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!)
Thank you so much for this study!!!
I’m going solo in my living room, by the fireplace, because I can never have enough Beth Moore!
I love number 4…..Steady my steps! This reminds 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.
Hilliard, OH; Angie Sharp
WOW.. God is good. This prelude into the study of Nehemiah was an eye opener for me.
Questions 4 and 6 helped me to recognise the oppressive nature of the burdens/struggles I am currently facing. Taking it to Him in prayer and looking forward to a great study.
Thanks for the Siesta Summer Bible Study invite via FB. I usually dont have a structured study to attend in the summer and consequently it is the time I feel furthest from God.
Blessings!
Well, this evening did not go as planned with power outages, tons of rain, thunder n lightning storm and tornado watches. Although there will be 9 of us “SK Siesta Sisters” journeying through this study together, we were unable to watch the video together tonight. We’re having some crazy weather here in Saskatchewan and so we’ll all be starting this study on our own. 🙂 It will definitely be an adventure! Whoohoo!
So the “SK Siesta Sisters” are: Lisa H., Janet, Kyla, Kathy, Dara, Karen, Janice, Kara and Lisa B.
I did get a chance to watch your video Beth and it was great to have that one on one time. 🙂 I appreciated the questions and the scripture but have not sat down to complete them yet with the turn of events weather wise. But I looked at the first page of the Nehemiah book and was struck by the title of Session 1 “What Makes you Weep?” oh boy…there have been specific things that have given me a wail lately so I know already that this is going to speak greatly to me and our small group of ladies. I am used to leading larger groups throughout the year, so just having a few ladies to journey through this study will be a treat. 🙂 Thank you for setting this study up. We’re all looking forward to it!!
Blessings to you all!! HUGS!
Lisa ♥
Naperville, IL; Tuesday’s Truths, 8 in our group. We talked about our struggles with trusting God to know what we need and providing it for us. Some of us feel a strong faith about letting go and letting God and some of us need to work on that this summer. We also discovered that most of us need to work on our pride, It is getting in the way of God’s work.
Tahlequah,Oklahoma. Cornerstone Fellowship (large group of approx. 60) Small group of (3). Summary: We three have committed to meeting on the “off” weeks to encourage one another and share how God is speaking to us. We pray that our committment to this study will not only change our hearts, but that the fruit of His Word will flow through us onto/into our families as well.
Our love to all of our Siestas out there!!!!
Monroe, Michigan, Holly
Going solo. So excited to do the book of Nehemiah with all of you! Been working on it for a weeks by myself then come to find out that’s the one that was chosen for us siesta’s! Loved verse 119:134 because God is showing me He truly cares about injustice and oppression on His people and He will redeem us from it!
Melanie Toups
Bridge City, TX
Our group of two dozen who met in my home are Nehemiah’s Tossed Salad because 8 different churches are represented in our group! (I just love it!) We are Baptists, Methodists, Catholics, Presbyterians, and non-denominationals. We are moms of babies, moms of 45-year-old sons, single mom of 4, married, single after 40 years of marriage, widowed, and grandmoms. We work full-time outside the home and inside the home; we are retired. And we are asking Him to steady our steps in relationships, parenting, marriages, friendships, jobs. Most of all, we are asking Him for hearts that can break. Can hardly wait!
LaPalma, Ca. Brenda:
Questions 4 and 5 hit home for me also. I have prayed for many years now, and have a promise from God that He will redeem my daughter. I do hope I get to see it but in the meantime I cannot get caught up in, weighed down and oppressed by her decisions. I need to give her over to Him daily and to show His love to her. After all, who would want part of Christ when the Christ they see is bitter? Too much is on the line for me to be tired or weary of doing good.
I am solo in Houston. This is wonderful. Thank yoy Beth.
#3 resonates with me. I forget His manner is gracious to me and I do not have to expect rejection and that there is no shame in His presence when I come to Him.
Also #5. I am asking God to free me from the iniqity of gluttony and lazyness. Something I have struggled with for far too long.
So excited to be doing this with you.
Buckley AFB, CO; Buckley CC Servants, 7. Summary: We were taken back with the testimonies, fighting back tears of how much the LORD’s Words have impacted our life today.
Olathe, KS; Stay-at-Home moms, 3; we’re meeting in my living room.
Tonight we talked a lot about how doubts/guilt/convictions lead us to understand and appreciate God’s grace in our lives. We also talked about how we need His help to steady us for raising our children with examples of how we want to them to act in 5, 10, even 20 years from now. We are all looking forward to the accountability that this study will bring for each of us in our daily bible reading and study.
Portland, Oregon; Ann
I’m on my own for this study and have been looking forward to start. I just finished Breaking Free this morning on my own and am involved with a group of teachers I teach school with doing James. God is so good! Questions 4 and 5 were so applicable to my life right now. I’m praying for a heart that is always ready for His direction and one that is willing to let Him steady my circumstances. The next couple of months are going to be difficult for me as I adjust to a lifestyle I’ve never known before. Jeremiah tells me though that He has plans for me that will not harm me, but bring me hope and a future! Love, love those promises!
Another teacher and I would like to start a Bible study group at our school for teachers. It has not been done at our school before. What has worked well for you? What time worked best for your busy teachers? Just some thoughts would be great. Thanks.
Sarah Mattingly, Dry Ridge, Kentucky
From Mineola, TX, we are the Fab & Faithful Facebook Five, so named because we are not meeting face-to-face, but only through a group page we’ve set up on Facebook. I sent out a plea to my Facebook friends to join me in the study, and four responded, but they don’t all know each other…I am the common link. We all live within 30 miles, and three of us work together (schoolteachers), while I attend church with another of the ladies, and the fifth one has been a friend for years but whom I never see in person anymore. We are hoping an online-only discussion will free us up to contribute at our own pace and ability.
Kim from KC, MO. Flying solo. Very excited about this study!
What spoke to me was verse 133 because in 133a I need God to steady my steps DAILY! I am a stay at home moma of two beautiful boys, almost 5 and 10 months and sometimes there are days that I rely heavily on God to steady my steps! I also rely on Him to steady my steps in my marriage and to be the wife and mother God has called me to be. Second part of verse 133 spoke to me because I am tired of my sinful self letting iniquity have dominion over me. I have a stronghold that I am desparately struggling to break and my prayer is that this summer it will be broken for good…no turning back!
Praying through a difficult and courageous situation my husband went through recently and I believe God used him and orchrasted it, however it has effected our relationship, not in a negative way but in a reflective way. Praying that our marriage will be stronger than ever before because of it!
I am fervently praying that the Lord’s grace and face shine on me and to teach me through this study! Excited to see what He will do!
Vancouver, WA- VANCOUVER(NotCanada) Group; 3 siestas
The 3 of us have been doing Bible studies together now for almost two years and we are SO excited for this summer study! The first question in regards to our testimonies, we realized we each have a different facet of God’s wonderful ways: Me, as someone who was disobedient, ignoring God’s warnings and marrying the wrong person which led to a lot of heartache/heart break (divorced but now restored), another who found her way to her husband once she stopped trying to do it “her” way, and the other who had been married more than once, realizing that when she chose to live out married life God’s way, that is when long term commitment flourishes. We were so excited to realize that it’s like a different facet to a diamond of God’s ways!
Nashville, IN; Laura, going solo
This is my first Siesta Summer Bible Study. Questions 4 and 5 resonated the most with me. I and seven other women head to Kenya this coming August to speak at a ladies’ Bible Conference. I’m the main speaker, and am to present three one-hour talks to what might be 300 women. God has been preparing me for this for some time, but I am deeply humbled and need Him to “direct my footsteps” according to His Word and to “let no sin rule over me.” Right now, a tendency of my own flesh heads toward distraction. I need focus and concentration for study that will help me prepare the talks.
Debbie, Calgary AB.
Well, not more than a few minutes into the video I was grinning and shaking my head. Beth, you really listened to God when He said “Debbie needs to hear this” 🙂
‘
I am doing the study by myself this summer (The ‘Bald Siesta’ :)… is deep into “Breaking Free” and that will probably take all of her energy — one thing at a time — but be assured we will be talking about what her Mama is learning and she will be helping me along with some good insight, I am sure, in an informal way, and I’m sure I can count on her prayers.)
Well, I’ll be brief and pick one thing — though there were many things — that resonated with me. Believe it or not, I had just (in the last day or two) been talking to God about how He had shown me in the past that His intentions were always good toward me (and those who are His) but in the last few years that has been undermined (make no mistake, I realize I stood by and let it happen — although its all rather bewildering to me). I was asking HIm about this…and talking with Him about “taking that ground back” “walking on” (wink wink) in what He had already shown me/given me…low and behold, if Miss Beth dosen’t bring that up. Coincidence? I think not.
It is CRUCIAL I stand firm in belief on this. He is a God who is gracious (His word says so) He is a God of love, and good purpose. To believe anything else is to believe a lie…and whatever I believe is what I will act on(both internally and externally). Adam and Eve are good examples of that…they chose to listen to the lies of the serpent, to doubt the goodness of God and His intentions and we all know that story. So yes, I am going to ask God to give me the grace to choose to believe the truth about Him and my situation — that whatever is going on (good or bad) I can trust that He, in His soveriegnty is acting according to His good, loving and gracious nature which is INCLINED to act graciously toward me. I do LOVE HIS NAME!!! I’m stopping there…but oh my…todays video and verses were FULL of “this here, is for you Debbie, words”.
Thanks so much. Debbie (p.s. Sorry for the long post…I’ll try to be briefer in futur. I’m excited, though!!!!)
…and this is why one (me) should proof…futur? Will we be graded on spelling???
Champaign, IL, Kim I am doing the study solo. In my room. Questions 4 resonated most with me because life seems so busy and sometimes hard. I am single mother – mother by foster care adoption, I work full time, my dad has conjested heart failure, my parents having been trying to sell their house for years. So that they can move to Champaign. I just feel that God is speaking to me and telling me that I need to get out of my confort zone. At the same time I feel that I don’t study his word enough.
Hayden,Idaho;Sherri K, Solo. This is my first online bible study. I was drawn to #7 as that was my purpose for finding a bible study to grow closer to god thru his words. I have a deep desire to learn more as I am currently finding my way back to our god after many years of walking my own walk. The unfolding of his words give light…..
Katie Morris Etna, CA “Scott Valley Busy Chicks” 12 of us met this first time ranging in age from mid 30s to mid 70s. We are meeting at our church and we enjoyed yummy beef enchiladas, salad and ginger snaps! Two things stand out to me from our discussion. My “ice-breaker” was to ask each lady to write down on a 3 X 5 card what social issue she is most passionate about and then share with the group. We got such a diversity of answers, from abortion, to end of life issues, to pressures on young women, to sex-trafficing, to poverty. No one had the same answer. Question 5 also seemed to ressonate. Great discussion on the kinds of sin that can have dominion over us and how to turn that over to God.
Solo in LC. Accepting God’s graciousness because I don’t see myself as being worthy.
Going solo and really looking forward to this study. With a foot surgery that will keep me homebound for the remainder of the summer, my prayer is to use this time to dig deep into the Word. Question #4 caused me to think about how God was going to use my downtime for His good. I really want to be alert to hearing His voice. I’m thankful for your sweet ministry!
We’re Michel and Erin and we are sister-in-laws doing this study from Bellingham, WA. The part of this lesson that really spoke to both of us tonight was that it is God’s WAY to be gracious with us. It is how we should expect God to deal with us. We don’t want to live another day not believing this!! Our lives and our faith will be so much different if we believe this truth.
North Branch, Michigan
Just me and the Lord meeting together at my dining table. 🙂
Verse 135 is my prayer. I yearn to know that His face is shining upon me and that He will teach me His decrees through this study.
We are a lovely group of ladies who are meeting in warm home in Post Falls, ID. We’ve discovered in our first meeting that this is a very safe place where our ladies are open and willing to being transparent and vulnerable.
The format of this study enables us to share ideas and walk through life with accountability!
By the way, there are six of us.
Oops, I forgot my location. Clay county, Texas
Grants Pass, OR Megan
I am going solo on my back porch. Number 4 and 5 spoke to me and are connected for me. I want Him to steady my steps as I step into what could be a fearful situation this fall. I don’t want to give into that fear, but to trust Jesus completely in His goodness towards me. I know He is good and can’t wait to see what He will do this summer through this study!
Jacksonville, OR; Jenn H
I am looking forward to having the Lord steady my steps as we have a very busy summer ahead and my husband will be gone a lot. Truly He is faithful and always good!
Sweet Home Oregon; Tawni, solo
#4 is so applicable to me. The Lord has me in a holding pattern teaching me to wait upon His timing…. Oh so hard for one who doesn’t have patience as a virtue. I desperately need Him to steady my steps.
#5 really speaks to me. Am dealing with jealousy regarding someone I love. I hate how it makes me feel!! Am praying for release from this stronghold.
There are 2 of us going through the study in San Diego, CA (our group name is TBD). We are excited to go through this study together and we’re believing & expecting God to give us a life-changing testimony at the end of this study!
I am solo in this study, but I know that I will learn and grow in God
Sicamous, BC Canada:
Going Solo for the moment, I have invited a dear friend & hoping she will join me :)My book has not arrived as of yet but it looks like I will be able to get week 1 off of the site & with the 2 weeks Grace it should be here & I will be caught up! So looking forward to this summer with all you Siesta’s~
Berryville, AR; Delilah P. This summer is a time for me to re-learn a lot of things.. I had WLS and am having to learn all that is necessary to make this as safe as possible.. Usually, the surgery is done laparoscopically with a short recovery time.. not mine..it is going to take most of the summer for me to get over this…I feel that it is God telling me to slow down, and not be running frantically trying to do things.
The plan seems to be that I have been put into a situation where for the first time in a long time I can rest in the Lord!
Did I say, I am looking forward to spending time with God!
Berryville, AR; Delilah P. going solo
This summer is a time for me to re-learn a lot of things.. I had WLS and am having to learn all that is necessary to make this as safe as possible.. Usually, the surgery is done laparoscopically with a short recovery time.. not mine..it is going to take most of the summer for me to get over this…I feel that it is God telling me to slow down, and not be running frantically trying to do things.
The plan seems to be that I have been put into a situation where for the first time in a long time I can rest in the Lord!
Did I say, I am looking forward to spending time with God!
Wichita, KS “Women Seeking Wisdom” 6 of us in my family room tonight. 5 more had to miss this first night but should be here next week. We will be watching Kelly’s videos each week. We loved the call to ask God for a compassionate heart and TRUST He will lead and guide us in what that looks like for each of us. Talked about His perfect timing and what He is already doing in our lives in this area. Loved reading the verses in Psalm 119…praying that we would ‘long for his commands’.
Chilliwack, B.C. Canada. “Faithful Followers” 5 of us girls, but 2 more may join.
The most impacting thought of the night was God’s graciousness and how trusting his “testimonies” or “laws” is the best thing we can do to stay on the right path and see blessing in our lives.
We want to grow and be Doers of the Word and be changed inside out by this Bible study.
Amie B., Centreville, VA Our group name is International Siestas. We are meeting every Tuesday in a Google+ Hang-out room where we have visual! Question 3 really was a great reminder that we don’t need to plead to God for His favor when He has already given it to us – “as is Your way.”
Our Group: “Expecting Miracles. Number Participating: 5 Location: Michelle’s Living Room, Watauga, TX
We chose “Expecting Miracles” as our group name because we are coming to God’s Word expectant and with a desire to receive. Many of us are trusting Him for supernatural resources and opportunities that can only be credited to His hand in our lives. Then we considered Nehemiah. Nehemiah shared his concern with the King of Persia and prayed in his heart while he did. His burden for his homeland and people so great that he would risk his position of favor and his very life to expectantly lay his burden down for the consideration of the King. Nehemiah then experienced the miracle of the King’s favor and a divine appointment to do something about his burden. He experienced supernatural, miraculous provision and timing in his expedition back to Jerusalem and in his decision to rebuild the walls. And God superceded Nehemiah’s expectations by allowing he and the people of Jerusalem to rebuild the walls of the city in record time and under great threat of life. Strategy, Provision, Timing and Appointments all by design plan and promise of God and expressed through the heart of Nehemiah’s burden and faith in God to make the way. We are expectant. Pregnant with possibilities believing for what only God can do.
We had lively and consistent discussion tonight. We talked through the questions and assignments Beth shared in the video. in a back and forth way. It was amazing and strong. Our discussion centered mostly on our testimonies of why our lives testify to others that they should live their live by faith in God. (Why we’re living proof!)
We discovered that each of us in the room is at some level of total surrender and trust in God for this season of our lives. Our families are all self employed or becoming self-employed at some level because of the call of God on our lives. One friend is my dream partner who is spurring me on in love and good deeds. She and I are on the same track living a marketplace ministry kind of life hosting creative ways of connecting people to God.
Another friend invited her precious mother to come along tonight. She and her husband are currently living the creative life allowing God to guide and direct them in her husband business as a musician and music producer. And yet another friend had previously told me that “God just dropped my dog grooming business in my lap.”
We then talked about how we knew we were hearing from God and the characteristics of God including the gracious nature of a father with His children, His love for us, the way He provides and directs, and that He can sometimes deliver a difficult message wrapped in love and gentleness that brings heart change or He can direct us strongly to get our attention but it never condemns or is negative.
Our struggles were mentioned as getting too far ahead of God and trusting Him in the process of each of our stages of life – not trying to manipulate or control.
We had a fabulous time and shared a meal of Laura’s Beef and my mother’s Chicken Enchiladas, Black Beans with Rotel and Spanish Rice. We polished off our meaty discussion with some warm sopapilla cheesecake and lots of laughter and hugs. It has been a grand time.
I believe the most meaningful points of discussion tonight were centered on the question of whether or not we view God as being gracious toward us, and the question about what we would tell someone about why they should follow Christ.
Our level of discussion went deep and dealt with questions about the freedom we find in God’s grace and the loving way He as our Father and Lord corrects, guides and nurtures us to live as only He could call us to live. “Come up higher, beloved.” That is His call to us tonight. It has been a blast.
Spartanburg, SC. Jacq, solo Struggle to see myself worthy of God’s love.
Katy M. (just moved) Beaumont, Tx. -1 I’ll be doing this study alone this summer, but I hope to get a lot of insight from this community. I just moved to a new city and haven’t met anyone yet!
#4 having just moved I’m playing SAHM for a couple of months and I need help steadying my steps through a difficult patch of marriage, finances and motherhood.
#7 Is SO important to me right now.
Excited to see what the Lord has to teach this summer!
Red Deer,AB Sandy
Going solo at my kitchen table. Questions #4&5 really hit home. I believe our thoughts deeply affect our actions. I am praying that the Lord will help me closely monitor my thoughts this summer so that my actions will become more pleasing to Him and those I love. I hate what my tongue can do to my relationships sometimes!
Farmers Branch, TX, Carol C. – going solo. Question No. 4 really resonated with me, because this summer I have family responsibilities that are many, and I want – need! – God to steady my feet and my steps. My parents are up in years and they are needing more and more help as the days go by. Sometimes it seems overwhelming, there’s so much to do. God has been teaching me much about leaning completely on Him.
Im solo for first time in a study but im sure this is were He wants me to be….looking foward to spend time with Him.
Columbus, Nebraska, “Crazy In the Country” flying solo (unless you count my five helpers under 10:). Wow this is already speaking to my heart! I’ve been in the pit for some time, asking God “Why?” and admittedly sinning by being angry with Him.
Why do I walk with God? Because only He can heal my husband from cancer — not once, but twice!
The challenges before me this summer are dealing with my husband’s health and God pulling me back “home” to care for my family — meaning forgoing social and volunteer delights to get our home and family “in order.”
Worry has been gripping me — no, paralyzing me — for some time. I have been praying to be released from that oppression and, more importantly, to be released from the unbelief that He can heal my husband.
Even though I know in my head what Christ has promised, my heart just doesn’t grasp it fully when it comes to this situation, so this study will be wonderful! Thank you Beth!
Lake Jackson, Texas; Kathy SS, solo, late at night at home
Question 4 & 5 really hit home.
As a normally positive person, I find myself needing an attitude adjustment. Due to many outside circumstances, I am the fighting negative feelings of resentfulness and selfishness. Neither of these emotions are normal for me. I have been praying for God to emotionally strengthen me through His support, calming spirit, and guidance for the last few weeks.
Dear Lord, shine your face upon me and teach me to walk in your footsteps.
We are the Skyping Siestas…..5 of us from the Boise, ID area, and 1 from San Diego…..we are all Moms of kids from 3 weeks old ranging up to 31 yrs old. Most of our group met in Ange’s home tonight. Verse 133a also resonated with our group….for our gracious God to hold steady our steps: for Him to guide us in balance of family relationships, for drawing us into a deeper relationship with Him, for guidance/direction in 2 different international ministries, just to name a few things. We are excited to see what God has for each of us through this study! We will meet weekly to encourage, study His Word & pray together.
Albuquerque, New Mexico; Jordin. Question #1 resonated with me because I am always astounded by the variety of very personal ways in which God chooses to communicate with us. I also enjoyed the time of prayer in question #7 because I am delighted to discover all that God has to teach us this summer!
Kelowna, BC, Canada, Tamara
Questions 4 & 5 resonated with me the most because they pin-pointed so much about my summer and the ways I need for it to be covered in prayer. I’m already seeing how Satan is trying to defeat me using old habits/sins to try to get me to not step out into what God is calling me to do in the fall. Psalm 119:133 is becoming my prayer for the coming weeks/months of my life.
Tacoma, Washington – שלוש חברות (Shlosh Chavrot) – 3 girlfriends!
We had a great time meeting together to kick off the Nehemiah study! What we enjoyed most, other than watching the uplifting and energetic video, was researching and defining the ‘words of revelation’ in the Psalm 119. Also, looking at the definitions of oppression v. authority. We decided that they are both opposite sides of the coin of power – one side evil and destructive and the other righteous and life-giving. Looking forward to next week!
New Mexico, Che7seah, 1(just me), question # 4 made me realize that “balance” is my summer challenge. When to work, and when to breath.