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.
Hannah, Lebanon IN: “Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.” Isaiah 26:4 (NIV)
Leigh, Olathe, Kansas
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.”
Ephesians 3:20-21, NIV 1984
“The Lord longs to be gracious to you; He rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him!” Isaiah 30:18 Janell, Clovis, NM
Cincinnati, OH
Ephesians 3:20 NLT
20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
Melissa, Fort Myers, FL:
But the person who prophesies speaks to people for edification, encouragement, and consolation. The person who speaks in another language builds himself up, but he who prophesies builds up the church. 1 Corinthians 14:3-4 (HSCB)
Sheila, Sevierville, TN
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
Psalm 27:14
For the word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does. Ps. 33:4
Heather, Whittier, CA
“Answer me when I call you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.”
NIV
Kelly, Springfield, MO. “I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Fear the LORD, you his holy people,for those who fear him lack nothing.” Psalm 34:4,9 (NIV)
Jennifer, Lexington SC
The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)
Melissa, Hampton, VA:
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Romans 12:12 (NIV)
Michelle, Moultrie GA, For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness but, one of power, love, adn sound judgement. 2 Tim. 1:7 NASB
Sue, Pasadena TX: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 ESV
Show me your ways, O Lord,
Teach me your paths;
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
For you are God my savior,
And my hope is in you all day long. Psalms 25:4-5 NIV
Holly, Beaumont, CA “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV
Tiffany, Chesterfield:
“God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having been now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.” Romans 5:8-9, NASB
Shelley G- Lakeland, Florida
Luke 6:43-44 NIV
No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognize by its own fruit.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NIV
Jennifer, OKC
Amy, Tyler, TX
This is the confidence wi have in approaching God; that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
1 John 5:4 NIV
Peggy, Yorktown, VA
Ps 25:1 To you O Lord I lift up my soul.
DeLynda, Abilene, TX:
I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty. Revelation 1:8 NIV
Saskatchewan, Canada
Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength,
They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and
not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31 NIV
Ainslie, Columbia SC
“Just as you recieved Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7 NIV
Lee, Leola, PA
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Very timely verse for me, thank you!!!
Cynthia, Ft. Worth, TX Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Beth, Birmingham – “Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!”
Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Philippians 2:13 NIV
For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
JoJo Sutis, Doyline, LA
“For by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of yourselves it is the gift of God not of works lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV
Julie, Prescott, AZ
“What good is it for a man to gain the whole world yet forfeit his soul?” Mark 8:36 NIV
A little late this month. Wrote it down in my spiral notebook on the 1st and then got to busy to go to the blog. Life is busy in May as all the school and outside activities wind down for the kids. Praying for you this week.
You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you. Matthew 5:7 Msg
Tammy, Merryville, La
“Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. KJV
Denise, Orange City. I am memorizing these verses while struggling to train for a 5K.
Isaiah 40:28-31 ESV
Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
He does not faint or grow weary;
His understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might He increases strength.
Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.
“My Grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
Liz, Verona, WI:
“Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth.”
~Proverbs 24:17 (KJV)
Linda, Newark, DE
For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace. Romans 6:14 (NASB)
Sally, Barrington, IL
(love) does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, I Corinthians 3:5 NASB
shelly, Willmar, Mn
Romans 12;12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. NIV
Melissa, Vicksburg, MS: “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
Christine, Phoenix: He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” Luke 11:28 (NIV)
Shannon, Houston, TX
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” – Romans 12:12 NIV
Louisville NIV
Proverbs 2:6 For the LORD gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Nancy, Dallas, TX
But I say to you, love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you. Mt 5:44
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Debra, Jacksonville, FL “I have to lead my life in faith, without seeing Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 (Moffat)
Debbie in Alexandria, VA
Stay with God! Take heart. Don’t quit.
Psalm 27:14 (The Message)
Patty – Glendora, CA
“And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us undertanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his son Jesus Christ. He is he only true God and he is eternal.” 1 John 5:20
Becky – Cynthiana
Ephesians 4:32 – NIV
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.
Awilda, College Station, TX
I Corinthians 3:16,17 (NIV, 1984)
Don’t you know, that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are that temple.
Michelle F, Hamilton, MT: “Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord! Psalm 27:14 (NET)
Jeanni, Westland Psalm 62:6-7
He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.
In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. KJV