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!
Kim, Warsaw
All of us used to live that way, following the passions and desires of our evil nature. We were born with an evil nature, and we were under God’s anger just like everyone else.
Ephesians 2:3, NLT
Heather, Nova Scotia, Canada
Jesus answered, “It is written:’Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’
Matthew 4:4 NIV
Julie/Deer Park/Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. NIV
Jackie, Little Rock: In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God for help; He heard my voice out of His temple, and my cry for help before Him came into His ears. Ps 18:6 NASB
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)
Autumn, Kentucky: 1 John 3:16-18
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has not pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
We, though, are going to love– love and be loved. First we were loved; now we love. He loved us first.
1John 4:19
The Message
Vicki, Elizabethtown, KY
Carolyn in West Chester, PA
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age”
Karla in Poulsbo, WA
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2Tim1:7 NKJV
Carrie in Temple,TX; Exodus 14:14(NIV):”The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Wow, what an awesome scripture. Thanks for the reminder that I should stop doing and just sit still before His throne and He will take care of it.
Stacey,Shreveport–“Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did” 1 John 2:6/NIV
Linda from Colorado
1 John 3:18-20 The Message
My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love. This is the only way we’ll know we’re living truly, living in God’s reality. It’s also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves.
Kristi, Puyallup; Psalm 86:5 NIV
You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.
Beth
Cleveland, OH
Eph. 4:29 (MSG)
Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.
Don’t grieve God. Don’t break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don’t take such a gift for granted.
Nancy, Rhinelander, WI
Matthew 6:27 Amp.
And who of you by worrying and being anxious can add one unit of measure(cubit) to his stature or to the span of his life?
Ruth, Providence: Isaiah 30:15-18, RSV
“For thus said the Lord, the Holy One of Israel,
‘In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and trust shall be your strength.’
And you would not, but you said,
‘No! We will speed upon horses,’
therefore you shall speed away, and
‘We will ride upon swift steeds,’
therefore, your pursuers shall be swift.
A thousand shall flee at the threat of one, at the threat of five you shall flee, ’till you are left like a flagstaff on the top of a mountain, like a signal on a hill.
Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, therefore He exalts himself to show mercy to you, for the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him.”
Julie, Marietta, GA
I lift my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1,2
Kristen Spear, Wichita, “Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.” Ephesians 4:28 NIV
Adelina, Houston, TX:
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10, NIV
Jianna – Yankton, SD
Psalm 29:11
The Lord gives His people strength, the Lord grants His people security. (NIV)
Jennifer, Cottage Grove, WI: “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.” I Peter 3:13-14
Pamela, Missouri, Proverbs 31:10 NIV
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
Alexia Gossett
and in the desert. There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.
Deut 1:31 NIV
Sarah, Colorado Springs
I am finishing the long verse I started 1/15:
Servants, do what you’re told by your earthly masters. And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t cover up bad work.
Colossians 3:22-25 (The Message)
Carolyn in St. Peters. John 15:5 (NIV) “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.”
Rebecca in Durham: “I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning. O Israel, hope in the LORD. For with the LORD there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption.” Psalm 130:5-7 ESV
Vicki from Big Spring
Hebrews 12:14. NIV. Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
Linda, Langdon, NIV
1 Chronicles 16:25 Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; He is to be feared above all gods.
Jackie, Louisiana: Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2 (NIV 1984)
Nikki ~ Lake Mills, WI
“If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.”
Galatians 5:25 (ESV)
Kimberly, Providence
“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.” Jeremiah 29:11
“Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts, but the one who does the will of God lives forever.” (I John 2: 15-17) NASB
Ashley, Kernersville NC, “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
Diane, Ocala, FL
“I will sing about the Lord’s faithful love forever, with my mouth I will proclaim Your faithfulness to all generations.” Psalms 89:1 Holman CSB
Laurel, Phoenix, AZ. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6 NIV
Jennifer Leveson-Albany,GA
“Do not judge and you will not be judged. Do not condemn and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”. Luke 37-38
Ann, Plymouth MI
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. I John 3:16
Tara
Greensboro, NC
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
Isaiah 12:3
NIV
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 NIV
Tiffany – Clay Center, KS
Angela, Maui. “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Colossians4:5-6 (ESV)
Tammie from Carlisle
Psalm 84:10 (ESV): For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.
Julie, Washington, LA:
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phil 1:6
Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. John 8:32 NIV
Rhonda
Gilmer
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (New King James Version)
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ
1 THESSALONIANS 4:11-12 NIV
Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life,
to mind your own business and to work with
your own hands, just as we told you, so that
your daily life might win the respect of outsiders
and so that you will not lack anything.
Paulette P. Mays
Elmer, La.
2 Corinthians 4:8 (TLB) When I am pressed on every side by troubles, I am not crushed and broken. When I am perplexed because I don’t know why things happen as they do, I don’t give up and quit.
Shae, Broadview Hts, OH – 1Peter 3:1-2 NIV – Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.
Kim Lewisburg,PA
Isaiah 54:13 ESV
All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children.
Rebecca in New Kensington, PA: Psalms 90:17 (NIV) May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us;
establish the work of our hands for us—
yes, establish the work of our hands.
Psalm 37:39 NIV
The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
Tori Mays, Elmer, LA.