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.
Shannon Buda, TX
“Everything is permissible for me”-but not everything is beneficial.””Everything is permissible for me”-but I will not be mastered by anything.
1Cor 6:12
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!
Psalm 27:14 – NET
Rachelle Ankeny, Iowa
“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32 NLT
Kim; Poplar Bluff, MO–“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Isaiah 40:29 (NIV)
Briten – Providence, RI
To you, O LORD, I call; My rock, do not be deaf to me, for if You are silent to me, I will become like those who go down to the pit. Hear the voice of my supplications when I cry to You for help, When I lift my hands toward Your holy sanctuary. Psalm 28:1-2 NASB
Kathy West Milton
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confindent! Rely on the Lord!
Psalm 27:14 NET
Betty, Wendell, NC
Romans 15:13 The NET Bible
Now may the God of hope fill you wih all joy and peace as you believe in him, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Joyce, Lebanon, Tennessee
Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
Psalms 321:1 NIV
Dawn W. – Falmouth, KY
Joshua 1:9 NLT (very similar to Momma Beth’s!)
This is my command — be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Beverly
Midlothian, Va
When I thought, “my foot slips,” Your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up.
When the cares of my heart are many, Your consolations cheer my soul.
Psalm 94:18-19 ESV
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians4:6-7 NIV
Cynthia, Massanutten, VA
” For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)
Tiffany, Columbus, OH:
“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.” Ephesians 6: 10-13 (NLT)
McDonough, GA
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!”
Psalm 27:14 (NET)
Heather, Leawood, Kansas. “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” James 1:19-20 (NIV).
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God you will not despise.
Psalm 51:17 (ESV)
Amy, Middletown, Delaware
Isaiah 40:11, NIV
“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.”
McKinney, Tx
“The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10 (NIV)
Debbie, RAF Mildenhall:
“Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.” Eph 6:18, NLT
Joan, Fredericktown OH
Psalm 27:13-14 NIV
I am still confident of this; I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; Be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord!
Jesus told them, “This is what God wants you to do: Believe in the one he has sent.” John 6:29 (NIV)
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Psalm 27:14 NIV
Susan, Barrie, ON, Canada
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Col 3:12 NIV
Kathy W, Mansfield, TX
“The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an evr-flowing spring.” Is. 58:11 (NLT)
This verse was given to all of us who volunteer at our crisis pregnancy center as their verse for us this year.
Sarah, Burlington, ON: “Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.” (Rev 21:7, TNIV)
Lisa, Fredericktown
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
James 1:2-3, NIV
Tanya, Killen, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,” Ephesians 3:20 ESV
Philippians 4:13 NASB
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Meredith, Valdosta – forgot that part!
Kena, Illinois Galations 2:20 ESV,
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loves me and gave himself for me.
Gina, San Antonio, TX
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus”
Phil 2:5, NIV2011
Sarah W. Blairsville, Ga. “For my God is able to provide all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:19 NIV
“He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Psalm 91:4 NIV
Kathy, Akron, Ohio
“For the LORD gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:6 (NIV)
(I am praying for the taping and project. May God’s grace and annointing wash over you and all involved. In Jesus’ Love KK:)
Brooke, Clinton PA
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Lita – Blairsville, GA.
“But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.” 1 Sam. 12:24 NIV
(So sorry i couldn’t post yesterday! On the road all day doing prison ministry. but i’m here now!)
“But you be watchful in all things! Endure afflictions,do the work of an evangelist, and fulfill your ministry.”
-2 Tim. 6:5 (NKJV)
Lisa, Morning View, KY
Psalm 19:14 (KJV)
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.
Tina, Chesapeake, VA – “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5(NIV)
Gal. 5:16 NIV So I say, live by the Spirit, & you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
Dawn, Clinton, PA
Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
Rom. 12:3 NIV
Katherine, Charlottesville:
Eph. 6:10 “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might” (ESV).
Staci – Wichita, KS
Proverbs 2:1-8 (this week vs 3-4) NIV
and if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
THEN…
Marcia, Portland, OR
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! rely on the Lord! Psalm 27:14 NET Bible
Janet, Lenoir, NC. “Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Ashley – Charlotte – “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.”
1 Corinthians 6:12 NASB
Rhonda, Houston – The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread? Psalm 27:1 NAS
Linda, East Chain, MN
Psalm 27:14
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord.” NET Bible
Psalm 84:11b
“…No good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.”
Merrie – Katy, Tx
I have loved you with an everlasting love:
I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.
Jeremiah 31:3 NIV
My heart and prayers go out to all those affected by the tornados in Mississippi (where I live), Alabama (my son lives in Birmingham), Georgia and the Carolinas.
Romans 8:25 NIV
“But if we hope for what we do not have, we wait patiently for it.”