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.
Sherry, Oklahoma
#9
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaish 26:3 KJV
Cindi, Orange, Texas
But let all who take refuge in you sing for joy. Spread your protection over them , that those who love your name may rejoice in you
Psalm 5:11
Marilyn…in Mississippi
Psalm 27: 14 KJV
“Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.
Amy, Kernersville NC
Karen – Eupora, MS
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my Savior–from violent men you save me.
2Samuel 22:2-3 NIV
Cheryl, Austin. God says, “At the time I have planned, I will bring justice against the wicked.” Psalm 75:2 NLT
Rachael, Cincinnati, OH “Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Alexis R
Atlanta, Ga
Psalm 77:14 (MSG)
You’re the God who makes hings happen; you showed everyone what you can do
Sarah Deible Bremen, Ohio
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self discipline.”
2 Timothy 1:7
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15 NIV
Sarah, Chocowinity, NC
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15 NIV
Jennifer, Colorado Springs CO.- Matthew 25:40 TNIV “The king will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Lynda, Monterey
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” ~Colossians 3:15 (NIV)
Teach me your ways, O LOrd,that I may live according to your truth! grant me purity of heart that I may honor you….Psalm 86:11(NLT)
I’ve kept up with memorizing but not with posting so here they are…
3/15 – “Always be joyful. Never stop praying.”
1 Thes 5:16 & 17
4/1 – “Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember the Lord is coming soon.”
Phil. 4:5
4/15 – “Teach me how to live, O Lord. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me.”
Psalm 27:11
5/1 – “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Then I will teach your ways to rebels, and they will return to you.”
Psalm 53:12 & 13
Sarah – League City. In the midst of the royal wedding hype, and my sweet neice’s baptism this weekend, my verse is…
“I delight greatly in hte LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation, and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, & as a bride adorns herself with jewels” Isaiah 61:10 NIV
(I believe in one of my studies, Beth defined “rejoice” as literally ‘to spin’!! Love that analogy.)
Lindsay, Albuquerque, NM
Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel” Ephesians 6:19 NIV
Kelsie, Albuquerque, NM (14)
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 NIV
Alysa, Albuquerque, NM (11)
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 NIV
Allison; Johnson City, TN
“The one who reveals secrets is a constant gossip; avoid someone with a big mouth.” Proverbs 20:19 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Debra, Many, La
“But those who trust in the Lord will renew their strenth; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:31 (Holman Christian Standard)
Mitzi
Kannapolis
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His Name;
bring an offering and come before Him.
Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness.
Megan, Satellite Beach FL
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orpahns and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being poluted by the world. James 1:27
TNIV
Sharon, San Diego, CA
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, for ever and ever! Amen. Eph 3:20-21 NIV
Cindy
Columbia, MO
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 NET
(Boy howdy…is that verse for me! — praying for the taping this week!)
Janet, Wingate, NC
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12 ESV
Ginger, South Point, OH
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9
“Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16 NIV.
Proverbs 3:6 – In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths. NKJ
April, Lake Charles, LA
In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. ~ 1 Thes. 5:18
T. Cooper – Amarillo, Texas
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13 NIV 2011
Valerie, Queen Creek, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV)
“The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” 2 Pet. 3:9 NASB
Love and faithfulness meet together, righteousness and peace kiss each other.
Psalms 85;10. Niv
Stanford, Ky
Sorry for late entry ,going through a divorce
Becky – Tacoma,WA
Psalm 34:8 NIV
“Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”
Chonda, Fayetteville, AR, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builder labors in vain.” Psalm 127:1 NIV
Carrie, Jupiter, FL
Nahum 1:7 The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.
Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. KJV
Cindy sacramento, ca 2 Chron 16:9a
9 For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth (F) to show Himself strong for those whose hearts are completely His.
Joanne
Florida
But 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
Nancy, Bridgewater, NJ
“The time has come, he said.
The kingdom of God is near,
Repent and believe the good news!”
NIV Mark 1:15
Meredith Sloan
Greer, SC
Hebrews 12:1
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us”
Judith,
Orillia, Canada
2 Cor. 9:8, NIV
“God is able to make all grace abound,
so that in all things, at all times,
having all that you need,
you will abound in every good work”
Proverbs 18:10 (NIV)
“For the name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”
Stephanie, Lititz, PA “Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Marsha, Lees Summit, MO
and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel… Ephesians 6:19 NKJ
Kylie, Fishers, Indiana
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14
“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” Psalm 27:14 (NIV)
Jennifer J, Huntsville, TX
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:9-10 NIV
Phillipians 2:14-15- “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.” (NIV)
“Do everything without complaining or arguing. So that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fail in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe”
Philippians 2:14-15
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his spirit in your inner being, s that Christ may dwell in your heart through faith.
Ephesians 3:16-17a (NV)
Stephanie
Pawleys Island, SC
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.
1 John 4:18 NKJV
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4 NIV