Calling all you hard working, head-filling, brain-bathing Scripture-memorizing Siestas! It’s time for Verse 6! No slackers here, young ladies! Let’s not be afraid of a little challenge. Did you know that memorization is one of the best ways on earth to keep our brains sharp? Yep. And I also heard a few days ago that all the multi-tasking we’re doing does not work the part of our brain that requires stimulation to tap into our brilliance. (Every single one of us has brilliance.) That part of our brain requires tremendous focus on one thing for extended periods of time, pushing our thoughts a solitary direction that stretches and works it beyond its normal exercise. That’s part of what Scripture memory does! Especially when you now have six verses to keep rolling around in your darling little brilliant brain.
I think it’s time for some extra incentive! (Drum roll please) Next January 22-23, 2010 (Friday evening and Saturday till noon like LPL’s), we at LPM have decided to throw a Siesta Scripture Memory Team Celebration Event (how’s that for a mouthful?) in Houston, Texas at my home church. Perfect timing right after our year of Scripture memorization wraps up. I will do the teaching and my good buddy, Travis Cottrell, will be with us to lead us in worship…and probably a few laughs. We will not take any registrations for the event until late next Fall. It will be ONLY for those who meet the following requirements and free of charge as our love and appreciation gift for seeing our goal all the way to the finish:
*You must officially sign in with your name, city and Scripture 20 out of 24 times on our Scripture memory posts on the 1st and 15th throughout 2009. I was really tempted to require all 24 times but then I remembered that a few of you very faithful memorizers didn’t know about it until the second month. The event is not for anybody out there who has memorized Scripture as much as we affirm you and cheer you on! It is for women in our Siesta community who have memorized Scripture as part of this 1st and 15th Scripture Memory Accountability Team. If you started with us late, you can double-up on your memory work several times and go back and sign in on older posts to make sure you accrue at least 20 sign-ins and verses.
*You must be able to say 10 of your 20-24 Scriptures from memory to one person during the course of the event. (Not up in front of everybody, mind you! I’ll simply have you break into two’s for a half hour at the event and you’ll say your Scriptures to one another.) For our meditators, you’ll need to paraphrase 10 of your Scriptures as closely as you can with your partner until it is clear that the Truth of it abides in you even if every word is not in a row. Remember, Siestas, if this seems hard that the purpose of the year was to memorize 24 Scriptures. We can do 10 of our choice with one another!
*You must bring your 2009 spiral with you with at least 20 memory verses recorded in it. It will be your ticket in the door. And it should look well-worn. Grin.
No exceptions to these requirements please. Please don’t ask next December and get me feeling all sappy. This is the way it needs to be so the event can provide a small, temporal reward for a year of hard work. The eternal and internal rewards are immeasurable.
*There will be prizes for those who have memorized all 24 verses and can say each one of them from memory to a partner at the event. We’ll make sure they feel affirmed without anybody else feeling lame. Everybody there with have accomplished something HUGE!
It will be so much fun! The smaller size of the group and the process we’ve all been through together will make it really intimate and special. Work hard and come! Those of you who live far away, the event will be free but you need to start saving your money for other expenses. This is a great time to start looking for flight deals!
Late next Fall many of you will know whether or not you’re going to meet those requirements and we’ll begin taking registrations then. My home church is Houston’s First Baptist on 7401 Katy Freeway in case you want to begin looking for where you might try to stay. I don’t mind saying that we have the best food and best shopping in the whole wide world and our Januarys are mild so you’re probably not going to get snowed in. Melana, save your dollars and bring us Miesta Moose! Warm in Alaska, we can make you a whole lot warmer!! Canadian Siestas, fly south like a snow bird to Texas!!!
PLEASE DO THE WORK AND COME!! It will be such a blast!
OK, now for my selection for Verse 6. It’s a Scripture we studied on our last night of The Inheritance Bible Study in Houston and, boy, do I need it and, boy, do I want the promise it offers. Again, you are welcome to share mine or offer your own. As usual, names, cities, and Scriptures only, please Siestas!
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:9 NIV
Here’s part of what makes this special. The New Testament translates two primary Greek words as forms of “bless” or “blessed.” One of them (lexical “makarios”) describes a state of being. A resultant condition, so to speak, like those described in the Beatitudes and in many other parts of the NT in reference to those who belong to God through Christ. It basically means to live in the face (coram Deo) and favor of God. The second one (lexical “eulogia”/”eulogeo”) is the conferring or speaking of blessing. As my NT Lexical Aids say, it means “to confer blessing upon, call down divine favor…” The former is a state of being. A beautiful thing indeed. The latter is blessing spoken. Also a beautiful thing, especially for those of us to whom words are a primary love language. It is this latter word for blessing – the one that involves something spoken – that is used in 1 Peter 3:9. The gist of the exhortation, restated from God’s point of view, is this:
“When you use your mouth to bless those who have insulted you or spoken evil to you, I, Myself, will speak blessing over you that you will receive as part of your inheritance.”
When we speak blessings over others who were HARD to bless, He speaks blessing over us. And, let’s admit it, sometimes we’re hard to bless, too.
We’re going to get plenty of opportunities to practice this spiritual discipline because, as the verse clearly states, TO THIS WE WERE CALLED. We were called to manifest the Spirit of Christ through our words when someone insults us. It’s a hard part of the high calling of God but to this we were called SO THAT we may inherit a blessing.
Pretty good, huh?
OK, Siestas, I’ll hop off of here and let you start getting your Scriptures in.
Let me say in conclusion for all of those who prayed for the ministers’ wives’ event this weekend that it was one of the most meaningful weekends I’ve ever been part of. I will never forget it. We are preparing something for you to get a little taste of it so look for that later in the week. It will include some of those comments you (understandably) wanted to read so badly.
I love you, Dear Ones, and I am honored to be your servant. STAY IN THE WORD whether you’re memorizing it or not!!
My verse for 03/15/09:
Now faith is the assurance that what we hope for will come about and the certainty that what we cannot see exists.
Hebrews 11:1 ISV
Reneé
Missouri City, TX
As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming and the end of the age?” Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, claiming ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.” Matthew 24:3-6 NIV
Jane H.
Houston, TX
“Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.”
Psalm 119:6 KJV
Candy Seale
La Grange, TX
“Do not repay evil for evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:9 NIV
Catherine
Orlando, FL
“To this end I labor, struggling with all HIS energy, which so powerfully works in me.”
– Colossians 1:29 (NIV)
(emphasis mine)
Ivy Morrison
Willis, TX
“And the peace of God which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ. Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable – if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise, dwell on these things.”
Phillipians 4:7-8 (Holman Christian)
Rebecca in New Orleans, LA
Patsy D
Tupelo, MS
Psalms 5:3 NIV
In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.
~”Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:4-7
Char S.
St. Paul, MN
“May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.” Psalm 20:4
Started late so going back to make up:
Psalm 143:8
"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
for to you I lift up my soul."
Diana <><
Seekonk, MA
“There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1
Danaly Payne
Lumberton, TX
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28 (NASB)
Karey Piper
Justin, Texas
Christa Wade
Bryan, TX
St. Joseph’s
Mark 14:35 – He advanced a little and fell to the ground and prayed that if it were possible the hour might pass by him;
You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.
James 4:3 ESV
Rachel B – Blaine, WA
Anna Marie Hopewell
Fontana, CA
1 John 1: 8-9
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Whether you turn to the right or the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)
Miquela
Knoxville, TN
IPeter 3:9 NIV
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
Judy Peterson
East Chain, MN
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:9 NIV
Lori
Wildwood Florida
“Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.”
2 Corinthians 5:1 NIV
Amy
Mobridge, SD
Col. 3:2 Set your mind on the things abouve not on the thins that are on earth.
cathy from tx
Shannon
Houston, TX
Acts 20:32
And now I commend you to God, and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you the inheritance among all them that are sanctified.
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:9 NIV
It’s in my spiral notebook and memory but I can’t find my post. 🙂
Tracy L. and Dailey Rae
Richlands, NC
Isaiah 26:3-4
“The steadfast of mind Thou wilt keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in Thee. Trust in the Lord forever, for in God the Lord we have an everlasting rock.”
Marilyn
McKinney, TX
I Pet. 3:9 (NIV)
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
Kelly McReynolds-Eitzen
Tigard, OR
But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?'” Romans 9:20
Stacey McClary
Portland, Tx.
Philippians 2:5 (NIV)
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus
Leanne S
Jacksonville, FL
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Romans 12:2 NASB
Liz Gershon
Scott AFB, IL
Do not repay evil for evil or insult with insult,but with blessing,because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
1 Peter 3:9 NIV
Evangeline Harris
Houston TX
Matthew 6:33 NIV
Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Lori
San Antonio, TX
“Do not repay evil with evil, or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you will inherit a blessing.”
1 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
Meredith Barr
Foothill Ranch, CA
(May be posted twice. I searched and couldn’t find my post.)
Couldn’t find mine, so I’ll try again 🙂
2 Corinthians 5:9 TNIV
So we make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.
Audrey Howie
Saint Joseph, IL
March 1
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing. Romans 15:13 KJV
March 15
May He grant you according to your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your purpose. Psalm 20:4 NKJV
Susan
Springboro Ohia
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I will trust.”
Psalm 92:2
Kathy
Chattanooga TN
Galatians 1:10 (NIV)
Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men,I would not be a servant of Christ.
Kim D.
Lakeland, FL
Then those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and the LORD listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the LORD and honored his name.
Malachi 3:16 (NIV)
Barbara
Tomball, TX
Isaiah 41:10-13 (NKJV)
“Fear not, 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,
For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’”
Pam in Columbia SC
” ‘My Son’, the father said, ‘You have always been with me, and EVERYTHING I have is yours.'”
Luke 15:31 NIV
Elizabeth R.
Falls Church, VA
2 Corinthians 12:9
(King James Version)
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Ninette G
Seagoville, Texas
“I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.”
Matthew 3:11 (ESV)
Chrissie C.
New York, NY
Julie
Russell, KY
May God Himself, the God of peace, santify you through and through.
I Thessalonians 5:23
Julie
Russell, KY
The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught. The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears, and I have not been rebellious; I have not drawn back. Isaiah 50:4-5
julie
new braunfels
“For the wages of sin is death but the gift of GOd is eternal life through christ jesus.”
Romans 6:23
Colossians 4:2 HCSB
“Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving.”
Kelly Womack
Fort Smith, AR
We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
II Cor. 10:5 (NAS)
Beth Moss
Gig Harbor, WA
Beth V said…
Beth V Sugar Land, Texas
I Peter 3:9
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
2 Cor. 10:5 KJV
Linda Madsen
Greeley, CO
Colossians 3:12-18 NKJV
vs. 17 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
I Peter 3:9
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult; but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
Linda
East Chain, MN
You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your body. 1 Cor 6: 19-20, NIV
Shelli L
Fort Worth, TX
I will bless the LORD at all times; His praicse shall continualy be in my mouth, My soul will make its boast in the Lord; the humble will hear it and rejoice.
Ps 34:1-2
Judi
Hilton Head Island, SC