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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.
Debbie, Rochester, MN
Eph. 6:10-18
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Lora, Florissant CO. “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” Jer 29:13 NIV
Andrea, Tulsa. “Everything is permissible” – but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible” – but not everything is constructive. – 1 Corinthians 10:23 NIV 1984
Connie Windham
Trout, LA
John 10:27-29 NASB
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;
and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.
My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all;
and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.
Kelly, Charlotte, NC
Exodus 33:14 NIV
The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Kim; Poplar Bluff, MO. “Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:8 NIV
Pam H. Buena Park, CA “If I say, ‘Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, And the light around me will be night,”
Psalms 139:11 NASB (Whoo-ee half-way there!)
Psalm 119: 169 Let my cry reach You, LORD;
give me understanding according to Your word.
Holman Christian Standard
Inez barnes
Hamburg AR
Crystal, Columbia “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7
Cara, Highlands Ranch, “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:7, NIV
christina, Plano, Texas:
“You shall fear the LORD your God; you shall serve Him and cling to Him, and you shall swear by His name. He is your praise and He is your God, who has done these great and awesome things for you which your eyes have seen” (Deut. 10:20-21, NASB).
Psalm 34:13 NKJV
Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit.
Jane, Milton, GA “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
I know what is to be in need and I know what is is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV)
Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:11,12 NAS
Shannon, Rogers, AR “So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 NKJV
Beth, Troy
“The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
Thank you Susan 🙂
Melanie, Greenbrier,TN
“With Your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.” Psalm 18:29 niv)
Dawn, Orland Park, IL: “Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the LORD will lack no good thing.” Psalm 34:10 (NLT)
“Do not be misled; bad company corrupts good character.” I Corinthians 15:33 AMP
Amy Ann, Tulsa, OK “Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” Psalm 86:11 NIV
STACY, CHAPIN
THE LORD TAKES DELIGHT IN HIS PEOPLE. PS149:4 NIV
Amy from Marion, VA
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
John 1:1 NIV
I have given to them the glory and honor which You have given Me, that they may be one [even] as We are One: I in them and You in Me, in order that they may become one and perfectly united, that the world may know and [definitely] recognize that You sent Me and that You have loved them [even] as You have loved Me.
John 17:22-23 (AMP)
I hope I never get over the wonder that Jesus loves me and prays for me!
Adrienne
Jasper, TN
“All You have made will praise You, O LORD; your saints will extol You.”
Psalm 145:10 NIV
P.S. Love the counter! Melana (Moose Mama) and I booked our tickets and we WILL be there! Whoop whoop!
Erin, Grayson: “To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;” Isaiah 61:2 KJV
Kim
Orange City
Kim
Orange City
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”
2 Timothy 1:7 NIV
Phil. 4:6 (NIV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Delores O.; Shoreline, WA
Do not hide Your face from me, do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.
Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.
Psalm 27:9-10 NIV 1984
Debbie, Marion, IN: ” You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3 NIV
Deborah, Bon Aqua, TN
Genesis 15:6 niv
Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.
Sue Groveport, OH. Galations 2:20 NIV
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me.
Cool countdown calendar, but it represents what date??? When are we all meeting??? 🙂
It’s the countdown to the SSMT Celebration! Jan 20-21, 2012
Lichelle, Austin, Texas
Do not be afraid Abrah
I am your shield, your very great reward.
Gen 15:1 NIV
Lee Ann, Wewahitchka, FL
“She looks for wool and flax and works with her hands in delight. She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar. She rises while it is still night and gives food to her household and a portion to her maidens.”
–Proverbs 31:13-15
Shelley, Haslet, TX
For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.
Philippians 2:13
Bonnie Huntington,WV
Hebrews 11:6 NIV
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.
Ashley Dill, Austin TX
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 (NIV)
Gretchen, Thousand Oaks, Psalm 119:57-58 The Message Because You have satisfied me God, I promise to do everything You say. I beg You from the bottom of my heart: smile, be gracious to me just as You promised.
Susan (central Illinois) – Let us think about each other and help each other to show love and do good deeds. You should not stay away from the church meetings, as some are doing, but you should meet together and encourage each other. Do this even more as you see the day coming. Hebrews 10:24-25 (NCV)
“Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, and keep a firm grip on you.”
Isaiah 41:10 (The Message)
Becky
Owasso OK
I’d like to share this from the Joplin Memorial service: “A tornado cannot destroy the Sovereignty of God. It cannot destroy the Throne of God, the Promises of God, the Love of God, the Power of God, the Compassion of God, the Majesty of God. It cannot destroy the Grace of God, the Forgiveness of God, the Purposes of God….and most of all, it cannot destroy the Son of God.” Amen and amen.
Sandy- Deming, NM
I pray that your love will keep on growing because of your knowledge and insight. That way you will be able to determine what s best and be pure and blameless until the day of Christ. Jesus Christ will fill your lives with everything that God’s approval produces. Your lives will then bring glory and praise to God. Phil 1: 9-11 GWT
Debbie from Elon
IF THEN YOU ARE RAISED WITH CHRIST,SEEK THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE ABOVE,WHERE CHRIST IS,SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD. COL. 3:1 NIV
Christy, Karen, Cheryl “A Cord of three Strands”
Jay, OK
Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
1 Tim. 6:18-19
Colleen, Mae Sot, Thailand
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Philippians 4:8 NIV
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.
Philippians 2:3 NLT
Susan, Dalton GA
Cynda
Newnan, GA
“The LORD is my source of security. I have determined to follow Your instructions.”
Psalm 119:57
The NET Bible
Becky Jo
Chesterfield MI
But as for me, God’s presence is all I need. I have made the sovereign Lord my shelter, as I declare all the things you have done.
Psalm 73:28 NET
Chris Floyd
Kokomo, IN
Ack! I’m pretty sure I forgot to do my verse on May 15th! What can I say? May was a *crazy* month for my family. I’ll make up for it by picking a passage with two verses in it. Does that work? 🙂
Memory Verses 10 & 11
Isaiah 43:18 & 19 (ESV)
Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Sue, Kingsport. “I repeat, be strong and brave! Don’t be afraid and don’t panic, for I, the LORD your God, am with you in all you do.” Joshua 1:9 NET Bible