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Believing God
“Is it working? Your belief system, that is. Is it really working? God’s intention all along has been for the believer’s life to work. From divine perspective toward terrestrial turf, God meant for his children to succeed. . .Are our Christian lives successful? Are they achieving and experiencing what Scripture said they would? In a recent sermon my son-in-law preached, Curt told us the only way we were going to impact the world and the next generation is to prove that our faith in Christ is real and that it works. For countless Christians I’m convinced it’s real. My concern is whether or not we have the fruit to suggest it works.”—Beth Moore; Believing God
272 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1995
About the author
Beth Moore
343 books2,478 followersBeth Moore has written many best–selling books and is a dynamic teacher and a prolific Bible–study author whose public speaking engagements take her across the United States to challenge tens of thousands. Beth is focused on teaching women all over the world and is known and respected wherever she goes. She is a dedicated wife and mother of two adult daughters and lives in Houston, Texas, where she leads Living Proof Ministries and teaches an adult Sunday school class. Beth is one of the best known women in the evangelical Christian market.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews
January 16, 2008
I did this as a Bible Study and it remains one of my favorites. I even taught the 5 finger pledge to my daughter and it was the cutest thing to hear her say it back.
God is who He says he is
God can do what He says He can do
I am who God says I am
I can do all things, through Christ
God's word is alive and active in me
I'm Believing God
It's all about who is this god you say you believe in? Do you believe He is who He says he is? And how to get there if you don't.
God is who He says he is
God can do what He says He can do
I am who God says I am
I can do all things, through Christ
God's word is alive and active in me
I'm Believing God
It's all about who is this god you say you believe in? Do you believe He is who He says he is? And how to get there if you don't.
April 14, 2011
This was my first time reading Beth Moore and I truly enjoyed the book. I read it as a small group study and found that most chapters were better after the second read because the content digs deeper than some other studies I've read. It is not a light read, but if you have the time to devote to it the book focuses on believing God is who He says He as and we are who He says we are and that is a great message. She also includes some practical ways to shift your thinking from simply believing in God to truly believing God. I found the personal historical time line and questions to be a great exercise to go through to remind myself of God's past faithfulness.
July 28, 2010
I can see why all of Beth's books are turned into group bible studies. Trying to read this was like trying to chew through leather - you really have to take your time and process it.
The basic premise of the book is a good one. That today's church has acheived salvation, but is underacheiving in reaching the "promised land" God has to offer everyone. It really helped me to reexamine my attitudes and break through the plateau I was on.
I really like the four key phrases Beth outlines in the book. These are based on what is said in the bible and really is inspiring as to what you can acheive.
1. God is who he says he is (creator and supreme over all)
2. God can do what he says he can do (if he says he's going to part the Red Sea, he can and will. Insert any other trial here you're facing)
3. I am who God says I am (a child of the most high and special)
4. I can do what God says I can do (if he calls me to a certain cause or action I can be strengthened in Christ and will acheive what he set me to do).
I highly recommend this book, it will really challenge you to grow.
The basic premise of the book is a good one. That today's church has acheived salvation, but is underacheiving in reaching the "promised land" God has to offer everyone. It really helped me to reexamine my attitudes and break through the plateau I was on.
I really like the four key phrases Beth outlines in the book. These are based on what is said in the bible and really is inspiring as to what you can acheive.
1. God is who he says he is (creator and supreme over all)
2. God can do what he says he can do (if he says he's going to part the Red Sea, he can and will. Insert any other trial here you're facing)
3. I am who God says I am (a child of the most high and special)
4. I can do what God says I can do (if he calls me to a certain cause or action I can be strengthened in Christ and will acheive what he set me to do).
I highly recommend this book, it will really challenge you to grow.
December 15, 2009
This book is God-focused, Scripture-based, and contains truths that can transform lives. It's easy to read and understand while still digging deep into the word. The author illustrates her points using accounts from the Bible as well as from her own life. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who feels like being a Christian hasn't changed them much, or who feel like they're stuck repeatedly falling into sin and can't get free, or those who are seeking the abundant life Christ came to give us.
July 6, 2010
Title: BELIEVING GOD
Author: Beth Moore
Publisher: Broadman and Holman
2004
ISBN: 0-8054-3189-6
Genre: Inspirational/Christian Living
Do you take God at His word, believing what He has told us, or do you just believe in His existence and the salvation He offers?
Three years ago, the pastor’s wife in our church had this small group study, using the study guide and the DVD, and it is really life changing. The core verse of this book—of the study—is Isaiah 43:10. “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he.”
Ms. Moore takes us through the Bible, showing us through example which biblical characters believed God and how they demonstrated it, and challenging us to follow their example.
Gods desire is for our belief system to work, for us to trust God, to trust His word, and to have absolutely no doubt in God’s ability to do what He said He would do, to be who He said He is, and to help us be all that we can be, in Him.
Reading BELIEVING GOD is the first step in achieving that goal. This book will take you down a path that will literally change the way you pray, change the way you believe, and ultimately, change your life. 259 pages.
$22.99
Author: Beth Moore
Publisher: Broadman and Holman
2004
ISBN: 0-8054-3189-6
Genre: Inspirational/Christian Living
Do you take God at His word, believing what He has told us, or do you just believe in His existence and the salvation He offers?
Three years ago, the pastor’s wife in our church had this small group study, using the study guide and the DVD, and it is really life changing. The core verse of this book—of the study—is Isaiah 43:10. “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he.”
Ms. Moore takes us through the Bible, showing us through example which biblical characters believed God and how they demonstrated it, and challenging us to follow their example.
Gods desire is for our belief system to work, for us to trust God, to trust His word, and to have absolutely no doubt in God’s ability to do what He said He would do, to be who He said He is, and to help us be all that we can be, in Him.
Reading BELIEVING GOD is the first step in achieving that goal. This book will take you down a path that will literally change the way you pray, change the way you believe, and ultimately, change your life. 259 pages.
$22.99
February 15, 2017
Life changing!
Believing God by Beth Moore encouraged me to become more courageous in my faith. I already loved God, but this book inspired new ideas to increase my love for Him every day until I meet Him face to face. To have faith and love for God bubbling out of my pores will be amazing, and I'm really looking forward to a closer relationship with God.
Are you ready to live out a radical, brave faith? Then grab a copy of Believing God and dig deep with the One who created you.
Believing God by Beth Moore encouraged me to become more courageous in my faith. I already loved God, but this book inspired new ideas to increase my love for Him every day until I meet Him face to face. To have faith and love for God bubbling out of my pores will be amazing, and I'm really looking forward to a closer relationship with God.
Are you ready to live out a radical, brave faith? Then grab a copy of Believing God and dig deep with the One who created you.
January 1, 2015
SUMMARY: Join best-selling author and Bible teacher Beth Moore in her latest book as she explores what it means to know and truly believe God, not just to believe IN Him. Through the examples of believers like Abraham and Moses, who trusted God's promises, Beth encourages Christians of all ages to deepen their own trust in God, live out their faith and receive a fresh word from Him.
REVIEW: This is my first Beth Moore bible study/devotional. It definitely won't be my last. This book really spoke to my heart and soul. I loved the 5 faith statement base for her study and found this book filled with gems that found their way into my devotional journal. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with belief in God, who wants to renew their belief, or who wants to have a better explanation for non-believers for why they believe.
FAVORITE QUOTES: ..."the only way we are going to impact the world and the next generation is to prove that our faith in Christ is real and that it works."
"All that will matter about our earthly lives when we receive our heavenly inheritance is whether we fulfilled our callings and allowed God to fulfill His promises."
REVIEW: This is my first Beth Moore bible study/devotional. It definitely won't be my last. This book really spoke to my heart and soul. I loved the 5 faith statement base for her study and found this book filled with gems that found their way into my devotional journal. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with belief in God, who wants to renew their belief, or who wants to have a better explanation for non-believers for why they believe.
FAVORITE QUOTES: ..."the only way we are going to impact the world and the next generation is to prove that our faith in Christ is real and that it works."
"All that will matter about our earthly lives when we receive our heavenly inheritance is whether we fulfilled our callings and allowed God to fulfill His promises."
September 16, 2013
I've already read the whole book; this is my second time through it, in preparation to lead the Believing God bible study. It is an absolutely life-changing book if you want to move from living out a mediocre Christian life to finding real victory.
Read
January 12, 2019Man, I needed that!
August 27, 2023
3 stars = good
After reading Moore’s biography, All My Knotted-Up Life, earlier this year I thought I should try out one of the many other books she has written. I suppose for too long I had just assumed that her books were for women only. I’m not sure about the rest, but this one can certainly be appreciated by any believer.
Most of the book lays out the importance of understanding five main points:
-God is who He says He is.
-God can do what He says He can do.
-I am who God says I am.
-I can do all things through Christ.
-God's Word is alive and active in me.
She encourages her readers to recite these lines to themselves daily like some sort of mantra. I’m sorry, but I’m not going to do that. Not that there’s anything wrong with it.
Early on in the book she refers to herself following a “Promised Land theology.” I started to worry that this was going to lead to some Joel Osteen-like focus on how the primary point of Christianity is receiving blessings from God and seeking “victory” through a life of comfort and financial well-being. Fortunately, my concerns were unfounded.
Moore consistently promotes a wise and biblical balance between denying miracles and demanding them. Chapter 5, about avoiding the extremes of either cessationism or sensationalism, is particularly good.
Here are a few other passages I liked:
“…I want to center on one primary difference between the covenants and what 2 Corinthians 3 refers to as the
"ministry" of those covenants. The ministry of the old covenant was in many ways primarily external in nature with secondarily internal repercussions. The law was written upon external and visible tablets of stone. God manifested His glory in many physical and visible forms, such as manna, a cloudy pillar by day, and fire by night. Those who chose to be internally changed by what they saw and experienced were.
“In important contrast, the new covenant became a primarily internal work with wonderful external manifestations. It was and is the ministry of the Spirit to human hearts and minds. The ministry of the new covenant is the ministry of the Holy Spirit not just around, upon, and with believers but also inside believers.”
[p 75]
“I shared this view with a knowledgeable friend who responded with a good question: "But, Beth, aren't you saying what cessationists basically believe anyway?" I can't answer for anyone else, but having been a cessationist for so long, I have experienced a dramatic difference between my old approach and my new. Before, I may have hoped for a miracle, but I can't say I ever expected one. I treated a miracle as a last hope. Quite often now a miracle might be my first hope, prayer, and anxious expectation; but if I don't receive it, I assume God has a more inward agenda. The difference has been like night and day. I have witnessed God's miraculous intervention more times than I can count and a greater sense of peace and confidence when I haven't.”
[p 77]
“Prayer. A daily time in God's Word. Praise and worship. Attending church. Serving a church body. Giving. These are the fundamentals, and they'll never change. We can make all the excuses in the world for not practicing this one or that, but they represent the backbone of obedience. We often want the mystical while God often insists on the practical. We may want a constant dose of dramatics, but God enjoys seeing the perseverance and proven faithfulness of simple daily devotion. Sometimes the greatest proof of God's miraculous power is when an attention-deficit seeker of instant-gratification denies himself, takes up his cross, and follows Christ . . . for the long haul.”
[p 213]
After reading Moore’s biography, All My Knotted-Up Life, earlier this year I thought I should try out one of the many other books she has written. I suppose for too long I had just assumed that her books were for women only. I’m not sure about the rest, but this one can certainly be appreciated by any believer.
Most of the book lays out the importance of understanding five main points:
-God is who He says He is.
-God can do what He says He can do.
-I am who God says I am.
-I can do all things through Christ.
-God's Word is alive and active in me.
She encourages her readers to recite these lines to themselves daily like some sort of mantra. I’m sorry, but I’m not going to do that. Not that there’s anything wrong with it.
Early on in the book she refers to herself following a “Promised Land theology.” I started to worry that this was going to lead to some Joel Osteen-like focus on how the primary point of Christianity is receiving blessings from God and seeking “victory” through a life of comfort and financial well-being. Fortunately, my concerns were unfounded.
Moore consistently promotes a wise and biblical balance between denying miracles and demanding them. Chapter 5, about avoiding the extremes of either cessationism or sensationalism, is particularly good.
Here are a few other passages I liked:
“…I want to center on one primary difference between the covenants and what 2 Corinthians 3 refers to as the
"ministry" of those covenants. The ministry of the old covenant was in many ways primarily external in nature with secondarily internal repercussions. The law was written upon external and visible tablets of stone. God manifested His glory in many physical and visible forms, such as manna, a cloudy pillar by day, and fire by night. Those who chose to be internally changed by what they saw and experienced were.
“In important contrast, the new covenant became a primarily internal work with wonderful external manifestations. It was and is the ministry of the Spirit to human hearts and minds. The ministry of the new covenant is the ministry of the Holy Spirit not just around, upon, and with believers but also inside believers.”
[p 75]
“I shared this view with a knowledgeable friend who responded with a good question: "But, Beth, aren't you saying what cessationists basically believe anyway?" I can't answer for anyone else, but having been a cessationist for so long, I have experienced a dramatic difference between my old approach and my new. Before, I may have hoped for a miracle, but I can't say I ever expected one. I treated a miracle as a last hope. Quite often now a miracle might be my first hope, prayer, and anxious expectation; but if I don't receive it, I assume God has a more inward agenda. The difference has been like night and day. I have witnessed God's miraculous intervention more times than I can count and a greater sense of peace and confidence when I haven't.”
[p 77]
“Prayer. A daily time in God's Word. Praise and worship. Attending church. Serving a church body. Giving. These are the fundamentals, and they'll never change. We can make all the excuses in the world for not practicing this one or that, but they represent the backbone of obedience. We often want the mystical while God often insists on the practical. We may want a constant dose of dramatics, but God enjoys seeing the perseverance and proven faithfulness of simple daily devotion. Sometimes the greatest proof of God's miraculous power is when an attention-deficit seeker of instant-gratification denies himself, takes up his cross, and follows Christ . . . for the long haul.”
[p 213]
June 2, 2024
This is my first Beth Moore book and certainly won’t be the last. It is not overly theological, but very practical without being watered down. It really spoke to the season I am currently in. I would encourage anyone to read this at any stage of their spiritual walk.
March 6, 2010
We read this group in my Bible study. This book was not my favorite - I much preferred Beth Moore's devotional "David: 90 days with a heart like his". They are totally different in format, though.
Anyway, although it wasn't my favorite, I did like the book. I learned quite a bit, felt challenged, and walked away refreshed and reaffirmed in my faith. Beth is a great writer and I feel like I always benefit from her.
So, what didn't I like?
I felt like some of it was a little hokey.
I didn't agree with her chapter about Peter. (Although, I felt that she gave him more credit than most do).
It seemed that there were some chapters that were VERY well written and some that were a big struggle to get through.
Glad I read it. I wouldn't read it again.
Anyway, although it wasn't my favorite, I did like the book. I learned quite a bit, felt challenged, and walked away refreshed and reaffirmed in my faith. Beth is a great writer and I feel like I always benefit from her.
So, what didn't I like?
I felt like some of it was a little hokey.
I didn't agree with her chapter about Peter. (Although, I felt that she gave him more credit than most do).
It seemed that there were some chapters that were VERY well written and some that were a big struggle to get through.
Glad I read it. I wouldn't read it again.
December 15, 2013
I can't tell you how many times the key statements of faith in this book have helped me! I remember reading this as Beth was describing the incredible details that God shared in designing His temple. She mentioned the blue tassels and suggested tying a blue ribbon around our wrists to remember how faithful God is and that he has a plan. I looked at my wrist at the time to see a blue band I was wearing and was so humbled to realize how amazing God is in showing us His love.
This will be a resource that will stay with you!
God is who he says he is
God will do what he says he will do
I am who God says I am
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
My faith is alive and at work in my life
YES Lord, Yes, Yes Yes! Amen
This will be a resource that will stay with you!
God is who he says he is
God will do what he says he will do
I am who God says I am
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
My faith is alive and at work in my life
YES Lord, Yes, Yes Yes! Amen
September 18, 2017
I had low expectations for this book. Some of my friends like Beth Moore and I have a couple that hate her. I picked a copy of this book for free and decided to see for myself what kind of teacher she is.
1. She is very sound biblically. I had expected some weird thoughts here and there from the way some of my friends talked. However, this is one of the best, most biblically sound books on the topic of faith I have read.
2. She has a lot of enthusiasm in her books. I have seen some clips of Beth Moore teaching, and I have to say I like her in book form better.
3. I was impacted by this book. I read most of it in one day, and I really feel like it has made an impact on me.
I highly recommend this book for those who are looking to build their faith in a biblical way.
1. She is very sound biblically. I had expected some weird thoughts here and there from the way some of my friends talked. However, this is one of the best, most biblically sound books on the topic of faith I have read.
2. She has a lot of enthusiasm in her books. I have seen some clips of Beth Moore teaching, and I have to say I like her in book form better.
3. I was impacted by this book. I read most of it in one day, and I really feel like it has made an impact on me.
I highly recommend this book for those who are looking to build their faith in a biblical way.
October 19, 2019
I had to stop after three chapters. I just couldn't take it anymore.
Perhaps the most depressing part about this book is its date - it was written 14 years ago. This means that Beth Moore's problems with Biblical interpretation are not new: taking a verse of OT narrative and claiming it as some sort of promise for the believer today, claiming God "tells" her things, claiming the experience of the Hebrews engaging in armed combat means "enemies will try to keep you from your Promised Land"...and so on. It's blatant eisegesis: to read myself and my ideas into the Biblical text.
There's nothing blatantly heretical here, but it's fundamentally unhelpful. I can't imagine her Bible studies use significantly different methods - I'm convinced that the church has made a big mistake in offloading the discipleship of women to "women's ministries". It's one thing to encourage social interaction, mentoring, and good works. It's another to pretend that women can't learn good, solid theology along with men, and push women instead into feelings-based teaching that leaves them stunted. The church, and especially its male leaders, need to repent.
Perhaps the most depressing part about this book is its date - it was written 14 years ago. This means that Beth Moore's problems with Biblical interpretation are not new: taking a verse of OT narrative and claiming it as some sort of promise for the believer today, claiming God "tells" her things, claiming the experience of the Hebrews engaging in armed combat means "enemies will try to keep you from your Promised Land"...and so on. It's blatant eisegesis: to read myself and my ideas into the Biblical text.
There's nothing blatantly heretical here, but it's fundamentally unhelpful. I can't imagine her Bible studies use significantly different methods - I'm convinced that the church has made a big mistake in offloading the discipleship of women to "women's ministries". It's one thing to encourage social interaction, mentoring, and good works. It's another to pretend that women can't learn good, solid theology along with men, and push women instead into feelings-based teaching that leaves them stunted. The church, and especially its male leaders, need to repent.
January 18, 2013
This book wasn't written to give you reasons to believe that there is a God. This is a book for people who believe in God, but don't always believe God. He wants us to love him, know him and believe him. In all ways. For exactly what his Word says.
The main points are:
God is who He says He is.
God can do what He says He can do.
I am who God says I am.
I can do all things through Christ.
God's Word is alive and active in me.
Anyone who truly loves the Lord knows exactly how big each of those points are. Each of those things are lofty enough to be their own book. This wasn't a book I could just read quickly to say I did it. There was real work involved. Sometimes you really think you trust God and truly take him at his word, but your faith through your actions shows otherwise. Thank Him that all he needs is faith the size of a mustard seed out of us!
Although every chapter provided new and old insights and provoked a lot of prayer and thought (I've got the circles under my eyes to prove it--I could only do one chapter at a time because I'd read, underline and make some notes in the margins, and then go through it again with God and pray through it at night. They were late nights.) my favorite part was the most challenging part. I think God had been preparing me for this read by introducing some of these topics through other books and conversations first. The chapter on Your Promised Land was difficult for me (your Promised Land being the place where God's personalized promises over your own life become a living reality and not a theological theory). I've been preoccupied for a long time with the stories of Gideon in the Bible and then the Israelites coming out of Egypt to wander in the desert (that whole encampment idea)for a long time. I've been waiting for God to do what he did for Gideon, which was encourage him to move and do what he was told he would do. I've been waiting for God to tell me when to move out of encampment like he did the Israelites, but also when to cross the river instead of just moving and stopping and moving and stopping. God's very direct with me. I know what he wants of me and for me. I know, partly, why. I'm like those Israelites wandering around for far too long in a desert while my Promised Land is just on the other side of the river. The author compared it to a small group of ducks she saw splashing in a mud puddle once when just over a small hill there was a perfect pond. I am the stupid duck in the mud puddle (you can't see it, but I'm actually laughing at that thought. My mud puddle is living with addicts and enablers. It's a life of repeated filth and hurt. I picture it like being next to a drowning person that doesn't know how to swim--they hang on to you and pull you under as well. They eventually kill you. The thought of the ducks splashing in mud at least makes me giggle.).
The author brought up that 1)God promised us a place of blessing. That God's willingness and unwavering desire to bless his people is one of the most repetitive concepts in both testaments. He's a Giver that exults when a child cooperates enough to receive those good gifts. 2) God promised us a place we could live. God promised Israel a place to dwell in blessing, not just visit. 3)He promised us a place where he brings forth a great harvest. It is truth that God wants to show his glory through using our lives to bear tremendous fruit. And that produce is of abounding variety because God's creative. 4) Lastly, God promised us an abiding place of great victory over our enemy. Our Promised Lands are characterized by the presence of victory, not the absence of opposition. If we're not occupying our Land, guess who is? But the author makes it clear that while many of God's promises are unconditional, His promises of blessing, abiding, fruit-bearing and conquering are not. We often forfeit it of our own free will. He offers it, but we don't take it. According to the author, "Promised Land theology becomes an earthbound reality only to those who cash in their fear and complacency for the one ticket out of their long inhabited wilderness." I believe that. I think deep down we all want that. We all have a place of blessing that God wants us to reach, but we have to choose it. God is a gentleman. He will never force us. We can freely reject those blessings. Often it's because we don't believe the five points I stated above.
"Blessing is bowing down to receive the expresions of divine favor that in the inner recesses of the human heart and mind make life worth the bother." I know I need to do that. Obey to receive. But I know life will be worth the bother--that I'll laugh more and smile easily and genuinely again--once I've done it. I know what I'm hoping for that makes life worth the bother. I'd say that this book, if nothing else, really helped me to believe those five points, especially that God can do what he says he can do. It's good to know that nothing, no matter how irrational or impossible it might seem, is too big for him. We are talking about the God who raised the dead, healed the blind, changed water into wine, walked on water and died for us....we might think something couldn't possibly be for us or apply to us, but I'd bet God would say otherwise. If he would die for us, would he really keep us from being blessed with goodness?
If anyone actually reads this, I hope you make it to your Promised Land too. God wants you to hope even when exercising that belief and faith is frightening or challenging or even seems impossible. Goodness and blessing is for you.
The main points are:
God is who He says He is.
God can do what He says He can do.
I am who God says I am.
I can do all things through Christ.
God's Word is alive and active in me.
Anyone who truly loves the Lord knows exactly how big each of those points are. Each of those things are lofty enough to be their own book. This wasn't a book I could just read quickly to say I did it. There was real work involved. Sometimes you really think you trust God and truly take him at his word, but your faith through your actions shows otherwise. Thank Him that all he needs is faith the size of a mustard seed out of us!
Although every chapter provided new and old insights and provoked a lot of prayer and thought (I've got the circles under my eyes to prove it--I could only do one chapter at a time because I'd read, underline and make some notes in the margins, and then go through it again with God and pray through it at night. They were late nights.) my favorite part was the most challenging part. I think God had been preparing me for this read by introducing some of these topics through other books and conversations first. The chapter on Your Promised Land was difficult for me (your Promised Land being the place where God's personalized promises over your own life become a living reality and not a theological theory). I've been preoccupied for a long time with the stories of Gideon in the Bible and then the Israelites coming out of Egypt to wander in the desert (that whole encampment idea)for a long time. I've been waiting for God to do what he did for Gideon, which was encourage him to move and do what he was told he would do. I've been waiting for God to tell me when to move out of encampment like he did the Israelites, but also when to cross the river instead of just moving and stopping and moving and stopping. God's very direct with me. I know what he wants of me and for me. I know, partly, why. I'm like those Israelites wandering around for far too long in a desert while my Promised Land is just on the other side of the river. The author compared it to a small group of ducks she saw splashing in a mud puddle once when just over a small hill there was a perfect pond. I am the stupid duck in the mud puddle (you can't see it, but I'm actually laughing at that thought. My mud puddle is living with addicts and enablers. It's a life of repeated filth and hurt. I picture it like being next to a drowning person that doesn't know how to swim--they hang on to you and pull you under as well. They eventually kill you. The thought of the ducks splashing in mud at least makes me giggle.).
The author brought up that 1)God promised us a place of blessing. That God's willingness and unwavering desire to bless his people is one of the most repetitive concepts in both testaments. He's a Giver that exults when a child cooperates enough to receive those good gifts. 2) God promised us a place we could live. God promised Israel a place to dwell in blessing, not just visit. 3)He promised us a place where he brings forth a great harvest. It is truth that God wants to show his glory through using our lives to bear tremendous fruit. And that produce is of abounding variety because God's creative. 4) Lastly, God promised us an abiding place of great victory over our enemy. Our Promised Lands are characterized by the presence of victory, not the absence of opposition. If we're not occupying our Land, guess who is? But the author makes it clear that while many of God's promises are unconditional, His promises of blessing, abiding, fruit-bearing and conquering are not. We often forfeit it of our own free will. He offers it, but we don't take it. According to the author, "Promised Land theology becomes an earthbound reality only to those who cash in their fear and complacency for the one ticket out of their long inhabited wilderness." I believe that. I think deep down we all want that. We all have a place of blessing that God wants us to reach, but we have to choose it. God is a gentleman. He will never force us. We can freely reject those blessings. Often it's because we don't believe the five points I stated above.
"Blessing is bowing down to receive the expresions of divine favor that in the inner recesses of the human heart and mind make life worth the bother." I know I need to do that. Obey to receive. But I know life will be worth the bother--that I'll laugh more and smile easily and genuinely again--once I've done it. I know what I'm hoping for that makes life worth the bother. I'd say that this book, if nothing else, really helped me to believe those five points, especially that God can do what he says he can do. It's good to know that nothing, no matter how irrational or impossible it might seem, is too big for him. We are talking about the God who raised the dead, healed the blind, changed water into wine, walked on water and died for us....we might think something couldn't possibly be for us or apply to us, but I'd bet God would say otherwise. If he would die for us, would he really keep us from being blessed with goodness?
If anyone actually reads this, I hope you make it to your Promised Land too. God wants you to hope even when exercising that belief and faith is frightening or challenging or even seems impossible. Goodness and blessing is for you.
May 26, 2010
This book truly challenges you to not just "know" what the Word of God says, but also to believe all that God says about who He is and who we are in Him. The points and scripture are good, although Moore's style is often too dramatic and emotional for me to get past. It feels as if I am reading what she would say to me verbatim, and it has me first crying into her shoulder and then wanting to slam the door in her face (figuratively, of course)! Also, Moore's way of alluding to a serious issue in her past, but then skirting around it makes me skeptical of this "pit of sin" she recalls, and thus makes it hard to relate to her. Maybe those women more familiar with Beth Moore would get more out of these half-stories she chooses to reveal.
However, there is some solid Biblical truth in this book, and it breaks your heart to remember how much God really does love His creation. For women in need of encouragement and refreshment, this is one to read (as long as you don't mind getting a little emotional)!
However, there is some solid Biblical truth in this book, and it breaks your heart to remember how much God really does love His creation. For women in need of encouragement and refreshment, this is one to read (as long as you don't mind getting a little emotional)!
June 30, 2014
Beth Moore is a new author to me, but will definitely be reading more of her books.
I found this book so encouraging in showing us how we can believe God for more than we usually do, and how to start to claiming more victories in the Promised Land.
I love the 5 faith statement:
1) God is who He says He is.
2) God can do what He says He can do.
3) I am who God says I am.
4) I can do all things through Christ.
5) God's Word is alive and active in me.
I'm believing God!
I've found saying that everyday has already made a positive change in my life.
Beth goes into each of those statements in detail and how we can claim those and use them in the spiritual battles we face daily.
I highly recommend this book.
I found this book so encouraging in showing us how we can believe God for more than we usually do, and how to start to claiming more victories in the Promised Land.
I love the 5 faith statement:
1) God is who He says He is.
2) God can do what He says He can do.
3) I am who God says I am.
4) I can do all things through Christ.
5) God's Word is alive and active in me.
I'm believing God!
I've found saying that everyday has already made a positive change in my life.
Beth goes into each of those statements in detail and how we can claim those and use them in the spiritual battles we face daily.
I highly recommend this book.
August 17, 2018
Challenged afresh to really believe God
There is a difference between believing IN God and believing God. Beth Moore, in her usual frank, often funny, always challenging way reminds me that God is who He says He is and He will do what He says He will do. I have read this book more than once as a beginning point with young women that I mentor. It’s not just for their benefit; I am challenged every single time.
There is a difference between believing IN God and believing God. Beth Moore, in her usual frank, often funny, always challenging way reminds me that God is who He says He is and He will do what He says He will do. I have read this book more than once as a beginning point with young women that I mentor. It’s not just for their benefit; I am challenged every single time.
April 5, 2016
Very valuable for any follower of Christ, whether you've known Him for one day or 50 years.
It may be helpful to read the book more than once, to help its truths sink in.
The Bible is really the only book! Any Christian book, such as this one, is only good to the degree that it's based on Scripture. This one solidly is.
It may be helpful to read the book more than once, to help its truths sink in.
The Bible is really the only book! Any Christian book, such as this one, is only good to the degree that it's based on Scripture. This one solidly is.
Currently reading
April 24, 2011This is a deep study on believing God is who He says He is, He can do what He says He can do and I am who God says I am...etc. It's taking me a while to get through this study. There is a lot of scripture references to look up. So far ...so good.
January 26, 2014
I would have preferred to have read this in a small group setting, I think it would have been better. I found some of the chapters very difficult to get through. And as I mentioned in another review, her over use of the word "beloved" is cringe worthy. I lost count after 20 times.
June 29, 2015
Very readable, practical, and usable advice.
October 17, 2016
Wonderful study developing the thought that Believing in God and Believing God are two different things.
May 17, 2021
This is probably my 7th or 8th Beth Moore bible study (I did the workbook version) and I continue to love these workbooks for several reasons: 1) she really gets you to dig into the Bible 2) she really gets to dig into yourself, from a biblical perspective and 3) she's entertaining, but still humble.
This study spends about half the time really digging into Hebrews 11, "the hall of faith" but the other half moving around the Bible a lot. The last part of the workbook also has you really digging into your own life, even your childhood years, and searching for where God was at work in each part of your life.
This is an excellent study into why and how we should believe God - in all things, in all parts of our lives. One of my favorite quotes (there are so many!)
This study spends about half the time really digging into Hebrews 11, "the hall of faith" but the other half moving around the Bible a lot. The last part of the workbook also has you really digging into your own life, even your childhood years, and searching for where God was at work in each part of your life.
This is an excellent study into why and how we should believe God - in all things, in all parts of our lives. One of my favorite quotes (there are so many!)
All of us called to faith will have this knife-sharp experience in some form an dat some point. I would not dare avoid this subject and insult some of you have lost loved ones, even innocent children, to disease or accident, having pleaded with God to deliver them. I'd do so far as to suggest that the deeper we have loved God, the deeper the potential for devastation when He doesn't intervene as we know He can.
July 2, 2023
Such a beautifully written book! And let me tell you, Beth Moore has done her research! This book was filled from cover to cover with scriptural references that backed what Beth was speaking to the reader about. I loved this book so much and will carry so many of the reminders and truth with me daily! Beth has a wonderful way of writing as if you’re speaking to her face to face with her real-life experiences while also encouraging you to place yourself into the journey the Israelites took en route to the Promised Land!
December 26, 2022
I listened to this book on Audible, & what I discovered was that I need to actually read Beth Moore’s books to get everything out of them. Nevertheless, I’m a huge fan of this author & I would recommend this book.
December 8, 2020
This book was full of solid Biblical truth and practical steps for building faith. I soaked it all in!
May 15, 2019
A timeless book. Loved reading this. So encouraging. Would definitely recommend.
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August 30, 2023This will change your life if you do the work.
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