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.
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 (NET)
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything to stand. Ephesians 6:13 (NIV)
Nakisha, MI
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Amanda, Westfield, NC: Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer. -Psalm 4:1 (NIV)
Julie, Lexington, KY
Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you
Psalm 37:5 (NLT)
Telisa, Arkansas City
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:7 NIV
Lara, Aubrey, TX: “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” 2 Timothy 4:18 NAS
Dear Beth,
We finished Daniel tonight changed women. Treasuring the scriptures in our hearts. Thank you for your hard work and leadership. Our group is going to your conf. in August WE CANNOT WAIT!!.
Amen to the Mighty God we serve!!!
Love in Christ!!!
Diane Wilson
Stow, Ohio!!
Marceil (Cedar Rapids, IA) “For He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son. Col. 1:13 NASV
Ashley, Tampa, FL
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 (NET)
Pam
Arvada, CO
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord! Psalm 27:14 (NET)
Vickie
Russellville
Hebrews 11:10
For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God
NIV
Wanda
Osborn, Missouri
Psalm 27:14 (NET)
Rely on the Lord! Be Strong and Confident! Rely on the Lord!
For God was pleased to have all of his fullness dwell in him, and through him reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood shed on the cross.
Once you were alienated from God enemies in your mind because of your evil behavior. but now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present your selves holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation!
Col. 1:19-22 NIV
Whew! I am/was a bit behind and wanted to belt this one out, it’s such an awesome promise!
Luke 1:37
“For nothing is impossible with God.”
Kathy Ontario Canada
Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12 (NLT)
Joy, Monroe, GA: Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. -Psalm 27:14, NLT
Sharon, Barrington
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14
Jeanie, Martin SD
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 NIV
Christi, Clinton, Utah-“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” @ Timothy 1:7
Laurel, Zeeland MI Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Rachael, Chattanooga,TN
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
Kathy, Shreveport, La.
For nothing is impossible with God. Luke 1:37 NIV
Connie, Turlock CA
Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD Psalm 27:14
Jude 24 NIV
“To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy-”
Andrea
Woodstock,GA
Olathe, KS
Kind words are like honey-sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.Â
                   Prov. 16:24
Kelly, Erwin, TN
Romans 15:5 NIV
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had”
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat it’s fruit.”
Proverbs 18:21 NKJV
Ann Ft Lauderdale, FL
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!
Psalm 27:14 NET Bible
Susan, Longmont, CO
Psalm 27:14 (NET)
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord”
Becky, Biloxi “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” Psalm 31:24, NIV ’84 (April 15, Sorry so late!)
Moose Jaw,
From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
NKJV
Becky, Biloxi “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understnding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5,6 NKJV
Michelle, Warsaw, IN
Love this one – thank you!! And I am in need of “relying”.
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
sue, atlanta “Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 NET
Rachelle, Long Island
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Eph. 6:10 NIV
Leigh Gray
Carmi, Il – Please pray for all our flooding!!!
Rev. 22:12 NIV “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.”
Laura, Mason, OH
Philippians 4:4-5
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”
Psalm 73:26 My flesh and my heart faileth; but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. KJV
Jen, Knoxvilly,TN
If the Son sets you free you will be free indeed! John 8:36 (NIV)
Sharoni, Houston, TX. “If words, let it be God’s words, if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and He’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything.” I Peter 4:11, The Message.
Christy H., Sherman, TX
“If you make the Most High your dwelling- even the Lord, who is my refuge-”
Psalm 91:9 NIV
Janet – Amarillo, TX
Romans 6:6 (NIV)
For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.
Katie, Loveland, CO. “The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” Proverbs 28:1 (NIV)
Mari, Zionsville, IN
I have two verses today because I was out of the country for our last entry posting.
so, #8 And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” Isaiah 6:8 ESV
#9 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. John 10:28 ESV
Mindy, Rowley, IA Philippians 1:9-11 “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.” NKJV
Kristen young baton rouge La
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light
Eph 5:8 niv
Tracy, Spring, TX
“Keep me safe, my God, for in you I find refuge.”
Psalm 16:1 NIV
Crystal, Milford, IA:
One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. Psalm 27:4 (TNIV)
James 3:17
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit,impartial & sincere. NIV