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.
Christi, Cameron, NC
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
I Corinthians 15:58 (ESV)
Kay, Everett This high priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Hebrews 4: 15,16 NLT Bible
Krista–Morgantown, WV
For merely listening to the law doesn’t make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in his sight. – Romans 2:13 NLT
For my precious sisters in Christ in Cleveland, Tennessee, as they strive to put lives back together after the tornadoes April 27, and for me as I remember them:
“I remain 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.” Psalm 27:13-14 NIV
Lifting up the sisters in Cleveland Tn. Great verse too.
Love,
Monica, NY
Beth, Fountain Inn: 2 Chron. 16:9a For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.
Amber, Warsaw, IN
“Wait for the Lord; Be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
-Psalm 27:14 NIV
Jana Sund, (Kalispell, MT) “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield” Psalms 91:4 NIV
Deuteronomy 2:2-3 (NIV)
“Then the LORD said to me, ‘You have made your way around this hill country long enough; now turn north.'”
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Krista
Centennial, CO
Victoria, Fort Worth, “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” Psalm 119:105 NIV
Harriett, St. Albert Alberta, And HOPE does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the HOLY SPIRIT, who has been given to us.
Romans 5:5 NIV
Debbie, Lorenzo, Tx: As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12 NIV
Jo Ann, Philadelphia area. “You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them,” 2 Timothy 3:14 (NAS)
Kristen, Fort Worth, “How can a young person stay pure? By obeying Your Word.” Psalm 119:9, NLT
Nancy- Yonges Island, SC
“The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught. The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears, and I have not been rebellious, I have not drawn back.” Isaiah 50:4-5 NIV
Judy, Dallas, “Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from troubles. Proverbs 21:23 Amplified Bible
Dana
Lexington, KY
Beth, I love your studies. I am a fellow survivor of sexual abuse, and I have struggled with TRUST my whole life. I am 59 years, and still have a hard time trusting others, and find myself trusting God, too. I love the Lord with all my heart, and want to finally be free to TRUST. Did you struggle with that yourself? It took my a long time to call God my Father, as well, as it was at the hands of my father that my abuse came. Help me to be able to trust again. Thank you
LeAnne, Malawi: Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my thoughts. See if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Ps 139:23-34 ESV
Christa, Denver, CO
For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land.
Deuteronomy 8:7-8 (NIV)
Lyndsey, La- Heb 4:16, NIV- praying for you this week!
Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
LaShay from Saltillo, MS – “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” I Thess. 4:11, 12 (NIV)
Jane W., Charlotte
“A good reputation is more valuable than the most expensive perfume. In the same way, the day you die is better than the day you are born.”
Ecclesiastes 7:1 NLT
Carla
Corryton,Tn
NIV 1Peter 6:20-21
I am continuing this verse from last due to it being 2 verses and I had a detour on my way this time that I was not expecting.
Stacy, Birmingham, AL. His grave was assigned with wicked men, Yet He was with a rich man in His death, Because He has done no violence, Nor was there any deceit in His mouth. -Isaiah 53:9 (NASB)
Kaila, Springfield, MO
“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.”
~Matthew 24:45-46
Madelin, Thousand Oaks,Ca
Psalm 18:32,35 NET
The one true God gives me strength;
he removes the obstacles in my way.
You give me your protective shield;
your right hand supports me;
your willingness to help enables me to prevail.
Waylene, Loma Linda
All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, He brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of His healing comfort–we get a full measure of that, too. II Corinthians 1:3-5, The Message
Rene Claremore OK – So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy wtih someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own? Luke 16:11-12 NIV
Amy – Custer, SD
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20 NIV
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Birmingham, AL
“He has showed me, (Dora), what is good. And what does the Lord require of me? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with my God.” Micah 6:8 NIV
You, LORD, are all I want! You are my choice, and you keep me safe. You make my life pleasant, and my future is bright. I praise you, LORD,for being my guide. Even in the darkest night, your teachings fill my mind. I will always look to you, as you stand beside me and protect me from fear. ~Psalm 16:5-8(CEV)
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14
Thank you Beth, this one works for me this time. I missed last time.
Wendy
Crosby, TX
Amy
Snellville, GA
Psalm 103:11 (NASB)
“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.”
I keep thinking, next time I better pick a shorter passage, worried that my brain can’t memorize so much, then I am humbled to think that this passage picked me, all praise to Father, Son and Holy Spirit!
There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. (NIV Exodus 33:21-23)
Angela
Michelle, Waukesha, WI
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer.”
2 Samuel 22:2 NIV
Rely on the Lord. Be strong and confident. Rely on the Lord. Ps.27:14 (NET)
Jill Bozeman MT
Rely on the Lord !
Be Strong and confident !
Rely on the Lord!
Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Shannon; Elmira, Canada: Isaiah 46:9-10 (NASB) Remember the former things long past, For I am god, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which have not been done, saying, ‘My purposes will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure.’
Jennifer, Otisville MI
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. Proverbs 31:25, NIV
Nancy, St. Petersburg FL
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. Psalm 57:11 NIV
PRAYING . . .
PSALM 62:5 & 6 NIV
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
Sheryl, Jacksonville
Diane, Killeen, TX. “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7, KJV
Ps 27:1
The Lord is my light and salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid.
Linda, Dallas, TX
Rescue me from my enemies, Lord; I run to you to hide me.
Psalm 143:9 NLT
(My apartment was broken into 2-3 weeks ago, and I still have trouble going to sleep at night. This verse will be a wonderful mantra to repeat as I go to bed each night.) 🙂
Deborah, Cheyenne – “Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord! Ps. 27:14 The NET Bible
Kathy, Houston
“being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you WILL complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” Philippians 1:6