*Comments temporarily closed until Wednesday, March 11*
Hey, You Darling Siestas!
This one snuck up on us, didn’t it? Short month but that’s okay. We’re up for it. Anyway, with all that life keeps throwing us and its relentless invitations to defeat, another Scripture swimming around in a busy woman’s head is a good thing, Girlfriend. Remember, even if you aren’t getting your verses word for word, the more you read them and take a stab at saying them from memory, the more your mind is being preoccupied with truth. Lies ARE being displaced. And so is the enemy.
I’ve had so much going on in my life lately that I’m sorely tempted to spend part of this post just chatting with you but I’ll do that later this week and try to stay focused on our very important task at hand: Verse #5!
I have LOVED my Verse 4! I keep picturing that heavenly scribe sitting in the Presence of God keeping a Scroll of Remembrance for all who fear the Lord and honor His Name. (Malachi 3:16) This time I want to commit Hebrews 10:35-36 to memory. Those of you who were at the El Paso LPL (one of my favorite all time groups!) will find it very familiar. I hope you’re still living it. I’m really trying to. Yesterday morning before I went onto the platform to speak at the Focus on the Family marriage simulcast, I whispered these very verses to my own soul in the presence of God. (I’m not used to speaking to a ton of men. Not my thing. Sometimes I imagine that they’re looking at me mean. I’m about to get tickled at my pathetic self.) God used these Scriptures to power-up my spirit and help me choose not to be intimidated. Then I had a blast…and they weren’t mean at all. I’ve semi-memorized the segment already but I want it to become a permanent part of my 2009 Scripture memory spiral.
When I look back at old spirals, my Scripture memory choices remind me vividly of the places I journeyed with God that year. I love reflecting and remembering how faithful He was and realizing, especially when I’m having a bad week and feeling a tad self-loathing, that He and I have come a mighty long way. I promise you that, for years to come, this spiral you’re filling with Scriptures will be so dear to you as you come across it here and there. Honestly, you will cherish it as such a token of your walk with Christ.
Okay, so here goes:
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded, YOU NEED TO PERSEVERE so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. Hebrews 10:35-36 NIV
If you love it and it speaks right to you, join me, Sister! Let’s memorize it together! For all of you who have your own verse throbbing in your heart, let’s hear it. I have been so impressed with how you have constrained yourselves and listed only your verse, the translation abbreviation, your name, and your city the way I’ve asked you to. It’s such a powerful thing to read one verse after another. Remember, if you’re joining me on my memory verse, still type out the whole thing in your comment. It’s a very important discipline.
NO QUITTERS, GIRLFRIEND! NOT ONE! WE’VE GOT TO PERSEVERE! God has a great reward for us at the end of this journey and every step on the way. I need to see about 2400 comments pop up here within the next forty-eight hours. Don’t put it off!
Here’s a little extra encouragement from your own ranks. This is one of the Scripture memory testimonies from a Siesta on the post earlier last week:
Being in a season of feeling as though my world is spinning out of control – memorizing the scripture that God Himself (IN BOLD LETTERS) lays on my heart has been the BIGGEST thing that has happened in my life. In the past I have memorized but never stopped to ask the Lord what I should memorize (stupid or what?!)Now instead of wondering where the Rock is in the midst of the struggle I no longer WONDER where He is I KNOW where He is – His Word is giving me the brain surgery that I have been in need of – bless you Lord!!
Amen to that, Sister. This practice totally rewired my mind when God began to call me to it about 18 years ago. Without it I would never have survived an unparalleled season that followed on the heels of it. You, Dear Siestas, have become a highly esteemed part of Living Proof Ministries. Amanda, Melissa and I love you and we’re so honored to serve you. We hope that, between the three of us, and FOUR when we can get Curtis to sign on here, we can offer you some diversity and some wide-range, multi-generational perspective in the midst of a volume-10 call to unity. We don’t pretend to know what we’re doing all the time, but, Sister, we have a ton of love to offer you. It is our hearts’ desire to be your servants and to cheer you on in the most important journey of your life.
You are cherished here. No matter who you are. Where you’ve been. What you’ve done. We have a Redeemer.
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.
2 Cor. 10:3,4 KJV
Linda Madsen
Greeley, CO
Colossians 3:12-18 NKJV
vs. 16 today:
Therefore, as the elect of God, Holy & beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, & forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; & be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching & admonishing one another in psalms & hymns, & spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord
Hebrews 10:35 & 36
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
Linda
East Chain, MN
Isaiah 43:2-4 NKJV
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flames scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethopia and Seba in your place. Since you were precious in my sight, you have been honored and I have loved you.
Bridget – Phoenix AZ (I forgot my city on posts for #1-4).
Psalm 27:1
“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?”
Anne
Katy, TX
…with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolernance for one another in love, being dilignet to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bod of peace. Eph. 4:2-3
Judi
Hilton Head Island, SC
“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior”.
Habakkuk 3:17-18 NIV
Erin Morrow
Ruston,LA
Lohri
Plant City
I have the mind of Christ & do hold the thoughts of His heart.
ICor. 2:16 AMP
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
1 Chronicles 6:19, NIV
Charity
New Lebanon, Ohio
Psalms 46:1 NIV
God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.
Ashley
Marrero, LA
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7
NIV
Julie
Dallas, TX
1 Peter 3:8-9 (Message)
Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless–that's your job, to bless. You'll be a blessing and also get a blessing.
Lucy – Hallsville, TX
Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.
Acts 4:29-30
Libby
Dallas, TX
"But rebels and sinners will both be broken, and those who forsake the Lord will perish." Isaiah 1:28
Jamie H. – Birmingham, AL
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." 2 Cor. 4:7 NIV
Kathy, Austin, TX
Proverbs 3:6
Seek His will in all you do and He will direct your paths.
Robin
Morehead,Ky.
"I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts." Psalm 119:45
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
Shelli L
Fort Worth, Texas
March 1
John 8:31-32 NKJV 31If you abide in my word, you are my disciples indeed. 32And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
Eunice Fowler
Iona Station, ON
"Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were so called so that you may inherit a blessing''. 1 Peter 3:9 NIV
Beth Schwartz
Lancaster, PA
Making sure I didn't miss any…
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV
Julie Meissner
Tomball, TX
In addition to all of this, take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep praying for all the saints. Eph. 6
Darcy, Lenoir, NC
II Samuel 22:34
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights.
Jae, Lenoir, NC
Psalm 19:4
Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,
Darien, Lenoir, NC
Psalm 19:9,10
The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.
10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.
For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases Him.
Philippians 2:13
Stephanie
Lititz, PA
Sue, Lone Jack, MO
Proverbs 19:: 23
The fear of the Lord leads to life,
And He who has it will abide in satisfaction;
He will not be visited with evil.
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children"
Eph 5:1 (NIV)
Faith
Columbia, SC
" For my determined purpose is that I may know Him, that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His person more strongly and more clearly." – Philippians 3:10
Emily,
Rogue Valley OR
unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Ephesians 3:21 (KJV)
Fran
Corryton, TN
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful in building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Ephesians 4:28-29 NIV
Debbie Nix
Dalzell, SC
1 Corinthians 3:11 NASB
For no man can lay foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Traci in Franklin, TN
"What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor."
Psalm 8:4-5 (NIV)
Traci in Franklin, TN
"The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still."
Exodus 14:14 (NIV)
"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Cor. 10:5
NIV
Erika Chapman
Florence, SC
Making up for missed weeks, started late:)
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 NIV
missy
houston
Nikki
Santa Rosa, CA
NIV
I Thessalonians 5:20
do not treat prophesies with comtempt
Christina Modesto, CA
Proverbs 14:1 NKJV
The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands.
James 3:17
NIV
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first off all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
Lorraine
Wilson's Mills, NC
Psalm 34:5-6 "They looke to Him and were radiant and their faces will never be ashamed. This poor man cried and the Lord heard Him and saved him out of all his troubles."
Though youths grow weary and tired and vigrous young men stumble badly.
Isaiah 4:30 (Nasb)
Denise
Slidell, La
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
Valerie
Fultondale, Alabama
… yet because of His shameless persistence and insistence He will get up and give Him as much as he needs.
Luke 11:8
James a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord: he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. James 1:1-8 NIV
Rhonda from Anderson
For it is by grace you have been saved through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.
Ephesians 2:8
Isaiah 41:8-10 NIV
But you, O Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend, I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, 'You are my servant'; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Yukiko
Sagamihara, Japan
"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded, you need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised."
Hebrews 10:35-36 NIV
Staci — Kalamazoo, MI
Colossians 3:2
Set your minds on things above not on earthly things.
Candice
Evanston, IL
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the well spring of life.
Proverbs 4:23 NIV
Jules Kearney, NE
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
I Peter 4:9
NIV
Erika Chapman
Florence, SC