🙂
The question #4 resonated strongly today:4. Psalm 119:133a “Keep steady my steps according to Your promise.” – I am in a new phase of life, have recently returned to the (outside the home) workforce after staying home for 2 years with my daughter. I am praying for steady steps in this new job and balance in my mothering.
El Dorado Springs, MO; Mimi&TeTe; 2
We are truly excited to begin our journey through Nehemiah this summer. As teachers, summer is the perfect time for us to dive into God’s Word and fellowship with one another.
During our time together this afternoon, we spent a lot of time discussing what challenges we are facing. Both of us realize that taking this time to delve into the Word will benefit us in multiple ways and help to “steady our steps.” We also spent quite a bit of time discussing #3 and what the Lord’s graciousness truly means to us.
We are thrilled to spend this time together and hope to glean all we can from Nehemiah.
Douglasville, GA; Southern Sistahs,12. SUMMARY: We meet in one of our Sistah’s Great Rooms. God has proven to be faithful through our lives and our children’s lives. We also realized that we need accountability partners to help us step by step in our walk. We are excited to see what God is going to teach us through the book of Nehemiah (none of us have studied this book…only a few could locate it correctly in the Old Testament. LOL). So excited and you will be excited too as we move forward! Woohoo!
North Carolina, Boone, Molly:
So very excited to begin this study! As we were challenged to think about what areas my heart needs to be more tender in. As I contemplated this, I was struck with areas that have become numb, my prayer is that the Lord would soften and “thaw” my heart to become more and more like His. So excited!!