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.
Vicki, Wilmington
My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
1 John 3:18 NKJV
1 Kings 5:4
But now the Lord my God has given ne peace on every side; I have no enemies and all is well.
NIV
Stacey, Sugar Land, TX
“For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body.”
1 Corinthians 6:20 (NRSV)
“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT
Melinda from Atlanta, TX
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:6-7, NASB
Vicksburg, MS 1 Peter 5:10 (New International Version, ©2011)
10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
Dawn ~~ Clever, MO
Philippians 4:13 (NKJV) “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Wewahitchka, FL
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved Children.” Ephesians 5:1
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Ps 27:14 NIV
Barbara, Birmingham, AL
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.
Philippians 3:10-11 NIV
I am clothed with strength and dignity Proverbs 31:25 nlt
christy
clay center, ks
Stacey,Magnolia,Psalm 9:10 NIV
Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. I love you LORD.
Sheila, Las Cruces, NM
“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14 NASB)
Tracy, Hobe Sound, FL, “Receive and experience the amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, deep, deep within yourselves.” Philippians 4:23 The Message
Puyallup, WA
“Do not let truth and mercy leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.” Proverbs 3:3 The NET Bible
Tanya, Sheffield, AL: “But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:13 NASB
Seek the Lord, all who are humble,
and follow his commands.
Seek to do what is right
and to live humbly.
Zephaniah 2:3
Carolyn, St. Peters, MO
And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8 – NIV
Ola, Woodbridge
Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.
Psalm 119:18 NIV
Idabel, OK
The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
2 Timothy 4:18
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.
Psalm 94:19 NIV
1Thessalonians 5:17-18
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Romona, East Alton
James 5:15 NIV
And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; The Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.
Lisa from Greenville, SC: “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” Isaish 55:6 NIV
Ashley, Orlando, FL:
“Trust in Him at all times O people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” Psalm 62:8 NASB
Lewisville, TX
1 Peter 5:6-7 (New Living Translation)
“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”
Psalm 27:14, “Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” NIV Bible
Rebecca, Durham:
Somehow I MISSED the prompt for verse #8, so here are TWO . . .
“Sow for yourself righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you.” Hosea 10:12, ESV
“Bless the Lord, O my Soul, and forget not all his benefits . . . who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagles. . .
The steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him and his righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.” Ps. 103:2,5,17-18, ESV
Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD
Psalm 27:14 NASB
Kathleen, Ireland, Dont copy the behaviors and customs of this world, but let God transdorm you into a new person by changing the way youi think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect, Roman 12:2
Beth, Marion
Take to heart these words that I give you today.
Deut. 6:6 God’s WORD Translation
Psalm 27:14
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord! Psalm 27:14
The Net Bible
“The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to His kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen”
2 Timothy 4:18 NIV
Lynn
Rochelle, GA
Jackie, Versailles, KY
“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 you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 NIV
I am currently unemployed (by choice) and need some strength and courage.
Rhonda Newnan Ga
Exodus 34:6 (New International Version)
6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness,
“But You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in faithful love, and You did not abandon them.” Nehemiah 9:17b NIV
I wasn’t going to post…seeing so many others late caused my heart to change. For God is all the above! 🙂
Thanks Beth for patience with those of us who loose their time schedules.
OOOPS I’m sorry, wrong Bible source…HCSB not NIV
Galations 6:7
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows this he will also reap.
Beth, I am using your verse this month. Had many things crash in on me and I am claiming God’s faithfulness.
Psalm 27:4 (NET Bible)
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!”
Be devoted to one another with mutual love, showing eagerness in honoring one another. Romans 12:10 NET
Celeste, Laguna Niguel, CA
Without having seen Him, you love Him: though you do not [even] now see Him, you believe in Him and exult and thrill with inexpressible and glorious (triumphant, heavenly) joy. 1 Peter 1:8 Amp
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Dianne – Hartselle, AL
Jennifer, Chattanooga
“You make 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
Yvonne
Fresno
You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thorn bush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the LORD’s renown, for an everlasting sign, which will not be destroyed.
Isaiah 55:12-13 NIV
Kristi, OKC
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8
Susan, Ellensburg
Psalm 84:5 NASB
“How blessed is the man whose strength is in You, In whose heart are the highways to Zion!”
Elkins, AR
God be with you. Grace be with you.
2 Timothy 4:22 The Message
Erica G, Denver. “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise for He has been good to me.” Psalm 13:5-6 (NIV)
Delta from Lakeland, Florida:
Psalm 118:5-6 (New Living Translation)
5 In my distress I prayed to the Lord,
and the Lord answered me and set me free.
6 The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear.
What can mere people do to me?
Nesha: Mechanicsville, VA
‘Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.’
Psalm 57:1
Specifically for those Siestas in AL!
Jen in Exton
Philippians 4: 7-9
Jen in Exton
continuing Philippians 4:7-9 Ampl
7 And God’s peace which transcends all
understanding shall garrison and mount
guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing.
Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think
about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
9 Practice what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and model your way of living on it,
and the God of peace will be with you.