HOUSTON AREA TUESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY GIRLS: If by chance we end up needing to cancel tonight over the storms, I will put a cancellation notice right here on the blog so keep an eye on this spot off and on all day. Certainly check it before you set out for HFBC tonight. We love you and want to be wise!
NOON UPDATE FOR TUESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY: As of right now, Bible study is ON for tonight. It will really be cold for us south Texans but it’s supposed to be dry. We are planning on starting the lesson a little earlier and ending it at 8:15. See you there with our coats on!
Now, for SSMT:
Hey, Siestas!
Happy February 1st! Did January fly past us or what?? We’re at least two Scriptures the richer for it, though. I’ve been using my time on my exercise bike in the mornings to practice my memory verses so I’ve mostly only heard myself repeat them gasping for breath. (If you like picturing things, it’s in my garage sandwiched between boxes and stacks of 26 years of Moore paraphernalia and everything else besides an actual car…which is in my driveway. You also might enjoy picturing my Border Collie Star sitting right beside me, fixating on the bicycle pedal as it goes round and round. Bless her poor sweet obsessive-compulsive self.) I might have to haul the bike up there with me to the Siesta celebration next January so I can say them to my partner the same way I’ve practiced them. Or I guess I can just sit on the floor and pump my feet in the air and play like. My partner might have to sit back from me just a tad. And if none of that works, I’ll get my man to haul Star up there to watch me and see if the right conditions are responsible for the recollections. And, of course, they’re not. In John 14:26, Christ says it is the Holy Spirit who reminds us of everything He has taught us so press on! With Him, we can do all things.
Tuesday is Bible study day for us at LPM this time of year so I don’t get to talk long on here today. So, let’s get to it! It’s already time for Verse 3!
As I told you two weeks ago, I’ll primarily be working through verses out of the Book of James for much of this year. I’ll give you mine each time but I’ll also give you an alternative that I really love outside of James in case you need some ideas. Here’s the portion I’m memorizing this time around with my information:
Beth, Houston. “Speak and act as those who will be judged by a law that gives freedom. For judgment is merciless for the one who has shown no mercy. But mercy triumphs over judgment.” James 2:12-13 The NET Bible
I love that last statement. Mercy triumphs over judgment. Aren’t you thankful we have a Savior that feels that way?
The alternative I’ll suggest to you today is on my mind because someone I care deeply about struggles terribly with fear of death. This person isn’t chronically ill. Just oppressed and tormented by possibilities. Maybe some part of this segment might minister to you today.
Since the children are made of flesh and blood, it’s logical that the Savior took on flesh and blood in order to rescue them by his death. By embracing death, taking it into himself, he destroyed the Devil’s hold on death and freed all who cower through life, scared to death of death. (Hebrews 2:14-15 The Message)
Anybody “scared to death of death”? These passages are also really rich out of the NIV if you prefer it:
Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. (Hebrews 2:14-15 NIV)
Oh, there’s nothing like the power of God’s Word. And that’s because there’s nothing like the power of God.
You sure are loved around here. OK, let’s have it, 2011 SSMT! Verse 3! (Your first name, city, reference and translation please.)
I’ll talk to you soon!
Janae Burnsville, MN
1 Corinthians 13:12 (NLT)
Now I see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything clearly with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.
Yoncalla, OR
Matthew 5:44, NIV
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Melissa, from Atlanta,
The Lord is my strength and my shield, My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped: Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him. Ps. 28:7, NKJV
Laura – Littleton, CO
For without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? To the nam who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness. But to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God.
Ecclesiastes 2:25-26
Isaiah 40:11 NIV He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart;he gently leads those that have young.
How precious is your unfailing love, O God. People take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. Psalm 36:7 NIV
Sharon
Glennville, GA
Psalm 105:4 NIV
Look to the Lord and his strength;
seek His face always.
Julie-Cedar Rapids, IA
Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. Psalm 27:3 NIV
Lenore – Grayson,GA: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” ~ Luke 12:34 (NIV)
Angie, from Ormond Beach, FL:
You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,
so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way:
bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.
Colossians 1:7-10, NIV (on my way to memorizing Colossians this year)
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.
Jane
Boone, NC
Sheila, Tampa,
Serve wholeheartedlly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men. Eph. 6:7
Iris, Manitoba, Canada “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servants whom I have chosen, so that you may know me and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed nor will there be one after me.” Isaiah 43:10
Jane, IL
Ephesians 2:8-9
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.
The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; You shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. Isaiah 58: 11 NKJ
Isaiah 12:2 KJV
“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid: for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.”
Susan K.
Cartersville, GA
Andrea Woodstock, GA
James 2:12-13 NIV
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!
Lana, Champaign, IL – So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgement. James 2:12-13 NKJV
Jennifer, Las Vegas: The King is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord. Psalm 45:11.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Col. 3:12 NIV
John 14:27 NRSV Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.
Nicole Kitchener, ON (Canada)
14 The LORD confides in those who fear him;
he makes his covenant known to them.
15 My eyes are ever on the LORD,
for only he will release my feet from the snare.
Psalm 25: 14-15 (NIV)
Betsy / Ohio
Josh 3:5 “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you.”
Heather, Chelmsford, Ontario, Canada
For I will take you out of the nations, I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land.
I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I wll cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols (Ezekiel 36:24,25).
Genie from Oklahoma City, OK
“Therefore get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” James 1:21 NIV
Becky Homme, Rochester,MN “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8 NIV
Sarah
St. Paul, MN
Psalm 62:7 (ESV)
“My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.”
Kelly, Roby, Let the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. KJV
Oops! The Scripture reference is Psalms 19:14.
“Jesus looked at them and said ‘With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.'” Mark 10:;27
Sherry
Oklahoma
Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NAS)
17. Though the fig tree should not blossom, and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail, and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold, and there be no cattle in the stalls,
18. Yet will I exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.
19. The Lord God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds feet, and makes me walk on my high places.
Kristi, Orlando So we make it our goal to please Him whether at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.
2 Corinthians 5:9-10 NIV
Isaiah 61:3 NLT
To all who mourn in Israel He will give a crown of beauty for ashes,
A joyous blessing instead of mourning,
festive praise instead of despair.
In their righteousness they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for His own glory.
Jeanine
Athens, NY
Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)
“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”
O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!You have set your glory above the heavens.
Psalm 8:1 (NIV)
Sarah Birmingham, Lambertville , MI
“God created humankind in his image.” Gen. 1:27 (NRSV)
Pam Hamilton, OH
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39 KJV
Debbie
Virginia
Hebrews 2:14-15 NIV
Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.
“I pray also that the eyes if your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great poower for us who believe.“
Ephesians 1:18-19a, NIV
Susan
Canada
Sherry, Taneyville, Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 NIV
Kandi, Little Rock
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of God stands forever.
Isaiah 40:8 NIV
Erin from Euless –
“Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.” Proverbs 3:3-4 NLT
Vonda-Keller, TX-
Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (NIV)
Jessica, Carlsbad, CA: “Commit to the Lord all that you do and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)
Leila, Carrollton, GA
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Cor. 13:6 & 7 NIV
Lexington, KY
Psalm 56:3 NIV When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
Geneva, Little Rock
“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”
Psalm 9:10 NIV
Melodie – Orlando, FL
Psalm 9:2 The Message
I’m whistling, laughing, and jumping for joy; I’m singing your song, High God.
(Recently found out I’m pregnant after YEARS of trying!)
Dana – Dothan, AL
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)
Jillian, Laramie
Galatians 5:1
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.
Galatians 5:1
NIV
(yep, just started!)
Racheal, Cathedral City
Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger. ESV