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.
Rachel, Frankfort, IL
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
Trina, Mansfield, TX. “O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you.” Psalm 84:12 (NIV)
Conné, Angel Fire
“This is the day which the Lord has brought about, we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24 (Amplified)
Julie from Abilene
Wow! It’s actually still May 1st!!!
Romans 12:2 NIV
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 God’s will is – His good, pleasing, and perfect will.
Kristi, Pocahontas, AR “Stealing” from the SiestaMama “Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Kim, Laguna Niguel, CA “Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.” Psalm 119:36-37 NIV
Glennell; Buda, Tx.
Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I might fear your name.
Psalm 86:11 (NIV)
When I am afraid I will trust in You, in God whose word I praise. In God I trust I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? Isaiah 56:3
Kristin, Hamburg, AR
“Wait for the LORD; be courageous and let your heart be strong. Wait for the LORD”
Psalm 27:14
Holman
Denise, Stillwater, OK
Psalms 19:1 NLT
The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display His craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make Him known. They speak without a sound or word their voice is never heard.
“But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength”
2 Timothy 4:17b (NIV)
Cheryl, Bonney Lake, WA (I need this now) “Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Jan in Tulsa. “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)
Kristina, Huntsville, al: “rely on the lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the lord!” psalm 27:14 net
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.
Romans 12:1 NIV
Karen, Deer Trail, CO
I’m with you, Beth – “Rely on the Lord, Be Strong and confident, Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 (NET)
Julie, Broken Arrow, OK
Ps. 39:1 (NIV)
I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my nouth as long as the wicked are in my presence.
Kate, Hillsboro, OR
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord! Psalm 27:14 the NET Bible
Cari, Huntington, WV
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord! Psalm 27:14 NET
Linda, Longview: “I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.” Psalm 31:7 NIV
Shelley, Marietta, MS
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5, KJV
Please pray for the people of Smithville, MS who are recovering from the devastation caused by a EF5 tornado last week. At least 15 deaths have been confirmed and the town is decimated. May this turn many hearts toward God.
Emily, Greensburg
The Lord will keep you from all harm, He will watch over your life. Psalm 121:7 NIV
Jennifer, Greensburg
Colossians 2:6 ESV Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,
Psalm 147:4 NIV
He determines the number of the stars
and calls them each by name.
Amy Ann, Tulsa, OK “I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself.” Philippians 3:10, The Message
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
Psalm 27:14 NKJV
Melissa from Sunset, TX: “I am the vine; You are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 NIV
Beth, Morristown
“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” Romans 8:6 KJV
Cindy, Montgomery, Al: “Rely on the lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the lord!” psalm 27:14 NET
Becca
Salem, OR
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET
Leah; Perkins, OK
‘Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord.’
Psalm 27:14 (NASB)
Luann, Grand Junction CO
Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV
1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Karen—Sacramento, CA
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” —Psalm 27:14 NET Bible #SSMT
Vanessa, Rio Rancho, NM
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficaint courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body…
Philippians 1:20 NIV
Marilyn, Bradenton, FL
Psa. 28:7 (NIV)
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.”
Lorraine – Modesto, CA
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. Love is not rude, is not selfish, and does not get upset with others. Love does not count up wrongs that have been done. Love takes no pleasure in evil but rejoices over the truth. Love patiently accepts all things. It always trusts, always hope, and always endures.
1 Corinthinans 13:4-7 New Century Version
Hannah from Albuquerque, New Mexico:
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11, ESV
Charmaine, Miami:
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT)
Cindy in Midland, TX
Ps. 27:14 NET
“Rely on the LORD! Be strong and confident! Rely on the LORD!”
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:13
Dorinda, O’Fallon, MO: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV
Margo, Laramie, WY
But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it — not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it — they will be blessed in what they do.
James 1:25 NIV
Kelly, Temple TX
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:6 NIV
Anna, Lexington, SC: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I’m going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be there with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 14: 1-4 (NIV)
Heather, Austin, James 1:4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. NIV
Deanna – Safford, AZ
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Christine Lissoy, Irvine CA: Deep in my heart I say, “The Lord is ALL I need! I can depend on him!” Lamentations 3:24 (CEV)
This verse is exactly what I need to penetrate me to the core right now!
PSALM 27:14
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confidant! Rely on the Lord.
The Net Bible
Forgot this: Peace River, Canada
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” Proverbs 17:17 (NIV)
Kristy, MB Canada
Your attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 2:5 NIV
Cherie, Washington D.C. “Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Kerri~Greenville, MS
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible