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.
Kendell, Omaha, “The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” Proverbs 15:4, NIV
Catherine ~ Grants Pass, OR
“When I am afraid,
I will trust in you.” Psalm 56:3 NIV
Colossians 3:14-15 (New International Version, ©2011)
14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Robin
Snohomish, WA
His enemies I will clothe with shame, but on him his crown will shine. Psalm 132:18 ESV
Ann Marie, Grand Rapids
Ps 147:11(NIV)
The Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love.
Matthew 6:33 NIV But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.
Sheila Armstrong, Union City, Indiana
Isaiah 66:2 NIV
These are the ones I look on with favor:
those who are humble and contrite in spirit,
and who tremble at my word.
Federal Way, WA
O my people, trust in Him at all times. Pour out your heart to Him, for God is our refuge. Ps. 62:8 NLT
Marie, Kenmore
“My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
Colossians 2:2-3 (NIV)
Psalm 34:10 AMP
The young lions lack food and suffer hunger, but they who seek [inquire of and require] the Lord [by right of their need and on the authority of His Word], none of them shall lack any beneficial thing.
Lino Lakes, MN
Paula, Batavia, Oh
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? Psalm 27:1, NIV
Becky, KY
Psalm 27:14
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Janice
Nova Scotia
Lydia, Norman, OK
Hebrews 11:40a (Amplified Version)
“Because God had us in mind and had something better and greater in view for us…”
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Meghan, Round Rock, TX
Kori, Duluth MN: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” 1 Cor 10:13 NIV
Therefore, prepare your minds for action;be self controlled;set your hope fully on hte grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1Pet1:13 NIV
Vickie Redmon Shout aloud and sing for joy people of Zion for great is the Holy One of Israel among you. Isaiah 12:6 NIV
Psalm 57:1 HCSB
Be gracious to me, God, be gracious to me, for I take refuge in You. I will seek refuge in the shadow of Your wings until danger passes.
Bunny from Fithian, IL
Denise
Deming, N.M.
Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Do you not perceive it?”
“I kinow, my god, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity.”
1 Chronicles 29 17
NIT
Amy, Colorado Springs:
“but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.”
– I Peter 3:15-16, ESV
Katelyn, Tulsa. “Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” Col 3:1-3 NIV
Kathy – Anahuac, Texas
Isaiah 41:13 – 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. NIV
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord! Ps. 27:14
Erika – Gasden, Al
Galatians 5:1 NIV
“It is fir freedom that Christ has set us free. Stamd firm,then and do not let yourselves be burdened by a yoke of slavery. “
Louisville KY, NIV: Romans 1:20: For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
Kristy, Wake Forest, NC: “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” Ephesians 6.18 (NIV)
Psalm 2:8 “Ask of me, and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.”
Psalm 56:3 “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.”
Valerie, SC:
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord.” Psalm 27:14 NET Bible
Lisa Kinston,NC
Psalm 59:17 NASB
O my strength, I will sing praises to Thee;
For God is my stronghold, the God who shows me lovingkindness.
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Eph. 2:10 NIV
Nancy, Moberly, MO, A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)
Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy; when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me. Micah 7:8 KJV
Sorry this is so late.
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Teri, Alabama
Alison P.
If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in His love.
John 15:10 (NIV)
Odessa, Tx
‘Yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.” Habakkuk 3:18 ESV
Alison, Norman OK
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you, even Jesus. Acts 3:19-20 NIV
Lisa – Spring, TX
I am confident of this; I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Psalm 27:13-14 NIV
Shari – Ohio “I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.” NIV Psalm 40:8
April,
Smyrna, Georgia
But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.
Psalms 3:3 ESV
Marilyn Gadsden Alabama
El ROI the God who sees
For a mans ways are in full view of the LORD and he examines all his paths Proverb 5:21 NIV
Kathryn, Jacksonville – Walk by Faith, not by sight. 2 Corinth 5:7
Mikelan Overland Park, KS
Psalm 91:2 NIV
I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.
Yet SHE did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in her faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised!
Romans 4:20-21 NIV
Rachel
Tucson, AZ
Isaiah 30:18 NIV
“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!”
Jeremiah 6:16 NIV
This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for teh ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”
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Melissa G., Concord, CA
Stephanie, Wise
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” Isaiah 26:3 NKJV
Pam, Austin, Isaiah 41:10 NKJV
Fear nit, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Lesson learned: Preview posts before clicking!
Fear NOT, for I am with you…