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.
Rebecca, College Station, TX
Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.
John 14:1 (NLT)
Erin in Alabaster, AL
“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 ESV
Robyn, Wichita, “Rejoice always. Pray continually.” 1 Thess 5:16&17 NIV
Sorry so late! Have been out of town!
Ps. 27:1 NASB
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?
Hilda in Pearland
Tracy, Tyler, TX
Psalm 33:22 NIV
May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.
Emily, Elk Grove, CA
Hebrews 12:1-2a (NLT)
Therefore, since we are surrounded such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.
Create in me a pure heart, O God,and renew a steadfast spirit within me.Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:10-12
1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV
58Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
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Ephesians 1:18-21 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,far above all rule and authority, power and dominion ,and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
NIV Proverbs 6:9
How long will you lie there you sluggard?
Will you get up from your sleep?
Beth R
Liberty Lake, WA
Brandy, San Angelo, TX John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” KJV
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 New American Standard
Linda from Fort Wayne Indiana
Ps. 90:12 Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Feeling overwhelmed, frustrated and frazzled with the to-do list, should-do list for this numbered day, so praying that this verse calms me and encourages me to not be burdened by the calendar but use it all to gain that heart of wisdom!!
Michelle, Morristown, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” (Romans 12:12 NIV)
This is a very busy time in my life, so, Beth, I am joining you in your verse this time.
Tammy, Clarksville, TN: “Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14
Chesney, Knoxville. “The Rock—His work is perfect; all His ways are entirely just. A faithful God, without prejudice, He is righteous and true.” Deuteronomy 32:4 (HCSB)
Teresa, Haxtun, CO
Jonah 2:9 (NIV)
But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to You. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD.
Donna in Kirkland, Wa
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!”
Ps 27:14 NET
Kathy Cupit
Hazlehurst, MS
Revelation 22:12 (NKJV)
“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.
Philippians 2:13 NIV
For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
2 Timothy 2:22 (NIV)
Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Paula, Las Vegas (soon to be Muncie, IN). “But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.” Psalm 52:8 NIV
Ruth, Coeur d Alene ID
“Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.” Acts 20:32 NIV
“No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him”[a]—
but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.
1 Corinthians 2:9-10 NIV
Jo Ann/Lincoln,NE
Rely on the Lord! Be Strong & confident! Rely on the Lord
Psalms 27:14 NET
Deborah, Kennewick. “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11 NIV
Valerie, Fultondale, AL
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.”
John 14:1 NIV
Raines, Albany, GA
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 NIV
Valerie, Altoona, Iowa
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? Psalm 8:3-4 NIV
Christian, Port Huron Michigan
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. Psalm 91:2 NLT
Roxanne, Greenwood, LA, 1 Corinthians 15:50-58, KJV:
“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. ”
James 5:13 ESV
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”
NIV Hebrews 10:23
Dianne
Henryetta OK
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Kari, Fulton, SD
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
John 14:1 NIV
Richmond, KY
Psalm 90:12 HCSB
“Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts.”
Psalm 34:10-14 (NIV)
The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. Come, my children, listen to me, I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
Cindy/Midland
Joyce, Dalton,GA
God looks down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there are any who understand, who seek God. Psalm 53:2 NKJV
Amber, Denton TX
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!”
Psalm 27:14 NET
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Anita-Lynchburg,VA
Romans 5:3-5 ESV
More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
cassandra Raleigh,NC
Romans 5: 3-5 “More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
Lis, London:
I believe that I shall look on the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living!
Wait for the LORD; be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!
Psalm 27:13,14 ESV
(Apr.15 & May 1)
Samantha, Tupelo
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 NIV
Judy – Cottageville,WV
Romans 5:3-5 “More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been pored into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
Sr. Rebecca, Clyde
For I the Lord your God hold your right hand. I the Lord say to you fear not, I will help you Is 41:13 amp
Nancy- Canyon, TX
Psalm 52:8 NIV
But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God;I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.
Chrystie C
Piedmont, SC
“Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we might receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16 ESV
Psalm 119:45 I have gained perfect freedom by following your teachings.
CEV
Cindy
Henrietta, TX
Terra from Owasso, Oklahoma
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Katherine– The Colony, TX
Php 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure,whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.