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.
Abigail, Cincinnati. “Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Jennifer S. Oklahoma City, OK
Fear not for I am with you. Be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isa 41:10 NKJV
“All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV
“I can do everything through HIM who give me strength”
Philippians 4:13
Pam, Wilmington,
Isaiah 62:2
The nations shall see your righteousness and all the kings your glory, and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give.
Alycia, Dallas, TX. “Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.” Eph. 4:1 (NLT)
Neita, Red Oak
Psalms 37:8 Refrain from anger and give up our rage; do not be agitataed-it can only bring harm.
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Annette Temple Texas
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”
Isaiah 40:29 NIV
Patti, Sarasota
You’re my place of quiet retreat;
I wait for your Word to renew me.
Ps 119:114 (The Message)
Heather, Sedalia, Alberta
“being strenghthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.” Colossians 1:11-12, NIV
Joy, Cairo, Ga.
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Sandy in Central, In.
Sing to the Lord a new song; Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless His name’ Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day. Psalm 96:1-2
NAS
Johnnie, Wake Forest, NC
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3 ESV
Luke 6:27, 28
To those who will listen; love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
Stephanie, Youngstown, OHIO “Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Barb Ontario Canada
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 NET Bible
Katie, Houston, TX.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4 NIV 1984
PatW, Green Bank, WV
Then Jesus told them a parable
about their need to pray
always and not to lose heart.
Luke 18:1.TheHolyBible.NRSV.
Helen W, Dunmore, WV
This is the day which the Lord hath made,
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24.
Phyllis
Salisbury, MD
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Margalena, Newnan
They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings- and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.
Revelation 17:14
Salena, Livonia, MI
James 3:16 NLT
Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder.
Becky
Willowick, OH
Rev 21:4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.
Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare. Psalm 40:5 NIV
Carrie, Boston
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! (Psalm 27:14 ESV)
Mandy, Powder Springs, GA
Romans 6:16 in the NET
“Don’t you realize that whatever you choose to obey becomes your master? You can choose sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God and receive his approval.”
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NASB
Shari, Augusta, GA
Wait for the Lord; be strong and courageous and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord. NASB
Pat, Littlefield, Tx…..”Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14 NIV
Crystal, Mullica Hill,NJ. Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord! Psalm 27:14 NET
Barb, Jacksonville: Always be joyful. Always keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18
Johanna, Carlsbad, Ca
“Teach us to number our days aright,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
Psalm 90:12 NIV
Rachel Landolt- College Station, TX
In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In you strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling. Exodus 15:13 NIV
Mindy – McDonough, GA
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me,
for in you my soul takes refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings
until the disaster has passed.
Psalm 57:1 NIV
Karen, Caledonia
Generous hands are blessed hands because they give bread to the poor. Proverbs 22:9 The Message
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Romans 8:18 NIV
Teri, Boise
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
Erin, Herndon, VA
If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
1 John 1:10, NKJV
Stacia Keizer, OR
“Don’t worry about anything: instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.”
Phil 4:6 NLT
Linda says
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Phil 4:6-7 NAS
Tammy, Greenville SC
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!
Psalm 27:14 NET
Gloria, Aiken SC
Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
~Philippians 3:13-14
Brittany, Gainesville, FL. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, -Philippians 3:10
Hannah, 12, Princeton,Mn
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.”
1 Timothy 4:12 NIV
Linda, Sonora, KY
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24 (NIV)
Traci from Lakewood, WA:
“He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.” Psalms 40:2 (NLT)
Pat
Crawfordsville, IN
I trust in You, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in Your hands. Psalm 31:14-15 NIV
South Bend
“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”
Deut.33:27 NIV
Heather from Conway, SC: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14 (NIV)
Dawn, Pottsville…Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus….Philippians 4:6-7, NKJV.