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!
Michelle Wilmington north Carolina
NLT
Psalm 112:6-7 -“such people will not be overcome by evil. Those who are righteous will be long remembered. They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.”
Denise-Bostic, NC
Search me, O God, and know my heart
Test me and know my anxious thoughts
See if there is any offensive way in me
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalm 139:23-24
Karen in Knoxville, Tennessee
I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
Phillipians 4:13 (NIV)
Abby, Vacaville CA
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Isaiah 26:3, NLT
Karen Tucson
“Be joyful always; pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is
God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Funnily enough, my verse is from James as well. That wasn’t planned, but it’s a verse that is on my wall, and I keep coming back to, because I need a reminder of what TRUE Wisdom is – what it looks like, sounds like, feels like. It is very different from worldly wisdom – even that of wonderful-meaning brothers and sisters. I ask myself often: “Is this wisdom I’m encountering REAL wisdom? Is it from my own mind, or that of the Perfect Father’s?”
So here goes – Leigh, Lowell, MA: “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.” (James 3:17)
The NASB version depicts it best for me. Unwavering. That’s key. Some wisdom that perhaps isn’t stemming from above can be some of those things – it can be somewhat gentle or quite reasonable. BUT, only the wisdom from the Lord of Hosts is all of these things. How beautiful! We can know exactly the source of our strength and sound judgement.
Becky, Jacksonville FL ~
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
Ashley, Orlando “And this gospel of the Kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony throughout the nations, and then the end will come.” ~Matthew 24:14
Teresa from Livingston:
“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
Karen, Maryville, TN
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NASB)
Janice in Abbeville
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”
Romans 12:1 NKJV
You will keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3 NIV
Kelly from Paducah (Reidland) Kentucky
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take yor stand against the devil’s schemes. For our sruggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Ephesians 6:10-12 (NIV)
Gayle, Arkansas
“From the ends of the earth I will cry to you for help, when my heart is overwhelmed lead me to the towering rock of safety.” Psalm 61:2 NLT
Katie–Danville, KY
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:6, NASB
Heidi – Lancaster, PA
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)
John 15:3 Now you are clean through the word which I have spoken to you.
Kay Richmond,VA
Rio Rancho
A heart at peace gtives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Proverbs 14:30 NIV
Sarah; Bremen, Ohio
“I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
Psalm 27:13,14
Carmen, Largo, FL
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain where Jesus who went before us has entered on our behalf.
Heb 6:19-20a
Lisa from Waycross, GA
Donna from Albany, GA
“For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour and moment what you ought to say” Luke 12:12 (Amplified)
Dutchess of Winterville NC, “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)” Hebrews 10:23 KJV
Psalm 139:23-24
Search me, O god and know my heart, test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.
Regina Rock Hill, SC
The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. Psalm 145:8 (NIV)
Courtney, Moses Lake, WA
Genesis 18:14
Is anything too hard for the Lord? Genesis 18:14
Angie, Kingston
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” KJV
Jennifer – Almont, Michigan
Teach me your way O LORD, and I will walk in Your truth; give me an undivided heart that I may fear Your name. I will praise You, O LORD, my God, with all my heart; I will glorify Your name forever. Psalm 86:11-12
So accept each other just as Christ has accepted you; then God will be glorified.
Romans 15:7 NLT
Joy
West Monroe, LA
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7 NIV
Sarah Sour Lake Texas
2 Corinthians 4:6
For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
My husband isn’t saved – I pray this verse every day for him!
Amy, St. Augustine, FL”: but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31 NIV
Lynn, Lynchburg
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,”
2 Peter 1:3 ESV
Sherry, Rocky Mount VA Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Kari, Tokyo
Ephesians 4:29 NCV
When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need – words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen.
Kasie
Cedar Park, Texas
But this Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self control. There is no law against these things. Galatians 5:22-23 NLT
Danni
Willard, MO
“Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me and undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” Psalms 86:11 NIV
Beth, Madison, AL
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
Philippians 4:4 NIV
Kristin, Pottsboro, TX:
Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.
Ephesians 4:23 NLT
Recently diagnosed with breast cancer…memorizing the Word has been so helpful!
“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)
Marlene, Ladson SC. “Do not conformed any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2 NIV
Amy, Suwanee, GA:
Psalm 24:1 psalm 24:1
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him.” (NLT)
Poorna, Indianapolis: “Trust in him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:8 (NIV)
Kathryn – Atmore, AL
“Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” Philippians 4:7 (The Message)
Keri, Anniston, Alabama Jeremiah 29:11 – 14, NAS
For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity, plans for your future and a hope. Then you will call on Me, and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and will gather you from all the nations and from all the places I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back from where I sent you into exile.
Crystal B – Wadsworth, OH
For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, declares the Lord.
Isai. 55:8 NIV
Patty, Fairfax, VA – We know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who love him & are chosen to be a part of His plan. Romans 8:28
Patti, Northville MI: Psalm 19:14 (NKJV)
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer”
MaryD, just moved to my new city Charlotte! Philippians 4:8, ESV. Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Juanita, Virginia Beach
Romans 4:20-21 (NIV)
Yet he did not waiver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had the power to do what he had promised.
Cin5dy, Oklahoma City
I cry out to God most high to God, who fulfills his purpose for me. Psalm 57:2 NIV