Believing God by Beth Moore online Bible study has changed lives. We’ve enjoyed the conversations and the opportunities to strengthen our faith. Congratulations to everyone who has completed the study here at the Womens Bible Cafe.
During this study, we learned about the importance of promised Land living. We looked back at our timeline of history with God, memorized five statements of faith, and put our minds on believing God. What a beautiful experience for all the women who participated at the Bible Cafe.
In Joshua 10:10 NIV: “…the LORD threw his enemies into confusion.” What might be a modern example of this? [hint: look at BlueLetterBible.org for original meaning, and a modern dictionary]
We need some confusion in the dark places and evil places. You might hear prophets pray to “confuse the enemy” or scatter their plans. Or the prayer warriors who ask the Lord to “Send angels to confuse the enemy.”
What happens when you pray and ask for A, B, C, and steps of wisdom? But God says, be still. How do you feel when you pray and God answers, “Be still?” (related verses: Psalm 46:10; Exodus 14:14: 1 Samuel 12:16; Nehemiah 8:11; Psalm 37:7; Mark 4:39; 1 Corinthians 13:8 )
You’re looking for a different answer but God has the answer that He knows you need on your faith journey. Avoid the temptation to call your mother, friend, or someone not walking with Christ. When they answer, you unintentionally partner with THEM for their will and step into people pleasing. Seek God’s will and not the approval of people.
Psalm 46:10 NIV- He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Hebrew OT: cease striving; to sink, relax, sink down, let drop, be disheartened; to sink down; to sink, drop; to sink, relax, abate; to relax, withdraw; idle; to let drop; to let drop, abandon, relax, refrain, forsake; to let go; to refrain, let alone; to be quiet; to show oneself slack
Exodus 14:14- The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” KJV= The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.
Hebrew OT: to be silent, be still, wait, be dumb, grow dumb; to be silent; to be still, die; to be struck dumb; to be silenced, be made silent, destroyed; to make quiet; make silent (cause to die)
1 Samuel 12:16- “Now then, stand still and see this great thing the Lord is about to do before your eyes!
Nehemiah 8:11- The Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, for this is a holy day. Do not grieve.”
Psalm 37:7- Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Mark 4:39- He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.
GREEK NT, Jesus = to close the mouth with a muzzle, to muzzle, metaphor: to stop the mouth, make speechless, reduce to silence; to become speechless; to be kept in check
1 Corinthians 13:8- Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
Greek NT Meaning: to make to cease or desist; to restrain a thing or person from something; to cease, to leave off; have got a release from sin; no longer stirred by its incitements and seductions.
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Christine Abraham writes for the Bible Cafe™ community. Learn about living by the Fruit of the Spirit as you enjoy her online Bible studies. Join Christine at the Bible Cafe™ University for weekly Bible teaching.
Today is our last group discussion for Breaking Free by Beth Moore. We have enjoyed the small group discussions and the commitment from the Womens Bible Cafe team. Great job everyone!
As we discussed this week, Jesus reminds us to love the Lord with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. We’re captives set free, yet Beth Moore reminds us, others may not understand our position. You can display His splendor to those who are still captive. Don’t judge the captives, as you were once a captive too. Know that each person is on a different pace in their spiritual journey. Let the Holy Spirit work in them and pray for their freedom.
Those set free will often display the Fruits of the Spirit (see Galatians 5). Integrity, honesty, generosity, and gratitude are also evident in captives set free. As you continue to walk in freedom, you cultivate a posture of forgiveness and hope for the future. You are viewing the world as Ambassadors for Christ.
Let’s make sure we cultivate a garden of good fruit and keep the bad fruit out. Pause, stop, pray, and respond in the fruit of the Spirit.
We radiate His love when others look at our lives and hear our testimonies. It’s “living proof” of Christ’s indwelling. Be transparent in Christ.
Beth Moore cautions us, “The empty places in our lives become the enemy’s playground.” What can we do to fill those holes with Christ rather than something unhealthy? We can learn to discern and identify our emptiness. Daily prayer and confession help us anchor to God’s Word. Fellowship with believers keeps us accountable to the Truth. Yet we can also watch the atmosphere – is it spiritually healthy? Is the Holy Spirit present here? Am I on Holy Ground?
The Lord will renew our strength, yet we often try to renew it absent of Him. Or we try to renew the strength of someone else. What needs to happen for us to wait for His perfect and complete renewal? Let’s make a promise to ourselves for a Sabbath rest. We can also tame our tongue, and be still when tempted to respond or to sin.
Recommended Book: Sacred Rest by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith
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Christine Abraham writes for the Bible Cafe™ community. Learn about living by the Fruit of the Spirit as you enjoy her online Bible studies. Join Christine at the Bible Cafe™ University for weekly Bible teaching.
Spiritual Disciplines Don’t Need to Be Complicated. Let me show you how I journal my time with Jesus. My goal is to show you how I spend time with the Bridegroom and how I deliver value to my community. As such, it’s absolutely free. Enjoy! -Christine Abraham, Bible Cafe™ Coach
When I designed my journal I wanted to spend intentional and focused time with Jesus. With regular use I soon discovered what Jesus wants me to know for today. This has been a key discovery for my spiritual growth.
Now you can get the journal that I use each day. Download your free copy and print it yourself. #BeBlessed
This is my way of saying thanks for participating in our online Bible studies, following me on social media @BibleCafeCoach, and being a member of our online community. It is a blessing to serve you- for God’s glory.
We Have Been Seen in the Following Nationally Recognized Publications
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CHRISTINE ABRAHAM | WBC Group Monday 12pm Eastern | BCU Zoom Groups Tues, Wed, Thurs at 12pm Eastern
CHRISTINE ABRAHAM is the Bible Cafe™ Founder and helps people understand the Bible, fellowship in small groups, and develop a lasting relationship with Jesus. She earned a Graduate of Theology degree in Biblical Studies from Liberty University. Christine has facilitated more than 100 Bible Cafe™ studies. She is a popular Christian Life & Leadership Coach. She lives in California with her husband and two rescue dogs.
We’re near the end of Believing God by Beth Moore. In this online Bible study for Believing God, we have enjoyed fellowship through small group discussions. Many of you have emailed and messaged me about how much you have enjoyed the Believing God by Beth Moore online Bible study! Be sure to thank your small group leaders for devoting their time and their hearts to lead our groups. We have amazing leaders at the Bible Cafe.
According to Beth Moore, your personal Gilgal is where “God brings you full circle and breaks any looming cycle of failure.” This is a cycle of defeat, the cycle of fear, or a transforming experience. And for some, it feels like a personal revival. If you look back at your timeline with God, you may see where you experienced a breakthrough. Maybe you were delivered of insecurity, pride, or people’s approval. Perhaps you were raised in a Pharisee church and developed a fear of authority in religion. Maybe you encountered someone in ministry who made you feel the spirit of diminishment.
When we stand at a crossroad we visited before, we are coming full circle with God. Some women in small groups said they do not like the word “test” or being tested. It brings up negative memories for them. Yet other women like the experience of being tested and seeing their spiritual maturity. As we discussed in our small groups, you need to SEE that you have been delivered. God already knows the answer and result. And so the test is for you to measure your own spiritual growth and development.
Open your Bible and look at Exodus 20:20 NIV: “Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.” We say that fear includes both success and failure. If we never see success, we stop trying things. If we never experience failure, we are not taking risks and not learning from our mistakes.
For example, Beth Moore testifies that God has delivered her from insecurity, fear, defeated thinking, and practices of sin. She was tested, experiencing both success and failure until her faith matured. Maybe you had a similar experience, and how you respond now is different. You’re probably more aware of your temptations and faults as you mature in your relationship with God.
How do you feel about sharing your testimony with nonbelievers? When I am ASKED, then I share and I am ready with answers. But I do not walk into a room and start preaching or sharing an uninvited testimony. I wait for the Holy Spirit to nudge me or open the door to conversation. When I testify, I like to avoid the details (unless necessary) and generalize the testimony. My testimony must lead to God. With experience and time, we will learn what to say and what not to say.
According to Beth Moore, “We don’t walk in perfect faith for the rest of our lives. We walk in prevailing faith.” Perfect faith means we don’t need to lean on Jesus. As the Bride of Christ, we seek a faith that preserves, even when we are unsuccessful. Remember, David, Moses, and Abraham all made mistakes and yet were in a constant relationship with God. When they made a mistake or sinned, they turned to God for confession and forgiveness.
We talked about spiritual disciplines in our small groups this week. Some of these disciplines include Bible study, devotions, worship, prayer, fellowship, communion, confession, sabbath rest, giving, fasting, and disciple-making. We do these things out of love for Our Father God. It is a blessing to experience these spiritual disciplines.
Turn your Bible to Galatians 6:9 NIV: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Jesus got away from the crowds and sometimes we need that too. Find time this week for sacred rest. Read the Bible verses about the weary.
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Christine Abraham writes for the Bible Cafe™ community. Learn about living by the Fruit of the Spirit as you enjoy her online Bible studies. Join Christine at the Bible Cafe™ University for weekly Bible teaching.
Welcome back to our womens online bible study of Breaking Free by Beth Moore. Last week we studied the heart and in week nine Beth Moore focuses on the mind. In Matthew 22:37, Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ It’s a little challenging to love if your mind is a battlefield! If you missed this study, you can access it on-demand at Bible Cafe™ University.
This week Beth Moore writes, “Surrendering our thought lives is a safeguard.” Giving God control of our thoughts gives Him access to our hearts and mind. When our minds are steadfast with God, we are anchored to the Fruit of the Spirit (not the flesh). Should we surrender our thoughts to nonbelievers and get worldview advice?
Open your Bible to 1 Corinthians 5:12-13 NIV: What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?God will judge those outside. Expel the wicked person from among you.
We can expel our thoughts. We should avoid having a depraved mind. Catch your thoughts when they are fleeting thoughts and see if they measure up to God’s word. As Mary Beth taught us in small group this week, it is easier to correct thoughts than false beliefs. Because the false belief becomes a stronghold in your life.
In our study Breaking Free, Beth Moore brings attention to the metaphor “valley” and” harvest.” Many women in our small groups felt they were in the valley season, where your faith is watered by sweat and tears. Others felt they were in the harvest season. I think we can experience both. For example, I am in the valley season as my daughters move out. Many people call this the empty nest syndrome. Yet I also see my harvest season is coming as I trust God with their futures and mine.
One of the mistakes we make is trying to break a stronghold in our own strength. We try to educate ourselves about a problem, such as Google searches and artificial intelligence (AI) answers. As I teach in my Leadership Coaching Course, these Google results can be manipulated by AI machines. The answers we see are based on popularity, not fact. Or we might call a friend or family member, and she may not be walking with God. She leads us into deeper captivity with her advice.
As Beth Moore writes, “Satanic strongholds need divine demolition.” We need the supernatural power of God to deal with a supernatural demonic stronghold. Sometimes, we need spiritual fasting with our prayer ONLY when directed by the Holy Spirit. You cannot break a stronghold in your strength (or your husbands, mothers, or pastors). You need the Lord. Y
We learned this week that we can be led to victory by the cords of human kindness. In our small groups, we talked about things we can do in the next month to be an example of kindness.
Make a meal for a neighbor
Send cards to our friends
Be intentional to call and talk by phone rather than by text
Give sincere compliments on social media posts
Meet up with friends for coffee or tea
Find inspiration from a consistently kind person
Show the Fruit of the Spirit, treat people as Jesus would in love
Gently saying no to someone, can be kindness too!
Remember, if we don’t surrender our thoughts and take them captive to Christ, they will take root as our identity. When we meditate on captive thoughts, we are ignoring the truth of the Holy Word. We need to put on the mind of Christ, read the Word, and give all thoughts to Him through prayer.
A keynote experience of completing this study is replacing lies with truth. Some people believe the lie that we are abandoned by God. Truth: You are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. (Galatians 4:7 NIV)
Or they believe the lie that Satan wins. Truth: And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain.He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time.(Revelation 20:2 NIV)
How do we take thoughts captive so we are not deceived by lies? We search the Bible for Scriptures and write them down so we can see and meditate on them. We avoid deception whenever possible: news, television entertainment, novels, music, gossip, and slander.
We seek to be a godly woman. She gives her heart, soul, and mind to God. She obeys Him with all her strength. She surrenders her thoughts to Him for discernment, wisdom, and direction (Beth Moore, Breaking Free)
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Christine Abraham writes for the Bible Cafe™ community. Learn about living by the Fruit of the Spirit as you enjoy her online Bible studies. Join Christine at the Bible Cafe™ University for weekly Bible teaching.
We live in a world where people are deceived. Inside our Bibles, we see helpful Bible Verses About Being Deceived. The word first appears in Genesis, when Eve is deceived by the serpent. In the New Testament Jesus used the word deceived. In Revelation, the word deceived is attributed to Satan.
According to the Bible, we can be deceived by family, friends, coworkers, idols, government people, kings, prophets, and preachers. That’s a HUGE list! Beneath deception lurks Satan, the father of lies. Pray on that.
Bible Verses About Deceived
Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you.” Matthew 24:4 NIV
“For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. “Matthew 24:24 NIV
“For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many.” Matthew 24:5 NIV
For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. Romans 16:18 NIV
Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. 1 Corinthians 3:18 NIV
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Galatians 6:7 NIV
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Ephesians 5:5 NIV
Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 2 Thessalonians 2:3 NIV
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22 NIV
Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. James 1:26 NIV
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:8 NIV
I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. 2 John 1:7 NIV
More Bible Verses About Deceived
And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever. Revelation 20:10 NIV
Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” Genesis 3:13 NIV
“Do not steal. Do not lie. Do not deceive one another. Leviticus 19:11 NIV
“But be careful. Don’t let your heart be deceived so that you turn away from the Lord and serve and worship other gods. Deuteromony 11:16 NLT
Surely he recognizes deceivers; and when he sees evil, does he not take note? Job 11:11 NIV
To him belong strength and insight; both deceived and deceiver are his. Job 12:16 NIV
Would it turn out well if he examined you? Could you deceive him as you might deceive a mortal? Job 13:9 NIV
Let him not deceive himself by trusting what is worthless, for he will get nothing in return. Job 15:31 NIV
Why should I fear when evil days come, when wicked deceivers surround me Psalm 49:5 NIV
An honest witness does not deceive,but a false witness pours out lies. Psalm 14:5 NIV
I will not allow deceivers to serve in my house, and liars will not stay in my presence. Psalm 101:7 NLT
Beware of your friends; do not trust anyone in your clan. For every one of them is a deceiver, and every friend a slanderer. Jeremiah 9:4 NIV
Friend deceives friend, and no one speaks the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they weary themselves with sinning. Jeremiah 9:5 NIV
“This is what the Lord says: Do not deceive yourselves, thinking, ‘The Babylonians will surely leave us.’ They will not! Jeremiah 37:9 NIV
The pride of your heart has deceived you,you who live in the clefts of the rocks and make your home on the heights, you who say to yourself, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’ Obadiah 3 NIV
All your allies will force you to the border; your friends will deceive and overpower you; those who eat your bread will set a trap for you, but you will not detect it. Obadiah 7 NIV
If a liar and deceiver comes and says,‘I will prophesy for you plenty of wine and beer,’that would be just the prophet for this people! Micah 2:11 NIV
He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man’s grave. Isaiah 53:9 NLT
What good is an idol carved by man, or a cast image that deceives you? How foolish to trust in your own creation, a god that can’t even talk! Habakkuk 2:18 NLT
Christine Abraham writes for the Bible Cafe™ community. Learn about living by the Fruit of the Spirit as you enjoy her online Bible studies. Join Christine at the Bible Cafe™ University for weekly Bible teaching.
CHRISTINE ABRAHAM is the Bible Cafe™ Founder and helps people understand the Bible, fellowship in small groups, and develop a lasting relationship with Jesus. She earned a Graduate of Theology degree in Biblical Studies from Liberty University. Christine has directed more than 100 Bible Cafe™ studies. She is a popular Christian Life & Leadership Coach. She lives in California with her husband and two rescue dogs.
