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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.
Tried this yesterday thinking it was 6/1, so this may be an additional post in May & in June.
Barb, Lakewood, CO 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NKJV
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; the Father of mercies and God of all comfort who comforts us in our tribulations, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Diane Bailey, Montgomery, Al “But if any of you lacks wisdom let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
James 1:5 NAS
Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. Psalm 119:165 NIV
“Do not be anxious about anything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
Chris
Canton, NC
Tara, Kosciusko
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 NIV
Linda, Dallas, TX:
Mark 9:23-24 NLT
“What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”
Susan, Chesapeake, VA: “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” -Isaiah 26:3
Durant, OK
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift
at the altar and there remember
that your brother has something against you,
leave your gift there in front of the altar.
First, go and be reconciled to your brother;
then come and offer your gift.”
Matthew 5:23-24NIV
Melissa, Granbury Texas
Psalms103:17 (nkjv)
But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children
“For you have been my help,and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.”
Psalms 63:7 ESV
Cindy, Rock Hill, SC
Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips will praise You. So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. Psalm 63:3-4 (NASB updated)
Laura, Southaven, MS: “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)
Sarah, Marshfield, MO “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold onto you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 HCS
Colleen, Lyndonville, NY: Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have; for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Heb 13:5, KJV
Psalm 119:57
The Lord is my source of security. I have determined to follow Your instructions. (NET Bible)
Elizabeth, Atlanta
Melissa, Galsgow, Ky. – “He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.” Psalm 112:7, KJV
Cindy
Flemingsburg, KY
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28 NIV
Stacyjo
Spokane, WA
Joshua 1:8 NIV
Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
. . . ok – need to add v. 9 as well ~
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. 🙂
Karen, Russellville, AR
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 (NIV 2010)
Barb, Prescott Valley, AZ
Psalm 119:57 (NET) “The LORD is my source of security. I have determined to follow Your instructions.”
Amanda Taylor
Edmond, OK
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” -Isaiah 40:29NIV
Brooke, Fredericksburg, VA
Cindy, Apex, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5 (NIV)
Gulley, San ANontio
Colossians 3:1 – 2
Since you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not Earthly things.
Philippians 2:3 (NIV)
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”
John 7:38 NKJV
Shelly, Downey, CA
Brooke, Fredericksburg, VA
Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore.
Psalm 125:1-2 NIV
“…to be made new
in the attitude of your minds;
and to put on th enew self,
created to be like God
in true righteousness and holiness.”
Ephesians 4:24 NIV
Linda, Ft. Collins, CO
Olivia, Tennessee
Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent to be well pleasing to Him.
2 Corinthians 5.9 NKJV 🙂
Donna, Raleigh
Isaiah 41:13(NIV)
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.
Megan,Prattville,Al: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 (NIV)
Donna Hill
Clarksville, TN
NCV
Psalm 5:3
“LORD, every morning you hear my voice.
Every morning, I tell you what I need, and wait for your answer.”
Erika, Chester VA
Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which have not been done saying, My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure.
Isaiah 46:10 NAS
Kerry, Apple Creek, Ohio
Galatians 5:16 (AMP)
But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God).
Amanda W. Kelowna, BC, Canada:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ” Phillipians 4:4-7 NIV
Michelle, NC
Isaiah 8:12-13 (ESV)
Do not call consipracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear, nor be in dread. But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, let him be your dread.”
Sarah Miller. New Palestine, Indiana
Above all, love each other deeply because love covers a multitude of sins. (NIV)
1 Peter 4:8
Then you will understand what is right and just
and fair—every good path.
For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
Discretion will protect you,
and understanding will guard you.
Proverbs 2:9-11 NIV
Tampa FL
Shelly, Lakeville, “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” Deuteronomy 30:19b NIV
Kathy, Easley: “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
James 3:17 NIV
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, for that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
Galatians 6: 7-10
Casey-Henrietta, TX
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Cor 10:31 (NIV)
Shannon Roberts, White Hall, Arkansas
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Isaiah 40:29 (NIV)
Kat, Latham, NY
“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
Chris, Seattle, WA
Isaiah 25:1 NIV
O Lord, you are my God;
I will exalt you and praise your name,
for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things, things planned long ago.
Cheryl, Uganda: ” May your unfailing love rest upon us O LORD even as we put our hope in you.” Psalm 33:22
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord. Luke 4:18-19 NKJV
Darcy, Northern VA. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 NIV
For the nation or kingdom that will not serve you will perish; it will be utterly ruined. Isaiah 60:12 NIV
Diane H.
Dallas, Tx.
Gena, Houston –
Farmers who wait for perfect weather never plant. If they watch every cloud, they never harvest.
Ecclesiastes 11:4 (NLT)