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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.
Susan, California
LORD, you are my God;I will exalt you and praise your name,
for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things,
things planned long ago. Isaiah 25:1 NIV
Ingrid, Frenchtown, MT
1 Thes. 2:8 We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives too. NLT
Psalm 118:24 (NIV1984)
24 This is the day the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Brittney, Olympia
“As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” John 15:9 (NIV)
Shannon, Flagstaff AZ Psalms 97:1 “The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many islands be glad.” NASB
Debbie, Calgary,AB.
In the multitude of my [anxious] thoughts within me, Your comforts cheer and delight my soul!
Psalms 94:19 Amp.
Kelsie- Corpus Christi, TX
1 As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, my God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?
Megan, Maple Valley
“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”
Hebrews 4:16 NLT
Debbie, New Delhi India: Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will lift you up. James 4:10 NIV
Karin, Kingsburg CA
Ps. 19:7-10 NIV “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.”
Wendy, Calgary, Canada
“But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing.” James 1:4 (amplififed)
Brooke, Honolulu
2 Timothy 1:8 NIV
So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.
Deborah, Kennewick. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23 NIV
Valerie, Yuma
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23, NIV
Rachel – Spokane, WA
The Lord will keep you from all harm – He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forever more. ~ Psalm 121:7-8 NIV
Laurie – Spokane, WA
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. ~ Matthew 5:16 NIV
Dolly Middletown, OH
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
For I am persuaded , that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come ,
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom. 8:37-40 KJV
Melissa, Castle Rock, CO
Isaiah 52:7
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
Cheryl, Vancouver, BC
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
Romans 3:23(NIV)
Sherri, Modesto, CA Ephesians 3: 21 (NIV)
“To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
Think I’m gonna use one you just shared, Beth – I like it!
“The LORD is my source of security. I have determined to follow Your instructions.” Ps. 119:57 (NET)
– Michelle from Maine
De’Anna, Bakersfield, CA
“That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” John 3:6
karen Cheney, WA
“Those who know Your Name will trust in You,
for You, LORD,
have never forsaken those who seek You.”
Psalm 9:10 (KJV)
Sharon-San Marcos, TX
Philippians 2:3-4
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
Michelle from Concord, CA
17 The Lord your God is with you.
He is mighty enough to save you.
He will take great delight in you.
The quietness of his love will calm you down.
He will sing with joy because of you.”
Zephaniah 3:17
(NIRV)
Judy Holland, MI. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Phil 2:3
Cindy,
Newton Tony, England
“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9 NIV
Myra, Lisbon, Portugal
Psalm 92:12,14-15a NIV “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree…they will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming “The Lord is upright , He is my Rock.””
Bena ~ Pikeville, KY
Rely on the LORD! Be strong and confident! Rely on the LORD! –Psalm 27:14, The NET Bible
Jan in Gulf Breeze, Fl. :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.
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. Hebrews 11:6
I’m believing God.
Robyn, San Antonio
“We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:5 NASB
Galatians 4:6 – “And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, Abba! Father!” (NASB)
Barbara, Warner Robins, GA
James 4:17 NCV
Anyone who knows the right thing to do, but does not do it, is sinning.
Kathi, Jacksonville, Fl “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9
Heather Tallahassee
For this reason we must may much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. For if the Word spoken through angels proved unalterable and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty, how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? Hebrews 2:1-3a NASB
NIV Luke 18:1 ‘Then Jesus told them a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up’
Melody, Crystal Springs
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In al your ways acknowledge Him and he will make your paths straight.
Lisa, Morning View, KY
Isaiah 30:21 NIV
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the way, walk in it.”
Lisa, Morning View, KY
Psalm 56:3 NIV
When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
LeAnne, Malawi: Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Rom 12:9 ESV
Judy Wine, Manassas,Va
Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.
Mark 14:38 NLT
Pam
Greenville, SC
You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. -James 5:8
Jean, Carlisle PA
Psalm 71:1-3
“I run for dear life to God. I’ll never live to regret it. Do what you do so well; get met out of this mess and up on my feet. Put your ear to the ground and listen, give me space for salvation. Be a guest room where I can retreat; you said your door was always open ! You’re my salvation – my vast, granite fortress.” (The Message)
Jessica
Jacksonville, Fl
“O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.”
Psalm 139:1-2 NIV
Natalie ~ Jacksonville, Fl. ~ Psalms 139:3&4 (NIV) You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tounge you know it completely, O Lord.
Allison, Burgaw, NC
Isaiah 40:31 NIV
“but 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.”
1Jo 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. (NKJV)
Teri, Kalamazoo, MI
1Jo 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.(NKJV)
Karyn, Elberfeld, IN: The Lord is my portion; I have promised to keep Your words. Psalm 119:57 (NASB)