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.
Jennifer, Fairfax VA
“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Lana, Laurel, Nebraska
Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD Psalm 27:14 (NASB)
Kimberly – Prosper, TX
Galatians 1:10
Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Laura, Houston:
“If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:& NLT
Anita, Big River, Saskatchewan
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Philippians 4:20,21 NIV
Rene’
Edmond, OK
Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you
are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.
Isaiah 64:8 (NIV)
Rachel, Anchorage, AK
Psalm 9:1-2
I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders. I will be glad and exult in You; I will sing praise to Your name O Most High. -New American Standard Bible
Deanna, Frisco – Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV)
From Fontana, CA
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.” -Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV) and
“The Lord is wonderfully good to those who wait for Him and seek Him.” -Lamentations 3:25 (NLT)
I was trying to hurry and get this in on time and forgot the part I need the most. The first verse is actually “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning.” – Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)
Tasha, mission,TX. Psalm 27:14 NIV
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Nelly, Mission, TX
Psalm 27:14 NIV
Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.
Ann from Sugar Land
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord! Ps. 27:14
“…Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord.”
Zach 4:6 (KJV)
Not all the precautions in the world can prepare us for the worst of life’s storm, or tornadoes, or death. But God’s Holy Spirit alive in us can keep us through it ALL even death. Jesus, you are EVERY breath I take!!! I love you.
Bird – Cypress, TX
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Betty Fulkerson, Montgomery Tx. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8 Thank you Jesus for washing me with your blood and taking away my sins.
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious in anything but in everything, through prayer and petition, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. NIV
Michelle from Natchitoches, LA: Now the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will personally restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little.
1 Peter 5:10, HCSB
Catherine, Montgomery,AL. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands
Psalm 63:4 (NIV)
Kristin, Fresno, CA
‘I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful. I know that full well.’
Psalm 139:14 NIV
Nancy, Wichita, KS
I am my lover’s. I’m all he wants. I’m all the world to him!
Song of Soloman 7:10 – The Message
Lindsey, Madison, GA
You are my hiding place and my shield;
I wait for Your word. -Psalm 119:114 [NASB]
Kathy College Station Tx….You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom…Matt 5:10 The Message
Diana in Waconia, Minn.
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:14 (ESV)
Ashley, Lubbock, Tx
Karen, Cottonwood
#8 Eph. 2:6 “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,”
#9 Eph. 2:7 “in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.” NIV
Lyndsey, Telford, PA: “Since you are my rock and my fortress,
for the sake of your name lead and guide me. ” Ps 31:3 NIV
CJ, Liberty
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Terry – Louisa, VA
Psalm 103:1-5 NIV
Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name.
Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits —
Who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,
Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
I am a bit late on this one. I made a note to enter my post yesterday but the day went by and this morning when I awoke I was jolted when I remembered my SMTV….
I could not Quit (or miss”) because this is important to me and to God….
So here are two verses that spoke to me as I read a sister in Christ’s recent blog post about waiting for her terminally ill 4 year old son to be healed and the impatience that sometimes overtakes her (and our society) because as she was reminded “Our microwave-pre-cut-carrot-society does not like to wait”….
“I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned and heard my cry”
Psalm 40:1
“In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests befor you and wait in expectation”
Psalm 5:3
Sorry for the length…just felt the nudge to share!
Marlene, Ladson, SC
O my soul, bless God. From head to toe, I’ll bless His holy name! Psalm 103:1 The Message
Katie – Lincoln, NE – Do you think I like to see wicked people die? Says the sovereign Lord. Of course not! I want them to turn from their wicked ways and live. Ezekiel 18:23 NLT
Kathy, Grand Ledge, MI
The LORD appeared to us in the past, Saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness”. Jeremiah 31:3 NIV
I missed posting my verse the last two times, but I am hanging in there.
Liz, Okemos
2 Corinthians 2:9 (NLT)
“No eye has seen, no eat has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”
Allie, South Pasadena, CA
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing ,but encouraging one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Hebrews 10:23-25 NIV
Jane, Port Orchard. “Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Catherine, Puyallup, WA
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14
Jenny – San Antonio, TX
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
Psalm 103:12 NIV
Romans 12:10 (NASB)
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor.
Shellie
Moscow, ID
P.S. I’ve been home, sick with a sinus cold (or allergies or something. I’m not sure what’s causing this.) and I’m starting to get really lonely, which is a really dangerous place for me to be.
Praying for you right now!
Thank you, Jenny! I need all the prayer I can get. My sinuses aren’t hurting so much right now, so the prayers must be working. I’m not quite so sad either! But keep praying! I’m not totally healthy yet, and I have a lot of relationship issues, so loneliness threatens to take over A LOT!
By the way, my best friend’s name is Jenny, so even your name sent a warm feeling through me! 🙂
Cara, Fridley, MN
Those who trust in the LORD are as Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people from this time forth and forever. Psalm 125:1-2 (NASB)
Dana Flower Mound TX
Jer 33:3 (NIV)
Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.
Janet,Longmont,CO:
Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” John 20:21 NIV
Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Amie, Glendale, AZ: 1 Corinthians 13:2, “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” NIV
Laura,Perth,Australia
Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
‘Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!’
Rebekah, Perth, Australia. “Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Yvonne, Riverside/Fairfield
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. ~Isaiah 61:1-3 (NIV)~
Jessica, Carlsbad, CA “Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14  (NET)Â
Stacie- Cyvadier, Haiti
Romans 12:12, NIV
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”