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.
Lorraine, Ada, Mi: John 8:13-14 (NIV)..”Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
Tamela Ward, Piedmont, SC: “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit-fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” John 15:16 (NIV)
Janet, from St. Louis
“He who guards his mouth and his tongue, keeps himself from calamity.” Prov. 21:23 (NIV)
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God”
Hebrews 12:2 NIV
Kristen, Houston TX
“As it says, ‘Oh, that today you would listen as he speaks! Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.’” Hebrews 3:15 NET
Beth, Hartland “Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.” -Proverbs 21:23 NLT
In all your ways ackowledge Him & He will make your paths straight.
Pr 3:6 NIV
Marybeth from Norcross: Be assured that from the first day we heard of you we haven’t stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray you’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul – not the grim strength of griting your teeth, but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful he has for us. – Colossians 1:9-12 (MSG)
Paula, Albertville AL –
Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. The LORD your God, who is going before you, will fight for you.
Deuteronomy 1:29-30 NIV
Vickie, Baytown, Texas
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Col 3:16-17 NIV
Karen, Battle Creek, MI
Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18
christina, Plano (Texas)-
“The LORD sustains all who fall
And raises up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to You,
And You give them their food in due time.
You open Your hand
And satisfy the desire of every living thing.”
Psalm 145:14-16, NASB
Lisa, Elmhurst, IL
“The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded ands self-controlled so that you can pray.” 1 Peter 4:7 NIV
Isaiah 26:3-4(NASB)
The steadfast of mind thou wilt keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in Thee.
Trust in the Lord forever, For in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock.
Tammy/Monroe,Ga.
Isaiah 54:10 NASB
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,says the LORD who has compassion on you.”
Sharon, Griffin, Georgia
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.
Proverbs 18:10 NASB
Trudy, NC
Is.30:18 Amplified
And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]!
PS Praying for your taping times this week —LOVE the title! Can’t wait to get my hands on it when it comes out 🙂
diane, Baraboo, Wi.: (The Wife of Noble Character, cont’d)
“She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.”
Proverbs 31:16-20
Diane Ocala, FL.
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Misti, Belleville MI – “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” Psalm 27:14 NIV
And we know that in All things, God works together for the good of those who love Him.
Romans 8:28 NIV
Mandie, Parker, CO: “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 NASB
Mary
Burke, VA
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!
Ps 27:14 NET
Ask & it will be given to you. Seek & you will find. Knock & the door will be opened to you.
Matt 7:7 NIV
Bethany
Clyde, TX
“Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:7, NLT
Loretta, Murrayville
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. Psalm 27:14 KJV
Elizabeth, Atlanta
For it is by grace you have been saved-by faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of Good-natured
Ephesians 2:8
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Psalm 74:26 from the NIV
Vickie in Louisville
For great is His love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Psalm 117:2 NIV
Beth, I believe that the verse you picked will also be mine for it reads like an encouraging cheer for the glory that you are about to bring to the Lord in your taping of James: Mercy Triumphs! Please find comfort in knowing that you are being lifted in prayer from all sides.
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Amy Storms
Santa Clarita, CA
The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever—do not abandon the works of your hands. (Psalm 138:8, NIV)
Shelli, Houston: “People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.” ~ Proverbs 14: 29 (NLT)
Lara-Greenville, KY
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Ephesians 4:29 NIV
James 4:10
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He shall lift you up.”
Shirleen, Greenville,SC….”Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Matthew 5:8
Linda from White Salmon
Isaiah 40:1 2 NASB
Comfort, O Comfort my people says your God.
Speak kindly to Jerusalem,
And call out to her, that her warfare has ended,
that her iniquity has been removed,
that she has received of the Lord’s hand
double for all her sins.
Shawna in Alabama “It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD” Lamentations 3:26 ESV
Cindy, St. Pete Beach, FL
“Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.” Psalm 50:15 (NLT)
Ann from Abilene,TX
“Without faith it it impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to
Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”
Hebrews 11:6 NIV
Sandy, San Antonio,TX
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord! Psalm 27:4
Dee, Muncie IN,
Let us not give up meeting together,as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)
Michelle, Houston, TX
Psalm 65: 9-13 NIV
“You care for the land and water it;
you enrich it abundantly
The streams of God are filled with water
to provide the people with grain
for so you have ordained it
You drench its furrows
and level its ridges
you soften it with showers
and bless its crops
You crown the year of bounty
and your carts overflow with abundance
The grasslands of the desert overflow
the hills are clothed with gladness
The meadows are covered with flocks
and the valleys are mantled with grain
they shout for joy and sing”
Elizabeth, Atlanta
Ephesians 2:8
For it is by grace we have been saved-through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-
I have a dear dear friend coming to your James taping in Nashville..she is beyond excited about what God is going to do as I am hundred miles away..I am doing Revelations right now and all I can say is WOW!! Will be praying for all involved…love on my dear friend for me here in Va!!
Lindsey, Avon Park, FL,
“But thanks be to God who always leads us in triuphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him (2 Corinthians 2:14, NIV).”
Diane
Bridgeport, WV
Rely on the Lord!
Be strong and confident!
Rely on the Lord!
-Psalm 27:14 (NET)
I needed this verse right now as I finish my masters degree program and graduate in 2 weeks.
1 John 5:4 ESV
For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith.
I am just beyond sad that we did not get invited to the James taping. I had been looking forward to it since you announced it at the SSMT in Houston last Jan :-(.
Kyndra, Houston, TX “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine likes stars in the universe.” Philippinas 2:14-15 NIV
Jennifer, Avon Park, FL
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
Proverbs 3:3 NIV