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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.
Shannon, Orange County, CA: “Everything is permissible–but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible–but not everything is constructive.” –1 Corinthians 10:23, NIV
Dena’ Davis, Hindman, KY ” As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him.”
Psalm 18:30 NIV
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
Jill Z., Gulfport, MS – “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:16 NLT
Tiffany, Sandwich, Illinois – The angel of the Lord stands guard around those who have respect for him. And he saves them. Psalm 34:7 NIRV
Isaiah 40:31
Denise Stillwater, Oklahoma
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.
my husband just had bypass surgery this week. Please pray for us that he will walk and not be faint and eventually run and not be weary. Thanks!
Lucinda Bomberger, Watsontown, PA
Mark 14:8 NIV She did what she could.
But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.
Romans 6:22 NIV
Debbie
Highland, MI
Lisa, Little Elm TX:
What then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?
He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all — how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
Romans 8:31-33
Cheryl, Redlands, CA: Isaiah 54:10 (NIV)
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the LORD, who has compassion on you.”
Angela; Covington, GA
“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
Tesa
Perry, GA
1 Corinthians 1:27 -29
( v. 28 & 29 this week)
He chose the lowly things of the world and the despised things – and the thing that are not – to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him.
Kim, Dickinson, ND
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34-35 NIV
Psalm 31:3
For you are my rock and fortress. Therefore for your name sake lead me and guide me.
With this poor state ravaged by floods, one can not help but wonder if these are indeed the labor pains of the end times. We have witnessed so much destruction on so many levels. We know we are inching ever closer to that glorious day. Even so, come Lord Jesus!
Nichole C, Nashville, TN
“And the Lord answered me and said, Write the vision and engrave it so plainly upon tablets that everyone who passes may [be able to] read [it easily and quickly] as he hastens by.” Habakkuk 2:2 (Amplified)
Sally crystal springs ms
Proverbs 3:5-6 kjv
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.
Tiffany, Houston – The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him – Nahum 1:7, NIV
Rachel, Rochester, NY: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship.” ~ Romans 12:1
Charissa – West Chester, OH
Psalm 37:24 (NLT) Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.
Rachel, Billings, MT “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” ~Psalm 19:14
Ruth Cherry, Royse City, Texas
1 Timothy 4:7 “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather train yourself to be godly.”
Teri, Corpus Christi, TX
MATTHEW 5:7 (MSG & NIV)
You’re blessed when you care.
At the moment of being ‘care-full,’
you find yourselves cared for. (MSG)
~same verse in NIV translation…
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy. (NIV)
Ali C., Dublin, CA- “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
Psalm 119:57 NET
The LORD is my source of security. I have determined to follow Your instructions.
Kara, Ardmore, OK
Colossians 3:1-4 NLT Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.
Melissa, Vicksburg, MS: “They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear.” Psalm 112:7-8a NIV
Ericka – Langhorne, PA: “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.” – Isaiah 61:1 (New International Version)
Tammy, Howells, NE He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
Colossians 1:17 (NIV)
PS Mama Beth I just have to share this with you and I know we aren’t supposed to but God has laid this on my heart. He wants you to know that we are about to bathe our brains in His word. My bible study girls began your Breaking Free study today at 6:30 a.m. For this non-morning siesta to drive 24 miles at 6:00 a.m. God must have something importanat for me to journey through. So Mama Beth I am there tea, ball cap, and flipflops. Don’t you love God’s sense of humor. Love you
Susan, Andover,KS
,,,”because I know Whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.”
2 Timothy 1:12 (NIV)
I like the ESV version, too. Reminds me that we are in relationship with God. What we entrust to Him, He entrusts to us, so He can be glorified in our live. I am always amazed at how He can take my life and be glorified!
“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” – Psalms 139:23-24 (NIV)
Tanya West Paducah, Ky. Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! Psalm 119:5 ESV
Tiffany, Anaheim CA
“Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; Say to those with fearful hearts, ‘be strong, do not fear; Your God will come with a vengeance; with divine retribution He will come to save you.” Isaiah 35:3-4 ESV
crystal, whitefish, mt: ‘… listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up;
the flames will not consume you.’ Isaiah 43:1-2
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. She will place on your head a graceful garland; she will bestow on you a beautiful crown. ~ Proverbs 4:7-9 ESV
Kim, Atlanta
“It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.”
John 4:23-24 (The Message)
Julia, Crystal Springs, MS. Proverbs 18:10 NLT
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run to it and are safe.”
Valerie
Sparks, Nevada
You are my refuge and my shield; Your word is my source of hope. Psalm 119:114 NLT
Laura, Mason, OH
Philippians 4:9 NIV
“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
Sue, Houston. 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)
Margie, Liberty, MO
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 (NIV)
Cindy, Gold Canyon, AZ. “As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God the Maker of all things” Ecclesiastes 11:5 NIV
“…at the name of Jesus,every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Philippians 2:10&11, NLT
Diane, Killeen, TX: “But I cry to you for help, Lord; in the morning my prayer comes before you.” Psalm 88:13, TNIV
Donna, Sarnia, Ontario
“May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”
2 Thes 2:16-17 NIV
Kim, W.Richland
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24 NIV
Karen, Cottonwood
Eph. 3:16 – “I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being.” NIV
Jill, Fort Ashby, WV:
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:2
NIV
“Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has saved you from your enemies.” Ps. 107:2 NLT
Deborah, New Brunswick, Canada
Romans 8:9 NLT
“But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)”
Lauren, Malvern, PA.
If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. John 15:7 (NKJV)
But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.
1 John 2:20 NIV
Jen, Dublin VA