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.
1Peter 5:10 “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.” (NIV)
For man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. James 1:20 NIV
I am the good shepherd; and I know My own, and My own now Me. John 10:14 NAS
1 Peter 5:10
In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.” (NLT)
Kirsten, San Francisco
Romans 8:28 NIV
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
“Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.” Psalm 55:22 NIV
Valerie, Spring, TX – Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 NIV
Charlotte, Philadelphia, MS
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thess. 5:18 NKJV
Liz, Washington D.C.,
Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.
John 20:29b, ESV
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Love this translation!!
Charm is deceptive and beauty does not last, but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
Proverbs 31:30 (NLT)
Jenna
Waco, TX
Marie Young- Justin Texas
“giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom o light.” Colossians 1:12
NIV Study Bible
“Be still and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”
Psalm 46:10 (NLT)
Caroline
Waco, TX
If My people who are called by My name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14
“He has told you o man, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness (mercy) and to walk humble with our God.”
Micah 6:8 (ESV)
Jen L. in Roanoke, VA
Marie Young Justin Texas
And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:10
My child never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in yuir heart. If you do this, you will live many years and your life will be satisfying. Proverbs 3:1-3
Rhonda ~ Kalamazoo, Michigan
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)
The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.
Isaiah 40:8
Dana, Siloam Springs, AR:
“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” Psalm 37:23 (NLT)
Pam, Wadesboro NC
Ephesians 2:10 NKJV
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Laura in SD – Direct my footsteps according to your word; let NO sin rule over me. Psalm 119:133 (NIV)
My precious in-laws and brother-in-law from Wheaton, IL, were with us for the past 5 days. Had a very pleasant and memorable visit. Yet happy to be “just us” again.
Psalm 119:133 (NKJV)
“Direct my steps by Your word, and let no inquity have dominion over me.”
“Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord;I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places.” Habakkuk 3:17-19 ESV
Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.
Matthew 23:12 (NASB)
Beth, Cleveland
When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.’
Prov. 10:19
NIV
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!”
Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Mildred, Mer Rouge, LA, Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord! Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Stephanie, Canton, His Word is in my heart like a burning fire, shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot. Jeremiah 20:9b (NIV)
Rebecca Boehm, New Kensington, PA: Proverbs 14:30(NIV)
A heart at peace gives life to the body,
but envy rots the bones.
Autumn, Foster, KY
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 NIV
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.
Beth, Johnstown, OH
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
Stephanie, Canton, His Word is in my heart like a burning fire, shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot. Jeremiah 20:b (NIV)
may4 2011 1 Thessalonians 5:24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. He is faithful beyond anything I can imagine…. praise God to day.
Janine from OKC
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,
to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations for ever and ever. Amen.”
Ephesians 3: 20, 21 NASB
Vicki, San Angelo
Psalm 15:1-2 NIV
1 Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary?
Who may live on your holy hill?
2 He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous who speaks the truth from his heart.
Mark 9:24 NIV 24 Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
Cheri
Louisville, KY
And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
II Thessalonians 3:5 KJV
Jeanne, Santa Rosa, CA
Therefore, my dear brothers,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.
1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)
Jenny, Frankfort, “Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. 16 How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” Exodus 33:15-16 NIV
Jamey, Pocahontas
Psalm 119:27 (NIV)
Help me understand the meaning of your commandments,
and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also Luke 12:34
Teresa, Orange City
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
Kori, Cabot Arkansas; 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
Robin, Indialantic, Fl Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Carol – LaGrange, Ga – 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
Marti, Loganville, Ga
“A time to cast away stones; A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6.) A time to gain, and a time to lose; A time to keep, and a time to throw away;”
Ecclesiastes 3:5-6 NKJV
Breanna
Russellville
2 Cor 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature. The old has gone, the new is here.
NIV
Sharon in Florien: Cry out for insight and ask for understanding. Seach for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Proverbs 2:3-4 NLT
Proverbs 10:19 NLT
Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. 🙂
Kari, Gettysburg, South Dakota