An Open Letter to LifeWay

Dear Dr. Rainer, Trustees, Employees, and retired LifeWay President, Dr. Jimmy Draper,

Today I will board a plane, God willing, with my dearest loves – my husband of 36 years, our two adult daughters, our son-in-law, and our two grandchildren – to head to Nashville to commemorate and celebrate God’s inconceivable kindness to us in 20 years of Bible studies with you. I will have the chance to express some of my heart to you face-to-face while I am there but I’m unsure of being able to convey all I’d like to say without crying. And what if it spun into serious tears which, while sweet and sentimental, can prove to be embarrassing and awkward in a public address? And what if, on the way home, I had to get furious with myself for not being able to say what I’d flown to Nashville to say? Thus, with your patience, this letter.

Exactly 20 years ago, my husband, Keith, made a few phone calls behind my back to find out when the very first Bible study – A Woman’s Heart: God’s Dwelling Place – would be placed on a shelf at one of your stores in Houston. I was too green a new author to even ask you guys about a release date. I had no idea how the whole thing worked or, for crying out loud, if it would work at all. Keith, however, has never been one for holding back questions. He took me out to dinner without saying a single word about the Bible study then told me that he needed to run an errand on the way home. He pulled up in front of the store, opened my car door, took me by the hand, and walked me into the store. He marched me down an aisle like he knew just where he was going then stood me right in front of the ugliest cover I would ever love.

A Woman's Heart

And we both cried.

As you who were around at that time know, there were never any promises from your side or expectations from ours about a second Bible study or, with the second, a third.

What began as a publishing relationship turned headlong and heart-long into a ministry partnership.

We who have worked together on the curriculum team have marveled over and over again that God would risk anything at all on such a flawed concoction of people. Early on we came to the conclusion that God either has a lot of grace or very poor taste.

His grace was not in vain. I want to boast in Christ for the caliber of people that I’ve had the privilege to labor alongside at LifeWay for 20 years. From Day 1 to this day, every single man and woman I’ve gotten to know (young, old, or middle aged, from customer care to graphic design to editorial to management and so on) has had a heart to love and serve Jesus Christ and an authentic desire to see people come to faith and be discipled in God’s Word.

Every person. Without exception. I mention it because I just don’t think that’s normal. I think that’s the Holy Spirit.

Every single time I had a conference call to run a concept for a new study past the discipleship team, it wrapped up in earnest prayer, placing it before God, asking Him to do with it what He would. Never did you enter into it lightly. Never did you pressure me to write on a particular concept. You always gave me the room to seek God for what He’d stir in my heart in the pages of Scripture for the next Bible study.

20 years is more than enough time to get cynical, to lose respect, and to shift into automatic and just shell out material that doesn’t have an ounce of the Holy Spirit on it.

Because of the unfathomable grace and sustaining power of God through our Lord Jesus Christ, I will board that plane today free of cynicism and full of respect for you. I don’t have a sick feeling in my stomach like I sold my soul to the devil or have been a part of playing people or putting on a big act.

I have had the privilege to do the one thing on earth I feel most called to do.

And I’ve had the privilege to do that one thing with you.

Thank you.

That’s what I’m writing this open letter to say.

Thank you so much for your patience with me through 20 years of growing and changing and going through all sorts of highs and lows and crises and losses and some excruciating learning experiences. Thank you for dealing with the drama. Thank you for standing with me, believing God with me, dreaming with me, serving with me, and for fighting for me. 20 years is time enough to see someone at her best and her worst. We are long past the point where we don’t really know each other. And here we are. Still together. We didn’t have to always see everything the same way for me to be so deeply thankful we’d seen it together. I would not trade a minute of it.

A dyed in the wool sanguine, God used another little element to make this thing work for 20 years. I have laughed my head off with some of you. You’ve got some men and women on your payroll that are among my favorite people on the planet. I have been to the other side of the world and back numerous times with a merry band of your employees, made enough memories for 10 lifetimes, and laughed till I cried. I have eaten pizza on the Mount of Olives with them and walked with them through a foot of sheep manure in fields outside of Bethlehem. The privilege of working with people that you just flat-out like is no smallย  thing and it is not wasted on me.

I could write for hours and still not convey all that is stirring in my heart toward you but just this one time, I’m going to accept what my editor has tried to tell me for years: Beth, less is more.

So I will end with this and then bid us onward to the future:

Today I set this stack before our glorious and faithful God in His honor alone as a stone of remembrance. As an occasion to look back over our collective shoulders, reflect and say our God has been so gracious to us. For He alone can establish the work of human hands. May this makeshift stone of remembrance made of pages and ink serve as living proof to somebody reading today that, if He could be willing to use someone like me, He is willing to use absolutely anyone.

Bible studies

With so much love for all of you at LifeWay, for those recently retired, and for an unstoppable visionary in a wheelchair who now stands strong and complete in the presence of Jesus,

Beth

2015_02_09_14_25_21.pdf000
In 2002 with Lee and Myrna Sizemore

 

Jesus, You and I alone know the miracle You have accomplished. We alone know the depths from which You pulled me. Your boundless grace saved me, not just from the enemy, but from myself. The patience with which You have taught me, disciplined me, helped me, refocused me, restored me, redirected me and constantly revived me is astonishing. You just don’t give up on Your own, do You? You, Jesus, are my Prince. You are the single greatest joy of my life. Thank You for the cross.

 

 

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307 Responses to “An Open Letter to LifeWay”

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Comments:

  1. 251
    Lori says:

    Dearest Beth,
    15 years ago, God brought you into my life via your Bible studies. You were the one that made me tell God, “I want what she has!” And He has done immeasurably more than all I could have ever asked or imagined. Thank you, Beth, for everything, especially for guiding me to really believe God. I pray for you continually, dear one, and will continue to forever and always. Congrats on this milestone. Huge hugs to you!
    Lori

  2. 252
    Virginia Haas says:

    Oh, Beth! When I started reading your letter, I thought I might be reading of your retirement from writing Bible studies. I am happy to be wrong! I remember the first of your studies I did with three friends, “David”. We loved it. Yes, the message of the Scripture is the important part, but the messenger can spoil the message in her delivery. You don’t! You have enhanced, encouraged, enabled and through your obvious love of God’s Word you have enlightened us through out the years. We’ve enjoyed watching your hair styles and clothes. We’ve enjoyed your stories of Keith, the girls, your dogs, your trips to Africa (hair dryers), trips to India (darkness and protection), and your son-in-law’s new church. Right now I’m participating in “Children of the Day” for the second time. Keep going. Keep writing. As long as you think this is what the Holy Spirit is directing you to do, do it!

  3. 253
    Pamela Smith says:

    Beth, I read scripture OUT-LOUD for the first time ever standing outside on my back patio. One hand holding my bible and the other hand raised! Thank you for God’s Dwelling Place, A Woman’s Heart! I am eternally grateful. Thank you.

  4. 254
    Michelle Helmic says:

    WOW!

  5. 255
    Michele McLaughlin says:

    I feel like I have grown up with you. It has been about 17 years since my first study with you and since then I still can’t get enough of God’s word. Thank you for sticking with it even while facing the enemy. I am still praying to have the passion that you have for sharing Jesus with others! Congratulations and I can’t wait to see what God does through you next!

  6. 256
    Pamela Levingston says:

    Thank God for Lifeway and for you a true gift to the body of Christ!

  7. 257
    Pam Burkham says:

    Dear Beth,
    Every day I open your blog hoping for a new “word” from you and today I was blessed beyond my dreams. I loved how Keith surprised you! I so love God’s word and I pray that I will have the open heart and spirit to learn from Him and be able to express it in some way to others in the way God shows me. There is no other like Beth Moore – delightful and devoted! I know you want no praise. You are authentic and real and humble. My life’s journey has brought blessing and heartache but through your words, books, blogs and Bible Studies I have learned to trust the undeniable, incomparable Jesus Christ. I seek to love Him more as I know Him better each day and I pray for you and give thanks for you – what a blessing. God has used you mightily.

  8. 258
    Yvonne says:

    I have often wished I had the gift of words. Now is one of those times. I cannot believe that it has been 20 years. Shortly after your first study came out, I found myself and my family uprooted and moving to a large and from my viewpoint, dangerous city to be raising my two boys in. All because we love the Lord and He had called my man to serve him there. At that time, I was given your first study to do. And I fell in love. I fell deeper in love with my Heavenly Father and with in-depth Bible study in a way I had never known. Experiencing God changed my Christian walk, but this changed my desire to dig deep into His word. I wish I could say it has stayed that way; we have had some ebb and flows, me and my Savior (well me, he has never changed) but my world with Him was forever changed because you were obedient to Him. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. And thank you to Lifeway, an organization that my husband has worked along side for these many years after our move.

    Blessings to you dear sister in Christ,

    Yvonne

    PS Please put some pictures on here from your day at Lifeway. I saw a few on Angie Smith’s Instagram, but would love to see some here.

  9. 259
    Romona Smith says:

    All week long I’ve been singing “Great is Your Faithfulness”. God is so good.

  10. 260

    When you began this part of your journey, I had just come to believe in Christ as my own Savior. The pain and baggage I carried was honestly crushing. The Lord used you to walk me out of bondage to freedom. And though the focus has always been Jesus and falling in love with the King of Kings, I feel so completely like you are my surrogate sister. I’m so grateful that you have been willing to be used for His glory. Thank you and thanks to all who have been part of that… I can’t imagine how many others. And especially your daughters for sharing you with us all. It has impacted my soul more deeply than I can communicate here.

  11. 261
    Erin says:

    God has used you and your studies to bring freedom to my life! So I share in your rejoicing over this blessed and ordained partnership!!

  12. 262
    lynda rickey says:

    Beth,
    I am so blessed that Jesus has used your talents so mightily. I love you girl.
    Love, Lynda

  13. 263
    Todd Adkins says:

    I hope you were blessed today by the celebration of 20yrs of partnership. It is truly an amazing accomplishment and I m confident the best is yet to come!

  14. 264
    Shirlea says:

    Thank you, Beth Moore, for not only teaching me how to study the Word of God but to also LOVE the Word of God! God has used you in a mighty way and I am forever grateful.

  15. 265
    Mollie Coonce says:

    I stumbled into your Bible studies with Jesus the One and Only at my grandmother-in-law’s Methodist church about 5 years ago. I was young in my faith and doing a really good job of convincing myself that I was listening to God, when I really was half-listening, at best. But I loved it, so when my in-laws’ church started up Esther about a year later, I JUMPED into that without a second thought – and it was the first time in my life that I ever spent any consistent time with the Lord, and it was a revelation.
    Fast forward two years and I was a first-time mom to a darling but demanding toddler, wife to a service member suffering from PTSD, and FAR away from home, all the while having managed to somehow lose myself in the process. I read So Long Insecurity and DEVOURED it, and then immediately ordered the Breaking Free Bible study. I did the whole thing, video sessions and all, nightly on my bathroom floor all by myself, and it CHANGED MY LIFE!
    Tears are streaming down my face right now as I write this because I know to the depths of my soul that God put these studies in my path on purpose and I would not be the person I am today if it weren’t for what you, all of you, do!

    Right now, I am on the home stretch of David: Seeking a Heart like His (self-studying again) and struggling with the indecision of what to do next. I marvel at how pointed to my exact season in life these studies have been and I eagerly await what the Holy Spirit will pick out for me next! (Right now, the study of David has been helping me cope with an impending, life-shaking event that is quite possibly the hardest and most heart-wrenching thing I have ever encountered.[and any extra prayers that could be spared for me and my family would be… I don’t even have words to express the level of delight and appreciation.])

    And, Beth, I may never get the opportunity to meet you, but I just wanted you to know how much I delight in you. I look forward to your words, both spoken and written. You make me smile and laugh and bring me to the most beautiful of tears. I can relate to your words so much, sometimes I do seriously wonder how you can be talking about me and not even know me! Lol!

    Thank you, Beth, staff, and everyone at LifeWay for all that you do, and all that God does through you. <3
    You've been such a blessing to this one little, undeserving life. ๐Ÿ˜‰

    Love and prayers for you all! <3

  16. 266
    Lisamarie says:

    Beth God has used you greatly in my life. You gave me courage to face the enemy and scripture to win the war. You inspired me to share my story praising God’s Grace and mercy. Thank you for forging ahead when it was hardest and for following His call in your life.

  17. 267
    elisabeth says:

    And I hope Lifeway and you know just how deep this stuff affects the thousands of us in our marrow. I’m pretty convinced if you did an autopsy of me you’d find part of the wiring of my brain and particles in my blood contain pieces of the 5 point pledge moving around and firing between neuro-transmitters. I’m pretty sure with my dying breath I will say “I’m. Believing. God.” I’m pretty sure I could have alzheimers and still laugh over the jokes made in Esther about how tough it is to be a woman. And I’m pretty sure I will never again hear the word “insecurity” without thinking of a certain beloved book and concept that when I started reading I had covered with a brown paper book cover and now shout about from the rooftops. Lifeway and Mama Beth, I only wish you knew the extent of all He’s doing through you and your partnership. I’m just thankful that I for one, do. ๐Ÿ™‚

  18. 268
    carla says:

    My dear Beth, you are in at least a group of 2 that God almighty has had a workin’ to do on; and still is. My Lord has been faithful and patient as He is molding me and is teaching me precepts everyday. Girl don’t you ever doubt for one single minute that your life, teaching, testimony or all your effort has been for nothing. If it was meant for one person on this earth it was this girl here in the country side of eastern Tennessee. You have been such an inspiration to me, an example of what a godly woman looks like–even when she’s NOT perfect–and the kind of teacher that inspires me to want to dig and learn more on my own. Your humor is priceless! Your story is redemption walking before us, your love for us is amazing and hopefully rebounded back upon you for I love you like a sister girlfriend! HERE’S TO 20 MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  19. 269
    Jennifer says:

    Beth,

    Thank you and your teams sacrifice and hard work.

    It is hard to put into a few words what your studies have done for me and the “light in the dark” they have provided me as I have walked out my salvstion in Christ!

    Some exciting revelations and releases from bondage have come from every single one of your studies and it has been amazing to look back and see how God used each one to help me walk out the freedom Christ paid for.

    I continually pray for you, your family, and your team, and excitedly await your next study!

    Praise God for women of faith such as yourself!

  20. 270
    Michele says:

    Praising God, with you, Mama Beth!

  21. 271
    Stephanie Brower says:

    And Beth~

    All those precious workbooks are stacked exactly like that on my Bible study bookshelf in my home along with a few others when I started doing them in 2004. What a stone of remembrance. Thank you for your faithfulness to our Father from whom ALL those gifts have come!

    Choosing JOY, Stephanie
    Psalm 126

  22. 272
    Carol Bruntlett says:

    thank you Beth for being faithful to your calling that Jesus has placed on your life
    In 2001 I did my very first bible study Breaking Free ,
    I was a mess in 2001
    I was introduced to your Bible Study by a Christian Counselor
    I am so thankful for Breaking Free I met Jesus on the pages of that Study and I wanted to do it all again .
    I have done several of your bible studies since then and they always refresh my soul.
    The first time I saw you in person at one of your conference for women
    Was in 2007 ,in Albuquerque NM , I knew you were the real deal , I am so thankful for you
    I appreciate every word in those bible studies
    I have several bible studies of yours stacked up in my end table and I pull breaking free out a lot just to go over it again .
    .thankful for being set free
    Looking forward to seeing you in April 2015 here Albuquerque NM
    That will be 1 yr since my sweet mama passing ,
    So I am looking forward to your conference .
    Carol

  23. 273
    Sparki2003 says:

    To GOD BE THE GLORY !!! Hallelujah and AMEN !!!
    —————————————————–

    Thank you, Lifeway, for EVERY little THING that you have done over these past 20 years, in order to
    bless us, and literally, the world, with the work
    that has come from the Holy Spirit into our precious “Miss Beth’s” sweet mind !

    And, for taking a chance on even “attempting” Video Driven ONLINE Bible study; a week and a half after taping, and with homework that literally came out when the next session came out from “Believing God” Online! My life will NEVER be the same! Mainly, through “Miss Beth’s” teaching, [through “Believing God” online, “Beloved Disciple”-in person, and 3-4 weeks into “Breaking Free”-between the Lord, “Miss Beth”-on audio tapes, (mind you !), and myself; the Holy Spirit’s continuous work on me with His divine Guidance; and a whole lot of sweet learning from all that in-depth Bible study homework on my part over the following 6 to 7 months … I came to know Christ Jesus as MY Personal Lord and Savior in April, 2003 … Praise the Lord !
    —————————————————–

    I can barely even begin to tell you, my dear Miss Beth; how incredibly special your Bible studies; and the very brief times when we spoke face to face, have meant in my life. First of all, it took a teaching colleague of mine an entire month to convince me to even “give Bible study a try” [as I had literally Never been taught how to open a Bible, other than to put birth notices and obituaries inside of it… (with one exception– One lady taught me Jeremiah 29:11-13 way back in 1987; and has been my “life verse” ever since!)]

    My first study was “Believing God”, done online from where my friend and I taught middle school; approximately 1.5 hours NW of the “Houston Loop”; and what I would soon begin to call the “precious HFBC Church”. And, whatever you said in those first 2 or 3 “video segments”; and the way that you said them; made me want [Sorry for the pun …] MORE … of what-ever it was that you had !!! And, as Paul Harvey used to say, “the rest of the story” is written above … [Which, of course, was the working of the Holy Spirit in your life through Christ Jesus!!!]

    However, since early 2013, I have been “doing my best” to “hold on to that little thread of faith”; as my whole “little world” turned upside down at that point in time. Mainly, my dear Mom, Elinor, [a feisty, “James’ Dobson’s Strong-Willed Adult” type of 75 year old lady]; lost her battle with double pneumonia, on top of other lung diseases on March 28th; and went Home to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus.

    She was so feisty that after recovering well enough; she went into “Home Health Nursing”, as a Registered Nurse (RN), after being forced to use oxygen 24/7 due to a certain lung disease; just because she loved her patients so much! And, actually took a job in December, 2012; but due to having to learn how to use yet one more nursing computer program; finally chose to “officially retire, gracefully” after her 2 week orientation program with that organization!

    And, since my Mom and I lived together, helping one another out; I was required to find a different place to live in a very short period of time. My 3 older sisters’ Dad had passed away 5 years prior to that time. The house was sold in “record time”; as it was a very “old fashioned”, yet beautifully taken care of home; with real oak floors, etc.

    However, in “His timing”, I got assistance in finding a nice, income/health based subsidized apartment to live a few months later. The Lord has chosen to give me what appears to be a “Paul’s kind of thorn in my side”; that I was recently told is neurological in nature, called an “adult on-set involuntary movement disorder”. For the most part, it is centered in my formerly frequently sprained right ankle/foot; causing it to “spin” involuntarily.

    HOWEVER, as I learned in your “Praying God’s Word” book; I have this sign posted to help me remember WHO is truly IN CONTROL: “Faith is NOT believing in MY own UN-shakable belief. FAITH IS believing an UN-SHAKABLE GOD, when Every-thing in me trembles and quakes.” [Copyright 2000, 2003: Praying God’s Word; Beth Moore; BH Publishers, I believe] I’m sorry, I do not know the page number it came from; but, I do know that I know, that it is Biblically based. ๐Ÿ™‚

    I am praying that I may be able to make it back down to Houston next January for the SSMT Celebration!

    May God bless you, always! Love you, my dear big Sister !

    Sincerely yours in Christ Jesus,

    Jennifer Olmstead

    Janesville, Wisconsin

  24. 274
    Alissa says:

    Beth,
    Thank you for serving our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Thank you for being genuine and transparent. Thank you for not giving up and not holding back. We are so blessed to hear the word of God through such a beautiful, joyful woman of God. Praising Jesus for you!

  25. 275
    Roberta Woolley says:

    So, when is the next study?

  26. 276
    Amy Gorr says:

    i have done ten of these studies…..some twice because I did the study at one church and taught them a year later at my church. The memories of fellowship with my father, amazing revelations and love and friendships forever formed brings tears to my eyes. John the Beloved Disciple is still my favorite. I so identify with him. Thank you, thank you for your obedience, for being so transparent and diligently studying Gods word to share with us.

  27. 277
    Matilda Harris says:

    It is my favorite Study. A Woman’s Heart God’s Dwelling Place.

  28. 278
    Todd Tyner says:

    Beth,
    First and foremost, thank you for your service and commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ. Your love for Him comes through in every thing you do, say and write. Serving in a LifeWay store in Florence, South Carolina for a couple of years has given me many opportunities to minister to the family of God in so many ways that I cannot begin to list them all here. However, I can say that because of your many studies I have had the chance to administer care, compassion and the love of Jesus to many on their journey of faith. Your studies equip us as LifeWay servants to provide our customers with tools to assist them on this journey. I have even been able to use the encounter in front of the Beth Moore programs feature to witness to many who were searching for some answers to that inner voice that was calling out to them. Even though I am not the gifted author that you are, I have been able to supplement with a conversation, on many occasions, the wonderful gift that Jesus and only Jesus has to offer to all who will accept it. So, I thank you for the opportunities to participate in the work of the Holy Spirit that you hard work has afforded to me inside the LifeWay Store.

    Congratulations on 20 years of service to the Kingdom and I pray continuously that many more are to follow. Though I have not had the pleasure to meet you face to face, I know you are my sister and our common cause keeps us connected. Let me also say that you have an standing, open and sincere invitation to visit, spend time and share with us in the LifeWay Christian Store in Florence, South Carolina. We would be honored…..

    “Well Done My good and faithful servant….”

    In His Love,
    Todd Tyner
    LifeWay Christian Store #9325
    Florence, SC

  29. 279
    Sophia S. says:

    Sophia S.,Harleysville,P.A. ” If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

    1 John 1:9
    (NIV)

  30. 280
    Susan Innes says:

    Dear Beth,

    Thank you for letting God transform me because that has helped in my transformation. Thank you for being in love with the Word and faithful to it because that has inspired my love for the Word. Thank you for glorifying God on earth! Your studies have been a foundation on which God has built much in my life.

    God’s Peace,
    Suz

  31. 281
    Gabriella S. says:

    Gabriella S, Harleysville, PA

    “I am the Lord; I have called you into righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you. I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations.”

    Isaiah 42:6
    (ESV)

  32. 282
    Jennifer S says:

    Jennifer S., Harleysville, PA
    “Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. ”

    Psalm 86:11

  33. 283
    Rachel Burgess says:

    Farmington,MO “I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws.” Psalm119:106 NIV

  34. 284
    Mary Wood says:

    Mary Wood, Fort Worth, TX

    So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

    2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV

  35. 285
    Ruth Campos says:

    In “consider(ing) what great things He has done for (me)” (I Sam. 12:24b), I have to consider how God has used you and Lifeway to grow me closer to the Lord. I learned a lot of doctrine in my youth and even went overseas as a missionary for a time, but the Lord used you to teach me a lot of things that were necessary for me to understand and believe about God’s desire to walk in relationship with me day by day. The Lord used you to point out verses like John 14:21,23 which I had somehow skimmed over before without realizing what they really said. Now these are among my favorite verses. Also, with your excitement for the Word, it suddenly clicked how intricately and beautifully the Lord has woven the Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation (A Woman’s Heart). I took Breaking Free twice and taught it once. There are only two of your studies that I have not taken. The Lord has used you mightily in my life! Thank you so much for serving God as you have! May the Lord continue to bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you and give you peace (Num. 6:24-26). I love you, precious sister!

  36. 286
    Chelsea Rippner says:

    Chelsea from Allen, TX

    Philippians 4:13 NKJV

    “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

  37. 287
    Terri Atkins says:

    Beth,
    I so much enjoyed the 20 year celebration in Chapel last week. Great worship and a good word the Lord gave you. What a great 20 years for LifeWay and you as we have partnered together in the ministry to serve the Lord, as we teach his word. I appreciate all you do and the example you are. Thank you for always being faithful to Jesus. You inspire me and so many.

  38. 288
    Jen says:

    Beth you are like a second mom to me and I’ve never met you. There are no words adequate to tell you the impact you have made in my life. Thank you.

  39. 289

    Dear Beth,

    Thank you for your faithfulness and abiding in Him. I discovered your revised first Bible Study when I was working in the USA and worshipped with the folks at Providence Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC. I have since taken the lessons with me to Australia and shared with a group of women friends and my family.

    May the next decade bring us all closer to the inner place, as this is whats required for our times.

    Love and warm hugs from Down Under,

    Joyce
    p.s. I started a blog mid-last year. I am a business executive who writes about leadership and faith. I would be greatly encouraged if some people share it with others.

  40. 290
    Jackie Kyle says:

    For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11, ESV

  41. 291
    bethany says:

    Bethany, Pensacola FL
    “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13 (esv)

  42. 292
    Terri says:

    Terri – Harrison Twp MI
    I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. NIV 3 John 1:4

  43. 293
    Katie Grace Sadler says:

    Katie Grace Sadler from Mayo Florida

    Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 (NIV)

    But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always. Hosea 12:6 (NIV)

  44. 294
    Gay Trier says:

    12 Donโ€™t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. I. Tim 4:12

    Warsaw, In.

  45. 295
    Anne Miller says:

    Anne Miller, Ballwin, MO Psalm 62:1-2New International Version (NIV)

    1 Truly my soul finds rest in God;
    my salvation comes from him.
    2 Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
    he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

  46. 296
    Allyson says:

    Allyson Flack, Wichita Falls, Tx
    “But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”
    James 1:25 (ESV)

  47. 297
    Tanya Atwood says:

    Tanya Atwood, Tyler, Texas “Love the Lord your God with all your heart & with all your soul and with all your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV

  48. 298
    Dee Smith says:

    Beth;
    I am such a new believer in God and Christ, since I really started attending church about 4 years ago. When a bible class opened up I jumped at the chance to sign up for weekly class in the evenings. I so enjoyed the bible study we had because it was the first time I had ever heard of you and watched your lessons. They where on DVD’s and although I can not remember the name, each lesson started with you showing a house you stated was your old home. I really enjoyed each lesson and enjoyed the joy and truth you showed as you talked to us as if you where in the room with us giving the lesson each week.
    You where so eager in your teaching that I really felt like I needed to continue seeking my Lord more and more. I am so glad your continuing your life’s work for God and pray for you to continue to be so gung ho in your presentations. You are a joy to watch because it is very obvious that you speak truth, joy, and love on your subject as you speak. I too feel that your subject, God Himself is so very interesting in the fact of His love for all His creation that He refers to us as His children. Bless you for the work you do with so much love. May you continue to love the work that God Himself has given you because He knew you where capable of doing it as He wished it to be done.
    Dee Smith

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