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 ā and learning and thrilling and growing and wallowing ā go into the whole process of a Bible study journey. Many tears. Healthy laughs. Big eye-openers. Rich conversations. Moments of, āWhat on earth was I thinking??ā Above all, so much desperation for Jesus. If God doesnāt pour His Spirit into it, it will fall flat like a collapsed pup-tent. Thatās the Godās-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 lifeās 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 Iām going to end up writing about things in my life and family that havenāt even happened yet. Some of them will be wonderful. Others will be painful. Itās kind of like starting a new journal. There is a certain amount of trepidation because you simply canāt guess what will fill those pages. Itās a stomach-knotting blend of anticipation and raw fear. But what I forget sometimes in that anxious moment when I know thereās no turning back is the grace. The goodness of God. The fact that Iām invited to believe He was the initiator of it, as He is in all things faith (Hebrews 12:1-3) and that I donāt have to assume complete control over it. Iām invited to remember what life the Scripture has and how much this woman has to learn.
Good grief. Iām sitting in a salon chair about to bawl my head off. (Writing this to you on Friday.) Iāll 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 didnāt gnaw you like a bone throughout the whole ordeal. Itās 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. Thatās 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 ā 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 wonāt get a chance to blog much (if at all) while Iām 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, weāll stay in touch that way. (@BethMooreLPM ā 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 wonāt require an audience. Later in May they will come to Houston and we will do yet more taping. At that time (later in May), Iāll 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 wonāt 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. Thatās enough to make her push past her discomfort and get on the screen. In case youāre 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 donāt 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 Iād forgotten what weāre doing on here today???? No maāam. I most certainly did not. All Iāve just told you led to the Scripture Iāve chosen as my ninth verse.
Beth, Houston. āRely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!ā Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Yes, Sir! If this selection resonates with you, join me with it! Iād 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??? DONāT YOU DARE QUIT!!!!!
I love you to pieces.
II Thessalonians 2:16-17 (NKJV)
“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.”
Carolyn
Wheaton, IL
Makaela, Lynchburg, VA
Matthew 21:21-22
“Jesus replied, āTruly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, āGo, throw yourself into the sea,ā and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.ā
Allie, Sulphur I had many things to write , but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee: But I trust I shall speak face to face . Peace be to thee . Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.
Loganville, GA
“that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” Ephesians 6:3 NKJV
Tonya, Searcy, AR
(I need this verse–VERY much right now!)
āRely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!ā Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
from Brandon, “And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.” Colossians 2: 13-14, ESV
Tracey, Raleigh NC
1 John 5:15
And if we know that he hears us – whatever we ask- we know that we have what we asked of him. (NIV)
Lindsay, Dallas, TX
But let all who take refuge in You be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread Your protection over them,
that those who love Your name may rejoice in You.
-Psalm 5:11, NIV
1Peter 1:8-9 NIV
Though you have not seen Him, you love Him: and even though you do not see him now,you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Angie, North Vernon, IN 1 Timothy 6:6 Godliness with contentment make a great gain. NIV
This is my first verse. A wonderful Christian friend just introduced me to this blog! =)
Becky, Rushsylvania OH
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with your wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NIV84
āRely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!ā Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Runia, Silsbee TX, Psalm 143:8, “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul”, NIV
I’m late… but I am not giving up, yet!!
Julie, Clarks Summit, PA
Psalm 143:8 Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.
Laura, Del Rio, Tx. āWait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord.”
Psalm 27:14 NASB
Blessed is the man whom God corrects, so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. For he wounds, but he also binds up; he injures, but his hand also heals. Job 5:17-18 NIV
Melissa, lino lakes…”rely on the lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the lord.” psalm 27:14 net bible
sulphur- each of you should look not only to your own interests but to the interests of others
Philippians 2:4
addie young sulphur for God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son. so that whoever believes in him will have eternal life. john 3:16
Tracy, Wheeling, WV
“Now as you excel in everythingāin faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us excel also in this grace.” 2 Corinthians 8:7 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Jerri, Princeton TX
Psalm 51:10 NIV
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a
steadfast spirit within me.
Katie, Owensboro, KY
“The wicked flees when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.” Proverbs 28:1, KJV
Deuteronomy 33:12 (NIV)
12 About Benjamin he said:
āLet the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him,
for he shields him all day long,
and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders.ā
Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts. Isaiah 26:8 NIV
Sorry it’s late, it’s finals time…
Andrea- Florence, Ky: Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you. – Ephesians 5:14
Sue S Larenceville, GA
Rely on the LORD! Be strong and confident! Rely on the LORD!
Psalm 27:14 NET
Exceeding great and precious promises are given unto us. 2 Peter 1:4
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord! Psalm 27:14
Julie, KY
Birmingham, Alabama
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. 1 Peter 1:22 (NIV)
Tammie Chester, VA
Jeremiah 29: 11-13
For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. NLT
Lori, Sulphur- When I am afraid I will trust in You. Psalm 56:3
Libby, Littleton – Isaiah 43:18-19 ESV, “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Becky- Mechanicsville, VA
Jesus answered,”I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” -John 14:6 NIV
Proverbs 30:5 NKJV
EVERY WORD of God is pure;
He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
Brennan P. Mays
Elmer, La
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Psalm 86:11-13 NIV
Teach me your way, LORD,
that I may rely on your faithfulness;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name.
I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart;
I will glorify your name forever.
For great is your love toward me;
you have delivered me from the depths,
from the realm of the dead.
1 John 4:16 NIV
And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God,
and God in him.
Psalm 86:11-13 NIV
Teach me your way, LORD,
that I may rely on your faithfulness;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name.
I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart;
I will glorify your name forever.
For great is your love toward me;
you have delivered me from the depths,
from the realm of the dead.
Barb, Shelby Twp,MI
Psalm 16:11 NIV
“You, O Lord, have made know to me the path of life;
You fill me with JOY in Your Presence,
with eternal pleasures at Your Right Hand.”
Melany, Garrison, MO: Sustain me, my God, according to your promise and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed. Psalm 119:116 NIV
Leah, Little Falls
For the word of God is alive and active.
Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even
to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 NIV
Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7 ESV
1 Peter 4:7
The end of all things is near.
Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled
so that you can pray.
Paulette P. Mays
Elmer, LA
Melissa Stauffer, Centreville, Michigan
“but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”
Hebrews 1:2-3 (NIV)
Carrie Hays, Houston, TX
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 NIV
…For everyone who exalts himslef will be humbled, and he who humbles himslef will be exalted. Luke18:14
Lindsey D., McKinney, TX
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
Pam Chesapeake
2Cor. 7:1 NIV
Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
Gloria, Cypress, TX – “Wait for the LORD, be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” Psalm 27:14 NIV
Oops! Been busy š . . .
For wisdom is protection just as money is protection, But the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the lives of its possessors. Ecclesiastes 7:12 NASB