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 ā and learning and thrilling and growing and wallowing ā go into the whole process of a Bible study journey. Many tears. Healthy laughs. Big eye-openers. Rich conversations. Moments of, āWhat on earth was I thinking??ā Above all, so much desperation for Jesus. If God doesnāt pour His Spirit into it, it will fall flat like a collapsed pup-tent. Thatās the Godās-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 lifeās 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 Iām going to end up writing about things in my life and family that havenāt even happened yet. Some of them will be wonderful. Others will be painful. Itās kind of like starting a new journal. There is a certain amount of trepidation because you simply canāt guess what will fill those pages. Itās a stomach-knotting blend of anticipation and raw fear. But what I forget sometimes in that anxious moment when I know thereās no turning back is the grace. The goodness of God. The fact that Iām invited to believe He was the initiator of it, as He is in all things faith (Hebrews 12:1-3) and that I donāt have to assume complete control over it. Iām invited to remember what life the Scripture has and how much this woman has to learn.
Good grief. Iām sitting in a salon chair about to bawl my head off. (Writing this to you on Friday.) Iāll 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 didnāt gnaw you like a bone throughout the whole ordeal. Itās 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. Thatās 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 ā 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 wonāt get a chance to blog much (if at all) while Iām 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, weāll stay in touch that way. (@BethMooreLPM ā 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 wonāt require an audience. Later in May they will come to Houston and we will do yet more taping. At that time (later in May), Iāll 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 wonāt 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. Thatās enough to make her push past her discomfort and get on the screen. In case youāre 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 donāt 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 Iād forgotten what weāre doing on here today???? No maāam. I most certainly did not. All Iāve just told you led to the Scripture Iāve chosen as my ninth verse.
Beth, Houston. āRely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!ā Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Yes, Sir! If this selection resonates with you, join me with it! Iād 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??? DONāT YOU DARE QUIT!!!!!
I love you to pieces.
Sara from Pierre: Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord! Psalm 27:14. NET.
Sallie Howell, Tupelo, MS “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:4 NIV
Carol from Terrell:
“Do not let your adornment be merely outward – arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel – rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.
1 Peter 3:3-4
From the ends of the earth I call to You, I call as my heart grows faint; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Ps. 61:2
āRely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!ā Psalm 27:14,NET
“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:” Philippians 2:5 (NIV)
Kathy
St. Louis, MO
Teresa, Mississippi
“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Phil.3:14
Erika, San Antonio, Texas:
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together hfor good,1 for ithose who are called according to his purpose. “(Romans 8:28, ESV)
Donna, Spartanburg
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Psalm 50:23 NIV
He who sacrifices thank offering honors Me and he prepares the way that I may show him the salvation of God.
(Been reading Ann Voskamp’s “One Thousand Gifts” which is wonderful!
Repeat from last time:
Sahsha’s Mummy, Spring, TX
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned w/ salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Col 4:6
Gina; Houston
I started ready a book about Psalm 91 at the beginning of last week and decided to attempt to memorize these sixteen verses.
We lost a great man this past week, David Wilkerson. This is a man of God that I have admired for years. He was an influence in my life and had a huge part in shaping my walk with the Lord God, and encouraged me to be strong in the word of God through his teaching.
Several years ago, I had the honor of singing at a college conference before he spoke. The biggest honor was knowing that, in those few minutes, I was allowed to give a blessing back to him. I found out later that he was a bit nervous about the word that the Lord God had asked him to deliver that night. The song that was sung…gave him courage.
I want to dedicate memorizing these verses in his memory…
Psalm 91: He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust!” For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His pinions,and under His wings you may seek refuge;His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark. You will not be afraid of the terror by night,or of the arrow that flies by day; Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness,or of the destruction that lays waste at noon. A thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand,but it shall not approach you. You will only look on with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. For you have made the LORD, my refuge,even the Most High, your dwelling place. No evil will befall you,nor will any plague come near your tent. For He will give His angels charge concerning you,to guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands,that you do not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the lion and cobra,the young lion and the serpent you will trample down. Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him;I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name. He will call upon Me, and I will answer him;I will be with him in trouble;I will rescue him and honor him. With a long life I will satisfy him and let him see My salvation. “
thank you so much for telling of david wilkerson’s death as i have not heard. my husband got saved reading his’ book the cross and the switchblade’.
Adele, Fresno,CA
If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue, but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless. James 1:26 NASB
Stacyjo
Spokane, WA
Romans 12:3 NIV
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
Barbara, Arcadia, CA
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord! Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Cheryl
Augusta, Ga.
Let us then approach Godās throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16
Lindsey, Charleston, SC: “You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the LORD will be with you.” 2 Chron. 20:17, ESV
Rochester, MN. “But the king shall rejoice in God; everyone who swears by Him [that is, who binds himself to Godās authority, acknowledging His supremacy, and devoting himself to His glory and service alone, every such one] shall glory; for the mouths of those who speak lies shall be stopped.” Psalm 63:11, Amplified.
Mary Anne, Gilbert, LA
āYour attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:ā Philippians 2:5 (NIV)
Meggie, Winnipeg, Canada
I’m so grateful for this verse, I badly needed it!
“Rely on the LORD! Be stong and confident! Rely on the LORD!” Psalm 27:14 NET
Diann, Woodburn, IN
“But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children–with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.” Psalm 103:17-18 NIV
Prayer Request: I lost my Siesta Scripture Cards. I carried it with me everywhere and can’t find it. š
Janine, Santa Cruz, Bolivia: āRely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!ā Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Just what I need this week!
Thanks Sister Lynn!
The favors of the LORD are not exhausted, his mercies are not spent; They are renewed each morning, so great is his faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 (NAB)
Luke 2:14 (King James Version)
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Kelli
Colorado
“For I am about to do a brand new thing. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness for my people to come home. I will create rivers for them in the desert!” ~ Isaiah 43.19 NLTā„
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1: 12~NIV
Debbie,
Highland,MI
Greta, Albuquerque, NM
Ephesians 3:20 (New King James Version)
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
Savanna, Atlanta GA
There is far more to your inner life than the food you put in your stomach, more to the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the ravens, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, carefree in the care of God, and you count far more.
Luke 12:23-24 The Message.
Amy
Whiteman AFB, MO
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2
The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display His craftmanship. ~Psalm 19:1 NLT
Amy, Grand Rapids, MI
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!
Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Psalms 8 (KJV)
O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. 2 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
3 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; 4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? 5 For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. 6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: 7 All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; 8 The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas. 9 O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!
“Rely on the Lord!
Be Strong and Confident!
Rely on the Lord!”
Psalm 27:14 NET
Beth, You and your team are always in my prayers!
Rely on the Lord Girl!!!!
Eden Texas
Romans 12:12 (New Living Translation)
12 Rejoice in our confident hope.
Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
This is a good one that I think I might try for next cycle. Hits home for me right now.
Thanks
Kelli in Colorado
Tanya, Somerville, TN
Job 19:25 “I know my Redeemer lives, and that in the end
He will stand on the earth.” NIV
Amanda, Boaz AL…just getting power to post this!!!
“Is not My word like fire”āthe LORD’s declarationā”and like a sledgehammer that pulverizes rock? Jeremiah 23:29
Kelly
Ruston, LA
Psalm 27:14
Rely on the Lord! BE Strong and Confident! Rely on the Lord!
The NET Bible
Coossians 3:2 Amplified Bible
And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth.
Ann from Indiana
āI press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.ā Phil.3:14
Rosalee, Oklahoma City
1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galations 5:1 NIV
I John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
“‘Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken, not My covenant of peace be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” Isaiah 54:10 NIV
“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” I John 3:1
Jayne- Frisco, TX
NIV
When I saw Beth’s verse, I just knew I had to be a “copycat”! š In the dead of night, I will declare this verse.
Lindsay ~ Bangor
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confidant! Rely on the Lord!”
~Psalm 27:14 (NET)
Kayce, Fairfax, VA: Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions.- Psalm 119:29, NLT.
Nancy, Morehead
Give thanks to the Lord, who is good, whose love endures forever.
Ps 118:1 NAB
Leah, Indianapolis
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!
Psalm 27:14 the NET Bible
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.
Romans 12:2 NIV
Meredith Smith
Psalm 27:14 (NET)
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!”
Kem, Memphis
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope. Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassion never fails.
Lamentations 3:21-22