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?? Weāre at least two Scriptures the richer for it, though. Iāve been using my time on my exercise bike in the mornings to practice my memory verses so Iāve mostly only heard myself repeat them gasping for breath. (If you like picturing things, itās in my garage sandwiched between boxes and stacks of 26 years of Moore paraphernalia and everything else besides an actual carā¦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 Iāve 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, Iāll 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, theyāre 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 donāt get to talk long on here today. So, letās get to it! Itās already time for Verse 3!
As I told you two weeks ago, Iāll primarily be working through verses out of the Book of James for much of this year. Iāll give you mine each time but Iāll also give you an alternative that I really love outside of James in case you need some ideas. Hereās the portion Iām memorizing this time around with my information:
Beth, Houston. āSpeak 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.ā James 2:12-13 The NET Bible
I love that last statement. Mercy triumphs over judgment. Arenāt you thankful we have a Savior that feels that way?
The alternative Iāll suggest to you today is on my mind because someone I care deeply about struggles terribly with fear of death. This person isnāt 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, itās 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 Devilās hold on death and freed all who cower through life, scared to death of death. (Hebrews 2:14-15 The Message)
Anybody āscared to death of deathā? 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 deathāthat is, the devilā and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. (Hebrews 2:14-15 NIV)
Oh, thereās nothing like the power of Godās Word. And thatās because thereās nothing like the power of God.
You sure are loved around here. OK, letās have it, 2011 SSMT! Verse 3! (Your first name, city, reference and translation please.)
Iāll talk to you soon!
Diane – Spring, TX
Ephesians 2:8-9
“By grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift — not from works, so that no one can boast.” (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
Finally, Brethern, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Philippians 4:8-9
Diana, East Peoria, IL
Galatians 5:1 NLT
So Christ has really set us free.
Now make sure that you stay free,
and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.
L Diane, Indianapolis
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29 NIV
Anna- Tyler, Texas
To mediatate on during communion:
Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)
“He was wounded for our trangressions, He was crushed for our ininquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.”
“You are my shelter, and my shield; I put my hope in Your Word.” Ps. 119:114
Melissa from Calgary, Alberta
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness
Galatians 5:22 (English Standard Version)
Valerie, Altoona, IA
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. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. Psalm 51:10-13, NIV
Jenny D; Lacey, WA; 1 Peter 3:15 NIV “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness & respect…”
Rebecca, Savannah, GA
“Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.” – Isaiah 26:8, NIV
Jennifer, Mansfield,TX:
“If you are wise and understand God’s ways, live a life of steady goodness so that only good deeds will pour forth. And if you don’t brag about the good you do, then you will be truly wise!” James 3:13 (NLT)
Kathryn, Jacksonville:
āSpeak 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.ā James 2:12-13 The NET Bible
Tracy–Tyler, TX
More than this: let us even exult in our present sufferings, because we know that suffering trains us to endure, and endurance brings proof that we have stood the test, and this proof is the ground of hope.
Romans 5:3-4 NEB
Jeannie,Valdosta,GA
Rev.21:4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain. For the old order of things has passed away.
Siestas- We received news on Monday, January 31, that James’ body was recovered at about 8:15 a.m. It is our prayer that the seeds that James spent sowing for his short 17 years on the earth will fall in hearts of furtile soil and take root a grow. Thanks so much for your prayers!
Hilary
Hudsonville, MI
“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice – the kind He will accept. When you think of what He has done for you, is this too much to ask?
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect His will really is.”
Romans 12:1-2 NLT
karla~ sedro-woolley, wa~~psalm 105:4
“search for the Lord and for His strength; seek His face always.”(HCSB)
Nancy, SEBRING FL Matthew 7:13-14(NKJV) āEnter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Julie, Wentzville, MO – Ezekiel 33:31-32 “My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to listen to your words, but they do not put them into practice. With their mouths they express devotion, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice.”
Laurie, Houston. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirableāif anything is excellent or praiseworthyāthink about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in meāput it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Phil. 4:8-9)
This makes me want to memorize the whole bible,
NASV Ps. 84:1-2 “How lovely are Your dwelling places, O LORD of hosts.
My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the LORD:
My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.”
Randi, Henrietta, TX – Romans 8:28
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” NKJV
Marilyn, Albuquerque
But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin. 1Jn.1:7 NIV
Erin – Herndon, VA
That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his son Jesus Christ.
1 John 1:3, NKJV
Julie, Wadsworth: Proverbs 31:10-12 “A good woman is hard to find, and is worth far more than diamonds. Her husband trusts her without reserve & never has reason to regret it. Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long.” (The Message)
Barb, St Cloud, MN “And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10 ESV
Chrissy from Tampa: “Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with.” James 5:16 MSG
Pat from Bigfork, MT says:
“I will give you a new heart, and put a new spirit in you. I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”
Ezekiel 36:26
NIV
Kendall – Huntsville, AL
“He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.
Psalm 112:7-8 (NIV)
Jennifer, Little Rock, AR
But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren.
Deuteronomy 4:9 NLT
Susan, Meredith, NH, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”–Gal. 2:20, ESV
Lisa, Lynnwood WA
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2 (NIV)
Jennifer, Loveland
The people began to complain to the LORD about their hardships; and when the LORD heard them, his anger blazed against them.
Numbers 11:1 ~ NLT
Jennifer Olmstead
Janesville, Wisconsin
Psalm 118:14 (NIV, Ā©1984)
The LORD is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.
Tanya – Somerville, TN
Gretta ~ Alabama: “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with inexpressible and glorious joy for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” I Peter 1:8-9 NIV
Dianne – Fairfield, CA
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. – Phil. 4:6 (NASB)
Debbie, Alexandria, VA
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1, NIV
Kelly, Appleton, WI
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:17 (NIV)
Lynda, Monterey
“Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.”
Psalm 105:4
Emily, Elk Grove, CA
“Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony.”
Colossians 3:12-14 (NLT)
Kerri, Greenville, MS
“for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7
Lisa, Rainbow City
” We live by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV
“Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” Romans 12:10 NLT
Jennie, Los Angeles, CA
Kimberly Denton, TX “More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
Romans 5:3-5
Proverbs 15:3
God doesn’t miss a thing- He’s alert to good and evil alike.
The Message
Devanee, Ulysses:Isaiah 41:13 For I hold you by your right handāI, the Lord your God. And I say to you,āDonāt be afraid. I am here to help you. NLT
Shonda- Tacoma, WA
Revelation 17:14 NIV
“They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings- and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”
Devi
Geneva, Switzerland
Thus says the LORD:”Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the LORD. (ESV)
Sarah, Montrose, CO:
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV
Tanya – Somerville, TN
II Cor. 10: 3-5 “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ.”