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!
Mindy – McDonough, GA
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.
Proverbs 16:9 NIV
hey i live in mcdonough too!
Shannon – Parker, CO
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23 NIV
Heather, Northeast Georgia Mountains
You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Psalm 139:3
Stephanie, Youngstown, Ohio. “I lift up 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 NIV).
Laura, Nebraska. Daniel answered and said, ‘Blessed be the name of God forever and ever. For wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. Daniel 2:20-21 NKJV
Heidi from Belgium,
‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and leab not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight’
Proverns 3 v 5,6
Cheri C.
Vancouver, WA
Psalm 62:5 (NIV)
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him.
Lindsay, Centerton, AR “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 NIV
Lyli, Fort Lauderdale, FL
I Peter 3:1 (NKJV)
“Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives.”
Kelley, Olive Branch
But as for me, poor and in pain, let Your salvation protect me, God. I will praise God’s name with song and exalt Him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:29-30
Ali, Arkadelphia, Arkansas
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”
Luke 15:20 NIV
Becky, Pasco, WA
James 1:19-20 NIV
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
Nel, Willard, Missouri
“And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing ye shall receive.” Matthew 21:22
Laurie, Lubbock, TX “I will give heed to the blameless way; When will You come to me? I will walk within my house in the integrity of my heart.” Psalm 101:2 (NASB)
Becki, Houston,
Related to my word of the year: Courageous
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
Carla, Coweta. My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts, says the Lord. And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. Isaiah 55:8 NLT
Anne, Lorton, VA
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23
NIV
Jan, Gulf Breeze, FL.
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
Mark 11:24, NIV
Ange, Louisville, KY
So let us know, let us press on to know the Lord. His going forth is as certain as the dawn, and He will come to us like the rain, like the spring rain watering the earth. Hosea 6:3 NASB
Katie, Norfolk: “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Isaiah 40:28-29 TNIV
Alissa: Florence, SC
“As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.” Proverbs 27:19 NIV
Holly, Longview, TX
Beth’s verse struck home with me!
“So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you wil be juded by the law that sets you free. There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.”
James 2:12-13 NLT
Cathy, Walton,IN “You have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling,that I may walk before God in the light of life.” Ps. 56:13 (NIV)
Lori, Port Arthur, TX
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” ~Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)
Bless your persecuters; bless and do not curse them. Romans 12:14
Whitney, Louisville: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shed. Isaiah 9:2 ESV
Colleen
Grand Prairie, TX
He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.
Luke 20:38 NIV
paula, Las Vegas. “The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in God protects you from that” Proverbs 29:25 The Message
Of course, “human opinion” will (as needed) be substituted with the opinion I am currently glorifying (i.e., The fear of my father’s opinion, or The fear of my boss’s opinion – you get the picture).
Sandy, Arkansas
1Chronicles 4:10 NLT
Oh, that you would Bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keep me from all trouble and pain! And God granted his request.
Emily, Tulsa, OK, “Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of wordless sighs and aching groans.” Romans 8:26, The Message
Amanda,Katy, TX. Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand. Jeremiah 18:6,NIV
Cathy, Winona Lake, IN
Col. 3:4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the world, you will share in all His glory.
Bless you persecuters; bless and do not curse them. Romans 12:14 New American Bible
Lynn, Springfield, MO – Lamentations 3:28-30
When life is heavy and hard to take, go off by yourself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don’t ask questions: Wait for hope to appear. Don’t run from trouble. Take it full-face. The “worst” is never the worst. (msg)
“They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of Kinds – and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.”
Revelation 17:14 NIV
Annie L. Bloomington, Indiana
Proverbs 12:18
“Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
Brandy, San Antonio “She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” NIV
“She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive.” The Message
Proverbs 31:27
Lorraine, Ada, MI, Isaiah 58:11 (NIV)”The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.”
Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually. Remember the wondrous works that he has done. I Chronicles 16:11, 12a RSV
Gaye from Arvada, CO: I will raise my eyes towards the mountains.Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord the maker of heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; your protector will not slumber. Indeed the protector of Israel does not slumber or sleep. The Lord protects you; the Lord is a shelter right by your side. Psalm 121:1-5 (HCSB)
Ginger, Columbus: “And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble and test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not.” Deuteronomy 8:2 NKJ
Pattie, Converse, TX (San Antonio).
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (New Century Version)
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and he chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose what the world thinks is unimportant and what the world looks down on and thinks is nothing in order to destroy what the world thinks is important. God did this so that no one can brag in his presence.
Kay, Greenwood, SC
“I’m asking God for one thing, only one thing: To live with him in his house my whole life long. I’ll contemplate his beauty; I’ll study at his feet.”
Psalm 27:4 The Message
Julie, Sierra Vista, AZ
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. ” Phil. 4:8
Kelly, Lees Summit,MO In the heavens He has pitched a tent for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavillion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. Psalm 19:4-5 NIV
I just had to say hello, because I too am a Kelli Swisher! Imagine that, two siestas with the same, not very common name! God bless as you memorize your verses!
Anne, Cedarburg, WI
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7 NIV
Kathy, Cumberland, RI – Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 KJ
“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
Peggy, Cheyenne
Kathy Minnesota
Make me know Thy ways, O Lord, Teach me Thy Paths.
Psalms 25:4 NIV
Bailey, Knoxville, TN
Isaiah 48:17-18
“I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you,
who directs you in the way you should go.
If only you had paid attention to my commands,
your peace would have been like a river,
your righteousness like the waves of the sea.”