Welcome, everybody! We are ecstatic that you are joining us for Bible study this summer! Please read the following instructions quickly but carefully then watch the video. On each of our summer Bible study posts, I’ll always write out the interactives just in case you can’t get the video to work. OK, Sisters! Here goes!
BEFORE LEAVING A COMMENT: PLEASE READ ALL WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS AND WATCH THE VIDEO IF AT ALL POSSIBLE . ALL COMMENTS ARE MEANT TO BE IN RESPONSE TO TODAY’S INTERACTIVES. Your comment today is particularly important because it also serves as your registration for the summer experience.
UNLIKE PREVIOUS YEARS, WE ARE ASKING FOR EVERYONE PARTICIPATING TO LEAVE A COMMENT RATHER THAN THE GROUP LEADER LEAVING ONE ON BEHALF OF ALL. It tended to be too confusing. Your comment to each of the 4 blog posts this summer is your interaction with us here in our blog community. (I know some of this seems redundant but we get lots of questions about these kinds of details so we’re just trying to make sure we’ve covered as much as possible.)
If you are in a SMALL GROUP: you will share your responses to all of the interactives with one another in your gathering. Then, when you come back to make your comment to this post, you will choose one of the questions to answer here. You can answer more if you desire but we are only “requiring” you to respond to one.
If you are GOING SOLO: please respond succinctly to each of the interactives. The whole community will in effect become your group and sharing your answers will be part of the activity and accountability. It will make the summer experience immensely richer for you.
ALL PARTICIPANTS identify yourselves in your comments to this post by: First Name, city, state, and country if not the USA and whether you are participating with a small group or going solo, then respond to your interactives. Here’s a sample comment for our summer Bible study to give you a paradigm:
Cheryl, Shreveport, LA/small group: #3 … (her response to the third question will be written here. Note that she is participating in a small group so, since she’s already answered each of the questions in her gathering, she only needs to respond to one here. If she’d gone solo, she’d answer all of them here.)
1. A fun one: What title to a popular song – from any decade you wish – best captures you right now? (It can be serious or ridiculous.)
2. Write one sentence describing something about your present season – your right-here-and-now – that makes it unique. Life changes constantly. What is distinct about this particular season?
3. In one sentence, what is one thing you wish your sisters in Christ would know about you sooner that often doesn’t come out in your relationships till later? Complete this sentence: “I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I…”
4. *Optional: Make a one-sentence comment regarding anything in the video devotional that resonated with you.
OK, Sisters! Have Weeks One and Two of Gideon completed by our next gathering in two weeks on June 25th! We are so happy to have you here and to serve you.
Summer Gideon Study 2013 from LPV on Vimeo.
SKay Fires, Possum Kingdom Lake, Tx, solo: 1)”Don’t Worry, Be Happy”/”His Eye Is on the Sparrow” 2) semi-retired, relocated, new lifestyle & friendships, new church worship & fellowship, but still seeking accountability/friendship with Christian sisters 3)I’ve always been a type A personality/control freak but God is humbling me to learn submissiveness and servant hood. 4)There will always be “Summer fruit” ripening in my life that needs plucking, preparing, storing, and sharing with others for the glory of God.
Rebecca, Georgia
1. “Can Anybody Here Me” by Meredith Andrews
2. Dry…very dry. My husband is in ministry & it has been a very difficult past 6 months, so much so, that I just want to stay home & do nothing. The most challenging time in ministry since God’s calling.
3. I don’t mean to come across as cold & abrasive. I often feel misunderstood!
4. Summertime doesn’t have to be a “dry” time in our lives spiritually!
Hi rebecca,
I heard you! When I read your song title, I thought “Wow! I should have picked that one!” I have been out of work for more than a year and am trying to relocate to serve at a church that I have been privileged to serve at while a larger church reitalizes it. It seems like one door after another closes on me, and I know, I know, I know that God is working on my circumstances but mostly He is working on my heart. It still makes for some challenging times to. Praying this summer is definitely not dry in your life spiritually this summer!
1 Love is a battlefield by Pat Benatar
2 dealing with a daughter who has many health issues that are undiagnosed and a husband going though a midlife crisis
3 I really am not secure I just am good at pretending
Michelle, Danville, VA, going solo
1. Something’s Coming (from West Side Story)
2. This is a season of making some heavy decisions about my career, with some big transitions on the horizon.
3. I wish my Christian sisters knew that although I might act like I don’t need them, I really really do.
4. My one true allergy is actually bananas, haha!, but I would love to receive any other fruit with my name on it (spiritual or otherwise)!
Tracy
Andice, TX
Small Group
#2- In a season of transitioning… supporting my husband’s needs, businesses and hobbies, possibly changing my ministry area, empty-nesting, and menopause… who am I?
1.teenage wasteland-the who
2.we are going through the start of teenage hood in our house,
3i wish my sisters in Christ knew that I lhave control issues,and afraid of change,and failure
Patti, Georgetown, KY going solo
#1 When One Door Closes by Carrie Newcomer
#2 I will be a first time grandmother sometime next week and I am equal parts overjoyed and scared.
#3 I wish that my sisters in Christ would know that just because I am reserved at first, doesn’t mean that I can’t be FUN!!! 🙂
Beth, Story City, IA/solo
1) “Love Has Come for Me” by Colton Dixon
2) season of transition, preparation and waiting on the Lord
3) that I have an insatiable hunger for reading and studying God’s Word
4) video–not to grow weary–God is good–recognize the fruit when it comes–rejoice & shout with praise to the Lord who is faithful to His Word!
Angie, Maumee,OH – Solo
1. Around in Circles- Billy Preston
2. This is a season where I am searching, and in the
Valley.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I do love people
and them but it takes time for the relationship to
build,I am honest and at times it comes across as
being mean.
4. I want to KNOW without a doubt that His hand is on me
even when I can not feel or see Him moving.
Beth, Fountain Inn, Going solo
1. Don’t Worry, Be Happy
2. Season of surrender of fears/control
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that despite how many acquaintances and Facebook friends I have (due to having worked at two large churches and being a writer/speaker/online encourager) I actually have very few deep friendships
4. The word about fruit was timely! A book I started in Jan 2012 is in the final stages this summer and it is time to pluck and share it.
Carol – The Woodlands, TX/small group – #3 I went to Bible college and joined a missions group in the late 80’s to become a full-time missionary.
Chrissy, Guyton, GA-Solo
1. Spirit Break Out- Kim Walker-Smith
2. Since I attended Living Proof Live in Atlanta, God has just been”Blowing My Mind” at how Awesome He is and how much He Loves His children!!!
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I love serving in any manner to advance the Kingdom of God.
4. I just love the thought of Summertime Fruit!! I can’t wait to see what fruit I will be producing! So I Love with The Lord! Thank you in advance for Summer Fruits!!
Denise, Pembroke Pines, FL/ Solo – #1 Does Anybody Hear Her by Casting Crowns #2 The season of my life is transition. We’ve just moved and are trying to get involved in a local church. I need to make a friend. Someone I can have a good old girlfriend chat with. So many changes my heart is heavy. #3 I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I am very tenderhearted regardless of how I appear on the outside. I’m shy and it just takes time for me to open up.
Michelle, Carver, MA, solo
1. Awake My Soul- Chris Tomlin
2. Role Reversal- Last summer my mom was my caregiver while I was in treatment for stage 4 breast cancer. This summer, I am my mom’s caregiver while she’s recovering from a major back surgery she had a month ago.
3. What I wish my Christian sisters knew about me…even though I’m quiet and reserved, I can be funny and silly! It just takes me a while to warm up.
4. She prepares her bread in summer- God wants me to keep stepping out into the ministry he has put in my heart.
1. “School’s Out For The Summer!”
2. My son’s girlfriend is living in our home this summer, and God is really majorly working in her life! She and I are doing Gideon together this summer.
3. I used to be such a quiet, shy person before God taught me how to speak up. But sometimes I need to be a little quieter.
1. I had decided not to do the Bible Study because I felt I already had to much on my plate, but God has made it abundantly clear that He wants me to do this so I guess the song that fits is Trust and Obey.
2. My therapist asked me the other day – Mary, do you know how many hard things you are doing right now? I replied to her but also to God when I asked, Can we shorten the list?
3. That I’m not as quiet and shy as I seem.
I am going solo.
The popular song I chose was “Reach out and I will be there”, because my husband is going through chemo and radiation and it is comforting to know that God is with us all the way during this difficult time and always.
1) Need you Now (Plumb)
2) Last summer before kids in full day school
3) I wish my sisters in Christ knew that their friendships mean a lot more to me than I say.
4) A great reminder about not letting summer pull us away from God. I am praying this study helps me become more dependent on Him.
Barb, Evansville, In, solo
1. Next to me
2. Adjusting to new roles
3. I wish my sisters new how insecure I am despite my confident facade.
1- Titanium. 2- I’m about to be a first time grandmother and the wife of a retiree at the same time. 3. I’m shy at first but will be a faithful friend after we get to know each other.
Kim, Houghton, NY – Houghton Wesleyan Church small group
Sidewalk Prophets’ song Help Me Find It because I’m patiently waiting to see what God’s will is for me since moving to Houghton.
Mandy/Tulsa, OK/small group
#2
I have just moved to a new town/state for a new job with my one year old while my husband has to be out of state for the entire summer.
1. The Wheel In the Sky – Journey
2. The Christian walk is always a lesson in trust, but there are what I would call “seasons of Job” – which is definitely where He has me now.
3. ?
4. I love the portion about watching for the fruit that ripens – that it might be enjoyed and used for God’s glory – and not left for the ‘birds of prey’.
1. Blessings, Laura Story
2. I have just finished 6 months of breast cancer treatment and I’m learning how to be a cancer survivor.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I don’t have it all together. Not even close.
Oops.
Karen, Ponte Vedra, FL/Solo
Ellen, MO/Solo
1. 10,000 Reasons
2. I am coming out of the grip of cancer, rebuilding strength with a great desire to be healthy.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ could see my great love for the Father and I have much to say but rarely say it to others.
Janice, Topeka,KS/small group
#2 – feeling lonely and that I am a failure in so many areas of my life.
Tracey, Fairfield IL, Going solo with help from the videos and Women’s Bible Cafe Chat Room
1. “Anticipation”
2. Divorced after 32 years
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that my schedule has more free time than it appears.
4. I am called to pay close attention this summer to what is growing (good and/or bad)in my life.
Val, Stoughton, WI/Solo
1. 10,000 Blessings (Oh My Soul) – Matt Redman
2. God’s purpose for me now that our kids are getting older.
3. Wish my sisters in Christ knew of the love I have for them even when I am grumpy!
4. Loved hearing about the ripening of seed sown!
Gail, San Antonio, TX/solo
1. He gives me love, love, love, love, crazy love!!!!
2. Gratitude – I share my empty nest with a caring, loving husband. I am GG (grandma Gail) to 2 beautiful granddaughters and we are awaiting the birth of our first grandson.
3. Although I appear to have it all together, I fear failure and rejection.
4. I need to be on the lookout for ripe fruit, ready to pluck!
Sharpsburg, Ga.
1. Hanging On by Britt Nicole
2. Just a week ago my response might have been different but in just a week our summer has gotten crazy, our basement flooded and my 14 year old son broke his ankle playing baseball. I’m a busy mom of two boys who are crazy about baseball, football and basketball!!!
3. I wish that my sisters in Christ knew that I struggle with feelings of failure and feel lonely alot.
4. Although our summer has started out very dry I’m choosing to trust My God and asking him to open my eyes to see all that he has for me in this season, asking for much fruit!!! Waiting expectantly!!!
Kathy, Birmingham, AL, solo
1. In Christ Alone by Keith and Kristyn Getty
2. Change. Youngest son just finished 1st year at college – Empty nest. Menopause. 2nd grandbaby within 16 months. New daughter in law. Blessings. Recession brought about new business. Much change.
3. I am working on my procrastination and being secure in Christ.
4. I need to recognize the fruit in my life and trust God to use it in me before the enemy snatches it away.
Amber, Vicksburg, MI – solo
1. Let Them Be Little
2. Being humbled, forgiving & trusting again
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I would love to fellowship more with them.
1) “Rolling in the Deep”-Adele
2) Recently my past has been uprooted and it feels like my hands are bound so I am left no choice but to face the pain and confusion.
3) I wish my sister in Christ knew that although I’m quiet I love to be silly and joke around.
1. “I Will Wait”…Mumford and Sons
2. I am a season of life changes with a son moving to Italy and my husband traveling every week now.
3. I wish my sister’s in Christ knew that I am really not that tough!
4. The “keeping silent” and “dry season” statements really spoke to me. I have been distant.
Jess, Palmyra, PA/small group: #1 – “Don’t Ask Me Why” by Billy Joel
Debbie Z- Vancouver, WA – SOLO
1 Vacation, GoGos
2 Season of High School for the kids, teenage years, driving, sports, busyness. Finding a balance for my time with God, my husband.
3 I wish my sisters in Christ knew that although I don’t seem it, I’m very shy. Although I don’t look it, I am insecure.
4 I want to recognize the fruit God has for me.
Kristi – Pensacola, FL: Going solo
1. Splish Splash
2. This season of my life is unique because I am feeling a sense of balance with my time…between church commitments, professional commitments, family commitments – at this time, it is all balancing well!
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that it has only been within the past few years that I have felt the puzzle pieces of my spiritual life come together. But I am still a work in progress!
Deborah Mott, Bradenton, Florida. 1. ONLY HOPE. 2. After almost giving up, entering into redemptive season. 3. Want sisters to know mainly b/c want to see GOSPEL lived out and SECRET OF LORD’s COVENANT SEEN (Psalm 25:14), and b/c I want my life to matter, they usually know sooner what they may have wanted to hear later. 4. “There will always be a time of ripening, plucking, preparing and storing that good fruit.”
Cindi, Houston,TX Going Solo
1. Don’t Stop Believing, Bon Jovi
2. I am a first time Bibby ! 🙂
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew how much I am just like them and everybody else. Human. 🙁
4. I agree with you that the summer fruits need to be plucked! Thank you for that message!
Jamestown, NC; going solo
1. Lord, I Need You by Matt Maher
2. I’m a caregiver of my 92-year-old mom, in the difficult stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that God has truly changed my life through Bible study and seeking His face.
4. I am excited about seeing God’s fruit in my life this summer.
Mary Margaret, Franklin, TN / going solo
1. “Living on a Prayer”
2. Learning so much right now, and the Lord has had me in a season of preparation to face a current difficulty.
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I’m way more insecure than I may seem – I’m still a work in progress!
1: Lean on Me. 2: Season of learning to let go and finish well. 3: I’m always concerned I will fail others 4: Summer Fruit….
Season of physical inactivity with health issue makes this summer unique.
Kelly, Hollidaysburg, PA, going solo!
1 – “Defying Gravity” from the Broadway musical, “Wicked”
2 – God is about to bring to fruition a calling on multi-faceted calling on my life and I’m still in a season of preparation.
3 – I wish sisters knew that although I keep my emotions pretty close to the vest, that doesn’t mean they’re not there!
4 – The idea that God is ripening fruit that I have been tempted to give up on was incredibly encouraging to me and cut me to the quick when Beth mentioned it.
Mandy, Grove City, PA; small group
Praise God that He always brings about a harvest; that our summer seasons always come! This summer, I sense a ripening of something that started last summer – a ministry involvement that I hope will bear much fruit!
1) Whom Shall I Fear
2) At present I desire to truly live in God’s Grace and allowing him to teach me how to love. It’s wonderful to walk in that.
3)I’d like my sister’s in Christ to know that though I am very grounded in my walk with Jesus, establishing a relationships with other’s will always be the first step while sharing the gospel with a lost soul.
4) Plucking, Preparing & Storing my fruit when it’s ripe really resonated with me. I don’t want to miss opportunities any more.
4)
April– Denver, Co– small group— #2. I am pregnant with my 2nd, and last child, a baby boy. I recently quit my job to be a stay at home mom for the next 4-5 years(God willing), and am currently raising a beautiful, funny, baby girl who is 1 year old.
Amy/Hobart, OK/ solo
#1 10,000 reasons by Matt redman
#2 homeschooling balancing current ministries and where I’m suppose to be for the hear and now
#3 desire to be discipled have someone walk beside me
#4 I want God to ripen me and harvest my childrens hearts and our lives in this season (summer) of that I’m starving for a revelation from Him pressing into His word.
Reanna, Cypress, CA – Going Solo
1. “I get so emotional”
2. Job changes, growing “tween” and fear lurking in me!
3. I wish my sisters in Christ new that I crave friendship.
4. Praying that I stop to recognize the fruit!
Kim, Valdosta, GA
1. Revelation Song
2. Season of trial and refining
3. I wish my sisters in Christ knew that I crave their fellowship.