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.
Missy, Ocala FL
Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6 NAS
Annaleise, Oklahoma City
2 Samuel 22:31
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.
I am posting one day early because tomorrow is going to be spent at doctors. I just wanted to say in the last three weeks and now that my scripture cards have saved me mentally and physically. God is so real He knew which ones I would need. I read them I took them apart studied every word and applied them to my live. I have gone through a horrible death and loss of my father in law. I am now being tested for cancer. Bone marrow biopsy etc. I BELIEVE GOD!
NET Psalm 27:14 “Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!
Marie, Easley, SC
Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.
2 Cor. 2:14 NASB
NKJV Michelle Sylvan Springs, AL
Psalms 27:14
Wait on the LORD;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the LORD!
Okay, we can do this girlfriend!!! 🙂
Great peace have those who love your law. And nothing causes them to stumble. Psalm 119:165 NKJV
Prov 27:17 NASB
Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Wendy, Blacksburg, VA
“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.”
Acts 4:13 NIV
I just LOVE the title of the James study: Mercy Triumphs! Before I even read what you wrote, Beth, the Spirit bore witness of its truth and almost brought me to tears. I can’t tell you how many times that phrase from James will pop in my head and, you know, every time it does I go back to make “sure” I’m remembering it right. Can it possibly be so good, so rich, what I’m feeling led to believe, but it seems just out of reach- like it’s too good, too gracious to be true! I do not want to be double minded! I know trusting in His goodness, I can not go wrong. Looking forward to this study!
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders, make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 4:2, 5-6 NIV 1984
Maryann, MA
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26 NIV
Susan, Nashville IN
“Do everything without complaining or arguing.”
Philippians 2:14 (NIV)
Deanna, Maytown
Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the LORD!
Psalm 27:14 NKJV
Lamentations 3:22-24
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.
I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.”
Angie, Anna, Texas
Gal 3:28-29 NIV: 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Jennifer, Wilmington DE – Daniel 2:20-23 NIV (yep, doing the Daniel study – it’s soooooo good! Thank you!)
Praise be to the Name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are His.
He changes times and seasons;
He sets up kings and deposes them.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.
He reveals deep and hidden things;
He knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with Him.
I thank and praise You, O God of my fathers:
You have given me wisdom and power,
You have made known to me what we asked of You,
You have made known to us the dream of the king.
Sandy, Dallas, ESV, catching up for past 3 posts:
April 1 – Prov 16:20, Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.
April 15 – Phil 4:11, Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
May 1 – Matt 6:33, But seek first the kingdom of god and his righteiousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Elaine
Bismarck, ND
Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1 NASB
“I don’t want your sacrifices – I want your love; I don’t want your offerings – I want you to know Me.”
Hosea 6:6 (TLB)
oops! I chose my verse days ago but forgot to post!
Marie, Byhalia, Mississippi
Jeremiah 15:16 NASB
Your words were found and I ate them,
And Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart;
For I have been called by Your name,
O Lord God of hosts.
Jan, Littleton, CO
“Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws,
we wait for you;
your name and renown
are the desire of our hearts.”
– Isaiah 26:8 (NIV)
Stacy, Magee, MS Set you mind on things above and not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.
1 Cor. 2:10
Amy Perrysburg, OH
“There is no one like the God of Jeshurun who rides on the heavens to help you and on the clouds in His majesty. The eternal God is your refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemy before you, saying, ‘Destroy him!'”
NIV Deuteronomy 33:26-27
Lara Taeuber writing for Becky TaylorI am late putting this in. It is for my aunt who doesnt see very well. We have been memorizing. Habakuk 3:34
I am still memorizing and right on schedule…Just forgot to post online.
“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” -Proverbs 29:18 KJV
Amanda T-Edmond, OK
Bernice – Lemont, IL
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”
1 Peter 5:6 NIV
Patty, Vicksburg, MS
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” 1Peter:5:6-7 NASB
Jan, Marion IA “For He will give His angels charge concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11 NASB
He will not grow weary and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
Isaiah 40: 28B-29
Isaiah 4:3 NIV
“A voice of one calling: “In the desert prepare the way for the lord; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our god.”
Kelly, Huntsville
“Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” Matthew 4:4 (NIV)
Kay, Everett, Wa.
This includes you who were once far away from God. You were His enemies, separated from Him by your evil thoughts and actions. Yet now He has reconciled you to Himself through the death of Christ in His physical body. As a result, He has brought you into His own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before Him without a single fault.
Colossians 1:21&22 NLT Bible
I did not get my verse for the first, so I am including it along with today’s verse. I did not want to be defeated and miss a blessing. For whater is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1John 5:4-5(NKJV) Twyla McAmis, Cleveland,Tennessee.
Miranda M
Colorado Springs, CO
” No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”
1 John 4:12
“Rely on the Lord! Be strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 (NET)
Sarah, St. Peters, MO
Lea Ann Bethany, Clinton, MS
Therefore my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:58
Judy Baggett
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, the Lord is good to those who wait for him to the soul that seeks Him.”
Lamentations 3:22-26
Kay Groce, Dallas, Texas
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, the Lord is good to those who wait for him to the soul that seeks Him.”
Lamentations 3:22-26
Romans 15:13 (NIV)
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.
Bridgett, Pell City, AL – whom I sahll see myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. My heart faints within me. Job 19:27 ESV
” So then,those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator & continue to do good.”
1 Peter 4:19
Jennifer – White, GA
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! I look to you for protection. I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until the danger passes by. I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me.
Psalm 57:1-2 NLT
(I’m late posting because we were without power/phones/DSL for DAYS because of the tornado at the end of April…)
rachel,conroe tx
psalm 119:133
make my steps steady through your promise: dont let any sin dominate me.
Can’t remember for sure if I posted this one, sorry!
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders, making the most of every opportunity. Let your conversations be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 4:2, 5-6
Lisa, Marion, IN
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
Isaiah 43:18(NIV)
Joyce
Sparta, NJ
“But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” James 1:12 (ESV)
oops-I put this in my spiral but I never added it to the website.
Matt. 6:27 (NIV)
Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
Better late than never…
Ashley – San Angelo, TX
“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. ” Psalm 16:7-8 NIV
Brenda B. Hudsonville, MI
Psalm 25:21 (NIV)
May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you.