Hey Siestas!
Can you fathom that we are on our 10th memory verse??? Good grief! 2011 is almost halfway over! Amanda and Curtis just got Jackson’s preschool graduation pictures and we all nearly flipped. It is the cutest thing ever, especially with that missing front tooth. His ceremony is in a few days but the little blue cap and gown just about put all of us over the edge. We will have a kindergartener next year and a mighty fine one at that. It just sails by. And how well many of you know.
I am getting lots of questions about whether or not we’re having Siesta Summer Bible Study. I want to say yes so badly. I have tried to turn this puzzle piece every conceivable direction to see how it would fit on the table. Between SSMT every 1st and 15th, the summer Living Proof Lives, the final Deeper Still, and, probably the biggest factor of all, the complete James manuscript due date at the end of summer, I just can’t make it work and still be a wife, mom, and active Bibby. I also don’t have my faithful blog master, Amanda, here to assist me with all that summer Bible study entails right now. I am, however, presently thinking of some ways that we can hold one another accountable to stay in the Scriptures this summer and also give you the opportunity to connect with other Siestas who want to do some of the same studies. Stay tuned for that. For now, I’ll joyfully recommend to you two that I’ve done this Spring:
Duty or Delight by Tammie Head (Many of you will remember getting to know this brand new author in April through our blog video. She is dear to me and will no doubt become dear to many of you.)
Brave by Angela Thomas (Angela is a gifted teacher and writer and I try not to let anything she offers sit on the bookstore shelf for long before I bag it and read it. I’m almost finished with this study and have been tremendously blessed by it.)
Both of those women love Jesus and communicate His Word beautifully. And you know how I feel about Priscilla Shirer and everything God uses her to bring to the table. You’ll never miss on her. Man, I wish we could do one of their studies the traditional way in Siestaville this summer but sometimes we realize that even another good thing is perhaps the wrong thing for now. If the Lord is willing, we’ll definitely do a study our usual way next summer on the off year from SSMT.
OK, young ladies, how about that 10th verse?? NO DROP OUTS!!! This verse is trying to leap off the page at me this time around and not so much for my own plight right now but for some people I really love:
Beth, Houston, Texas. “The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He delivers those who are discouraged.” Psalm 34:18 The NET Bible
Praise You, Lord. You are so faithful. Close in on those who are brokenhearted and hold them in Your healing grasp. Deliver the discouraged in such dramatic ways that You alone get the credit. We exist here in this blog community to give You glory, Lord. Come and get it. Our eyes are to the skies.
Niccol, Wilmette
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28 NIV
Colossians4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. NIV
And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To Him be the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:10-11 NIV
Ola Mae Cedar Park, TX The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He delivers those who are discouraged. Psalm 34:18 The NET Bible
Lala from Ruston, La…”If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” 1 John 1:10 (NKJV)
McDonough, GA
“See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;
your walls are ever before me.”
Isaiah 49:16 (NIV 84′)
Margot, Round Rock, TX
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalms 34:18 (NIV)
Diane from MN
“Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
Psalm 46:10 ESV
Kelly, Auburn, AL – Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV
Cassandra, Crawfordsville, IN “Those from among you will rebuild the ancient ruins; you will raise up the age-old foundations; and you will be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of the streets in which to dwell.” Isaiah 58:12 NAS
Angie, Wilmington, DE: “The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” Exodus 14:14 (New Living Translation)
Letty, Puyallup, Washington
It is not that we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. 2 Cor. 3:5 (NLT)
Kathy, Princeton TX.
The Lord our God is with you, he is mighty to save.
He will take delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 NIV
Lacey, Bath, PA
“The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!”
Psalm 50:23, ESV
Therefore,since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. 2 Corinthians 4:1 KJV
Kelly, Kimberly: Psalm 143:10 (NIV)
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
Lori, Atlanta, Georgia
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)
Susan B. – Chapin, SC
Who is a God like you who pardons sins and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.
Micah 7:18
Sarah, Wichita Falls TX
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4 NIV
Shanelle, Phoenix, AZ
“Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping His Covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands. Deut 7:9 niv
Sarah Millers Creek NC
No, In all things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Romans 8:37 NIV
Amy, Columbus, OH: Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV
Allison, Burgaw, NC “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 KJV
Bonnie, Alexandria,LA
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10: 23 nkjv
Kyndra, Houston, Proverbs 21:30-31 “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord. The horse is made ready for the day of battle, BUT the VICTORY rests with the Lord!” (NIV)
LeAnne, Albertville “Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart…” Colossians 3:15 NIV
2 Corinthians 4:7 NIV
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all surpassing power is from God and not from us.”
Jennifer, Knoxville, TN:
They will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings – and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.
Revelation 17:14 NIV
Kristi, Gardner, KS
Psalm 34:18 (NET) The Lord is near the brokenhearted; he delivers those who are discouraged.
Connie G. Midland, MI Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4 NIV
Jolynn, Rowlett, TX
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.
Colossians 3:15, NASB
Lisa, Enterprise, AL
~ For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
— Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)
Susan, Merdith, NH, “Let every detail of your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the Name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every way of the way.”—Col. 3:17, The Message
Jayme; Marietta, Georgia:
For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear, I will help you.
Isaiah 41:13 / NIV
The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He delivers those who are discouraged.
Psalm 34:18 The NET Bible
(such a perfect week for this verse)
Paula, Brownwood, Tx.
1 Peter 2:15 NASB
For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.
Linda, Longview, Texas: “What does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 NIV
Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory. NLT
Sedrone, Arp, Tx
You will go out in joy
and be led forth in peace.
Isaiah 55:12a, NIV
Christelle, Delafield WI
Psalm 86:11 NIV
“Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your Name.”
Vicki, Colleyville, TX. “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.” Proverbs 10:19 NIV
Marty ~
Mobile, AL
My tears have been my food, day and night, while people say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” Psalm 42:3
Maxie, Montgomery,AL “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 (NIV)
They will make war against the lamb, but the lamb will overcome them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings – and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful. Revelation 17:14(NIV)
Proverbs 17:14 (NIV) Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.
Kendall-Huntsville, AL
And He said to him, you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.
Matthew 22:37-NASB
Linda – Annville, KY
ADONAI is near those with broken hearts; he saves those whose spirit is crushed.
Psalm 34:18 CJB
Lanie Beth, Locust Grove, GA, ‘ He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen. Revelation 22:20-21 NIV
The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He delivers those who are discouraged. NET Bible. Psalm 34:18
Mary Jane, Troy KS and Cindy, King City MO
“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.” Hebrews 4:16 NIV
Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” NIV
~Allison Moldenhauer, Huntsville, Texas
Lacey in Indiana
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26 (NIV)
Titus 2:11 (NASB)
For the grace of God has appeared
bringing salvation to all men.