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!
Debbie, Lorenzo Tx; Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servent of Christ. Gal 1:10 NIV
Brandi, Roseburg, OR James 1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love HIM. (NIV)
Dorothea, Rockwall, TX: The Lord protects you; the Lord is a shelter right by your side. The sun will not strike you by day, or the moon by night. Psalm 121:5-6 (HCSB)
Celeste, Thompson’s Station, TN: He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; He offers strength to the weak. Is. 40:29, NLT
Annie, Memphis, TN: “The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1 NIV
Mona – Rome, GA
Psalm 42:5 (NASB)
“Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence.”
Sharon, Henderson, Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord.
He is lika a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7,8 ESV
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. – Deuteronomy 6:4-5a (NIV©2011)
Regan, Conroe. “So Jesus answered them, ‘My teaching is not mine, but His who sent me.'” John 7:16, ESV.
Emily, Kalispell MT Proverbs 31:26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. KJV
Stacey, Houston – Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, – 2 Corinthians 1:3
Myriam – New York
Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your principles! Then I will not be disgraced when I compare my life with your commands. When I learn your righteous laws, I will thank you by living as I should! I will obey your principles. Please don’t give up on me!
Psalm 119: 5-8 NLT
Katie, Paducah, Ephesians 6:16 NIV
“In ADDITION to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can EXTINGUISH ALL the flaming arrows of the evil one”
Andrea, Pottstown, PA
Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? OF COURSE NOT! (emphasis mine)
Matthew 6:27 NLT
Jennifer, Niceville, FL “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4
Heather, Petal MS
Psalm 63:1, NIV
O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you;
my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you,
in a dry and weary land where there is no water.
Connie, Reidville, SC
Do not love the world or 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, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life–is not of the Father but is of the world.
1John 2:15-16, NKJV
(A reminder to me against materialism, etc.)
Connie, Spring TX
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Romans 12:9 NIV
Marissa- San Dimas, CA
“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” John 15:4 NKJV
Kayla
Cleveland
This is the day the LORD has made;let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24 NIV
Jefferson,Maine
Enter my lament in your book
store my tears in your flask,
Then, my enemies will turn back
on the day I call upon you;
for this I know, that God is on my side,
with God to help me I will shout defiance,
In God I trust and shall not be afraid;
Psalm 56:8-11
New English Bible
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust the Lord completely; don’t ever trust yourself. In everything you do, put God first, and He will direct you and crown your efforts with success. (Living Bible)
Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 NKJV
Kristie
Queen City, TX
Kelly, Springfield, MO. “and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.” Titus 2:4-5 (ESV)
Lala from Ruston, LA
“That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:3 KJV
Sandie, Manhattan KS “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
2 Timothy 2:2 NASB
Missy, Phoenix: Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 NIV
James 1:19-20
19 My dearly loved brothers, understand this: everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, 20 for man’s anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.
Gina, Ridgeland, MS (currently at WDW!)
“And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not.”
Deteronmy 8:2, ESV
I Peter 5:7 NASB
“Casting all your anxiety on Him for He cares for you.”
Brandi, Auburn, GA:
“Talk and act like a person expecting to be judged by the Rule that sets us free. For if you refuse to act kindly, you can hardly expect to be treated kindly. Kind mercy wins over harsh judgment every time.” James 2:12-13 (The Message)
Leslie
Wisner, La.
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
Col. 4:2 NIV
Also love The Message translation:
“Pray diligently. Stay alert, with your eyes wide open in gratitude.”
April, Smyrna GA
Becky, Universal City, TX
“If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.” James 1:26 (NIV)
Hope, AR
And they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Acts 16:31 KJV
“Even to your old age and gray hairs I Am He, I Am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Isaiah 46:6 NIV
(Praying this verse over your friend, Beth)
Melanie, Greenbrier, TN
I have stored up words of my heart so that I may not sin against you. Psalms 119:11 ESV
Tracey, Raleigh, NC
God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. NKJV
Karen
Auburn, AL
Even if we don’t feel at ease, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything.
1 John 3:20 CEV
Donna, Spring: “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see Him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” Job 19:25-27 (NIV)
Karen-Leonard, TX
Call to me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.
Jer 33:3 NASB
Amy, Moncks Corner, SC.
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1-2, ESV
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (NIV)
1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. they will soar on wings like eagles;they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31
Tricia, Smyrna, GA. Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction. Provebers 29:18 NIV
Leanne, Mississippi: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought with a price. Therefore honor God with your body. 1 Cor. 6:19”
Marrissa, Orlando FL
Psalm 51:10-12
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away 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.
NIV
April, Smyrna GA
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:4-6, New King James
Kathy, Shreveport, La.
But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings as eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaish 40:31