Wow, friends! It’s our last gathering for our Siesta Summer Bible Study 2014! Thank you so much for allowing me to serve you this summer! I am so proud of you for hanging in there and pursuing God through His Word in tailspins of activity and swirls of people. Listen, don’t you dare get discouraged if you were unable to finish in eight weeks. Keep at it and see it to a conclusion even if you don’t get to the last page until October! God will time the themes of the lessons to match your challenges. He is so faithful.
I hope you are able to view the video but, if not, you’ll find the basic instructions for your discussions and comments below this screen.
SSBS Session 5 COTD from LPV on Vimeo.
Discussion from Week Seven: (To Love the Truth)
1. In your small group or in your comment to the post, review Day 4, “A Strong Delusion”. How can God use darkness when we refuse the light? Was the lesson any help at all in sorting out some difficult concepts?
2. Pages 180-181 – Choose one of those three sections that hit you the most personally and discuss why. For instance, have you experienced a sifting season? Or a thorn in the flesh? Share something you filled in on pgs. 180-181.
From Week Eight: (The Lord of Peace)
Pg. 205 – Reread Romans 16:20.
1. Day Four: Discuss why you will be especially happy for that day to come. How do you truly owe the enemy one? What do you hope to make him sorry for?
2. Pg. 209 – Did you happen to write your own word picture of grace? If so, share it.
3. Lastly, if you have one primary thing you believe this eight week series has been about between you and Jesus, what would it be?
Bless you, Sister! I love you and appreciate you so much! Let’s stay in the Word and hold tight to Jesus! I love this portion of Ephesians 6 out of The Message. It’s a perfect wrap up to our series:
“God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that weâll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. Be prepared. Youâre up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when itâs all over but the shouting youâll still be on your feet.” Ephesians 6:10-13 (The Message)
Beth, I just finished week seven day 3 this evening; and listening to your video…first…while devouring a crunchwrap from taco bell, your invite to Texmex and brownie ice cream delight sounded much more appealing, lol. But your final prayer was so annointed and I stood up in my flip flops firmly with my arms held high aboce in praise as my six year old and her playmate giggled behind me! You delight me, you inspire me, and the Holy Spirit filled me up! God bless you, my dear sweet delightfully funny Beth!!! XO
I am so excited to start this study with my ladies at Mt Zion Baptist Church in Malvern, Ar. I will be a small group leader and feel that getting to do this along side you all this summer has prepared me to be used in an exciting way for the Kingdom!
Susan
Piscataway, NJ
Solo
1. Week 7 day 4 was very helpful to me in making sense of the world. I don’t fully understand as it is quite deep, but I understand more now than I did before. The part that was especially helpful to me was part 1 – that God can allow Satan to shift someone like wheat. Pointing out the NET translation of Luke 22:31- 32, with the switch from plural to singular was an ‘aha’ moment for me.
2. I have been through a sifting season. I have struggled for years to make sense of it, and now I understand better than I did before.
Romans 16:20
1. I will be especially happy for the day to come. I don’t know that I have a specific reason. I love The Lord and ache for the day to come. During worship at church on Sunday I was thinking about how the earth groans in the desire for and anticipation of the great day of redemption. It is like I can feel it in my bones.
2. Word picture for grace –
Grace is the warm hug (spiritual hug) to a tired mom who has nothing left to give.
Grace is the healing balm following invasive abdominal surgery
3. The one take home message for me in the entire study is week 7 day 4 – a strong delusion. Praise God that I understand more now than I did before.
Thank you for this study and the opportunity to be a part of a virtual group of women on the journey together. Thank you for your prayers and your love. God bless.
I am left handed.
About a week ago I broke my ring finger on my left hand. So, I finished our study, and that includes writing
2 Thessalonians 3 in the back of the book, with my right hand.
And, boy, are those some ugly scrawls.
But, I finished! That’s so important to me. It’s the first time that I have completed a group bible study on schedule, on time. Broken finger, and all.
Beth, and all the ladies at LPM, Thank you for serving us this summer!
3. Between me & Jesus…I had stopped taking things to God, confiding in God. That’s really what this study has done for me. Gotten me back on track with that. Instead of wishing, hoping, and praying that I had someone to confide in, as I have been doing for several years now, I am back to confiding in God.
My very favorite things about this study were Week Two, Day Three, A Theology of Walking (p 47-50), the humor,
and surprisingly to me, writing the scripture (except, I didn’t appreciate it so much after I broke my finger).
Thanks again!
Carrie
I’m so proud of you for continuing to write the whole thing out even with your other hand! That is spiritual tenacity! Good grief, I bet that broken finger HURT. Honored to serve you, Sister.
Colleen, Cape Town, South Africa.
Solo
1. I was a little disturbed at the thought of God actively sending a delusion so that people will believe a lie when He could enable them to see truth. I was comforted to read that God sends a disciple before he sends a delusion â the delusion is a last resort. But I do understand how God uses the dark times to bring us to Him. Isnât it sad that so often we only realize how much we need God when our lives are a mess?
2. I didnât believe that God or what Heâd given me was enough for my fulfilment. When I was 30 I was deluded by someone, meant to be a spiritual leader, into believing that he had the answer. The real effect of this time was felt 20 years later. I donât know if this was a sifting or what but it was a period of pure hell. However, God was so close to me. I realized just how much I need Him, I started learning to trust Him no matter what (still a work in progressï) and I began to realize my worth through Godâs eyes, to grasp the magnitude of his love for me. I am now a changed person because of this. Would it have happened without the darkness?
1. It will give me so much pleasure to see satan crushed under my feet. Because of him my innocence was stolen, I suffered from depression, believed I wasnât worth much. He hurt me and my husband and had a good go at destroying our marriage. The wounds are still there but little by little we are gaining ground. I want the enemy to be sorry for thinking he could mess with a royal princess, a daughter of the Most High King.
2. Grace is knowing that I am loved even when I am unlovable.
3. It is difficult to single out one thing but I think it would be the fact that I have a ministry that God has prepared specially for me that nobody else can do. I remember in Esther we learned that true redemption was using the very thing that has hurt us to help others. I believe that this was confirmed for me in this study. I am a child of the day, a child of the light and I have a work to do for my father to be a vessel to bring His healing and love to other hurting women.
Thank you for this wonderful study. My bible study group has just started it so I am getting to do it all over again but this time I am the facilitator! I look forward to the face to face discussion each week â and if yesterdayâs discussion was anything to go by we are in for a rip roaring time.
We are doing this study at our church on Wednesday nights and I am thoroughly enjoying this study. I always love your studies. I have kept my workbooks and from time to time go back through them to find things to help me all over again. I thank you so much for your faithfulness to do God’s work and to help us. And I pray God’s best blessings on you, your family, and Living Proof Ministries. When the Lord Jesus appears!!!!!
Thank You Father God for your wonderful love and grace, I pray a special blessing for each one of us!
Good morning!
Lauralee Courtney
Austin, Tx
Solo- I am a little behind, I have 4 more beautiful days to complete.
Week 7
1. God has used darkness to break the light in my marriage. What satan meant for bad actually turned us to the Lord and changed our lives. It was the hardest thing but turned out to be the best. I guess that is the closest to a sifting season I have been through and it was close enough.
2. I feel like my eating is my thorn in my flesh. It is a constant battle to get under control. My weight is manageable in this season but it is never far from out of control. I cling to God with every bite and learning to eat to sustain instead of comfort is sometimes more than I can handle.
Week 8
1. I cannot wait to be able to shake my fist at the devil for all the self doubt and loathing I have battle with most of my life. I want to stand victoriously and smile and say “I made it by the grace of God and you cannot hurt me any longer”.
2. I have not completed this day yet – I have 4 more days to go – so I cannot answer just yet.
3. When I do a Beth Study, I am always different when I finish the study in so many ways. Each one I have done has such a special place in my heart. In this study, I believe the message to me has been how important it is to share the Message of the Lord with others. I am usually pretty bashful about just coming out and talking to unsaved friends or strangers about Jesus. I am no evangelist by any means, but it is present on my mind and how it should be a priority for me to share the love of God. I have no problems sharing what He has done in my life or how I am changed because of Him, just at times talking to people about the Lord can seem a little confrontational. I also loved the part about my prayer life and how God wants to hear from me, loves my company and wants to hear the dreams of my heart. I do feel like I am harassing Him and needy some days. I didn’t have an earthly father who invested in me, he was there just not real interested unless I was succeeding in something, so to hear I have a Father in heaven who wants to give me things and listen to me and I am not bothering Him is very comforting to me.
Thank you for this study and even though I have 4 more days to go, I know I will cry when I have completed it, I always do. I love them that much.
Your comment brought tears to my eyes. I always cry at the end of them too but it touched me that a person on the other side of the page might. I’m tremendously blessed to serve you, Sister. Jesus is so worthy of our pursuit. He truly is life.
Beth Moore – it was a delight to go through the Children of the Day bible study with you. I praise God for your obedience in using the gift he has entrusted to you. I look forward to studying with you again! – Diane
From week 7
1. (a) He can use it as a last ditch effort to save us when we see how low we have fallen or someones “darkness” can be the saving “light” to someone watching.
(b) The strong delusion was hard to take in at first but as I read (and reread) I understood that “those who delight in wickedness” will perish but others who come through the “sifting” will be stronger. And the bottom line is “God owes us no explanation for His righteous judgement”, we just need to have faith in him.
2. Section 1, the sifting like wheat, when my husband became addicted to drugs it was tough on all the family and I felt sifted which brought me closer to God and a stronger faith. I now thank him for that time!
Question here – there was a 4th section at the top of page 182 that I never filled in, I did not see any instruction on what to put there. Did I miss something?
From Week 8
1. Oh what a happy day that will be when the evil one is defeated and Jesus will reign forever, what could be better! I owe him for all the self-doubt he tries to feed me but I will be most glad to see him crushed for all the harm done to children.
2. Grace is a blanket to warm you when you are cold and alone.
3. I do love the stuff on end times (I loved the Daniel study for this also) but the primary thing between Jesus and I would be from day 2 of week 5 “Wide Awake”. I need to throw off complacency and stand wide awake about sharing God’s word.
Once again, thank you Beth for sharing with us.
Blessings to all until next time (we are thinking of doing James next)
WOW! .. wish I could do that wow face Beth did in session 9! About 5 minutes after I posted this (notice I posted that I felt I needed to “stand awake about sharing God’s word) our pastor called (he’d heard compliments about my facilitating Children of the Day) AND he asked me to pray about teaching Bible 101 this fall!!! I guess I got an immediate opportunity from God to share His word… just WOW!
I have loved this Siesta Summer Bible Study so much! I have always enjoyed Beth’s Bible studies, but the last 12 years it has been more difficult for me to participate at church in the group studies. This study has offered me the opportunity to do it solo. It has helped me be more accountable in keeping up each week, because I knew Beth would be “showing up” every 2 weeks. I would love for this to be offered with each Bible Study she produces. Thank you for this great summer in God’s Word!!
First, thank you Mrs. Beth and LPM staff for your service, time, love poured into us, God’s children, and to those in darkness. I have grown into a “we” because of your ministry.
I also wanted to share that we had 4 to 6-sisters loved by God, meeting for each gathering, but I do not believe any of us shared comments throughout the study.
WEEK 8 #2: (Because I experienced grace last Sunday evening) Grace is the protector as we venture out to feed our flesh while a storm brews with a funnel cloud.
#3: Primarily: Awake to the DAY of His coming – prepare
(Also-video message “we-you-they” because i tend to be an “I” as in “island”…loner, independent)
I cannot express adequately the appreciation I owe you. You all should be blessed with “well done good and faithful servant!” As the song by Ray Boltz “Thank you for giving to The Lord, I am a life that was changed…I am so glad you gave!” Love, grace, peace to you all!
Brenda, Louisiana
Week 7
1. I often say “The worse thing that ever happened to me was also the best thing that ever happened to me.” It was during a very dark season that I finally turned to God and gave my life entirely to Him. I had to learn the hard way to give God complete control. This lesson has helped me to remember what it took for me to surrender; which gives me the strength to watch the struggles of my loved ones, knowing that God is in control of their situations just as He was in control of mine!
2. My before: I was very much independent and self-sufficient, needing to be in control and have everything planned out. I was wound up TIGHT! My after: I depend on Christ and wait on Him. I don’t plan too far ahead anymore. I love God with everything in me and give Him complete control of my life.
Week 8:
1. There is no way to express the JOY I will feel when God destroys Satan and his power over my loved ones. To be with them in heaven is my greatest desire. The years Satan stole from me and my children are my deepest regret and I long for the day God punishes him for the pain and suffering he has caused us.
2. Grace is looking into the eyes of a true, Holy Spirit filled person and seeing God’s love reflected back.
3. I have been moved deeply while doing this study. Because I did it at home alone, I did not suppress my responses or emotions. I have been asking God for some time now to show me where He wants me to serve next and I am ready to go wherever He leads!
My word picture for grace is: “Grace is a hand stretched out to me when I am drowning in quicksand.”
Beth and all y’all at LPM,
I loved this study so much! I cried when it was finished! I am blessed with the opportunity to be a part of a group of women who will be going through the study together for the first time this coming fall. I am looking forward to interacting with others as they go through the study; I did it solo with y’all this summer. So good!
The Grace picture I want to share is this:
Grace is the hand held out to lift one up who has stumbled yet again.
The one thing I am taking away from this study (is it possible to have only ONE thing?!) is the encouragement to live out the call to minister to women that God brings my way as a mentor or simply as the gifted encourager that He has made me.
I truly have been blessed by this time of study this summer! I am going to work more on scripture memory and have the goal of memorizing one verse from each chapter of both letters as I go through it again this fall. Trying to be realistic!
Thank you so much for all your study, writing and prayer for all of us who receive the fruit of your labors. May our gracious God return to you manifold blessing for all you’ve done to build up the Body in love!
I am nearly finished with the entire study. I started a week late and honestly, because Iâm kind of driven and want to keep up, I thought I could rush through some of the lessons to be where everyone else was in the study. I had to come to terms with not being able to catch-up (over and over) because each lesson was so rich and packed with scripture that I wanted and needed to soak in. I started this study being as dry as a bone spiritually. I have been drenched by His Word through this study. There were times that I felt as though God was uploading so much for me to hold ontoâŠand then within time through a message, a friend, a teaching, during housework, something taking place in my life; the lesson would download and make such sense to me.
Because I feel as though I am still in a sifting season, I cannot hardly share what God is teaching me yet. But, I have some truths from the study that God brings to my mind and heart so often in areas in me that must. be. changed. Slowly, but surely I am aware of Him doing the work that I cannot do. I am so grateful to Him. I struggle with believing how much He loves us, me. I pray for more faith to believe Him in that area.
I really want to continue this kind of in-depth Bible study and wondered where to go from here. I am searching and asking God to show me what is next.
You Beth and Lindsee are so cute.
Oh man, Beth the food sounds great! I’d love try those things especially the salsa!
You are talking about our foolishness and how our Heavenly Father has to discipline us to help us grow out of our immaturity and foolishness. Sometimes we can get stuck. Like, liking that guy we shouldn’t or staying in a situation that is a pigpen, looks good on the outside but is horrible when you get into it like the prodigal son did before he hit bottom. Like going to a night club or doing things our boss wants that aren’t good so you can a promotion, or cheating on a diet.
God has to discipline us through it, like He did the prodigal son, and we deal with the consequences… I feel like after 25 years I’m just starting to see over the grass as a Christian. It takes a lot, for us to get to the point we are able to take in that feed back every day. Jesus loves us everyday, and wether we have learned what needed or not He’s like the big brother that looks after us and smashes the evil one into the dirt at the same helps us with the growth process.
It’s a growth process that all of us go through while living here. It’s nice when it doesn’t take 25 years. But a short time, able to grow sooner.
I just realized, Beth you talk about Texas a lot but you don’t have a Texan accent. Is your accent more from Georgia?
Sarah, while Beth was born and raise in Arkansas, she moved to Houston during her high school years. Smile.
Group in Port Orange, FL Janet
Week 7, P. 180-81 I recognize a season of sifting in my life, when I was stricken with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and had to let go of all music ministries I was involved in at church, because I had no breath, but out of it came a stronger prayer life. Then also my life was sifted when my marriage fell apart. Through it all I held on to Jesus so tight, and I was stronger and closer to God.
I also have a “thorn in the flesh” that reduces my abilities to minister. I have a badly damaged leg, that will probably never get any better, but I recognize that it gives God opportunity to work through me to minister to others.
Week 8, p. 209 Grace is His hand lifting me up when I am kneeling, head down at His feet.
Why did God have me do this study? So the Holy Spirit could flow through me and convict me, and I would recognize the Holy Spirit working in me. Also, I met and have come to be good friends with several ladies who just happen to attend the same service I do at church. I love seeing them and getting hugs from them every weekend now! It brings me joy and encouragement.
Thank you Beth for giving to us so generously. Without your Bible studies, I would be a much shallower and weaker Christian. I have grown so much as a person, a friend and a Christian, because of your Bible studies. Praise God!
Hey,
Week 7
1) When friends refuse to give God thanks and glory, he gives them over to weird ideas. They won’t believe Him but they accept all kinds of crazy things.
2) The thorn in the flesh would be left over side effects from my aneurysm.
Week 8
1) I have a number of nephews and cousins whose lives have been cut short. Their parents have been put through incredible pain.
2)Grace is when you drop your ice cream cone and someone gives you theirs ( before they licked).
3) I believe that the Lord lead me to this study because I needed to see the tender side of Paul. To be honest, I never really liked Paul and actually held a grudge because he forbade women to teach. This has opened my eyes to a more balance view of him.
1) The word refused stood out to us. It was active, not passive or by accident.
2) Yes, both of us have had a sifting season related to our marriages and living the military lifestyle.
3) Stomping the devil for the joy he’s reaped causing division among Christians. And for the strains and issues he’s stirred among relationships.
4) Grace is a light on a dark path.
5) This study was such an encouragement for our daily lives but also challenged us to be aware of the Devil’s schemes. Particularly having to do with the end times/son of destruction and being aware of the devil’s work. And yet the glorious hope we have in Christ and His 2nd coming. Also the section about how Christians are “asleep” was a huge comfort since one of us has lost someone special recently. It gave us a new perspective.
Thank you!
Mama Beth! I just walked in the door from bible study. I can smell the faint but sour smell of sharpie rising from my palms as I type. I just want to say thank you. Those words seem so inadequate but THANK YOU so much for this study. It has been such a blessing to me these past 8 weeks, and I am so thankful that I was able to do it. I think my biggest take away is encouragement. I am a very empathetic person and I am often completely overwhelmed by the pain and suffering of this world. I cannot watch the news anymore. It hurts my heart too much. I often feel like there are so many things to pray for that I am stumped to even start. When I think about donating money to a cause I start to think, “But is this THE cause that needs it most?” Orphans, widows, children who are being sexually trafficked. There is such horror in the world…where do we even start? But what you said on page 158 hit me like a lightening bolt. Of course I can’t do everything, but I can do something and I can do some GOOD! And of course my head knew that but this study taught it to my heart. What a blessing. Thank you Mama Beth!
Angela
Solo
Greenville Ohio
I just finished the study a bit late because of some illness, but I got so much out of it and wanted to finish.
I believe that God can use darkness to bring a person to himself. God can use something terrible to bring a person to their knees. The darkest things I ever went through ended up drawing me closer to God.
My sifting season was the two year time frame surrounding my daughters adoption. I had to deal with infertility, I came to terms with it. I then had to deal with getting clearance from our government to bring my daughter home and another eight months to get her adoption finalized after she was home. God was at work through that entire time.
I owe the enemy for trying to steal my joy and peace of mind. I will be very happy to see God come back and put evil in his place, I owe him one!
The word picture I came up with for grace – Grace is finally understanding unconditional love when you look in to the face of the little girl you were never supposed to have.
I truly believe the main thing God wanted me to get out of this study is that I am to be helping in the Children’s ministry at church. The same week we were talking memorizing 1 Thessalonians 1:4 the children’s ministry director at our church informed me that she felt I was chosen by God to help with the Children’s ministry. I was questioning myself if it was something I should get involved in and I think it is no coincidence that she used almost the exact same words in 1 Thessalonians.
WAYNE, PA
SOLO
Two Take Aways
1. “Your spiritual gifts are means by which you have been distinctly and divnely eqipped to manifest God’s presence and power. No one else can fulfill your calling” I loved that reminder & challenge
2. I found that not watching the videos caused a disconnect in study. The videos cause you to reflect, consider and challenge your already stimulated mind that is occuring by doing your homework. Dissappointed that there was a cost for the downloads as we were all doing the study together(Siesta). That would have been $40 per person and if there were over 4,000 women that seems to be a boatload of money that was made for Living Proof.
Hi Wayne, Thank you for sharing your take-aways on Children of the Day. We are happy to have had you join us this summer for our Siesta Bible study!
We are sorry that the cost for downloads was a disappointment to you. These downloads are offered through Lifeway, the publisher of the study, and not by us at Living Proof. The pricing and purchases are handled through Lifeway. Please know that as a non-profit organization, Lifeway is focused on serving churches and they really do work hard to make their materials affordable. As an alternative, we understand many churches make their sets available as loaner kits. We have also heard from many that they share the download cost with a friend and watch the sessions together, thereby sharing that expense. There are also audio downloads available at a slightly lesser cost. I hope that is a help to you. May God bless the Word and the study you have done this summer!
I was able to listen to the video on Tuesday, but didn’t finish the study until today. I wanted it to go on for 6 more weeks, so took my time. I have loved being in the Word this summer and took so much from this study. The one thing was in Day 4 of the last week, when you had us chart our 18 month mark, was the “one thing”…Eighteen months ago, my husband had a seizure at work, which resulted in his job loss, not driving for 6 months, depression for him and me, and a financial change. When you said to look at the positives, during that same time someone gave us their miles to go see our son in Australia (he was at Hillsong College and actually heard you speak there), took a missions trip with 11 other women to Croatia, and most recently went to Italy for my 60th birthday. As you have said countless times, God is so faithful, Beth….I need Him every hour of every day and I need His word to be my bread. Thank you once again for being faithful to your calling and serving us. Blessings to you and your family, Looking forward to seeing you in San Diego. Love, Pam in San Diego
Sifting season: Several years ago my husband and I were youth workers and really committed to serving the Lord and our church. We really thought we were the closest we had ever been to the Lord. We prayed to be ‘broken’ and it was such a time of sifting that we will never forget. It humbled us so much that, as you said, in your video we still remember it every day! It was a hard, hard time for us, but the Lord truly broke us, our marriage and almost our family, but HE put us all back together again and we will never be the same and we praise Him for that!
I’m not creative enough to write my own definition of Grace but your word pictures were so powerful that this one stood out to me, especially in light of what we went through in the above “sifting.”
“Grace is the stamp that says “Ransomed” on a life that screams “Ruined.”
Beth, your studies always draw me closer to our Lord Jesus, but the Summer Siestas have such a powerful effect and I just cannot thank you enough for your ‘yielded’ life and for every study you have done. Thank you so much for making these available for those of us who do them ‘solo’- this keeps us connected to other sisters in Christ and this summer particularly filled in so many gaps for me.
The timeliness of Thessalonians with the darkness and evil that is more and more prevalent in our world tends to bring me to despair. This study and your precious prayer at the end of the video reminds us that “We are going to stand!” Our Lord reigns and every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Thank you, too, for sharing some of the pain you and your family have gone through personally in the last 18 months. That exercise was very powerful for me – to list all the things our family has gone through in these last 18 months…these have really been some of the toughest yet and Praise God, He brought us through them, but your honesty helps us all to realize that we are not alone in this struggle of life and I cannot thank you enough for that and for the encouragement of this whole study. May God continue to bless you and your family richly and keep you.
I love that God will take darkness and transform it into light. It seems so often we have to witness darkness transformed into light with no doubt it is our Lord doing the transformation in order to KNOW he cares and is involved in our complicated lives. This is a complex season in my “old girl” life. The summer study is an oasis during a scorching time. Thank you for offering your time, love and ministry. We appreciate you and all at LPM.
Hello!,
When we started this study, I told my group that one of my reasons for wanting to do it was so that I would not be a “Scriptural slug” over the summer. I’m happy to say that lapsing into a slug-like state was avoided (yay) but I got so much more than that from this study. Praises!
1. The key point I took from the lesson on the strong delusion was that God sends the delusion as the result of human choice.
2. Yes, I’ve experienced a sifting season, but as a result, my faith was made much stronger. I used to struggle mightily with doubts, and while I may doubt a lot of things in this world, I no longer have doubts about my salvation or God’s love for me.
3. Oh yes! I am looking forward to the day Satan is crused. He has robbed me of so much – innocence, joy, peace – and he will be sorry.
2. My word picture is “Grace frees us from the prison of our past mistakes”.
3. I think this series has been about Jesus reminding me that “as you are doing, do so even more”. I don’t have what I think of as a great, powerful, world-changing ministry. I’m a wife and a mom, a working woman, a sister, daughter, and a friend, and my “ministry” is in how I interact with and fulfill those roles with people around me. I hope that made sense….
Thank you Beth and LPM for this summer study!
Much love and a bazillion hugs,
Adrienne
Beth, thank you so much for another amazing Bible study journey. You pour yourself into these projects and use the gifts God has given you to serve us, and He brings the harvest! In my life, your ministry has produced a harvest of love for the Word of God and a deep hunger to know Him more every day. Thank you for faithfully serving us all these years.
My takeaways from Children of the Day are:
1) Feed courage, starve fear!!
2) My ministry requires me to use my God-given gifts, content in the unique one-of-a-kind person He has made me to be.
May God bless you and your family with peace in the coming year and with a powerful sense of His hand on your lives. Thank you again!
Thank you Beth for this study!! I loved spending the past 8 weeks with you in God’s Word.
Week 7:
1. I learned how God can allow Satan to come into my life or my circumstances to get my attention and save me from eternal hell. This lesson was extremely helpful to me. I never understood why some things happen to myself or others who are close to me. The lesson gave me so much clarity and opened my eyes to what and why things are going on in and around me.
2. All the sections were vitally important for me to be aware of and understand. I think in my case, number three was most applicable: God hands you over to Satan on earth. I was at a point of self-destruction and so much denial. So many bad decisions. So much pain. I was lost. I suffered a great loss and in that grief, I realized for the first time all I had been doing and how I was living. I wanted Jesus so much and found Him right there, waiting for me the whole time.
Week 8:
1. I will be especially happy to crush Satan because for so long, he held me down. Face down on the ground with his foot at the back of my neck. I could hardly breathe and couldn’t see how all my decisions were affecting me and others. I could only see the ground below, the dark, cold ground. I want to make him sorry for that. For my guilt was replaced by grace.
2. Grace is a spotlight on me in my darkness to show me the way out. I wrote this before finishing the chapter. I wept at the story that unfolded.
3. The realization that Paul’s (and Silas and Timothy’s) letters apply just as much to me as they did over 2000 years ago. That what I need to know, how I need to live and what I need to teach my son is all there in God’s Word. That He loves me and all that has happened so far is preparation for me to be a light and spread God’s Word. The study was so important to me. Thank you again for the journey!!!
First of all, Beth, I just want to say “well done good and faithful servant, well done”! This was another great study of yours and it spoke to me throughout the study! I just wish you could have been right here in B’Ham leading the study in person. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time out to do this study with us siestas; you have a God given talent to not only teach but make it always entertaining!!
Week 7:
1. I definitely believe that God can bring darkness to someone that just will not commit to accepting and believing in Him. He did it throughout the Bible. Sometimes people have to be humbled to bring them to their knees.
2. I went thru years of unforgiveness for a dear loved one, but thank God got thru it before they went to be with the Lord. I now struggle with self doubt at times, especially with friends, but I realize thru this study that it isn’t me but busyness with them that keeps them from (for instance, calling me back right away or taking days). I found thru this study that GOD is always there, waiting on me to tell Him everything and that that is all that matters! Amen.
Week 8:
1. Oh, God save the devil on that truly glorious day – he has taken innocence, joy, peace and many things from me at times and is Always there just nabbing at me with something. It will be the MOST awesome thing to see him crushed to smitherines!! IN Jesus Name!!
2. Grace is all encompassing. Grace is every day – how wonderful it is to know!
3. I would say the biggest thing (out of many), is that Jesus provides everything we need spiritually and psychologically to be a whole person who knows our own value. I have always felt I needed to do more, be more, but now I know that Jesus has me right where I need to be and is proud of me just for me! I can now sit back a little easier and RECEIVE rather than always trying to ACHIEVE more for Him to be proud!
Again, thank you so much Beth for this study and your precious time. It has been a true blessing and now I just want more!
May God give you blessings as you continue your journey of teaching His word. To God be the glory!
1. I look back over my life and I know I was wrong. I made some tough choices and God gave me time to come back to Him and I kept going. He showed me I was wrong and I needed Him. He blessed me and He forgave me when I went to Him with a sincere heart. I had to repent. I will never forget how much grace I was given…I don’t know where I’d be if He had not stepped in to pull me out of my own foolishness..
2. I believe I am going through a period of sifting. I struggle with worry and fear. It’s not easy because it affects you in different ways. Fear shows up in different ways. He’s been with me through it all and each time shows me I can trust Him with everything. Amen
3. I’m looking forward to the day when every knee will bow and every tongue confesses Jesus Christ is Lord. All the hurt and pain we’ve endured will be over. Everyone will see and know God is real.
4. Grace is the lover of my soul who forgives me when I won’t let go of my pride. I am learning to give it all to God and stop trying on my own. He made me for Him and I need to know every single day I need Him.
5. I have spent the entire summer with Him. I spent time with other believers, brothers and sisters in Christ. Each experience has lead me closer to Him. I felt a shift after YOU Lead and LPL Biloxi! I need Him and there are no if ands or buts no way I can survive alone. This last week He called me out by name from worry and fear. It’s been a long time coming for me to know, to really comprehend that He wants me to truly rest in Him. It’s been hard…last year He showed me what it’s like to give it all to Him. I was blown away at the peace He gave so willingly. He wants to give me more. Amen
Solo, Hull, GA
Completed the study today by watching video 9âŠ.the past weeks have flown by.
My favorite verse is 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12. âWith this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.â
During week 6, âMobilized ministryâ, you asked us to write down our spiritual gifts. I did, but I was prompted in the spirit to take another spiritual gift assessment. (It had been probably 20 years since I had done one) Wow, they had changed! Then, I assessed what is my ministry? How am I advancing the kingdom? I was so convicted in my lack of witnessing to others.
Video session 9 was so special with the left and right hand. Thank you for your commission. Please pray that I can assist in sharing the gospel so that the âmessage of the Lord may spread rapidly, and be honoredâ
Thank you, Beth, for being real, and giving yourself to us.
Deb Mott Solo, Bradenton, Florida1. How can God use darkness when we refuse the light? Was the lesson any help at all in sorting out some difficult concepts? Yes the lesson was helpful to me, very. Serious sifting must have been needed to fulfill the CALL GOD has on my life. The dark times of my life have caused me to seek JESUS and He has so many times shown me so much of what needed to be removed from me that I had no idea was even there. Repentance and coming out of agreement from lies I thought were trueâŠallowing JESUS TO change me and remake me and living IN HIS TRUTH I have come to realize in the LIGHT that HIS LIGHT is the only LIGHT that lasts and that I want. All righteousness is of CHRIST and HE alone can and does overcome all darkness. He lets me have âmy wayâ but when I reject HIS WAY, I am always sorry and have learned and am learning to go HIS WAY instead.
2. Pages 180-181 â Choose one of those three sections that hit you the most personally and discuss why. For instance, have you experienced a sifting season? Or a thorn in the flesh? Share something you filled in on pgs. 180-181.
My before: seems sifting has been ONGOING for literally years. I have had so many hardships that I have almost given up so many timesâŠ.Neck injuries then Neck surgeries with 4 fusions this last time that I almost died from, eye surgeries, pain of multiple abuses, many sexual, so hard to recover from, trying to prove my own worth by performance and then PRIDE. Depression and despair predominate in much of last two decades. Few walk with me and past doubt that GOD loves me and really walks with me. Lack of community, NEED FOR CHRIST=LIFE SUSTAINING.
My after: SURRENDER, living COVENANT and understanding it is ALL JESUS AND HIS WORK and RIGHTEOUSNESS and that I HAVE NONE APART FROM HIM. Taking communion today was most significant time ever at LORDâs SUPPER REMEMBERING AFRESH WHAT CHRIST DID FOR ME AND THE GREAT SACRIFICE AND COST AND AMAZING LOVE AND THAT HIS DESIRE IS FOR US AND NOT TO CONDEMN US BUT TO SAVE US! Experiencing HIM saving me from myself and manifesting HIS LOVE and GRACE TO ME! And that HE disciplines us out of LOVE. That He wants us to SELF EXAMINE. We are to do this ongoing and in preparation of partaking, as part of partaking is being cleaned. I realized again I cannot clean myself enough and it is only BY CHRIST and HIS GRACE! THE GRACE OF THE LORD JESUS IS WITH ME! Realization that THE TRUE GOSPEL IS CHRIST ALONE COMING, DYING, RISING AND our RECEIVING what HE HAS DONE FOR US AND THEN BEING IN RELATIONSHIP TO HIM with gratitude, thanksgiving, LOVE, RESPECT, adoration, hopeâŠ.understanding FORGIVENESS AND GRACE and MERCY and living it more.
From Week Eight: (The Lord of Peace)
Pg. 205 â Reread Romans 16:20.
1. Day Four: Discuss why you will be especially happy for that day to come. How do you truly owe the enemy one? What do you hope to make him sorry for?
We sing VICTORY IN JESUS but I want to live it. I have lived more as a defeated, depressed struggling Christian than as an overcomer. Yes as Ephesians says: This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. I feel and believe I have been in an incredible fight that has taken everything I have to keep going!!! I have tried to be prepared. YES, I have been up against far more than I can handle on my own. This Bible Study and other measures GOD has used are some of the help HE provided and I hope I have taken all the help I can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when itâs all over but the shouting youâll still be on your feet. YES, when I have been knocked down, Praise GOD I have BY HIS GRACE gotten back upâŠ. â I want the enemy CRUSHED UNDER MY FEET and all believers feet! V 20 says âShortlyâ, in GODâs timing it is so different than our timing. I have been holding out in faith for years waiting for a consistent living of victory to come forth to experience GODâs PROMISES. I have had short seasons of success and victory but more downs than can count. (Sorry LIndsee, but I guess many people would call me a âDebbie Downerâ and O how I have fought not to be! I was MAD when I read this term you used on your blog.) I owe the enemy big time!!! Recalling the first five years of my life: horrible sexual abuse, betrayal, rejection, sickness unto death at 3, occult abuse at 14, much more, too much to recount here. Sad stuff. I have let 2 people read the facts of my life and WOW did they react in sadness and grief for me. Life shattering and LIFE TAKING facts: The taking of my innocence sexually, the confusion of my identity, the death of my child to name a few! I want LIFE GIVING GOSPEL VICTORY OF JESUS to come forth more!
2. Pg. 209 â Did you happen to write your own word picture of grace? If so, share it. GRACE IS THE CREATOR DYING IN PLACE OF A SINNER LIKE ME. Thatâs what I wrote in the booklet. I add nowâŠit is Acts 2-4 where the very ones who called for CHRIST to be crucified coming to FAITH in Messiah BY GRACE after HIS DEATH and RESURRECTION during Peterâs sermon/Pentacost! We all really are part of that group⊠The FORGIVENESS AND GIFT OF REDEMPTION AFTER MURDERING THE CREATOR is the GOSPEL! GREAT GRACE! That CHRIST BLOOD CAN CLEAN THE FOULEST AND SAVE EVEN MURDERERES AND SEXUAL SINNERSâŠ..
3. Lastly, if you have one primary thing you believe this eight week series has been about between you and Jesus, what would it be?
Operation RESURRECTION and the REDEMPTION OF GRACE: LIVING OUT GODâs RICHES AT CHRISTâs EXPENSE! CHRIST PURCHASED REDEMPTION!!!! CPR!!! LIVING GRACE OUT and experiencing GRACE like never before and extending GRACE in my life and in GREECE as participated in OPERATION JOSHUA 7 in Northern Greece! I actually was assigned Apollonia as one of the places our car delivered BIBLES to and I flew into Thessaloniki! We prayed many verses from 1 and 2 Thessalonians and the key verse for the OJ7 was 1 Thes 1:3!
I agree that Ephesians 6 out of The Message. a great wrap up to our series:
âGod is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that weâll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. Be prepared. Youâre up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when itâs all over but the shouting youâll still be on your feet.â Ephesians 6:10-13 (The Message)
To this I say AMEN! Thank you BETH AND LPM and THANK YOU JESUS!!!! WHAT A SAVIOR YOU ARE, KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS, GRACE BEYOND MEASURE, INCOMPARABLE POWER! WE LOVE and THANK YOU LORD!
Beth and all the LPM staff:
It’s been years since I completed a Beth Moore study and I’m so glad that I really dove into the Word this summer with you ladies. I facilitated a small group via a secret FB page and I loved hearing all the responses from my sisters – they were such an encouragement. I know I really needed to do this study because my spiritual walk has been so stagnant but God has really drug me over the coals since the beginning of the year – teaching me to depend solely on Him. (I also look forward to the day that the Devil gets what’s coming to him!!)
My takeaways from this study:
God wants/DESIRES to talk to me and I want to be constantly praying.
Scripture Scripture Scripture!! Getting into the Word has been so indescribable and I look forward to reading and learning more.
My word picture:
Grace is the replenishing, nourishing rain on the dry, broken soil of the heart.
Thanks so much Beth for helping me walk through the Word this summer. This study has truly blessed me and I will continue to read through my notes and both Thessalonian books in the future. I would dearly love to eat Tex-Mex and sheet cake and the WORD with you one day! Blessings and lots of Hugs!
Hi Beth,
This comment is off topic, but wanted to reach out to you. I am going through the “Jesus the One and Only” study. I believe it was lesson 4 where you were talking about heaping coals on another’s head. I believe the meaning you were giving to this was that by doing good to our enemies, it would be like doing something not good to them. I have been taught a different meaning and have found a link that explains what I have been taught. Am wondering what your thoughts are on this? I want to thank you for all of your teaching and many other efforts to further the kingdom of Christ! Love you my sister!
Robin
Kenneth Samuel Wuest (1893-1962):
âIn Bible times an oriental needed to keep his hearth fire going all the time in order to insure fire for cooking and warmth. If it went out, he had to go to a neighbour for some live coals of fire. These he would carry on his head in a container, oriental fashion, back to his home. The person who would give him some live coals would be meeting his desperate need and showing him an outstanding kindness. If he would heap the container with coals, the man would be sure of getting some home still burning. The one injured would be returning kindness for injury.â
http://www.hiskingdomprophecy.com/heaping-coals/
Week 7, Q.1: Perhaps God uses darkness to convict. Perhaps He uses darkness in one person’s life to bring light into another person’s life. Perhaps He uses darkness to bring appreciation for the light. Living through a dark season in my life right now, the lesson was painful.
Week 7, Q.2: All three sections hit home in one way or another. Sometimes I feel like my adult life has been one long dark season and I wonder what God is trying to teach me or prepare me for; or is physical health my thorn in the flesh; or is God disciplining me, and if so, what did I do wrong and how do I fix it. It was a difficult lesson — personally painful, confusing.
Week 8, Q.1: Even so Lord, come quickly! Satan has just messed with me far too much! On way too many levels. I hope to make him sorry for even looking in my direction!
Week 8, Q.2: Grace is the patience of a faithful God.
Week 8, Q.3: I am a Child of light, a Daughter of the day.
One of my favorite word pictures about grace that you listed was, “Grace races us to the Throne when we make haste to repent, and it always outruns us.” I had a sifting this summer and found God’s grace through the ordeal. It was a horrible process, but God helped me and is bringing forgiveness and restoration through it. He also helped me to grow closer to him and trust him through it all. I’m so thankful for God’s grace.
Thank you for hosting the Bible studies each summer. I learn a lot each time.
Vicki
Murfreesboro, TN
I have so enjoyed doing this study this summer. I hope to do it again in a group setting, and be able to watch the videos as well. I had many take-aways, but I guess the two main ones are that as long as I live, there is still time for me to do some good. There is still time to fulfill my calling, one that is unique to me. I also loved from the next to last day- Jesus fights for me! Thank you Beth for this study, and I pray that the year ahead is filled with blessings for you and your family.
One of the phrases you wrote that jumped out to me the most was “When life is rough, I feel unworthy because I’m invariably not handling it perfectly. When life is terrific, I feel unworthy because I know I don’t deserve it.” I wrote in the margin that hits the nail on the head. What a relief it was to have someone put that into words, and not feel like I’m the only one who does that! Thank you for sharing your gift Beth!
I loved this line on pg.180: (Funny that its pg 180 since
God does a 180 with the sifting satan uses.) You wrote:
“Satan’s intent is to sift us of our faith & leave the leaven; God hijacks the sifting to strain the leaven and unleash out faith.” So True of my experience.
I was sifted in a spiritual wilderness. I could not find the presence of my peaceful, loving, Best Friend Jesus. That’s where Deception came in a man’s shoes and stood on the path in front of me promising help, but taking me where I did
not want to go instead.
In the beginning of my wilderness, I remember riding a bus to work and saying, “God, if I committed the unpardonable sin & am going to Hell, I might as well just live it up while I’m on earth… a few seconds later I said, “But God, I don’t want to live-it-up; I want to live for You even if I DO go to Hell when I die!” I remember being shocked that that was inside me. That’s when He showed me a little glimpse of what He had been building within me. What satan wanted to use to make me give up & turn back, GOD Used to show me His Heart in me and to make me stronger! He’s SO GOOD!
Grace is the Cloak of Calling thrown on the shoulders of the undeserving and unqualified.
Grace steps into my trauma and gives it a wonderful new meaning!
One primary thing this 8 wks has been about between Jesus and I: Jesus used this study to aid in “unlocking” and for more “Awakening”…dispelling the fog, and encouraging me toward His Call for me.
I hope to do this study again (and view dvds). Every Bible study has new things to do and say depending on what season I’m in with Him. I enjoyed this so much. I never did a summer online before-it was so much fun!
Thanks for your discipling us, Beth, we love you and learn so much! I’m looking forward to doing this study again with dvds.
I am so late, I missed the entire summer! Actually, I just found the video downloads and the ebook at Lifeway and I’m looking forward to doing this study all by myself!
I remember a C.S. Lewis quote about “feeling like you are going the wrong way and so you turn around and start again”. I know those aren’t the exact words, but I understood what the Holy Spirit was trying to tell me.
Where were you when you lost your “joy”? What were you doing before that?”
The answer was, “Being taught by a godly, beautiful, fun, Jesus-loving lady…Beth Moore”
It was the right answer! I feel the beginning of that sweet joy coming back to my heart just watching you, Beth.
It is contagious! You see a woman, a Mother, a grandmother, following after Jesus with everything she’s got—-then follow that woman…she will bring you to the one who gave her all that “Joy”
Thank you for all you are and do for all of us! Peace of Christ be with you, my Sister!
Thinking more on Romans 16:20 (KJV)
20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Studying Ephesians 1:21-22 (KJV)
21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come
22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
References cited: Psalm 110:1 (KJV)
110 The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
and Hebrews 2:6-9 (KJV)
6 But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man that thou visitest him?
7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:
8 Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.
9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
and John 10:18 (KJV)
18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
CHRIST died BUT ROSE and so all IN CHRIST could be HIS BODY!
As CHRIST’s BODY (the Church) and CHRIST being the HEAD, abiding in HIM and laying down our lives for HIM and in HIM the enemy is under our feet! Even if we feel under the enemy it is just a feeling, a lie! THE TRUTH IS CHRIST HAS OVERCOME and we overcome by being IN CHRIST and living REV 12:11. THE BLOOD of CHRIST puts and keeps the enemy under our feet by the GRACE of GOD we stand! The WORK OF CHRIST triumphs!
Blessed by these FACTS/TRUTHS of WORD!!!! Thank you for the question!
After emerging alive, which I wasn’t sure I would survive, from the worst sifting season of my life, Jesus used this Bible study on Thessalonians to bring deep healing to my very broken spirit. Over the past year there were two times that I distinctly remember feeling like if something didn’t change, if Jesus didn’t intervene in my life, I was a goner. With an ounce of strength I continually cried out to Jesus and he yanked the leash, pulling the devil off of me in my darkest moment. How I felt it!! How thankful I am for that leash! How thankful I am that Jesus was so faithful to protect me (even though I didn’t feel His presence and I questioned His goodness). I love him more than I ever have! How thankful I am for His waterfall of grace that has flooded my soul!
In the summer of 2013 Jesus used Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby as my starting block into a year of God-ordained darkness. Never did I dream in the summer of 2014 Thessalonians would bring the light of my God-ordained healing. Thank you sweet Beth Moore for being a vessel of Christ that He uses to encourage your fellow sisters. I have been blessed to share what I’ve learned through this study with many others. I am humbled that Jesus would use my pain to help others persevere through their darkness, just as you have done for me through this study! God bless you!
Have loved every Beth Moore study that I have done…and this is no exception.
Week Seven
1. Because I believe that God is good, I believe that He uses difficult circumstances to draw us to Himself, so a delusion may have to get bigger for someone to find Him, or. He may be using a delusion in a nonbeliever to burn the shackles off of a believer who is close by. My own experience with a family member.
2. My thorn in the flesh is probably my own insecurities. I hope it keeps me from being conceited.
Week Eight
1. I will be delighted when Satan is dethroned. He is exhausting! Even the best of times are marred by sin and imperfections. Looking forward to justice and healing for all the innocent who have been assaulted by Satan, and for truth to permeate everything.
2. Grace reaches me and overcomes my flawed, fallen faith.
3. One thing to take away…( I may have more than one). The Lord spoke to me to ” not be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes”. I am usually caught off guard and kind of crushed by reminders of my own imperfections. But, to know they are coming, and to be ready will help.
And, loved the review of the last 18 months on page 203. Can see His hand and how He has given me abundant life. Praise Him!
And, was facing a physical problem at the beginning of the study which the Lord resolved. But, for weeks, I was pretty weak at times, unusual for me. He walked me through to not be hindered by a hindrance. It was hard, but He gave me just enough strength to get through, by His grace.
Theres more…but I will stop for now.
Thank you, Beth!
Dear Beth,
I just have to tell you- although I didn’t go through Children of the Day this summer- (planning to lead this in class in the fall) I watched this video today.
The prayer you prayed was very touching to me, and included key things that God knew I needed to hear- (kind of disappointing last few days) So I accepted it for myself. He is so faithful!
Thank you so much for your obedience to our Savior! You’re precious to us out here!
just signing on to say i’m hanging in there & on track to finish by end of august! beth, thanks for the freedom to go at our own pace & for the tools to do that! much love from arkansas!
Week 7
1. What helped me most is seeing that it costs God something, too, when he lends us to the darkness. Yet rather than self-protect, he stops at nothing in trying to see our greatest good come to pass.
2. It seems I’ve been going through a sifting for years, but maybe it’s just adulthood I’m experiencing. ha. đ Regardless, I have coddled a destructive mind-set that simply needs to go. Am working to renew my mind by replacing satan’s half-truths with truth.
In terms of a thorn in the flesh, yes, I’ve experienced a pelvic floor disorder for the past 2 years that is gradually improving. Praise God! I believe God has promised to heal me in due time (would you say a little prayer for me?), but in the meantime I’m shifting my mindset to receive any and every gift he has for me in this season. I figure if he is allowing something so tragically difficult and painful to enter my life, it is because there is something very good he has in store for me. I want to receive it.
Week 8
1. I look forward to crushing Satan under my feet (please excuse the soap box, but itâs your fault, you asked! Ha. đ )â not only for myself but on behalf of all the abuse that women have endured over time – physical abuse, sexual abuse and double standards, for patriarchy of the OT, simply for the inferiority complex that so many women have due to chauvinism or favoritism.
More personally, I want to make him sorry for ever attacking my health, my marriage, my love for Jesus through his Word, my love for the church, anger that my husband âinheritedâ and I âcaughtâ from him, for deluding my mind to believe years ago that God only loved men and wanted to use them to advance his kingdom â this wrecked some kind of havoc on me, and I want him to pay dearly for all the lies he has fed me.
2. Grace is withholding something good in holding out for something better.
Grace is the suffering love a parent endures to âtrain a child up in the way he should go.â I believe Godâs discipline of us pains him, too.
Grace redeems not only days or months, but years the locusts have eaten. That’s just amazing to me. I want to see it in my own life.
3. Praise the Lord that after years of silence, Iâm beginning to hear his voice again! The suffering of obedience (be it having to obey despite fear, for instance) is ALWAYS, far, far less than the suffering of disobedience to Godâs will as you know it. Like Oprah says in her, “What I know for sure” section of her magazine… that, my friend, I know for sure because I’ve lived it. đ
Broadly, God is speaking to me something along the lines that we are called to let our light shine before men. We are children of the day, after all. It’s disobedient, not humble, to hide. That in letting our light shine, we arenât drawing attention to ourselves (and it doesnât necessarily lead to pride, which I SO fear) but rather, others seeing our works (they have to âseeâ us to see our works/ we canât hide) brings glory to God. For some reason Iâve had a huge hang up with this. Itâs funny because I just started Beth’s James study, and on day 3 this exact point is being made to me again!
Specifically, a few takeaways: Learn! God has hedged me in, I believe, with my health issues, to where I have pretty significant time to learn. I want Jesus to hijack this illness and turn it into something God glorifying. Also, pray for a supernatural love for Jesus (like you suggest in wk 6, day 1). I’m stuck on week 6 in reviewing my underlinings so I’m certain there’s much more there for me to glean. You said something to the effect of, “If we don’t let a little embarrassment kill us, it just might equip us” that has stopped me dead in my tracks for a while. Also, receive rather than clamor for what is already mine in Jesus! Feed courage and starve fear. Maybe take a step of faith and go to BSF. This is so brief you can see how I barely got anything out of this study. đ
I always cry the last week of Bible Study, whether at my home or church. The study refreshed me and was just what I needed in this season (and I don’t mean summer). I so love writing the Scripture in addition to the videos and homework.
Lord, I ask You to continue to anoint Beth as she ministers Your word to hungry women across the world. In the Mighty Name of Jesus.