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.
Ruth, Odin, IL
“I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.”
-Psalm 27:13-14 (NIV)
Continuing to pray for you and everything with the taping this week!
Proverbs 1:33 NIV
But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.
Susan, Old Hickory, TN
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1, (NIV)
Laura, Denver,NC “Rely on the LORD!Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
(Thanks, Beth. I needed that!)
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Kelly from AL
Lisa McGriff, Dothan, AL
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14
The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 2:18 NIV
Jennifer, North Charleston, NIV:
John 15:5
I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man abides in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.
Mari, Raleigh, NC
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12 NIV
Hilary
Hudsonville, MI
“I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”
Psalm 40:8 esv
I was out of town but now I’m home!!
Deborah, Philadelphia, PA
John 6:40, NIV
For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.
Judy, Houston
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Kari McClain, Three Rivers, MI
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Robin, Tracy CA
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 1 Corinthians 13:12 NIV
Becky
Westerville, OH
Starting on Psalm 27 –
“Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war may rise against me –
in this I will be confident.”
Psalm 27:3 NKJV
Susan, Cumberland, RI
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6 (KJV)
Tammy, Rowlett, TX
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:1 (NIV)
Joyce, Exeter, RI
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6 (KJV)
Kelly
Marina, CA
Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.
Romans 4:20-21 (NIV)
Lisa from O’Fallon, MO- “Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Sorry so late.. had a hard time deciding on a verse.
“Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD.”
Psalm 31:24 (nkjv)
Martha
Asheville, NC
Marlys, Hillsboro
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace‑loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
James 3:17 NIV
Jessica, Winston Salem, NC
“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” Psalm 27:13-14 (NIV)
Thank you, Ruth of Odin, IL ♥
Aww. . . I am needing that reminder for myself, too! I have been reading through Psalm 27 afresh since Beth’s post and decided I needed both of those verses together for this time. 🙂 Always thankful for God’s promises!
Wheaton, IL
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 NLT
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Beverly
Jackson, MS
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will rest secure
Psalm 16:9 (NIV)
2 Samuel 22:21 NIV
As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.
Lisa,
New York
Karlys, La Place, LA
1 Corinthians 13: 9 & 10 NASB
For we know in part and we prophesy in part,
but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away.
Kate from Cheney, WA
She who guards her lips, guards her life; but she who speaks rashly will come to ruin.
Proverbs 13:3 NIV
Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. John 14:1 NLT
Margee, Chattanooga, TN
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord”
Psalm 27:14 NET
Stacey,Shreveport “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by parayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God.” Phillipians 4:6/NIV
I know we are not supposed to make other comments on scripture memory days, but I had to share. I am weary – physically and mentally. I have been between a rock and a hard place for months now. Today, I had no verse, but went to see what Beth’s was. I almost cried when I read her don’t quit comment and did bawl like a baby when I read her short, perfect verse. Of course, I chose it for my own and then realized it was a verse I had memorized for Siesta in 2009 in a different version. I love God’s Word and you, Beth. Thank you!
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.
-John 15:16 (NIV)
Lauren, Asheville, NC Philippians 2:13 (NLT) “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
Cheryl, Laomi, Il NASB “If you aide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you.” John 15:7
Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope.
Lam. 3:21 (NIV)
Chris
N. Ft. Myers, FL
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!”
Psalm 27:14 NET
Sue, Carmel, “Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord! The NET Bible
“Let your conversations be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Colossians 4:6 NIV
Pam
Greenville, SC
*(posting 2 b/c I missed last time)
Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to Your name be the glory, because of Your love and faithfulness.
-Psalm 115:1 NIV
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
-Colossians 4:2 NIV
Is. 55:1 NIV
“come, all you who are thirsty,
come to the water;
come, buy, and eat.
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without cost
Gail, Fort Worth,
Isaiah 66:2b (NIV)
“This is the one I esteem:Â
he who is humble and contrite in spirit,
and trembles at my word.*
Sheilah, Melbourne, FL
“The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.”
Psalm 19:1-2
Lamentations 3:22 Because of the Lords great love’ we are not consumed,for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning;great is your faithfullness.NIV
I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the
Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV)
Lubbock, Texas
“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 NIV
Rebecca (2nd part of Colossians work–verses 9-12), Vancleave, MS:
“that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;” Colossians 1:10 (NKJV)
Sharon
Glennville, GA
Romans 8:25 NIV
But if we hope for what we do not yet have,
we wait for it patiently.
Brenda, Derby, KS
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