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.
Carol Florence, MA
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.
Deut. 33:27 NIV
Colleen, Cape Town, South Africa.
Yours, O Lord,is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is Yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; You are exalted as head over all.
Wealth and honor come from You; You are the ruler of all things. In Your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.
Now, our God, we give You thanks, and praise Your glorious name.
1 Chronicles 29:11-13, NIV
Susan, Nashville, TN
1 Chronicles 29:11
“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.”
Psalm 27:14 NET
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!
Patti, Colorado Springs
2 Cor 5:7 “We live by faith, not by sight.” (NIV)
Karla~Sedro-Woolley~Proverb 10:12~HCSB
“Hatred stirs up conflicts, but love covers all offenses.”
Peggy, Mexico (from MN)PRAYING as you are “RELYING” in NASHVILLE…
Why spend money on what is not bread,
and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
and you will delight in the richest of fare.
Isaiah 55:2 (NIV)
Renee, Roanoke VA: Rely on the LORD! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord! Psalm 27:14 (NET)
I know this isn’t the proper place to ask–but can someone tell me the difference in the events-Deeper Still vs. Living Proof Live?
Hey Pam, Deeper Still is a weekend event including 3 teachers: Kay Arthur, Priscilla Shirer and Beth Moore. It begins on Friday night and goes until about 5:00 on Saturday. This June will be the last DS. Living Proof Live is a weekend event with Beth teaching Friday through Saturday noon. Each weekend is a fresh and different teaching.
Thank you so much–my friend and I are coming to Louisville in June. Can’t wait!!
Gulley, San Antonio
Micah6:8
And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Julia, Glendora, CA. “And He was saying to them all,’If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.'” Luke 9:23 NASB
Melinda, Wisconsin: “Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!ā Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Cathy, Tyler, TX Psalm 103:1 NIV Praise the Lord, my soul: all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Becky Jo
Chesterfield, MI
How blessed is the one whom you choose, and allow to live in your palace courts. May we be satisfied with the good things of your house ā your holy palace.
Psalm 65:4 NET
Amy, Oregon, āRely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!ā Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
God bless you, sweet Beth and Melissa – have fun with the taping. Can’t wait for the James study!
Debbie, Elon
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.James 1:12 NIV
Shelly Bliss San Dimas, Ca.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9 NIV
Will be praying for Beth and the whole Lifeway crew. God Bless.
LK AZ
II Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. (NIV)
Jennifer, Oreland, PA
But Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword back into its sheath. Shall I not drink from the cup of suffering the Father has given me?” (John 18:11 NLT)
Tanis, Terrace.
For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost. Luke 19:10 HCSB
Ali C., Dublin, CA-
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord! Psalm 27:14 NET
Kim ~ Niceville, FL
Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23-24 (NIV)
Ann, San Antonio, TX, May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had Romans 15:5 (NIV)
Kristin- Nashville, TN
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good, to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” – Genesis 50:20
Ā Ā Ā Pam~ Rome, GA
āāIf you canā?ā said Jesus. āEverything is possible for one who believes.ā Mark 9:23 (NIV)
Jane, Milton, GA “For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13 NIV
Ann, Fez (Morocco)
In honor of the Royal Wedding…
assorted verses from Romans 12, NIV 1984
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with Godās people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Deena, Corona
This is what the LORD says:
“Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the LORD.
Jeremiah 9:23&24 NIV
“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 4:7-9
De’Anna, Bakersfield CA
Valerie
Sparks, Nevada
But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. Galatians 5:5 NIV
Kim, Ashland, VA
“You love Him even though you have never seen Him. Though you do not see Him now, you trust Him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpresssible joy.”
1 Peter 1:8 NLT
Sue, Groveport OH
Romans 12:12 NIV
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
This was spoken twice on Friday on national television: in London during the royal wedding by the bride’s brother, and in Alabama by the mayor of a town that was the rubble behind him as he stood next to the President. God’s faithfulness proclaimed in the midst of historic celebration and historic devastation. He is so good.
Gail, Phoenix But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6
NKJV
Megan, Maple Valley, WA
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!”
Psalm 27:14 NET
John 3:30 (NIV)
He must be greater. I must become less.
Angie
Deltona, FL
Krystle, Central Point
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”
Galatians 5:1
Phyllis, Thunder Bay, ON. Canada
facing surgery tomorrow and switched my verse as yours is so encouraging to my heart right now, Thank You.
Psalm 27:14
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!
Cindy, Lexington, KY – Psalm 27:1 NIV – The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid?
Jennifer from Chantilly: Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14 NIV
Kristi
Rogersville, Tn
James 1:19-20 NIV
19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 for manās anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
Jennie
Glendale, CA
“Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.”
Psalm 22:3
NRSV
Cheryl, Uganda
“We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.” Psalm 33:20
Sweet sisters, humbly ask your prayers for Uganda.
Cathleen, Saskatoon, SK
“I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy. No shadow of shame will darken their faces.” Psalm 34:4 and 5
Baileigh, Spartanburg, SC
“The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” Lamentations 3:22-23
Stephanie, Minneapolis, MN
Isaiah 66:2b, NIV
“This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my Word.”
Praying for you this week Beth! Also thanking for loving my friend Holly (Kate’s Mom) so well, you have been a big blessing to them. THANK YOU. Can’t wait to see you when you’re at my church in Eden Prairie in a few weeks!!!
Thomasine,āRely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!ā Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Cathy, Gastonia NC
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.”
1 Corinthians 2:9
Jan, Denton, Revelation 17:14
They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings – and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.
Margie, Liberty, MO: “For I know the plans,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Margie, Liberty, MO, Let me try to get it all this time: “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
Bethany S.
Modesto, Ca.
Psalm 27:13-14 (esv)
I believe that I shall look upon 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!