Ladies, please forgive me for the delay in posting our winners! But, here we go…
The two winners of the commentaries are: (Drum roll please…)
1. Shannon Velasquez
2. Laura Hauser
And the 20 winners of Praying God’s Word are…
1. Dawn Kaser
2. Amy Sappington
3. JoAnn Janik
4. Beth Miller
5. Miranda Arnold
6. Andrie Baker
7. Teri Cowan
8. Becky Dixon
9. Chantell Lodge
10. Paulette Carson
11. Erica Rhodes
12. Maren Brandsma
13. Lezlie Steiner
14. Jennifer Dove
15. Corie Reynolds
16. Barb Touchette
17. Tania Larson
18. Michelle Killpack
19. Sarah Sykes
20. Holly Hackney
Congratulations, winners! We love you! You should get an email from me (Lindsee) with instructions on how to receive your book!
*Comments are now closed, ladies! We’ll let you know as soon as possible who the winners are. Happy Friday!
We have the ecstatic joy at Living Proof of serving a mighty wide and delightful demographic: W-O-M-E-N. Bless You, Lord! That leaves us gorgeously wide open to do all sorts of fun things around here like the Autumn giveaway with candles, eye shadows, and boot socks. I love that kind of thing! And you have certainly proved to be a tad fond of it as well. Did you see how many women entered that drawing?? Sister-friend, you know good and well that I’d send every one of you a pound cake for Christmas if I could! Don’t tell me that can’t minister. Lots of things can spice up the life of a God-pursuing woman and spread a grin across her darling face. But we exist to do one thing here at Living Proof that drives and pervades everything else. It’s the only reason our doors are open. We exist to invite women to come to love the Savior of the world more and more through the study of His Word. NOW WE’RE TALKING.
SO, drum-roll please! Here is our Christmas giveaway! Now, listen up carefully because I need you to let me put some conditions on these so that the people who will use them most get the best chances to win. That’s a win for all of us! First on the agenda of Living Proof Christmas giveaways are…
TWO 12-volume sets of The Expositor’s Bible Commentary.
Woooooohoooooooo! I’m so happy! Women often ask us what set of commentaries we’d recommend to someone starting to get serious about studying on her own and building a Bible-resource library. I especially keep an ear out for you young Bible teachers just beginning to fan the flame of God’s gift in you. We are serious about you around here and you stay on my radar. We want to be good big sisters in the faith to you, intentional and involved. I usually recommend this set of commentaries to someone beginning to get serious for several reasons: it’s obviously far more helpful and instructional than a 2-volume (Old Testament/New Testament) set but not as overwhelming or technical as the sets that have a commentary for almost every book of the Bible. You also don’t need any background in ancient languages with Expositor’s though they give pretty regular insights into original words. And they’re interesting! That, Sister, is a big plus…and one you might not want to take for granted. I write these words with a grin. Lastly, a 12-volume set will give you a really good taste of commentary-style research so you’ll know if you want to keep filling your plate. One huge way you’ll discover that you really want to go on and invest further into a wider (higher dollar!) set is that you’ll use these to no end.
SO, here’s the deal! If this sounds like something you know for a fact you’d put to good use and you promise that you wouldn’t let it collect dust on a shelf AND you also do not have this set on any Bible software (please check!), ENTER THIS DRAWING!!! Since we’re giving away another item as well, be sure and say that you’re entering the drawing for the commentaries. You can let us know with just one little extra word like this:
Beth, commentaries!
Well, you don’t exactly have to put an exclamation point after it but I’m liable to think you’re more enthused about it if you do…and you know that we’re big on enthusiasm around here. It’s a random drawing so I’m really just kidding.
Before I tell you the second item in the giveaway, I have to give you a little background information about why we’re including it, especially since it won’t be new to many of you. Last week two of my good friends from B&H Publishing Group in Nashville came to see us at Living Proof and surprised us with a stunning piece of artwork they’d had commissioned to capture the heart of the book Praying God’s Word. These pictures do not do it justice, especially because you can’t see the stick figures – for lack of a better term – of the women behind the overlay of life-jarring words, Freedom Comes Through Taking Thoughts Captive to Christ. This will be in my possession for the rest of my life. It represents so much to me. Well. It represents liberation. It’s a Physician’s prescription for anyone willing to go to the trouble of getting it filled. And it symbolizes to me the most intense process I’ve ever been through with Jesus beyond my salvation.
Here are my friends Selma Wilson (president at B&H, standing to my right) and Jennifer Lyell (executive editor at B&H) and I holding the picture:
We learned from them that a staggering one million people have been impacted by the message and method of the book, whether in its original book form, day-by-day version, devotional journal, or Scripture cards. We are floored by the grace of God. We take no credit for it. It’s His Word put to prayers to demolish 14 different strongholds ranging from unbelief to food related issues. If you’re familiar with Praying God’s Word, you know it’s not a book you read. It’s a book you use. And, Girlfriend, I still get mine out.
About 18 months ago, I was nearly drowning in an assault that wouldn’t recede no matter what I did in my usual daily practices. If I’ve got half a brain working, that’s when I start stacking up Scriptures and turning them into very focused and faith-filled prayers. When we’re in a long-term battle, praying straight out of the Word can be the perfect answer because it puts the burden on the strong shoulders of Scripture rather than on the weary limbs of a bruised-up warrior. Because it’s God-breathed rather than man-breathed, the Bible has a way of rejuvenating the soul rather than depleting it. I looked all over my house for a copy of Praying God’s Word so that I could get serious and turn up the volume on some victory. I couldn’t find one anywhere because, every time I have one at home, I end up giving it away. I marched myself into work the next Monday and snagged me a new copy and the Scriptures became a loaded canon to me all over again. And, boy, did I take aim and SHOOT.
As I try to make clear in the introduction to the book, it’s not the only way to pray but when I really want both barrels loaded, whether I’m interceding for someone else or praying for my own aching soul, it’s the method God has taught me to take. It keeps me from wearing out in longer-term prayer demands or in a crisis where my emotions are stirred up and raw. The approach helps me keep my head on straighter when I’d otherwise probably lose it.
All that to say! To celebrate what God has done out of His grace and for His own purpose, we want to give away 20 copies of this resource to 20 women who have never before had any form of the book Praying God’s Word. We knew instantly that we wanted to give copies away to commemorate the occasion, but when we told B&H that we were going to do the giveaway, they beat us to the punch and insisted on providing the copies themselves. We love and appreciate them so much. I cannot begin to voice my gratitude enough to LifeWay and B&H (a division of LifeWay) for partnering with me on a number of themes that were pretty outside the box (OK, WAY outside the box) for all of us at the time. In so many ways, it’s just a new day.
A good day. We’re talking about some things these days that were basically off limits to people from my denominational background when my parent’s generation filled the pews. As Paul told the Thessalonians, we have to test what is good but open dialogue for testing the spirit is a beautiful thing.
So, how many of you do not own a copy of this book in any form and you know for a fact that you’d put it to good use? That means you wouldn’t just read it, you’d USE IT. Then, Girlfriend, ENTER YOUR NAME IN THE DRAWING, and this time just add the letters PGW to your comment line.
We are beside ourselves to provide these for you. Anything we have to give you is from the bounty of God’s grace to us. You do not know anyone who has lived in more defeat in the course of her life than I have. You do not know anyone who has loathed herself more or has suffered with deeper, nearly lethal regret. Jesus is the difference between the blackest, bleakest night and the wide-open, beaming sunshine to me. I inhale His mercy every single morning.
I am honored to serve you.
OK, Girls. Let’s have a giveaway! Drawing closes at noon on Friday and winners will be announced soon after! Look for instructional post for SSMT on Monday.
Blaine – aching for the commentaries!!
Commentaries please and thank you! Merry Christmas! Glenda
PGW sounds wonderful!! Thank you!!
Would love to use Praying God’s Word. Would help me in my own life and in mentoring. Thanks for the fun giveaway! Pam
Beth, commentaries!!!! What a sweet treasure to help us understand God’s Word deeper!
PGW! I feel that it is just what I need and would love to share it with a friend of mine. Love you Beth.
Beth, commentaries please!
Painting please! 🙂
Beth commentaries, please.
Beth, PGW, please! 🙂
I work with young women through a sports ministry in Maine and I would LOVE to have resources like the COMMENTARIES! So blessed by LPM! Thank you for all you do!
Beth, Commentaries!!!!
I would LOVE to win the commentaries !
Thanks for the fun giveaway !!
Janice Hilt PGW!!!
PGW – would love this and would definitely use it! 🙂
I do not have Praying God’s Word, and would definitely use it! Thanks -PGW
Beth…..the Commentaries…..would be such a delight to my seeking heart! 🙂
Commentaries PLEASE, BETH. I have the other book and use it every day when I pray.
Hi Beth,
Thank you for this opportunity and for your generosity! My small group has studied several of your books and we loved them, learned so much! I would love to win a copy of Praying God’s Word.
Merry Christmas 🙂
Rebecca (PGW)
Beth, Commentaries!!!!!
That was just wishful thinking! I have read PGW and it s a tool I use a lot. I would love the commentaries! Please 🙂
Commentaries
Hi Beth!
Katie A. here.
Enter me for the commentaries!
Studying with those books sounds like fun! 🙂
PWG!! I know I entered for both, but I’m at a time in my life when my soul is crying out for a closer walk with mu Lord, and either one would be such a life raft during this turbulent time.
Beth, commentaries! 😀
PGW
Oh my goodness, Beth!
The The Expositor’s Bible Commentary would be so beneficial to me. I am the Director of Children’s Ministry in a church in Owosso, Michigan. My story is probably a little different than many who find themselves ministering to the littlest of littles:)
I have no Bible college and my degree is only an associates with a focus on Early Childhood Development. I have a passion to work with children and have for most of my life. I was just a simple Sunday School teacher for the 2 and 3 year olds at our church before God gave me the opportunity to grow BIG TIME!
Our church was looking to grow our childrens ministry and with our finances at the time could not afford a “Children’s Minister”. Our Pastor had been praying for more than a year and God had been speaking to me about becoming more of a leader (I just loved being behind the scenes) Long story short, I became the Director of Children’s ministry and I LOVE it. However, because of my unconventional way that I entered into this ministry I’m seriously lacking resource material. This would be such an amazing gift. Thank you for your consideration! I just love you and your zeal! Blessings to you and your minisry for all that you do!
With love,
Cathy
Commentaries please!!! Love to study God’s word!
PGW – I am definitely in need of this right now!
Beth, I would actually like to be entered to win both! As I am returning to The Path after venturing off for a few years, both the commentaries and PGW would be so helpful.
Beth, commentaries!
I just researched the 70-7’s this week for a class on Christ’s prophecies that we are doing leading up to Christmas, and I love, love digging in..(I ended up showing some of your Daniel video to support what I found.) All I have is what I can find online, or sitting in my pastor’s office, using what he has. Since not all of us will have this set, another nice post may be where we can find good information on-line! Thank you so much for all that you do, and inspiring me personally to keep pushing myself.
May you experience His Joy for you today.
I would love to read Praying God’s Word! Fingers crossed!! 🙂
PGW, please! Yay!! Thank you for this. So exciting!
Oh mercy, sweet woman, commentaries!
Beth- Commentaries!!! Merry Christmas!
Jamie, Praying God’s Word
PGW!! I would love to read Praying God’s Word but if I don’t get it, I’m excited for the women who do!! What an awesome way to impact a women’s life!
Beth, commentaries! I would be so thrilled to have my hands on these! 🙂
Commentaries Please!!
Commentaries sound awesome!!
I would love to be entered for the commentaries. I will be starting my first semester of seminary online in January and these would be a huge help to me, since my local library does not have any commentary sets. I have looked into buying a used set up I can’t at the moment. A set of commentaries would be the best item to receive in preparation for what I will be doing. These would be a great resource to have for school studies and well as preparing for youth and small group to equip them for the future.
Beth, you can remove my comment entry for the commentaries and give Megan two chances. She truly needs them for her studies. That would make my heart so happy. 🙂
COMMENTARIES !!! I’m a substitute Sunday School teacher and would love these! I could also use PRAYING God’s Word since I struggle with confidence in God using me!
Definitely need/want this one!! In fact I need 2, so even if I win one, I’m buying another. Thank you B&H, Beth and Lifeway. PGW
Commentaries! Pretty please, Beth!
I have never had a commentary Bible but have lived words and their meanings for years. I took Greek for a year in college and really enjoyed it. Thank you so much for you merciful ministry and love of women! So blessed by you
Kate, PGW
PGW, thank you so much for all you do.
I would LOVE PGW please! This sounds like something I could really use and I would love to bless some friends with it too! Thank you!
COMMENTARIES PLEASE!!
Every Christmas, I go to my local Christian bookstore to find a gift for my Bible studying dad – not that I don’t study it either, but he DOES.
I always look at the resource / research sections and pick up different commentaries but never buy them, simply because they are out of my budgetary reach. So I turn and look elsewhere in the store and usually find something else I know he’ll make good use of.
Beth, these books WILL NOT COLLECT DUST ON MY DAD’S SHELF. Please put me in the giveway for a set!
I just hope you are also willing to ship north of the 49th parallel…please?
Thank you – Merry Christmas!
Jennifer
Beth – commentaries, please. I co-teach (alternate units) with my pastor’s wife who is also my dear friend. She usually does verse by verse and I do something topical. We would share these like nobody’s business! 🙂 Did I mention we’re a young church plant and our pastor just recently was able to quit his job and go full time? So any resources like this will benefit far more than just me. Thanks!
PWG, would love to have this for myself and to share with my two daughters who are growing up way to fast.
Beth, commentaries! Please!
My husband and I lead a year-long discipleship program and I would love to expand my studying for Bible Studies and just plain ole’ knowing God’s Word better.
Love to you.
Ash
OH MY!!! COMMENTARIES!!!!!!! Please!
(These are on my dream list!)
Thank you for pushing us deeper and deeper into the word!
Stephanie