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.
“giving thanks ALWAYS for ALL things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Eph 5:20 NKJV
Angela, Frankfort, KY
In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—
Ephesians 1:5, NIV
Psalm 63 is what I’ve been memorizing. It is amazing. The first part is…
O God, you are my God
Earnestly I seek you
My soul longs for you
My body thirsts for you
in a dry and weary land where
there is no water.
I think it is so important for us to hide God’s word in our hearts. So often, he brings it to my remembrance when I am stressed or facing trials. I know at those moments how God uses that to speak his peace into my heart.
God bless each of us in our endeavors to memorize His Holy Word. Amen.
Amber
Sulphur, LA
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalms 121:1-2
Barbara, North Tonawanda, NY “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.”
Psalm 103:8 (NIV)
Rachel – Modesto, CA
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Ephesians 6:13 NIV
Psalm 27:14
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Relay on the Lord!
(NET Bible)
Proverbs 27:1
Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.
Sarah – Lufkin
“7 Because of your unfailing love, I can enter your house;
I will worship at your Temple with deepest awe.
8 Lead me in the right path, O Lord,
or my enemies will conquer me.
Make your way plain for me to follow.”
-Psalm 5:7-8, NLT
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8 ( NIV)
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not over-flow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, not shall the flame scorch you. (NIV) Isaiah 43:2
Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out by religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you will recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t place anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you will learn to live freely and lightly. Matthew 11:28, The Message
Susie, Knoxville, TN: “Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Brenda, LaPalma Ca. “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” Luke 18:13b (NIV)
“Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live”
Isaiah 55:3 ESV
Meg, Ohio: “Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all wrongs.” Proverbs 10:12 NIV
Bridget, Portland, TX
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 KJV
Psalm 23:4 NIV
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and staff, they comfort me.”
Abilene, KS
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.
Annie L. Bloomington, IN
Isaiah 43:2 NIV
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not over-flow you. When you walk trough the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.”
Lindy, Scott
Proverbs 18:22(NIV) – He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.
Shara, Somerset, CA Ephesians 3::17-19 NASB
So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the bredeth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.
Tina, Cincinnati, OH: Psalm 23. NIV
Kelsie- Corpus Christi, TX
1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftmanship. 2 Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. 3 They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. 4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. Psalm 19: 1-4
1 Peter 1:6-7 (NIV)
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-of greater woth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
Stephanie, Queen City:
But those who wait on the Lord
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)
Regan, Conroe. “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies,do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” Luke 6:27-28, ESV
Donise, Longmont, CO I am counting on the Lord;yes, I am counting on Him. I have put my hope in His word. Psalm 130:5 NLT. Sarah, You will have courage because you will have hope. You will be protected and will rest in safety. Job 11:18 NLT
Pauline, Kearney, NE
“Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, and He will strengthen your heart; Wait, I say,on the Lord!”
Psalm 27:14 NKJV
Kim, W.Richland
Love each other with brotherly affection and take delight in honoring each other.
Romans 12:10 TLB
Maxie,Montgomery,Al
“Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.” Isaiah 64:4 (NIV)
Nicole/Dallas/psalm 51:10/niv
10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
   and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Thanks first of all for those prayer comments:
Thanks to the Siestas that have been praying for me. your prayers have helped in a painful time for me. Siestas have meant a lot to me. Please Keep Praying for me and my 25 year old daughter Beth, who does not want contact with me. We are not sure why. Pray that God would preserve her life and soften her heart toward God!
But if anyone attacks you, don’t suppose for one moment he came from me.
Isaiah 54:14 The Message from Nancy Waits
Tyler, Texas
Fonda, Biloxi,
Taste and see that the lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
Psalm 34:8 NIV
Carol, Lubbock, TX
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV
Sherie
Spring, TX
I will praise theLord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.
Psalm 16:7 NIV
Susan,Windsor CA
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Jodi, St. Paul, MN
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Linda
Madison, MS
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
Philippians 1:20
Deena from Amarillo, Texas
“Teach me your way, O Lord,
and I will walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name.”
Psalm 86:11 NIV
Heidi, Litchfield Park, AZ: NIV, Isaiah 39:11
“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.”
Jane, St. Louis
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 (The NET Bible)
Tammy N. – Lubbock, TX
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Rebecca Julian, NC
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Thanks for the verse! It is a great one!
Paige, Atlanta, NET
Psalm 27:14 Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!
Bonnie, Seattle
Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?
Luke 12:25-26 (NLT)
Jordan, Knoxville, TN
“I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places. That you may know that I, the LORD, who call you by your name, am the God of Israel.” Isiah 45:3 NIV
Ali Weaver, Pelzer, SC
Psalm 27:14
“rely on the lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!”
The NET bible
Tracie, Minneapolis
1 Peter 3:5-6 (NIV, ©2011)
For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands,
like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.
Joni
Littleton CO
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible