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**January 20-21, 2012**
Hey, You Scripture-Memory-Mad Women!
I hope your Memorial Day weekend was wonderful and that your appreciation of our nation’s heroes got a fresh stir. I looked around our sanctuary on Sunday at all those who had served in wars and I marveled over the few World War II veterans we have left. My Dad was one of them and, had he lived, he would be ninety. Such a powerful part of our history was written in their blood. My dad lived well over half a century with a bullet fragment lodged near his heart. He took a hit right through his cheek and, ultimately, surgeons grafted skin from his hip to cover the severe indention in his face. If you have a family with a weird sense of humor, perhaps you can imagine that it was fodder for a few jokes, most of which he told himself.
Of course, heroes come in all generations and both genders. I have two framed pictures in prominent places in my office of women soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan who have done Bible studies on their tours of duty. Flabbergasting to me. May Christ hold our soldiers tight and let them lose neither their lives nor their faith and may He return them to their families as whole people, twice the wiser.
Well, Girlfriends, it’s JUNE! Our temperatures in Houston are already well into the upper nineties and we are experiencing the severest drought in decades. It seems that few areas of our country are free of something ranging from brow-raising concern all the way to destruction and devastation. What on earth?? I don’t pretend to know the details of what is happening around us but I really do feel that Kingdom history is being written in these days entrusted to us. I believe there is a bold dot on the divine time line representing this era with a label Heaven alone knows for now, but generations will talk about until Christ’s Kingdom comes. We must stand firm in our faith and love twice as much. These are days when our words must be backed by our hearts or dismissed entirely by the world. Remember Christ’s warning in Matthew 24:12 that the hearts of many will grow cold. Our love will not endure extended seasons of difficulty by accident. In our self-protectiveness, the first natural casualty will be our emotions. We will either set our hearts on things above (Col. 3:1) where Christ is seated at the right hand of God, or we’ll lose our footing here below.
We are called to live by faith and to love by faith.
Part of how we stand firm is to know Scripture, and not with swollen heads but swollen hearts. One of the verses in my quiet time this morning was Psalm 119:57 – “The LORD is my source of security. I have determined to follow Your instructions.” (The NET Bible) One thing is certain: we are finding out how little security this anguishing planet can offer us. “The LORD is the source of security.” Personal. National. Global. Universal. The Lord alone. And, so, like never before, we need to know His instructions…and follow them.
One of my favorite portions of the Book of James has turned out to be the last half of 5:11 – “…you have seen the Lord’s purpose, that the Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” The Lord cannot set aside His compassion and mercy to deal with this world. Oh, I’m not saying He won’t ultimately deal with this world. His Word promises that He will. But I am saying that He cannot set aside His compassion and mercy to do it. They are elements of His immutable character and the first descriptions He used to introduce Himself to Moses by name in Exodus 34:6-7.
OK, Sisters. I better get to our purpose here on this first of June. The pages are flying off the calendar like leaves in the wind and it’s time for our 11th verse! God has had me in 2 Timothy recently for my memory work so here’s mine this time around:
Beth, Houston. “Because of this, in fact, I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, because I know the one in whom my faith is set and I am convinced that He is able to protect what has been entrusted to me until that day.” 2 Timothy 1:12 The NET Bible
You can bet your life on it.
You are treasured here. May Christ continue to captivate you. He loves you so much.
PS. OK, I can’t stand it anymore. SO HOW ABOUT THAT TIMER AT THE TOP OF THIS POST???? That, my beloved Siestas, is exactly how much time we have to go until our SSMT celebration! Wooooooohoooooooo!!! Bring it, Jesus! Kudos to my wonderful coworker, Kimberly McMahon, for making that happen. I told her I thought we needed a little extra incentive for this second half of our Scripture memory commitment. I WANT EVERY ONE OF YOU TO COME if you possibly can. With the numbers where they are right now on our 1st and 15th entries, we have room to fit all of you in our sanctuary. Save your money! Ask for it as a Christmas gift! Remember, the event is our gift to you but it’s not too soon to start saving for travel and accommodations. This is one of the biggest events on the calendar to us at Living Proof so please know how wanted you are and how loved you are. Celebrating a faithful work of God to a woefully dependent people was His idea in the first place. He loves festivals so, Girlfriends, let’s have one.
L.E.T.S.C.O.U.N.T.I.T.D.O.W.N.
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways
And My thoughts than your thoughts.”
Isaiah 55:8-9, NAS
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called to one hope when you were called – one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.
Ephesians 4:1-6
For You created my inmost being. You knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I priase You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made, Your works are wonderful. I know that full well. Ps. 139.13
Vicki Knott, Greenwood, SC
“My son (siesta), pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my word.” Proverbs 4:20 (NIV)
Bridget, Portland, TX
“His delight is in the fear of the Lord, And He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, Nor decide by the hearing of His ears.” Isaiah 11:3 (NKJV)
Amen, Mama! Can’t think that far ahead for SSMTC2 but VERY EXCITED about Deeper Still!!
And oh, I am so far behind on committing these to memory!
καὶ τὴν περικεφαλαίαν τοῦ σωτηρίου δέξασθε καὶ τὴν μάχαιραν τοῦ πνεύματος, ὅ ἐστιν ῥῆμα θεοῦ. Eph 6.17, NA27
Michele
Liverpool, NY
Impressive!
Haha hey are you going to Deeper Still?
Donnicia/Raleigh,NC
Malachi 3:16 (New International Version 1984)
Then those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and the LORD listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the LORD and honored his name.
Martie ~ Indianapolis ~ NIV ~ Matt 6:27 ~
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
Ephesians 6:18-19 (NKJV)
18 …Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel…
Margie
Hilton Head Island, SC
G.J.
Hawkinsville, GA
2 Timothy 1:12 (NET)
Because of this, in fact, I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, because I know the one in whom my faith is set and I am convinced that He is able to protect what has been entrusted to me until that day.
Kristy
Woodstock, Ga
2 Thessalonians 3:3 “But the Lord is faithful and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.”
Julie dk in Casper, WY
Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
Psalm 46:11 NIV
Olathe, KS Hebrews 12:1 (NIV) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
Rebekah from Marion, IN – “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever – do not abandon the works of your hands.” – Psalm 138:8, NIV
Elaine, New Orleans, LA
“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker, for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.” Psalm 95:6-7 NIV
Berni, Albuquerque
“Satisfy us (me) in the morning with your unfailing love,
that we (I) may sing for joy and be glad all our (my) days.”
Ps 90:14 NIV
Connie, Reidville, SC
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NKJV
Michelle, Houston ” ‘ Everything is permissible’ – but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible’ – but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.” 1 Corinthians 10:23, NIV (1984)
Jenny, Elida, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:30 (NIV)
Grace, Elida, “We have trouble all around us, but we are not defeated. We do not know what to do, but we do not give up.” 2 Corinthians 4:8
Jan
Bemus Point, NY
Isaiah 45:2 (NAS)
I will go before you and make the rough places smooth;
I will shatter the doors of bronze and cut through their iron bars.
And in French:
Ésaïe 45:2 (BFC)
Moi-même je marche devant toi pour aplanir les obstacles,
fracasser les portes de bronze et briser les verrous de fer.
Sierra, Vandalia, MO You need not be afraid of sudden disaster
or the destruction that comes upon the wicked,
for the Lord is your security.
He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.
PROVERBS 3: 25-26
Sara, Great Bend, KS
Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
Philippians 2:3 ESV
“You have been bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:20
Hannah from Albuquerque, New Mexico
Then he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD…Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the LORD of hosts.”
Zechariah 4:6, ESV
Nancy, Sanger, TX
Habakkuk 3:17,18 (NLT)
Even though the fig trees have no blossoms and there are no grapes on the vines, even though the olive crop fails and the fields lie empty and barren, eveen though the flocks die in the fields and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
Psalm 111:10 NIV
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: all who follow His precepts have good understanding. To Him belongs eternal praise.”
Today is our 54th wedding anniversary. God has truly blessed our marriage.
Congrats, Pat!
Congratulations!
Melissa, St. Mary’s County, MD For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 2 Timothy 1:12 KJV
Rena, Tulsa. “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” Psalm 16:11 NLT
9 For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.
2 Chronicles 16:9 (NAS)
Mary Watkins
West Memphis, AR
Betty, Soddy Daisy, TN
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 (NIV)
I’m learning one of my best friend’s favorite verses in a version that’s not as familiar. She’s getting ready to start chemo in a couple of weeks and I wanted to memorize this as my promise to intercede in prayer for her and to encourage her however I can.
Amy aka whimzie, Florida: A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. John 10:10 (The Message)
Please tell your friend a fellow Siesta will memorize this verse on her behalf and will also pray for her.
Joyce, Wahpeton ND
The Lord watches over you – the Lord is your shade at your right hand. the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm – he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Psalm 121:5-8 NIV
Lawan, Lawton, OK
Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. Psalm 119:37 NIV
Angie, Kansas City, MO: O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1 NIV
Nancy, Denver
The LORD is my source of security.
I have determined to follow Your instructions.
Ps 119:57 The NET Bible
Oshkosh WI
Therefore, the wicked will not stand in the judgment nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
Psalm 1:5 NASB
Keep your eyes open for God, watch for His works; be alert for signs of His presence.
Psalm 105:4 (MSG)
Kelli in Ohio
Letha. Mountain Home, Arkansas. Romans 11:36 NLT “For everything comes from Him and exists by His power and is intended for His glory. All glory to Hin forever! Amen.”
Cassandra, Crawfordsville, IN “The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; You hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.”
Psalm 16:5-6 ESV
Cheryl in Fairhope – “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. 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.” (II Corinthians 12:9-10) NIV
I am learning this up close and personal, so thanks for sharing this verse.
Patti Hayes
I needed that verse today. Thank you.
Johanna, Carlsbad CA
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Pslam 23 (KJV)
Mandy – Powder Springs, GA
Ez. 36:27
27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.
Selina, Kentucky
But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
Psalm 13:5 KJV
Woodstock, VT
michelle
2 Corinthians 12:9 niv
But He said to me,”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.
Johanna, Carlsbad CA
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Psalm 23 (KJV)
Mary
Burke, VA
The Lord is my source of security. I have determined to follow your instructions.
Ps 119:57 NET
Richelle, Kingston, …for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10 (NIV)
Jan, Denton, TX “See now that I myself am He! There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of my hand.” Deuteronomy 32:39 NIV
Rebecca, MS: “giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.” Colossians 1:12 (NKJV)
*Part 4 of 6 in Colossians 1:9-14*
Linda/Augusta
Isaiah 59:19 (King James Version)
So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.