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.
Staci, Bismarck, ND “If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” Psalm 139:9-10 NIV
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11.1. NLT
Holly, Allen,TX
Bobbie from Arlington, TX
NIV, 2011 version
Phil. 3:13-14
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what lies behhind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Melissa, Granbury, Tx
Proverb 3:3 (nkjv)
Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart,
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. James 1:19 NIV
Susan B
Chapin. SC
Carla, Pierre, SD
I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Psalm 27:13 NIV
I needed this verse this month and will add verse 14 the next half of the month. Don’t want to strain my brain too much:) Thanks, Beth, for directing me to this spot.
Kristen, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.
Psalm 107:29 (NIV)
Please keep praying for us in Tuscaloosa.
Lanie Beth, Locust Grove, GA, NIV: I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Psalm 27:13
Suzanne, East Bernard, TX,
“If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death–even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed–not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence–continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. 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 like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life–in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.” Philippians 2:1-18 NIV
Donna Marina, Ca
Jeremiah 15:16
Thy words were found and I did eat them, and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart, for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.
And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV
Jessica, VA
Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins. James 4:17 NIV
Bethany, Atlanta, GA
Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14 NASB
Lori Macmath, Atlanta, GA
“I will bless the Lord at ALL times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm 34:1 (ESV)
Michelle Bentham – Watauga, TX
Change your life, not just your clothes
Come back to God, your God.
And here’s why: God is kind and merciful.
He takes a deep breath, puts up with a lot, this most patient God, extravagant in love, always ready to cancel catastrophe. (Joel 2:13 MSG)
Erin, Grayson: And God said unto Moses I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israrel, I AM hath sent me unto you. Exodus 3:14 KJV
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14 NIV
Crystal-Everett, Ontario – Then Jesus said to him “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. (John 5:8-9)
Cindy, Lake City, FL
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Tammy, Ingleside, TX
Isaiah 43:10 -11, NIV
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. Before Me, no god was formed, nor will there be one after Me. I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from Me, there is no savior.
Lacey, Leonard TX. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Mark 9:23 NIV
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. According to His great mercy, He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
1 Peter 1:3 NIV
Oak Ridge TN
12 Not that I have already reached [the goal] or am already fully mature, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, 14 I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus. Phillipans 3:12-14 Holman
From Shawnee OK: I have chosen Psalms 62:7-8
In God is my salvation and my glory: The rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Se’lah.
Matthew 6:26 NIV
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Tammie, Cleveland, MS
Psalm 94:19 (NASB)
When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul.
Jolynn, Rowlett, Tx
Rely on the Lord!
Be strong and confident!
Rely on the Lord!”
Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Sharon / San Marcos TX
Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
Proverbs 31:28 King James Bible
I will be praying for all of you and cannot WAIT for the study to be available!
Betsy in Birmingham, AL
You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!
Psalm 30:11-12 (NLT)
Jenny, Wellington FL
You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand. John 13:7 NIV
Pamela,Mechanicsville,VA.
“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.”Psalm 27:14 NIV
Lori from Magnolia, TX
i long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
Psalm 61:4
Laura- Burbank
II Chronicles 20:22 (nkjv)
Now when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and mount sier, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated
Bonnie, Alexandria, LA
James 3:13, “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in humility that comes from wisdom.” NIV
Jacqueline
Akron, OH
“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Exodus 14:14 NIV
Karen, San Antonio, Texas
“Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning for I am trusting You. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.” Psalm 143:8 New Living Translation
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord! Ps 27.14 NET
Mischia, North Carolina “Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
We’ve been in upheavel the last two weeks and I can;t find my spiral! Pray I find it. But I just chose Beth’s verse. I needed the verse this week.
Houston, TX
Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Psalm 121 Holman Christian Standard Bible
I raise my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. Indeed, the Protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep. The LORD protects you: the LORD is a shelter right by your side. The sun will not strike you by day, or the moon by night. The LORD will protect you from all harm; He will protect your life. The LORD will protect your coming and going both now and forever.
Johnstown, CO
Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Kristl, Hagerstown:”Teach me Your way, LORD, that I may rely on Your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name.”
Psalm 86:11 NIV
Kelly, Colorado Springs, CO: “Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Heather, Spokane, WA
Be wise in the way your act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Colossians 4:5 NIV
Selina, Barbourville, KY.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord. Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Matthew 7:21 KJV
Anne, Sherwood, OR: “which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course.” Psalm 19:5 NIV
Heather
Liberty, TX
“Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.” Psalm 139:4,NIV
Julie H., Fredericksburg, VA
“Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18, NIV
Jeanene, League City, TX
“Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for Him.” Psalm 37:7 (Holman CSB)
I like this verse! Thanks Beth from Houston!
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible