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!
Leslie
Alpharetta, GA
Hebrews 11:6 NIV
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.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirt for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs if the kingdome of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Matthew 3: 5-12 (NIV)
Don’t’t use foul language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
Ephesians 4:29 NLT
Jessica South Carolina
Janet, West Linn OR.
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
Christine, Westminster
I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
Psalm 34:4-5 (NIV)
Proverbs 10:19: When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but the prudent are restrained in speech.
Emily, Greensburg
Your Word is like a lamp for my feet and a light for my way. Psalm 119:105 (ICB)
Cindy, Grand Rapids, So is My Word that goes out from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purposes for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11 NIV
Terri
Pinehurst, NC
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ”
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Jennifer Terry
College Station, TX
” 12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. ” -Colossians 3: 12-14
Ann
Mexico
“we demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:5
Courtney, Lakewood, CO
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ” Romans 15:13, NIV
Let another man praise you and not your own mouth; a stranger and not your own lips. Proverbs 27:2
Karen, Islamorada
“Whatever He tells you, do it.”
John 2:5, The Message
Rita Brown
Midland, Texas
Today on my 65th birthday…
I will sing to the LORD all my lfe;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
May my meditation be pleasing to Him
as I rejoice in the LORD.
Psalm 104:33-34
Emily, Greensburg Your Word is like a lamp for my feet and a light for my way. Psalm 119:105 (ICB)
Ashley Beth, Baton Rouge. “Humble yourselves; therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all of your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV
Carly, El Paso, TX
2 Timothy 2:7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:6-7, NIV
Kim
Champaign IL
Loyal Friends Love Through Difficult Times
Proverbs 17:17
Lori, Nashville,TN
“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:19 NKJV
Kelli,Bowling Green, KY
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
2 Peter 1:3, NIV
Anita, Nashville
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)
Laurie
Westminster, Colorado
Do not merely listen to the word, and deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
James 1:22 NIV
Carrie, Colbert,WA
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions- it is by grace you have been saved.
Ephesians 2:4-5 (NIV)
Nancy, Tyler, Texas Psalms 147:3 The Messsage
He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.
Heather, Greensburg
Psalm 19:1 (NIV) “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Romans 10:9,10
Dominica Fairmont
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9 NIV
Sheri, Portland, Oregon
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds…” James 1:2 NIV
Joanie, Ventress
1 Corinthians 10:31
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. NIV
Valerie, Spring, TX – Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord. Proverbs 16:20 NIV.
Jana, Fresno, CA
Have I not commanded you? 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 NIV
Joan, Johnstown, PA
“Since we are surrounded by so many examples of faith, we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially sin that distracts us. We must run the race that lies ahead of us and never give up.” Hebrews 12:1 God’s Word
Kristen in Austin, Texas
Proverbs 10:19: When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but the prudent are restrained in speech.
New Revised Standard Version
Cathy, La Grande – Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways. Psalm 119:37
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21
Sue, Visalia, CA
stacey- new orleans
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)
I really liked this one- Beth, thank you!
Robin, Tracy CA
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 NIV
Tamara
Kelowna, BC, Canada
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
Psalm 37:5-6, NIV
Natalie, Nashville, TN
Psalm 27:13 NIV
“I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.”
Laura, Kenmore, Wa
“A fool shows his annoyance at once, but an prudent man overlooks an insult.” Prov. 12:16
Cassie, Bells, TX “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 NKJV
Katera, Kentwood, LA
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
Ines-Watsonville “”The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering without hypocrisy.” James 2:17
Joanna Moreno Valley, CA
But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken!
-Jeremiah 9:24 (NLT)
Janel, Valrico, FL – This one’s a little unusual, but it’s personally significant!
“I will put in the desert
the cedar and the acacia, the myrtle and the olive.
I will set pines in the wasteland,
the fir and the cypress together,” Isaiah 41:19 NIV
Melissa
Chino, CA
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
John 15:4 NIV
Malaysia
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV)
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that He opened for us through the curtain, that is, through His flesh, and since we have a great high priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
-Hebrews 10:19-23
Nina, Urbana, IL