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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.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV
Sallie Howell, Tupelo,MS
James 1:6 NIV
“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”
Pikeville, TN – “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NIV.
Odessa, TX
Exodus 14:14 NIV “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Ann from Abilene
“Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know.”
Acts 2:22 (NIV)
Marceil – Cedar Rapids, IA Colossians 1:15 And He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. NASV
Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1st Peter 5:7
Jennifer H. Jonesboro, AR
Psalm 16:8 NASB
I have set the Lord continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Oops forgot to post them…
#9 “Rely on the Lord! Be Strong and confident! Rely on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14 The NET Bible
#10 “The Lord is near the brokenhearted. He delivers those who are discouraged.” Psalm 34:18 The NET Bible.
#11 “Come near to God and He will come near to you.” James 4:8 NIV
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:14
Amber from Sulphur, LA
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Romans 8:28. NLT
Peggy, Indianapolis
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future…”
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. Isaiah 40:31.
Jonda, Shakopee, MN
Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful.
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 (NLT)
Lori, Pine Island, MN
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, he will claim all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. – Zephaniah 3:17
Carol
Grove City, PA
“He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.”
Isaiah 33:6
Abbie, Omaha, NE
Acts 17:24 – 25 (NIV) “The God who made the whole world and everything in it is the Lord of the heavens and the earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands as if he needed anything because he himself gives all men life and breathe and everything else.”
Debra – Many, La
“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.” John 15:5 (NIV)
Mandy
Grove City, PA
“He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.”
Isaiah 33:6
The Lord will accomplish what concerns me. Psalm 138:8
Psalm 119:57 – “The LORD is my source of security. I have determined to follow Your instructions.” (The NET Bible)
Heather
Birmingham
Marie, Harrison. “He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:2
Jane from Shawnee OK
The LORD is my source of security. I have determined to follow your instructions.
Psalms 119:57 NET
Pam in Texas using the New International Version
…God does not see the same way people see.
People look at the outside of a person,
but the Lord looks at the heart.
1 Samuel 16:7
Erica
Houston, TX
Psalm 107:8-9
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
Amber Parker, TX
Exodus 14:14 “The lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” NIV
Christa, Kansas City, MO: But the Lord is faithful; he will make you strong and guard you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3, NLT
Siobhan, Austin, AR “And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you Oh LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10 ESV
Heather Maise, Glencoe;
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Psalm 37:7(NIV)
Michelle, New Richmond, – LORD, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy. Habakkuk 3:2 NIV
Dawn, Zionsville.
As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
James 5:11 NIV
Donna, Albuquerque, “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) NET Bible
Vicki, Colleyville – The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 118:6
Alyson – Tallahassee
Psalm 119:57 NET
The LORD is my source of security. I have determined to follow Your instructions.
Rachael, Chattanooga,TN
“The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace.” Psalm 29:11
Those who know your name will trust in you for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who see you. ~Psalm 9:10 NIV
Lara-Greenville, Ky
“Delight in the Lord, and he will give you
The desires of your heart.”
-Psalm 37:4. Niv
Jenni, Spartanburg,SC “therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion , kindness, humility, gentleness and patience .” Colossians 3:12 NIV
Loveland, CO
Create in me a clean heart, O God,and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation,and uphold me with a willing spirit.
Psalm 51:10-12 ESV
Midge Florence, SC The Lord is near the brokenhearted, He delivers those who are discouraged. Psalm 34:18 The Net Bible
Wow just noticed the post before mine is from Singapore! So awesome that we are studying with women all around the world!!
Janie, Lubbock
“You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:13 NIV
Kuria Silas, Malaysia
Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, Your justice like the great deep. You, LORD, preserve both people and animals. How priceless is Your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
Psalm 36: 5-7 (NIV)
Angie and Lily (5 year old daughter), Goshen, IN, ““The LORD is my source of security. I have determined to follow Your instructions.” Ps. 119:57, NET
Ashley, Colorado
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9, NIV
“Then He led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up His hands He blessed them.” Luke 24:50 HCSB
2 Chronicles 20:17 …Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lod will be with you.”
Jennifer, Conyers,GA
Psalm 1:1-3 NIV
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that bring forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.
“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
Laura Greensboro, NC
“But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord. I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.” Micah 7:7