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!)
Paige, Atlanta, GA
Can I post my comment tomorrow? I work for an airline and did an all-nighter last night so I’m not very coherent right now. I’m really looking forward to this Bible Study. BTW I’m curious about the video Beth posted. It’s blocked by my Safe Eyes account!
Granger, IN. God’s Gals-5. We are a majority of our home group women meeting to study with the benefit of keeping connected over the summer.
Lincoln, Nebraska, “Dusty’s Darlings”, 18 of us, 11 met in Vera’s lovely basement family room, we range in age from 17 to almost 70. Watched Kelly’s session 1 then went over Psalm 119:129-135. We are looking forward to meeting every Tuesday from 5 to 6:30 for the next 7 weeks.
Burlington, CT. Farmington Valley Women. 13 in attendance (21 participating)
We’re meeting in my home for potluck dinner and study, using this time to get to know one another better. Throughout the school year we meet at the church, but the time-frame is restrictive. In the summer they suspend the mid-week mtgs so we relocate and use the opportunity to fellowship.
London, Ontario; The 31 Women; and despite our name there are just 2 of us! We met around a kitchen table tonight, but the rest of our sessions will be in an office with a couch and computer. We shared some of our challenges, the ways we get off track and the sins that keep aiming for dominion over us and learned how we can pray for and encourage one another this summer.
Fort Worth, TX; Karen
Solo also on this, but also doing James this summer with my Summer Siestas. Question 3 shot be between the eyes. No, I do not look for the Lord to be always be gracious to me. This will make me take notice of the grace God extends to me, that I don’t always recognize. And I love love love number 7. I will pray that God shines his face upon me and teach me through Nehemiah. This is gonna be a blast!
Riverside, CA; LifeSpring Ladies; 5; Looking forward to a great summer study!
Menomonee Falls, WI, Jen’s Siesta’s, nine
We ran over our time limit a bit! I am trying to follow the format and do the DVD’s I will have to watch the time more closely next time we meet!
from Psalm 119:134 “Redeem me from man’s oppression…” the verse really spoke to us.
All in my group are Beth Moore Bible study veteran’s but this is their first experience of your blog and the siesta community!! 🙂
Big thanks to Lindsee as her comment on my blog post gave me the encouragment to ask people to be in this study with me!! God provides!
Westcliffe, CO, Debbra S, Me and Jesus! My oldest son just graduated from high school and his future is before him. So #4 pounded in my heart. Steady my steps Father as I send off my child to college, 13 hours away I might add. I pray every moment with him this summer is a treasure. I also ashamadely say #3 is an issue with me. I so struggle with God’s will in regards to health issues I have. It’s been a fight to really believe that God has the best plan for me. I’ve been through Believin’ God and Breaking Free and I’m still struggling (but not everyday anymore). Praise God he is gracious to me! PS… I still need to get the Nehemiah book but $ is tight right now. See you Beth in Colorado Springs in 3 days!!!!
Fairfax, VA, SASS girls (Sisters Anticipating Steadier Steps) 5 tonight, with up to three more coming over next couple of weeks. We meet in my family room Tuesday nights and they just left. One pair is a mom and her graduate-school-bound daughter!
Q2 – testimonies were amazing – some happening in the last 48 hours. It was beautiful.
Q3 – inspired us to pray differently and trust His goodness. The Lord prepped me for this truth in a special way before I even saw the blog video so I was doubly blessed.
Q4-Really camped on this and the related Q5: tears as each shared REAL struggles and desire for God to show up this summer. I was amazed at the freedom with which these ladies shared..2 of the 5 basically ‘new’ to this crew. Holy Spirit very present… I’m humbled and awed. Again. OUR FOCUS: healthy margins, clear focus on Christ and victory in living INTO His purposes for us (vs. distractions and lies of enemy).
So excited!!!!
Garland, Texas; Hearts Gone Wild, 6. We talked about steadying our steps and not spending too much time watching tv, but to spend our time with Him. We also talked about finding what God wants each of us to do individually and as a group. We are praying this week for God to show us what our group can do in our community. We are each so excited and long to have hearts filled with God’s compassion!
Salem,Oregon
Living Room, Patio …
Number beginning the journey, two
Summary:
1. v. 129 testimonies,v. 130 unfolding of Your Words, v. 131 commandments, v. 132 gracious … as is Your way, v. 133 keeping steady our steps accordingto Your promise, v. keeps iniquity or dominion from us, v. 134 reedems, precepts, v. 135 Face shining upon us and statutes.
2. He’s proven His Word and Self true over and and over again through widely varying circumstances and day-to-day living in each of our lives.
3. We expect Him to be true to His Word by doing the things He says He will do between the covers of His Word.
4. For me it would be walking out the days after an excruciating season Spiritually before many. God brought me through, thankfully so. Also, that He would provide steady, permanent employment.
For the other, learning the ropes of a new job, healing from past hurts, and being in His Word consistently.
5. For me, my tendency to over think. Also, that the remaining bonds of fear would be broken.
6. For the other, tendency toward expecting perfection of myself and learning better ways of communicating differences with my husband.
7. Simply grant us wisdom to know the difference, keeping humble hearts before Him always.
Blessings Siesta-ville, thank you for doing this.
Mineola, TX; Praying Mineola Siestas better known as PMS – we got a big kick out of that! We thought it was so appropriate for a group of 13 ladies (should have 5 more next time). What gal, young or old, can’t relate to PMS and what better way to put a positive spin on it than to become a praying siesta?!
We started our gatherng with a salad supper and some sweet fellowship. Unfortunately, we had a little technical difficulty with our internet connection so we weren’t able to watch the video as a group, but everyone wrote down the blog address and plans to watch it on their own. We walked through each verse of Psalm 119: 129-135. Several ladies shared specific ways they’ve come to know that God’s testimonies are “wonderful”, and we spent a little time talking about God’s way of being gracious to us – my personal favorite.
We plan to continue having potluck meals to feed our physical bodies while we also feast on food for our spirits with a smorgasbord of God’s testimonies, decrees, statutes, commands, and precepts.
Bon appetit!
Tiki Girls -party of 2 right now living in Rootstown, Ohio and excited to be here! Going to be hanging on the back deck Tiki Hut my husband built for me :)#2 loved going over why God and His ways are so wonderful. I alway pray Psalm 119:133 and I have big challenges this summer and my prayer is going to be to behave like Christ in words, actions and thoughts. He is in control! God Bless You and I’m off 2 Mexico to help build a church, c-ya July 10th. Love in Christ
Sharpsburg, Ga
Doing this study by myself. Oh how I have looked forward to starting this study.
Solo siesta in Miamisburg, Ohio. Very exited about this study, will read the scripture tomorrow, babysat my grandsons all day and then took the older one to VBS. Extremely tired now, good night and sweet dreams!
Atlanta, GA Brandy H. I am seeking for God to unfold His Word to me. I am seeking for God to do something new in me and my life. I am feeling oppressed right now in a working relationship and I need God to do a miracle in this situation! I am excited to do this study so that I can see what needs to change in me as well as listening to what the Lord wants me to do.
Huntsville, AL, Dawn and Anna, 2, meeting at Dawn’s place: We got a lot of discussion out of question 4. Anna has some life changes in her home that she is having to seek God in and I need help in responding out of love to challenging situations that occur in my daily life (buttons being pushed). We are ahead in the study but are looking forward to adding this additional element in to our summer gatherings!
Wahpeton ND- Siestas Seeking Him
Two in our group meeting in our homes. We are leaders in bigger groups throughout the year but look forward to a small group this summer.
Ps 119:132 Talked about how God is gracious daily in specific ways, not just in general ways. God constantly shows grace to us, in spite of our sinfulness.
Beth, thanks for leading us through this study. Love doing Kelly’s studies.
Salt Lake City, Utah. His kids. 2, but building.
Our discussion centered around being close to God, His mercies, and keeping his commandments. Thank you Jesus for your never-ending grace and kindness to us. You draw us near when the world tries to draw us away from you.
We are meeting at 7 pm Tuesdays in Houghton, NY in a couple of different homes. There are 8 of us with a ninth possibly still joining.
Several people in the group have gone through long seasons of real trial in their lives and it was amazing to hear them speak of what God’s testimonies have meant in their lives.
Monticello, MN. Solo Flyer. I am flying solo on this Bible Study. I have completed many Beth Moore Studies however we did not have any offered through my church this summer. I thought this would be a nice break. I have just finished Daniel. When going through what this study should help me learn, is what I struggle with most. I find that GOD is gracious to me in ways I recognize and ways I don’t even know about. I have difficulty with just being plain self-centeredness and not really having a heart for others. I NEED that, I want that, God wants me to have that. I am hoping that I can learn to see others and help others, and to know that this is what God has planned for me. I know I didn’t necessarily answer the questions, but this is what my hope is for. I cannot wait to see if God has a different plan!!
Christi; Springdale, AR Question #4 resonated with me because during the summer I have a really busy schedule. I am a teacher, but I do a lot of extra work during the summer so I’m “Off Schedule”. I pray that I can be consistent and diligent about learning this summer.
My husband and I are doing this together! We are from London, Ontario (Canada). Keeping our steps steady is our prayer and challenge this summer. Looking forward to some great learning and growing together!
Greer,SC; Karen – going solo…
I love this section of Psalm 119. Although, I used the NLT
As I was saying :)… I used the NLT to answer the questions, but I really enjoyed reading this passage in several different translations. I think question 4 and 7 resonated with me the most. For the last two years, I have felt as if I have lost my identity. I want nothing more than for my steps to be guided by God’s word and to clearly feel His direction. I am so looking forward to the study of Nehemiah.
Thousand Oaks, CA, Gretchen, 1
Questions 4 & 7 spoke most to me. Question 4 – Keep steady my steps according to Your promise…I have some extended family going through a horrible season right now, and they tend to lean on me hard — so hard I feel like I’m going to fall over! I’m praying that the Lord would keep me steady for them so that He gets all the glory – squarely where it belongs. And can I just say that the cry of my heart is that NO iniquity would have dominion over me!!
Q. 7 – It’s been a long (I am going to repeat it in case you missed it – loooooong) season of difficulty and would love to sense and see and experience the Lord’s Face to shine upon me, His servant.
Lord, I just want to offer up this study to You. Accomplish Your purposes in each of our lives. I would like to ask that You make Your Word so real to us that (as Beth says) it would leap off the page with light that illuminates whatever is hidden or confusing or concerning that You want us to see. Father, life is really hard for a lot of us and I want to ask You for each Siesta such a special and personal touch of grace straight from Your Hand to each heart. I ask these things with expectation of Your graciousness to us, Lord – we really, really need it. In Your Most Wonderful Name, Amen.
Where: a living room in Kennesaw, GA; Name: H.O.W. Marietta; About our group: We are 4 chapter leaders for a compassionate non-profit organization called Helping One Woman. Summary: We talked about the amazing way God brought us together by directing our steps and allowing our paths to cross. We also commented on the timing and significance of this study on Nehemiah. To have a heart that breaks is our prayer.
Sorry to be off the subject of this study, calling for prayer……Beth and crew, are you still going to Colorado Springs this weekend? It doesn’t seem the fires out there are getting much national, or ANY local news coverage here in Kansas City. I have family out there, and my sister and her family just became part of a mandatory evacuation when just a few short hours ago, they were considered ‘safe’ as the fire was heading in the opposite direction. My parents are also out there for the summer volunteering with ROAM (Retirees on a Mission–or something like that). Anyway, all are safe at the moment, but newscasters in Springs are calling it ‘Armageddon’. Please pray for Colorado! I’m guessing you may need to reschedule these dates…..
I haven’t started yet and need to get a workbook. Can anyone tell me how I can order one online?
http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Nehemiah:-A-Heart-That-Can-Break?intcmp=iTeam1-TiledNav-BibleStudy-Nehemiah
Note that there is a sample you can download to get started while you’re waiting for your book to arrive!
Ashley, party of 1! Solo that is. Glad to be here!
OH! I’m from Arlington Texas and I’d like to learn to trust God completely and fully….To really tackle my unbelief in certain areas of my life. Yes and amen!
I am from Greensboro, N.C. and will by flying solo on this. I am very excited to travel along through this study with everyone this summer. Question 4 truly spoke to my heart at this time. I need help from Him to “steady my steps” in many areas of my life. I am trusting God in all things and have committed to give Him my entire life, not just bits and pieces…I know this study will help me along with my commitment 🙂 I look forward to growing in Christ with you all 🙂
Forsyth, Georgia; Living4Christ, 2. Summary: Question 3 really resonated with us. We find we either take his graciousness for granted too often or sometimes just simply doubt it, depending upon our circumstances.
Hudsonville, MI; Amy C; Going solo
Question 6 struck a chord with me, as I feel some oppression in my work environment right now and need some steadying of my steps as I setting into a new role.
We are a pod of 2 tonight and will be a group of 4 next time we meet. Question 3 resonated with us.We are going to seek God with grateful expectation…
Knoxville, TN. BillieR, I’m going solo. Looking forward to enjoying a study that I’m not leading. The whole story of Nehemiah is an inspiration to me. “Keep my steps steady according to your promise.” Praying this summer to see the fulfillment of a specific promise of God as it concerns the direction of my family and our ministry.
College Station, TX
Group of 10
The CFCS group (Control Freaks of College Station). Group of 10 girls ages 20-30. Many of us met for the first time tonight and discovered through the discussion that our biggest connection as a group was our need for control. Hence the group name. One of the girls even pointed out that the idea of bible study, with lessons and such, lends it self best to type-A personalities. The summary tonight is that we are mostly struggling with work, work relationships, and showing christ in those tense work situations. Questions 3 & 4 sparked the most discussion. Question 3 on the character of God and His graciousness gave us insite on how we project some of our need for control into our perception of the character of God.
This is our first Siesta Study and we are looking forward to join ya’ll this summer.
Houma, LA; The Jazzy Delights, 4. 🙂 We discussed God’s goodness and graciousness and how indescribable His presence is when seeking His beautiful face. We share a common need for steadying our steps in self indulgence with food this summer (and always.)
We’re meeting in one of our siesta’s comfy living room. Hope you like our name, Beth. You totally inspired us! 🙂
Chadron, Nebraska; “Tee’s Trio”, 3 in our group. We had an awesome time discussing the questions Beth put to us about Psalm 119:129-135. So great to have just three of us, many of the inhibitions we experience when in a larger group are gone! Loving it…
Thank you Beth for this study love you!!
C3 Sisters in Cookeville, TN We had 8 tonight hopefully 2-4 more next week! We started out slow tonight, got off topic a bit and then someone shared a fear and then someone else shared their fears and then another and all of the sudden a group of practical strangers realized they had a lot in common as Sisters in Christ! God is amazing and this is only the first night!
Fordoche, LA; Michelle; Solo.
Reflecting on Q2 (Psalm 119:129 says, “Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them.”) and considering how I would explain why MY soul desires to keep God’s testimonies and why someone should even consider it was a challenge for me. Formulating a sensible verbal response to share with a new believer or nonbeliever was much harder than kicking around my thoughts inside my own mind. I was reminded of many examples but coming up with a direct answer was tougher than I thought. It was a great exercise! My response: I desire to obey God because I trust that His plans for me are better than my plans for me. Something I continue to learn the hardway. He has FULL knowledge! I do not! Everytime I have pursued my own plan instead seeking God’s plan OR was just outright disobedient to what I knew He wanted me to do, God repeatedly allowed me to experience the same/similar/even more challenging opportunity in order for me to do it His way! I’ve often imagined He’s up there shaking his head with a compassionate smile whispering, “Michelle, do we really need to go through this again?’ Sisters, I’ve learned (and still practicing) to do it His way from the start!
Cindi Humphrey,Spring,TX, Houston’s First Baptist Girl –
Questions 4 & 5 resonated LOUDLY with me the most because God delivered me from an addiction to prescription medication and I have been asking Him for the last 6 months to “steady my steps” everyday as I continue to work on “The 12 steps” as He directs me and that it will not get dominion over me ever again. I am living proof as well that our 27 yr marriage has been redeemed also. We both stopped oppressing one another and through Godly counsel we are finally experiencing our marriage as Christ would have us and praying for His will daily to be done in our lives. God’s way is always gracious. <3
Kari S., Camarillo, California and Dallas, Texas – We are a group of three (3)!
We named ourselves “Kari and Co. on Cottage”.
We had our first meeting in Annick’s living room but we will be “Skypeing” the rest of our sessions due to the fact that I (Kari) am/is moving to Dallas in two weeks.
We enjoyed all of the questions but really liked the one related to Psalm 119:133a, “Keep steady my steps according to Your promise.” In addition to writing Psalm 119:129-135 in the covers of our books, we wrote our specific challenges this summer that could cause us to really need God to “steady our steps”.
Going solo. Needed Ps 119:133b. Will commit this to memory. I am also doing “No Other Gods” (Kelly Minter) with Faithful Provisions AND reading through the Bible with a grp this summer, in 90 days. So, this aught to be an exciting 8 wks! Looking forward to doing the first Lesson!
Houston, Texas.- BCF Heights Siestas! 8 of us
We are a group of new friends & old friends excited about growing in His word!
Questions 2, 4 & 6 got us talking and sharing the most. He is Faithful, our great Provider, is Merciful & Always Good all the time!
We all have challenges before us this summer but we know He will guide & steady our steps!
All praying His light will shine on us no matter were we are in this oppressed city.
Thank you so much for this study!!!!
I love number 4…..Steady my steps! It rinds me to focus on GOD Alone…..goes right into number 5, because I have issues from my childhood that still haunt me to this day. Number 5 reminds me to not allow these evil people and thoughts to have dominion over me any longer. I have to focus on God to keep my mind quiet and focused on Him and His promises.
Rockford, IL Shehemiahs (like Nehemiah with a “she” :), 6
Such a great time with our ladies! It was so nice to be real with each other and go from speaking about how we know God is true and good, and the great things He has done for us, to how we can sometimes get downright mad at Him! Loved the honest discussion and love that He has pulled us all together for this study. Several of us have had some strong indications that this study is right where God wants us to be, right here, right now, and we are all excited (and if we are being honest- maybe a little frightened) of what He has to show us!
Sevierly Sassy Siestas, Seymour, TN, 14 Sassy Siestas, ranging in ages from our 40’s to our 80’s some married, some single, some widowed, and yes we know we have spelled severe wrong, but we all belong to Sevier Heights Baptist Church located in Knoxville, TN and thought being Sevierly Sassy Siestas was just perfect. We are meeting in the living room of one of the ladies and planning on Beef Enchiladas and Ginger Snaps next time! Thank you for your video and Psalm 119. #2 had several ladies sharing about God’s provision, faithfulness, peace and changing our lives. We are all looking forward to getting into Nehemiah and hearing a word from the Lord! Love and blessings to the Siestas and to our Siesta Mama! PS – looking forward to seeing you in August!
I’m going solo in Minneapolis, MN. Ps. 119:133 in The Message says, “Steady my steps with the Word of promise so nothing malign gets the better of me.” That is the prayer of my heart right now because there are several large things which are vying for my heart and attention, but my desire is to stand firm in the Word of Truth.
Staci C,
God’s G.A.L.S. meets King of Kings Lutheran Church in Woodbury, MN. If you are interested in joining us this summer, you can contact me at [email protected]
Blessings,
Mary Ann
Cross Continental Wives – Portales, NM, Northampton, MA, Andrews AFB, MD
We’re three wives, two young AF spouses, and one older civilian spouse meeting via Skype while our lives have us all spread out across the US.
We were really interested in 3&5. 3 is such a great reminder that we need to think of our God as more than indifferent and 5 challenged us to confront the issues we let slide in our lives.
We’re so excited to be doing this study “together”!