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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.
Donna Marina ,Ca
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness
Teresa – Austin, TX
2 Timothy 2:15
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
Beth. Stillwater. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV) “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
are you from Stillwater OK?
Beverly
Jackson, MS
You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:11(NIV)
One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD And to meditate in His temple. Psalms 27:4 (NASB)
Cyndi,Friendswood, TX
JennLee, Perfect Austin, TX
It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the LORD bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore.
-Psalm 133:3, NIV
Hannah; Maryland; John 3:30 “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (KJV)
Cathy, Rhinebeck. “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who
asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1Peter3:15 NIV
Sandy; Maryland; John 3:30 “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (KJV)
Peggy, Crowley Lake, CA
“But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy.”
Acts 20:24 NKJV
Joy, Altadena, CA
For light is capable of showing up everything for what it really is. It is even possible for light to turn the thing it shines upon into light also. Thus it is said: Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead. And Christ shall shine upon thee.
Ephesians 5:13-14 Phillips
Kathleen, Marietta,GA
I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
HCSB
Stacie, Livonia, MI
Since I am beginning Breaking Free the next 10 Scriptures I will memorize will be from this study. This is from week 1
Isaiah 61:1 NIV
1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to proclaim 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…
Sue in Grand Rapids, MI
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. James 3:17 ESV
Lisa, Bethany OK
“Instead speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.”
Eph 4:15 NIV
Judy, Marietta says: Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hoope is in the Lord his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them–the Lord, who remains faithful forever. Psalm 146:5-6 NIV
Shirley Barry, Mooresville, NC
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1, NIV
Jennifer, Florida “Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:3-4
Sylvia Georgetown TX
I Pet 3:8 Be like minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.
Glenna, Cumberland House, SK “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most high will rest in the shadow of the Almighty” Psalm 91:1 NIV
Beth, NC
The LORD said, “Do you have good reason to be angry?”
Jonah 4:4 NASB
Ruth, Coeur d Alene ID
Psalm 131 The Message
God,, I’m not trying to rule the roost,
I don’t want to be king of the mountain.
I haven’t meddled where I have no business
or fantasized grandiose plans.
I’ve kept my feet on the ground,
I’ve cultivated a quiet heart.
Like a baby content in its mother’s arms,
my soul is a baby content.
Wait, Israel, for God. Wait with hope.
Hope now; hope always!
Judy Baggett, Irving, Texas
“For the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
John 1:17 NIV
Call unto me and I will answer you, and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.
Jeremiah 33:3 NIV
Carol, Santa Maria, Hebrews 13:20 NIV, “May the God of peace, Who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our LORD Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep . . .”
Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be established.
Proverbs 16:3 NASB
Laura, Greenville: “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)
April, Blacksburg, VA:
“He will not let your foot slip-he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” – Psalm 121:3-4 (NIV)
Becky, Springfield, MO
“In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.” Psalm 5:3 (NIV)
Lorie, Columbia, SC
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation in which you shine like stars in the universe. Phil. 2:14-15 NIV
Nehemiah 6:9 (CEV)
Laura- Burbank
Our enemies were trying to frighten us and keep us from our work. But, I asked God to give me strength.
“The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands…” Exodus 34:6-7 NIV
Jessie,Seabrook
But as for me, the nearness of God is my good;
I have made the LORD God my refuge,
That I may tell of all Your works.
Psalm 73:28 NASB
Miranda, Fort Payne, AL
Through the Lords mercies we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.Lam 3:22-23 (NIV)
Janice R, Steinbach,MB “No weapon forged against you will prevail” Is 54:17
Judy Ridgecrest, CA
and the ransomed of the LORD will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and signing will flee away.
Isaiah 35:10 NIV
Janice in Abbeville, AL
“….for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You.” Psalm 9:10B (NIV)
Betty, Wendell, NC
Titus 2:11-14 NJKV
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
Patty, Granite Bay, CA 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.”
Christine, Phoenix: “But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.” Hebrews 10:39 (NIV)
Allyson, Winnsboro, SC: “For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.” 2 Corinthians 2:15
Dagmar Tyler, TX
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Philipians 4:13 NIV
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:10 (NIV)
Carisa, Hillsboro, KS:
“For your love is ever before me and I walk continually in your truth.” Psalm 26:3 NIV
Becky, Scottsdale, AZ:
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.” Isaiah 26:3&4 ESV
Stephanie, Elkins, WV- Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith. 1 Peter 5:7-9 NIV
“Finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For it the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.” Corintians 8:11-12 NIV
Kathy, Lake Jackson, Texas
Job 37:5 NIV
God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; He does great things beyond our understanding.
Katie, Houston. “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” – 1 Corinthians 13:6 NIV1984
Lisa, Richmond, BC
1 Kings 3:9 (NIV)
“So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”