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!
Mackenzie
Tulare,Ca
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
Sedrone, Arp
[The LORD] satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Psalm 103:5 NIV
Mandi, Benton, AR
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure,whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8 ESV
Danielle, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” -Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)
Sherie, Spring, TX
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing, and perfect will. Romans 12:2 NIV
Suzanne, East Bernard, “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything to hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27 NIV
Valerie from Olathe, Romans 15:13 NIV, “may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him”
Megan, Edina,MN:
Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
2 Peter 1:4 (I’m memorizing 2 Peter 1:3-11 in bits and pieces)
Ronda, Kingman, AZ.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled trust in God; trust also in Me.” John 14:1 NIV
Jessica
Strasburg, PA
” If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:5 (ESV)
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 74:8 NIV
Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.
Psalm 119:37
NIV
Melanie
Helena, Al
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” Romans 12:12, ESV
He who is impulsive exalts folly.
Proverbs 14:29 NKJV
Fathers do not embitter your children or they will become discouraged. Colossians 3:21 NIV
Kendall, Visalia, CA
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2 Cor. 5:17 (NIV)
Lamentations 3:22-23 (NLT) “The unfailing love of the Lord never ends! By is mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each day.”
Christy T. – Hawthorne, CA
“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.”
Matthew 6:27-29 (NIV)
Cindy, Dallas TX It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1
Pauline, Kearney, Nebraska.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6: 19-21 NKJV
Allison
Fort Worth, TX
“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in him.” -Lamentations 3:24 ESV
Haley
Houma, LA
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest in your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. -Matthew 11:28 NIV
Michele, Cumming, Georgia
Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God, my Savior and my hope is in you all day long. Psalms 25:14 NIV
NAS
Proverbs 6:16-19
16 These six things the Lord hates,
Yes, seven are an abomination to Him:
17 A proud look,
A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood,
18 A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that are swift in running to evil,
19 A false witness who speaks lies,
And one who sows discord among brethren
Weatherford, TX
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Acts 1:8 NIV
Roxanne. Houston
Isaiah 49:15-16. NIV
 “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast
   and have no compassion on the child she has borne?
Though she may forget, I will not forget you!
See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;
   your walls are ever before me.
Clinton, ON Canada
The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.
Psalm 147:11 NIV
Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word, nor unwholesome or worthless talk ever come out of your mouth; but only such speech as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace to those who hear it. Eph. 4:29, Amplified
Bekka, Little Rock: “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave or forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” ~Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)
Kelli
Big Sandy, TX
“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 NIV
Jennifer
Jonesboro, Ar
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might, he increases power. Isaiah 40:28-29
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 NIV
~Allison, Huntsville, TX
Nancy L., Decatur Il.
Pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ.”
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 NIV
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set you hope fully on the grace to be given to you when Jesus Christ is revealed.
1 Peter 1:13, NIV
Angela from Olathe, Psalm 146:1-2 New Living Translation, “Praise the Lord! Let all that I am praise the Lord.I will praise the Lord as long as I live. I will sing praises to my God with my dying breath.”
Laura
Charleston, SC.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)
Michelle, Chesapeake, OH “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2Cor 12:10 NIV
Kristi.Conway.AR Jesus looked at them and said,”With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27 (NIV)
Alyssa, Round Rock, TX
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; It does not rejoice at evil but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 ESV
Psalm 120:1 NIV
I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me.
Nancy J
Sioux City
Mari, Zionsville
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. NIV
Cindy, Colorado Springs
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)
Thanks Beth!
Tracie, Birmingham. Isaiah 61:10 “I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels.” New Living Translation
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose. Romans 8:28 KJV
Karen, Silver Creek, GA: But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:7-8 (NIV)
Celia, Athens, AL “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Ps. 51:10 NIV)
Kathy D., Princeton TX
I desire to do your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart. Psalms 40:8
Lori, Fort Campbell, KY
Fathers (mothers), don’t exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master.
Ephesians 6:4 The Message
Elise–Newark
Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way, say to those with fearful hearts, be strong, do not fear.
Isaiah 35:3-4a NIV
I have also had the message from the Esther study in my heart for a while now “for such a time as this”
Esther 4:14
Rita Harrison, Cantonment, FL. “Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed. Save me, O Lord, and I will be saved, For you are my praise.”. Jeremiah 17:14 New American Standard