2011 Siesta Scripture Memory Team: Verse 11!

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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.

 

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Comments:

  1. 1901
    Susan says:

    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

  2. 1902
    Ingrid Lathrop says:

    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

  3. 1903
    Vickie, Maryland says:

    Psalm 118:24 (NIV1984)

    24 This is the day the LORD has made;
    let us rejoice and be glad in it.

  4. 1904
    Brittney says:

    Brittney, Olympia

    “As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” John 15:9 (NIV)

  5. 1905
    shannon says:

    Shannon, Flagstaff AZ Psalms 97:1 “The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many islands be glad.” NASB

  6. 1906
    Debbie says:

    Debbie, Calgary,AB.

    In the multitude of my [anxious] thoughts within me, Your comforts cheer and delight my soul!

    Psalms 94:19 Amp.

  7. 1907
    Kelsie Wymore says:

    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?

  8. 1908
    Megan says:

    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

  9. 1909
    Debbie says:

    Debbie, New Delhi India: Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will lift you up. James 4:10 NIV

  10. 1910
    Karin Deaver says:

    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.”

  11. 1911
    Wendy says:

    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)

  12. 1912
    Brooke says:

    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.

  13. 1913
    Deborah says:

    Deborah, Kennewick. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23 NIV

  14. 1914
    Valerie says:

    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

  15. 1915
    Rachel says:

    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

  16. 1916
    Laurie says:

    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

  17. 1917
    crimeanmsnry says:

    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

  18. 1918
    Melissa says:

    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!”

  19. 1919
    Cheryl says:

    Cheryl, Vancouver, BC
    For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
    Romans 3:23(NIV)

  20. 1920
    Sherri Whiteford says:

    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.”

  21. 1921
    Michelle says:

    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

  22. 1922
    De'Anna Sikes says:

    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

  23. 1923
    all shall be well says:

    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)

  24. 1924
    Sharon says:

    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.

  25. 1925
    Michelle says:

    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)

  26. 1926
    Judy says:

    Judy Holland, MI. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Phil 2:3

  27. 1927
    Cindy Love Childers says:

    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

  28. 1928
    Myra says:

    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.””

  29. 1929
    Bena (of the Pikeville Siestas) says:

    Bena ~ Pikeville, KY
    Rely on the LORD! Be strong and confident! Rely on the LORD! –Psalm 27:14, The NET Bible

  30. 1930
    Jan says:

    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.

  31. 1931
    Leslie Farthing says:

    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.

  32. 1932
    Robyn says:

    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

  33. 1933
    Lauren, Toledo, OH says:

    Galatians 4:6 – “And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, Abba! Father!” (NASB)

  34. 1934
    Barbara says:

    Barbara, Warner Robins, GA

    James 4:17 NCV

    Anyone who knows the right thing to do, but does not do it, is sinning.

  35. 1935
    Kathi Vodenicker says:

    Kathi, Jacksonville, Fl “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9

  36. 1936
    Heather Terhune says:

    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

  37. 1937
    June Brown, West Yorkshire, UK. says:

    NIV Luke 18:1 ‘Then Jesus told them a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up’

  38. 1938
    melody, crystal springs says:

    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.

  39. 1939
    Lisa says:

    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.”

  40. 1940
    Lisa says:

    Lisa, Morning View, KY

    Psalm 56:3 NIV
    When I am afraid, I will trust in you.

  41. 1941
    LeAnne says:

    LeAnne, Malawi: Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Rom 12:9 ESV

  42. 1942
    Judy wine says:

    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

  43. 1943
    Village Sister says:

    Pam
    Greenville, SC

    You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. -James 5:8

  44. 1944
    Jean Grant says:

    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)

  45. 1945
    Jessica says:

    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

  46. 1946
    Natalie says:

    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.

  47. 1947
    Allison Jordan says:

    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.”

  48. 1948
    Teri K. says:

    1Jo 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. (NKJV)

  49. 1949
    Teri K. says:

    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)

  50. 1950
    Karyn says:

    Karyn, Elberfeld, IN: The Lord is my portion; I have promised to keep Your words. Psalm 119:57 (NASB)

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