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.
Lindsay, Centerton, AR – He who did not spare his own Son, but gave Him up for us all–how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32
Jenny, Pingree Grove, IL
Psalm 121: 1-3 NIV
I lift my eyes to the hills- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip- he who watches over you will not slumber.
Kathy, Easley: For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 NIV
Kim, Nashville, TN
Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I, too, am working.”
John 5:17 (NIV)
Jeremiah 32:17 (NET)
Oh, Lord God, you did indeed make heaven and earth by Your mighty power and great strength. Nothing is too hard for You!
Traci
Knoxville, TN
Cheryl from Hattiesburg, MS
NIV Isaiah 40:31 They will soar on wings like eagles: they will run and not grow weary: they will walk and not be faint
Jenny, Cedar Rapids – “When she speaks, her words are wise, and kindness is the rule when she gives instructions.” Prov. 31:26 NLT
may 2nd…ecc:11:1 give generously for your gifts will return to you later.. from ouida texas
Oh Beth……..I love you……
1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Chrystal
Lexington, KY
🙂
Lindsay, Albion IL “Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 NET
Kim, Atlanta
“He rescued me, because He delighted in me.”
Psalm 18:19b (NASB)
KaRetha, Denham Springs, LA
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident. Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 (Net Bible)
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
Connie, Bedford, Ky
“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is theman who trusts in Him!”
Psalm 34:8 (NKJV)
Kitty. Melbourne Beach Florida.
NKJ
Let your gentle spirit be known to all men.
Kim, Richmond, TX “to him be glory in the church and in Jesus Christ throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:21(NIV)
Wanda~Eureka, MO: “Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” The NET Bible
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. Isaiah 43:10 NIV
Jennifer, Kansas
“an to KNOW this love that surpasses knowledge –
that you may be FILLEd to the meausres
of all FULLNESS of God.”
Ephesians 3:19
Holly G
Williamston, SC
SSMT #10 – Ps 73:26 NET
“My flesh and my heart may grow weak,
but God always protects my heart and gives me stability”
Shanna, Petal MS
Psalm 27:6 NIV
“Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord.”
Pam, Greensboro, NC
“But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you: to love the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to obey his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and soul.” Joshua 22:5(NIV)
Marla-Yakima, Washington
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!”
Psalm 27:14 (NET)
Cindy Sylvia, Searcy AR
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 NAS
Amy
Oklahoma
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 (NET)
I have never, NOT EVER, been more excited about a Bible study in all my life.
Marla, Columbus OH
Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.
Proverbs 14:31 (ESV)
“Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Ps. 9:10 NIV
Kirsten, Heavener OK, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Ps. 73:26 ESV
Mollie, Friendswood, TX
Psalm 27:14
“rely on the lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!”
The NET bible
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Monica, Columbus, OH- “He must become greater; I must become less” John 3:30, NIV
The wise in heart are called discerning and pleasnat words promote instruction. Proverbs 16:21 (NIV)
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Rom. 5:8 NIV
Ginger, Columbus, GA: “Share your food with the hungry and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.” Isaiah 58:7 Mosaic Holy Bible
Michelle from abilene kansas
“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you”
Matthew 6:33
Missy, Arkadelphia:
Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:25-26, NKJV
Kerry
Cape Coral, FL
Doing David study.
2 Samuel 7:28 NIV
O Sovereign LORD, you are God! Your words are trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant.
Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Paula, Russell, KY
Joshua 1:7-9, NIV
“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
onehappychic, Crawford, TX: “But be sure to fear the Lord and faithfully serve him. Think of all the wonderful things he has done for you.” 1 Samuel 12:24 NLT
Allyson
League City TX
Psalm 27:14 NET
Rely on the LORD! Be strong and confident!Rely on the LORD!”
Cyndy, Columbia, SD
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities–His eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:20 NIV
“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. Philippians 4:8 NASB
M. Holt
Powder Springs, GA
Lorna Beth
Chicago, IL
Titus 1:6-7 (NIV 84)
6 An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. 7 Since an overseer[b] is entrusted with God’s work, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.
Sara Springfield Mo
Psalm 27:14 AKJV
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he will strengthen thine heart: wait I say on the LORD!
Linda, Laurel, Ms.
“For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Rom.8:38-39 NKJV
Gizmo, Spring Branch, TX
Colossians 3:5-6
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. (NIV)
Beth,
I will pray for strength and endurance for you and your team! Thanks for keeping us updated! I can’t wait for the study..
Angie G
Albertville, AL
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!
Psalm 27:14 NET
Kim
Orange City
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
2 Cornithians 9:8 NIV