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.
Psalm 138:3 “When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted.” (NIV)
God be with you on your journey and may God bless your bible study – as so many have been blessed by God through your previous studies!!
There are so many things that are causing uphill climbs for so many people these days – over the weekend I was reading the book of Job, as he is the one to model yourself after during trying times!
Thought this might come in handy for someone else struggling through a difficulty right now, until your James Study is available to us.
I am memorizing it:
Naked I come from my mother’s womb,
and Naked I will depart.
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;
May the name of the Lord be praised!
Job 1:21 NIV
Thank you for being such an obedient daughter to God’s calling for you… so that your fellow warriors can continue to be encouraged through studying along with you!
Big Hugs!
Allison Atlanta, GA “Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Allison: Marietta, GA
“A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back to back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple braided cord is not easily broken.”
Ecclesiastes 4:12
This is a word picture if you will, of the three of you sticking together:)
April, Griffin, GA
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.
Matthew 22:37-39 NIV
Luke 10:27 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and Love your neighbor as yourself.” (NIV)
Debbie from Forest City, NC
Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.
Isaiah 46:4 NKJV
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord! Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
(just what I needed :-))
Twila in Fayetteville ga
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Charity
Cardiff, Wales
Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for Him.” Psalm 37:7
Romans 12:12 NIV: Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Sandy, Houston
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Before they call I will answer;
while they are still speaking I will hear.
Isaiah 65:24 NIV
Deuteronomy 30:14 (English Standard Version)
14 But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.
1 Peter 5:10 NIV
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
Lois, Crystal Springs, MS
Leigh, McDonough, GA
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord! — Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Beth and Tori
Waco, TX
“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”
James 5:16b
NIV
Kari in Benton Ar
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
James 1:27 NIV
Allyson, Winnsboro,SC:
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Colossians 4:6 (NIV)
Shannon, IN
Isaiah 40:11
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.
Jeannette, Land O Lakes, FL
Stay with God! Take heart. Don’t quit. I’ll say it again: Stay with GOD. Ps 27:14 the message
Marla, Lame Deer, MT
Colossians 3:2
Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things. NIV
Barb, Kentwood MI:
Lord, heal me and I will be completely well; rescue me and I will be perfectly safe. You are the one I praise! Jer 17:14 GNT
LAURA From Canton MI says:
Jeremiah 26:14 NIV
As for me, I am in your hands;
do with me whatever you think is good and right.
Dinah from Baraboo, WI
He is your constant source of stability, he abundantly provides safety and great wisdom; he gives all this to those who fear him. Isaiah 33:6 NET
Rochelle, Louisville, KY
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. Psalm 1:1 KJV
Audrey, Ohio
Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.
2 Corinthians 8:11-12 TNIV
We will finish “A Woman’s Heart” {updated version} next Wednesday, Beth! We’ve learned so much and are so thankful for your sharing with us 🙂
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Romans 12:14-16
Sue Sue, Bainbridge GA.
Luke 12:35 NIV
Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning like
men waiting for their master to return from a wedding
banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can
Immediately open the door for him.
Jennifer, Fuquay Varina, NC:
God is working in you to make you willing and able to obey Him.
Philipians 2:13, CEV
Jamie, Fort Worth – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer & petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of god, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts & your minds in Christ Jeasus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Kristy, Princeton NC
Ps 27:14 ” Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord”. (NIV)
Tina, Success: “He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.”
Psalms 62:6 NIV
Sorry I’m a day late on this!
Karen
Rochester, MN
Jeremiah 33:2-4 NIV
This is what the LORD says: “The people who survive the sword will find favor in the desert; I will come to give rest to Israel.” The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. I will build you up again and you will be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel. Again you will take up your tambourines and go out to dance with the joyful.”
Rely on the Lord. Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord…psalm 27:14 NET Bible
Rely on the Lord!
Be strong and confident!
Rely on the Lord!
Psalm 27:14 The NET bible
Diane-Vinton, La
Charissa – West Chester, OH
Exodus 14:14 (NIV) The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.
Linda S
McCalla AL
“Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!”
Psalm 27:14 ESV
Laura, Clay Center, KS
Isaiah 43: 1 (last 2 lines)(NIV)
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”
Jennifer, Oklahoma City, OK “And my God will supply your every need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:19 (NET)
Brooke ~ Carterville IL
“The Lord will fight for you, you only need to be still” Ex 14:14
I’m praying Beth for you and your team, Thank you for allowing God to use you all so beautifully!
Psalm 27:4 NET
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!
Rachel, Ft. Smith, AR: ” Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” Gal. 5:25 (NLT)
Isaiah 45:2-3 NASB
“I will go before you and make the rough places smooth; I will shatter the doors of bronze and cut through their iron bars. I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden wealth of secret places, so that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who calls you by name.”
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galations 6:9 NIV I need this because I get so weary sometimes. Lord, give me your strength!
Turkesshia Moore, Greensboro, NC
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4 NIV
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (NIV)
“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you, he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of Justice. Blessed are all who wait for him.” Isaiah 30:18 NIV
San Diego, Anna
Isa, East Lansing, MI
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” Psalm 139:23 NIV
Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lords purpose that prevails.