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.
Janell, Frisco, TX, “Let your light shine before others so that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven.” ~ Matthew 5:16 Today’s NIV
Susan
Lititz,Pa.
I have to join you on this one:
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14
Charlene, Santa Fe, TX; I have given you every place where the sole of your foot treads….No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. I will be with you. Joshua 1:3,5
Colette, Mesa, AZ.
” Those who know your name will trust in you,
for you, Lord,
have never forsaken those who seek you.”
Psalm 9:10 NIV
(Praying for you!)
Gay Beck,
Plain City, OH
1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.
***Note:
I had selected this verse to be my May 1st memory verse
in early March.
God’s amazing, perfect timing linked this scripture from March to May, when I listened to the sermon at my church today (May 1, 2011). The sermon highlighted Moses’ calling from God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. The sermon scriptures were from Chapter 3 of Exodus.
Exodus 3:10 (NIV) – (God directs Moses) – “So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Isrealites out of Egypt.”
Exodus 3:12a (NIV): “And God said, ‘I will be with you,’…”
‘God’s Calling’ to each individual may be very subtle or may be very dramatic. The bottom line is that “Yes, God is calling us to serve HIM. Therefore, it is very important that each of us to USE our God-given gifts and talents to glorify God daily!!!
My challenge to you is:
“GO use your gifts to glorify God. God IS with you.”
In God’s Love,
Gay Beck
Lacey, Keller TX
Lamentations 3:23 NIV
They (the Lord’s compassions/mercies) are new every morning (just like the manna!);
great is your faithfulness.
Debbie, Fort Thomas, KY
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
Psalm 143:10 NIV
Katie, Atlanta: “He tends to his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” Isaiah 40:9 NIV.
Robin, Thorndale, PA
Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.
Psalm 84:5 (NIV)
Bettie
Pasadena, TX
1 Peter 5:10 NIV
“And the God of 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.”
Hollie
Mount Vernon
Memorizing with you this week!
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Psalm 27:14
NIV
Trish L. West Linn, Oregon
“Forget the former things, do not dwell in the past. See I am doing a new thing”. Isaiah 43: 18-19
Jamye L., Greenbrier, Ar
Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
Psalm 91:13-16 KJV
Heather LaGrange, KY
“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.”
Psalm 1:2-3 NIV
Cherry B., Conway, AR
Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
Psalm 91:13-16 KJV
Andrea
Roscoe, IL
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord.
Psalm 27:14 NET Bible
Cindy, Madrid, Spain
“From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.” John 1:16 NIV
Betty Barnard, Clarksville, TN
“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.”
Psalm 27:14
NIV
Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:14 NASB
PS I like “rely on” and “be confident” too…..adds meaning/understanding to the above version.
Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord! Ps. 27:14 NET
Jackie – Platte City MO.
Revelation 21:5 NIV
He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
Melissa, Locust Grove, GA “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 ESV
April, Blacksburg, VA:
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:11-13
24 Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. 25 All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen. Jude 24-2-25 NLT
Lauren, Boston, MA: “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.” Romans 5:3 (NLT)
Vicki, Surprise AZ
And without faith it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Hebrews 11:6 NIV
Kim
Arlington, VA
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Erica, Amman, Jordan
Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
Suzanne Bailey, Harrisville, RI
Ephesians 2:9 NIV
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Chrissy, Clemmons, NC:
So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.
Hebrews 10:35-36,NLT
Jeannette, NJ
In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish spoil or fade-kept in heaven for you. 1 Peter 1: 3-4 (NIV)
Peggy, Cheyenne, WY
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
Wendy, San Francisco: Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12
Karen Tucson, Arizona
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!
Psalm 27:14 NET
Perfect verse for wrapping up the school year and getting ready for retirement!
Laura, Greenville:
“And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet, he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation.”
Exodus 34:6-7 (NIV)
April, Hume
“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9
Debra from El Dorado, AR. NIV 2 Cor.4:16-
In Honor of all Tornado/ flood victims
Therefore we do not loose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubled are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes on NOT ( emphasis mine) what is seen, but is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Kathryn, Glendale AZ, Psalms 27:14 NET
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!”
Erin, Bothell, “Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14
Let us not be weary in well- doing for in due season you shall reap, if you faint not.
Gal 6:9 NAS
Alexia- Champaign, IL
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.
James 1:2 NIV
Carrie – Kitchener, Ontario, Canana – “How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty!” Psalm 84:1 (NIV)
Mariposa Albuquerque NM
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by the yoke of slavery. Gal 5:1 NIV
Anne, Minneapolis:
Shout for joy to God all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100, NIV
Amy B, Edmond OK
We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.
Psalm 33:20 (NIV)
Courtney, Lakewood, CO. I’m with you this time! This verse is perfect. “14 Wait patiently for the Lord.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14, NLT
Carolyn, Union City, GA
But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. Psalm 71:14 NIV
Krista, Birmingham
“Do not let this book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” Joshua 1:8
“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.” Isa. 40: 30 – 31a (NIV)
Lori
League City, TX