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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.
Becca
Salem OR
<> NIV
The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.
Proverbs 14:1
De Anna
Greenville SC
John 1:4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. NIV
Mary, Seymour, Tn
Isaiah 40:31, NASB
Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.
Where can I find the specifics on the Siesta Scripture Memory Celebration…dates/times/location? Thanks!
Hey Kristy, The dates are January 20-21, 2012. Fri evening through Saturday lunch time at Houston’s First Baptist Church. More information coming soon regarding hotel recommendations, etc.
Kelly Snodgrass
Rogersville TN
James 1:19. ESV
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;
Maplewood, MN
“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
Proverbs 19:21 NIV
Lacey, Bath, PA
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.”
Romans 12:14-16, ESV
Teresa, Peoria, IL
Titus 2:11-14, NIV “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope–the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” (a long one, I know, but I didn’t want to split it up because it flowed so 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.” Joshua 1:9 NIV
Yahweh your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will bring you quietness with his love. He will delight in you with shouts of joy. (Zephaniah 3:17 NIV)
Psalm 9:10 (NIV)
10 Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
“Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.” 1 Corinthians 10:24 NIV
Diane, Florence 2 Samuel 22:3b-…he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence. KJV
Proverbs 19:21 NLT
You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.
Romans 12: 2: do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what gods will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will
Amy, Columbus, OH: Therefore let us stop passing judgement on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way. Romans 14:13 NIV
Lanie Beth, Locust Grove, GA ” Psalm 119:57 – “The LORD is my source of security. I have determined to follow Your instructions.” NET
Valley Head, AL. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might! Deu. 6:5 NASB
Jennifer, Huntsville:
“On the day I called to you, you answered me. You made me strong and brave. ” – Psalm 138:3, New Century Version
nancy – LPM houston
“…..for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You.” Psalm 9:10b
Mary Ann, Woodbury, MN
“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6 NASB
Crazy, the past few days I have also been in Ps.119 & 2 Timothy, Beth. 🙂
“Run away from infantile indulgence. Run after mature righteousness–faith, love, peace–joining those who are in honest and serious prayer before God.”
2 Timothy 2:22 (MSG)
Martha Helen
Asheville, NC
Bethany S. Modesto, Ca.
Psalm 84:5-7 NIV
Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.
Erin, Herndon, VA
My little children, these things I write to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
1 John 2:1 NKJV
Tisha, Pilot Mtn, NC
“You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day” Psalm 91:5 (NIV)
Rachelle, Gardner, KS–“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present and the life to come.”
–1 Timothy 4:8 NIV
“Fear the LORD, you His saints, for those who fear Him lack nothing. Young lions lack food and go hungry, but those who seek the LORD will not lack any good thing. Come, children, listen to Me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.”
Psalm 34:9-11 HCS
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1
Amy, Dayton, OH: “May He be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages. AMEN.” Ephesians 3:21 (NLT)
(Continuing to learn the Roman Road)
Romans 5:8(NASB)
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 10:13 (NASB)
for “WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.”
Debbie Laureen, New Port Richey, FL
“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 NIV
Allison, Ruston
Matthew 10:29 NIV
“Aren’t 2 sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s consent. But even the hairs on our head have all been counted. Don’t be afraid therefore; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
“His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me.”
La Grange, KY
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Proverbs 31:30 NIV
Shira, Knoxville, Tn
Phil. 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (NIV)
Galations 6:10 NLT
Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone especially to those in the family of faith.
Lehigh Acres, FL
She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
Proverbs 31:25 NLT
Marcia – Grand Rapids, Michigan – “Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” Psalm 86: 11 NIV
Kelly. Springfield, MO. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. – 1 Peter 2:15 (NASB)
LeAnne, Albertville. “As for God, His way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; He shields all those who trust in Him.” Psalm 18:30
Lord All Powerful, you are greater than all others. No one is like you, and you alone are God. Everything we have heard about you is true.
2 Samuel 7:22 CEV
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and my your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 NKJV
Cacey, from Northville, MI
Psalm 32:8 NIV
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
Jeannette, Ellicott City, MD
“But forget all that – it is nothing compared to what I am going to do.” Isaiah 43:18 NLT
Andrea Hart, Orlando Fl
John 15:5 NIV “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
Dawn, Clever, MO “My heart is steadfast, Oh God, my heart is steadfast! I will sing and make melody!”
Psalm 57:7 (ESV)
Melinda-Atlanta, TX
“Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” Deut. 6:4-5 (NASB)
oops, I entered on wrong date.
Debbie, Smyrna,TN
Deut. 30:11
NIV
Now what I’ve commanded you to do today is not too difficult for you nor beyond your reach.
Emily, Tulsa, Oklahoma:
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” – James 1:5, NLT
Psalm 9: 9 and 10, NIV
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who trust in you.
Tammy, Ingleside, TX
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowlege him, and he will make your path straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
NIV