Make sure you read all the way to the end, Siestas!
Hey there Siestas!
I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to put pen to paper (actually fingers to keyboard) and write you a post. I’ve been popping over and reading your comments for a long time now. Your community is beautiful and I’m thrilled to be able to be a part of it today.
Except…I’m kind of sad too.
See, your Siesta-momma and I had a blast shooting a video for you that we all fully intended to have up today but, lo and behold, all the wonders of technology didn’t work any wonders for us. We’ve spent the better part of three days trying to get the video from our computers in Dallas to the computers at Living Proof in Houston to no avail. My poor husband (who is the CEO and head-honcho of all things techie at GB ministries) has sat for hours upon end, staring into several different laptops and programs trying and re-trying to get that video to send sans glitches and freezing frames to no avail. It has simply refused to act right. He came home late last night with a glazed over expression and went straight to bed. . .fully dressed.
So, here I am writing to you instead…nearing midnight – as we’ve finally thrown in the towel trying to get the video to you.
But here’s living proof (you better believe that pun was intended) that we filmed something…
Ahhhhh, that makes me feel better at least.
We tried Siestas. Promise we did. And we had so much stinkin’ fun. Hate not being able to share our goofs and giggles with you.
In any case, I hope you’ll still allow me to congratulate you on a job well done in your completion of the Gideon study! I am so honored to have served you and pray that your spiritual life has been enriched and encouraged. I hope that it was as rich for you to read it as it was for me to write and teach it. Truly, Gideon went above and beyond my expectations giving me little surprise lessons along the way.
Isn’t that the way God’s Word always is – gift giving, surprising, blessing us with every page we turn?
This study didn’t disappoint.
I’m so anxious to know what most surprised you in your study of Gideon? How did God speak to you in a way that you didn’t expect?
I’ll be thrilled to read your responses!
Thank you again for allowing me to serve you. I pray that we can do it again sometime soon.
Blessings
Priscilla
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Y’all!Ā This little gem came to us this morning around 3:30a.m.Ā It is brought to you by the blood, sweat, tears…and sleepless nights of Jerry Shirer. Sometimes technology tries to get the best of us, but in the words of our Siesta Mama, he “perse-dang-vered”!Ā Jerry and Priscilla lived up to their ministry name in this little project.Ā Going Beyond Ministries. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all your hard and frustrating work Shirers!!Ā LPM and the Siestas LOVE you guys!
Hi Priscilla. Thank you for your post. Thank you for this study. The study of Gideon stretched me in challenging me with what I idolize and what natural resources I use to fight daily battles as a wife and mother. I have a son who is 6. He has some developmental delays and at times acts out like a 2 year old. He gets very angry and this manifests in many different ways that are harmful and heartbreaking.
I dread summer vacation because I have to re- direct him so much that I feel like I miss out on time with my other children. I felt God tell me in the spring that this summer was going to be a great summer. And He delivered. When you referenced how we need to tap into our spiritual weapons to get to the root of an issue it struck me that I needed to pray more for my son and I began to speak truth over him. He had recently begun telling me I didn’t love him and that he did not believe he was a blessing to our family. So our new bedtime routine is referencing one or two fruits of the spirit we see in each other and repeatedly telling the kids what are the positives I see in them. I have to remind this child he is kind, he is loved and to not act out in ways that do not line up with God’s truth.
Priscilla, the results have been amazing. I have not felt so connected or close to this child ever. I feel like he is freer and believes he is loved and that he is kind. On top of that he learned to swim this summer. He has been in the baby pool for 5 years. This year he gets to swim with his younger sister and older brother.
I want to be remembered for fighting my battles on my knees and changing the culture of parenting and discipline into exhortation and prayer.
Thank you.
Hi Melissa!
I loved what you wrote and can relate to this. I, too, have a son with delays and I can empathize with you. I’m so encouraged and happy for you that this has been a good summer and the lessons you’ve learned by studying “Gideon”. This Bible study has been a tremendous blessing to me, as well. Keep on, sister!
Melissa,
Thank you so much for sharing this. I am so grateful to know that the Lord used the study in your life. Thank you Lord!
Richest blessings to you and your son!
Priscilla
Thanks, guys!
That was wonderful.
You are a blessing!
I want to say thank you! I just completed the Gideon study solo. It has life changing potential. I’ve taken so many notes there is hardly any white space left in my workbook. Now…how will I be different because of it?
Priscilla and Beth, I am soo glad that the video finally was able to work!:) Watching it was the best:) Priscilla, I have to tell you that this study the Lord has used to really open up my eyes to things that I needed to see in my life and to clarify some things that I have been thinking about for some time. I know that He cares about our finishing well when He sends us a study through a human messenger that has such a life changing effect on me with each lesson. I have so much shone to me that I didn’t expect to see. Much to seriously consider and repent over. It is overwhelming and scary, yet refreshing and reassuring that He is working all things together for my good, ever conforming me…biggest blessings to you, Priscilla, and to you, Siesta Mama Beth. I love you both my Sisters-in-CHRIST. I totally mean that:) Blessings and ((HUGS)) to you both today.
I LOVE this post! Love love love the video!! I am still working on the study BUT Summer is not over here in Arizona so I am just going to keep on working on it! I am getting so much out of it as I am doing tough love with my adult child! I have so much Peace since I “Let go” of my son and am letting God do His work in my son! And my part is to pray for him and believe and trust God to restore my son and restore my family! I am going to be more careful with my words to him! When you get so frustrated with the situation it is hard to stay in the Spirit and the flesh just takes over! And the enemy wants that so all the more reason to stay close to God so he can give us His Power and keep us filled with His Holy Spirit! Thank you so much girls and I am soooooo happy the video finally came through!! I truly am grateful we were able to see it! It blessed me beyond words to help me persevere in this trial we are going through and I will keep the Faith!! š
I just wanted to say… Good job, Jerry! I’m so glad I got to see Beth and Priscilla in the video. It was a blessing.
Dear Priscilla,
Thank you for being faithful to God’s call on your life in writing this study. I can’t even begin to express how it’s impacted me! There are so many things I have to think about, so many ideas that have been challenged. I have never understood my weakness as a key to unlock God’s strength; it’s always been a heavy burden. In the days to come, I’m sure that I’ll have ample opportunity to challenge that belief and replace it with truth.
As I live each day under the chasing clouds of depression and anxiety, it is heartening to know that God can use anyone He chooses. It doesn’t matter what I struggle with. It doesn’t matter that I get really sad sometimes. What matters is that I long to hear and obey. I think that what was I really got out of this study. The importance of choosing to seek out God’s direction and then following it through can’t be overemphasized.
Thank you, dear sister! May you be richly blessed for your obedience. Looking forward to more studies!
Love,
Marie Gregg, who did this study solo in Post Falls, Idaho
First of all, thanks to Jerry for working so diligently to get the video on here for us!
Priscilla, thank you for allowing the Lord to use you to speak truths into our lives. We were a group of eight women in a tiny town in NW Iowa who came together in my living room to share the insights of Gideon and what God spoke into our hearts through this study.
I personally grew through this study. It wasn’t comfortable at times- but oh so precious to sit at the Lord’s feet and hear His voice.
May the Lord bless your ministry, your family, and your walk with Him. You are a new mentor in my life. š
And to Beth, our Siesta Mama (feels odd to say that since you are only a few years older than me!) I’m nuts about you. You and the Lord have gotten me through some tough and lonely times over the years. You have been such a blessing in my life.
Ah- I honestly hate to see this study end. It has meant so much to me.
Yeah yeah yeah for the video finally working! He knew!!!:)
I got to participate in the study this summer while in Africa working for a missions organization. (Technology sure has come mind-blowingly far!) It was comforting to have you (Priscilla) & the spirit of Siestaville hunkered under that mosquito net with me half-way across the world. Made me treasure LPM more than I could imagine before.
The huge “little lesson” that I came across is still sinking in. It began before I left for my trip. The first week, when everyone drew their “circles” & began revving up for the study, I made mine out of espresso because I’m a barista. I didn’t know how important than would be later. You see, I struggle because I’m 30, completely single, and I make minimum wage making coffee. Can’t even afford an apartment. According to the world and my family, I have nothing and I’m a failure. I’m radically redeemed from many pits and wired and ready for full-on, full-time ministry. And ashamed of the place I’m “stuck.” Gideon taught me how wrong that is. How important it is the realize that NOTHING is an accident. NOTHING is wasted. And while I know I’m going to do something different and “larger” soon, there is a desperate need for Jesus right here and now, at my coffee shop. Where I work. My co-workers desperately need Him. My customers desperately need Him. My boss desperately needs Him. And SOMEBODY needs to be His hands and feet here. SOMEBODY needs to walk in every day and pray with power and authority that these people meet the one who is head-over-heals for them. If not me, who?!
Gideon taught me that even in the smallest places and periods of my life, there is a need for a Daughter of the King to stand tall and bold and confidently in leadership. Being the refreshing and hope-filled difference in her world. Because I may be the only one a lot of these people know who walks in this way. Who wants to introduce them to Jesus. And that could make an eternal difference.
Hi Elisabeth!
I want you to know that I have your picture saved on my Iphone and have looked at it very frequently. When I saw your circle on twitter I immediately kept it!
I am so inspired by your willingness to do what God has called you to do exactly where He has called you to do it no matter what others think.
Keep following Him in obedience my friend. Take courage Valiant Warrior!
Blessings
Prisclla
PS. . So glad that the study was a blessing to you!
Elizabeth, I read what you wrote and I just wanted to encourage you in your work and your waiting for the next steps (loved what you wrote about waiting on your blog!). Praying for our fellow travelers whether they are in your coffee shop or office clangs with joyful hope. Loving those clients and co-workers and showing Jesus is a high calling. I pray for you and with you. Happy to meet you virtually!
Thank you Mr.Shirer! Thank You Father for showing him how to get the video loaded for us.
Priscilla, if fingers could weep mine would be weeping tears of gratitude. Through your in-depth guidance with the God written story of Gideon I was able to free my tongue to the Holy Spirit as well as forgive myself and let go of past hurts that lingered deep within my hurt soul. I broke free from the bondage Satan had over my own self-inflicted pain. When I realized my idol was my inward pain it was a huge moment for me. Thank you. When I realized my tongue, my weakness, belongs to God for the Holy Spirit to use I sat in a parking lot of Target weeping! One of the other insights I had; I prayed, please LORD, let it be…when you gave the example of David’s weakness being used by God (pg 72) I could not turn the pages fast enough to the list of the what we put on for God to become strong. (Eph 6:10-17)There are five (like the stones) truth, righteousness, readiness, faith, salvation. I believe the one stone David picked up was faith. He refused the sword because he had God’s Words with him, they had a relationship. Our sword, God’s Word. Typing a short lesson here hope you see it. š Hallelujah!
West Sunbury Solo
Uncommon Weapons – The unusual weapons used in this battle could only prove that God was in it. Israel would have never made it with the regular weapons of sword and shield.
How does this ring true in my own spiritual battle? Looking at the weapons God has put in front of us to use, Priscilla mentioned “the Holy Spirit, prayer, God’s Word, faith humility, weakness, truth and praise.” I would add to that enlisting others to pray – confessing and sharing our battles, stillness – this is a new one to me.
After starting the last two weeks of study, I was reading Ps. 107. It was interesting on how that Psalm kept repeating itself. There was the bad situation, a cry out to the Lord, Deliverance, and then the plea – Oh that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness. Four times this happened in that chapter. Life is such an interesting cycle. Has anything changed, really? I have been in God’s Word, praying, seeking Him, seeking answers, and wrestling with Him. One thing I realized, I have been so down hearted through this season in my life that I have not offered much back in the form of praise.
Even in music and I am all about music. It usually reaches down into my soul, but between all the horrendous emotions mixed with my throat issues and not being able to sing. I lost my song. The desire for music left.
That day, while praying I took time to praise Him, next thing I knew I was singing to Him, my voice came back. Things seemed a lighter. I could sense His presence and for the first time in a couple months, I didn’t feel the conflict over His love for me. One of the uncommon weapon I never realized is PRAISE.
So thankful for this study. It was a huge step out of my comfort zone. There are many things I’ll be able to go back over slowly and take my time to let things sink in. Thank you and Blessings on all of you!
Thank you so very much for this study. It has made my summer! Gideon has been life changing for me, I am preparing to teach this next month to our Women’s Ministry, I covet your prayers for the ladies of Pineora Baptist Church in Guyton, Ga.
Thanks Again!!
Weeping now, so thankful. I read this quote the other day:
“When we see Jesus he’ll dry every tear from our eyes, not just the sad ones but our tears of joy, otherwise we wouldn’t be able to see.” These are those tears of joy.
Mama Beth and Priscilla,
First off, I want to say what an indescribable blessing it is to be a part of what God is doing right now in our lives. I loved this Bible study. It was just what I needed at this point in my life. I’m new to this community, but I can’t tell you how much it blesses me to be a part of it. Sometimes you know, you feel God moving in your life and showing you things, but you don’t seem to have anyone that really gets you or sees the same thing. And that’s fine of course. He does what He wants with each of us, but it is so wonderful to see and hear other women who are hearing and seeing similar things. I love it!!
Priscilla, this study was wonderful. I think the part that spoke the most to me was that our weaknesses are not a liability!! They are an asset. What a blessing to really be able to hear that and believe it. I loved how you compared us to broken vessels that the Holy Spirit can be seen through in our weaknesses. There is so much more, but I think that was the one that spoke to me the most. Also what you said in the video about the power of speaking words. That is so true. I’ve seen proof of the wrong words being said, and I’m sorry to say that I have spoken some of those words. Thanks for reminding us of that.
Mama Beth, I can’t wait to see y’all in August. I’ll be at the conference in Bossier, La!!!
Woo hoo can’t wait. Love y’all so much. Have a wonderful rest of the summer:)
Sharon, San Antonio, solo
Hi Priscilla!!!!! I cannot tell you how much I have loved this study! I’m still on week five but I have both of my girls home from college this summer so my time gets stretched a little. But also on some days, I take a little more time and let the lesson sink in. God has touched my heart and spoken to me on just about every single day of this study. I think I have written just as many words through my notes as you wrote in the book! I really want to thank you for sharing in the video today the lesson that didn’t make it into the study. Through my insecurities (Yes, I’ve done SLI) I can be critical of others at times. I pray for God’s conviction and healing in that area. But you really spoke a fresh word to me today, I do not have the right to “create” anything over anyone. What a blessing it was for me to hear. So happy your wonderful husband was able to get it up and running for us! I love your studies, your amazing and thank you for letting God work through you to bless us Siestas!
Can I just say (and I haven’t even watched the video yet, because I’m at work), that I would have paid CASH MONEY to have been in the same room with y’all! Literally, my two ABSOLUTE FAVORITE Bible teachers on this side of the Mississippi on the same couch. At the same time. Glorious. Love y’all!
-seantea ::: Los Angeles, CA
Love you too Seantea!
You ladies are so adorable!!!!!
Kristi Rogersville, TN solo
First I want to thank both of you who are my two favorite bible study teachers. This study came at a perfect time in my life as each on seems to. God is so amazing.
The thing I learned the most during this study was about me and my reaction to everything. My reaction to God and other people. Letting God use my weakness instead of trying to fix it myself. Learing I am suppose to have weaknesses.
Second was my reaction to other people. It was the lesson Priscilla talked about on the video and friendly fires. So many times I am offened way to easy and react in a way that blows everything out of porportion. A little spark turns into a forest fire that a kind word or possibly no words at all could have stopped.
I am praying that from this study I will listen to God more, give Him my offerings, and think think think before I speak; to speak in a kind way.
Thank you again for doing this study for us. You are both amazing and have truly touched my life in many ways. Prayers always.
I have truly enjoy this study and it was so for me. These life lessons from Gideon are changing me even as I type this reply. I am kind of sad today that the study is over. I so hope that our Siesta Mom will do another study maybe Esther or Daniel. Its been great.
Thank you Priscilla for allowing the Lord to work through you and write this study? Thumbs up!!!!!!
Offering up praise and thanksgiving to God for Beth, Priscilla (and Jerry too!) Glory, honor and praise to you Father for the gift of your Holy Spirit indwelling in them and outpouring on to us! Thank you for your time and dedication ladies. Thank you to your families for their sacrifices laid upon the time and treasure alter so that you both can serve first and foremost our King and His daughters! While I’ve never personally met either of you, I love you both madly!
Thank you friend.
So glad that Gideon was a blessing to you š
Priscilla
THANK you Beth and Priscilla (and of course Jerry!) for such an encouraging and uplifting video. You are such a blessing. I was able to do this study with my daughter and sister in-law via Skype and we watched the video via a shared desktop. I found the questions in session 6 quite challenging. Who has authority in my life? Who have I been giving the credit? Do I deflect glory back to God? Are we keeping anything that belongs to God? There are so many valuable life lessons in the story of Gideon beyond the fleece and amazing victory.
Priscilla,
Thank you for this study. I learned so much about trusting God, courage, and facing my weakness’ so God can use them. I love you both so much and have enjoyed many of your other studies!
Hey you two!!
This comes to you from ND!
I truly loved this study Priscilla, it stretched me to dare more, soar higher and rely not on my own understanding. I have heard it said often that an idol is the one thing on your mind first thing every AM and the last thing you think about before you close your eyes each night. A great barometer!
I like how you mentioned both adversity and prosperity can cause us to wonder off course. Adversity causes me to focus on my weakness, prosperity can cause me to focus too much on my stregnth.
I guess I need to look up more when in adversity for His stregnth, and look down with great humility when He favors me with prosperity. In doing the opposite, it just creates idols in my life. I will choose someone or something else during adversity if I do not look to Him. If I am blessed richly and do not look on it with humility and thanksgiving I will tend to worship my own abilities both are deadly traps.
Thanks so much you two! You are both my most “favortist” couple to learn from. Bless you both! Keep on writing the world needs you both!!!
Love, even though I am not a fan of Mexican cuisine!
Betty M
Sarah, Jasper, TN, Linda & Adrienne,
First post during this season of SSBS. We have “persa-dang-vered” through shift schedules, caregiving, wedding planning and flash flooding, literally, to finish our 5th or 6th Bible Study together (can’t quite keep up with the time line)! My summary is His Glory > my recognition, His Word > my logic, His way > my way and His mission > my comfort.
Sasha, Washington, solo.
Oh boy have I dug in with this study. At the same time I was doing this, we found out that our son has Aspbergers, and my husband was interviewing for a job transfer that would move us cross country, and ended up not getting the job. So you can imagine the range of emotions while I did this. The main things I took away, were that I’ve made fear into an idol. Fear of what the future holds for my 12 year old son, fear of job transitions or what it meant when we didn’t get the job. Fear of the future, fear of God not stepping in and rescuing us in this financially shaky job we are currently in. On page 140, you wrote something that God has reminded me of again and again. You said, “Pushing past weariness is possible. So don’t stop now, Sister. Whatever you do, don’t stop now.” I am SO weary. Yet I am so thankful that God can do anything He chooses with 300… or even with NONE.
I saw something funny on Pinterest that read, “Everything I’ve ever let go of, has claw marks on it.” I cringe.. but I also relate. There was a lot of letting go as I finished this study… and a lot of claw marks. š
Thank you Mama Beth and Priscilla.
God spoke to me in a way I didn’t expect in the Session 5 video ‘How To Win A Battle’. I am using these in my everyday life…where there always seems to be battles. Thank you Beth for choosing this for the Siesta Summer Bible Study. Thank you Priscilla for being a wonderful teacher.
Tiffani, Walla Walla, WA, solo
I have been so very blessed by this Bible study and am so grateful I was able to work through it with all you beautiful ladies out there! I wasn’t sure what to expect from this time, but I can say now that God spoke to me in a huge way through this study. I was so pleasantly surprised to have each day bring me a new revelation and applicable lesson! Plus to have the joy of seeing my two favorite teachers speaking together was so wonderful!
Thank you to your sweet husband, Priscilla, for getting this video uploaded. We would have missed a treasure of a lesson without it.
And a huge thank you goes out to the two of you. Priscilla, this Bible study was FULL of powerful lessons for me. Sometimes I couldn’t write fast enough to put pen to paper and write down all the words of wisdom. Something that has made a huge difference to me and really opened my eyes was taking a long, hard look at what my idols are and how I’m rationalizing them in my mind. It’s ugly. But today’s a new day and a chance for me to tear down those idols and turn my full gaze back to my One True Love.
Thank you, Beth, for choosing this study for our Siesta Summer Bible Study. It has been a treat. I really have been blessed by it.
Have a wonderful day! Love you both and praying God’s favor over both of you amazing teachers!
With a grateful heart,
Shelly
Thank YOU both for this Gideon study. Your obedience is evident and that brings me much peace. I discovered this study online and was prompted by the spirit to view the simulcast and buy the book. Then {to my surprise} on my very last day of work … a friend invited me to this very same study at a sister church. This on-line thing … This simulcast thing is HIS thing and it so works … Full of Thanks Giving!
Cassia, Spring, TX, Solo
Oh you dear women! Loved this video! Thank you, Jerry, for “perse-dang-vering” so we could share in the laughter and love. To answer Priscilla’s questions, one of the unexpected lessons of Gideon was learning about Baalism and coming to understand how very much it is like today’s belief systems at heart. Seeing that Gideon had to swap his entire belief system–not unlike Abraham 700 yrs before–gave me so much more understanding and compassion for him and by extension, those around me. Thank you for the diligent scholarship behind those sections.
The “Gifts” section (the 4 steps) was also a goldmine for me. Especially the idea and encouragement that the preparation stage (even if it seems small, slow-paced, confusing) is vital – how can we present, put down or pour out for God’s use what we haven’t taken the time to prepare? That really resonated.
Beth, I love you Siesta Mama, and I thank you for introducing me to Priscilla–I now love that woman of God, too! (And BTW I had me some Lupe Tortilla fajitas this weekend so had to laugh today when you mentioned those giant tortilla “modesty cloths.” They will be called that from now on.)
Laurie, Gibsonville, NC, Solo
AWESOME study! I cannot even begin to list all the ways this study has opened my eyes and my heart. This has been life changing. I am now idol free and out of a controlling relationship. I’m holding on tight to the truth and that truth has set me FREE. I love y’all!! Wahooooo!!! š
Laurie,
I’m so happy for you!! Wahoooo:)
Siesta Sister,
Dawn
Beth and Priscilla, I was fortunate enough to see you two together with Kay Arthur at Deeper Still in Orlando. It was a phenomenal weekend. To see you again, so comfortable sharing thoughts about God’s word and teaching, is energizing. I do believe the Holy Spirit was movin’ and grovin’ with you both. What JOY!!
I am still ruminating over Priscilla’s suggestion to think about the word “yet.” Caused me to take time to look that up, several sources to see what exactly that implied. Broken, yet beautiful.. can broken and beautiful say the same thing? I don’t think so. Fascinating.
And I loved going to the end of the Gideon story, Like Paul Harvey… now for the rest of the story. That gave great depth to the study with real faith lessons to be learned.
I did this solo but am hopeful to find a group with whom to do it again. I often think I have no response but when someone else starts talking, the lights go on and I find I do have a response. Blessings to you both. You are definitely a gift from God to us all.
Priscilla & Beth, thank you:) I often feel like I would love to talk to you and ask you millions of questions about your relationships with The Lord and honestly could listen to what He’s spoken to you for hours. I try to find anything I can get my hands on daily to listen to while I’m stay at home momming:) maybe someday, should The Lord be so gracious. Nothing more beautiful than wanting a little more Jesus rubbed off on ya, good thing I have me some direct access as well:)
I am ending a season of 6 months I believe The Lord has asked me to set aside for Him. I like to refer to it as “my dark period” because I also ruined my normally blonde hair with dark hair (several fried attempts) and just don’t feel like me. I also feel like I’m invisible to most everyone but God himself…and I’m also pregnant with my 2nd son. Actual life grows inside me as God also grows new spiritual life inside me. No one sees him but God either. He also asked me to give up every ministry I was involved in and has began speaking to me intensely. He has healed me from depression which I gave struggled with intensely since the birth if my first son, 3yrs old. I stopped whining and wishing and started believing and receiving.;)
I could never begin to list all the things He has taught, revealed and healed during this time. Doing your study during this time was no coincidence for me. Every page went with whatever God was speaking right then in all aspects. I desperately want to obey Him no matter what that means or looks like. This is easy to say and hurts to do;)
He has my family walking through a difficult financial time. I knew tithing was our act if obedience on the day when you asked “what has God already said to you about this question” so we did. Things have gotten harder and harder in my estimation since then. This is my 300 moment or weeks:) I was so confused by the Lords lack of action on our behalf. Finally he revealed to me that Faith and Trust are what we choose, not what we feel. He’s also shown me that Ge is answering my prayers but my job is to seek first His Kingdom and trust who I already know Him to be. (Even at 9 months pregnant and not being able to buy things for our little man). That in fact God is still good, He is still worthy of my trust and I will choose to be grateful in the midst of my confusion. That these are the faith builders and that even tho it’s hard to live in our society this way, I want to understand my place in Gods kingdom even more. And when God brings deliverance to my situation like I know He will, let no one be mistaken from where this victory came. That I will glorify Him when the thousands are leaving and that I will continue to glorify Him when He brings the victory and provision. Perhaps it will coincide with the birth if my son, Eisy Gideon. I know He will not be late and I’m thankful He finds us worthy to learn more about Him, to trust us to know it and obey it. May His grace always empower me to continue to press in and on.
I write all this to encourage you in knowing how intricately in one life your study has been used, as stones of remembrance, and to glorify Him.
Not to us, but to His name be the glory!
Hi- I learned a lot from this study- It was a great opportunity to observe someone’s walk in relationship with God. The struggles, the triumph, the failure, the commitment, the pain, the joy, you get the point. The HARDEST part for me was the last verses- Judges 8:33-35. It was simply hard and depressing to read- It does reveal why God was not in the mood to make ‘judges’, ‘kings’ and such- of course He knew the end game-
Thank you for writing this Priscilla- thank you for sharing Beth-God- put a fire around all our hearts as we live this out- protect us from ourselves, continue to reveal our secret selves to us, for healing and restoration- so when we die, the remembrance of our life work in You will glorify You and encourage those who watched our life- move closer to You.
Om my gosh, I am so glad Jerry worked so hard to get this video to us! You give him a big Siesta hug Priscilla. I will be back later to comment on the study, as I still have two days to complete. I had to comment now on the “I thought it was your fake name.” Just rolling on the floor laughing at that. I was right when I tweeted that this video would be a hoot! You girls are such a delight!
Kristin A. going solo in Cheney, WA
Jerry, thank you, thank you, thank you for getting the video up and running and for sacrificing so much time (and sleep). May the Lord bless you abundantly. Your hard work has immensely blessed us siestas!
So as soon as I put together that the note on this post was written by Priscilla and then saw the photos of yāall together I felt a sadness at the loss of the video. One second later as I scrolled down a bit more and the video was visible, my eyes welled with tears of gratitude that by the power of God the video was up. Praise You, Father!
What a joy it was to see you together, Beth and Priscilla. The study this summer has been a blessing to me and, you bet, the Lord has given me a word! Summer starts late here in the Northwest and that coupled with an extended vacation means I have yet to wrap up the study, but with the help of the Lord will finish it and finish it strong.
I have downloaded three out of the five Gideon videos so far and one of the things that really struck me came from that first one (and then discussed week one, day five): the truth that the Israelites did not know the Lord. One of two reasons for this being that the parents werenāt doing the teaching. As for me, I need to be deliberate and intentional! I need to be strategic, disciplined and intentional about making sure I GO OUT OF MY WAY to impress on the minds of those coming after me who God is! That really struck me. I have three little ones and am doing my best to raise them up to be godly in the midst of a crooked and depraved generation. I need to be deliberate. I need to be intentional. I need to be disciplined. Powerful stuff.
I signed up for a twitter account for the purpose of participating in #LessonsFromGideon, but that just aināt me. I am not a social networking kinda gal and never sent a single tweet. So here are a few:
ā¢ I am to make decisions based on Godās boundless resources.
ā¢ I withhold Godās blessings on my life when I walk in disobedience.
ā¢ With God as my suzerain, He is due ALL my loyalty and my full allegiance.
ā¢ Godās hand is on me to wage war against the enemy within my sphere of influence.
ā¢ I need to be alert, prayful, and on guard. The enemy prowls.
ā¢ I need to be intentional about teaching my children the truth of God!
ā¢ God doesn’t always announce His Presence with a parade.
ā¢ My ordinary tasks point to my abundant blessing.
ā¢ Godās Word holds the answers to all of our questions.
ā¢ I am who God says I am. Period. He sees and knows the real me.
ā¢ God has fully equipped me to carry out His calling. He is with me to help me answer my call.
ā¢ My greatest impact is right here in the ordinary rhythms of my daily life.
I fear I am have gone overboard. Yes, it appears I should have been tweeting all this time. tweet tweet
Blessings to you, sweet Priscilla. Thank you for answering your call to write this study and for trusting God to fully equip you as you trusted Him. Thank you so much for joining us today. One day in heaven I would look forward to seeing you face to face.
Blessings to you, sweet Beth, for facilitating us this summer. You are such a blessing to all of us.
Kristin!
Thank you for leaving your #LessonsFromGideon here! I loved reading every single one of them!
Priscilla
Thank you, Priscilla! There are PLENTY more! Maybe in the future I’ll muster up to send tweets. I am sure using the #LessonsFromGideon was a blessing to those who participated. Many of them are straight from the text of the lesson. Nuggets that really just jumped out and summed things up. Thank you again and blessings to you!
Thank you, Priscilla for the study and to you Beth for leading us through it this summer. I have not yet finished all the homework because of some “over-scheduling and over-committing” on my part this summer,but plan to do so in the next week or so. My church is doing this study in the fall, and I’m excited about participating with a small group (as I went solo) and having the time to linger over the lessons a bit more. The lesson I’ve pulled thus far is to TRUST God when he directs. Something I’ve struggled with in the past, but heading to victory thanks to your study.
Thank you to Beth and Priscilla and all the members of the staff who played a part in the study. It was a blessing, and I probably wouldn’t have done much for Bible study if my sister-in-law hadn’t told me about it! In this crazy, non-God-fearing world, it is truly a blessing to have people who are dedicated to serving God by studying and learning and teaching the Word of God! So, I pray that you will all continue to stay in the Word so you can stay true to the one and only true God…and prayers for me, so that I will too!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Hammond, LA Solo
I loved the video! So much fun! A big thank you to Jerry! You’re the man as my husband would say and yes Mrs. Beth I noticed the lip plumper š
Mrs. Priscilla I will treasure this study for the rest of my life not only for what God taught me through it but for its timing. My husband and I serve students and ministry as you know can be very discouraging. I learned ALOT but surprisingly what stood out the most to me was week two and Judges 6:11-12. I so needed that for this season! He is with me and commissioning me! Biggest lesson I learned from this–just because its a fight doesn’t mean I’m losing! Gave me a brand new perspective and I’m ready for the battle! Thank you sweet sister. Much love!
There are not words to say how important this study has been to me. I will say I always was in a Woman’s Bible Study until 1993. And this is my coming home Bible study. Thank you~Thank you so much. I will always be in a study from now on. Thank you girls and both hubbys, Keith going to bed with his clothes on really touched me as my hubby goes out of his way every single day to listen to me and help me with my “tech” problems and any other problem. Always remember Jesus Loves You and so do I.
Welcome Home Peggyann š
So glad that study was a blessing.
Bless you
Priscilla
Carolyn, Orofino, Idaho–solo
This study was rich with meaning for me and took unexpected turns. I predicted that Beth and/or Priscilla would have fun with the fact that Gideon asked for the fleece to be damp and the ground dry one time and the opposite the next. I thought we would discuss how the Lord answers us and we ask for another confirmationāwhich is what I did last summer when asking for His direction about which medical path to take regarding my severed ACL and meniscusāsurgery or physical therapy depending on the surgeon I went with. The Lord was so patient with me and gave me 3 confirmations in a 2 day spanāafter quite a few days of praying. After I was sure I was hearing correctly, I was able to resist a number of times that people warned me I had taken the wrong path, including a couple of folks in the medical field. That story is too long for here, but I would love to share it! ļ Bottom line: God knows my knee structure and knew the right course! My surgeon who didnāt operate said the progress was āremarkableā and amazing. Even so, I thought we would address Gideonās asking again as a lack of faith. I appreciate Priscillaās words on page 108 about the difference in when we are asking for clarity and when we are ignoring what He has already revealed to us.
Another big surprise for me was how easily Gideon slipped after the victory over the Midianites. We see this in our present day with revered Christian leaders falling from grace and losing their ministries. Itās difficult to understand, and yet we see it all through the Bible and history. When we lower our guard, lose our focus, go out on our own without seeking the Lordās will, when we do these things, we can lose our way. The perhaps-well-intentioned ephod that Gideon meant to serve to relay Yahwehās direction is an example of what can happen when we try to help God with His plans. (If that was in Gideonās heart, that is.)
I wondered about the connection between Gideon in Judges and the Gideons of today who place Bibles in hotel rooms, so I looked it up. Hereās a tidbit:
In the fall of 1898, two travelers met in a crowded hotelāthey had to share a room!āin Wisconsin and discovered they were both Christians. The next year, the two men met again and decided āto band Christian commercial travelers together for mutual recognition, personal evangelism, and united service for the Lord.ā (http://www.gideons.org) They felt that God lead them to name their organization after the Gideon in Judges āwho was willing to do exactly what God wanted him to do, regardless of his own judgment as to the plans or results. Humility, faith, and obedience were his great elements of character. This is the standard that The Gideons International is trying to establish in all its members, each man to be ready to do God’s will at any time, at any place, and in any way that the Holy Spirit leads. In keeping with this symbolism, the symbol of the Gideons is a two-handled pitcher and torch, recalling Gideon’s victory over the Midianites as described in Judges. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gideons_International)
Blessings on you Priscilla and Beth and to all my Summer Bible Study Siestas!
I was not able to do this study but absolutely cannot wait to dig in this fall! All the tweets I saw and knowing Priscilla would give us nothing but the BEST study has me anxious to begin!!
Much love….
Fran
Great study! And I enjoyed this video–seeing two gifted sisters minister together with such passion for the Lord and His Word.
The valuable lessons were many (and the hashtags clever, fun and helpful) but to settle on one in summary, I would have to come to the application that even after victory we must remain within the boundaries of God’s will and humbly finish well.
What most surprised you in your study of Gideon?
How he was so close to God at the beginning and as he started to have success he drew away from God. I did not know the full story of Gideon until I took this bible study.
How did God speak to you in a way that you didnāt expect?
He showed me that I am right where he wants me and that I don’t have to fear the things around me or my future. I am just starting my career and am still single and have many unknowns in my life and after this study I don’t have to let them control me! He also showed me how truly faithful he is even the day to day little things!
I am so excited to see what the Lord is going to do next and I hungry to read the word and learn more about God!!!
LOVED Gideon!! So blessed by 2 amazing women of the word in 1 video….My summer has been so enriched.
Thank you Priscilla and Beth I enjoyed my bible study putting some of it to work in my life.I had a great summer thank you both so much..
So glad you were able to do the video…..thank you. I wanted to comment on the lesson about Gideon’s gifts, prepare, present, put down and pour out that you mentioned. The Lord impressed on my heart that lesson for me personally and then to share it with the team of women that I am going with on a mission trip to Croatia in Oct. I shared it last night at our meeting about how God is calling us to do those 4 steps as we prepare to minister to about 50 women who are missionaries in Eastern Europe…..Wanted you to know how the Word of God is being used all across the world as we share what He is teaching us through you both. Thank you….blessings on you….Pam in San Diego (solo)
Thank you both!! Thank you for your encouragement and online fellowship. My idol has been relationships-friendships. I would seek my affirmation from them and God is teaching me to seek to put Him first. I learned so much from this study-reading the Scrpitures and workbook. I looked forward to it each time I got up before work and did the study (4am:) instead of my usual exercise routine. Thanks again for your ministries.
Michelle Prairieville, LA SOLO
Thank you both so much. I have learned so much from this bible study Priscilla. Thank you Beth for having us do this study. I would have never thought that I could do a bible study like this without the DVD. I wish I would have had it but God revealed so much to me without it.Week 2 day 2 He spoke to me about my complaining about the things that I complain about doing. When you said “don’t despise the very things that signify your seat under the umbrella of God’s goodness each day” I realize I was so doing that every day. It has changed how I look at my routine tasks. The whole book was wonderful. Thank you so much for the video. I smiled through the whole thing. I may watch it again. Thank you Heavenly Father for Beth and Priscilla and the gifts you have given them!!
Hi Priscilla (and Beth :-)!
I am so excited that I have finished this study! I was riding solo the whole time, but I felt like you were right there with me as I read the words GOD gave you! I never knew the story of Gideon, so I enjoyed this walk. I feel like I have doubted God many, many times, but find peace in knowing that He is being patient with me and loving me every step of the way.
Some moments were “OUCH” moments, specifically idols, whether physical or myself. OH girl! It’s been great and I pray that I will NEVER forgot what I have learned.
God bless!
Tara