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!
Emily, South Carolina
“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold I bring you good news of great joy which will be for ALL people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” NASB
Shana, Tuscaloosa
Dear friends do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.
1 Peter 4:12-13
Suzy, Orlando
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
Anita Valdosta, GA
“Do not conform any longer 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 12:2 (NIV)
Karen, Silver Creek, GA: I will go before you and will level the mountains, I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. Isaiah 45:2-3 (NIV)
Karen, Laconia, NH:Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Phil 4:4-5 NIV
Cheryl
Millen,Ga.
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly before your God. Micah 6:8 NIV
Emily, South Carolina
“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold I bring you good news of great joy which will be for ALL people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2: 10-11 NASB
Sally,Englewood,CO
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith with wich you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spiritwhich is the word of God. Ephesians 6;16-17 NIV
Sallie, Tupelo..”Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure.” Psalm 16:5 NIV
Emilie, NC
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
Kristina, Birmingham,AL
Come to me all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11: 28-30
Jan, Jackson, Ms
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perlexed, but not desparing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corn. 4:8-9
Stephanie Parker Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things. Colossian 3:2
Leanna from Waynesville, NC: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will suceed.” Proverbs 16:3 NIV
Monica
NY.
“Forget about what’s happened! Don’t keep going over old history. Be alert! Be Present! I’m about to do something brand new. It’s bursting out. Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert & rivers in the badlands.”
Isaiah 43:18-19 (Message)
Natalie, Olive Branch: If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Colossians 3:1, ESV
Ruth, Odin, IL
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” –Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
Mandy, Watkinsville, GA
“You crown the year with Your good blessings, and You leave abundance in Your wake.” Psalm 65:11 The NET Bible
Isaiah 43:2 – When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. (ESV)
Faith, Arp, Texas
“The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
Karla, Ft. Thomas, KY
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2, NIV
Delilah
Berryville
You crown the year with Your good blessings, and You leave abundance in Your wake.
Psalms 65:11 The NET Bible
What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs. The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings. Psalms 84:5-6
MaryKaren, Charlotte, “You crown the year with Your good blessings, and You leave abundance in Your wake.” Psalm 65:11 The NET Bible
Karina, Victoria, BC (CANADA!)
This is what the LORD says – your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.” Isaiah 48:17 NIV
I’m going to work on remembering the correct address for this verse!
Allison, Ruston
“Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands for us.” Psalm 90:17 NIV
Joy
West Monroe, LA
Philippians 4:4-5 NIV
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Ti-Leigh
Orlando, FL
Therefore, God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy and he hardens whoever he wants to harden.
Romans 9:18
NIV
Hannah, Knoxville, TN. “Forget about whats happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.” Isaiah 43:18-19
Cortni/Mobile/Leviticus 26:45 But I will for their sakes remember the covenant of their ancestors,whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the heathen, that I might be their God: I am the Lord. KJV
Megan
Stanford, CA
O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you & praise your name. For in perfect faithfulness, you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.
Isaiah 25:1
NIV
Kelly, Apex
He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure. Isaiah 33:6 NIV
Donna, Woodford, Virginia.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not
tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” NASB
Terri, Marion, IN May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. II Thess. 3:5
Emily, Virginia Beach VA
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 NIV
Fran, Altadena,
The earth’s is the LORD’s and everything in it, the world and all who live in it; Psalm 24:1 NIV
Dianne, Kennesaw, GA: So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, if he calls you, say, ‘Speak Lord, your servant is listening.'” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
I Samuel 3:9, NIV
Amy, Blanchard,OK: ‘Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name.’ Psalm 63:3,4.
“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)
Sandy, Arkansas
The mind of man plans his ways,
But the Lord directs his steps.
Proverbs 16:6 NAS
Amber, Lake St. Louis MO
4 Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.
5 Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long.
Psalm 25:4-5
Sandy, Paducah, KY
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8
Donna, Kirkland, Wa
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Phil4:13 NASB
Laurie, Calhoun, And now these three remain; faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
Emily, Lexington, SC
“If you are returning to the LORD with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foriegn gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve Him only and He will deliver you out of the hands of the Philistines.” 1 Samuel 7:3 NIV
Debbie
Fuquay-Varina
“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”
John 10:28
King James Version
Laila, chicago. You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.
Trust in the LORD forever,
for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.
(Isaiah 26:3-4 ESV)
Joy, Altadena, CA
I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go. I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8 NIV
Stefanie, Troy OH: Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:10-12 NIV