Hey, you mighty warriors!
By the time you get this SSMT post, I will be on my way to Nashville for the videotaping of James: Mercy Triumphs. It almost makes me cry to see the actual (recently settled-upon) title in print. So much time and focus and prayer and frustration and second-guessing and bewilderment and wonderment – and learning and thrilling and growing and wallowing – go into the whole process of a Bible study journey. Many tears. Healthy laughs. Big eye-openers. Rich conversations. Moments of, “What on earth was I thinking??” Above all, so much desperation for Jesus. If God doesn’t pour His Spirit into it, it will fall flat like a collapsed pup-tent. That’s the God’s-honest truth. After 14 journeys similar to this one, I know just enough in advance to be dangerous. Enough to start shaking (not with anointing but mostly with anxiety) when the outline first goes on paper. I know now how life’s going to go on in the middle of it and how all sorts of unplanned ups and downs, woes and joys will mark its pages. I know now how I’m going to end up writing about things in my life and family that haven’t even happened yet. Some of them will be wonderful. Others will be painful. It’s kind of like starting a new journal. There is a certain amount of trepidation because you simply can’t guess what will fill those pages. It’s a stomach-knotting blend of anticipation and raw fear. But what I forget sometimes in that anxious moment when I know there’s no turning back is the grace. The goodness of God. The fact that I’m invited to believe He was the initiator of it, as He is in all things faith (Hebrews 12:1-3) and that I don’t have to assume complete control over it. I’m invited to remember what life the Scripture has and how much this woman has to learn.
Good grief. I’m sitting in a salon chair about to bawl my head off. (Writing this to you on Friday.) I’ll try to rein this one in and quit being so dramatic. This is no time to wear you guys out about the James Bible study because Melissa and I still need you to pray us through until the complete manuscript is turned in at the end of summer. The beauty of all the studies prior to Esther is that they were pre-blog and I didn’t gnaw you like a bone throughout the whole ordeal. It’s too late now.
Make no mistake. The studio audience, the LifeWay video crew, and I need your prayers like crazy this week. Yes, pray for us during the day when preparation is taking place but especially pray for us in the evenings on Monday (tomorrow) through Thursday. That’s when the actual sessions will be taped, two per night, back-to-back. And pray big things for the participants, too! They are so incredibly important in the process. Pray for them to get totally caught up in the Scriptures and in what God is speaking into their lives and be oblivious to the cameras. Pray for them to experience a powerful encounter with Christ through His Word and for Him to do something utterly remarkable in each life. THEN, pray for that anointing to also transfer just that heavily to the women who will one day watch the series on the other side of the screen. I requested a smaller group of participants this time (like I have at Life Today – the perfect size!) but that means the cameras will be much more obvious to all the ladies in the audience. Pray also for us to bond in the Spirit right from the beginning.
Thank you so, so much.
I won’t get a chance to blog much (if at all) while I’m in Nashville but Amanda and Melissa will chime in. I will try to get on Twitter a time or two a day perhaps so, for those of you who like that, we’ll stay in touch that way. (@BethMooreLPM – writing that kind of thing always makes me want to throw up in my mouth.)
After the sessions are complete, the video team and I will spend all day Friday doing some additional taping that won’t require an audience. Later in May they will come to Houston and we will do yet more taping. At that time (later in May), I’ll do the intros to the session and also an on-camera dialogue with Melissa over the project. She has been a huge part of this journey. In fact, she was the first of the two of us who felt drawn to this book of the Bible. She is not a camera hog and won’t let me add her name on the cover but it would be a crying shame for the women not to get a chance to connect with her on screen. She has zero interest in entertaining but she has a huge interest in studying. That’s enough to make her push past her discomfort and get on the screen. In case you’re not up to date on her part of the project, she is writing extra study portions 2-3 times per week of Bible study for the student that wants to go deeper.
I am always reluctant (as both my daughters are) to mention two of us instead of three. Amanda, Melissa and I are, as my people would say, thick as mud and we don’t like to pair off. As I mention Melissa often in this process, rest assured Amanda is cheering us on and praying for us every step of our way. She is not actively participating this time in the editorial process (I miss her so much) because her focus and energies need to be on her family but we three women are together continually.
SO, did you think I’d forgotten what we’re doing on here today???? No ma’am. I most certainly did not. All I’ve just told you led to the Scripture I’ve chosen as my ninth verse.
Beth, Houston. “Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Yes, Sir! If this selection resonates with you, join me with it! I’d be honored to memorize with you. I will say it over and over this week. Maybe you will, too, and He will hear us each time and find joy in it. I pray with all my sappy heart that the Spirit of God loves to hover over this community.
OK, so what are your verses, Sisters??? DON’T YOU DARE QUIT!!!!!
I love you to pieces.
Donnicia /Raleigh, NC
Lamentations 3:32 (New International Version 1984, ©1984)
Though he brings grief, he will show compassion,
so great is his unfailing love.
For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?
Mark 8:36, NASB
michelle
Woodstock, VT
1Peter 5:6-7 nasb
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
Connie, Reidville, SC
But my eyes are fixed on you, O Sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge–do not give me over to death.
Psalm 141:8–NIV
Cassandra, Crawfordsville, IN “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 NAS
Kit
Central Islip, NY
“But Thou, O Lord, are a shield to me, my glory and the lifter of my head.”
Psalm 3:3 RSV
Jan
Bemus Point, NY
2 Corinthians 4:17 (NIV)
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
And in French:
2 Corinthiens 4:17 (Colombe)
Car un moment de légère affliction produit pour nous au-delà de toute mesure un poids éternel de gloire.
Missy S, Winston-Salem, NC
“The one true God gives me strength;
He removes the obstacles in my way.” ~ Psalms 18:32 (NET)
Praying hard for you & everyone involved! Love you Beth!
Will be praying all those requests and more. Love you Beth.
Michele
Liverpool, NY
στῆτε οὖν περιζωσάμενοι τὴν ὀσφὺν ὑμῶν ἐν ἀληθείᾳ καὶ ἐνδυσάμενοι τὸν θώρακα τῆς δικαιοσύνης. Eph 6.14, NA27
Elaine, Powder Springs ~ Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. Psalm 90:2 (NIV)
Oshkosh WI
And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither, and in whatever he does, he prospers.
Psalm 1:3 NASB
Sister Lynn
Tucson AZ
The favors of the LORD are not exhausted, his mercies are not spent; They are renewed each morning, so great is his faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23 (NAB)
love this version!
Marci, Amsterdam, Netherlands
James 1: 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. (NIV)
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.” Proverbs 18:10
Denise – Meredith NH – “The Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive (welcome, take to its heart), because it does not see Him or know and recognize Him. But you know and recognize Him, for He lives with you (constantly) and will be in you.” AMP
Laura, Englewood. Hear O Israel: The Lord your God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:3-4 (NIV)
Olathe, KS 2 Corn. 12:9 (Message) and then he told me, My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness. Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness.
Kimberly Orr–Zionsville, Indiana
Amen sister…I need that one too! Long story…but God is all over this…thank you for sharing:)
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 NET
and
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For “whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. I Peter 3:9-10 NIV
Cathy-Lebanon
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.” Jeremiah 17:7 NIV
Laurie, Gibsonville, NC
I know that whatever God does, it endures forever; nothing can be added to it nor anything taken from it. And God does it so that men will (reverently)fear Him (revere and worship Him, knowing that He is). Ecclesiastes 3:14 THE AMP BIBLE
“Your Word, O LORD is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; You established the earth, and it endures.”
Psalm 119:89-90 NIV
Kay
Tupelo, MS
Annette, Richmond, TX – John 15:2 – NIV
He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful
Joy; California;
The Lord your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17 NIV
Jan from Alabama “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” Proverbs 31:25 NIV
Bambi, Houston, TX
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Romans 8:26 ESV
Debi, Alva, FL Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Just read in my BSF notes this very morning– Isaiah Lesson 30 page 6–“God’s discipline is redemptive and restorative giving His people what they do not deserve–His love, mercy, grace, and salvation.” It indeed is a blessing to receive His discipline…Hangeth in there beloved:)
Gena, Houston – In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. Psalm 4:8 – NLT
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3 NIV
Pittsburgh, /PA
“A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control” (Proverbs 29:11).
Rita, Alva,FL
Hebrews 12:11
For the time being no disipline brings joy, but seems grievous and painful; but afterwards it yields a peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Sharon
Charlotte, NC
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Angie, Kansas City, MO: The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him. Lamentations 3:25 HCSB
Diana, North Attleboro, MA
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!”
Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Rebekah from Marion, IN: Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21.
Susan – Statesville, NC
Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 2 Cor.3:5,6
“Therefore I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.” Micah 7:7 NKJV
Judy, Littleton, NC SSMT #9
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14 (NIV)
Kacie, Fayetteville, AR
“For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” – Hebrews 12:3 (NASB)
Cacey G. from Northville, MI
Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10 NIV
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28 NASB
Rebecca, Berlin GA
Therefore I urge you brothers, in view of Gods mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what Gods will is..His good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12: 1&2 NIV
Lis
Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with iti’s practices Colossians 3:9 NIV
Jenny, Elida, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 (NIV)
Grace, Elida, “Accept God’s salvation to be your helmet. And take the sword of the spirit-that sword is the teachings of God.” Ephesians 6:17 (ICB)
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31
Sam v.
Woodstock, VT
Liz, Logansport: “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.” Hebrews 3:13-14 (NIV ’11)
Psalm 25:8-10 (Msg.)
God is fair and just;
He corrects the misdirected,
Sends them in the right directions.
He gives the rejects his hand
And leads them step by step.
From now on every road you travel
Will take you to God.
Follow the Covenant signs;
Read the charted direction
Thank you for sharing this. It is so encouraging.
Tracey from Shawnee, Kansas
Colossians 3:12-13 (NIV)
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive each other whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Nancy, Columbia, Do not quench the Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:19 NASB
Katie, LaGrange: “For the Lord God does nothing without revealing it to His servants the prophets.” ~Amos 3:7, ESV~