Hey Girls! Welcome to our second gathering for Siesta Summer Bible Study! I’m thrilled to be with you today! It feels so good to be back in Scripture together, doesn’t it? OK, before you go any further, remember that all comments to this post come AFTER your group views the video (or questions below) and completes the guided discussion. One representative will sign in on behalf of your entire group and using your group name, city, and number participating in this gathering. If you’re going solo, you will sign in by your name and city. Solo participants will choose several of the questions that resonate with you most and answer them succinctly in your comment. Group representatives will share the most powerful or pertinent part of your discussion.
One more thing before we get to it! I want you to be able to picture our Bible study community because it’s such a rich mix of women. My beloved coworkers, Nancy and Kmac, went through all your comments to the summer Bible study launch (a daunting task indeed so applause please!) and here is an estimate of what our wonderful, colorful class looks like. (This has been updated since I did the video embedded in this post so the following is newer and more accurate information. The video has to be done around 4 days in advance so that’s the reason for any discrepancies between numbers.)
We are made up of about…
- 4226 individuals total (whether in groups or going solo)
- 1129 groups
- 48 United States (missing Delaware and Vermont; 1 sister said she was originally from Vermont, but is now living in NY. As severely tempted as we are to count that, we won’t. At the time I did the video, we didn’t realize Delaware was missing as well so, if you’re out there, be sure and let us know! It’s all just for fun. We’re not trying to be all that, so don’t anybody go moving or anything. Grin.)
- 14 countries outside U.S. (Africa, Australia, Bahamas, 4 Canadian provinces – AB, BC, ON, SK-, China, Costa Rica, Finland, France, Italy, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the UK)
Woooohooooo! May Jesus be pleased and highly praised!
OK, everybody! It’s time to meet. If possible, watch the video but, if you’re unable to view it, here are written instructions for your gathering. All the following questions or interactives are based on your first 2 weeks (or what they’re calling “Sessions”) of homework.
The first question comes from something Kelly said no further into the study than the second paragraph of the introduction on p.6. Reread the first two paragraphs then answer the following question:
#1. Name people you’ve met and, after getting to know them, realized you’d missed them terribly before they came into your life. In others words, describe a time when you encountered people that supplied something your life was greatly missing.
(In so many ways, Siestas, you have been this to me. I can hardly picture ministry around here at LPM before you got here. You supplied so much community that I lost when I gave up my beloved Sunday School class and you broadened my world immensely through your profound diversity. I am so thankful for you.)
#2. One of the most important concepts for the study is introduced in Day One of the first week or “Session.” Turn to p.14 and review the portion mid-page. Why is it so vital to have a heart that can break? After answer the question, discuss how you filled in your columns: what breaks your heart and where you could be more tender.
#3. Turn to the conclusion of Week or Session One on p.31 and share your answers to this “personal response” (mid-page): “What has God put in your heart to do?” Don’t descend into comparison, over analysis and self-condemnation as you discuss your answers. Remember, what God has put in our hearts to do may not be timed for fulfillment until many days or even years from the birth of our passion. After you answer the question, THEN glance ahead to the “Group Discussion” question in the margin on p.40 because it coincides so well with the concept we’re discussing here. “Have you ever forced a plan or dream that, in retrospect, you realized God’s hand wasn’t on?” Boy, I have and many times! Let’s have some community here so we’ll all know that this is a common occurrence.
#4. Reflect on your answer to the question at the bottom of p.39: “So we will no longer be in disgrace.” (Some of your versions may say “shame.”) That word resonates deeply with me because I have felt disgraced and usually by my own actions or mistakes. Discuss a few ways that disgrace can result from a collapsed wall of some kind. THEN, celebrate the reality that walls can be REBUILT.
#5. Go to p.56, the opening page of Day Five in Session Two and discuss some of your answers to the question in bold print: “What rubble in your life is presently the most discouraging and exhausting?” We are not just going to share and compare our piles of rubble here but we are going to turn our discussion into intercession as we conclude our gathering. After several people share, return to Nehemiah 4:14 and read it together and let it lead you in how you pray for one another. Close out in BELIEVING-RECEIVING intercession!
Our next gathering will be on Tuesday, July 24th. Have Weeks (Sessions) 3 and 4 of your homework completed. For those who are gathering around a meal, consider making the Romaine Salad on p.88 with the blue cheese and pecans and maple vinaigrette and, since you went so healthy on the main course, how about some Billie’s Banana Pudding on p.89 for dessert??
I love you guys so much! Stay in the Word!
Sue in Newnan, Georgia, solo. #2 Why is it so vital to have a heart that can break? When something touches our heart and causes it to hurt or break, that is when we have a passion to do something (get involved) to change the situation. My son has always had a passion about doing what God wants him to and helping others. Right now my heart breaks for people who do not read God’s Word and who do not know how much God loves them. I want to share His Word and His love with them.
Tres Amigos,Cedarburg, WI , 3. We were profoundly impacted by Kelly’s sister’s testimony of her revelation of her sin from her mission trip to the Amazon. To be a believer for so long and finally come to terms with the reality of sin and the revelation of Christ death on the cross for our redemption is profound. We are so blessed to live in the USA; let us not lose sight of the lost souls.
Hello ladies! I am posting a response to a couple of the questions on behalf of a friend and myself. We are doing the study of Nehemiah together. We come together as God’s Beloved for this blog.
Question 2- it breaks our heart to see hungry, sick children, as well as people who are hopeless due to life circumstances. It is vital to have a heart that can break or else widows, elderly, poor and hurting could get neglected. Also, both of us have a heart that can break for animals. I know that I personally, could have more compassion for all of God’s creation, not just what hits home closest to me. God desires for each of us to be inspired to show compassion.
Question 3- Ava and I both share different, yet good answers for this question. God has put in her heart to be a speaker of the Word. I personally know she would be a great speaker 🙂 I, however, am not such a great speaker and would like to minister in a different way by getting more involved in ministry organizations that help the needy. There are so many different ways to witness and minister to others, praise God!
Hopefully our answers have been inspiring for all who read. We enjoy reading everyone’s responses.
Have a blessed week,
God’s Beloved
Checking in from the WINGS(Walking IN God’s Spirit)Summer Study group from Hendersonville, NC. We had 12 ladies attend our session.
We were touched in the interview w/Gloria of how she prayed for a compassionate heart like Jesus had and how God granted that through working with the people of the Amazon. We were also moved by the session of how we need to see our sin and not serve ourself but find ways to serve God!
We spent a lot of time discussion question #4 and acknowledged how God is a God of second chances. We can be instruments. Knowing the Holy Spirit in our lives helps us be renewed and empowered to do what God has put in our hearts.
Also question #5 we talked about that while “rubble” can be exhausting and discouraging it doesn’t always have to be a bad thing. It gives us a chance to build back and that it takes the help of friends and family. God can use the “rubble” to make us stronger and bring us closer to Him.
Blessings to all you Siestas! Press on!
Lancaster, PA
3
We are three adult women who have been friends since high school. We take turns meeting at each others’ houses.
#4.) We discovered that we all share a similar “collapsed wall” in our lives. It was an encouragement to talk about this and to be able to pray for each other about it.
Punk Rock Mommas, 6; Boerne, TX, Baton Rouge, LA, College Station, TX, Morro Bay, CA, Spring, TX–our group spent much time on question three and agreed that we fail to spend enough time LISTENING to God when praying for His guidance/ plan for our lives. A few of us confessed to being quick to start and slow to finish when pursuing the things God places upon our hearts. So, discouragement, slow results could be seen as rubble along with relationships and finances. I particularly loved the charge to RECEIVE the intercession prayed over me. Lord, help me overcome my unbelief. Grateful, as a whole, for the God inspired study KM has penned for our edification and His glory.
Nacogdoches, TX; Sassy Siesta Sisters 14…
We had a lot of in depth discussion about almost every question. What a wonderful night of fellowship and prayer!! A great statement was shared in reference to “Why is it so vital to have a heart that can break?”…how can God mold or fix a heart that isn’t pliable or broken? If a heart is broken it can be rebuilt with the glue of Christ. Most all of our discussion was on disgrace/shame, and rebuilding of the walls. We also focused a good amount of energy on our own personal “rubble”. This time was such a blessing for me…really sharing and listening with true broken hearts for one another. We ended our time gathered in a circle with a very loved sister in the center…we laid our hands on her and prayed such powerful things in the name of Jesus for her and for ourselves. God is so good! We most certainly ended by BELIEVING-RECIEVING intercession! We will continue to “fight for one another and our homes” (Nehemiah 4:14) this next week. What a truly HOLY experience I was able to be a part of tonight, and how humbled and thankful I am that it happened in my home!
Hey Siestas,
I have a question about the Nehemiah study. We are doing the Kelly videos every week as well as Beth’s update every other week. My question is, do we watch the week 4 video before we do the week 4 lessons? My TNLG group met tonight and we covered the week 3 questions and watched the week 3 video then we watched the week 4 video, and we feel caught up. Is that right? We also enjoyed the Capris Pasta recipe tonight, don’t skip that recipe!
So are we on track?
Laurie
Three Sisters, Omaha, NE, 3–We had a long discussion about the rubble in our lives. We are currently struggling with accepting each other and not judging, criticizing, etc. So we all mentioned this struggle as one of the “rubbles” in our lives that is exhausting. As sisters, it is very easy to try and fix each other’s problems instead of supporting and empathizing with one another.
Another long discussion took place about what has God put on our hearts to do. Two of us discussed wanting to sponsor a child in need, while another talked about tithing to the church. It was a very good discussion and helped us open up to each other. Can’t wait for the next group:)
Greer, SC – 11 of us met for bible study in my home. We sat around in my den with the laptop hooked up to the tv and enjoyed our evening together in bible study. We attend a very large church so this is a wonderful opportunity for us to get to know the faces we see and pass at church. We all love this study and thank you again Beth for doing this for all of us! We love you!
The Up and Comers are Down and Out. Guess we won’t make it through this study right now. We are struggling. I will continue the study and videos on my own at my own pace. Thanks so much for offering this.
Question 3 made me stop and think – it’s too easy to just sail thru life without thinking what God wants of me. As I’m going thru chemo I’ve had many chances to speak with others in the room and help them understand their treatment, what to expect etc. (the nursing background showing through!). However, I also long to share the joy and hope that I have in Christ, even with a poor prognosis. I long to have the right words, with no pat answers, to share Christ with those around me getting treatments.
Dear Lord, I pray that You will open doors for Martha to share the Hope that lives within her to the others taking chemo. Father, I know they will be more willing to listen to someone who truly – – truly is walking in their same shoes. May Christ radiate on Martha’s face and cause the others to realize the Peace that Martha has. Give each of them a desire for You. Amen.
#1. There have been so many times in my life that the Lord has blessed me with a spiritual mentor (Marty, Kathy,Janet) at just the time that I needed one. The insight and encouragement that I was given showed me the incredible timing that God has in my life.
#2 I believe that God can only use me if I am tender and broken for someone or some cause. If my heart is not affected, then the task just becomes one that anyone – believer or not could do and the results will not be of God. My heart breaks for children that are neglected or mistreated by the people that they trust.
Buffy, Rogers
Question # 1 Some new christian friends came into my life about a year ago – and in all honesty, they brought in a lot of FUN. They are the adventurous sort, always coming up with new things and new plans… so they have pulled me out of my comfort zone in the most fun of ways. It’s little things, like new restaurants, unusual date nights with our husbands and silly activities for our kids. They broke me out of a rut I didn’t even really know I was in – but I had felt that I was missing something; I attributed it to my “season of life” (young children!) but Praise God he knew what was needed and met that need.
Question # 5. What’s the rubble? I knew the answer to this immediately. The Lord has been revealing to me a pattern of thoughts that are destructive and negative to me, and have been for years. I say things to myself (criticism) that I would NEVER say to another person. I have believed for years that kindness that draws people to the Lord, so I work hard to display that fruit in my life towards others; but for some reason, I do not extend that grace to myself at all. As the Holy Spirit has identified these thoughts over and over – I am just in shock at how much I tear myself down and didn’t even know it. I am now trying to stop and replace these thoughts with the truth of what God says about me- and it’s exhausting! It’s replacing a habit with a habit – one that is builds up and encourages instead of tearing down – but boy, is it WORK.
Simi Valley, CA, Deb B. solo: I started late but watched 1st video and just wanted to share that I am seeking God to steady my steps according to His promise. I found out that my husband has been unfaithful for the last 5 months. I want God to direct my steps. I pray God’s face will shine upon me and I pray He teaches me His precepts. I ask God as He unfolds His words to me that He gives me light.
Dear Lord, We lift Deb up to Your merciful throne today, asking for direction, comfort and wisdom for her as she manuevers through this very difficult situation in her marriage. We pray You will pour repentence, forgiveness, restoration, love, patience, and more love into this marriage. Amen.
1. A group of ladies called GALS. These ladies are filled with the Spirit and have been a grst influence on me
3. God has put in my heart to live a spirit filled life in front of my family so they might know the joy of salvation. I have to rely a lot on prayer because I don’t always behave the way I should,
Green Bank,WV; aka.Bearcub;going solo=1.
Since I do intend to answer with honesty the best I can, I am borrowing my Dog’s name as my aka. name.
(2)Having a heart that can break is vital because it makes me able to feel emotions and feel what someone else may be feeling. It Tenders my heart towards ones whom I may otherwise resent. when my heart is tendered towards them, I hurt that they hurt.
(3)I Have fallen into this trap by just following and listening to the ideas that others have for me to do, because its what They do to find fulfillment through, but it Not what God had put on my heart for Me to be doing. and yet, even so When I cried out,’Help me God’,God was Right there to Help Me! It is Important to me that God doing the planting of me, not the wishes of others. What Has God put on my heart to Do? -invent stuff, and to think on stuff in uncommon ways.- And this Is made so much more difficult by naysayers in my family and community, whom seek to dismiss and discourage me, so I really do notice and honor the scattered uncommon few who do encourage me to share a thought with them.
(4)I feel this suffering because where I reside is a place of negativity and Not a place of grace and serenity,
(5)and my rubble is memories of devasting rejections that deterred and detoured me away from attaining property on which to build a home of serenity for me, and my rubble makes me afraid to put self out there to be hurt that way again by attitudes by community and family alike whom seem to believe that I dont deserve to have a home of any serenity nor security. My basic self worth feels to be threatened because I do not feel Secure and this is something I so much need, though I fear the pain remembered from the cruel rejection by those secure in their pompousness.
then after reading the nehemiah 4:14-17 verses, I asked myself :What is my weapon? Which weapons do I have in my arsenal that I did not have before? Here are a few I came up with: Dont ignore that threat there and pray god’s covering over it, carrying me through it. dont trust rattlesnakes in God’s garden. dont seek to be where I know folks already made up their minds to hate me. know my need for serenity And community, and honor that. be discerning regarding ethics: if my ethics feel threatened, good chance there is threat present. pray that once I find those places that seem to be god-gifted, that I won’t be too afraid to reach out and take them and Attain them To me.
Virginia, WBC Group 47, 19: We’ve talked so often about praying for God to give us a passion and place something on our hearts to do. It’s hard to figure this out sometimes if we’re young moms, maybe staying at home and caring for our kids and families. Does this count, we wonder? Part of us feels like God’s instructions to care about the poor, the widows, the orphans aren’t polite suggestions. They are echoed throughout Scripture. God saved you. He blessed you. So, take care of His precious ones!
And yet, where to begin? Is it possible that for now He wants us to focus on teaching our own kids and then as we become more free in a different life season, we can get involved in foreign missions or lead campaigns against abuse? Or are these just excuses and delusions we use so we don’t do something radical? But then, doesn’t the smallest effort count? Some of the women in our group knit scarves for women’s shelters and baby hats for pregnancy centers. Don’t these small efforts make a difference for Him?
To Heather and your group from Virginia:
Yes! What you are dousing at home raising your children and everything you ate doing counts! That’s what the women in their 70’s in our group told the young Moms in our group at our first meeting. Just continue to pray and be alert to God’s prompting of ways you and your family and minister to others.
Well, I don’t think this is from God’s Word but I DO think it works here: the saying: “bloom where you’re planted.” By doing what you are doing, right now in this season of your life, you are busy laying a spiritual foundation in the life of your children that the Lord, and you, and others, will continue to build on throughout their lives. Important work you are doing. Important to your family. Important to your children. Important to the Lord. So, bloom, Heather, bloom right where you are planted so that others around you will see the beauty of Christ in your life. Stay away from comparisons. There will always-always be someone you can see that is doing more for God than you think you are. Remember: condemnation does NOT come from the Lord. God bless your mothering in a mighty way!
Lisa Crowder; Boonville, NC: Question 4 and 5 hit me close to home. I have been struggling with feeling very disgraced lately, and dealing with some rubble that has been caused by that feeling of disgrace. but after reading thru session 3 and praying and listening to some music, I think that I can see a bit clearer now. I have God on my side and He LOVES me! It is such a comforting thought to know that. Having that at the forefront of my mind today has been such a blessing.
We are a group of 9 from Cape Cod, MA, calling ourselves “Summer Sisters”. Since we started a week late we missed the sign-up. Our format is to meet weekly, and we just completed Session 1 and had a great discussion. We talked at length about the importance of prayer, and especially found the Oswald Chambers quote insightful — “prayer is the work of the church”. All of us agred that we need to spend much more time in prayer.
We were encouraged discussing the kindness of God that leads to repentance. What a terrific idea to have a summer study. Thanks from all of us!
Ashlee & Leanne
Mississippi
We both have some rubble in our lives that we are trusting God to take away the disgrace and rebuild relationships.
We are also looking for mission opportunities right here in our small town.
Someone who I had been missing who just came into my life is another mum of 4 at church. i was feeling isolated and she suggested going for a picnic at the park with all the kids. just something simple and fun. and so encouraging to me! and now I feel like doing the same for others.
TM from Mpls…Regarding rubble that has been most discouraging. Relationships. Friendships to be exact. I continually fail at them and wonder what my problem is…I quit them if I sense I’m about to get burned,abandoned, or if I start to feel unworthy of them. I keep them at an arm’s distance when sometimes deep down i want to hug them and keep them close. I use this self-preservation/ self-condemnation card only to leave me lonely and sad. I am not really sure what my problem is but i need serious help because my thoughts bring me to very dark places from within. I was encouraged by the visual of the people rebuilding their walls with only one hand and NEEDING to carry their weapon in the other to ward off the enemy. The weapon I think I have been missing is God’s Word, hense scripture memorization! This week I just had a lady from our small group thank me for encouraging HER to memorize the whole book of James from our last study and this is when it hit me…TM!! pick up your SWORD again and get to work!!! I am always amazed at God’s timing…started memorizing James 2 days ago…ironically perseverance…HA!! Love you all!
Heidi, Shippensburg, PA going Solo. Better late than never when it comes to catching up on Bible Study! #1. I have quite a few ladies in my life that after I met them and got to know them I was like “Where have you been! I now feel complete. One is a dear friend I met about 13 years ago when we were both going through major growth periods with God. She was (and still is!) such an encouragement to me in my faith and when I’m asked about someone that was placed in my life for “such a time as this” she jumps to the top of the list! The other 2 ladies are 2 of my siestas and they continue to challenge me as well. I don’t know what I would do without them as they are my prayer warriors, my rocks, and accountability partners. It has been wodnerful growing with them and seeing how God is molding them into the fabulous women of God they are.
#3 What has God placed in my heart to do? For years now I have had a desire to work with Women in Pregnancy Crisis (those who feel they have no where to go or know what to do). God has not shown me this is the right time to get hands on in this ministry but the desire is still there. I also feel that God is changing my heart from Youth Ministry to doing something with Women, especially Moms – I guess because that is the season of life I am in. However, he has not shown me how this is to be accomplished yet.
#5. What rubble is currently present in your life? We are dealing with getting out of debt and finances – that is our biggest struggle right now. We have a mound of debt that is a result of many, many, many stupid mistakes in the past (& some as a result of my husband being laid off for a time and having no other choice but to “CHARGE IT!”, but mainly many, many, many stupid mistakes. So we are on our way out but still have a long ways to go. This is a struggle to us because I have such a HUGE desire to be a Stay at Home Mom, but we just CANNOT afford it. We have looked at so many possibilities but just haven’t found the right solution. We have been praying for answers but haven’t gotten them yet. And most of this revolves around our debt. If we didn’t have it, this wouldn’t even be a question!
Hi, I just saw your #5 answer as it was the one just before mine (so we’re not the only ones who are answering late!). I want to encourage you to look into Crown Financial Ministries or other christian financial services in your area – it can be SUCH a blessing. My husband and I went through Crown and it has made a HUGE difference in our relationship and stress levels. We’ve actually been teaching the classes for several years now it made such a difference with us. Crown is in a process of change at the moment but they still have “Money Map Coaches” in various areas. So, please feel free to contact them or your church to ask about financial opportunities from a Christian point of view. It can make SUCH a difference! There is a christian organization here in NM that is called True North Financial Ministries that is excellent – just local at the moment but you can check out their web site and crown’s for great tools and the “how tos” of getting a spending plan in motion. Just an encouragement to seek some Godly council! – Elisa
Peter and Paul, ND/TX/Brazil
We talked in depth about what God has put in our hearts to do, the obstacles that often accompany that and the discouragement that can set it. How encouraging to learn how Nehemiah believed that it was not all his idea, but God’s, and trusted Him despite the many people and circumstances against him.
I am really late. But still going. 1.My Sunday school teacher really supplied many things in my life that I was greatly missing. I am so blessed from the things he taught me. 3.Rubble in my life? This may be different but it is what God brought to my attention. My rubble is being stressed, anxiety and panic attacks. This wears me out. I can’t think or remember God’s words and promises. I will continue to give all of this to God over and over again. He will take it for me. I will never give up! I will fight. Hey if I can’t remember the scripture I grab my cards and start reading them and praying them.
The Roberts Girls….3 sisters meeting via video chat. We’re in Amarillo, TX; Oklahoma City, OK; and Fairborn, OH. We got off to a later start so we are behind schedule but still pressing on! We had quite a bit of discussion on question #2 about the importance of having a heart that can break. We all shared different things that break our hearts and areas in which we can be more tender as well as the things God has put in our hearts to do. It’s so interesting to hear different areas of tenderness from sisters who grew up in the same home, raised by the same parents! God makes us all so unique and has a special calling for each of us. I think each of us sharing made the others aware of areas in which we could have more compassion.
“Compassion Chics ages 22-78, engaged to widowed”, meeting in the parlor of First Baptist Church, total of 19 of us, 14 present both times, (5 different ones each night who couldn’t be there.)
Shared Mexican food, cookies and brownies and honest discussion)
First of all, I wasn’t able to be there because my husband had surgery. This is a quote from Jama who led the study in my absence.
“It was a first for me. I have to say it was a blessing to be taken out of my comfort zone! It was good. I enjoyed the discussion and appreciated everyone’s input! We have a great group of ladies!”
I know that God meant for her to lead last night, and she did a great job!
One of the things discussed was feeling disgrace. But, that God takes disgrace from us allowing us to rebuild our wall and continue to use it as a shield against Satan. There was discussion about the meaning of the wall in Nehemiah. Also discussed was what breaks our hearts and where we can be more tender. Seeing things like Kelly showed on the videos from the Amazon makes many of us realize our selfishness. And no matter how big or small, near or far, each one of us has something to give. One of the things God continues to show us is the power of prayer! We loved when she said “one if the beauties if intercessory prayer is that it builds community as it divinely attaches you to those for whom you are praying.” that is so true! We feel connected to people we pray for!
Durant, OK
Solo in Lansing, MI. The “Rubble” portion of the study resonated with me and my husband. We’ve been spending the past year “rebuilding” our relationship that we didn’t even know needed rebuilding. We are clearing the rubble by speaking our hurts verbally, talking about it and resolving to move through them, no matter the cost.
This is from the late-meeting group — the ZZs. We are meeting to discuss the questions one week after the blog via skype since we live in NM, OR and WA. Anyway, here are our responses:
1- all of us put each other (ZZs) as people we “missed”, also our husbands and some ladies we’ve respected and admired in our lives now
2 – Our hearts should be breakable to hear and respond to what God has for us. We discussed that we are so often given a broken heart about something particular because it is a calling we’ve been planned for and prepared for. Also, we all had hearts that broke for families in trouble, kids in bad situations/sick/hurt. We tend to have hard hearts towards those that have hurt us, disagree with us foundationally, and those who are “needy” beyond what we feel capable of helping (whether or not that is true)
3 – Most of us felt that at this stage in our lives we are called the mission of our homes – our little kiddos and husbands and sphere of influence. My husband and myself feel called to “Go” (Matt 28) but feel without direction at the moment. We all had instances of “jumping ahead of God”, such as accepting a job without prayer, etc.
4 – This was a hard analogy for us, but what helped was Beth’s Fruit of the Spirit study I did last year, and the analogy of the fruit self-control being a wall that held you in with God. So in my mind, if I let my self-control break down, I always disgrace myself. Thankfully that wall belongs to the Holy Spirit and so can be rebuilt immediately! Another analogy that was brought up was being “pantsed” by somebody and how embarriasing/disgracing that is to have that kinds of “wall” let down. – being exposed.
5 – We all had to laugh that for ALL of us our rubble was daily life with kiddos and husband. It was loosing our patience with arguing kids, feeling drained but still having to support the husband that comes home from a job he hates and is drained too, etc. We were so encouraged by Neh 4:14 that Nehemiah identified God’s strengths first and then encouraged the people to FIGHT for their families and friends. That’s what rebuilding from the rubble of our daily lives will do – it will rebuild our relationships with our family/friends and bring them closer to God at the same time.
WBC Online Small Groups 21, 45 and 55 Responses: Why is it so vital to have a heart that can break? After answering the question, discuss how you filled in your columns: what breaks your heart and where you could be more tender?
If a heart doesn’t break, it indicates a hardness of some kind. It could be anger, pride or selfishness. All of these things prevent us from loving and caring for others the way God does. The breaking of our hearts indicates that we are putting others first and are willing to do just that. Some of the things that breaks our hearts that we discussed in our small groups are people with special needs, children who do not have very good home lives, children who are abused and who are starving and do not have fresh water to drink, people living in poverty, homeless people, people suffering from injustice of any type, people who are persecuted for their faith, people trapped in human trafficking, people trapped by Satan’s web of evil, abused animals, and the list goes on and on.
Our hearts need to break because it will move us to take action or else there would be no compassion in our world. We thank God for giving us hearts that break! 🙂
Saegertown Siestas Three, 3, Saegertown,PA
Before getting into our study of Nehemiah we had a delicious meal of Chicken/bow tie pasta with Asiago Cream sauce.
Question #2. What breaks are heart are parents who neglect their children. We have several family members who are neglected by their parents and get themselves into trouble just to get their attention.
Teresa’s Mom has Alzheimer’s so what breaks her heart is to see her Mom with this debiliating disease.
Question #5. “What rubble in your life is presently discouraging and exhausting?” Teresa- the rubble in my life is my life. Between work and taking care of my Mom there is not much time for my own family or friends.My only “me” time is this Bible Study. Some days I don’t know which end is up but feel such a responsibility to my Mom and in some kind of way I think I am less selfish. Stasi-Since my return from CO (2006)the lack of family support that I thought I would never lack. Marianne- my oldest son and his wife not understanding that my husband & I love them and our advising them that if they didn’t change their ways they would be headed for financial disaster but they were offended by the advice which resulted in them putting up a wall between them (including our granddaughters) and us.
We are being blessed by Kelly’s study of Nehemiah.
The question on page 56 really made me think about my rubble. My marriage is full of rubble that’s been hanging around for years. I believe at times it has tripped us up and at other times we have tried to ignore it and climb over with blinders on. The problem is that the rubble pile has grown so large that now I am overwhelmed and dont even know where to start. My energy level to rebuild has weakened. I so bad want to start fresh but the cracked foundation is there. From now on when I look at the rubble I want to hear Nehemiah 4: 14.
Michelle, Gardendale , solo
Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for Michelle to know which tool to pick up first to begin working on the rubble, and wisdom to know where in the rubble to begin. I pray You will empower her to do a little work each day on this and I pray she will see progress daily. Father, You are bigger than our rubble. We rely on Your strength and direction and comfort and wisdom to help us face our rubble, and to help us roll up our sleeves and begin. Amen.
Norfolk VA, “Tabettes”, 5 18 July
What a great study, especially coming on the heels of our recent James study! Tonight we all agreed that we believe doing something good also means standing guard against the things that might take away from or distract you from that task. We also agreed that warnings can also be a deterent to doing good, even if it is well-meaning.
Weatherford, OK – Glorious Daughters, 2. Loving the angle this study is taking our spiritual hearts. We discussed how tender it is to allow God the opportunity to break your heart with a specific calling and then how beautiful He is able to intertwine your lives with people to serve alongside in that calling. We also really connected with Nehemiah facing battle and opposition, but not loosing site of the greatness of the God he served..as he had weapons in hand to fight and overcome! So thankful we can rebuild what has been torn down for God’s glory! Love and prayers! xo 🙂
Michele ~ Kenosha, WI (a little behind…catching up :0)
2. What breaks my heart ~ People who are lost…who don’t hve HOPE, Kids, family, Our Country, the women I work out with, many churches in our country, People in other countries that need LIFE and life-saving food, water, medicine.
Where my heart could be more tender ~ family, people who are lost, our country
3. Right now, in life, God has put in my heart to develope relationships and look for opportunities to share Jesus with the ladies I am in contact with, who I workout with everyday. God has also put on my heart to really be a Godly Aunt and train and teach, love and support my nieces and nephews. He has also put in my heart to be a godly wife and to support my husband and encourage him and take care of him.
5. Rubble ~ definitely finances (or lack of), family relationships, hurts of others (children), the lostness of those around me
(a BTW ~ God NEVER FAILS to astound me. Something I have been struggling with is a complete broken heart over so many that ae near (and far) and dear to me. I started praying about this about a month before we started this study…(even had the study book about a month ahead of time…just waiting)! Doesn’t He amaze you!? Determining time, and place and the who or what, even already working on our hearts! He just amazes me! Our Heavenly Dad LOVES us so!)
Lisa from Ohio – The rubble in my life is my food addiction. It is so discouraging and is a constant stuggle in my life. I am going to fight the enemy in this area and rebuilt my walls!!
Dear Lord, pour into Lisa’s life strength, determination, patience with herself, resolve, the ability to make good food choices, and insight into herself as she (and You) tackle this stronghold in her life. We claim victory for Lisa, in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
Our group of three consisted of two this week.
1. Both of us put each other as people we “missed”. One of us also said another sister-in-christ.
2. We have hearts that break for foster children, abused chidlren, the homeless, and broken people.
3. One of us wasn’t sure what God and put in her heart to do and other other sister believes that God has given her the heart to bring young adults into her house who may need mentoring and help nativating adulthood.
4. Some of the crazy mistakes that we have made.
5. This was a hard one. One of us said the tough five and a half season we’ve been in (dealing with illness, finances, sick parents, lost of animals, etc). The other sister said the season that her marriage is currently going through.
God knew what He was doing when He ordained for us to do this study at this time. The book of Nehemiah parallels what is going on in our church and wisdom for us to be an encouragement to others. This week,we were especially blessed in our discussion of question five because our church has a lot of rubble from past decisions and bitterness over change. But we know nehemiah is the example of rebuilding the walls in the face of persecution. Thank You Jesus for this study and Your wisdom.
DeeDee, going solo in Tallahassee, FL – For a lot of my life, I equated a merciful heart with a weak heart, but God is teaching me that if He is breaking my heart for someone or something, he will equip me to deal with it, and He will complete the work. In other words, 2 Corinthians 12:9 is true: it’s not about my strength at all! Imagine!
The Dooley Girls, Matia M. and Katie G., met via the cell phones, Knoxville, Tn and Ft. Worth, Texasland; we had a good conversation about all the questions on the video. We have different challenges right now in our lives, but we are wanting to pray for one another, and this study is a great reason to make sure we are in tune with what is going on with each other right now. Blessings to you tonite Beth, ((HUGS)) from both of us.
Gracefully Growing (We are indeed growing in multiple ways… we added 3 new ladies to our group this past week!!), Glendora, CA
Because of many of our group being on vacation last week, we bumped our meeting to this week and had a great time catching up last night. I would have to say that we were all very encouraged in our discussion about how God is indeed in the business of rebuilding walls. We had many testimonies shared of Him doing exactly that, even ones that began with a disgrace because of a collapsed wall of some sort. It was an encouraging discussion for sure!
We are so enjoying this study!! It has been so awesome to see how God has grown our group… oh, we are also growing in number in that 3 of our women are expecting babies!!:)
The Chapel 3, IL & WI…
We discussed how we too often rely on our own resources first, rather than God being our FIRST stop. The other major portion of discussion was how we need to make prayer a much bigger part of our lives.
I’m late in getting us registered. I am part of a group of 3 women in Columbus, OH doing this summer study. We call ourselves the Highland Gals. The first night our meeting was interrupted shortly after viewing the video by a massive black storm that hit, sending us home to our families. The second meeting we had sweet fellowship discussing the questions, but especially discussing the ruble in our lives. It is so encouraging coming along side each other and praying for each other. We’re loving it!! Thanks so much Beth and team!
#1–I met a woman that showed the most loving personality recently. As she invited me to her church she actually had a tears in her eyes. #2–My heart began breaking right there on the spot. I had not been to church in twelve years and this woman showed me an amazing amount of Jesus in her life and I wanted the same. I’m cleaning the #5-rubble in my life which is learning to forgive along with releasing the anger and #4-disgrace I feel. Yes, I did visit her church and continue to attend today!
Individual in Fruit Heights, UT.
Oh my goodness, how this week’s homework and video sessions resonated with me! My husband and I bought into a false belief system some 25 years ago and raised our 3 daughters in it. He and I have since come to faith in the finished work of Christ upon the cross and left that religion behind, but my girls still have the rubble of those false teachings in their psyches that needs to be cleared away and rebuilt on a foundation of sound biblical teaching. My heart breaks for them! It is exhausting because we live in an area of the country where most our neighbors still practice that religion, as does my married daughter. I was so encouraged by the picture of the man and his daughters rebuilding the wall together, as well as, Kelly and her 2 sisters and their Dad serving in the Amazon together! It is my prayer that one day the gaps that are lacking in the wall of our faith will be filled in by the Holy Spirit and my husband and I and all 3 of our daughters will be united in serving our great and awesome God!
Patti, Kissimmee, FL – What breaks my heart is seeing people who are hurting (emotionally, spiritually, financially, etc.) I am so thankful that churches are “stepping up” with new and creative ways to help. There’s nothing like God’s people comforting/helping others like God has comforted/helped them!
Saskatchewan Siestas, 2 of us sharing and praying across the miles via Facebook.
My dear siesta answered question #3…I think it would be cool to work with an organization or mission, umm kind of like a job. I don’t want to be at the forefront of it but kind of like support staff i guess you could say. When I thought of that I had this overwhelming sense of peace and it made me happy. With saying that, I don’t think I would need to go too far for this to happen. Where? I don’t know. When? I don’t know. But it is something that I would like, and maybe God will place me somewhere like that. I think that is something I do desire. To be surrounded by sisters and brothers constantly, I really don’t know where this “change” is leading but I hope and pray that God shows me, and that this desire is not just mine, but His as well.
For me, Question #5
Nehemiah 4:14 says it all….” And I looked and arose and said to the nobles and to the officials and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes.”
I have alot of rubble piling up right now and it is discouraging and exhausting. Just when I think the heap has reached its peak, some more gets dumped on. I am asking God to fight for my loved ones right now because the enemy has reared his ugly head once again. As Beth said at the Calgary conference “I’m getting my angry on.”
I am weary, but my great and awesome God will fight for me as I’m doing alot of BELIEVING-RECEIVING intercession.
Matthew 11:28 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” NASB
Matthew 11:28: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me. Get away with Me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with Me and work with Me–watch how I do it. Learn the UNFORCED RHYTHMS OF GRACE. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with Me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” THE MESSAGE
Dear Lord, I pray respite for Joyce…a get-away to refresh her soul…a place of learning those rhythms of grace. Provide rest for her weariness. Amen.
a few Soul Sisters, 5, Flower Mound, TX, met at Starbucks – We had a great first in person meeting! We had to meet via email for the last session. It was great to catch up with our Soul Sisters and to go deep. We had a great discussion about the people that God has put in our lives that feel like they’ve always been there and how important it is to have a heart that can break. We shared awesome things that God has put in our hearts to do and were reminded that He has turned our past shame into something that is being used for His glory.
Vivian, Birmingham, AL
1. My best friend ever came later in life, but her desire to walk with Jesus met that same desire in me. We felt like we should have known one another years before we met. Together we became co-laborers in Kingdom work.Our hearts were knit together by His love. God called her home 4 years ago; life was richer for our time of service together.
2. A broken heart enables you to feel and understand the heartache of another. It brings the ability to be a true servant. This reminds me of the words of an older song that says something like this…I know You can’t shine through me until I’m broke in two … That Light that shines through a broken heart is the Light of Jesus that brings to each the healing, comfort, and help needed. My heart breaks to hear of children and women abused in domestic violence as well as in the slave trafficking business. Also, that there are so many countries in our world where Jesus name is not known and there are still so many pagan ways of worship. Truly this darkness needs His Light. Prayer and giving to ministries that work in these areas is how I respond.
3. God has given me a hunger for His Word to study and learn it, a desire to pray for missions and be actively involved in local missions projects, a longing to be an encourager to those who need a happy word, and to share His Word by giving Bibles and Christian materials to prisoners. There are many other ways I want to be in service, but these are the ones that have worked out for me to do, By His grace the things I’ve run ahead on have not been disastrous, but have taught me to be more careful in my searching and listening to Him beforehand.
4. Collapsed walls in younger years of my life were characterized by the desire to be loved and married over trusting my Father to bring the right, godly man into my life in His time. So by marrying out of His ways, I met some of life’s tragedies in an alcoholic husband; later the disgrace of divorce was worn like a scarlet letter. After many years I was set free from this by His grace. I often wonder how I could have been so blind; so naive; so dull of hearing when i knew what His Word said. But I left a gap in my wall and the enemy’s lies coupled with my desires made for some sad years. He has redeemed those years and my walls are rebuilt and I am ever on guard for the enemy’s attack. Now I know to turn to Him first and to trust Him in all things. I must constantly survey my “walls” by keeping His Words in my heart.
5. Some relationships in my life are trying and tenuous but are being worked out. It takes time and effort that I sometimes don’t want to give. Thinking of what to do and how to proceed is exhausting on my own, but as I pray I know it is the right thing to do to keep working with them. I have encountered His Words to me before that He is fighting for me and on my behalf. So it is encouraging to read Nehemiah saying similar words. I love remembering my “great and awesome Lord” is helping me fight on behalf of what is right.