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!
Kristin Tulare, CA
“I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” John 10:10 NIV
Kim D., Lakeland, FL
Psalm 119:133 – Direct my footsteps according to your Word; let no sin rule over me.
Lindsey, Arlington, TX
“In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name.”
Psalm 33:12 esv
Miranda- Pearland (Houston), Tx
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10 NKJV
Brandy H., Kingwood, TX
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will not be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
James 2:12-13 NIV
Petra from Ceres, CA:
Micah 6:8 NIV
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly[prudently] with your God.
Lantana; Edmond, OK:
I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.
-Psalm 16:8 (New Living Translation)
Beth, Eugene, Oregon. Heb. 13:5-6 NRSV
Keep your lives freed from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for He has said,”I will never leave you or forsake you.” So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid, what can anyone do to me.”
Praise His name!!
in Fresno, CA – For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. Zeph. 3:17
Ruth, Okinawa, Japan
For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. Psalm 33:4 NIV
Cara, Fridley, MN
Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life;
Philippians 2:14-16a (NLT)
Heather
McDonough, GA
“Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.”
Matthew 10:32-33 NIV
“Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life.” Isaiah 43:4 ESV
Krista, Portland, OR
Psalm 145:19, NKJ
He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them.
Dana, Bothell, WA
So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover’s life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of.
Phil. 1:9-10 (Message)
Marcie
Phoenix, AZ
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”
Hebrews 10:23 (NIV)
Bonnie, Camas Valley, Oregon Proverbs 16:9 A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.
Jeanne, Valley Head, AL
Psalm 119:35-37 (NIV)
35 Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. 36 Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. 37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word
Molly, Bend
“Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle, you will still be standing firm.” Ephesians 6:13 NLT
And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 NKJV
Sue, Virginia
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise-the fruit of lips that openly confess his name.
Hebrews 13:15 NIV
Ashley, Atlanta, GA
“Sow with a view to righteousness,
Reap in accordance with kindness;
Break up your fallow ground,
For it is time to seek the LORD
Until He comes to rain righteousness on you.”
Hosea 10:12 NASB
Tina, Cincinnati, OH: I John 4:18 – There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. (NIV)
Halei, Fort Worth, TX
“First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.” Proverbs 31:17 MSG
Psalms 62:1-2 ” “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress. I will never be shaken.”
Tolu, Boston MA
Philippians 4:8
Finally, Brothers(sisters), 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.
Megan from San Angelo, TX…”Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips” Psalm 141:3 (NIV)
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
Cheryl, Bonney Lake, WA I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. 12″When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen. 13-14″When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. “Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 (The Message) I need to remind my mind, heart and soul with this!!
Psalm 90:17
17 And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us,
And establish the work of our hands for us;
Yes, establish the work of our hands.
“I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” KJV
Jordan – Reno, NV – “Let all that you do be done with love.” 1Corinthians 16:14 (NKJV)
Tammy-Lubbock,Texas
Hebrews 4:15-16 (NIV)
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Judy, Dallas – “An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.” Pr 31.10-12 ESV
Proverbs 18:7-8
NKJV
A fools mouth is his destruction and his lips are the snare of his soul.
Hope in Washington:
8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
1 Peter 3:8-9 NIV
Trish, Rancho Santa Margarita. “I call on the Lord in my distress and he answers me.” -Psalm 120:1 NIV
Betty, Knoxville. 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 thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matt. 5:3-6 NIV
“The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: What can man do unto me?” -Psalm 118:6 KJV, Healdsburg, CA
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
Proverbs 18:10 NIV
Kim, W.Richland
Becky, Brandon, MS
“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” Psalm 141:3 ESV
Carrie, Logan: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” Lamentations 3:22-24 ESV
Nancy, Cameron Park, CA. 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 for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 NLT
Julie
Livermore, CA
“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
Remember, O Lord, your unfailing love and compassion, which you have shown from long ages past. Forgive the rebellious sins of my youth; look instead through the eyes of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O Lord.
Psalm 6-7
NLT
Plano, Texas
Ashley, Grand Junction, Colorado
Then, when our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”
1 Corinthians 15:54-55, NLT
Karie, Vancouver, WA
A heart at peace gives life to the body. Proverbs 14:30
Linda
Red River, NM
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline.
Colossians 3:12 (The Message)
Buford, GA
Psalm 31:8 NIV
You have not handed me over to the enemy but set my feet in a spacious place.
Sara, Irving, TX – For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:3 NIV