Keeping The Best Company
As I’ve mentioned previously, my Homies and I are currently doing Beth Moore’s study on the book of Daniel. We watch an hour session on DVD where Beth talks in depth about one specific chapter of Daniel, going through different corresponding scriptures in both the Old and New Testaments, explaining some of the more confusing aspect by going back to the original Hebrew or Aramaic (Interestingly, Daniel was written partly in one and partly in the other), and sharing fascinating facts about the Babylonian culture of that time (which also corresponds to our culture). Then we have five days of homework in which we delve a little deeper into the scriptures, contemplate personal applications and gain more understanding. When we meet again on Friday we go over certain homework questions and watch the video for the next session.
Since I missed Home Team yesterday the leader, Ann, dropped the DVD off so I could watch it this weekend. I just finished watching it and I was overwhelmed. In the video Beth Moore is not only teaching these lessons to a camera, she’s teaching it to a packed auditorium in her church. Each week she invites a group of women from different churches to sit on the stage with her. This week was Beth Messiah, a Messianic congregation in Houston. She invited them to give the Shema, what they call one of their watchwords.
It gave me chills and I ended up in a blubbering pile of goo on the floor. First everyone stood up and faced East toward Jerusalem. Then they sang the Shema in Hebrew and it was so beautiful. I only recognized Yeshua and Adonai, but I understood it was a praise to God and to the Messiah. Then they recited it in English. Here’s the translation:
Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One. Blessed be His name, whose glorious kingdom is forever and ever. Yeshua the Messiah, He is Lord.
I’m not entirely sure why I was so moved. Maybe it was because it was spoken in Jesus’ language. Or maybe because my soul was so happy to be getting nourished. Most definitely it had something to do with being in the presence of God.
Can you tell I’m thoroughly into this study?
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On another note, we had a very thin layer of snow last night before the temps rose and it started raining. All night long. Now it looks beautiful outside, though it’s in the low 40’s and very windy. But there’s no snow for me to shovel! (As if I would have anyway.)
That’s so awesome! The Beth Moore – Daniel study I am doing is just the book. But it’s the coolest book I have ever seen. It reminds me of one of those old big family Bibles. I think there is something so powerful about speaking in His language. I just started this book called “Praying the Names of Jesus” by Ann Spangler and MAN I had the most awesome experience! I will have to tell you about it some time, it would be a lengthy post, but I will tell you this – God laughs! He laughs the most amazing, warm, jolly, happy, warm-all-over laugh that I have ever heard! 🙂
That sounds like an amazing study. I’ve done a couple of other studies on Daniel, and somehow missed that it was written in both those languages.The Messianic song was very beautiful!We had a group of Pakistani Christians visit our church recently for a baptism service, and they got up and sang a song of praise in their language, and I got all teary, too. It is just so incredible to hear praises to God in ANY language…and to see that His love knows no bounds.
Jen, I’m glad you were able to get caught up with your Bible study. The Beth Moore study sounds amazing. I think there is at least one going on at my church. I have never participated in a Bible study group and was just saying to my hubby that it was about time we start. You have inspired me! Take care, and keep on enjoying your time alone, Katie
Man! You are having an action-PACKED weekend! And it’s barely even halfway through Saturday. Periodic alone time suits you.
Jodi_Lee – Have you ever heard her speak? She is great! Very passionate about whatever it is she’s talking about and quite humorous. And I’m dying to hear about your experience! I know God laughs because he has an incredible sense of humor. lolBecky – It is just so incredible to hear praises to God in ANY language…and to see that His love knows no bounds.Very well put!KT – I encourage you to start! I mean, you don’t have to be involved in a bible study to be a Christian. But the knowledge and wisdom you gain – along with building relationships – is priceless!S4J – “Periodic” being the operative word. I keep missing my family, but then push that aside so I can enjoy myself! lol
sounds like a lovely study! i haven’t done a formal study in a long time. maybe it’s time….
I think a really well planned Bible study is amazing, regardless of the book it focuses on. I once did a cover to cover study that took two years, and it was just amazing. There are do many “today applications,” and they are unfortunately not highlighted by many of the church/synagogue leaders, but when you get into them it is just wonderful!
I love Beth Moore. Last year I went to an all day workshop on her book, Get out of the Pit. It was so moving and engergizing. It sounds like a great Bible Study and I can see why you were moved, to tears. What a moment. So wonderful!!Enjoy the rest of your weekend.XOXOXO
As someone who grew up in a Jewish family, going to temple (raised Catholic though due to my mother’s faith) I can tell you that a temple has such a sense of God’s presence. And I think it’s terrific that Christians and Jews are now working together to praise God. It doesn’t have to be a we’re right, no we are, thing. Hey, I haven’t forgotten about linking your tatoo post at BC. I’ll let you know when I do. Thanks for the always inspiring, thought provoking, and often funny, posts.
Amazing! I would love to hear it… So glad no shoveling needed! =) See I did pray!
That study sounds fascinating. I find I’m struggling right now and could really use a good devotional or some direction. Anyone have any suggestions?Also, I’m happy you had no snow. Ours is melting. Or was. I think it’s supposed to get yucky again.
I think it’s fantastic that you are so into it! I could use some nourishing and enriching myself. It’s good for the soul.
I need to do this study. Or any other that Beth Moore does. I’m walking thru the Old Testament, but I missed Daniel, so I need to go re-read it. It’s so cool to me that my son read Daniel, and it cemented his faith even more than before because he can see how all the prophecies have come true throughout history. Very cool. Makes you kinda want to learn Aramaic.xxxooogretchen
For Judaism’s view of Daniel, have a look at http://www.outreachjudaism.org.It‘s a fascinating study. There’s a free audio download available on Daniel 9.