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.
Elizabeth, Oxford, PA
Revelation 22:17 NIV
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.
Karen, Hewitt
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 NIV
Hannah, Oxford, PA
Revelation 22:17 NIV
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.
Andrea, Ontario Canada
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Ps 27:14 (NET)
For we are his handiwork,created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them. Eph 2:10 NAB
Tracey, Bear Creek, NC “You made all the delicate inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Psalms 139:13. NLT.
John 11: 25 – 26 NLT
Jesus told her,”I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live – even after dying. Everyone who lives in me, and believes in me will never die.” Do you believe this Martha?
Sarah
Brownwood, Texas
Rachel, Orlando: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Psalm 139: 23,24
Heidi in Whitefish, MT
“Be joyful always!”
1 Thessalonians 5:16 NIV
“The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them. Taste and see that the LORD is good. How happy is the man who takes refuge in Him!”
Psalm 34:7-8 Holman Christian Standard
Rissa, Boaz: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong & confident! Rely on the Lord!”
Psalm 27:14 NET
Monica, NY.
Kristi Lenoir City, TN
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Philippians 1:27a NIV
It’s that “whatever” part that trips me up!
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.
Psalm 46:1-2 (NIV)
Dee, Zeeland, MI from NIV:
Jeremiah 17:14
“Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.”
“Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do no fret – it leads only to evil.” Psalm 37:8 NIV
Billie, Greenville, KY “The LORD will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.” Isaiah 58:11 NIV
James 4:17 Amplified
So any person who knows what is right to doubt does not do it, to him it is sin.
Shelly
Amarillo, TX
Galatians 5:22-25 (NIV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Shelly, Greenville
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12 NIV
From Hazlehurst: But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye hath suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 1 Peter 5: 10 KJV
Sallie, Gatesville
(I totally need to borrow yours!)
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14
“I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free”
Psalm 119:32 NIV
Danielle, Corpus Christi, TX
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!”
Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Shelley, Springfield, MO
James 1:26 (ESV)
If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart,this person’s religion is worthless.
Patti, Phoenix AZ
Proverbs 29:25 Fearing people is a dangerous trap,
but trusting the Lord means safety. (NLT)
Sandy, Gettysburg, SD “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag and it is not proud. Love is not rude, is not selfish, and does not get upset with others. Love does not count up wrongs that have been done. Love takes no pleasure in evil but rejoices over the truth. Love patiently accepts all things. It always trusts, always hopes, and always endures. Love never ends.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a (NCV)
“You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what He said.” Luke 1:45 NLT
Lisa D., Alpharetta, GA
“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:17 (NIV)
Jolinda, Kearney Ne
Ephesians 1:3 (NIV)
Praise for Spiritual Blessings in Christ
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
(posting for my friend) Sandy R., Eatonton, GA
“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:17 (NIV)
“The Lord has gifted Bezalel, Oholiab, and the other skilled craftsmen with wisdom and ability to perform any task involved in building the sanctuary.” exodus 36
Just wanted to say that as I was reading Exodus 36 and 37 just now, the Lord showed me that what you’re doing in the crafting of the James study and in the tapings is so much like what Bezalel did in crafting the ark of the covenant (and even the whole sanctuary). He made a place for man to interact with God. He made a sanctuary. A holy sanctuary! It was made of ordinary things: gold made from people’s melted offerings of earrings and bracelets. But they were made sacred when offered to the Lord. He cleansed it so that that ordinary (though beautiful) box became a place of sacred awe, reverence, and power. Your words on the printed page and in your mouth form the meeting place: the medium in which God speaks to the hearts of men and women. They form an entrance into the sacred place, the holy of holies.
Just wanted you to know what I heard… you are a sacred craftsman like Bezalel and Oholiab who were given skill to make all kinds of things and who had been filled with the Spirit of God…Oh, and one more thing, Exodus says that Bezalel and Oholiab were given a special gift to teach others how to do what they did. Could it be that you’re teaching others to craft their study of the Word and to hear God’s heart, to fight the good fight. You’re teaching others your craft of listening, learning, teaching, and obeying. Bless you, approved workman, skillful craftswoman. May your joy be full as You see the Lord move in that holy place. We’ll know if your priestly bells stop jingling that you’ve been swallowed up right to the throne! 😉
Sue from Forney:
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.
Isaiah 12:2 (NIV)
Matthew 6:32-33 (New Living Translation)
32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Erin
Fessenden, ND
Ephesians 2:8 (NIV)
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.
Melanie, Sweetwater TN
Need this verse! Psalm 27:14 NLT
Rely on the LORD! Be strong and confident. Rely on the LORD!
For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV by Betty, Austin, Texas
Dyane, Edmond, OK: “Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 (NET)
In all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:6 NIV
Christy, Orlando Fl, Deuteronomy 30:6
And the Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart,
and the heart of thy seed, to love thy God with all thine
Heart and with all thy soul that thou mayest live.
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;
Colossians 3:12 NASB
Deb, Becker
“Everything is permissible for me” – but not everything is beneficial. “Everthing is permissible for me” – but I will not be mastered by anything. 1 Cor 6:12 (NIV)
Farrah, Jackson, MS “Potty-training despaired mom”
“Rely on the Lord. Be STRONG and CONFIDENT. Rely on the Lord!” psalm 27:14 -NET
Meredith, Fayetteville, Arkansas (Last one to the party! Sorry, Miss Beth!)
How this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy. Ezekiel 16:49 NIV
Sorry- that should be “Now”, not “How”!
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 (The NET Bible)
Nikky, Sweeny, Texas
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:2-3 ESV
Melissa, Spring
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord! Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Nicola, Calgary, AB Praying for God’s will in our election.
And He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together (giving us joint seating with Him) in the heavenly sphere (by virtue of our being) in Christ Jesus (The Messiah, the Anointed One). He did this that He might clearly demonstrate through the ages to come the immeasurable, limitless, surpassing riches of His free grace (His unmerited favour) in His kindness and goodness of heart toward us in Christ Jesus. Eph. 2:6-7 AMP
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible