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.
Kati, Ocracoke Island, NC
God is no mere human! He doesn’t tell lies or change his mind. God always keeps His promises.
Numbers 23:19, CEV
Phillipians 4:17 (NAS) Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account.
Amy – Las Vegas,NV
Colossians 3:Â 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Janet, Norman, OK
Habakkuk 1:5
Look at the nations and watch-
and be utterly amazed.
For I am going to do something in your days
That you would not believe even if you were told.
Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace and be thankful.
Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High. {Psalm 50:14}
Tammy ~ Tampa, FL
set your mind on things above, not on earthly things
Col 3:2
Jasmyn ~ Tampa, FL
set your mind on things above, not on earthly things
Col 3:2
The wicked are waiting to destroy me, but I will ponder your statutes. Psalm 119:95
Bonnie T., Rowlett, TX
The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.
NIV 2 Thessalonians 3:3
No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand so that those who come in can see the light. Luke 8:16 NIV
“And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.” Colossians 3:4
Emily, Abu Dhabi, UAE
“Therefore, 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.” 2 Cor 7:1
Sorry I’m so late!
Abby Corvallis OR
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible Just what I need!
Nicole, Ocean Springs, MS – “Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.” ~2 Peter 1:5-7 (NASB)
Romans 8:18 (NIV)
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Marilyn, Florence, AL
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. NIV
Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:14, NASB
Fort Payne, AL
In light of the death and destruction that the tornadoes left in our area last week-
Rev. 21:3-4 NKJV
3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill you. They can only kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
-Matthew 10:28
(NLT)
Kim, Lakeland, FL
“Rely on the LORD! Be strong and confident! Rely on the LORD!” Psalm 27:14 (NET)
Bev N
Mpls, MN
Psalm 18:32
The one true God gives me strength;
He removes the obstacles in my way (NET)
Kathleen, Tallahassee, FL
“The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
The righteous runs into it and is safe”
Proverbs 18:10 (NASB)
Emy Placentia, CA
Romans 5:5 ( NLT)
5Â And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Pam , Campbellsburg In. “Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Am joing you with this one Beth .
Janice from Milford, IL
Rom 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV)
Ashley, Hungary – 1 peter 5:7 “by casting all your cares on him because he cares for you.” [NET]
Sorry i’m a little late!
Joanne, UK
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
Psalm 46:1-3 NIV
Hebrews 4:16 NIV
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in out hour of need.”
Erika Chester, VA
O LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give thanks to YOur name; For You have worked woneders, plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness. Isaiah 25:1 NAS
Arielle, Cincinnati, 1 Cor 15.58
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, 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.
Psalm 16:8
I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.
Rachelle, Ogdensburg, NY
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
John 1:1-3,14 (NIV)
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. . .The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Jennifer
Charleston, SC
Becky, Jacksonville, FL: Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12. NIV
Lehigh, FL When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12 NIV
Carmen, Largo, FL
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.” I Jn 3:16 NIV
D’Anna from Philadelphia, PA.
Romans 4:18-24
18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”[d] 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22 This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” 23 The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
Prescott, WI
Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.
Psalm 25:5 NIV
Direct me in the path of your commands,
For there I find delight.
Psalm 119:35
NIV
Ti-Leigh
Orlando, FL
Cheryl, Midlothian
Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good
Rom 12:21 NIV
Kelly
Clarksville TN
Eph 5:15 NIV
Be very careful then how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Praying for you Mama-rock it for Jesus this week!!!!!!
Bev, Glasgow
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:13 NIV
Michele, Cumming, GA
You are my hiding place;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Psalm 32:7 NIV
And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit – Eph. 1:13, NIV
Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed;
Save me, and I shall be saved, F
or You are my praise.
Jeremiah 17:14
Karen, Amarillo. “Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Melissa, Proctorville : “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober…” 1 Peter 1:13a NKJV
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
Hayley
Florence, SC
Vicki from Big Spring
Psalm 18:3 NIV
I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.