READY? AIM! FIRE!
Happy New Year, my dear sisters in Jesus! Last night I wrote a letter to the Lord Jesus right before I went to sleep and recalled His faithfulness through a tumultuous year. Right before I turned out the light, I opened up Daily Light for the last Scripture reading for the year and it offered this verse:
The Lord your God carried you, as a man carries his son, in all the way you went until you came to this place. Deut. 1:31
I could have cried. Yes, He surely did. And He carried you, too. Tightly in His faithful arms.
Only God knows what this particular year has in store for us. He alone sees how the path will wind, and climb, and fall, and rise again. We do not have control over the future as we glance ahead to 2011 but make no mistake. He does and we, His lavishly loved daughters, can indeed prepare to live what He thoughtfully brings our way victoriously. On this first day of the new year, we are not victims. We are called to live as victors, holding up the Shield of Faith in one hand and the Sword of the Spirit in the other.We need BOTH.
It’s finally time to post your first memory verse of 24 in 2011! If you haven’t already read the instructions thoroughly, please look at the post on December 26th titled “Siesta Scripture Memory Instructions.” It will tell you everything you need to know. Just a quick refresher: Your comments will almost entirely consist of these entries:
First name, city, verse, reference, and version.
Please keep it limited to these facts so that the verses stand out prominently for us to behold. You can occasionally say something as brief as “I’m excited!” Or “I need prayer!” but nothing longer than that please. Let’s let the Scriptures themselves rise like we’re looking at them with our 3-D glasses on.
Here’s my first Scripture entry of 24 in 2011:
Beth, Houston: All generous giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or the slightest hint of change. James 1:17 The NET Bible
Be sure and hand write your verse in your spiral to help engrave it on your sweet mind. Also consider writing your contact information on the inside cover in case you leave it somewhere and God causes someone gracious to find it.
I love to claim Psalm 65:11 on the first day of the new year:
You crown the year with Your good blessings, and You leave abundance in Your wake. The NET Bible
Lord, I want an abundance of Your Holy Spirit! (See Luke 11:13!) Abba, go before us this year and leave the fragrance of Your very presence in Your wake!
OK, Siestas! Hit it! I’ve prayed for you and can’t wait to pursue the Lord Jesus Christ with you this year. If some of you don’t know which verse to use this time around, consider Psalm 65:11. It’s a great first round.
Remember to wait 24 hours from the time you post your comment until you assume it got lost and enter it again. So many comments come in at once on these Scripture memory posts that the server bogs down, causing it to take extra time.
I love you, Sisters! Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can do this! Remember, KEEP IT SIMPLE AND MEANINGFUL!
Vicky, Sherman, Texas…”the world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever”
1 John 2:17 NIV
Deborah, Edinburg TX
“But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42 ESV
Maribeth, Jackson, MS
I rejoice in Your Word like one who discovers a great treasure.
Psalm 119:162
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matthew 6:34 NIV
Hannah
Georgetown, TX
Teresa
Wenatchee
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boost, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perserves. Love never fails.
1 Cor. 13:4-7
Jonda, Shakopee
Show me your ways, LORD,
teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
Psalm 25: 4-5 NIV (2010)
Lamentations 3: 22,23 Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope. Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. Lamentations 3: 22,23 NIV
Sherrie, Rome
Philippians 4:8 (New American Standard Bible)
8Finally, brethren, (A)whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.
Houston
Stacey, Wichita
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. Romans 12:1 NIV
“Many, O Lord my God, are the wonderful works which You have done, and Your thoughts toward us; no one can compare with You! If I should declare and speak of them, they are too many to be numbered.” Psalm 40:5
Haley, Houma, LA
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea and all that is in them, singing: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!” -Revelation 5:13 (NIV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV
Kendra in Keller, TX. “Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something BRAND NEW.” – Is 43:18-19
Is.43:18,19
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you
not percieve it? I am making a way in the desert and
streams in the wasteland.
Crystal, Moore, OK, Ephesians 1:7 (The Message)
Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, the blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we’re a free people– free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free!
Tampa,FL
Ps. 18:32-34 “The God who girds me with strength and makes my way blameless. He makes my feet like hinds’ feet and sets me upon my high places. He trains my hands for battle, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have also given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand upholds me; and your gentleness makes me great. You enlarge my steps under me, and my feet have not slipped.” NASB
Jamie,Kingston, Oklahoma
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of the 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 12:2 NIV
Cindy, Tulsa OK, Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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.”
Andrea, Florence, Ky:
The same Spirit that raised Jesus Christ from the dead lives in you. Romans 8:11 NIV
Ashley Sears, Denton
“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.” Provers 3:5-6 NIV Ryrie Study Bible
Karen, Papua New Guinea
“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Mark 9:23 TNIV
MAC-Olympia, WA: When He had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, He bowed His Head and gave up His Spirit. John 19:30 NIV
Michelle, Houston: Luke 24:45 “Then He opened their minds to understand the scriptures” NASB
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and apporove what God’s will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will.
-Romans 12:2
Megan, FL
Kathy, Corinth: The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, but the righteous are bold as a lion. Proverbs 28:11 NASB
Kathleen, Tallahassee:
“Make your ear attentive to wisdom,
Incline your heart to understanding;
For if you cry for discernment,
Lift your voice for understanding;”
Proverbs 2:2-3 (NASB)
For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13 NIV
Cheryl
Visalia, CA
Phil 4:6
Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything; tell God your needs and don’t forget to thank Him for His answers. (LB)
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:11-13 ESV
KC
Bedford, TX
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jer 29:11 NIV
A year of significant change coming!
Dawn
Marietta, GA
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that send out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8
Heather
Little Rock, AR
Psalm 141:3
“Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.”
New Living Translation
mine too Lord!
Federal Way, WA. The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. Psalms 145:18. ESV
Karen, Trenton:
If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him. Matthew 7:11 NAB
I seek you with all of my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119: 10 & 11 nlv. Kate in Arvada
Amy, Jacksonville, FL – Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. (James 1:17, ESV)
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:13-14 (NIV)
Georgine
Austin, TX
Christy: Hawthorne, CA
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
This is my prayer for you: that your love will grow more and more; that you will have knowledge and understanding with your love; that you will see the difference between good and bad and that you will choose the good; Phil. 1: 9-10a (NCV)
White Salmon ♪Psalm 27:1 “The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?” NKJV
Michelle, Seattle: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5-NIV
Isabel, Midland, Tex.
You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.
1 Cor. 7:23
Melinda
Greensboro, NC
Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. I Thes. 5:16-18 NLT
Debra, Ashland. 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. Romans 15:13. NIV.
“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.”
2 Chronicles 16:9 NIV
Shirley
Athens, AL
Ronda, Asheville: You crown the year with Your good blessings, and You leave abundance in Your wake. Psalm 65:11 The NET Bible
Haleigh, Midland, Tex.
I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5 NIV
Erin Cherry, Kingwood, TX
“You crown the year with your good blessings, and you leave abundance in your wake.”
Psalm 65:11 NET
Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.
1 Timothy 4:15 NIV
Lisa, Plano, TX
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or image according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the cgurch and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever. Amen
Eph 3:20-21 NIV