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.
Evie Cedar Creek TX
Psalm 16: 5-6 NIV
LORD you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.
Abbie – Franklin, TN
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 NIV
Denise, Madison Al.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 1Cor 13:8 (NIV)
Heather, Woodstock, GA:
“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 (KJV)
Debbie, Rochester, MN
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Catherine Ladson, SC
Phillipians 4:13 “I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me”
The same verse as Beth, Houston:
Psalm 27:14 NET
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!
Heidi Tracht
Nampa, ID
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith.”
Hebrews 12:2
Tami, Palm Coast, FL: He brought me out into a spacious place; He rescued me because He delighted in me. Psalm 18:19 (NIV)
Tanya A., Englewood, OH
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!
2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
Kimberly, el paso, tx
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7, esv
Amem sister! Love ya!
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Donna
Ponder, TX
Andrea R.
Chester, VA
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:29 NIV
Madge, Marietta, GA
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Naomi, Acworth, GA
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Sue, Abilene, Kansas – Psalm 100:3 NKJV – Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Terry, Abilene, Kansas – Isaiah 44:3 (NIV) – For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendents.”
We live by faith, not sight. 2 Cor 3:7 (NIV)
Lisa, Richmond, BC
“When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.’
Prov. 10:19
NIV
Sharie, Chillicothe
The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 NIV
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Colossians 3:2, NIV
Trisha, Midland, TX: “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NLT
Julie~ Livermore, CA
Isaiah 58:11 NLT–“The Lord will guide you continually giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.”
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Beth, London, Ontario
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Philippians 1:27 NIV
Karen, Shelby Twp., MI
No eye has seen,
No ear has heard,
No mind has conceived
What God has prepared for those who love Him.
I Cor. 2:9 (NIV)
Beth Clark, La Verne, CA
“But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it- he will be blessed in what he does.” James 1:25, NIV
Romans 6:11-13
Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. 13 Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.
Melissa Terry
Austin, TX
As for God, his way is perfect: the Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.
Psalm 18:30 (NIV)
Julie Reynolds (@ginsamica)
Tallassee AL
Instead of shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.” Isaiah 61:7 (NIV)
Joining you this time dear Beth!!
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!
Psalm 27:14 (ESV)
Shannon
Katy, TX
Mary, Chattanooga:
Phil. 4:4-5
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Erin, Little Rock, NIV
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,for our “God is a consuming fire.”
Hebrews 12:28-29
Vicki
Chehalis, WA
From the ends of the earth I call to you,I call as my heart grows faint;lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Ps. 61:2 NIV
(Sorry I’m so late in posting. I was chaperoning a high school choir trip to Disneyland!)
So sorry I am late, we just recently got our power back in AL.
Kendall: Huntsville, AL
He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, and He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.
Psalm 40:2 NASB
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:6, NIV
Valerie in Independence, KY:
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.” –2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NASB)
Marilyn, Missouri
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 NKJV
Josie, Tucson
Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. Hebrews 11:1 (NLT)
Rachel, Billings
“The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
Cathy from Pierceton, IN
Col. 3:11
In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.
NLT
Kelly (Greer, SC)
“You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great.” Psalm 19:35
(A little late, but done nonetheless!!)
I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.
Psalm 119:32 NIV
Lindy, NC
SKay, Possum Kingdom Lake, TX
Hebrews 4:12 NIV
“For the Word of God is living 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.”
Dawn Holly Springs: “Plant your seed in the morning and keep busy all afternoon, for you don’t know if profit will come from one activity or another–or maybe both.” Ecclesiastes 11:6 NLT
Amy, Charleston, SC “Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
I am the good shepherd; and I know My own, and My own know Me. John 10:14 NAS