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.
Commentaries, pretty please!!!!!!!!
Nancy commentaries
Would LOVE Praying God’s Word for Christmas.
COMMENTARIES PLEASE!!!!!! I am leading my very first bible study in January!!!! PRETTY PLEASE COMMENTARIES!!!
Beth, commentaries please! I think it is exactly what I have been looking for. I love your book, Praying God’s Word! I try to read a little bit of it every day.
Hey!!! Please enter me in the drawing….PGW!!! Thank ya’ll so much . Have a BLESSED day !! Stacy
Beth, Commentaires, I would love to be able to go more in depth than my 2 volume set!
Beth,
Praying God’s Word sounds like the book I need.
Thanks for your blogs. Love the encouragement and laughs.
Merry Christmas!
Beth,
I would be excited to have the commentaries or PGW.
I have used the Public Libraries more then I can count and I just put it on hold again.
Have a great Friday.
PGW, though I’ll admit both offerings I would love! But, I NEED PGW at this point of my life & walk. Merry Christmas to all at LPM!
PGW!! Please 🙂
Beth Commentaries please!! That would ROCK my world just as God is doing right now!!
I am a 47 year old women that can not get enough of God’s word. He has brought me to this place in my life and I am so humbled that the God above pursued me to get me to this point in life.. He had a process9 to get my attention and Praise God from Whom all Blessing Flow.. HE HAS IT! I am hooked as in hook line and sinker.. Can’t get enough.. Could just sit and study all day! Love it!! Thank you so much for this ministry and your teaching.. I can hardly wait each day to sit down and learn! I am new to this site and hope to glean from hear what God wants me to get!! Have a great and Blessed day!
Dawn DeYoung
i would love pgw.
thanks
Would love Beth’s commentaries!
Blessings and much love,
Angie
Amanda Dunn, PGW
Thank you guys so much for your continued encouragement and dedication to us women. 2012 has been the hardest year I have ever been through and I has helped me so much to open my email and see that someone out there is praying for me. It reminds me that I matter to the One who matters most. Please, please continue to pray and encourage!!! I love you all!!
Suzy, Commentaries or Praying God’s Word
Ms. Beth, Commentaries!
Beth, My son and I would love the commentaries! That would be wonderful!
Commentaries, please!!! Thank you!!
Praying God’s Word…need this in my life right now!!
Commentaries, please. My church persistently asks me to teach classes and the commentaries are just the ticket to the background I need to step up and teach. Thanks!
Commentaries!!!!!!!!
Allison PGW 🙂
Beth, commentaries!!!
Beth, would love, love, love commentaries! May I please be blessed with commentaries:). Merry Christmas!
Beth! Commentaries!!!
Hi Beth,
I would love a set of commentaries! Many blessings!
Oh! Oh! Oh! Commentaries please! I’m a budding Bible study writer and I could TOTALLY bury myself in those right now!!!!!
Beth, commentaries please :)!!’
Beth, PGW please.
Merry Christmas to all of you!
Beth, Commentaries!!
Thanks so much!
Beth! Merry Christmas!!! PGW please!!! If ever a time in my life when I needed this – THIS IS IT!!!!!!!
Ann Marie
PGW
A friend’s husband is very sick with cancer and I have read and been inspired by her blog through this very painful journey. Her blog is filled with scripture God has given her to sustain her. I know God is giving her scripture and I believe this would just be another way for Him to encourage and sustain her.
Beth, commentaries!!!!!! I Love you all xoxo cb
Beth, commentaries PLEASE! I really need this in my life right now. I have been going through so much and reading God’s word. But I can use help in studying!!
PGW. Never read this. Again…whatever God has for me, or not.
Blessing to all!
Stacey
Becky S, PGW,
I would absolutely love Praying God’s Word. I have heard over and over again how God has used this book to change lives. I need it!
I have been a believer for a while, but it was just last year I stumbled across Breaking Free. This has opened up a world of bible study for me. Commentaries for me!
Commentaries, please!!!!! 🙂
God is using me to lead a Women’s group!!
I would love to have those commentaries. I am an editor working on a Sunday School curriculum, and those would be a wonderful resource to me. I would also love a copy of Beth’s book. I have never read it, and I am in desperate need of jump-starting my prayer life.
Hey there, the excitment is rising as I read today’s blog.
Yes Yes I will use those commentaries and believe me so will my son who is a pastor.
Please put my name in for the Commentaries.
YEA!
Praying God’s Word. Thank you for all you do and Merry Christmas.
Beth, commentaries!
Beth, COMMENTARIES!
oops forgot to say Beth — commentaries
Seantea, COMMENTARIES!!!! 🙂
PGW
Hi Beth,
Thanks for the gracious gifts in this random drawing. I would love to dig into the commentaries.
Also, I neglected to get the “Fear Nots” that you offered from your September Simulcast.
How can I receive those?
Thanks for allowing His faithfulness to you to shine,
Lisa
PGW
Dear Beth & Staff,
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you do for women through God’s amazing word. My Bible study group just finished Breaking Free last night and it was been such an amazing journey for me! I will never be the same again! I am excited to read Praying God’s Word next and continue my walk with Jesus.
Thanks again!
Stephanie Radinovich