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.
Becky, Groesbeck, Tx: ” You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy.” Psalm 63:5 (NLT)
Kelley, Olive Branch, MS
21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds,
22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him. Colossian 1:21-22
Jody, Evansville, IN
“Three times I begged the Lord to make this suffering go away. But he replied, “My kindness is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak.” So if Christ keeps giving me his power, I will gladly brag about how weak I am.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-9
Kelly
Avon Park, FL
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Lori,Owasso
“For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.”
Psalm 5:12 NIV
Stephanie
Rome, GA
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord”
Psalm 27:14. NET
ginger, Trussville: The LORD’S lovingkindesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23 (NAS)
Reynoldsburg, OH
“It is written:’Man does not live on bread along, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” Matthew 4:4 (NIV)
Candice
Evanston, IL
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.
Romans 8:1-2 (NIV)
Miracle Quelle
Atlanta, GA
“For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God
Colossians 1:9-10 NASB
Joni, Port Neches, Texas. “Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD, and abhor those who rise up against you? I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.” (Psalm 139:21-22, NIV) Odd verses, I know, but I’ve been memorizing this whole psalm as my Scripture memory verses for part of this year.
Diana from Hawkins, TX
Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Jenny, Des Moines, Iowa–Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord! Psalm 27:14 NET
Danielle, Atlanta:
“For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach His statutes and rules in Israel.”
-Ezra 7.10, ESV
Romans 8:26 NIV
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.
Oops! Darcy, Houston Sorry was excited!
Debby, Ellicott City, MD “Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.” Psalm 32:1-2
April Lopez, BonneyLake, Wa
Psalm 34:5 Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. NIV
Karen, Centralia, MO: 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
Debbie Laureen, New Port Richey, Florida
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.” Psalm143:8 NIV
Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before Him with joyful songs.
Know that the LORD is God.
It is He Who made us, and we are His;
we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving
and His courts with praise;
give thanks to Him and praise His name.
For the LORD is good and His love endures forever;
His faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalm 100 (NIV)
Lucinda, Watsontown, PA
1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
I am behind, but trying to get back into the habit.
Jerry Ann, Fort Walton Beach
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord! Psalm 27:14 NET (Other versions didn’t use rely, mainly wait, I so like rely better).
Hey, I was born and raised in Ft. Walton. May the Lord bless you richly as you memorize His word.
Toni, Liberty, Tx,
Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” NIV
Dianne, Fairfield, CA – The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. – Exodus 14:14 (NIV)
Laurie Chester
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord! Psalm 27:14 NET
Pam, Tyler, TX: “What then? Should we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Absolutely not! Do you not know that if you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of that one you obey-either of sin leading to death or of obedience leading to righteousness? Romans 6:15-16 (HCSB)
Michelle
Loveland, CO–Memory verse 8–I Timothy 6:8
“But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.”
Melanie Greenbrier,TN
Proverbs 20:24 (Niv)
A person’s steps are directed by the LORD.
How then can anyone understand their own way?
Jan, Marion IA, Psalm 91:10 “No evil will befall you, Nor will any plague come near your tent.” NASB
Continuing in Isaiah 40…
He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young.
Isaiah 40:11 NIV
Melana Cummings
Sheridan Wyoming
April, Greensboro: “We have redemption in Him through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.” Ephesians 1:7-8 NIV
How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!
Psalm 133:1, NIV ’84
Brittany, Dallas
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14, NIV)
Cara, Holland. “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:1;10 ESV
Cheryl – Concord, NC
“He is the image of the invisible God,
the firstborn of all creation.” Colossians 1:15 ESV
“He is the radiance of the glory of God
and the exact imprint of His nature
and He upholds the universe by the word of His power.”
Jerri, Cookeville,TN
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 NIV
Sarah, Greensboro, NC
“All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created.”
John 1:3
(HCSB)
Maria from North Dakota
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. Col. 3:23 (NIV)
Cindy, Union Grove
Stephanie, in Woodstock, AL visiting family. All are ok. Mom’s a siesta from AL!
Tampa, FL normally
Ephesians 6:13
The Message – Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet.
NIV – Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Cindy, Union Grove
“Rely on the Lord!
Be strong and confident!
Rely on the Lord!”
Psalm 27:14 NET
Kris, Carmel, IN; “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4 (NIV)
Atlanta, GA
‘He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
the will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.’
Isaiah 40:29-31
Margie Allen, TX
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” John 6:35 ESV
Kelly, Auburn, Al – “Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
DeeDee
Houston,Tx
Stay with God! Take heart. Don’t quit. I’ll say it again: Stay with GOD.
Ps 27:14 the message
Aquilla, Tx
So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ. Rom. 10:17 HCSB
Zephaniah 3:17 NIV
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.
Then Jesus declared, I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:35