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!!
1 Peter 3:9
"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."
Angie
Anna, TX
1 Peter 3:9
"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."
Mandy
Waco, TX
Romans 8: 26-27 (NLT)
And the Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don't even know what we should pray for, nor how we should pray. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will.
1 Timothy 6:7
For we brought nothing into the world and we can take nothing out of it.
Trudi Tedrick
Lynchburg, OH
"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.
Philippians 3:10 AMP
Beverly
Brenham, TX
Deuteronomy 31:8
NLT
"Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you nor abandon you."
heather
Cypress, TX
Galations 5:1 NIV
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Anne
Lorton, VA
1 Peter 3:9 NIV
" Do not repay evil with evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."
Kim
Spring, TX
Philippians 1:6 NASB
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.
Becky
Indianapolis, IN
For the Lord your God will bless you in all your harvest and in ll the work of your hands, and your joy will be complete.
Deut 16:16
Libby
Dallas, TX
Janice H.
Summerville, SC
"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)
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.
Deuteronomy 6:5-6
Wendy, Rome, GA
2 Chron 2:7
You will not have to fight the battle. Take up your positions, stand firm and see te deliverance the Lord will give you. O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow and the Lord will be with you.
Tiffany Dallas, TX
heather in austin, tx
Prov.2.5 NLT
Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God.
Rom. 12:9-10
NASB
"Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhnor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor"
Karen – Derry, NH
Debbie George
Marion, IN
NIV Psalm 27:1
The LORD is my light and salvation-whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid?
Kristi Parks
Eugene OR
"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
Caressa Hall
Arlington tx
NIV Psalm 46:6
"Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts."
Caressa Hall
Arlington, Tx
NIV Psalm 46:7
"The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress"
Robin Sutherlin
Katy, TX
Isaiah 33:6 NET
"He is your constant source of stability, he abundantly provides safety and great wisdom; he gives all this to those who fear him."
Robin Sutherlin
Katy, TX
Romans 12:1 NIV
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.â€
Tonya, Searcy, AR
A wise woman strengthens her family, but a foolish woman destroys hers by what she does.
Proverbs 14:1 NCV
So that He may establish your hearts blameless in Holiness before our GOd and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ"
1 Thessalonians 3:13
Beth Herring
Oak Grove,La
But You, Lord, You are a shield around me, my glory and the one who lifts up my head. — Psalm119:114
Casey
Bumpass,Va
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.
–Psalm 18:32
Casey
Bumpass, VA
"Do not repay evil with evil,
but with blessing,
because to this you were called
so that you may inherit a
blessing."
1 Peter 3:9
NIV
Christine K
Eugene, OR
"And you 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
Mindy
Jacksonville, FL
Heather F
Beaumont, TX
We use God's mighty weapons, not merely worldly weapons, to knock down the devils' strongholds. 2 Corin 10:4 NIV
"If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me, and the light become night around me, even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you." Psalms 139:11-12
Sandy P
Eugene, OR
Revelation 3:20
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me.
Cortni B.
Watauga, TX
Proverbs 14:1 (Amp)
"Every wise woman builds her house, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands."
In peace I will lie down and sleep for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8 NKJ
Paula
ATlanta, Texas
Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Mary Vigil
Colorado
"But God demonstrated His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Rom. 5:8 NIV
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory be Christ Jesus.
Phil. 4:19 (NKJV)
Kristie
Queen City, TX
I will lie down and sleep in peace for you alone o Lord make me dwell in safety. Ps 4:8
Rebecca H.
Malvern, PA
PHILIPPIANS 4:7
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Beth Rottrup
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present you requests to God.
Beth R
Liberty Lake, WA
Jude 1b-2
To those who have been called,
who are loved by God the Father
and kept by Jesus Christ:
2 Mercy, peace, and love be yours in abundance.
Julie Boone NC
amanda in Katy
John 17:6 NIV
I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. they were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word.
Philippians 4:19 (New Living Translation)
19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
NLT
Romans 12:9
"Don't just pretend to love others, really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good."
Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long suffering.
Kara- Marietta, PA
"On my bed I remember you; I think of You through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of Your wings."
Psalm 63:6-7
Matia
Fort Worth, TX
Kimberly
Houston, TX
Proverbs 4:26 Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it springs the issues of life.
Hi Beth and siestas! Forgive my last minute blogging!!!! My mom and sister have been blogging their verses since the beginning and have been pushing me to do the same. This year long journey and these verses that I have been keeping track of have been life changing. However, I can't believe I waited until now to share those verses! Ah! I just knew I couldn't let it slip by, so thank you for letting me making up for my tardiness. 🙂
In His name,
Kimberly
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.
Prov.3:5-6
Tammi G
Florence, SC
Phil. 4:19
And my God will meet all your needs, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Lisa
Edinburg, TX
I was just checking to make sure I had actually signed in with all 22 verses I worked on thisyear (since I signed up for the event this month) and it seems this times verse didn't show up here (and it's one I have down pat!). Guess I have to look at all the others, too! I swear I did this back starting on March 15!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Prov 21:23 (MSG)
Watch your words and hold your tongues, you'll save yourself a lot of grief.
Laura P.
Pleasant Hill, CA
John 10:10
Cedar Creek, TX
I missed F one of my Favorites:
F – Fear not for I am with you Is 43:15
Dynae Pofahl
Kearney, NE