**Siesta Celebration is January 20-21, 2012**
Hey, you Scripture memory freaks!
Your mama needs a hall pass in the worst way for a while regarding lengths of posts. We are now only about 6 weeks from the LifeWay deadline for all things James. To say that Melissa and I are under the gun is an understatement and, of course, so are all our friends on the publishing side. It’s stressful for everyone concerned this close to rolling the press. You will not waste a prayer on us, or on any member of our family, for that matter. Amanda and Curtis are finding out what kind of warfare you sign up for when you determine to get out there where the wind of the Spirit is blowing and dare to fulfill your calling. It’s hard to watch your children go through it. I tell them all the time (and they don’t need convincing) that enduring is so worth it but, man oh man, as many of you know, the fire is hot. And it’s often very personal, don’t you think? Satan goes for the psychological jugular.
I have had a great – almost life-stopping – time poring over James for well over the last year and I will miss the process so much. I love the intensity an in-depth journey demands and I genuinely fight a wave of depression when it’s over. (I’ll ask for your prayers about that at the time.) But, the fact is, push is about to come to shove. I no longer have the luxury of taking all the time I want. This baby is almost due. Thank you for any spare prayers! I am not in a bad way or in a contentious state. I’m just wide-eyed and aware that a very loud clock is ticking. So is my baby girl. I know some of you must be getting so tired of hearing about it! Stand with me a little longer, in hopes that Jesus may be glorified.
In my memory work, I’m still choosing verses out of 2 Timothy. I couldn’t split these four verses up without shortchanging the context so I’m posting the whole segment.
Beth, Houston. “And the Lord’s slave must not engage in heated disputes but be kind toward all, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance and then knowledge of the truth and they will come to their senses and escape the devil’s trap where they are held captive to do his will.” 2 Timothy 2:24-26 The NET Bible
This portion of Scripture and others like it seem altogether ignored or dismissed in a culture where believers stay embroiled in one heated dispute after another. Scripture tells us how to differ without ripping the fabric of our common faith to shreds. In the segment above, the Apostle Paul uses words like kindness and gentleness. When we tend to think that carnality is the only kind of sin that can keep the church from revival, we’re overlooking the steady stream of commands in the New Testament about how to treat one another. Disunity can shipwreck the whole lot of us right there on the shore of disgrace. We can even be right and fall into the chastisement of God because our hearts were wrong. May God forgive us, heal us, and help us.
OK, Sisters. Let’s hear your 13th verses. While you’re at it, remember that what we’re doing here is IMPORTANT! We’ve got to protect these minds of ours! That’s where our battles are won or lost. You will never waste a single moment rolling God’s Word around in your sweet head. Your health will be the better for it. Your marriage will be the better for it. Your job will be the better for it. Your relationships will be the better for it. Your obedience will be the better for it. Your calling will be the better for it. YOU will be the better for it.
Me, too.
I’m crazy about you. Keep your eyes to the skies.
Lori
Bangor, Maine
For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: In returning (to Me) and resting (in Me) you shall be saved; in quietness and in (trusting) confidence shall be your strength.
Isaiah 30:15 (Amplified)
But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently & confidently.
Romans 8:25 (NLT)
Laura ~ Saskatchewan, CAN
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved ~ and that by God.”
Philippians 1:27-28 (NIV)
Holly Belt, Spring Hill, TN
1 Corinthians 10:31
So whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
” The Lord can rescue you and me from the temptations that surround us.” 2 Peter 2:9, The Living Bible
Christina Luther
Roseburg, Oregon
Don’t sin by letting anger control you. Think about it overnight and remain silent.
sorry…
Psalm 4:4
NLT
Julie Elrod, Smyrna, GA: “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10a NIV
Joy, Tri-Cities: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:10-12, NIV
Erin, Phoenix. “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)
Thnaks for this verse today, Beth. I needed the reminder that Satan wants us to be angry at others no matter how gentle they try to be……..
Looking forward to Lubbock w/u!
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
2 Thessalonians 3:16
NIV
Susan
OKC
Count it all Joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. James 1:2-3
Jodi Zagreb
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Tim 3:16-17
Lauren, New Braunfels, Tx
Kaiva in Glen Ellyn, IL
God is our refuge and our strength, , always ready to help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1 NLT
“I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.” RSV Ephesians 1:16
Robin
Morehead, KY
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the LORD, who has compassion on you.Isa. 54: 10 NIV
Spring, TX
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.
1 Corinthians 16:13 [NIV]
Sharon, LP. MI.
I lift my eyes to the hills- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2 NIV
“Therefore take care how you listen. For whoever has, more will be given to him; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him.” Luke 8:18
Nashville, TN
Matia, Fort Worth – “Come and see what God has done; he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man.” Psalm 66:5 (ESV)
Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
8-15-2011
Romans 8:26 And in the same way the spirit also helps our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words;
NASB
Diane, West Melbourne, FL For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. EVS 1 Corinthians 14:33
Peggy from Crowley Lake, CA:
Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.
Philippians 3:12
Romans 12:2 (NLT)
Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is- His good, pleasing, and perfect will.
“The Joy of the Lord is your strength” Nehemiah 8:10 <3 NIV….A YEAR AGO 2-DAY I WAS BAPTISED. (again) 🙂
Glenda – Royse City Texas
Revelation 22:4
They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads.
But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8(NIV)
From Lubbock, TX
“It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.” Philippians 1:7 NIV
Annalee in Houston
Romans 12:2 (Holman Christian Standard)
Do not be conformed to this age,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,
so that you may discern what is the
GOOD, PLEASING, and PERFECT will of God.
Kim from Springfield, IL
Philippians 2:12 (NIV)
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed-not only in presence, but now much more in my absence- continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.
Lauren, Stephenville, TX: “The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.” Psalm 16:5-6 ESV
Jennifer Hecker, Powell, OH: “..so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11
I Corinthians 2:9 NIV
What no eye has seen; what no ear has heard and what no human mind has conceived – the things God has prepared for those who love him.
Kristi Stewart
Knoxville, TN
Pam, Greensboro, NC
“As obedient children do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.” I Peter 1:14-15 NIV
Time got away from me, so I am late (once again) posting my verse for July 1st.
“…and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard you hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
~Phillipians 4:7 (NIV)
Hollie R ♫
Granbury, TX
“And he said to man, “The fear of the Lord – that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.” Job 28:28 NIV
Tricia, Wilson TX: Do not confirm to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will. Romans 12:8 NIV
Regan, Conroe. “Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on Him God the Father has set His seal.” John 6:27 ESV
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
John 1:5 ESV
Two ae better than one because they have a good return for their work…a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:9,12 NIV
Courtney, LaPlata, MD
Colossians 3:1-11 (ESV)
1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming.
7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.
8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.
9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices
10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.
Lea Star
Lamar, Arkansas
“But Jesus said, Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me.” Mark 14:6 NKJ
Hannah, age 12, Princeton, MN,
“The LORD replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.'”
Exodus 33:14
Shawna – Boise, Idaho
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their need, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29 TNIV
Wylie, Texas
Ephesians 6:10 (NET)
Finally be strengthened in the Lord and in the strength of His power.
Christine from Raleigh, NC
I will make you my wife forever, showing you righteousness and justice, unfailing love and compassion.
I will be faithful to you and make you mine, and you will finally know me as the LORD.
~ Hosea 2:19-20 [NLT]
Ivy Morrison, Willis TX
“Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead fix your attention on God, you’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always bringing you down to its level of immaturity, God brings out the best of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” Romans 12:2 MSG
Amanda, Nashville, TN
Romans 8:28 NKJV
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Stacey, Houston, TX: Â For the sake of Christ, then I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and calamities. Â For when I am weak, then I am strong. Â – 2 Corinthians 12:10 NIV