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.
Becky, Vicksburg, MS
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9 (NIV).
Amanda, Queen City, TX: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 NET
Sandy, Arkansas
Lori, Odessa, TX
1 John 4:7-9 (NKJ)
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.
Di, Cowpens, SC
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us
and eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
2 Corinthians 4:17
Aimmi Adams, Red Oak, Missouri
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus!”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Nicole from Nebraska “Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord.” Psalm 27:14
Erin from Tyler, Tx. Col 1:19-20 NLT
For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.
Sherry, Ontario, Canada
Sorry I am really late but here it is!
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
Isaiah 43:2 NIV
Karon in Kingsland, GA
But the Lord is faithful and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.
2nd Thessalonians 3:3 NASB
Deborah, Waco TX
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed;
perplexed, but not in despair;
persecuted, but not abandoned;
struck down, but not destroyed.”
II Corinthians 4:8, 9 NIV
But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind me and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Phillippians 3:13
NIV
Cindy- Sheridan,WY
Ask and it will be given you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Matthew 7:7&8 NIV
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Jane, Canton,Il. Verse 9
“. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgiven us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”. I John 1:9. Ryrie
Carol, Cashion, OK “On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have appointed watchmen; All day and all night they will never keep silent. You who remind the LORD, take no rest for yourselves; and give Him no rest until He establishes and makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.” ~Isaiah 62:6-7
Janet, West Linn OR
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 NIV
Pamela Bishop, Ca.
Proverbs 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal things, but it is the glory of kings to search things out. ESV
Lisa V, Washington NJ “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.” James 1:26 NIV
I lost track of time! How is it May 4th?
“When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.’
Prov. 10:19
NIV
Laura, Denver CO
Bettye from Southlake
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Loyce, Deer Park. “The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.”
Psalm 25:14 NIV
Juliana
Livermore, CA
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord! Psalm 27:14 NET
Eposi, Houston, Tx
Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. Isaiah 59:1 (NKJV)
Jovin, Houston TX “Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Helen Wall
Crystal City, Manitoba, Canada
Colossians 1:7 ESV
just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf
Karin, Kingsburg, CA
Ps 34:1 “I will extol the Lord at all times, his praise will always be on my lips.” (NIV)
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Michelle, Colorado Springs,CO
Hope in Washington:
Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed;
Save me, and I shall be saved, For You are my praise.
Jeremiah 17:14
Kim B.- Orlando, FL
“The Lord will guide you always; he will satify your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden like a spring whose waters never fail.” Isaiah 58:11 NIV
Ramona,
Medina, Ohio
Psalm 27:14 NET
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!
How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Psalm 139:17 (NIV)
Emily Mechanicsville, VA NIV
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Colossians 4:2
Kathy, Corinth, TX. Matthew 5:11 & 12
Blessed are you when people insult you
and persecute you and say all kinds of evil
against you because of Me.
Rejoice and be glad for your reward in heaven IS great;
for in the same way they persecuted the prophets
who were before you.
Kiana, Austin
“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:30 NIV
Jennifer, Houston
Proverbs 21:21, NLT
Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love
will find life, righteousness, and honor.
Anxiety in the heart of a man weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad.
Proverbs 12:25
Jennifer – Loveland, Co
The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in God protects you from that
Proverbs 29:25
Message
Lori. Norwood, MA. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4: 6 – 7/NIV
Suzy – Atlanta (late as usual)
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.
Isaiah 26:3-4 ESV
Deb, Lexington TX
1 Peter 2:9 ESV
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
Melanie – Tulsa
You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence!
Acts 2:28 NIV
Raeleen –
You always show me the path that leads to life;
You will fill me with joy when I am with you!
Acts 2:28 NIRV
Darcy Psalm 18:30 NIV
As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.
jenny
white hall, ar
“for the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. and we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. we should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.”
titus 2:11-14 nlt
Jae, Lenoir
Psalm 18:30 NIV
As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.
Darien, Lenoir
Psalm 18:30 NIV
As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.
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
Lyn, New Mexico
Philippians 4:8, King James Version:
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise think on these things. : )
Annalee in Houston
Psalm 118:24
This is the day that the LORD has made,
I will rejoice and be GLAD in it.
Beavercreek, Ohio
Jeremiah 9:24 (Amplified)
But let him who glories glory in this:
– that (s)he understands & knows Me personally & practically
– discerning & recognizing my character
– that I am the Lord who practices loving-kindness,
judgment & righteousness in the earth.
In these things I delight, says the Lord.