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!)
I have been in a fog due to circumstances. Today, my eyes have been opened to see God is gracious, able to redeem me from oppression and save my relationships. The scripture verses today have brought me light, understanding and a renewed hope in Him. He has taken away shame and I can picture His face smiling at me. I am seeing the beginning of a healing process taking place. Thank you Lord!
Canada, doing the study solo:). I only found out anout this today but after watching the video I clearly sensed God directing me to participate in this. The portion of Psalm 119 that spoke most to me was verse 133 where the Psalmist asks God to keep his steps steady. Question 4: i am starting a new job in July where i will be travelling to remote areas of Northern Canada to work as a nurse. I will be facing many new challenges. God has blessed me with a great network of friends and Skype is a godsend too. I am looking forward to studying Nehemiah and pray that God would make me hungry and ‘panting’ for His commandments and Words. Bless you all!!
I’m in Billings, Montana. Going solo. I am glad I saw this today. I think 132 & 133 are the ones that speak most to me. I have really felt that God wants me completely to trust in him. I need to. My husband has gotten through the first chemo of a 12 treatment plan to cure his cancer. Talk about a faith test. I know it will be ok in the end I just fear the journey to get there. Funny I had started reading your book Believing God about six weeks ago. I think I got to chapter 7 so far. And now finding this study opportunity. I feel very blessed. Excited to see what he’s going to do with all of this. Thank you Beth!
Bobbi-I am in Billings doing the study with my neighbor. I will be praying for you to be blessed abundantly this summer. Rebecca
The Colony, TX; Cassie L. Going at it solo!
See post 181. Maybe you can join AnnaRuth and me!
Kailua Kona, HI; Pua White
Like many others on this blog, I am on a solo siesta this summer. This whole blogging thing is new to me although I am well versed with using the computer and various programs. It’s exciting, however, because it’s my connection to other women who seem to want to pursue more in their relationships with our Lord, and God, Jesus Christ.
Question 5 resonates with me because I often neglect praying about things that challenge me. I will pray for others that ask for prayer, but I don’t always recognize or acknowledge that I need prayer too. This summer I am praying that I can put myself aside, pray, and let God work the difficulties out. I pray God would fill me with love and kindness so that I can work well with others, not needing to always be right or allow the iniquities and lack of concern of others to dictate my behavior towards others. I want to love as God has loved me.
Vancouver, Wa, “Two for the road!” Summary:
My 17 year old daughter and I are doing this study together:) After a long two years where we had to switch roles over some health problems, our journey here will be our way of finally doing one stinkin’ thing together that requires No One to be the “mommy”. We’re just two girls back on the road to wholeness.
Love the prayer and verse for the summer. Oh to feel His face shine upon us and His spirit renewing tired minds and weary hearts with His “wonderful” testimonies! Doesn’t get any better than that!!
Franklinton,La. Going solo. Planning on doing the study again with a group, Maybe the end of the summer. I need this.When you are in a bible study it seems to make you get into the word more. Its my life line. I love it. I want this study to bring me closer to God and to increase my compassion for others.
Elizabeth- new orleans- I am going solo as our regular Bible study does not meet in the summer with too many people in and out of town. I hope to do this study or another one of your studies, as you are our favorite!( we have never done one of Kelly’s before).
I loved the “let no iniquity get dominion over me” and will try to remember to pray it everyday. I feel that I am letting iniquity get dominion over me in my marriage, not by having an affair or anything so deviant but by just ignoring my husband a lot this summer with the kids ( I have 4) being home. I am enjoying time with my kids – watching favorite shows, staying up late etc… but it seems like everything comes before him and his needs or quality time together. It’s a cycle, then he’s grouchy and I want to be around him even less!! I also seem to spend less time with God…ouch…not good and therefore feel I am giving the devil a foothold! Thank you for starting the study… I need it!
Modesto, CA; The Modestans, 2. We wholeheartedly agree that God’s way is gracious and that His testimonies are wonderful. One thing that is neat for both of us is that our relationship started out as a doctor/patient relationship that, over the last year, has become a mentoring relationship that has also led to incredible opportunities to serve God and watch Him work in ways neither of us could have expected. We both got to see how gracious His way is last week when we served together at a camp that demonstrates God’s love to a group of foster children. It was awesome to see His way helping to heal the damage in the lives of these children caused by people following their own ways.
Chinon, France
No Name as Yet
6
Our meetings can’t be on the same day because of the time difference, so we will be meeting on Fridays. I was worried if I wait until after we meet to post, it will be too late. Is this true?
Also – if we are using the videos by Kelly Minter – do you know if we should we watch those BEFORE each session’s homework of AFTER?
Lastly – we have a non-Christian in our midst for this group – please pray for God to move in her heart these seven weeks!
Merci a Dieu pour vous!
Erin
Homer, Alaska, going solo. Meeting in my basement with my four kids snuggled up asleep around me, summer time slumber party. I love this book. I am on week 2 and I can’t seem to get my fill. I want God to show me graciousness these coming weeks because I tend to see Him as harsh. I want that to change. I also want God to help me with being envy of other women and comparing myself to everyone I come in contact with. I want to be happy with who I am.
London, UK; Brie D., going solo! I’m so enjoying this already! Questions 4 & 5 were of particular interest to me.
#4: this summer is already just so busy and i’m praying for the spirit to fill me daily with everything i need – we are newlyweds (our first anniversary is this summer!) and have been called into positions of leadership in our new church – we lead a weekly Bible Study and are really working on discipling our group which is mainly newer Christians, but God is just showing up weekly and the group is so hungry it’s a joy, but also a challenge. 🙂 This summer will also have a lot of travel (CA and Canada!) and I’m in the last stages of recovering from knee surgery which means lots and lots of gym time! So I’m just praying for His daily provision and for time each day to get into the Word and fill up on Jesus first!
#5 – I am allowing myself to be defeated in my eating and allowing the enemy to have dominion over my habits – I know God desires health but my flesh is weak and I find the time after work and before dinner very difficult. I do not want to give into the lies associated with poor choices – ie ‘I’ve had a hard day and I deserve this’ or ‘you’ve already ruined today so who cares’ or ‘it doesn’t matter what i eat as long as i’m happy’. My action is to fervently pray about this on my journey home – using the Praying God’s Word prayer app and ‘Food Related Strongholds’ cards.
Thank you for gearing us up for this summer – I know that God is going to produce much fruit!
Raleigh,NC Susana (solo)
I stumbled upon this post for a reason. I love your bible studies and I am so excited!!!! Psalm 119:133 jumped out of the page. I need this bible study so much to stay focus on God and not let disruptions take the best of me. I need God to help me to take authority over my decisions.
Morristown, TN., Motown Ladies Only. There are 4 of us who meet in Jessica’s den. We meet together as a small group along with our husbands, but we wanted to try a time when it was just the women getting together. For our group, #4 seemed to be the question that we spent most of our time on. We are asking the Lord to “steady our steps” as one of us deals with property rezoning near her home, another with relational issues at work, still another who is having to release her children from their nests and another who is adjusting to a new schedule as a stay-at-home mom/independent jeweler. We concurred that much of the time the tendency of our flesh is to allow fear to overtake us replacing our faith. Our prayer is to be strong, not afraid because He is with us and in each of these situations. We are excited to be experiencing this Nehemiah study together – there are many good things ahead!
O’Fallon, MO; Paula. Questions 1 & 2 set the perfect tone for this study. Vs. 129 Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them. God’s communication/revelation to us through His Word (John 1:1), testimonies, precepts, commandments are life to me. My own testimony before He was in my life was one what lacked, well, LOTS. He is life and purpose to me. I am ready to hang on His every Word this summer. Lord, please make me open to Your Words this summer.
Denise G Bostic NC
Morning Summer Bible Study. Can’t wait to see what God has to say!
Barbarano Romano, Italy, Just me with my dogs on the porch.
Haven’t been able to get my hands on the book, but am going to follow along here online and glean from you all as I dig deeper on my own.
Loved the emphasis on Graciousness being His way-that can turn just about any situation around, at least my perspective on it.
Grazie Beth, may He continue to shine on and through you.
Christy, Florida, doing the study on my own. I was particularly blessed by having the time to think through areas where I need God to steady my steps this summer. Thank you for doing this study!
Martinsburg, WV, Kim
The whole passage spoke to me. I recently lost my 24 year old daughter suddenly. Even after an autopsy we don’t know the reason for her death. But I know God’s word is true and everlasting and he has been with my family and I as we go thru this. His blessings are new every morning and his word is true. I loved this passage of scripture just because it has been my prayer for the last few months. I am really excited about this bible study.
I am so sorry for your loss Kim! I will hope and pray that you will be blessed with God’s peace while your in the midst of this study.
Thanks Stacey, I am doing okay. I have my moments and days but God is so good. I believe this study is just what I needed. Thanks for all your prayers, I can never have enough of those. God bless you throughout this study as well. 🙂
Delray Beach, Florida, Tammy, Me and My Jesus:
Seeking, seeing and receiving God’s graciousness is my theme for the summer. I am in such a season and as usual God is true to form to speak to me so deeply and cleary through you, Ms Beth Moore.
All of your questions resonate in my heart, mind and soul. To summarize my answers:
#2God has always answered my prayers. The testimony of his being in my life all my life gives me the unshaken faith that even though I do not see his presence in this season of bondage and growth in dependence on him, I know he is with me, holding my hand when I reach for him and loving me as no other is capable of. I know with a knowledge I am not capable of having that I will look back on this time in my life and see him standing right there next to me.
#3This summer I pray steadfast and desperate for God to be gracious to me.
#4Two years ago after years of seeking guidance, I made the choice and was given the wisdom and vision that I had to get ‘out’ of my marriage of half my life, from a man I love with all my heart. I have two small children which require me to walk the minefield of a toxic relationship that I am trying to disengage and heal from. I have an ever faithful, loving, considerate, respectful God that I look to steady my steps.
Part of a prayer I have sought God’s intervention for over the past few months is…My Dear God, Please reshape, remold, rebuild and restructure my life with your word, in your word and through your word…Wow…
#5I seek Gods wisdom on what do, what not to do, where, when and how to stand up for myself while always knowing, believing, having faith that he is at work on my behalf.
#6I pray desperately to be redeemed from the oppression of this toxic relationship and emotional bondage that I allow to influence my decisions and actions. I pray sincerely for the redemption of this relationship.
#7My Dear God, I pray with a full heart of faith, reverence, love and humility to allow me to bask in the light of Your truth, for Your face to shine upon me as a display of your splendor, as a servant in complete repentance. I pray for You to TEACH me with extremely vivid yet gentle revelations through the Book of Nehemiah.
Lexington, SC; Sheree Poole. I am part of an online group from the Womens Bible Study Cafe, and we have been broken down into smaller groups. There are 12 of us in my small group from varous locations and even one person from South Korea but she’s originally from SC. I’m in the process of setting up a private Facebook group that will make it easier for our discussions, so right now I’m not sure if each of us will be flying solo or as an online group. I’ll have to let you know later. But for now…
I’m soooo looking forward to this Nehemiah Bible study and I have read this wonderful Psalm 119:129-135 in the NIV and also my other favorite translation that we use in Sunday School, the HCSB. This portion of the Psalm says it all. The HCSB says, “Your decrees are wonderful, therefore I obey them. The revelation of Your words bring light and gives understanding to the inexperienced.” v129-130. I love His decrees, His statutes, His Precepts, His commands, His words….we don’t have to be a scholar to understand them…His Words turns on our lightbulb of understanding. The Holy Spirit is our teacher and His Words come into my heart all the way down to my bone marrow and therefore, I want to be pleasing to His sight and obey His truths. What an awesome Psalm to kickoff our Bible study time, and now I’m going to write down this Psalm in my Bible study cover as Beth suggested 🙂
UPDATE: We have 600 ladies signed up for this awesome Bible study on Nehemiah through our online group at the Women’s Bible Study Cafe, and we now have our small group assignments. I will be leading three groups, but to make it easier here, I will be posting as one group as WBC Groups 21, 45 and 55. I have setup individual private Facebook groups to make it easier for our discussions. This is sooooo much fun 🙂
Diane S., Commerce Twp., MI – just me!
I loved thinking about #3 – God’s way being always loving, merciful and gracious. Inspiring me to be more like Him in my relationships. I want that to be my way too! I also loved the visual image I got of God smiling on me with love – like we do on our little children.
Danville,Ky. Stephanie. question 4spoke to me i want God to be with me and step me through get back into dating after a hurtful divorce. I am praying for Gods guidance in this area
Naples, Fl, Olwyn
When I think about God’s graciousness I am just blown away, how often I start and stumble and He patiently waits and encourages and we try again. I am praying this summer that He does help me to steady my steps. I struggle probably like so many with diet and exercise – but with diabetes that has more complicated implications. I know ths is not only a physical battle but a spiritual one. So here I am again walking with Him praying He will steady my steps, lift the oppression and shine His face upon me.
In Jesus name.
Houston, Texas; Charlotte S – I am intentionally spending one on One time with the Lord through this study. I feel like He has quite a bit He intends for me to take to my heart this summer, so He gets my undivided attention and I am anxious for each session!
Questions 4 and 5 had me reflecting for most of the evening. I believe God wants me to change how I deal with stressful situations and my judgement of which ones I should even be involved in. I look forward, with grateful expectation, to lessons on discernment and how I can best reflect His kindness and graciousness to others rather than “muddying the water”.
Our Abba Father is so gracious with His response to our life choices that no matter how much we cause our own hearts to become heavy, even broken, He tenderly heals time and time again. He lifts me up to unimaginable heights!
Royal Oak, Michigan. What I love is how God’s statutes or His words bring life and meaning. His words are a help and a guide for how to live our lives. His words bring comfort and peace in times of trouble and sorrow but His words also bring joy.
Renee – Austin, Texas
Yes, I have cheated and did week #1. 😉
Reflection #4: After 30 years I am back at church and have taken on a leadership role. Let me remember to always pray and ask God for guidance and role lightly and prayerfully with “politics”.
It is me Iris and it is just me and I am in PE Canada. Wasn’t going to do it this summer to weary in many ways but after watching the promo am going to give it a go.
Lakeland, Florida – Shelley G
I would like to talk about question 3 and 5 as they most stirred my heart
Question 3
I was thinking about this and realized just how gracious our Lord has been to me. I have been one of those people who has drastic ebbs and flows with Him. I am either really in love with Him or just eh whatever. He has always loved me back and always welcomed me back to his loving arms and that to me is SO GRACIOUS.
Question 5
My challenges this summer is my addition to FOOD. I am an emotional eater. I just really want to focus my attention on God this summer and learn to turn to Him when my emotions get out of whack.
Rockvale, TN – Heather – I know that our God is a gracious God because I have been the recipient of so much grace in my lifetime. Recently I have experienced the very sudden death of my best friend of 22 years. God has been my “everpresent help in time of trouble”. I know His plans are perfect even when they go against our desires. But God is gracious enough to walk hand in hand with us “through” the valley of the shadow of death. Our victory is in Jesus, praise His Holy Name!
Oh my – we need to do study together. I’m from Rockvale, TN too & for those of you who don’t know – it is a small town outside of Nashville. It is wonderful to know that someone else in my community is on this blog! God bless you as you study.
I’m going solo too. My normal group takes a break in the summer & I wanted to have something to fill this gap. I resonated with the “God being harsh” 10 years ago & that’s when God moved me into a local church that showed me otherwise. Who can know God?? I’ve been on a quest for the past 10 years to know Him better & there is no end to the joy & revelation that He continually pours out on me. I have so many God moments in the scriptures & just love to soak in His Word!
Centennial, Colorado, a solo siesta for now but hoping others will join in this wonderful journey!
So thankful for God’s faithfulness to my life and earnestly seeking His will in all things. #6 really touched my heart as I looked into the differences in oppression and authority – oppression is bondage and heaviness but submitting to God’s sovereign will and to His divine authority is the ultimate freedom! I love I Peter 5:6 “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” What a wonderful encouragement!
McDonough, GA Kathleen going solo
Verses 133 & 134 speak to me as I want God to direct my way as I go through a difficult, oppressive family situation.
I am solo from Butler, PA. I have many challenges this summer with health concerns for parents. As we await test results, I must rely upon His grace and will ask for Him to shine His face upon me at all times strengthening me while we wait. I know that through every day I am tempted by selfishness, gluttony, and sins of the flesh, I must remember that I will forever be tempted by my weakness but I will “let no iniquity get dominion over me.”. Looking forward to a summer with Nehemiah!
Eatonton, GA Going solo by choice.
#3 was particularly fitting for my we right now. My husband is in the process of changing careers from what he THOUGHT would be a forever job. He is months behind on pay, and God brought him a new job that provides for our needs beautifully. While we have waited for the change, we have had the opportunity to worry about our finances. I have offered up many prayers and praise thanking God ahead of time for meeting our needs. He has done it every time, just in time. His ways seem creative to me, but I guess it’s just normal to Him. He is always gracious to those who are faithful to Him. I like to thank Him in advance.
I am so excited for this study. Thank you for this.
Houston, Texas; Jane going it solo!
I am going to ask God to “steady my steps” to make my already good marriage the BEST it can be this summer. My husband won’t know what happened!
Also, I’m going to work on my Pride and put it to the side!!
Becky – Murfreesboro, TN – going at it solo (and a day late…sorry)
Question 5 about Psalm 119:133b “Let no sin rule over me.” (NIV) spoke the most to me today. The sin of comparison came to mind. I love the life God’s blessed me and my husband with, but lately am struggling with that as much as I ever have at this point in my life. Facebook and blogs are hard for me at times, because I see the lives people show and post about and can do the comparison game and wonder why mine isn’t like that, or wanting things they have that I don’t.
Good to see others from my area. I’m in Rockvale area. Remember people can post anything & not live anywhere close to what you are reading. Be just who God made you & that will be exactly what He wants from you. I sometimes feel unimportant & that I’m not contributing in a significant way. Then I remember that there are no insignificant roles in God’s kingdom. No one else in the entire world is exactly like you or me & that makes us extremely special! 🙂
Florence, South Carolina; Beloved Beauties, 12:
We spent a lot of time discussing areas in our lives that we need God to steady our steps. We tried to be as transparent as possible without feeling uncomfortable. Several of us are praying for steadiness in our marriages. We are praying that God will raise up our husbands to be the spiritual leaders in our homes. Others of us are praying for steadiness in our jobs. We are praying that God will steady our steps as we make big career decisions.
I am just getting started and was really struck by thinking of God as gracious toward me. I am working solo on this one.
Tamara from Louisville
Jacksonville, FL, MOPS Mommas, The two questions we talked about the most were questions 4 & 5. We are so excited to be doing this study together. We are praying that God makes his face shine upon us during this study and breaks our hearts to the things he wants broken.
We look forward to doing the “homework” and watching the video in two weeks!
Dry Ridge, Kentucky, Sarah Mattingly: going solo
2. God reveals himself to me when I need Him the most. I am a working mother of two small children with another one on the way. I do not get the same amount of time that I use to get to spend in Bible study or “quiet” prayer time with God. One day, I desperately wanted some time with God. Everyone was asleep early in the morning, so I went out on the porch. Not 5 min later, here comes my little boy. Instead of getting frustrated, God had me in the first book of Genesis, and I got to ask Ian some questions about what God made. It was the most touching moment that I got to share with God and my child was right there with me. God knew that I needed Him and the precious memory in that moment. This is only one of the many ways God let’s me know that he is always with me.
5. Fear! I feel God leading me to do ministry in my church, and how am I suppose to do everything that needs to be done with soon to be 3 preschool age children! I question my abilities for God to use me, because I do not have many of the gifts that I think you should have for ministry. God made me to be used in a way that He wants to use me, but I cannot look past the way I think things should go. A lot of it goes back to the ability to sing. I would love to sing in front of church, but the shampoo bottles cringe when I sing in the shower! After reading, it sounds more like envy and jealousy are more my sin than fear.
This is my first time doing this kind of Bible study. I am looking forward to it.
My name is Gwen from Waxhaw NC. The points of keeping my steps steady and being oppressed spoke loudest to me. The thing I desire most right now in my walk is being consistent every day…staying steady….not letting circumstances move me.
Then oppression or control is so negative in all relationships. I desire for all my relationships to be healthy and precious.
God is sooooo good. How blessed and fortunate we are,
Melbourne, Florida; Tiger Stripes, 12 (about half of us are young moms, hence the name tiger stripes (stretch marks) and the other half are hilarious single college girls.) Summary: Food, laughs and GREAT discussion about God’s way being gracious and how through difficult situations God’s testimonies have become more real and solidified our faith and intimacy in Christ.
Kristy, Frisco, Texas, Hanging on Every Word This Summer, Just me!
Question 5! Fear is the iniquity that I cannot allow dominion over me! My husband and I are starting a new business. We stuck our foot in the Red Sea this month and walked away from his steady income. Everyday I am clinging to God and praying He will be gracious as IS His way. Thanks Beth!
See post 181. Maybe you can join us!
Randolph, NY. Silvia D., I am going solo with my two dachshounds in my home office. I had a TBI on January 2nd through February 16th, that concluded with Brain Surgery to save my life. I am still recovering.
I am doing remarkable well, because of God’s healing
and His graciousness to me. I am looking forward to
getting back into a Bible Study. I have not been in any
type of Bible Study, since I came to Randolph, NY from Central Point, Oregon in 2011. I am looking forward to God giving me a Life Long Testimony and renewed direction from God. I am in a very tough situation. I feel, that I am alone in a foreign place with very little support.
I do not have a book and need to know how to order one.
West Chester, OH; Charissa; Question 5 resonated most with me because my anger has dominion over me. I don’t know why. On paper, I have a beautiful life. In reality, I have a beautiful life. I stay home with my two boys but I feel like a referee most of the time which is my biggest source of aggravation. I don’t want to be that way anymore. I want to focus on my blessings this summer.
Philadelphia, PA; Jo Ann Rodgers. #2 is precious to me because when you’ve heard from the Lord, it’s vivid and alive and changes you and brings out devotion and you can say, “Your testimonies are wonderful!” #3 is a key thing for me now; learning it’s grace and not performance. Don’t expect punishment and rejection. Expect grace. #5 is positive action toward believing and trusting, not fearing, doubting, or being negative. I want to pray that the compulsion to overeat would not have dominion over me.
Hens and Chicks! 8 of us in Cuyahoga Falls, OH.
We have a great group ranging in age from late 20’s to early grandmas! We realize that we all are growing in grace. Our challenges this summer revolve around life and family relationship changes. Most of us are fighting the fleshly desire of stalling on the internet and facebook.
Thank you for this study! What a great way to learn through the summer! 🙂
Lauren, Jackson, KY. There are 2 of us, me and my aunt. So excited to get started. We plan to meet weekly at either my house or hers.
Lockney, TX; TX Senoritas & the Sr Citizen,9 Wow! Our first night of bible study and God did way more than I could ever imagine. Our group of 9 ranges from ages 18-69. Myself, my Mom, my 3 daughters, 3 of their friends and my very dear friend are going through this wonderful study of Nehemiah. We had great discussion on all the question but #2 was the most talked about. God’s testimonies are so wonderful because they give us direction, give us hope, give us a future and give our lives a purpose. We are meeting every Tuesday and doing Kelly’s DVD’s along with the blog. We can’t wait to continue our study of God’s word together.
Huntington, WV, Cheryl (solo), prayed about letting no iniquity having dominion over me and remembering that I stay strongest when I stay in His word.